bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valuation paradigm: a rationality and (un)certainty spectrum
Authors: Jansen van Vuuren David 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is threefold: the primary purpose is to suggest a real estate paradigm spectrum to act as reference for the contextualisation of observed market phenomenon in system terms; the secondary purpose is for the spectrum to contextualise the efficacy of real estate and valuation theory, methods and techniques; and the tertiary purpose is to propose a confidence score for reporting uncertainty to the end user of a valuation report.

Design/methodology/approach
Literature was reviewed on the concepts of risk and uncertainty, rationality and several systems thinking domains.

Findings
The framework can provide context to observed market phenomenon and distinguishes between agency and mechanism in contributing to conditions of certainty and uncertainty. The argument followed in this paper is that it is necessary to contextualise the efficacy of real estate and valuation theory, methods and models under conditions of certainty, normal uncertainty and abnormal uncertainty. The characteristics of conditions can be used as basis to develop new theory and practical application or modify existing.

Practical implications
Real estate economic theory can be organised in terms of the spectrum and the framework can potentially identify where further research is required and the requirements it must meet as measured against the characteristics of the framework. Current valuation methods and models can continue to be used when valuing under conditions of certainty, however, modifications to methods and models are required to account for complexity when valuing under conditions of normal uncertainty and abnormal uncertainty. The confidence score included in this paper can also be used to report the conditions of certainty/uncertainty under which the valuation was performed.

Originality/value
This paper aims to set the basis for new theoretical and practical developments of insights into real estate economic and valuation theory, methods and models while also contributing to the reporting of uncertainty through the proposed confidence score.
Implications of dividend tax reforms on M-REITs performance
Authors: Abdullah Nur Adiana Hiau , Taufil Mohd Kamarun Nisham , Wong Woei Chyuan 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of 19 Malaysian Real Estate Investment Trusts (M-REITs) over the period 1999 to 2014, following the implementation of dividend tax reforms announced in the 2007, 2009 and 2012 budgets.Design/methodology/approachSharpe index, Treynor index and Jensenαare utilized to compare the performance of M-REITs against a newly developed tax-adjusted value-weighted M-REITs index, equity market, property sector and three month Malaysia Treasury Bills (T-Bills). The calculation of M-REITs returns has been adjusted to take into account the dividend tax reforms which have never been considered in previous studies.FindingsMost M-REITs outperform the tax-adjusted value-weighted REITs index, equity market, property sector and three month T-Bills. Property sector performs worst during those periods. Some of the M-REITs have a higher standard deviation than the equity market and the tax-adjusted value-weighted M-REITs index. Most M-REITs have a lower total risk than the property sector. Further analysis shows that before (after) the tax reforms, most M-REITs underperform (outperform) the other sectors. The introduction of the tax reforms benefits both REITs and investors. A significant positive Jensenαfor some M-REITs indicates that fund managers are able to time the market or to select undervalued assets.Practical implicationsFindings of the study would enable investors to evaluate the performance of all REITs in comparison to other financial assets during the period of study for better investment decision making. A more accurate assessment on REITs performance that take into account the tax reforms, is available for investors and fund managers to decide on the investment mix to be included in their portfolio. Moreover, fund managers’ performance can be assessed whether they perform better or worse than the equity market, property sector and three month T-Bills.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the scant literature on dividend tax reforms and their implication toward REITs performance. It is the first study to thoroughly assess the returns of REITs by taking into account the changes on dividend tax rates announced in the 2007, 2009 and 2012 budgets.
Cognitive function synthesis: preliminary results
Authors: Pounder Gerard A.J. , Ellis Ruel L.A. , Fernandez-Lopez Gerardo 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the cognitive function synthesis (CFS) conceptual framework to artificial general intelligence. CFS posits that at the “core” of intelligence in hybrid architectures, “interdependent” cognitive functions are synthesised through the interaction of various associative memory (AM)-based systems. This synthesis could form an interface layer between deliberative/symbolic and reactive/sub-symbolic layers in hybrid cognitive architectures.

Design/methodology/approach
A CFS conceptual framework, specifying an arrangement of AMs, was presented. The framework was executed using sparse distributed memory. Experiments were performed to investigate CFS autonomous extraction, consciousness and imagination.

Findings
Autonomous extraction was achieved using data from a Wi-Fi camera with the CFS auto-associative AM handling “Sensor Data”. However, noise reduction degraded the extracted image. An environment, simulated in V-REP 3.3.1, was used to investigate consciousness and imagination. CFS displayed consciousness by successfully tracking/anticipating the object position with over 90 per cent congruence. CFS imagination was seen by its predicting two time steps into the future.

Originality/value
Preliminary results demonstrate the plausibility of CFS claims for autonomous extraction, consciousness and imagination.
Exploring the complexity of sugarcane supply chains via systemic approaches
Authors: Hildbrand Sandra , Bodhanya Shamim 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the complexity that characterises sugarcane production and supply systems by applying soft systems methodology (SSM) and the viable system model (VSM) based on an interpretive systemic approach. It seeks to understand the extent to which these methodologies may assist in exploring such a complexity.Design/methodology/approachSSM and VSM were combined with qualitative research methods to explore two sugarcane production and supply systems’ potential improvement possibilities.FindingsTrust, transparency and communication shortcomings, poor miller–grower relationships, deficient systemic commitment, insular view, milling inefficiencies, sugarcane quality, quantity and consistency shortcomings, the industry setup and the lack of a common driver are core issues. SSM and VSM facilitated a thorough understanding, yet could not address detected deficiencies.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was restricted to two milling areas, and only SSM and VSM were applied.Practical implicationsPresented findings can be used as a basis to facilitate improvement in sugarcane production and supply systems and to advocate the continuity of holistic considerations.Originality/valueNeither SSM nor VSM have been applied in the sugar industry context. The sugarcane production and supply systems have been holistically investigated, and soft issues have been considered.
At Nash equilibrium when new market competitions appear?
Authors: Forrest Jeffrey Yi-Lin , Buttermore John , Wajda Theresa A. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the dynamics of a coordinate monopoly with established, risk-neutral firms; how these firms compete by adjusting prices; and when new competition(s) might enter the market with expectations of making more profits than any of the incumbents.

Design/methodology/approach
All results are established on the intuition of systems research and the concept of Nash equilibria of game theory.

Findings
Established results include how in a developed marketplace, risk neutrality would lead to stagnation in profits and irrational decision on pricing, and a sufficient and necessary condition under which new competition(s) would enter, although the market is coordinately monopolized.

Research limitations/implications
Conclusions presented are initial results in the direction of research. More real-life-like, asymmetrical conditions need to be considered to see what variations of similar results could hold true.

Practical implications
Presented are an operational aspect on how to compete although the consequent level of profits might not change much or any at all and how some of the key issues on market entry timing are theoretically resolved.

Social implications
This work indicates that for the minimum objective of business survival, existing firms, no matter how established, have to without any choice participate in market competition and look for new market opportunities.

Originality/value
Other than the established thought-provoking results, this work is the first of its kind. It organically combines recent achievements of systems research with game theory to explore issues of marketing, market entry timing and the dynamics of business firms’ behaviors.
Antecedents of cultural agency theory: in the footsteps of Schwarz living systems
Authors: Yolles Maurice , Di Fatta Davide 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Cultural agency theory (CAT) generates higher simplex through principles of recursion, and, in this way, it is able to create a potential for the generation of families of new paradigms in different fields. Characterised by its interdisciplinary nature, CAT’s origins have a heterogeneous nature related to different disciplines and research fields. With this in mind, the present manuscript aims to shed light on the antecedents of CAT, especially emphasising the role of Schwarz’s studies as a feel rouge in the evolution of this theory.

Design/methodology/approach
Through a systematic review of the previous literature, this paper highlights the multidisciplinary nature of CAT, mapping the multifaceted framework of its antecedents.

Findings
The results are summarised in a conceptual map that does not constitute a point of arrival, but rather a starting point: consolidating the current state, this paper also provides new insights for further studies.

Research limitations/implications
This manuscript still remains a theoretical point of view. Further studies are required to apply this study’s reasoning.

Originality/value
From a theoretical point of view, this paper achieves a new and original cornerstone about the previous studies on CAT; from a practical viewpoint, this paper gets an input for further implications. While these theories were originally setup for cognitive processes, this paper suggests extensions to model a complex adaptive system framework for management and marketing studies.
Using abstract concepts in impact-focussed organisational research
Authors: Lugosi Peter 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise and examine the processes through which abstract concepts, or abstractions, can be utilised in co-creating knowledge within “impact-focussed” organisational and business research, i.e. applied research that primarily seeks to promote change in practice rather than principally aiming to make theoretical contributions to academic debates. The paper uses the abstraction “hospitality” as an empirical example and discusses the techniques used to “operationalise” this concept, i.e. make it understandable for research participants enabling researchers to use it within data generation and the creation of practical insights in organisational enquiry.

Design/methodology/approach
The study employed two methods: first, participant-generated photos; and second, two interactive workshops with 38 practitioners where the abstract concept “hospitality” was used to generate practical organisational insights.

Findings
The paper distinguishes between four stages: the elaboration of abstraction, concretisation of abstraction, probing perspectives on abstraction and exploring experiences of abstraction. It is argued that utilising specific techniques within these four stages facilitates: recognisability: the extent to which organisational stakeholders understand the content and meanings of the abstraction; and relatability: the extent to which stakeholders appreciate how the abstract concepts are relevant to interpreting their own practices and experiences.

Research limitations/implications
This is an exploratory study, used to develop and refine elicitation techniques, rather than to draw definitive conclusions about the applicability of specific abstract concepts. Nevertheless, reflecting on the processes and techniques used in the utilisation of abstractions here can help to operationalise them in future impact-focussed research.

Originality/value
The paper conceptualises the processes through which abstract concepts can be made apprehendable for non-specialist, non-academic practitioners. In doing so, it discusses how various elicitation techniques support the utilisation of abstractions in generating insights that can support the development of constructive, context-specific practices in organisations and businesses.
Social and environmental factors affect tuberculosis related mortality in wild meerkats
Authors: Patterson Stuart , Drewe Julian A. , Pfeiffer Dirk U. , Clutton‐Brock Tim H. 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important and widespread disease of wildlife, livestock and humans world‐wide, but long‐term empirical datasets describing this condition are rare. A population of meerkats (Suricata suricatta) in South Africa's Kalahari Desert have been diagnosed with Mycobacterium suricattae, a novel strain of TB, causing fatal disease in this group‐living species.

This study aimed to find characteristics associated with clinical TB in meerkats. These characteristics could subsequently be used to identify ‘at‐risk’ animals within a population, and target these individuals for control measures.

We conducted a retrospective study based on a unique, long‐term life‐history dataset of over 2000 individually identified animals covering a 14‐year period after the first confirmatory diagnosis of TB in this population in 2001. Individual‐ and group‐level risk factors were analysed using time‐dependent Cox regression to examine their potential influence on the time to development of end‐stage TB.

Cases of disease involved 144 individuals in 27 of 73 social groups, across 12 of 14 years (an incidence rate of 3·78 cases/100 study years). At the individual level, increasing age had the greatest effect on risk of disease with a hazard ratio of 4·70 (95% CI: 1·92–11·53, P < 0·01) for meerkats aged 24–48 months, and a hazard ratio of 9·36 (3·34–26·25, P < 0·001) for animals aged over 48 months (both age categories compared with animals aged below 24 months). Previous group history of TB increased the hazard by a factor of 4·29 (2·00–9·17, P < 0·01), and an interaction was found between this variable and age. At a group level, immigrations of new group members in the previous year increased hazard by a factor of 3·00 (1·23–7·34, P = 0·016). There was weaker evidence of an environmental effect with a hazard ratio for a low rainfall (<200 mm) year of 2·28 (0·91–5·72, P = 0·079).

Our findings identify potential individual characteristics on which to base targeted control measures such as vaccination. Additional data on the dynamics of the infection status of individuals and how this changes over time would complement these findings by enhancing understanding of disease progression and transmission, and thus the implications of potential management measures.
Landscape properties affect biodiversity response to retention approaches in forestry
Authors: Mori Akira S. , Tatsumi Shinichi , Gustafsson Lena 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Retention forestry, in which trees and tree patches are set aside at harvest to promote biodiversity, has been proven to have positive effects on biodiversity at the stand‐level across different taxa. However, the effectiveness of retention approaches with regard to landscape composition remains unexplored.

We linked the effect sizes from two meta‐analyses (31 case studies and 1050 comparisons from boreal and temperate regions), which quantified the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation as a result of retention practices, with the stand property of retention level (the percentage of trees retained after logging) and with Landsat‐retrieved landscape data on forest cover and spatial configurations at three spatial scales (1, 3, and 5 km radii).

We found that, in addition to the fundamental importance of tree retention as a local‐scale implementation for conservation, landscape properties were important in models to predict biodiversity responses. The effect sizes for species richness decreased with increasing patch contiguity within the landscapes at all spatial scales. Similar results were observed for abundance responses at the largest spatial scale. These results suggest that biodiversity responses to tree retention may be weaker in less fragmented landscapes, which is in agreement with theoretical and empirical findings from agricultural landscapes (‘the intermediate landscape‐complexity hypothesis’).

The benefits of retention levels within a stand (percentage of trees retained) varied amongst species with different habitat requirements (forest‐dependent, open habitat, and generalist species). Whilst this stand‐level property was often an important determinant of biodiversity responses, models that included landscape properties as explanatory variables always performed better than those that were only based on the retention levels for all species groups. Thus, within‐stand habitat conditions and landscape configurations likely have synergetic influences on biodiversity responses.

Synthesis and applications. In addition to the importance of stand‐level properties, such as the action of retention harvesting itself and the number of trees retained, conditions in the surrounding landscape can simultaneously affect biodiversity in stands that are managed under retention forestry. Our study suggests that retention patches are particularly important in moderately fragmented landscapes. Retention practices could be less important in previously unlogged and less fragmented landscapes, where setting aside large reserves is a conservation priority. For highly fragmented landscapes, different actions of forest restoration, which are not limited to set‐aside actions during logging, would be important. Our study emphasizes that carefully planned conservation schemes with a large‐scale perspective, as well as local‐scale actions, such as retention forestry, are critical for effective forest management and conservation planning.
Understanding the Effect of Productivity Changes on International Relative Prices: The Role of News Shocks
Authors: Nam Deokwoo , Wang Jian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe US real exchange rate and terms of trade have been found to appreciate when US labour productivity increases relative to the rest of the world. This finding is at odds with predictions from standard international macroeconomic models. In this paper, we find that incorporating news shocks to total factor productivity (TFP) in an otherwise standard open‐economy sticky‐price dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with variable capital utilization can help the model replicate the above empirical finding. Labour productivity increases in our model after a positive news shock to TFP because of an increase in capital utilization. Under some plausible calibrations, the wealth effect of good news about future productivity can increase domestic demand strongly and induce an increase in home goods prices relative to foreign goods prices.
Bloodstains on Leather: Examination of False Negatives in Presumptive Test and Human Hemoglobin Test
Authors: Castelló Ana , Francès Francesc , Verdú Fernando 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPresumptive tests for blood are very simple and sensitive tests used in the search for evidence. They also provide initial information on the nature of stains. A second test can confirm their nature. However, these tests can present false–negative results for different reasons. Some of those reasons have been studied, while others, those caused by the substrate material that contains the stain, are less well known. This work studies the effect of one component of a leather substrate—quebracho extract—on presumptive and human hemoglobin blood tests. Assays were performed using samples of blood dilutions contaminated with quebracho extract and others formed on a substrate containing the contaminant. Results show an undoubted interference that causes false negatives and even visible to the naked eye stains and also indicate that some tests (phenolphthalein) are more affected than others. Examiners should be taken into account when working on this kind of substrates.
LIFE BEYOND LIFE– An Easy Way to Derive Lung Fibroblasts from Cadavers
Authors: Colomb Sophie , Bareil Corinne , Baccino Eric , Berthet Jean‐Philippe , Knabe Lucie , Vachier Isabelle , Bourdin Arnaud 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSeveral protocols have illustrated the possibility of deriving cells, such as fibroblasts, from different organs. These techniques generally concern organs sampled from living persons, but have already been described for cadavers, especially concerning the skin and tendons. We present, for the first time, an easy way to derive pulmonary fibroblasts from a lung tissue sampled from a cadaver and directly culture plated. The fibroblast output was checked daily. We obtained lung fibroblasts from 3 (60%) cadavers and 2 (100%) living persons. The fibroblast output took about 3 days for cells from living persons and took up to 39 days for those from cadavers. We did not clearly identify any parameters that could explain these differences. Nevertheless, these derived cells had the same features as the source cells, especially in terms of morphology and proliferation, and could potentially be used in different research domains such as forensic or regeneration medicine.