bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk and return in European property markets: an empirical investigation
Authors: Lorenz David , Trück Stefan 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore capital gains, income, and total returns in various property markets in Europe. In a comparative study the nature of returns for different commercial and residential properties is investigated. Hereby, total returns, income returns, and capital growth are distinguished. The paper further presents an analysis of the risk‐return relationship of the different markets and investigates the interactions between property markets, other local financial markets, and macroeconomic variables.Design/methodology/approachFocusing on the risk‐return relationship of the different asset classes and countries, the Sharpe ratio is used as a risk‐adjusted performance measure to investigate the European markets. Using a simple linear regression model, a comparison of the European commercial property markets with respect to their returns and risk are provided. Finally, a capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and factor models based on arbitrage pricing theory (APT) are used in an effort to further explain the spreads and risk premiums for individual property markets.FindingsThe large differences between the markets regarding spreads, risk premiums, and risk‐return relationships are found. Overall, the Dutch market can be regarded as giving the highest compensation for the risk taken by the investors in the last decade, while the German market performed the worst and was the only market with negative capital growth rates for the considered period. Applying the CAPM, It has also been found total returns in commercial property markets are not significantly related to the performance of stock market indices. On the other hand, factor models using macroeconomic variables are able to explain a higher fraction of property total return spreads over the risk‐free rate in the considered countries. But depending on the country, different macroeconomic variables were estimated to be significant such that there is no single factor model available that could be applied to all European markets. Overall, these findings indicate that classic financial models drawing on existing datasets are unable to satisfactorily explain the performance of property as an asset class. On the other hand, the fact that property office markets yield relatively high returns that exhibit rather low correlations with stock market returns, makes them a very suitable candidate for portfolio diversification.Originality/valueThe paper investigates the risk‐return relationship in various European property markets. The large differences between the markets observed also partly explain the diversity of literature results on this relationship across single countries by, e.g. Goetzmann, Englund, or Bourassa et al. By using classic financial models like the CAPM or APT a contribution to the literature is made by explaining the factors that actually determine property returns over the risk free rate in different countries.
Being entrepreneurial and market driven: implications for company performance
Authors: Zahra Shaker A. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the interaction between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and market orientation and its effect on performance in both high and low technology industries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes that being entrepreneurial and market‐driven stem from two distinct organizational capabilities that interact to influence subsequent firm performance.FindingsData from 457 manufacturing firms show that the interaction effect is significant only in high technology industries.Research limitations/implicationsThe results encourage future research on the nexus of opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial behavior in established firms embedded in organizational routines.Originality/valueThe paper shows that managers in high technology industries would benefit from developing capabilities and implementing systems that augment their firms' market orientation. Market orientation provides an important means to harness the firm's EO, an important means of achieving growth and profitability.
Sustainable competitive advantage or temporary competitive advantage
Authors: O'Shannassy Tim 
Published: November 2008

PurposeCompetitive advantage is an important construct in the strategy discipline. The purpose of this paper is to explore an appropriate definition of competitive advantage, seek to identify sources of competitive advantage for firms and improve understanding of why in many industries for many firms competitive advantage is only a temporary outcome due to the influence of environmental uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachThe paper undertakes a synthesis of classic and contemporary insights into competitive advantage in the literature to assist the development of several research propositions.FindingsBy introducing the perceived environmental uncertainty construct to discussion on the relationship between firm resources, competitive advantage and organization performance, understanding of sustained competitive advantage and temporary competitive advantage is enhanced.Research limitations/implicationsThrough the development of the research propositions the paper helps to clarify terminology and provide several suggestions for future research.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute to the evolution of strategic management practice by giving some insight to practitioners as to when and where firm resources may be useful by explaining these links between environmental uncertainty, firm resources, competitive advantage, and organization performance. A brief illustration of these connections in the context of BHP Billiton Limited is provided to link theory to practice.Originality/valueCompetitive advantage remains a poorly understood construct in the strategy literature and the subject of much discussion. This paper sets out to clarify understanding and stimulate debate in an area that is not well understood.
The value of managerial beliefs in turbulent environments
Authors: Coltman Tim R. , Devinney Timothy M. , Midgley David F. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThere is a great divide between the degree to which academic research accounts for the role of managerial discretion in firm performance and the weight given by the popular press and financial community to the importance of the management of an organization. The purpose of this paper is to bridge this gap by quantifying the way managerial beliefs influence the quality of firm performance in a turbulent environment based on e‐business.Design/methodology/approachAn e‐business research setting is used that is associated with a situation of environmental turbulence to allow for sufficient variance in managerial beliefs to measure their effect on firm performance. The sample contains 293 firms.FindingsAggregate level results indicate that managerial beliefs have a positive and significant effect on firm performance. Four distinctive segments were also found to exist. These segments vary in terms of the strength of the position that a manager holds regarding the value of e‐business and firm performance.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the affect of e‐business on firm performance is not structural in the sense that firm performance does not depend on the firm or industry but is reflective of the strength of the beliefs held by managers. This implies that the “black box” approach that is characteristic of much management research may be problematic because it fails to measure the variables that may matter most to performance.
Risk and procedural rationality: a behavioral theory perspective
Authors: Alessandri Todd M. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of perceived risk on the procedural rationality of the decision process rather than decision choices or outcomes. The moderating roles of attainment discrepancy and organizational slack are also explored.Design/methodology/approachThese relationships, motivated by behavioral theory, are tested using survey data of capital investment decisions in a sample of 128 public firms in the USA.FindingsThe findings suggest an inverted‐U shaped relationship between perceived risk and procedural rationality. In addition, absorbed slack and attainment discrepancy played moderating roles on the perceived risk‐procedural rationality relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several implications for research. First, the influence of risk is extended beyond decision outcomes to include decision processes. Second, the core arguments of behavioral theory, including uncertainty avoidance and decision context, appear to hold for the decision process. However, the effects of risk appear to be in the form of an inverted U‐shaped relationship, differing from prior behavioral theory research related to decision outcomes.Practical implicationsPerceived risk and the organizational context can lead to differing approaches to making decisions. As perceived risk increases, managers appear to alter the extent of information gathering and analysis. Organizations may consider designing different decision processes for different situations that take these managerial tendencies into account.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study is the extension of behavioral theory explanations of risk from decision choices or outcomes to the procedural rationality of the decision process. The findings show that risk has a non‐linear influence on the procedural rationality of the decision process.
What makes good governance?
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Maclean Mairi 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to interview Richard Lapthorne, Chairman, Cable and Wireless plc.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of an interview.FindingsRichard Lapthorne gives his thoughts on corporate governance.Originality/valueProvides valuable insights from the Chairman of a notable plc.
Recent advances in cluster analysis
Authors: Xu Rui , Wunsch Donald C. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the issues related to cluster analysis, one of the most important and primitive activities of human beings, and of the advances made in recent years.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the clustering algorithms rooted in machine learning, computer science, statistics, and computational intelligence.FindingsThe paper reviews the basic issues of cluster analysis and discusses the recent advances of clustering algorithms in scalability, robustness, visualization, irregular cluster shape detection, and so on.Originality/valueThe paper presents a comprehensive and systematic survey of cluster analysis and emphasizes its recent efforts in order to meet the challenges caused by the glut of complicated data from a wide variety of communities.
Texture‐based image steganalysis by artificial neural networks
Authors: Pratt Michael A. , Konda Sharath , Henry Chu Chee‐Hung 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present research results in analyzing image contents to improve the accuracy of using an artificial neural network (ANN) to detect embedded data in a digital image.Design/methodology/approachA texture measure based on the MPEG‐7 texture descriptor is applied to assess the local texture amount. Those image blocks with high texture are masked out and the remaining blocks with low texture are used to derive features for an ANN to classify an image as embedded or clear. The high‐texture blocks are not discarded and can be tested independently for embedded data.FindingsBy masking out the high‐texture image blocks, an ANN has improved detection performance especially when the original embedding rate is low. Bypassing the low‐texture image blocks do not pay off for a steganographer because the effective embedding rate in the high‐texture blocks is driven higher.Research limitations/implicationsHidden data detectors should take the image content into account in order to improve detection performance.Practical implicationsThe results can be integrated into a steganalytic system.Originality/valueThis paper presents evidence that image texture affects steganalytic performance and proposes a solution that incorporates texture that has improved detection performance.
Automotive engine idle speed control optimization using least squares support vector machine and genetic algorithm
Authors: Wong P.K. , Tam L.M. , Li K. , Wong H.C. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeNowadays, automotive engines are controlled by electronic control units (ECUs), and the engine idle speed performance is significantly affected by the setup of control parameters in the ECU. The engine ECU tune‐up is done empirically through tests on a dynamometer (dyno). In this way, a lot of time, fuel and human resources are consumed, while the optimal control parameters may not be obtained. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel ECU setup optimization approach for engine idle speed control.Design/methodology/approachIn the first phase of the approach, Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and a multi‐input/output least squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM) is proposed to build up an engine idle speed model based on dyno test data, and then a genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to obtain optimal ECU setting automatically subject to various user‐defined constraints.FindingsThe study shows that the predicted results using the estimated model from LS‐SVM are in good agreement with the actual test results. Moreover, the optimization results show a significant improvement on idle speed performance in a test engine.Practical implicationsAs the methodology is generic it can be applied to different vehicle control optimization problems.Originality/valueThe research is the first attempt to integrate a couple of paradigms (LHS, multi‐input/output LS‐SVM and GA) into a general framework for constrained multivariable optimization problems under insufficient system information. The proposed multi‐input/output LS‐SVM for modelling of multi‐input/output systems is original, because the traditional LS‐SVM modelling approach is suitable for multi‐input, but single output systems. Finally, this is the first use of the novel integrated framework for automotive engine idle‐speed control optimization.
A neural network approach to control performance assessment
Authors: Zhou Yunfeng , Wan Feng 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a neural network approach to control performance assessment.Design/methodology/approachThe performance index under study is based on the minimum variance control benchmark, a radial basis function network (RBFN) is used as the pre‐whitening filter to estimate the white noise sequence, and a stable filtering and correlation analysis method is adopted to calculate the performance index by estimating innovations sequence using the RBFN pre‐whitening filter. The new approach is compared with the auto‐regressive moving average model and the Laguerre model methods, for both linear and nonlinear cases.FindingsSimulation results show that the RBFN approach works satisfactorily for both linear and nonlinear examples. In particular, the proposed scheme shows merits in assessing controller performance for nonlinear systems and surpasses the Laguerre model method in parameter selection.Originality/valueA RBFN approach is proposed for control performance assessment. This new approach, in comparison with some well‐known methods, provides satisfactory performance and potentials for both linear and nonlinear cases.
Minimizing joint‐torques of the flexible redundant manipulator on the premise of vibration suppression
Authors: Gao Zhihui , Yun Chao , Bian Yushu 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine a new idea of vibration control which minimizes joint‐torques and suppresses vibration of the flexible redundant manipulator.Design/methodology/approachUsing the kinematics redundancy feature of the flexible redundant manipulator, the self‐motion in the joint space can be properly chosen to both suppress vibration and minimize joint‐torques.FindingsThe study shows that the flexible redundant manipulator still has the second optimization feature on the premise of vibration suppression. The second optimization feature can be used to minimize joint‐torques on the premise of vibration suppression.Research limitations/implicationsTo a flexible redundant manipulator, its joint‐torques and vibration can be reduced simultaneously via its kinematics redundancy feature.Practical implicationsThe method and algorithm discussed in the paper can be used to minimize joint‐torques and suppress vibration for the flexible redundant manipulator.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the study on improving dynamic performance of the flexible redundant manipulator via its kinematics redundancy feature. The second optimization capability of the flexible redundant manipulator is discovered and used to both minimize joint‐torques and suppress vibration.
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE EPIDIDYMIS Four Cases of Urinary Fistula following Orchidectomy
Authors: Bell J. G. Yates 
Published: November 2008

Summary

Four cases of urinary fistula following orchidectomy for tuberculosis are reported.
These fistulæ occur in patients with advanced and progressive tuberculosis.
The method of production of the fistula is suggested to be due to a tuberculous periarethral abscess tracking along the vas to the operation incision.
Cases of urinary fistula through the ejaculatory duct and the vas are quoted and present a possible explanation of fistula which may occur in chronic septic inflammatory conditions of the genital tract, and even rarely after epididymectomy in cases of tuberculosis.
The fistula is not a result of the operation, which merely decides the site for the fistula to approach the surface.
While the rarity of such fistulæ is emphasised, the possibility of its occurrence should be remembered in patients with progressive and multiple tuberculous lesions.
THE PROSTATE AND THE ENDOCRINES: A Control Series*
Authors: Clarke Ruscoe 
Published: November 2008

Summary

A number of theories have been devised to explain prostatic hypertrophy on an endocrine basis. None of these have been proved.
A number of endocrine preparations are in use in an attempt to replace surgery.
Such therapy is still in the experimental stage, and as in other experimental work, accurate controls are desirable.
A series of 93 cases of prostatic obstruction, treated by neither prostatectomy nor endocrines, is presented.
These cases had been followed over an average period of over four years.
A large number showed a sustained improvement after instrumentation alone.
This series may be regarded, (a) as a control series, (b) as a brief summary of the variability of the course of the disease without prostatectomy and as a reminder of the frequent apparent “cure” after minimal instrumentation.
Conclusions as to the efficacy of endocrine or other new methods of treatment are only valid if cases are followed up for a considerable period of time.
The period suggested is five years.
THE MEDICAL TREATMENT OF URINARY INFECTIONS
Authors: Dunlop D. M. 
Published: November 2008

Summary

Gross lesions of the large bowel and rectum are present in a fair proportion of cases of B. coli urinary infection.
The daily use of' drastic purgatives nith resulting colitis and fluid evacuatioiis is a frequent, cause of such infections.
Apart from the ketogenic diet, which it has replaced, mandelic acid is a potent urinary antiseptic and has definite bacteriostatic effects in vitro.
Other drugs in coniinon use are ineffective. nith the probable exception of prontosil.
Staphylococcal; streptococcal and B. proteus infections are much more resistant to medical measures than B. coli infections. Certain suggestions are made nith regard to their treatment.
A CASE OF PELVIC SINGLE KIDNEY
Authors: Houtappel Dr. H. C. E. M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryA case of pelvic single kidney with anuria is described; caused by an obstructing ureteric calculus. The patient was sixty‐eight years of age and had had no complaints related to his urinary tract until two months before his death. He died five days after removing the stone, of post‐operative lobular pneumonia.
SURVEY OF THE RESULTS OF RETENTION OF URINE TREATED BY IMMEDIATE WILSON HEY PROSTATECTOMY1
Authors: AIKEN DAVID 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY

The results of immediate Wilson Hey prostatectomy in 150 cases of acute retention are reported.
An overall mortality rate of 10 per cent. is considered satisfactory in this unselected group of patients.
Infection remains the chief cause of death, and suggestions are made to reduce it in this type of case.
It is preferable that operation should be performed before acute and particularly before chronic retention develops. The vast improvement in technique and results of operation in recent years should convince the general practitioner and the public of the necessity for early advice and treatment. In this way only can the mortality and morbidity of prostatectomy be reduced.
IDIOPATHIC GANGRENE OF THE SCROTUM IN WEST AFRICANS
Authors: THOMAS H. ORISHEJOLOMI 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYEight cases of idiopathic gangrene of the scrotum in West Africans, treated without a single fatality, are reported. The mildness or absence of systemic disturbance in these cases is commented upon. This, together with its relatively more common incidence, appears to be the only difference between the disease as seen in West Africa and in other parts of the world. The different theories, none conclusive, regarding its causation are examined briefly, and reasons advanced for supporting the theory that a thrombosis could be the primary cause. Agreement is reached with more modern authors that active surgery is seldom called for in its treatment.
SOME NOVEL ANTITUBERCULOSIS AGENTS DERIVED FROM OXIDISED STARCH AND OTHER POLYSACCHARIDES1
Authors: Barry VincentC. , Conalty MichaelL. , Gaffney EthnaE. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY1. Novel antituberculosis agents have been prepared by condensing isoniazid or p‐amino‐benzal‐thiosemicarbazone with starch or other polysaccharides which have been oxidised by periodate. A mixed polymer has been made by condensing oxidised starch with an equimolar mixture of the above carbonyl reagents.2. The simple polymers are all highly effective in experimental infections caused by isoniazid‐sensitive bacilli.3. Simple polymers derived from p‐amino‐benzal‐thiosemicarbazone are also highly effective against isoniazid‐resistant infections.4. The mixed polymer deals successfully with experimental infections due to isoniazid‐resistant or isoniazid‐sensitive bacilli in mice and guinea‐pigs.5. The toxicity for mice of the simple and mixed polymers derived from oxidised starch is very low.6. In view of the high therapeutic index of these polymers they should prove a valuable addition to the antituberculosis drugs in current clinical use.
EXPERIENCE WITH B. 53 IN TUBERCULOSIS OF THE BLADDER AND PROSTATE
Authors: Wildbolz Egon , Kanzler Walter 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYIt is our conviction that in B. 53 we have a valuable drug to be added to our present rich armamentarium in the fight against urogenital tuberculosis. It merits larger experimentation, eventually in cases of reflux, where by simple instillation into the bladder the kidney pelvis may be reached. This possibility has already been discussed by Lane. If we can get enough supplies of B. 53 we will not hesitate to use it for this indication.