bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Fama‐French model: application to the French market
Authors: Trimech Anyssa , Kortas Hedi , Benammou Salwa , Benammou Samir 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a multiscale pricing model for the French stock market by combining wavelet analysis and Fama‐French three‐factor model. The objective is to examine the relationship between stock returns and Fama‐French risk factors at different time‐scales.Design/methodology/approachExploiting the scale separation property inherent to the maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform, the data set are decomposed into components associated with different time‐scales. This wavelet‐based decomposition scheme allows the three Fama‐French models to be tested over different investments periods.FindingsThe obtained results show that the explanatory power of the Fama‐French three‐factor model becomes stronger as the wavelet scale increases. Besides, the relationship between the portfolio returns and the risk factors (i.e. the market, size and value factors) depends significantly upon the considered time‐horizon.Practical implicationsThe proposed methodology offers investors the opportunity to construct dynamic portfolio management strategies by taking into account the multiscale nature of risk and return. Moreover, it gives a new insight to fund rating and fund selection issues in relation to heterogeneous investments periods.Originality/valueThe paper uses wavelets as a relatively new and powerful tool for statistical analysis that allows a new understanding of pricing models. The paper will be of interest not only for academics in the field of asset pricing but also for fund managers and financial market investors.
A benefits realisation road‐map framework for ERP usage in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Esteves José 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a benefits realisation road‐map for ERP usage in the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachDirect interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of 48 MBA students and 87 business managers (CIO/IT directors and CFO roles).FindingsThe ERP benefits road‐map suggests that a long‐term vision is required in order to obtain a successful realisation of the potential benefits that ERP could bring. Thus, this analysis suggests that ERP benefits realisation dimensions are interconnected, and that managers should perceive ERP benefits realisation as a continuum cycle along the ERP post‐implementation. Furthermore, new ERP updates and maintenance projects must take into account the results of ERP benefits realisation auditing to review ERP configuration, correct possible mistakes, and improve the efficiency of some expected ERP benefits.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study focuses on the factors that influence ERP benefits realisation, it fails to differentiate between some factors that may influence the realisation of these benefits, such as size and type of company, ERP system implemented, and organisational context.Practical implicationsThe results may help to improve the understanding of ERP success and satisfaction levels, both expected and perceived, from ERP stakeholders. The findings also suggest that auditing the realisation of ERP benefits is a crucial stage in ERP usage phase.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the current literature in the benefits of ERP systems by defining a benefits realisation road‐map to achieve the ERP benefits identified in the literature.
Development of measures to assess the ERP adoption of small and medium enterprises
Authors: Shiau Wen‐Lung , Hsu Ping‐Yu , Wang Jun‐Zhong 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of measures to assess the ERP adoption of small and medium‐sized enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows Churchill's guideline for developing measures that have desirable reliability and validity. The pilot data are used to develop a proper measurement. The survey data, based on the 126 valid responses of 328 companies, are analysed by structural equation modelling (SEM) statistical methods.FindingsThe paper finds that the dimensions affecting ERP adoption show that characteristics of the CEO and perceived benefits possess positive effects on ERP adoption, while cost and technology have negative effects on ERP adoption. However, only “perceived benefits” is a significant dimension. It is surprising that the cost of the ERP system does not significantly affect ERP adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that the sample size should be taken into consideration when generalising the findings, and extended data and measures are required for further in‐depth investigation in specific areas.Practical implicationsThe paper points out that the managers of SMEs with limited resources can find many ways to get more resources from governments. Government managers should be more realistically set the goal of helping firms in a healthy condition to adopt e‐business instead of setting the goal of improving the e‐business readiness of all SMEs. To help all CEOs of SMEs to realise the potential benefits, governments can work with academic research groups to set up forums and workshops to broadcast knowledge.Originality/valueThe paper develops measurements to assess the ERP adoption of small and medium‐sized enterprises. The results offer practical help for government managers to better understand ERP adoption with institutional help in Taiwan. Meanwhile, researchers interested in IT/IS can use the information provided here to guide their future enquiries.
Factors affecting IT and business alignment: a comparative study in SMEs and large organisations
Authors: Gutierrez Anabel , Orozco Jorge , Serrano Alan 
Published: February 2009

PurposeThere are significant differences in terms of resources and expertise available between small and medium enterprises and large organisations. These differences may be significant for assessing and attaining alignment between IT (information technology) and business strategies. Thus this paper aims primarily to identify whether the differences between small, medium and large enterprises have an impact on the way they perceive strategic alignment.Design/methodology/approachBased on data collected from 104 participants, five attributes are ranked for each of the following alignment factors: communication, competency/value measurement, governance, partnership, architecture and scope, and skills. This paper reviews and compares their relevance according to organisational size (SMEs and large organisations) and planning integration strategies (independent, sequential and simultaneous).FindingsThe results from this survey suggest that, when ranking these factors, there are not significant differences among SME and large organisations. It was found, however, that the ranking of these factors has a positive correlation with the degree of IT/business planning integration applied in the organisation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to an understanding of the complex dynamic of aligning IT with business objectives and the implications for SMEs where few models have been tested. The results suggest that SMEs and large organisations perceived alignment in a similar way, however, there are significant differences in the way SMEs and large organisations implement their planning integrations strategies.Practical implicationsAlthough current studies in alignment have not explored in much detail the differences between large and small organisations most of the theories around alignment can be applied to small and medium organisations with more confidence. Additionally, the analysis strongly suggests that companies following a simultaneous planning integration can improve the chances to make better use of IT, and thus attain better levels of alignment.Originality/valueThis study contributes towards the study of alignment in SMEs, which is currently not very much explored. It also raises awareness about the importance of developing IT and business strategies together.
Transformational learning experiences of female UAE college students
Authors: Madsen Susan R. 
Published: February 2009

PurposeTo begin understanding how best to develop and train Emirati women so they can become more influential in business, government, and the community, research was conducted that explores the backgrounds and experiences of these women in learning environments. The purpose of this paper is to explore how college students are transformed through their learning experiences, and this paper reports on two categories: backgrounds (i.e. confidence, learning environment, lack of previous opportunities, and family support) and personal and professional development (i.e. confidence, personal responsibility for learning, and skills and competency development).Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth qualitative interviews (using the phenomenological methodology) were conducted with Emirati students at a women's college in Abu Dhabi.FindingsThis paper presents findings related to four of the ten stages in Mezirow's perspective transformation process: disorienting dilemma, critical assessment of assumptions, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and building competence and self‐confidence in new roles, behaviors, or relationships. This is a portion of the full study that demonstrates that these women have experienced ongoing transformational learning experiences during college.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory nature of this study and the self‐selection of participants limit the generalizability of this study.Originality/valueThis paper provides helpful insights for educators, scholars, and practitioners to help them more effectively design successful developmental programs for Emirati women in educational and non‐educational settings. Understanding more about their lives and journeys toward and during higher education can provide new perspectives that will be helpful in developing future competency‐building programs for Emirati women.
Time management in higher education
Authors: Farras Oran Ahmad 
Published: February 2009

PurposeSince its introduction into higher education, the “philosophy” behind the credit hour system (CHS) and its use has not fundamentally changed. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to study time management in higher education as demanded by the students' CHS.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analysis current courses scheduling and in‐class teaching time (frequency and session's duration), as applied in Jordan' higher education, vis‐à‐vis time management efficiency and productivity.FindingsThe length of the school year may be cut by two months without any qualitative or quantitative losses. This result is expected to lead to economic and educational benefits for students, faculty, educational institutions, and the economy at large.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper takes higher education in Jordan as a case of study and Jordan's higher educational system may have its own peculiarities.Practical implicationsThe paper offers an alternative time framework and class scheduling that could be applicable in any country in which higher education institutions are applying the CHS, as in Jordan. Larger number of classrooms may be needed.Originality/valueThe proposed time framework and class scheduling, and the consequent change of the meaning and definition of the credit hour arguably is a significant innovation in higher educational time management.
Clinical trial: effects of botulinum toxin on levator ani syndrome – a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: RAO S. S. C. , PAULSON J. , MATA M. , ZIMMERMAN B. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground  Levator ani syndrome is characterized by anorectal discomfort/pain, treatment of which is unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that Botulinum toxin relieves spasm and improves symptoms.Aim  To perform a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study to examine the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in patients with levator ani syndrome.Methods  Twelve patients with levator ani syndrome (≥1 year) received anal intra sphincteric injections of 100 units of botulinum toxin A and placebo at 90‐day intervals using EMG guidance. Daily frequency, severity, duration and intensity of pain (VAS) were recorded. Anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion and pudendal nerve latency tests were performed to examine the physiological changes and adverse effects.Results  Seven patients (male/female = 4/3) completed the study and three had incomplete data, but all 10 underwent in an ITT analysis; two others dropped out. After administration of botulinum toxin, the mean frequency, intensity and duration of pain were unchanged (P = 0.31) compared with baseline. The 90‐day mean VAS pain score was 6.79 ± 0.27 vs. baseline score of 7.08 ± 0.29 (P = 0.25). Anal sphincter pressures, rectal sensory thresholds, pudendal nerve latency and balloon expulsion times were unchanged after drug or placebo administration.Conclusions  Injection of botulinum toxin into anal sphincter is safe, but it does not improve anorectal pain in levator ani syndrome.
Obesity and weight gain as risk factors for erosive oesophagitis in men
Authors: NAM S. Y. , CHOI I. J. , NAM B. H. , PARK K. W. , KIM C. G. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground  Although obesity and weight gain increase the risk for symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, their association with erosive oesophagitis is still unclear in the male population.Aim  To evaluate, in men, the association of body mass index (BMI) and weight gain with endoscopically proven erosive oesophagitis.Methods  A total of 8571 Korean men in a comprehensive screening cohort were enrolled. Effects of BMI and abdominal obesity on erosive oesophagitis were estimated with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression analysis. We also evaluated the association between erosive oesophagitis and BMI change after 1–3 years.Results  The prevalence of erosive oesophagitis was 6.4% (552/8571). In univariate analysis, the ORs for erosive oesophagitis increased as BMI or waist circumference increased (P for trend <0.001, both). In multivariate analysis, OR for erosive oesophagitis increased as BMI increased (P for trend = 0.002), while the significance of waist circumference was attenuated (P for trend = 0.13). Increase in BMI (≥1 kg/m2) was associated with persistence of erosive oesophagitis (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.01–7.92, P = 0.04) and new development of the disease (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.38–3.28, P = 0.001) compared with BMI change less than 1 kg/m2.Conclusions  Elevated BMI and weight gain have a significant association with erosive oesophagitis.
Cell‐cycle inhibition and apoptosis induced by curcumin and cisplatin or oxaliplatin in human ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Montopoli M. , Ragazzi E. , Froldi G. , Caparrotta L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAlteration of appropriate cell‐cycle progression and of closely related apoptotic process is a basic feature of tumour cells, and development of new tumour‐targeted agents focus on apoptosis, either during cell‐cycle arrest or following premature cell‐cycle checkpoint exit. Increasingly, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that curcumin protects against cancer, not only because of its well‐known antioxidant properties, but also because it modulates intracellular signalling, which is related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin are first‐line drugs in treatment of many types of epithelial cancer and their combination with other cytostatics are under investigation to limit their side effects and resistance to them.Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of a combined treatment using curcumin with cisplatin or with oxaliplatin, in a human ovarian cancer cell line (2008) and in its cisplatin‐resistant variant (C13).Results:  Curcumin per se caused concentration‐dependent (0.1–100 µm) and time‐persistent (24–72 h) reduction in cell proliferation, as well as altered cell cycle parameters and induced apoptosis, in both cell lines. When carcinoma cells were simultaneously exposed to curcumin and to cisplatin or oxaliplatin (at concentrations lower than IC50) cell viability was reduced more than with single‐drug treatment. Moreover, dose and time related effects of curcumin, when combined with platinum drugs, were linked to consistent reduction in cell cycling and increased apoptosis, in comparison with single‐drug treatment. These effects were significant both in wild type and in cisplatin‐resistant cells, indicating that curcumin was also able to increase sensitivity of resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin.Conclusions:  The data suggests that curcumin is an interesting natural compound capable of limiting cell proliferation and possibly increasing clinical impact of platinum drugs, in ovarian cancer patients.
Seismic characterization of reservoirs containing multiple fracture sets
Authors: Sayers Colin M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTNatural fractures in reservoirs play an important role in determining fluid flow during production and knowledge of the orientation and density of fractures is required to optimize production. Variations in reflection amplitude versus offset (AVO) are sensitive to the presence of fractures but current models used to invert the seismic response often make simplified assumptions that prevent fractured reservoirs from being characterized correctly. For example, many models assume a single set of perfectly aligned fractures, whereas most reservoirs contain several fracture sets with variable orientation within a given fracture set. In addition, many authors only consider the azimuthal variation in the small offset amplitude versus offset and azimuth response (the variation in AVO gradient with azimuth), while the effect of fractures on amplitude versus offset and azimuth increases with increasing offset. In this paper, the variation in the reflection coefficient of seismic P‐waves as a function of azimuth and offset due to the presence of multiple sets of fractures with variable orientation within any fracture set is used to determine the components of a second‐rank fracture compliance tensor αij. The variation in the trace of this tensor as a function of position in the reservoir can be used to estimate the variation in fracture density with position in the reservoir and may be used to choose the location of infill wells in the field. The principal axes of αij reveal the most compliant direction within the reservoir and may be used to optimize the trajectory of deviated wells. The determination of the principal axes of αij requires wide azimuth acquisition and the use of the small‐offset amplitude versus offset and azimuth (the azimuthal variation of the AVO gradient) may give misleading results.
An integrated multi‐azimuth VSP study for fracture characterization in the vicinity of a well
Authors: Maultzsch Sonja , Nawab Ramin , Yuh Sung , Idrees Muhammad , Frignet Bernard 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTWe present the analysis of a multi‐azimuth vertical seismic profiling data set that has been acquired in a tight gas field with the objective of characterizing fracture distributions using seismic anisotropy. We investigate different measurements of anisotropy, which are shear‐wave splitting, P‐wave traveltime anisotropy and azimuthal amplitude variation with offset. We find that for our field case shear‐wave splitting is the most robust measure of azimuthal anisotropy, which is clearly observed over two distinct intervals in the target. We compare the results of the vertical seismic profiling analysis with other borehole data from the same well. Cross‐dipole sonic and Formation MicroImager data from the reservoir section suggest that no open fractures intersect the well or are present within half a metre of the borehole wall. Furthermore, a detailed dispersion analysis of the sonic scanner data provides no indication of stress‐induced seismic anisotropy along the logged borehole section. We therefore explain the azimuthal anisotropy measured in the vertical seismic profiling data with a model that contains discrete fracture corridors, which do not intersect the well itself but lie within the vertical seismic profiling investigation radius. We show that such a model can reproduce some basic characteristics of azimuthal anisotropy observed in the vertical seismic profiling data. The model is also consistent with well test data that suggest the presence of a fracture corridor away from the well. With this study we demonstrate the necessity of integrating different data types that investigate different scales of rock volume and can provide complementary information for understanding the characteristics of fracture networks in the subsurface.
Laboratory‐scale study of field of view and the seismic interpretation of fracture specific stiffness
Authors: Acosta‐Colon Angel , Pyrak‐Nolte Laura J. , Nolte David D. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThe effects of the scale of measurement, i.e., the field of view, on the interpretation of fracture properties from seismic wave propagation was investigated using an acoustic lens system to produce a pseudo‐collimated wavefront. The incident wavefront had a controllable beam diameter that set the field of view at 15 mm, 30 mm and 60 mm. On a smaller scale, traditional acoustic scans were used to probe the fracture in 2 mm increments. This laboratory approach was applied to two limestone samples, each containing a single induced fracture and compared to an acrylic control sample. From the analysis of the average coherent sum of the signals measured on each scale, we observed that the scale of the field of view affected the interpretation of the fracture specific stiffness. Many small‐scale measurements of the seismic response of a fracture, when summed, did not predict the large‐scale response of the fracture. The change from a frequency‐independent to frequency‐dependent fracture stiffness occurs when the scale of the field of view exceeds the spatial correlation length associated with fracture geometry. A frequency‐independent fracture specific stiffness is not sufficient to classify a fracture as homogeneous. A nonuniform spatial distribution of fracture specific stiffness and overlapping geometric scales in a fracture cause a scale‐dependent seismic response, which requires measurements at different field of views to fully characterize the fracture.