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1 – 10 of 218It seems to be well understood that the simultaneous import and export of goods which have different production functions, but which are aggregated into the same industry in…
Abstract
It seems to be well understood that the simultaneous import and export of goods which have different production functions, but which are aggregated into the same industry in classification schemes such as the SITC, is quite consistent with the standard trade theory of the Heckscher‐Ohlin‐Samuelson (HOS) model. For example, Grubel and Lloyd (1975, p.87) admit that two‐way trade in products such as wood and metal furniture, or nylon and wool yarn, which have similar end uses but different input requirements, can be explained readily by the HOS model (1979, p. 88). Gray explicitly distinguishes between “categorical aggregation” which occurs when there is two‐way trade in goods with different production functions and is consistent with the HOS model, and “true intra‐industry trade” which occurs when a country imports and exports “goods with virtually identical production functions”.
Florence R. Kirk, Gerald J. Lobo and Stephen R. Fritsche
Outlines previous research on the relationship between stock returns and earnings and investigates the effects of divergence between security analysts’ earnings forecasts on this…
Abstract
Outlines previous research on the relationship between stock returns and earnings and investigates the effects of divergence between security analysts’ earnings forecasts on this relationship. Uses cross‐sectional analysis, time series and variable parameter models on 1981‐88 US data to see whether the stock returns‐earnings coefficient decreases with increased disagreement between analysts and shows that it does. Considers the implications for policy makers and accounting research design; and consistency with other research.
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Ani Dong, Zusheng Zhang and Jiaming Chen
Magnetic sensors have recently been proposed for parking occupancy detection. However, there has adjacent interference problem, i.e. the magnetic signal is easy to be interfered…
Abstract
Purpose
Magnetic sensors have recently been proposed for parking occupancy detection. However, there has adjacent interference problem, i.e. the magnetic signal is easy to be interfered by the vehicles which are parking on adjacent spaces. The purpose of this paper is to propose a sensing algorithm to eliminate the adjacent interference.
Design/methodology/approach
The magnetic signals are converted to the pattern representation sequences, and the similarity is calculated using the pattern distance. The detection algorithm includes two levels: local decision and data fusion. In the local decision level, the sampled signals can be divided into three classes: vacant, occupied and uncertain. Then a collaborative decision is used to fusion the signals which belong to the uncertain class for the second level.
Findings
An experiment system included 60 sensor nodes that were deployed on bay parking spaces. Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm has better detection accuracy than existing algorithms.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a data fusion algorithm to eliminate adjacent interference. To balance the energy consumption and detection accuracy, the algorithm includes two levels: local decision and data fusion. In most of cases, the local decision can obtain the accurate detection result. Only the signals that cannot be correctly detected at the local level need data fusion operation.
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Juliana Chini, Eduardo Eugênio Spers, Hermes Moretti Ribeiro da Silva and Mirella Cais Jejcic de Oliveira
This study aims to identify the marginal impact of introducing a signal attribute of pasture-raised beef on consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for other independent attributes.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the marginal impact of introducing a signal attribute of pasture-raised beef on consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for other independent attributes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is divided into two steps. The first, qualitative, consisted of investigating the values consumers have regarding beef production. To this end, 52 interviews with Brazilian and US consumers were conducted using laddering. In the second, quantitative, six experiments, (face to face and online) with 267 consumers of beef were performed.
Findings
As a result, the main value found for the Brazilians was security, while for the Americans was self-direction. For consumers, the WTP for animal welfare was the most important in the choice experiments where this information was present.
Originality/value
These findings offer an alternate beef differentiation, enabling it to be sold with higher added value by integrating these.
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Vijayeta Malla, Prasad K.V. and Venkata Santosh Kumar Delhi
Building information modelling (BIM) implementation in the design, construction and operations (DCO) industry is increasingly becoming essential. While BIM has been adopted on a…
Abstract
Purpose
Building information modelling (BIM) implementation in the design, construction and operations (DCO) industry is increasingly becoming essential. While BIM has been adopted on a larger scale in many developed economies, its acceptance is still in the embryonic phases for developing nations in the DCO industry. This study aims to identify the inhibitors to BIM implementation through the social network theoretical lens, intending to understand the associations among the barriers in the Indian context. Subsequently, recommend strategies to mitigate the barriers from the academic practitioner’s perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods research was adopted, commencing with comprehensive literature reviews to recognise various inhibitors to BIM implementation. These identified barriers were further examined through the questionnaire survey (n = 71). BIM implementation barrier network (BIBN) was created using University of California at Irvine Network (UCINET) is a powerful social network analysis software that functions on the principle of social network theory. The experts’ opinions were captured through the BIBN network through interviews. Network properties such as eigen vector centrality, betweenness centrality, degree centrality, in-degree and out-degree and clustering coefficient were computed, and the metrics were analysed further.
Findings
Twenty-six BIM implementation barriers were initially identified. A questionnaire survey was conducted. The chain reaction can be minimised by prioritising and regulating these barriers. The issues were categorised into fourfold clusters (standardisation, policy and process, cultural and human resources, change management and operational) issues were generated from the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The obstacles and barriers resulting from the other main barriers associated with it can be minimised by reducing the challenges with high eigenvector centrality but low betweenness importance.
Practical implications
This study proves to accelerate sustainable BIM implementation growth in developing nations; this research study assists BIM stakeholders in developing coping mechanisms to monitor and remove BIM implementation barriers.
Originality/value
Analysing the associativity of the BIM implementation barriers through sociograms for developing nations is a novel concept with this research.
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Chinyere Uche, Emmanuel Adegbite and Michael John Jones
The purpose of this paper is to investigate institutional shareholder activism in Nigeria. It addresses the paucity of empirical research on institutional shareholder activism in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate institutional shareholder activism in Nigeria. It addresses the paucity of empirical research on institutional shareholder activism in sub-Saharan Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses agency theory to understand the institutional shareholder approach to shareholder activism in Nigeria. The data are collected through qualitative interviews with expert representatives from financial institutions.
Findings
The findings indicate evidence of low-level shareholder activism in Nigeria. The study provides empirical insight into the reasons why institutional shareholders might adopt an active or passive approach to shareholder activism. The findings suggest the pension structure involving two types of pension institutions affects the ability to engage in shareholder activism.
Research limitations/implications
The research study advances our understanding of the status quo of institutional shareholder activism in an African context such as Nigeria.
Practical implications
The paper makes a practical contribution by highlighting that regulators need to consider how the financial market conditions and characteristics affect effective promotion of better governance practices and performance through shareholder activism.
Originality/value
This study draws attention to the implication for shareholder activism of complexities associated with an institutional arrangement where two types of financial institutions are expected to operate and manage the private pension funds in a country.
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Xiaoguang Wang, Ningyuan Song, Lu Zhang and Yanyu Jiang
The purpose of this paper is to understand the subjects contained in the Dunhuang mural images as well as their relation structures.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the subjects contained in the Dunhuang mural images as well as their relation structures.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper performed content analysis based on Panofsky’s theory and 237 research papers related to the Dunhuang mural images. UNICET software was also used to study the correlation structures of subject network.
Findings
The results show that the three levels of subject have all captured the attention of Dunhuang mural researchers, the iconology occupy the critical position in the whole image study, and the correlation between iconography and iconology was strong. Further analysis reveals that cultural development, production, and power and domination have high centralities in the subject network.
Research limitations/implications
The research samples come from three major Chinese journal databases. However, there are still many authoritative monographs and foreign publications about the Dunhuang murals which are not included in this study.
Originality/value
The results uncover the subject hierarchies and structures contained in the Dunhuang murals from the angle of image scholarship which express scholars’ intention and contribute to the deep semantic annotation on digital Dunhuang mural images.
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This macro can be used to duplicate cell widths. Frequently I find a need to duplicate the cell widths in a parallel set of columns. In a large worksheet this task can be tedious…
Abstract
This macro can be used to duplicate cell widths. Frequently I find a need to duplicate the cell widths in a parallel set of columns. In a large worksheet this task can be tedious at best. These macros will first place the original cell widths in a table and then use this table to duplicate the cell widths to the secondary area of the worksheet. Set this macro up in an unused worksheet first to see how it operates and to get your cell relationships correct. Copy the following cell entries exactly as they are shown in fig. 1.