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1 – 10 of over 12000Imad A. Moosa, Khalid Alsaad and Ibrahim N. Khatatbeh
This study aims to investigate window dressing as practiced by commercial banks in Kuwait, using monthly aggregate balance sheet data covering the period January 1993 to December…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate window dressing as practiced by commercial banks in Kuwait, using monthly aggregate balance sheet data covering the period January 1993 to December 2017.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies the structural time series model to decompose an observed time series into unobserved components based on monthly data covering January 1993 to December 2017 on the consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Kuwait.
Findings
The empirical results indicate that Kuwaiti commercial banks indulge in upward window dressing to boost size and liquidity. This kind of behaviour is indicated by a statistically significant rise in assets under the control of banks in December, followed by a statistically significant decline in January. The operation is funded by borrowing, leading to a December rise and a January fall in foreign and other liabilities, which are also under the control of commercial banks.
Originality/value
This study uses a novel methodology to detect window dressing based on the seasonal behaviour of balance sheet items. This study suggests a unified framework for the motives, targets, types and consequences of window dressing and how they are related.
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Seung Hee Choi and Maneesh Chhabria
Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have mandated mutual fund disclosure regimes to help investors make better investment decisions to strike an optimal…
Abstract
Purpose
Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have mandated mutual fund disclosure regimes to help investors make better investment decisions to strike an optimal balance between the investors' interest in more timely and accurate portfolio holdings disclosure and the cost associated with making and disclosing the holdings information available to investors. Many academics and practitioners point out that, despite all the regulations on portfolio disclosure, fund managers can still engage in practices that go against the spirit of the rules without violating the letter of the law. The purpose of this paper is to address the empirical question of whether the practice exists, using holdings data for more than 3,000 equity mutual funds during the time period from 1995 to 2004.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors examine window dressing by mutual fund portfolio managers, using holdings data covering more than 3,000 equity mutual funds from 1995 to 2004. The authors first investigate whether the fund holdings are materially different from universe holdings across performance quintiles based on holdings in the month of disclosure and in the following month. The second part of the analysis examines funds' patterns of buying and selling. Finally, the measure of “Buying Intensity” and “Selling Intensity” is examined, with a specific focus on the holdings data for the fourth quarter.
Findings
An examination of fund holdings finds no statistically significant evidence of systematic window dressing, either at the aggregate level or within subsamples of funds based on size or past performance. Rather, it was found that fund managers tend to chase momentum. A combination of investor sophistication and market oversight may serve to be effective in dissuading fund managers from engaging in the practice.
Originality/value
The authors' data are at the individual fund level, based on equity mutual funds holdings data provided to Morningstar on a quarterly or monthly basis (according to Elton et al., the Morningstar database provides timely and accurate mutual fund holdings information). These data allow us to infer better the investment manager intent vis‐à‐vis using 13F data, which is aggregate data across various fund families and separate accounts, or aggregate pension fund equity holdings data that includes aggregate holdings of multiple portfolio managers. In addition, the authors comment on the significance of the regulatory checks and balances that are designed to restrict fund managers' ability to window‐dress their portfolios. In summary, the combination of quantitative evidence from empirical tests and an examination of the legal framework under which mutual fund portfolio managers operate, lead to the conclusion that window dressing is not prevalent in the industry.
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Augustin Bahufite, Albert Ndagijimana, Eva Adomako, Abraham Zerihun, Calliope Akintije Simba, Charlotte Ntakirutimana, Laurentine Nyirantakiyende, Marie Josée Mukandayisenga and Rex Wong
Caesarean section (CS) is one of the most common surgeries in the world. Although the procedure saves lives, it poses important risks such as post-caesarean surgical site…
Abstract
Purpose
Caesarean section (CS) is one of the most common surgeries in the world. Although the procedure saves lives, it poses important risks such as post-caesarean surgical site infection (PCS-SSI). Basic patient care procedures can prevent PCS-SSI, however, they are not always followed. The purpose of this study is to describe how strategic problem solving (SPS) was used to implement a wound dressing protocol in a district hospital in Rwanda to reduce PCS-SSI rates.
Design/methodology/approach
To address variations in wound care practice, a new clinical protocol was developed and implemented by a quality improvement team which included clinicians. Training and supervision was also provided to the maternity team.
Findings
The intervention reduced PCS-SSI from 5.1 to 1.8 per cent. It also significantly improved the compliance to recommended wound dressing practices.
Practical implications
By applying SPS and effective leadership skills, the authors secured buy-in and support from stakeholders and introduced a wound management protocol in a district hospital of Rwanda. The intervention significantly improved wound management practice; however, long term follow-up will be necessary to sustain the improvements.
Originality/value
The results will inform hospitals in resource-limited settings of how to improve basic standards of care using SPS and leadership without additional cost to the hospital.
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Xinrong Hu and Bugao Xu
The purpose of this paper is to develop a fast parameterized modeling approach to generate individualized dress forms for realistic human bodies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a fast parameterized modeling approach to generate individualized dress forms for realistic human bodies.
Design/methodology/approach
An individualized dress form is created by deriving a new set of fitting functions from a number of key existing dressing parameters and pre‐defined templates. The fitting functions only contain simple shapes of circular and/or elliptical arcs, which can be modified computationally based on a few personal dressing data.
Findings
This paper reaffirms that individual body shape can be adequately described by a number of critical cross‐section silhouettes, and a personalized dress form can be constructed based on key dressing parameters and templates.
Originality/value
The fitting functions and relevant dressing data for specific cross‐sectional silhouettes are determined, permitting a user to create personalized dress forms only by inputting a simple set of dressing parameters.
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Yoann Bazin and Clémence Aubert-Tarby
The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of dress codes in professions. Since they can be considered as carriers of both organizational communication and individual…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of dress codes in professions. Since they can be considered as carriers of both organizational communication and individual identity, they will be central in professions as communities and through the professionalization process. Therefore, we will ask the following question: what is the role of understanding and complying with dress codes in becoming a professional?
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical study consists in a series of ethnographic interviews and observations aiming at understanding dress codes' roles and dynamics in financial professions.
Findings
Exploring dress codes in three typical professions in finance, we have discovered that they also are mediums of communication within the group, strengthening a certain aesthetic sense of belonging and of presenting the self.
Originality/value
In this, becoming a professional can be understood as an aesthetic experience through which all senses are involved. Considering professions as being also aesthetic communities shifts the focus – or rather enlarges it – toward symbolic, corporeal and sensorial elements.
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Susana Ribes, Ana Fuentes and Jose Manuel Barat
This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding oregano and clove oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions on the physico-chemical, technological and microstructural properties of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding oregano and clove oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions on the physico-chemical, technological and microstructural properties of minimally processed salad dressings during storage at 8 °C and 25 °C.
Design/methodology/approach
Samples were formulated with either free or encapsulated oregano and clove essential oils in O/W nanoemulsions.
Findings
Noticeable differences in the physical stability and microstructure of salad dressings were observed after 11 storage days and were less marked for the samples formulated with encapsulated oregano or clove oils in the O/W nananoemulsions. Moreover, rheological measurements revealed minor changes in the viscoelastic characteristics of the salad dressings containing the O/W nanoemulsions.
Originality/value
These findings confirm the potential of oregano and clove O/W nanoemulsions for use in minimally processed salad dressings as stabilising and technological agents.
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Munazza Saeed, Fadila Grine and Imran Shafique
This study aims to examine the hijab purchase intention of Muslim women by applying the theory of reasoned action: religious commitment, satisfaction (attitude), dressing style…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the hijab purchase intention of Muslim women by applying the theory of reasoned action: religious commitment, satisfaction (attitude), dressing style and knowledge source (subjective norms).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 603 Malay Muslim women in four universities through a self-administered questionnaire using a multi-stage cluster probability sampling technique. Smart PLS was used for data analysis.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that customers’ hijab purchase intention is significantly influenced by religious commitment, satisfaction, dressing style and knowledge source.
Practical implications
This study is for hijab designers because it is important for them to explore and examine the hijab purchase intention of Muslim women and then design the hijab accordingly, not only to capture a big segment in Kuala Lumpur but to obtain a competitive edge as well.
Originality/value
This is the first paper of its kind to examine the hijab purchase intention of Malay Muslim women.
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Gustaaf Schoukens, Paul Kiekens and Izabella Krucinska
Dibutyrylchitin (DBC) is an ester derivative of a natural polysaccharide – chitin. DBC is obtained by reaction of chitin with butyric anhydride in the presence of a catalyst. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Dibutyrylchitin (DBC) is an ester derivative of a natural polysaccharide – chitin. DBC is obtained by reaction of chitin with butyric anhydride in the presence of a catalyst. The production methods of DBC have been elaborated and optimized. DBC is easily soluble in common organic solvents and has film – and fibre forming properties. Such characteristics allow obtaining classical fibres from the polymer solutions. DBC is also a raw material for manufacturing yarn and for a broad range of textile dressing materials. Fibres with good mechanical properties are obtained by an optimized spinning process from the DBC solutions. The purpose of this paper is to present a further optimization of the mechanical properties of DBC‐fibres and yarns.
Design/methodology/approach
The excellent biomedical properties of the DBC are confirmed by different experimental results which prove that DBC is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer and stimulates regeneration of damaged tissues. Tests of these DBC dressing materials under clinical conditions prove the excellent results of DBC‐based dressing materials for the ordered healing of tissues and wounds. The DBC dressing materials accelerate the healing of the wound and are biodegraded during the healing process. From the clinical tests, it can be clearly observed that the DBC dressing materials are absorbed into the fresh tissue formed during the healing process of the wounds.
Findings
The DBC and DBC‐based dressing materials are good bioactive textile materials for wound healing and for understanding the biological properties of chitin derivatives. The obtained results prove the importance of the O‐substitution of the hydroxyl groups present in chitin, not only for the solubility of the derivatives and the mechanical properties of the produced fibres, but still more important for the biological properties of these ester derivatives of chitin containing butyric acid. This development creates a link between textile products, based on material properties and human health, based on the biological properties of the basic material.
Originality/value
The mechanical properties of DBC are further optimized by blending it with poly(ε‐caprolactone). Good transparent and flexible products, such as films, with a high elongation to break are obtained by blending 10‐20 wt per cent of poly(ε‐caprolactone) with DBC. This creates new possible bioactive applications for DBC or poly(ε‐caprolactone).
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Hermawan Kartajaya, Mohammad Iqbal, Rizal Alfisyahr, Lusy Deasyana Rahma Devita and Taufiq Ismail
This paper aims to identify the typology of fashion lifestyle that is relevant to predict the individual difference in evaluating Islamic fashion product.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the typology of fashion lifestyle that is relevant to predict the individual difference in evaluating Islamic fashion product.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involved female respondents aged above 16 years and wearing hijab. The sample of this research is 697 respondents from four big cities in Indonesia (Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Malang) with the population in this study constituting 264 million Indonesian people. A random procedure with socio-demographic (sex, age and habitat) quotas was used for selecting respondent, and data is obtained using questionnaire research instruments.
Findings
There are 11 factors and 6 segments for clustering the respondents of Islamic fashion lifestyle. The cluster analysis demonstrated that the mean of personality pursuit, Sharia dressing style orientation and religiousity is greater than 4.00 on all clusters. This score proves that the consumers of Islamic fashion among six clusters have high level or religiousity and Sharia dressing style.
Originality/value
Considering the upcoming issue on Indonesia Moslem market subculture, this research explores market segmentation based on Islamic fashion lifestyle. In 2015, Indonesia reached the fifth rank in the world Islamic fashion market with $13.28bn potential market value and the average of 10.17% fashion industry growth annually (Euromonitor, 2018).
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This paper addresses the question of gender and identity in relation to a number of considerations for supporting men with learning disabilities who cross‐dress (wearing the…
Abstract
This paper addresses the question of gender and identity in relation to a number of considerations for supporting men with learning disabilities who cross‐dress (wearing the clothes of the opposite sex), or want gender reassignment (accessing hormonal and surgical treatment to develop the physical characteristics of the opposite sex). Drawing on practice experience, it identifies a number of issues which will need to be considered when working on these topics, and presents a model for taking forward work with staff and service users.