bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizing and orchestrating microfinance initiatives: a contextual inquiry
Authors: Kayongo Sarah , Tom Marilyn , Mathiassen Lars 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how microfinance initiatives (MFIs) are organized and orchestrated to serve internal and external stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study of three international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)–CARE, Oxfam and Grameen Foundation–provided insights into how they each organize and orchestrate MFIs. We used Pettigrew's (1987, 1990) contextual inquiry framework to guide our data collection and analysis of 20 interviews to understand how capacity building, technology adaptation and outcome measurement interact with content, context and process.FindingsWe found that CARE's classical model exemplifies decades of successful MFI service delivery, serving as a benchmark for other NGOs. Oxfam's adaptive model builds on CARE's model to leverage MFIs as platforms for achieving multisectoral outcomes. Finally, Grameen Foundation's innovative model builds on both CARE's classical and Oxfam's adaptive models, using human-centered design and scalable business practices. We also found overlaps between the three models, demonstrating the continuous adaptation of MFI models based on changing contexts, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsOur research focused on three NGOs headquartered in the USA, involving interviews with staff members having microfinance expertise. We offer analytical generalizability while emphasizing that any change in cultural context, institutional setting or operational conditions may produce different outcomes.Originality/valueWe provide exemplary and comparative insights into key issues related to organizing and orchestrating MFIs for NGO practitioners, scholars and policymakers who wish to understand prevailing service delivery models. Finally, we demonstrate the contextual inquiry framework as a viable approach to learn how NGOs organize and orchestrate MFIs through content, context and process.
Technostress and its influence on employee information security policy compliance
Authors: Nasirpouri Shadbad Forough , Biros David 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study focuses on unintended negative consequences of IT, called technostress. Given that employees are recognized as a major information security threat, it makes sense to investigate how technostress resulting from employees' constant interaction with IT influences the likelihood of security incidents. Although past research studied the concept of security-related technostress, the effect of IT use itself on employees’ extra-role activities such as security-related behaviors is unanswered. Thus, this paper aims to provide an understanding of the negative impact of technostress on employee information security policy (ISP) compliance.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on technostress literature, this research develops a research model that investigates the effect of technostress on employee intention to violate ISPs. It also extends the dimensionality of technostress construct by adding a new dimension called “techno-unreliability” that shows promising results. The authors use online survey data from a sample of 356 employees who have technology-based professions. We apply the structural equation modeling technique to evaluate the proposed research model.FindingsFindings showed that IT use imposes high-level perceptions of a set of technostress creators, which makes users rationalize their ISP violations and engage in non-compliant behaviors. Further analysis of each dimension of technostress showed that techno-complexity, techno-invasion and techno-insecurity account for higher ISP non-compliant behaviors.Originality/valueThis study provides a new understanding of technostress to the context of information security and emphasizes on its negative impact on employee ISP compliance behaviors.
Internal control quality and voluntary disclosure: does CEO duality matter?
Authors: Khlif Hichem , Samaha Khaled , Amara Ines 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe authors examine the association between internal control quality (ICQ) and voluntary disclosure and test whether chief executive officer (CEO) duality, as a proxy for CEO structural power, moderates such a relationship in an emerging market (Egypt).Design/methodology/approachICQ is measured using a survey of external auditors, while a content analysis approach is used to measure the level of voluntary disclosure in annual reports.FindingsBased on a sample of 512 firm-year observations over the period of 2007–2014, the authors document that ICQ is positively and significantly associated with voluntary disclosure, suggesting that better controls improve corporate reporting policy. In addition, CEO duality moderates the association between ICQ and voluntary disclosure since this positive relationship association becomes insignificant for companies characterised by CEO duality. These results remain stable after controlling for endogeneity (self-selection problem), political instability and industry characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study provide preliminary evidence on the association between ICQ and voluntary disclosure, and how CEO structural power may affect this association. Future empirical investigations may extend this work to cover the relationship between ICQ and other attributes of corporate transparency including earnings quality and accounting conservatism.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the need for Egyptian regulators to enact new rules obliging firms to communicate information about ICQ or charging auditors to report information about firm's ICQ in their reports. The results also alert policymakers about the adverse effect of combined leadership structure (CEO duality) since it mitigates the positive impact of ICQ on voluntary disclosure.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to internal control literature by exploring the association between ICQ and voluntary disclosure on an emergent unregulated market with respect to internal control disclosure. They also highlight how CEO duality, as a proxy for CEO power, mitigates the beneficial effect of ICQ on corporate reporting policy on the Egyptian stock exchange (EGX).
Spatial-based model for oil palm plantation suitability rating and its smallholder farmers’ competitiveness: a case study at Kampar Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia
Authors: Safriyana Safriyana , Marimin Marimin , Anggraeni Elisa , Sailah Illah 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study aims to construct models to classify independent smallholder farmers’ (ISFs) plantation suitability and its competitiveness index. It proposes the models with the objective to accommodate ISFs as the main source of raw material for the palm oil industry. It was predicted that the supply of oil palm fresh fruit bunch would depend on ISFs’ plantations due to the government policy that restricts the expansion of the plantations.Design/methodology/approachThe study was designed using a geographic information system approach and analytical hierarchy process for mapping the suitability of smallholder farmers’ oil palm plantation in the Kampar Regency. The competitiveness index was measured using a modified Diamond Porter framework and competitiveness index quantification. The model was conducted on 177 respondents from five districts in Kampar Regency.FindingsThe results indicated that it mapped 128,936.759 hectares area of ISFs’ oil palm plantation in the Kampar Regency. The results of plantation suitability showed that only 13.88% of plantations owned by ISFs were potential, 71.21% of them were in the developing category and 14.91% of plantations were non-potential. The competitiveness index showed there were only 7.91% of them at the developed competitive position, 73.45% at developing a competitive position and 18.64% at the least-developed position.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for developing ISFs’ capacity building and best practice management for oil palm optimization, resulting in bargaining positions and social well-being.Originality/valueThe study had succeeded to visualize ISFs’ plantation area suitability and competitiveness at Kampar Regency, Riau Province. The model provides a brisk understanding and valuable information about ISFs’ conditions spatially. It offers specific outcomes and becomes important in optimize and develop the existing plantations at the right time and exact location.
Do shareholder's independency and board size affect synergies from cross-border bank mergers and acquisitions? International evidence from social network analysis
Authors: Chen Sheng-Hung , Hsu Feng-Jui , Lai Ying-Chen 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThere is little known globally on the association among the independent shareholder, board size and merger and acquisition (M&A) performance. This paper addresses the global issue about cross-border M&A in banking sector, particularly exploring the role of difference in the independent shareholder and board size between acquirer and target banks on synergy gains based on the international study.Design/methodology/approachBased on cross-border bank M&As data on 59 deals from 1995 to 2009, we initially apply social network analysis techniques to explore the country connectedness of the acquirer-target banks in cross-border M&As. Ordinary least squares (OLS) with robust standard errors is further used to investigate synergy gains within the difference in the degree of bank independent shareholder and board sizes between the acquirer and target banks.FindingsOur results indicate that the acquiring banks are generally interconnected with the targeted banks and that some of acquiring banks are clearly concentrated in Asian countries including China, Hong Kong, and Philippines. Moreover, we find that cross-border M&As with larger difference in independent shareholders between the bidder and target bank would result in higher synergy gains in all cases of takeover premiums on 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks. In addition, financial differences between the bidder and target banks have a significant impact on synergetic gains, a topic not explored in previous studies. There is no evidence that institutional and governance differences between bidder and target bank have significant cross-border impacts on takeover premiums with respect to 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks, respectively.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by exploring the international issue about the role of difference in the degree of bank independent shareholder and board sizes between acquirer and target banks on synergy gains. Based on bank cross-border M&As data on 59 deals from 1995 to 2009, we initially apply social network analysis to explore the country connectedness of acquirer-target bank in cross-border M&As, while ten ordinary least squares (OLS) with robust standard errors is used to investigate synergy gains within the difference in the degree of bank independent shareholder and board sizes between acquirer and target banks.
Modelling fishing location choice and spatial behaviour of fishers near a marine protected area
Authors: Sultan Riad Mohammed 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study investigates whether higher catch rates near a marine protected area (MPA), and/or in other fishing areas within a choice set, attract more fishers. A survey conducted in the fishing grounds near an MPA located in south east of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean shows concentration of fishers in regions with lower catch rates. This contrasts with the predictions of the “fishing the line” hypothesis and the ideal free distribution (IFD) that fishers are likely to be attracted near the MPA with higher resource abundance.Design/methodology/approachUsing the random utility model as the framework and the random parameter logit (RPL) model, the study attempts to explain spatial behaviour of fishers. Expected catch and catch variability are modelled using the Just and Pope (JP) production function. The study also estimates effort elasticities with respect to expected catch and catch variability and simulates the relocation of effort from area closure.FindingsThe paper concludes that higher catch does attract fishers but is a partial and very restrictive explanation of fishers' behaviour. The “fishing the line” hypothesis does hold to some extent, but it should not be taken for granted that rising catch rates in adjacent waters will increase fishing pressure. The paper concludes that factors such as catch variability, distance from homeport to fishing ground, potential physical risk and attitudes towards risk of fishers affect spatial behaviour of fishers and should be considered for the placement and size of MPAs. The study also finds that the responsiveness of effort to catch rates is lowest in areas which are already heavily fished and easily accessible.Practical implicationsThe identification of fishing areas as complements (when fishing in one area increases fishing effort in another) and substitutes is valuable information for determining the placement and size of an MPA. A larger reserve is likely to have more displacement effect in this case than a smaller one. Therefore, a small or a network of a small reserve may be appropriate. The premise to select the site and size of the reserve is to avoid overconcentration of fishers in alternative fishing areas, which can be vulnerable to excessive fishing and unintended effects from fishers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to an understanding of fishing behaviour and its impact on the configuration of marine reserves. It discusses the importance of effort elasticities to determine the placement and size of an MPA. Studies on this topic are very scanty in the Indian Ocean region. It also shows the application of location choice model, the RPL model and the JP production function in the fisheries sector for a small island.
Reverse logistics uncertainty in a courier industry: a triadic model
Authors: Wang Michael , Wang Bill , Chan Ricky 
Published: December 2020

PurposeDue to increasing supply chain complexity, the supply chain uncertainty has become an imperative issue, which hinders the development of modern logistics and supply chain management. The paper attempts to conceptualize reverse logistics uncertainty from supply chain uncertainty literature and present the types of reverse logistics uncertainty in a triadic model.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of reverse logistics uncertainty is developed based on a triadic model of logistics uncertainty and supply chain uncertainty literature. A desk research is conducted to develop a taxonomy of reverse logistics uncertainty. To better depict the reverse logistics uncertainty, we use case studies to discuss the types of reverse logistics uncertainty in the triadic model.FindingsThe study reveals four types of supply chain uncertainties in the reverse logistics. We call them reverse logistics uncertainty. Type-A and Type-B uncertainty are new types of supply chain uncertainty in the reverse logistics.Research limitations/implicationsThe types of reverse logistics uncertainty have not been empirically validated in industries. Especially, the two new types including Type-A and Type-B reverse uncertainty need further exploration.Originality/valueAlthough reverse logistics has been discussed in the past decades, very few studies have been conducted on the supply chain uncertainty in returns management arena. The paper offers valuable insights to better understand the supply chain uncertainty in the reverse logistics. This also provides suggestions for both managers and researchers to reflect on the reverse logistics uncertainty management and business sustainability.
On the equivalence of the conductivity and resistivity equations in the interpretation of induced polarization data
Authors: Kozhevnikov Nikolai O. , Antonov Evgeny Y. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTThere are several models accounting for the induced polarization phenomenon in terms of complex, frequency‐dependent conductivity σ or resistivity ρ = 1/σ. The most popular ones are the Cole–Cole conductivity and Pelton resistivity models. Each model includes four parameters: resistivity ρ (or its inverse, conductivity σ), chargeability m, relaxation time τ and frequency dependence c. Some authors argue that these models predict different relaxation times and are equivalent provided that this difference is accounted for in interpreting induced polarization data. We show that the discussion about the equivalence of the Cole–Cole conductivity and Pelton resistivity equations might arose from not taking into consideration the difference between the relaxation time as a model parameter, and that observed experimentally. We also show that, when comparing models as such, there is no reason to talk about different relaxation times. The equivalence of conductivity and resistivity equations manifests itself in that both, with allowance made for the measurement circuit, predict the same experimental data.
Quantifying the Multiplier Effect of Southern California’s Turf Removal Rebate Program with Time‐Series Aerial Imagery
Authors: Marx Andrew 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFrom 2014 to 2016, water agencies in Southern California provided more than $350 million in rebates to owners who converted their turf to drought‐tolerant landscaping. In order to provide a fuller understanding of the water savings of this program, this study establishes that there was a behavioral contagion, or a multiplier effect, from rebate participants in the program. An imagery‐based, time‐series analysis of 20 Southern California neighborhoods from 2012 to 2018 was performed to detect what parcels converted their lawns without a rebate and how they were spatially correlated with rebate participants. This correlation was then used on almost 55,000 rebate participants to estimate the multiplier benefits for the entire program at 132%. For every 100 rebate participants, the multiplier effect helped contribute to an additional 132 parcels to convert to drought‐tolerant landscaping. This methodology was compared with a previous study in the Irvine Ranch Water District providing similar results. This study provides the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California a better understanding of the water savings per rebate dollar of the Turf Removal Rebate Program as well as providing a robust approach for cities or water agencies to estimate the multiplier effect of their turf rebate programs.
Atherosclerotic disease burden after bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Watson Francesca , Amin Ravi , Collins Peter , Moussa Osama , Purkayastha Sanjay ,   Imperial Obesity Study Group
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe rising rates of obesity, along with its associated morbidities, represent an important global health threat. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is among the most common and hazardous obesity‐related morbidity, and it is especially prevalent among those who suffer from type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Bariatric surgery (BS) is known to help with effective weight management and reduce the burden of cardiovascular risk factors, especially T2DM.MethodsA nested propensity‐matched cohort study was carried out using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The cohort included 1186 patients with no past history of ASCVD, 593 of whom underwent BS and 593 propensity‐score matched controls, followed up for a mean of 42.7 months. The primary end point was the incidence of new ASCVD; defined as new coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or miscellaneous atherosclerotic disease; secondary end points included primary end point components alone and all‐cause mortality.ResultsPatients who underwent BS had significantly lower rates of new ASCVD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.53, confidence interval [CI] 0.30‐0.95, P = 0.032. There were no significant differences in rates of CAD, CeVD, and PAD individually across cohorts, but a lower rate of all‐cause mortality was observed in the BS cohort (HR 0.36, CI 0.19‐0.71, P = 0.003).ConclusionsBS was associated with improved ASCVD outcomes and lower mortality in patients with obesity and T2DM. This study provides evidence for increased awareness of potential benefits of BS in the management of obesity by highlighting a potential role in primary prevention for ASCVD.
Measurements of human tolerance to horizontal rotation within an MRI scanner: Towards gantry‐free radiation therapy
Authors: Buckley Jarryd G , Smith Allan “Ben” , Sidhom Mark , Rai Robba , Liney Gary P , Dowling Jason A , Metcalfe Peter E , Holloway Lois C , Keall Paul J 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionRecent advances in image guidance and adaptive radiotherapy could enable gantry‐free radiotherapy using patient rotation. Gantry‐free radiotherapy could substantially reduce the cost of radiotherapy systems and facilities. MRI guidance complements a gantry‐free approach because of its ability to visualise soft tissue deformation during rotation. A potential barrier to gantry‐free radiotherapy is patient acceptability, especially when combined with MRI. This study investigates human experiences of horizontal rotation within an MRI scanner.MethodsTen healthy human participants and nine participants previously treated with radiotherapy were rotated within an MRI scanner. Participants' anxiety and motion sickness was assessed before being rotated in 45‐degree increments and paused, representing a multi‐field intensity‐modulated radiotherapy treatment. An MR image was acquired at each 45‐degree angle. Following imaging, anxiety and motion sickness were re‐assessed, followed by a comfort questionnaire and exit interview. The significance of the differences in anxiety and motion sickness pre‐ versus post‐imaging was assessed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. Content analysis was performed on exit interview transcripts.ResultsEight of ten healthy and eight of nine patient participants completed the imaging session. Mean anxiety scores before and after imaging were 7.9/100 and 11.8/100, respectively (P = 0.26), and mean motion sickness scores were 5.3/100 and 13.7/100, respectively (P = 0.02). Most participants indicated likely acceptance of rotation if MRI were to be used in a hypothetical treatment. Physical discomfort was reported to be the biggest concern.ConclusionsHorizontal rotation within an MRI scanner was acceptable for most (17/19) participants.