bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does the strength of ties influence relationship quality in Chinese megaprojects? The mediating role of contractual flexibility
Authors: Hu Zhibin , Wu Guangdong , Zhao Xianbo , Zuo Jian , Wen Shicong 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study aims to explore the influence of the strength of ties (strong ties and weak ties) on contractual flexibility (term flexibility and process flexibility) and relationship quality among stakeholders in a megaproject network.Design/methodology/approachThis study, via a questionnaire survey, collected 380 valid responses from megaproject professionals (including project managers, department managers and project engineers). The data were analyzed using least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that both strong ties and weak ties have positive effects on relationship quality. The introduction of contractual flexibility can help improve relationship quality by combining the positive effects of the strength of ties. Interestingly, the indirect influence of strong ties on relationship quality is mainly due to term flexibility. However, the influence of process flexibility is not significant, while weak ties have an indirect influence through term flexibility and process flexibility.Research limitations/implicationsThis study, while helpful to megaproject management both in theory and practice, is nevertheless subject to several limitations. First, this study only considers the impact of the strength of ties on contractual flexibility and relationship quality; other factors, such as environmental uncertainty, are not explored. Second, the sample data are limited to just a few regions of China. Future research should cover other influencing factors, in order to make the model more substantial; data should also be collected from different cultural and industrial sources, thereby extending and further verifying the results.Originality/valueThis study makes three contributions to extant megaproject literature. First, this study provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the strength of ties. With the distinction between strong ties and weak ties clearly explained, this research furnishes a subtler understanding of relationship governance than has previously been achieved. Second, by precisely identifying the mechanism of how contract flexibility improves contract control and coordination functions, this research offers a complementary view of how contractual flexibility positively contributes to cooperation and relationship quality. Third, this study identifies which dimension of the strength of ties is more influential. This brings a new explanation for the previous controversy and offers some insight into the determinants of how to improve relationship quality in Chinese megaprojects.
Hardware-efficient approximate multiplier architectures for media processing applications
Authors: Uppugunduru Anil Kumar , Ahmed Syed Ershad 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Multipliers that form the basic building blocks in most of the error-resilient media processing applications are computationally intensive and power-hungry modules. Therefore, improving the multiplier’s performance in terms of area, critical path delay and power has become an important research area. This paper aims to propose two improved multiplier designs based on a new approximate compressor circuit to reduce the hardware complexity at the partial product reduction stage. The proposed approximate 4:2 compressor design significantly reduces the overall hardware cost of the multiplier. The error introduced by the approximate compressor is reduced using a new technique of assigning inputs to the compressors in the partial product reduction structure.

Design/methodology/approach
The multiplier designs implemented using the proposed approximate 4:2 compressor are targeted for error-resilient applications. For fair comparisons, various multiplier designs, including the proposed one, are implemented in MATLAB. The quality analysis is carried out using standard images, and metrics such as structural similarity index are computed to quantify the result of proposed designs with the existing architectures. Next, Verilog gate-level designs are synthesized to compute area, delay and power to prove the efficacy of the proposed designs.

Findings
Exhaustive error and hardware analysis have been carried out for the existing and proposed multiplier architectures. Error analysis carried out using MATLAB proves that the proposed designs achieve better quality metrics than existing designs. Hardware results show that area, the power consumed and critical path delay are reduced up to 39.8%, 51.7% and 15.9%, respectively, compared to the existing designs. Toward the end, the proposed designs impact is quantified and compared with existing designs on real-time image sharpening and image multiplication applications.

Originality/value
The area, delay and power metrics of the multiplier can be improved using an approximate compressor in an error-resilient application. Accordingly, in this work, a new compressor is proposed that reduces the hardware complexity in the multiplier architecture. However, the proposed approximate compressor, while reducing the computational complexity, tends to introduce error in the multiplier. The error introduced by the approximate compressor is reduced using a new technique of assigning inputs to the compressors in the partial product reduction structure. With the help of the approximate compressor and a technique of input realignment, hardware efficient and highly accurate multiplier designs are achieved.
Designing blockchain systems to prevent counterfeiting in wine supply chains: a multiple-case study
Authors: Danese Pamela , Mocellin Riccardo , Romano Pietro 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on blockchain (BC) adoption for preventing counterfeiting by investigating BC systems where different options for BC feeding and reading complement the use of BC technology. By grounding on the situational crime prevention, this study analyses how BC systems can be designed to effectively prevent counterfeiting.Design/methodology/approachThis is a multiple-case study of five Italian wine companies using BC to prevent counterfeiting.FindingsThis study finds that the desired level of upstream/downstream counterfeiting protection that a brand owner intends to guarantee to customers through BC is the key driver to consider in the design of BC systems. The study identifies which variables are relevant to the design of feeding and reading processes and explains how such variables can be modulated in accordance with the desired level of counterfeiting protection.Research limitations/implicationsThe cases investigated are Italian companies within the wine sector, and the BC projects analysed are in the pilot phase.Practical implicationsThe study provides practical suggestions to address the design of BC systems by identifying a set of key variables and explaining how to properly modulate them to face upstream/downstream counterfeiting.Originality/valueThis research applies a new perspective based on the situational crime prevention approach in studying how companies can design BC systems to effectively prevent counterfeiting. It explains how feeding and reading process options can be configured in BC systems to assure different degrees of counterfeiting protection.
The image of the library through the eyes of immigrant and migrant readers
Authors: Dali Keren 
Published: February 2021

PurposeDrawing on the survey of Spanish-speaking immigrant and migrant readers in Canada and the US, this study pursues three goals: (1) examine the image of the library held by these readers and trace the change of this image after the international migration; (2) use the study findings to revise and update the currently existing typologies of the image of the library; and (3) understand ethical and effective research practices in the studies of immigrant/migrant communities whereby researchers are external to communities in question.Design/methodology/approachThe data about immigrant/migrant readers were collected through a self-administered survey questionnaire that was available both in print and electronically, both in Spanish and English. The data analysis was guided by hermeneutic phenomenology, as explicated in the article. Theoretical examination of the image of the library relied on the earlier typology developed by V. Stelmakh.FindingsThe study elucidates perceptions of libraries and librarians in both North America and countries of origin held by Spanish-speaking immigrant/migrant readers, and highlights changes that occur in the image of the library as readers move across geographic borders. Building on the empirical data, the article develops a new typology of the image of the library. It also offers insight into ethical and effective ways of engaging with immigrant communities that should be upheld by researchers from outside the communities in question.Originality/valueIt is the first known study that systematically traces the changes in the image of the library which occur alongside geographic and sociocultural migrations. It is also the first known study that focuses specifically on readers rather than library users in general. The new typology consists of four different elements – the cultural image; the functional image; the humanistic image; and the ideological image of the library – and is accompanied by detailed definitions of each.
Does the US influence ASEAN+3 equity market integration?
Authors: Rahman Md. Saifur , Farihana Shahari 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to examine whether the US influences the ASEAN + 3 financial market integration.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage cointegration test is used in the estimation by using equity indices from selected member economies and the USA.FindingsThe finding of this study shows that the equity markets of ASEAN + 3 are integrated especially after the Asian crisis period reflecting the regional cooperation. There is a strong market nexus between ASEAN + 3 and the USA, but the ASEAN + 3 financial cooperation agreement does not depend on the US financial market.Originality/valueThe study offers invaluable policy implications for developing the nexus in the regional equity markets.
Quality of life and associated factors amongst older adults in a remote community, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Samadarshi Saurav Chandra , Taechaboonsermsak Pimsurang , Tipayamongkholgul Mathuros , Yodmai Korravarn 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to assess the quality of life (QOL) of older adults and explore factors associated with it.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted in a remote community in Nepal. A total of 671 older adults aged 60 years were enrolled in the study. QOL was measured by WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.FindingsMost participants were female (53.0%), illiterate (70.6%), married (64.2%) and living with family (59.3%). Among participants, 82.4% had fair QOL, and the autonomy domain received the lowest score (average = 10.98). After adjusting the model, the elderly aged <70 years had 11.07 times better QOL (aOR = 11.070; 95% CI = 2.546–48.123), elderly with high sufficient income had 2.73 times better QOL (aOR = 2.738; 95% CI = 1.183–6.337) and elderly free from depression had 9.45 times better QOL (aOR = 9.452; 95% CI = 3.466–25.773) compared to their counterparts. The elderly receiving social support had 9.97 times better QOL than those who did not (aOR = 9.976; 95% CI = 3.152–31.574), and those able to afford healthcare services had 4.69 times better QOL than those who could not afford it (aOR = 4.694; 95% CI = 1.046–21.063).Originality/valueThe five predictors – age, income sufficiency, depression, social support and healthcare service affordability – were found to significantly affect QOL. This study suggests special care strategies for vulnerable older adults addressing the issues that affect geriatric depression. This article provides relevant information to the government to consider increment of income, encourage family and community for social support and make health services affordable for older adults.
Sustainability engagement’s impact on tourism sector performance: linear and nonlinear models
Authors: Buallay Amina , Al-Ajmi Jasim , Barone Elisabetta 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between the level of sustainability reporting and tourism sector’s performance (operational, financial and market).Design/methodology/approachUsing data culled from 1,375 observations from 37 different countries for ten years (2008–2017), an independent variable derived from the environmental, social and governance (ESG score) is regressed against dependent performance indicator variables (return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and Tobin's Q (TQ)). Two types of control variables complete the regression analysis in this study: firm-specific and macroeconomic.FindingsThe findings elicited from the empirical results of the linear models demonstrate that there is a significant relationship between ESG and operational performance (ROA) and market performance (TQ). However, there is no significant relationship between ESG and financial performance (ROE). Furthermore, the results of the nonlinear models suggest that the relationship between sustainability performance and firm's profitability and valuation is nonlinear (invertedU-shape).Originality/valueThe models in this study presents a valuable analytical framework for exploring sustainability reporting as a driver of performance in the tourism sector's economies. In addition, this study highlights the tourism sector's management lacunae manifesting in terms of the weak nexus between each component of ESG and tourism sector's performance.
The organizational impact of Covid-19 crisis on travel perceived risk across four continents
Authors: Toanoglou Michail , Chemli Samiha , Valeri Marco 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
It became a fact, and the world's countries went under confinement due to the pandemic of the Covid19. There are severe impacts on tourism with the supply chain experiencing a full pause. This research investigates the influence of governance, media coverage, crisis severity, former travel practice and Covid-19 incidences on the perceived risk related to travel and tourism during the pandemic and in cross-countries.

Design/methodology/approach
We collected the data from a sample of 1845 individuals from more than 12 countries and four continents representing quarantined and most impacted areas in the world in March and April 2020. A multilevel linear model was applied to predict the perceived risk across countries as a level 2 research unit.

Findings
The finding confirms the clustering in the data with media coverage, governance and crisis growth affecting the outcome. There are cross-level interaction effects, as the growth rate of the pandemic per country and media coverage impact tourists' perception of risk. Finally, there are lower-level direct effects, with lower-level variables affecting tourists' perceived risks.

Research limitations/implications
The survey is randomly administered online due to the nearly complete quarantine implemented in the studied areas. Besides, and considering the latter, the responses might have been subjective due to the non-containment of the crisis by the study's time, directing to possible alteration of feelings and responses from respondents. This leads to suggest a future extension of this research, similarly, post-crisis.

Originality/value
This research pinpointed the impacts of predictors, concerning the countries' level, during the crisis phase on the perceived risk. Therefore, it gives insights into professional bodies on future concerns to be considered during the recovery phase.
Accountability in times of exception: an exploratory study of account-giving practices during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Andreaus Michele , Rinaldi Leonardo , Pesci Caterina , Girardi Andrea 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of accountability in times of exception. The Italian government's account-giving practices are critically analysed with respect to the distinct modes in which duties of accountability are discharged for the exceptional measures taken during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in early 2020.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on an exploratory case study. The case analysis draws primarily on data obtained through publicly available documents and covers the period between January 1 and August 7, 2020.FindingsThe paper reveals that the Italian government employed various accountability styles (rebuttal, dismissal, reactive, proactive and coactive). Each style influenced both how the government justified its conduct and how it sought to form distinctive relationships with social actors.Originality/valueThe paper uses the notion of “styles of accountability” to empirically illustrate how an unprecedented public governance challenge can reveal broader accountability trends. The paper contributes to accountability research by elucidating how governments tackle ambiguity and uncertainty in their systems of public accountability in extraordinary times.
Ways to win: strategic choices, institutions and performance in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: An Young Hoon , Choe Soonkyoo , Kang Jihoon 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of market-based and nonmarket-based strategies on firm performance in African countries. This study also investigates host country institutions' effect on the relationship between firm strategies and performance in these countries.Design/methodology/approachData of 1,276 firms in five African countries were obtained from two different sources: The World Bank Enterprise Database and The Global Competitiveness Report. Two-stage least squares regression was applied.FindingsBoth market-based strategies and corporate political activity (CPA)improve firm performance in the African countries included in the analysis. Institutional development also has a direct positive impact on firm performance. However, the effect of CPA weakens as the host country shifts towards more efficient, market-oriented institutions. Furthermore, the results show that local African firms benefit more from institutional development than foreign firms.Originality/valueThe paper confirms and extends our understanding of the dynamic fit between institutions and strategy by highlighting the moderating role of institutional development on CPA and market-based strategies in enhancing firm performance.
Retracted: Pulmonary alveolar stem cells undergo senescence, apoptosis and differentiation by p53‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms in telomerase deficient mice
Authors: Zhang Kexiong , Wang Lihui , Chen Hao , Shi Yao , Liu Yingying , Liu Jun , Hong Xiaojing , Liu Jun‐Ping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPulmonary senescence and fibrosis occur with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage response in the lungs deficient of telomerase. The molecular mechanism mediating pulmonary alveolar cell fates remains to be investigated. The present study shows that pulmonary alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AEC2) (alveolar stem cells) undergo not only replicative senescence, but also apoptosis and differentiation in association with increased innate immune natural killer (NK) cells in telomerase knockout (KO) mice. Telomerase ribonucleic acid (RNA) component (TERC) deficiency results in increased senescence‐associated heterochromatin foci marker HP1γ, p21, p16 and apoptosis‐associated cleaved caspase‐3 in AEC2. However, p53 deficiency in the Trp53−/− allele of the late generation of TERC KO mice attenuates the increased senescent and apoptotic markers significantly. Moreover, p53 deficiency has no significant effect on the increased gene expression of T1α (a marker of terminal differentiated alveolar epithelial type 1 cells [AEC1]) in AEC2 of the late generation of TERC KO mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that pulmonary senescence takes place in deficiency of telomerase RNA component with the alveolar stem cells undergoing p53‐dependent senescence and apoptosis as well as p53‐independent differentiation.
Contribution of peeling host for epiphyte abundance in two tropical dry forests in the “El Cielo Biosphere Reserve”, Mexico
Authors: Siaz‐Torres Sugeidi S. , Mora‐Olivo Arturo , Arellano‐Méndez Leonardo U. , Vanoye‐Eligio Venancio , Flores‐Rivas Joel , de la Rosa‐Manzano Edilia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHost traits partly determine the abundance and species richness of epiphytes in tropical forests. It has been proposed that older trees with rough bark and evergreens often house more individuals and more epiphytic species than those with thin, smooth, and peeling bark, which harbor few epiphytes. We hypothesize (i) that epiphytes are more abundant and species‐rich in the more shaded forest, which is related to bark roughness, and (ii) that epiphytes are distributed in the middle of the host, where microenvironmental conditions are more favorable to survival. We evaluated abundance, species richness, and vertical distribution of epiphytes in two tropical dry forests, according to the deciduousness and basal area of the trees. Moreover, we selected the most abundant epiphytes to test whether their distribution is related to a specific bark type and examine their vertical distribution in two dry forests. We distinguished a high abundance and species richness of epiphytes in the deciduous forest, although basal area and host species richness were higher in the semi‐deciduous forest. In both forests, we found a positive relationship between epiphyte abundance and basal area. Higher abundance of epiphytes was related to the predominance of Tillandsia schiedeana, a drought‐adapted species, in both forests. Unexpectedly, epiphytes abundantly colonized Bursera simaruba, a host with peeling bark and a very branched crown, where small individuals of T. schiedeana colonized abundantly toward the top of the crown. Our results show the importance of the tropical dry forest, particularly, B. simaruba, in maintaining epiphyte diversity in terms of T. schiedeana colonization.
Adoption et usage du mobile money au cameroun: Analyse comparative des determinants entre les villes de Douala et de Yaounde
Authors: Avom Désiré , Bidiasse Honoré , Mvogo Grégory 
Published: February 2021

RésuméPartant d'une enquête réalisée en mars 2017 auprès de 1222 ménages dans les villes de Douala et Yaoundé, cet article analyse empirement les déterminants de l'adoption, puis de l'usage du MM. Les résultats obtenus par l'estimation d'une régression logistique identifient comme principaux déterminants significatifs: l'effet de réseau pour les deux villes, le revenu et l'âge pour Douala, le niveau d'étude pour Yaoundé. L'usage est, quant à lui, déterminé spécifiquement à Douala par la taille du ménage, le revenu, la sécurité, etc. alors qu'à Yaoundé, ce sont les coûts réduits et la commodité des services. Nos résultats suggèrent l'importance d'une intensification de la communication sur la prise en compte des risques associés à l'utilisation de cette innovation financière.