bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The production and distribution of digital content in China. An historical account of the role of internet companies and videogames
Authors: Simon Jean Paul 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to shed some light on the history of the Chinese videogames industry, to document the growth of the leading companies and reveal how they have been morphing into platforms delivering constellations of apps and digital content (audiovisual, films, music, literature, video streaming […]). The paper tracks the development of digital services through the prism of videogames thereby showing how this industry emerged out of the deployment of the internet.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides an overview and a synthesis of what is known about the Chinese game industry, particularly based on consultancy documents and publications from firms. The paper is based on desk research, a review of literature and trade press and the analysis of the annual reports of the leading players (NetEase, Tencent […]).

Findings
The rise of videogames and the creation of specific company’s “ecosystems” illustrate the capacity of the industry to innovate and its significance for the Chinese economy. It reveals that gaming has been a cornerstone of many Chinese technology companies. The (young) companies came up with the innovative business models (FTP, virtual items) that were required to further expand the market. They found new ways to interact with their customers through communities and various tools.

Research limitations/implications
The paper relies on consultancy documents and publications from firms on heterogeneous data from industry and consultants. This approach comes with some limitations from a methodological viewpoint. It allows documenting the historical trends and describing the industrial landscape but not to qualify the relationships among players. Besides, the use of these sources leads to a greater focus on business models and a more limited one on the policy dimension. The latter is often perceived only through the glasses of the companies.

Practical implications
The data provided are meant to be useful to become familiar with the Chinese games industry.

Social implications
The paper indicates that the online game industry is a complex web of activities with tensions and contradictions between stakeholders (industry, government and consumers). In the case of China, there is a conflict between the willingness to liberalize the economy and the will to maintain an ideological monopoly through cultural industries.

Originality/value
Little research has been devoted to the role of videogames in emerging economies, to its specific features and to the relationships with the media industry and the information and communications technology sector. The contribution of this “digital native” to the production and distribution of digital content remains less studied. The paper provides an up-to-date overview of the Chinese case.
Experiencing e-assessment during COVID-19: an analysis of Indian students' perception
Authors: Kundu Arnab , Bej Tripti 
Published: June 2021

PurposePresently the whole world has been experiencing a pandemic threat of coronavirus diesease 2019 (COVID-19) and at the same time facing unprecedented changes in everything including education. E-learning has evolved as the only alternative of knowledge transmission even in third world nations, and e-assessment has been playing an increasingly important role in this digital transformation of education. But how far and of what depth it has made its place among students' minds need to be studied to leverage its full potential to transform students' learning needs. This study reports an investigation made in this direction.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey consisting of 40 questions in Google Forms was conducted to collect primary data on students' perception of e-assessment among 200 Indian students pursuing higher education from several geographical locations. The quantitative methodological approach was followed. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.FindingsThe results were analyzed based on the model of acceptance and usage of e-assessment (MAUE), and findings revealed that students' overall perception toward e-assessment was of moderate level and this perception varies depending on their gender, academic level, nature of the stream of study and their economic condition. Of the eight domains investigated, students showed better perception in the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, compatibility, subjective norms and self-efficacy domains, while they cut a sorry figure in domains like awareness, resource facilitation and information technology (IT) support. It became evident from their responses that COVID was instrumental in enhancing their interest in e-assessment.Social implicationsThe implication of this study lies in strengthening e-assessment by attending to the factors as noted in the MAUE in India and alike developing nations having huge space left for e-learning to reach a boom.Originality/valueThis is an empirical investigation conducted in India on the state of students' perception of the e-assessment in the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak. To do this work, the authors conducted online surveys, and the write-up of the findings focus on the survey data only.
Cruising in the COVID-19 pandemic era: Does perceived crowding really matter?
Authors: Castaldo Sandro , Penco Lara , Profumo Giorgia 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
Cruising is one of the industries most susceptible to the current COVID-19 health crisis, due to the closed environment and the contacts between cruisers and crewmembers. This study aims to understand if the perceived crowding and the health risk perception related to the pandemic situation might threaten passengers’ intentions to cruise. The study also examines corporate reputation and trust, as well as social motivation and self-confidence, as possible predictors of consumers’ intention to cruise.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on the development of a structured questionnaire submitted online via social media. Overall, 553 individuals’ responses were used for understanding the factors that can affect consumers’ intention to cruise by performing several regression models.

Findings
The results show that the perceived crowding related to the pandemic does not seem to influence people’s intention to cruise. On the contrary, trust in the cruise company, corporate reputation, cruisers’ self-confidence and research of social motivation are positive predictors of intention to cruise, thus reducing the perceived risk’s deterring impact. The importance of such factors differs in respect of repeat and not repeat cruisers.

Practical implications
The study presents several managerial implications as it analyses the variables that could help cruise management cope better with COVID-19’s negative impact.

Originality/value
Despite the severity of COVID-19’s impact on the cruise industry, no studies have yet focussed on how the current pandemic situation may influence customers’ intention to cruise in the future.
Blockchain technology, macroeconomic uncertainty and investment efficiency
Authors: Chen Wanyi , He Kang , Wang Lanfang 
Published: June 2021

PurposeIn addition to leading a new tide of global financial technology, blockchain delivers advantages in terms of risk control compared to traditional financial systems. By exploring the relationship between blockchain technology and macroeconomic uncertainty, this study aims to identify the hedge risk attribute of blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachFrom a data set comprising 6,323 Chinese firms with A-shares listed on the Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Exchanges in 2015–2018, the authors obtain the use of blockchain technology by listed companies on the basis of annual reports, news reports, search engines and prospectuses. These documents are then subjected to text analyses based on computer technology. Cross-sectional and propensity score matching analyses are used to ensure robustness.FindingsThe empirical results show that with an increase in macroeconomic uncertainty, blockchain technology can potentially enable companies to reduce their systemic risks and enhance their investment efficiency.Originality/valueThis study expands the literature on the application of blockchain technology, offers references for enterprises to address future risks based on specific macroeconomically uncertain environments and provides guidelines for governments to maintain financial market stability.
Guest editorialHappy endings and successful stories in public sector financial management: a lesson drawing perspective
Authors: Cohen Sandra , Manes-Rossi Francesca , Brusca Isabel , Caperchione Eugenio 
Published: June 2021

PurposePublic financial management has been characterized by the implementation of several innovations and reforms that embrace different areas and scope. These reforms aim at expenditure rationalization and efficiency enhancement, as well as the improvement of accountability and performance. Despite research having already paid attention to these innovations and reforms, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats empirically faced by public sector organizations still need to be investigated. This editorial introduces the special issue by emphasizing on the lessons that can be learned from past reform experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial synthesizes some of the findings of the previous literature and evidences the necessity of both successful and unsuccessful stories, presenting a future agenda of research which emphasizes the use of case studies as a suitable method to get insights out of multiple experiences.FindingsThe four articles presented in this special issue, covering the topics of accrual accounting adoption, the use of financial statements by councilors, the use of performance information by politicians and the outsourcing of auditing in local governments, provide an overview of the efforts and challenges faced by public administrations by analyzing the influence of the institutional context, the relevance of political implications and their practical footprint.OriginalityIn this special issue, four successful stories that touch upon multiple facets of public financial management in different country contexts are discussed, and they signal important takeaway messages for further reforms.
COVID-19 guidelines incorporated in the health and safety management policies of construction firms
Authors: Simpeh Fredrick , Amoah Christopher 
Published: June 2021

PurposeCOVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new norm of operation and has further presented new health and safety challenges in all sectors, including the construction sector. Consequently, several guidelines have been developed and instituted by various countries to prevent the spread of the disease among the citizenry. This paper aims to explore the COVID-19 guidelines incorporated in the health and safety management policies of construction firms in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Data was collected from construction companies by means of an open-ended questionnaire. The open-ended questionnaire was distributed by using the purposive sampling technique. The collected data was analysed with thematic content analysis.FindingsThe findings show that most construction companies have incorporated aspects of COVID-19 guidelines into the site health and safety policies, whereas the majority of the companies had incorporated guidelines such as site access, handling of COVID-19 cases, induction, screening and social distancing; only a few had incorporated guidelines such as compliance, sanitisation, sick leave, wearing of personal protective equipment, audit and risk assessment, lunchtime rules and grouping of workers into the health and safety policies on site.Research limitations/implicationsData was collected from higher grade firms; therefore, the research findings may not be applied to smaller construction firms. A study that focuses on lower grades is recommended.Practical implicationsConstruction companies could use the recommendations provided to improve upon the policies developed/adopted to curb the spread of CVID-19 on-site.Originality/valueResearch on COVID-19 construction site health and safety measures are still being developed. Thus, this study contributes to advancing the body of knowledge in this evolving field.
An inch of progress: new ethics opinion gets real about assistance to fraud and crime
Authors: Petterchak Jacob Wade 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current law on the professional responsibility of American attorneys to combat financial crimes and developments in light of recent scandals and new ethics opinion from the American Bar Association. Further commentary is offered on the ethics of advancing the mission to not assist clients in financial wrongdoing.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper offers a legal analysis of recent developments pertaining to the ethical regulation of attorney conduct regarding client involvement in financial crimes. Examination of these developments in light of contemporary best practices in the banking and financial services industry assists in determining how to improve the current regulatory approach. There is an extensive review of case law and both academic and professional literature.

Findings
The findings of this paper indicate that a proactive culture exists that acknowledges the deficiencies that still exist in the regulation of attorney ethics to combat financial crimes by clients. Still, significant gaps remain that need to be addressed. Further issues remain unresolved in the context of key legal doctrines that set out clear, concise standards for knowledge and assistance.

Originality/value
The value of this paper comes from the careful analysis of present best practices in banking and financial services regulation and how they could be better applied in the context of the attorney–client relationship.
A framework for medical tourists' satisfaction and loyalty by costumer segmentation and quality improvement
Authors: Nakhaeinejad Mahdi , Moeinzadeh Mohammad Hosein , Tabatabaei Bafrouei Seyed Aliasghar , Akhavan Afarin 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTourism industry is a profitable resource for countries and considered one of the main sources of income and job creation for economic development. Among the various types of tourism, medical tourism and its subsets are of great significance owing to their capabilities and competitive advantages. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to provide a framework to categorize customers based on the Zeithaml pyramid and then identify and provide strategies to create loyalty and attract customers of this industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposed a framework for medical tourists' satisfaction and loyalty. First, by studying the literature and data gathering from Yazd (one of the cities of Iran), the effective factors on the loyalty and attraction of medical tourists were identified. These factors have been prioritized for the medical tourists who are in the platinum category by the Pareto technique and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. Next, the strategies provided by experts for loyalty and attraction of medical tourists were examined. Finally, the house of quality (HOQ) as the first matrix in quality functional deployment (QFD) was used to provide operational strategies for medical tourism satisfaction. The statistical population of this research consists of medical tourists, academic experts and active physicians of medical tourism in Yazd, one of the cities of Iran.FindingsThe study results indicate the importance of “hospital reputation” in medical tourists' satisfaction. Also, “achieving international standards”, “periodic customer satisfaction assessment” and “paying attention to social responsibilities” are recognized as the most important strategies to achieve the loyalty of the most profitable group of customers, namely platinum.Practical implicationsThis study covers both theoretical and practical aspects. Theoretically, this study developed a new framework for medical tourists' satisfaction by the Zeithaml matrix, TOPSIS, Pareto technique and QFD method. Furthermore, practically this study helps practitioners of medical tourism in medical tourists' satisfaction and loyalty.Originality/valueIn this study, in addition to identifying the effective factors on the loyalty and attracting medical tourists, a new framework was developed for medical tourists' satisfaction by segmentation the tourism by the Zeithaml matrix and providing operational strategies by the QFD technique.
Voluntary adoption of AAOIFI disclosure standards for takaful operators: the role of governance
Authors: Mohd Zain Fahru Azwa , Wan Abdullah Wan Amalina , Percy Majella 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to determine the role governance plays in the voluntary adoption of Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Disclosure Standards by Islamic insurance (takaful) operators in the Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a sample of 44 takaful operators in the SEA and the GCC regions. While corporate governance (CG) strength is measured by the use of the frequently examined variables of the board of directors and audit committee, Shari’ah governance strength is measured by the characteristics of the Shari’ah Supervisory Board (SSB). Content analysis is used to extract disclosure items from the 2014 annual reports. Agency theory, stakeholder theory and political economy theory are argued to support the hypotheses.

Findings
The results show that CG strength has a positive and significant effect on the voluntary adoption of AAOIFI Disclosure Standards by takaful operators, indicating that CG plays an important role in the disclosure of information in the annual reports of takaful operators. However, the results show a lack of association between SSB strength and voluntary adoption of AAOIFI Disclosure Standards. Our results suggest that the SSBs may not be as involved as the other CG mechanisms (such as a board of directors and audit committees) in reviewing financial reports. On another note, the level of the political right and civil liberties has a negative and significant effect on the voluntary adoption of AAOIFI Disclosure Standards, providing an indication that stakeholders in a community with greater freedom tend to be more active in pressuring takaful operators to provide more information to justify their existence in the community. Similar to SSB strength, the legal system is also found to have no significant association with the voluntary adoption of the AAOIFI disclosure standards.

Practical implications
This study provides stakeholders with a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the governance role in increasing the transparency of takaful operators by examining the governance factors using a self-constructed disclosure index.

Originality/value
Our study is among the first to provide an in-depth analysis of voluntary adoption of AAOIFI Disclosure Standards for takaful operators in these two regions; therefore, this study has implications for regulators and standard setters. The findings of this study are expected to provide information to regulators and standard setters on the role of governance in improving the transparency of takaful operators.
Factors affecting the diffusion of mobile social network services in an aging society: value of informative, hedonic and ubiquitous services
Authors: Bae Hyeyoon , Jo Sang Hyun , Jung Hyun Joo , Lee Euehun 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to identify factors affecting the continued intention to use mobile social network services (m-SNS) among middle-aged and older adults in Korea, based on the focal characteristics of mobile services and SNS.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online questionnaire to understand m-SNS usage from 358 people aged over 40 years in Korea.

Findings
Results show that middle-aged and older users of m-SNS are strongly motivated to seek information; they prefer to use m-SNS on a habitual basis because of the ubiquitous connectivity of mobile services. Furthermore, they perceive the usefulness of m-SNS in expanding their social networks. These results can be used to identify factors that affect continued use of m-SNS by the middle-aged and older generation in Korea.

Originality/value
This paper expands the literature on SNS acceptance among middle-aged and older adults, the population that, in future, is expected to constitute the majority of m-SNS users. This paper can also help understand factors that affect mature consumers’ continued use of m-SNS.
Abrupt new realities amid the disaster landscape as one crisis gives way to crises
Authors: Miller DeMond Shondell 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the roles of sudden change and social disruption in the disaster landscape that shapes the environment of tourism destinations when hazards intersect with human systems.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on the social science literature on disasters and crises. To this end, this paper provides an overview of the role abrupt changes have in transforming the tourism and hospitality industries.FindingsThis paper serves as a call to seek bold solutions that bring about industry best practices while fostering local community stakeholders in a more integrated way to build a more resilient future.Originality/valueThe disaster landscape provides opportunities to advance new structures, norms, cultural beliefs and collaborations that can foster resilience. This paper highlights the need to integrate resilience in the form of disaster management, recovery and organizational continuity strategies in the post-COVID-19 hospitality and tourism industries.
Dermatomyositis‐like eruptions and fasciitis with novel compound heterozygous MEFV mutations: Newly recognized features of a variant of familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Sumida Hayakazu , Migita Kiyoshi , Ida Hiroaki , Asano Yoshihide , Shimizu Jun , Kagami Shinji , Sugaya Makoto , Kadono Takafumi , Sato Shinichi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent febrile attacks and serositis. The diagnosis of FMF has been based on clinical criteria, including frequent symptoms and good response to the treatment with colchicine. Some patients with FMF show skin or muscle manifestations, which may be confused with other cutaneous or muscle disorders. Here we report a female in her 40s with periodic fever, migratory myalgia, dermatomyositis‐like dermatitis, arthralgia, pharyngalgia, and lymphadenopathy. The initial clinical differential diagnosis included dermatomyositis, malignant lymphoma, and adult‐onset Still's disease. However, the following examinations could not explain her pathological condition with such diseases. In particular, findings from muscle and fascial biopsy demonstrated severe inflammatory cell infiltrate in the fascia, suggesting fasciitis as a possible cause of migratory myalgia. We examined the possibility of autoinflammatory diseases by genetic testing. Accordingly, she was found to have novel compound heterozygous mutations (L110P, E148Q, and P369S) in the MEFV gene. Given her genetic mutations and favorable response to colchicine, she was finally diagnosed as a variant of FMF with myalgia and previously unprecedented skin eruptions.