bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the relationship between project management office functions and project performance in Ghana: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Agyeman-Boakye Kwasi , Kissi Ernest , Abu Ivy 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the influence of Project Management Office (PMO) functions on project performance in businesses in Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) using Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS–SEM).Design/methodology/approachUtilizing close-ended questionnaires in a cross-sectional survey, 256 project professionals from 10 business sectors in Ghana views were elicited. The questions were developed through a comprehensive literature review and involved 27 PMO functional measures grouped into 6 and 19 project performance measures grouped into 6. Data collected was then analysed using the PLS–SEM to validate the hypothetical relationship.FindingsThe PLS–SEM model supported 13 (t > 1.65) out of 36 hypotheses investigating the relationship between PMO functions and project performance. Variations in the PMO functions moderately (R2 = 0.34) explained the performance of projects. The aggregate activities of the PMO had the highest significant influence on environmental performance (R2 = 0.467). The topmost PMO function was identified as monitoring and controlling project performance, and it was significantly associated with cost (ß = 0.265, p < 0.05), quality (ß = 0.291, p < 0.05) and project scope (ß = 0.265 p < 0.05) performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has brought more illumination to the functions of PMOs and its influence on project performance. The results suggest that PMO activities, when tailored to the business context, can significantly change project performance variables.Originality/valueMost research on PMO and project performance has been limited to developed countries or a single sector. This study uniquely expands the business sectors and focuses on LMICs.
Exploring marketing strategies in wine tourism: a comparative study of Roussillon and Empordà wine regions
Authors: Camprubi Raquel , Goncalves Olga 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining the marketing strategies adopted by wineries in the context of wine tourism. This study aims to identify marketing strategic orientations and highlight their significance in the context of wine tourism.

Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a comparative case study approach, focusing on two wine regions, Roussillon (France) and Empordà (Spain). It involves the analysis of 99 active winery websites to identify marketing orientations. Descriptive statistics, cluster analysis and ANOVA tests were used to achieve this.

Findings
The study reveals four distinct wine tourism strategic orientations adopted by wineries in these regions. It emphasizes the importance of external ties, varying levels of competitiveness, website performance and geographical differences as key findings. The results show that wineries with a clear diversification strategy benefit from a higher level of competitiveness.

Originality/value
This research contributes to the academic literature by identifying different marketing strategies within wine tourism, highlighting their importance and providing a comprehensive analysis of key areas, thus adding original insights to the existing body of literature.
School leadership in a non-western context: how is paternalistic leadership related to teacher well-being and commitment in collectivist versus individualistic school cultures?
Authors: Bellibaş Mehmet Şükrü , Polatcan Mahmut , Özcan Muaz , Akyürek Muhammet İbrahim 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe present study aims to examine the moderation role of school culture attributes (individualism versus collectivism) in the relationship between paternalistic leadership and teacher commitment, mediated by teacher well-being.Design/methodology/approachThe data included 1,152 teachers across 104 schools in Türkiye using a multilevel moderated mediation SEM model to test relevant hypotheses.FindingsThe results showed that teacher well-being fully mediates the relationship between perceived paternalistic principal leadership and teacher commitment. Additionally, the collectivist orientation of school culture influences the strength of the association between paternalistic leadership and teacher commitment indirectly through well-being. More precisely, paternalistic leadership has a stronger link to teacher well-being and commitment when teachers identify the culture of their schools as relatively more collectivist.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical evidence of paternalistic school leadership in promoting teacher well-being and commitment depending on the school culture in a non-western country context.
Addressing brain drain and strengthening governance for advancing government readiness in artificial intelligence (AI)
Authors: Socol Adela , Iuga Iulia Cristina 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of brain drain on government AI readiness in EU member countries, considering the distinctive governance characteristics, macroeconomic conditions and varying levels of ICT specialists.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a dynamic panel data model using the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to analyze the relationship between brain drain and government AI readiness from 2018 to 2022. The study incorporates various control variables such as GDP per capita growth, government expenditure growth, employed ICT specialists and several governance indicators.FindingsThe results indicate that brain drain negatively affects government AI readiness. Additionally, the presence of ICT specialists, robust governance structures and positive macroeconomic indicators such as GDP per capita growth and government expenditure growth positively influence AI readiness.Research limitations/implicationsMajor limitations include the focus on a specific region of countries and the relatively short period analyzed. Future research could extend the analysis with more comprehensive datasets and consider additional variables that might influence AI readiness, such as the integration of AI with emerging quantum computing technologies and the impact of governance reforms and international collaborations on AI readiness.Practical implicationsThe theoretical value of this study lies in providing a nuanced understanding of how brain drain impacts government AI readiness, emphasizing the critical roles of skilled human capital, effective governance and macroeconomic factors in enhancing AI capabilities, thereby filling a significant gap in the existing literature.Originality/valueThis research fills a significant gap in the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the interaction between brain drain and government AI readiness. It uses control variables such as ICT specialists, governance structures and macroeconomic factors within the context of the European Union. It offers novel insights for policymakers to enhance AI readiness through targeted interventions addressing brain drain and fostering a supportive environment for AI innovation.
Mapping the path to efficiency: harnessing value stream mapping (VSM) and lean tools for streamlined electronic device manufacturing
Authors: Al-Rifai Mohammad 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Optimizing manufacturing processes addresses operational challenges and yields significant benefits across the business spectrum. This study aims to comprehensively analyze a manufacturing process through value stream mapping (VSM), aiming to streamline operations, reduce production lead times and minimize work-in-process (WIP) inventory levels. These improvements directly enhance competitiveness, customer satisfaction and overall business success, enabling a swift response to market demands, timely delivery of high-quality products and cost-effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
The approach integrates current and future-state VSM concepts with Lean tools across four stages: problem definition, current-state VSM analysis, future-state VSM design and improvement implementation. A team assembled to improve the manufacturing process for electronic devices has successfully implemented this approach.

Findings
Implemented improvements significantly reduced WIP inventory (88.8% equivalent to $572,171 annually) and production lead time (from 28.26 to 3.21 days), enhancing operational flexibility and competitiveness. Streamlined processes led to a 13% decrease in cycle time and a notable reduction in daily rework (63.6%), amounting to $118,127 annually. Labor reduction (45.5%) yielded annual savings of approximately $594,000, with affected individuals successfully transitioning to other roles, highlighting the effectiveness of lean methodologies without job cuts.

Originality/value
This initiative exemplifies the effective use of VSM and Lean tools in optimizing an electronic device manufacturing operation that produces 43 products across various processes. By leveraging these methodologies, this research offers valuable insights into enhancing production efficiency, resulting in shorter production lead times, reduced cycle times and significant decreases in WIP inventory and rework.
The physical mechanism of heat transfer enhancement for Al2O3-water nanofluid forced flow in a microchannel with two-phase lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Guo Yali , Liu Hui , Gong Luyuan , Shen Shengqiang 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanism of nanofluid enhanced heat transfer in microchannels and promote the application of nanofluids in industrial processes such as solar collectors, electronic cooling and automotive batteries.Design/methodology/approachThe two-phase lattice Boltzmann method was used to calculate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of Al2O3 nanofluids in a microchannel at Re = 50. By comparing the simulation results of pure water, nanofluids without calculated nanoparticle-fluid interaction forces and nanofluids with calculated nanoparticle-fluid interaction forces, the effects of physical properties improvement and interaction forces on flow and heat transfer are quantified.FindingsThe findings show that the nanofluid (φ = 3%, R = 10 nm) increases the average Nusselt number by 22.40% at Re = 50. In particular, 16.16% of the improvement relates to nanoparticles optimizing the thermophysical parameters of the base fluid. The remaining 6.24% relates to the disturbance of the thermal boundary layer caused by the interaction between nanoparticles and the base fluid. Moreover, the nanoparticle has a negligible effect on the average Fanning friction factor. Ultimately, we conclude that the nanofluid is an excellent heat transfer working medium based on its performance evaluation criterion, PEC = 1.225.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this research quantifies for the first time the contribution of nanoparticle-liquid interactions and nanofluids physical properties to enhanced heat transfer, advancing the knowledge of the nanoparticle's behavior in liquid systems.
Agility in virtual environments: the socio-technical approach of distributed agile teams
Authors: Masili Giorgia , Binci Daniele , Cerruti Corrado , Appolloni Andrea , Giraldi Luca 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This study aims to understand how distributed agile teams (DATs), encouraged by globalisation, and recently accelerated by the COVID-19 outbreak, adopt agile practices to achieve project goals by working virtually.

Design/methodology/approach
This study developed a multiple-case study involving four companies undergoing several changes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors collected data mainly through in-depth, face-to-face interviews with seven key informants. Moreover, this study operates data triangulation by referring to secondary data sources and developing a grounded theory data analysis.

Findings
The findings highlight three main categories associated with the DAT functioning, namely, “DATs’ implementation issues”, “elements supporting DATs’ implementation” and “outcomes of DATs’ implementation”, that show DATs’ primary triggers, critical aspects and supportive actions for team functioning.

Research limitations/implications
This paper produced valuable theoretical knowledge of DATs’ dynamics within a socio-technical approach that distinguishes soft and hard variables supporting DAT implementation. Moreover, the evidence provides useful suggestions for managers about creating an objective-oriented virtual work environment based on DATs’ self-organisation, digitally shared leadership and occasional on-site socialisation.

Originality/value
This paper provides new and interesting insights that bring to evidence the main variables related to DATs’ adoption and dynamics, showing supporting activities that enhanced their operativity. It provides a valuable descriptive framework for academics and practitioners to understand DATs’ functioning better and take action to improve their implementation.
A review on microstructure, mechanical behavior and post processing of additively manufactured Ni-based superalloys
Authors: Kuntoğlu Mustafa , Salur Emin , Gupta Munish Kumar , Waqar Saad , Szczotkarz Natalia , Vashishtha Govind , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi , Krolczyk Grzegorz M. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The nickel-based alloys Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 stand out due to their high strength and corrosion resistance in important industries like aerospace, aviation and automotive. Even though they are widely used, current techniques of producing materials that are difficult to cut pose several problems from a financial, ecological and even health perspective. To handle these problems and acquire improved mechanical and structural qualities, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has been widely used as one of the most essential additive manufacturing techniques. The purpose of this article is to focus on the state of the art on LPBF parts of Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 for microstructure, mechanical behavior and postprocessing.

Design/methodology/approach
The mechanical behavior of LPBF-fabricated Inconel is described, including hardness, surface morphology and wear, as well as the influence of fabrication orientation on surface quality, biocompatibility and resultant mechanical properties, particularly tensile strength, fatigue performance and tribological behaviors.

Findings
The postprocessing techniques such as thermal treatments, polishing techniques for surface enhancement, mechanical and laser-induced peening and physical operations are summarized.

Originality/value
The highlighted topic presents the critical aspects of the advantages and challenges of the LPBF parts produced by Inconel 718 and 625, which can be a guideline for manufacturers and academia in practical applications.
Exploring Iranian English language teachers’ hope: an ecological perspective
Authors: Karimpour Sedigheh , Elahi Shirvan Majid , Shahnama Mojdeh 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe present study explores five Iranian English language teachers’ hopes by drawing on an ecological approach as its conceptual underpinning.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from narrative frames and semi-structured interviews.FindingsAnalyses of our data highlighted how teacher- and student-related factors caused fluctuations in teachers’ hopes. In addition, our findings indicated that while teachers’ past teaching experiences increased their hope, teachers’ lack of agency and economic inflation were among the most significant factors that decreased teachers’ hope in their profession.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first studies in the field of language studies with an ecological perspective on language teachers' hope.
Strategy for striking the omnichannel balance in Retail 4.0
Authors: Osiyevskyy Oleksiy , Umantsiv Yurii , Kavun Olha 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The rise of Industry 4.0 led to digitally-enabled evolutionary and radical changes in all branches of the retail industry, resulting in the emergence of the distinct term “Retail 4.0”. Within this paradigm, particular emphasis is placed on forming a balanced system of omnichannel sales and customer service, allowing reaching a synergistic effect in the face of constant changes, turbulence and uncertainty in the business environment. The main objective of this study is to offer and justify a practical strategy for optimal utilization of sales channels and customer service provision within the Retail 4.0 paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual argument of the study is based on the review of the literature and illustrative case studies

Findings
The decision-making model proposed in this study provides a roadmap for retailers. It underscores the need for a data-driven approach, where decisions are informed by real-time analytics and customer insights. This model also advocates for a flexible yet structured approach to managing various sales channels, ensuring that each channel complements and enhances the other.

Originality/value
The study offers and justifies an original five-stage process model for forming a balanced system of omnichannel sales and customer service.
Effects of Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis bloom for the first time in 120 years on the dynamics of organic matter and nitrogen in forest: Differences in decomposition processes between leaf and flower
Authors: Enoki Tsutomu , Orrego Marly 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBamboo flowering occurs over a long cycle, yet the precise mechanisms and consequences of this phenomenon remain unknown. Although several studies have investigated the dynamics of forest communities post‐flowering, the effects of flowering on the material cycle remain unclear. Recent reports have documented the first flowering of Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis in 120 years across several regions of Japan. P. nigra var. henonis flowers exhibit higher nitrogen concentrations compared to their leaves, suggesting potentially different decomposition patterns upon reaching the forest floor and subsequent contributions to the nitrogen cycle. Based on this observation, we conducted decomposition experiments using litter bags to investigate the dynamics of organic matter and nitrogen. After 1 year, litter bags containing both leaves and flowers were retrieved. The remaining mass of flower and leaf litter was 38% and 60%, respectively. On the other hand, the nitrogen remaining in flower and leaf litter was 54.9% and 98.2%, respectively. Net nitrogen release from the flower litter was estimated to be 36 kg/ha/year in the study site. The potential maximum nitrogen released from flower litter decomposition in a high‐density ramet stand was estimated to be 221 kg/ha/year. The results of this study suggest that the nitrogen addition through mass flowering of P. nigra var. henonis would have a significant impact on the nitrogen cycle of the ecosystem.
Trophic strategies of picoeukaryotic phytoplankton vary over time and with depth in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Edwards Kyle F. , Rii Yoshimi M. , Li Qian , Peoples Logan M. , Church Matthew J. , Steward Grieg F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn oligotrophic oceans, the smallest eukaryotic phytoplankton are both significant primary producers and predators of abundant bacteria such as Prochlorococcus. However, the drivers and consequences of community dynamics among these diverse protists are not well understood. Here, we investigated how trophic strategies along the autotrophy‐mixotrophy spectrum vary in importance over time and across depths at Station ALOHA in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. We combined picoeukaryote community composition from a 28‐month time‐series with traits of diverse phytoplankton isolates from the same location, to examine trophic strategies across 13 operational taxonomic units and 8 taxonomic classes. We found that autotrophs and slower‐grazing mixotrophs tended to prevail deeper in the photic zone, while the most voracious mixotrophs were relatively abundant near the surface. Within the mixed layer, there was greater phagotrophy when conditions were most stratified and when Chl a concentrations were lowest, although the greatest temporal variation in trophic strategy occurred at intermediate depths (45–100 m). Dynamics at this site are consistent with previously described spatial patterns of trophic strategies. The success of relatively phagotrophic phytoplankton at shallower depths in the most stratified waters suggests that phagotrophy is a competitive strategy for acquiring nutrients when energy from light is plentiful.
Impact of thermal processing on polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and ascorbic acid in fruit and vegetables and their cardiovascular benefits
Authors: Narra Federica , Piragine Eugenia , Benedetti Giada , Ceccanti Costanza , Florio Marta , Spezzini Jacopo , Troisi Fabiola , Giovannoni Roberto , Martelli Alma , Guidi Lucia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBioactive compounds in fruit and vegetables have a positive impact on human health by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular (CV) diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, some fruit and vegetables must be heated before consumption and thermal processes can modify the amount of nutraceuticals, that is, polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and ascorbic acid, that can increase or decrease in relation to different factors such as type of processing, temperature, and time but also the plant part (e.g., flower, leaf, tuber, and root) utilized as food. Another important aspect is related to the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of nutraceuticals. Indeed, the key stage of nutraceutical bioefficiency is oral bioavailability, which involves the release of nutraceuticals from fruit and vegetables in gastrointestinal fluids, the solubilization of nutraceuticals and their interaction with other components of gastrointestinal fluids, the absorption of nutraceuticals by the epithelial layer, and the chemical and biochemical transformations into epithelial cells. Several studies have shown that thermal processing can enhance the absorption of nutraceuticals from fruit and vegetable. Once absorbed, they reach the blood vessels and promote multiple biological effects (e.g., antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antihypertensive, vasoprotective, and cardioprotective). In this review, we described the impact of different thermal processes (such as boiling, steaming and superheated steaming, blanching, and microwaving) on the retention/degradation of bioactive compounds and their health‐promoting effects after the intake. We then summarized the impact of heating on the absorption of nutraceuticals and the biological effects promoted by natural compounds in the CV system to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential impact of thermal processing on the CV benefits of fruit and vegetables.