Role Of Distance Research Articles

Compositional Effect and Distance Sensitivity: Examining the Distance Elasticity in China and Indonesia Trade Activities

This paper analyzes the change in distance elasticity of trade using bilateral trade data among China and Indonesia and their main trading partners. The empirical method used in this study derived from the gravity model that considers the effect of distance on trade activities behavior. Two causes of change in the elasticity of trade to distance will be exposed, i.e., the distance sensitivity effect (within industries) and the compositional effect (among industries). Specifically, this study would like to prove whether the distance sensitivity effect is more dominant than the compositional effect in explaining the change in distance elasticity of trade. By using four sub-periods and around two hundred industries involved, the result shows that the increase in the role of distance in trade heavily caused by the escalation of distance sensitivity effect in most industries.

Response to the planned public transport system in Ho Chi Minh City: analysis of latent classes

A public transport (PT) system that is a low-carbon transport option is vital for sustainable urban development. However, introducing this type of system in developing cities may be a challenge given residents’ common practice of using private vehicles, especially motorcycles, for transportation. Taking Ho Chi Minh City as an example, this study aims to enhance understanding of preferences for PT. A dataset of 591 motorcycle users about their responses to the planned PT system was analyzed, considering their heterogeneity. The usage frequencies of PT were treated as an indicator of preference. The potential customers were classified into latent classes based on the assumption that there are differences in the factors that influence specific groups. A latent class choice model including two components of class assignment and utility functions was estimated to explain the preferences. Two latent classes were identified: the “collectivistic” class (69.5% of sample) and the “individualistic” class (30.5% of sample). The correlation between preferences for the current bus system and the new PT was captured within each class. The positive roles of social interaction and agreement with PT projects were observed in the “collectivistic” class, while the positive role of distance to work and negative role of dissatisfaction with service were found in the “individualistic” class. Comfort significantly impacted both classes, but the “collectivistic” class responded in a more positive way. The results suggest that differential marketing strategies should be developed to encourage users with different characteristics to make the change to PT.

The role of distance on international commerce: the impact on Sino-Brazilian beef trade

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify Brazilian and Chinese cultural, managerial and negotiation factors that can influence the beef trade between the two countries.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a matrix based on reliable secondary sources was established created upon indicators of economic, financial, policy, administrative, cultural, demographic, knowledge, global connectedness and geographic distance between the two countries. This was combined with primary data from interviews conducted with two key stakeholders of the supply chain, namely, the Brazilian agricultural attaché to China, and the director of Apex-Brasil. The results were analysed in a qualitative descriptive manner.FindingsCultural and political distances between Brazil and China are the most profound origins of challenges in negotiations on both the private and public level.Research limitations/implicationsThe interviews were limited in number and to the Brazilian portion of agents involved in the beef trade (diplomats and APEX representative). The low number of interviews might be a limiting factor of the investigation. However, the interviewees’ key position in the supply chain and data triangulation with secondary sources equilibrates the results’ trustworthiness.Social implicationsChina and Brazil are becoming important players in the international market. Brazil has become a leader in the production and export of agricultural commodities. Brazil is the first producer or the second exporter of coffee, soybean, ethanol, poultry, sugar and beef. In 2009, China became Brazil’s top partner in trade (Xi, 2016). In 2015, Brazil exported $35.6bn to and imported $30.7bn from China. In the foreseeable future China will continue to be the most dynamic economy worldwide. This trade dynamic can be a source of opportunities for Chinese and Brazilian enterprises.Originality/valueInformation collected and conclusions drawn from the research are unique in scientific and management literature related to this specific topic, and can be of great value for stakeholders, traders and diplomats in the Sino-Brazilian trade.

Are all trade agreements equal? The role of distance in shaping the effect of economic integration agreements on trade flows

How does geographic distance affect the impact of trade agreements on bilateral exports, and through what channels? This paper examines these questions in a gravity model context for different types of goods for 185 countries over the period 1965–2010. Three stylized facts emerge. First, although economic integration agreements have a positive impact on trade flows, geographic distance significantly decreases their effect. Second, this phenomenon is in large part explained by the impact of economic integration agreements on intermediate goods. These results hold when controlling for trade agreement depth, measured by the type of agreement and content of provisions, and economic similarity among trading partners. Third, this paper finds either a smaller negative effect or no effect on the interaction between distance and economic integration agreements for non-intermediates. This underscores that while economic integration agreements promote trade in all goods, there is an additional benefit to intermediates which diminishes faster with distance.

Innovation platforms as a solution to the proximity paradox

ABSTRACTThe paper studies what kind of proximities and distances can be found in complex innovation environments. Case-study methods were used, with the research strategy building on experiences of creating a regional innovation platform aimed at development of new models for collaborative co-operation between the private, public and third sector in the context of physical-activity promotion. Building the innovation platform brought various proximities and distances between actors into focus. Distances may explain why some of the actions have not been successful or why some actions involved should be repeated several times. However, this study also highlights the role of distances as sources of various innovation. Distances and proximities are not static, and they could be exploited from a position of knowledge.

Nationality Bias at Home and Abroad: Theory and Evidence from Commercial Real Estate

Gravity models excel at explaining international trade and investment flows; their success poses a continuing puzzle. In a comprehensive dataset of global commercial real-estate investments, we find that the role of distance in the gravity model is well-explained by preferential matching between counterparties of the same nationality. This tendency for same-country matching is widespread, robust, and increases in poorly-governed locations. We structurally estimate an equilibrium matching model with a friction affecting different-nationality transactions. The model explains the persistent success of gravity using a combination of this friction and the spatial distribution of same-nationality counterparties, which is well-predicted by current and historical linguistic, cultural, and trade links between countries.

The role of distance in online social networks: A case study of urban residents in Nanjing, China

Highly advanced information and communication technologies have reshaped the common ways urban residents interact with each other. With the widespread use of online social networking websites, research interest in the evolving spatial concepts (such as distance) in new digital age has grown exponentially. Data collected by Sina microbloggers from adult residents in Nanjing, China reveal that urban residents not only are more likely to build relationships with local and acquaintance users but also to interact with them more frequently. In other words, spatial and relational distances that play important roles in traditional Chinese social networks also exist in contemporary online social networks. Furthermore, our regression analysis reveals how the roles of spatial and relational distances in the online social networks of urban residents relate to the context of urban transformation in contemporary China. The findings contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the effects of informatisation and urban transformation on the social networks of urban residents.

Corrigendum: Contrasting dispersal histories of broad‐ and fine‐leaved temperate Loliinae grasses: Range expansion, founder events and the roles of distance and barriers

Corrigendum: Contrasting dispersal histories of broad‐ and fine‐leaved temperate Loliinae grasses: Range expansion, founder events and the roles of distance and barriers

An investigation on physical properties of SiOx nanowires deposited by chemical vapor deposition method: The effect of substrate to boat distance

Large-scale silicon oxide nanowires (SiO[Formula: see text] NWs) with a diameter about 250 nm on silicon wafers were synthesized by thermal evaporation of silicon monoxide (SiO) powder. In order to investigate the role of distance on the physical properties of SiO[Formula: see text] NWs, Si substrates were positioned at 5 cm and 10 cm apart from the boat position set at 1150[Formula: see text]C. The local temperatues of the samples were 1100[Formula: see text]C and 1050[Formula: see text]C, respectively. The SEM images and EDS spectra showed interweaved networks of SiO[Formula: see text] NWs with x = 0.62 and 0.65 in these layers. The XRD patterns showed S1 has a polycrystalline structure (cristobalite), while S2 has amorphous nature. The PL spectra showed an intense blue peak at 468 nm in S1, and a violet peak at 427 nm in S2 that could be related to the differences in the crystallite structures and oxygen vacancies in these samples.

The role of distance in the peer-to-peer market for tourist accommodation

This article provides evidence on the concentration of peer-to-peer tourist accommodations in the center of cities and the role of distance. On that basis, an explanatory model is proposed to understand the locating decisions of the different agents involved. The model is empirically implemented through a two-stage least squares regression, which allows estimating the elasticity of demand with respect to price and distance. Results for the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Madrid confirm similar price elasticity of demand in both (2.2 and 2.4, respectively) but greater sensibility of demand with respect to distance to the center in the former.

Moving in or Breaking Up? The Role of Distance in the Development of Romantic Relationships

Most romantic relationships start with a living apart together (LAT) phase during which the partners live in two separate households. Over time, a couple might decide to move in together, to separate, or to remain together while maintaining their nonresidential status. This study investigates the competing risks that partners in a LAT relationship will experience the transition to coresidence or to separation. We consider the amount of time LAT partners have to travel to see each other to be a key determinant of relationship development. For our statistical analyses, we use seven waves of the German Family Panel Pairfam (2008/2009-2014/2015) and analyze couples in the age group 20-40years. We distinguish between short-distance relationships (the partners have to travel less than one hour) and long-distance relationships (the partners have to travel one hour or more). Estimating a competing risks model, we find that couples in long-distance relationships are more likely to separate than those living in close proximity. By contrast, the probability of experiencing a transition to coresidence is lower for LAT couples in long-distance than for those in short-distance relationships. Interaction analyses reveal that distance seems to be irrelevant for the relationship development of couples with two nonemployed (unemployed, in education or other inactive) partners.

Contrasting dispersal histories of broad‐ and fine‐leaved temperate Loliinae grasses: range expansion, founder events, and the roles of distance and barriers

AbstractAimSuccessful colonization after long‐distance dispersal (LDD) depends on the availability of suitable habitats and competitive ability. In this study, we address the hypothesis that two widely distributed sister grass lineages (broad‐ and fine‐leaved Loliinae; hereafter BL and FL) that differ in their habitat requirements and competitive ability also differ in their biogeographic history, with particular reference to LDD.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe reconstructed a comprehensive phylogeny of Loliinae, based on nuclear and plastid markers and estimated divergence times using fossil calibrations. Biogeographical events were estimated using analysis of range evolution, comparing different models. Numbers and rates of dispersals were estimated for BL and FL using stochastic mapping with best‐performing and baseline biogeographical models, and examined for correlation with distance, disjunction type, and phenotypic syndrome.ResultsThe most recent common ancestor of Loliinae likely split at the Oligocene‐Miocene transition (22.50 ± 3.95 Ma), pre‐dating previous estimates, whereas the ancestors of the BL and FL Loliinae likely began to diversify in the Early Miocene (18.91 ± 4.15 and 17.50 ± 3.50 Ma, respectively). A model of range evolution integrating founder events and scaling of dispersal by shortest distance between areas performed best amongst a set of alternative models and recovered a mean of 83 dispersal events in Loliinae. Overall dispersal rates were significantly higher in BL than in FL. Per‐route dispersal rates showed a significant negative exponential relationship to shortest distance but were not affected by phenotypic syndrome or disjunction type.Main conclusionsLoliinae originated in the Northern Hemisphere and evolved through recurrent LDDs. Higher competitive ability, potentially related to the broad‐leaved syndrome (i.e. tall strong‐rhizomatous plants, long‐living individuals, occupancy of more stable habitats), may explain higher observed dispersal rates in BL compared with FL Loliinae. However, the dominant factor impacting dispersal in both BL and FL Loliinae is the distance between suitable areas.

Spatial relativism in multinationality and performance research

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the largely marginalized role of distance or “space” in multinationality and performance (MP) research. It argues that scholars should adopt a more fine-grained, or relativistic approach when studying the link between MP and that conceptualizing multinationality as space may facilitate this.Design/methodology/approachBy treating space as though it is liability forming, the paper examines frequently contentious research issues in domain of MP research such as: how is multinationality measured; what are the moderating variables; and what is the performance metric appropriate, as a framework to help illustrate the relativistic nature of MP studies.FindingsThe paper illustrates that the choice of distance dimensions, along which the “space” is formed, alters the relationship between MP. Furthermore, this relationship is relative to moderating variables that include among others: when the space is measured (time), point of reference and perspective, the firm’s resources (e.g. human and technological capabilities), and the performance measure considered.Originality/valueThis paper suggests new avenues and approaches toward exploring the effects of multinationality to improve methodological rigor. It identifies several important methodological shortcomings of current and previous research and suggests areas in which current research gaps must be filled to advance this body of knowledge. It introduces the notion of spatial relativism as a concept that will facilitate more fine-grained and contextualized studies.

Role of Distance in Singlet Oxygen Applications: A Model System.

Herein, we present a model system that allows the investigation of a directed intramolecular singlet oxygen ((1)O2) transfer. Furthermore, we show the influence of singlet oxygen lifetime and diffusion coefficient (D) on the preference of the intramolecular reaction over the intermolecular one in competition experiments. Finally, we demonstrate the distance dependence in quenching experiments, which enables us to draw conclusions about the role of singlet oxygen and (1)O2 carriers in photodynamic therapy.

The Impact of Perceived Flood Exposure on Flood‐Risk Perception: The Role of Distance

Natural hazards, such as major flood events, are occurring with increasing frequency and inflicting increasing levels of financial damages upon affected communities. The experience of such major flood events has brought about a significant change in attitudes to flood-risk management, with a shift away from built engineering solutions alone towards a more multifaceted approach. Europe's experience with damaging flood episodes provided the impetus for the introduction of the European Floods Directive, requiring the establishment of flood-risk management plans at the river-basin scale. The effectiveness of such plans, focusing on prevention, protection, and preparedness, is dependent on adequate flood awareness and preparedness, and this is related to perception of flood risk. This is an important factor in the design and assessment of flood-risk management. Whilst there is a modern body of literature exploring flood perception issues, there have been few examples that explore its spatial manifestations. Previous literature has examined perceived and real distance to a hazard source (such as a river, nuclear facility, landfill, or incinerator, etc.), whereas this article advances the literature by including an objectively assessed measure of distance to a perceived flood zone, using a cognitive mapping methodology. The article finds that distance to the perceived flood zone (perceived flood exposure) is a crucial factor in determining flood-risk perception, both the cognitive and affective components. Furthermore, we find an interesting phenomenon of misperception among respondents. The article concludes by discussing the implications for flood-risk management.

Population Genetic Structure of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) in New York

Abstract The conservation and management of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) has attracted considerable attention in recent years as the species is recognized as being at risk over much of its current range. We used seven variable microsatellites to examine five populations from Ontario (St. Lawrence River valley) to southeastern New York (Dutchess County) to assess genetic diversity and estimate gene flow, genetic drift, and the roles of distance and topography in dispersal of Blanding's Turtles. Three peripheral populations in the St. Lawrence River valley exhibited low levels of differentiation (FST < 0.07); past or current gene flow between these adjoining populations has likely been facilitated by the St. Lawrence River. A disjunct population in Dutchess County was divergent from other populations but showed no signs of loss of genetic diversity. A recently discovered population in Saratoga County displayed low levels of genetic diversity, possibly indicating that it has been isolated for so...

The role of distance and habitat specificity in bryophyte and perennial seed plant metacommunities in arid scrubland fragments

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the relative roles of (1) environmental niche partitioning (especially along soil chemistry gradients), (2) effective dispersal, and (3) landscape characteristics in structuring species assemblies of bryophyte and seed plant metacommunities?LocationEbro river basin, NE Spain.MethodsWe sampled biological soil crust (BSC) bryophytes and perennial seed plants from 54 plots in ten fragments of native vegetation from two contiguous landscapes with contrasting agricultural matrix types. Each plot was characterized with respect to soil electrical conductivity (EC, a proxy for presence of gypsum and halite), pH, vegetation cover and aspect. We used unconstrained ordinations to find the main floristic gradients and evaluated their relationship with environmental variables using Kendall correlations. We studied the spatial structure of floristic dissimilarities for bryophyte and seed plant communities by using multiple regression models on distance matrices (MRM), and individual species' responses by estimating species' densities along environmental gradients. We estimated effective isolation between plots within landscapes by means of partial MRM.ResultsWe found 60 bryophyte and 57 seed plant species. Compositional dissimilarities were spatially structured. DCA showed clear floristic segregation of the two landscapes. The soil EC gradient was the main variable explaining compositional variation in both plant metacommunities, followed by soil pH. The effect of geographic distance between plots differed significantly between landscapes and matrix types, and was larger for seed plants than for bryophytes.ConclusionsOnly a handful of BSC bryophyte species can be regarded as either true gypsofuges or true gypsophiles. Gypsophilous bryophytes are fewer and less strongly associated with gypsum‐rich sites than co‐existing perennial seed plants. Overall, BSC bryophyte communities vary less over similar distances than corresponding seed plant communities, most likely due to higher dispersal ability. We argue that the topographically complex landscape of a less modified agricultural matrix imposes more ‘friction’ to bryophyte dispersal than a smoother landscape with a more intensely human‐modified matrix. Effective conservation of fragmented arid agricultural landscapes must take into account the sensitivity of the biota to fragment intrinsic conditions, the properties and the management practices that shaped the landscape.

Raising Debt Capital Abroad: the Role of Distance

We extend the domain of liability of foreignness (LOF) research to capital markets and evaluate whether firms incur LOF when attempting to raise debt capital abroad. We rely upon multiple conceptualizations of distance to capture the extent to which distance may contribute to LOF in capital markets. Based on a sample of 361 firms from 45 countries over a 24 year time period, we find that cognitive, regulative, and administrative distances leads to increased cost of debt. We conclude with a discussion of our results and their implications for future research on understanding how firms address LOF when sourcing debt abroad.

The role of distances in requirements communication: a case study

Requirements communication plays a vital role in development projects in coordinating the customers, the business roles and the software engineers. Communication gaps represent a significant source of project failures and overruns. For example, misunderstood or uncommunicated requirements can lead to software that does not meet the customers’ requirements, and subsequent low number of sales or additional cost required to redo the implementation. We propose that requirements engineering (RE) distance measures are useful for locating gaps in requirements communication and for improving on development practice. In this paper, we present a case study of one software development project to evaluate this proposition. Thirteen RE distances were measured including geographical and cognitive distances between project members, and semantic distances between requirements and testing artefacts. The findings confirm that RE distances impact requirements communication and project coordination. Furthermore, the concept of distances was found to enable constructive group reflection on communication gaps and improvements to development practices. The insights reported in this paper can provide practitioners with an increased awareness of distances and their impact. Furthermore, the results provide a stepping stone for further research into RE distances and methods for improving on software development processes and practices.

How Multinational’ Social Performance Influences Performance of Subsidiary in China: The Role of Distance

This paper addresses how corporate social responsibility of multinationals in China influences their Chinese subsidiaries’ performance. Using panel data regression, (1) we investigate the effects of corporate social moderating effects of institutional and geographic distances between their home countries and China. Our findings show, first, that subsidiaries’ corporate social performance is associated positively with their profit in China. Second, we find that the greater the cultural, economic, and geographic distances between the home country and China, the less likely it is that a subsidiary will benefit from corporate social responsibility. We enrich the theoretical understanding of the institutional conditions under which corporate social responsibility leads to specific outcomes by adding new institutional elements—the differences of culture and the economies between multinationals’ host and home countries. Our findings suggest that although corporate social responsibility is still new to China, being socially responsibility provides financial benefits to multinationals. Their global and local corporate social responsibility strategies have to adjust based on local cultures and economic levels, especially with respect to fundamental beliefs about spirituality and values. The paper fulfilled the research gap between multinationals’ social practices and their performance in host countries at the subsidiary level by providing empirical evidence concerning the responses to corporate social responsibility initiatives in emerging markets and clarifying the conditions under which foreign affiliates’ corporate social responsibility engagement in the host country can gain better returns in local markets.