bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embedding critical reflective practice in policing: reflections from a practitioner–academic collaboration in the context of technology-facilitated human trafficking
Authors: L’Hoiry Xavier , Moretti Alessandro , Antonopoulos Georgios A 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article explores the use of risk assessment tools in police investigations of technology-facilitated human trafficking and argues that such tools can elicit critical reflective practice among police practitioners. Specifically, the article examines the Sexual Trafficking Identification Matrix (STIM), developed by the authors as an aid to practitioners investigating criminality and vulnerability on Adult Service Websites. The article argues that the STIM can foster reflectivity among practitioners, particularly in the complex and constantly evolving terrains of both human trafficking and non-trafficked sex work-mediated online. To evidence this, the article draws on data from focus groups and interviews with police practitioners who have used the STIM. These data demonstrate practitioners’ understandings of the shifting landscape of human trafficking and non-trafficked sex work and the STIM’s role in supporting such reflective learning. This reflectivity ultimately enhances police practices in an extremely challenging domain of offending and victimhood.
Study on the dynamics of radon concentration buildup in the closed-loop measurement system with RAD7 online radon monitor
Authors: Natarajan Chitra , Seethapathy Chandrasekaran , Challa Venkata Srinivas , Balasubramaniam Venkatraman 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Radon and thoron exhalation rates from samples are estimated by the standard closed-loop technique using online radon monitors. Conventionally, the mass balance equation is formulated by considering the closed air volume of the sample chamber and the detector chamber put together. This model serves the purpose of estimating the radon/thoron exhalation rates for the prescribed pump flow rate of 1 L min−1 using RAD7 online monitor. The flow rate requirement is crucial for thoron measurement due to its short half-life. In the present work, an alternate model is proposed which simulates the dynamics of radon/thoron concentration dictated by the air entry and exit rate and brings out the effect of pump flow rate. This model is more of academic interest, where sample chamber and detector chamber are considered as two separate entities since they are separated by tubing. The mass balance equation is reformulated considering the air entry and exit in and out the individual chambers. The radon buildup in the sample chamber and detector chamber were treated separately by two coupled differential equations. The equations were numerically solved. The model reiterated the fact that the lower flow rates do not affect the buildup profile of relatively long-lived 222Rn (half-life 3.8 d) and its steady-state concentration attained in the closed air volume. However, experiments carried out for flow rates 0.3 and 0.5 L min−1 with RAD7 monitor using powdered granite sample with higher 226Ra and 232Th concentrations gave contradicting results. The radon effective removal rate was found to decrease with increase in flow rate from 0.3 to 1 L min−1. This issue was investigated, and it was speculated that the thoron interference problem might not be properly addressed for flow rates &lt;1 L min−1. This was ascertained by observing the effective radon removal rate in the absence of thoron by conducting radon decay experiments with different flow rates. For the case of short-lived thoron (half-life 55 s), the model described the dynamics of thoron concentration in the closed loop and the steady-state concentrations attained in the detector and sample chamber. As expected, the model showed that due to decay losses during transit of thoron between the chambers, the steady-state concentrations attained in the chambers considerably differ from each other even for 1 L min−1 flow rate.
Comparative analysis of microbial communities of soils under contrasting microclimates
Authors: Päll T , Zagal-Venegas E , Pavlicek T , Nevo E , Timmusk S 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUnderstanding how microbiomes influence the life cycle and fitness of crops, and how global change drivers disrupt this network, is pivotal for an understanding of the crop as a holobiont, and of how to provide solutions for Nordic agricultural crop resilience under climate change.Despite decades of use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), there is an intrinsic problem with their applications, as it has become evident that their functionality and performance rely on interactions with the environment and with other microorganisms. The synthetic crop-promoting rhizobacterial community strains are being outcompeted by native communities, or their colonisation and active principles are being reduced to ineffective levels. This is the result of the communities being selected on taxonomic criteria rather than qualitative analysis of the microbiome-associated plant phenotypes. In this context there in an urgent need for an approach studying the microbial community and plant complementarity traits from indigenous communities. Here we report the pattern of bacterial distributions at the Evolution Canyon (EC) in Israel to gain insight into microbiomes exposed to contrasting microclimates at the North Facing Slope (NFS) and South Facing Slope (SFS) sun and shade areas using high-throughput sequencing. While the NFS and SFS shaded areas bacterial distribution didn’t differ, our results show significant differences between the NFS and the SFS sunny areas. The familiesGeodermatophilaceae, Beijerinckiaceae, andPseudonocardiaceaeare dominant in the NFS sun area, and the familiesRubrobacteriaceae, unclassifiedSolirubrobacteralesbacterium 67-14, unclassifiedActinobacteriota, classGaiellalesdominate at the SFS sun area. Likewise, both Shannon and inverse Simpson’s diversity indices are higher at the NFS sun area compared to the NFS shaded area. There was no substantial difference between diversity indices in SFS sun and shaded area.Our results advance our understanding of the bacterial distributions at what is in effect a natural laboratory of ecosystems that probably evolved 5–7 million years ago. The data are an important step towards using transcriptomics, metabolomic profiles and selective plating for figuring out key strains and the supporter strains that strengthen the ecological functions of the key strains. Collectively, this will enable us to assemble redundant and stable synthetic PGPR communities consisting of key and supporter strains for promoting plant health and stress tolerance under changing climates.
Repeated cigarette smoke exposure attenuates the proliferation rate of primary human lung fibroblastsin vitro
Authors: Cannard EC , Kronseder A , Karrasch S , Kahnert K , Nowak D , Lehmann M , Holz O , Stoleriu MG , Jörres RA 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundLung fibroblasts are crucial structural cells involved in airway remodelling and tissue maintenance. The study aimed to analyze the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on primary human lung fibroblasts at various stages of proliferation to assess whether an initial exposure could exert a protective effect against subsequent exposures.MethodsWe examined the effect of CSE on fibroblasts isolated from 15 donors who had undergone lung surgery. Fibroblast cultures were exposed to 2% CSE early (day 5-7), late (day 9-11), or at both time points (double). Cell counts and viability tests were performed every 2 days. Changes in proliferation rates were determined immediately at the end of each 2-day exposure as well as 2 days afterwards, until the end of the experiment with a plateau of proliferation. Differences between exposures were analyzed by comparing proliferation rates by ANOVA with adjustedpost-hocanalyses.ResultsEarly-, late- and double-CSE exposed cultures showed lower proliferation rates (p<0.05 each) compared to unexposed cultures. The response to late-CSE exposure varied depending on whether an initial CSE exposure had occurred, suggesting a protective effect from the early exposure. Changes observed over the 2-day exposure period and the subsequent 2 days (a total of 4 days) yielded similar results to those recorded during just the 2-day exposure period. Proliferation rates varied among cells from different donors, but responses correlated across different exposure regimens, indicating inherent differences in susceptibility to CSE.ConclusionsRepeated CSE exposures attenuated the proliferation of primary human lung fibroblasts more strongly than a single exposure, despite the fact that an early CSE exposure appeared to protect against the CSE in repetitively exposed fibroblast cultures. Our results highlight that while significant differences may occur among primary cells from different donors in vitro, responses can remain consistent across various exposure conditions.
University entrepreneurship in Latin America with data from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Student’s Survey (GUESSS): a literature review
Authors: Jerônimo Soares Ana Maria , de Melo Felipe Luiz Neves Bezerra 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the current state of entrepreneurship research in Latin America based on data from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Student’s Survey (GUESSS) project, to map its usage in publications in this context.Design/methodology/approachThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol was employed for the systematic literature review. A total of 23 empirical studies published from 2015 to 2023 were included. Furthermore, it suggests directions for future research by utilizing the structuring of theories, contexts and methodologies (TCM) identified in the analyzed articles.FindingsFactors related to individuals, the university environment and the family influence the outcomes; the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was the most commonly employed. Additionally, there is a gap in comparative approaches between countries.Practical implicationsThis study identifies a gap in research using GUESSS data specific to Latin America, suggesting the need for further exploration of these data. By integrating the PRISMA protocol with the TCM framework, the study provides structured analyses and syntheses that reduce knowledge fragmentation.Social implicationsThis study discusses the factors influencing entrepreneurship among Latin American university students, providing insights for policymakers, managers and educational institutions.Originality/valueThe current state of results in studies using GUESSS data from several Latin American countries is presented.
High performance work practices for innovative work behavior: mediating effect of workplace support and job embeddedness in IT-based service industry
Authors: Gautam Prakash Kumar , Gautam Dhruba Kumar 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of high performance work practices on innovative work behavior with individual and serial mediation effects of workplace support and job embeddedness in emerging service industry related to information technology (IT).

Design/methodology/approach
This research was conducted under an explanatory research design following stratified sampling techniques. Altogether, 465 employees holding different positions in the organizational hierarchy participated in this survey. Confirmatory factor analysis was used for the data’s reliability and validity, and mediation effects were examined following the Preacher and Hayes Process Macro approach.

Findings
The result revealed a significant positive relationship between high performance work practices and employee innovative work behavior. It concludes that partial and complementary serial mediating effects exist on workplace support and job embeddedness in the relationship between high performance work practices and innovative work behavior.

Practical implications
IT-based organizations can use the findings of this study to improve high performance work practices so that they can enhance innovative work behavior. These results become guidelines for creating a supportive work environment and increasing job embeddedness to adopt innovative work behavior, particularly in service industries.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the human resource management literature for strategic orientation in support of the social exchange theory and ability, motivation and opportunity theory and enriches the understanding of the mediating effect on innovative work behavior.
Ethical challenges for same-day delivery contractors
Authors: Chen Chun-Miin (Jimmy) , Chen Xinwei 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the ethical challenges within same-day delivery (SDD) operations in the gig economy, focusing on promoting fairness and justice for independent contractors by applying Rawlsian justice principles.

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a philosophical and theoretical methodology, the authors synthesize insights from business ethics, corporate governance and Rawlsian ethical theories. This study critically examines the application of these theories within SDD business models through a comparative analysis of seminal and contemporary ethical discussions. Importantly, the authors reverse the traditional antecedents, decisions and outcomes framework to start with outcomes, offering a novel methodological execution that enhances the study’s approach to ethical research.

Findings
The analysis identifies pronounced ethical deficiencies in treating SDD contractors, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms. The study proposes a series of hypotheses to rectify these issues, including recommendations for enhancing algorithmic transparency, ensuring equitable compensation and fortifying worker protections. These proposed changes advocate for restructuring corporate policies to foster a fairer SDD business environment.

Originality/value
By interweaving Rawlsian ethical principles with practical corporate responsibilities specific to the gig economy, this paper enriches the discourse on business ethics. It introduces a novel framework for analyzing the ethical treatment of gig workers, proposing actionable strategies that bridge theoretical ethics with real-world applications. This approach advances academic understanding and guides industry practices toward more ethical and sustainable models.
Exploring the impact of university-driven supplier development interventions on supplier performance: a case of the garment industry
Authors: Toufighi Seyed Pendar , Vang Jan , Govindan Kannan , Lin Min Zar Ni , Bille Amanda 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of university-driven knowledge transfer initiatives in enhancing the capabilities and performance of local suppliers in the garment industry. By focusing on the impact of UDIs in Myanmar, this research aims to provide empirical evidence on how these initiatives can foster supplier development and performance improvement through targeted capability enhancement strategies.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a combination of surveys and an experimental design to evaluate the impact of university-driven supplier development interventions (UDIs) based on Lean principles in Myanmar’s garment industry. Nine garment suppliers were assessed before and after the UDI program. The research employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the direct, indirect and mediating effects of UDIs on supplier performance, focusing on the role of supplier capability enhancement as a mediating factor.FindingsThe study found that the UDI program significantly improved supplier capabilities, which in turn led to enhanced performance. The analysis revealed partial mediation, indicating that while UDIs directly impact supplier performance, their effect is significantly amplified through the enhancement of supplier capabilities. These findings highlight the critical role of targeted capability development in achieving substantial performance improvements among local suppliers.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of university-driven supplier development initiatives in a developing country context. It validates the indirect role of UDIs in boosting supplier performance via capability enhancement, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific and capability-focused development strategies. The findings underscore the value of structured knowledge transfer programs in supporting local suppliers, offering practical insights for policymakers and educational institutions aiming to enhance industrial performance through strategic interventions.
Benevolent leadership and staff’s creative work behavior: the mediating role of an innovative climate and fear of failure
Authors: Nong Thi Xuan , Chan Sheng-Ju , Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc 
Published: November 2024

PurposeBased on integrating social exchange theory and input-mediator-output-input model, the current study proposes a model to explore the relationship between benevolent leadership and creative work behavior of Vietnamese university staffs.Design/methodology/approachA printed questionnaire was developed and directly distributed to 503 Vietnamese university staffs from 1st to 27th October in 2023 using the quota sampling method. After removing 61 missing data and outlier cases, a total of 442 valuable cases were used for further investigation. SPSS 22 and SMARTPLS version 3.2.2 was employed for data analysis.FindingsOur study found the positive relationship between benevolent leadership and creative work behavior through the mediation of innovative climate and fear of failure. The findings also indicated that benevolent leadership fosters an innovative climate and reduces subordinates’ fear of failure, then increases subordinates’ creative work behavior.Originality/valueThe present study explored mechanisms of benevolent leadership effect on creative work behavior of university staff. From that, contributing several practical implications for university leaders and educators in fostering university staff’s creative work behavior. This research contributed to the knowledge domain of leadership and creative work behavior of employees in higher education.
Empowering voices: the role of tertiary education in advancing gender equality through feminine writing in Bangladesh
Authors: Husain Taha , Prima Ruchita Banik , Rahman Naimur , Haque Md Ahsanul , Shindaini Al Jamal Mustafa 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study investigates how tertiary education in Bangladesh can promote gender equality by integrating feminine writing into the academic environment. It examines feminine writing as a vehicle for empowering female students, encouraging critical thinking and challenging societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows a quantitative research methodology. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 672 students from various educational institutions across Bangladesh. Based on a research framework driven by critical pedagogy theory, the data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics to explore relationships among variables.FindingsThe findings indicate that 76.8% of female students engage in personal narratives and 54.9% in feminist essays, showing a significant preference for feminine writing. Female students (70.1%) exhibit greater awareness of gender issues than male students (29.9%). Arts and social sciences students show the highest engagement in gender discussions (52.7%) and are more likely to perceive supportive environments for feminine writing (65.9%). However, students in vocational fields report only 15.5% engagement in gender-related discussions and significantly lower institutional support. These disparities highlight the need for inclusive academic frameworks encouraging broader participation in gender discourse across all disciplines.Practical implicationsThe study emphasizes embedding feminine writing and gender perspectives across curricula to foster gender equality in Bangladesh’s higher education sector. To create a more supportive academic environment, policymakers and educational institutions must integrate gender-related content across all disciplines, particularly in science, business, vocational and technical fields.Originality/valueAs one of the first studies to examine the intersection of tertiary education, feminine writing and gender equality in Bangladesh, this research offers new insights into the role of higher education in fostering gender empowerment and critical engagement with societal norms. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how academic settings can serve as transformative spaces for promoting gender equality and inclusive self-expression.
Green growth or red tape? Unraveling the interconnected effects of stringent environmental regulations and bribery on enterprise growth
Authors: Ullah Naimat , Mazhar Ummad 
Published: November 2024

PurposeExisting research offers mixed findings on the link and does not consider the role of institutional weaknesses, such as corruption, in the effectiveness of these regulations. To address this gap, we analyze the conditional effects of environmental regulations on firm growth across economies with varying perceptions of corruption.Design/methodology/approachWe study the relationship between environmental regulations and firm performance using World Bank Enterprise Surveys data for manufacturing firms in 142 countries covering the 2007–2017 period.FindingsOur findings support the “strong” version of the Porter Hypothesis, suggesting that stricter environmental regulations significantly enhance firm growth.Research limitations/implicationsHowever, when combined with high levels of bribery, these regulations have an adverse effect.Originality/valueThe robustness of these results is confirmed by employing various statistical techniques (e.g. IV-GMM) and alternative model specifications.
Cultivating loyalty: the role of inclusive leadership in fostering organizational commitment through mediating effect of psychological safety and perceived organizational support
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Khan Khalid , Kiran Rabia , Bint-e-Sohrab Sana , Iqbal Muntaha 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study explores the effect of inclusive leadership (IL) on organizational commitment (OC) in Pakistan’s telecom sector. Psychological safety (PS) and perceived organizational support (POS) are taken as mediators to explore the interplay of the constructs. The study aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing insights into the critical role of inclusive IL impacting OC through PS and POS as mediators.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a quantitative methodology and a cross-sectional survey of 289 employees of the telecom sector working in the front office dealing with customer services. Using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, the study tests hypotheses on the critical role of OC in Pakistan’s telecom sector. With the aid of SPSS v27 and AMOS v23 for structural equation model construction and path analysis, a time-lagged data collection method was used to avoid common method bias.

Findings
According to the research paper’s findings, evidence supports the hypotheses, suggesting that IL has a positive direct and indirect impact on OC via PS and POS.

Originality/value
This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on IL, PS, POS and OC. This study also tests the mediating role of PS and POS in Pakistan’s telecom sector’s service domain. This research also provides practical implications for leaders and employees concerning PS and POS in the specific context of Pakistan’s society.