bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspartic proteases are abundant and active in acidified wound fluid
Authors: Barbosa da Silva Elany , Crane Meredith J. , Liu Lawrence , Gelsinger Danielle J. , Jordon Alexander R.D. , McKinney Robin L. , Eberson Craig P. , Jamieson Amanda M. , O’Donoghue Anthony J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWound healing necessitates a balance between synthesis and breakdown of extracellular matrix components, which is tightly regulated by proteases and their inhibitors. Studies have shown that treatment of poorly healing wounds with acid results in improved healing. In this study, we systematically evaluated changes in proteolytic activity of murine wound fluid upon acidification. A library of 228 synthetic peptides served as reporters of protease activity at pH 7.4, pH 5.0 and pH 3.5. The peptide digestion patterns differed at each pH, revealing that proteases active at pH 7.4 are inactivated at pH 3.5. Notably, aspartic acid proteases emerged as the dominant active enzymes at pH 3.5 and their activity was inhibited by pepstatin. Using a fluorogenic substrate, we quantified aspartic protease activity across varying pH levels and demonstrated optimal activity between pH 3.0 and 3.8. This activity was detectable as early as one day post-injury and persisted over the following ten days. Importantly, human wound fluid exhibited the same activity profile, validating the mouse model as a relevant system for studying acid-mediated wound healing processes.
Effect of different sealers on the properties of phosphate conversion coatings on 30CrMnSi alloys
Authors: Guo Haonan , Wang Chunxia , Liu Hui 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate a chromium-free sealing treatment process to replace the chromate sealing process in response to the environmental hazards caused by chromate in the Phosphate chemical conversion (PCC) coating post-treatment sealing process.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, chromium-free sealing technology was used to post-treat PCC coatings. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the structure of the surface of the PCC coatings after the sealing treatment, and the corrosion resistance, hydrophobicity and bonding were tested using an electrochemical workstation, a copper sulfate spot-drop test, a lacquer bonding test, a contact angle meter and a neutral salt spray test.

Findings
Chromium-free closure makes the grain distribution on the surface of the PCC coating more uniform and dense, and forms an organic film on the surface of the coating, which significantly improves the corrosion resistance and hydrophobicity of the PCC coating, does not affect the coating film bonding force and has similar performance with potassium dichromate solution.

Originality/value
The results show that the corrosion resistance of PCC coatings after chromium-free sealing treatment is improved, and chromium-free sealing has the potential to replace chromium sealing.
Housing price determinants in Ecuador: a spatial hedonic analysis
Authors: Valdez Gómez de la Torre Felipe Miguel , Chen Xuwei 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to compare the efficiency of spatial and nonspatial hedonic price models in capturing housing submarkets dynamics for cities in developing countries. This study expects to contribute to a better understanding of the housing price determinants from both nonspatial and spatial perspectives. In addition, this paper fills a gap in the literature on the study of housing prices from a spatial perspective in Latin American cities.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a comparative analysis between an ordinary least squares regression and a geographical weighted regression, GWR. The study also assesses the performance of two distinct data sources: the city’s cadastral records and a real estate sales web portal.

Findings
The results suggest that compared to the traditional regression model, the spatial regression models are more effective at capturing housing market variations on a fine scale. Moreover, they reveal interesting findings on the spatial varying, sometimes contradictory effects of some housing attributes on housing prices in different areas of the city, suggesting the potential impact from segregation.

Research limitations/implications
The availability of data on housing prices and characteristics in Latin American cities is fragmented and complex. The level of detail, granularity and coverage is not consistent over time. For this reason, this study combines and compares data sets from official and unofficial sources in an effort to close this gap. Likewise, the socioeconomic variables that come from the census must be carefully analyzed, knowing the historical context in which they were constructed, what they represent and their interpretation.

Practical implications
This paper suggests that despite the improvement on the spatial models, the selection of a specific one should always be based on the diagnosis of it as it highly depends on the data used and the objectives of the study.

Originality/value
This study enriches the limited body of literature on spatial hedonic price models of housing in Latin American cities. It also shed light on the importance of spatial approaches to identify complex housing submarkets.
Human-following task without a prior map
Authors: Zhou Zhiqiang , Fu Yong , Wu Wei 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The human-following task is a fundamental function in human–robot collaboration. It requires a robot to recognize and locate a target person, plan a path and avoid obstacles. To enhance the applicability of the human-following task in various scenarios, it should not rely on a prior map. This paper aims to introduce a human-following method that meets these requirements.

Design/methodology/approach
For the identification and localization of the target person (ILTP), this paper proposes an approach that integrates data from a camera, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and a ultra-wideband (UWB) anchor. For path planning and obstacle avoidance, a modified timed-elastic-bands (TEB) algorithm is introduced.

Findings
Compared to the UWB-only method, where only UWB is used to locate the target person, the proposed ILTP method in this paper reduces the localization error by 41.82%. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ILTP and the modified TEB method under various challenging conditions. Such as crowded environments, multiple obstacles, the target person being occluded and the target person moving out of the robot’s field of view. The complete experimental videos are available for viewing on https://youtu.be/ZKbrNE1sePM.

Originality/value
This paper offers a novel solution for human-following tasks. The proposed ILTP method can recognize the target person among multiple individuals, determine whether the target person is lost and publish the target person’s position at a frequency of 20 Hz. The modified TEB algorithm does not rely on a prior map. It can plan paths and avoid obstacles effectively.
Information search process model based on costs and benefits: a behavioural economics perspective
Authors: Qi Jinglin , Han Zhengbiao , Hansen Preben 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study constructed an information search process model based on costs and benefits to reflect different information search processes under different decisions from a behavioural economics perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a deductive approach to conceptualise the costs, benefits, and uncertainties of the information search process. Subsequently, we constructed an information search process model based on the costs and benefits using graphical reasoning, loss aversion theory, bounded rationality theory, the satisficing theory of behavioural economics, and the uncertainty changes of information search process.FindingsThe model revealed four types of user behaviours in the information search process: (1) avoiding search at the initiation of the search process; (2) exiting in the middle of a search; (3) stopping at the point of satisficing; and (4) continuing the search until experiencing physical discomfort.Originality/valueThe model constructed in this study treats the information search as a process based on costs and benefits with uncertainty. This model integrates information search avoidance and stopping into an information search process model. The model identifies users’ bounded rationality by evaluating ideal and real situations. Moreover, the model explains relative and absolute information overloads and the area beyond the user’s bounded rationality. These findings could help improve users’ information literacy and optimise information systems.
Demographic, forensic and service involvement characteristics related to adults referred to a community-based learning disability forensic team pre- and post-COVID-19
Authors: Mir Rebecca , Power Niall 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
To ensure health, social and criminal justice services are suited to the complex and dynamic needs of people with learning/intellectual disabilities (LD) at risk of offending, it is important to systematically analyse the needs and characteristics of this population. This study aimed to analyse the patterns of referrals to a single community forensic LD service before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
A structured audit was conducted on all referrals to the service (n = 37) across a three-year period (May 2019 – end of July 2022).

Findings
The majority of the overall sample were male (36, 97%) and Caucasian (24, 65%) with a mean age of 32.9 years and mild LD. The most prevalent current offending type was sexual offending (17, 44%), whereas the most prevalent historical offending type was violence (17, 35%). The most common service/function offered by the service was advice and consultation to other professionals and agencies (10, 19%). The service user and forensic/legal characteristics measured did not differ significantly before and during COVID-19.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the project is the first to systematically analyse and compare community forensic LD service referral patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also provides an example of how a structured audit tool can be used to benefit individual services and the wider literature on assessing the needs and characteristics of adults with LD who live in the community and are at risk of [re]offending.
Why and how does the Dark Triad personality influence knowledge hiding? A generativity perspective
Authors: Yan Aimin , Sun Yicong , Brooks Sarah , Zhang Yinghui , Duan Jinyun 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Drawing on the generativity framework, this study aims to investigate the relationship between the Dark Triad personalities (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and knowledge hiding. This study also identifies the mediating role of generativity motivation and the moderating role of focus on opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a convenience sample, a two-wave time-lagged study collected survey responses from 498 employees from manufacturing industries in China, and the data was analyzed using hierarchal regression and bootstrapping methods.

Findings
This study found that Machiavellianism and psychopathy are both positively related to generativity motivation. The generativity motivation plays a mediating role in the paths of Machiavellianism and psychopathy on knowledge hiding, and a focus on opportunities positively moderates the direct and indirect effect of Machiavellianism and psychopathy on knowledge hiding.

Originality/value
Based on the generativity framework, we find a new underlying mechanism between the Dark Triad personalities and knowledge hiding, thereby further enriching the literature in relation to their influence over knowledge management. Moreover, it also finds that a focus on opportunities can weaken the negative relationships between the Dark Triad personalities and knowledge hiding.
The predicting role of sustainable supplier selection on lead-time performance in public procurement: relational capability as a moderator
Authors: Changalima Ismail Abdi 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
With increasing concerns regarding the performance of public procurement, especially concerning timely delivery, this study aims to investigate the predictive role of sustainable supplier selection (SSS) in enhancing lead-time performance in public procurement, while also examining the moderating effect of relational capability.

Design/methodology/approach
The study collected primary data from 179 accredited public organizations in Tanzania through structured questionnaires and used partial least squares structural equation modeling for data analysis.

Findings
The results reveal that SSS and relational capability influence lead-time performance in public procurement. Regarding the moderating effect of relational capability, the study establishes that relational capability strengthens the influence of SSS on lead-time performance. Therefore, based on the collected data from surveyed public organizations, relational capability positively moderates the relationship between SSS and lead-time performance in public procurement.

Social implications
The study offer valuable implications for public procurement practitioners, academics and other stakeholders. Public organizations should consider contemplate integrating sustainability aspects into supplier selection processes. Furthermore, the study contributes to advancing efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals (i.e. SDG12) within Tanzania, particularly by advocating for sustainable public procurement practices aligned with national policies and priorities.

Originality/value
This study not only enhances the understanding of public procurement performance by investigating lead-time improvement, incorporating considerations of SSS and relational capability, but it also offers empirical evidence of the moderating role of relational capability within the unexplored Tanzanian context.
Does family power drive the size transition of entrepreneurial family firms? A study on the growth of Italian manufacturing firms
Authors: Brunelli Sofia , Vena Luigi , Sciascia Salvatore , Naldi Lucia 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis paper explores the drivers and inhibitors of the transition of entrepreneurial family firms from small to large firms. We adopt two contrasting theoretical perspectives, i.e. agency and stewardship, to explore the effects of family power on size transition.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted an original research design that leverages a unique longitudinal database built starting from the list of the 500 best Italian manufacturing family firms published by the AUB Monitor in 2018. Specifically, we tested our hypotheses using a comprehensive set of financial and governance data from 89 Italian manufacturing family firms covering a 10-year period. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a survival analysis using a Cox regression.FindingsWe find an inverted U-shaped relationship between family involvement in ownership and size transition: size transition is more likely to happen at intermediate levels of family involvement in ownership. Additionally, our analysis shows that family involvement in the board of directors negatively impacts size transition, while the presence of a family CEO has a positive influence.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first exploration of the phenomenon of size transition within entrepreneurial family firms. We believe it was worthwhile for two reasons. First, small size is frequently regarded as a weakness when competing in international markets, investing in R&D, or rewarding shareholders. Second, since small family firms are the major contributors to the world economy, understanding the factors that facilitate their transition to large firms can have a significant impact on overall economic development and prosperity.
Supply chain disruptions in COVID-19 and market performances of firms: a study in the Indian automobile sector
Authors: Aman Mishra , Rajesh R. , Vyas Vishal 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine empirically the nature of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the Indian automobile sector.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors evaluate the stock market performance of individual company and its quantitative relationship to certain variables related to company’s supply chain.

Findings
The authors analysed the company’s operations considering several ratios like asset intensity, company size, labour intensity and inventory to revenue.

Research limitations/implications
The results of analysis can help the companies to understand how disruptions in the supply chain can affect the company’s operations and how it is perceived by the investors in the stock market.

Practical implications
Also, investors are benefitted, as they can understand how different companies with different operational characteristics react to global disruptions in supply chains, which in turn would help them to find better investment opportunities.

Originality/value
Although there is some literature available on the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis, the authors go further to analyse the impact of supply chain disruption on the stocks of the automobile sector.
The same only different: precarious workers’ perceptions of their treatment in COVID-19 times
Authors: Harris Lloyd C. , Ogbonna Emmanuel 
Published: July 2024

PurposeOur core aim was to explore the perceptions of precarious workers on the ways in which the pandemic impacted their relationships with their employing organizations and to explore the ways in which they viewed the pandemic as (re)shaping the dynamics of precarious work and the extent to which they saw the pandemic as contributing to substantive improvement in their working lives or whether the pandemic is exacerbating their marginalisation.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted an approach akin to grounded theory in an exploratory research design and utilized in-depth, semi-structured interviews as the most apposite method of data collection. Our research design centred on a two-phase data collection approach, which were intended to gather data at two points. First, during the most difficult part of the pandemic, which we describe as the “Lockdown phase” and second, during the period wherein the pandemic rules were eased but elements of the risks remained; the “New Normal phase”.FindingsThis article reports the findings of a longitudinal study of the reflections and interpretations of precarious workers on the impacts of the pandemic on their relationships with their employing organizations. We supply findings across three periods – pre-the COVID-19 pandemic, during the pandemic lockdown phase and post-lockdowns in the “new normal phase”.Research limitations/implicationsThe first contribution of the study is the importance of “voice” and giving voice to workers in nontraditional, fragmented and marginalised employment. Our study builds on these contributions by exploring the journeys of precarious workers and is particularly valuable in that we explore the perceptions of these workers across the societal, organizational and employment/working turbulence of the pandemic. The second contribution arises from the insights developed through studying the working lives and experiences of precarious workers longitudinally rather than in a single, snapshot fashion. A third contribution centres on how precarious workers felt they were treated by others during both the two phases of the study. The insights here are complex and, in parts, contradictory – reflecting the interpretations and conflicted opinions/deeds of those connected with precarious workers.Originality/valueIt is particularly important for scholars to understand the ways in which the pandemic shaped (or reshaped) the dynamics of precarious work and to understand whether the evolving conceptions of the centrality of such workers as “essential” during the pandemic (Crane and Matten, 2021) contributed to substantive or merely illusory, improvements in their working lives. Thus, we analyse the reflections of precarious workers on changes to their working lives that are linked to the pandemic.
Back to the basics: is business ethics an oxymoron?
Authors: Ali Mohammad A. , Abbas Faiza , Joseph Rhoda 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This paper intends to argue against the idea of an asocial business arena by reiterating the original philosophical underpinnings of theories on the creation of society, societal institutions and the relationship between society and societal institutions. This paper posits that business and ethics, though initially aligned, have been systematically maligned and distorted. The authors present a theoretically justified argument that business and ethics can and should seamlessly exist in the same realm.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a theoretical study that endeavors to go back to the original theories on business and society to challenge the view that business ethics is an oxymoron. For this purpose, the authors survey and interpret the scholarly works of Adam Smith, Aristotle and John Locke.

Findings
Given the economic debacles faced by the USA and the world economy in the past two decades, this study argues that one significant factor for these financial disasters could be that the original ideas about self-interest, societal interest, the free market system and the relationship between society and its constituting components, i.e. individuals, groups and institutions, have been distorted over time. Based on the interpretation of the original ideas around business and society, the authors find that some distortion of the original theories have indeed occurred.

Originality/value
This study is going against a well-established prevalent idea that business ethics is an oxymoron. It is claimed that the endoxa about business and its place in society often represents misinterpretations of the original ideas on the relationship between business and society. The originality of this work lies in challenging this dangerous idea by revisiting by journeying back in philosophical history to cut through the ideological scar tissue and reach the original arguments surrounding society and societal institutions.
Design of a torque sensor based on piezoelectric torsional effect of quartz pillar
Authors: Jin Huijie , Sui Suihan , Gao Changyin 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Torque is one of the main parameters reflecting the operation status and detection of a mechanical rotation system. The use of quartz pillar to design torque sensors has advantage over the use of quartz disk, but research into the torsional effect of quartz pillar is rare. This paper aims to investigate a novel type of torque sensor based on piezoelectric torsional effect.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theory of anisotropic elasticity and the Maxwell electromagnetism, the torsion stress and distribution of surface charge of a rectangular quartz pillar are calculated. Using finite element analysis, the polarized electric field of the piezoelectric pillar is solved. According to the theoretical calculation of torsional effect of piezoelectric quartz pillar, detection electrodes are mounted on the surface of the quartz pillar and a new type of torque sensor is designed.

Findings
The calibration experimental results show that the bound charges are proportional to the torque applied, and the torque sensor has fully reached the dynamometer standard.

Originality/value
This paper shows that the torsional effect of the developed piezoelectric quartz pillar can be used to create a new type of piezoelectric torque sensor.