bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender, family background, cynicism and ethical sensitivity of future procurement professionals in a developing country context: evidence from Ugandan universities
Authors: Tukamuhabwa Benjamin R. , Mbago Musa , Mutebi Henry , Kyoshabire Mercy 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
Some scholars argue that ethical awareness increases alongside work experience,whereas others agree that ethics education shapes ethical awareness and that cheating in college predicts unethical behaviour in subsequent professional environment. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate the level and antecedents of ethical sensitivity of future procurement professionals.

Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory descriptive survey of a sample of 303 final year procurement students from the two largest public Universities in Uganda was conducted. Using Statistical Package for (SPSS) and Amos Version 27, data were analysed by using means, standard deviations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlation analysis.

Findings
The study revealed that future procurement professionals exhibit low levels of ethical sensitivity. However, contrary to the general observations from the extant literature, gender and family background of students do not determine both ethical sensitivity and cynicism. Moreover, this study establishes that cynicism is positively associated with instances that depict low ethical sensitivity.

Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to providing an empirical understanding of the derivation of unethical behaviour in procurement practice. Grounded in Aristotle’s organic theory of state and moral habituation, this argues that future procurement professionals posses natural proclivities that trigger their social instincts and membership to multiple associations in actualising their innate potential for ethical behaviour. This supports the notion that humans are potentially virtuous, whereby morality is learned, imitated, emerges and perfects through repetitive actions and is therefore incremental.

Practical implications
The findings mirror what prevails in practice in Uganda, where procurement practitioners have been implicated in unethical practices regardless of their gender and family background. This signals that managers should not recruit or deploy procurement personnel based on gender or family background.

Originality/value
While research on ethical sensitivity of students has been focussed on other disciplines such as accounting, nursing and other business studies, this paper focusses on ethical sensitivity of procurement students aspiring to join a professional environment that is severely marred with unethical practices. Further, Aristotle’s moral habituation and organic theory of state invoked in this study underline the synergies of both nature and nurturing in inculcating ethicality in procurement professionals.
One-of-a-kind production (OKP) planning and control: a comprehensive review and future research directions
Authors: Sordan Juliano Endrigo , Oprime Pedro Carlos , Pimenta Márcio Lopes , Chiabert Paolo , Lombardi Franco , Hilletofth Per 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify some specificities of production planning and control (PPC) activities in the one-of-a-kind-production (OKP) process through an extensive literature review. Relevant aspects related to systems and PPC activities in the context of OKP environment are discussed, and six opportunities for future research are highlighted.Design/methodology/approachThe following research is based on a review of 53 articles published in peer-reviewed journals over the past three decades. After an initial descriptive analysis based on bibliometric indicators, a cluster analysis of 15 most cited articles was carried out using multivariate data analysis techniques and in-depth analysis.FindingsThe results reveal some specificities inherent to the clusters featured in the research, including aspects of planning, control and systems for OKP process. This cluster addresses information regarding next-generation manufacturing systems, scheduling and design science, computer simulation and project approach. On the other hand, the authors point out six topics for future research regarding contemporary issues associated with PPC in the context of OKP.Originality/valueThis paper fills an important gap regarding OKP production planning and control practices. The results provide a theoretical overview of different PPC practices suitable for the OKP environment. Furthermore, it can provide insights for scientific developments in order to manage the complexity inherent in the OKP process.
The role of lean in healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Leite Higor 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare operations has raised questions about the applicability and capacity of the lean approach to respond to critical events. Thus, with a dearth of studies addressing this issue, this study aims to understand the role of lean in healthcare operations under the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a case study carried out in an emergency department in Brazil during the COVID-19 outbreak, the author presents results from semi-structured interviews and document analysis.FindingsThe results show three prominent themes that respond to this study's purpose: lean applicability during the pandemic, lean challenges during the pandemic and the pandemic impact on the lean processes. Furthermore, the study underscores that lean is not the panacea to operational problems caused by the pandemic in healthcare organisations, but it eases the impact on their operations. Finally, this study contributes to the discipline of operations management and highlights the need to rethink lean applications during disruptive events, focusing on flexibility, adaptability and patients' needs.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature addressing the pandemic impact on healthcare operations is still new and emerging; therefore, it is possible that some of the studies that are under review and could contribute to this study were not considered.Practical implicationsThe study provides a better understanding of the lessons learned from the real-world experiences gained during the pandemic, helping managers to make informed decisions when developing contingency plans to improve healthcare readiness and responsiveness under crisis conditions (e.g. untenable demand and constrained capacity).Originality/valueGiven the contemporary nature of this pandemic, only few emerging studies addressing the impact of the pandemic on lean healthcare operations are available and scholars are calling for more empirical studies. Furthermore, there is an increasing criticism and scepticism about the applicability of lean in healthcare during a pandemic. Thus, this research both provides original contributions by responding to scholars' calls for novel research in this area and further contributes towards filling the void in the literature.
Empathetic creativity for frontline employees in the age of service robots: conceptualization and scale development
Authors: Do Khoa The , Gip Huy , Guchait Priyanko , Wang Chen-Ya , Baaklini Eliane Sam 
Published: April 2022

PurposeWhile robots have increasingly threatened frontline employees’ (FLEs) future employment by taking over more mechanical and analytical intelligence tasks, they are still unable to “experience” and “feel” to occupy empathetic intelligence tasks that can be handled better by FLEs. This study, therefore, aims to empirically develop and validate a scale measuring the new so-called empathetic creativity as being creative in practicing and performing empathetically intelligent skills during service encounters.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a multistage design to develop the scale. Phase 1 combines a literature review with text mining from 3,737 service robots-related YouTube comments to generate 16 items capturing this new construct. Phase 2 assesses both face and content validity of those items, while Phase 3 recruits Prolific FLEs sample to evaluate construct validity. Phase 4 checks this construct’s nomological validity using PLS-SEM and Phase 5 experiments dedicated effort (vs natural talent) as an effective approach to foster FLEs’ perceived empathetic creativity.FindingsThe final scale is comprised of 13 refined items that capture three dimensions (social, interactive and emotional) of empathetic creativity. This research provides timely implications to help FLEs in high-contact services stay competitive.Originality/valueThis study introduces the new construct of empathetic creativity, which goes beyond the traditional definition of creativity in services and highlights the importance of empathetic intelligence for FLEs in future employment. This study also develops a multi-item scale to measure this construct, which can be applied to future service management research.
The mediating effect of operational capabilities on operational performance
Authors: Domenek Antonio Carlos , Moori Roberto Giro , Vitorino Filho Valdir Antonio 
Published: April 2022

PurposeCollaboration and operational capabilities are two strengths for managing supply chains to achieve operational performance. In this context, this study aims to analyze the mediating effect of operational capabilities on the relationship between collaborative supply chain management and operational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study design consisted of a theoretical framework to estimate the mediation paths by latent variable structural modeling methods. A survey of 138 respondents from Brazilian capital goods companies was conducted.FindingsThe study revealed that operational capabilities partially mediate the relationship between collaborative supply chain management and operational performance. The findings provide important guidance for managers to strengthen the relationship with suppliers to continuously improve operational capability.Research limitations/implicationsAs the sample size was made up of 138 respondents, it was impossible to revalidate the theoretical–empirical model. New data need to be collected to re-evaluate the structural model and expand them to other economic segments.Practical implicationsBy examining the theoretical insights and empirical findings, the study expanded knowledge about collaborative management and the understanding of the importance of operational capabilities in the relationship between collaborative management and operational performance for management practices.Originality/valueThe study developed a theoretical–empirical measurement model, reliable and statistically validated, to test the mediating effect of operational capabilities in the relationship between collaborative management and operational performance.
Simulating the spread and establishment of alien species along aquatic and terrestrial transport networks: A multi‐pathway and high‐resolution approach
Authors: Bagnara Maurizio , Nowak Larissa , Boehmer Hans Juergen , Schöll Franz , Schurr Frank M. , Seebens Hanno 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The introduction and further spread of many alien species have been a result of trade and transport. Consequently, alien species are often found close to traffic infrastructure and urban areas. To contain and manage the spread of alien species, it is essential to identify and predict major routes of spread, which cannot be obtained by applying common modelling approaches such as species distribution models.

Here, we present a new model called CASPIAN to simulate the dispersal of alien species along traffic infrastructure and the establishment of populations along these routes. The model simulates simultaneous spread of species of up to eight different modes of transport along roads, railways and waterways. We calibrated and validated the model using two species that spread within Germany as case studies: the terrestrial plant Senecio inaequidens and the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea, and performed a shortest path analysis to quantify the relative importance of individual routes for spread.

The application of the model yielded detailed predictions of dispersal and establishment for >600,000 segments of the traffic network throughout Germany. Once calibrated, the model captured the general spread dynamics of the two species with higher accuracy for the freshwater environment due to the higher quality of data available for the aquatic species.

The quantification of spread routes using the shortest path analysis revealed a clear backbone of major routes of spread, which varied depending on the type of traffic network and the starting points considered. Major routes of spread aligned with high traffic intensities, but high traffic per se did not necessarily result in high spread intensities.

Synthesis and application. By simulating the spreading dynamics of alien species along transport networks across multiple pathways, CASPIAN enables the identification of major spread routes along different dispersal pathways and quantification of their relative importance, which helps prioritising pathways of introduction as required by international biodiversity goals such as the CBD Aichi targets.
Biotic resistance in a stochastic world: Do rodents act as a filter to alien tree invasion in pampean old fields?
Authors: Muschetto Emiliano , Chaneton Enrique J. , Mazía Noemí , Tripodi Mariel A. , Busch María 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBiotic resistance from post‐dispersal seed predators has been shown to influence invasion and spread of woody plants in grasslands and savannas. Yet, the role of rodent granivores as a barrier to woody plant invasion remains poorly studied. We examined the impact of rodent exclusion and canopy disturbance on two exotic tree seedling establishment (Gleditsia triacanthos and Robinia pseudoacacia) in an old‐field grassland of the Inland Pampa, Argentina. The experiment was conducted over 4 years with substantial climatic variation, which affected both rodent abundance and seedling performance. Our results showed that, for both tree species, rainfall was the main factor affecting both seedling emergence and survival, while the effect of rodent seed predation and disturbance depended on variability in natural rodent density. The response of G. triacanthos seedling emergence after the onset of favorable water conditions was more rapid than the recovery of rodent populations. This delay provided an opportunity to escape from potential seed predation, reducing its importance as a biotic filter to woody invasion. Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings emerged during the first growing period and died because of hydric stress, while remnant seeds did not remain viable in the seed bank after 2 years of sowing. From our results, we suggest that the dynamic of tree invasion depends highly on climatic variability, which has direct effects on seed germination and survival, as well as effects mediated by rodent abundance and herbaceous competition.
The morphosyntax and semantics of cardinal numerals in classical sanskrit
Authors: Petrocchi Alessandra 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA complete study of numeral syntax in Classical Sanskrit has yet to be written. Grammars provide concise, decontextualised surveys which mainly focus on the morphology of cardinal numerals. Given their textual genre, reference grammars can neither devote much space to this very topic nor give exhaustive data; very little is said about Sanskrit numeral constructions outside of this kind of resources. By combining modern linguistic frameworks and philological analysis, the following investigation is offered as a first step toward addressing this desideratum. The present analysis provides a novel approach to understand the semantics of numerals and shed some light on Sanskrit numeral syntax and the morphosyntactic properties of cardinal numerals. This research is organised as follows: I first provide a brief overview of some key features of Sanskrit numeral series and then propose a theoretical framework to conceptualise the main components of numeral systems; section 3 explores the lexicon‐prosody interface and is followed by an analysis of Sanskrit numeral constructions. Textual evidence of cardinal numerals from medieval Sanskrit mathematical works is investigated in detail. The linguistic framework employed by von Mengden (2010) to examine cardinal numerals in Old English has been particularly fruitful in the present study. I demonstrate that, unlike most other languages, Sanskrit makes extensive use of non‐systemic expressions of cardinality and that authors employ and combine a great variety of numeral constructions.
Evaluating misoprostol and mechanical methods for induction of labour
Authors: Weeks Andrew D. , Lightly Kate , Mol Ben W. , Frohlich Julie , Pontefract Sarah , Williams Myfanwy J. ,   the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Published: April 2022

Plain language summaryIncreasingly, births around the world are started artificially using medications or other methods. This process is known as induction of labour. As it becomes more common, methods are needed to meet the different clinical needs and birth preferences of women.Induction of labour typically includes a combination of the medication dinoprostone inserted into the vagina, artificial rupture of membranes (‘releasing the waters’), and synthetic oxytocin (hormone given via a drip). This paper reviews some of the methods less commonly used for induction in the UK, namely a drug called misoprostol, which can be given orally or vaginally, and ‘mechanical’ methods, where labour is started by stretching the cervix (neck of the womb), most commonly with a soft silicone tube with a balloon near the tip, filled with water. Low‐dose oral misoprostol tablets are now commercially available in the UK. Other methods for labour induction are not reviewed in detail in this paper.The evidence suggests mechanical induction of labour (using a balloon catheter) and misoprostol are both at least as safe and effective as using the standard drug, dinoprostone. There is evidence to suggest a balloon catheter may reduce the chance of serious negative outcomes for babies when compared with dinoprostone, and that giving low‐dose oral misoprostol results in fewer caesarean births.Where possible and after informed consent, the method of induction of labour should be personalised to suit the individual woman, her clinical condition, and the setting in which she is giving birth. Local contexts and resources also need to be taken into account. To date, research into women's perspectives and experiences of induction of labour have been significantly lacking.
A comprehensive review of spermidine: Safety, health effects, absorption and metabolism, food materials evaluation, physical and chemical processing, and bioprocessing
Authors: Zou Dian , Zhao Ziyue , Li Lu , Min Yu , Zhang Daiyuan , Ji Anying , Jiang Cong , Wei Xuetuan , Wu Xian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSpermidine, a natural autophagy inducer, has a variety of health effects, such as antitumor, antiaging, anti‐inflammation, cardiovascular protection, and neuromodulation. It has been a hot topic in the field of food processing, and current research findings suggest that spermidine‐rich foods may be used in intervention and prevention of age‐related diseases. In this article, recent findings on the safety, health effects, absorption and metabolism of spermidine were reviewed, and advances in food processing, including the raw materials evaluation, physical and chemical processing, and biological processing of spermidine, were highlighted. In particular, the core metabolic pathways, key gene targets, and efficient metabolic engineering strategies involved in the biosynthesis of spermidine and its precursors were discussed. Moreover, limitations and future perspectives of spermidine research were proposed. The purpose of this review is to provide new insights on spermidine from its safety to its food processing, which will advance the commercial production and applications of spermidine‐rich foods and nutraceuticals.
Detection of physical descaling damage in carp based on hyperspectral images and dimension reduction of principal component analysis combined with pixel values
Authors: Wang Huihui , Qiu Xinjing , Zeng Fanyi , Shao Weidong , Ma Qinyi , Li Mingying 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe surface of carp is easily damaged during the descaling process, which jeopardizes the quality and safety of carp products. Damage recognition realized by manual detection is an important factor restricting the automation in the pretreatment. For the commonly used methods of mechanical and water‐jet descaling, damage area recognition according to the hyperspectral data was proposed. Two discrimination models, including decision tree (DT) and self‐organizing feature mapping (SOM), were established to recognize the damaged and normal descaling area with the average spectral value. The damage‐discrimination model based on DT was determined to be the optimal one, which possessed the best model performance (accuracy = 96.7%, sensitivity = 96.7%, specificity = 96.7%, F1‐score = 96.7%). Considering the efficiency and precision of damage‐area recognition and visualization, the principal component analysis (PCA) combined with pixel values statistical analysis was used to reduce the dimension of hyperspectral images at the image level. Through statistical analysis, the value 0 was used as the threshold to distinguish the normal area and the damaged area in the PC image to achieve preliminary segmentation. Then, the spectral values of the initially discriminated damage area were input into the DT discrimination model to realize the final discriminant of damaged area. On this basis, the position information of the damaged area could be used to realize the visualization. The final visualization maps for mechanical and water‐jet descaling damage were obtained by image morphology processing. The average recognition accuracy can reach 94.9% and 90.3%, respectively. The results revealed that the hyperspectral imaging technique has great potential to recognize the carp damage area nondestructively and accurately under descaling processing.Practical ApplicationThis study demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging technique can realize the carp damage area detection nondestructively and accurately under descaling processing. With the advantages of nondestructive and rapid, hyperspectral imaging system and the method can be widely expanded and applied to the quality detection of other freshwater fish pretreatment.