bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting team effectiveness in Chinese IT companies: development and validation of team processes and emergent states (TPES) scale
Authors: Gong Yunchen , Zhang Peng , Peng Kaiping , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive measurement that consists of the most significant indicators of team effectiveness. Based on the input-mediator-outcome model, this measurement assesses two main aspects related to team effectiveness: team processes and emergent states (TPES).

Design/methodology/approach

The scale was developed and validated following three major steps. First, items were generated through literature reviews and expert reviews. Second, a pretest was conducted to refine the scale among 755 Chinese employees recruited on a survey service platform. Finally, in the evaluation section, 3,950 samples were used for scale validation, including a predictive validity test examining the relationship between TPES and team outcomes among 3,550 participants in paired samples (team members and leaders), from 381 work teams from several private companies in IT industries in China.

Findings

The TPES scale measures the team members’ interactions and the team status, consists of five dimensions: goal and role, collaboration, innovation, motivation and cohesiveness, showing acceptable reliability, validity and model fit. The five dimensions show significant positive effects on team performance and members’ satisfaction.

Originality/value

This novel measure of team process and emergent state tailored to IT companies provides a way to comprehensively diagnose a team’s strengths and/or weaknesses, thus suggesting directions for team development.
The digital escape: examining the impact of cyberloafing on gossip-induced emotional exhaustion and the mediating role of self-esteem
Authors: Kaur Ashneet , Maheshwari Sudhanshu , Varma Arup
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research sheds light on how workplace gossip may affect employees' emotional well-being via self-esteem. Further, the study examines the moderating role of cyberloafing in the examined relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a moderated mediation model to examine the linkage among workplace gossip, self-esteem, and emotional exhaustion, incorporating cyberloafing as a moderator. Data were gathered from 249 employees working in various industries from the US.

Findings

Workplace gossip substantially diminishes self-esteem, which is inversely related to emotional exhaustion. Notably, cyberloafing positively moderates the relationship between self-esteem and emotional exhaustion, heightening the adverse effects of gossip.

Practical implications

The findings have critical implications for human resource management strategies. To mitigate the impact of gossip, HR managers should foster positive work environments, promote emotional well-being, and implement policies to curb cyberloafing.

Originality/value

This study expands the discussion on workplace gossip while probing the role of self-esteem and cyberloafing. It contributes to the application of the conservation of resource theory to analyze emotional well-being in organizational settings.
Optimizing high-mix, high-volume advanced healthcare manufacturing: implementation and impact of the production wheel framework
Authors: Gurumurthy Raghunandan , Pereira Aricson , Laux Chad Matthew
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to address the challenges faced by healthcare manufacturing SMEs in high-mix, high-volume environments, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.The authors propose the implementation of the Production Wheel framework as a solution to optimize operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Using real-world anonymized data from a high-mix, high-volume manufacturing project, the authors evaluate the feasibility and impact of this framework. The findings indicate significant reductions in changeover and inventory costs, with notable improvements in production efficiency. The study highlights the potential of the Production Wheel in healthcare manufacturing while providing insights based on authentic industry data.

Design/methodology/approach

The Production Wheel framework is introduced as an 8-step method that encompasses analyzing historical volumes, identifying key product families, developing current and future state value stream maps, assessing capacity utilization and implementing Kanban-based pull systems with supermarkets between processes. This approach is grounded in Lean manufacturing principles and is tailored to the specific needs of the healthcare manufacturing industry.

Findings

The adoption of the Production Wheel framework enables healthcare manufacturers to align their production more closely with actual demand, minimizing waste and reducing overheads. This agile approach facilitates the adaptation to a high mix of products without compromising efficiency, ensuring a resilient and responsive supply chain that can effectively meet the evolving needs of the market.

Research limitations/implications

While this conceptual paper introduces the Production Wheel framework in the context of healthcare manufacturing, future research should focus on the practical implementation and empirical validation of the proposed approach. Case studies and quantitative analyses of the framework’s impact on operational efficiency, inventory management and cost-effectiveness would provide valuable insights for academics and practitioners.

Practical implications

The Production Wheel framework offers a practical approach for healthcare manufacturers to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing demand for customized products. By integrating this methodology alongside flexible manufacturing systems, manufacturers can enhance their ability to adapt to market disruptions while maintaining optimal operational performance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the Lean Manufacturing literature by introducing the Production Wheel concept as a novel framework for healthcare manufacturing. The proposed approach addresses the unique challenges faced by the healthcare manufacturing sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a strategic roadmap for optimizing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Migrant workers in Kashmir: (con)testing spaces in unique socio-cultural landscape
Authors: Wani Amir , Wani Mudasir
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The paper contends that the migrant workers experience a significant impact on their relations back in the place of origin. In this context, this paper aims to explore, in depth the migration of the labourers to Kashmir and the challenges experienced by them in terms of adaptation to an unfamiliar culture, health and well-being, stereotyping, limited availability of collective religious spaces and the impact of migration on their social relations with the kith and kin way back in the place of origin. This is a qualitative study based on 20 oral narratives with respondents who experienced significant socio-cultural challenges in the host societies. The evidence-based findings reveal that significant challenges are experienced by the migrant workers in Kashmir, with respect to the social and cultural aspects of their lives.

Design/methodology/approach

Keeping in view the nature and the objectives of the study, qualitative research approach was used to have an empathetic understanding of the experience of obstacles by the migrant workers pertaining to cultural adaptation, health and well-being, stereotyping and other hard to adjust problems. The study used a convenience sampling technique to recruit the respondents in the district Pulwama of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 daily wage migrant labourers who after migrating to the valley of Kashmir, experienced challenges with respect to the cultural adaptation, health and well-being, stereotyping and employment opportunities. The data was collected in the month of June and July, keeping in view the massive influx of migrant worker in the valley. While collecting data from the first ten participants, the study encountered data saturation, as the same set of responses were observed. Meanwhile, two more respondents were added to the study to ensure that no data is left out, but again the same set of response was recorded. This prompted the investigator to cease the data collection process. Moreover, the current study was conducted at a time and place convenient to participants, usually at the online e-service shops, where these daily wage migrant labourers come for money transfer and other related activities. Thematic analysis of data was practiced as per the technique of Braun and Clarke (2006), which involves becoming acquainted with the data, looking for themes, validating and refining those themes, identifying and labelling those themes and finally creating the report.

Findings

The evidence-based findings reveal that significant challenges are experienced by the migrant workers in Kashmir, with respect to the social and cultural aspects of their lives.

Originality/value

Original research paper.
The impact of financial and social inclusion on well-being: evidence from a Waqf-based microfinance institution in Indonesia
Authors: Yumna Aimatul , Marta Joan , Yanuarta RE Ramel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of social and financial inclusion on the welfare of the impoverished through a Waqf-based microfinance organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from 282 respondents, 150 of whom were customers and 132 of whom were not customers of an Indonesian Waqf-based microfinance organization. The impacts of financial and social inclusion on well-being were examined using generalized least squares with random effects.

Findings

This study discovered that financial inclusion has little influence on customer well-being, but it significantly improves the well-being of non-customers. Social inclusion, on the other hand, has a major influence on improving the well-being of consumers but has little effect on noncustomers. This study demonstrates that financial and social inclusion have varied effects on the well-being of two distinct groups of respondents.

Practical implications

These findings have significant implications for Waqf-based microfinance to restructure its programs to enhance financial inclusion by promoting financial literacy and developing partnership with commercial financial institutions.

Originality/value

Previous study examined into qard hassan’s contribution to financial inclusion and well-being, but the impact of social inclusion on well-being has received less attention. Thus, the objective of this research is to understand how financial and social inclusion might improve the well-being of Waqf-based microfinance customers.
Dark patterns, dimmed brands: the erosion of equity through deceptive design in e-commerce
Authors: Singh Vibhav , Vishvakarma Niraj Kumar , Kumar Vinod
Published: January 2025

Purpose

E-commerce companies employ deceptive techniques known as dark patterns (DPs) to manipulate customer decisions on online platforms. DPs are known to annoy and generate negative emotions in the consumers, which might be detrimental to a brand. Consequently, this study examines the influence of DPs on brand experience (BE) and consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) from the lens of stimulus-organism-response theory in an e-commerce organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was obtained from 419 respondents who frequently make transactions on e-commerce platforms. Subsequently, the authors used partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via the R programming language to analyze the relationships.

Findings

It was found that DPs negatively impact the BE and CBBE of an e-commerce firm. Furthermore, BE positively impacts CBBE as well as mediates the relationship between DPs and CBBE. Additionally, no significant moderating influence of shopping frequency was discovered for the relation between DPs and BE.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigates the connection between DPs, BE and CBBE in a general e-commerce context. Results may differ across specialized e-commerce sectors.

Practical implications

The study’s insights could motivate e-commerce managers to reevaluate their use of DPs. The study could help online platforms reorganize their business strategies and adopt a customer-centric approach, which might create a long-term positive relationship with customers. The results might spark discussions over redressing customer relations after previous exploitation via DPs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically assess the impact of DPs on crucial brand parameters like BE and CBBE.
The influence of ESG on mergers and acquisitions decisions and organisational performance in UK firms: comparison between financial and non-financial sectors
Authors: Feyisetan Omotayo Olaleye , Alkaraan Fadi , Le Chau
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of environmental, social and governance (ESG) on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) decisions/activities and organisational performance in UK – financial and non-financial firms over the period (2012–2022).

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical lenses underpinning this study are rooted in stakeholder theory and resource-based theory. The empirical analysis is based on a sample of financial and non-financial firms selected from FTSE ALL-listed companies over the period (2012–2022).

Findings

Findings of this study reveal that ESG score has a statistically significant impact on both financial and non-financial firms. An increase in firm ESG performance significantly increases the likelihood of M&A. The results reveal that the impact of ESG on firm financial performance is negative and significant, but this is not the case for non-financial firms where the impact despite being positive is insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted using data from firms within the UK context. Future research may adopt or adapt the research questions in different context and settings. Future studies may adopt a case study approach or survey-based questionnaires or employ various theoretical lenses.

Practical implications

Findings of this study have managerial and theoretical implications. Integrating ESG into operational and strategic organisational activities enhances attractiveness to potential bidders and contributes to sustainable financial performance because acquiring targets with high ESG performance can have a positive effect on the acquirer’s post-merger market value, thereby strongly confirming the use of ESG as a value-enhancing strategy to promote corporate external growth.

Originality/value

Our findings add to the extant literature, a recent empirical evidence that, to the best of our knowledge, our this study is among the first to examine the influence of ESG on M&A and firm performance through comparison between the financial and non-financial sectors.
The effect of organizational identification on AIS acceptance: how gender and collectivism shape usage patterns
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Afzal Sadia , Farooq Mariam , Farooq Omer , Atif Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of organizational identification on employees’ usage of newly introduced Accounting Information Systems (AIS), with a particular focus on the mediating influence of attitude and the moderating roles of gender and collectivism. Drawing on social identity theory, the research framework was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a survey method from 500 service sector employees adapting to a newly implemented AIS. Structural equation modeling (SEM) in Mplus was used for the model testing.

Findings

The results indicate that organizational identification does not directly influence employees’ AIS usage. Nevertheless, the study findings demonstrate that it exerts an indirect influence on employees’ AIS usage through the mediation of their attitude toward the using of new AIS. The moderation of gender and collectivism emerged as crucial, showing the strongest effect of organizational identification on AIS usage among highly collectivist female employees, followed by highly collectivist male employees, and then less collectivist female employees. This relationship is weakest in less collectivist male employees.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this investigation stands as the first to integrate social identity theory with cultural values and the gender of employees, offering insights into the employees’ AIS usage.
Impact of uncertainty factors on the performance of building renovation projects
Authors: Dandago Abdulmalik Abba , Yamusa Muhammad Aliyu , Lawal Haruna Sa’idu , Abubakar Mu’awiya , Abdullahi Muhammad , Zailani Bello Mahmud
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess the extent of the impact of uncertainty factors on renovation project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to adopt a quantitative approach, using structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the extent of the impact of uncertainty variables on construction project performance based on data from 226 construction professionals sourced using a questionnaire.

Findings

The SEM result indicates four (4) principal uncertainty factors have a significant effect on renovation projects, while the remaining four (4) do not. Results of descriptive and inferential statistics showed that 25 out of 45 identified uncertainty factors have a critical impact on performance, thereby serving as the basis for exploratory factor analysis, which produced an eight-group factor solution.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to specific locations, as uncertainty factors can be location-sensitive. Further research should be done to assess the Impact of these Uncertainty factors on a specific location and other project types.

Practical implications

The study aids practitioners in estimating project costs and durations by identifying uncertainty factors affecting renovation projects. It aids project managers in managing uncertainties to improve cost, quality and schedule and serves as a risk management tool for clients and project managers.

Originality/value

The study presents a path model that shows the impact of uncertainty factors on renovation project performance. The insights provided in this study are poised to assist project managers and other construction professionals in planning renovation projects more effectively and successfully.
Eyeing the pun: an eye-tracking study on the synergistic effects of visual and textual elements in tourism advertising
Authors: Chen Xianglan , Yang Yayun , Bilgihan Anil , Liu Weiqian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use a multi-methodological approach to investigate how puns in texts and pictorial elements comprising human figures influence viewer engagement and potential consumer conversion in tourism advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an experiment with the EyeLink 1000 Plus. The research team curated 24 advertisements with homonymic puns from online travel agencies and Chinese tourism websites.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal several insights: Eye saccade trajectories among participants were generally consistent with the image-text-image pattern when exposed to advertisements incorporating textual puns and human figures. Pictorial representations featuring human figures independently garnered heightened viewer attention. Textual elements presenting pun expressions also induced greater visual attention from participants. The combination of textual puns and pictorial human figures in advertisements, although not attracting the most visual attention from participants, successfully enhanced their memory of the advertisements and fostered positive attitudes toward them.

Practical implications

Using human figures in advertisements is likely to improve viewer engagement and attitude toward the brand, which could be strategically used to enhance campaign effectiveness. Furthermore, the use of puns should be considered carefully, as they can increase attention and retention when used effectively, suggesting a tactical deployment in advertising content to maximize impact.

Originality/value

These results contribute to the existing literature by offering empirical evidence on the effectiveness of textual puns and pictorial human figures in advertising. Additionally, this study provides actionable insights for tourism marketing practitioners seeking to optimize advertisement design.
Does living with children link to unequal impacts of the pandemic on mental health and emotional experiences?
Authors: Guo Lijia , Van Bortel Tine , Lombardo Chiara , Martin Steven , Crepaz-Keay David , McDaid Shari , Chantler Oliver , Thorpe Lucy , Solomon Susan , Morton Alec , Kousoulis Antonis , Davidson Gavin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions created a range of potential additional stressors for families, particularly for parents living with children. This study aims to explore whether there were any differences in the mental health and emotional experiences of those living with children, and those who were not, during the pandemic and related lockdowns; and whether there were any specific risk factors associated with these mental health outcomes and emotional experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analyses of ten-wave repeated cross-sectional surveys between May 2020 and November 2021 on a total sample of 42,529 UK adults, which measured mental health with a range of pleasant and unpleasant emotional experiences. The interaction effects of living with children and age as well as marital status were tested.

Findings

During the pandemic, individuals who were living with children were more likely to feel hopeful (OR: 1.1) and grateful (OR: 1.163), less likely to feel hopeless (OR: 0.918) and lonely (OR: 0.799), while more likely to feel guilty (OR: 1.185), unprepared (OR: 1.195) and pressurised (OR: 1.14), than those not living with children. More nuanced findings and diverse emotional experiences were also found in people of different age groups and marital statuses.

Originality/value

This study has highlighted that being parents and living with children could be important factors of emotional distress, especially during the special circumstances of the pandemic and lockdowns, drawing on the large-scale national data.
Using Boots theory to understand and address the cycle of poverty and mental illness
Authors: Reupert Andrea
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to illustrate the impact of poverty on mental health inequalities.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper on Boots Theory.

Findings

Boots Theory can help us to understand mental health inequalities.

Originality/value

Applying Boots Theory to mental health inequalities is valuable because it highlights how resource deprivation leads to short-term decisions that worsen long-term psychological and societal costs. It is original, as Boots Theory uses a relatable metaphor to connect individual experiences of deprivation with structural barriers, making it both accessible and impactful.
Driving digital transformation to promote efficiency in a sustainable perspective: evidence from a shipbuilding company
Authors: Baldassarre Silvia , Cavola Manuel , Palescandolo Pasquale , Piccolo Carmela , Pipicelli Eduardo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on the relevant benefits that collaborations with external innovation drivers can offer to companies in traditional sectors to embark on a twofold path oriented toward both a sustainable horizon and digital transformation (DT) goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This work describes the outcomes of the METROPOLIS project, financed by the Economic Development Ministry (MISE), to support small and medium enterprises in the DT process. The project involves the collaboration between the University of Naples Federico II and Palescandolo Lavorazioni Siderurgiche (PLS), an enterprise in the shipbuilding sector.

Findings

The project’s results highlight the complexity of the required interventions and show that DT is necessary but not sufficient condition to improve performance. Therefore, it is crucial to implement an appropriate decision support system based on advanced methodologies that can efficiently handle the system’s complexity, managing objectives oriented on efficiency and sustainability. Hence, the authors developed an original optimization approach to combine the need to ensure good production performances with sustainability-oriented objectives.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the complex path necessary to radically transform companies’ processes across digital and sustainable paradigms through a real project experience. In particular, it demonstrates that efficiency and sustainability objectives may conflict, and multicriteria approaches may help overcome this. Hence, it may provide insights for stakeholders and researchers involved in DT and green transition processes.
A qualitative exploration of school resource officer training in a Florida school district
Authors: Soderstrom Melanie F.P.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Both practitioners and scholars recognize that school resource officers (SROs) need specialized training for their positions. However, research into SRO training is limited, and thus, little is known surrounding the content and effectiveness of available training. This study aimed to explore SRO training in a Florida school district.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data collection included participant observations of five required trainings and interviews with SROs and their supervisors (n = 43). Qualitative description and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Descriptions of training content and facilitation are provided. Three themes were identified conveying problems with the training including an inefficient use of training time, lack of participant engagement and an omission of topics critical to the SRO position. The findings suggest that SRO programs need to consider the time devoted to training, the needs of their SROs and expectations for training.

Originality/value

This is the first study using both field research and interviews to investigate the underexplored topic of SRO training.
Impact of technology-supported personalized learning 5.0 on instructional quality: insights from the higher education institutions of Pakistan
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Suleman Neha
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The conventional teaching methods in higher education institutions often seem unsuccessful in meeting diverse learning needs of learners, leading to suboptimal instructional outcomes. In Pakistani context, where teaching methods and educational infrastructure still need improvement, there is dire need to examine the impact of technology-supported personalized learning (TSPL) on dimensions of instructional quality (IQ) such as cognitive activation (CA), supportive climate (SC) and classroom management (CM) in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used quantitative method specifically correlational research design in which data was collected from 290 undergraduates enrolled in one of the universities of Sindh, Pakistan. The questionnaire comprised 27 items including 12 items focusing descriptive statistics and 15 items addressing inferential statistics. The respondents marked on five-point Likert scale and data was analyzed through SPSS software version 27.0 by conducting Pearson’s correlation test to determine the relationship between TSPL and IQ.

Findings

The study concluded that there is strong positive relationship between TSPL and the three dimensions of IQ. Specifically, TSPL was found to be correlational with CA (r = 0.85), SC (r = 0.78) and CM (r = 0.80). It indicates that TSPL has major role in enhancing CA, SC and CM contributing to improvement in IQ. Moreover, the results indicate that learners who engage in TSPL experiences depict higher level of engagement, better academic performance and enhanced collaborative learning environment. It suggests that TSPL not only improves learners’ cognitive processes but also fosters a supportive and well-managed learning environment that is crucial for improvement in IQ.

Practical implications

The results of the study emphasize the significance of integrating TSPL in higher education institutions to enhance IQ. Among practical implications, investment in technological infrastructure, professional learning of teachers and active participation of stakeholders in planning and implementation of TSPL are major steps to maximize its benefits. Furthermore, this study serves as an empirical evidence for multi-dimensional benefits of TSPL in a context-specific learning environment. Mainly, it highlights the contextual adaptation of TSPL that can help policymakers and educators in improving educational outcomes.

Originality/value

This study adds empirical evidence to the existing literature related to the impact of TSPL on IQ in HEIs. It further indicates the multi-dimensional benefits of TSPL and provides practical suggestions for educators and policy makers to improve educational outcomes. It provides an original addition in the form of context-specific study that may be applicable to similar contexts.
Cosmetic textiles: important active ingredients, products and their applications
Authors: Qureshi Sajid Ahmed , Dorugade Vishnu Appa , Bihonegn Seyoum , Agazie Tewodros , Marie Abebe , Shiferaw Seid , Fentaw Leykun , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The skin is the largest organ of human, and its care and health are, therefore, important. Cosmetotextiles development transforms daily ordinary textile products into cosmetically active products, ending the need to actively apply the cosmetic substance.

Design/methodology/approach

The textiles can act as delivery systems of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, fragrances, metallic compounds and drugs, as well as some plant-based compounds. Encapsulation and grafting/coating technologies have provided these cosmetic ingredients with effective stabilization, sustained dermal delivery and prolonged dermocosmetic efficiency.

Findings

Current cosmetotextiles in the market claim to be moisturizing, cellulite-reducing, perfumed, body slimming, energizing, rejuvenating, refreshing, improving the firmness and elasticity of skin or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This paper provides an overview of the development history, important cosmetic ingredients and their applications and commercial cosmetotextile products available in the market.

Originality/value

For the past few years, the emergence of cosmetic textiles has created even further synergy between the benefits provided by products offered by the textile and cosmetic industries. Thus, cosmetic textiles appear on the market as part of two megatrends – one is a strong movement toward general well-being, and the second is embracing more technology into our everyday lives.
Optimizing workforce competency through strategic e-learning: a framework for organizational empowerment
Authors: Rathnasekara Kushan , Yatigammana Kaushalya , Suraweera Namali
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore how strategic e-learning contributes to enhancing employee competencies. Specifically, it focused on the role of self-efficacy in determining e-learning success and its potential to empower employees through targeted digital training initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was employed to assess the impact of strategic e-learning on workforce competency development. A structured survey, analyzed using SPSS, gathered quantitative data from employees across multiple sectors. Qualitative insights were obtained through semistructured interviews, analyzed thematically and complemented by a literature review to contextualize the findings.

Findings

Results demonstrated a strong correlation between self-efficacy and positive e-learning outcomes. Employees with higher self-confidence in using digital platforms showed improved competency development. Additionally, extrinsic factors such as organizational support and resource availability were identified as critical to the success of e-learning programs.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s focus on specific industries and reliance on self-reported data limit its generalizability. Future research could expand to diverse sectors and adopt longitudinal designs to assess long-term impacts.

Practical implications

Organizations can enhance e-learning efficacy by fostering employee self-efficacy and ensuring that digital training is supported by adequate resources and infrastructure.

Social implications

This research highlights the role of e-learning in bridging skill gaps and empowering employees, particularly in underserved regions or industries.

Originality/value

The study offers original insights into strategic e-learning for competency development, demonstrating its effectiveness in workforce empowerment and providing practical contributions to organizational learning.
Simultaneous temperature and strain sensing in a weakly-coupled polarization-maintaining few-mode fiber based on the intramodal SBS
Authors: Li Yidan , Ren Fang , Zhou Deyang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to propose and numerically analyze a weakly-coupled polarization-maintaining few-mode fiber sensor based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) for simultaneous multiple-parameter measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a weakly-coupled double-edged-eyelid-core polarization-maintaining few-mode fiber (DEEC-PM-FMF) supporting 12 eigenmodes across the whole C + L band is designed to improve the performance of simultaneous multiple-parameter sensing by optimizing the structural parameters of the fiber. Then, the intramodal Brillouin characteristics of the designed fiber, such as Brillouin gain spectrum and Brillouin frequency shift (BFS), are analyzed. Finally, based on intramodal SBS, the performance of the temperature and strain sensing in the designed fiber are studied and discussed.

Findings

Numerical investigation shows the minimum errors for synchronized temperature and strain measurement can reach 0.25 and 5.78 µe, respectively.

Originality/value

This work is significant for studying intramodal SBS in the FMFs. Furthermore, the proposed weakly-coupled DEEC-PM-FMF sensor also provides a potential guide for further improving the performance of simultaneous multiple-parameter sensing.
Empirical analysis of barriers to implement blockchain technology in manufacturing environment: a developing economy perspective
Authors: Goyat Rekha , Rathi Rajeev , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Singh Mahipal , Kaswan Mahender Singh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The present study aims to identify the critical barriers of blockchain technology (BT) implementation in a manufacturing environment in context of developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present work, barriers of BT adoption have been investigated via literature review and screened them through expert’s input. Further, the interrelationships among screened barriers were framed using a modified total interpretive structural modelling (mTISM) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) approach. The mTISM aims to develop a contextual relationship-based performance model with the logic behind transitive links formation to explore the dominant barriers. The MICMAC approach categorizes the blockchain adoption barriers based on their driving and dependence power.

Findings

Based on the analysis, nine barriers of BT adoption in manufacturing environment were identified and finalized through statistically. The obtained results exhibit that lack of awareness about blockchain and poor training/human expertise on innovative technologies are the most critical barriers that hinder blockchain adoption. This study provides a roadmap and may facilitate manufacturing professional, consultant, governing bodies and policymakers in the preparation of active strategies to overcome challenges in adoption of BT in the running system.

Originality/value

Literature is full with analysis of barriers of BT adoption in the domain of supply chain, operation management and manufacturing in context of developed nation only. The present work is the first attempt to examine the BT adoption barriers in the manufacturing environment of developing economy and covered the mutual-interrelationship among them via modified TISM approach.
Non‐lethal effects of climate change and infectious disease: An energetics approach to understanding population impacts
Authors: Daversa David R. , Lloyd‐Smith James O. , Bucciarelli Gary M. , Shaffer H. Bradley , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Climate change and infectious disease jointly impact species worldwide. In addition to causing conspicuous mortality events, these threats produce a range of non‐lethal effects that are often overlooked, yet can affect individual survival and fecundity, and ultimately, population and species viability.

We develop an energetic framework that structures the study of non‐lethal effects of climate change and infectious disease and their downstream demographic consequences. The framework identifies pathways by which climate change and infectious disease affect the acquisition, storage and mobilisation of energy required for organismal survival and reproduction.

The joint energetic effects of climate change and infectious disease, while often non‐lethal, can reduce fitness by increasing energetic demands, exacerbating energetic trade‐offs and accelerating physiological ageing.

Considering the energetic mechanisms underlying non‐lethal effects can explain when and why recurrent and/or chronic events associated with climate change and infectious disease can be important limiting forces for populations and species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors +/− Chemotherapy for Patients With NSCLC and Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Brown Lauren Julia , Yeo Nicholas , Gee Harriet , Kong Benjamin Y. , Hau Eric , da Silva Inês Pires , Nagrial Adnan
Published: January 2025

Background

Multiple studies have demonstrated the intracranial efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) +/− chemotherapy. The efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy compared to ICI alone in patients with metastatic NSCLC and brain metastases (BM) remains unknown.

Methods

A systematic review and network meta‐analysis were performed to evaluate ICI efficacy and the influence of additional chemotherapy on survival outcomes in treatment‐naïve metastatic NSCLC with BM. Randomized phase II/III studies with at least one treatment arm with an ICI were eligible. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in patients with and without BM were assessed.

Results

Ten studies were included, totaling 6560 patients, 770 with BM. Pairwise meta‐analysis revealed that patients with BM treated with ICI +/− chemotherapy had improved PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.49; 95% CI 0.40–0.60) and OS (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.44–0.68) versus chemotherapy alone. Patients without BM treated with ICI +/− chemotherapy also had improved PFS and OS compared to chemotherapy alone. In the network meta‐analysis of patients with BM, chemoimmunotherapy demonstrated improved PFS compared to ICI alone (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.43–0.96; p = 0.03). No significant difference was observed in OS. In the population of patients without BM, no significant differences in PFS or OS were observed between chemoimmunotherapy versus ICI alone.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis confirms that ICIs with or without chemotherapy are superior to chemotherapy alone for the first‐line management of metastatic NSCLC with and without BM. This network meta‐analysis suggests combination chemoimmunotherapy offers PFS benefit over ICI monotherapy in BM patients, warranting direct comparisons in clinical trials.

Trial Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42024501345
Optimizing Shoulder Joint Positioning During Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Study on Prevention of Postoperative Ipsilateral Shoulder Pain
Authors: Zhao Yan , Gu Yang , Hu Bin
Published: January 2025

Background

Ipsilateral shoulder pain (ISP) is a common complication following video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), significantly affecting postoperative recovery and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between intraoperative upper limb positioning, and the occurrence of ISP, with the goal of optimizing positioning to reduce postoperative complications.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 252 patients undergoing VATS for lung resection. The A angle (shoulder flexion) and B angle (shoulder abduction) were measured intraoperatively. ISP was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on the first postoperative day and 1 week after surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of ISP, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of shoulder positioning in predicting ISP.

Results

The incidence of ISP was 26.2% (66/252). Multivariate analysis revealed that larger A angles (OR: 1.061, 95% CI: 1.009–1.115, p = 0.021) were associated with a higher risk of ISP, while larger B angles (OR: 0.798, 95% CI: 0.744–0.856, p < 0.001) were protective against ISP. ROC curve analysis demonstrated a strong predictive value for the combined influence of A and B angles, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.822.

Conclusion

Intraoperative upper limb positioning, specifically decreasing the A angle (shoulder flexion) and increasing the B angle (shoulder abduction), plays a critical role in reducing the incidence of ISP following VATS. These findings suggest that adopting an optimal shoulder posture during surgery can improve patient outcomes.
Clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis inadequate social support network in breastfeeding mothers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: França Michelline S. , Linhares Francisca M. P. , Lopes Marcos V. O. , Mendes Ryanne C. M. G. , Mangueira Suzana O. , Leal Luciana P. , Vasconcelos Eliane M. R. , Pontes Cleide M.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To clinically validate the nursing diagnosis (ND) inadequate social support network in breastfeeding mothers.

Method

This cross‐sectional quantitative study employed clinical indicator accuracy analysis and hierarchical modeling for the etiological factors of the ND inadequate social support network. The study included 285 breastfeeding mothers registered in primary healthcare units.

Results

The most prevalent clinical indicators within the sample were deficit in instrumental support from health services, imposition of appropriate behaviors, weak social bonds, and negative social interactions. The most frequent etiological factors were deficit in strong bonds, fragility of institutional network organization, unwillingness to provide support, refusal to provide support, and deficit in healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

The ND inadequate social support network was clinically validated within the population of breastfeeding mothers, resulting in six clinical indicators with high sensitivity and specificity for identifying the diagnosis. Additionally, the statistical analysis of the etiological factors identified seven antecedents to the emergence of the diagnosis.

Implications for nursing practice

Based on these findings, nurses can better assist breastfeeding mothers with the aim of preventing an inadequate social support network. By identifying this phenomenon, it becomes possible to plan care and implement nursing interventions to address this issue effectively.
Road‐River Intersections (Bridges) Negatively Affect Plant Species Diversity and Ecological Attributes
Authors: Borges Erica Rievrs , González‐Sargas Eduardo , Casajus Nicolas , Carboni Marta , Bauman David , Fried Guillaume , Maskell Lindsay , Escario Alejandro Juarez , Planty‐Tabacchi Anne‐Marie , Tabacchi Eric
Published: January 2025

Question

Linear habitats are terrestrial and aquatic corridors that can be natural or anthropogenic. Here we asked: how does the intersection of two types of linear habitats (roads and rivers) affect plant species diversity, composition and ecological attributes?

Location

Southern France.

Methods

We studied road‐river intersections (bridges) to test how composition, alpha and beta diversity, and ecological preferences of species in both roadside and riverside plant communities responded to the influence of bridges. We also used spatial predictors (spatial eigenvector maps) to assess whether bridges influenced directional spatial processes (upstream‐downstream river axis) structuring community composition.

Results

We showed that vegetation around bridges differed from that away from bridges in terms of species composition and ecological preferences, and reduced alpha and beta diversities. We also found a convergence of species' ecological preferences in plant communities of rivers and roads at bridges. The turnover component of species beta diversity was lower at bridges, presumably due to different disturbance regimes, leading to biotic homogenization. However, our results show that the impact of bridges on directional spatial processes affecting species composition was negligible.

Conclusion

The strong effect of bridges as selecting forces of plant communities for both rivers and roads suggests bridges should not be overlooked. Our findings will help the development of more effective management of both types of linear habitats for the conservation of the plant species they host and the associated ecological functions and ecosystem services they provide.
Re‐defining the interpretation of 24‐h urine studies for stone formers
Authors: Sui Wilson , Yang Heiko , Velasquez Maria C. , Stoller Marshall L. , Chi Thomas
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To identify associations between 24‐h urine abnormalities and clinical risk factors for recurrent stone formers.

Patients and methods

The Registry for Stones of the Kidney and Ureter was queried for all patients who underwent 24‐h urine studies. Patients were categorised by the number of clinical risk factors for recurrent stone disease. Stone recurrence was calculated by stone events per person‐year. We utilised a novel method to calculate an overall severity score for 24‐h urine parameters. The stone recurrence and 24‐h urinary analyte values were then compared using Student's t‐tests, chi‐square analysis and negative binomial regression.

Results

A total of 614 stone patients met our inclusion criteria and were categorised by the number of clinical stone risk factors. On adjusted and unadjusted analysis, an escalating number of clinical risk factors predicted increased stone recurrence risk. However, there were no differences in mean 24‐h urine analyte values amongst these groups aside from higher urinary calcium. However, after calculation of a 24‐h urine severity score there was a significantly higher mean severity as the number of clinical risk factors increased. This severity score also independently predicted stone recurrence on adjusted negative binomial regression.

Conclusions

Utilising a novel 24‐h urine scoring system, we showed that higher‐risk stone patients have more severe 24‐h urine characteristics, which was not apparent using conventional analysis. Both the severity score and clinical characteristics independently identified those at risk of stone recurrence.