bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hotspots and development trends of gut microbiota in atopic dermatitis: A bibliometric analysis from 1988 to 2024
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Haipeng , Fan Lina , Yu Qi , Wang Siqiao
Published: December 2024

Background:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition that commonly occurs in children. More and more scientific evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, whereas there is no article providing a comprehensive summary and analysis. We aimed to analyze documents on AD and gut microbiota and identify hotspots and development trends in this field.

Methods:

Articles and reviews in the field of AD and gut microbiota from January 1, 1988 to October 20, 2024 were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Biblioshiny was utilized for evaluating and visualizing the core authors, journals, countries, documents, trend topics, and hotspots in this field.

Results:

Among 1672 documents, it indicated that the number of annual publications generally increased. The United States had the highest production, impact, and international collaboration. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology was the journal of the maximum publications. Based on keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis, “stratum-corneum lipids,” “probiotics,” “prebiotics,” “fecal microbiota transplantation,” “phage therapy,” “short chain fatty-acids,” “biologic therapy,” and “skin inflammation” represented current trend topics. The pathological and molecular mechanisms and associated therapeutic methods for AD and gut microbiota were the research hotspots. The incorporation of microbiota-based therapies alongside conventional treatments can contribute to better clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:

We highlighted that gut microbiota may exacerbate symptoms of AD through various aspects, including immunity, metabolites, and neuroendocrine pathways. More efforts are required to investigate the safety and efficacy of gut microbial management methods for the prevention and treatment of AD.
A colon cancer patient with splenic metastasis associated with a splenic abscess and thrombocytopenia: A case report
Authors: Cui Fang , Zhu Rongfeng , Qian Zhangjun , Zhang Yunlei
Published: December 2024

Rationale:

Splenic metastases concomitant with abscesses are rare and challenging for clinicians. The primary treatment options include splenectomy and ultrasound-guided percutaneous perforation and drainage.

Patient concerns:

A case of splenic abscess in a colon cancer patient with splenic metastasis who developed chills and fever for approximately 2 weeks. However, the best broad-spectrum antibiotics are ineffective. Moreover, the patient had a high bleeding risk for percutaneous perforation due to a low platelet count.

Diagnoses:

Colon cancer, splenic metastasis, splenic abscess, thrombocytopenia.

Interventions:

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous splenic abscess perforation and drainage were performed after platelet transfusion and stimulation of platelet production in the bone marrow.

Outcomes:

His fever was immediately relieved at night and thrombocytopenia did not relapse thereafter. His platelet count increased rapidly and reached 121 × 109/L 3 days later.

Lessons:

Spleen metastasis in tumor patients necessitates vigilance for the potential development of spleen abscess. A less invasive procedure can be feasible in cases of low platelet count without significant coagulation dysfunction. When there is no alternative therapeutic schedule, doctors should fully evaluate the risks and benefits.
Diaphragmatic pheochromocytoma: Two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Xi Xinsheng , Yan Guanghui , Guo Baihong , Jin Gang , Guo Chenming , Feng Bin
Published: December 2024

Rationale:

Pheochromocytomas typically arise in the adrenal medulla, whereas ectopic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas commonly occur near the abdominal aorta, bladder, mediastinum, and head. Diaphragmatic pheochromocytomas are exceedingly rare, and there is limited surgical experience with their treatment.

Patient concerns:

In Case A, the subject is a 45-year-old male, while in Case B, the subject is a 59-year-old female. Both patients present with a history of paroxysmal hypertension. Computed tomography imaging revealed the presence of diaphragmatic tumors in both patients. The tumor in Case A was observed in the left diaphragm, while the tumor in Case B was located in the right diaphragm.

Diagnoses:

Two patients were diagnosed with diaphragmatic pheochromocytoma on the basis of disease progression, imaging, endocrinological assessment and postoperative histopathological examination.

Intervention:

Both patients received the same standardized preoperative preparation, which included hypotensive therapy and intravenous rehydration. Subsequently, Case A underwent a transabdominal robotic laparoscopic surgical resection, while Case B underwent a transthoracic thoracoscopic surgical resection.

Outcomes:

Both patients demonstrated a favorable recovery trajectory and exhibited stable blood pressure at the 3-month follow-up.

Lessons:

This report serves to remind the reader that the transthoracic approach to diaphragmatic pheochromocytoma may prove to be more advantageous than the transperitoneal approach. Additionally, precise preoperative localization of the tumor and careful intraoperative monitoring and assessment are imperative to achieve favorable outcomes.
Renal cell carcinoma and macrophage research: A bibliometric analysis (2004–2023)
Authors: Qi Dingtian , Zhang Haoxun , Xiong Feng , Zhang Guoling , Tao Boju , Wang Chunyang
Published: December 2024

To analyze hotspots and trends in renal cell carcinoma (RCC)-macrophage research using bibliometric analysis, although numerous studies on macrophages in RCC have been recently reported, understanding the progressive trends in this field remains challenging. Publications focused on macrophages in RCC were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer, Citespace, and Bibliometrics online platforms were used to visualize hot topics and global trends in RCC-macrophage research. In total, 778 papers were collected. China produced the most articles; however, the United States accounted for the largest number of citations. Oncology journals published the most articles, and these were cited most frequently. Based on keyword analysis, “prognosis,” “immunotherapy,” “tumor microenvironment,” and “immune infiltration” represented the primary research hotspots. In summary, RCC-macrophage studies have emerged as a key research focus; particularly, incorporating multiomics data and applying artificial intelligence for predictive modeling have demonstrated significant potential. Our study suggests that the resistance mechanism of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the interaction between macrophages and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be pivotal areas for future research.
Giant cell tumor of proximal femur managed by extended curettage with fibular strut allograft using long intramedullary interlocking nail: A case report and literature review
Authors: Song Jiashi , Liu Bing , Jin Kaipeng , Yao Quan
Published: December 2024

Rationale:

We first report a unique case of proximal femoral Giant cell tumor of bone, a subtrochanteric lesion associated with femoral neck and intertrochanteric involvement. We chose a completely new surgical approach to treat the primary tumor and preserve the hip joint. No cases of this type have ever been reported.

Patient concerns:

The patient, a 26-year-old man, came to our hospital for treatment of right hip pain more than 4 months ago, had no family history of similar diseases.

Diagnoses:

Based on the imaging results and pathology, a diagnosis of Giant cell tumor of bone was confirmed.

Interventions:

Based on the imaging grade and patients’ wishes, the tumor managed by extended curettage and reconstructed with a fibular strut allograft and long intramedullary interlocking nail was used for prophylactic fixation of fractures. The patient did not undergo disuzumab.

Outcomes:

After 40 months of follow-up, although the bone defect finally reached bone healing, the hip function was good, and the tumor did not recur, there were signs of internal fixation loosening at 12 months of the surgery.

Lessons:

For young patients with imaging grade <3 who need limb salvage, fibular strut allograft and intramedullary nail-fixation are also an alternative treatment option for hip reconstruction after tumor surgery when the lesion involves the entire proximal femur.
The relationship between non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (NHHR) and anemia: A cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2009 to 2016
Authors: Cao Nengneng , Wang Jiajia , Zhu Jinli , Jiao Xunyi , An Furun , Zhai Zhimin
Published: December 2024

The non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (NHHR) is a newly developed metric that represents the ratio of non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. Anemia is a prevalent public health concern affecting all age groups. Our purpose is to investigate the connection between NHHR and the prevalence of anemia, as well as to explore their potential interactions. A total of 17,019 participants were incorporated into this research. NHHR was calculated as the scale of non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. According to WHO criteria, anemia at sea level is diagnosed with a hemoglobin level (g/dL) of <12 for women and <13 for men. This study utilized multivariate linear regression, threshold effect analysis, smooth curve fitting, multivariate logistic regression as well as subgroup analysis, to investigate the linkage between the NHHR and anemia. After complete adjustment, the model indicated a strong inverse relationship between NHHR and the prevalence of anemia (the odds ratio [OR] was 0.82 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.78–0.86), suggesting that an incremental increase in NHHR correlates with an 18% decrease in the prevalence of anemia. Segmenting NHHR into quartiles maintained this significant association. The prevalence of anemia was 51% lower among participants in the highest NHHR quartile compared to those in the lowest quartile, with an OR of 0.49 (95% CI: 0.41–0.59; P for trend < .0001). Subsequent analysis revealed a significant improvement in the threshold effect value to 4.28 for the potential relationship between NHHR and anemia. Subgroup analysis showed an inverse correlation in some subgroups. Alcohol consumption significantly affects the relationship between NHHR and anemia (interaction P < .05). Our study revealed that NHHR is inversely proportional to the prevalence of anemia in U.S. adults.
The Impact of Telenursing on the Self-management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adolescent Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Shahri Mostafa Ahadi , Farahani Azam Shirinabadi , Rassouli Maryam , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Aghbelagh Shima Mohammadi
Published: December 2024

Background

Chemotherapy is one of the cancer treatments among adolescents, after which nursing care at home is required due to developing side effects such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. One solution to deliver nursing care is to provide remote self-management training.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of telenursing on the self-management of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms among adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

In this intervention study, 66 adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who were referred to teaching hospitals for receiving chemotherapy were selected through randomized block sampling. The data were collected through demographic and clinical questionnaires, the researcher-made form for GI symptoms and conditions, and the researcher-made questionnaire for the self-management of GI symptoms among adolescents. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.

Results

The findings show that there was no significant statistical difference between the control group and the intervention group in terms of demographic characteristics. According to the independent-samples t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance, using an educational website had a significant positive impact on the scores of GI symptoms self-management, 1 week and 1 month after the intervention (P < .001).

Conclusions

Given that the intervention group patients could better manage their GI symptoms on their own by visiting the educational website Cancer Information, it can be concluded that telenursing can affect the self-management of GI symptoms among adolescent patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy.

Implications for Practice

The website Cancerinformation.ir can be used in the self-management of GI symptoms in cancer patients.
A Decision-Making Grid for Coenrollment in Multiple Clinical Trials
Authors: Curley Martha A.Q. , Kalvas Laura Beth , Perry-Eaddy Mallory A. , Asaro Lisa A. , Wypij David
Published: December 2024

Background

While subject coenrollment into multiple trials is desirable, thoughtful consideration is required to avoid compromising each trial’s scientific integrity.

Objective

We developed a Decision-Making Grid (GRID) to help investigators determine whether a clinical trial is compatible with a second clinical trial, thus allowing coenrollment, or if it should be considered competing, prohibiting coenrollment.

Methods

The GRID evaluates 21 elements across 4 domains: Scientific Integrity, Data Interpretation, Feasibility/Burden, and Additional Considerations. Optimally, each PI shares their protocol, completes the GRID independently, then meets to compare their perspectives, seeking a mutually acceptable agreement.

Results

The GRID has facilitated coenrollment decision-making for the RESTORE and PROSpect pediatric critical care clinical trials. In RESTORE, five trials were reviewed; one was approved for coenrollment; four were deemed competing. In PROSpect, 26 trials have been reviewed; 20 are approved for coenrollment; six were deemed competing. In both RESTORE and PROSpect, the PIs of multiple trials arranged a mutually acceptable sharing agreement.

Discussion

The GRID provides a systematic process to help investigators evaluate the effect of coenrollment in multiple clinical trials.
Imaging Study of Peroneal Artery Branches and its Application in Flap Design and Transplantation
Authors: Chen Yong-Pei , Yang Rui , Zhong Hai-Yan , Zou Ming-Li , Wang Qian , Chen Yong , Wang Min , Yuan Si-Ming
Published: December 2024

The reconstruction of defects in the lower extremity with bone or tendon exposure presents a significant challenge in clinical practice. Among the various surgical options available, the peroneal artery perforator flap (PAPF) stands out as a superior choice for repairing such defects. However, due to potential damage and variations in the peroneal artery’s branches and perforators, identifying these anatomic features accurately is crucial for optimizing flap design and transplantation. This study reports the successful experience of reconstructing soft tissue defects of the lower extremity using PAPF. Preoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was used to visualize the peroneal artery and its branches. High-frequency ultrasound was also employed to accurately locate perforating branches. This approach enables visualization, customization, and precision in flap surgery, assisting in flap design and transplantation.
Motor Cortex Stimulation for Refractory Facial Neuralgia and Paresthesia in Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Authors: Chang Bowen , Li Zheng , Mei Jiaming
Published: December 2024

This study explores motor cortex stimulation (MCS) as a treatment for Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS)-related neuralgia, which often persists despite traditional therapies. A 68-year-old patient with RHS experienced significant pain and sensory relief after MCS, after ineffective conventional treatments. MCS enhances neural plasticity, offering a promising alternative for managing intractable neuralgia and sensory disturbances in RHS patients. This case underscores MCS’s potential efficacy, advocating for further research into its broader application and benefits for RHS-related pain management.
Screening and Optimisation of Bioflocculant Production Proteus mirabilis PQ267972 Isolated from Tendele Coal Mine Wastewater
Authors: Luthuli Sinothile Nicodim , dlamini Nkosinathi Goodman , ntombela zuzingcebo
Published: December 2024

Flocculation has been widely used as one of the most effective methods for removal of suspended particles in water or wastewater treatment. Flocculants are conventionally used because of their high flocculating activity, low-cost production and availability. However, flocculants have been reported to have negative impacts on the environment and have caused some serious health problems including neurotoxicity and cancer-genic to humans. Consequently, bioflocculants appear to be an alternative to synthetic flocculants because bioflocculant are eco-friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic and able to function at a low dosage. In this study, the bioflocculant producing bacterium was isolated from Tendele coal mine and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The isolated bacterium has about 99% estimated with Proteus Mirabilis and was named as Proteus mirabilis PJC12 with accession number MK 802115.1. Its culture conditions such as inoculum size, carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, temperature, shaking speed and time were optimised using the one-factor at a time assay. A 1% (v/v) inoculum size was selected as the optimum size for bioflocculant production by P.mirabilis PJC12 and was used subsequent experiments. Amongst all carbon and nitrogen sources that were tested, fructose and yeast extract were the most favourable respectively. The pH, temperature, shaking speed and time were tested and pH 6, 30 o C, 140 rpm and 7 hrs were taken as optimum levels respectively.
Finding dense sublattices as low energy states of a Hamiltonian
Authors: Barberà-Rodríguez Júlia , Gama Nicolas , Narayanan Anand Kumar , Joseph David
Published: December 2024

Lattice-based cryptography has emerged as one of the most prominent candidates for postquantum cryptography, projected to be secure against the imminent threat of large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers. The Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) is to find the shortest nonzero vector in a given lattice. It is fundamental to lattice-based cryptography and believed to be hard even for quantum computers. We study a natural generalization of the SVP known as the K-Densest Sublattice Problem (K-DSP): to find the densest K-dimensional sublattice of a given lattice. We formulate K-DSP as finding the first excited state of a Z-basis Hamiltonian, making K-DSP amenable to investigation via an array of quantum algorithms, including Grover search, quantum Gibbs sampling, adiabatic, and variational quantum algorithms. The complexity of the algorithms depends on the basis through which the input lattice is presented. We present a classical polynomial-time algorithm that takes an arbitrary input basis and preprocesses it into inputs suited to quantum algorithms. With preprocessing, we prove that O(KN2) qubits suffice for solving K-DSP for N-dimensional input lattices. We empirically demonstrate the performance of a quantum approximate optimization algorithm K-DSP solver for low dimensions, highlighting the influence of a good preprocessed input basis. We then discuss the hardness of K-DSP in relation to the SVP, to see if there is a reason to build postquantum cryptography on K-DSP. We devise a quantum algorithm that solves K-DSP with runtime exponent (5KNlog2N)/2. Therefore, for fixed

K

,

 

K

-DSP is no more than polynomially harder than the SVP. The central insight we use is similar in spirit to those underlying the best-known classical K-DSP algorithm due to Dadush and Micciancio. Whether the exponential dependence on K can be lowered remains an open question.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonconventional thermal states of interacting bosonic oligomers
Authors: Vardi Amichay , Ramos Alba , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: December 2024

There has recently been a growing effort to understand the physics and intricate dynamics of many-body and many-state (multimode) interacting bosonic systems in a comprehensive manner. For instance, in photonics, nonlinear multimode fibers are being intensely investigated nowadays due to their promise for ultrahigh-bandwidth and high-power capabilities. Similar prospects are being pursued in connection with magnon Bose-Einstein (BE) condensates, and ultracold atoms in periodic lattices for room-temperature quantum devices and quantum computation, respectively. While it is practically impossible to monitor the phase space of such complex systems (classically or quantum mechanically), thermodynamics has succeeded in predicting their thermal state: the Rayleigh-Jeans (RJ) distribution for classical fields and the BE distribution for quantum systems. These distributions are monotonic and promote either the ground state or the most excited mode. Here, we demonstrate the possibility to advance the participation of other modes in the thermal state of bosonic oligomers. The resulting nonmonotonic modal occupancies are described by a microcanonical treatment, while they deviate drastically from the RJ/BE predictions of canonical and grand-canonical ensembles. Our results provide a paradigm of ensemble equivalence violation and can be used for designing the shape of thermal states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hamiltonian learning in quantum field theories
Authors: Ott Robert , Zache Torsten V. , Prüfer Maximilian , Erne Sebastian , Tajik Mohammadamin , Pichler Hannes , Schmiedmayer Jörg , Zoller Peter
Published: December 2024

Quantum field theories (QFTs) as relevant for condensed-matter or high-energy physics are formulated in continuous space and time, and typically emerge as effective low-energy descriptions. In atomic physics, an example is given by tunnel-coupled superfluids, which realize the paradigmatic sine-Gordon model, and can act as quantum simulators of continuous QFTs. To quantitatively characterize QFT simulators, or to discover the Hamiltonian governing the dynamics of a continuous many-body quantum system, we discuss Hamiltonian learning as a method to systematically extract the operator content and the coupling constants of Hamiltonians from experimental data. In contrast to Hamiltonian learning for lattice models with a given lattice scale, we learn QFT Hamiltonians on a resolution scale set by the experiment. Varying the resolution scale gives access to QFTs at different energy scales, and allows to learn a flow of Hamiltonians reminiscent of the renormalization group. Applying these techniques to available experimental data from a tunnel-coupled quantum gas experiment allows a definite distinction between a free quadratic theory from an interacting sine-Gordon model, as the underlying QFT description of the system.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mesoscale field theory for quasicrystals
Authors: De Donno Marcello , Angheluta Luiza , Elder Ken R. , Salvalaglio Marco
Published: December 2024

We present a mesoscale field theory unifying the modeling of growth, elasticity, and dislocations in quasicrystals. The theory is based on the amplitudes entering their density-wave representation. We introduce a free energy functional for complex amplitudes and assume nonconserved dissipative dynamics to describe their evolution. Elasticity, including phononic and phasonic deformations, along with defect nucleation and motion, emerges self-consistently by prescribing only the symmetry of quasicrystals. Predictions on the formation of semicoherent interfaces and dislocation kinematics are given.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Which review aspect has a greater impact on the duration of open peer review in multiple rounds? —Evidence from Nature Communications
Authors: Zhou Haomin , Han Ruxue , Zhong Jiangtao , Zhang Chengzhi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Peer review plays a crucial role in scientific writing and the publishing process, assessing the quality of research work. As the volume of paper submissions increases, peer review becomes increasingly burdensome, highlighting the importance of studying the duration of peer review. This study aims to explore the correlation between review aspect sentiment and the duration of peer review as well as the differences in this relationship across different disciplines and review rounds. Thus helping authors make targeted revisions and optimizations to their papers while reducing the duration of peer review, which enables authors’ research findings to reach the academic community and public domain more rapidly.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a two-step approach to understand the impact of review aspects on the duration of peer review. First, it extracts fine-grained aspects from peer review comments and uses sentiment classification models to classify the sentiment of each review aspect. Then, it conducts a correlation analysis between review aspect sentiment and the duration of peer review. Additionally, the study calculates sentiment scores for various review rounds to explore the differences in the impact of review aspect sentiment on the duration of peer review across different review rounds.

Findings

The study found that there is a weak but significant negative correlation between the sentiment of the review and the duration of peer review. Specifically, the aspect clusters, such as Evaluation & Result and Impact & Research Value, exhibit a relatively stronger correlation with the duration of peer review. Additionally, the correlation between review aspect sentiments and the duration of peer review varies significantly in different review rounds.

Originality/value

The significance of this study lies in connecting peer review comments text with the peer review process. By analyzing the correlation between review aspects and the duration of peer review, it identifies aspects that have a greater impact on the duration of peer review. This helps improve the efficiency of peer review from the perspectives of authors, reviewers and editors. Thus alleviating the burden of peer review and accelerating academic exchange and knowledge dissemination.
Assessment of stakeholders’ responsiveness in public–private partnership projects: perspective from Nigeria
Authors: Ajibade Fausat Olaronke , Dada Joshua Oluwasuji , Adeyemo Ajibade
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate stakeholders’ responsiveness as an important factor of public–private partnership (PPP) projects performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires on the key stakeholders (public sector authorities, concessionaires, local lenders (financiers), consultants and contractors) involved in the identified 24 PPP projects so far initiated by Lagos State government in Nigeria. As such, 37 managerial officers (public sector), 20 concessionaires, 17 financiers, 22 contractors and 19 consultants (private sector) were purposively selected. These give a total number of 115 sample size. Out of this, 81 valid responses were received and used for the analysis. The elicited data were analysed using frequency distribution, percentile, mean item score and analysis of variance statistics.

Findings

The findings show that the responsiveness of stakeholders to identified responsibilities can only be said to be fair on the part of two primary stakeholders: government and concessionaires, while others, financiers, consultants, contractors and end-users, exhibit low level of responsiveness in PPP projects.

Originality/value

The paper empirically gauges how stakeholders respond to their responsibilities in PPP project. The study also provided insight from both theoretical and empirical perspective and the effect of stakeholders’ responsiveness on the performance of PPP projects. This study has implications for PPP project performance.
From sharing to success: enhancing innovative work behavior through psychological empowerment and kinship employee engagement
Authors: Marampa Adriana Madya , Pongtuluran Althon K , Pariyanti Eka
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the distinctive dynamics of knowledge sharing, empowering leadership, psychological empowerment, innovative work behavior, and the moderating impact of kinship employee engagement in the creative industries of SMEs in Tana Toraja, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structural equation modeling, this research analyzes quantitative data collected from 512 employees in creative industry SMEs.

Findings

Knowledge sharing is not found to be associated with psychological empowerment but is positively related to innovative work behavior. Empowering leadership is positively associated with both psychological empowerment and innovative work behavior. Psychological empowerment mediates the relationships between knowledge sharing and innovative work behavior, as well as between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior. Finally, kinship employee engagement moderates the relationship between psychological empowerment and innovative work behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design restricts establishing causal relationships among variables, suggesting the need for longitudinal studies. Contextual factors specific to Tana Toraja, such as cultural nuances and economic conditions, may not have been fully explored, impacting the applicability of findings elsewhere. Future research could mitigate these limitations by using larger and more diverse samples, using mixed-methods approaches and conducting longitudinal studies to track changes over time.

Practical implications

The findings underscore the importance of nurturing empowering leadership and promoting a culture of knowledge sharing to cultivate innovative work behavior. Moreover, leveraging kinship relationships can optimize organizational effectiveness and employee engagement in culturally nuanced settings.

Social implications

Strengthening these organizational practices not only enhances SME performance in creative industries but also fosters community cohesion and contributes positively to societal well-being.

Originality/value

This research uniquely explores the interplay of knowledge sharing, empowering leadership, psychological empowerment and the role of kinship employee engagement in enhancing innovative work behavior within SMEs in culturally distinct contexts like Tana Toraja’s creative industries.
Enabling retail food supply chain, viability and resilience in pandemic disruptions by digitalization – a conceptual perspective
Authors: Muzamil Ahmed Zainul Abideen , Pyeman Jaafar , Mutalib Sofianita binti , Azma binti Kamaruddin Kamalia , Abdul Rahman Norsariah binti
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Supply chain disruptions are a significant risk to businesses in a global marketplace because they make it more challenging for suppliers to effectively transport goods and services to customers. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend how these disruptions affect the retail food supply chain during pandemics and explore how digitalization might help to mitigate these issues in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid systematic review and analysis was conducted by retrieving data set from the scopus database using strong keyword search strategy. Later a content analysis was also done to gain more insights on the proposed research.

Findings

The results show that there are several possibilities enabling optimal scenario planning supply chain disruptions and mitigation. In this area, digitalization improves customer satisfaction and logistical efficiency, particularly in transportation and network optimization. In order to cope with uncertainty and grasp significant enhancements proactive strategies and collaboration that are guided by scenario planning and digitalization assist in developing robust supply chains that are sufficiently adaptable to adapt to shifting market conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to research papers indexed in Scopus from 2015 to 2023 with a more comprehensive review of retail food supply chain disruptions.

Practical implications

This research provides practical insights for retail food supply chain managers, highlighting the importance of digital maturity and scenario planning by leveraging digital tools and proactive strategies to improve logistical efficiency.

Social implications

This study helps in building resilient supply chains ensures the reliable availability, and food security of essential goods, particularly during crises.

Originality/value

This research uniquely links digitalization and scenario planning to managing supply chain disruptions, highlighting how digital tools and strategic planning enhance resilience and adaptability in the retail food supply chain.
Blood donation drive management: a discrete event simulation-based approach for enhanced operational efficiency
Authors: Singh Saurabh Sanjay , Gupta Deepak , Anand Vijay
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to optimize blood donation drive efficiency by addressing operational bottlenecks and improving resource deployment, focusing on enhancing donor experience and reducing camp duration.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative insights from blood banking officer interviews with quantitative data from 58 camp observations. “Simio” simulation software models various operational configurations, while mathematical techniques like queuing theory analyze key performance metrics. The process involves creating a baseline model, proposing optimizations and validating recommendations through real-world implementation.

Findings

The study achieved significant improvements: Reduced average donor time from 1.79 to 0.79 hours (56.4% improvement); Shortened camp operation time from 7.98 to 4.85 hours (39.2% improvement); Decreased waiting times at the medical check station from 45.23 to 0.60 minutes; Improved service rates across all stations, notably at registration (233.79% increase); and Streamlined processes through digitization and health check consolidation.

Practical implications

The study provides actionable recommendations for blood bank managers, including digital pre-registration and optimized staff allocation, leading to substantial time and resource savings while enhancing donor experience.

Social implications

By improving donation camp efficiency and experience, this research could increase donor retention rates and lead to a more stable blood supply, crucial for medical care.

Originality/value

This research presents a novel approach by combining discrete event simulation with real-world implementation and validation, offering an innovative solution to common bottlenecks in blood donation drives.
You can never go “home” again: reflections on the emotional impact of home ethnography
Authors: Mazzetti Angela
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the complex and dynamic emotional journey for the returning home ethnographer.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, I reflect on my experiences of conducting a multimethod home ethnography undertaken between 2014 and 2018 in Northern Ireland, which explored the emotional legacy of the Northern Ireland conflict, euphemistically referred to as “The Troubles”. Throughout the process, I maintained textual and digital reflective journals to record my observations, thoughts and feelings. In reviewing these journals, I identified that they traced my evolving emotions as they related to my perceptions of home and homelessness. These journals have formed the basis of this paper.

Findings

In the paper, I give insights into the complex and evolving emotions I experienced throughout my home ethnography. In the early stages of my research, I explore the romanticism I experienced as I desperately tried to reconnect with my home. I then reflect on the ambivalent emotions I developed towards Northern Ireland as I spent more time there, simultaneously experiencing feelings of frustration and sometimes fear intertwined with a strong desire to fit in and belong there. Finally, I came to experience the bittersweet emotion, nostalgia, realising that one can never truly go home again because of the irreversibility of time.

Originality/value

By sharing my story, I aim to -contribute to the literature on home ethnography by providing new insights into the complex and evolving range of emotions encountered throughout the different stages of home ethnography. Additionally, I aim to contribute to the problematization of Alvesson’s (2009) definition of home ethnography by exploring the insider/outsider dichotomy for a returning ethnographer positioned within a deeply sectarian and segregated society. Finally, I provide insights into the long-term emotional impact of forced displacement due to the Northern Ireland conflict.
Game on! Antecedents and consequents of gamification in the workplace
Authors: Ribeiro e Silva Madalena , Carneiro Pinto Joana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test and integrative model that forecasts a range of attributes as both antecedents and consequents of using a gamification app.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model includes factors from the technology acceptance model (TAM) [perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived usefulness (PU) and attitude towards use] and the self-determination theory (autonomy, competence and relatedness) as determinants of gamification usage. Additionally, the authors examine how job engagement (vigour, dedication and absorption) and organizational commitment (affective and calculative/continuance) are influenced by psychological outcomes.

Findings

PU, ease of use and a positive attitude significantly predicted actual gamification usage. Effective gamification usage predicted increased work engagement (vigour and dedication) and organizational commitment (affective and calculative). PEU predicted vigour when mediated by actual usage; and, dedication, affective and calculative commitment were predicted by all variables from the TAM when mediated by actual usage.

Practical implications

Companies should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of gamification implementation and its influencing factors for optimal organizational and employee outcomes.

Originality/value

By addressing both the psychological needs of employees and the technological factors influencing gamification acceptance, the study provides a more holistic view of the determinants of gamification success in the workplace, which is a fresh perspective in both gamification research and organizational behaviour studies.
Examining the impact of crowdsourcing and open innovation from the emerging country perspective
Authors: Basile Gianpaolo , Vrontis Demetris , Chatterjee Sheshadri , Bianco Rosario
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impact of crowdsourcing and open innovation (CSOI) in an emerging country like India. The study also investigates the moderating effects of technology support (TES) on improving firm performance and socio-economic conditions (SEC) in emerging countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model has been developed with the help of stakeholder theory, dynamic capability view (DCV) and existing literature. Later, the theoretical model is validated using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to analyse 303 respondents from India.

Findings

The results of this study demonstrate that CSOI has a significant and positive role in the SEC in emerging countries, showing the emergence of an economy close to stakeholder capitalism or the Francesco Pope one. The study also finds that TES significantly moderates successful crowdsourcing practices and open innovation activities, influencing sustainability-related factors.

Practical implications

This study shows that CSOI practices can influence the SECs in emerging countries by improving intermediate sustainability-related contextual issues like environmental, social and economic factors. This implies that CSOI are relevant in emerging countries to ensure the socio-economic growth of the society where so many constraints prevail.

Originality/value

This is a preliminary study on CSOI practices that firms in emerging countries follow. Using stakeholder theory and DCV to develop the unique conceptual model is essential to the body of knowledge. The inclusion of moderators like TES is a unique value proposition. Moreover, the proposed theoretical model has a high predictive power, making the model impactful and novel.
The effectiveness of immersive VR 360 mindfulness for the reduction of stress and burnout among teachers
Authors: Ong Junie , Doshi Kinjal , Chew Keng Hao , Tay June H.M. , Foo Jonathan Jon-Chung
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Teaching is a demanding profession with educators often experiencing high levels of stress, leading to burnout and associated negative outcomes such as diminished job satisfaction and compromised health. Enhancing social and emotional competence through mindfulness practices has shown promise in mitigating these effects. However, the demanding schedules of teachers often impede regular mindfulness practice. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers a novel solution by providing an immersive environment conducive to mindfulness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among educational professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluated the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among 35 educational professionals. Participants, recruited via email, completed pre- and post-intervention surveys and engaged in a 10-min mindfulness session using an Oculus Go headset, which simulated a 360-degree forest environment accompanied by audio-guided practice.

Findings

The findings suggest that VR can be an effective tool for facilitating mindfulness among teachers, offering a more accessible and engaging way to practice. This study underscores the importance of the quality of the virtual environment and relevant audio cues in enhancing mindfulness experiences. However, limitations include the small sample size and single-session intervention. Future research should explore larger-scale studies, long-term effects and improvements in VR hardware to enhance comfort.

Originality/value

VR technology has the potential to serve as an effective adjunct to traditional mindfulness training, helping educators manage stress and prevent burnout. These insights contribute to the growing literature on VR-assisted therapies and provide a foundation for future research.
Mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour among adolescents in Kerala, India
Authors: Krishna K. K. , Scaria Lorane , Devassy Saju Madavanakadu
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Adolescence is a stage where genetic and environmental vulnerabilities can emerge as behavioural and emotional disorders. Early detection and seeking professional help are critical for these groups. This study aims to explore how mental health literacy (MHL) and other demographic variables impact help-seeking behaviour among adolescents in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study used a structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables and standardized measurement tools to assess MHL, and help-seeking behaviour among adolescent pupils. Two hundred students aged 14 and above were randomly selected, with informed consent of themselves and their parents, from selected public and private schools in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India.

Findings

The mean age of the sample was 14.5 and 67% belonged to nuclear families with the majority being male (64%). The help-seeking attitude was negatively associated with the ability to recognize disorders among male students and positively associated with attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behaviour among female students. Additionally, hailing from extended families was associated with help-seeking behaviour among adolescent boys, but this relationship was not significant for girls.

Originality/value

The current study has identified that targeted interventions for male adolescents should focus on enhancing disorder recognition and leveraging family support, while those for female adolescents, the programs should promote positive attitudes towards recognizing mental health issues and help-seeking behaviours, integrating families and schools in the process.
Unraveling stock market crashes: insights from behavioral psychology
Authors: Song Garrison Hongyu
Published: December 2024

Purpose

A novel psychology-based framework is proposed to investigate the causes of stock market crashes.

Design/methodology/approach

Our approach builds upon the dynamic capital mobility model, expanding it by incorporating bidirectional relationships between investor sentiment and the average stock market price level. Investor sentiment is measured in terms of jumping rates of investors’ attitudes to the stock market in our model. The role and impact of investor sentiment on the average stock market price level are further clarified across various scenarios through simulations.

Findings

Our model provides a direct quantification of the influence of investor sentiment on stock market price dynamics, shedding light on an alternative mechanism contributing to stock market crashes alongside fundamental changes. Our simulation results confirm that optimistic investor sentiment can mitigate the magnitude of negative stock market price movements triggered by adverse fundamental changes. Our model also indicates that the stock market price level may exhibit higher volatility than can be attributed to fundamental changes.

Research limitations/implications

Our study only briefly touches on the origins of shifts in investor sentiment by introducing a self-fulfilling feedback loop from the average stock market price level to investor sentiment. In future research, we will identify other key factors contributing to shifts in investor sentiment and subsequently analyze their influence on investor sentiment.

Practical implications

Our findings carry practical implications for recent and future movements in the US stock market. For instance, despite the Federal Reserve’s continuous interest rate hikes since March 2022, the overall optimistic investor sentiment has helped mitigate a severe downward movement in the stock market. However, in the absence of clear indications of a loose monetary policy, a rapid shift of investor sentiment from optimism to pessimism in the US stock market could potentially lead to a historic stock market crash.

Originality/value

While the significance of investor sentiment in shaping stock market price dynamics, particularly regarding cross-sectional variations of stock returns, is widely recognized, quantifying directly its impact on the average stock market price level has remained a persistent challenge. Only very limited literature has delved into this subject, often hindered by a lack of theoretical support or yielding inconsistent results.