Conceptual Development Research Articles

Evaluating the Conceptual Development of Healthcare Leadership Literature with a Network Approach

Analysis of co-word networks can be used in discovering themes that reflect both the cognitive structure of the scientific field and the gap in the field, besides following the conceptual change in the scientific field. This study aims to reveal the development of the "healthcare leadership" literature, which started to attract more attention with the COVID-19 Pandemic. The authors searched for all articles written in English between 2020 and 2023 in Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases with the key phrases “healthcare leadership”, “healthcare leader”, “health care leadership” or “health care leader” as the query to search the following fields within a record: Title, Abstract, and Author Keywords. 134 articles in the Web of Science database and 585 articles in the Scopus database were reached. Duplicate articles (271) were first eliminated, then articles with one keyword (12) were excluded since one keyword is not appropriate for network analysis. Consequently, 1,360 unique keywords of 2,372 keywords from 436 articles were entered into the analysis scope. A network of whole years was constructed based on word frequency co-occurrence matrices with keywords from all years included, besides a network for each year. Descriptive statistics such as network density, connected components, and total number of ties were calculated for the whole network. Centrality measures were calculated for the network of whole years and each year. Network density and number of the connected components were found as 0.012 and 27 respectively. Leadership, COVID-19/Pandemic, healthcare, healthcare leadership, qualitative research, and nurse were the first six concepts with the highest degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and eigenvector centrality for the network of whole years. Thus, it was possible to see both the general view of the cognitive structure of the healthcare leadership literature and conceptual change in the literature over the years. The findings have the potential to provide important clues for trends and future research directions in this field.

Is blanqueamiento (whitening) an emerging concept in urban transformation?

The concept of “whitening” has emerged as a tool to describe processes of invisibilizing local social practices in favor of affluent, often white, foreign populations within Mexico City's central urban transformation. This article critically examines the relevance of whitening as an analytical framework compared to more established, albeit sometimes ambiguous, terms such as “gentrification”. The discussion focuses on three key areas: the impoverishment of urban vocabulary; the adaptation of foreign concepts in Latin America; and the limits of whitening as a concept. This comment argues that while whitening captures significant racial dynamics in urban transformations, its conceptual development is still nascent, making it insufficient to encompass the broader socioeconomic dimensions covered by gentrification. Unlike gentrification, which has been adapted to Latin American contexts to capture diverse forms of displacement and exclusion, whitening has yet to undergo such adaptation and remains limited in its geographic and temporal application. Additionally, the article discusses the risk of fragmenting urban discourse through the creation of neologisms that overlap with more established concepts. Whitening may offer valuable insights into racial aspects of urban change, but its application remains restricted compared to the more encompassing and versatile framework of gentrification, which addresses economic, demographic, and cultural changes in a comprehensive manner.

Analysis of students’ conceptual change in learning Newton’s third law with an integrated framework of model analysis and knowledge integration

The purpose of this study is to examine how students may hold coexisting and competing conceptual ideas and how students’ uses of such ideas may evolve during the process of conceptual change by combining two complementary methods including model analysis and the conceptual framework model of knowledge integration. Conceptual change is fundamental to science learning, highlighting the processes of students’ transitions from predominantly relying on alternative views to using scientific ones. Recent studies suggest a growing consensus that alternative views and scientific conceptions coexist and compete in students’ learning. However, explicit research on how the states of coexistence and competition evolve during the process of conceptual change is underdeveloped. Building on existing research, the model analysis provides a quantitative framework to represent the different consistent and coexisting/competing states through probabilities of consistent and/or mixed (coexisting) use of incorrect and scientific ideas. Meanwhile, the conceptual framework model of knowledge integration provides content-specific, cognitive explanations for the developmental levels and processes of conceptual change from novice to expert. By combining these two methods, researchers can gain insights into how the coexistence and competition among different conceptual ideas may evolve as conceptual change progresses. To target the research goal, a model-based knowledge integration assessment of Newton’s third law is developed to measure students’ levels of knowledge integration and model states in a single test. Quantitative data were collected from Chinese high school students, supplemented by interviews with a subgroup from the same population. The model analysis results show the heterogeneity of conceptual development and the evolving competition across novice, intermediate, and expert students, as well as across different concept dimensions. The interviews provide cognitive explanations for the observed model states, framed from the lens of knowledge integration. These insights can inform the development of effective assessments and instructional strategies to facilitate favorable conceptual change in student learning. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Amended WHO International Health Regulations for better global pandemic governance?

Recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), adopted at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024, represent an important conceptual development in the field of global pandemic governance. The regulations now include the notion of a pandemic emergency, a heightened subcategory of the public health emergency of international concern, which necessitates rapid, equitable, and enhanced coordinated international action to counteract global pandemics. In addition, changes to the guiding principles expressly require that the implementation process ‘shall promote equity and solidarity’. This is further crystallised in concrete commitments to enable equitable access to health products and provide for the mobilisation of financial resources for developing countries. Taking lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, these changes make the IHR a more effective tool against global pandemics and represent significant steps towards achieving global health justice.

The evolution of cyberconflict studies

Abstract In our increasingly digital world, cyberconflict poses a significant challenge to global security, prompting the emergence of an academic field dedicated to its study. Understanding the trajectory, evolution and dominant characteristics of cyberconflict studies is vital for scholars and policy-makers alike. By means of a thorough analysis of articles from the 125 top political science and International Relations journals, we illuminate the field's conceptual and methodological landscape. Our findings uncover a notable Europeanization of the field and a shift towards more rigorous methodologies, particularly experimental designs. While early research focused primarily on conceptual development and strategic topics, the contemporary field of studies exhibits a broader scope and greater diversity of scholarship. While the field has progressed beyond its nascent stages, it has yet to reach its full potential. We address several potential issues facing its growth and relevance. Firstly, there is a lack of global representation among researchers and in the incidents studied. Secondly, embracing interdisciplinary approaches is crucial for addressing newly emerging issues effectively. Thirdly, the diversification of research identities within the field of cyberconflict studies in the US and Europe must be bridged to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas. To overcome these challenges, adopting a pragmatic middle-ground approach is essential.

Units Coordination in Composing and Decomposing Whole-Number Composite Units

Students’ ability to operate with increasingly more complex units has been shown to be a key factor in their conceptual development. These abilities have been characterized as stages of units coordination. This article focuses on the domain of composing and decomposing composite units. Using data from a teaching experiment with a third-grade student, I distinguish among instances of her reasoning to postulate three levels of units coordination in this domain as well as developmental steps within each level: the ability to compose composite units but not decompose them; the ability to decompose composite units into single units; and the ability to decompose composite units into smaller composite units.

Gramsci’s dissidence beneath and beyond the First World War

One of the leading Marxist theorists of the 20th century and a founding member and leader of the Italian Communist Party, Antonio Gramsci began his intellectual and political journey essentially at the outbreak of WWI and left a massive body of journalistic work by the end of the war. Despite their scope and significance, his wartime writings remain understudied relative to the Prison Notebooks and other post-wartime writings, particularly in the English language literature. This article outlines some of the central themes that he explored in this period. It provides a synoptic depiction of Gramsci’s conceptual development over the course of the war. Gramsci’s dissident social theory represents a radically different intellectual reaction to the war than we see from prominent conservative and liberal social theorists. What emerges from the picture presented in this article is a conceptual snapshot whose organizing principle centers on a critical understanding of intransigence that Gramsci developed over the course of the war. The notion of intransigence, which for Gramsci went far beyond organizational and strategic struggles and expanded into cultural and philosophical endeavors, helps make sense of the major contours of his wartime activities. In carving out a space for critical engagement during the war, Gramsci developed a critique of liberalism and a commitment to socialism which were both marked by and linked through his critical understanding of intransigence.

Influencer Marketing, Narrative Transportation, and Consumer Well‐Being: An Exploration of How Virtual Influencers Impact Followers' Well‐Being

ABSTRACTWith recent advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer‐generated imagery, virtual influencers (VIs) have become prominent branding tools that command high engagement rates. Most extant research explores the marketing outcomes of using VIs in brand campaigns. However, little is known about how interacting with VIs on social media platforms may affect consumers' well‐being. This research takes a comprehensive approach, developing a nuanced understanding of whether (and how) human‐like VIs (HVIs) impact consumers' well‐being. We employ a conceptual development approach drawing on scholarship from influencer marketing, narrative transportation, and consumer well‐being and gather additional support for the conceptual framework from data collected by interviewing 25 followers of HVIs. The conceptual framework proposes that when interacting with influencers' social media posts, followers experience narrative transportation, which positively influences followers' hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being. However, the conceptual framework also proposes that these relationships are moderated by the type of influencer (human vs. virtual) sharing the post. Specifically, we suggest that interactions with HVIs provide followers with enjoyment (hedonic well‐being) and support their self‐acceptance, personal growth, relationships, and autonomy (eudaimonic well‐being). We also provide initial evidence of the favorable marketing outcomes of enhanced well‐being from engagement with HVIs, including contemplation of brand purchase. The study thus advances extant VI literature by proposing a theoretically and empirically informed conceptual model that examines HVIs' influence on consumer well‐being. Also, it contributes to addressing the broader calls for research on the impact of social media and influencer marketing on consumer well‐being.

Revolutionary discourses from the past: a digital hermeneutical analysis of widely read academic publications on the social impact and significance of the internet

ABSTRACT From the start, the academic community was deeply involved in both the technological and conceptual development of the internet. Works by Rheingold, Castells, and others put forward influential, intellectual imaginaries. Over thirty years later, these sources offer valuable insights, reflecting the novelty and excitement of the time. Often infused with rhetoric of radical transformation, these authors either consciously or unconsciously foregrounded a revolutionary period marked by digital utopianism, while also presenting critical views. This paper aims to identify and historicize common themes and concepts in influential academic publications on the internet's significance and social impact. By adopting a longitudinal and comparative approach, we aim to provide a historically informed understanding of Internet Studies. Our paper contributes to a tradition of media historical scholarship, examining how new technologies were socially constructed, how dominant discourses shaped popular imaginaries, and their role in the evolution of Internet Studies.

Mapping the Frontier: A Bibliometric Analysis of AI in Tertiary Education

This article presents a bibliometric analysis of research on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in higher education over the past decade. Through computer-assisted analysis of 412 documents from the Web of Science core collection, we shed light on publication trends, productivity patterns, and conceptual development. Despite this exponential growth in research output, there remains significant uncertainty about the long-term impact of AI on pedagogical practices, learning outcomes, and the overall structure of higher education systems. The results show an annual production increase of 31.8% in research publications on AI in higher education, signaling scientific recognition of the disruptive potential. The concentration in renowned specialist journals on the topic of technology-supported learning is offset by the distribution of these journals across 206 multidisciplinary sources. With 10 publications, the Chinese University of Hong Kong is the leading contributing institution. China leads in the number of publications on AI in higher education, with 62 articles, followed by the United States with 45 and the United Kingdom with 29. These regional anchors are driving progress in the field. Although there is strong collaboration, the research output remains spread across 1,182 scientists without established leaders, reflecting the diverse and emerging nature of the field. Topic modeling and keyword analysis mean an increasing examination of the connections to education systems, training, labor markets, and learning analyses. This highlights the tensions surrounding data ethics, academic integrity, and the disruption of the workforce as algorithms permeate admissions, advising, and teaching. Our examination of the anatomy of this rapidly growing field provides indispensable perspectives for guiding innovation. As techniques advance from theory to reality, continued empirical research to explore risks and opportunities will be critical to upholding humanistic educational values.

Patient Experience of Living With Hemophilia A: A Conceptual Model of Humanistic and Symptomatic Experience in Adolescents, Adults, and Children

Background: People living with hemophilia A face challenges impacting their daily lives despite treatment innovations. Previous studies have explored perceptions and treatment experiences; however, there is a lack of an evidence-based, comprehensive model to identify concepts (clinical, physical, and psychological functioning) relevant for people with hemophilia A (PwHA). Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to address the question: What is the humanistic and symptomatic experience of adolescents, adults, and children living with hemophilia A and what is the impact of hemophilia A on their quality of life? Methods: Participants, identified through patient associations in the UK, were male PwHA and caregivers of male PwHA receiving prophylactic treatment. Qualitative research was conducted involving semistructured telephone interviews with PwHA and caregivers between April 2020 and September 2020 in the UK. Standard analytical techniques of conceptual model development were used. Results: Of 30 participants, 23 were PwHA and 7 were caregivers. A conceptual model was produced describing patient experience of symptoms, physical functioning, treatment experiences, and the impact of symptoms and treatment on daily lives. Participants reported hemophilia-related symptoms, including bleeding, pain, and joint stiffness, as well as difficulties engaging with social and leisure activities. They also reported protection from bleeds provided by their treatment, relief from symptoms, and the resultant sense of normality. Concepts were broadly relevant across all age groups; however, psychological impacts were reported only by adult PwHA, and caregivers reported impacts related to outdoor activities, play, and education. Participants indicated that their ideal treatment would be delivered orally. Discussion: This study highlights the range of symptoms experienced by PwHA across a broad range of age groups, thus enabling the evaluation of relevant concepts across different stages of life. The research supports development of a conceptual model documenting symptoms, impacts, and treatment experience relevant to PwHA. Conclusion: Insights gathered through the interviews and resulting conceptual model support development of new therapies to address the physical and social challenges identified by PwHA and highlight a need for novel hemophilia A treatments that can ease treatment administration, provide adequate level of protection, and enable life to be lived normally.

Patient Experience of Living With Hemophilia A: A Conceptual Model of Humanistic and Symptomatic Experience in Adolescents, Adults, and Children.

Background: People living with hemophilia A face challenges impacting their daily lives despite treatment innovations. Previous studies have explored perceptions and treatment experiences; however, there is a lack of an evidence-based, comprehensive model to identify concepts (clinical, physical, and psychological functioning) relevant for people with hemophilia A (PwHA). Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to address the question: What is the humanistic and symptomatic experience of adolescents, adults, and children living with hemophilia A and what is the impact of hemophilia A on their quality of life? Methods: Participants, identified through patient associations in the UK, were male PwHA and caregivers of male PwHA receiving prophylactic treatment. Qualitative research was conducted involving semistructured telephone interviews with PwHA and caregivers between April 2020 and September 2020 in the UK. Standard analytical techniques of conceptual model development were used. Results: Of 30 participants, 23 were PwHA and 7 were caregivers. A conceptual model was produced describing patient experience of symptoms, physical functioning, treatment experiences, and the impact of symptoms and treatment on daily lives. Participants reported hemophilia-related symptoms, including bleeding, pain, and joint stiffness, as well as difficulties engaging with social and leisure activities. They also reported protection from bleeds provided by their treatment, relief from symptoms, and the resultant sense of normality. Concepts were broadly relevant across all age groups; however, psychological impacts were reported only by adult PwHA, and caregivers reported impacts related to outdoor activities, play, and education. Participants indicated that their ideal treatment would be delivered orally. Discussion: This study highlights the range of symptoms experienced by PwHA across a broad range of age groups, thus enabling the evaluation of relevant concepts across different stages of life. The research supports development of a conceptual model documenting symptoms, impacts, and treatment experience relevant to PwHA. Conclusion: Insights gathered through the interviews and resulting conceptual model support development of new therapies to address the physical and social challenges identified by PwHA and highlight a need for novel hemophilia A treatments that can ease treatment administration, provide adequate level of protection, and enable life to be lived normally.

Choosing reference land use for carbon and biodiversity footprints

Abstract Purpose Carbon and biodiversity footprints are increasingly calculated. However, little attention has been paid to the coherency of methodological choices and interpretation of the footprint results. This paper aims to clarify the coherency between the choice of reference land use and carbon and biodiversity footprints and discuss the challenges encountered. Methods First, we analyse features of reference land use options proposed in ISO 14067 (2018) i.e. business as usual, projected future, target, potential natural regeneration and historic baseline. Second, we discuss the connection between temporal scope and life cycle of land use. Third, we provide guidance on how to choose reference land use coherently. Fourth, we discuss specific issues related to carbon and biodiversity footprints and their relationship to reference land use. Finally, we provide conclusions and recommendations for further conceptual development. Results and discussion Choice of reference land use and determination of temporal scope of a study may significantly influence the assessment of carbon or biodiversity footprints. If the aim of a footprint study is to assess the effects of land use, reference land use should describe dynamically non-use of land. Thus, potential natural regeneration or continuation of natural state (if it is the starting point) of land is the coherent reference land use in this case. If the aim of a footprint study is to assess the effects of a decision to change land use or its management, reference land use should describe dynamically alternative use of land expected without the studied decision. Business as usual or projected future is a coherent reference land use in this case. Historic baseline or target reference land use may be useful in comparing the ecosystem value of the studied land use with a pre-set historic baseline or (policy) target. Conclusions We conclude that coherent choice of reference land use for carbon or biodiversity footprints depends on the goal and scope of a study. Beyond methodological coherency, issues related to the reliability and availability of appropriate data are relevant and vary between reference land use choices. However, difficulties in the assessment should not justify incoherent choices. We recommend that uncertainties are not overlooked but incorporated in the assessment and considered in the interpretation of the results. In addition, we recommend that key methodological choices, including the definition of the purpose of a study, chosen temporal scope and applied reference land use, should be clearly and transparently presented.

Evolution of the Concept of Traumatic Experience: Cultural Aspect

The purpose of the article is to conduct a cultural reflection to clarify the peculiarities of the evolution of the concept of traumatic experience, to outline the specifics of its conceptual and semantic deployment in the European socio-cultural space. The research methodology includes general scientific principles of systematisation and generalisation of the problem under study, which allowed to identify and scientifically substantiate existing theories, conceptual approaches to understanding the content of the concepts of ‘trauma’, ‘traumatic experience’, ‘trauma of modernisation’, ‘trauma of social change’. The purpose and objectives of the article led to the use of an axiological approach, which allowed identifying the interdisciplinary nature of the theories under consideration, revealing personalised scientific positions and their cultural context. The use of the analytical method allowed us to identify conceptual foundations for further scientific perspectives on the problematisation of traumatic experience, namely, to clarify the role and significance of cultural/creative practices in processing traumatic experience by studying the evolution of this concept within the framework of the formation of trauma studies as an independent field of scientific knowledge and to make an attempt to develop algorithms for their practical implementation in the discourse of applied cultural studies. The scientific novelty lies in the cultural analysis of personalised scientific positions on the evolution of the concept of ‘traumatic experience’, in view of the specifics of its conceptual and semantic deployment in the European socio-cultural space. Conclusions. The conceptual and semantic development of the concept of traumatic experience unfolds against the dynamic change in the European general socio-cultural context caused by the outbreak and course of the First World War. Already during the war and after its end, on the basis of the empirical experience gained in the treatment of numerous traumas and mental disorders, scientific understanding of their nature, the specifics of traumatic experience manifestations began, and practicing military doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists developed recommendations for its experience, overcoming, and processing/working through. The evolution of the concept of traumatic experience in the discourse of classical psychoanalysis developed in the unity of epistemological and hermeneutical theory of experience, playing a leading role in explicating trauma and traumatic experience in the sphere of interest of various social sciences and humanities, from art history and cultural studies to sociology and political science. By expanding the subject field of studying trauma and traumatic experience, Freud laid the foundation for a methodological principle that is called interdisciplinary and becomes one of the basic ones for further studying trauma and traumatic experience against the broad background of a holistic picture of human existence in society and the world of culture.

Absolute mass spectrometry: A theoretical analytical technique for quantification

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical chemistry technique that requires calibration with standards in order to quantify an analyte in a sample. In many cases the reference standards may be difficult to obtain or unavailable. In fact, when MS is applied to study reactions that yield multiple products, their quantification requires several standards and involves time-consuming and tedious calibration procedures. In other applications like Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI), quantification becomes even more tedious when on-tissue standards or mimetic tissue models are required. In this work, we introduce a new measurement technique that we called the Absolute Mass Spectrometry (AbMS), which allows the absolute quantification of an analyte without the need for calibration standards. This technique is based on the “Influence Method” developed in 2015 for nuclear measurements which, when applied to MS, produces this improvement for analyte quantification. Two possible applications of this technique are presented. One is the conceptual development of a mass spectrometer with electronic ionization that does not require calibration to determine the amount of analyte. The other one describes how to apply this technique in a mass spectrometer with other ionization sources like MALDI, DESI, and SIMS, which are used in MSI. AbMS technique uses the conceptual basis of Influence Method and two consecutive measurements to estimate the amount of analyte. Specifically, AbMS can be directly employed as an absolute method for quantification in MSI. Therefore, it constitutes an attractive complement for research applications in pharmaceutical and health sciences.

Conceptualizing Mano Dura in Latin America

Abstract Latin American governments are increasingly adopting mano dura initiatives to combat gangs, organized crime, and insecurity. While mano dura has been a concept of increasing empirical interest, there seems to be limited conceptual clarity about the wide spectrum of strategies developed to combat crime and associated fear. This article proposes a definition of mano dura that has three different dimensions, each of them containing specific elements. The form of mano dura depends on formal, informal, and rhetorical practices. Drawing on 46 scholarly works in the social sciences, we develop our definition anchored in the knowledge of Latin American policing strategies, contributions on responses to crime in the region, and the conceptual development literature. With the purpose of supplementing our effort to standardize the usage of the term with the need to retain a degree of conceptual differentiation, we also offer a stylized model to better classify policing strategies in Latin America. In our stylized model, the numerous ways policies and narratives as well as their implementation (or not) interact can be grouped into four broad categories: full mano dura, institutional mano dura, performative mano dura, and covert mano dura.

The influence of reflexive modernity on the change of human capital

Relevance is due to the need to revise approaches to the theoretical understanding of the concept of "human capital" in modern society, since it is considered as a resource for the development of society, solving many current social problems, as well as confronting new risks. The concept of "reflexivity" as a social phenomenon also needs conceptual development. It is also necessary to identify the relationships between these phenomena.The purpose is to consider how the content of the phenomenon of human capital is transformed in the conditions of the formation of the socio-cultural structure of the information society, including the growing reflexivity of social interaction.Objectives: to identify the key features of understanding the phenomenon of reflexivity (reflection) in philosophy, psychology, sociology; the specifics of this phenomenon in the context of the formation of the information society, as well as the impact of this process on the content component of human capital in modern society.Methodology. The author relies on the achievements of related sciences in the field of the study of reflexivity. The analysis of the problem is based on the ideas and principles of systemic, synergetic, activity-based approaches, as well as the provisions of the theories of emergent effects and human capital.Results. The article substantiates the idea that the transition to a new type of social organization, accompanied by the appearance of new characteristics in the social system, led to the development and strengthening of the importance of reflexivity of society. At the same time, the requirements for the individual are changing and the content of human capital is being revised. This process is conditioned by the need to increase awareness, objectivity of ideas about the system of social relations in conditions of expanding individual freedom, its role in social processes, increasing the volume of information produced by society and the subjects involved in this process.Conclusions. Reflexivity as a characteristic of the social system appears at the later stages of the development of society. The basis of its formation was the evolution of psychological processes in humans and a qualitative change in the organization of society. On the one hand, there is an expansion of the potential of the individual and society, on the other ‒ the risks they have to face. Objectively the content of human capital is expanding, and social demands on it are growing. The ability to reflect seems to be an integral part of it. It involves the mastery of a person's ways of thinking and intellectual techniques for perceiving processes and events in society, which was previously the lot of the elite; internalization, rather than declaring universal values.

Brand Performance Development: Synthesis and Research Agenda

This study aimed to analyze the existing literature between 2010-2022 that covers brand performance as a highly relevant issue in the field of Brand Management and provide an accurate mapping of theoretical contributions by studying research outcomes, methods, approaches, and measurements, across empirical studies (MacInnis, 2011). Considering the potential influence of internal and external factors of the organization on brand performance, there needs to be more conceptual development and a systematic examination of how researchers in brand management should conceptualize and measure brand performance properly. The findings and future research agenda are presented under the TCCM Framework proposed by Paul and Rosado-Serrano (2019). The results suggest that 1) analyzing the characteristics and context of the market in which the brand is present before the definition of its evaluation is of the utmost importance, due to brand performance is the result of synergistic relationships between different internal and external factors, and stakeholders of the organization; 2) previous studies had focused on addressing multinational brands in developed markets, which make necessary to build new knowledge by considering the smaller brands, different types of markets and economies; and 3) identifying determinants of brand performance is as relevant as measuring it. Finally, we contributed with additional and actionable steps for researchers to systematically improve research and managerial practice in the future.

A dynamic management model for sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies in Iran.

Sustainable supply chain management encompasses the strategic coordination and control of material, information, and financial flows, as well as the collaborative efforts among the entities engaged in the medicinal supply chain. This research proposes a dynamic and sustainable supply chain management model tailored explicitly for the inpatient pharmacies of Medical Centers and Hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences. This is a quantitative study in terms of research objective and a qualitative study based on the stages in the conceptual development of the model. Therefore, the current study can be considered a mixed-methods approach. After identifying the key factors influencing the sustainability of the medicine supply chain, we conducted a dynamic analysis of the problem using system dynamics methodology. In order to simulate the system's behavior over 24 months, we utilized a combination of existing documentary information and expert opinions. The developed model was implemented using Vensim PLE software, allowing us to simulate and analyze the impact of various policies on the system. Medicine disposal exhibited an upward trend, particularly during the second 12-month period. Conversely, the trend of medicine expirations remained relatively stable in the initial months but showed an upward trajectory after that. The cost associated with disposed medicine experienced a consistent increase, with a higher rate observed during the second 12-month period. In contrast, sales of low-consumable medicine experienced a significant initial surge followed by a slower growth rate. Finally, the pharmacy's profit demonstrated an overall increasing trend, although the rate of increase was higher during the first 12 months. Among the various scenarios considered, namely "increasing the adequacy of human resources," "increasing the speed of response," and "utilizing pharmacists in the drug prescribing team," it was found that these interventions had a substantial effect on both enhancing the pharmacy's profit and reducing medication waste. Therefore, these scenarios were identified as having the most significant impact. The proposed model can serve as a valuable tool for forecasting and informing policy-making, providing insights into addressing the challenges associated with the sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies.

A Mediating Effect of Customer Experience on the Relationship between Metaverse Usage and Purchase Intention: A Conceptual Development

This study examines the mediating effect of customer experience on the relationship between metaverse usage and purchase intention, providing a conceptual framework to understand consumer behavior within virtual environments. As the metaverse rapidly evolves into a significant platform for interaction and commerce, understanding how user engagement translates into purchasing decisions is crucial for businesses and marketers. The framework posits that metaverse usage encompasses the frequency and depth of interactions users have with virtual spaces, which significantly influences their overall customer experience. A positive customer experience is characterized by factors such as satisfaction, emotional connection, and engagement, all of which are critical in shaping consumers' purchase intentions. When users perceive their interactions in the metaverse as enjoyable and meaningful, they are more likely to develop a favorable attitude towards the brands and products featured in these environments. The study integrates insights from established models, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, to highlight how various elements of the metaverse such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment which is affect customer experience. By establishing customer experience as a mediator, this research illustrates how metaverse usage not only influences direct purchasing behavior but also shapes the emotional and cognitive processes that underpin decision-making. Ultimately, this conceptual development aims to provide actionable insights for businesses looking to optimize their strategies in the metaverse. By understanding the pathways through which customer experience mediates the relationship between metaverse engagement and purchase intention, companies can create more compelling virtual experiences that foster customer loyalty and drive sales. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on digital consumer behavior, emphasizing the importance of customer experience in shaping purchasing decisions in virtual environments.