Five-stage Process Research Articles

Purification of borneol from its isomeric mixture by using metal–organic frameworks

Separation of natural products from their mixture of structurally similar compounds is an important process for drug development and application. Borneol is a natural product widely used in the treatment of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and its production always involve the challenging separation from the diastereomer isoborneol (about 50 %). Herein, elven types of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with diverse pore structure and functionalities (–F, –NH2, –SO3H, and –OH) are utilized to evaluate their borneol/isoborneol separation performance, as the first attempt to use MOFs for diastereomers separation. Among these MOFs, UiO-66-F4 exhibits the best performance with the borneol/isoborneol selectivity of 2.23 and the maximum borneol adsorption capacity of 106.88 mg·g−1 at 298 K, owing to the efficient pore confinement of borneol molecule confirmed by molecular simulation. Subsequent column breakthrough experiment demonstrates good separation performance under dynamic conditions. After five-stage purification unit process, high-purity borneol (>96 %) can be obtained. Furthermore, good reusability and scale-up synthesis suggest a high potential of the UiO-66-F4 materials for practical application.

False Pretenses in Institutional Asset Management

From an initial position engaging mainly in ex post portfolio performance monitoring, investment consultants have come to occupy the central ex ante roles in conventional arrangements, advising on objectives, strategy, asset management structure, and portfolio management selection in the five-stage process that constitutes the standard model. The author identifies the theoretical, empirical, and regulatory factors that facilitated this fundamental change, which cannot be accommodated in the existing literature. As consultants can no longer be regarded as agents but are, in effect, either quasi-principals or principals, the author examines whether they have the skills necessary to execute these enhanced responsibilities, concluding that they do not. So, clients following consultants’ recommendations may be allocating assets on false pretenses, as one recent empirical study suggested. Demonstrating that investment consultants, not asset managers, have become the dominant players in the investment chain, the author’s analysis produces other uncomfortable conclusions from the conventional perspective: first, that regulators and consultants are in a symbiotic relationship, and second, that asset management is necessarily characterized by asymmetric information but consultants are powerless to address it.

Self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 in São Paulo, Brazil: results of a population-based values and attitudes survey

BackgroundBrazil is among the countries in South America where the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the general population hardest. Self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection is one of the community-based strategies that could help asymptomatic individuals at-risk of COVID-19, as well as those living in areas that are difficult for health personnel to reach, to know their infectious status and contribute to impeding further transmission of the virus.MethodsA population-based survey was conducted in November 2021, to assess the acceptability of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-testing among the population of São Paulo. Survey respondents were approached at more than 400 different street-points that were randomly selected using a five-stage randomization process. A 35-item structured questionnaire was used. Dependent variables for our analyses were the likelihood to use and willingness to pay for self-testing, and the likelihood of taking preventive measures to prevent onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 following a reactive self-test result. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.ResultsOverall, 417 respondents (44.12% female) participated; 19.66% had previously had COVID-19 disease. A minority (9.59%) felt at high-risk of COVID-19. The majority of both females and males (73.91% and 60.09%, respectively) were in favor of the idea of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. Overall, if self-tests were available, almost half of the sample would be very likely (n = 54, 12.95%) or likely (n = 151, 36.21%) to use one if they felt they needed to. Upon receiving a positive self-test result, the majority of respondents would communicate it (88.49%), request facility-based post-test counseling (98.32%), self-isolate (97.60%), and warn their close contacts (96.64%).ConclusionRapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-testing could be an acceptable screening tool in São Paulo. The population would be empowered by having access to a technology that would allow them to test, even if asymptomatic, when traveling, or going to work or school. If there is a surge in the incidence of cases, self-testing could be a good approach for mass case detection by Brazil’s already overstretched Unified Health System.

Benefits, barriers and enablers of maternity waiting homes utilization in Ethiopia: an integrative review of national implementation experience to date

BackgroundThough Ethiopia has expanded Maternity Waiting Homes (MWHs) to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality, the utilization rate is low. To maximize the use of MWH, policymakers must be aware of the barriers and benefits of using MWH. This review aimed to describe the evidence on the barriers and benefits to access and use of MWHs in Ethiopia.MethodsData were sourced from PubMed, Google Scholars and Dimensions. Thirty-one studies were identified as the best evidence for inclusion in this review. We adopted an integrative review process based on the five-stage process proposed by Whittemore and Knafl.ResultsThe key themes identified were the benefits, barriers and enablers of MWH utilization with 10 sub-themes. The themes about benefits of MWHs were lower incidence rate of perinatal death and complications, the low incidence rate of maternal complications and death, and good access to maternal health care. The themes associated with barriers to staying at MWH were distance, transportation, financial costs (higher out-of-pocket payments), the physical aspects of MWHs, cultural constraints and lack of awareness regarding MWHs, women’s perceptions of the quality of care at MWHs, and poor provider interaction to women staying at MWH. Enablers to pregnant women to stay at MWHs were availability of MWHs which are attached with obstetric services with quality and compassionate care.ConclusionThis study synthesized research evidence on MWH implementation, aiming to identify benefits, barriers, and enablers for MWH implementation in Ethiopia. Despite the limited and variable evidence, the implementation of the MWH strategy is an appropriate strategy to improve access to skilled birth attendance in rural Ethiopia.

A person-centred intervention remotely targeting family caregivers’ support needs in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—a feasibility study

PurposeAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an intensive curative treatment that increases family caregivers’ burden. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of remotely assessing and addressing family caregivers’ support needs in terms of demand and acceptability using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention (CSNAT-I) in the HSCT context.MethodsCSNAT-I consists of an evidence-based tool and a five-stage person-centred process. The intervention was performed remotely by two designated nurses from two HSCT centres, one before HSCT and the second 6 weeks after (November 2020 to March 2021). To capture the experiences of using CSNAT-I, interviews were conducted with family caregivers and reflections were gathered from the designated nurses.ResultsOf 34 eligible family caregivers, 27 participated, 70% were partners and the rest children, siblings or other relatives. The main support needs were knowing what to expect in the future and dealing with your feelings and worries. The most frequent support actions according to CSNAT-I were psychological support and medical information. Four categories summarised family caregivers and designated nurses’ experiences: CSNAT-I was relevant and became an eye opener; nurses’ experiences were important for enabling trustful CSNAT-I conversations; CSNAT-I provided family caregivers with support and a sense of security; and CSNAT-I gave family caregivers insight and enabled change.ConclusionBoth family caregivers and designated nurses experienced that using CSNAT-I in an HSCT context was feasible and had the potential to provide valuable support for most of the participating family caregivers.

Screening for adverse childhood experiences in antenatal care settings: A scoping review.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with many health problems in women during pregnancy, including depression/anxiety, gestational diabetes and adverse birth outcomes. However, unlike other health risk factors, screening for ACEs has not been widely implemented in antenatal care settings. The aim of the scoping review was to explore the challenges in screening for ACEs in antenatal care settings and to provide the lessons learnt and evidence that guide the practice of ACE screening for both healthcare providers and pregnant women. A five-stage process for conducting the scoping review was utilised. Searches of four key databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SCOPUS) and reference lists from relevant studies were conducted. Seven publications met the inclusion criteria. Challenges identified for healthcare providers in screening for ACEs include lack of knowledge and confidence in ACE tool and shortage of time and resources to undertake screening. Impediments for pregnant women include concerns about privacy. However, there were examples of effective practice for ACE screening in antenatal care settings that could apply widely. Addressing impediments to ACE screening is critical in implementing trauma-informed practices that can identify women at risk of adverse health outcomes during pregnancy. A study on screening for ACEs in antenatal care in both public and private settings is needed to examine its feasibility and acceptability in the Australian context before being included in the National Perinatal Data Collection.

Selective Grain Size Fractionation, CO2-Enhanced Aqueous Extraction and Characterization of Trona, a Non-marine Evaporite Mineral, Originating from Semi-arid Soil Sediments

Abstract Beneficiation of white-powdery mineral, from selective grain size (63 – 200 µm) sand fractions and its characterization as trona, a non-marine evaporite, exudates as efflorescent crust, originated from the semi-arid region soil sediments, occurring at Siddhamalli, Tamil Nadu, India is described, by a five-stage process. Aqueous extraction of selective sand fractions, in CO2-enhanced medium, resulted in white crystalline powder, is chemically characterized as sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate, [Na3H(CO3)2.2H2O]. The % yield of trona is directly proportional to the % fine and very fine sand fractions and inversely proportional to the % coarse fractions (0.5 – 1.0 mm), as revealed by grain-size analysis. CO2-enhanced medium significantly increases the yield, additionally by 20 %.PXRD data revealed the presence of trona with traces of nahcolite and natrite phases. FT-Raman spectrum revealed the characteristic bands correspond to carbonate group. The hydroxyl stretching of water is observed at 3400 cm-1 inferred from FT-IR spectral studies.The content of sodium and trace elements analysed by ICP-OES and water of hydration by TGA, are found to be good agreement with the calculated values of Na (30.58 %) and dihydrate (15.97 %) respectively. SEM images revealed the less agglomerated particles of sizes ranging from 0.093 - 0.44 µM. Geologically, soil sediments fall in tractive current, from talus of Bouldery sandstone and shale of Talchir formation, Lower Gondwana of Upper Carboniferous to Lower Permian Age. Trona is popularly known as “Po¯neeru” in Indian traditional Siddha system of medicine finds its application in most of the drug formulations.

Islands as Playing and Breeding Grounds for Incumbents, Entrepreneurial Technologists, Policymakers, and Engaged Citizens: The Case of Energy Transition on Ameland

Increasingly, discussions on sustainability, in particular in relation to energy transition, are finding their way to the regional and local political arena. Although for analysing transition pathways on these sub-national scales, conceptual frameworks such as the multi-level perspective may be helpful, some issues remain relatively unaddressed: the relevance of citizens and their social networks and the precise interactions between place, the local context, and external conditions. This paper aims to better understand energy transition processes on the local and regional scale by analysing the case of the Dutch island of Ameland. Since 2006, Ameland has been on a sustainability pathway towards self-sufficiency, in particular in terms of reducing CO2 emissions. In this case study, we conducted in-depth empirical analysis, using a mixed-methods approach, including document analysis and ethnographic techniques. In a five-stage development process, a combination of place-related niche development, regime developments, and the involvement of citizens have created a protective space for several socio-technological innovations to emerge. The unique combination of specific local conditions, in particular political and cultural, and external influences, national policy, and ‘enlightened’ companies have shaped ideal conditions for Ameland to become an inspiring example of innovation in regional transition processes.

Healthcare Service Interventions to Improve the Healthcare Outcomes of Hospitalised Patients with Extreme Obesity: Protocol for an Evidence and Gap Map.

Hospitalised patients with extreme obesity have poorer healthcare outcomes compared to normal weight patients. How hospital services are coordinated and delivered to meet the care needs of patients with extreme obesity is not well understood. The aim of the proposed evidence gap map (EGM) is to identify and assess the available evidence on healthcare interventions to improve healthcare outcomes for hospitalised patients with extreme obesity. This research will use standardised evidence gap map methods to undertake a five-stage process to develop an intervention–outcome framework; identify the current evidence; critically appraise the quality of the evidence, extract, code, and summarise the data in relation to the EGM objectives; and create a visualisation map to present findings. This EGM will provide a means of determining the nature and quality of health service initiatives available, identify the components of the services delivered and the outcome measures used for evaluation, and will identify areas where there is a lack of research that validates the funding of new research studies.

Lessons learnt from applying a human-centred design process to develop one of the largest mobile health communication programmes in the world

‘Design with the user’ is a guiding principle for creating digital solutions to solve systemic developmental challenges. According to this principle, digital solutions are more likely to be effective if...

The Empowerment of Informal Female Workers: A Case Study for Social Work Intervention in Tehran Province

Abstract Informal employment constituting a major part of Iranian economy correlates strongly with social deprivation. The aim of the present study is to understand the mechanisms that lead to deprivation and how formalisation can empower informal workers. The study is of qualitative type using grounded theory and thematic analysis. The participants were thirty-two female workers and twelve elites selected through stratified sampling. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed through theoretical coding. The findings indicate that informal occupation is considered as a survival mechanism for women with deficient capital (deficient psychological, social, economic and legal capitals). In other words, women enjoying less power in legal, economic, social and psychological areas enter this domain, stay therein or exit. Based on the findings, informal occupation is a five-stage process where the female workers can be placed according to their status. The phases include pre-awareness, awareness, action, regression and emancipation. Moreover, using the model of formalising social work through empowerment and its tetrad (psychological, social, economic and legal empowerments), the formalising social worker can facilitate the formalisation of workers and their progress towards the emancipation stage, so that the workers could gain more access to the minimum and lowest social protection.

Extraction of scandium from sulphuric acid-based red mud leach liquors

Equimolar mixtures of di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid (D2EHPA) with trin-butylphosphate (TBP) or trioctylamine (TOA) in kerosene were used for extracting scandium from sulphuric acid-based red mud leach liquor. The results showed that when using a D2EHPA-TOA mixture, the overall extraction of scandium (ЕSc) tends to rise from 37 to 68% as the concentration of sulphuric acid rises. At the same time, the extraction of concomitant elements tends to decrease and remains way below the Е Sc . When using a D2EHPATBP mixture, the rising acidity of the solution does not lead to any significant increase in scandium extraction so that the latter remains quite high (i.e. 82–85%) while the extraction of the concomitant elements is significantly lower. A five-stage countercurrent extraction process was performed using a mixture of 0.1 mol/L D2EHPA and 0.1 mol/L TBP with 2 mol/L sulphuric acid to recover scandium from the liquor with minimized amounts of concomitant metals. The results showed that a 96.8% of scandium can be recovered after a three-stage countercurrent extraction process with 97% aluminium, 95% iron, 87% titanium and 54% zirconium removed from the liquor. A 4.7 mol/L sulphuric acid solution with an organic to aqueous ratio of 1:1 was used to wash the organic phase after a three-stage extraction process. For reextraction, a solution containing 2.5% NaOH and 6.5% Na2CO3 was used at a 2:1 aqueous to organic phase ratio. The solution was filtered to separate the solid phase. The precipitate was washed and dried and a primary 3.42% concentrate was obtained. Based on the obtained data, the authors describe a scandium extraction process using sulphuric acid-based red mud leach liquor. The new scandium concentration by extraction process parameters were tested on an enlarged scale at the Intermix MET site. A 100 g experimental batch of primary scandium concentrate containing, %: 2.2 Sc; 21.8 Тi; 4.3 Na; 0.6 Al; 1.7 Fe; 5.0 Zr; 0.0056 Y, was obtained from a 260-litre red mud leach liquor. For this, a cascade of five centrifugal extractors was used at the extractant saturation stage. An 8-litre mixture of 0.1 mol/L D2EHPA and 0.1 mol/L TBP in Exxsol D100 was used. The organic phase was in recycle, and due to that its saturation was 340 mg of scandium per litre of extractant.

Optimization of a hydrogen liquefaction process utilizing mixed refrigeration considering stages of ortho-para hydrogen conversion

The ortho-to-para hydrogen conversion (OPC) is an integral part of the hydrogen liquefaction process. The optimal stages and conversion temperatures of OPC are important to reduce the specific energy consumption (SEC) of the process. However, a limited number of studies directly discuss this aspect of the effect of the OPC stages on the SEC. Therefore, based on an efficient refrigeration liquefaction cycle, this paper analyzes the effect of different OPC stages on the SEC of the efficient refrigeration cycle. Additionally, the impact of different combinations of conversion temperatures for the same OPC stages on the SEC is investigated. Results are obtained using a process model developed in HYSYS V10 and the particle swarm optimization algorithm in MATLAB. The results show the impact of OPC stages on the SEC, and that the increase in the stages of OPC can reduce the SEC, but the reduction tends to be slow. The SEC of the five-stage OPC process decreases by 16.39% compared to the SEC of the one-stage. Furthermore, the reduction of SEC for the process with the same stages of OPC can be achieved by setting the optimal combinations of conversion temperatures, which can reduce the SEC by up to 10.63%. The results of this study demonstrate that optimizing the OPC stages is important to reduce the SEC and will provide valuable information for the design of OPC for hydrogen liquefaction processes.

ASSESSING LEADERSHIP EDUCATION IN THREE INSTRUCTIONAL MODALITIES: LESSONS LEARNED

Student learning outcomes assessment, when done right, is an ongoing and systematic process. Faculty and staff for leadership education programs often struggle to develop a comprehensive approach to assess the effectiveness of their programs, especially when those programs are offered through multiple modes of instruction. One department at a Midwestern public university has developed a thorough, five-stage process which any leadership education program can follow, regardless of size or method of delivery. This department considers three modes of instruction, including face-to-face on a traditional American campus, asynchronous online, and face-to-face at foreign universities via international partnerships. This manuscript describes the comprehensive process and offers readers considerations for implementation at their own institution.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Performance Measurement Indicators Determining the Uptake of CPS for Facilities Management

With the use of cyber-physical systems (CPS) advanced computational capabilities, the delivery of facilities management (FM) mandates are efficiently and effectively conducted. Since performance measurement is an important yardstick in ascertaining the outcome of FM approaches, this study assesses the performance measurement indicators that influence the uptake of CPS for FM functions. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from built environment professionals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Data collected was analysed using a five-stage process which includes: data reliability and validity, descriptive statistics, establishing a difference in groups’ opinion, principal component analysis, and model testing and fit statistics for confirmatory factor analysis. Results from the study indicate that three significant performance indicators are influential in determining the uptake of CPS for FM, which are operations efficiency, facility adaptation, and client’s satisfaction. The study contributes immensely to the body of knowledge. It unveils the significant performance measurement indicators that would help organisations, facilities managers, and policymakers guide their decisions hinged on the espousal of innovative technologies. Furthermore, the study serves as a solid theoretical base for further studies showcasing a roadmap for digitalisation for FM functions by unravelling the significant performance measurement indicators.

Development of Romblomanon Legends in Comic Book Form as Mother Tongue-Based Online Supplementary Learning Resource Material in Asi, Onhan and Ini Languages

This study aimed to develop the Romblon legends in comic book form. Specifically, it aimed to investigate the background of Romblomanon legends in the three languages that could be used for promoting Filipino values of children who are still in the process of assimilating the culture of Romblon, investigate ways to conserve and develop these legends into a comic book form and determine the rating of the comic book as supplementary learning resource materials (SLR) in the elementary level as rated by the Learning Resource Management Development System (LRMDS) Team of DepEd. The Evaluation Rating Sheet for Story Book was used in determining the appropriateness of the SLR material in terms of content, format, and technical aspects; and solicited comments and suggestions from the respondents that served as inputs for the improvement and revision of the legends in Comic book form. It is a descriptive-evaluative investigation. The research area is the whole Romblon Province. The research sample was determined through a dragnet method wherein key informants, casual informants, and general informants were identified in the field. Evidence was gathered from document analysis and field research. Data collection tools were observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. The research was conducted in five stages: planning, development, validation, final output, and dissemination. Of the four legends, 10 Romblomanon values were extracted and incorporated into the stories. It is highly recommended that the streamlined five-stage development process may be used for the comic book development of the rest of the undocumented legends of Romblon.

Demystifying the fears and myths: The co-production of a regional food, energy, water (FEW) nexus conceptual model

The food, energy, and water (FEW) sectors are heavily impacted by increasing vulnerability of natural resources. The concept of a FEW Nexus highlights resource interdependencies and the need for integrated decision making across FEW sectors. The objective of this paper is to identify how regional-scale FEW stakeholders in the Umatilla Basin, OR USA perceive the FEW Nexus and to co-produce a FEW Nexus conceptual model aimed to aid regional decision support. A five-stage qualitative stakeholder engagement process, which included the development of futures scenario narratives, allowed FEW stakeholders and researchers to learn from one another and recognize opportunities to adaptively manage FEW resources, particularly when faced with chronic and acute stresses in the region. The resulting conceptual model integrates individual FEW sub-sector adaptive management actions and identifies impacts from these actions to other FEW sub-sectors, compensating for different timescales and trigger points. The visualization of resource management actions and impacts via the conceptual model increased communication among FEW stakeholders and provided a structural framework for a decision support tool currently being developed for the region. While the conceptual model is based on a regional FEW Nexus, this nexus is heavily influenced by global forces particularly agricultural trade, transboundary water negotiations, changing climate conditions, and interstate energy production. Thus, the resulting conceptual model can be adapted from hyper-local to global because its modular design allows researchers and stakeholders to decide which sectors to include depending upon salient FEW issues and scales.

Telehealth use in rural and remote health practitioner education: an integrative review.

For rural and remote clinicians, quality education is often difficult to access because of geographic isolation, travel, time, expense constraints and lack of an onsite educator. The aims of this integrative review were to examine what telehealth education is available to rural practitioners, evaluate the existence and characteristics of telehealth education for rural staff, evaluate current telehealth education models, establish the quality of education provided through telehealth along with the facilitators or enablers of a successful service and develop recommendations for supporting and developing an education model for rural and remote health practitioners through telehealth. An integrative review was conducted following the five-stage integrative review process. Searches were conducted in the electronic databases CINAHL, Medline, Nursing & Allied Health (Proquest), PubMed, Johanna Briggs Institute Evidence Based Practice (JBI EBP) and Embase. Initial searches revealed more than 7000 articles; final inclusion and exclusion criteria refined results to 60 articles to be included in this review. Included articles were original research, case studies, reviews or randomised controlled studies. Countries of origin were countries in North and Central America, the UK, Europe, and Africa, and Australia and India. One issue noted with this review was classifying rural and remote; contexts used included rural, remote, regional, isolated, peripheral, native communities and outer regional or inner regional. Sample sizes in the studies ranged from 20 to more than 1000 participants, covering a broad range of health education topics. Delivery was mostly by a didactic approach and case presentations. Some included a mix of videoconferencing with face-to-face sessions. Overall, telehealth education was well received, with participants reporting mostly positive outcomes as signified by feeling less isolated and more supported. One interesting result was that quality in telehealth education is poorly established as there appears to be no definitions or consensus on what constitutes quality in the delivery of telehealth education. Very few studies formally tested increase in skill or knowledge, which is usual with professional development programs that do not result in further qualifications. For those that did assess these, formal knowledge and skills assessment indicated that telehealth using videoconferencing is comparable to face-to-face training with significant benefits related to travel reduction and therefore cost. Recommendations were difficult to synthesise because of the broad issues uncovered and lack of quality in many of the studies. The applications for telehealth are still evolving, with some applications having poor evidence to support use. Overall, telehealth education is well received and supported, with positives far outweighing negatives. Anything that can improve connection with a community and decrease isolation experienced by rural clinicians can only be beneficial. However, further planning and evaluation of the quality of delivery of telehealth education and addressing how education outcomes can be measured needs to be addressed in this widely growing area of telehealth.

Implementation Science of Paediatric Palliative Care in Lower-Middle-Income Countries in Southeast Asia: An Integrative Review.

There is an ongoing development in the paediatric palliative care (PPC) program in Southeast Asia (SEA). However, the implementation process has not been clearly understood among lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) in this region. The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesise research about the implementation process of 7 identified LMICs in the SEA: Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. An integrative review utilising Whittemore and Knafi’s five-stage process was employed. Electronic searches of CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar (no year restriction) were conducted. From the 7599 articles retrieved, only 11 met the eligibility criteria. Each article was appraised for methodological quality (QualSyst tool and AACODS checklist) and constant comparison methods were used. Two overarching themes emerged in this review - the gaps in PPC standards, practice framework, and guidelines and the PPC challenges and implementation strategies. Understanding the implementation science of PPC among LMICs in the SEA region addresses the gap between idealism and realism. It provides reliable information in the development of strategic work plans that will improve the implementation process and promote the translation of EBIs into practice significant to the quality of paediatric patient outcomes.

Supply Chain Management, Game-Changing Technologies, and Physical Internet: A Systematic Meta-Review of Literature

To improve the effectiveness and the sustainability of logistics, the Physical Internet paradigm proposes disruptive solutions. This implies developing an ecosystem of tech-based logistics solutions and supporting methodologies that enable all players in global trade to cooperate. The purpose of this paper is to investigate systematic literature review (SLR) studies to gain detailed insight into how innovative transport technologies, and digitalization initiatives around the Physical Internet development impact supply chains. This paper presents the results of a tertiary study that systematically identified more than twelve thousand articles and selects to review 74 secondary studies on the application of disruptive technologies and the Physical Internet initiative on supply chains from a management perspective. This is complementary to previous reviews, since no one provides a comprehensive and consolidated approach towards the relationship of these three fields. The five-stage systematic review process proposed by Denyer and Tranfield (2009) is followed. As a result, we identify the key activities, knowledge areas and strategies in the supply chain field where the Physical Internet and disruptive technologies interact and are game-changing. Also, we present a conceptual framework that summarises the relationships that exist between relevant disruptive technologies, the physical internet topics, and supply chain key activities. The framework is helpful for researchers and practitioners to find potential technologies to invest in, to assess the potential effects on companies of their implementation, and to support strategic decision-making. The paper concludes with an outlook on future research opportunities from operational, tactical, and strategic perspectives.