Practical Implications Research Articles

Development and validation of the Forms and Functions of Aggressive Behavior Scale.

Preventing aggression is a global social issue that warrants additional research with up-to-date measures. Aggressive behaviors manifest in several ways, and the proper assessment should capture its multidimensional nature. We developed the Forms and Functions of Aggressive Behavior Scale (FFABS) to capture the field's current multidimensional understanding of aggression, including its forms (physical, verbal, and relational) and functions (proactive and reactive). Across three studies (N = 1388), we validated the factor structure of the FFABS, obtained partial scalar measurement invariance for males and females, and demonstrated consistent patterns with theoretically related stable constructs and with behavioral measures of inhibitory control and aggressive behaviors, establishing convergent and discriminant validity. We discuss the findings, limitations, practical implications, and future research directions.

The influences of virtual-reality- and animation-supported gamified learning processes on students’ learning achievement and behavioral intention in retailing management courses

The application of virtual reality (VR)/animation-enhanced technologies to various educational settings has received increasing attention from academics and educators. However, empirical investigation of this issue using an integrated theoretical perspective is scarce in management education. Additionally, prior studies that specifically investigate the influences of the technological attributes of VR/animation-enhanced technologies and learners’ perceptions and experiences in management education contexts are scarce. This study thus investigates this issue by adopting the viewpoints of technological attributes and individual perceptions and experiences to comprehend students’ situated experiential learning. Therefore, to examine whether such a learning method improves learning achievement by enhancing long-term memory, this study conducted a quasi-experiment to understand how technological attributes influence students' cognitive and affective responses, confidence, and satisfaction, thus affecting behavioral intention and learning achievement. A total of 230 students participated in this study. The stimulus-organism-response model, situated learning theory, and flow theory were integrated in this study to explore the relationships between the factors of psychological state and students' experiential learning processes. All hypotheses were supported, except confidence did not significantly influence students' behavioral intention and learning achievement after four weeks. The implications for theory and practice of this study are subsequently discussed.

Modelling motion energy in psychotherapy: A dynamical systems approach.

In this study we introduce an innovative mathematical and statistical framework for the analysis of motion energy dynamics in psychotherapy sessions. Our method combines motion energy dynamics with coupled linear ordinary differential equations and a measurement error model, contributing new clinical parameters to enhance psychotherapy research. Our approach transforms raw motion energy data into an interpretable account of therapist-patient interactions, providing novel insights into the dynamics of these interactions. A key aspect of our framework is the development of a new measure of synchrony between the motion energies of therapists and patients, which holds significant clinical and theoretical value in psychotherapy. The practical applicability and effectiveness of our modelling and estimation framework are demonstrated through the analysis of real session data. This work advances the quantitative analysis of motion dynamics in psychotherapy, offering important implications for future research and therapeutic practice.

Change in vaping, smoking and dual-use identities predicts quit success and cigarette usage: A prospective study of people quitting smoking with electronic cigarette support.

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are an efficacious support for some but not all people wishing to stop using tobacco. While advice and practical support have been identified as increasing quit success, little research has explored the role of changes in smoking and EC-related social identities. A prospective study following 573 people attempting to quit smoking with EC support. Self-report measures of identification with being a smoker, non-smoker, vaper and dual user (people using ECs and tobacco products) were taken prior to the quit attempt and at a 12-week follow-up. Baseline identifications with being a smoker, non-smoker or dual user were not associated with smoking outcomes. Baseline vaper identity baseline was linked to more frequent tobacco abstinence at follow-up and lower levels of cigarette smoking. Levels of social identification at follow-up were consistently linked with outcomes, with vaper identity and non-smoking identities being protective and dual user identity being related to lower abstinence rates but decreased tobacco usage. Changes in identity over time were the most consistent predictor of outcomes. Findings have implications for smoking cessation practice, informing how and when identity-based interventions may be effective and our understanding of how identity transitions occur.

Artificial intelligence applications in cataract and refractive surgeries.

This review highlights the recent advancements in the applications of artificial intelligence within the field of cataract and refractive surgeries. Given the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence technologies, it is essential to provide an updated overview of the significant strides and emerging trends in this field. Key themes include artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics and intraoperative support, image analysis for anterior segment surgeries, development of artificial intelligence-based diagnostic scores and calculators for early disease detection and treatment planning, and integration of generative artificial intelligence for patient education and postoperative monitoring. The impact of artificial intelligence on cataract and refractive surgeries is becoming increasingly evident through improved diagnostic accuracy, enhanced patient education, and streamlined clinical workflows. These advancements hold significant implications for clinical practice, promising more personalized patient care and facilitating early disease detection and intervention. Equally, the review also highlights the fact that only some of this work reaches the clinical stage, successful integration of which may benefit from our focus.

Addressing burnout among nurses of color: Key priorities and calls for action

BackgroundNursing burnout remains a public health crisis. However, few stakeholders have considered the disproportionate toll of burnout among nurses of color, including nurses identifying as Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American. PurposeWe convened a one-day conference, titled Solutions to Health Inequities and Nurses’ Emotional Exhaustion (SHINE), to begin identifying contributing factors and solutions to burnout amongst nurses of color. MethodSHINE convened nearly 40 expert stakeholders. The convening included plenaries, small group discussions, and breakout sessions. We employed a deliberative dialogue (DD) methodology to identify key takeaways and implications for research, practice, and policy. DiscussionHigh-priority solutions included: improving the work environment and nurse staffing, reducing stigma against nurses seeking mental healthcare, addressing workplace racism as a root cause of nurse burnout, and increasing support for nurses experiencing racism at work. ConclusionKey priorities identified through SHINE offer a roadmap for nurse leaders to address burnout through an equity-centered lens.

Blood-brain barrier disruption following brain injury: Implications for clinical practice.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in regulating the exchange of substances between peripheral blood and the central nervous system and in maintaining the stability of the neurovascular unit in neurological diseases. To guide clinical treatment and basic research on BBB protection following brain injury, this manuscript reviews how BBB disruption develops and influences neural recovery after stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). By summarizing the pathological mechanisms of BBB damage, we underscore the critical role of promoting BBB repair in managing brain injury. We also emphasize the potential for personalized and precise therapeutic strategies and the need for continued research and innovation. From this, broadening insights into the mechanisms of BBB disruption and repair could pave the way for breakthroughs in the treatment of brain injury-related diseases.

The power of engaged reflection in fostering new insights on diversity, equity and inclusion

This study examined the impact of an experiential, project-based learning initiative on sport management undergraduate students' growth with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion. Quantitative results from pre- and post-testing demonstrated an increase in students' openness to diversity and challenge upon the conclusion of their engagement in the real-world sport industry project. Qualitative analysis showed that the reflection and research requirements associated with the assignment allowed the vast majority of students to develop awareness of unconscious bias in their work, and create inclusive recommendations for future practice. Anchored in Kolb's Theory of Experiential Learning, this work has multiple practical implications for academia, given both the widespread use of experiential learning in sport management education, and the imperative to graduate professionals who can embody diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry.

The mechanism of supply chain efficiency in enterprise digital transformation and total factor productivity

Digital transformation (DT) represents a crucial measure for enterprises to enhance production efficiency. Supply chain construction has become a key strategic focus, and its efficient operation serves as a vital safeguard for elevating overall production efficiency within the enterprise. Based on the data of China's A-share listed enterprises from 2001 to 2022, this paper employed econometric models to investigate the impact of enterprise DT on total factor productivity (TFP),with a particular emphasis on examining the mechanistic role played by supply chain efficiency (SCE). The research findings reveal that: (1) Enterprise DT can significantly enhance TFP. The robustness of these results persists even after undergoing a series of endogeneity tests. (2) SCE plays a crucial mechanistic role in the impact of enterprise DT on TFP. The research results have been fully empirically tested, enterprises can significantly promote the inventory turnover with the help of digital technology, and then improve the TFP. The research findings and corresponding policy recommendations can provide a theoretical basis for enterprises in formulating DT strategies and delineating the supply chain development direction. This holds significant practical implications for enhancing enterprise production efficiency and achieving carbon neutral goal.

“Neuroinflammation”: does it have a role in chronic pain? Evidence from human imaging

Abstract Despite hundreds of studies demonstrating the involvement of neuron-glia-immune interactions in the establishment and/or maintenance of persistent pain behaviors in animals, the role (or even occurrence) of so-called “neuroinflammation” in human pain has been an object of contention for decades. Here, I present the results of multiple positron emission tomography (PET) studies measuring the levels of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a putative neuroimmune marker, in individuals with various pain conditions. Overall, these studies suggest that brain TSPO PET signal: (1) is elevated, compared to healthy volunteers, in individuals with chronic low back pain (with additional elevations in spinal cord and neuroforamina), fibromyalgia, migraine and other conditions characterized by persistent pain; (2) has a spatial distribution exhibiting a degree of disorder specificity; (3) is parametrically linked to pain characteristics or comorbid symptoms (eg, nociplastic pain, fatigue, depression), as well as measures of brain function (ie, functional connectivity), in a regionally-specific manner. In this narrative, I also discuss important caveats to consider in the interpretation of this work (eg, regarding the cellular source of the signal and the complexities inherent in its acquisition and analysis). While the biological and clinical significance of these findings awaits further work, this emerging preclinical literature supports a role of neuron-glia-immune interactions as possible pathophysiological underpinnings of human chronic pain. Gaining a deeper understanding of the role of neuroimmune function in human pain would likely have important practical implications, possibly paving the way for novel interventions.

Impact of nitrogen rates on biosynthesis pathways: A comparative study of diterpene synthases in clerodane diterpenoids and enzymes in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids

Tinospora sagittata is rich in secondary metabolites used in traditional medicine. However, environmental factors impact key enzymes in metabolite synthesis, highlighting the need for improved growth conditions. This study employs transcriptomics and metabolomics to assess nitrogen's impact on enzymes in secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways. The gene expressions of berberine bridge enzymes (BBEs) like TsBBE2 had peak expression in low nitrogen treatments (A0 and A1) but were absent in higher nitrogen treatments (A2 and A3). Similar trends were observed for other enzymes such as (S)-scoulerine 9-O-methyltransferase (TsCMT3), Tetrahydroberberine oxidase (TsSTOX), and Columbamine O-methyltransferase (TsCoCOMT2-4) in response to nitrogen levels. In examining gene families related to diterpene synthases (diTPS), 1-deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate synthase (TsDXR1) expression increased with higher nitrogen fertilizer, while TsDXR2 peaked at maximal nitrogen levels. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (TsGGPP3 and TsGGPP5) decreased with nitrogen levels. (−)-kolavenyl diphosphate synthase (KPS) genes had higher expression in treatments, while ent-kaurene synthase (KSL) genes, especially TsKSL1 and TsKSL2, showed higher expression in control conditions with lower nitrogen fertilizer. Metabolite analysis confirmed more upregulated compounds in A3 compared to A0. These findings have practical implications for agriculture and pharmaceuticals, highlighting the link between nitrogen fertilization and specialized metabolism in medicinal plants.

Integrative analysis of nutrient dynamics and its hydrological pathways in a tropical montane forest watershed: Implications for landscape management

This study addresses a significant knowledge gap regarding the relationship between nutrient exports and abiotic factors in tropical forested watersheds. Focusing on a tropical forest watershed located on Hainan Island, we investigated the interactions between nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) exports and topographic, hydrological, and landscape elements. Using a model-data integration approach, our findings revealed that nutrient exports are predominantly in organic N and P forms, with the values of 15.66 ± 1.87 kg ha−1 yr−1 and 0.26 ± 0.07 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Inorganic N and P were primarily sourced from orchards, while organic N predominantly originates from forest areas. Additionally, lateral flow was identified as the dominant hydrological pathway for nutrient transport, significantly influenced by topographical gradients. A parabolic relationship between organic N export and forest landscape fragmentation was also observed. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted landscape management strategies, such as selective logging, to mitigate N limitation in tropical forest watersheds, advancing the understanding of nutrient export dynamics and providing practical implications for sustainable forest management and conservation efforts.

Sport students’ experiences of teaching and learning in the United Kingdom: A comparison between further and higher education settings

Few studies have investigated teaching and learning experiences of university sports students which is surprising considering the high annual numbers recruited to sport degree programmes and consequent non-completion rates. This study compared teaching and learning experiences of 350 first-year sport students at a post-92 English University with how they were taught at their further education institutions. Key findings showed the teaching and learning methods at university were less structured and tutor-led but with more teaching staff involved. Practical implications for developing rich modes of university provision that best support the needs and expectations of newly arrived sports students are provided.

Transitioning from 0.5 to 0.9 mT: Protecting against inadvertent activation of magnet mode in active implants.

The "5 gauss line" is a phrase that is likely to be familiar to everyone working with MRI, but what is its significance, how was it defined, and what changes are currently in progress? This review explores the history of 5 gauss (0.5 mT) as a threshold for protecting against inadvertently putting cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and other active implantable medical devices into a "magnet mode." Additionally, it describes the background to the recent change of this threshold to 9 gauss (0.9 mT) in the International Standard IEC 60601-2-33 edition 4.0 that defines basic safety requirements for MRI. Practical implications of this change and some ongoing and emerging issues are also discussed.

Exploring the Hierarchy of Foreign Language Enjoyment and Boredom in English Language Learners

The growing body of research on foreign language emotion (FLEM) suggests a need for further studies on the sources and hierarchy of FLEM, particularly through the lens of positive psychology. This insight would enable instructors to prioritize their interventions more effectively, thereby enhancing the emotional experiences of foreign language (FL) learners in the classroom. To this end, the current study used a mixed-method research design to investigate the sources of enjoyment (FLE) and boredom (FLB) among 248 Bhutanese foreign language learners, as well as the hierarchies of reported FLEM. The data was gathered using a survey questionnaire and open-ended questions. The descriptive and thematic analyses of quantitative and qualitative data, respectively, revealed numerous sources of FLE and FLB. These emotions particularly stemmed from factors related to teachers, course content, personal issues, tasks, homework, the classroom environment, and peers. The hierarchical analysis of the sources of FLEM suggests that teacher-related factors may have a strong influence on learners’ FLE, while peer-related factors might have the least impact. Likewise, FL learners’ boredom level is likely to be highly influenced by content and task-related factors, but only marginally by peer-related and learners’ learning traits. The study concludes with recommendations and practical implications for curriculum developers, teachers, and students.

유아교육현장에서 교육과정평가 실행 지원방안 탐색: 함께 응답하며 나아가기

This study aims to explore support strategies for implementing curriculum assessment in the field of early childhood education. Whereas curriculum focus has continuously shifted towards learner-centered, learning-centered, and competency-based approaches, evaluation practices remain rooted in approaches that emphasize educational content and subject knowledge, relying on empirical evidence and objective facts. To this end, this study conducted multiple mini-interviews (MMI) with teachers, administrators, and supervisors to identify challenges in implementing curriculum assessments and to collaboratively find solutions. The collected data were analyzed in six phases following the thematic analysis method proposed by Braun and Clarke(2006). The findings were categorized into three themes: ‘knotting early childhood curriculum and assessment,’ ‘opening the possibilities for practicing curriculum assessment,’ and ‘going along with children and parents in curriculum assessment.’ First, several years after the implementation of the 2019 revised Nuri Curriculum, the questions emerging in the field of early childhood education concern the connections of the essence of early childhood education, curriculum literacy, and curriculum assessment and implementation, which are the complex and entangled ‘knots’. Second, for assessment to be integrated into curriculum implementation, it is essential to go beyond individual teacher practices and explore the possibilities within the relational context, including the cultural and structural atmosphere of the school. Third, if implementing the curriculum in educational settings is a long process of ‘correspondence’ with all beings, it is crucial to seek ways for children and parents as the subjects of curriculum assessment to move forward together in harmony. Based on the diverse educational experiences, current positions, and educational philosophies of the participants, this study offers academic and practical implications for implementing curriculum assessment that lightens the burden of evaluation and refocuses on ‘our classrooms, children, teachers, and communities.’

From innovation to inclusion: The dynamic influence of fintech on financial accessibility and future scopes in India

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is analyze the effects of Fintech and its various sub-sets on Financial Inclusion. Additionally, the authors have analyzed the presence of Fintech in India, its emergence, and its future scope. Design/methodology/approach – As a literature review, no specific methodology is required. Findings – Research has shown core sub-sectors of Fintech like Reg-tech, Insur-Tech, Online Banking, and Digital Lending to be sectors that contribute the most to financial inclusion from Fintech if further investment is made these sectors have promising potential Research limitations/implications – The review would prove to be a dire catalyst in the research of present Fintech situations, aiding professionals in finding key sectors where further attention and investment in financial inclusion can prove to provide positive outcomes. Practical implications – The study highlights areas of Fintech that have the most positive impact on financial inclusion providing a clear path to investors and government officials on which areas to focus on. Social implications – As a literature review, there are only indirect social implications in the sense that the studies reviewed could be used to impact people’s lives. Originality/value – As a literature review, originality is not an applicable criterion, however, the study adds value for the reader by highlighting gaps in the current body of knowledge and bringing together various studies in one location.

Determinants of knowledge transfer activities among university researchers: a systematic review

Purpose This systematic review aims to identify the key determinants of knowledge transfer (KT) activities among researchers. Design/methodology/approach This study systematically reviewed KT literature in academic settings from 1995–2023. The authors searched Web of Science and Scopus using predefined keywords, following PRISMA guidelines for screening and eligibility assessment. From 158 selected articles, the authors extracted data and conducted a descriptive analysis to map KT activities’ evolution. A narrative synthesis approach categorized determinants of researchers’ KT activities. Findings The systematic review findings revealed a general conceptual framework that categorizes the identified determinants of KT into four categories. At the individual level, the factors are related to the sociodemographic characteristics of the researcher (e.g. gender, age, experience), their psychological aspects (e.g. attitude, intrinsic motivation, intention) and personal characteristics (e.g. self-efficacy, communication skills). At the research team level, leadership style and team dynamics. At the organizational level, the findings emphasize university characteristics (e.g. size, structure and ranking), KT culture installed and university resources. At the inter-organizational level, the key determinants were funding sources, network strength and trust. Research limitations/implications The studies included in our database were different in terms of contexts, country of the study, the disciplines of KT and the types of KT activities examined. This variety restricts the direct comparison of research findings thus the generalizability of our conclusions. Future research should focus on specific contexts, disciplines, countries or types of KT activities to provide generalizable findings. Practical implications A better understanding of all the factors influencing KT among university researchers is essential for several reasons. First, it will enable the government to develop effective policies to promote KT ecosystems. Second, universities can create strategies, policies and programs to support researchers’ engagement in KT activities. Finally, researchers can be more strategic in their KT efforts. Originality/value This systematic review contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive conceptual framework that identifies KT determinants at different levels and fills a gap in the existing literature that only addresses specific aspects of KT determinants. This framework can be a theoretical reference for future empirical studies. Furthermore, it practically provides recommendations for different actors including, government, universities and researchers.

Strategic Imperatives of Muslim Leadership in Post-War Sri Lanka: Citizenship, Rights and Reconciliation

This study examines how a few selected mainstream Sri Lankan Muslim civil organisations have been responding to the Sinhala Buddhist ideological paradigm in post-war Sri Lanka. The ideology perceives that Sinhala Buddhists are true citizens of Sri Lanka while minorities are “others” or “guests”. Hence, the ideology plays a structural role in generating anti-Muslim sentiments in post-war Sri Lanka. Contrary to prevailing wisdom which argues that minorities attempt to deconstruct the majoritarian ideological foundation in their struggle for equality, dominant and mainstream Muslim civil society organisations in Sri Lanka have chosen to reconcile with it while resisting only its practical implications upon the community. Even though this strategy brings self-contradictory elements into play on theoretical grounds, Muslim civil society organisations think that it is a practically reasonable strategy given the developing socio-political context of the state. Based on primary and secondary data and the thematic qualitative analysis, this study builds an argument by analysing discourses of the selected mainstream Muslim organisations that minorities pick strategies for their struggle against majoritarian state and ideology taking their political and other demographical realities into account. Hence, their choices are not static but rather dynamic.

Leveraging big data analytics to combat emerging financial fraud schemes in the USA: A literature review and practical implications

The rise of emerging financial fraud schemes in the USA has presented significant challenges for financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement agencies. As fraud tactics become increasingly sophisticated, traditional methods of detection and prevention are proving insufficient. This literature review explores the role of big data analytics as a critical tool in combating financial fraud, focusing on its practical applications and effectiveness. By leveraging machine learning, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence, big data analytics enables real-time monitoring and detection of fraudulent activities, offering a more dynamic and adaptive approach to fraud prevention. The review synthesizes key studies, case reports, and industry practices, highlighting the implementation of big data in analyzing large volumes of transactional and behavioral data to identify suspicious patterns. It further discusses the challenges associated with integrating big data technologies into existing systems, including issues related to data privacy, regulatory compliance, and the high cost of implementation. Additionally, the paper assesses the impact of big data solutions on fraud prevention, comparing their effectiveness to traditional methods and identifying best practices for institutions looking to adopt these technologies. Finally, the review proposes future directions, emphasizing the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to enhance fraud detection capabilities. It offers recommendations for financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers to collaborate in developing more robust strategies to safeguard the financial system from evolving fraud threats. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of big data analytics in combating financial fraud and its practical implications for the financial services industry in the USA.