Rewarding Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF WORK MOTIVATION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT PT SINAR USAHA CEMERLANG, JAKARTA PUSAT

This study examines the influence of work motivation and work environment on employee performance at PT Sinar Usaha Cemerlang. Using a quantitative approach, the research analyzes data from a population of 65 employees, all of whom were included as the research sample through a saturated sampling technique. The study aims to determine how these two factors contribute to employee productivity, efficiency, and job satisfaction. The findings indicate that both work motivation and work environment have a significant positive impact on employee performance. Employees who feel valued, motivated, and work in a supportive environment tend to perform better, whereas those who experience a lack of recognition, poor work conditions, and ineffective communication demonstrate lower productivity. The study also reveals that the company needs to improve its reward system, career development programs, and workplace facilities to enhance employee engagement. Strengthening leadership support and internal communication is also crucial. Overall, the results suggest that PT Sinar Usaha Cemerlang should implement strategies that focus on workplace improvement and employee motivation to ensure sustained growth and organizational success.

The role of the prefrontal cortex in cocaine-induced noradrenaline release in the nucleus accumbens: a computational study

Research has extensively explored the role of the dopaminergic system in the reward circuit, while the contribution of the noradrenergic system remains less understood. This study aims to fill this gap by employing computational modeling to examine how the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) influences cocaine-induced norepinephrine (NE) release in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcc), with mediation by the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) and the locus coeruleus (LC). The model replicates previously reported data on NE release in the mPFC following cocaine administration. Additionally, it predicts that NE depletion in the mPFC affects NE release in the NAcc through interactions with the NTS and LC. This work proposes a system-level hypothesis, suggesting that the mPFC regulates NE release in the NAcc by modulating the LC and NTS. These findings enhance our understanding of the neurochemical response to cocaine and offer potential directions for future addiction treatments.

The impact of food-based incentive behaviors on oral health among Saudi children: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChildhood dental caries is a common and significant oral health issue globally, resulting in pain, infection, and difficulties in eating and speaking. This study aimed to investigate the impact of food-based reward behaviors on the oral health of Saudi children.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Jouf University Hospital, Saudi Arabia. The study included 316 medically healthy children aged 4 to 10 years and their Arabic or English-speaking guardians. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ), gathering information on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and the use of food as a reward. Clinical examinations by specialist pediatric dentists assessed the plaque index and decayed-missing-filled tooth (dmft/DMFT) scores. Statistical analyses included descriptive analysis, the Mann-Whitney test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman’s correlation, and linear regression analysis.ResultsSignificant correlations were found between food rewards and poor oral health outcomes. Food rewards were positively associated with higher dmft/DMFT scores (r = 0.43, P < 0.001) and plaque index scores (r = 0.17, P = 0.002). Socio-demographic factors, such as parental education level and the amount of time spent with the child, were significant predictors of both food reward behaviors and oral health outcomes. Female and younger parents reported higher food reward scores, which correlated with poorer oral health in their children.ConclusionThe study underscores the significant impact of food-based reward behaviors on the oral health of Saudi children. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational and intervention strategies that address cultural practices and promote healthier reward systems. By reducing sugary food rewards and encouraging non-food-based incentives, improvements in children’s oral health can be achieved.

Supply Chain Performance Evaluation for Songket Pandai Sikek SMEs: A Case Study of Rumah Songket Lima Saudara

The clothing and leather, food and chemical industries are small and medium enterprise (SME) sectors that play an important role in the economy of Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra. X Koto District dominates 71.2% of the clothing and leather industry business units, especially in Nagari Pandai Sikek which is famous for the production of Songket Pandai Sikek. As time goes by, the use of songket is no longer limited to traditional events, but also as a wider fashion product. Although the Songket Pandai Sikek industry continues to grow, challenges are still faced, such as high worker turnover and lack of utilization of marketing technology. The supply chain performance scores in Rumah Songket Lima Saudara in 2023 and 2024 respectively were 94.55 and 94.06 which fit in Excellent category, but the business had weaknesses in excess inventory and production volume. Strategies that can be implemented to strengthen the weaknesses include recruiting social media strategist employees, giving forecasting training for financial manager, improving customer relationship, implementing reward system for workers, creating detailed financial records and collaborating with similar businesses.

Long-term excessive alcohol consumption enhances myelination in the mouse nucleus accumbens.

Chronic excessive alcohol (ethanol) consumption induces neuroadaptations in the brain's reward system, including biochemical and structural abnormalities in white matter that are implicated in addiction phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that long-term (12-week) voluntary ethanol consumption enhances myelination in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of female and male adult mice, as evidenced by molecular, ultrastructural, and cellular alterations. Specifically, transmission electron microscopy analysis showed increased myelin thickness in the NAc following long-term ethanol consumption, while axon diameter remained unaffected. These changes were paralleled by increased mRNA transcript levels of key transcription factors essential for oligodendrocyte differentiation, along with elevated expression of critical myelination-related genes. In addition, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed increased connectivity between the NAc and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), reflected by a higher number of tracts connecting these regions. We also observed ethanol-induced effects on oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage cells, with a reduction in the number of mature OLs (mOLs) after 3 weeks of ethanol consumption, followed by an increase after 6 weeks. These findings suggest that ethanol alters OL development prior to increasing myelination in the NAc. Finally, chronic administration of the pro-myelination drug clemastine to mice with a history of heavy ethanol consumption further elevated ethanol intake and preference, suggesting that increased myelination may contribute to escalated drinking behavior. Together, these findings suggest that heavy ethanol consumption disrupts OL development, induces enhanced myelination in the NAc, and may drive further ethanol intake, reinforcing addictive behaviors.Significance Statement The myelin sheath is crucial for the development, maintenance, and normal functioning of the brain. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement of myelin alterations in alcohol (ethanol)-drinking behaviors. We show that chronic ethanol intake leads to enhanced myelination in the nucleus accumbens of adult mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that increasing myelination in heavily drinking mice leads to an escalation in ethanol intake. Thus, our results suggest that ethanol affects myelination processes, which, in turn, may affect ethanol-drinking patterns. Understanding the impact of ethanol on myelination could enhance our comprehension of alcohol addiction and open new avenues for treatment.

Navigating the Future: Examining Sustainable and Resilient Drivers Shaping the Integration of Crowdshipping in E‐Commerce Logistics

ABSTRACTThe last mile is often subjected to unique challenges such as congested urban areas, unpredictable customer availability and the need for personalized services. To address these complexities, and to be competitive in the market, companies are increasingly turning towards innovative solutions. One such innovative solution is crowdshipping (CS). The concept of CS was first introduced by Walmart in 2013, where store customers may act as crowdshippers and fulfill the demands of online retailers or shops by transporting packages on their way home with guaranteed compensation. To understand the factors influencing CS and its potential to motivate logistics firms for delivery, this research work determines the 20 key sustainable and resilient factors affecting the adoption of CS in the e‐commerce logistics sector. Furthermore, the Neutrosophic Best‐Worst Method (NBWM) is employed to prioritize these factors, followed by the application of Neutrosophic Interpretive Structural Modeling (NISM) with cross‐impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis to assess the interrelationships amongst the factors. The results of the NBWM reveal that technology for the successful implementation of CS, rating and reward system, delivery cost–time efficiency, CO2 emissions and service quality are the top five highly weighted factors. The results of NISM dictate the technology for the successful implementation of CS, integration of CS with the mainstream (operations research models), government interventions and the usage of back‐up drivers as the factors with the highest driving power. The proposed NBWM and NISM give direction to practitioners and policy managers in planning sustainable and resilient strategies for addressing CS implementation factors in the e‐commerce logistics sector. Further, competent strategies can be developed by the managers based on the prioritization and the driving and dependence power of CS adoption factors.

Comparing positive versus negative intrinsic rewards for predicting physical activity habit strength and frequency during a period of high stress.

The experience of positive intrinsic rewards (enjoyment) from physical activity (PA) is known to promote PA habit formation and maintenance. Negative intrinsic rewards (stress reduction) may also be associated with PA habit, particularly during a major stressor and when individual-level anxiety is higher. Multi-level models tested the following hypotheses using weekly survey data from a convenience sample (snowball sampling) of adults (N= 580; 91% White, 77% Female, mean age = 41 years) over the 8weeks of the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK: negative intrinsic rewards will be independently and statistically more strongly related to PA habit strength and frequency than positive intrinsic rewards; and, the relationship between negative intrinsic rewards and PA habit strength and frequency will be stronger for those with higher anxiety. Counter to the hypotheses, positive intrinsic rewards were more strongly associated with PA habit strength over time than negative intrinsic rewards (fixed effect =0.27, p< 0.001 versus fixed effect = -0.05, p= 0.23, respectively), and there was a main effect of anxiety (but no interaction with negative rewards) on PA habit strength (fixed effect = -0.03, p= 0.03). The findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing and maintaining PA habit strength might best focus on cultivating positive intrinsic rewards (enjoyment) from PA, even in the presence of substantial stressors and individual-level anxiety.

The Revised Reward Theory of Desire

Abstract I propose and articulate a novel theory of desire, called the Revised Reward Theory. As the name suggests, the theory is based—and expands—on Arpaly and Schroeder’s (2014) Reward Theory of Desire. The initial Reward Theory identifies desires with states of the reward learning system such that for an organism to desire some P is for its reward system to treat P as a reward upon receipt. The Revised Reward Theory identifies desires with a different state of the same system, such that for an organism to desire some P is for its reward system to expect or predict that P will be rewarding (roughly) prior to receipt. The difference amounts to equating desires with what we ultimately find rewarding or satisfying versus those that underlie our motivations to obtain that which we take ourselves to desire. I argue that the structure of the reward system is incompatible with the original Reward Theory but compatible with the Revised Reward Theory. I demonstrate that this difference has important philosophical implications. I focus on moral responsibility and demonstrate Arpaly and Schroeder’s argument, that addiction can mitigate moral responsibility, turns on this precise difference. Arpaly, Schroeder, and I all ascribe to a meta-theory called ‘natural kindism’ which identifies mental kinds with neurocognitive kinds. This discussion, in addition to defending a theory of desire, is intended to act as a proof of concept for natural kindism as offering a powerful framework for relating empirical results to philosophical issues.

The Dynorphin/-Opioid Receptor System at the Interface of Hyperalgesia/Hyperkatifeia and Addiction

Abstract Purpose of Review Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, accompanied by negative emotional states (hyperkatifeia) and heightened pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia) during withdrawal. Both hyperalgesia and hyperkatifeia are integral components of substance use disorders, negatively impacting treatment and recovery. The underlying neurobiological mechanisms of hyperalgesia and hyperkatifeia involve alterations of brain reward and stress circuits, including the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor (KOR) system. The dynorphin/KOR system modulates pain perception, negative affect, and addictive behaviors. Here, we review the preclinical evidence of dynorphin/KOR signaling in opioid withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia and hyperkatifeia. Recent Findings In opioid dependence models, pharmacological and genetic interventions of the dynorphin/KOR system attenuate somatic and motivational signs of withdrawal and addictive-like behaviors, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Understanding the intricate interplay between dynorphin/KOR signaling, hyperalgesia, hyperkatifeia, and addiction offers novel insights into treatment strategies for opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. Summary Further research is needed to elucidate precise mechanisms of the sexual dimorphism of dynorphin/KOR signaling and identify targeted interventions to mitigate hyperalgesia and hyperkatifeia and facilitate recovery from addiction.

Human Reseource Development and Career: Analisa Pengaruh Reward System pada Motivasi dan Disiplin Kinerja Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM)

This research aims to analyze the influence of the reward system on the motivation and discipline of human resource (HR) performance, as well as its impact on human resource development (HRD) and careers. The method used in this research is a systematic literature review, by collecting ten studies obtained from the Google Scholar and Scopus databases. The analysis results show that a well-designed reward system has an important role in supporting HRD and career development. A reward system that is flexible, achievement-based and responsive to changes in organizational conditions has been proven to strengthen employee motivation and discipline, which in turn improves their performance. In addition, implementing a reward system that rewards innovation, digital skills and knowledge and encourages career renewal has been proven to have a positive impact on the overall competitiveness of the organization. These findings provide insights for organizations in designing and implementing effective reward systems to support sustainable HR and career development.

Astrocyte ensembles manipulated with AstroLight tune cue-motivated behavior.

Astrocytes, dynamic cells crucial to brain function, have traditionally been overshadowed by the emphasis on neuronal activity in regulating behavior. Unlike neurons, which are organized into ensembles that encode different brain representations, astrocytes have long been considered a homogeneous population. This is partly because of the lack of tools available to map and manipulate specific subsets of astrocytes based on their functional activity, obscuring the extent of their specialization in circuits. Here, using AstroLight, a tool that translates astrocytic activity-mediated calcium signals into gene expression in a light-dependent manner, we have identified an astrocytic ensemble, a functionally specified subset of astrocytes that emerges upon activity during cue-motivated behaviors in the nucleus accumbens, an integrator hub in the reward system. Furthermore, through gain-of-function and loss-of-function manipulations, we demonstrate that this ensemble is essential for modulating cue-reward associations. These findings highlight the specialization of astrocytes into ensembles and their fine-tuning role in shaping salient behavior.

Factors Related to Worker Performance at PMI South Jakarta City in 2024

Worker performance is a necessary factor in the progress of an agency. It is known that there are workers who show less than optimal performance at PMI South Jakarta City, so it is necessary to know what the factor in the lack of performance produced. This research aims to determine the elements related to worker performance in PMI South Jakarta City in 2024. This research uses a cross-sectional study design and analysis using the chi-square test. Sampling used a purposive sampling technique with a minimum sample of 60 respondents. The research instruments used include NASA – TLX, MWMS, DOCS, and IWPQ. The results show that organizational culture (p = 0.011), motivation (p = 0.022), workload (p = 0.008), and working time (p = 0.041) have a relationship with employee performance. Meanwhile, age (p = 0.362), gender (p = 0.899), last education (p = 0.940), marital status (p = 0.090), length of service (p = 0.355), and job content (p = 0.455) showed no there is a relationship with worker performance. Agencies are advised to set equal working hours by regulations and implement a reward system to increase worker motivation.

Association among nesfatin-1, obesity category, presence of obesity-related complications, and eating patterns in patients with obesity: results of a single endocrine centre observational study.

Since its discovery, nesfatin-1 (N1) has been recognised as an anorexigenic agent potentially related to obesity pathogenesis and development, including its modulatory effect on the brain's reward system and eating behaviours. As the results from human studies examining the relation between N1 serum levels, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic status are scarce and inconclusive, we aimed to investigate the association between serum N1 levels and obesity categories, obesity-related complications, and disturbed eating behaviour. We studied 110 patients with obesity divided into obesity categories according to their BMI and metabolic status. N1 was measured in a fasting state (N10) and 2h after a glucose load (N12) and correlated with anthropometric measurements, serum analysis, and the presence of selected obesity-related complications. Neither N10 nor N12 correlated significantly with obesity; however, N10 tended to be high in patients with a high BMI. A positive correlation was observed among N12, fat-free mass (p = 0.022), and muscle mass (p = 0.02). We found positive correlations between N10 and N12 with aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.012 and p = 0.022, respectively) and alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.027 and p = 0.006, respectively). Patients with dyslipidaemia had significantly higher N10 (p = 0.03) and N12 (p = 0.049) levels. Neither N10 nor N12 correlated significantly with disturbed eating behaviour; however, low N10 levels were associated with a hedonic eating pattern (p = 0.03). N1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and obesity-related complications; however, owing to the complex mechanisms of its secretion and action, further clinical and experimental research is needed.

The effect of intracerebroventricular injection of melatonin on the period of acquisition, expression, extinction, and reinstatement of morphine conditioned place preference in the male rat: A behavioral and biochemical study.

Behavior in both humans and animals is significantly influenced by the brain's reward system. Many studies have shown that this dopaminergic system is the root of drug addiction and abuse. Melatonin, an indoleamine neurohormone, has been studied for its potential negative effects on addictive drugs such as morphine. This study evaluates the effect of intraventricular melatonin injection during different phases of morphine conditioning. Rats were conditioned with morphine [5 mg/kg; subcutaneously (SC)] for three days. The changes in conditioned place preference (CPP) scores following the injection of different doses of melatonin [25, 50, and 100 μg/kg; intracerebroventricular (ICV)] were investigated during the acquisition, expression, extinction, and reinstatement phases of morphine conditioning. After completing these steps, the c-Fos level in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was measured using the ELISA technique. The results indicated that daily injections of 50 and 100 μg/kg melatonin during the acquisition and expression phases caused a dose-dependent decrease in the conditioning score. During the extinction phase, melatonin administration reduced its duration incrementally. Notably, only the 100 μg/kg dose significantly decreased morphine reinstatement. In terms of c-Fos levels, which were elevated after morphine consumption, melatonin administration led to a significant reduction across all phases. This study demonstrates the neural interaction between melatonin and the opioid system. The evidence suggests that melatonin may be effective at decreasing drug-related rewards and has potential utility in preventing addiction.

Pengaruh Keseimbangan Kehidupan Kerja, Motivasi dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan PT. Tekno Buana Globalindo

Every company needs quality human resources and produces output that is in accordance with the company's targets. Therefore, human resources need to be managed through proper human resource management (HRM) in order to obtain maximum results. This study aims to analyze the effect of work-life balance, work motivation, and work discipline on employee performance at PT. Tekno Buana Globalindo. This study uses a quantitative method with a descriptive and verification approach. Data were collected through questionnaires given to the entire population of 50 employees using census techniques. Data analysis was carried out using validity, reliability, multiple linear regression, and partial (t-test) and simultaneous (F-test) hypothesis tests. The results of the study indicate that work motivation and work discipline have a positive and significant effect on employee performance, while work-life balance does not have a significant effect on employee performance. Simultaneously, this third variable contributes 58.7% to employee performance, while the remaining 41.3% is influenced by other variables not examined in this study. Work motivation has the largest contribution in improving performance, followed by work discipline. Based on these findings, it is recommended that companies improve employee motivation through reward systems and career development and strengthen work discipline through effective regulation socialization and supervision. In addition, even though work-life balance is not significant, companies can consider workload management to maintain employee well-being.

Left ventromedial prefrontal cortex inhibitory rTMS as an anti-stress intervention in opioid use disorder: Trial design.

In people with substance use disorders (SUDs), stress-exposure can impair executive function, and increase craving and likelihood of drug-use recurrence. Research shows that acute stressors increase drug-seeking behavior; however, mechanisms underlying this effect are incompletely understood. The Competing Neurobehavioral Decisions System theory posits that persons with SUDs may have hyperactive limbic reward circuitry and hypoactive executive control circuitry. To investigate how inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) may alter stress-induced executive dysfunction, emotion dysregulation, and drug-seeking in people with opioid use disorder. We will examine effects of a psychological stressor combined with inhibitory (1Hz) left vmPFC rTMS in participants (N=24) receiving opioid agonist treatment. Participants undergo guided imagery of autobiographical stressors paired with 10 sessions of active vmPFC rTMS vs. sham (within-subject randomized crossover). Stress-induced dysfunction will be indexed with cognitive (e.g., executive function), affective (e.g., emotional arousal), and behavioral (e.g., opioid-seeking) measures pre- and post-rTMS. To confirm changes are associated with altered neural activity in targeted regions, we will measure event-related potentials during key tasks using EEG. We hypothesize that stressors will increase executive dysfunction, emotion dysregulation, and drug-seeking, and that left vmPFC inhibitory rTMS will decrease limbic activation, which could translate to reduced craving and drug-seeking. Our findings should offer insights into how neural networks modulate drug-seeking and associated dysfunctions in people with SUDs. The results of this and similar studies can advance theory and neuromodulation interventions for people with SUDs.

Immersion in nature decreases neural sensitivity to extrinsic reward

Immersion in nature decreases neural sensitivity to extrinsic reward

Lipids and C-reactive protein predict anhedonia and reward circuit functional connectivity responses to anti-cytokine and dopaminergic therapies in patients with depression

Lipids and C-reactive protein predict anhedonia and reward circuit functional connectivity responses to anti-cytokine and dopaminergic therapies in patients with depression

Endogenous reward is a bridge between social/cognitive and behavioral models of choice.

Endogenous reward (intrinsic reward at will) is a fiat currency that is occasioned by steps toward any goals which are challenging and/or uncommon enough to prevent its debasement by inflation. A "theory of mental computational processes" should propose what properties let goals grow from appetites for endogenous rewards. Endogenous reward may be the universal selective factor in all modifiable mental processes.

Evolutionary game model for the behavior of private sectors in elderly healthcare public–private partnership under the condition of information asymmetry

Chinese elderly healthcare services face problems of poor service quality, difficulty in eliminating hidden quality risks, and inadequate government supervision, primarily due to information asymmetry and insufficient supervision among providers, users, and regulatory bodies. The study addresses two key questions: How does information asymmetry influence private sector strategies in elderly healthcare public–private partnership (PPP), and what regulatory models can overcome the potential shortcomings? The study examines the influence of information asymmetry, particularly on "experience" and "credence," crucial for governance and service quality in elderly healthcare PPPs in China. By developing the novel methodology of evolutionary game theory and employing MATLAB simulations, this study analyzes private sector behavior under two distinct regulatory models. The research findings reveal a significant disparity, under the traditional "single" model; private sectors often prioritize low-quality services driven by self-interest or inadequate penalties, while the collaborative model incentivizes them to deliver higher-quality services influenced by factors such as public participation, reputational incentives, and penalties. Therefore, the paper proposed a multifaceted regulatory model based on strengthening third-party evaluation mechanisms, encouraging public participation, and refining reward and penalty systems. This proposed model will not only significantly contribute to regulatory effectiveness and quality services within elderly healthcare PPP projects, but will also serve as a reference point for government decision-makers responsible for quality services within PPP projects.