Guidance For Management Research Articles

How CEOs can Increase Public Engagement via Microblogs: The Role of CEO Gender and Content Orientation

AbstractIn the social media era, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are increasingly using microblogging sites to communicate with the public. Drawing on schema‐congruity theory and gender egalitarianism, we investigate how CEO gender and work–life content orientation interact to influence public engagement with CEOs on microblogs. Using China as our research setting, we conduct a content analysis of data collected from 63 high‐profile CEOs’ microblogs and four laboratory studies with some 2000 respondents. Our results show that for female CEOs, work‐related content leads to greater engagement than life‐related content; for male CEOs, the effect is reversed. We find that such outcomes are driven by the incongruity between stereotypical gender roles and content orientation, which enhances perceived novelty and audience interest, thus leading to greater engagement. This effect diminishes when the audience has a very high or very low perception of gender equality in their society; or when the audience supports male privilege values personally. Our research provides new theoretical insights for online leadership communication, public engagement and gender research. It also offers useful managerial guidance for executives to effectively leverage the capabilities of social media in engaging with the public.

Diagnostics of allergic rhinitis under dupilumab therapy

Abstract Background Allergic rhinits is a prevalent condition, affecting a substantial proportion of the population. This study investigates the impact of ongoing biologic therapy, specifically with Dupilumab, on allergy diagnostics in patients with allergic rhinits. Methods Various tests, including the Skin Prick Test, serum IgE levels and Allergy Screening Panels, were examined for their effectiveness in detecting sensitizations during biologic treatment. Results The results indicate a significant decline in total IgE levels following biologic therapy initiation, aligning with previous findings on Dupilumab's inhibitory effects on IL-4 and IL-13. However, the specific IgE to total IgE ratio for major allergens was not significantly reduced. Comparing diagnostic tools, the Skin Prick Test demonstrates an impressive retention rate of sensitizations (98%) during Dupilumab treatment, outperforming the Allergy Screening Panel, which shows a 75% detection rate. Notably, the panel displays limitations in capturing lower sensitization levels. Conclusion In summary, this study underscores that, despite the influence of biologic therapy on certain markers, standard allergy tests remain viable while emphasizing the importance of considering specific IgE levels rather than relying solely on CAP classes. The Skin Prick Test in particular proves to be a reliable tool for identifying sensitizations during Dupilumab treatment. The results offer valuable guidance for the diagnostic management of Allergic rhinits in individuals subjected to Dupilumab treatment.

Seasonal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Sepia esculenta in the East China Sea Region: Transfer of the Central Distribution from 29° N to 28° N

The golden cuttlefish (Sepia esculenta) is an important cephalopod species with a lifespan of approximately one year. The species plays a crucial role in marine ecological support services and is commercially valuable in fisheries. In the seas around China, this species has emerged as the main target for cuttlefish fisheries, replacing Sepiella maindroni since the 1990s. Variations in oceanographic conditions associated with global warming could significantly impact the temporal-spatial distribution of the species. In this study, we performed bottom trawling surveys with four cruises during 2018–2019 in the East China Sea region to determine the current resource status and seasonal-spatial variations in S. esculenta. We found that the average individual weight (AIW) values were 4.87 and 519.00 g/ind at stations located at 30.50° N, 124.00° E and 30.50° N, 124.50° E, respectively, with the aggregation of larvae and parent groups in spring. The species was not distributed north of 32.00° N in summer. The catch per unit effort by weight (CPUEw) value decreased in the order of 2772.50→2575.20→503.29→124.36 g/h, corresponding to latitudes of 34.50° N→34.00° N→33.50° N→32.50° N 121.50° E in autumn. The most suitable fishing areas were the south of the East China Sea region in spring; the south of the East China Sea region extending to the center and outer parts of the East China Sea region in summer; the south of the Yellow Sea close to the Haizhou Bay fishing ground and the forbidden fishing line region of the Lusi and Dasha fishing grounds in autumn; and the south and center of the East China Sea region in winter. The most suitable sea bottom temperature (SBT) values from spring to winter were 14.76–20.53 °C, 19.54–22.98 °C, 11.79–17.64 °C, and 16.94–20.36 °C, respectively. The most suitable sea bottom salinity (SBS) values were 31.53–34.80‰ in spring, 32.95–34.68‰ in summer, 31.51–34.77‰ in autumn, and 33.82–34.51‰ in winter. We concluded the following: (1) the southern and northern areas of the East China Sea region are spawning and nursery grounds, respectively, in spring; (2) the central distribution is located at a latitude of 28.00° N in autumn and winter; and (3) the southern area of the Yangtze River to the north is a spawning ground in spring, and the areas located at 29.00–34.50° N, 124.00–124.50° E, and 28.00–30.50° N, 125.50–126.50° E are nursery grounds. The results of this study provide useful guidance for appropriate fisheries management, thereby avoiding a collapse in the S. esculenta population, which has been experienced in other species in this area.

Fertility and Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract Introduction Obesity is increasing worldwide, and bariatric surgery (BS) is increasingly employed for weight management in women of reproductive age. An interplay between pregnancy and BS is very likely. A review of the challenges faced and solutions needed is warranted. Materials and Methods A narrative, nonsystematic review of the international literature from a single online database (PubMed) was performed on July 23, 2023. All articles were included. The retrieved relevant literature is narrated in a concise thematic account. Results BS carries major metabolic, mechanical, and vascular benefits, possibly accompanied by nutritional, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrient deficiencies, which might be clinical or subclinical. A few of the frequently reported postbariatric nutritional jeopardies could be augmented by the physiological changes of pregnancy, which need a different approach to management. Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy could carry both maternal and fetal short- and long-term risks. Fetal risks may range from miscarriage to low birth weight, neural tube defects, congenital anomalies, cognitive impairment, and internal organ dysplasia. Postbariatric status is, by default, a high-risk pregnancy category, given the altered biochemical, vasomotor, and mechanical indices of any lady treated with BS. Postgastric bypass hypoglycemia (PGBH) is a relatively common phenomenon during pregnancy, and it usually calls for multidisciplinary action to control. A dedicated monitoring protocol before, during, and after pregnancy has been suggested in several guidelines to guard against the potentially devastating consequences to both mother and fetus. Conclusions Weight reduction after BS enhances fertility. The optimum timing for ladies treated with BS to get pregnant is not very well established yet. However, various societies have provided multidisciplinary management guidance of management prior to and during pregnancy. Many nutritional supplements that are not routinely prescribed during pregnancy will be essential for those treated with BS. Further studies are still warranted to ensure the safe interim between BS and conception as well as the safety of various doses of medications used for postbariatric individuals, for instance, medications used for PGBH.

Unlocking technology acceptance among South African employees: A psychological perspective

Orientation: The study delves into technological acceptance within South African organisations, identifying psychological factors influencing employees’ willingness to adopt technology. Barriers to technology adoption are explored, emphasising the universal relevance of identified psychological constructs.Research purpose: To understand the psychological barriers influencing successful technological adoption in South African organisations.Motivations for the study: High failure rates in tech-implementation projects are linked to employee resistance, revealing a crucial gap in understanding psychological dynamics. Recognising human factors as pivotal to technological success, there is a need to transcend technical aspects, exploring individual experiences during organisational transitions.Research approach/design and method: Using a qualitative approach with non-random snowball sampling, 17 South African employees were interviewed in a semi-structured manner. Thematic analysis revealed specific categories of psychological barriers.Main findings: Identified barriers proved to be the antithesis of positive psychological constructs, including lack of psychological safety, lack of organisational trust, lack of psychological availability, negative emotions, low self-efficacy and low frustration tolerance. The presence of these barriers, hindering participants’ willingness to adopt new technologies.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations are advised to prioritise fostering a culture of psychological safety and trust, transparent communication and positive emotional experiences during technology adoption at the individual level. Training programmes enhancing self-efficacy and promoting mindfulness practices can mitigate barriers.Contribution/value-add: This research stresses the significance of the role of psychological factors in inhibiting an employee’s technological acceptance, providing practical guidance for industrial psychologists, HR professionals and change managers. The need to consider individual experiences during technological transitions, has universal implications across diverse workplaces.

A study on the double-edged sword effect of inclusive leadership on employees’ work behaviour—dual path perspective of cognition and affection

In order to cope with the volatile social environment and organisational change, more and more scholars call on leaders to stimulate subordinate effectiveness to a greater extent with inclusive behaviour. Existing studies focus on the positive impact of inclusive leadership, but ignore its potential negative impact. This study integrates Cognition-affection Personality System Theory to explore the double-edged sword mechanism of inclusive leadership on subordinates’ work behaviour. Through the data analysis of 518 paired questionnaires collected in three stages, the results are as follows: Inclusive leadership has a positive impact on subordinates’ psychological entitlement and state gratitude; Psychological entitlement and state gratitude play mediation roles not only between inclusive leadership and work withdrawal behaviour, but also between inclusive leadership and active behaviour; Subordinate narcissistic personality moderates the positive effect of inclusive leadership on psychological entitlement and state gratitude, and then moderates the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on subordinate work withdrawal behaviour and proactive behaviour through psychological entitlement and state gratitude. The above results expand the research on the action mechanism and boundary conditions of inclusive leadership in Chinese organisational context, and provide practical guidance for organisational managers to effectively conduct inclusive leadership.

Project Management Competencies in AI-Driven Environments: A Qualitative Assessment

The objective of this paper is to provide an evaluation of project management skills and competence in AI-driven environments as an essential scope due to their pivotal role in producing effective outcomes in the fast-paced world of rapidly evolving technology. This study employs a cross-sectional research design and qualitative survey methodology to examine project management in the context of AI integration. The study involved a broad base, which includes players from various sectors like technology, finance, health, and manufacturing, so its findings and recommendations are all-encompassing. This study achieves this by utilizing datasets obtained from industry-leading AI companies, academic research institutions, and governmental agencies. These datasets comprise project management metrics, AI implementation case studies, and surveys conducted among project managers and stakeholders in AI-driven industries in addition to literature sources, using sophisticated statistical techniques. The findings show and present the changes that the practice of project management faces in the era of AI and provide the most helpful guidance for project managers, stakeholders, and organisations that strive to cope with this dynamic and changing environment. The research result shows that by emphasising skill-based development programmes, cultivating an innovation- friendly culture, and adopting AI-driven technologies, organisations can be at the forefront of technological growth, gaining a competitive advantage in the highly dynamic business environment. The research shows that in the future, the enhanced use of AI technologies will keep changing the project management landscape. This research strengthens the theoretical underpinnings of project management in AI-powered projects and ensures the enhancement of project management's actual efficacy in response to technological advancements. This will aid project managers deliver the most important skills necessary for effective project management in AI-driven environments.

Unlocking the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing the fisheries supply chain: an exploration of critical adoption barriers in China

The application of blockchain technology holds significant potential for improving efficiency, resilience, and transparency within the Fisheries Supply Chain (FSC). This study addresses the critical barriers hindering the adoption of blockchain technology (BT) in the Chinese FSC, recognizing the unique challenges posed by its intricacies. Through a comprehensive literature review, fourteen Critical Barrier Factors (CBFs) were identified, and a grey Delphi method was employed to distill this set. Five pivotal CBFs emerged, including "Regulatory Compliance," "Cost of Implementation," and "Complex Supply Chain Network". A subsequent grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis revealed the causal relationships among these factors, categorizing them into effect and cause groups. "Regulatory Compliance," "Cost of Implementation," and "Complex Supply Chain Network" were identified as primary influencing factors demanding attention for effective BT integration in the FSC. The findings serve as a valuable resource for FSC stakeholders, assisting in prioritizing efforts to address these barriers. The discerned causal relationships provide guidance for managers in optimizing resource allocation. Ultimately, this research advocates for the adoption of blockchain technology in the fisheries supply chain to enhance overall performance and operational efficiency.

Changes in terrestrial water storage in the Three-North region of China over 2003–2021: Assessing the roles of climate and vegetation restoration

Large-scale vegetation restoration has markedly enhanced ecosystem services in the Three-North (TN) region, concurrently exacerbating the pre-existing water resource crisis stemming from climate change in this arid domain. However, the specific contributions of climate and vegetation changes to the evolution of water resources in the TN region have yet to be elucidated. This study leverages data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its Follow-on mission (GRACE-FO), specifically the terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSA) from 2003 to 2021. We identify two TWSA rising (TWSA_rⅠ and TWSA_rⅡ) and two declining (TWSA_dⅠ and TWSA_dⅡ) hotspots in the TN region. By exploring the relative importance of climate drivers and vegetation dynamics in influencing the temporal dynamics of TWSA, we found that vegetation restoration assumes a more pivotal role than climate factors in 45.2% of the total area within the identified hotspots, predominantly evident in TWSA declining hotspots. The heightened TWSA in TWSA_rⅠ and TWSA_rⅡ primarily stems from precipitation recharge, with precipitation-dominated areas constituting 19.3% of the area within the identified hotspots. Potential evapotranspiration dominates TWSA changes in only 4.6% of the region within the identified hotspots, primarily scattered in TWSA_dⅠ and TWSA_dⅡ. Furthermore, a comparative assessment of soil moisture and groundwater responses to environmental factors indicates that water storage at shallower layers is more responsive to climate factors, while the impacts of vegetation changes on TWSA are more discernibly reflected in water storage at deeper layers. These findings furnish scientific guidance for future ecological restoration planning and sustainable water resources management.

Evolution of rates, patterns, and driving forces of green eco-spaces in a subtropical hilly region

Monitoring ecological resource change in mountainous and hilly areas (MHAs) is vital for theoretical and practical advancements of ecological resource utilization and management in complex ecosystems. The factors driving structural and functional changes in green eco-spaces (GES) in these areas are complex and uncertain, with notable spatial scale effects. However, analyzing the multi-scale driving mechanisms of ecological and socioeconomic factors at a fine spatiotemporal scale presents significant challenges. To address these challenges, we analyzed dynamic changes in GES and eco-socio-economic development in Shanghang County, a typical mountainous region in southern China. We used multiple linear regression and multi-scale geographically weighted regression model to identify key factors driving GES changes and their multi-scale effects at both global and local levels. Over the past two decades, the GES area in the study area has exhibited a consistent pattern of decline, characterized by phases of gradual decline (2000–2005), sharp decline (2005–2009), slow decline (2009–2019). Key global factors driving GES changes included elevation (ELE), slope (SLOPE), population density (PD), distance to settlements (SETTLE), and distance to administrative centers (ADMIN). These factors exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity and multi-scale effects on GES changes. Specifically, SETTLE, PD, SLOPE, and ELE consistently drove GES changes at the local level, while ADMIN only showed significant localized effects during 2005–2009. The synergy between SETTLE and SLOPE had a considerable impact on GES changes, increasing over time, whereas ELE and PD demonstrated a consistent trade-off effect. These findings provide detailed spatiotemporal insights into the driving mechanisms of natural ecological resources, offering crucial guidance for environmental management, land source management, regional economic development, and biodiversity conservation in Shanghang and analogous subtropical hilly regions worldwide.

Identification of 5A in Curug Leuwi Hejo

Tourism has an important role in the Indonesian economy, including in Bogor which has attractive natural tourism potential. One of the natural tourist destinations in Bogor is Curug Leuwi Hejo in Cibadak Village, Sukamakmur District, Bogor Regency. This study aims to examine the experience of tourists visiting Curug Leuwi Hejo and analyze the 5A strategy carried out by the manager to improve the tourist experience. The research method used is qualitative with observation techniques and interviews with tourists. The approach in this research is descriptive qualitative and SWOC analysis. The results showed that Curug Leuwi Hejo has the potential for natural attractions that attract tourists. In addition, the manager has also provided adequate accommodation for tourists. However, there are limitations in infrastructure development and destination promotion. Therefore, a more optimal development strategy is needed to improve the tourist experience in Curug Leuwi Hejo. In conclusion, this study provides guidance for destination managers, government, and local communities in optimizing the 5A strategy for Curug Leuwi Hejo tourism development. Further research can be carried out with different methods and instruments to obtain more accurate results.

Establishment of a Reference Evapotranspiration Forecasting Model Based on Machine Learning

Water scarcity is a global problem. Deficit irrigation (DI) reduces evapotranspiration, improving water efficiency in agriculture. Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important factor in determining DI. ET0 forecasting predicts field water consumption and enables proactive irrigation decisions, offering guidance for water resource management. However, implementation of ET0 forecasting faces challenges due to complex calculations and extensive meteorological data requirements. This project aims to develop a machine learning system for ET0 forecasting. The project involves studying ET0 methods and identifying required meteorological parameters. Historical meteorological data and weather forecasts were obtained from meteorological websites and analyzed for accuracy after preprocessing. A machine learning-based model was created to forecast reference crop evapotranspiration. The model’s input parameters were selected through path analysis before it was optimized using Bayesian optimization to reduce overfitting and improve accuracy. Three forecasting models were developed: one based on historical meteorological data, one based on weather forecasts, and one that corrects the weather forecasts. All three models achieved good accuracy, with root mean square errors ranging from 0.52 to 0.81 mm/day. Among them, the model based on weather forecast had the highest accuracy; the RMSE six days before the forecast period was between 0.52 and 0.75 mm/day, and the RMSE on the seventh day of the forecast period was 1.12 mm/day. In summary, this project has established a mathematical model of ET0 prediction based on machine learning, which can achieve more accurate predictions for within a few days.

The Role of Leadership and Discipline to Increase Commitment to Loudry Harfia Employees

This study aims to understand the important role of leadership and discipline in increasing employee commitment at Loudry Harfia. Effective leadership and consistent discipline are key factors in creating a productive and committed work environment. In the context of the laundry industry, where quality of service and consistency in operations are critical, this role is becoming increasingly vital. This research approach includes an analysis of the relationship between leadership styles applied in organizations, applied disciplinary practices, and employee commitment levels. Through a deep understanding of these dynamics, this study aims to provide valuable insights for Loudry Harfia's management in improving the performance and commitment of their employees. The results of this study are expected to provide a better understanding of how strong leadership and consistent application of discipline can affect employee commitment, as well as provide practical guidance for management in optimizing their human resources to achieve organizational goals effectively. Thus, this research is expected to significantly contribute significantly to human resource development and performance management in service industries such as Loudry Harfia.

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TALENT ACQUISITION THROUGH E-RECRUITMENT IN NIIT

Online or E-Recruitment has become nearly ubiquitous in medium and large businesses and is growing in popularity for small business owners, too. According to industry experts, from 1998 to 2001, the number of Fortune 500 companies that had job recruitment websites increased from 29% to 88%. By 2008, over 98% of them were using some sort of online recruitment process. As may be expected, this sharp increase means that traditional avenues for recruitment, such as newspaper advertisements, no longer command the share of use they once enjoyed. In 2000, employment newspaper classified advertising in the U.S. was worth $8.7 billion. By 2002, however, the Newspaper Association of America reported only $4.3 billion, a more than 50% loss. Borrell Associates predicts that newspapers will suffer a further 12% revenue decline by 2012 as recruitment budgets continue to move online. By contrast, online advertising for recruitment purposes is growing. Jupiter Research has predicted that online advertising overall will exceed $16 billion by the end of 2008, adding more than $10 billion from the industry’s total revenues in 2005. Recruitment advertising will likely be the single largest segment of this sector. Job seekers have come to expect online access to job data and the application process. Research by Mintel reveals that 42% of respondents with Internet access look for job information via online recruitment sites, a number that is projected to increase substantially, with the format rapidly gaining acceptance. Employers and job seekers note a number of benefits of e-recruitment over traditional methods. The Human Resources Management Guide (www.hrmguide.net) lists some of the more important ones.

Development of antipsychotic-induced weight gain management guidance: patient experiences and preferences - a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract Introduction It is estimated that 50% of patients with a severe mental illness (SMI) do not adhere to their medication regimen. Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is one of the most common reasons for patient disengagement with treatment.[1] Clinically significant weight gain has been linked to almost all antipsychotics and contributes significantly to the 2-3-fold higher rates of obesity seen in psychiatry.[2] Given the personal, social, and healthcare costs of overweight, obesity and relapse of mental illness, effectively managing AIWG is a priority for patients, clinicians, and policymakers. However, effectively managing AIWG is challenging. Sparse guidance for clinicians invariably contributes to management complexity. An important barrier to the development of high-quality AIWG management guidance is the lack of empirical research assessing patient values and preferences for management and other key guideline decision-making criteria including acceptability, feasibility, and equity considerations. Integration of patient experiences and preferences for management into guidance informing practice is essential to ensure recommendation relevance, applicability, and transferability. Aim To elicit the values and preferences of those with lived experience of AIWG regarding preferred management. Methods Qualitative descriptive methodology was used as it avoids high-level interpretation and theory development in data analysis and results in outputs that can be more readily implementable by policymakers and guideline developers. The study recruited adult outpatients attending a secondary psychiatric care setting with a diagnosis of a SMI and experience of AIWG. Purposive sampling informed recruitment whereby participants who had a diverse range of experiences of AIWG were recruited. Participants took part in online semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis informed data analysis. Results Seventeen participants were recruited (24% male; mean age: 51.7 years [range: 26-66]). Participants conceptualised preferred AIWG management as being individualised, proactive, collaborative, and holistic. Participants were asked how the tenets of preferred management could be realised in practice and within clinician management guidance. Results are summarised in Figure 1. Conclusion Use of this research by guideline developers will provide opportunities to maximise the impact of recommendations in practice for those funding, providing, and using services. The opportunity to include a culturally diverse group was unavailable, which may limit transferability of study findings.

Navigating Crisis: Strategic Adaptations in Family Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty

This research delves into the strategic adaptations made by family businesses to navigate crises amidst economic uncertainty. Family businesses represent a significant portion of the global economy and face unique challenges during periods of economic instability. Through a comprehensive review of academic literature, case studies, and expert insights, this study identifies key strategies employed by family businesses to withstand turbulent economic conditions. The findings highlight the critical role of clear communication and transparent decision-making processes in ensuring business resilience during crises. Family businesses that prioritize open dialogue among stakeholders are better equipped to respond effectively to challenges and maintain continuity. Moreover, flexibility within business models emerges as essential for adapting to rapidly changing market dynamics. Family businesses often leverage their inherent strengths, such as strong relationships with customers and communities, to navigate crises successfully. Prudent financial planning and risk management are identified as fundamental for safeguarding the financial stability of family businesses amidst economic uncertainty. Effective management of resources and proactive risk mitigation strategies enable businesses to weather downturns and position themselves for recovery. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and fostering family unity during crises. Family businesses that prioritize cohesion and collaboration among family members demonstrate greater resilience and are more likely to emerge stronger from adversity. By synthesizing these insights, this research provides valuable guidance for family business owners, managers, and policymakers facing economic uncertainty.

[Chinese expert consensus on the guidance of anti-tumor drugs for patients with tumor combined chronic kidney disease (2024 edition)].

The incidence of malignant tumors has steadily increased year by year in China in recent decades ascribed to the population aging and early cancer screening. The emergence of innovative anti-cancer drugs has bolstered the prognosis of cancer patients, making it a chronic disease. Kidney injuries are frequent complications of cancer treatment clinically manifested as acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), proteinuria, and electrolyte disorders, etc. Although kidney injuries affect up to 50% of the patients, there is a lack of professional management guidance for anti-cancer drug dosage adjustment. The clinical pharmacology branch of the Chinese Medical Association has initiated the "Chinese expert consensus on the guidance of anti-tumor drugs for patients with tumor combined chronic kidney disease (2024 edition)". We unified national multidisciplinary experts to analyze clinical evidence with the Delphi method, and conducted expert interviews and seminars focusing on kidney function assessment, anti-tumor drug dosage adjustment for kidney disease patients. We make recommendations on selection and dose adjustment of anti-tumor drugs (chemotherapy, small molecules and antibodies) according to chemotherapeutic drug classifications, providing practical and feasible scientific guidance for clinicians.

Elastic and inelastic phonon scattering effects on thermal conductance across Au/graphene/Au interface

Heat dissipation from graphene devices is predominantly limited by heat conduction across the metal contacts with complex phonon scattering. In this work, the effects of elastic and inelastic phonon scattering on the interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) across the Au/graphene/Au interface are studied using both atomistic Green's function (AGF) and reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics methods. The results show that the contribution of inelastic phonon scattering to the ITC increases with the enhancement of interfacial bonding strength. Moreover, the overlap of the vibrational density of states across the interface shows that the coupling between the Au layer (adjacent to the Au/graphene interface) and graphene's out-of-plane modes plays the dominant role in ITC across the Au/graphene interface. By comparing the transmission functions calculated with AGF and spectral heat current decomposition methods, the inelastic phonon scattering process facilitates phonon transmission in the lower and higher frequency range but hinders phonon transmission in the intermediate frequency range. It is expected that this study can contribute to a better understanding of the thermal conduction mechanism across the metal/graphene interface, providing guidance for thermal management and heat conduction optimization of graphene in microelectronic devices.

Altitudinal Variation in Species Diversity, Distribution, and Regeneration Status of a Secondary Picea Forest in Guandi Mountain, Northern China

Altitude plays a crucial role in shaping the diversity and distribution of species in forest landscapes in mountainous regions. However, existing studies often lack comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationships among environmental factors, disturbances, and species diversity. This study aims to address this gap by thoroughly analyzing major species’ diversity, distribution, and regeneration status, along with their influencing factors, across different altitudinal gradients (1850 to 2350 m). Field surveys were conducted to examine the major species in different vegetation layers of the secondary Picea forest in Guandi Mountain. The key findings from the study include the following: (1) the study area recorded a total of nine species of adult trees, belonging to eight genera in five families, fourteen species of shrubs from eight genera in five families, and fifty-two herb species representing forty-eight genera in twenty-six families. Dominant species varied across layers, with Picea asperata Mast. and Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. dominating the arborous layer, Lonicera ferdinandii Franch. and Cotoneaster acutifolius Turcz. in the shrub layer, and Poa pratensis L. and Duchesnea indica (Andrews.) Focke in the herb layer. (2) Altitude significantly influenced species diversity, with the most pronounced effects observed in the shrub and herb layers. (3) Tree species regeneration varied with altitude, with Picea asperata exhibiting the highest regeneration performance, particularly in the high-altitude zone (2250–2350 m). Regeneration parameters were significantly correlated with species diversity indices in both tree and shrub layers. (4) Redundancy analysis revealed that, apart from altitude, cutting (p = 0.015) influenced the species diversity of the tree layer, while annual precipitation (p = 0.006) and temperature (p = 0.01) determined the diversity of the shrub layer. Grazing (p = 0.042) was identified as a determining factor for species diversity in the herb layer. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of forest ecosystems in the study area and offer practical guidance for forest management in similar mountainous landscapes worldwide.

Facilities and Equipment Service Management Model: Team Motivation Practices

This study aims to deepen knowledge of hospital service management, with a focus on functions, procedures and processes related to non-medical Facilities and Equipment. Using four interviews with key professionals and a questionnaire completed by 52 employees, the research explores common themes and their practical implications. The study offers a comprehensive analysis of hospital dynamics, highlighting the complexity of functions and procedures for operational efficiency. It identifies effective process monitoring as crucial to the timely completion of hospital activities and proposes areas for improvement, such as process management and digitalisation, providing valuable guidance for managers and healthcare professionals.