Abstract This study maps the research landscape of immersive customer experience (CX) in the metaverse by synthesizing bibliometric analysis and topic modelling. Using 1,460 Scopus indexed journal articles (2000–2025), we examined publication trends, prolific authors, journals, and country contributions, and applied Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modelling, uncover thematic structures. Findings show 22.78% in publications, with increasing global contributions from countries like India, Malaysia, and South Korea. Seven core themes emerged: CX enhancement, brand engagement and virtual services, marketing research trends in CX, digital marketing and NFT adoption, AI-driven engagement, immersive business value creation, and consumer behaviour in virtual retail. While the field is developing, metaverse-specific CX models and measurement tools remain underdeveloped. The study advances theory by CX frameworks to immersive, co-created, and avatar-mediated experiences, and offer practical guidance for firms to adopt customer-centric strategies that leverage AI, gamification, and virtual branding. To our knowledge, this is the first work to combine bibliometric and topic modelling to chart CX research in the metaverse, highlighting current research frontiers and future research agenda.

This study investigates the prediction of stock movement trends, risk, and volatility associated with large-cap IT sector stocks on the Na-‎National Stock Exchange (NSE) using candlestick charts. By focusing on the top five companies in the Nifty IT index—Infosys Ltd, Tata ‎Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra Ltd, HCL Technologies Ltd, and Wipro Ltd—this research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis ‎of market behaviour over two years (April 2022 to March 2024). Utilising technical analysis, the study examines beta coefficients to measure volatility and sensitivity to market changes, as well as standard deviation to assess risk. Findings indicate that these stocks exhibit moderate volatility and are generally less risky investments. The study also highlights the significance of support & resistance and the Relative ‎Strength Index(RSI) levels in predicting market trends and provides strategic insights for investors. Despite a small sample size, the ‎search offers valuable insights into stock performance in the IT sector, paving the way for further studies with larger samples and comparative analyses. The results suggest that informed technical analysis can enhance investment decisions in the volatile financial market, emphasizing the importance of remaining attuned to market dynamics and leveraging technical tools for high accuracy in price prediction and profitability‎.

Background. Nootropics are pharmacological agents that enhance such cognitive functions as memory and attention, as well as the overall mental performance. In recent years, global demand for these pharmaceuticals has significantly increased due to intensified psychological stress, a growing incidence of neurological disorders, and a growing public focus on mental health. In Uzbekistan, the nootropic drug market is experiencing active growth, underscoring the need for a comprehensive analysis of its structure and key trends. Objective: To analyze trends in the nootropic drug market in Uzbekistan from 2015 to 2024, to identify key trends and factors influencing its development, and to assess the dynamics of supply and demand. Material and methods. The available data on registered nootropic drugs in Uzbekistan, pharmaceutical company reports, sales statistics, and information on government policy and support measures were used. The dynamics of the number of registered trade names and their distribution by manufacturing country were studied. Leading companies playing a key role in the market were identified. The distribution of nootropics by composition (monodrugs and combination forms) and dosage forms (oral, injectable, etc.) was also examined. Results. The analysis revealed a steady growth in the nootropic drug market in Uzbekistan throughout the study period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for cognitive enhancers across various age groups. One evident trend consists in the expanding presence of domestic manufacturers, who are introducing novel drug forms, including combination and injectable formulations. Additionally, innovative compounds, such as citicoline that has shown considerable therapeutic potential across various neurological conditions, are increasingly attracting attention. Conclusion. The nootropic drug market in Uzbekistan is demonstrating positive growth dynamics, driven by rising consumer demand and reinforced by supportive government initiatives. The market is expected to continue to grow, with improvements in drug variety and accessibility. Both local and international pharmaceutical companies play a pivotal role in enhancing product quality and ensuring broad patient access.

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) introduced Canada’s first sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax in September 2022. Compared with national averages, NL has higher intakes of SSBs, lower intakes of plain water and milk, with higher rates of overweight and obesity and diabetes. Taxing SSBs is a recommended intervention but real-world effectiveness of SSB taxes requires more investigation. We evaluated changes in weekly beverage prices and sales pre- and post-tax implementation, comparing NL (intervention) to non-tax regions in Canada (control). We used a controlled interrupted time series to evaluate prices from grocery store websites 3 months pre- and post-tax. We observed no differences-in-differences in the intercept [β = −0.024, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.15–0.10, P = .70] or slope (β = 0.00, 95% CI −0.02–0.02, P = .99) of price changes. We used a repeat cross-sectional study to compare total annual sales of beverage categories in the year pre- and post-tax. Per capita sales in litres of taxable SSB decreased more in NL (−11.6%) than non-tax regions (−6.7%). Per capita sales of diet beverages (+4.4%) and unsweetened water (+2.2%) increased in NL. The NL SSB tax had no immediate impact on retail prices of taxable SSBs measured on product selection pages on grocery websites. Beverage purchasing shifted in NL since the SSB tax start date, however, it is difficult to isolate the impact of the SSB tax from broader market trends or other influencing factors. Long-term evaluation of the NL SSB tax is needed.

Retraction notice to “Encapsulation of bioactive compounds in foods for diabetics - sources, encapsulation technologies, market trends and future perspectives – A systematic review” [Food and Bioprod. Process. 147 (2024) 277–303

Bioactive peptides as functional food ingredients: Production, mechanisms of action, market trends, and future perspectives with emphasis on andean crops

"I knew that they weren't real pills from the doctor": Characterizing consumer knowledge and experiences of identifying counterfeit pain pills in a fentanyl-saturated drug market.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Integrated Center for Inten Suweno (STIS) in improving the competitiveness of prospective workers with disabilities. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through interviews, documentation, and observation. The results of the study show six main findings, namely the limited dissemination of vocational training to remote areas, the incompatibility of the training curriculum with job market trends, obstacles related to the character and background of the beneficiaries, the inconsistent absorption of alumni by partner companies, the existence of stigma from the world of work, and the training period being too short. These findings were analyzed using management theory and human resource management theory and compared with ten previous studies. The study concluded that although STIS plays an important role in empowering persons with disabilities, improvements are needed in curriculum alignment, partnership consistency, and policy support to achieve sustainable competitiveness.

Objective: This study examines the relationship of Learning Orientation (LO) and Firm Performance (FP), with the moderating role of Market Dynamism (MD), among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Polish technology parks. This study will offer strategic insight in establishing organizational learning in changing environments.Methods: Data analysis was conducted in three stages: descriptive statistics summarized the sample and relevant variables, Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests confirmed data normality, and construct integrity was verified. The moderating effect of MD on the relationship between LO and FP was assessed through statistical techniques.Results: The results show a positive relationship of LO with FP hence highlighting the significant strategic need to develop a learning culture of MSMEs. In the context of MD's moderating role, speakers show that high MD makes a strong positive relationship between LO and FP, which indicates that firms need to adapt for their survival in competitive and dynamically changing environments.Novelty: This study addresses one of the important gaps in MSMEs literature that shows the effect of organizational learning on environmental dynamism. Examining the case of technology parks in Poland, it fills an empirical gap thus enriching the dynamic capabilities literature. It brings in market dynamism as an important moderating construct and this perspective could provide fresh insights on how firms can better match learning practices with external uncertainties to achieve sustained and enhanced performance.Research Implications: The study highlights the importance of nurturing a strong learning orientation as not only a peripheral mechanism but a strategic focus for MSME success in fast-paced and rapid markets. It involves embedding this learning structure across the breadth of the organization, in coordination with real- to external market trends and effective response to changes. Future studies may investigate further moderating factors including but not limited to digital transformation or innovation intensity, as well as broaden the applicability of this framework towards studies with cross-national comparisons. Longitudinal studies could deepen insights into LO development across organizational life-cycles, and uncover synergies that contribute to sustainable, competitive advantage over time.

The rapid advancement of digital technology has facilitated the convergence of commerce and social media, transforming patterns of consumer behaviour worldwide. In China, this transformation has given rise to the so-called “Her economy,” reflecting women’s growing purchasing power and influence in shaping market trends. This study systematically reviews the literature on the influence of social media on women’s consumption by applying the PRISMA framework to identify, screen, and select relevant studies. A total of 43 articles published between 2020 and 2025 were examined through thematic analysis to synthesise key findings. The review shows that social media provides women with new spaces for self-expression, product evaluation, and more informed decision-making, thereby contributing to consumer empowerment. At the same time, however, women remain subject to gendered marketing strategies that risk reinforcing stereotypes and alienating their diverse needs and desires. Findings further indicate that the dynamics of women’s consumption in China are shaped by the interplay between digital platforms, consumer agency, and commercial practices, which reflects both empowerment and constraint. Despite these insights, current studies display limited engagement with post-feminist perspectives that could illuminate how gender norms continue to influence digital consumption. Methodologically, most research relies heavily on self-reported data, overlooking digital traces that capture consumers’ immediate responses to social media content. Future studies should therefore integrate survey methods with digital content analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of women’s consumption patterns in the digital era.

The evolving function of strategic management accounting in the age of digital transformation is examined in this article. The business environment is changing fundamentally as a result of the rapid development of digital technologies, and traditional accounting methods are not up to par. The competitiveness of the business, its capacity for innovation, and the long-term decision-making process are all directly impacted by strategic management accounting, which goes beyond internal control and cost measurements. Accounting data is growing in speed and volume due to the digital economy. Businesses can perform more precise analysis, spot market trends, and create more adaptable strategies thanks to technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, ERP systems, and blockchain. The article points out that because start-ups and digital business models operate in a highly competitive environment and require more adaptable management mechanisms, the use of digital technologies is especially crucial for these types of organizations. However, digitalization also leads to issues like resistance to change, infrastructure shortages, and human resource readiness.

ABSTRACT The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) represents a new marketing phenomenon, particularly in the context of phygital ecosystems, where customers experience value through the convergence of physical and digital worlds. Given the novelty of generative AI and phygital in marketing and the scarcity of academic literature, but the readily available thought leadership of practitioners, this article conducts a review of practice articles to explore the impact of generative AI on phygital customer experiences, thereby revealing both its bright and dark sides. To do so, the review adopts the experiential research methodology using experiential screening of practice articles, guided by the phygital research paradigm and the sensemaking approach of scanning, sensing, and substantiating. In doing so, the review identifies that the bright sides of deploying generative AI for phygital customer experiences include creativity and innovation through analysis of market trends and customer feedback, generation of insights that guide new solutions, product and service innovation, and enhanced creative outputs in phygital marketing; data security and ethical considerations supported by predictive analytics that enable proactive issue resolution and real-time insights in phygital settings; efficiency and productivity through automation of routine tasks, focus on complex phygital interactions, quicker response times, improved customer satisfaction, and higher productivity; and personalization and engagement through tailored marketing messages and product recommendations, individualized offers, and customized experiences across phygital touchpoints that enhance engagement and satisfaction. Whereas, the dark sides emerge when outputs are inaccurate or biased and lead to misinformed phygital marketing decisions that suppress creativity and innovation and expose brands to potential brand-reputation damage; when data security and ethical concerns around privacy, transparency, and fairness heighten vulnerability to breaches and cyberattacks; when integration with phygital infrastructures and interoperability across platforms are complex and consistent quality in AI-generated responses is hard to maintain, thereby eroding efficiency and productivity; and when personalization and engagement are perceived as impersonal and raise expectations, particularly for tasks that require a human touch, thereby reducing satisfaction. These bright and dark sides of generative AI for phygital customer experiences are also discussed using relevant theories, thereby providing a theoretical foundation to spur and support future research in this nascent yet promising area of marketing.

Aim . The work aimed to examine the key stages in the evolution of approaches to studying the impact of universities and regions on each other’s development. Objectives . The work seeks to identify and systematize the key stages in the evolution of approaches to studying the impact of universities and regions on each other’s development; to analyze critically the existing approaches; to identify current trends; to justify the need to improve the methods and tools for analyzing and assessing the degree of mutual development between universities and regions, including for the purpose of adapting and improving the effectiveness of the competitive strategies of modern universities. Methods . Using general methods of scientific knowledge, the factors and mechanisms of the influence of the university and the region on the development of each other are examined in various aspects. These factors are of particular research interest due to the implementation by institutions of the higher education sector of educational, scientific research, innovative and other functions that influence the socio-economic processes in the territory of presence and beyond. Results . A systems analysis of Russian and international studies identified and characterized key stages in the transformation of approaches to studying the mutual impact of universities and regions on each other’s development. Shortcomings of theoretical and analytical-evaluative approaches are identified, and existing trends are traced. The need to expand the theoretical and methodological framework for analyzing and assessing the mutual development of universities and regions is argued, including for the purpose of adapting development strategies and competitive behavior in the changing higher education market, taking into account the region’s priority areas of socio-economic development. Conclusions . The article substantiates the assertion that the relationship between universities and regions influences the adaptation of the latter’s development strategies, integrating competitive trends in the higher education market into the overall socio-economic development of the region in order to obtain additional benefits (resource availability, joint projects and programs, business involvement, commercialization and diffusion of innovations, etc.).

Abstract Agriculture remains the backbone of India's economy, with a majority of the population depending on it for livelihood. However, rural farmers often lack access to real-time agricultural information, modern technology, and market intelligence. This digital divide significantly limits productivity, sustainability, and economic growth in the sector. This paper proposes "GramSetu," a comprehensive mobile application designed to bridge this gap. The system leverages artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and robust multilingual support to provide personalized farming advice, real-time weather forecasts, current market trends, and consolidated government scheme information. The primary goal is to empower Indian farmers by integrating cutting-edge technology with grassroots needs, promoting sustainable practices through a unified, AI-driven, and user-friendly digital platform. Keywords— agriculture, mobile application, artificial intelligence, multilingual support, decision support, India

Online businesses rely heavily on effective marketing strategies to attract customers and enhance their overall performance. This study examines the impact of marketing strategies on online businesses, focusing on the key elements of the marketing mix (4Ps): Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. The study follows a descriptive-correlational research design, employing an online survey to gather data from online customers of businesses operating in Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon. A sample of 101 respondents was determined using simple random sampling, ensuring a representative set of data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation, along with inferential techniques including t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. The findings reveal that marketing strategies significantly influence the accessibility, brand awareness, sales performance, and customer engagement of online businesses. The overall effectiveness of marketing strategies was rated highly, with Promotion (M = 3.57, SD=0.56) and Product (M = 3.27, SD=0.59) emerging as the most impactful factors. Results indicate a strong positive relationship between the implementation of strategic marketing efforts and the growth of online businesses. The study further concludes that improvements in promotional strategies, competitive pricing, and product quality lead to enhanced business performance. Moreover, an increase in accessibility and brand awareness through targeted marketing efforts contributes to higher customer engagement and sales. The insights from this study highlight the necessity for online businesses to continuously refine their marketing strategies to sustain competitive advantage and long-term success in the digital marketplace. Given the dynamic nature of online commerce, businesses must adopt data-driven marketing approaches to remain competitive. Future research can explore the effectiveness of emerging digital marketing trends such as influencer marketing, artificial intelligence driven promotions, and personalized customer experiences. Understanding these evolving strategies will provide valuable insights for online entrepreneurs seeking to maximize their reach and profitability. Online businesses that actively engage with customer reviews, monitor purchasing behaviors, and leverage social media insights are more likely to develop strategies that align with consumer preferences. This approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters long-term loyalty, ultimately contributing to sustainable business growth.

The pharmaceutical industry is a key global health actor given its crucial role in the development and testing of medicines. Within Latin America, Chile currently has the highest number of multinational commercial clinical trials per inhabitant, predominantly for oncological therapies. Insufficient attention has been paid to context-specific conditions that enable clinical trials' successful implementation in the Global South. In examining what makes Chile an attractive hub for commercial trials and why patients enroll in them, this study seeks to elucidate the interplay among the pharmaceutical industry, health systems, and societies. We analyze how trial providers, cancer practitioners, and patient participants draw from their own lived experience to make sense of local healthcare, health policies and global pharmaceutical market trends, amid global health crises. Using a critical political economy of global health framework, we conducted a critical ethnography in 2022-23 at a tertiary cancer center that is the lead recruiter of patients into oncology commercial trials in Santiago, Chile. In-depth interviews, participant observation, and document gathering were conducted, with materials analyzed through thematic content analysis using Nvivo12. Forty-seven subjects -fourteen patients, four caregivers, and twenty-nine providers- were interviewed and/or shadowed. The main theme, "A failed (health) system" reveals a perception that the growing presence of commercial clinical trials for advanced cancer works synergistically with a deficient health system. Subthemes of political economy levels of (mal)functioning, were grouped as follows: (i) the COVID-19 pandemic and the global organization of commercial trials; (ii) national factors (health services and post-trial access policies); and (iii) community/relational factors (palliative care and unaffordability of high-cost drugs). Clinical trials were experienced as an exit strategy from a broken healthcare system, even as participants regarded the pricing strategies of anticancer therapies acritically. The conditions that make Chile an attractive hub for cancer commercial clinical trials are determined by an interplay of global, national, and community-level structural arrangements between public and private actors. Chile serves as an important global health case study on the role of the pharmaceutical industry in capitalizing on systemic healthcare failures to advance clinical research on metastatic cancer.

The integration of nanotechnology into food packaging marks a paradigm shift toward improved preservation, safety, and sustainability. This review explores recent advances in nanotechnology-based packaging, emphasizing mechanisms, applications, and transformative potential in the food industry. Nanotechnology, involving the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nm), enables the creation of nanocomposites and nanostructured films with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and functional properties. These nanosystems facilitate targeted interaction with food matrices, leading to improved quality and protection. Key nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are examined for antimicrobial, barrier-enhancing, and smart sensing properties. Market trends indicate rapid growth, with the nanotechnology food packaging sector projected to reach $63.4 billion by 2034 at an 11.3% CAGR. Despite this promise, challenges persist regarding safety evaluations, regulatory clarity, and consumer acceptance. Emerging directions include intelligent packaging, nanoencapsulation technologies, and biodegradable materials for sustainable solutions. Overall, nanotechnology presents vast opportunities for food quality preservation and extended shelf life, but standardized regulations and comprehensive safety assessments are crucial. Future research should focus on real-time monitoring systems and eco-friendly nanomaterials to address global food security.

This research aims to study the factors related to perceived novelty of products and inspiration received that influence customer loyalty at retail stores in Surat Thani province. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool, targeting 384 customers of the Klong Chan Jao store. The samples were selected using convenience sampling. The statistical methods used for data analysis included mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the customers' opinions in all aspects were rated the highest. In order from highest to lowest, these aspects were: customer loyalty (¯x= 4.34, S.D. = 0.60), perceived novelty of products (¯x= 4.27, S.D. = 0.58), and inspiration received (¯x = 4.25, S.D. = 0.59). The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that factors affecting customer loyalty at retail stores in Surat Thani province were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. The most significant factors, in order, were perceived novelty of products (β = 0.56, p = 0.05) and inspiration received (β = 0.32, p = 0.05) Entrepreneurs can increase customer loyalty by focusing on introducing innovative and trendy products that are in line with market trends, while inspiring customers through experiential marketing.

The fast-food industry is a vital contributor to providing employment and driving business growth. It also plays a crucial role in the hospitality sector, offering culinary experiences to both residents and visitors. It appears that no study has explored the relationship between a restaurateur’s entrepreneurial mindset and employee creative behavior in driving innovation and shaping strategies to improve service, products, and overall industry performance. Drawing on the componential theory of creativity (domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant process, and intrinsic motivation), these factors serve as a vital driver linking entrepreneurial mindset to creative behavior. A self-administered survey among fast food sector employees in Fiji generated a sample of 415 participants. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine its fit. The analysis validates the proposed theoretical framework, offering a new dimension for the entrepreneurial mindset as an underexplored phenomenon influencing employee creative behavior in the fast food industry. The study draws the attention of policymakers to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), where immediate action is needed to strengthen the fast food industry through the adoption of an entrepreneurial mindset. The findings of the study suggest that restaurateurs can enhance employee creativity through regular brainstorming sessions, a digital platform for employees to share ideas regarding new market trends, establish a recognition or incentive system for employees, and encourage more open communication to foster knowledge sharing and identification of new opportunities. Finally, the study makes a valuable contribution to existing entrepreneurial management literature. It also provides important theoretical and practical implications, and suggestions for future research directions.

Capital management is central to ensuring a company’s long-term solvency, growth, and ability to maximize shareholder value. It involves balancing equity and debt financing, maintaining optimal liquidity, and making strategic decisions regarding asset utilization and retained earnings. Traditionally, capital management analysis relies on financial ratios, trend analysis, and static models. However, such methods often fail to capture complex, dynamic interactions among internal financial policies, market conditions, and macroeconomic changes.This study begins with a comprehensive review of capital structure, working capital policy, and dividend decisions to assess their collective impact on firm performance. To enhance the analysis, Machine Learning (ML) techniques like Random Forest and XGBoost are used to predict capital adequacy and optimal debt-equity mix, while Deep Learning (DL) models like LSTM networks forecast future capital requirements based on historical financial data and market trends. By integrating these AI-driven approaches, the study reveals non-linear dependencies and patterns overlooked by traditional models, offering richer, more actionable insights for managers and investors alike.