Systematic Review Methodology Research Articles

Protocol on a systematic review of nomenclature and outcomes in children with complex critical illness in Paediatric Critical Care: The basis for consensus definition

Introduction Paediatric Critical Care (PCC) supports the recovery of children with severe illness. In the UK, there are 30 PCC units with a total of approximately 400 beds. There is constant demand for these beds with a mean five-day length of stay and admissions increasing at a greater rate than age-specific population growth. Prolonged stay patients account for approximately half of all PCC patient bed days. Children with complex critical illness (CCI) need input from multiple different teams alongside support for their family. CCI often become prolonged PCC-stay patients too. Internationally, there is variation in the definition of CCI, this creates service variation and tensions around what resources can be provided including discharge planning, provision, and support. Objective: The face of Paediatric Critical Care, in the UK and internationally has changed over the last ten years with a growing cohort of complex critically ill patients. This systematic review aims to look at current nomenclature, criteria, and outcome measures of priority in this undefined patient population. Methods and materials Inclusion criteria: All types of studies examining children with complex critical illness (age <18 years) admitted to any paediatric critical care. The review is registered on Prospero. Medline, Embase, Maternity and Infant care, The Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Trip database will be searched from 2014 to May 2024. The search was limited to ten years as children with complex critical illness are a relatively new concept within PCC. Therefore, the timeline was limited to increase the accuracy and applicability of the review. Search limits included all languages, excluded the setting of neonatal intensive care, and age>18 years old. The final search strategy was developed in Medline and peer-reviewed by a health research librarian not involved in the study. This was translated to other databases as appropriate. Four independent reviewers will screen citations for eligible studies and perform data extraction. Discussion A systematic review methodology has been used to develop a broad understanding of the literature which will be used to develop further work in this area. Using a rigorous and stepwise approach, the whole spectrum of scientific publications on children with complex critical illness in paediatric intensive care will be reviewed, ensuring this study is as comprehensive as possible. This includes quantitative, qualitative, theoretical, and grey literature. A limitation of this systematic review is the use of many terms to describe children with complex critical illness in the literature resulting in a high number of publications on this topic.

Competitiveness And Competitive Strategies

The business competitiveness is one of the most recurrent study topics in the last century and a matter of great concern in Latin American countries, given the changing conditions of the markets. This article aims to analyze the relationship between the strategic management of organizations and business competitiveness in order to validate the most significant actions that medium and small-sized enterprises in Colombia can adopt. A descriptive bibliometric analysis of publications in Scopus on strategic management and competitiveness was conducted. VosViewer was used to determine the co-occurrence between terms and authors. In the chosen database, 7,877 publications were found, of which 7,134 correspond to strategic management and 743 to business competitiveness. The data show that scientific production on strategic management was primarily concentrated in the years 2019 and 2023, with 583 and 586 publications, respectively (508 on average per year), while in business competitiveness, the years 2020 and 2021 had the highest outputs, with 75 and 77 publications, respectively (55 on average per year). At a global level, the countries with the highest productivity in publications, based on the search equations, are the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, with 320, 128, and 122 publications, respectively, during the period from 2013 to 2023, totaling 2,649 authors cited in cross-references. Thus, it is concluded that, based on the bibliometric analysis conducted in VosViewer using the search equations, co-occurrences were identified in 275 keywords across 11 clusters, which link the concepts of business competitiveness with competitive strategy, strategic resources, organizational competitive dynamics, and strategic planning. Essentially, these co-occurrences allow a holistic, systemic, and complex approach to the topic of strategic business competitiveness in the current environments faced by SMEs, characterized by unpredictability, disruption, and turbulence. The limitations identified in the development of this bibliometric analysis are based on the identification and application of a systematic literature review methodology, which enables an effective and concise bibliometric analysis. Additionally, the potential research areas that can be addressed include strategic business competitiveness, applicable to all micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Analysis and mitigation of fire and explosion hazards in hospital environments from a biomedical engineering perspective

BackgroundHospitals are complex and dynamic facilities that house vulnerable people, medical equipment, and hazardous materials, making them susceptible to fires and explosions with potentially catastrophic effects. This study aims to understand and address fire and explosion risks in hospital environments using biomedical engineering, safety, and fire prevention concepts to develop effective mitigation strategies.Materials and MethodsThe study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data from an insurance and reinsurance company in Peru were analyzed, and surveys, data analysis, and interviews were conducted. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) methodology was also applied to conduct a thorough literature review.ResultsThe results revealed the most frequent risk factors in hospital settings and identified the most effective mitigation strategies. Implementing these strategies resulted in a considerable decrease in the incidences of fires and explosions.DiscussionThe research provides a comprehensive explanation of hospital fire and explosion risks and proposes evidence-based strategies to improve the safety. These results underscore the relevance of biomedical engineering in managing risks within hospital settings. Despite certain limitations, the study lays a firm foundation for future research aimed at improving hospital safety.

A Systematic Review of Locomotion Assistance Exoskeletons: Prototype Development and Technical Challenges

Exoskeletons can track the wearer’s movements in real time, thereby enhancing physical performance or restoring mobility for individuals with gait impairments. These wearable assistive devices have demonstrated significant potential in both rehabilitation and industrial applications. This review focuses on the major advancements in exoskeleton technology published since 2020, with particular emphasis on the development of structural designs for lower-limb exoskeletons employed in locomotion assistance. We employed a systematic literature review methodology, categorizing the included studies into three main types: rigid exoskeleton, soft exoskeleton, and tethered platform. The current development status of robotic exoskeletons is analyzed based on publication year, system weight, target assistive joints, and main effects. Furthermore, we examine the factors driving these advancements and their implications for the field. The key challenges and opportunities that may influence the future development of exoskeleton technologies are also highlighted in this review.

Meeting market and student expectations: the synergy of sustainability and educational transformation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable development within the context of higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a systematic review methodology to analyze the intersection of digital transformation and sustainability in higher education institutions, drawing on academic sources and institutional reports. Findings Universities face a dual challenge of advancing digital transformation while integrating and enhancing sustainable development, necessitating a balance between inclusivity and innovation to meet the evolving demands of a digital-centric world and global sustainability goals. Digital transformation of higher education institutions is not only influenced by socioeconomic changes and market demands but also offers practical pathways to enhance sustainability efforts across campus operations and curriculum delivery. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of the concepts of digital transformation and sustainable development in the higher education environment.

AI-driven evidence synthesis: data extraction of randomized controlled trials with large language models

The advancement of large language models (LLMs) presents promising opportunities to enhance evidence synthesis efficiency, particularly in data extraction processes, yet existing prompts for data extraction remain limited, focusing primarily on commonly used items without accommodating diverse extraction needs. This research letter developed structured prompts for LLMs and evaluated their feasibility in extracting data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Using Claude (Claude-2) as the platform, we designed comprehensive structured prompts comprising 58 items across six Cochrane Handbook domains and tested them on 10 randomly selected RCTs from published Cochrane reviews. The results demonstrated high accuracy with an overall correct rate of 94.77% (95% CI: 93.66% to 95.73%), with domain-specific performance ranging from 77.97% to 100%. The extraction process proved efficient, requiring only 88 seconds per RCT. These findings substantiate the feasibility and potential value of LLMs in evidence synthesis when guided by structured prompts, marking a significant advancement in systematic review methodology.

Challenges in Teaching Medical English Vocabulary to Tertiary Students in China: A Systematic Literature Review

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the research perspective on current medical English vocabulary teaching over the last fifteen years (from 2009 to 2023). The objective is to offer references and measures for instructors, researchers, and higher educational institutions to improve medical English vocabulary teaching. To achieve this, a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was employed, resulting in the selection and meticulous examination of 168 articles. As identified in this review, studies conducted on medical English vocabulary have mainly been non-empirical, focusing on describing terminologies and teaching strategies and taking undergraduates as the primary research participants. The most popular effective teaching strategies identified through the review encompasses word structure, mind mapping, etymology, and multimedia. It is noteworthy that there has been a significant sharp upward research trend from 2018 to 2023. Several factors influencing medical English vocabulary teaching have been illuminated, namely, non-diverse teaching strategies/methods, inadequate course/curriculum, shortage of professional teachers, and limited needs analysis. Despite numerous studies that have focused on medical English vocabulary teaching, few were recorded in the review of it. This study presents a holistic and in-depth review on medical English vocabulary teaching in the past fifteen years, which will provide educators and higher educational institutions with comprehensive understanding of the existing research landscape and contribute valuable references to ongoing and future scholarly pursuits within this field.

Investigating challenges in Agile software development: a cross-country comparative analysis

Agile software development has been a significant methodology in software engineering for over two decades, offering enhanced adaptability to software requirement changes, improved delivery, and better quality. However, prevalent misunderstandings in Agile implementation have limited its benefits. Hence, this study investigates the challenges faced during Agile implementation. Initial analysis was carried out from cases in Indonesia, a leading country in the software industry within the Asia-Pacific region. Using Kitchenham’s systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, fourteen distinct obstacles were identified from a database of research reports on Agile software development in Indonesia. Subsequent interviews with Agile experts in the country were conducted to validate the SLR findings. The results emphasize the critical need for a top-down strategic approach, the active participation of senior management, and the essential roles of competent scrum masters or Agile coaches. A comparative analysis with reports from other developing countries Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Brazil and developed countries the UK, Belgium, Singapore, and the USA reveals common challenges. They highlight the imperative for proactive upper management leadership to steer successful Agile adoptions, particularly in organizations with entrenched top-down practices and complex hierarchical systems.

A bibliometric and content analysis of strategy-based instruction and self-regulated learning in second or foreign language teaching from 1994 to 2024

IntroductionThis study aims to explore the research themes and identify gaps on strategy-based instruction (SBI) and self-regulated learning (SRL) in language education, spanning the period from 1994 to 2024. Using a systematic review methodology, this study examines the empirical research in the SBI and SRL in English as second or foreign language teaching contexts published during this period.MethodsThe review employs both bibliometric and content analysis to reveal current trends to facilitate understanding of the role of SBI and SRL in teaching practices. Using VOSviewer, a keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted on 35 selected papers from Web of Science and Scopus databases.ResultsThe bibliometric analysis reveals a shift in research focus from student self-development to the impact of learning strategies on students’ learning achievement. The content analysis indicates that studies have focused on writing instruction, enhancement of learners’ SRL, and technology-assisted instruction, with the latter showing potential for developing students’ SRL strategies.DiscussionOverall, this study highlights the significance of integrating SBI and SRL into language education, offering insights into writing instruction, technology-assisted learning, and SRL development. It emphasizes the need for future research to explore specific skills, technology-assisted learning, longitudinal mixed-methods approach. This paper aims to serve as a useful resource for researchers and practitioners involved in research related to EFL and ESL teaching.

Long-term care insurance and implementation for older people in China: a systematic review of textual evidence protocol.

The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize and compare policies and implementation strategies on long-term care insurance for older people in China. Current information about China's long-term care insurance from a textual perspective is limited. Due to late inception and fragmented management, textual evidence on this topic will offer a unique perspective on the structure and implementation strategies of long-term care insurance policies in China. The population of this review will be adults aged 60years or over. The phenomena of interest will be long-term care insurance policies and implementation strategies in China. Published sources and gray literature in English and Chinese since 2016 will be included. Exclusions will apply to hospitalized individuals as well as those under 60years of age, who are permanently disabled due to illness or disability. The proposed systematic review will be conducted in line with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of textual evidence. Databases to be searched will include PubMed, Embase, (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). For gray literature, we will conduct an advanced Google search as well as searching ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Additionally, we will search the websites of local governments in pilot cities. The JBI critical appraisal checklist for textual evidence will be used to evaluate the quality of textual sources. All identified sources will be retrieved and assessed in detail by 2 independent reviewers. Data extraction and synthesis will be conducted using the JBI System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information. A meta-aggregative approach will be employed to synthesize data and conclusions, which will be graded using ConQual. A recommendation will be issued as a Good Practice Statement. PROSPERO CRD42023414967.

Machine Learning in Construction: A Systematic Review with a Focus on Nigeria

The Nigerian construction industry faces persistent challenges, including inefficiencies, delays, and cost overruns, which significantly limit its contribution to national development. Globally, machine learning (ML) has revolutionized the construction sector by improving processes such as cost estimation, project scheduling, and risk management. Despite its potential, ML adoption in Nigeria remains minimal, with significant gaps in research and application. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a systematic review of ML applications in the global construction industry, with a focused analysis of opportunities and barriers for implementation within the Nigerian context. A systematic review methodology was adopted, following PRISMA guidelines. Relevant peer-reviewed articles were sourced from databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar, and thematic analysis was conducted to compare global trends with the Nigerian construction landscape. Key findings reveal that ML has enhanced project efficiency, optimized costs, and facilitated data-driven decision-making globally. Specific opportunities for ML adoption in Nigeria include resource optimization through efficient allocation of materials and labor, predictive maintenance for minimizing equipment downtime and repair costs, and advanced data-driven project management to improve planning and execution. However, barriers such as economic instability, limited technical expertise, and infrastructure deficiencies hinder widespread adoption. This study recommends targeted strategies, including investments in ML capacity building through specialized training, infrastructure development, and fostering collaborations between academia and industry. Accelerating ML adoption is essential for enhancing the competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of Nigeria’s construction industry, thereby contributing to broader national development objectives. Future research should focus on empirical investigations to validate these findings and provide actionable insights for implementing ML in Nigeria’s construction sector.

New technologies in HR: bridging efficiency and ethical considerations

Purpose This systematic literature review examines the impact of Web-based human resource management (HRM) systems on organizational practices, exploring both the benefits and challenges associated with their implementation. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these technologies transform HR processes while addressing ethical concerns and implications for employee well-being and engagement. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic literature review methodology, analysing peer-reviewed academic journals, industry reports and relevant books published between 2000 and 2023. The research uses a tripartite framework to explore the positive aspects (“The Good”), challenges and limitations (“The Bad”) and ethical considerations (“The Ugly”) of Web-based HRM systems, with particular attention to employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. Findings This study reveals that Web-based HR systems significantly enhance efficiency in recruitment, compensation and payroll management. However, they also present substantial challenges related to data security, user competence and system integration. Ethical concerns emerge regarding privacy, potential biases in artificial intelligence-driven decision-making and the risk of over-dependency on technology. The research underscores the need for a balanced approach in implementing these systems, considering both their transformative potential and impact on employee well-being. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a nuanced, holistic examination of Web-based HRM systems. It extends the theoretical landscape by addressing the darker sides of HR technology adoption, including ethical dilemmas and potential negative impacts on employee engagement. The research offers valuable insights for both academics and practitioners, providing a foundation for future research and practical recommendations for effective implementation.

Leadership Strategy Evaluation and Succession Planning in Preparing the Company’s Future Leaders

Purpose: This study explores the integration of leadership strategy evaluation and succession planning in preparing future organizational leaders. It investigates how organizations can evaluate the effectiveness of current leadership strategies and align them with long-term organizational goals to ensure sustainable leadership continuity. Research Design and Methodology: This research employs a qualitative systematic literature review (SLR) methodology to synthesize existing leadership strategy evaluation and succession planning research. The study examines key practices, challenges, and theoretical frameworks associated with leadership development and succession planning, drawing from recent studies published after 2018. Findings and Discussion: The findings reveal that organizations integrating leadership strategy evaluation with succession planning are better positioned to ensure leadership continuity. Effective leadership strategies focus on developing internal talent through structured training, mentorship, and job rotations. The study emphasizes the need for leadership strategies to be aligned with organizational goals, enabling future leaders to navigate long-term challenges effectively. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of overcoming challenges such as resistance to change and organizational culture in implementing effective succession planning. Implications: This research provides practical insights for organizations to align leadership development with succession planning, ensuring long-term organizational sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of developing internal leadership pipelines, creating mentoring systems, and integrating human resource policies with strategic goals. Organizations are encouraged to foster a culture of internal mobility and continuous leadership development to ensure seamless transitions and minimize operational disruptions.

A Review of Vessel Time of Arrival Prediction on Waterway Networks: Current Trends, Open Issues, and Future Directions

With the vast majority of global trade volume and value reliant on maritime transport, accurate prediction of vessel estimated time of arrival (ETA) is crucial for optimizing supply chain efficiency and managing logistical complexities in port operations. This review paper systematically examines the current state of research and practices in the field of vessel ETA prediction, highlighting significant trends, methodologies, and technologies. It explores various approaches, including classical methods, machine learning and deep learning algorithms, and hybrid methods, developed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of vessel travel time and arrival time predictions. Additionally, this paper categorizes key influencing factors and metrics, and identifies open issues and challenges within current prediction models. Concluding with proposed future research directions aimed at addressing the identified gaps and leveraging technological advancements, this review emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation in maritime ETA prediction systems, particularly within the framework of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) and maritime logistics. By applying a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology and conducting an in-depth evaluation, the results provide a comprehensive overview of vessel ETA prediction for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers involved in maritime transport and logistics, and offer insights into the potential for improved efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in waterway networks.

Long term abdominal drains as a therapeutic option in refractory ascites – a systematic review

Introduction: Refractory ascites (RA) is the most common complication of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) with a significant burden in terms of symptoms and overall quality of life (QoL). There are limited therapeutic options available for this population and most ultimately undergo serial large-volume paracentesis (LVP). Long-term abdominal drains (LTAD) are commonly used for malignant ascites drainage but not for ascites related to ESLD, due to concerns about kidney injury and infection. Objectives: This review aims to describe the safety, effectiveness, and impact on the QoL of LTAD in ESLD-related ascites. Methods: Using systematic review methodology, PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published between January 1, 2001, to June 1, 2024, combining medical subject headings (MeSH) [(«cirrhosis» OR «chronic liver disease») AND «refractory ascites» AND («permanent-tunneled peritoneal catheter» OR «tunneled catheter» OR «indwelling catheter» OR «long-term abdominal drains»)]. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the results. Results: One hundred thirty-nine studies were identified, with 16 deemed eligible for final analysis, including three randomized clinical trials. The studies varied in design, included different types of LTAD, and were generally of low quality, with many lacking statistical power due to small sample sizes. In terms of effectiveness, technical success was 100%, and as long as LTAD remains in situ, no need for additional LVP is required. Overall, the catheters remained in situ for periods ranging from 3 to 436 days. In terms of safety, kidney injury occurred in 17 to 50% of patients, but only if >1.5 liters/day were drained. Infections including cellulitis and peritonitis, occurred in 7 to 58% of patients and were generally resolved with antibiotic therapy and/or device removal. LTAD do not appear to have a negative impact on mortality. Regarding QoL, the data are contradictory with most studies reporting an overall neutral effect. Conclusion: LTAD should be considered as an option in RA from ESLD in the future, but more quality studies are needed to confirm their safety and benefits in controlling symptoms. This could be an important step in terms of improving the palliative needs of this population.

Rainfed agriculture in Ethiopia: a systematic review of green water management pathways to improve water and food security

It is widely acknowledged that the world is currently experiencing an unprecedented water shortage, with agriculture being a crucial contributor. This paper presents a synthesis of available evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and make a state-of-the-art synthesis on green water management in Ethiopia. A systematic review methodology was implemented, encompassing the compilation and analysis of peer-reviewed and gray literature. The paper demonstrates that rainfed agriculture, which relies on “green water” (soil moisture from rainfall), accounts for 80% of cultivated land and 60-70% of global crop production. However, green water management has not received adequate attention in water policy and land rehabilitation programs in Ethiopia, where irrigation is limited. The analysis reveals a large yield gap and water productivity gap for major crops like maize, sorghum, and wheat in Ethiopia’s rainfed agriculture. Increasing crop yields through better soil, water, and crop management practices can significantly improve water productivity, offering “windows of opportunity” to enhance food and water security. Thus, a paradigm shift from the traditional narrow focus on soil erosion control towards an integrated green-blue water management approach in water and agricultural policies and programs is urgently required. Increased investments and expertise in green water management at the government level are crucial. Optimizing the use of green water resources in rainfed farming can also unlock Ethiopia’s export potential while improving domestic water and food security through strategic virtual water trade. In conclusion, the review highlights unlocking the potential of green water resources through targeted investments and policy support for rainfed agriculture can significantly contribute to Ethiopia’s water and food security objectives in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner.

Effectiveness of room-of-error interventions for healthcare providers: a systematic review

BackgroundPatient safety incidents are recognized as significant contributors to patient mortality, thus demanding immediate attention and strategic interventions in healthcare systems. The room-of-error education program serves as a solution, as it provides a case-based learning platform allowing nursing students to identify and resolve medical errors within a controlled environment systematically. This study aimed to identify the context, mechanisms, and outcomes of room-of-error training programs.MethodsThis study adopted a systematic review methodology aligning with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted across key databases, including OvidMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL, by utilizing specific terms related to healthcare providers, nursing students, room-of-error education, medical errors, simulation training, and virtual intervention. Included studies focused on healthcare providers or students, error recognition, RFE-related training, and randomized or quasi-experimental trials, while exclusion criteria were non-English/Korean studies, non-original articles, abstracts, and qualitative studies. Risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies version 2.0 tool.ResultsThe search strategy yielded 2,447 articles, with eight studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Predominantly quasi-experimental in design, these eight studies primarily focused on nurses as the target population. Simulations were found to be widely integrated into room-of-error programs, emphasizing skill performance and critical thinking. Half of the studies provided preparation time, 37.5% included feedback, and 62.5% covered medication errors, with 87.5% using offline delivery, 62.5% offering individual education, and program durations ranging from 4 to 35 min, with 25% having no time limit for error inspection. Diverse content, including topics such as medication errors and infection control, was found to be delivered through offline or virtual formats and group-based or individual education.ConclusionsThe findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics and outcomes of room-of-error training programs for healthcare professionals and students. This study emphasizes the significance of practical, case-based approaches in nursing education to augment knowledge, confidence, and competencies, thereby enhancing patient safety in clinical practice.

Job satisfaction in public entities

The objective of this article was to analyze job satisfaction in public entities; It was developed based on a systematic review methodology using the PRISMA method that has contributed to the selection of studies related to job satisfaction and the collection of transcendent information and relevant conceptual judgments regarding the topic addressed by reviewing varied and significant publications in scientific journals. A selection of 23 articles was made that met the inclusion criteria, and whose contributions supported the objective of this systematic review, which is why the satisfaction and participation of public officials are essential for the organizational effectiveness of the sector, to strengthen the commitment to increase quality levels in the public service and the motivation to achieve and essentially to build a modern public administration that responds to the demands of society.

Evolution of Spirit and Life into God's Love and the Word in the Johannine Corpus

This study aims to develop a novel framework for understanding Johannine theology, particularly its transformative emphasis on spirit, life, divine love, and the Word as conveyed in the Gospel of John, the Johannine Epistles, and Revelation. Employing a systematic review methodology, this research integrates magisterial texts, including Dei Verbum and Deus Caritas Est, alongside seminal theological analyses by Raymond E. Brown and Francis J. Moloney. The methodology facilitates a comprehensive exploration of key themes in Johannine theology, such as Logos theology, the ethical imperatives of divine love, and the eschatological vision of justice and renewal. The findings underscore the centrality of divine love as a unifying principle that informs Catholic doctrine and ethical practice, highlighting its implications for contemporary challenges. Specifically, the study discusses how Johannine theology addresses issues of social justice, ecological stewardship, and global inequities, demonstrating its enduring relevance for theological education and pastoral care. In conclusion, this research contributes fresh perspectives by bridging Johannine theological insights with practical applications, offering transformative guidance for the Church's mission in a complex, interconnected world. This synthesis reaffirms the power of divine love and the Word as foundational elements for fostering justice, renewal, and ethical responsibility in modern society.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to systematically collect, evaluate, and critically synthesize research findings on the effects of physical exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews was adopted for this study. We searched the Medline®, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Scopus databases to identify relevant articles published from inception to March 2024. This review was reported in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 928 participants. Interventions ranged from aerobic and resistance exercises to balance and strength training. A range of physical exercise interventions was explored, including brisk walking, endurance training, weight exercises, and resistance bands, as well as combined programs of aerobics, resistance, and balance training, all tailored to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The meta-analysis focused on five studies that used the FACT/GOG-Ntx scale indicated a standardized mean difference of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.74), favoring exercise, reflecting significant improvements in neuropathy symptoms. The heterogeneity among the studies was low (I² = 2%), suggesting consistency in the beneficial effects of exercise. From the results analyzed, the descriptive analysis of the 12 included studies shows promising outcomes not only related to individuals' perceptions of CIPN severity but also in terms of physical functioning, balance, ADL (Activities of Daily Living) performance, pain, and quality of life. The findings support the integration of structured exercise programs into oncological treatment plans.