Meta-analysis Methodology Research Articles

Is the transection of the hernia sac during laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty safe and feasible? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is a debate over whether to transect or completely reduce the hernia sac during laparoscopic tension-free repair of inguinal hernia. This study endeavors to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of two approaches, namely transected sac (TS) and completely reduced sac (RS), in laparoscopic tension-free repair of inguinal hernia. Utilizing a meta-analysis methodology, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of these techniques. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to identify comparative studies focusing on laparoscopic tension-free repair of inguinal hernia, specifically comparing TS and RS techniques. The selected studies were subjected to meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 8 studies, involving 2995 patients with inguinal hernia, were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis results revealed that the TS group had a higher incidence of seroma compared to the RS group [OR = 1.74, 95% CI (1.35, 2.25), P < 0.0001], and a prolonged time to return to normal activity postoperatively [MD = 0.99, 95% CI (0.85, 1.14), P < 0.00001]. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of operation time [MD = -1.75, 95% CI (- 8.72, 5.22), P = 0.62], incidence of postoperative pain [OR = 1.00, 95% CI (0.41, 2.44), P = 1.00], overall postoperative complication rate [OR = 0.98, 95% CI (0.43, 2.20), P = 0.95], and recurrence rate fOR = 2.53, 95% CI (0.61, 10.39), P = 0.20]. Transected sac in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is associated with an increased incidence of seroma and a longer recovery time for patients to return to normal activity. Clinical trial registration Registration number is INPLASY20223110070.

Nutrition nurturers: Empowering primary school children through innovative dietary education and parental engagement

Purpose: This research aims to examine effective pedagogical methods for promoting healthy dietary practices among elementary students. By reviewing the literature, the study will identify key factors influencing children's eating habits, assess treatment impacts on eating patterns and metabolism in obese children, and explore how breakfast quality affects the health of children and teenagers. Method: This study analyses pertinent literature on encouraging healthy eating habits in primary school students using a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology. Comprehensive searches of electronic databases, such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, are part of the systematic review process to find pertinent research published in peer-reviewed journals. The inclusion criteria cover research on instructional methods, tactics, and interventions intended to encourage primary school students to eat healthily. Result: The outcomes of the meta-analysis and systematic review point to several successful instructional methods and tactics for encouraging primary school students to eat healthily. Children's eating habits are influenced by several factors, and treatments that focus on diet and metabolic responses, especially in obese kids, seem to be working well. The study also emphasizes how important a healthy breakfast is to kids' and teens' overall health and well-being. Conclusions: The study concludes that raising lifelong good eating habits in primary school students requires comprehensive strategies incorporating nutritional education, parental involvement, and community support. The results have significant ramifications for educators, legislators, and medical professionals who work to encourage children to adopt healthy habits. To investigate the long-term impacts of interventions and create specialized tactics for a range of populations, more study is necessary.

Gender-based violence and its determinants among refugees and internally displaced women in Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGender-based violence is a serious public health concern and affects a large number of women and girls in humanitarian emergencies. Despite this, there is a dearth of the summary data to address the issue. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the estimated pooled magnitude and factors associated with gender-based violence among refugees and internally displaced women in Africa.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, African Journals OnLine, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were among the databases that were used to search the primary articles. The reviewed papers were articles that evaluated the prevalence and contributing variables of gender-based violence against refugees and internally displaced women in Africa. We extracted the data using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, which we exported into Stata version 14 for further analysis. The I2 test was applied to identify statistical heterogeneity. We used a random effect meta-analysis methodology because of the heterogeneity. A funnel plot and Egger’s weighted regression test were used to examine publication bias.ResultsThis systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed 17 primary studies with a total of 6,161 refugees and internally displaced women in Africa. The findings of this study revealed that the estimated pooled prevalence of gender-based violence among refugees and internally displaced women was determined to be 48.20% (95% CI: 39.28, 57.12). Young age (AOR = 3.68, CI: 2.63, 5.14), alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.53, CI: 1.56, 4.11), and having no social protection (AOR = 3.21, CI: 2.22, 4.63) were factors significantly associated with gender-based violence.Conclusions and recommendationsThe present study showed that almost half of refugees and internally displaced women residing in Africa were survivors of gender-based violence. Younger women, alcohol users, and those without social protection were more likely to experience gender-based violence. Therefore, it is recommended that accessible information about the consequences of gender-based violence and early intervention for survivors be provided, taking these factors into consideration.

Unveiling the bright side and dark side of AI-based ChatGPT : a bibliographic and thematic approach

ABSTRACT The current research endeavour aims to examine the most recent advancements pertaining to AI-powered ChatGPT in scholarly literature. Moreover, this research examines both the positive and negative aspects of ChatGPT utilisation across several sectors including business, research, and society. The data was collected from Scopus, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. The process of scientific mapping was carried out, wherein both biblometric and thematic analysis was conducted. The results suggest that there is a significant amount of research being conducted on the subject, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education. Thematic analysis reveals a wide range of research issues, including the examination of the impact of technology on decision-making processes and the utilisation of ChatGPT to address complex business challenges. Theoretical perspectives underscore the significance of ethical deliberations, regulatory structures, interdisciplinary cooperation, and user instruction in the advancement and implementation of Artificial Intelligence systems.

Sulfamethoxazole degradation pathways in wastewater treatment: Bayesian network-based approach for a meta-analysis of scientific papers.

Given the widespread presence of micropollutants in urban water systems, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of their degradation pathways. This paper focuses on sulfamethoxazole (SMX) as a model molecule due to its extensive study, aiming to elucidate its degradation pathways in biological (BIO) and oxidative (AOP) processes. Numerous reaction pathways are outlined in scientific papers. However, a significant deficiency in current methodologies has led to the development of a novel meta-analytical approach, seeking consensus among researchers by synthesizing data from studies characterized by their heterogeneity and contradictions. As an innovative alternative, probabilistic graphical models such as Bayesian networks (BNs) could illuminate the relationships and dependencies between various transformation products, providing a holistic view of the degradation process. Based on the analysis of an extensive bibliography gathering more than 45 articles for more than 140 molecules and 177 reaction pathways, this study proposes a meta-analysis methodology based on Bayesian networks.

Kinematic versus mechanical alignment: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

The purpose of this study was to review the currently available systematic reviews and meta-analyses comparing kinematic alignment (KA) and mechanical alignment (MA). A literature search was performed to obtain all systematic review and meta-analyses comparing KA to MA that included one or more randomised controlled trials. A total of 18 studies were obtained, three of which were systematic reviews without meta-analysis. Studies were evaluated based on their meta-analysis methodology, appropriate inclusion criteria, the use of correct definitions of each alignment technique, and risk of bias. These 18 studies included between 3 and 14 RCTs in each study. From the perspective of study design, the majority of papers had low risk of bias. In contrast, most of these reviews had technical issues pertaining to study inclusion in their meta-analyses that would potentially compromise their conclusions. These included mixing time points in the analysis, duplicate inclusion of patients in a meta-analysis, inclusion of studies with incorrect definitions of KA, inclusion of studies performed with restricted kinematic alignment with the KA group, and inappropriate combination of studies with bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with studies with unilateral TKA. The current literature is inadequate to determine if there is any advantage to KA compared to MA in TKA. Claims made in systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the subject must be carefully scrutinised based not only on risk of bias but also on the included study populations, the surgical methodology of each underlying study, and the authors' understanding of the definitions of each alignment technique. Level 1 based on this study being a systematic review with the inclusion of only systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

Inflammatory Factor Interleukin-6 and its Correlation with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-analysis

Introduction: at present, there are inconsistent research findings regarding the precise relationship between IL-6 gene polymorphisms (GPMs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This work employed meta-analysis (MA) methodology to systematically evaluate the correlation between IL-6 GPMs and susceptibility to RA. Material and Methods: this study comprehensively searched multiple databases from inception to March 31, 2024. The search utilized keywords including “IL-6,” “Interleukin-6,” “Cytokines,” “Autoimmune diseases,” “Arthritis,” “rheumatoid arthritis,” “Inflammation,” “genetic polymorphism,” and “genetic variation.” Included studies focused on patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with healthy individuals or those without RA-related diseases as controls. The study designs encompassed cohort studies and case-control studies. Genetic frequency distributions of IL-6 gene rs1800795 (G-174C), rs1800796 (G-572C), and rs1800797 (G-597A) polymorphic sites were statistically analyzed. Quality of included studies was assessed. The preliminary assessment of literature heterogeneity was conducted. Quantitative assessment of heterogeneity results was performed using the I2 statistic in RevMan5.3. Publication bias (PB) assessment was conducted. Result: the study included a total of 21 articles, comprising 9,772 participants, with 4,679 cases diagnosed with RA and 5,093 individuals in the control (CT) group. The IL-6 gene allelic model (G vs C) exhibited a notable association with RA [OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.51∼0.87, Z=3.02, P=0.003]. In Southeast Asian populations, IL-6 gene rs1800795 (G-174C) genotype (CC) demonstrated a considerable correlation with RA [OR=15.23, 95%CI: 3.53∼65.67, P=0.00003]. IL-6 gene rs1800795 (G-174C) genotype (CG) was associated with RA [OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.10∼2.17, Z=2.48, P=0.01], with only the Asian population showing an observable correlation [OR=6.55, 95%CI: 1.28∼33.45, P=0.02]. Additionally, IL-6 rs1800795 (G-174C) genotype (GG) was associated with RA [OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.49∼0.91, Z=2.55, P=0.01], with notable associations observed in the Asian [OR=0.17, 95%CI: 0.03∼0.83, P=0.03] and mixed populations [OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.011.65, P=0.04]. No correlation was found between rs1800796 (G-572C) and rs1800797 (G-597A) GPMs and RA (P>0.05). ConclusionIL-6 gene rs1800795 (G-174C) allelic model and genotypes (CC, CG, GG) were all associated with susceptibility to RA, with the G allele model being susceptible in Southeast Asian populations, and genotypes (CG and GG) being susceptible in Asian populations. However, there was neglectable correlation between rs1800796 (G-572C) and rs1800797 (G-597A) GPMs and susceptibility to RA.

The contribution of information and communication technologies on performance management and measurement in healthcare: a systematic review of the literature

PurposeThis article aims to provide the current state of the art of the literature on the contribution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the measurement and management of performance in the healthcare sector. In particular, the work aims to identify current and emerging ICTs and how these relate to the performance measurement and management (PMM) cycle of healthcare organizations.Design/methodology/approachTo address the research objective, we adopted a systematic literature review. In particular, we used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) methodology to select articles related to the investigated topic. Based on an initial screening of 560 items retrieved from Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge, we identified and analyzed 58 articles dealing with ICTs and PMM in the healthcare sector. The last update of the dataset refers to February 2024.FindingsAlthough we attempted to address a relevant topic for both research and practice, we noticed that a relatively small sample of articles directly addressed it. Through this literature review, in addition to providing descriptive statistics of research on ICTs and PMM in healthcare, we identified six theoretical clusters of scientific streams focusing on the topic and eleven categories of ICTs effectively tackled by the literature. We then provided a holistic framework to link technologies to the different PMM phases and functions.Practical implicationsNowadays, the availability of ICTs to support healthcare organizations’ processes and services is extensive. In this context, managers at various organizational levels need to understand and evaluate how each ICT can support different activities to benefit most from their adoption. The findings of this study can offer valuable insights to top and line managers of healthcare organizations for planning their investments in both existing and emerging ICTs to support the various stages of development and functions of PMM.Originality/valueMost of the current literature focusing on ICTs in the healthcare sector refers to the contribution that technology provides to clinical processes and services, devoting limited attention to the impact of ICTs on administrative processes, such as PMM. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this represents the first literature review on the contribution of ICTs to PMM in the healthcare sector. The review, differently from other research focused on specific ICTs and/or specific PMM functions, provides a holistic perspective to understand how these technologies may support healthcare organizations and systems in measuring and managing their performance.

A Meta-Analysis Methodology in Stan to Estimate Population Pharmacokinetic Parameters from Multiple Aggregate Concentration-Time Datasets: Application to Gevokizumab mPBPK Model.

The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate the performance of a methodology to estimate the population pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters along with the inter-individual variabilities (IIVs) from patients' reported aggregate concentration-time data, in particular, mean plasma concentrations and their standard deviations (SDs) versus time, such as those often found in published graphs. This method was applied to the published data of gevokizumab, a novel monoclonal anti-interleukin-1β antibody, in order to estimate the drug's population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) parameters of a second-generation minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (mPBPK) model. Assuming this mPBPK model, a mixed effects approach was utilized to allow accounting for the random inter-group variability (IGV) that was assumed among different dosage groups. The entire analysis was performed using R software (Rstudio) and the Bayesian software tool RStan was used for the application of Bayesian priors on the parameters. Conclusively, the proposed method could be applied to monoclonal antibodies for which the second-generation mPBPK model has been proposed as well as to other drugs with different PK models when only a published graph with aggregate concentration-time data is available. In addition, the method could be used when multiple aggregate datasets from different sources need to be combined in a meta-analysis approach in order to estimate the PopPK parameters of a drug.

Functional Diversity and Access to the World of Work in Young People: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Youth access to the labor market is challenging, especially for those with functional diversity. Our objective is to analyze their labor market access over time, considering various moderating variables. A meta-analysis methodology was developed, following PRISMA and Higgins principles, with data from Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. A random-effects model was employed, showing a moderate effect size (r = 0.25, p < 0.00). The sample included 10 studies with 39 samples (138,586 people) and high heterogeneity. Mental disorders posed greater challenges compared to physical difficulties. Protective variables were identified, highlighting the need for more focus on mental health.

Navigating the fourth industrial revolution: a systematic review of technology adoption model trends

Purpose Several disciplines and thousands of studies have used, developed and supported technology adoption theories to guide industry and support innovation. However, within the past decade, a paradigm shift referred to as the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has resulted in new considerations affecting how models are used to guide emerging technology integration into business strategy. The purpose of this study is to determine which technology adoption model, or models are primarily used when assessing smart technologies in the 4IR construct. It is not to investigate the rigour of existing models or their theoretical underpinnings, as this has been proven. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this, a systematic literature review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis methodology is used. From 3,007 publications, 125 papers between 2015 and 2021 were deemed relevant for thematic analysis. Findings From the literature, five perspectives were extracted. As with other information and communication technology studies, the analysis confirms that the technology acceptance model remains the predominantly used model. However, 105 of the 125 models extended their theoretical underpinnings, indicating a lack of maturity. Furthermore, the countries of study and authors’ expertise are predominantly clustered in the European and Asian regions, despite the study noting expansion into 16 different subject areas, far beyond the smaller manufacturing scope of Industry 4.0. Originality/value This study contributes theoretically by providing a baseline to develop a generalisable 4IR model grounded on existing acceptance trends identified. Practically, these insights demonstrate the current trends for strategists and policymakers to understand technology adoption within the 4IR to direct efforts that support innovation development, an increasingly crucial factor for survival in the digital age. Future research can investigate the additional constructs that were impactful while considering the level of research they were applied to.

Analysis of Nonconcurrent Controls in Adaptive Platform Trials: Separating Randomized and Nonrandomized Information.

Adaptive platform trials allow treatments to be added or dropped during the study, meaning that the control arm may be active for longer than the experimental arms. This leads to nonconcurrent controls, which provide nonrandomized information that may increase efficiency but may introduce bias from temporal confounding and other factors. Various methods have been proposed to control confounding from nonconcurrent controls, based on adjusting for time period. We demonstrate that time adjustment is insufficient to prevent bias in some circumstances where nonconcurrent controls are present in adaptive platform trials, and we propose a more general analytical framework that accounts for nonconcurrent controls in such circumstances. We begin by defining nonconcurrent controls using the concept of a concurrently randomized cohort, which is a subgroup of participants all subject to the same randomized design. We then use cohort adjustment rather than time adjustment. Due to flexibilities in platform trials, more than one randomized design may be in force at any time, meaning that cohort-adjusted and time-adjusted analyses may be quite different. Using simulation studies, we demonstrate that time-adjusted analyses may be biased while cohort-adjusted analyses remove this bias. We also demonstrate that the cohort-adjusted analysis may be interpreted as a synthesis of randomized and indirect comparisons analogous to mixed treatment comparisons in network meta-analysis. This allows the use of network meta-analysis methodology to separate the randomized and nonrandomized components and to assess their consistency. Whenever nonconcurrent controls are used in platform trials, the separate randomized and indirect contributions to the treatment effect should bepresented.

Comparative effects of dietary zinc nanoparticle and conventional zinc supplementation on broiler chickens: A meta-analysis.

Zinc (Zn) is important for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The gastrointestinal absorption of Zn in broiler chickens was notably low. One approach that has been explored for enhancing the bioavailability of Zn is the development of Zn nanoparticles (NPs). Zn is required for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of conventional Zn and Zn NPs on broiler chickens using a meta-analysis methodology. A database was built from published literature to evaluate the effects of the addition of Zn NPs and conventional Zn on broiler chicken responses, including the following parameters: production performance; carcass cuts; visceral organ weight; lymphoid organ weight; nutrient digestibility; intestinal villi; mineral Zn, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations; hematology; blood parameters; immunoglobulin; and intestinal bacterial population. Various scientific platforms, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar, were used to search for peer-reviewed articles. A database was created from 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The data were then processed for a meta-analysis using a mixed-model methodology. Different types of Zn (NPs versus conventional) were considered fixed effects, different studies were treated as random effects, and p-values were used as model statistics. Across the parameters observed in this study, the use of Zn NPs was more efficient in Zn utilization than conventional Zn, as evidenced by the average dose of Zn NPs being much lower than that of conventional Zn (79.44 vs. 242.76 mg/kg) yet providing similar (p > 0.05) or even significantly better effects (p < 0.05) compared to conventional Zn usage. This investigation revealed the beneficial influence of Zn NPs in broiler chickens compared to the conventional utilization of Zn through an all-encompassing meta-analysis. Moreover, Zn NPs have proven to be more effective in Zn utilization when juxtaposed with conventional Zn, as demonstrated by the significantly lower quantity of Zn NPs administered compared to conventional Zn, while yielding comparable or even superior outcomes compared to the traditional utilization of Zn. A limitation of this study is that the Zn NPs used were sourced from inorganic Zn NPs. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the efficiency of organic Zn NPs in broiler chicken feed.

Night shift work and female breast cancer: a two-stage dose-response meta-analysis for the correct risk definition

IntroductionThe hypothesis of this study is night shift work exposure can increase the risk of female breast cancer. To validate this hypothesis, the authors conducted a two-stage dose-response meta-analysis with improved quality on this topic.MethodsThe medical librarian searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library on December 30th, 2022. The eight inclusion criteria were determined and strictly applied to the selection process. A reliable dose-response meta-analysis methodology was applied.ResultsReliable 10 cohort (total cases: 15,953, and total person-years: 6,812,138) and 11 case-control reports (total cases: 9196, and total controls:12,210) were included in the final analysis. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of female breast cancer (from cohort studies) for 1, 10, 20, and 30 years of night shift work exposure was 1.0042 (95% CI 1.0014–1.0070), 1.0425 (95% CI 1.0138–1.0719), 1.0867 (95% CI 1.0278–1.1490), and 1.1328 (95% CI 1.0419–1.2317), respectively. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of female breast cancer (from case-control studies) for 1, 10, 20, and 30 years of night shift work exposure was 1.0213 (95% CI 1.0108–1.0319), 1.2346 (95% CI 1.1129–1.3695), 1.5242 (95% CI 1.2386–1.8756), and 1.8817 (95% CI 1.3784–2.5687), respectively.DiscussionThis study has several strengths from the perspective of a dose-response meta-analysis: Strictly applied eight inclusion criteria, separately synthesized RRs from cohort studies and ORs from case-control studies, clearly defined exposure dose, years of night shift work for each risk estimate, a reliable dose-response meta-analysis methodology, and careful considering of selection, exposure, and outcome biases and confounder adjustment for each study. This careful consideration of potential biases and confounding led to the exclusion of unreliable two cohort and five case-control studies.

Antecedents and consequents of circular economy adoption: A meta-Analytic Investigation

This paper aims to integrate and empirically assess the antecedents and consequents of circular economy (CE) adoption to remove ambiguity existing in the literature and clarify divergent views. This study uses meta-analysis methodology to validate the research framework, considering 106 empirical studies with 210 effect sizes. Based on these studies, we establish twelve antecedents and three consequents related to CE. Antecedents are categorized in a technological-organizational-environmental framework and consequents in the sustainability outcomes. The result suggests that organisational factors are more prominent in driving CE practices, followed by environmental and technological factors. In the organisational category, the three most influencing factors are managing product returns, green manufacturing, and environmental strategy. In the environmental category, coercive pressure is the most influential factor, followed by mimetic and social pressures. Emerging I4.0 technologies are the most prominent factor in the technological category. Our study suggests that CE helps to achieve sustainable performance by significantly enabling economic, environmental, and social outcomes. This study further analyses how contextual factors such as national culture (masculinity) and economic regions influence the various relationships with CE using subgroup analysis. The moderation results show that low masculine culture and developing economies are more effectively using the I4.0 technologies to drive CE adoption than high masculine culture and developed economies. Additionally, different dimensions of sustainability are also influenced by the variations in masculinity and economic regions.

Revisiting Latex-Fruit Syndrome after 30 Years of Research: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Description of Two Cases.

Thirty years have passed since the concept of latex-fruit syndrome (LFS) was first introduced. Since then, this phenomenon, characterized by cross-reactivity between natural latex rubber allergens and certain fruit allergens, has been extensively studied. This literature review sought to determine the prevalence of LFS in latex-allergic patients, identify the most common cross-reactions with fruit allergens in individuals with LFS, and understand the clinical manifestations of this syndrome. An extensive literature search was carried out using PubMed and Scopus databases, while applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology. The analysis of original studies revealed a wide variation in LFS prevalence (4-88%) influenced by diverse diagnostic tools, different geographical regions, and the size of study populations. Our findings indicate that the most prevalent allergenic fruits in patients with LFS are banana, avocado, kiwifruit, and papaya. After evaluating the symptoms of the fruit hypersensitivity of patients with LFS, the clinical manifestation of hypersensitivity constituted 73% of systemic allergy symptoms and only 27% of reported symptoms described the localized allergy. Furthermore, the clinical picture of latex-fruit syndrome is illustrated through two cases, one typical and one with an unusual presentation. Their clinical features were assessed and contrasted utilizing different anaphylaxis severity grading criteria. To properly manage LFS, it is essential to establish standardized diagnostic criteria and severity grading systems, as these are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Relationship between job satisfaction and voluntary turnover intention in the manufacturing industry for sustainable growth: A systematic review

In today's workplaces, employee turnover rates are increasing. Modern organizations face many challenges because of the rising rates of voluntary turnover. In Malaysia, a developing nation, the manufacturing industry needs efficient growth, making a strong workforce essential. Recently, the manufacturing sector in Malaysia has seen the highest voluntary turnover rates among all industries in the country. This study aims to explore the link between job satisfaction and voluntary turnover intentions and to analyze the factors that affect this relationship. A unique aspect of this study is the use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology to collect and evaluate research on voluntary turnover intention and job satisfaction. The study finds that job satisfaction significantly influences the likelihood of voluntarily leaving a current job.

The association between the utilization of SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetic retinopathy; a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the principal causes of blindness globally. The impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, a category of anti-diabetic medications, on diabetic retinopathy remains undetermined. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the association between the utilization of SGLT2 inhibitors and the incidence of diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods: This investigation systematically searched databases, including Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar, until March 7, 2024. A systematic review and meta-analysis methodology was employed. Data were analyzed using STATA software version 14, considering a significance level of tests at P&lt;0.05. Results: The application of SGLT2 inhibitors was connected with a diminished diabetic retinopathy risk (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.86). Among women, SGLT2 inhibitor use did not notably influence diabetic retinopathy risk (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.03). However, among men, employing SGLT2 inhibitors decreased the risk (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.92). In comparison to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.94) and pioglitazone (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.76), SGLT2 inhibitors lowered the risk of diabetic retinopathy. However, when compared to sulfonylureas (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.17, 1.17) and GLP1-RA (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.42, 1.17), SGLT2 inhibitors did not notably affect diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, using SGLT2 inhibitors in the age groups of 50-54 years (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.98), 55-59 years (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.79), and 60-64 years (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.97) was linked to lower diabetic retinopathy risk. Nevertheless, in the 65-69 age group, SGLT2 inhibitor administration did not significantly alter the diabetic retinopathy risk (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.94, 1.15). Conclusion: The intake of SGLT2 inhibitors has been linked to a diminution in the hazard of diabetic retinopathy. However, further research in this domain is recommended, given the need for studies examined. Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42024523959) and Research Registry (UIN: reviewregistry1808) website.

Occupational Risks of Agricultural Workers Exposed to Heat: Literature Review

Proposal: The aim of this study is to conduct a literature review on the occupational hazards of agricultural workers exposed to heat while carrying out their activities. Theoretical Framework: Heat exposure poses a serious occupational risk for agricultural workers, increasing the incidence of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves a literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. Data collection was carried out through a bibliographic survey from the period 2005 to 2024 in the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search used keywords such as "risks," "workers," "agriculture," and "heat." Results and Discussion: The results revealed the selection of 109 articles, and after reading the abstracts, those that did not align with the research proposal were excluded. After filtering, 07 articles remained, whose topics showed affinity with the research. The literature points to a growing trend of studies addressing thermal discomfort as an occupational hazard, prevalent in open and semi-open environments. Specific studies for certain agricultural operations, such as groups of workers dealing with grain dryers and furnaces, are scarce and have limited conclusions. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practical aspects in the field of occupational heat exposure for agricultural workers. These implications can encompass various sectors of post-harvest grain processing. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by gathering information published in different databases on occupational heat exposure. The significance and value of this research are highlighted by a limited number of works in the literature, stressing the need for further research in the field. Based on this premise, more studies on agricultural work in heat-prone environments and consequent thermal discomfort should be encouraged to stimulate discussions on actions to eliminate the risks involved in these operations.

The Influence of CSR Programs on Financial Performance in the Banking Sector

The basis of the study is the idea that corporate social responsibility, or CSR, suggests that doing this kind of activity will help the company by establishing its reputation and generating positive community feedback. The purpose of the study is to determine how a company's financial performance is impacted by its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This report includes research conducted in China, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. This research indicates that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities lead to continual performance improvement. Using a meta-analysis methodology, this study investigates the connection between financial success and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Based on theoretical assertions and real facts from the literature, ascertain whether there is a favorable association between financial performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR). If the research results are specified correctly, researchers find that although Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) does not have much positive impact on short-term financial performance, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) offers extraordinary long-term fiscal benefits.