Real-world Contexts Research Articles

Theoretical and methodological foundations of humanisation education in universities (on the example of teaching chemistry)

Relevance. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that education cannot be limited only to mastering knowledge and professional skills in the chosen field and narrow specialisation. The existing foundations of graduate training aimed at deepening practice in one professional field are not enough. In such conditions, education should ensure that the students receive knowledge and skills that will give them a sense of satisfaction with learning. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to consider the theoretical and methodological foundations of humanisation education in higher educational institutions on the example of teaching chemistry. Methodology. The methodological framework encompassed several approaches to exploring this subject, including didactic, humanistic, general pedagogical, and pedagogical experiment methodologies. Results. The study on the theoretical and methodological foundations of humanisation education in universities, focusing on teaching chemistry, identified key outcomes. Firstly, the adoption of student-centric teaching methods, facilitated by the transition of teachers into organisers of the educational process, has enhanced student engagement and independent learning. Secondly, the expansion of educational content to include interdisciplinary perspectives alongside specialised subjects has provided students with a more comprehensive understanding of chemistry in real-world contexts. Lastly, the shift in attitudes and relationships between faculty and students has fostered a more supportive and collaborative learning environment. Conclusions. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of humanisation in higher education, particularly in the field of teaching chemistry. By prioritising student engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and supportive relationships, universities can create a more enriching educational experience. However, the implementation of humanisation strategies may encounter challenges, including the need for faculty adaptation and resource allocation. Nevertheless, the practical significance of these strategies in enhancing the quality of education in universities cannot be overstated, highlighting the importance of their effective implementation and continued exploration. Keywords: humanisation; universities; theoretical and methodological foundations; teaching chemistry; students; educational technologies

Developing meaningful water-energy-food-environment (WEFE) nexus indicators with stakeholders: An Upper White Nile case study

The Upper White Nile (UWN) basin plays a critical role in supporting essential ecosystem services and the livelihoods of millions of people in East Africa. The basin has been exposed to tremendous environmental pressures following high population growth, urbanisation, and land use change, all of which are compounded by the threats posed by climate change and insufficient financial and human resources. The water-energy-food-environment (WEFE) nexus provides a framework to assess solution options towards sustainable development by minimising the trade-offs between water, energy, and food resources. However, the majority of existing WEFE nexus indicators and tools tend to be developed without consideration of practitioners at the local level, thus constraining the practical application within real-world contexts. To try to address this gap and operationalise the WEFE nexus, we examined how local stakeholders frame the most pressing WEFE nexus challenges within the UWN basin, how these can be represented as indicators, and how existing WEFE nexus modelling tools could address this. The findings highlight the importance of declining water quality and aquatic ecosystem health as a result of deforestation and increasing agricultural intensity, with stakeholders expressing concerns for the uncertain impacts from climate change. Furthermore, a review of current WEFE nexus modelling tools reveals how they tend to be insufficient in addressing the most pressing environmental challenges within the basin, with a significant gap regarding the inclusion of water quality and aquatic ecosystem indicators. Subsequently, these findings are combined in order to guide the development of WEFE nexus indicators that have the potential to spatially model the trade-offs within the WEFE nexus in the UWN basin under climate change scenarios. This work provides an example of how incorporating local stakeholder's values and concerns can contribute to the development of meaningful indicators, that are fit-for-purpose and respond to the actual local needs.

Design and assessment of energy infrastructure in new decarbonized urban districts: A Spanish case study

New urban districts have great potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by electrifying energy demand in various sectors, such as transportation and buildings. This paper proposes a novel approach that combines different energy models to plan the infrastructure for supplying the energy demand of new, decarbonized, and highly electrified urban districts on a real-world scale. First, a model for energy management in buildings is used to plan and operate equipment for heating, cooling, and solar photovoltaic distributed generation. Second, a model that plans electric vehicle charging infrastructure determines the number and types of charging stations. Then, a large-scale distribution network planning model designs a cost-efficient electricity distribution grid to supply the district. A case study is presented for a new urban district in Madrid, Spain, to demonstrate how this approach can be applied to energy infrastructure planning in a real-world context. This case study presents different scenarios of energy efficiency performances in buildings and penetration levels of solar installations, electric vehicles, and heating and cooling systems. The results show that even in a high electrification scenario, improving energy efficiency in buildings through a district heating network based on heat pumps can lead to a lower peak electricity demand. This peak load reduction allows for integrating more electric vehicles, avoiding further investments in the electricity distribution network. In addition, the results confirm that a highly electrified scenario, which combines energy-efficient buildings with high integration of solar and electric vehicles, significantly reduces non-renewable energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

An Architecture for Workplace Learning Analytics (WLA) to Support Lifelong Learning in Sustainable Smart Organisations

An environment that supports lifelong learning contributes to the sustainability of the organisations in a Smart City, their stakeholders and ultimately, the city itself. Workplace Learning Analytics (WLA) can provide an organisation’s employees with the opportunity for lifelong learning in the workplace to enhance their skills and knowledge in their current and/or future roles. It uses the data generated by Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) and other learning platforms to provide support for data-driven decision-making to gain a competitive edge. One of the components of successful and sustainable WLA is a layered architecture. The purpose of this paper is to present the design of a WLA architecture that can be used in organisations to impact successful WLA. This architecture was developed from the results of evaluating four potentially relevant architectures for WLA. The evaluation consisted of three phases. In the first phase, the architectures were evaluated using the DeLone and McLean Model of Information Systems Success. In the second phase, a real-world case of an organisation that provides lifelong learning opportunities to its stakeholders was used to validate the findings of the first phase. The proposed Layered Architecture for WLA was further validated in the third phase where a focus group discussion was held with participants from the real-world context. The architecture can provide valuable guidance to both practitioners and researchers to improve the success of WLA.

Personalised exercise rehabilitation in cancer survivorship: the percs triage and referral system study protocol

BackgroundTo effectively embed exercise rehabilitation in cancer survivorship care, a co-ordinated system of acute and community exercise rehabilitation services, forming a stepped model of care, is recommended. Patients can be directed to the exercise rehabilitation service which best meets their needs through a system of assessment, triage and referral. Triage and referral systems are not yet widely applied in cancer survivorship practice and need to be evaluated in real-world contexts. The PERCS (Personalised Exercise Rehabilitation in Cancer Survivorship) study aims to evaluate the real-world application of an exercise rehabilitation triage and referral system in cancer survivors treated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary aims are to evaluate change in physical and psychosocial outcomes, and to qualitatively evaluate the impact of the system and patient experiences, at three months after application of the triage and referral system.MethodsThis study will assess the implementation of an exercise rehabilitation triage and referral system within the context of a physiotherapy-led cancer rehabilitation clinic for cancer survivors who received cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PERCS triage and referral system supports decision making in exercise rehabilitation referral by recommending one of three pathways: independent exercise; fitness professional referral; or health professional referral. Up to 100 adult cancer survivors treated during the COVID-19 pandemic who have completed treatment and have no signs of active disease will be recruited. We will assess participants’ physical and psychosocial wellbeing and evaluate whether medical clearance for exercise is needed. Participants will then be triaged to a referral pathway and an exercise recommendation will be collaboratively decided. Reassessment will be after 12 weeks. Primary outcomes are implementation-related, guided by the RE-AIM framework. Secondary outcomes include physical function, psychosocial wellbeing and exercise levels. Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) will provide insights on implementation and system impact.DiscussionThe PERCS study will investigate the real-world application of a cancer rehabilitation triage and referral system. This will provide proof of concept evidence for this triage approach and important insights on the implementation of a triage system in a specialist cancer centre.Trial registrationThis study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number: NCT05615285, date registered: 21st October 2022.

Toward Personalized Orthopedic Care: Validation of a Smart Knee Brace

Introduction: Wearable technology offers a promising solution to advance current rehabilitation strategies for post-operative orthopedic care. The aim of this study was to determine the level of agreement and concurrent validity of a smart knee brace compared to the gold standard measurement system GAITRite® for assessing lower limb gait parameters. Methods: Thirty-four healthy participants were fitted with the smart knee brace (Digital Knee®) on their dominant limb. Gait parameters (stride length, stride time, and gait velocity) were measured simultaneously using the Digital Knee® and the GAITRite® electronic walkway. Two walks were performed at a comfortable speed and two at a fast-walking speed. Results: At a comfortable walking speed, stride time was moderately valid (ICC2,1 = 0.66 s), and stride length and gait velocity demonstrated poor validity (ICC2,1 = 0.29; ICC2,1 = 0.41). All gait parameters demonstrated poor validity at a fast-walking speed (ICC2,1 = −0.16 to −0.01). Bias ranged from −0.08 to 0.28, with more clinically acceptable percentage errors at a comfortable walking speed (14.1–30%) versus at a fast-walking speed (26.4–42.6%). Gait velocity and stride length had substantially higher biases in the fast-walking speed compared to the comfortable walking speed (0.28 ± 0.39 m s−1 vs. 0.02 ± 0.21 m s−1; 0.15 ± 0.23 m vs. −0.04 ± 0.17 m). Limits of agreement were considered narrower for stride time compared to stride length and gait velocity. Conclusion: The Digital Knee® is a promising approach to improving post-operative rehabilitation outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis. The Digital Knee® demonstrated good agreement and moderate concurrent validity for measuring gait metrics at a comfortable walking speed. These findings highlight the opportunity of the wearable sensor as an intervention for post-operative orthopedic care. This was a laboratory-based study; thus, further research is required to validate the wearable sensor in real-world contexts and in patients with knee pathologies. Further, refinement of the algorithm for measuring gait metrics at slow- and fast-walking speed with the Digital Knee® is warranted.

Factors Influencing Adoption of The Diffusion of Instagram Social Media Innovations among Selected Football Clubs in Tanzania

The study aimed to determine the adoption of the diffusion of Instagram social media innovations among selected football clubs in Tanzania. The diffusion of innovation theory guided this study to answer the studied objectives. There needs to be more studies that assess the factors influencing the adoption of the diffusion of social media innovations in the Tanzanian context, which are guided by the diffusion of innovation theory, particularly on the relative advantage, compatibility, and trialability. A survey strategy was utilized in data collection by administering the questionnaires. A sample of 90 respondents was drawn from the study population. Quantitative data was analyzed based on descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression Analysis. The variables under the study were Relative advantage, compatibility, and trialability. In contrast, the dependent variable was the adoption of the diffusion of Instagram social media innovations among selected football clubs in Tanzania. The findings showed that Relative advantage and compatibility affect the adoption of the diffusion of Instagram social media innovations among selected football clubs in Tanzania, while trialability has no effect. This study has unveiled the knowledge contribution by validating the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), specifically on the Instagram social media platform, by suggesting the relationship between variables under the study by approving or disapproving the theory. The findings will have practical implications that can be applied in real-world contexts to technology adoption.

Development and validation of an episodic memory measure in the Mobile Toolbox (MTB): Arranging Pictures

ABSTRACT Introduction Arranging Pictures is a new episodic memory test based on the NIH Toolbox (NIHTB) Picture Sequence Memory measure and optimized for self-administration on a personal smartphone within the Mobile Toolbox (MTB). We describe evidence from three distinct validation studies. Method In Study 1, 92 participants self-administered Arranging Pictures on study-provided smartphones in the lab and were administered external measures of similar and dissimilar constructs by trained examiners to assess validity under controlled circumstances. In Study 2, 1,021 participants completed the external measures in the lab and self-administered Arranging Pictures remotely on their personal smartphones to assess validity in real-world contexts. In Study 3, 141 participants self-administered Arranging Pictures remotely twice with a two-week delay on personal iOS smartphones to assess test-retest reliability and practice effects. Results Internal consistency was good across samples (ρxx = .80 to .85, p < .001). Test-retest reliability was marginal (ICC = .49, p < .001) and there were significant practice effects after a two-week delay (ΔM = 3.21 (95% CI [2.56, 3.88]). As expected, correlations with convergent measures were significant and moderate to large in magnitude (ρ = .44 to .76, p < .001), while correlations with discriminant measures were small (ρ = .23 to .27, p < .05) or nonsignificant. Scores demonstrated significant negative correlations with age (ρ = -.32 to −.21, p < .001). Mean performance was slightly higher in the iOS compared to the Android group (MiOS = 18.80, NiOS = 635; MAndroid = 17.11, NAndroid = 386; t(757.73) = 4.17, p < .001), but device type did not significantly influence the psychometric properties of the measure. Indicators of potential cheating were mixed; average scores were significantly higher in the remote samples (F(2, 850) = 11.415, p < .001), but there were not significantly more perfect scores. Conclusion The MTB Arranging Pictures measure demonstrated evidence of reliability and validity when self-administered on personal device. Future research should examine the potential for cheating in remote settings and the properties of the measure in clinical samples.

Blockchain-Enabled Utility Optimization for Supply Chain Finance: An Evolutionary Game and Smart Contract Based Approach

In recent years, blockchain technology has attracted substantial interest for its capability to transform supply chain management and finance. This paper employs evolutionary game theory to investigate the application of blockchain in mitigating financial risks within supply chains, taking into account the technology’s maturity and the risk preferences of financial institutions. By modeling interactions among financial institutions, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and core enterprises within the accounts receivable financing framework, this study evaluates blockchain’s impact on their decision-making and its efficacy in risk reduction. Our findings suggest the transformative potential of blockchain in mitigating financial risks, solving information asymmetry, and enhancing collaboration between financial entities and SMEs. Additionally, we integrate smart contracts into supply chain finance, proposing pragmatic procedures for their deployment in real-world contexts. Via a detailed examination of blockchain’s maturity and financial institutions’ risk preferences, this research demonstrates the primary determinants of strategic decisions in supply chain finance and underscores how blockchain technology fosters system stability using risk mitigation. Our innovative contribution lies in the design of smart contracts for the ARF process, rooted in blockchain’s core attributes of security, transparency, and immutability, thereby ensuring efficient operation and cost reduction in supply chain finance.

The effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on subjective drug effects: A narrative review across methodologies.

Over 75% of young adults who use cannabis also report drinking alcohol, leading to increased risks that include impaired cognition, substance use disorders, and more heavy and frequent substance use. Studies suggest that subjective responses to either alcohol or cannabis can serve as a valuable indicator for identifying individuals at risk of prolonged substance use and use disorder. While laboratory studies show additive effects when alcohol and cannabis are used together, the impact of co-using these substances, specifically with respect to cannabidiol, on an individual's subjective experience remains unclear. This narrative review explores the effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAM) use on subjective drug effects, drawing from qualitative research, laboratory experiments, and naturalistic studies. Experimental findings are inconsistent regarding the combined effects of alcohol and cannabis, likely influenced by factors such as dosage, method of administration, and individual substance use histories. Similarly,findings from qualitative and naturalistic studies are mixed regarding subjective drug effects following SAMuse. These discrepancies may be due to recall biases, variations in assessment methods, and the measurement in real-world contexts of patterns of SAM use and related experiences. Overall, this narrative review highlights the need for more comprehensive research to understand more fully subjective drug effects of SAM use in diverse populations and settings, emphasizing the importance of frequent and nuanced assessment of SAM use and subjective responses in naturalistic settings.

Multistage scenario-based planning for locating of pharmaceutic distribution centers for emergency patients by considering practical constraints under budget uncertainty conditions (case study: Kerman city in Iran)

In the realm of healthcare, medicine and the pharmaceutical supply chain exert notable influence. Recognized as a strategic commodity, any disruption in its supply chain can precipitate significant crises. The dispersed nature of pharmacies and the critical need for prompt medication delivery to patients underscore the paramount importance of designing an optimal pharmaceutical supply chain. This necessity is particularly pronounced when addressing the needs of diabetic and epilepsy patients, who, being more susceptible and in urgent need of medication, intensify the significance of a robust supply chain. Given the critical role of medicine and the pharmaceutical supply chain in healthcare, the repercussions of supply chain disruptions are far-reaching. A well-designed pharmaceutic supply chain is indispensable, especially in ensuring timely access to medications for vulnerable patient groups. To address this imperative, this study proposes a multi-stage scenario-based mathematical model aimed at enhancing the responsiveness of demand regions amidst uncertain budgets and feasible scenarios for meeting the insulin and phenobarbital requirements of patients. By incorporating uncertainties in both demand and procurement costs, the practicability of applying this model in real-world contexts has been strengthened. A case study focusing on Kerman City in Iran is conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed model.

Global real-world experiences with pembrolizumab in advanced urothelial carcinoma after platinum-based chemotherapy: the ARON-2 study

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors have changed previous treatment paradigm of advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). The ARON-2 study (NCT05290038) aimed to assess the real-world effectiveness of pembrolizumab in patients recurred or progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.Patients and MethodsMedical records of patients with documented metastatic UC treated by pembrolizumab as second-line therapy were retrospectively collected from 88 institutions in 23 countries. Patients were assessed for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR). Cox proportional hazards models were adopted to explore the presence of prognostic factors.ResultsIn total, 836 patients were included: 544 patients (65%) received pembrolizumab after progression to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in the metastatic setting (cohort A) and 292 (35%) after recurring within < 12 months since the completion of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cohort B). The median follow-up time was 15.3 months. The median OS and the ORR were 10.5 months and 31% in the overall study population, 9.1 months and 29% in cohort A and 14.6 months and 37% in cohort B. At multivariate analysis, ECOG-PS ≥ 2, bone metastases, liver metastases and pembrolizumab setting (cohort A vs B) proved to be significantly associated with worst OS and PFS. Stratified by the presence of 0, 1–2 or 3–4 prognostic factors, the median OS was 29.4, 12.5 and 4.1 months (p < 0.001), while the median PFS was 12.2, 6.4 and 2.8 months, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study confirms that pembrolizumab is effective in the advanced UC real-world context, showing outcome differences between patients recurred or progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.

Penerapan Metode Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek Dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Matematika Di Sekolah Menengah

The application of Project Based Learning (PBL) Methods has become the main research objective in improving mathematical problem solving abilities in secondary schools. This article was written with the aim of exploring the effectiveness of Project Based Learning (PBL) in the context of mathematics learning. The research method used is literature study and comprehensive analysis of related research results. The research results show that PBL makes a positive contribution in improving students' mathematical problem solving abilities. The factors of active student involvement, development of collaborative skills, and application of mathematical concepts in real world contexts are the keys to the success of PBL. The practical implication of these findings is the need for integration of PBL in secondary school mathematics curricula to support the development of better problem solving abilities.

A Blockchain-based Digital Twin for IoT deployments in logistics and transportation

Digital Twins are software technologies that enable the modelling of real-world phenomena in digitised environments, representing and monitoring the reality of various processes, including IoT deployments. Since 2017, the use of Digital Twins has been increasing. However, in the road transport and logistics realm, the adoption rate remains low, primarily due to the costs of processing and validating data in centralised scenarios, among other factors. On the other hand, Blockchain technologies were created to provide immutable and decentralised data storage in diverse scenarios, adding a layer of isolation and reliability in heterogeneous solutions. This paper presents a case study proposing a Digital Twin based on open-source Blockchain technologies, such as FIWARE Canis Major. The primary goal is to design and implement a robust and efficient open-source architecture that allows for the control and optimisation of vehicle fleet allocations in logistics/transport companies within supply chain management. This case study aims to showcase the practical application of the proposed solution in a real-world context, providing insights into its eco-friendly and low-cost attributes while opening the door to a large number of additional applications.

Practicing ground rule instructions assists adults in reporting experienced events

The present study explored the effect of ground rules when adult interviewees described personally experienced events. Participants (N = 117) in two age groups (18–40 and 60+ years) were interviewed about a meaningful event. They received no ground rules (control), the ‘Don’t Know’, ‘Don’t Understand’ and ‘Correct Me’ rules as statements, or the rules along with practice questions for each. Participants were asked questions during the interview that required them to invoke a ground rule. Practicing the ground rules reduced acquiescence to problematic questions compared to the control group for all three rules. Younger and older adults showed differentiated patterns in performance across different ground rule types. The present research adds to the body of literature supporting the use of ground rules with adults by extending the generalizability of prior work with circumstances paralleling real-world interviewing contexts (i.e. when participants report about a personally experienced event after longer delays).

Building resilience and well-being for post-covid adolescents through outdoor adventure

ABSTRACT 21st Century Skills encompass life capabilities for individuals to work and prosper in complex environments. Resilience encapsulates positive behavioural adaptations acquired through optimised exposure to outdoor adventure education (OAE). This study examined the efficacy of one-week OAE residentials upon young people’s resilience, psychological well-being, and vocational skill development. Importantly, it identified OAE components which best cultivated their learning. Significant gains were reported in the resilience and well-being of 622 diverse adolescents across three timepoints. From below average baseline scores, resilience and well-being increased by 36% and 23% respectively. These increases were largely retained one month later. Camp-based experiences including mastering new skills, solving problems, and being inspired by nature predicted heightened resilience and well-being. These results supported the positive development of 21st Century Skills which promote individual and collective functioning and are protective of stress. Embodied challenges in real-world contexts enable vulnerable young people to re-adjust, grow, and persevere.

Evaluating the Impact of Practical Training: A Study on Satisfaction and Drug Knowledge among Pharmacy Students.

Practical training stands as a crucial component in shaping pharmacy students, bridging the gap between classroom-based theoretical knowledge and its application in real-world contexts. This study investigates the correlation between the satisfaction levels experienced during practical training and the acquisition of knowledge, particularly focusing on drug names. Drawing from the National DataBase (NDB) open data provided by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a survey centered on the top 100 dispensed drugs was crafted. A correlation analysis was conducted between the satisfaction scores gathered from students and their depth of knowledge on drug names. Intriguingly, despite observing a significantly high satisfaction level during the practical training, there was no marked correlation between this satisfaction and the proficiency in recalling drug names after the training. Furthermore, the volume of daily prescriptions handled did not significantly impact this knowledge. The findings underscore the notion that high satisfaction during training does not necessarily guarantee a thorough understanding of the subject matter. This sheds light on the importance of not solely relying on satisfaction metrics in training programs and ensuring a holistic, in-depth educational approach.

Accuracy of MRI-ultrasound fusion-guided and systematic biopsy of the prostate.

Prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) with subsequent targeted biopsy of suspicious lesions has a critical role in the diagnostic workup of prostate cancer. The objective was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of systematic biopsies, targeted biopsies, and the combination of both in prostate cancer detection. From January 1, 2013 to June 1, 2022, biopsy-naïve and prior biopsy-negative patients who underwent both systematic and targeted biopsies were included. MRIs were evaluated according to PI-RADS with biopsy threshold set at PI-RADS ≥3. Systematic biopsies consisted of 8-12 cores, based on prostate volume. Overall prostate cancer and clinically significant cancer (Gleason Score ≥3 + 4) detection rates were stratified based on PI-RADS and location within the prostate, and compared between biopsy types using McNemar test. Among 867 patients, 615 had prostate cancer, with 434 clinically significant cases. Overall detection rates were: PI-RADS 3 48%, PI-RADS 4 72%, and PI-RADS 5 90%. Detection rates for clinically significant cancer were 21%, 53%, and 72%, respectively. The combination of biopsy methods was most accurate in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (P < .001). Targeted biopsies alone detected more clinically significant prostate cancer than systematic biopsies alone (43.1% vs 40.3%, P = .046). For posterior PI-RADS 5 lesions, no statistically significant difference was found between all biopsy methods. In the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, the combination of systematic and targeted biopsies proves most effective. Targeted biopsies rarely missed significant cancer for posterior PI-RADS 5 lesions, suggesting systematic biopsies could be reserved for instances where targeted biopsy results are negative. This study emphasizes on the efficacy of mpMRI and targeted biopsies in suspected prostate cancer in real-world clinical context. For PI-RADS 5 lesions, systematic biopsies provide limited clinical benefit and may only be necessary when targeted biopsy results are negative.

An experimental investigation of the impact of sustainable ERP systems implementation on sustainability performance

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of sustainable enterprise resource planning (S-ERPs) systems implementation on sustainability performance. Design/methodology/approach A 1 × 2 experiment was conducted, involving a sample of 72 professional accountants enrolled in MPA, MBA and DBA programs at two prominent Egyptian universities. Simple linear regression was used to analyze the data. Findings The results reveal positive relationships between the implementation of S-ERPs and economic, environmental and social sustainability performance. Research limitations/implications Considering the research methodology used, which relies on a laboratory experiment design; nevertheless, empirical data derived from a quasi-experiment conducted in a real-world context would offer valuable insights into the existing literature. Practical implications For manufacturing sector managers, the results offer value as organizations can benefit from S-ERP adoption in the internal and external integration of sustainability functions. The findings also provide decision-makers in the manufacturing context, particularly in emerging countries, with tangible reasons to consider S-ERP adoption for holistic sustainability benefits including waste management, resource consumption reduction and management of sustainable supply chain complexities. Further, the findings provide valuable insights for ERP vendors on how they can develop their ERP packages to align with software sustainability criteria. Originality/value This study is among the few that experimentally investigates the influence of S-ERPs implementation on sustainability performance within the manufacturing sector, especially in an emerging context such as Egypt. This unique contribution provides valuable insights into the complex connection between technology adoption and sustainability outcomes.

Understanding and Differentating General and Special Relativity

This article stresses the importance of comprehending projectile motion for its extensive applications in both science and real-world contexts. This understanding not only enhances our grasp of physics and mathematics but also demonstrates how straightforward motions can embody complex scientific concepts.