Systematic Literature Review Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Institutional Innovation in Free Trade Zones and Free Trade Ports on Cultural Exchange and Soft Power Construction

This paper explores how institutional innovations in Free Trade Zones (FTZ) and Free Trade Ports (FTP) promote cultural exchange and soft power construction. Through a systematic literature review and policy analysis, it is found that institutional innovations in FTZs and FTPs, including relaxed restrictions on foreign investment in the cultural industry, streamlined approval processes for cultural exchange activities, the establishment of diverse cultural exchange platforms, and optimization of cultural talent introduction policies, effectively enhance the depth and breadth of international cultural exchange. These efforts have significantly improved China’s cultural soft power. A case study of the Hainan Free Trade Port demonstrates how proactive cultural policy innovations have led China to achieve notable success in international cultural exchanges, offering new ideas for global soft power competition. This study provides reference recommendations for future policy formulation and academic research, especially in optimizing cultural policies in FTZs and FTPs to further enhance cultural soft power.

Systematic review of ethnomedicinal knowledge: Documentation, evaluation, and conservation of medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications

This study shows that ethnomedicine and ethnobotany have gained great relevance for their role in preserving ancestral knowledge about the use of medicinal plants. Despite the benefits, such as cultural preservation and biodiversity, new challenges arise, such as the lack of standardization and scientific validation, which limits their integration into modern medicine. Therefore, this systematic review aims to assess the documentation, evaluation, and conservation of medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications across different cultures, using the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. The searches were conducted in electronic databases, such as Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of Science, following PRISMA protocol guidelines and focusing on studies published between 2007 and 2024. Research gaps were identified, and questions were developed to better understand ethnomedicinal practices, their validation, and conservation. A total of seventy studies were selected, documenting a wide diversity of medicinal plants, with a significant focus on the conservation of traditional knowledge. However, critical gaps were identified in the scientific validation and integration of this knowledge into conservation policies. The results of the thematic analysis highlight the need for standardized protocols and a multidisciplinary approach to validate and preserve ethnomedicinal knowledge, ensuring its relevance in modern medicine and its transmission to future generations.

Meta-analysis of spatial genetic patterns among European saproxylic beetles

AbstractThe phylogeography of many forest-dwelling species in Europe is well understood. However, our knowledge regarding the genetics of saproxylic beetles remains insufficient. This knowledge gap extends to understanding the influence of both quaternary history and contemporary forest dynamics on population genetics. To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent literature concerning saproxylic beetle taxa with available genetic data. We include both threatened and common species in our study, which enabled us to generalize our findings to the whole saproxylic community. Results suggest a latitudinal decrease in diversity in most species, likely influenced by Pleistocene glaciation and subsequent population expansions from southern refugia. Additionally, we observed an east–west gradient in diversity, with threatened species exhibiting higher diversity towards the east. This may reflect historical forest dynamics and anthropogenic pressures, such as heavy wood logging in Western Europe. Similarly, we found a pattern along altitude, with populations in higher elevation forests, which are often more natural, exhibiting higher diversity. Furthermore, we identified distinct phylogenetic units or genetic clusters in southern Europe reflecting the distribution of glacial refugia. For some taxa, distinct units were also reported in eastern Europe where populations spread from Asian refugia. Central Europe showed a high number of phylogenetic units, although unique (private) clades or clusters were absent. Most likely it is an effect of the presence of beetles that originated from various refugia belonging to different phylogenetic units.This study brings insights into general phylogeographic patterns, which have previously been examined only for single representatives of saproxylic beetles. It should also help in the proper planning of conservation and management efforts for wood-dwelling beetles.

Data saturation in qualitative research: A literature review in entrepreneurship study from 2004–2024

This systematic literature review examines data saturation in qualitative research within the context of entrepreneurship studies from 2004 to 2024. Data saturation, a critical concept in ensuring the rigor of qualitative research, remains inadequately defined in terms of sample size and assessment criteria across various studies. This review synthesizes 11 empirical studies, focusing on strategies such as stopping criterion, code frequency counts, and comparative methods for determining saturation. It identifies sample sizes ranging from 7 to 39 interviews, with an average saturation occurring between 10 and 12 interviews. Furthermore, the study explores the influence of different sampling methods and homogeneity of study populations on saturation outcomes. Despite the reliability of existing methods, the findings underscore the need for greater transparency and consistency in reporting saturation criteria. The review offers valuable insights for entrepreneurial researchers aiming to design qualitative studies, emphasizing the importance of tailored saturation standards based on research objectives and methodologies. This research contributes to a clearer understanding of data saturation in entrepreneurial studies and highlights the necessity for further empirical investigation into saturation across diverse qualitative methods.

Metaverse Applications in Education 4.0: A Decade of Systematic Literature Review

The advent of Education 4.0, which aligns with the fourth industrial revolution, has been significantly influenced by advancements in digital technologies. Central to this evolution is the metaverse, a virtual shared space that merges augmented reality, virtual reality, and physical reality. This paper delves into the metaverse's applications within Education 4.0, highlighting its potential to revolutionize learning experiences, enhance collaboration, and improve access to quality education. By reviewing current literature and case studies, we identify the primary benefits, such as increased engagement, personalized learning, and broader accessibility. Additionally, we address the challenges associated with metaverse integration, including technical limitations, privacy concerns, and the need for new pedagogical approaches. Through a mixed-methods research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data along with expert interviews, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the metaverse's role in future education. The findings suggest that while significant hurdles remain, the metaverse offers a promising avenue for transforming educational practices to meet the demands of the digital age, ultimately fostering more dynamic, inclusive, and effective learning environments. Future research should focus on evaluating long-term impacts and developing standards for metaverse applications in education.

Active rest with exercise for pharmacy workers: an ergonomic approach to prevent musculoskeletal injury risk

This study aims to carefully review published articles examining the effect of active rest with exercise to prevent the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among pharmacy workers. Using the systematic literature review method, data were obtained from a thorough search on Google Scholar. The keywords were "Active Rest AND Exercise AND Injury Risk AND Musculoskeletal AND Pharmacy Worker AND Ergonomics". Additionally, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select articles that align with the study objective. For example, it focused on articles indexed in the Scopus database and published between 2019 and 2024. For standard operationalization, this study followed the PRISMA method. Based on the search results, 6,850 articles were found from various sources. Furthermore, the articles went through several stages of the screening process, in which 8 articles that fit the theme and met the inclusion requirements were selected. The results of this study found that active rest programs had a positive impact on the work productivity, physical activity, and physical fitness of pharmacy workers. In addition, an occupational safety and health (OSH) program, a supportive work environment, and the promotion of an active lifestyle with exercise were also important in improving productivity. Adjustment of active rest programs for specific types of workers, effective behavior change interventions, ergonomic education, and multimodal physical therapy have been shown to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of this study support the assumption that a comprehensive intervention program can prevent musculoskeletal injuries, improve employee well-being and comfort, and provide guidance for healthcare practitioners and pharmaceutical company managers in designing effective active rest programs.

Immersive Learning: A Systematic Literature Review on Transforming Engineering Education Through Virtual Reality

Integrating Virtual Reality (VR) with developing technology has become crucial in today’s schools to transform in-the-moment instruction. A change in perspective has occurred because of VR, enabling teachers to create immersive learning experiences in addition to conventional classes. This paper presents a systematic literature review with an in-depth analysis of the changing environment of immersive learning. It discusses advantages and challenges, noting results from previous researchers. VR facilitates more profound knowledge and memory of complex subjects by allowing students to collaborate with digital structures, explore virtual landscapes, and participate in simulated experiments. Developing VR gear, like thin headsets and tactile feedback mechanisms, has democratised immersive engineering learning by making it more approachable and natural for a broader range of students. This study sheds light on the revolutionary potential of immersive learning via VR integration with new technologies in real-time education by examining current trends, discussing obstacles, and an outlook on future directions using the new Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). This study used four databases: Scopus, IEEE, Springer, and Google Scholar. During the selection, 24 articles were added during the review, and 53 studies were selected. It clarifies best practices for adopting VR-enhanced learning environments through empirical analysis and case studies, and it also points out directions for future innovation and growth in the field of immersive pedagogy.

The impact of exposure to green or bluespace on dietary intake and food choices among adults—A systematic literature review

AbstractExtensive research has shown that spending time in natural greenspaces has a positive impact on health. However, there is limited evidence regarding potential factors that may influence these effects. This review aimed to assess the strength of the evidence and potential impact of exposure to green and bluespaces on dietary outcomes in adults. Inclusion criteria for the review were based on the PICO criteria. Following PRISMA guidelines, an initial search of five databases was conducted: CINAHL, GreenFILE, AMED, Medline, and PubMed, accessed on 14th June 2021 and augmented by an updated rerun in January 2024. All studies used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross‐Sectional Studies for quality assessment. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between the included studies. Four observational studies that reported diet‐related outcomes were included in the review, and participants within the studies ranged from 554 to >350,000 participants. Other health outcomes, including physical activity and obesity, were also reported. Two studies found that dietary patterns were not correlated with exposure to greenspace. Due to the small number of articles retrieved and the paucity of evidence, the findings must be interpreted cautiously. In conclusion, further research is essential to clarify the intricate mechanisms involved in greenspace‐related health benefits. Additionally, investigating the specific greenspace attributes influencing adult dietary intake and food choices is warranted. When devising public health interventions, it is crucial to account for the substantial health advantages associated with various socioeconomic groups.

Exudados gomosos de Prosopis spp. localizados en Ecuador: potencial prebióticos en la alimentación animal

Fiber-rich plant foods have been tested as prebiotics (adjuvant to the growth and activity of the gut microbiota) in animal production, due to their high inulin and fiber content, in order to reduce the use of antibiotics and microbial resistance. The gummy exudate produced by Acacia senegal is a source of nutritional fiber that has been tested as a prebiotic in animal feed. The objective of this study was to analyze the potential use of novel sources of Prosopis spp. gummy exudates as prebiotics in animals of zootechnical interest based on a systematic literature review in indexed journals of the use of gum-hydrocolloids as an alternative supplement in animal feed. The scientific articles reviewed show the benefits of using the gummy exudate of Acacia senegal as a prebiotic in the production of broilers, turkeys, rabbits, and pigs. The gums obtained from Prosopis spp. present physicochemical and nutritional characteristics analogous to those published for gum arabic. Therefore, based on the bibliographic reports consulted, the gummy exudate obtained from Prosopis spp trees located in Ecuador could present a nutritional profile with excellent fiber content, oligosaccharides, essential minerals, and phenolic compounds, which would enhance its use as a promising prebiotic in animal feed, improving the function of the intestinal barrier, favoring the growth of beneficial microbiota, significantly reducing the populations of pathogenic bacteria, optimizing animal welfare and production. Keywords: dietary fiber, hydrocolloids, animal production, alternative growth promoters.

Landslide Studies in the Context of Disaster Management in Bangladesh—A Systematic Literature Review

Landslides and their resulting impacts on property and human life have become an ongoing challenge in the hilly regions of Bangladesh. This study aims to systematically review diverse landslide studies in Bangladesh, particularly focusing on landslide disaster management (LDM) from 2008 to 2023, encompassing the pre-disaster, syn-disaster, and post-disaster phases. Several key attributes of landslide studies were considered, including general trends, data types, study scales, contributing factors, methodologies, results, and validation approaches, to investigate challenges and subsequently identify research gaps. This study evaluated 51 research articles on LDM using a systematic literature review (SLR) technique that adhered to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Our finding revealed that articles on LDM were dominated by the pre-disaster (76%) and the syn-disaster phases (12%), with the post-disaster phase (12%) receiving equal attention. The SLR revealed a growing number of studies since 2020 that used data-driven methods and secondary spatial data, often focused on medium-scale analyses (district level) that, however, often lacked field-based validation. From the factors examined in various landslide studies, topographical and hydrological factors were found to be the most significant attributes in assessment. This study identified key challenges, such as insufficient landslide inventories including poor site accessibility and a lack of high-resolution geological, soil, and rainfall data. It also highlighted critical research gaps, including the need for advanced technologies in susceptibility mapping for national hazard atlas, the investigation of underexplored causative factors, effective early warning systems, detailed post-event characterization, health impact assessment, risk-sensitive land use planning, and interactive web portals for landslide prone areas. This study would thus aid researchers in understanding the depth of existing knowledge and provide insights into how landslides fit into broader disaster management frameworks, facilitating interdisciplinary approaches.

International entrepreneurship as a dynamic capability in new ventures: Defining the concept and identifying its antecedents and outcomes through a systematic literature review

International entrepreneurship as a dynamic capability in new ventures: Defining the concept and identifying its antecedents and outcomes through a systematic literature review

The Impact of 5G and Data Science on Digital Marketing: An Analytical Review and Research Agenda

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of 5G technology across various sectors, focusing on its applications in smart cities, digital marketing, and industrial use cases, with the goal of understanding how 5G enhances connectivity, efficiency, and user experience. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on theories of digital transformation and emerging technologies, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence and advanced connectivity in the evolution of urban, commercial, and industrial systems. Method: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, analyzing studies published from 1996 to 2023. The research utilized social network analysis, content analysis, and business case analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of 5G. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that 5G technology significantly improves connectivity, operational efficiency, and user experience, facilitating real-time communication and advanced resource management. The discussion contextualizes these findings within the theoretical framework, highlighting the benefits and challenges of 5G. Implications of the Research: The study emphasizes implications for digital infrastructure and services, suggesting the need for strategic investments and policies to fully leverage the potential of 5G. Originality/Value: This study provides an integrated and novel view of 5G, distinguishing itself from previous research by offering a holistic perspective on advanced applications.

Explicating collegiality and change management in neoliberalism during the dynamics of higher education institutions: : A Systematic Literature Review using PRISMA Checklist

Background This paper discusses the lack of references that comprehensively describe the changes in universities owing to the ideology of neoliberalism. This research also discusses how a university maintains its function and identity when the great wave of neoliberalism massively erodes collegiality as the original philosophy of the university through a case study of the neoliberalism ideology on higher education. This study also provides a comprehensive framework for higher education management and governance changes. Methods We selected all retrieved sources based on the keywords and analyzed all the documents we obtained. This study obtained data from Scopus retrieved on October 27, 2023, using the following keywords: (TITLE-ABS-KEY ("collegiality") OR TITLE-ABS-KEY ("change management") OR TITLE-ABS-KEY ("neolibelism")) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY ("higher education"). This study utilized bibliometric analysis to ensure a structured review of the literature on collegiality, change management, and neoliberalism in higher education. Results The findings show that organizational management, leadership, education, technology, curriculum, innovation, organizational change, decision-making, and human beings are significant trajectories of neoliberalism in higher education. Conclusions This study offers other constructs for accelerating leadership success in higher education. This relates to how change leadership can navigate changes resulting from neoliberal ideology.

Motivation and Public Service Performance: The Role of Organizational Identification

The aim of writing this article is to present a literature review on motivation, public service performance and the role of organizational identification. Motivation is the main factor in increasing the effectiveness provided by employees in the public sector. The importance of public services is the key to increasing public satisfaction with public sector performance and good performance can also build a positive image of an agency. This is why it is important to build good relations between government and society.The method used in this research is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Method. The SLR method is used to collect, identify, analyze and summarize everything available with relevant topic areas with data obtained from articles, books or various other related sources in 2019-2024.

Barriers to Reverse Logistics of Construction and Demolition Waste

Objective: This study aims to identify the main barriers to implementing reverse logistics for construction and demolition waste (RCD), focusing on challenges faced by both small and large waste generators. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in reverse logistics theories, addressing sustainability and waste management frameworks. These concepts provide a basis for understanding the diverse challenges different generator profiles encounter. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted over nine months (October 2023 to July 2024) following the PRISMA method. Seven databases were consulted—Web of Science, Scopus, MDPI, Emerald, ScienceDirect, Taylor and Francis, and Wiley—resulting in 119 relevant articles. The study identifies and categorizes barriers for small and large generators. Results and Discussion: The results revealed 20 barriers for large generators and 7 for small generators, with 4 common barriers between both groups. These barriers highlight the complexity of RCD management and suggest specific policy and strategy needs. In the discussion, these barriers are analyzed in the context of the theoretical framework, revealing practical implications for improving reverse logistics systems. Research Implications: The findings provide valuable insights for both academic research and practical applications in waste management, contributing to the development of more effective strategies for RCD handling and disposal. This research has the potential to influence public policy and industry practices in waste logistics. Originality/Value: This study fills a gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of barriers specific to different waste generator profiles. It advances theoretical knowledge and offers practical recommendations for improving RCD reverse logistics.

Experiences with diagnostic delay among underserved racial and ethnic patients: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

ObjectiveDiagnostic delay is a pervasive patient safety problem that disproportionately affects historically underserved populations. We aim to systematically examine and synthesise published qualitative studies on patient experiences with diagnostic delay...

Early Estimation in Agile Software Development Projects: A Systematic Mapping Study

Estimating during the early stages is crucial for determining the feasibility and conducting the budgeting and planning of agile software development (ASD) projects. However, due to the characteristics of ASD and limited initial information, these estimates are often complicated and inaccurate. This study aims to systematically map the literature to identify the most used estimation techniques; the reasons for their selection; the input artifacts, predictors, and metrics associated with these techniques; as well as research gaps in early-stage estimations in ASD. This study was based on the guidelines proposed by Kitchenham for systematic literature reviews in software engineering; a review protocol was defined with research questions and criteria for the selection of empirical studies. Results show that data-driven techniques are preferred to reduce biases and inconsistencies of expert-driven techniques. Most selected studies do not mention input artifacts, and software size is the most commonly used predictor. Machine learning-based techniques use publicly available data but often contain records of old projects from before the agile movement. The study highlights the need for tools supporting estimation activities and identifies key areas for future research, such as evaluating hybrid approaches and creating datasets of recent projects with sufficient contextual information and standardized metrics.

Accuracy Standards of Wearable Technologies for Assessment of Soccer Kicking: Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review.

Wearable technology is widely applied in performance monitoring, an integral part of sports and exercise sciences. The kick movement in soccer exemplifies a sports technique that could benefit from appropriate biomechanics assessment methodologies. However, the accuracy of wearables in quantifying soccer kick mechanics, particularly under field conditions, remains unclear. This study aims to present a protocol for a systematic review to discuss the measurement properties (validity, reliability, and/or accuracy aspects) of wearable technology systems explicitly used to measure ball-kicking features in soccer. This review protocol was preregistered in the Open Science Framework. A total of 2 authors will perform searches in major electronic databases using specific keyword combinations in PubMed, Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Web of Science, ProQuest, IEEE Xplore, EBSCOHost, and Scopus. Following a specific population, intervention, comparison, outcome framework (population: soccer players and/or collected human data in a football-related environment; intervention: at least 1 wearable used; comparator: criterion measures, repeated testing sessions and/or actual values; outcome: ball kicking data), studies will be screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using the "consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments" checklist (in studies concerning validity or reliability) or the "quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies" tool (in studies concerning accuracy). Data extraction will be conducted to determine the level of evidence according to the "best evidence synthesis method," and an evidence gap map will be constructed. The Cohen κ coefficient will be used to estimate the interevaluator agreement. This ongoing systematic review has completed database searches and is currently in the screening phase. Depending on the number and consistency of studies, results may be presented by meta-analysis or qualitative synthesis, with subgroup analyses considering factors such as gender, age, and playing level. The final results are expected by July 2024, with manuscript submission anticipated by November 2024. Our study will provide a comprehensive summary of the highest level of evidence available on the use of wearables for the assessment of soccer kick mechanics, providing practical guidance for athletes and sports sciences professionals regarding the validity and reliability aspects of using wearable technology to measure ball-kicking features in soccer. OSF registries https://osf.io/zm3j6. DERR1-10.2196/57433.

Service experience lies in the eye of the beholder: contextualizing extant literature toward integrating eye-tracking in service research

Purpose In spite of offering clear benefits and increased availability, relatively few service research studies rely on eye-tracking. Therefore, this paper aims to assist service researchers in harnessing the vast capabilities of eye-tracking technologies and methods for their own inquiries. Design/methodology/approach In addition to systematically reviewing extant research in the service domain and the wider marketing field with respect to the fundamentals and practices of eye-tracking, this paper presents a concise, empirical eye-tracking demonstration. These contributions suggest future outlooks for how to incorporate eye-tracking more effectively in service research. Findings The systematic literature review informs a comprehensive framework for integrating eye-tracking in service research that comprises research question focus regarding higher-order psychological constructs of interest, appropriate study settings, sample composition, optimal eye-tracking equipment and operationalization considerations. Research limitations/implications By establishing a common ground and recommended uses of eye-tracking for service research, this study equips service scholars with the knowledge they need regarding eye-tracking fundamentals, common practices and future outlooks. A simple, empirical example further demonstrates some options for unlocking the unique capabilities of eye-tracking in service research and uncovering the complexities inherent to service experiences and other core service concepts. Originality/value This paper compiles and contextualizes insights from existing eye-tracking research, which it uses to draw important lessons for deploying eye-tracking in service domains.

The Effectiveness of Oral Vancomycin on Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Systematic Review.

Approximately 70% of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD therapies currently used to treat PSC-IBD patients have side effects and can be costly. Oral vancomycin (OV)-a safe, economical, and convenient therapy-has been reported to be a salvage therapy in refractory PSC-IBD patients. This systematic review aims to summarize the current literature regarding the effectiveness and safety of OV to treat IBD in PSC patients. A systematic literature review of Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and CINAHL was performed until March 2024. The Murad scale, Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool were used to determine the quality of the case reports and case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trial (RCT), respectively. The outcomes sought were response or remission across clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and histological parameters. Of the 1725 published studies, we identified 9 case reports, 7 case series, 3 cohort studies, and 1 RCT. Most studies reported an improvement in clinical IBD symptoms such as diarrhea and hematochezia. Fewer publications provided supporting objective data in the form of fecal calprotectin, endoscopic Mayo scores, and histology. There were no reports of vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections. Oral vancomycin appears safe and effective to treat IBD in a subset of PSC patients. Future studies would benefit from prospective data collection incorporating standardized symptomatic, endoscopic, and histologic indices. Ultimately, a well-powered RCT is needed to better assess the effectiveness, safety, and durability of OV therapy.