Traditional Narrative Review Research Articles

Measures of stimulant medications: A population-based study in Alberta, Canada

ObjectivesStimulants are a class of drugs approved for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, they are also often used “off-label” as adjunct therapies for the treatment of obesity and depression. The objective of this study is to summarize how stimulant use is globally measured in the literature and to explore rates of stimulant use in Alberta, Canada. MethodsA traditional narrative literature review was conducted to summarize global methods of stimulant assessment. Then using definitions guided by the literature and current regulatory bodies in Alberta, we conducted a series of descriptive analyses to assess how frequent stimulant use was in Alberta patients from 2019 to 2021: 1) number of dispenses by year; 2) average days of drug supply; 3) proportion of days covered (PDC); and 4) defined daily dose (DDDs). ResultsIn the literature review, the most frequently used measures of stimulant drug use were trends over time (prevalence), types of drug use, and dispensations of prescriptions. In all, there is a global trend of increased use of stimulants among both adults and children. In Alberta, 173,789 patients were prescribed stimulant medication in 2019–2021, representing approximately 4 % of the entire Alberta population. Overall, 61.1 % were between the ages of 10–34 and 46.8 % were female. The number of dispensations rose from 713,896 in 2019 to 973,930 in 2021 – with up to 43 % being lisdexamfetamine stimulant dispenses. ConclusionsAlthough stimulant use in AB was measured using similar trend estimates as the literature, there is a lack of research to support whether these measures are accurate and effective at the population-level. Future steps to standardize both medical and nonmedical use of prescription stimulants are warranted in efforts to fully quantify both benefits and risks associated with stimulant use.

Integrating three theories of 21st-century capitalism

Purpose This study aims to help develop “business principles for stakeholder capitalism” in two steps. First, the study defines internal logic of three theories of capitalism and two variants within each theory. Second, it examines approaches to integration into modern democratic capitalism. Treating the three theories as substitutes identifies relative strengths and weaknesses; complementarity and partial overlap approaches to integration study the institutional settings within which stakeholder capitalism operates. Empirical outcomes reflect competition between market and stakeholder businesses for participants, with institutional conditions determining the scope of collective action. Design/methodology/approach The approach aligns three typologies in a unique conceptual arrangement defining the three theories of capitalism: forms of capitalism, potential failures of each form and associated types of goods. The first method examines the internal logic of each theory of capitalism. The second draws on traditional narrative review of references documenting each theory of capitalism and variants together with modern Marxist anti-capitalism. Findings Three typologies align uniquely with the theories of capitalism, each having two variants. Both variants of stakeholder capitalism are compatible with compassionate capitalism, constitutional government or polycentric governance but not with self-interest capitalism, dictatorship or Marxism. A theory of modern democratic capitalism allocates roles for private, club and social goods with empirically variable mixes occurring across countries. Competition among different types of enterprises provides an empirical test for comparative advantages of stakeholder capitalism. Future research should consider approaches for testing the proposed conceptual scheme in practice concerning capacity to deal with grand challenges, wicked problems and black swan events. Research limitations/implications Research approach is limited to logical examination of theories and literature documentation without direct empirical confirmation. The study does not address practical implications for managers and public officials or social implications concerning private incentives, stakeholder cooperation or collective action. Originality/value Originality lies in shifting terms of debate about stakeholder capitalism from advocacy of substitute theories to understanding of its relationship to market capitalism and collective action capitalism. Value lies in explaining desirability of theoretical integration of three types of capitalism into a comprehensive framework for modern democratic capitalism.

Rictor—A Mediator of Progression and Metastasis in Lung Cancer

Lung carcinoma is one of the most common cancer types for both men and women. Despite recent breakthroughs in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, it is characterized by a high metastatic rate, which can significantly affect quality of life and prognosis. Rictor (encoded by the RICTOR gene) is known as a scaffold protein for the multiprotein complex mTORC2. Among its diverse roles in regulating essential cellular functions, mTORC2 also facilitates epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis formation. Amplification of the RICTOR gene and subsequent overexpression of the Rictor protein can result in the activation of mTORC2, which promotes cell survival and migration. Based on recent studies, RICTOR amplification or Rictor overexpression can serve as a marker for mTORC2 activation, which in turn provides a promising druggable target. Although selective inhibitors of Rictor and the Rictor-mTOR association are only in a preclinical phase, they seem to be potent novel approaches to reduce tumor cell migration and metastasis formation. Here, we summarize recent advances that support an important role for Rictor and mTORC2 as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer. This is a traditional (narrative) review based on Pubmed and Google Scholar searches for the following keywords: Rictor, RICTOR amplification, mTORC2, Rictor complexes, lung cancer, metastasis, progression, mTOR inhibitors.

Data literacy for citizenry: A few policy recommendations from a literature review

and datafication within societies over the last years. In this context, the concept of data literacy has also gained in importance, as it is seen as one of the skills that citizens require in order to navigate and participate in society. However, despite the relevance of the concept, it is yet to be discussed as to the ways to promote it at the institutional level. In order to perform such a task, we conducted a review that combines approaches from a mapping review with that of a traditional narrative review, making a series of policy recommendations towards a data literate society. Focusing on the period between 2015 and 2021, we analysed a corpus of 39 empirical and theoretical studies. Findings confirm the scattered and interdisciplinary nature of research on data literacy, yet paving the way for a series of recommendations to promote the former.

The changing landscape of relationships and sexuality education in Aotearoa New Zealand secondary schools

This literature review seeks to offer understanding about how relationships and sexuality education (RSE) has evolved in the 21st century in Aotearoa New Zealand secondary schools. The perceived demand for schools to address significant social issues, such as how youth navigate the world of relationships and sexualities, can be a challenge for the education sector. A traditional-narrative review was conducted to investigate how the experiences of RSE have changed from 1999 to 2022 to understand if RSE is evolving adequately for young people. Thirteen empirical studies were analysed that explored experiences of RSE programmes, which were discussed alongside relevant literature. Findings in the literature highlight gaps in policy and practice, with suggestions for further work that could keep RSE heading in a direction that empowers youth.

Critical reflection on VUCA in tourism and hospitality marketing activities

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an interpretative synthesis and critical reflection on the concept of “volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity” (VUCA) and its implementation in tourism and hospitality marketing activities and explain why it is useful and necessary.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a critical reflection research methodology which allows for a synthesis of data from the traditional narrative review and on the authors’ experiences and observations.FindingsThe volatile environments in which entities from the tourism and hospitality industry (T&HI) operate necessitate a redefinition of the rules for designing marketing activities. The VUCA concept may serve as the basis for these changes. Its implementation requires specific managerial skills enabling T&HI entities to use an agile marketing strategy. The latter should be based on a flexible and customer-centric approach.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a VUCA framework for adapting marketing mix instruments to the rapidly changing hospitality and tourism industry. This paper also offers several useful guides for practitioners on different aspects of VUCA within the industry.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first attempts to reflect critically on the possibilities of using the VUCA concept in marketing by the T&HI and contributes to the discussion about the conditions for its implementation. This paper offers suggestions about the dynamic competencies of tourism and hospitality managers (enterprise and leader oriented), which are essential when designing marketing mix instruments in line with the VUCA concept, and indicates directions for future research.

Navigating to smoother regulatory waters for Australian commercial vessels capable of remote or autonomous operation: a systematic quantitative literature review

ABSTRACT A barrier to the deployment of autonomous vessels in Australia's commercial and defence context is the gap in understanding how existing regulatory frameworks apply and identifying a best-practice regulatory approach. This Systematic Quantitative Literature Review (SQLR) identifies and assesses relevant available literature from domestic and international resources concerning current and future regulation of domestic autonomous vessels in Australia and other nations. A standard methodology is used combining a traditional narrative review and a meta-analysis tailored for peer-reviewed literature. Only twenty research articles of varying origin, type and content were identified, highlighting a significant literature gap regarding domestic regulation of autonomous vessels in Australia and other nations. Filling the domestic literature gap is critical for further domestic regulatory development, particularly because of the growing range and functions of such vessels. The literature review undertaken supports the development of future best practice regulation, which will facilitate the ongoing development and use of autonomous vessels.

Human Resource Value Creating Practices and Operational Performance in Uganda’s Public Sector

This paper examines the application of human resource (HR) value creating practices and their effect on operational performance in the public sector, with reference to Uganda. Performance remains a challenge in developing countries like Uganda. Moreover, the capability of HR practices to deliver value is little examined. This paper is premised on HR value proposition model and the goal-setting theory to examine HR value creating practices of people, performance, information and work, in view of operational performance in Uganda’s public sector. Using traditional narrative literature review, it is established that HR value creating practices are minimally applied in the public sector of Uganda. Transformative people-management approaches are required by putting stakeholders especially employees, in line of sight if HR practices are to create value and foster operational performance. The paper contributes to the knowledge and application of HR value practices and their effect on operational performance in the public sector. The HR practices in the public sector can through strategic flexibility and transformation be adapted to improve performance.

Essential Oils as Alternative Halal Therapeutic Source for Lung Cancer: A Mini Review

The global Muslim population is predicted to grow significantly. The market for Halal products, an obligation for Muslims, is expanding in sync with the Muslim population. Cancer is a notable cause of death globally. Pharmaceuticals are the most important fundamental component because they are disease-specific, most notably cancer-specific. Optional pharmaceuticals were looked into to meet Muslim demand for Halal products. Some essential oils are viable therapeutic sources because they have long been used in conventional medicine for various treatments. The purpose of this study is to review the investigation done on the potential for essential oils to be used as a Halal alternative therapy for lung cancer. This mini review follows the traditional narrative review study. According to these researches, essential oils are helpful in the treatment of malignancies, notably lung cancer. However, additional research, including clinical trials, is essential to enhance the treatment's efficacy.

The Art and Science of Writing Narrative Reviews

In this age of evidence-based medicine, systematic reviews are considered the highest level of evidence. However, traditional narrative reviews continue to have an important role in medicine. While narrative reviews have inherent shortcomings in terms of nonstandardized literature search, potential bias in the appraisal of retrieved articles, and interpretation of findings, they serve as sources of quick up-to-date reference for specific areas of interest of readers. Well-conducted reviews could inform readers about gaps in existing literature and areas that need new primary research. Crafting a narrative review requires a blend of good scientific approach and the skillful art of presentation. This article aims to provide an overview of the need for narrative reviews and strategies to equip potential review authors complete an effective narrative review.

The Effect of Field Massage on Bilirubin Levels in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common clinical phenomena. It is found in 80% of premature infants and 60% of term infants in the first week of life. Most hyperbilirubinemia does not require special therapy, but because of the potential toxic effects, all neonates should be monitored to detect the possibility of severe hyperbilirubinemia. Based on data from the Directorate of Family Health, in 2019, out of 29,322 under-5 deaths, 69% of deaths occurred in the neonatal period. One of the causes of mortality in neonates is bilirubin encephalopathy/kernicterus. Bilirubin encephalopathy is the most severe complication of neonatal jaundice. In addition to encephalopathy, other risks include sequelae in the form of cerebral palsy, high-pitched deafness, paralysis and dental dysplasia, which greatly affect the quality of life. Several studies have been conducted to find alternative supporting therapies that can be used to effectively reduce bilirubin levels in addition to providing phototherapy, one of which is the provision of field massages. Field massage is thought to increase the excretion of bilirubin in infants during phototherapy. The purpose of this literature review was to determine the effect of field massage on reducing bilirubin levels in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. This was a traditional narrative literature review which grouped similar extracted data according to the results measured to answer the objectives. According to the results, giving field massages two times a day for three days for 15 minutes each time was able to significantly reduce bilirubin levels.
 Keywords: field massage, hyperbilirubinemia, neonates

Editors’ Note/Note des rédacteurs

Editors’ Note/Note des rédacteurs Lloyd L. Wong and Shibao Guo We are pleased to introduce a new section of Canadian Ethnic Studies which will appear periodically in future issues. This new section is entitled Review Articles and will comprise of peer-reviewed knowledge synthesis articles such as scoping reviews, systematic reviews and narrative reviews. The genesis and turning point for the funding of knowledge synthesis research in Canada occurred at the turn of the century with a collaboration between the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the former Policy Research Secretariat to create the Project on Trends1 in 1998 and 1999. Approximately 60 Canadian scholars belonging to eight research teams provided a knowledge synthesis for topics that had emanated from twenty Canadian federal government departments regarding the key issues likely to create future policy challenges for them. The eight identified issues were: globalization, North American integration, multiple centers of power, changes in the values of citizens, social differentiation, aging, environmental pressures, and technological change and the information revolution. Amongst these scholars, there were several, working under the topics of globalization, values of citizens and social differentiation, who provided work on matters related to ethnic and racial studies. They included Yvonne Hébert, Danielle Juteau, Peter Li, Dawn Martin-Hill, Malinda Smith, Terry Wotherspoon, Lori Wilkinson, and Lloyd Wong. In essence, scholars selected for the Project on Trends were asked to write critical review articles that synthesized current knowledge, discuss its policy implications and identify priority directions for future research. Moreover, scholars were given leeway to use unconventional methods of synthesis and presentation as well as the development of provocative and speculative arguments, with the provision that their analysis be well grounded in scientific and scholarly knowledge and meet high intellectual standards. As such, this was one of the first large publicly funded research endeavours for knowledge synthesis in Canada. By the 2010s and early 2020s, SSHRC was funding many knowledge synthesis research programs and these included, among many others, topics such as Future Needs of the Labour Market (2013), Aboriginal Peoples (2016), Emerging Asocial Society (2019) and Gender-Based Violence (2022), to name a few. Knowledge synthesis articles are now published in many academic research journals and there are scholarly journals whose sole or primary focus is on publishing knowledge synthesis [End Page iii] review articles (see, for example: Psychological Review, Review of Educational Research, and Trauma, Violence and Abuse, to name just a few). Canadian Ethnic Studies, since its inception, has had three main types of papers which include regular research articles, research notes, and reviews of books. On occasion, there were also sections entitled Review Articles and Debates and Review Essays. Beginning with this issue, we have a new category entitled Review Articles which will consist of knowledge synthesis articles including: 1) the more traditional and partial narrative reviews; 2) the more focused systematic reviews; and 3) the broader scoping reviews which are a relatively newer approach to knowledge synthesis. Since we have had, in the past, a category called Review Articles and Debates, it will be renamed Review Essays and Debates in future issues in order to avoid any confusion. For this issue, we are pleased to include three review articles. The first one is entitled The History of Black People in Canada and the Intersection of Policies on Their Settlement, by Vivian Puplampu and Co-PI Judy White from the University of Regina, and colleague Jordan Pierson. The second article is a scoping review by Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika from the University of Alberta, and colleagues Brittany Tetreault, Neelam Punjani and Mary Olukotun, entitled Intimate Partner Violence Interventions within Immigrant Populations: A Scoping Review of the G7 Nations, including Canada. The third is by Mary Crea-Arsenio from McMaster University, and colleagues K. Bruce Newbold, Andrea Baumann and Margaret Walton-Roberts, entitled Immigrant Employment Integration in Canada: A Narrative Review. [End Page iv] Note 1. Information provided on the Project on Trends comes from personal communication with Luc Lebrun, Program Officer, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada in June 2022 and William Coleman’s article “The Project on Trends: An Introduction” published in February 2000 in Canadian...

An analytical review on rethinking service-learning as critical transformative paradigm in higher education

In recent times, service-learning has emerged as a popular community-based instructional pedagogy. However, scholars have a sharp contention about the role of service-learning as a community engagement paradigm in higher education. Furthermore, limited studies exist on service-learning as a transformative instructional pedagogy in higher education. This paper addresses this gap in the literature by presenting an analytical review on the potential of service-learning as a transformative pedagogy in higher education. A traditional narrative review method was used to survey on the theme of the study to establish a theoretical framework and draw conclusions. An extensive survey of existing literature was conducted on the role of service-learning as transformative pedagogy in higher education. This research may help answer the following two critical questions: What are internal and external limits to service-learning in higher education? To what extent can service-learning replace the traditional mode of teaching and learning in higher education successfully? The review shows that service-learning is a critical transformative pedagogy that helps achieve the boarder goals of higher education in a more effective way. The review further informs that service-learning is a community engagement approach that can also be used as a teaching method for achieving specific civic and democratic goals of higher education.

Nutritional Management and Recommendation for Preterm Infants: A Narrative Review

Background: Preterm birth is defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It is the most important predictor of adverse health and development infant outcomes that extend into the early childhood and beyond. It is also the leading cause of childhood mortality under 5 years of age worldwide and responsible for approximately one million neonatal deaths. It is also a significant contributor to childhood morbidities, with many survivors are facing an increased risk of lifelong disability and poor quality of life. Purpose: In this article, we aimed to describe features of preterm infants, what makes them different from term infants, and what to consider in nutritional management of preterm infants through a traditional narrative literature review. Discussion: Preterm infants are predisposed to more health complications than term infants with higher morbidity and mortality. This morbidity and mortality can be reduced through timely interventions for the mother and the preterm infant. Maternal interventions, such as health education and administration of micronutrient supplementation, are given before or during pregnancy and at delivery, whereas appropriate care for the preterm infants should be initiated immediately after birth, which include early breastfeeding and optimalization of weight gain. Conclusion: Essential care of the preterm infants and early aggressive nutrition should be provided to support rapid growth that is associated with improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. The goal is not only about survival but making sure that these preterm infants grow and develop without any residual morbidity.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Airline Business: An Overview

Objective – This article aims to preliminarily examine and summarize the impact of COVID-19 on airline business and to briefly investigate how the airlines respond. Methodology/Technique – The researchers synthesize data and information collected from industry organizations' reports and related academic literature. A traditional narrative literature review was implemented to examine and summarize the impacts of COVID-19 on the airline business. Findings – The results show that COVID-19 has operational, market, and financial impacts on airline business. In response to the COVID-19 situation, the airlines have updated their operational procedures and searched for alternative revenue streams. The authors also provide suggestions for future research. Novelty – COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease. Very few scholars have conducted studies on the impacts of COVID-19 on airline business. This article contributes to the academic literature by categorizing the impacts of COVID-19 on airline business. Future studies can further investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on airline business using this article as a starting point. Type of Paper: Review. JEL Classification: M10, R41. Keywords: Airlines; COVID-19; Air Transport; Aviation; Infectious Disease

Gender in eSports research: a literature review

The popularity of eSports has skyrocketed recently, prompting increasing academic attention. However, reflecting the male-dominated reality of the eSports industry, most research is focused on men. Decades of research on gender in the context of technology and computer gaming present a valid cause for concern regarding how women and other minority individuals in these settings have been and remain oppressed. This article presents a traditional narrative review of how the theoretical concept of hegemonic masculinity is used to understand gendered power inequalities in eSports in the research literature. The review reveals that research that focuses on gender and eSports revolves around three main themes: (1) issues of the construction of masculinity, (2) online harassment, and (3) negotiations of gendered expectations. Based on a discussion of gendered power inequalities within these themes, the review concludes that although eSports and traditional sports are clearly different, they discursively link masculinity, athleticism, and competition very similarly. This has significant implications for women and minority players, which in turn calls for more research on how masculinity is regaining dominance despite the increasing participation of girls and women within eSports. Abbreviation list: ESA - Entertainment Software Association LAN - Local Area Network

Calcineurin Inhibitors Nephrotoxicity Prevention Strategies With Stress on Belatacept-Based Rescue Immunotherapy: A Review of the Current Evidence

A traditional narrative review was performed to evaluate clinical studies that have examined the clinical implications, risk factors, and prevention of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) nephrotoxicity with stress on a belatacept-based rescue regimen. The Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO (Academic Search Ultimate), ProQuest (Central), and Excerpta Medical databases and Google scholar were searched using the keywords (CNI AND Nephrotoxicity prevention) OR ("Calcineurin inhibitor" AND Nephrotoxicity) OR (Tacrolimus AND Nephrotoxicity) OR (Ciclosporin AND Nephrotoxicity) OR (cyclosporine AND Nephrotoxicity) OR (Belatacept) OR (CNI Conversion) for the period from 1990 to 2020. Fifty-five related articles and reviews were found. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity could help in the individualization of therapy for and prevention of CNI nephrotoxicity. Identification of high-risk patients for CNI nephrotoxicity before renal transplantation enables better use and selection of immunosuppression with reduced adverse effects and, eventually, successful treatment of the kidney recipients. Belatacept conversion is a good and safe option in patients with deteriorating renal function attributed to CNI nephrotoxicity.

Pandemic and labor growth factors

Importance. Labor productivity has become a very important concern for all economies focusing development through manufacturing. Russian scientists have already investigated this problem in sufficient detail. The present paper captures the idea of labor productivity from various research papers and identifies factors affecting labor productivity and their manifestation in a pandemic. Objectives. This study consists of a systematic review of literature on labor productivity and is focused on finding a set of actionable factors which affect productivity. By the word ‘actionable factors’, we mean the factors upon which action can be taken to improve the productivity of the firm. There are two main objectives: 1 to study how the term productivity was defined by different authors 2 to find the set of those ‘actionable factors’ the presence or absence of which can improve the state of productivity for any organization. Methods. In the process of achieving this objective, the methods of scientific knowledge were used: systematic review, analysis and synthesis. Systematic review helps in bridging the gap that traditional narrative reviews create due to use of personal, subjective and biased methodology by authors. Conclusions and Relevance. Labor productivity in the manufacturing sector is a very complex process which is driven by numerous factors. Our systematic review shows this complexity as how one identified factor interacts or affects other identified factor. Managers must understand that for improving labor productivity, its true measurement is necessary. A true measurement shall reflect where the organization stands as compared to its competitors and must identify the gaps which it can close in order to improve its productivity. For the true measurement to happen, managers shall disseminate the importance of productivity measurement and improvement first to the top management and then to the whole employees.

Transformation of entrepreneur education programs (EEPS) of Indonesia’s higher education

The Entrepreneurship Education Program (EEPs) of Indonesia’s higher education has not been effective. The study aims to identify the extent to which EEPs in Indonesia was developed and propose several alternative schemes. The research uses the methodology of traditional narrative literature review and interviews with young entrepreneurs as the output of the EEPs higher education program in Indonesia. The analysis technique is done with an interactive model with steps of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, verification, and conclusions. The literature study is intended for the latest research information that evaluates the effect of EEPs on the formation of EM and the formation of new entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the information is verified by the results of the interview data processing. Entrepreneurship education for multidisciplinary students, business incubators, funding provision, and program sustainability studies is the result of research as a proposal for the development of higher education EEPs. This program is part of a long-term solution to addressing labor problems in Indonesia.

Citation Context Analysis as a Method for Conducting Rigorous and Impactful Literature Reviews

Citation context analysis is a detailed and rigorous form of literature review that goes beyond traditional narrative and systematic reviews to better understand the impact of seminal works and influential authors. We discuss the types of questions citation context analyses can answer and provide a set of guidelines for how to effectively conduct them. Citation context analysis holds promise for enabling a more systematic assessment of how theories are used, empirically tested, and critiqued by subsequent citing authors. This has implications for both theory development and testing, and for the improvement of citation practices within the field of organizational studies and the social and physical sciences more broadly.