Search Results (316)

This study empirically investigates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within Hungarian religious communities, with a focus on Catholic respondents, to assess their awareness, application, and acceptance of AI in religious contexts. By religious communities, we do not mean monastic or priestly communities, but rather communities of lay religious people. Conducted between 10 February and 11 March 2025, the questionnaire-based research (N = 133) employs Campbell’s Religious Social Shaping of Technology (RSST) framework to analyze attitudes toward AI across 15 religious functions. Six hypotheses explore gender differences, religiosity types (church-based vs. self-defined), and the acceptability, authenticity, and ethicality of AI applications. Findings reveal high acceptance for administrative tasks (e.g., email list updates: 64.7%) and technical functions (e.g., live translation: 65.4%), but low acceptance for spiritual roles (e.g., spiritual leadership: 12.8%). Self-defined religious individuals are significantly more accepting, perceiving AI as more authentic and ethical compared to those adhering to church teachings. No significant gender differences were found. The study contributes to digital religion studies, highlighting the influence of religiosity on AI adoption, though its non-representative sample limits generalizability. Full article

Background: Stigma associated with tuberculosis (TB) continues to undermine patient well-being, treatment adherence, and public health goals and objectives. This study aims to systematically review the literature to identify and synthesize TB stigma reduction interventions published between 2015 and 2025. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included those with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs that focused on interventions related to TB-related stigma. We categorized the studies into three groups: (1) intervention development studies, (2) TB treatment programs with stigma reduction outcomes, (3) stigma-specific interventions. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies focused on co-developing stigma interventions, which incorporated multi-level and multicomponent strategies targeting internalized, enacted, anticipated, and intersectional stigma. Two studies assessed TB treatment-related interventions (e.g., home-based care, digital adherence tools) with incidental stigma reduction effects. The remaining seven studies implemented stigma-targeted interventions, including educational programs, video-based therapy, peer-led support, and anti-self-stigma toolkits. Interventions addressed stigma across individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy levels. Conclusions: This review highlights the evolution and diversification of TB stigma interventions over the past decade. While earlier interventions emphasized education and support, recent strategies increasingly integrate peer leadership, digital platforms, and socio-ecological frameworks. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, contextually grounded interventions that reflect the lived experiences of people affected by TB. Full article

How leaders communicate with followers is a core element of leadership. However, research on leader communication techniques remains fragmented, limiting our understanding of their differential effects on follower cognition, affect, and behavior. To facilitate systematic research comparing the effects of different communication techniques, we propose a framework for leader communication techniques. We hypothesize that different communication techniques can be categorized into cognitive, affective, and behavioral leader communication techniques that influence cognitive, affective, and behavioral follower outcomes, respectively. To test this assumption, we developed and pre-tested video vignette material, which we then used in a between-subjects experiment in the military context. We assigned 368 military recruits to one of the three conditions (cognitive versus affective versus behavioral) to examine how these techniques relate to proximal and distal follower outcomes. We found few differences in the impact of cognitive, affective, and behavioral leader communication techniques on follower outcomes. The leader was perceived similarly, regardless of the communication techniques used. Only for specific affective follower outcomes (i.e., warmth and charisma of the leader), affective leader communication techniques were more effective than cognitive and behavioral techniques. We discuss implications for leader communication research, outline practical implications for leaders, and propose directions for future research. Full article

This study evaluates leadership uniformity—the degree to which the proposer role is evenly distributed among validator nodes over time—in Quorum-based Byzantine Fault Tolerance (QBFT), a Byzantine Fault-Tolerant (BFT) consensus algorithm used in permissioned blockchain networks. By introducing simulated follower timeouts derived from uniform, normal, lognormal, and Weibull distributions, it models a range of network conditions and latency patterns across nodes. This approach integrates Raft-inspired timeout mechanisms into the QBFT framework, enabling a more detailed analysis of leader selection under different network conditions. Three leader selection strategies are tested: Direct selection of the node with the shortest timeout, and two quorum-based approaches selecting from the top 20% and 30% of nodes with the shortest timeouts. Simulations were conducted over 200 rounds in a 10-node network. Results show that leader selection was most equitable under the Weibull distribution with shape $k=0.5$, which captures delay behavior observed in real-world networks. In contrast, the uniform distribution did not consistently yield the most balanced outcomes. The findings also highlight the effectiveness of quorum-based selection: While choosing the node with the lowest timeout ensures responsiveness in each round, it does not guarantee uniform leadership over time. In low-variability distributions, certain nodes may be repeatedly selected by chance, as similar timeout values increase the likelihood of the same nodes appearing among the fastest. Incorporating controlled randomness through quorum-based voting improves rotation consistency and promotes fairer leader distribution, especially under heavy-tailed latency conditions. However, expanding the candidate pool beyond 30% (e.g., to 40% or 50%) introduced vote fragmentation, which complicated quorum formation in small networks and led to consensus failure. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of timeout-aware, quorum-based leader selection as a more adaptive and equitable alternative to round-robin approaches, and provides a foundation for developing more sophisticated QBFT variants tailored to latency-sensitive networks. Full article

Background/Objectives: International guidelines recommend the combined use of the General Movement Assessment (GMA), Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to support early and accurate diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). However, their implementation remains inconsistent. This study aimed to map their reported global use and identify associated enablers and barriers. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligible studies were charted and thematically analyzed, focusing on tools use and implementation factors at individual, organizational, and system levels. Results: Fourteen articles (seven surveys, seven implementation studies) from seven countries met the inclusion criteria. While awareness of GMA, HINE, and MRI was generally high, routine clinical use was limited—particularly outside structured implementation initiatives. Major barriers emerged at the system level (e.g., limited training access, time constraints, lack of standardized referral pathways) and social level (e.g., unclear leadership and coordination). Conclusions: The limited integration of GMA, HINE, and MRI into routine practice reflects a persistent “know–do” gap in early CP detection. Since implementation is shaped by the dynamic interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivation, bridging this gap demands sustained and equitable action—by addressing system-wide barriers, supporting professional development, and embedding early detection within national care pathways. Full article

The present study examines the role of knowledge management practices in developing business intelligence systems (BISMs) and organizational sustainability (OS) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. With the underpinning of the knowledge-based view (KBV) in the model of the study, the study employed a deductive approach. Cross-sectional data were gathered from CEOs, senior managers, and business intelligence officers using both offline and online survey tools. Finally, the study utilized 356 usable cases to support its conclusions. The study confirmed a positive effect on knowledge management practices, i.e., knowledge acquisition (KAG) and knowledge dissemination (KDM) on BISMs and OS. On the other hand, the impact of knowledge responsiveness (KRN) on BISMs is negative but positive on OS. Furthermore, BISMs have a positive effect on OS and entrepreneurial leadership (ELP). ELP also positively affects OS. Finally, ELP mediates the relationship between BISMs and OS. The study provides guidelines for SME managers and policymakers on how to invest in knowledge management initiatives to foster a culture of continuous learning and information sharing. The study directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which requires the development of the sustainability of SMEs. Finally, the study addresses the gaps in the integrated model, providing empirical evidence from a developing context. Full article

Trade-in programs have become a vital mechanism for promoting sustainable consumption and reducing negative impacts on the environment, gaining substantial support from branders, e-platforms, and consumers in recent years. Concurrently, the emergence of professional recyclers has provided firms with viable alternatives for the outsourcing of recycling processes. To investigate the optimal leadership and recycling model with respect to trade-in operations, this study examines the strategy selection in a platform-based supply chain under a resale model. A two-period game-theoretic framework is developed, encompassing four models: self-recycling and outsourcing models under the leadership of the brander or platform. The main findings are as follows: (1) In markets characterized by a low consumer price sensitivity, both branders and platforms tend to choose the self-recycling model to capture the closed-loop value. In contrast, in highly price-sensitive markets, both parties exhibit a preference for “free-riding” strategies. (2) Once the recycling leader is determined, adopting a self-recycling model can lead to a relative win–win outcome in high price sensitivity contexts. (3) With a short product iteration cycle, both the brander and platform should strategically lower their prices in the first period, sacrificing short-term profits to enhance trade-in incentives and maximize long-term gains. (4) When the brander leads the recycling process, they should consider reusing the resources derived from old products; however, in platform-led models, the brander can only consider reusing the recycled resources in a low price sensitivity market. This study provides strategic insights for the sustainable development of the supply chain through the analysis of a game between a brander and an e-commerce platform, enriching the literature on CLSCs through integrating trade-in leadership selection and the choice to outsource, offering theoretical support for dynamic pricing strategies over multi-period product lifecycles. Full article

Background: Fundamental movement skills (FMS)—including muscular strength, endurance, and mobility—are linked to better health-related quality of life and higher physical activity in children. Rural children often score lower on FMS tests than urban peers due to resource limitations rather than ability. Thus, increasing access to FMS activities in under-resourced rural areas is essential. The primary objective was to test the feasibility of Hoosier Strength in a rural middle school sample, and the secondary objective was to observe the preliminary changes in FMS-related outcomes pre- to post-intervention and at follow-up. The exploratory objective was to explore how participants responded to different coaches on the Hoosier Strength coaching team (i.e., gender, coaching style during activities). Methods: This study used a Hybrid Type 3 design to evaluate feasibility and FMS outcomes, integrating qualitative and quantitative data. The four-week intervention included a test group (n = 24; 14 females, 10 males; mean age: females 12.4 ± 0.5 years, males 12.7 ± 0.4 years) and a control group (n = 12; 8 females, 4 males; mean age: females 12.9 ± 0.3 years, males 12.7 ± 0.3 years). Data analysis included descriptive statistics for feasibility indicators (Acceptability of Intervention Measures [AIM], Intervention Appropriateness Measure [IAM], and Feasibility of Intervention Measure [FIM]), linear regression for mobility and muscular endurance changes, t-tests for psychological need satisfaction and frustration, and regression analysis for squat knowledge and post-intervention confidence. Results: (1) There was high feasibility across the 4-week Hoosier Strength intervention and at follow-up; (2) there were no statistically significant changes in squat performance; (3) participants’ confidence in their ability to squat at the end of the intervention was significantly predicted by their squat knowledge at baseline; and (4) participants prioritized leadership and team management over tactical analysis, highlighting a preference for coaches who foster teamwork. Conclusions: The findings offer a transparent approach for evaluating the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of the Hoosier Strength intervention in an under-resourced rural middle school, thereby encouraging further investigation into strength training interventions in rural schools. Full article

This study examines the effect of internal dynamic capabilities i.e., digital leadership, environmental awareness, and organizational learning, on sustainable supply chain performance as studied in the logistics sector. It builds on the Dynamic Capabilities Theory by combining notions of green innovation and sustainability and fills the growing gap in the existing literature. Despite the fact that these domains have been extensively studied independently, there has been limited research examining how internal capabilities contribute to green supply chain innovation (GSCI) that in turn results in sustainability outcomes, especially in the case of emerging markets. Seven hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis of data collected from 312 logistics and supply chain professionals in Jordan. This study shows that each of the three capabilities has a major effect on GSCI and therefore sustainable performance. Linking the most influential predictor of sustainability outcome to sustainable supply chain performance, as indicated by the strongest effect (β = 0.825, p < 0.001) between GSCI and sustainable supply chain performance, and followed by significant coefficients between the sustainable information processing (β = 0.261, p < 0.01), and information capabilities (β = 0.297, p < 0.001), indicates that the theory is more suited to GSCI. In particular, digital leadership had the largest impact on the green innovation (β = 0.481, p < 0.001), indicating that the role of digitally driven leadership is to facilitate eco-innovation. In addition, this intermediate factor, GSCI, serves as a variable that mediates relationships between the capabilities and the sustainability outcomes. As the results here suggest, leveraging internal capabilities is a very tangible channel for green innovation that has important ramifications for practitioners and policymakers facing resource constraints. Full article

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies for creating or modifying existing business processes and customer experience, leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet changing market needs. Disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, regional wars, and climate-driven natural disasters create consequential scenarios, e.g., global supply chain disruption creating further demand–supply mismatch for healthcare enterprises. According to KPMG’s 2021 Healthcare CEO Future Pulse, 97% of healthcare leaders reported that COVID-19 significantly accelerated the digital transformation agenda. Successful digital transformation initiatives, for example, digital twins for supply chains, augmented reality, the IoT, and cybersecurity technology initiatives implemented significantly enhanced resiliency in supply chain and manufacturing operations. However, according to another study conducted by Mckinsey & Company, 70% of digital transformation efforts for healthcare enterprises fail to meet their goals. Healthcare enterprises face unique challenges, such as complex regulatory environments, cultural resistance, workforce IT skills, and the need for data interoperability, which make digital transformation a challenging project. Therefore, this study explored potential barriers, enablers, disruption scenarios, and digital transformation use cases for healthcare enterprises. A structured literature review (SLR), followed by thematic content analysis, was conducted to inform the research objectives. A sample of sixty (n = 60) peer-reviewed journal articles were analyzed using research screening criteria and keywords aligned with research objectives. The key themes for digital transformation use cases identified in this study included information processing capability, workforce enablement, operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience. Collaborative leadership as a change agent, collaboration between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), and effective change management were identified as the key enablers for digital transformation of healthcare enterprises. This study will inform digital transformation leaders, researchers, and healthcare enterprises in the development of enterprise-level proactive strategies, business use cases, and roadmaps for digital transformation. Full article

Youth sport research has routinely suggested that sport has the potential to serve as a meaningful context for learning. particularly when programs are designed to promote positive youth development (PYD) outcomes. Indeed, participation in sport-based PYD programs has been shown to lead to the development and transfer of life skills. Yet, even given the growth of sport-based PYD research over the last two decades, much remains unknown about specific programmatic design features. Promising practices point to the role of reflection in facilitating life skill development and the application of newly learned skills to real-life. This study investigates the reflective journaling of 234 youth experiencing social vulnerabilities who participated in a sport-based PYD program called LiFEsports. Thematic analyses explored text and illustrations included in youth journals. Results suggest that youth both understand and consider how life skills (i.e., self-control, effort, teamwork, social responsibility, personal responsibility, leadership) can be transferred to settings such as at home, during school and in the community. Further findings highlight the relationship between significant others (e.g., teammates, coaches, parents) and life skills transfer, particularly related to reinforcement. Ultimately, journaling may serve as a viable method to prompt reflections among youth. Full article

Green leadership is often praised for promoting sustainability, while hospitals in reactive or resource-constrained contexts lack the infrastructure to support leadership-led environmental change, indicating that leadership without operational capacity offers little impact. Moreover, the inconsistencies between green human resource practices and environmental performance suggest that green leadership might lead to symbolic gestures rather than real improvements without a robust environmental culture or internal accountability systems. Amid intensifying environmental regulations and sustainability mandates in healthcare, this study investigates how green transformational leadership addresses the contradiction between hospitals’ resource-intensive operations and environmental accountability. Drawing on Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT), the research highlights policy-driven imperatives for hospitals to build adaptive leadership models that meet sustainability goals. Using data from 312 junior doctors and nurses in private hospitals, analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study identifies green attitude, green empowerment, and green self-efficacy as key mediators in enhancing environmental performance. Contributions of this study include (1) applying DCT to healthcare sustainability, (2) integrating psychological drivers into leadership–performance models, and (3) emphasizing nurses’ pivotal roles. The results of the study indicate that leaders who prioritize sustainability inspire staff to adopt eco-friendly practices, aligning with SDG 3, i.e., good health and well-being; SDG 12, i.e., responsible consumption and production; and SDG 7, i.e., affordable and clean energy. The findings provide actionable insights for hospital administrators and policymakers striving for environmentally accountable healthcare delivery. Full article

Background: Nursing leadership is associated with a host of benefits for patient outcomes and health services. Pressures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic saw many relatively inexperienced nurses thrust into leadership roles, often with little notice. In response to this situation, The Tasmanian Health Service—Hospitals South created the Leadership Excellence in Practice Program (L-EPP) as a way of developing the leadership skills of its nurses and midwives. This study aimed to describe the development of the L-EPP and to evaluate it from the perspective of its participants and their peers. Methods: A longitudinal mixed-methods study was conducted using data from the first two offerings of the L-EPP. The L-EPP employs a blended learning model comprised of e-learning, work-integrated learning and face-to-face workshops. Surveys targeting the participants’ leadership abilities were completed at numerous time points by participants themselves, their peers, and their managers. Results: A total of 57 participants completed the program. Workshop surveys indicated that these sessions were generally well-received by participants. Significant improvements were observed in several domains of leadership, from the perspective of the participants themselves and their peers and managers. Conclusions: The program was well-received by its participants, and would serve as a useful template for other organisations seeking to build the leadership capacity of their nurses and midwives. This may be particularly useful to organisations seeking to upskill their existing staff and prevent further attrition of nurses and midwives in the wake of the pandemic. Full article

Public safety personnel and frontline healthcare professionals are at increased risk of exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) and developing post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs, e.g., depression, anxiety) by the nature of their work. PTSI is also connected to increased absenteeism, suicidality, and performance decrements, which compromise occupational and public health and safety in trauma-exposed workers. There is limited evidence on the cost effectiveness of proactive “prevention” programs aimed at reducing the risk of PTSIs. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to measure the economic effectiveness of proactive PTSI mitigation programs among occupational groups exposed to frequent occupational PPTEs, focusing on the outcomes related to PTSI symptoms, absenteeism, and psychological wellness. Findings from 15 included studies demonstrate that proactive interventions can yield substantial economic and health benefits, with Return On Investment (ROI) values ranging widely from −20% to 3560%. Shorter interventions (≤6 months) often produced higher returns, while longer interventions (>12 months) showed more moderate or negative returns. Notably, the level at which an intervention is targeted significantly affects outcomes—programs aimed at managers, such as the 4 h RESPECT training course, demonstrated a high ROI and broad organizational impact by enhancing leadership support for employee mental health. Sensitivity analyses highlighted significant variability based on the organizational context, program design, and participant characteristics. The majority of proactive interventions successfully reduced psychological distress and enhanced workplace outcomes, although thoughtful consideration of program design and implementation context is essential. Full article

Societies need to develop more sustainable ways of living, working, and doing business. Education for sustainable development (ESD) plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. The aim is to provide people with the necessary knowledge, values, and skills for the needed transformation. Therefore, organizations of adult and continuing education must address issues of climate protection and sustainability in their programs and act accordingly in the way the organization is managed. This article reports on a qualitative study that involves leaders of adult education institutions in China, Germany, and the USA. This study seeks to investigate what these leaders do and how they act to implement ESD in their organizations. It specifically looks at current challenges, management strategies, beliefs, and values of the leaders. The results of this study show that leaders of adult and continuing education organizations recognize the need to address sustainability in adult education. However, they face many challenges in implementing ESD, including a lack of resources (e.g., finances and staff), structural barriers, and difficulties in reaching new target groups. Despite these challenges, many participants strive to develop their organizations in a more sustainable way, such as through curriculum design and campus management. Some leaders take a comprehensive approach, guided by the Whole Institution Approach, by integrating ESD into their institution’s vision and mission, establishing dedicated working groups, and forming new partnerships with external stakeholders. Overall, this study highlights the crucial role of leadership in advancing sustainability efforts. Full article