Search Results (660)

Due to globalization, companies are exposed to a culturally diversified workforce; therefore, great emphasis is placed on identifying the most effective leadership style that would be able to manage such a workforce. Although numerous studies have attempted to identify successful leadership styles in different cultural settings, none have focused on the perceptions of top managers who work in multinational corporations (MNCs) in culturally diversified surroundings. Thus, our research attempts to identify the most preferred leadership style and characteristics from the perspective of top managers in MNCs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 13 leadership characteristics analyzed in this study were generated from the 21 characteristics found by Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) research. The participants, top managers in MNCs, needed to evaluate leadership styles by considering leadership characteristics. To ensure the objectiveness of the study, we analyzed their answers by applying the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The results indicated that the most preferred leadership characteristics were visionary, inspirational, collaborative team-oriented, and performance-oriented. Moreover, the transformational leadership style emerged as the most preferred leadership style. The study’s findings show that top managers believe that employees in MNCs in the UAE seek a leader with a vision who will inspire, motivate, and help them fulfill their true potential. Full article

This study presents a next-generation clinical decision-support architecture for Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) focused on emergency triage. By integrating Large Language Models (LLMs), Federated Learning (FL), and low-latency streaming analytics within a modular, privacy-preserving framework, the system addresses key deployment challenges in high-stakes clinical settings. Unlike traditional models, the architecture processes both structured (vitals, labs) and unstructured (clinical notes) data to enable context-aware reasoning with clinically acceptable latency at the point of care. It leverages big data infrastructure for large-scale EHR management and incorporates digital twin concepts for live patient monitoring. Federated training allows institutions to collaboratively improve models without sharing raw data, ensuring compliance with GDPR/HIPAA, and FAIR principles. Privacy is further protected through differential privacy, secure aggregation, and inference isolation. We evaluate the system through two studies: (1) a benchmark of 750+ USMLE-style questions validating the medical reasoning of fine-tuned LLMs; and (2) a real-world case study (n = 132, 75.8% first-pass agreement) using de-identified MIMIC-III data to assess triage accuracy and responsiveness. The system demonstrated clinically acceptable latency and promising alignment with expert judgment on reviewed cases. The infectious disease triage case demonstrates low-latency recognition of sepsis-like presentations in the ED. This work offers a scalable, audit-compliant, and clinician-validated blueprint for CDSS, enabling low-latency triage and extensibility across specialties. Full article

Educational institutions are facing a crisis characterized by the need to address diverse learning styles and vocational aspirations, exacerbated by ongoing financial pressures. To navigate these challenges effectively, there is an urgent need to innovate educational practices and learning environments, ensuring they are adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of students and the workforce. The adoption of the Industry 5.0 framework offers a promising solution, providing a holistic approach that emphasizes the integration of human creativity and advanced technologies to transform educational institutions into resilient, human-centric, and sustainable learning environments. In this context, this article presents a transdisciplinary methodology that integrates Asset Management (AM) with Social Innovation (SI) through Design Thinking (DT) to co-design Educational Facilities 5.0 with stakeholders. The application of the proposed approach in an AgroLab case study—a food and agricultural laboratory—demonstrates how the methodology enables the definition of an Educational Facility 5.0 and generates AM Design Knowledge to support informed decision-making in the subsequent design, implementation, and operation phases. Following DT principles—where knowledge emerges through iterative experimentation and insights from practical applications—this article also discusses the role of SI and DT in AM, the role of Large Language Models in convergent processes, and a vision for Educational Facilities 5.0. Full article

The concept of sustainable development requires a more human-centered approach to management. Frederic Laloux’s organizational management models—green and teal organizations—offer a response to this challenge. Generational cohorts currently active in the labor market (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z) differ in values, beliefs, and preferences, which may influence their acceptance of various organizational management models. This study aimed to examine how representatives of these generations perceive organizational management styles in the context of sustainable development. A qualitative study was conducted using a questionnaire completed by 263 respondents. The survey focused on teal, green, orange, amber, and red organizational models, and the results were analyzed statistically. The analysis showed that respondents’ work experiences with specific organizational management models are not dependent on generational affiliation. The highest levels of acceptance were observed for models aligned with sustainable development—green and teal organizations. Acceptance of these models is higher among younger generations, with the teal organizational model showing a statistically significant generational dependency. As Generation Z enters the labor market, some traditional management practices are becoming obsolete. The green organizational model demonstrates strong potential for current labor market conditions, while the teal organizational model shows high future implementation potential. The forecast suggests that acceptance of the teal organizational model among Generation Alpha may exceed 90%. Full article

This study investigates how Greek professionals formulate upward requests and simultaneously manage rapport and workplace identity within hierarchical exchanges. The data comprise 400 written requests elicited through a discourse–completion task from 100 participants, supplemented by follow-up interviews. Integrating pragmatic perspectives on request mitigation with Spencer-Oatey’s Rapport-Management model and a social constructionist perspective on identity, the analysis reveals a distinctive “direct-yet-mitigated” style: syntactically direct head acts (typically want- or need-statements) various mitigating devices. This mitigation enables speakers to preserve superiors’ face, assert entitlement, and invoke shared corporate goals in a single move. Crucially, rapport work is intertwined with identity construction. Strategic oscillation between deference and entitlement projects four recurrent professional personae: the deferential subordinate, the competent and deserving employee, the cooperative team-player, and the rights-aware negotiator. Speakers shift among these personae to calibrate relational distance, demonstrating that rapport management functions not merely as a politeness calculus but as a resource for dynamic identity performance. This study thus bridges micro-pragmatic choices and macro social meanings, showing how linguistic mitigation safeguards interpersonal harmony while scripting desirable workplace selves. Full article

Riverbed dynamics are natural processes that are strongly driven by human and climatic factors. In the last two centuries, the anthropogenic influence and impact of climate change on European rivers has resulted in significant degradation of riverbeds. This research paper aims to determine the historical evolution (1856–2021) and future trends of the Ialomița riverbed (Romania) under the influence of anthropogenic impact and climate change. The case study is a reach of 66 km between the confluences with the Ialomicioara and Pâscov rivers. The localisation in a contact zone between the Curvature Subcarpathians and the Târgoviște Plain, the active recent tectonic uplift of the area, and the intense anthropogenic intervention gives to this river reach favourable conditions for pronounced riverbed dynamics over time. To achieve the aim of the study, we developed a complex methodology which involves the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), the Mann–Kendall test (MK), and R programming. The results indicate that the evolution of the Ialomița River aligns with the general trends observed across Europe and within Romania, characterised by a reduction in riverbed geomorphological complexity and a general transition from a braided, multi-thread into a sinuous, single-thread fluvial style. The main processes consist of channel narrowing and incision alternating with intense meandering. However, specific temporal and spatial evolution patterns were identified, mainly influenced by the increasingly anthropogenic local influences and confirmed climate changes in the study area since the second half of the 20th century. Future evolutionary trends suggest that, in the absence of river restoration interventions, the Ialomița riverbed is expected to continue degrading on a short-term horizon, following both climatic and anthropogenic signals. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of recent river behaviours and serve as a valuable tool for the management of the Ialomița River. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the association of leadership with turnover intentions and whether this relationship is mediated by employee well-being. The sample consists of approximately 306 individuals working in organizations based in Portugal. The results indicate that transformational leadership has a positive and significant association with turnover intentions, while the relationship between transactional leadership and turnover intentions is negative and significant. Both transformational leadership and transactional leadership have a positive and significant association with well-being. Well-being has a negative and significant association with turnover intentions. Well-being only has a mediating effect on the relationship between transactional leadership and turnover intentions. This study contributes to the advancement of academic research and knowledge about the mechanisms through which transformational and transactional leadership styles can influence employees’ turnover intentions, as well as providing empirical evidence on the mediating role of psychological well-being. In addition, practical insights are offered to organizational leaders and managers on adopting practices that foster psychological well-being in the workplace, thereby reducing employee turnover intentions. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the decision-making processes of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) presents both significant opportunities and substantial ethical challenges. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical model depicting the interdependence of organisational decision-making levels and decision-making styles, with an emphasis on exploring the role of AI in organisations’ decision making, based on selected process dimension of the MER model of integral governance and management, particularly in relation to routine, analytical, and intuitive decision-making capabilities. The research methodology employs a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the scientific literature published between 2010 and 2024, focusing on AI implementation in SMEs, ethical decision making in integral management, and regulatory frameworks governing AI use in business contexts. The findings reveal that AI technologies influence decision making across business policy, strategic, tactical, and operative management levels, with distinct implications for intuitive, analytical, and routine decision-making approaches. The analysis demonstrates that while AI can enhance data processing capabilities and reduce human biases, it presents significant challenges for normative–ethical decision making, requiring human judgment and stakeholder consideration. We conclude that effective AI integration in SMEs requires a balanced approach where AI primarily serves as a tool for data collection and analysis rather than as an autonomous decision maker. These insights contribute to the discourse on responsible AI implementation in SMEs and provide practical guidance for leaders navigating the complex interplay between (non)technological capabilities, ethical considerations, and regulatory requirements in the evolving business landscape. Full article

Background: The leadership style employed by those in positions with authority could significantly impact employees’ work behavior, either positively or negatively. Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of engaging leadership on quiet quitting and work engagement among nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Greece with a convenience sample. Data collection occurred throughout October 2024 via an online survey. We utilized Google forms to create an online version of the study questionnaire, which was subsequently shared in Facebook groups for nurses. We used validated tools to measure our study variables, namely, the “Engaging Leadership Scale-12” for engaging leadership, the “Quiet Quitting Scale” for quiet quitting, and the “Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-3” for work engagement. We applied univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses to identify the association between engaging leadership, quiet quitting, and work engagement. p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Our multivariable models showed a negative association between engaging leadership and quiet quitting. Moreover, we found a positive association between engaging leadership and work engagement after the elimination of confounders. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that higher levels of engaging leadership reduce quiet quitting and improve work engagement. Nurses’ managers should adopt engaging leadership to improve nurses’ motivation and, thus, clinical outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated condition triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, requiring lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). Despite dietary compliance, many patients with CD experience impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Emerging evidence suggests that dietary quality may influence HRQoL. Although the Mediterranean diet (MD) is linked to multiple health benefits, its role in CD management remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MD adherence and HRQoL in adults with CD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, adherence to the MD was assessed using the MedDiet Score. HRQoL was evaluated using the Short Form-12 (SF-12), measuring the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Results: The study enrolled 100 individuals with CD and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The mean MedDiet Score (MDS) was 30.4 ± 3.9 for patients and 30.7 ± 5.0 for controls (p = 0.709), with moderate adherence in most participants. The patients had significantly lower PCS scores (43.80 ± 4.99) compared to controls (45.45 ± 4.76; p = 0.015), while the MCS scores did not differ significantly (42.12 ± 8.05 vs. 42.79 ± 6.56; p = 0.738). In individuals with CD, the MedDiet Score was positively correlated with MCS12 (ρ = 0.302, p = 0.002), but not with PCS12 (ρ = 0.059, p = 0.562). Conclusions: Adherence to the MD is associated with better mental health outcomes in individuals with CD. Promoting a Mediterranean-style GFD may offer a holistic approach to enhancing well-being in this population. Full article

Background and Objectives: We investigated whether early psychological trauma can contribute to the development of dysfunctional personality traits and emotional dysregulation. Personality disorders (PDs) are often characterized by using immature defense mechanisms and maladaptive coping strategies. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the relationship between early traumatic experiences, PDs, defense mechanisms, and coping strategies. A total of 90 patients aged between 18 and 70 with PDs were studied to detect different subtypes of early trauma, along with the defensive mechanisms and the prevailing coping strategies. Correlation and regression analyses aimed at establishing if specific trauma subtypes were associated with specific defense mechanisms and coping strategies. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Defense Style Questionnaire 40 (DSQ-40), and the Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE) were used as psychodiagnostic tools. Results: Our findings determine emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect as the most represented subtypes of trauma and underline the use of immature defense mechanisms in PD patients, while adaptive coping strategies, such as social support and positive aptitude were used. Conclusions: Early trauma, such as abuse and neglect, can be associated with dysfunctional defense mechanisms and coping strategies. This may have significant implications for managing not only pathological areas of the patient but also the functional ones. Moreover, being aware of these aspects can be useful for psychotherapy, reinforcing therapeutic alliance and reducing symptoms. 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 article addresses a gap in the literature by offering the first structured reconstruction of the origins, motivations, and development of Ignatian Leadership, connecting its spiritual roots, conceptual foundations, and institutional applications within a coherent and transferable framework. The study explores the genesis, evolution, and contemporary relevance of Ignatian Leadership as a transformative model that combines organisational management principles with the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuit tradition. Through a qualitative methodology, we conducted an exhaustive review of 54 documents and interviews with key experts, incorporating diverse phenomenological perspectives. The findings show that this leadership model emerged to renew the apostolic mission of the Society of Jesus, modernise its educational management, and empower both laypeople and Jesuits in leadership roles. Grounded in Ignatian spirituality—particularly in the practice of discernment aimed at promoting actions inspired by the Magis, in ever deeper and greater service to the most universal good—it seeks to serve others and promote the common good. Over time, the model has expanded beyond religious contexts, offering a counter-cultural and ethically grounded leadership style applicable in educational, managerial and civic settings. This shift of focus not only paves the way for institutional change but also guides individuals towards a more authentic and meaningful life. Full article

A quantitative literature review of restoration techniques and supporting management strategies used throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic from 1998 through 2024 was compiled using references from the Web of Science to highlight those with potential for reef replenishment. From 93 sources listed, 74 publications were relevant and categorized into subtopics based on the most prevalent restoration techniques. Roughly half the studies focused on three general topics: the benefits of restoring Acropora species, studies utilizing micro-fragmentation and fragment nurseries, and outplanting techniques. Other subtopics, each with at least three references, included optimizing substrates and artificial reefs, enhancing larval recruitment, emphasizing the role of herbivory, improving management practices, and addressing the impacts of tourism and community engagement. The information from the references was compiled to determine the overlap among categories and the ways in which techniques and management strategies might be applied simultaneously to enhance restoration outcomes. Additionally, sources were analyzed according to time and location of publication to better visualize the emergence of this area of research and restoration efforts. An increase in publications was observed from 2014 to 2024, associated with the rise in major events impacting coral reefs. The major locations for published research were the Florida reef tract and Puerto Rico, though restoration studies were also reported from the Bahamas and sites around the Caribbean. Criteria to assess the success of techniques included coral survival, recruitment, coral coverage, habitat structure and complexity, and biomass of marine life, including fish and invertebrates that inhabited a restored reef. Most restoration efforts utilized either fragmentation or assisted sexual breeding, followed by cultivation in nurseries or labs. Outplanting success depended on fragment size, attachment style, and site selection, with less-intrusive techniques and intermediate planting densities promoting survival. Tools like GAO maps can guide site selection based on herbivore presence and algal coverage. Monitoring is critical to ensuring coral survival, especially after the first year of outplanting, while community involvement can foster public engagement in reef conservation. Full article

The linguistic summarization of data is one of the study trends in data mining because it has many useful practical applications. A linguistic summarization of data aims to extract an optimal set of linguistic summaries from numeric data. The blended learning format is now popular in higher education at both undergraduate and graduate levels. A lot of techniques in machine learning, such as classification, regression, clustering, and forecasting, have been applied to evaluate learning activities or predict the learning outcomes of students. However, few studies have been examined to transform the data of blended learning courses into the knowledge represented as linguistic summaries. This paper proposes a method of linguistic summarization of blended learning data collected from a learning management system to extract compact sets of interpretable linguistic summaries for understanding the common rules of blended learning courses by utilizing enlarged hedge algebras. Those extracted linguistic summaries in the form of sentences in natural language are easy to understand for humans. Furthermore, a method of detecting the exceptional cases or outliers of the learning courses based on linguistic summaries expressing common rules in different scenarios is also proposed. The experimental results on two real-world datasets of two learning courses of Discrete Mathematics and Introduction to Computer Science show that the proposed methods have promising practical applications. They can help students and lecturers find the best way to enhance their learning methods and teaching style. Full article