Science (Universidade Europeia)
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The impact of pre-, pro- and synbiotics supplementation in colorectal cancer treatment: a systematic review
No full textIntroduction: The effectiveness of the supplementation of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics as a therapeutic approach in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to critically examine the current scientific evidence on the impact of modulating the microbiota, through the use of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, in patients diagnosed with CRC undergoing treatment, to determine the potential therapeutic use of this approach.
Methods: This systematic review was made according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing the impact of pre-, pro-, or synbiotic supplementation with placebo or standard care in patients with CRC undergoing treatment. Exclusion criteria were non-human studies, non-RCTs, and studies in languages other than English or Portuguese. Six databases were consulted, namely, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Scopus, Cinahl, MedicLatina and Web of Science until May of 2023. RAYYAN software was used to manage the search results and risk of bias was assessed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration using the Rob 2.0 tool.
Results: Twenty-four RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Administration of pre-, pro-, or synbiotics improved surgical outcomes such as the incidence of infectious and non-infectious postoperative complications, return to normal gut function, hospital length of stay, and antibiotic usage. The supplementation of these microorganisms also alleviated some symptoms from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, mainly diarrhea. Evidence on the best approach in terms of types of strains, dosage and duration of intervention is still scarce.
Conclusions: Pre-, pro-, and synbiotics supplementation appears to be a beneficial therapeutic approach in CRC treatment to improve surgical outcomes and to alleviate side-effects such as treatment toxicity. More RCTs with larger sample sizes and less heterogeneity are needed to confirm these potential benefits and to determine the best strains, dosage, and duration of administration in each situation
Defense mechanisms mediate associations between exposure to adverse childhood experiences and anxiety and depression in Kenyan adolescents
No full textThere is strong evidence that the experience of several adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a risk factor for higher anxiety and depression symptoms severity among adolescents. Defense mechanisms may influence the link between exposure to ACEs and anxiety and depression symptoms severity. We analyzed the associations between direct and indirect exposure to ACEs and anxiety and depression symptoms in Kenyan adolescents and explored the mediating role of defense mechanisms in the associations between direct and indirect exposure to anxiety and depression symptoms severity. A sample of 475 Kenyan adolescents (M = 16.4; SD = 1.4) completed validated self-report questionnaires. Serial multiple mediation models were tested by conducting a structural equation modeling employing Preacher and Hayes’ (2008) procedures. Higher direct exposure to ACEs was related to higher levels of depression symptoms and higher indirect exposure to ACEs was related to higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Importantly, higher direct exposure to ACEs was significantly linked to high immature defense mechanisms levels, which in turn were linked with high anxiety and depression symptoms. High levels of immature defense mechanisms might aggravate anxiety and depression symptoms, which might be seen as a possible psychological distress mechanism subsequent to exposure to multiple ACES in African adolescents
The leadership and employee satisfaction
No full textIt is commonly accepted that human resources (HR) are the most valuable asset of organizations. Consequently, since people are social beings, the success or failure of organizations depends on the relationships and interaction among their members, their ability to communicate, work as a team, build networks, and how their conflicts are managed in the organizational environment.
Since leadership plays a crucial role in the development of their teams and in managing the organizational climate, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of leadership on worker satisfaction.
The observational work conducted in different departments of the public administration has shown a significant positive correlation between motivation, engagement, and employee participation within the institution, and their satisfaction with leadership. The observation has also demonstrated a positive correlation between employee satisfaction and their perception of fairness practiced by the leaders.
Methodology: The data obtained for this study were collected through a questionnaire, constructed according to the Likert scale (J Soc Psychol 5(2):228–238, 1934), self-administered and anonymous, and responded by 407 employees from 26 public organizations. For processing and analysing the collected data the SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was used
Career and entrepreneurship values and pursuits
No full textWith reduced income and job prospects, many young people are challenged by
economic insecurity and struggling to meet their basic needs. In addition,
financial stress during the pandemic disrupted many industries, leading to the
closure of businesses and downsizing of the workforce.As a result, many GenZ
workers entered their careers during a time inwhich it was challenging to secure
jobs in their desired fields. Despite the circumstances, Gen Zers have clear
values related to their professional lives. These include workplace flexibility,
financial security, mental well-being, and meaningful work
A literature review of marketing intelligence and its theoretical implication for leveraging business
No full textMarketing intelligence, or market intelligence, refers to gathering and analyzing information about the market, customers, competitors, and other relevant factors to make informed business decisions. Market intelligence helps businesses spot emerging trends, untapped markets, and potential business opportunities. When considering expansion into new geographic areas or market segments, marketing intelligence can provide valuable information about the potential demand, competition, and market conditions. This data helps businesses make informed decisions and reduce risks associated with expansion. Marketing intelligence provides valuable insights that inform long-term strategic planning. Businesses can develop data-driven strategies that align with market trends and customer demands, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. Based on the above, it is intended to systematically review the bibliometric literature on how marketing intelligence can leverage business using the Scopus database by analyzing 96 academic and/or scientific documents
AI-driven consumer insights in business: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of opportunities and challenges
No full textConsumer insights driven by AI offer significant opportunities for businesses to deepen their
understanding of and connect more effectively with their target audience. However, these prospects
come with their own set of challenges. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges associated
with implementing AI-driven consumer insights in business practices and how companies can overcome
obstacles such as data privacy, bias, and integration to leverage these opportunities fully. Using a
systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis, we examined a sample of 91 studies indexed in
SCOPUS to identify research activity on this topic until April 2024. AI enables businesses to analyse
vast consumer data for personalized experiences, predicting behaviour and trends. Real-time processing
yields insights crucial for adapting to market changes, enhancing engagement, and boosting satisfaction.
Automation saves time and resources, while segment identification tailors strategies. However, privacy
concerns, bias mitigation, and integration challenges must be addressed. Trust and transparency are key
to fully realizing AI's potential in consumer insights. This study delves into implementing AI-driven
consumer insights in business practices, highlighting opportunities and challenges. Through a
systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, it identifies AI's benefits, such as personalized
experiences and real-time processing, alongside critical concerns like data privacy and bias. The study
emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency for fully realizing AI's potential in consumer
insights, offering valuable insights for companies navigating this complex landscape
What material topics by ESG dimensions can be found within the materiality matrix from the European entities’ sustainability reports?
No full textMateriality is a crucial concept in accounting and auditing, allowing the determination of relevant matters from the perspective of the entity and its stakeholders. This paper addresses an objective linked to disclosures on materiality in sustainability reporting by assessing the content of the topics underlying the materiality matrix by the environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions. The study adopts archival research as a method and content analysis as an investigation technique, using as a source different types of consolidated sustainability reports of the entities that make up the main indices of Euronext for 2021. The findings identify the predominance of topics related to the social dimension, with differences by country and industry. This research contributes to the literature and practice, which include standard-setting bodies, regulators, auditors, and stakeholders of sustainability reporting. Such contributions are identified by a novelty analysis regarding the content of the materiality matrix, and by proposing future avenues regarding the disclosure of materiality within a relevant source of entities’ reporting
Talent Management and Generation Z: A Systematic Literature Review through the Lens of Employer Branding
No full textGeneration Z is arriving on the labour scene. In the near future, this generation will dominate organisations’ recruitment and selection processes. Theories regarding the attraction and retention of talent were initially developed based on the characteristics of previous generations in the late 20th century. This study aimed to conduct the first comprehensive literature review focused on identifying the attributes of attracting and retaining Generation Z talent. The findings will allow for the identification of the most significant attributes within the examined context. However, certain gaps were uncovered, such as the limited availability of publications explaining the applicability of the conventional theory of attracting and retaining talent to Generation Z natives. Significant lines of research are also suggested for the future
The ESG menu: Integrating sustainable practices in the portuguese agri-food sector
No full textThis paper investigates the incorporation of sustainable development within the Portuguese agri-food sector amid global environmental and resource challenges. It underscores the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in steering businesses towards sustainable practices. Through qualitative analysis, in-depth interviews with managers and experts explored sustainable business model adoption, highlighting SMEs’ unique challenges. The study reveals a divergence in sustainability practice maturity, advocating for integration into organizational culture and strategy. It points out SMEs’ reactive stance due to resource constraints and external pressures, contrasting with larger firms’ proactive approaches. The research supports a strategic reevaluation of business models for sustainability, emphasizing innovation, leadership, organizational commitment, and transparent communication. Practical contributions include embedding sustainability into core operations, enhancing competitiveness, fostering sustainable organizational culture, prioritizing employee well-being, and leveraging innovative marketing for sustainability communication. Recognizing its limitations, this study advocates exploring blockchain and AI for transparency, leadership’s role in sustainable models, and the importance of marketing in the agri-food sector for sustainable management. Insights indicate that innovation and strategic partnerships are crucial for enhancing organizational sustainability and achieving the SDGs