Bibliometric Analysis of Literature on Library Services in Pakistan

Library and Information Services in Pakistan: A Review of Articles Published in Foreign Journals

Scientific creativity is increasingly recognised as a key element in promoting innovation, inquiry and problem-solving in science education. This bibliometric study investigates global research trends in scientific creativity from 2015 to 2025. A total of 380 documents were retrieved from the Scopus database and analysed using VOSviewer to generate network visualisations. The analysis focuses on six key aspects: (1) publication trends by year, (2) influential authors, (3) subject area distribution, (4) keyword co-occurrence, (5) author co-citation, and (6) co-authorship by country. The findings show a steady rise in publication output, with notable peaks in 2022 and 2024, reflecting growing academic attention to the field. Shell D.F. and Soh L.K. emerged as the most prolific authors. The Social Sciences dominated the subject area distribution (57.2%), followed by Computer Science, Engineering and Psychology, indicating the field’s interdisciplinary scope. Keyword analysis revealed that “creative thinking” is the most prominent and interconnected term, often linked with education, STEM and digital learning. Co-citation mapping highlighted influential scholars such as Kaufman, Runco, Hu and Bandura, suggesting strong theoretical foundations. Co-authorship analysis showed active regional collaboration, particularly among Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, while the United States maintained global connectivity through strategic academic partnerships. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure and collaborative landscape of scientific creativity research in science education. The insights provide a valuable foundation for guiding future research, fostering policy development and strengthening international collaboration in promoting creativity within science education.

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the green ammonia economy, aiming to map its evolution, structure, and thematic trends from 2010 to 2025. Green ammonia is emerging as a key solution for hydrogen storage and carbon-free fuel in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. The analysis uses a dataset of 2,520 peer-reviewed articles and reviews sourced from the Scopus database, employing R-Studio and VOSviewer for quantitative analysis of publication trends, citation impact, international collaborations, and keyword co-occurrence. The results reveal significant growth in research output, particularly after 2020, driven by global interest in low-carbon energy solutions. Geographically, China leads in publication volume, while the United Kingdom and the United States are central hubs for international research collaborations. Thematic analysis identifies four main clusters: core chemistry and electrochemical conversion, combustion science, techno-economic analysis, and engine applications. The field has transitioned from foundational studies to applied research and policy-oriented analysis. The study emphasizes the need for further interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in socio-economic and policy research, to address the remaining challenges of commercial deployment and systemic integration of green ammonia technologies.

Introduction: Bibliometrics quantitatively analyzes academic publications to evaluate trends, key studies, and scholarly impact, while patentometrics analyzes patent data to monitor innovation and commercialization. This systematic review focuses on Glutathione Peroxidase X4 (GPX4), a key regulator of oxidative stress and ferroptosis, to identify trends and innovations in cancer therapy. Method: Various research articles, reviews, and patents related to GPX4 and cancer were retrieved using databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar and WIPO PatentScope. Data analysis and visualization were performed with VOS Viewer. All documents available in the English language are included in the study. To minimize bias, two reviewers independently screened records, resolving conflicts through discussion or with a third reviewer. Result: Using the Scopus, Google Scholar database and WIPO PatentScope, 587 research publications (research articles & reviews) and 1083 patents related to GPX4 and cancer were retrieved. The study showed rapid growth in research output, with high-impact research frequently published in the Journal of Cell. China contributed the most research articles, while the USA led in patent filings. Tang, D. was the most prolific author, and Marcus Conrad received the highest number of citations. Patent filings surged notably through 2024, with Remix Therapeutics submitting the most applications, underscoring the growing commercial interest in GPX4-targeted cancer therapies. Discussion: The upward trends in publications and patents reflect increasing scientific and translational focus on GPX4. While the study highlights emerging leaders and innovations, limitations include exclusion of non-English literature and reliance on Scopus and Google Scholar, which may miss relevant works. Citations may also undervalue recent research. Conclusion: This analysis provides insights into research hotspots, influential contributors, and emerging patterns in GPX4-related cancer research. It underscores the promising scope of GPX4-based interventions, fostering innovative approaches to the revolutionize cancer treatment. Researchers and innovators can leverage these findings to accelerate advancements in this critical domain.

Climate change threatens global livestock production through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme events. Enhancing livestock system resilience is now a strategic priority for adaptation practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders committed to food security and rural livelihood sustainability. Although research on livestock adaptation is expanding, a comprehensive synthesis of its thematic evolution, performance, and knowledge gaps remains limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 3,217 publications from 1994 to 2023, retrieved from the Scopus database. Analytical tools such as Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used for data processing and visualization. Findings reveal a consistent growth in research output, particularly post-2007, with the United States, China, and France emerging as leading contributors. Prominent authors include Sejian V., Wang X., and Li Y., while influential journals comprise Agricultural Systems, Journal of Animal Science, and Tropical Animal Health and Production. Thematic trends indicate a shift from early physiological studies (1994–2003) toward genetic diversity and adaptive traits (2004–2013), and more recently (2014–2023), a focus on heat stress, methane emissions, and sustainable breeding. The current research landscape emphasizes genetic adaptation, precision breeding, and climate mitigation strategies. Future studies should deepen the exploration of methane mitigation through genetic selection and feed innovations, while integrating indigenous knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches. Policy support and sustainable management practices will be critical to ensuring the long-term viability of livestock systems under a changing climate.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a vital crop for over 500 million people worldwide, particularly in developing countries, especially Africa. Its role in food security, livelihoods, and various industries has spurred extensive research. This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of cassava research trends over the past two decades (2000–2023), utilizing data from the Scopus database and exploring the global production and trade outlook for this important crop. Globally, Nigeria's production of 63 million tonnes of cassava in 2021 represented about 20% of the world's total, securing its position as the leading producer. Thailand led cassava exports, reaching a value of $1.29 billion, while China dominated imports with a value of $1.48 billion for cassava products. The study analysis reveals 13,238 publications with 245,020 citations and an h-index of 41, indicating a consistent growth in research output over the past two decades. Brazil emerged as the most prolific contributor, accounting for 13.8% of the publications, followed by Nigeria and China. The study highlights significant disparities in research output and funding between developed and developing nations. Although Nigeria is the world’s leading producer, the research landscape is dominated by developed countries. These findings underscore the need for increased investment and collaborative efforts to enhance research capacity in developing countries, particularly in Africa. By identifying knowledge gaps and fostering global partnerships, we can accelerate progress towards sustainable cassava production and utilisation for the benefit of all.

Although maritime transport is a fundamental component of global trade, it remains a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. In recent years, maritime decarbonization has gained increasing academic attention, particularly within the context of the European Union’s green transition policies. This study aims to map and analyze the scientific literature on maritime decarbonization with a specific focus on the European Union, employing a bibliometric approach. The analysis is based on peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in the Scopus database between 2020 and 2025. Bibliometric techniques were applied to examine publication trends, keyword co-occurrence patterns, and country-level collaboration networks, with visualizations generated using VOSviewer. The results indicate a rapid growth in research output, with dominant themes centered on alternative fuels, hydrogen, ammonia, renewable energy, and sustainability. European Union member states emerge as central actors in international research collaboration, reflecting the significant influence of EU climate and maritime policies. Overall, this study provides a structured overview of research trends and thematic priorities in the field of maritime decarbonization. Key words: Maritime Decarbonization, European Union, Bibliometric Analysis, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Climate Policy

This study employs a bibliometric approach to analyze the evolution of Islamic finance research from 1990 to 2024. Drawing on data from Scopus database the analysis examines publication trends, authorship patterns, keyword usage, and citation analysis. Findings reveal a significant growth in research output with an 18% annual growth rate, driven by increasing international collaboration. The analysis identifies key research themes, including Islamic banking, Sukuk, Takaful, and social finance, and highlights the emergence of new areas of focus like blockchain and sustainability. Further analysis using author keyword networks and thematic mapping reveals the dynamic evolution of research interests, with a shift towards exploring the social and ethical dimensions of Islamic finance. These insights provide valuable guidance for researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners in understanding the evolving landscape of Islamic finance research and shaping future research directions.

A bibliometric approach was employed to systematically analyze the trends and potential future developments in lactic acid-related cancer research over the past 10 years. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of literature on lactic acid in cancer research from 2015 to 2024, using data collected from the Web of Science database. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify general research directions and trends in current publications, as well as to determine the most prolific and influential authors, institutions, countries, and keywords in lactate and cancer research. The data were collected and analyzed using VOSviewer (Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands), Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, Washington, USA), CiteSpace, and Biblioshiny, with a focus on analysis and visualization. A total of 5,999 publications were analyzed, focusing on various aspects of the relevant literature, including year of publication, country, institution, author, journal, category, keywords, and research frontiers. The analysis of these publications reveals a general upward trend in publication volume from 2015 to 2024, with China and University of California System emerging as the most prolific country and institution, respectively. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS is the most frequently published journal, while Oncotarget is the most cited journal in the field. Zhang Y. was the most prolific author, publishing 100 documents over 10 years, with the highest citation count and an H-index of 28.Keyword analysis revealed five key themes in lactate-cancer research (2013-2023): Metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk, Tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, Innovative therapies/drug delivery, Lactate-mediated signaling, Metabolic-targeted treatment strategies. Current research emphasizes the application of lactic acid metabolism in metabolic intervention, immune microenvironment regulation, combination of new therapeutic techniques and applications in specific cancer types. Research on lactic acid in cancer is growing rapidly, with China at the forefront of this field. Research into lactic acid's role in immune cell regulation, metabolism, and signaling pathways, combined with multi-modal imaging, big data analytics, and innovative drug delivery, is set to become a key trend in future studies, which promises new directions for identifying therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and developing advanced treatments.

Background and Objective: Opioid overdose represents a critical public health issue that has attracted considerable research interest. Therefore, objective of this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the opioid overdose research (OOR) landscape, performance, evolution, citation impact and changing research themes. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed on the OOR data published between, 1971 and 2024. Data were gathered from the Scopus database and analyzed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Citation counts, prolific authors, top sources, and seminal publications were also identified. Thematic mapping was performed to aid the visualization of the major clusters in the OOR data. Results: The analysis included 13,971 authors who contributed to the OOR. Prolific authors, such as Walley, A.Y., and Green, T.C., made notable contributions. "Drug and alcohol dependence" emerged as the top source in the publications. The United States exhibited the highest research output, followed by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The average citation count per article was 22.44, indicating the impact and visibility of the research. Seminal publications have addressed critical topics including opioid prescription patterns, economic burden, medication-assisted therapies, and overdose prevention programs. Thematic mapping revealed clusters related to drug overdose, opioids, overdose prevention, toxicology, buprenorphine, and opioid use disorders. Conclusion: The findings showed an ongoing need for further studies on gap filling, such as long-term consequences, socioeconomic factors and inequalities, in addition to technology application and interdisciplinary collaboration. By focusing on new themes, as well as longitudinal studies, stakeholders can gain improved knowledge on opioid overdose problem-solving solutions that have been applied to victims and their communities, thereby improving outcomes.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the global scientific outputs on eBooks research using Scopus database.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected literature published during 2001-2016 from the Scopus database. Following keywords were used: “eBook*”, “e-Book*”, “electronic book*” or “online book*” in title or keyword or abstract with time span covering 2001 to 2016. The authors further restricted their search limit to subject category of social science, computer science and arts and humanities. A total of 2,965 documents were found from the search strategy, including 1,582 research articles. Articles were considered for the analysis using Microsoft Excel 2007. The bibliometric analysis was performed to analyze the document types, language, publication output, citations, authorship pattern, journals, prolific authors, productive countries and most frequently appeared top words/phrases from the title of the articles.FindingsLiterature on eBooks grown exponential and eBooks was the hot topic of the research in recent decade. Most of the articles were contributed by the single authors, and the USA and the UK were the most productive countries; however, in recent times, Taiwan has also joined them. The articles published in the year 2009 have recorded highest citation rate. Publishing Research Quarterly was the most productive journal, which has published 61 articles on eBooks, followed by the Electronic Library (59) and Library Hi Tech News (35). Korat O. was the most productive author on eBooks research who was affiliated to Bar-Ilan University, Israel. The researchers were keen on investigating the experience of use of eBooks, reader, impact, challenges, access, reading habits and usage of the eBooks.Originality/valueThis is the first kind of study to quantify global research patterns and trends in eBooks, which might provide a potential guide for the future research.

Aims: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a rapidly expanding field of research over the past four decades, resulting in a large and multidisciplinary body of scientific literature. Bibliometric analyses offer valuable insights into publication trends, influential contributors, and the evolving structure of the research landscape. Methods: This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific articles on ASD published between 1980 and 2024 in journals indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E). Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on January 6, 2025, and analyzed using VOSviewer. Key bibliometric indicators included publication volume, citation counts, author and institutional productivity, country-level contributions, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. Results: A total of 23,198 publications were analyzed. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders emerged as the most cited journal, while King’s College London and the University of Toronto were the leading institutions in terms of publication volume. The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada led in publication output and citation impact. Simon Baron-Cohen, Christopher Gillberg, and Tony Charman were identified as the most prolific and influential authors. Keywords such as “neurodevelopmental disorders,” “schizophrenia,” and “Rett syndrome” indicate a strong interdisciplinary focus, particularly in neuroscience and genetics. However, socio-cultural topics such as education and quality of life remain underrepresented. Conclusion: ASD research is characterized by increasing global productivity and interdisciplinary collaboration, although it remains largely concentrated in high-income, English-speaking countries. Future bibliometric studies should incorporate multiple databases, multilingual sources, and qualitative approaches to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of autism research.

Mapping the Future: Unveiling Global Trends in Smart Waste Management Research

Agrivoltaic (AV) systems have emerged as a transformative solution to global challenges in food–energy–water security, climate resilience, and sustainable land use. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends, influences, intellectual structures, and future research directions in AV systems research from 2011 to 2023. Using a bibliometric approach guided by the PRISMA framework, 477 documents from the Scopus database were analyzed through performance analysis and science mapping with Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Key findings reveal exponential growth in research output, with the United States, France, and Germany leading in publications, citations, and international collaboration. Eight thematic clusters were identified, including dual productivity of land use, renewable energy integration, policy implications, and climate adaptation. Influential contributors, such as Joshua M. Pearce, and leading journals, including Applied Energy, shape the field. Emerging areas focus on advanced photovoltaic materials and integrated resource management strategies. This study provides a comprehensive roadmap for advancing AV systems research by identifying critical trends, proposing innovative solutions, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Despite limitations, such as database dependency, this analysis highlights AV systems’ transformative potential to achieve global sustainability goals.

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of research on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in Southeastern Europe, focusing on countries within this region that are transitioning toward sustainable energy systems. Using data from the Scopus database, this analysis identifies critical trends, influential publications, and the most active researchers and institutions contributing to the RES field from 2014 to 2024. The paper highlights the growth in research output over the past decades, the collaboration networks between countries, and the thematic evolution of topics related to renewable energy. Additionally, it examines the regional challenges and opportunities in adopting RES, particularly concerning policy frameworks, technological advancements, and economic factors shaping the energy landscape in Southeastern Europe. The findings offer valuable insights into the future directions of research and development in renewable energy and its implications for energy sustainability in the region.