Advances In Research Research Articles

Revealing the impact of teaching methods on anxiety among college students through a bibliometric study

ObjectiveAnxiety has become increasingly prevalent among university students, significantly affecting their academic performance. Reforming teaching methods as a potential strategy to alleviate anxiety has garnered growing attention over the years. This study aims to systematically analyze and discuss the impact of teaching method reforms on college student anxiety.MethodsThe Web of Science (WOS) database was used to retrieve and collect relevant literature from 2004 to 2024. Major publication sources, countries, institutions, and authors in this field were identified through the number of publications, citation frequency, and H-index indicators. Data-driven analysis was conducted to explore collaboration patterns, knowledge structures, research hotspots, and trends using VOSviewer software.ResultsAfter screening, this study included 192 publications from January 2004 to November 2024, revealing several significant findings: (1) The number of publications has gradually increased, peaking in 2022 and maintaining a high level in the following years. (2) The most productive and influential journals are Nurse Education Today and CBE Life Sciences Education, with the USA and the Indiana University System contributing the most. (3) Collaboration network analysis indicates the presence of multiple research groups in the field, but their connections among countries and authors remain relatively limited. (4) Co-citation analysis of journals shows that the field is interdisciplinary, primarily merging psychology, education, and information technology. (5) Keyword analysis identifies two major research hotspots: factors influencing student anxiety in teaching environments (e.g., self-efficacy, loneliness, and performance) and the moderating effects of teaching method reforms (e.g., blended learning, collaborative learning, and experiential learning) on college student anxiety.ConclusionThis visualization analysis provides an overview of the directions and advancements in research on the impact of teaching method reforms on college students' anxiety. It offers a comprehensive examination of the latest frontiers and trends, contributing theoretical support to educational practices and mental health interventions.

Acute kidney injury, acute kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease: challenges and research perspectives.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are interconnected, with AKI often leading to CKD and vice versa. Despite research advances, their causal relationship in clinical settings remains unclear. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and maladaptive repair are key factors in AKI's progression to CKD. AKI episodes may hasten CKD progression, influenced by demographics, comorbidities, and treatment factors like blood pressure control. This underscores the need for careful management to prevent long-term damage. Prospective cohort studies addressing confounding factors are essential to understanding AKI's impact on CKD. These studies should use precise definitions and measurements to clarify causal pathways and risk factors. Investigating asymptomatic AKI in the general population and CKD patients could offer insights into progression mechanisms and prevention strategies. Understanding AKI-CKD interplay is crucial for developing interventions and improving outcomes, making it a scientific and public health priority.

Biological engineering approaches for modulating the pathological microenvironment and promoting axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury

Functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) presents significant challenges and imposes a substantial burden on society. Current research primarily focuses on minimizing damage and promoting regeneration to enhance functional recovery after SCI. Following SCI, secondary injuries such as mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular rupture, inflammatory responses, and glial scarring occur in the lesion area, forming the pathological microenvironment. These factors expand the extent of damage, exacerbate injury severity, and severely impede axonal regeneration after SCI. Modulating the pathological microenvironment through various interventions may facilitate axonal regeneration and promote functional recovery after SCI. This article reviews the influence and research advancements in axon regeneration concerning mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory response, and glial scar formation after SCI. Additionally, it integrates insights from bioengineering to improve the pathological microenvironment, summarizing the progress in axon regeneration research. The review concludes with novel strategies for enhancing axon regeneration, offering fresh perspectives for future investigations.

Bibliometric analysis of research trends on the combination of radiotherapy and PARP inhibitors in solid tumors

IntroductionRadiotherapy has served as a cornerstone in cancer treatment for over a century. However, the efficacy of radiotherapy is often compromised by the intrinsic and acquired radioresistance of tumors, which can lead to treatment failure and disease recurrence. Recent advancements in preclinical and clinical research have highlighted the potential synergistic efficacy of combining radiotherapy with poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), offering promising therapeutic avenues for solid tumors. This study employs bibliometric analysis to systematically evaluate the evolution, trends, and intellectual landscape of research on the combination of radiotherapy and PARPi in solid tumors.MethodsPublications addressing the combination of radiotherapy and PARPi for solid tumors between 2005 and 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. Bibliometric assessments were conducted using VOSviewer and CiteSpace to analyze publication trends, collaborative networks, and research foci.ResultsA total of 901 articles were included. The United States dominated research output, with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identified as the most productive institution. Hannah Farmer emerged as the most frequently cited author. Keywords co-occurrence analysis revealed a thematic shift from foundational studies on molecular mechanisms, such as DNA damage response and mechanism of action of PARPi, toward clinical investigations evaluating combination therapy efficacy and safety in trials.ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis underscores the rapid growth of research on radiotherapy and PARPi combination therapy, with the United States maintaining a leading role due to its extensive scientific infrastructure and collaborative networks. The field has transitioned from mechanistic explorations to translational and clinical applications, reflecting progress toward therapeutic optimization. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure within this domain and serve as a strategic reference for guiding future research priorities and clinical implementations.

The role of gut microbiota in the development of autoimmune disease - a literature review

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining immune balance, and its dysregulation has been increasingly linked to the development of autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes evidence connecting microbial alterations to conditions such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Changes in microbial diversity and the overgrowth of pro-inflammatory species appear to trigger immune pathways that drive disease progression. Therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring gut balance, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and dietary and lifestyle interventions, show promise in modulating immune responses and improving outcomes. However, despite encouraging results, significant gaps remain regarding the causality of these associations, the long-term safety of interventions like FMT, and the need for individualized therapeutic approaches. Advances in microbiome research, including metagenomic profiling, offer hope for developing personalized treatments. Further studies are necessary to better understand the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the immune system in autoimmune diseases.

Vascular toxicity of benzene series released from decorative materials.

The health risks associated with benzene series emissions from decorative materials have become a paramount concern in indoor air quality assessments, particularly given their established link with cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Despite epidemiological evidence supporting this correlation, the underlying mechanisms remain under debate. This research comprehensively reviewed contemporary epidemiological studies on the cardiovascular impacts of benzene series emissions. It concentrated on the elucidation of their vascular toxicity, encompassing structural damage to vascular tissues, impaired vasoconstrictive-diastolic function, and abnormal lipid accumulation. By illuminating these research advancements, this study aimed to outline directions for future investigations and furnish insights into mitigating the risk of cardiovascular diseases stemming from benzene-contaminated decorative materials, ultimately contributing to public health protection.

Advances in perioperative management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder. Patients with OSA are at significant risk in the perioperative period. Therefore, improving the management of OSA in the perioperative period has become increasingly important. However, some studies have shown that whether the first-line treatment for OSA, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, is effective in the perioperative period remains controversial. This review aims to summarize the latest research advances in the perioperative diagnosis and treatment of OSA, highlighting the role of OSA assessment and treatment in improving patient's safety and outcomes during the perioperative period.

Balancing order and entropy: the role of innovation and organizational disorder in performance across startups and banking

Purpose This study aims to examine how organizations balance operational stability (order) and controlled disorder (entropy) to foster innovation and high performance. It investigates the necessary role of entropy and innovation across two distinct sectors – technology startups and banking and financial services – to determine sector-specific strategies for optimizing performance. Design/methodology/approach The study uses necessary condition analysis (NCA) to assess the “sweet spot” required for high performance. Data were collected from 50 technology startups and 72 banking and financial service institutions. The analysis evaluates whether entropy and innovation function as necessary conditions for achieving competitive advantage in each sector. Findings The findings indicate that innovation is a stronger predictor of performance across both sectors. The effect size of innovation is large in banking (d = 0.52) and moderate in technology startups (d = 0.44), underscoring its critical role in highly regulated industries. Entropy, while necessary, has a more moderate effect in both sectors, serving as a foundational enabler rather than a direct driver of performance. Research limitations/implications This research advances the understanding of entropy as an enabler rather than a determinant of performance, refining theories of ambidexterity, dynamic capabilities and organizational adaptation. The findings support the notion that optimal performance emerges from balancing exploration (innovation-driven entropy) and exploitation (stability and efficiency). Practical implications Technology startups require moderate entropy to sustain creativity while ensuring enough structure for scalability, while banking institutions must deliberately introduce controlled entropy to counteract rigidity and foster innovation. Both sectors must ensure that innovation is actively nurtured and not stifled by excessive control or mismanaged disorder. Originality/value This study challenges conventional views by demonstrating that organizations must actively manage entropy, rather than merely minimize it, to sustain innovation and performance. It applies NCA as a novel method to assess necessary conditions for organizational success, offering a structured approach to understanding when and how entropy contributes to innovation and firm performance.

Leveraging social media for sustainable fashion: how brand and user-generated content influence Gen Z’s purchase intentions

PurposeThis study examines how brand-generated content (BGC) and user-generated content (UGC) on TikTok and Instagram shape Gen Z consumers’ purchase intentions for sustainable fashion. It also investigates the mediating role of social media engagement (SME) in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was employed, using stratified random sampling to target Gen Z consumers aged 16–28. Data were collected from 643 respondents through structured surveys and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS.FindingsBoth BGC and UGC positively influence purchase intentions, with BGC demonstrating a stronger effect due to its professional quality and emotional appeal. SME partially mediates these relationships, amplifying the impact of both content types on purchase behavior.OriginalityThis research advances the sustainable fashion marketing literature by integrating insights from social media influence and consumer behavior, specifically within the Gen Z demographic. Unlike previous studies that focus solely on BGC or UGC in isolation, this study examines their interplay and the crucial mediating role of SME. The findings offer practical guidance for brands on how to strategically balance BGC and UGC to optimize consumer engagement and drive sustainable purchasing decisions.

Lactate and lactylation in liver diseases: energy metabolism, inflammatory immunity and tumor microenvironment

Liver diseases pose a significant threat to human health. Lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis, serves various biological functions, including acting as an energy source, a signaling molecule, and a substrate for lactylation. Lactylation is a novel lactate-dependent post-translational modification that plays a role in tumor proliferation, the regulation of immune cell function, and the modulation of gene expression. In this paper, we summarize the roles of lactate and lactylation in energy metabolism, inflammatory immunity, and the tumor microenvironment, while also elucidating recent research advancements regarding lactate and lactylation in the context of hepatic fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, lactate and lactylation are proposed as promising new targets for the treatment of liver diseases.

EFRAG and ISSB: tensions and opportunities for convergence in the quest for the standardisation of sustainability reporting standards

PurposeThis study critically examines the roles of EFRAG SRB and ISSB in advancing sustainability standard-setting at European and global levels. It investigates how these standard setters navigate alignment challenges while addressing unique stakeholder priorities and the broader implications for the sustainability reporting landscape.Design/methodology/approachA detailed thematic analysis of over 500 publicly available documents and 178 h of audio recordings from EFRAG and ISSB meetings and discussions (March 2022–September 2024) is conducted. The research uses Alvesson and Deetz’s (2000) critical analysis framework, encompassing insight, critique and transformative redefinition phases.FindingsThe study identifies key themes, such as interoperability, materiality, connectivity and digital taxonomy and highlights both convergence and divergence in the approaches of EFRAG and ISSB. Notable differences, including the double materiality focus of EFRAG versus ISSB’s investor-centric materiality, expose tensions that influence the standard-setting process.Research limitations/implicationsThis research advances the understanding of socio-political dynamics in sustainability reporting and their impact on global standardization efforts. Future research can explore how materiality interpretations affect corporate practices and stakeholder engagement.Practical implicationsInsights are offered for practitioners and policymakers managing compliance with dual standards, emphasizing the need for integrated frameworks and enhanced connectivity between financial and sustainability reporting. This research calls on both standard setters to consider the potential for integrated reporting to help with connectivity and stakeholder engagement.Originality/valueBy integrating resistant innovation concepts with platform dynamics, this study contributes novel perspectives on the alignment of sustainability standards, emphasizing the influence of regional and global socio-political factors. It provides a summary of the current state of play between these two key standard-setting bodies and outlines numerous avenues for future research.

Optune in Glioblastoma: Revolutionizing Treatment with Tumor Treating Fields

Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive primary brain tumors in adults, known for its rapid progression and poor prognosis. Despite advancements in surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the median survival for GBM patients remains limited. In recent years, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), commercially known as Optune, have emerged as an innovative, non-invasive therapeutic approach. TTFields utilize alternating electric fields to interfere with the mitotic processes of cancer cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. This paper aims to provide an in-depth review of the current understanding of TTFields therapy, assess its clinical efficacy, and explore future directions in GBM management. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2025. The search was performed using databases such as PubMed, JAMA, Lancet Oncology, Neuro-Oncology etc. Keywords included “glioblastoma,” “Tumor Treating Fields,” “Optune,” “clinical trials,” and “survival outcomes”. Summary: The integration of TTFields therapy into the standard GBM treatment regimen represents a significant advancement in neuro-oncology. Clinical evidence indicates that TTFields, particularly in combination with temozolomide, can extend survival and delay disease progression in GBM patients. Conclusions: TTFields therapy has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for glioblastoma, offering new hope for patients facing this highly aggressive disease. While current data support its efficacy and safety, further large-scale studies are needed to refine treatment protocols, identify predictive biomarkers, and assess long-term benefits. As research advances, TTFields may become an integral part of multimodal glioblastoma therapy, potentially improving both survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Recent advances in quinazolinone derivatives: structure, design and therapeutic potential.

Quinazolinones, a prominent class of heterocyclic compounds, have garnered significant attention due to their diverse biological activities and synthetic versatility. Over the past thirty years, extensive research has been conducted to explore their pharmacological potential, making them an essential scaffold in modern medicinal chemistry.This review provides an analysis of the most common synthesis methods employed for the preparation of quinazolinones, highlighting their efficiency and applicability. Furthermore, it presents an in-depth discussion of their broad-spectrum biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-Alzheimer's, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiviral properties. By summarizing the latest advancements in quinazolinone research, specifically those made in the past five years, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, facilitating easy access to recent studies and promoting further advancements in the field.

A review of appropriate use of agroforestry residues for biogas production and prospects

Making bioenergy from waste or residue is one of the innovative and valuable ways to use renewable resources in addition to wind and solar energy. Many poor countries can benefit from this as they attempt to address the enormous amounts of rubbish left in landfills. This waste could be liquid (oil and wastewater) or solid (food and agricultural and agroforestry wastes). These consist of waste or agroforestry residues, like tree stumps and leftover leaves from timber harvest. Its’ all produced via an agroforestry system. Waste has a detrimental impact on the ecosystem and, consequently, all living organisms. One solution to this waste issue is to use garbage as a resource to produce beneficial products like biogas using compressed bioenergy production equipment. In this work, bibliometric methodologies were employed to assess global research advancements in bioenergy production from garbage through the Scopus database and developments in bioenergy production from waste. This review study assumed that agroforestry waste may be an optimistic substrate for biogas production in developing countries due to its widespread availability. Compressed biogas production, among other alternatives, is a workable solution to the countrys’ current energy issues and is safe for the environment because it emits no pollutants.

Ethical and Culturally Responsive Listening in the Media Coverage of Indigenous Sámi People’s Human Rights

ABSTRACT This qualitative study investigates the relationship between media coverage and ethical and culturally responsive listening in the context of the Sámi people, Europe’s sole indigenous group, and their third-generation human rights. The analysis of narrative functions of online news articles (n = 13) reveals how narratives surrounding the Sámi intersect with ethical and culturally responsive listening principles. The study presents two conclusions: Media narratives successfully integrate diverse voices and perspectives, aligning with ethical and culturally responsive practices. These narratives actively enable authentic representations of Sámi culture and human rights. However, the study also detects underlying inconsistencies in narratives and questions the attribution of human agency. These findings underscore the need for more culturally sensitive media narratives about Indigenous communities. They emphasize the complexities of decolonizing communication, even when ethical and culturally responsive elements appear on the surface. Overall, this research advances the discourse on media representations of Indigenous communities and emphasizes the significance of ethical and culturally responsive listening in fostering more equitable representations.

Non-destructive evaluation of failure mechanisms in multilayered coal-rock specimens using acoustic emission characterisation

ABSTRACT This study presents a multi-parameter Acoustic Emission (AE) framework to evaluate failure mechanisms in coal-rock composites. Using uniaxial compression tests with varying coal-seam dip angles (0°–60°) and thickness ratios (1:3 to 3:1), we developed an AE-based methodology that integrates three key analyses: (a) stress–strain relationships, (b) cumulative AE energy/count evolution, and (c) b-value transitions. Results show that structural anisotropy significantly influences failure modes. Increased dip angles (45°/60°) enhanced strength by 18.7–23.4% due to better stress redistribution, while higher coal-layer ratios decreased load-bearing capacity by 27.3% due to interfacial decohesion. The b-value transition sequence (fluctuation → stabilisation → critical minimum → recovery → sudden decay) provides reliable precursors for predicting failure, correlating 82–94% with macroscopic fracture initiation. This research advances AE-based non-destructive testing by quantifying interfacial damage through energy dissipation patterns and predicting instability using b-value trajectories. The proposed method enables real-time monitoring of structural integrity in complex geological environments, with applications in mining support and early-warning systems.

Perceptions of Far-Right Extremist Violence as Terrorism: Exploring Influences on Public Perception in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT This article presents the results of an empirical inquiry into the complex dynamics of public perception of Far-Right Extremism (FRE). The instrument of data collection was an online questionnaire which produced a rich dataset comprising both quantitative and qualitative data. This study investigates the extent to which the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) public associates Far-Right violence with terrorism and whether media consumption, trustworthiness of media reporting of FRE incidents and social identity—age, gender and ethnicity—influence whether individuals attribute a terrorist label to FRE case studies. Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between Social Media and TV News Programmes consumption and the trustworthiness of TV News, Tabloid and Broadsheet Newspapers reporting on the labelling of several FRE incidents as terroristic or not. Statistical analysis also revealed that respondents’ age and gender significantly influenced whether three of the four case studies were classified as acts of terrorism, whereas ethnicity had no impact. The research advances the current depth of understanding on labelling of FRE incidents as terrorism by conducting a much-needed empirical investigation and elucidating the diverse range of influences on public perception of FRE.

Use and bioavaliability of polysaccharides from algal source as polymeric biomaterials in the food industry

The use of natural polymers has surged due to concerns about environmental pollution from plastics and emerging pollutants from fossil fuels. Within this framework, polysaccharides derived from macroalgae and microalgae are recognized as abundant natural resources suitable for diverse applications in biology, biomedicine, and food industries. These polysaccharides are used to create various nanomaterials that serve as effective carriers in the food sector. Incorporating polysaccharide-based nanomaterials as functional food ingredients can enhance texture properties and reduce caloric density. Furthermore, these nanostructures show promise in developing food packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Importantly, polysaccharide-based nanomaterials are biocompatible and biodegradable. This review article thus explores the utilization of algal polysaccharides for manufacturing nanomaterials and their potential application across the food field. Furthermore, the article examines the role of algae as a source of polysaccharides, nanomaterials derived from these biopolymers, recent advances in research and potential applications in the food industry.

Applying causality to environmental security in Iraq

Despite major advances in environmental security research, non-experimental observations typically rely on methods that retrieve or validate specific linkages, rather than uncovering broader causal mechanisms underlying environmentally driven armed conflict. This article demonstrates how recent advances in causal methodology can be applied to more comprehensively retrieve and validate a network of such linkages. By retrieving a more integrated causal structure of pathways from environmental variables to conflict activity, we offer a novel methodological perspective on how causal relationships among environmental, demographic, agricultural and armed conflict variables can be identified, and how associated causal hypotheses can be tested. To uncover these pathways and infer causal effects of natural conditions on conflict activity, we apply this methodology to non-experimental observations of armed conflict across Iraqi subdistricts. Our findings support the hypotheses that latent energy and soil moisture indirectly cause conflict activity. While confirming that armed conflict is positively mediated by population density, the results do not support the hypothesis that wheat production negatively mediates conflict. Finally, we discuss our methodological approach, clarify its limitations, propose future research directions, and consider the implications for evidence-based policy interventions.

Feature-based behavior coding for efficient exploratory analysis using pose estimation

This paper introduces feature-based behavior coding (FBBC), an efficient method for exploratory analysis in behavioral research using pose estimation techniques. FBBC addresses the challenges of traditional behavioral coding methods, particularly in the exploratory stages of research when coding schemes are not yet well defined. By leveraging keypoint detection and dimensionality reduction, FBBC transforms video data into interpretable feature time series, enabling researchers to analyze diverse postural patterns more efficiently. Also presented is Behavior Senpai, an open-source software implementation of FBBC that integrates automated feature extraction with human insight. A case study demonstrates FBBC’s ability to classify complex postures by combining multiple features and manual clustering. While the current iteration focuses on instantaneous posture classification, the framework shows potential for expansion to action classification. FBBC offers increased flexibility in developing coding schemes and reduces the time-consuming nature of repetitive observations. This approach represents a considerable advancement in behavioral research, bridging traditional methods with modern machine-learning techniques. As FBBC is adopted and refined, it will contribute to more comprehensive and insightful behavioral analyses across the psychological and behavioral sciences.