Focal Areas Research Articles

Cancer phenomics research hotspots and development trends: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023

The emerging field of cancer phenomics provides comprehensive insights into tumor heterogeneity, promoting advances in personalized oncology. This study explores current research hotspots and future development trends in cancer phenomics through a bibliometric analysis of research from 2000 to 2023. Using data from the Web of Science Core Collection, we analyzed 1260 publications to identify global contributions and collaborative networks. Employing CiteSpace and VOSviewer tools, we examined research trends, highlighting disease progression, multi-omics integration, and phenotypic drug discovery as major focus areas. Key findings reveal that the United States, China, and the United Kingdom are leading contributors, with top institutions such as Harvard Medical School advancing research and fostering international collaboration. Additionally, the analysis underscores the prominence of double-positive (DP) T cells and natural killer (NK) cells in cancer immunology, showcasing their potential roles in phenotypic screening and cancer therapeutics. Despite advancements, the study notes ongoing challenges in translating phenomics research to clinical applications, suggesting that enhanced global partnerships and technological integration are essential. This analysis offers valuable perspectives for future research and highlights phenomics' transformative potential in precision oncology, advocating for its role in advancing cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

The effect of a practice checklist on performance achievement, practice time, focal practice areas, and practice strategies of collegiate non-music majors enrolled in a beginning “Danso,” Korean traditional wind instrument class

This study investigated the effects of a practice checklist on performance achievement, practice time, focal practice areas—the key musical elements students focused on during practice—and practice strategies among non-music major South Korean college students learning the Danso, a traditional Korean wind instrument. Ninety-six students participated, with 46 in the experimental group using a practice checklist and 50 in the control group without the checklist. All participants attended a 50-min weekly class for 7 weeks. At the end of the 7-week period, both groups were surveyed to measure their average weekly practice time and focal practice areas. Performance achievement was assessed through a test focusing on key musical elements, and practice strategies were evaluated using a modified version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). The results revealed that using a practice checklist significantly improved performance in specific areas such as rhythm, tempo, and breathing but did not increase overall practice time. The checklist also helped students maintain a balanced focus on key musical elements, preventing an overemphasis on sound production. However, the checklist did not significantly promote the use of metacognitive strategies, indicating a need for additional instructional support.

Post-traumatic patellar tendon ossification in children: a case series

Background. Fractures of the bones that form the knee joint in children are quite rare, accounting for up to 6% of all bone fractures. These include avulsion fractures of the patellar apex as well as tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures, which may result in patellar tendon ossification. Based on literature, the ossification may also occur in cases of primary or chronic (complete or partial) patellar tendon tears. Such a complication is quite rare in pediatric traumatology; it requires differential diagnosis and various surgical tactics. The aim of the study is to present a clinical and radiological picture of post-traumatic patellar tendon ossification in children and its surgical treatment outcomes using a case series as an example. Methods. We present a monocenter retrospective series of 4 male patients. Anamnestic, clinical, radiological and histological data were analyzed. Results. The patients’ mean age was 14 (range, 11-16) years. In all cases, there was a history of trauma. Initially, after getting injured, the patients were treated for a knee injury. In one patient, as a result of his falling on 2 limbs, a bilateral pathology was observed; in other three cases, the pathology was unilateral. Flexion contracture and pain syndrome prevailed in the clinical picture. All patients underwent surgery ranging from excision of ossifications to excision of ossifications with reconstruction of tendon defects and refixation of the tibial tuberosity with osteosynthesis. In all cases, knee joint contracture was eliminated and the volume of movement was fully restored. Histology showed fragments of mature bone tissue represented by thinned bone beams with focal osteoclastic reaction and areas of endochondral ossification. Conclusions. The clinical picture of pediatric patients with patellar tendon ossification manifests in the form of a chronic cascade of symptoms and functional and topographic disorders: patellar tendon ossification, patella alta, anterior knee pain, flexion contracture and rectus femoris muscle hypotrophy. X-ray and MRI data determine a formation of bone density with uneven clear contours in the projection of the patellar tendon, along with patella alta and the Caton-Deschamps index increasing more than 1.3. The primary treatment method of the developed complication is the surgical one, which leads to the restoration of the full amplitude of movements in the knee joint.

Components of joint health and wellbeing strategies: a pan-London review of all 33 local authorities

BackgroundIn the UK, Health and Wellbeing Strategies (JHWS) were introduced to identify and help address the health needs of local communities. JHWS translate a borough’s Joint Strategic Needs assessment into actionable outcomes and prioritises areas of focus, but the content and approach of JHWS may vary across different local authorities (LAs) due to demographic and priority differences.ObjectiveCharacterise the key health and wellbeing components of existing and emerging health and wellbeing strategies of 33 local authorities in London.DesignScoping review study with content assessment.MethodsAn online search was conducted to identify JHWS documents. This search was supplemented with outreach to health and wellbeing boards to ensure that the latest documents were retrieved. A set of 62 health and wellbeing themes and words to be captured spanning 13 categories was developed by a team of researchers, and data collection was independently carried out by two researchers. Occurrences of words in the strategy documents were recorded, and a configuration matrix was created and used to determine data trends across the local authorities. A broad search of the context in which the search terms appeared was also performed to understand the trends.ResultsThirty-three JHWS were analysed to identify key search term frequencies. The analysis encompassed strategies from 2015 to 2030, ranging from 7 to 94 pages. Mental health and youth terms emerged as the two top priorities across all strategies. Other frequent terms were related to access to healthcare, inequality, employment, smoking, housing, carers, and elderly individuals. Conversely, terms related to dental health, pollution, nutrition, sexual health, green spaces, breastfeeding, and climate were less cited.ConclusionThis analysis provides insights into regional health priorities and a comprehensive overview of health and wellbeing strategies across London's local authorities. Despite certain limitations, the findings offer valuable insights for local authorities' strategic planning and future research.

Dietary patterns of Chinese children and adolescents and their associations with family characteristics and functioning: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundDietary patterns influence children and adolescents’ health not only in the present but also in their adulthood. Family characteristics and functioning play a crucial role in food choices and are important modifiable factors for early interventions aimed at preventing unhealthy diets.ObjectiveThe study aimed to analyze the dietary patterns of Chinese children and adolescents and explore their associations with family characteristics and functioning.Methods6276 participants aged 6 to 17 years were recruited for the multicenter cross-sectional study through cluster sampling. Food intake, family characteristics, and family function were assessed. Dietary patterns were identified through factor analysis based on food intake data, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations between dietary patterns, family characteristics, and family functioning.ResultsThree distinct dietary patterns were identified: the “Diverse dietary pattern” (characterized by a rich diet and balanced nutrition), the “Fast food concentrated dietary pattern” (primarily consisting of fried foods, sugary drinks, processed meats, and other junk food), and the “Traditional dietary pattern” (mainly vegetables and grains). Girls, those living in rural areas, and those with better family functioning were more likely to adhere to the “Diverse dietary pattern” (p < 0.01). Girls, primary school students, and those with lower educated mothers tended to have higher adherence to the “Traditional dietary pattern” (p < 0.01). High adherence to the “Fast food concentrated dietary pattern” were associated with boys, older age, Han ethnicity, family dysfunction, living with both parents, being an only-child, having a better educated father, lower family income, and higher pocket money (p < 0.01).ConclusionChildren and adolescents from different family backgrounds exhibit distinct dietary patterns, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention tailored to these varying family characteristics. Among the modifiable family factors, better family functioning stands out as a key area of focus for promoting and sustaining healthy dietary patterns in Chinese children and adolescents.

Bridging AI Innovation and Cybersecurity: Generative AI's Contribution to NIS2 Compliance

The digital world is changing quickly. One big area of focus is how artificial intelligence (AI) fits in with cybersecurity. New rules, like the NIS2 Directive, are pushing organizations to keep their systems secure. This research looks at how generative AI can help meet those safety standards. More companies are using generative AI for things like data creation and risk assessment. This gives them a chance to improve their security practices. We explore how AI tools, like machine learning and natural language processing, can help find weaknesses, predict threats, and respond to incidents. This way, companies can follow the tough rules set by NIS2. We analyze how AI is currently used in cybersecurity. The goal is to share best practices for using these technologies well. We also address the challenge of keeping new tech secure. In the end, we want to add to the conversation about AI and cybersecurity. We give advice for policymakers and business leaders on how to use generative AI as a smart tool for both innovation and meeting NIS2 requirements. This study highlights how generative AI can help improve cybersecurity while also fulfilling regulatory needs in today's tricky digital landscape.

Beyond CPAP for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Patients with OSA

Abstract An accumulating body of evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between sleep and cardiovascular (CV) health. A high level of evidence has linked obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Accordingly, clinical sleep medicine emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the context of promoting CV health. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the main stay treatment for OSA, is effective in improving several sleep-related quality-of-life outcomes and leads to modest reductions in blood pressure, there is currently insufficient evidence to justify using CPAP alone for improving CVD outcomes in OSA. Sleep physicians are uniquely positioned to expand their focus beyond the evaluation of OSA and administering CPAP, in efforts to enhance the CV health of sleep patients. Herein, we suggest the role of sleep physicians as CV preventionists. Key focus areas for managing CV risk beyond CPAP therapy in OSA include identifying comorbid disorders that are vital for optimizing CV health. This involves risk-stratifying patients and providing appropriate counseling, referrals, and treatment as appropriate for comorbid sleep conditions such as insomnia and insufficient sleep, comorbid CV risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, as well as counseling for weight management programs, smoking and alcohol cessation. We urge sleep clinicians to play an active and integral role in optimizing CV health of patients with sleep disorders.

Analysis of Investment Strategy and Practice in the Construction of China's Belt and Road Initiative

The current study offers a thorough study of investment strategies and practices under the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) to promote international economic cooperation and development and China announced BRI in 2013. The study delves into the financial strategies employed by China, such as governmental loans, commercial financing, and the creation of specialized funds to support infrastructure projects across participating countries. It also examines how China has tight ties with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and other global financial institutions, to leverage technical and financial support. Key focus areas include the optimization of investment layouts, innovation in financing models, and the creation of mechanisms for risk management to ensure a guaranteed sustainability of investments for long term. This research emphasizes the importance of balancing long-term strategic goals with short-term economic benefits, particularly when investing in large-scale infrastructure projects that require significant capital and extended timelines for returns. Furthermore, the study investigates the role of sustainable development and the necessity of building cooperative models that foster mutual growth, with the aim of contributing to the shared prosperity of China and its partner nations along the Belt and Road.

Text Analysis of Archival Finding Aids

Archival repositories must be strategic and selective in deciding what collections they will acquire and steward. Careful collection stewards balance many factors, including ongoing resource needs and future research use. They ensure new acquisitions build upon existing topical strengths in the repository’s holdings and reassess these existing strengths regularly through multiple lenses. In this study, we examine the suitability of text analysis as a method for analyzing collection scope strengths across a repository’s physical archival holdings. We apply a tool for text analysis called Leximancer to analyze a corpus of archival finding aids to explore topical coverage. Leximancer results were highly aligned with the baseline subject heading analysis that we performed, but the concepts, themes, and co-occurring topic pairs surfaced by Leximancer suggest areas of collection strength and potential focus for new acquisitions. We discuss the potential applications of text analysis for internal library use including collection development, as well as potential implications for wider description, discovery, and access. Text analysis can accurately surface topical strengths and directly lead to insights that can inform future acquisition decisions and archival collection development policies.

Sustainability and groundwater in the context of Water-Energy-Food Nexus: a review of the literature

The sustainability of groundwater is contingent upon the Water-Energy-Food Nexus. In this context, the article aimed to analyze the state of the art in this field by using the Scopus database and the following keywords: “Sustainability”, “Nexus”, and “Groundwater”. The analysis was based on articles published over the last 79 years, from 1945 to August 2024. The results indicated that the production of articles on this topic started in 2008 and increased significantly from 2015 to 2023, with the USA having the highest number of publications. The publications encompass a multitude of disciplines, including environmental sciences, energy, engineering, social sciences, agricultural and biological sciences, earth and planetary sciences, business, management and accounting, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, chemical engineering, economics, econometrics, and finance. This demonstrates that the topic is inherently multidisciplinary, a conclusion supported by the variety of keywords identified. The keyword analysis yielded three clusters. The first area of focus is the nexus between climate change, agriculture (particularly crops and irrigation), energy, and sustainable water resources management. The second area of focus addresses the interrelationship between agriculture, ecosystems, food security, and the quality and availability of water resources. Moreover, the third area is related to hydrogeology and management of underground water resources. The identified gaps in the nexus include the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the nexus as a system, the absence of policy development to analyze synergies among all factors, the need for multi-sector integration, the dearth of socioeconomic impacts, the scarcity of local and specific data availability, and limited mention of the role of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in integrated water resource management. The identified trends highlight the convergence of climate change, agriculture, and water resource management, emphasizing food security and ecosystem protection. Technologies are becoming more energy-intensive, increasing the interdependence between water and energy. Mathematical models and machine learning are employed to predict the quality and quantity of groundwater.

A Comparative Study of Renewable Energy Vehicle Policies between China and Japan and Its Implications

Sustainable green development, with a particular emphasis on reducing carbon footprints, has emerged as a pressing global concern as nations endeavor to transition towards low-carbon economies. This paper focuses on China and Japan, two leading automobile nations that prioritize the development of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) technologies. A comparative analysis of the EV and NEV policies in these two prominent Asian countries is conducted, delving into various aspects such as incentives, innovations, market promotion strategies, and the development of charging infrastructure. China's NEV industry has made significant strides due to robust government support, fostering a thriving ecosystem for electric vehicles. In contrast, Japan's government and market have adopted a more conservative approach, placing a strong emphasis on hybrid vehicles. While both countries excel in their respective areas of focus, limitations remain. China is continuously seeking more sustainable methods to advance its NEV sector, while Japan faces delays in transitioning from hybrid vehicles to fully electric models. To enhance future competitiveness and propel global efforts towards a low-carbon, sustainable future, this paper provides valuable policy suggestions tailored to the unique challenges faced by both countries.

Bibliometric analysis of nanotechnology in spinal cord injury: current status and emerging frontiers

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze the impact of nanotechnology on the treatment and recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI), a condition that has profound global effects on physical and psychological health.MethodsWe utilized the Web of Science Core Collection to obtain bibliometric data. With the tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we conducted a comprehensive review of 422 relevant publications to identify research trends and influential works in the field of nanotechnology applied to SCI.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant contributions from both China, Sweden and the United States, and pinpointed inflammation, apoptosis, and nano-drug delivery as the primary areas of focus in current research, with emerging trends evident in recent literature.ConclusionNanotechnology hold great potential to revolutionize the treatment of SCI through targeted therapeutics and modulation of pathological processes. This study provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of SCI research, underscoring the importance of continuous innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Service providers’ perspectives and reproductive (in)justice among Roma women: a qualitative study in Spain

The main objective of this study is to identify the barriers that prevent Roma women and girls from accessing reproductive rights derived from reproductive justice by analysing the discourses of service providers as a facilitating source of information. A qualitative study including nine semi-structured in-person interviews with community service providers was conducted in April-June 2019. The interview script addressed intercultural competences, views on gender discrimination against Roma women, resources available to fight against this discrimination, knowledge and use of these resources in reproductive justice, as well as the networks of actors involved. The qualitative analysis involved a discourse analysis. In the analysis, three focal areas were defined around which barriers to access spaces inspired by reproductive justice for Roma women could be identified. In each of the focal areas (stereotypes, discrimination, and intercultural competences), discourses and practices have been observed in contrasting ways that can prevent access, as well as others that can facilitate access based on prejudices about Roma culture and people. The relationship models between professionals and users of the Roma population project stereotypes that are an obstacle in terms of accessing reproductive justice. The right of Roma women to preserve their culture and to actively participate in policies that affect them is not included and guaranteed in public policies. The intention to include the Roma population’s situation in an inclusive narrative exists, although without short-term effects. Reproductive justice is an absent framework within professional intervention and the institutional system.

Trends and Advances in Antimicrobial Surface Modification for Orthopedic Implants (2014-2024).

The failure of orthopedic implants can significantly impact patients physiologically, psychologically, and economically. A bibliometric study of the field of surface modification for antimicrobial purposes in orthopedic implants provides insights into its developmental trajectory and offers valuable predictions for future advancements, thus playing a pivotal role in guiding research in this domain. Relevant publications on surface modification for antimicrobial purposes in orthopedic implants published between 2014 and 2024 were selected from the Web of Science (Core Collection) dataset and analyzed using VOSviewer and Citespace. The analysis encompassed 725 articles. Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in the number of publications related to surface modification for antimicrobial purposes in orthopedic implants, with China emerging as the primary contributor. Novel antimicrobial materials development, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis have become focal areas of research interest in this domain. Surface modification for antimicrobial purposes in orthopedic implants garners increasing attention. Research in this field is anticipated to expand, with future focus likely to revolve around novel material applications, repair outcomes, and underlying mechanisms.

Environmental sustainability in stadiums: harnessing industry drivers and priorities for improved outcomes

PurposeThis paper aims to identify industry drivers and priorities that influence decision-making towards adopting environmentally sustainable (ES) features in stadiums. An “Environmentally Sustainable Stadium (ESS) Process Model” is proposed to track ES features throughout their life cycle, guiding planning, designing, construction, operation and management.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through 20 online semi-structured interviews with experts from sustainability, built environment, stadium management, mega-event planning and management and researchers. The experts’ project experiences spanned across Oceania, North America, South America, Asia and Europe. The data were recorded and transcribed through Teams and analysed using NVivo 11 application software.FindingsStadium’s ES features predominantly focus on energy, waste and materials management with some emphasis on carbon emission reductions and renewable energy sources. Emerging focus areas include flexible designs, audience (or fans) and community engagement, circular economy principles and integration with nature. Key drivers for adopting ES features include legislation and other sector-based requirements, competitive advantages and stakeholder pressures. ES feature success depends on owner support, budget, partnerships, expertise and opportunities. Major barriers include stakeholder diversity, infrastructure limitations and limited stadium-specific requirements.Practical implicationsThis paper proposes a six-step “ESS Process Model” to support the stadium industry to holistically integrate ES features, from the initial decision-making to the implementation, ongoing improvement and stakeholder engagement. The model helps stakeholders to identify opportunities, navigate challenges and achieve continual improvement.Originality/valueThe ESS process model is a novel approach to integrate ES features in stadiums, through enhancing collaboration among stakeholders and overcoming challenges in choosing, implementing and maintaining ES features.

How should scientists act? Assessing public perceptions of scientists and scientific practices and their implications for science communication

Is how science is conducted legitimate? Are scientists trustworthy? Whether the public answers “yes” to these questions is critical for science communicators. We explore how social factors affect public perceptions of the practice of science, and then test how those beliefs relate to views about how scientists engage with the public and policy making. Our results show that political ideology and religiosity affect these views. However, more importantly, respondents' concerns about the integrity of the scientific process are the strongest predictor of views about scientists' behavior, providing a focus area for future communication efforts in support of science-based decision making.

Advances in Renewable Energy Research and Applications

Renewable energy has emerged as a critical focus area for addressing the dual challenges of growing electricity demand and environmental sustainability [...]

Understanding the Underlying Knowledge Structure in Business Ethics, Governance and Sustainability Research

Given their significant role, this study aims to comprehensively understand the linkages between business ethics, governance, and Sustainability research. The study is focused on knowing the knowledge structure that connects these concepts, identifying the critical areas of focus, and tracking their evolution over time. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on a data set covering 2003 to 2024. Two worldwide repute databases, namely, Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), were used to search scientific publications (Sharma et al. 2023; Sharma et al. 2024). The selection process adhered to the inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The Structural Topic Modeling (STM) approach was employed to group related data segments, revealing underlying patterns and significant content. Specific latent topics such as Experiential learning, corporate governance structure and behavior, Sustainability through energy policy, and Environmental protection acts were identified, which depicted the underlying knowledge areas in this field of study. Future research in business ethics and corporate Sustainability must pay attention to the emerging contextual issues in business contexts and make the future study of business ethics and corporate sustainability move beyond traditional totems and taboos in social ventures, family businesses, start-ups, and SMEs.

Gender Dynamics in Video Game Use: usage patterns, parental control, motivations, and effects in spanish adolescents

Introduction: Video game usage among adolescents has become a focal area of study due to its impact on development and social behaviors. Gender differences in gaming engagement and parental control raise questions about tailored intervention needs. Objective: This study aimed to examine video game usage patterns, motivations, parental controls, and problematic use among Spanish adolescents aged 12-20, while exploring gender-specific differences to identify potential areas for targeted interventions. Methodology: A sample of 2567 Spanish adolescents (M=14.89; SD=1.90) participated in a survey-based study assessing gaming habits, parental control, motivations for gaming, and indicators of problematic use. Results: The findings revealed significant gender differences: male adolescents reported higher gaming involvement, spending more time and money on video games, and engaged more in online gambling, which correlated with increased problem gambling rates. In contrast, female adolescents reported experiencing greater parental control and supervision regarding their gaming activities. Discussion: These findings align with previous studies suggesting that male adolescents are more likely to engage heavily in gaming and gambling behaviors, while females are subject to more parental oversight. Such gender-specific patterns suggest different motivations and social dynamics in gaming among adolescents. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity for gender-responsive strategies to promote healthy gaming habits among adolescents. Interventions should consider these distinct patterns to effectively mitigate potential risks associated with excessive or problematic gaming behaviors, emphasizing a balanced approach tailored to the unique needs of male and female gamers.

Global trends in machine learning applied to clinical research in liver cancer: Bibliometric and visualization analysis (2001-2024).

This study explores the intersection of liver cancer and machine learning through bibliometric analysis. The aim is to identify highly cited papers in the field and examine the current research landscape, highlighting emerging trends and key areas of focus in liver cancer and machine learning. By analyzing citation patterns, this study sheds light on the evolving role of machine learning in liver cancer research and its potential for future advancements.