Contribution Of Research Research Articles

Intergovernmental networks and local government capacity for disaster management in North Sumatra

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of decentralization on disaster management in North Sumatra Province. Specifically, it will analyze the intergovernmental networks, local government resilience, leadership, and communication within disaster management agencies. The study used a hybrid research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies to investigate the connections between these factors and their influence on disaster response and mitigation. The study encompassed 144 personnel from diverse government tiers in North Sumatra and performed a meta-analysis on the implementation of disaster management. Intergovernmental networks were discovered to enhance collaboration in disaster management by eliminating regulatory gaps and efficiently allocating logistics. Nevertheless, local governments have obstacles as a result of limited resources and inadequate expertise, notwithstanding the progress made in infrastructure technology. The F test results reveal that leadership and communication have a substantial impact on the performance of BPBD personnel. The meta-assessment classifies its impact as extraordinarily high, suggesting comprehensive evaluation and successful achievement of goals in disaster management planning. Efficient cooperation among relevant parties is essential in handling calamities in North Sumatra. The government, commercial sector, NGOs, universities, and society have unique responsibilities. To improve effectiveness, governments should encourage private sector involvement, while institutions can increase their research contributions.

A bibliometric study toward quantitative research assessment of security of machine learning

Purpose Advances in machine learning (ML) have made significant contributions to the development of intelligent and autonomous systems leading to concerns about resilience of such systems against cyberattacks. This paper aims to report findings from a quantitative analysis of literature within ML security to assess current research trends in ML security. Design/methodology/approach The study focuses on statistical analysis of literature published between 2000 and 2023, providing quantitative research contributions targeting authors, countries and interdisciplinary studies of organizations. This paper reports existing surveys and a comparison of publications of attacks on ML and its in-demand security. Furthermore, an in-depth study of keywords, citations and collaboration is presented to facilitate deeper analysis of this literature. Findings Trends identified between 2021 and 2022 highlight an increase in focus on adversarial ML – 40\% more publications compared to 2020–2022 with more than 90\% publications in journals. This paper has also identified trends with respect to citations, keywords analysis, annual publications, co-author citations and geographical collaboration highlighting China and the USA as the countries with highest publications count and Biggio B. as the researcher with collaborative strength of 143 co-authors which highlight significant pollination of ideas and knowledge. Keyword analysis highlighted deep learning and computer vision as the most common domains for adversarial attacks due to the potential to perturb images whilst being challenging to identify issues in deep learning because of complex architecture. Originality/value The study presented in this paper identifies research trends, author contributions and open research challenges that can facilitate further research in this domain.

Dynamics of legume Cropping and Agro-ecological Transition in the Cotton Savannah Zones of West Africa: the Case of Koumbia District of Burkina Faso

Aims: This paper shows the contribution of participatory research to upgrade the integration of legumes into cropping systems. Place and Duration of Study: The investigation is based on survey data collected in 2008 and 2011 (two reference years) and 2021 and 2022 (current situation) in the village of Koumbia in western Burkina Faso. Methodology: Data was collected through surveys and field measurements. The surveys were conducted with a sample of fifty (50) volunteer farmers. In 2008, 2011 and 2022, the same questionnaire was administered to all 50 farmers. Field measurements with GPS (Global Positioning System) were conducted on crop area. Results: The results show that the proportion of area under legumes crops increased by 77,38% after 15 years. Other legumes crops (Glycine max and Mucuna sp.) were introduced in addition to those previously grown (groundnuts and cowpeas) by farmers. Surface cropped in sorghum (35.36%) and millet (82.79%) declined while cotton and maize remain the main crops in the zone. The results on farmers’ perception show that they prefer single cropping of legume crops as their insertion modality in the existing farming systems compared to their association with cereals. Conclusion: The study shows that the role of legumes is increasing in the cropping system, and represents an opportunity to succeed in the agro-ecological transition, even though the intercropping of cereal/legume, which is put forward by the theoretical models of the agro-ecological transition, is still little practiced. The structuration of the legume sector can be a condition for achieving it.

The Role of Civil Society and Religious Organizations in Shaping Environmental Policy in Bangladesh

Research Problem: The intersection of religion, civil society, and public policy is an increasingly relevant area of study, particularly in the context of environmental degradation. In Bangladesh, the impacts of climate change, industrialization, and globalization have created significant environmental challenges. These challenges necessitate a critical examination of the role of civil society, including religious organizations, in addressing environmental issues. The key question is: How effectively is civil society, in conjunction with religious institutions, contributing to the environmental movement and influencing policy reform in Bangladesh? Research purposes: This paper aims to explore the role of civil society, including the influence of religious organizations, in the environmental movement in Bangladesh. It seeks to understand how civil society organizations engage in advocacy, lobbying, stakeholder pressure, environmental impact assessments, and grassroots mobilization. The goal is to evaluate how these efforts shape public policy on environmental governance in a religious and sociopolitical context. Research methods: : This study uses a qualitative, review-based approach, relying on secondary data from existing literature, media reports, and policy documents. It critically examines the involvement of civil society organizations in the environmental movement, with a focus on how religious values and institutions intersect with public policy efforts in Bangladesh’s environmental governance. Results and Discussion: The findings suggest that civil society organizations, including those with religious affiliations, play an important role in influencing environmental policy in Bangladesh. Through advocacy, lobbying, and public mobilization, these organizations have brought attention to critical environmental issues, facilitating public participation in environmental governance. However, challenges remain, including political biases and limited resources, which affect their ability to fully shape policy. Religious organizations have also been shown to contribute moral and ethical dimensions to environmental activism, aligning their values with sustainable development goals. Research Implications and Contributions: The research underscores the importance of integrating religious organizations into the broader framework of civil society engagement in environmental governance. It highlights how religious values can complement public policy efforts, contributing to a more holistic approach to sustainable development. The paper provides recommendations for policymakers to strengthen collaboration between civil society, religious institutions, and government bodies to make environmental policy more effective and inclusive, aligning with the journal’s scope of exploring the intersection of religion and public policy.

Optimizing Systematic Land Registration (PTSL) to Enhance Legal Certainty of Land Ownership Rights: Collaboration with Religious Value in Indonesia

Research Problem: Land disputes between the public and various stakeholders frequently arise in Indonesia, often due to limited public trust in the Complete Systematic Land Registration Program (PTSL). This distrust results in low participation in PTSL, affecting land security and legal ownership. Research purposes: This study aims to analyze how religious institutions and values can help optimize PTSL to provide stronger legal guarantees for land ownership while supporting the legal protection of land rights within the community. Research methods: A qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods was applied to explore the relationship between PTSL implementation, public trust, and religious influence on land registration. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that the implementation of PTSL has been effective in promoting land certification, which strengthens legal protection in compliance with existing laws. Moreover, the involvement of religious institutions has been shown to foster public trust by aligning PTSL with community values rooted in faith, making the program more widely accepted. Research Implications and Contributions: The research highlights the importance of religious institutions in enhancing public trust in government programs like PTSL. By integrating community beliefs into the implementation of PTSL, the program not only functions as a mechanism for legal protection but also aligns with ethical and religious principles. This study provides a conceptual foundation for the government to incorporate religious and community values into policy implementation, ultimately enhancing legal certainty and protection of land rights.

China's Response to the Expansion of U.S. Influence in Asia: The Intersection of Religion and Governance in Afghanistan (2011-2019)

Research Problem: The article addresses China’s concerns regarding the expansion of U.S. influence in Asia, particularly focusing on Afghanistan's strategic importance in the geopolitical competition between the two powers. The U.S. military presence and Afghanistan’s religiously influenced governance pose a significant challenge for China, which must navigate both political and religious dynamics to secure its interests in the region. This research investigates how these factors shape China’s foreign policy and its interactions with Afghanistan. Research purposes: The study aims to explore how China’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan has evolved in response to the geopolitical and religious landscape influenced by U.S. actions. Specifically, it examines China’s strategic calculations regarding Afghanistan’s religious governance and how this affects its efforts to engage with Afghan political actors, such as the Taliban, while maintaining its broader geopolitical and economic goals, including the Belt and Road Initiative. Research methods: The research employs a historical and analytical approach, drawing on data from 2011 to 2019 to examine China's foreign policy shifts in response to U.S. actions in Afghanistan. The study relies on secondary sources, including policy papers, academic works, and governmental reports, to assess China’s evolving role and strategies concerning the religiously influenced political structures in Afghanistan. Results and Discussion: The findings show that China’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan is significantly influenced by its concerns over U.S. military presence and alliances in the region. China’s engagement with Afghanistan has been shaped by the need to navigate the religious-political dynamics, particularly with the rise of religiously motivated actors such as the Taliban. China’s strategic responses include strengthening diplomatic ties, economic investments, and engaging with both Afghan religious and political leaders to secure its geopolitical interests. The article discusses how China's secular approach to governance contrasts with Afghanistan’s religious influences, affecting its foreign policy strategies. Research Implications and Contributions: This study contributes to the broader understanding of how religion, politics, and governance intersect in Afghanistan’s international relations, particularly with China. It provides insights into how China adapts its foreign policy to account for religiously motivated governance, while also pursuing its geopolitical goals in the region. The research offers valuable perspectives for policymakers and scholars on the interplay between religion, governance, and foreign policy in a strategically significant context like Afghanistan.

India’s Vaccine Diplomacy and Global Health Governance: A Soft Power Approach in the Context of Public Policy and Religious Values

Research Problem: India's vaccine diplomacy during the Covid-19 pandemic has not only emerged as a significant tool of soft power but also involves moral and ethical dimensions closely tied to religious values and public policy. In the midst of a global crisis, the interaction between India’s vaccine diplomacy and the religious and public policy frameworks of recipient nations requires deeper exploration. Research purposes: This article aims to analyze the role of India’s vaccine diplomacy in relation to public policy and religious values in recipient countries, examining how India’s global health initiatives influence moral and ethical perceptions of vaccine distribution, fairness, and international solidarity. Research methods: The study employs policy analysis through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on the relationship between vaccine diplomacy, public policy, and responses from religious communities in the recipient countries. It also explores the ethical and spiritual dimensions of India’s health diplomacy approach and its impact on public health policies. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that India’s vaccine diplomacy, through initiatives like "Vaccine Maitri," not only strengthens political ties with neighboring and global countries but also interacts with religious value systems, influencing public acceptance of vaccines. Moral values such as solidarity and justice, integral to many religious traditions, reinforce positive responses to the vaccine initiatives. Additionally, in some nations, religious communities have played a significant role in promoting vaccine acceptance by framing the health response in moral terms. Research Implications and Contributions: This research highlights the importance of integrating religious values into public health policy, particularly in global health contexts. Vaccine diplomacy rooted in moral solidarity and universal ethical principles, aligned with religious values, has the potential to enhance international cooperation and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Thus, this study contributes to understanding how religion and public policy can collaborate effectively in addressing global health challenges.

The Declining Role of Islamic Politics and The Jokowi’s Factors in the 2024 Presidential Election: A Study of Contemporary Political Policies and Dynamics in Indonesia

Research Problem: This abstract discusses the complex challenges faced by Islamic parties in the 2024 presidential election related to Jokowi's role as president. This report focuses on the dynamics of constellation formation between candidates competing in the 2024 presidential election. Research purposes: The main aim of this abstract is to examine the complexity of the problems faced by Islamic parties in the 2024 presidential election. This report aims to explain why Islamic parties cannot unite, but instead try to defeat each other in the election, due to the existence of forces outside of them who are capable of determine political dynamics in a presidential system. Research methods: Methodologically, this abstract refers to a case study of the experience of Islamic parties in contesting the 2024 presidential election in Indonesia. This report uses a qualitative analysis approach to investigate the political dynamics of the 2024 presidential election which also involves the influence of President Jokowi. Results and Discussion: This abstract discusses the challenges faced by political parties in Indonesia, especially Islamic political parties, in the 2024 presidential election which will be held simultaneously with the legislative elections. President Jokowi's influence is important in popularizing political parties that support the presidential candidates he supports, so that it also influences the results of the legislative elections for each Islamic party. Research Implications and Contributions: This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by Islamic parties, both those that already exist and those that are just emerging in the 2024 elections. This report invites further research and discussion regarding important external (influence of the President in power) and internal aspects of Islamic parties. (institutional power and their consolidation).

Commentary Innovations in Tissue Regeneration and Wound Healing: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and South Africa

Tissue regeneration and wound healing represent critical areas in medical science, with significant advance-ments in recent years. These fields involve restoring damaged tissues and promoting recovery, which are essential for improv-ing patient outcomes and quality of life. Innovations such as biomaterials, stem cell therapy, advanced wound dressings, and regenerative medicine have significantly impacted these areas. This study provides a comparative analysis of innovations in tissue regeneration and wound healing in Nigeria and South Africa. The focus includes technological advancements, research contributions, and statistical data to highlight progress and challenges in both countries. Data from various healthcare institu-tions, research publications, and government reports form the basis of this analysis.Additionally, surgical innovations that minimize wound occurrence and improve wound healing, such as mini-mally invasive surgery, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and the use of advanced suture materials, are transforming clinical outcomes in both Nigeria and South Africa. Minimally invasive techniques reduce tissue damage, leading to smaller wounds and faster recovery. NPWT has proven effective in managing chronic wounds and reducing infection rates, while an-timicrobial and absorbable sutures have lowered complications related to wound closure. Cold plasma therapy and stem cell applications are also emerging as promising approaches for chronic wound care and tissue regeneration. These innovations, coupled with the efforts in regenerative medicine and biomaterials, are providing both nations with effective tools to manage wound healing more efficiently. This comparative study aims to shed light on the current state of tissue regeneration and wound healing in these nations, offering insights into the advancements made, the effectiveness of various approaches, and the potential future devel-opments in this vital medical field.

How research contributions of professor Jiju Antony have influenced the field of quality management: an appraisal and critique

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to apply bibliometric techniques to critically examine the contributions of Professor (Dr) Jiju Antony in the domain of quality management research over a period close to 30 years (i.e. 1995 to 2023).Design/methodology/approachThe study incorporates a bibliometric analysis approach using VoSviewer software package to critically examine the contributions and trends in publications on Scopus indexed publications of Antony, followed by an industry wide evaluation of contributions made. Thematic analysis of the bibliographic data was imported in comma-separated values (CSV) format by selecting Antony (last name) and Jiju (first name) in the author search tab in Scopus. The search was made on September 09, 2023 and bibliographic records of 429 documents were considered for the analysis. The analysis was carried out in terms of most frequent keywords used, sources with most frequent publications, thematic analysis of most cited works and global collaborations.FindingsAntony has focused his research interest largely in the domain of quality management, publishing his research in top rated journals in the domain with a broad network of international collaborators. Antony has received 18,802 and 40,947 citations in Scopus and Google Scholar, respectively. This signifies the impact that Antony has created through his research publications. His major contributions are on the topics of six sigma, lean six sigma, continuous improvement, critical success factors and quality management practice implementations in various organizations. Diverse methodologies both qualitative and quantitative were utilized to conduct his research. However, his body of work is not without criticism. Such criticism includes the limited scope of work, with narrow focus on ISO 9001 and QMS standards, Total Quality Management (TQM). Critique also highlights the necessity for more depth, following insufficient exploration of distinctions between TQM and operational excellence (OPEX) methodologies like lean, six sigma, kaizen and agile. Antony’s work has yet to consider a diverse range of industry sectors, in terms of implementation of quality management principles, geographical location, the impact of national culture on corporate performance and explore data quality influence on decision-making. Notably, there is clear opportunity to consider the service sector in future research.Originality/valueTo best of the authors’ knowledge, there are few previous studies conducted using bibliometric analysis for analyzing the work of an individual. Therefore, the present study aims to set a trend whereby bibliometric analysis can be used to recognize and critically asses the contributions of other researchers in their respective domains.

Multimodal Data Mining Based on Self Attention Feature Alignment

This study explores the application of multimodal data mining in text and image vector processing, aiming to improve the depth and breadth of data analysis by integrating information from different data types. We use the FairFace dataset combined with the CLIP model encoding layer to obtain text and image vectors, and use the K-Means clustering algorithm to achieve vector dimensionality reduction. Subsequently, we introduced the bipartite graph matching algorithm to achieve maximum matching between text vectors and image vectors, and calculated the contrastive learning loss and similarity loss. The entire process covers steps such as data preparation, feature extraction, vector dimensionality reduction, matching algorithms, and loss assessment, constructing a complete text and image matching task process. Our research contributions include using K-Means clustering algorithm to achieve vector dimensionality reduction, as well as introducing bipartite graph matching algorithm and calculating two types of losses in text and image vector matching, further improving matching quality.

Systematic Literature Review on Knowledge-Driven Approaches for Construction Safety Analysis and Accident Prevention

Due to its inherent complexities in the process and the dynamic interactions with external environmental factors, the construction industry is widely considered one of the most hazardous industries worldwide. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), construction safety management practices have increasingly used knowledge-driven approaches. Such incorporation of knowledge-based methods has led to significant improvements in various elements of construction safety management systems, including hazard identification and risk assessment, selection of risk mitigation strategies, analysis of accident information, sharing of health and safety knowledge, access to regulations, and identification of applicable safety requirements. Against this background, this paper presents a systematic literature review to provide an overview of the current state of the art in the use of knowledge-driven approaches in construction safety management. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedure, this study reviews how the knowledge-driven approach is utilized in the construction safety management field to automate different activities that come under it. Journal papers published from 2000 were considered for this review, and the analysis focused on the contributions of research, the evolution of knowledge-driven approaches, sources of incorporated knowledge, methods of system development, yearly publications, and publication by journals. The results provide a comparison of related studies over two decades and offer insights into trends and gaps in this research field. Notably, the trend analysis shows a dramatic increase in the number, as well as the depth, of research efforts utilizing AI techniques for analyzing unstructured data, such as construction images and texts from construction documents, and drawing data-based decisions for accident prevention.

CEPARM: Four decades of dedication to advancing Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy research and patient care

This paper delves into the remarkable journey of theCentro de Paramiloidose Antônio Rodrigues de Mello (CEPARM),located at the Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho(HUCFF) of UFRJ, over the past four decades, from itsestablishment in 1984 to its emergence as a pioneering institution inthe so called field of Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (FAP).Founded in response to the urgent need for specialized researchand treatment of this rare genetic disorder prevalent amongindividuals of Portuguese descent mainly with expressivePolyneuropathy (Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis withPolyneuropathy - hATTR-PN) or even Cardyomyopathy (HereditaryTransthyretin Amyloidosis with Cardyomyopathy hATTR-CM),CEPARM has played a crucial role in the evolution of this field.The paper offers a comprehensive overview of thecenter’s development, emphasizing its major achievements,research contributions, and advancements in patient care. Ithighlights CEPARM’s pivotal role in developing innovativetreatment protocols, including the introduction of livertransplantation for FAP and groundbreaking therapies such astafamidis, patisiran, inotersen, vutrisiran, and eplontersen.Additionally, the paper explores CEPARM’s efforts to enhancepatient quality of life through multidisciplinary care and supportprograms.By reflecting on the center’s historical milestones,leadership transitions, and ongoing initiatives, this paperunderscores CEPARM’s unwavering commitment to advancingscientific knowledge and improving patient outcomes mainly in therealm of hATTR-PN.

Analisis Bibliometrik: Penggunaan Media Pembelajaran Macromedia Flash 8 di Sekolah Dasar (2019-2023)

Bibliometric research is very important to provide readers with an understanding of research trends, compare authors or journals, and measure research contributions in scientific literature with the keyword "Macromedia Flash 8" on Scopus from 2019-2023. The methods used in this study are searching documents by keyword, using publish or perish, saving documents in the form of RIS files, and Using VOSviewer to display visualizations of bibliometric analysis. The results obtained from the VOSviewer analysis are that for analyzing scopus results there are 10 journals with details in 2019 and 2022, there are no scopus-indexed journals that match keywords, in 2020 there is an increase in research of scopus-indexed journals that match keywords, but in 2023 there is a decrease. Network Visualization has 347 items, 10 clusters, 10211 links, and 10724 total link strengths. The visualization Overlay shows that bright yellow has been researched while items that are opaque yellow such as class, mathematics, test, and others still lack research. The results of this study can provide space for other researchers to conduct further research.

Comprehensive validation of a compact laser speckle contrast imaging system for vascular function assessment: from the laboratory to the clinic.

Proper organ functioning relies on adequate blood circulation; thus, monitoring blood flow is crucial for early disease diagnosis. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a noninvasive technique that is widely used for measuring superficial blood flow. In this study, we developed a portable LSCI system using an 805-nm near-infrared laser and a monochrome CMOS camera with a 10 × macro zoom lens. The system achieved a high-resolution imaging (1280 × 1024 pixels) with a working distance of 10 to 35 cm. The relative flow velocities were visualized via a spatial speckle contrast analysis algorithm with a 5 × 5 sliding window. In vitro experiments demonstrated the system's ability to image flow velocities in a fluid model, and a linear relationship was observed between the actual flow rate and the relative flow rate obtained by the system. The correlation coefficient (R2) exceeded 0.83 for volumetric flow rates of 0 to 0.2 ml/min when channel widths were greater than 1.2 mm, and R2 > 0.94 was obtained for channel widths exceeding 1.6 mm. Comparisons with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) revealed a strong positive correlation between the LSCI and LDF results. In vivo experiments captured postocclusive reactive hyperemic responses in rat hind limbs and human palms and feet. The main research contribution is the development of this compact and portable LSCI device, as well as the validation of its reliability and convenience in various scenarios and environments. Future applications of this technology include evaluating blood flow changes during skin injuries, such as abrasions, burns, and diabetic foot ulcers, to aid medical institutions in treatment optimization and to reduce treatment duration.

Condition Monitoring of Electrical Transformers Using the Internet of Things: A Systematic Literature Review

The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for transformer condition monitoring is increasingly replacing traditional methods. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing research on IoT frameworks used in transformer condition monitoring, providing insights into their effectiveness and research trends. This review seeks to identify the leading IoT frameworks employed in transformer condition monitoring; analyze the key research objectives, methods, and outcomes; and assess the global research distribution and technological tools used in this field. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching published databases using keywords related to “Internet of Things”, “transformers”, “condition monitoring”, and “fault diagnosis”. The search spanned publications released between 2014 and 2024, yielding 262 articles. Of these, 120 met the predefined review criteria and were included for further analysis. This review found that Arduino boards are the most used microcontrollers for monitoring and analyzing transformer operational parameters, with Arduino IDE 1.8 being the predominant software for programming. The primary research focus in the reviewed literature is the identification of transformer faults. The geographical distribution of research contributions shows that India leads with 65% of the studies, followed by China (11%) and Pakistan (5%). The findings indicate a strong global interest in developing IoT-based transformer condition monitoring systems, particularly in India. This review highlights the potential of IoT technologies to enhance transformer monitoring and diagnostics. The insights gained from this review can guide future research and the development of more advanced IoT frameworks for transformer condition monitoring.

Promoting and managing youth jogging groups in Tanzania: can we bank on social capital?

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose The article examined the manner and the extent to which social capital influenced the formation, promotion and management of jogging groups in Tanzania. Design/Methodology/Approach A qualitative approach was used to collect and analyse data, whereby interviews, focus group discussions and observations were used as data collection methods. Social capital theory (SCT) guided this study. Findings Social capital manifested in features such as friendship and neighbourhood ties, work connections and association memberships, norms and values like trust and respect facilitate the formation, promotion, and management of physical activity in urban Tanzania through Youth Jogging Groups (YJG). Practical Implication State and non-state actors like private institutions, parents, and community residents should provide training, moral guidance and financial support to existing youth jogging groups’ initiatives and goals. This support has practical contributions towards addressing multiple health-related challenges facilitated by urban sedentary lifestyles. Research contribution Well-established social capital features among urban youth in the global youth serve a critical role in mobilising, managing, and surviving collective physical activity such as group jogging.

Transforming territorial governance to make it transformative: reflections from and for action research for territorial development

The challenge of the climate emergency has highlighted the relevance of local transformative action for the development of new paths to sustainability, but also the relevance of the connection between the local and the global so that these paths have a real impact. Delving into this local-global connection is key for action research, and specifically, for Action research for territorial development (ARTD) and the Pedagogical approach (PA), two action research approaches that work from and for the territories, and which are the subject of analysis in this special issue. With the aim of contributing to deepening of this relationship, this article adapts the concept of transformative governance proposed by IPBES to build an actionable framework for reflection on the contribution of territorial development policies and research to transformative governance. It then analyses the IADT and the EP with this framework and suggests strengthening the critical dimension of facilitation so that these approaches are better adapted to the challenge of climate change.

Exploring the Evolution of Aspiration of Life in Scientific Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis (2015-2024)

Objective: This bibliometric analysis explores the scholarly landscape of "Aspirations of Life" publications from 2015 to 2024, shedding light on trends, gaps, and key insights in this evolving field. The primary objective of this study is to identify the trajectory of research on aspirations, particularly focusing on the Nepalese context. Methodology: Utilizing bibliometric analysis, this study examined online scholarly articles published in Dimension.ai, employing statistical techniques to analyze publication trends, citations, and research patterns. This method provided a comprehensive overview of the research landscape by scrutinizing authors, keywords, citations, and publication years. Key Findings: The analysis revealed a significant increase in publications on "Aspirations of Life" over the past decade, peaking in 2023 with 532 publications. This surge underscores the growing scholarly interest in aspirations, with a notable rise in citations between 2020 and 2023, indicating increasing recognition and relevance in academic circles. However, a decline in the percentage of cited publications and fluctuating citation ratios suggest a need for more consistent impact and recognition of individual research contributions. Conclusion & Recommendation: The study highlights the escalating importance and relevance of research on "Aspirations of Life," emphasizing the need for enhanced impact and quality in scholarly articles. To bolster research influence, increasing the publication of high-quality articles in international peer-reviewed journals is crucial. Furthermore, addressing research gaps, such as longitudinal studies on aspiration changes over time and exploring cultural variations, can enrich our understanding and inform more effective interventions in this critical area of study.

Exploring the unintended contribution of soil erosion research to microplastic contamination

The global scientific community, particularly soil erosion researchers, is increasingly recognizing the urgent need to address plastic pollution and the accumulation of microplastics in soil. Human activities such as urban expansion, food packaging, and the use of agricultural materials have driven a significant rise in microplastic contamination. The problem is compounded by the difficulty, expense, and time-intensive nature of analyzing soil erosion samples to accurately identify microplastic types, sources, and their effects. Soil erosion, while naturally shaping landscapes like hillslopes, deltas or river valleys, has evolved into a critical issue due to human-induced changes, threatening fertile agricultural zones and areas prone to landslides, with serious economic and human consequences. While validated methods exist to quantify soil erosion, runoff, and pollutant concentrations, these techniques inadvertently introduce microplastics into the environment by plastic materials during sampling, transport, and lab analysis. This not only skews historical and current data on microplastic levels in soils but also alters natural soil conditions around research plots. To address these challenges, this paper advocates for the refinement of measurement techniques to minimize contamination, a reassessment of current methodologies, and a concerted effort to reduce human impact on soil health, thereby safeguarding a critical natural resource.