Identify Research Gaps Research Articles

Hurricanes and Health: A Scoping Review of Recent Developments in Physical Injuries, Mental Health, and Emergency Interventions.

Hurricanes, as one of the most devastating natural disasters, significantly impact the public's health, causing both physical injuries and long-lasting mental health issues. Although substantial research has focused on hurricane-related injuries, this study aims to synthesize findings from recent literature, specifically evaluating the 10 most recent hurricanes, to identify research gaps and inform future studies. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA-Scr guidelines, assessed studies from PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane databases, and Medline as of February 2024. Eligibility criteria focused on studies examining physical and mental health impacts, COVID-19 effects, and emergency medical services (EMS) interventions related to Hurricanes Ian, Nicholas, Ida, Zeta, Delta, Sally, Laura, Isaias, Hanna, and Dorian. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies were categorized into four themes: physical injuries and fatalities, mental health impacts, hurricane-COVID-19 interplay, and EMS interventions. Findings revealed varied mechanisms of injuries and deaths, significant mental health challenges, compounded crises due to COVID-19, and diverse EMS strategies, including AI utilization and strategic planning for medical care delivery. Addressing the social determinants of health and evaluating hurricane readiness initiatives were two gaps in the literature identified. Future research should focus on the mental health impacts and concurrent crisis challenges to develop comprehensive disaster management practices that enhance community resilience against future hurricanes and public health crises.

Sheath Blight and Bacterial Blight Resistance in Rice: Mechanisms, Progress and Future Perspectives for Sustainable Rice Production

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for nearly half of the world's population, including Pakistan. But several diseases are always posing a threat to rice farming, with bacterial blight and sheath blight being the two most common causes. R. solani is the main source of rice sheath blight and stood crop’s most destructive diseases. Reviewing published data on pathogenicity and disease management is crucial to developing effective crop protection against sheath blight. It also helps identify research gaps that need more in-depth investigation. Although there has been progress in identifying rice and pathogen-related genes linked to pathogenesis, the underlying processes are still unknown. Research on the applications of; agronomic techniques, chemical control, biological control, and genetic improvement in disease management strategies has been conducted. Optimizing the application of nitrogen fertilizer in combination to plant-plant spacing can minimize the transmission of infection, whereas SMART agricultural technologies; like crop monitoring using Unmanned Aerial Systems help detect and treat sheath blight disease early on. Biological agents and natural fungicides can be used to effectively prevent sheath blight while reducing the negative effects on the environment. Genetic strategies that hold potential to control sheath blight include the use of exogenous dsRNA to suppress pathogen gene expression, genome editing to create rice lines less susceptible to sheath blight, and the development of transgenic rice lines that over express or silence genes related to pathogenesis. The pathogen’s flexibility, the absence of resistant rice types, the lack of single resistance genes for breeding, and farmers' restricted access to informative programs about optimum management methods all work against effective crop protection against sheath blight.

“Are you feeling sick?” – A systematic literature review of cybersickness in virtual reality

Cybersickness (CS), also known as visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), is a condition that can affect individuals when they interact with virtual reality (VR) technology. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, eye fatigue, and so on, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Finding a feasible solution to reduce the impact of CS is extremely important as it will greatly enhance the overall user experience and make VR more appealing to a wider range of people. We have carefully compiled a list of 223 highly pertinent studies to review the current state of research on the most essential aspects of CS. We have provided a novel taxonomy that encapsulates various aspects of CS measurement techniques found in the literature. We have proposed a set of CS mitigation guidelines for both developers and users. We have also discussed various CS-inducing factors and provided a taxonomy that tries to capture the same. Overall, our work provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in CS with a particular emphasis on different measurement techniques and CS mitigation strategies, identifies research gaps in the literature, and provides recommendations for future research in the field.

Pathways Into, Desistance From, and Risk Factors Related to Cyber-Dependent Crime: A Systematic Narrative Review

ABSTRACT Cyber-dependent crime is a growing global threat. However, research on cybercrime offending throughout the life course, especially on the factors leading to initiation and desistance of cyber-dependent crime remains underdeveloped. This paper synthesizes the literature on pathways into, desistance from, and risk factors related to cyber-dependent crime (hacking, malware, and DDoS attacks), and identifies research gaps. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a systematic search and identified 86 eligible documents published as of February 2022. Results reveal a pathway into hacking through interest in technology and online videogames, which continues with social learning from peers involved in hacking activities, and thus leads to the world of cybercrime. Desistance from this pathway is influenced by a cost-benefit analysis and maturing. We also identified 27 risk factors for the initiation process in cyber-offending that are consistent in the literature. The most significant ones were being young, male, having low self-control, deviant peers, and frequently using the Internet.

Exploring Green Inventory Management through Periodic Review Inventory Systems—A Comprehensive Literature Review and Directions for Future Research

With the increasing environmental concerns and legislative pressures, the focus on incorporating ecologically sustainable practices into inventory management systems has grown, leading to the emergence of green inventory management. However, this field is not without its challenges, with numerous conflicting real-world constraints and goals. A comprehensive literature review targeting green inventory management operating under a periodic review inventory system was conducted to identify research gaps and potential directions for future research. Despite the growing interest in the field, this review highlighted the scarcity of relevant studies. Out of the 1272 papers reviewed, only 16 studies, or 1.3%, met the criteria for exploring periodic review inventory systems while simultaneously considering environmental and economic aspects. These studies were further analyzed in detail and categorized according to key classification criteria. The future research directions highlighted the need for additional studies on periodic review inventory systems operating under stochastic market demand in the context of green supply chain management. The standardization of emission calculation methodologies was also emphasized as a crucial step towards aligning inventory management practices with the aim of increasing inventory management efficiency and the related improvement in the environmental performance of supply chains.

Net zero vs. carbon neutrality: supply chain management challenges and future research agenda

ABSTRACT Climate change endangers human survival, causing heat waves, floods, storms, polar ice loss, ocean acidification and rising sea levels. These effects harm the food supply and living environments and contribute to chronic diseases. Climate agreements like the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol set net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality targets. However, their definitions, differences and challenges need clarification. This paper reviews net zero and carbon neutrality initiatives in supply chain management. CiteSpace analysis of 61 articles on net zero and 44 on carbon neutrality highlights their differences, challenges, practices and research gaps. Net-zero emissions cover more greenhouse gases and emission stages, fitting supply chain management through life-cycle assessment. A life-cycle perspective and strategies like bio-based materials, optimised transportation and electric vehicles are recommended for effective mitigation. Finally, the paper identifies research gaps at global, country, industry and company levels, suggesting research questions for future exploration.

Modelling User Behavior Towards Smartphones and Wearable Technologies

The study employs bibliometric and content analysis to assess the current status of applying technology adoption models (such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT)) to the smartphone market, which also encompasses smart wearables. Hereby, the author aims to explore the relationship between smartphone usage and adoption models and contribute to the literature through current trends and methodologies. To achieve the goal, the author applied a two-stage approach. In the first stage, 213 articles were analyzed using citation and bibliographic coupling tools in VOS viewer (version 1.6.20). The papers were selected from the Scopus database, and the search was conducted in the fields of economics, business, and computer technologies. In the second stage, the author conducted a brief literature review of the most influential papers. The results illustrate the situation regarding the implementation of various models in the case of smartphone adoption. Content analyses of the most influential papers were conducted to elucidate and enhance the findings of bibliometric analyses, identify research gaps, and guide future research development.

Domestic Violence in Asian Communities: A Scoping Review of Quantitative Literature.

Domestic violence (DV) is a prevalent social problems that threaten individuals' health and well-being, and the issue of DV in Asian communities requires extensive and comprehensive investigation. Following the steps by Arksey and O'Malley, a scoping review was conducted to (a) summarize and synthesize existing quantitative evidence on the topic of DV in Asian immigrant communities in North America, and (b) identify research gaps in the literature to guide future work. Inclusion criteria were that (a) the studies must comprise a sample of Asian immigrants in North America, (b) the focus of the article was specifically on individuals' experiences of DV in the past year or lifetime, (c) DV was measured as either independent or dependent variable, (d) full-text publications written in English, (e) articles must be peer-reviewed, quantitative studies. On completion of the review process, 35 full-text articles were identified for review. Across studies, five main topics emerged: factors related to DV victimization, prevalence and forms of DV, individuals' attitudes and/or perceptions about DV, DV-related consequences, and intervention evaluation. Some less common topics include help-seeking behaviors and sources and culturally responsive scales. The findings of this review suggest that future research will benefit from using a nationally representative Asian sample and culturally sensitive tools, examining potential protective factors against DV victimization, and employing an experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions. Policies should provide stronger support to agencies and practitioners to deliver culturally sensitive services.

State of research: Relevance of Computer Emergency Response Teams in Operational Technology

The increasing integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) in industrial environments has led to increased vulnerability to cyber threats. This article examines the need for a dedicated Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) for OT to ensure the security, integrity, and resilience of critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. OT is subject to specific challenges that differ from those in traditional IT networks. Cyberattacks on OT systems can not only cause financial losses, but also have a significant impact on physical security and the environment. A specific CERT for OT is necessary to address the unique characteristics of these environments. This requires expertise in industrial protocols, control systems and SCADA systems. The CERT for OT should be able to respond quickly to security incidents, perform forensic analysis and implement effective countermeasures to ensure business continuity. Research shows that implementing a specialized CERT for OT leads to improved threat detection, faster response, and more effective defense against attacks. In addition, this article emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication between IT and OT security teams to ensure comprehensive system resilience. The following article provides a detailed literature analysis that comprehensively examines the current state of research on CERTs in the context of OT. The analysis of the relevant literature highlights the increasing threat to OT systems and emphasizes the specific requirements arising from the integration of IT and OT. By identifying research gaps and summarizing current findings, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on this topic.

Learning Plan Use in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review.

How to best support self-regulated learning (SRL) skills development and track trainees' progress along their competency-based medical education learning trajectory is unclear. Learning plans (LPs) may be the answer; however, information on their use in undergraduate medical education (UME) is limited. This study summarizes the literature regarding LP use in UME, explores the student's role in LP development and implementation, and identifies additional research areas. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Education Source, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published from database inception to March 6, 2024, and relevant reference lists were manually searched. The review included studies of undergraduate medical students, studies of LP use, and studies of the UME stage in any geographic setting. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative content analyses. The database search found 7,871 titles and abstracts with an additional 25 found from the manual search for a total of 7,896 articles, of which 39 met inclusion criteria. Many LPs lacked a guiding framework. LPs were associated with self-reported improved SRL skill development, learning structure, and learning outcomes. Barriers to their use for students and faculty were time to create and implement LPs, lack of training on LP development and implementation, and lack of engagement. Facilitators included SRL skill development, LP cocreation, and guidance by a trained mentor. Identified research gaps include objective outcome measures, longitudinal impact beyond UME, standardized framework for LP development and quality assessment, and training on SRL skills and LPs. This review demonstrates variability of LP use in UME. LPs appear to have potential to support medical student education and facilitate translation of SRL skills into residency training. Successful use requires training and an experienced mentor. However, more research is required to determine whether benefits of LPs outweigh the resources required for their use.

Intention in coastal environments for agricultural usage: a review of design thinking approaches

Abstract Through a systematic and comprehensive literature review, this review navigates the landscape of existing research, unveiling connections, emerging trends, and opportunities for innovation within the domains of agricultural usage intention and design thinking within coastal development. The review’s synthesis underscores the pivotal role of design thinking principles in deciphering intentions for agricultural usage within coastal environments. The methodology is systematic, encompassing prominent databases and unfiltered searches. Through comprehensive exploration, the study offers a holistic perspective on the intricate dynamics between intentions for agricultural usage and design thinking within coastal environments. In the process of assembling articles for inclusion, prominent electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed were utilized. In all, 635 articles were found during the preliminary screening. A total of 28 papers were found to be suitable for the systematic review after a thorough inspection. Amid this exploration, emerging trends and innovative methodologies, including geospatial analyses and immersive technologies, enrich our understanding of agricultural usage intentions. The review identifies research gaps and invites future inquiries, such as cultural nuances and the synergy between evolving design thinking paradigms and coastal realms. As a contribution to sustainable coastal development, this manuscript echoes the call for human-centric, design-driven strategies that resonate with diverse coastal stakeholders, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of agricultural pursuits and ecological preservation.

Designing a practical fatigue detection system: A review on recent developments and challenges

IntroductionFatigue is considered to have a life-threatening effect on human health and it has been an active field of research in different sectors. Deploying wearable physiological sensors helps to detect the level of fatigue objectively without any concern of bias in subjective assessment and interfering with work. MethodsThis paper provides an in-depth review of fatigue detection approaches using physiological signals to pinpoint their main achievements, identify research gaps, and recommend avenues for future research. The review results are presented under three headings, including: signal modality, experimental environments, and fatigue detection models. Fatigue detection studies are first divided based on signal modality into uni-modal and multi-modal approaches. Then, the experimental environments utilized for fatigue data collection are critically analyzed. At the end, the machine learning models used for the classification of fatigue state are reviewed. Practical ApplicationsThe directions for future research are provided based on critical analysis of past studies. Finally, the challenges of objective fatigue detection in the real-world scenario are discussed.

A scoping review of sport organisations’ accountability

ABSTRACT Purpose/Rationale Stakeholders of sporting organisations have expressed a myriad of concerns regarding sport organisations’ accountability. Despite growth in the literature, a review and examination of this scholarship remains missing. This paper provides a scoping review on the accountability of sport organisations, and in doing so, map the research field and determine future research opportunities. Design/Methodology/Approach Based on the scoping review guidelines of Arksey and O'Malley (2005), four databases were comprehensively searched. Following a thorough search process, 44 articles relating to sporting organisation accountability were reviewed. Findings Our analysis reveals a dominance of conceptual and theoretical-based studies with a varied approach to accountability, and evidently a pre-eminence of case study methodologies and lack of explicit theoretical perspectives. International sport organisations, national sport organisations, and government agencies were among the most studied. Practical implications Future studies should pursue an integration of discourses, and greater generalisability among organisations. This has the potential to strengthen the theoretical perspectives and guide research that improves accountability practices of sport organisations. Research contribution We have mapped the sport organisation accountability literature, as well as identifying research gaps to direct future research. Overall, the results reveal sport organisations’ accountability is a nascent topic with unrealised interdisciplinary potential.

From trust to transition: Residential customer acceptance of circular solar business models

While the contribution of circular business models to achieving sustainable development goals is increasingly acknowledged, most studies tend to focus on conceptual, technological, or supply-side considerations. Customer acceptance, however, is also a necessary condition for a transition to a circular economy. In this study, we employ household survey data to investigate the impact of trust on customer acceptance of circular business models in solar photovoltaics (PV). Results highlight the importance of high trust-levels in governments, suppliers, and technology to gain customer acceptance, as well as the importance of time-consistent policies to support interest in circular solar solutions. Furthermore, results suggest that vulnerable groups may miss beneficial opportunities of circular business models because of lower levels of institutional trust. This is also reflected in an analysis of barriers and value propositions, where low institutional trust levels appear to limit rational cost-benefit considerations. The paper formulates policy and management recommendations and identifies research gaps related to the redistributive impact of the circular economy. Moreover, it coins the concept of a circular risk premium that may vary along socio-economic groups and calls for further study of the impact of vocal opinions on social interactions that may spur or impede the transition to a circular economy.

Physical and mechanical properties of different beech wood species grown at various climate conditions: a review

Abstract Beech wood, renowned for its diverse applications spanning construction, flooring, furniture, veneer, and plywood, holds a paramount position among industrial wood species. Nevertheless, the myriad of beech species worldwide, coupled with the dynamic impact of climate change, have produced structural variations within beech trees. Extensive research has scrutinized the physical and mechanical attributes of beech wood species across the globe. Findings reveal distinguishable mechanical strength, yet increased density leads to notable rates of shrinkage and swelling, somewhat constraining its utility in select domains. Identifying research gaps can create new efforts aimed at exploiting the potential of these wood resources. This paper outperforms a mere exploration of beech wood properties over the past two decades; it delves into the ramifications of climatic fluctuations, temperature shifts, wind dynamics, and soil composition. Given the lack of a comprehensive compendium documenting the full range of physical, mechanical, and microscopic attributes of the Fagus genus, this paper aims to compile information that integrates this multifaceted information.

Effects of Exercise-Induced Changes in Myokine Expression on the Tumor Microenvironment.

In this narrative review, we summarize the direct and indirect effects that myokines have on the tumor microenvironment. We took studies of various cancer types and species into account. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that matched the search terms were also considered. We searched databases for six months. As a narrative approach was chosen, no data was analyzed or reanalyzed. The goal of this narrative review is to create an overview on the topic to identify research gaps and answer the questions as to whether myokine expression may be relevant in cancer research in regard to the tumor microenvironment. Six commonly known myokines were chosen. We found strong links between the influence exercise has on interleukin-6, oncostatin M, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, and irisin in the context of tumor progression and inhibition via interactions with the tumor microenvironment. It became clear that the effects of myokines on the tumor microenvironment can vary and contribute to disease progression or regression. Interactions among myokines and immune cells must also be considered and require further investigation. To date, no study has shown a clear connection, while multiple studies suggest further investigation of the topic, similar to the effects of exercise on myokine expression.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Algorithms and Healthcare Applications of Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography: A Systematic Review

Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography (RIP) is a non-invasive method for the measurement of respiratory rates and lung volumes. Accurate detection of respiratory rates and volumes is crucial for the diagnosis and monitoring of prognosis of lung diseases, for which spirometry is classically used in clinical applications. RIP has been studied as an alternative to spirometry and shown promising results. Moreover, RIP data can be analyzed through machine learning (ML)-based approaches for some other purposes, i.e., detection of apneas, work of breathing (WoB) measurement, and recognition of human activity based on breathing patterns. The goal of this study is to provide an in-depth systematic review of the scope of usage of RIP and current RIP device developments, as well as to evaluate the performance, usability, and reliability of ML-based data analysis techniques within its designated scope while adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. This work also identifies research gaps in the field and highlights the potential scope for future work. The IEEE Explore, Springer, PLoS One, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases were examined, and 40 publications were included in this work through a structured screening and quality assessment procedure. Studies with conclusive experimentation on RIP published between 2012 and 2023 were included, while unvalidated studies were excluded. The findings indicate that RIP is an effective method to a certain extent for testing and monitoring respiratory functions, though its accuracy is lacking in some settings. However, RIP possesses some advantages over spirometry due to its non-invasive nature and functionality for both stationary and ambulatory uses. RIP also demonstrates its capabilities in ML-based applications, such as detection of breathing asynchrony, classification of apnea, identification of sleep stage, and human activity recognition (HAR). It is our conclusion that, though RIP is not yet ready to replace spirometry and other established methods, it can provide crucial insights into subjects’ condition associated to respiratory illnesses. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) could play a potential role in improving the overall effectiveness of RIP, as suggested in some of the selected studies.

Breaking the Barrier: SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Wild and Companion Animals and Their Implications for Public Health.

The emergence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has led to significant interest in its potential transmission between animals and humans, especially pets. This review article summarises the literature on coronavirus infections in domestic animals, emphasising epidemiology, transmission dynamics, clinical manifestations, and public health implications. This article highlights current understandings of the relationship between infections in companion animals and humans, identifies research gaps, and suggests directions for future research. Cases of disease in cats, dogs, and other domestic animals, often occurring through close contact with infected owners, are reviewed, raising concerns about possible zoonotic and reverse zoonotic transmission. Precautions and recommendations for pet owners and healthcare workers are also discussed. The scientific evidence presented in the article highlights the need for a One Health approach that considers the health of people, animals, and the environment to combat future pandemics.

Transforming science teaching in Namibia: A practical work inquiry framework for secondary schools

This study presents the practical work inquiry practice framework, which is designed to improve science practical work and inquiry-based instruction in secondary schools in Namibia. The framework has been developed based on both theoretical and empirical research. The study conducts a thorough examination of existing literature to identify research gaps in existing studies. It emphasizes the significant impact of teachers’ beliefs and external influences on the process of lesson planning. The framework aims to bridge the gap between teachers’ views and the actual implementation of the science curriculum, functioning at the macro, meso, and micro levels of education. It includes various aspects such as strategic planning, training for teachers, designing the curriculum, providing resources, implementing lessons in the classroom, giving feedback, fostering collaboration, monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, providing ongoing support, involving stakeholders, promoting a positive school culture, demonstrating leadership, supporting teachers, addressing learner diversity, and engaging the community. The aspects are classified into strategic, tactical, and operational functions that are interconnected to enhance scientific teaching methods. The established framework offers a complete and contextually applicable method to implementing science practical work in Namibian secondary schools. This approach is based on inquiry-based instruction and aims to increase overall education.

Pathway for a circular economy: facilitating circularity using the ADKAR model for waste management

PurposeThe paper focusses on various ways of global circular economies’ resource optimisation. The paper examines corporations’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in bringing circularity. This paper identifies research gaps in waste management in linear economies such as India. It concludes with a proposition for waste management advocating the ADKAR model framework of change.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the academic repositories and reports to find answers to the circularity gaps. Databases such as Emerald, Web of Science and Springer were used to construct the theory. The author used keywords such as “circular economy”, “circular economy and SDG”, “circular economy and CSR”, and “circular economy and waste management” to locate the relevant literature to build the theory. Based on the theory, the waste management gap is identified and analysed.FindingsThe paper collates and examines the interdependency factors promoting circularity. An analysis of exemplary circular economies and corporations gives a pathway for linear economies. Finally, a framework is formulated for India’s transition from a linear to a circular economy using the best practices of different circular economies’ waste minimisation techniques. It summarises the findings of circular economies, formulating an ADKAR framework for waste management to aid circularity in India.Research limitations/implicationsThis research must be validated with the practical implications of an economy’s ecosystem. The economies’ binding policies and statutory regulations must be gauged through valid metrics for each circular economy, ultimately determining its efficacy in transitioning from linear to circular economy.Practical implicationsThe circularity in production and responsible consumption by all the stakeholders leads to sustainability. Embracing new sustainable practices, CSR initiatives will lead to circularity at the nano, micro, meso and macro levels for a populous economy such as India. The ADKAR model proposed can bring a positive change in India.Social implicationsThe United Nations’ sustainability goal 12 (Responsible consumption and production) focusses on resource optimisation. This paper proposes ways to involve stakeholders to minimise waste at the source through a multi-level approach.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to assess an economy’s sustainability by analysing its circularity gaps and highlighting the best practices of circular economies. It also outlines the framework for circularity through waste reduction and minimisation using the ADKAR model.