Mainstream Research Research Articles

Written Corrective Feedback Scientometric Review (1987–2022)

Written corrective feedback is widely used in language learning and teaching, and related studies have attracted significant attention in recent years. Through analysis and visualization of 497 articles indexed in the Web of Science core collection over the past 35 years using CiteSpace, this scientometric review aims to explore the developmental stages, involved disciplines, geospatial fingerprint, main research streams, and emerging research trends of written corrective feedback. The following stages were identified based on the timeline of publications and citations: the sprouting phase (1987–2005), the fluctuating phase (2006–2016), and the explosive phase (2017–2022). The interdisciplinary trend toward written corrective feedback becomes increasingly prominent throughout each stage, and its primary disciplines range from linguistics and cognitive science to psychology and computer science. The primary research contexts for written corrective feedback research are ESL and EFL; countries with multiple coexisting language variants have prioritized research in this field. Existing studies have witnessed a shift from quantitative to qualitative research, and case studies focusing on individual differences are emerging as a newer research frontier. As one of the first few scientometric reviews of written corrective feedback since the phrase first appeared as a combined index term, this study is significant as a reference for comprehensively understanding the intellectual background, dynamics, and evolution of this research field.

Research Status and Development Prospect of Wellbore Integrity in China

Summary As the exploration and development of oil and gas move into increasingly challenging locations and harsher environments, well integrity becomes more difficult to maintain. High temperatures, pressures, and corrosion can all contribute to wellbore integrity failure. Such failures can have significant financial and environmental consequences, including gas leakage and fluid spills. In this paper, we review the development and technical advancements of wellbore integrity research both in China and abroad and look forward to the development direction of wellbore integrity in China. We provide basic background knowledge for those interested in wellbore integrity and also share the progress and development direction of integrity research for wellbore integrity researchers. Through research and analysis, some conclusions can be drawn. Countries around the world are actively studying wellbore integrity and have developed a large number of standards, especially the United States and Norway, which have the most standards. The most common way to analyze wellbore integrity is to first divide the entire wellbore into different wellbore barrier units according to different standards, such as ISO 16530-1, and then study risk factors and integrity management measures in different units. Mainstream research is mostly carried out around the integrity of casing, cement, and tubing, and many achievements have been made, but the study of packer and downhole safety valve is still on the way. Wellbore integrity risk assessment aims to quantify potential risks and establish risk levels to support decision-making for on-site wellbore integrity control. This is achieved by identifying factors affecting wellbore integrity, establishing an evaluation index system and processing evaluation indicators to determine failure probability and impact consequences. The resulting risk value can be divided into different areas using the “as low as reasonably practicable principle” or a risk matrix graph. However, due to the complexity of the factors involved and the subjectivity of risk classification rules, there are still challenges in promoting the evaluation model and reducing errors in the evaluation results. China should actively promote interdisciplinary integration and respond to the call for “dual carbon goals” to break through the current bottleneck in wellbore integrity research. This can be achieved by promoting the development of quantitative wellbore integrity risk assessment methods, developing supporting evaluation software based on big data, and by tackling the integrity challenges faced by different types of wells and promoting the development of wellbore integrity discipline.

Three-Dimensional Point Cloud Reconstruction Method of Cardiac Soft Tissue Based on Binocular Endoscopic Images

Three-dimensional reconstruction technology based on binocular stereo vision is a key research area with potential clinical applications. Mainstream research has focused on sparse point reconstruction within the soft tissue domain, limiting the comprehensive 3D data acquisition required for effective surgical robot navigation. This study introduces a new paradigm to address existing challenges. An innovative stereoscopic endoscopic image correction algorithm is proposed, exploiting intrinsic insights into stereoscopic calibration parameters. The synergy between the stereoscopic endoscope parameters and the disparity map derived from the cardiac soft tissue images ultimately leads to the acquisition of precise 3D points. Guided by deliberate filtering and optimization methods, the triangulation process subsequently facilitates the reconstruction of the complex surface of the cardiac soft tissue. The experimental results strongly emphasize the accuracy of the calibration algorithm, confirming its utility in stereoscopic endoscopy. Furthermore, the image rectification algorithm exhibits a significant reduction in vertical parallax, which effectively enhances the stereo matching process. The resulting 3D reconstruction technique enables the targeted surface reconstruction of different regions of interest in the cardiac soft tissue landscape. This study demonstrates the potential of binocular stereo vision-based 3D reconstruction techniques for integration into clinical settings. The combination of joint calibration algorithms, image correction innovations, and precise tissue reconstruction enhances the promise of improved surgical precision and outcomes in the field of cardiac interventions.

Discoursal scholarly identity in research writing

The construction of a discoursal scholarly identity is central to research writing (Hyland, 2013). However, the definition of such an identity is still elusive in current scholarship, and the discussion regarding its construction sporadic. We reviewed relevant research published in English-medium academic journals within the recent two decades (2003–2022) in an attempt to demystify the concept of discoursal scholarly identity and its construction in research writing practices. This literature review identified three main streams of research that focus respectively on (1) the manifestation of a discoursal scholarly identity in academic written discourse, (2) the reconstruction of such an identity by readers, and (3) the construction of such an identity in and through social practices. Key conceptions and features of discoursal scholarly identity as discursively constructed, dialogically negotiated, and dynamic also emerged from such synthesis of literature. We end by identifying and discussing areas for future research on the construction of a discoursal scholarly identity in research writing practices, and the means to inform novice writers, especially L2 writers, of the proper manifestation and negotiation of such an identity in research writing.

How patient/public involvement impacts the research journey – an overview of the visual impairment research field

Importance – Optimized communication between patients and public, specifically the visually impaired (VI) and VI researchers, is vital for effective patient/public involvement (PPI) in health research. Objectives - We reviewed evidence outlining effective bidirectional communication strategies in research that improve connectivity between researchers and the public, with specific reference to visual impairment perspectives. Evidence review - In health research, a disconnect exists between research outcomes and informing patients and public about research advances and novel pre-clinical research, an interaction that is fundamental for mutual benefit. This creates barriers between patients or service-users and the researcher, as researchers are perceived to have higher level technical knowledge but limited know-how of the real-world experience of service users that might impact on the translation of their research. Findings - Active PPI is endorsed by funding bodies/agencies to facilitate proactive and productive engagement between service users and researchers. Effective communication strategies/tools can help researchers facilitate this engagement. Conclusions and relevance - PPI inception into mainstream research is protracted but contemporary communication strategies can effectively overcome these issues. We strongly advocate that pre-doctoral students receive PPI training at early career stages, and that patients and public have access to similar training, while Principal Investigators (PIs) are key actors ensuring PPI becomes mainstream in health research.

A Review: Methodologies to Promote the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Regeneration of Intervertebral Disc Cells Following Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD), a highly prevalent pathological condition worldwide, is widely associated with back pain. Treatments available compensate for the impaired function of the degenerated IVD but typically have incomplete resolutions because of their adverse complications. Therefore, fundamental regenerative treatments need exploration. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been recognized as a mainstream research objective by the World Health Organization and was consequently studied by various research groups. Implanted MSCs exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-pyroptotic effects and promote extracellular component production, as well as differentiation into IVD cells themselves. Hence, the ultimate goal of MSC therapy is to recover IVD cells and consequently regenerate the extracellular matrix of degenerated IVDs. Notably, in addition to MSC implantation, healthy nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs) have been implanted to regenerate NP, which is currently undergoing clinical trials. NPC-derived exosomes have been investigated for their ability to differentiate MSCs from NPC-like phenotypes. A stable and economical source of IVD cells may include allogeneic MSCs from the cell bank for differentiation into IVD cells. Therefore, multiple alternative therapeutic options should be considered if a refined protocol for the differentiation of MSCs into IVD cells is established. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed the molecules, scaffolds, and environmental factors that facilitate the differentiation of MSCs into IVD cells for regenerative therapies for IDD.

Research progress on preparation, modification, and application of phenolic aerogel

Abstract Phenolic aerogel is a type of nanoporous resin-based material with low density, high specific surface area, excellent thermal insulation performance, and a high carbon residue rate which has been widely used in the field of thermal protection. However, the development of phenolic aerogel is limited by the complex and expensive preparation technique, inadequate oxidation/ablation resistance, and excessive brittleness. As a result, academic research is constantly concentrated on low-cost preparation methods and efficient modification of phenolic aerogel. This review gives a description of the preparation technology, modification techniques, and application fields of phenolic aerogel and summarizes the limitations. Now, phenolic aerogel is not applied widely due to its complex and expensive preparation technique. Moreover, phenolic aerogel shows greater brittleness and insufficient mechanical property. The prospective future developments of the materials were prospected, and the phenolic aerogel with environmental protection, efficient thermal protection, and low cost will be the mainstream research direction.

A bibliometric and content analysis discourse on business application of blockchain technology

PurposeThe article aims to provide a bibliometric and content analysis of the business application of blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachBibliometric analysis and content analysis were undertaken to accomplish the stated objectives of the study.FindingsThe results revealed publication and country collaboration trends, declining, emerging, and niche research areas, the topmost influential articles, authors, and most relevant journals.Originality/valueAs researchers have been myopic towards some mainstream research agendas studying the specific contexts of blockchain applications, this research believes a holistic approach to understanding blockchain technology's versatility to disrupt different business processes across a myriad of industries is lacking. In addition, to strengthen the research's conclusions, a content analysis of the most significant articles is conducted as part of the study.

Ocean-human relations in the Anthropocene: mapping trends in sustainability-related marine social sciences articles

Research about ocean-human relations has significantly increased in recent years. Compared to other disciplines in the oceanic realm, the marine social sciences, as an umbrella term for diverse disciplines and research streams dealing with ocean-human relations, however only recently gained more attention. In this light, the UN Ocean Decade stresses marine social science’s pivotal role in assessing future trajectories toward more sustainable ocean-human relations. Our study aims to identify research trends in sustainability-related marine social sciences. Therefore, we thoroughly analyzed the metadata of 1,215 peer-reviewed articles published between 1991 and 2023 and retrieved from the Web of Sciences (WoS) database by applying various bibliometric analysis methods. Our study provides insights into (1) the scientific production of sustainability-related marine social sciences and its evolution (2) the main topics and research streams of sustainability-related marine social sciences, and (3) how these topics developed over time. The findings demonstrate a significant increase in annual scientific production as time progressed, with some countries and institutions contributing more than others. We identified, discussed, and visualized six research streams: (1) Perceptions and benefits of marine conservation; (2) Fisheries, aquaculture, and food security; (3) Climate change and climate change responses; (4) Coastal landscape and land use change; (5) Coastal and marine management; and (6) Development and ocean-human health. Based on those discussions, our study points to four future avenues for research and discussions marine social sciences could potentially build on. These include (1) strengthening the capacity of sustainability-related marine social sciences; (2) enhancing cross-country studies and cooperation; (3) fostering dialogue between marine natural and social scientists; and (4) making (more) sense of sustainability-related marine social science’s epistemic features.

The White gaze: epistemological imposition and paradoxical logic in educational research

This article critically examines the constraints associated with mainstream ethnographic research, including methodologies, analyses, epistemologies, and logic, herein referred to as the White gaze, a reinforcement of White supremacy. The focus is on how the White gaze infringes upon Black epistemologies and BIPOC epistemologies more broadly. The study highlights the pioneering work of Du Bois’ “The Philadelphia Negro” a notable ethnographic study that transcends the limitations of the White gaze. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating concepts, perspectives, and language that stem from intimacy and rapport, allowing for a comprehensive representation of the diversity and nuances within Black communities. Furthermore, the article addresses the detrimental impact of mainstream research on Black communities resulting from the White gaze. It exposes the historical absence, denial, and discrediting of decades worth of BIPOC-centric research and resources to advance their communities’ well-being. Drawing on various scholarly sources (Fenwick, 2022; Foster, 1994; Horsford, 2021; Morris, 2015; Smith, 1999; Stanfield & Dennis, 1993; Walker, 2013; Wright, 2019; Zuberi & Bonilla-Silva, 2008), it highlights the systemic barriers hindering the dissemination and recognition of BIPOC knowledge. This article highlights the omnipresence of the White gaze in academic research—specifically, its effect on educational research and practices shaping school culture—that prevents, for example, Black epistemologies from informing research on Black students. And lastly, offers implications for educational research and practice.

Dynamic Evaluation of Project Governance in Collaborative Innovation Projects: A Case of Industry Technology Research Institute

Collaborative innovation projects (CIPs) are a typical type of inter-organizational collaboration project to deliver innovative results, in which diverse and dynamic collaborative relationships exist among stakeholders. The project’s success depends on appropriate governance mechanisms to coordinate the relationship between stakeholders. Contractual governance and relational governance both play an important role in successful project delivery. Existing research on the static evaluation method of project governance has obvious contradictions with the dynamic characteristics of stakeholder collaboration relationships during the innovation process. In response, this study proposes a dynamic evaluation method of CIP governance that uses stakeholder networks as the evaluation object, thus filling in gaps in the literature on CIP governance and contributing to the development of governance theory. A project of the Industry Technology Research Institute (ITRI) was chosen as a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. The results show that contractual governance and relational governance both have a strong impact on stakeholder collaboration in the whole stage of CIPs. The governance effect is determined by the changeable contractual and relational governance structure, not just the stakeholder’s power of the general understanding. The findings have implications for the governance of CIPs and mainstream project governance research.

Blockchain Meets Federated Learning in Healthcare: A Systematic Review With Challenges and Opportunities

Recently, innovations in the Internet-of-Medical- Things (IoMT), information and communication technologies, and Machine Learning (ML) have enabled smart healthcare. Pooling medical data into a centralised storage system to train a robust ML model, on the other hand, poses privacy, ownership, and regulatory challenges. Federated Learning (FL) overcomes the prior problems with a centralised aggregator server and a shared global model. However, there are two technical challenges: FL members need to be motivated to contribute their time and effort, and the centralised FL server may not accurately aggregate the global model. Therefore, combining the blockchain and FL can overcome these issues and provide high-level security and privacy for smart healthcare in a decentralised fashion. This study integrates two emerging technologies, blockchain and FL, for healthcare. We describe how blockchain-based FL plays a fundamental role in improving competent healthcare, where edge nodes manage the blockchain to avoid a single point of failure, while IoMT devices employ FL to use dispersed clinical data fully. We discuss the benefits and limitations of combining both technologies based on a content analysis approach. We emphasise three main research streams based on a systematic analysis of blockchain-empowered (i) IoMT, (ii) Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) management, and (iii) digital healthcare systems (internal consortium/secure alerting). In addition, we present a novel conceptual framework of blockchain-enabled FL for the digital healthcare environment. Finally, we highlight the challenges and future directions of combining blockchain and FL for healthcare applications.

Fun and less fun funding: the experiential affordances of research grant conditions

Abstract The conditions of mainstream research funding constrain risky, novel research. However, alternative grants are emerging. We study grantees of a double-blinded funding scheme targeting risky, novel research: The Villum Experiment (VE). Without prompting, scientists juxtaposed the experience of performing research under these conditions with that of performing research funded by mainstream grants: fun and less fun. The conditions of VE felt less intrusive and appealed to their self-perceptions and idealized views of scientific work, which shaped how they conducted the funded research. This paper makes three contributions: (1) it reaffirms that how researchers experience grant conditions affects whether a scheme affords what it intends, (2) it highlights that the affordances of research funding are relative to other concurrent funding options, and (3) it shows that small, more broadly allocatable grants can afford scientists a protected space for autonomous research, usually associated with elusive tenure positions or European Research Council (ERC) grants.

Fabrication of structurally improved KNaTiO3 pellets derived from cheap rutile sand for high-temperature CO2 capture

For the practical applications of CO2 sorbents, more studies on pellet rather than powder-type sorbents is a more mainstream research trend. In addition, high sorption kinetics, excellent cycling stability, and cheap raw precursors are far more important than its initial CO2 uptake value to a certain extent. Recently, alkali titanates have attracted growing attention as emerging and attractive high-temperature CO2 sorbent materials. Among the existing Na-doped alkali titanates, potassium sodium titanate (KNaTiO3) is one of the most promising high-temperature CO2 sorbent due to its high CO2 sorption rate and excellent cyclic stability. In order to promote its practical application in industry, a low-priced titanium ore was selected for the synthesis of KNaTiO3, and the optimized resulting sorbent maintained a rapid and reversible sorption capacity of 15.5 wt% after 100 cycles. Spherical pellets were fabricated by extrusion-spheronization method with cellulose and alumisol additives. The optimal pellets exhibited a relative compression strength of 4.15 MPa and an attrition rate of 1.2 wt% as well as maintaining a sorption capacity of 14.3 wt% after 50 cycles. It also showed superior CO2 capture kinetics, reaching a high CO2 removal rate of 92.5% within only 4 min (under 20% CO2). The role and mechanism of cellulose as pore-former were explored by SEM analysis and diffusion model fitting. In all, the optimized resulting sorbent pellets not only retained rapid CO2 sorption kinetics, high CO2 removal rate, excellent cyclic performance, but also ensure robust mechanical properties. These properties, as well as the low cost aspect, makes this newly developed KNaTiO3-based pellets to be highly promising for high temperature CO2 capture such as for biomass fired power plants or hydrogen production.

Minor root and tuber crops in Africa: Cocoyams (Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma sagittifolium)

Cocoyams [taro: Colocasia esculentum (L.) Schott and tannia: Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott] are staple tuber crops in many countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. This review aims to present the value of cocoyam as a minor tuber crop and the extent and challenges of its production in Africa. Cocoyams are primarily grown for their edible corms or cormels, although other parts, such as stalks, leaves and inflorescence, are used for human consumption. Cocoyams are categorized as neglected food crops mainly grown for subsistence use. Taro is more widely grown than tannia globally. Taro is cultivated all over Africa, although West and Central Africa are the main producing regions. Tannia is mainly grown in West Africa where it is still less common than taro. Production of tannia is generally minimal and rarely appears in cocoyam output statistics for the continent. Africa is the main producer of cocoyam, accounting for over 70% of the global output; the bulk of production occurs in the West and Central African region. Despite the high production, food value and economic opportunities, African cocoyam is rarely sold in the international markets. The crop is cultivated to meet food security at small-scale and family farms. It is mostly consumed and marketed locally in fresh state. Cocoyams are commonly produced by resource-limited smallholder farmers who are mostly women. The crop is cultivated on marginal lands where primitive technologies with little inputs are employed. The crop receives little attention from mainstream research organizations in Africa. Other constraints limiting cocoyam production in Africa include a shortage of planting materials, lack of improved high-yielding cultivars, and paucity of information on the proper agronomic practices, and insect pests and diseases, among others. Industrial use and new product developments of cocoyam in Africa should be explored to enhance the crop's economic value, and by extension attract research attention

Four Decades of Chief Information Officer Research: A Literature Review and Research Agenda Based on Main Path Analysis

Despite the relevance and maturity of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) research field, no studies exist that exhaustively summarize the current body of knowledge, focusing on the development of the field over its entire timespan. The paper at hand addresses this research gap and presents an exhaustive literature review on the CIO research field using main path analysis. We identify the central papers in CIO research and eight main research streams by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing 466 papers. We find that established research streams, e.g., 'Evolving role of the CIO' and 'CIO hierarchical position and relationships' as well as recently emerging research streams, e.g., 'CIO as business enabler' and 'CIOs and IT security,' draw growing attention. Based on our findings, we develop promising further avenues for research in the CIO field.

Cluster-determinant 36 (CD36) mediates intestinal absorption of dietary astaxanthin and affects its secretion

The functional activity of dietary astaxanthin is closely related to its absorption, and the absorption of dietary carotenoids mainly mediated by transmembrane transport protein (TTP) has become the mainstream research direction in recent years. However, the main TTP mediating astaxanthin absorption and its potential mechanisms are still unclear. Hence, based on the preliminary screening results, this study aims to elucidate the role of cluster-determinant 36 (CD36) mediating astaxanthin absorption from the perspective of expression levels through in vitro cell model, in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model and in vivo mice model. The results showed that astaxanthin uptake was significantly increased by 45.13% in CD36 overexpressing cells and decreased by 20.92% in the case of sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO) inhibition. A similar trend also appeared in the duodenum and jejunum by in situ model. Moreover, astaxanthin uptake in the small intestine of CD36 knockout mice was significantly reduced by 88.22%. Furthermore, the inhibition or knockout of CD36 suppressed the expression of other transporters (SR-BI and NPC1L1). Interestingly, CD36 was also involved in the downstream secretion pathway, which is manifested by interfering with the expression of related proteins (ERK1/2, MTP, ApoB48, and ApoAI). Therefore, these results indicate the important role of CD36 in astaxanthin transmembrane transport for the first time, providing vital exploration way for the absorption of dietary fat-soluble substances.

Turkish coffee bean imports: asymmetric exchange rate pass-through analysis

PurposeAs one of the world's most valuable traded commodities, the market for coffee beans has grown enormously in recent years. The paper aims on analyzing the nonlinear exchange rate pass-through in Turkish coffee bean imports from two important sources in South America: Brazil and Colombia.Design/methodology/approachData collected in this paper through reliable channels include nominal import value, exchange rate, production of total industry, etc. Independent and dependent variables are obtained through conversion. Since the nonlinearly adjusted exchange rate differs significantly from the linearly adjusted one for the export trade of Brazilian coffee beans, this paper develops the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and nonlinear ARDL frameworks and demonstrates their application through asymmetric cointegration and error correction models.FindingsThe results of this paper show that imports of Brazilian coffee bean exhibit a more dramatic asymmetry compared to Colombia's coffee bean imports. The results of this study contribute to the import trade of non-oil commodities in developing countries, particularly Brazil, and enrich the existing literature on nonlinear exchange rate adjustments.Research limitations/implicationsThe export of Colombian coffee beans is not as old as Brazil, and it was not until much later that Colombia began to export coffee beans to the rest of the world.Originality/valueThe present study is an addition to the literature of agricultural trade. The authors analyze the nonlinear exchange rate pass-through in Turkish coffee bean imports from two important sources in South America: Brazil and Colombia. Different from the current mainstream research on oil commodity trade, this paper focuses on international trade from the perspective of coffee beans, which can enlighten the practice in this field.

A management perspective on resilience in healthcare: a framework and avenues for future research

Recent major health shocks, such as the 2014–16 Ebola, the Zika outbreak, and, last but not least, the COVID-19 pandemic, have strongly contributed to drawing attention to the issue of resilience in the healthcare domain. Nevertheless, the scientific literature appears fragmented, creating difficulties in developing incremental research in this relevant managerial field.To fill this gap, this systematic literature review aims to provide a clear state of the art of the literature dealing with resilience in healthcare. Specifically, from the analysis of the theoretical articles and reviews, the key dimensions of resilience are identified, and a novel classification framework is proposed. The classification framework is then used to systematize extant empirical contributions. Two main dimensions of resilience are identified: the approach to resilience (reactive vs. proactive) and the type of crisis to deal with (acute shocks vs. chronic stressors). Four main streams of research are thus identified: (i) proactive approaches to acute shocks; (ii) proactive approaches to chronic stressors; (iii) reactive approaches to acute shocks; and (iv) reactive approaches to chronic stressors. These are scrutinised considering three additional dimensions: the level of analysis, the resources to nurture resilience, and the country context. The classification framework and the associated mapping contribute to systematising the fragmented literature on resilience in healthcare, providing a clear picture of the state of the art in this field and drawing a research agenda that opens interesting paths for future research.

A systematic literature review of studies on women at the top of firm hierarchies: critique, gap analysis and future research directions

PurposeThis study aims to holistically explore the academic literature on female leaders to identify the key topics and dynamics of the field.Design/methodology/approachThe authors systematically review 532 papers to explore the research on female leaders; based on objective and replicable criteria, the authors identify relevant papers and thus ensure the quality of the analysis. The bibliometric analysis and visualization support us in recognizing trends in this topic.FindingsThis study outlines the state of the art over the past decade by synthesizing theoretical contexts and critically discussing the main streams of research on sustainability, firm outcomes and barriers preventing women from reaching the upper echelons. The authors also explore empirical issues and highlight areas that entail new paths for future scholars.Practical implicationsThe research provides novel evidence of the attempt internationally to increase female participation at the top of the firm hierarchy by analyzing firm outcomes, sustainability and the constraints faced by women in achieving these careers.Social implicationsThe results show that the participation of women in leadership roles is not (only) a matter of compliance with current regulations. Through their ability to monitor key social and environmental issues from a long-term perspective and their attention to the internal control systems, companies more effectively pursue their financial and nonfinancial aims.Originality/valueUsing bibliographic and narrative analyses, this study reviews the literature on women at the top of the firm hierarchy with a focus on business research. The authors extend prior studies by investigating a larger pool of firm roles to provide a comprehensive understanding of this widely discussed topic.