Commentary on Methodological Rigor in "Prevalence, Treatment, and Follow-Up for Lymphogranuloma Venereum Serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinics in Alberta, Canada, 2018 to 2022".

Global population aging exacerbates the challenges of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older adults. Clinical practice guidelines are essential for addressing these issues. This systematic review aims to evaluate the quality of existing guidelines and synthesize their recommendations based on the Ariadne principles, to inform future guideline development and clinical practice. We searched nine databases and five guideline repositories (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WHO) up to August 2025. Guidelines and consensus documents focusing on multimorbidity or polypharmacy in older adults, published in English or Chinese, were included. Each guideline was evaluated using four validated tools: AGREE II (methodological quality), RIGHT (reporting completeness), AGREE-REX (recommendation credibility and applicability), and GLIA (implementation feasibility). Recommendations were categorized and synthesized according to the Ariadne principles, with independent screening and data extraction and consensus resolution of discrepancies. The multidimensional appraisal of the 21 included guidelines revealed consistent weaknesses. According to AGREE II, the domains of Scope and Purpose (81.9 %) and Clarity of Presentation (61.1 %) demonstrated the highest median scores, whereas Rigor of Development (16.7 %) and Applicability (8.3 %) scored the lowest. Based on the RIGHT checklist, overall reporting completeness was 43.2 %, with the Evidence (0.0 %) and Quality Assurance (0.0 %) domains being particularly underreported. AGREE-REX evaluation indicated limited implementability at the individual recommendation level (12.5 %), and GLIA, while suggesting moderate implementability at the guideline level (65.4 %), identified frequent barriers in the domains of Measurable Outcomes (100.0 %) and Innovation Requirements (66.7 %). Thematically, most guidelines addressed interaction assessment (n = 15, 71.4 %), but far fewer incorporated patient preferences (n = 9, 42.9 %) or monitoring strategies (n = 9, 42.9 %). Only three guidelines (14.3 %) fully adhered to all five steps of Ariadne principles. Current guidelines for older adults with multimorbidity or polypharmacy exhibit substantial weaknesses in methodological rigor, reporting completeness, and implementation feasibility. Synthesis based on the Ariadne principles revealed an imbalanced pattern of recommendations, with a predominant focus on medication safety rather than patient-centered and longitudinal care management. Future guideline development should strengthen methodological processes, systematically integrate patient perspectives, and co-design practical implementation strategies to better support personalized care for an aging population.

The cold truth: low temperature exclusion biases accurate estimation of base temperature but has limited impact on optimum and ceiling temperatures

Integrative psychological interventions for enhancing basketball performance: A focus on individual and team dynamics.

Therapies for major depressive episodes (MDEs) in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) have limited efficacy and tolerability. Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including transcranial direct current (tDCS), alternating current (tACS), and random noise stimulation (tRNS), has been investigated as a non-invasive alternative, but existing reviews are outdated or narrow in scope. A systematic review of tES modalities for MDE in MDD and BD was conducted, alongside a meta-analysis restricted to tDCS RCTs. Eligible participants had MDD or BD diagnosed per standardised criteria. The primary outcome was change in depression severity; secondary outcomes were response and remission. Moderator and sensitivity analyses were performed post hoc. Thirty-four tES trials met inclusion criteria; 31 used tDCS (n=1833 at endpoint) and were eligible for meta-analysis. Pooled results showed active tDCS produced a moderate reduction in depressive symptoms versus sham (Hedges' g=0.387, 95% CI: 0.192-0.582), with no significant effect on response (OR=1.397) or remission (OR=1.138). Larger effects were observed in bipolar depression, monotherapy samples, and studies using F3/F4 electrode placement. No publication bias was detected. Risk of bias ratings influenced effect sizes. tDCS demonstrates statistical superiority to sham for symptom reduction, but effects do not reliably translate to response or remission, and heterogeneity remains substantial. Efficacy varies by clinical and methodological factors. tDCS is a safe, moderately effective option for MDEs. Future trials should improve methodological rigor, refine montage selection, and evaluate longer or multi-channel protocols.

As building regulations grow in complexity and digital design workflows become more integrated, the need for automated compliance checking (ACC) is intensifying. This review combines PRISMA with AI-assisted semantic retrieval and concept mapping, using Boolean and Deep Search to identify 88 peer-reviewed studies and broaden coverage across disciplines. The dual approach balances methodological rigour with the discovery capacity needed to surface studies missed by conventional keyword searches, enabling lifecycle-oriented synthesis. The paper synthesises recent advances across rule-based, ontology-driven, and AI-enhanced ACC systems, tracing a shift toward more flexible, lifecycle-aware compliance frameworks. It also introduces a conceptual map that visualise ACC processes across five lifecycle stages. Persistent barriers include interoperability gaps, limited post-construction support, and challenges in large-scale rule formalisation. Findings indicate the growing need for hybrid tools that support re-checking and traceability. The paper outlines future directions for transparent, adaptive, and jurisdiction-sensitive ACC systems in design automation and regulatory practice. • ACC systems are systematically reviewed using PRISMA and Deep Search. • A conceptual map illustrates an integrated ACC framework across the lifecycle. • Early rule-based ACC has evolved into AI, LLM, and ontology-driven systems. • Future directions focus on interoperability, re-checking, and rule scalability.

• Python-based pipeline integrates WoS, Scopus, and ScienceDirect data. • Research output grew 633% from 2015 to 2025 in gasification field. • Network fragmentation identified across global collaboration patterns. • Innovation translation gap persists between academia and industry. • PRISMA 2020 compliance ensures systematic review methodological rigor. This work analyzed the evolution of research in gasification and co-gasification through a comprehensive bibliometric review from 2015 to 2025. To this end, it was necessary to develop a Python pipeline to consolidate records from Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, given the failure of standard bibliometric software to reliably handle export format incompatibilities. Of the initial 128,056 records, 1,123 publications were defined under the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on thermodynamic modeling and Aspen Plus applications. The results indicate an exponential increase of 633% in publications, with China (34.5%) and Europe (28.7%) leading scientific production in 67 countries. Despite this remarkable growth, collaboration networks remained structurally fragmented. The analysis of the recent literature demonstrates that the focus has shifted slowly toward the issues of green hydrogen (8.7%), the circular economy (7.9%), and computational modeling (29.7%). Moreover, the patent information shows that there is an innovation gap of 3.2 years and a 3.6:1 publication-to-patent ratio. Although the field shows scientific maturity (h-index 89; average IF 8.4), commercial deployment is still limited, reinforcing the need for stronger international and industry–academic collaboration to advance gasification’s role in global decarbonization.

The management of acoustic cavitation is crucial for enhancing the performance of optimised sonoreactors in various fields. With a growing interest in eco-friendly methods employing sono-reactors, the assessment of cavitation caused by ultrasonic devices is increasingly significant. Controlling cavitation is vital to maximise energy efficiency and its related impacts. Currently, traditional measurement methods include physical techniques (such as aluminium foil tests and calorimetry), optical methods (such as high-speed imaging, sonoluminescence, and particle image velocimetry), chemical approaches (including fluorescence and dosimetry), as well as acoustic methods (like hydrophones and active cavitation detectors). However, each of these methodologies possesses inherent limitations that can compromise measurement accuracy, lead to unnecessary costs, and result in a lack of methodological rigour. This review suggests an organised framework designed to assist in selecting the most suitable technique from the widely used methods, tailored to different application contexts. The framework includes application-specific questions derived from the review, helping to pinpoint methods that meet specific requirements. • Framework defined to improve the selection of techniques for acoustic cavitation control. • Control acoustic cavitation mainly relies on acoustic, physical, chemical, or optical methods. • Optical methods combined with acoustic ones are most common. Cross-methods improve assessment.

Radiomics is increasingly explored as a tool for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. However, concerns exist about the reproducibility and methodological rigor of its studies. The integration of high-dimensional radiomic features and machine learning makes the field prone to unintentional errors that may warrant retraction. Despite a rising number of retractions in science overall, no dedicated study has examined retractions specifically within radiomics. Therefore, this study aimed to review retracted radiomics publications and identify the characteristics and reasons for their retraction. We systematically searched sixdatabases (Crossref, Retraction Watch Database, OpenAlex, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and identified 93 retracted radiomics publications, of which 20 were included. These articles were analyzed with respect to publisher, country of origin, dates, citation counts, and reasons for retraction. Retraction rates were then estimated and compared with those in general radiology. Our findings indicate that a disproportionate number of retractions are linked to specific publishers and countries (particularly China and India), with overall low citation counts (median 4.0 citations). Retractions peaked sharply in 2023, followed by a strong decline. Many retraction notes lack a clear explanation for the retraction. Estimated retraction rates in radiomics were lower than in general radiology (6.7 vs 7.4 per 10,000 publications). Notably, no major radiological or oncological journal appears to have retracted a radiomics publication. Given that radiomics demands higher, interdisciplinary expertise, this suggests a gap, implying that flawed research may yet have to be retracted. KEY POINTS: Question Considering the technical complexity of radiomics studies and their susceptibility to unintentional errors, how do their retraction rates compare to those in general radiology? Findings Retractions in radiomics were disproportionately linked to specific publishers and countries; however, no retractions appeared in major journals. Estimated retraction rates were lower than those for general radiology publications. Clinical relevance A potential gap in the number of retracted radiomics studies was identified, implying that flawed research in the field may not yethave been addressed.

Poultry production sciences play a strategic role in enhancing food security and meeting the growing global demand for animal protein, while also contributing to sustainability. Understanding and leveraging consumer behaviors enables the development of flexible and sustainable production systems capable of effectively adapting to social changes and future market needs. This study aims to explore the strategic role of poultry production sciences in shaping the future of global food security and achieving sustainable development. A descriptive methodology was adopted, based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, international reports from relevant organizations, and an analysis of global case studies. Studies were included if they examined the role of poultry production in meeting consumer demands and promoting sustainability. Studies not related to higher education or production contexts, or lacking methodological rigor or empirical evidence, were excluded. The findings indicate that integrating scientific research, applied education, and insights into consumer behavior enables poultry science programs to align graduates' skills with market demands, optimize production strategies, and enhance innovation, resilience, and sustainability across the sector. Additionally, Poultry science programs are a fundamental driver of scientific and technological advancement, linking research outcomes with market trends and consumer behavior, developing specialized human capital, and supporting evidence-based policymaking to enhance the resilience of global food systems. The study also emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior as a strategic tool that enables producers, decision-makers, and agricultural policymakers to translate these insights into innovative and sustainable production practices, thereby boosting competitiveness, meeting future demand, and maintaining a balance between profitability, quality, and social and environmental responsibility. Moreover, the study recommends fostering collaboration among policymakers, producers, and academic institutions through joint initiatives and measurable monitoring systems to develop forward-looking strategies and awareness programs, thereby embedding resilience and sustainability as core pillars for the long-term advancement of the global poultry industry.

Harnessing estrogen's neuroprotective potential in mitigating Alzheimer's pathologies in postmenopausal women: a review.

Abstract Building on Meyer, van Witteloostuijn, and Beugelsdijk’s (2017) editorial on best practices for conducting and reporting hypothesis-testing research in IB, we examine the extent to which their guidelines—and related recommendations by Hahn and Ang (2017)—have been adopted in leading IB journals. We analyze all null-hypothesis significance testing-based articles published in the Journal of International Business Studies and the Journal of World Business between 2012 and 2024, using fine-grained inferential trend analyses of methodological and reporting standards alongside state-of-the-art tests for p-hacking and publication bias. Our results indicate meaningful progress in several areas, including greater methodological rigor and transparency. However, adoption remains uneven and has plateaued for several practices. Persistent shortcomings include limited reporting of standard errors, confidence intervals, and effect sizes, incomplete disclosure of robustness analyses and outlier treatment, and the continued predominance of confirmed hypotheses. Moreover, we find no evidence that p-hacking or publication bias have declined over time. Drawing on these results, we outline actionable recommendations for advancing methodological and reporting standards in IB by (1) enhancing transparent reporting, (2) providing convincing evidence, and (3) reporting and probing null and negative results. Overall, our study offers a roadmap for strengthening research credibility in IB.

A review of machine learning applications in the prediction of selected groundwater quality parameters: Key lessons, knowledge gaps, and future directions.

Reflexivity has long been central to qualitative research, supporting ethical, epistemological, and methodological rigor. However, the increasing use of AI, especially generative AI (GenAI), in qualitative inquiry both unsettles and reconfigures reflexive practice. Drawing on constructivist and posthumanist perspectives, this paper examines how GenAI generates distinct but interconnected dilemmas. For constructivism, it may undermine reflexivity through cognitive offloading, speed-driven research cultures, and reduced transparency, thereby challenging human-centered assumptions of meaning-making. For posthumanism, it complicates reflexivity by raising questions about distributed agency and accountability, even as GenAI is positioned as an interlocutor in relational and distributed forms of reflexive engagement. The paper proposes a multidimensional model of forward reflexivity in the era of AI. It argues that reflexivity under the AI condition must become forward-facing, as qualitative outputs increasingly become training data that will shape future knowledge-making, future researchers, and society.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the determinants of efficiency and profitability among fintech firms in China and India, with a particular focus on macro-level information and communication technology (ICT) development as a key factor. Design/methodology/approach The study sample includes fintech firms from China and India. We apply instrumental variable techniques and the Arellano–Bond model to panel data from each country and compare the results. Findings The findings show substantial disparities between China and India. In China, a robust digital infrastructure has consistently enhanced fintech profitability and efficiency by facilitating customer acquisition and operational optimization. In contrast, India's fintech sector has yet to fully capitalize on the country's ICT growth. Practical implications These findings highlight that investing in technology alone is insufficient – it must be complemented by broader ecosystem development. In China, efforts should focus on managing costs while deepening innovation. In India, critical actions include addressing regional digital divides, improving service reliability and advancing digital inclusion to unlock the full potential of ICT for fintech performance. In both countries, mobile payment systems should be reviewed to identify opportunities for reducing costs and creating value. Originality/value This paper advances the fintech literature by empirically examining the impact of macro-level ICT development on fintech firm performance in China and India, moving beyond previous research focused predominantly on the micro level. Moreover, the study investigates the underlying mechanisms driving these associations, including scalability, customer acquisition and operational optimization. Building on previous research, we employ both static and dynamic econometric models to ensure robustness and methodological rigor, effectively capturing both cross-sectional and time-dependent effects. Furthermore, by analyzing the COVID-19 period, the study offers insights into fintech resilience and adaptability to external shocks.

Purpose This systematic scoping review aims to map the peer-reviewed evidence on cryptocurrency-enabled money laundering to highlight significant gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding its role in the rapid expansion of Southeast Asia’s scam economy. It focuses on scam compounds, money mule networks and anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing strategies to inform policy responses. Design/methodology/approach Following systematic scoping review guidelines, 7,669 records from five databases (2009–2025) were screened, yielding 25 peer-reviewed studies. Dual-reviewer screening, standardized extraction and thematic synthesis were used, with quality appraisal emphasizing methodological rigor and theoretical depth. Findings Four themes emerged: (1) industrial scam ecosystems in Southeast Asia are linked to crypto-enabled wealth transfer and laundering, though peer-reviewed evidence on these specific regional operations remains limited; (2) offender rationales favor low-risk, high-reward techniques like mixing, privacy coins and high-volume, low-amount transfers; (3) blockchain forensics enable tracing and evidence gathering, but are challenged by evolving privacy tools; and (4) regulatory attempts often lag behind criminal innovation, necessitating financial reforms. However, the review reveals a critical gap: only a minority of studies directly address Southeast Asia’s scam compounds, underscoring the need for targeted research amid the region’s burgeoning scam economy. These themes illustrate that cryptocurrency has become essential financial infrastructure for organized crime, yet empirical insights specific to Southeast Asia remain limited. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic scoping review highlighting the shortage of peer-reviewed research and studies of Southeast Asia’s scam economy in cryptocurrency laundering research, synthesizing broader literature to advocate for criminologically informed interventions.

This INSIGHT contribution honours Professor Gorm Greisen on the occasion of his retirement and recognises his profound influence on neonatal brain physiology and care, on behalf of the Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Special Interest Group of the European Society for Paediatric Research. Over more than four decades, Greisen reshaped our understanding of cerebral hemodynamics and the distinctive vulnerabilities of the newborn brain during the transitional period after birth. Through methodological innovation combined with careful physiological enquiry, he contributed decisively to establishing non-invasive cerebral monitoring as a scientifically robust clinical tool and clarified the limits of autoregulation and oxygen-metabolic balance in both preterm and term infants. Beyond his scientific achievements, Greisen has played a central role in international collaborative research, helping to define standards for physiologic trials in neonatology and to cultivate a coherent global research community. His enduring commitment to methodological rigour, thoughtful interpretation, and ethical reflection has influenced clinical practice as well as academic culture. His legacy persists in the conceptual frameworks, collaborative networks, and values that continue to guide efforts to safeguard the developing brain.

This systematic review examines the alignment between pedagogy and assessment in the implementation of Zambia’s 2023 competence-based education (CBE) curriculum. Grounded in the theory of significant learning (Fink, 2003) [11] and constructive alignment (Biggs, 1996) [1], the study employs a PRISMA-guided systematic review design to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. A comprehensive search of policy documents, peer-reviewed studies, and institutional reports published between 2019 and 2025 yielded 15 studies for inclusion, which were analyzed using thematic synthesis. The findings reveal persistent misalignment between curriculum intentions and classroom practices, particularly in assessment design, teacher preparedness, instructional resources, and equitable access. Systemic factors, including limited assessment literacy, weak instructional mediation, and inconsistent implementation across contexts, drive these challenges. Comparative evidence from Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa further underscores the systemic nature of these challenges, highlighting the importance of coherence between curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment systems. While initiatives such as School-Based Assessment and digital platforms offer potential pathways for reform, their impact remains constrained by gaps in integration and capacity. The review concludes that alignment is a structural requirement for achieving competence-based outcomes and recommends strengthening assessment frameworks, teacher professional development grounded in integrated design, and the strategic use of digital technologies to support authentic, performance-based learning in Zambia and similar contexts.

This study aims to critically examine the relationship between husband’s support and compliance with three-month injectable contraceptive visits using a systematic literature review design. Data were derived from peer-reviewed national and international journals published over the past decade and selected through PRISMA procedures based on relevance, methodological rigor, and explicit reporting of both variables. The synthesis indicates that husband’s support functions as a multidimensional construct comprising emotional, informational, instrumental, and decisional elements that shape adherence behavior. Evidence suggests that such support not only reinforces women’s motivation but also interacts with socio-cultural environments and health system structures influencing continuity of contraceptive use. Differences across studies reveal that effectiveness is mediated by communication quality, gender norms, and service accessibility. Strengthening male engagement through integrated reproductive health strategies is therefore essential to improve continuity of care and optimize family planning program outcomes.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to systematically review and synthesize empirical evidence on the effect of students' interest and self-efficacy on mathematics performance across different educational contexts. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts a systematic review design to ensure transparency, rigor, and replicability in identifying, screening, and synthesizing relevant studies. Literature searches were conducted across major databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2025. A total of twelve (12) eligible studies met the inclusion criteria based on their methodological rigor, conceptual relevance and focus on mathematics education. Findings The findings reveal that students' interest and self-efficacy consistently exert a positive and significant influence on mathematics performance, with descriptive-correlational designs (76%) being the most frequently used research approach, followed by survey, experimental and mixed-method designs. Most of the studies were conducted in the USA, China and Ghana, and spanned primary to tertiary education levels, with the highest concentration in secondary and undergraduate settings. Research limitations/implications However, several limitations were identified, including a heavy reliance on cross-sectional designs, self-reported Likert-scale instruments and limited representation from Sub-Saharan African contexts. Originality/value The study's novelty lies in its comprehensive synthesis that highlights global methodological and theoretical trends while identifying critical research gaps, such as the need for longitudinal, experimental and culturally contextualized studies, as well as the application of advanced analytical models like SEM to better understand the dynamic interplay between students' interest, self-efficacy and mathematics achievement.