Peer Review Research Articles

Blockchain and Its Application in the Peer Review of Scientific Works: A Systematic Review

Blockchain and Its Application in the Peer Review of Scientific Works: A Systematic Review

Social protection for inclusive growth: a tale of two countries Pakistan and Bangladesh

PurposeThis paper examines and compares the role of social protection to promote inclusive growth in two countries (once related), Pakistan and Bangladesh, from 1984 to 2020, using annual time series data.Design/methodology/approachThe study used principal component analysis to develop the index of social protection, inclusive growth and macroeconomic stability. It also employed co-integration with impulse response function and fully modified ordinary least squares test for long-run cointegration.FindingsThe key results highlighted that social protection positively promotes inclusive growth in both countries. However, Bangladesh attains a high position in achieving inclusive growth through the mechanism of welfare programs. Findings show that institutional quality, macroeconomic stability and globalization are the positive and significant drivers of inclusive growth in both countries. It also confirms that macroeconomic stability and globalization are contributing more to achieving inclusive growth in Bangladesh as compared to Pakistan.Practical implicationsInstitutions and macroeconomic stability in both countries are critical toward providing a transparent system of welfare schemes to achieve inclusive growth. Shocks to social protection schemes in Pakistan are inconsistent for achieving inclusive growth as compared to Bangladesh.Originality/valueThe study extends the empirical measurement of social protection and inclusive growth while using protracted dimensions and indicators. It further examines and compares the dynamics of social protection programs for inclusive growth in two countries once related. For further originality and reliability, this study checks the robustness of long-run estimates by disaggregating the institutional quality and globalization into their key dimensions.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0548

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Linguistics Research, Vol. 7, No. 1

International Linguistics Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated. International Linguistics Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://home.ideasspread.org/for-reviewers/ and e-mail the completed application form to ilr@ideasspread.org Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 1 Anastasia Parianou, Ionian University, Greece Bahman Solati, University of California, United States Bassil Mashaqba, The Hashemite University, Jordan Cândido Samuel Fonseca de Oliveira, Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Brazil Cheng-hua Hsiao, National Ilan University, Taiwan, Republic of China Elena Ogneva, Belgorod National Research University, Russia Farzaneh Shakki, Islamic Azad University, Iran Gareth Morgan, Oxford University, England Hamad H. Alsowat, Taif University, Saudi Arabia Hassan Banaru'ee, Chabahar Maritime University, Iran Hassan Moradi, Ministry of Education, Iran Irina Kuprieva, Russian University of Cooperation, Russia Laura V. Fielden Burns, University of Extremadura, English Philology Dept, Spain Mahmoud Mobaraki, University of Jahrom, Iran Mateus Cruz Maciel de Carvalho, James Cook University – Cairns, Australia Mohammad Hussein Hamdan, Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University, Saudi Arabia Mostafa Morady Moghaddam, Shahrood University of Technology, Iran Natalia Iuzefovich, Pacific National University, Russia Shadi S. Neimneh, The Hashemite University, Jordan Shinji Okumura, Mukogaw Women’s University, Japan Vera Nikolayevna Golodnaya, Nevinnomyssk Institute, Russian Federation Viktoriya N. Karpukhina, Altai State University, Russia Yasir Bdaiwi, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Iraq Yousef Awad, The University of Jordan, Jordan

Optimal Timing for Intraocular Pressure Measurement Following Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Post-operative increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) are a frequent complication following phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Assessment of IOP is an essential element in post-operative checks. Despite this, guidance regarding the optimal timing remains vague. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the current status of evidence that may help guide best practice regarding the optimal time following phacoemulsification cataract surgery to measure IOP. A comprehensive literature search was performed on MEDLINE and EMBASE. In two stages, independent reviewers screened articles that reported IOP measurements following uncomplicated cataract surgery. Risk of Bias Assessment was conducted following data extraction. The meta-analysis incorporated 57 randomized clinical studies involving a total of 6318 participants and 7089 eyes. Post-operative hour one had a significant decrease in IOP from baseline, while hour two had a non-significant increase. Post-operative hours four, six, and eight were the only timepoints to have a significant increase in IOP. Finally, post-operative day one had no significant change in IOP, while day two had a non-significant decrease. These results suggest that the optimal time to measure IOP is within the first 4–8 h following phacoemulsification cataract extraction. Taking measurements too soon or too late could result in missed IOP spikes.

Training undergraduate biomedical science majors in peer review and constructive criticism through a senior capstone course.

Effective scientific communication is crucial for undergraduate students to succeed in future graduate or professional careers in the biomedical sciences. Peer review and constructive criticism are essential to producing written science communications. Unfortunately, training in how to perform peer review and incorporate constructive criticism is minimal in undergraduate science courses. Here, I describe a senior thesis course for immunology and microbiology majors that encourages students to integrate iterative peer review to improve their writing skills and their ability to incorporate feedback. In this course, students are expected to complete one of the following written projects that focuses on an immunological disorder or infectious disease: a research proposal, a case study, or a meta-analysis/systematic review. Each project is separated into six assignments, and each assignment is assessed through specifications (SPECS)-based grading and peer review where students have multiple attempts to improve their scores on each assignment. Approximately 40% of each student's grade is based on their ability to incorporate feedback from peers and instructors. Preliminary survey results suggest that students are eager to learn how to effectively incorporate peer and instructor feedback. Enhancing training in peer review will encourage students to embrace constructive criticism, which will be essential for their future careers. Initial findings indicate that students are positively engaging with the peer-review process, and the use of SPECS grading fosters a growth mindset. Continued research will further explore how this method can enhance students' confidence and skill in integrating feedback into professional scientific communication.

Using Textual Analysis to Examine Student Engagement in Online Undergraduate Science Education

This study investigates the relationship between student engagement and peer review performance in an online data science course. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed quantitative data on peer review metrics (word count, sentiment, and complexity) and qualitative insights from student comments from 2019 to 2021. Our findings indicate a positive correlation between higher student grades and more detailed, positive peer reviews, as measured by word count, sentiment, and keyword matches. While the overall changes in engagement metrics were not statistically significant, trends suggest increased engagement over time. These findings contribute to a growing body of research on the effectiveness of peer review in online learning environments and highlight its potential to foster student development in data science. Future research should address limitations such as sample size and explore broader applications across diverse online courses. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

Community Health Worker Videoconferencing Interventions for Disease Management and Health Promotion: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Public health interventions delivered by community health workers (CHWs) have been proven effective in improving health outcomes across multiple fields, particularly in populations that are underserved by traditional health care systems. To date, little research is available about how CHW-led interventions could be successfully delivered virtually, despite many other health care services being offered via telehealth. This paper details a scoping review protocol that aims to assess the existing literature on CHW-led interventions using videoconferencing technology. The scoping review protocol was developed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines on conduct of scoping reviews. Included papers will describe a direct intervention to manage disease or improve health, delivered by CHWs via videoconferencing. Multiple literature databases and gray literature will be searched. Abstracts and then full texts will be reviewed to determine inclusion by 2 independent reviewers; conflicts at each stage will be resolved by a third reviewer. A data extraction tool will be used by reviewers to independently chart data from included studies; results will be reviewed for accuracy by a second reviewer. Included papers will be analyzed to identify the breadth of the available evidence, including barriers, facilitators, effectiveness, and best practices described in the literature. Data will be summarized in a narrative review. This study commenced in April 2022, and the study protocol was finalized in November 2022. A preliminary search of the published literature (excluding gray literature) in July 2024 revealed 276 reports after removal of duplicates. The formal literature search will commence in August 2024, with results available by December 2024. We intend to publish results in the academic literature as well as creating a report accessible to nonacademic and community audiences. This review will illuminate the breadth of the evidence available on CHW videoconferencing interventions, with specific focus on strategies for implementation success and equity of access. and will be of great value to organizations that offer CHW services. DERR1-10.2196/55160.

Effects of Probiotic Therapy on Periodontal and Peri-implant Treatments: An Umbrella Review.

The effectiveness of nonsurgical periodontal treatment is related to patient- and tooth-related factors. To overcome the limitations of the conventional approach, probiotics are one of the adjunct therapies that have been studied. This umbrella review answered the focused question: in adult patients with periodontal diseases or peri-implant diseases, does the use of probiotic therapy as an adjuvant to nonsurgical periodontal treatment when compared with nonsurgical periodontal treatment alone affect treatment effectiveness and clinical disease parameters? A systematic electronic search to identify systematic reviews according to PICOS criteria, defined a priori, was used, and 5 electronic databases were searched (Medline, LILACS, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and DANS EASY). Included systematic reviews were rated using quality assessment tools by 2 independent reviewers. Thirty systematic reviews were identified evaluating the effectiveness of probiotics in periodontal and peri-implant disease treatment. A quantitative analysis of the results was not possible due to the high heterogeneity of clinical data. Seventeen of 31 reviews reported clinically relevant benefits of probiotic therapy as an adjuvant to scaling and root planning. Twenty-two reviews had a low risk of bias, 7 had a moderate risk, and 2 had a high risk. The evidence from the available studies is conflicting, which means that no definitive conclusions can be made about the effectiveness of probiotic therapy as an adjuvant to nonsurgical periodontal treatment. High-quality primary research studies are needed that control for known confounding variables. This umbrella review provides some evidence regarding the efficacy of probiotics as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy, despite some equivocal findings. However, short-term probiotic use alongside therapy appears to be advantageous; there is currently no evidence supporting their long-term benefits. We have also identified that probiotic research is primarily constrained by its origins in gastrointestinal applications, resulting in a lack of approved probiotics for dental use. This review highlights the need for extensive clinical research to ascertain their effectiveness in the oral environment. Nevertheless, the utilization of probiotics alongside periodontal treatment seems safe, with no reported adverse effects in patients. Thus, further clinical validations in oral health care settings are crucial.

Clinical risk factors for pancreatic cancer: protocol for an umbrella review

IntroductionIdentifying cancer earlier can help save lives. An increasingly popular approach to diagnosing cancer earlier is in the development of risk prediction models to be applied to the electronic healthcare...

Faculty experiences in publishing in Scopus-indexed journals: Challenges and strategies among higher education institutions in the Philippines

Research is a cornerstone of education, with publication output often used as a key metric for research performance. This study investigates the experiences of Philippine Higher Education Institution (HEI) faculty as they work to publish in Scopus-indexed journals. By exploring faculty members' challenges, strategies, and perspectives, this research aims to inform how HEIs can enhance support for faculty in contributing to global scholarship and advancing academic careers. Using Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology, 12 faculty members from HEIs in Eastern Visayas, Philippines, were purposively selected as participants, with theoretical saturation guiding the sample size. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. The study reveals four primary themes regarding the publication journey: motivation for publishing, preparation and publication process, challenges faced, and support systems. Faculty perceptions of publishing centered around five themes: career advancement and promotion, increased visibility and credibility, personal and professional satisfaction, institutional expectations, and incentives. Key challenges included financial barriers, the rigorous peer review and revision process, submission and formatting requirements, and emotional strain. To address these, participants highlighted strategies involving financial and personal investment, mentorship and collegial support, institutional resources, continuous learning, strategic journal selection, and maintaining resilience. Findings indicate that publishing in Scopus-indexed journals requires a blend of motivation, planning, and resilience, as faculty strive to contribute to knowledge and further their careers. Yet, they face substantial barriers, especially high publication fees and stringent formatting standards. Institutional support—especially through funding, mentorship, and workshops—is vital to overcoming these obstacles. For greater faculty success, institutions should cultivate a supportive research culture that recognizes and addresses the logistical and emotional demands of academic publishing.

David Hand’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

David Hand’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

YouTube as a source of information for parents about silver diamine fluoride.

To depict and evaluate the characteristics, engagement, content, and quality of YouTube videos containing information about silver diamine fluoride (SDF). A total of 200 YouTube™ videos were selected and screened, and the video characteristics and engagement indicators were recorded. They were then reviewed for consistency with current professional guidelines on this topic. Two independent reviewers scored the videos using a customized 8-point scoring and 5-point Global Quality Scale (GQS) to assess the content information and the overall quality of each video. These videos were further classified into good, moderate, and poor videos. Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-squared, and Spearman's correlation tests were used for the statistical analysis. 110 videos met the inclusion criteria. The median total content score was 3 (IQR = 4) and the median GQS score was 2 (IQR = 2). Less than half (n = 49; 45.5%) of the videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals. The video content was classified as good (n = 26; 23.64%), moderate (n = 43; 39.09%), and poor (n = 41; 37.27%). Good-quality videos have a significantly higher information content score than the other groups (P = 0.001). A strong correlation was found between the total content score and GQS score (rho = 0.970, P = 0.001). Longer duration, higher interaction index, and recent upload are associated with higher content and quality scores. A considerable number of videos are available on YouTube about SDF treatment and are attracting public interest. The content and quality of these videos vary widely and are related to several factors.

Dennis John Trewin’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Dennis John Trewin’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Paul Allin’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Paul Allin’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Paul A. Smith’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Paul A. Smith’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

E Marian Scott’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

E Marian Scott’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Arun Peter Chind’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Arun Peter Chind’s contribution to the Discussion of ‘Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority’ by Denise Lievesley

Sheila Bird's contribution to the Discussion of the “Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority” by Denise Lievesley

Sheila Bird's contribution to the Discussion of the “Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority” by Denise Lievesley

Phyllis Macfarlane’s invited contribution to the Discussion of “The Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority” by Denise Lievesley

Phyllis Macfarlane’s invited contribution to the Discussion of “The Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority” by Denise Lievesley

Nonsurgical Interventions for Gender-Affirming Facial Feminization: A Scoping Review.

Importance: Systematic review will improve understanding of nonsurgical facial feminization techniques, which are useful alternatives or adjuncts to surgical gender affirmation. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of nonsurgical facial feminization techniques in patients seeking gender-affirming feminization by reviewing the literature for patient-reported, subjective, and objective outcomes of feminization. Evidence Review: A comprehensive database search was conducted through July 28, 2022. A total of 264 titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers in Covidence. Of all, 48 met the inclusion criteria for full-text review, and 20 articles were included in the final data extraction. Findings: The most described nonsurgical facial feminization techniques were neurotoxins, fillers, and hair removal. Techniques were derived from cisgender cosmetic procedures to achieve feminine qualities. The most common study type was expert opinion or literature reviews. There were only two studies that analyzed measurable nonsurgical facial feminization techniques. Conclusions and Relevance: There is a lack of high-quality prospective research and randomized, controlled trials specific to the transgender patient population that evaluate outcomes, patient satisfaction, or complications. Such studies are needed to inform evidence-based practices.