Rank Position Research Articles

Building a Postgraduate Supervision Model for Student Success in South Africa: How Masters and Doctoral Students’ Experiences can Assist?

A critical gap exists in South African higher education research on postgraduate supervision models. Research emphasis is placed in administrative aspects over the supervision praxis for student throughput. This paper investigates an effective postgraduate supervision model in South Africa to enhance student success. The literature underscores the need for an approach that balances the teaching and the supervising of research. Supervision is a supportive and collaborative journey between the student and the supervisor. However, there are complexities of postgraduate supervision pedagogy that are hardly explored in South Africa - the quality of supervision, time-to-degree, throughput rates, and perceived organisational support. Therefore, inadequate understanding of the elements constitutes supervision relationships issues for masters and doctoral students. Current practice falls short of addressing supervision praxis which necessitated this study to explore a tailored model of supervision. Therefore, how can experiences of masters, doctoral candidates and graduates assist to explain and propose an optimal postgraduate research supervision model that best supports the student success rates in South African universities? As a constructivist designed study, a quantitative digital survey and a snowball sampling method were used targeting masters and doctoral candidates and graduates across private and public universities in South Africa. An online survey was designed and administered using Microsoft Forms to over 500 participants. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted measuring position in percentile rankings. Results elucidate the nature and main feature of postgraduate supervisory relationships in South Africa. We found that a postgraduate research supervision model can be tailored to the South African context, and we contribute to the development of postgraduate supervision model as pedagogical tool related to metacognitive strategies and humanising pedagogy for research supervisors and students.

Combining a Chemical Language Model and the Structure-Activity Relationship Matrix Formalism for Generative Design of Potent Compounds with Core Structure and Substituent Modifications.

In medicinal chemistry, compound optimization relies on the generation of analogue series (AS) for exploring structure-activity relationships (SARs). Potency progression is a critical criterion for advancing AS. During optimization, a key question is which analogues to synthesize next. We introduce a new computational methodology for the extension of AS with potent compounds containing both core structure and substituent modifications at multiple sites, which has been reported for the first time. The approach combines a transformer chemical language model (CLM) with a SAR matrix (SARM) methodology that identifies and organizes structurally related AS. Therefore, the SARM approach was expanded to cover multisite AS. Consensus series extracted from SARMs representing a potency gradient served as input for CLM training to extend test AS with potent analogues. Different model variants were derived and investigated. Both general and fine-tuned models correctly predicted known potent analogues at high positions in probability-based compound rankings and chemically diversified AS through core structure modifications of the generated candidate compounds and substituent replacements at multiple sites.

University Technological Entrepreneurship Projects: Factors of Success

The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of the success factors in university technological entrepreneurial projects, based on a unique empirical dataset created with the support of the project office and the office for promoting the federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform». The dataset includes a ranking of over 1,000 university projects from 2023, each of which contains information on approximately 35 characteristics, both financial and non-financial. The success indicators selected for analysis are the «final ranking position» and «investment attractiveness of the project». Statistical methods, implemented through Python libraries, were used to examine the relationships between different forms of project support and the aforementioned characteristics. The results highlight the critical role of the university environment in supporting entrepreneurial projects, while also revealing that specific support measures can exhibit varying degrees of association with project success. Two key findings are noteworthy. First, there is no positive correlation between the project’s strong embeddedness in the university environment (e.g., a team assembled within the university or a project initially started as an academic exercise) and the project’s success. Second, among the support measures implemented within the current federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform», the strongest association with the success of entrepreneurial initiatives is found in participation in startup studios. Considering contemporary discussions on the need to seek new solutions to enhance the educational and life experiences of modern students, bringing them closer to the realities of a dynamically changing labor market, the university startup studio model may serve as a source for developing new models of university organization.

Matching into Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Fellowships: Do USMLE Scores and AOA Status Still Matter?

IntroductionDespite the established importance of the United States Medical License Exam (USMLE) and Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status in orthopedic residency selection, their significance in the fellowship match remains unknown. This study evaluates the influence of USMLE scores and AOA status on interview invitation rates and match positions for shoulder and elbow surgery fellowship applicants. MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of data from the San Francisco Match database from 2018 to 2023. The study included matched applicants for shoulder and elbow surgery fellowship, excluding unmatched applicants, osteopathic, and international medical graduates. USMLE scores were categorized into four tiers, and interview invitation rates were examined based on USMLE tier and AOA status. Additionally, the association between USMLE scores and AOA status were analyzed by applicant and fellowship rank positions. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, linear regression, and analysis of variance. ResultsData from 218 matched applicants were included. On average, applicants submitted 23.3± 9.7 applications, with an average interview rate of 76%. The mean Step 1 and 2 score was 247 ± 11 (n = 141) and 253 ± 12 (n = 171), respectively. USMLE scores showed a positive correlation with interview rates (Step 1: p < 0.0001, B = 0.768; Step 2: p < 0.0001, B = 0.727), indicating that higher scores were associated with increased interview opportunities. AOA members accounted for 38% of applicants (of 183 with available data), and they demonstrated a higher average percentage of interviews compared to non-AOA applicants (79% vs 75%, p < 0.001). While no significant difference in the average Step 1 (p = 0.17) or Step 2 score (p = 0.79) was observed across applicant rank positions, AOA membership was more prevalent among applicants in higher rank tiers (p < 0.001). Additionally, AOA applicants (p < 0.001) and those with higher Step 2 scores (p=0.04) were more likely to be ranked higher by their matched fellowship program. ConclusionUSMLE scores and AOA status correlate with interview invitation rates and applicant ranking for shoulder and elbow surgery fellowships. Future work should examine the influence of residency reputation and research productivity on shoulder and elbow surgery fellowship match outcomes.

The Evolution Of Self-Service For Tax Declarations On EGov Platforms: A Comparative Analysis Between 2019 And 2023

Background: Aiming to foster a discussion on the provision of public self-services to citizens through e-gov platforms, this study seeks to: gain an overview of the self-service for individual income tax declarations in 2019 and 2023, comparing the e-gov platforms of countries ranked with the highest UN e-participation indices. Materials and Methods: This research adopts qualitative, quantitative, exploratory, and retrospective approaches. The analysis was conducted in 2019 and repeated in 2023, rigorously investigating the e-gov portals of 54 countries ranked with the highest e-participation indices by the UN in 2016. Scientific articles from Google Scholar and secondary data from the UN's E-Government Knowledge Base related for the years 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 were analyzed. The number of e-gov services, types of services, countries, and continents were quantified. Results: Brazil moved up from the 37th to the 11th position in the UN's e-participation ranking, according to analyses from 2019 and 2023. A 17% increase was observed in the number of countries offering the individual income tax declaration service in fully transactional (online self-service) form. Conversely, a 13% reduction was noted among countries providing a mixed service (online and in-person), with 2% of this group adopting a fully online process. The number of countries that do not reference individual tax self-service on their platforms remained at 9% in both 2019 and 2022. Conclusion: This study compares the individual income tax declaration service in fully transactional self-service in 2019 and 2023 among countries with the highest UN e-participation indices, highlighting that the transition to electronic tax self-services is progressing slowly, with many countries still not utilizing e-gov platforms for this purpose. Brazil improved its e-participation ranking and expanded services on digital platforms. This underscores the potential shift to electronic self-services, promoting discussions on the topic and suggesting improvements in public service delivery and potential access policies.

THE EVOLUTION OF PERFORMANCES ON A NATIONAL LEVEL IN AEROBIC GYMNASTICS

Background. Performance aerobic gymnastics is, indeed, a form of art in motion, harmoniously blending elements from gymnastics, dance, and aerobics. Focusing on aspects such as coordination, mobility, strength, and endurance, this discipline challenges both the physical and mental abilities of athletes. The hallmark of performance aerobic gymnastics is the ability to execute quick and precise movements without compromising technique and accuracy. This requires a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and grace, as well as a good understanding of rhythm and music. Through this combination of traits, performance aerobic gymnastics becomes not just a form of training but also a captivating spectacle, attracting both athletes eager to test their limits and the audience with its dynamism and complexity. It is a discipline that manages to blend technical perfection with artistic expressiveness, thus creating an impressive and memorable spectacle. Purpose: The research aimed to assess the level of preparedness of aerobic gymnastics practitioners from the second category in Romania in relation to the specific requirements of technical, artistic, and execution components imposed by the scoring code. Additionally, the study aimed to identify any errors that athletes may have presented within these components. Methods: The research utilized bibliographic study to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the field of aerobic gymnastics and relevant points for evaluating athletes' performance. Statistical method was applied to analyze and interpret the results obtained by female athletes at the National Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, allowing us to highlight their evolution and identify performance trends. Additionally, graphical method was employed to visually represent the data of our analysis, facilitating their comprehension and interpretation. Subjects: The research period covers the evolution of athletes between the years 2019 and 2021, within the national championship. Our objective is to highlight and analyze the progress, stagnation, or regression of athletes participating in competitions over the course of the three years of study. Results: It is interesting to observe the evolution of the UNEFS sports club over these years and the fluctuations in their positions in the competition's ranking. Although there have been changes in the ranking from year to year, with a variation in the positions occupied, it is remarkable that UNEFS has generally remained in the upper part of the ranking. In 2019, the UNEFS club occupied positions 1, 4, and 6 in the ranking, and the following year, they managed to rise to positions 1 and 2, signifying an improvement in their performance. However, in 2020, they experienced a decline, dropping to 7th place. In 2021, the sports club once again managed to rank in the top two positions, but also found themselves in 6th place in the ranking. Conclusions: These fluctuations in the ranking can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as changes in athletes' training, training strategies, the level of competition, or even external conditions, such as changes in regulations or unexpected events. A detailed examination of these fluctuations can help identify patterns or trends that may affect the performance of the UNEFS club in the future. Based on these analyses, adjustments can be made in training and competition strategies to improve performance and ensure that the club remains competitive in the national championship and other future competitions.

Increasing inequalities in mortality among individuals with a foreign background in Sweden

Abstract Background Previous research indicates that migrants in high-income destination countries not only experience a mortality advantage but also demonstrate lower or absent socioeconomic inequalities in mortality compared to the general native population. Yet the extent to which an income mortality gradient may also be evident among the descendants of migrants has been largely unexamined. Existing evidence has revealed that descendants of migrants face mortality risks higher than both migrants and their native-born peers. Methods This study utilizes longitudinal population registries covering the entire registered population of Sweden from 2004 to 2016. The study population comprises individuals aged 25 to 64, employing an open cohort design. Using Poisson regression, we examine the relationship between income rank position and cause-specific mortality among native-origin Swedes and eight nativity groups based on individuals’ country/region of birth, age of migration or parental origin. Results While foreign-born individuals who migrated as adults exhibited lower inequalities in all-cause mortality compared to native-origin Swedes, descendants of immigrants, particularly those with non-European backgrounds, show larger inequalities. Examination of specific causes of mortality revealed that external causes, notably accidents and assaults, account for increased disparities among non-European foreign-born men who migrated during childhood and male descendants of immigrants with non-European backgrounds. Conclusions Income-related inequalities in mortality are less pronounced among migrants compared to the native-born majority population in Sweden and tend to be higher among descendants of migrants, depending on gender and parental origin. The analysis highlights the role of external causes of mortality in shaping these inequalities, indicating that income disadvantages, augmented by a migrant background during upbringing, amplify specific health risks within these groups. Key messages • The study reveals lower mortality inequalities among migrant adults but a higher magnitude of inequalities among male descendants of immigrants, especially with non-European backgrounds. • Income disparities, combined with migrant backgrounds, amplify health risks among descendants of migrants in Sweden, underscoring the need for tackling social inequalities.

Resource productivity and determinants of technical efficiency among cassava farmers’ in north central, Nigeria

This research analyzed resource productivity and determinants of technical efficiency among cassava farmers in North Central, Nigeria. This research employed a multi-stage sampling technique. Primary data were used based on a well-designed questionnaire. Inferential and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The results of resource productivity of inputs show that cassava cuttings and fertilizer have the highest and lowest elasticities, respectively. The mean-TE (Technical Efficiency) score of 74% (0.74) indicates that an average smallholder cassava producer in the sample needs about 26% (0.26) additional inputs to get to the frontier. In the TE components, the coefficients of labour, and fertilizers are significant different from zero at 1% probability level. The coefficients of agrochemicals, land inputs are significantly different from zero at 5% probability level, while the coefficient of cassava cuttings are significant different from zero at 10% probability level. In the TIE (technical inefficiency), component the coefficients of age, credit received, members of cooperatives are significant different from zero at 1% probability level. The policy formulations should be directed towards considering technological substitutions and mechanized agriculture. Excessive labour supply, characteristics of the developing agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, could be pushed into the secondary sector of the Nigerian economy such as the cassava processing industry, therefore generating income, employment and maintaining Nigeria in the first (1st) position in the world ranking in term of cassava output. Also, it is recommended that improved cuttings, agrochemicals, and fertilizers should be made available to cassava farmers at appropriate time to increase productivity. Furthermore, credit should be made available to cassava farmers at a single digit interest rate, devoid of cumbersome administrative procedures. Keywords: Resource productivity, technical efficiency, cassava farmers, stochastic frontier model, Nigeria

Native Faculty in Library and Information Science, 1990–2022

We assessed the representation of Native faculty in LIS programs from 1990 to 2022. We comparative representation in LIS against trends in postsecondary education in the U.S. We utilized ALISE and federal data sources. We found that in both fields, Native faculty held lower ranking positions, predominantly as assistant professors. We also revealed that the quantity of Native LIS faculty was extremely low throughout the period assessed, with the possibility of a very few outlier LIS programs driving national statistics. Our study suggests that factors affecting representation of Native faculty in LIS might be similar to those in postsecondary education.

Toward Centrality Evaluation of Yearning Symptoms for Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Cross-Cultural Approach

Background: The new ICD-11 diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is characterized by the prominent role of yearning as hallmark symptom. A secondary analysis of eight international datasets on PGD was conducted to evaluate this assumption. Additionally, cross-cultural comparison explored whether the centrality of yearning differs across world regions. Methods: Primary studies originated from German-speaking countries (n = 4 samples), other European countries and Israel (n = 3 samples), as well as China (n = 1 samples). Different PGD measures were used, including yearning and longing as symptoms. For the centrality assessment of yearning, PGD symptoms were ranked by their factor loadings from confirmatory factor analyses, followed by statistical testing to determine significant differences between yearning and other symptoms of PGD in their factor loading estimates. Subsequently, ranking positions of yearning in three world regions (German-speaking, other Europe-Israel, and China) were compared. Finally, proxy thresholds for individuals at high-risk states for PGD were defined for the different datasets, and sensitivity-specificity analyses of yearning were performed. Results: Yearning was ranked high in five out of 12 models tested. In the German-speaking region, it was predominantly ranked among the most central symptoms; in the other Europe-Israel region as well as China, it tended to fall into the middle or lower rankings of symptom centrality. Sensitivity values were consistently high, while specificity values indicated moderate levels. Discussion: In line with previous research on the general outcomes of grief, the present study showed that yearning may be subject to a culture-specific distribution. Other central symptoms such as feeling as if a part of oneself died have also been shown to potentially play a central role in PGD across world regions. On the other hand, the sensitivity-specificity analyses revealed that yearning can be considered a significant (diagnostically highly sensitive) symptom for individuals in high-risk states for PGD, although it has only moderate specificity (i.e., its absence does not necessarily indicate individuals experiencing normative grief). Nonetheless, a culture-sensitive approach to psychopathology should consider the cultural differences in the centrality of this symptom group. More research is needed to better understand the role of yearning and its determinants across world regions.

Land use transformations in the Brazilian Savanna: A decade of soil erosion and runoff measurements

Changes in land cover and land use (LULC) are one of the main drivers of erosion and runoff. How ever, most research has relied on short-term observations and only focused on one or two land cover types. We investigated the long-term trade-off between common agricultural land covers (sugarcane, pasture, and soybean), runoff, and soil loss rates. We compared these to native forest (wooded Cerrado) and bare soil. The field observations were done in 100 m2 experimental plots in Brazil maintained during the past 10 years. The paper provides three main contributions: (1) long-term runoff and soil loss rates of plots under different LULCs, (2) comparison of runoff, soil loss, and pedological characteristics between plots constructed 10 years apart, and (3) analysis of the trade-off between different LULCs. When ranking land covers based on runoff and soil loss rates, there is a shift in ranking positions, making it difficult to determine which one is more environmentally harmful. However, it is evident that whatever agricultural practice is used, there is a significant impact when compared to native forest. For example, the area converted to pasture resulted in almost 20 times higher runoff, while conversion to sugarcane resulted in 5 times higher soil loss. Not only land cover plays a major influencing factor, but also weathering exposing time. Areas under the same land cover and environmental conditions had different rates of soil loss and runoff due to long-term exposure effects such as soil crusting. Our findings have high relevance for the hydrological and agricultural community by demonstrating (i) the magnitude of trade-off in terms of soil loss and runoff due to land cover changes and (ii) that soil loss should not be assumed to be a linear process over time, as it is commonly assumed.

Climbing university rankings under resources constraints: a combined approach integrating DEA and directed Louvain community detection

AbstractOver recent years, scholarly interest in universities’ allocation and effective utilisation of financial resources has been growing. When used efficiently, financial resources may improve universities’ quality of research and teaching, and therefore their positions in world university rankings. However, despite the relevance of financial efficiency to university placement in academic rankings, universities’ total available financial resources appear much more significant. In the present study, we propose an innovative methodology to determine realistic ranking targets for individual universities, based on their available financial resources. In particular, we combine data envelopment analysis, as developed by Banker et al. (Manag Sci 30(9):1078–1092, 1984), and a directed Louvain community detection algorithm to examine 318 universities across five countries, considering their ARWU scores alongside key financial indicators (i.e., long-term physical capital, total operating revenues). We identify clusters of universities with similar financial profiles and corresponding ARWU scores, as well as universities that have optimised their use of financial resources, representing benchmarks for similar universities to emulate. The approach is subsequently applied to Italian universities, as a specific national case. The findings may be useful for policy makers and university managers seeking reliable strategies for climbing academic rankings, particularly in countries with limited public investment in higher education.

Evaluation of University Ranking System to Propose a Model for Bangladeshi Universities

This study investigates and compares various university ranking systems, particularly considering the unique situation of Bangladesh. With the rise of globalization and emphasis on research in the knowledge-based economy, university rankings have gained significant attention. However, different organizations use diverse criteria and methodologies, leading to discrepancies in ranking positions. This research employed a two-phase approach. The first phase involved a systematic literature review focusing on globally used indicators and methodologies for university rankings. This phase revealed that research-related indicators hold the highest weightage (67.93%) in most ranking systems. Subsequently, the second phase utilized active ranking algorithms to explore the findings from the first phase. The study concludes that research output significantly influences a university's ranking and competitiveness globally. Considering Bangladesh's lower publication volume compared to other nations, adopting a ranking system like QS or THEWUR could be beneficial. This system aligns with the global focus on research output and could incentivize research efforts within Bangladeshi universities.

Falling Fortunes: The Contingent and Asymmetric Effect of Rankings on Organizational Outcomes

As rankings of organizations have proliferated in recent decades, much research has focused on organizational efforts to maintain a high position in rankings. A common theme in this literature is that changes in rank affect evaluations by external audiences and, consequently, organizational outcomes. Yet, accumulating evidence suggests that rankings sometimes have little effect on audience assessments and organizational outcomes, a finding that calls into question the power of rankings. Instead of asking whether rankings matter, this study adopts a contingency approach and investigates when rankings matter. I develop theory about contextual and organizational factors that shape the salience and information value of shifts in rankings: the direction of the change, the availability of information from other intermediaries, the sophistication of the audience, and the focal organization’s previous ranking position. Panel data analysis and a natural experiment focused on the Fortune 500 rankings support this theory. This article provides a framework to help scholars understand the contingent and asymmetric consequences of rankings on organizational outcomes, with implications for research on evaluation systems.

Performance trajectories of Italian professional cyclists: an analysis of the influence of youth performance on professional success

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to analyse individual performance trajectories of professional (PRO) Italian cyclists across their careers. It sought to compare the performance progression of successful and unsuccessful PRO cyclists, analyse the best predictors of success in PRO cyclists and explore whether the relative age effect (RAE) influences PRO success. The national ranking positions gathered in the youth (U19 and elite/U23) and the PRO categories were retrieved for every year of competition of 81 PRO Italian cyclists and retrospectively analysed. Participants were divided in successful and unsuccessful, depending on whether they reached at least once the top 400 positions in the PRO ranking or not. Successful PRO cyclists display better youth ranking positions and tend to spend less time in youth categories, transition to the PRO category at an earlier age, reach their best PRO ranking at an older age compared to unsuccessful PRO cyclists. The best youth ranking, the age of the best PRO ranking and the years spent in youth categories are all predictors of PRO success. For every additional year spent in youth categories, there are 50.8% less odds of becoming a successful PRO cyclist. RAE does not affect Italian cyclists’ PRO success.

Are the Positions in the Word Ranking of Competitive Alpine Skiers Explainable by Prominent Polymorphisms in Regulatory Genes of Mechanical and Metabolic Muscle Functioning?

ABSTRACT Background: The success of competitive alpine skiers with respective to their world ranking (WR) positions might be associated with prominent gene polymorphisms. Methods: Twenty-six competitive alpine skiers were followed from 2015 to 2019 for their WR positions (FIS-ranking). Using PCR, the genotypes of ACE-I/D, TNC, ACTN3, and PTK2 were identified. The correlations between the discipline-specific WR position (slalom—SL, giant slalom—GS, super G—SG, downhill—DH, and alpine combined—AC) and gene polymorphisms were analyzed concerning an influence with multivariate regression models. Results: The WR position and the ACE gene as well as the copy number of the ACE I-allele exhibited reciprocal relationships for speed specialists (SG and DH) but not for technical specialists (SL and GS). Similarly, the gene polymorphisms ACTN3 and (partly) PTK2 were associated with the WR position in disciplines characterized by a high number of turns (technical specialists—SL and GS) and speed (speed-specialists—SG and DH), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the contributions of aerobic and cardiovascular metabolism in fueling muscle work and recovering from muscle fatigue for competitive success in slalom-driven skiing disciplines and highlight the contributions of sequence variants in the genes ACE, TNC, and ACTN3.

ECO-TRANSFORMATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AS A PREREQUISITE FOR SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY OF UKRAINIAN REGIONS

The directions of eco-transformation of higher education institutions as an important factor in ensuring the sustainable recovery of the regions of Ukraine are examined in the article. The research is devoted to determining the essence and key aspects of eco-transformation in the university environment, taking into account the importance of its influence on the economic, social, and ecological development of regions. A review of foreign experience and modern practices implemented in green universities, including their positions in global sustainability rankings, implemented technological innovations and educational programs, is carried out. Special attention is paid to the role of ecologically oriented universities in the sustainable recovery of the regions of Ukraine and the strategic directions of ecological transformation of higher education institutions. The role of distance learning and digital innovations in the processes of eco-modernization is defined. Modern challenges and prospects of eco-transformation within the national educational system are highlighted. Conclusions about the importance and necessity of eco-transformation of higher education institutions of Ukraine for the sustainable recovery and development of regions are formed.

La influencia de las autocitaciones en las decisiones editoriales a partir de la simulación de rankings de revistas

The manipulation of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) through editorial decisions that increase self-citations has been empirically observed in recent studies, sparking discussions on how to avoid such practices. This study aims to verify whether a policy of removing self-citations from the JIF calculation is enough to eliminate incentives for manipulation. We introduce an agent-based model of the academic social network formed by journals to test this hypothesis. We model journals as rational agents seeking to gain positions in the JIF ranking. The model was implemented in NetLogo and calibrated using data from the SCIMago Journal Ranking. Simulation results demonstrate that the model is capable of reproducing patterns observed in empirical networks and that the removal of self-citations can significantly reduce the adoption of manipulation strategies (e.g., reduction from 90% to 30%). This study contributes to understanding the role of self-citations in the JIF and provides tools for developing policies that promote scientific integrity.

Research performance of higher education institutions in Türkiye: 1980–2022

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the measurement of research performance. These studies evaluate a country or groups of countries according to their research performance and make some inferences to improve their performance. This study analyses the research performance of Turkish higher education, which aims for higher positions in international rankings, in the context of publication productivity, impact and collaboration with data based on Web of Science and comprehensive indicators for the years 1980–2022. In addition, research area-based analyses were also made. In this way, by presenting Türkiye’s performance from past to present in a comprehensive manner, rich information has been provided to policy makers, decision makers, and practical implications have been made for the improvement of performance. According to the results of the study, Türkiye has been faced with low productivity for many years. Both the area-based analyses and the results for the overall publication impact revealed that although there has been an increase in publication impact in recent years, Türkiye’s publication impact has performed below the world average in all years examined. The results indicated that Turkish higher education has some problems in terms of quality. As for research collaboration, the results showed that Türkiye gives more importance to domestic collaborative publications rather than international collaboration, while industry collaboration continues to remain in the background. Based on the results of the study, practical implications for policy makers and decision makers were made.

Economic Determinants of Smart and Sustainable Urban Development: What Answers Does the Cities in Motion Index Give?

The goal of the article is to determine which components of sustainable and smart development of urban areas are the most important for the economy of a city. For this, regression, cluster and discriminant analysis are applied, using the data of the ranking positions of 180 cities of the world according to the Cities in Motion Index (CIMI) and its components for 2022. The Stata and Statgraphics 19 software packages are used for the calculations. The statistical significance of the input data is confirmed using descriptive statistics, and the normality of the data distribution was determined according to the Shapiro-Wilk test. A regression analysis (based on the least squares method) of the influence of the integral value of CIMI and its components (Human capital, Social cohesion, Environment, Governance, Urban planning, International profile, Technology, Mobility and Transportation) on its first component – Economy, is carried out. It testifies that only four indicators have a statistically significant impact: Cities in Motion, Environment, Urban planning, and International profile. Multiple regression, constructed using the strict screening procedure, confirms these findings; and discriminant analysis proves that the regression equation coefficients is used to predict the Economy variable. Analysis of Spearman’s and Kendall’s correlation matrices prove a close relationship between the Economy, Human capital, Governance, and Cities in motion; direct dependence between Cities in motion and such indicators as Technology, Urban planning, and International profile; average direct connection between Economy, Social cohesion and Mobility and transportation. Cluster analysis using the k-means method in the R Studio software environment made it possible to distinguish eight clusters of cities according to their ranking positions in relation to various parameters of the CIMI index (their number was calculated according to the Sturgess formula, and the optimality of their number is confirmed by the agglomeration scheme according to the Ward method). For the cities of the first cluster (17 cities, 9.44% of the total number analyzed, mostly world capitals), Cities in motion has the greatest impact on the Economy component, while Mobility and Transportation has a lesser impact; for the cities of the second cluster (23 cities, 12.78%, mostly large cities of the United States and China) it is Technology that has the greatest impact; for cities of the third cluster (35 cities, 19.44%, primarily powerful regional centers)it is Cities in motion, International profile, Mobility and transportation, Social cohesion, and Urban planning; for clusters four (9 cities, 5%) and five (6 cities, 3.33%), the regressions are not significant, so these clusters require further study for each city separately; for the cities of the sixth cluster (33 cities, 18, 33%, mostly developed European cities) the most important are Cities In motion, Environment, Governance, Mobility and transportation, Social cohesion, and Urban planning; for the cities of the seventh cluster (10 cities, 5.56%) – Human capital, Social cohesion, and Technology; for cities in the eighth cluster (47 cities, 26.11%, mostly cities facing economic obstacles to their development) – Cities in motion, Environment, Technology, and Urban planning. The discriminant analysis shows that the Environment indicator has the greatest impact on the division of clusters into groups.