Research Trends Research Articles

A commentary on 'research trend on quantum dots for tumor diagnosis and therapy: a bibliometric analysis'".

Purpose This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends at the intersection of Industry 4.0, circular economy, and human resource management (HRM). Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes 693 documents from 2019 to 2024 using a bibliometric approach, including performance, citation, keyword co-occurrence, thematic mapping and trend topic analysis, highlighting a sharp rise in research driven by digital transformation and sustainability. Findings We demonstrate that Industry 4.0 and circular economy practices are well-established, while HRM's role in supporting them is emerging. The role of HRM practices like digital skills, green HRM, and leadership in enabling sustainability is underexplored. The analysis highlights gaps in workforce development for digital and sustainable transformations and the importance of global collaboration. Practical implications Theoretically, the study integrates HRM into Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy frameworks; practically, it guides organizations, policymakers and educators in developing workforce competencies, green HRM practices and leadership skills for sustainable digital transformation. Originality/value This is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis integrating Industry 4.0, Circular Economy and HRM. Unlike earlier work focused on technology or operations, it highlights HRM's emerging role in digital and sustainable transformation. The study offers an integrated roadmap for future interdisciplinary research connecting technology, sustainability and human capital development.

The study aims to identify the trends of scientific research (master’s and PhD theses) at Al Wasl University by analysing and tracking the following elements and indicators: Degree awarded, Gender of the researcher, Nationality of the researcher, Gender of the research supervisor, Nationality of the research supervisor, Annual distribution of research, Research specialization, Type of research. Considering the above, there is a clear need to conduct a statistical analytical study to answer the following main question: What are the trends of scientific research (master’s and PhD theses) at Al Wasl University,Dubai, United Arab Emirates? A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Theses and Dissertations Approved in The University of Alwasl published between 1999 and August 2025. A total of 425 Theses and Dissertations were identified, involving 364 authors. The study recorded the theses approved at the master's and doctoral levels since the establishment of graduate studies at the university up to August 2025. showing a consistent growth in the number of master's and doctoral degrees and an increased approval rate in recent years, the languages thesis to master's and doctoral research. It is evident that the percentage of Arabic language is higher than that of other languages completed (99.07%), while other languages for (0.93%). The specializations of Master's and Doctoral theses at Al Wasl University, varied across five main areas. Leading these was the field of Emirati culture and society studies, with 203 theses, making up 46.99%, which is logically consistent with the university's context.

Introduction Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common chronic condition that significantly affects the quality of life in older adults. Studies have shown that genetic factors play a substantial role in ARHL, with heritability estimates ranging from 46 to 74%. Although advances in genomics and epigenetics have led to the identification of numerous candidate genes in recent years, most related studies have focused on European and North American populations. There remains a lack of systematic mapping of research trends and cross-ethnic gene consistency, limiting the broad applicability of these findings. Method This study screened English-language publications on ARHL genetics from 1995 to June 2025 across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, ultimately including 465 studies. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using R Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to extract research trends, research hotspots, and candidate genes. Ethnic information from human studies were compiled to facilitate cross-ethnic comparative analysis. Result Over the past 30 years, publications in this field have shown continuous growth, with an average annual growth rate of 6.83%. Hearing Research emerged as the core journal. China and the United States were the top two publishing countries, though international collaboration remained limited. Research priorities have gradually shifted from inner ear anatomy to molecular mechanisms such as gene variants, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. A total of 365 candidate factors from animal studies and 221 candidate genes from human studies were extracted and grouped into seven categories. Cross-ethnic analysis identified 56 genes that were repeatedly reported across at least two populations. Among these, CDH23 , ILDR1 , and SLC26A5 showed high cross-ethnic consistency, while genes such as GRHL2 exhibited notable ethnic specificity. Conclusion This study systematically maps the developmental trajectory and research hotspots of ARHL genetics, revealing key patterns in geographic distribution, thematic evolution, and cross-ethnic applicability. The findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen research in non-European populations and promote international collaboration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and data support for building a universally applicable genetic risk framework and advancing individualised interventions.

With the intensification of global urbanization and climate change challenges, urban green spaces and urban forests are playing an increasingly critical role in supporting sustainable urban development. Based on the Web of Science Core Collection, this study employed bibliometric analysis and visualization methods (VOSviewer 1.6.19 and Bibliometrix v5.0.1 (R package)) to systematically map the global knowledge landscape of urban green space and urban forest research from 2000 to 2025, identifying key thematic clusters and research fronts. The results show a shift in research focus from traditional green infrastructure and ecosystem service assessment to an integrated approach emphasizing multifunctionality, climate adaptation, public health, and governance innovation. Furthermore, research efforts are concentrated in rapidly urbanizing regions, and global spatial distribution remains a significant issue. Based on this, this paper proposes a strategic research agenda to promote the development of this field, including four key directions: (1) embedding social equity and people-oriented values into green space planning and management; (2) leveraging digital technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen urban ecological governance; (3) promoting the transition of green infrastructure from fragmented to systematic ecological networks; and (4) deepening the role of urban green space in climate adaptation and sustainable urban transformation. By systematically combing through the knowledge system and governance logic of urban forests and greening, this article aims to reveal the key role of urban ecosystems in addressing climate change and promoting social well-being, and provide operational scientific basis and policy inspiration for the sustainable transformation of global cities.

Introduction: The growing global demand for Nickel has sparked major concerns regarding environmental and health impacts, which require a comprehensive understanding. However, there have been gaps in the mapping of study focus and research trends so far, especially in the last ten years. Method: This study aims to address these gaps through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of 303 articles obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Springer Open using PoP, Vos Viewer, and Watase Uake. The analysis was conducted by considering trends based on the year of publication, geographical distribution (especially in developing countries such as Indonesia, China, and others), research methodology, and identification of key themes such as heavy metal contamination, land use change, and public health impacts related to mining activities. Results: The study show significant progress in understanding the impacts of nickel mining, but also identify areas that are still underexplored, especially in terms of theoretical development, methodological innovation, and contextual frameworks. The study also found that only 15% of the studies adopted an interdisciplinary approach, indicating the need for more intensive collaboration. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening policy frameworks, especially in areas with intensive mining activities, such as Indonesia. Conclusion: This research proposes a future research agenda to address the emerging challenges and provides important insights for the development of more effective mitigation strategies. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the international policy framework, supporting the design of stronger and region-specific interventions to reduce the environmental and health impacts of nickel mining.

ObjectivesConducting original research within bachelor’s and master’s theses (dissertations) and publishing thesis results in scientific journals has multiple advantages. This study aimed to analyze types and publication outcomes of bachelor’s and master’s theses defended by students of health sciences studies in Croatia.DesignWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of bachelor’s and master’s theses of students of health studies in Croatia, defended by May 14, 2022, and a cross-sectional study of mentors who were surveyed for publication output.SettingWe analyzed theses from repositories. Thesis mentors were surveyed via e-mail about the publication of the thesis content in scholarly journals. Additionally, three online sources (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google) were used to find theses-based publications.ParticipantsWe surveyed mentors of bachelor’s and master’s theses of health sciences students in Croatia.ResultsWe analyzed 9861 theses, 7979 (81%) bachelor’s and 1882 (19%) master’s theses. Most (66%) of master’s theses were based on original research, compared to 21% of bachelor’s theses. Mentors of 3910 (40%) theses responded to the survey, indicating that 176/3910 (4.5%) of theses results were published in scientific journals. Through additional search of online sources, we found that from all analyzed theses, 276 (2.8%) articles were published in a scholarly journal. Among published articles, 229 (83%) were published in Croatian journals.ConclusionsMost analyzed theses were not based on original research. Results of a few theses were published in a scientific journal. Institutions should encourage mentors and students to conduct original research within theses and to publish thesis results in a journal, to further develop health sciences.

The accelerating global population aging has brought increasing attention to the loneliness and emotional needs experienced by older adults due to shrinking social networks and the loss of relatives and friends, which significantly impair their quality of life and psychological well-being. In this context, companion robots powered by artificial intelligence are increasingly regarded as a scalable and sustainable form of emotional intervention that can address older people’s affective and social requirements. This study systematically reviews research trends in this field, analyzing the structure of emotional needs among older users and their acceptance mechanisms toward robot functionalities. First, a keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted using VOSviewer on relevant literature published between 2000 and 2025 from the Web of Science database, revealing focal research topics and emerging trends. Subsequently, questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews were carried out to identify emotional needs and functional preferences among elderly users. Findings indicate that the field is characterized by increasing interdisciplinary integration, with affective computing and naturalistic interaction becoming central concerns. Empirical results reveal significant differences in need structures across age groups: the oldest-old prioritize safety monitoring and daily assistance, whereas the young-old emphasize social interaction and developmental activities. Regarding emotional interaction, older adults generally prefer natural and non-intrusive expressive styles and exhibit reserved attitudes toward highly anthropomorphic designs. Key factors influencing acceptance include practicality, ease of use, privacy protection, and emotional warmth. The study concludes that effective companion robot design should be grounded in a nuanced understanding of the heterogeneous needs of the aging population, integrating functionality, interaction, and emotional value. Future development should emphasize adaptive and customizable capabilities, adopt natural yet restrained interaction strategies, and strengthen real-world cross-cultural and long-term evaluations.

Background: In recent decades, research on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) drug-resistant variants has expanded; however, critical gaps remain in our understanding of global contributions, emerging trends, and future research directions. Here, we present a bibliometric analysis to understand the research themes and trends in research related to HCV drug-resistant variants published between 1999 and 2025. Methods: Publications related to HCV drug-resistant variants published between 1999 and 2025 were searched on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Publication metadata and content-based data were extracted and analyzed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer for keyword co-occurrence plot and cluster analysis. Results: The analysis of 653 articles revealed a clear paradigm shift, driven by the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which led to a significant surge in annual publications, peaking between 2014 and 2018. This shift in focus led to an emphasis on DAA efficacy, resistance mechanisms, and advanced genotyping. The United States was the most productive country, with the highest number of publications (n = 134) and citations (n = 6458). The University of São Paulo was the most productive institution (n = 40), while Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy published the highest number of articles in this field (n = 40). Susser S. was the most productive researcher. Collaboration networks were found to be predominantly centered in high-income countries. Analysis of studies on minority variants showed that most studies originated from Europe and the United States, identifying low-frequency resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) such as A156V, D168V, Y93H, and S282T, with prevalence ranging from <1% to 35%, which were frequently associated with viral breakthrough and reduced treatment response. Conclusions: The field successfully transitioned to the DAA era, but research output and collaboration networks were primarily driven by high-income countries, leaving a critical gap in data from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Closing this gap by integrating LMIC data is the next essential step to ensure global elimination strategies are effective for all countries from different income strata.

Abstract Large language models (LLMs) excel at understanding natural language but struggle with explicit commonsense reasoning. A recent trend of research suggests that the combination of LLM with robust symbolic reasoning systems can overcome this problem on story-based question answering (Q&A) tasks. In this setting, existing approaches typically depend on human expertise to manually craft the symbolic component. We argue, however, that this component can also be automatically learned from examples. In this work, we introduce LLM2LAS, a hybrid system that effectively combines the natural language understanding capabilities of LLMs, the rule induction power of the learning from answer sets (LAS) system ILASP, and the formal reasoning strengths of answer set programming (ASP). LLMs are used to extract semantic structures from text, which ILASP then transforms into interpretable logic rules. These rules allow an ASP solver to perform precise and consistent reasoning, enabling correct answers to previously unseen questions. Empirical results outline the strengths and weaknesses of our automatic approach for learning and reasoning in a story-based Q&A benchmark.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly permeated education since 2014, propelled by technological innovation and global investment, yet scholarly discourse on contemporary AI-Education intersections remains largely fragmented. The present study addresses this notable gap through a bibliometric-driven and inductive content analysis to inform future research and practice. A total of 317 articles published between 2014 and October 2024 were retrieved from WOSCC and Scopus following the PRISMA protocol. Keyword co-occurrence and co-citation analyses with VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) were employed to visualize the intellectual structures shaping the field, while qualitative inductive content analysis was conducted to address the limitations of bibliometric methods in revealing deeper thematic insights. This dual-method approach identified four thematic clusters and eleven prevailing research trends. Subsequently, through interpretive synthesis, five interrelated research issues were identified: limited congruence between technological and pedagogical affordances, insufficient bottom-up perspectives in AI literacy frameworks, an ambiguous relationship between computational thinking and AI, a lack of explicit interpretation of AI ethics, and limitations of existing professional development frameworks. To address these gaps pragmatically, thirty issue-specific recommendations were consolidated into five overarching themes, culminating in the Integrated AI-Education Convergence Framework. This framework advocates for pedagogy-centric, ethically grounded, and contextually responsive AI integration within interdisciplinary educational research and practice.

Biocover technologies for landfill gas mitigation: analyzing two decades of research trends, development, and future directions

Advanced composite materials, encompassing metal matrix composites, polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and natural fiber composites, are increasingly vital in aerospace, automotive, construction, and energy sectors due to their high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and multifunctional potential. Metal matrix composites reinforced with SiC, Al 2 O 3 , TiB 2 , or B 4 C exhibit tensile strengths ranging from 200 to 500 MPa, Young's modulus of 70–100 GPa, and improved wear resistance, while polymer matrix composites with hybrid nano- and micron-scale reinforcements achieve 150–200 MPa tensile strength and enhanced recyclability. Ceramic matrix composites, such as SiC or Si 3 N 4 composites, retain structural integrity at temperatures exceeding 1600 °C, making them suitable for turbine and aerospace applications. Natural fiber composites, derived from flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf, offer eco-friendly alternatives, with tensile strengths up to 205 MPa and improved energy absorption for automotive and construction applications. This review presents a bibliometric analysis of over 10,000 publications, highlighting global research trends, emerging reinforcements, and sector-specific adoption patterns. Life cycle assessment metrics demonstrate that recycled carbon fibers reduce CO 2 emissions from 24 to 31 kg CO 2 eq/kg to ∼10.5 kg CO 2 eq/kg, while biobased composites further lower embodied energy. Advances in additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, and Industry 4·0 technologies, including IoT-enabled monitoring and machine learning-based defect detection, are improving process reliability and reducing scrap rates by 15%–30%. By integrating quantitative mechanical, environmental, and manufacturing data, this review provides engineers and academics with actionable insights for material selection, design optimization, and sustainable implementation of advanced composites, bridging knowledge gaps and guiding future research priorities.

This study aims to map the current research trends, application areas, and thematic clusters of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in hematology. A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science on June 1, 2025, covering the years 1980-2025. A total of 376 original research articles were analyzed using bibliometric techniques, including trend keyword and factor analyses, via the bibliometrix package in R Studio. The USA (n = 111), China (79), the United Kingdom (22), and Germany (21) were the most productive countries, with Harvard University as the leading institution. Keywords revealed research concentration in thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, risk assessment, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants, morphological analysis, blood management, sepsis, and acute myeloid leukemia. Recent years have shown rising interest in transcriptome, prediction modeling, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, blood management, thrombosis, venous thromboembolism cancer and COVID-19 related complications. Factor analysis grouped the literature into five clusters: AI and core hematologic diseases, clinical quality improvement, risk prediction using health data, intensive care, and cardiovascular applications. AI demonstrates substantial contributions to diagnostic accuracy, prognostication, and personalized care in hematology. The findings highlight AI's growing potential in enhancing clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes through data-driven and genomics-based innovations.

Background/Objectives: Orange peels (OP), a major by-product of the juice industry, are rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, pectin, carotenoids, and essential oils). Its valorization represents a promising route to reduce food waste and foster a circular bioeconomy. This review aimed to map scientific progress in OP upcycling, focusing on the extraction of bioactive ingredients for human nutrition and integrated biorefinery approaches aligned with zero-waste principles. Methods: A bibliometric analysis and a scoping review were conducted covering studies published between 2003 and 2023. Scopus database and VOSviewer was usedto identify research trends, hotspots, and gaps. Conventional and emerging green extraction methods were critically compared, and integrated biorefinery strategies for maximizing OP valorization were systematically assessed. Results: The analysis revealed an exponential rise in OP research over the past decade, reflecting growing interest in sustainable food waste valorization. Polyphenol- and pectin-rich extracts are currently the focus of research and applications, driven by their high economic and nutritional value. Innovative multi-extraction and zero-waste biorefinery models have emerged, yet most remain at low technological readiness levels. Carotenoids and other bioactive compounds remain underexplored, and challenges persist regarding standardization and scalability. Conclusions: OP valorization is shifting towards integrated green extraction and biorefinery frameworks that address clean-label demands, promote circular economy goals, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Future research should prioritize (i) standardized protocols, (ii) scalable green extraction technologies, (iii) the inclusion of underutilized compounds such as carotenoids, and (iv) regulatory pathways to accelerate industrial translation.

Objective This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric review of patientcentered care (PCC) in in vitro fertilization (IVF), a domain integral to improving patient outcomes, satisfaction, and experiences in assisted reproductive technology. By analyzing global research output and trends, this study aims to identify key themes, contributors, and gaps in the literature to inform future research and practice. Methods Data were collected from Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering the period from 2003 to 2024. Bibliometric analyses, conducted using R Studio and Biblioshiny, examined publication trends, keyword frequencies, and collaborative networks among authors, institutions, and countries. A supplementary literature review contextualized bibliometric findings to address limitations in metadata. Results A total of 54 studies from 33 unique sources were analyzed, revealing an annual growth rate of 11.57% in PCC publications up to 2023. The USA and the Netherlands led in research output, contributing 22 and 16 publications, respectively. Mayo Clinic and prominent authors such as Nelen W. and Kremer J. were key contributors. Keywords like “infertility,” “in vitro fertilization,” and “patient care” demonstrated increasing prominence, underscoring growing interest in PCC. Barriers to PCC were identified at institutional, communication, environmental, and personal levels, while facilitators included multidisciplinary approaches and technological integration. Conclusion This review highlights PCC’s critical role in enhancing IVF outcomes and identifies gaps in psychological support, clinicianpatient communication, and access equity. Recommendations include targeted interventions, international collaborations, and integration of personalized care models. Future research should explore innovative strategies to overcome barriers and advance PCC frameworks in fertility care. BJMS, Vol. 24 No. 04 October’25 Page : 1093-1105

ABSTRACT Environmental sustainability in maritime tourism is receiving significant attention among academics and industry personnel. While numerous review studies have examined maritime tourism, few have systematically mapped the literature on environmental sustainability within this field. To address this gap, this study uses Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software to present a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 385 scholarly publications from 1986 to 2025. The findings reveal a marked increase in publications after 2019, reflecting rising awareness of ecological challenges in maritime tourism. The thematic evolution indicates a shift from general maritime tourism research to emerging themes, including smart cruising, emission reduction, green technology, ecotourism, and green port infrastructure. Moreover, this study demonstrates both direct and partial alignment with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the UN. This study offers significant insights and implications for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders while guiding future research on sustainable maritime tourism.

Dental students often face high academic workloads, clinical demands, and performance pressures, which can lead to significant psychological stress. Understanding research trends in this area can guide strategies to protect student wellbeing. This study examined the global research landscape on the mental health of dental students, focusing on the most cited studies published between 2000 and August 2025. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Dimensions database. The search included terms related to mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout in dental students. Out of 1403 articles obtained after applying a filter for publication type and time, the 500 most cited articles were screened manually, and 367 met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using Biblioshiny to identify publication trends, geographical distribution, influential journals, most cited articles, and thematic evolution. Research output increased steadily over the years, peaking in 2021, followed by a decline. Saudi Arabia, India, and the United States produced the largest share of highly cited studies. The Journal of Dental Education was the most frequent publishing journal. Thematic evolution showed a shift from early focus on attitudes and academic environment to more recent emphasis on burnout, psychological stress, and measurable health impacts such as bruxism and reduced quality of life. COVID-19–related mental health issues were a major theme between 2019 and 2020. Most highly cited studies were cross-sectional surveys, with recent years showing more review articles. The findings highlight the need for more intervention-based, longitudinal, and multicenter studies to support evidence-based mental health strategies for dental students worldwide. BJMS, Vol. 24 No. 04 October’25 Page : 1050-1061

Mapping the evolving landscape of lecanemab research in Alzheimer's Disease: A bibliometric analysis.

Global trends in research on Semipalatinsk nuclear testing health effects: A bibliometric analysis and short review.