Review Editor Research Articles

Notes from the Editors, November 2024

buy this issueMonthly Review editors elucidate Samir Amin's concept of "delinking" in the context of the rise of global multipolarity. Delinking, they write, does not aim to isolate individual nations and populations economically, "but rather finding a way to sever connections with the main mechanisms of imperial dominance."

A panoramic view of the strategies for epithelial ovarian cancer: a review of current challenges

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a formidable challenge in the field of gynecological oncology, accounting for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Despite advances in surgical techniques and chemotherapeutic regimens, the prognosis for patients with advanced-stage disease continues to be dismal, underscoring the urgent need for novel and more effective treatment strategies. This editorial review examines intriguing therapeutic modalities that have the potential to improve treatment outcomes as well as overcome the current difficulties in managing EOC. It presents a brief but comprehensive examination of current research literature about epithelial ovarian cancer, challenges, disease recurrence, molecular complexity, and emerging therapeutic modalities. The importance of gene- and stem-cell therapy in pursuing effective ovarian cancer treatments still holds the platform. While traditional chemotherapy remains crucial for advanced cases, surgical interventions remain pivotal for early-stage patients. Treatment options include innovative DNA polymerase (alpha/delta/epsilon) inhibitors, personalized treatments, and immunotherapies toward advanced cases for quality survival. The challenges posed by epithelial ovarian cancer and late diagnosis necessitate a continuous quest for improved therapeutic options. Emerging approaches such as gene and stem cell therapies show promise in reshaping treatment paradigms. Further exploring localized treatment modalities presents avenues for enhancing improved patient payoff.

The Indispensable Role of Human Attention and Observation in Editorial and Peer Review

The Indispensable Role of Human Attention and Observation in Editorial and Peer Review

Introduction from the Book Reviews Editor

Introduction from the Book Reviews Editor

Data Commentary in Research Publications: A Scoping Review

Introduction: The modality of scholarly written communication offers verbal and visual modes that are supposedly to be interrelated. The verbal component is thoroughly studied whereas the visual, including tables, charts, graphs and others are mainly described from a technical perspective. The editorial review aims to synthesize research on data commentary as a comparatively new rhetorical genre. Method: The review adhered to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, and the PPC framework. The eligibility criteria include problem, concept, context, language, types of sources, Results: The searches and consequent screening by titles, abstracts, keywords and full texts identified 19 relevant publications – articles and books – mainly indexed in the Scopus and SpringerLink databases. The books on academic writing focused on the three themes: general guidelines on data commentary, functions, and rhetorical structure of such commentaries, figure legends and notes to tables. The functional analysis of the publications singled out a prevailing framework, including rhetorical, ontological, epistemological, and argumentative functions. The rhetorical steps in data commentaries follow patterns suitable for the type of a visual. The review outlines generic steps described and proved by the research publications included in the review. Conclusion: Though the research field is scattered, and no definite trends were specified, the potential of the field is rising as the implications of such studies are significant. A constant trend towards more visualization of the new knowledge requires more research on the interrelations between the verbal and the visual, with a special accent on data commentary.

Introduction to the Special Issue on the Role of Place in Sustainability: Key Trends and Agenda for Future Research

This editorial reviews key themes, trends, and assumptions of organizational research on place and sustainability and introduces the special issue on the “Role of Place in Sustainability.” While recent theorizing has often emphasized global issues such as grand challenges, planetary boundaries, and climate change, this special issue revisits the local by focusing on the role of place in sustainability. We discuss trends and subdomains of research on place and sustainability and identify key assumptions at the interplay between global and local perspectives. Instead of advocating for universal solutions or exclusively context-specific approaches, we highlight the concept of “senses of place,” emphasizing the connections among diverse notions of place and intrinsic links to these locations. We demonstrate how the four insightful articles featured in this special issue provide a broader dialogue on place and sustainability. Finally, we outline a research agenda that identifies underexplored themes in place-based sustainability studies.

Natural product pharmacology: the British Journal of Pharmacology perspective.

Natural products (NPs) have long been used as a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug development. Recent technological advancements have revitalised natural products research as evidenced by increased publications in this field. In this editorial review, we highlight key points from the 2020 British Journal of Pharmacology (BJP) practical guide, which outlines standards for natural products research reports, and provide papers published in BJP between years 2020 to 2023 that demonstrate adherence to these guidelines. Looking ahead, we discuss the potential of chemical proteomics approaches to elucidate natural products mechanisms of action and identify therapeutic targets for future research. By fostering innovation, we aim to advance natural products research and contribute to the development of novel therapeutics that will have a significant impact on healthcare.

Sharing practices of software artefacts and source code for reproducible research

AbstractWhile source code of software and algorithms depicts an essential component in all fields of modern research involving data analysis and processing steps, it is uncommonly shared upon publication of results throughout disciplines. Simple guidelines to generate reproducible source code have been published. Still, code optimization supporting its repurposing to different settings is often neglected and even less thought of to be registered in catalogues for a public reuse. Though all research output should be reasonably curated in terms of reproducibility, it has been shown that researchers are frequently non-compliant with availability statements in their publications. These do not even include the use of persistent unique identifiers that would allow referencing archives of code artefacts at certain versions and time for long-lasting links to research articles. In this work, we provide an analysis on current practices of authors in open scientific journals in regard to code availability indications, FAIR principles applied to code and algorithms. We present common repositories of choice among authors. Results further show disciplinary differences of code availability in scholarly publications over the past years. We advocate proper description, archiving and referencing of source code and methods as part of the scientific knowledge, also appealing to editorial boards and reviewers for supervision.

EDITORIAL

In the dynamic realm of academic publishing, embracing change is crucial. Beginning in its issue 46.1, International Sports Studies (ISS) is transitioning from a subscription-based model to a fully open-access platform, enhancing inclusivity and scholarly collaboration. This shift addresses the barriers posed by traditional paywalls, enabling unrestricted access to high-quality research for all, especially those from underfunded institutions and developing nations. The new model emphasizes transparency, replicability, and public engagement in scientific research. To sustain rigorous peer review under open access, ISS has implemented a socialized Article Processing Charge (APC) system and substantial discount programs for scholars from low-income regions. This transition aligns with global trends toward open science, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. ISS extends gratitude to its editorial team and reviewers, whose efforts are vital in this transformative journey, heralding a new era dedicated to the free flow of knowledge.

Impact of peer review type and editor gender on women authorships in mathematics

Abstract Aiming to explain and help reduce measured gender gaps in mathematics publications—a discipline where single anonymized peer review practices and men editors are still the norm—we study changes in authorships straddling a 2015 switch in peer review type and editor gender in the American Mathematical Monthly, one of the oldest mathematics journals in the United States. Our results show a significant increase in women authorships after the journal’s switch to a woman editor and double anonymized reviews, an increase deemed exceptional relative to growth trends in comparable journals operating under field standards (men editors along with single anonymized reviews). We leverage literature, data-based observations and our own findings to argue for the likely effects of editor gender and peer review type separately and together as it concerns both women and newcomer authorships. Our study, the first to our knowledge on editorial and peer review changes in mathematics, contributes to a small body of literature on the impact of equity practices in peer review in science and mathematics. It also serves to introduce work, methods, and open problems on measuring and reducing the global gender gap in science and mathematics.

Welcome to the New Issue of GIPAN: Interdisciplinary Approach to Research and Innovation

This editorial review of Gipan Volume 6 (1) introduces the smooth shift from previous disciplinary focus on Gipan to more multidisciplinary one, in which papers belonging to issues in linguistics and applied linguistics (including language teaching) have been incorporated. The primary purpose of bringing in the interdisciplinary focus is to bring the cross-cutting issues across disciplines into broader discourse. This review starts with a brief background information relating to the journal, highlights the themes as they emerge in the issue, summarizes the papers included and concludes with a call for action in support of the new multidisciplinary initiative. Acknowledging the contribution from the individuals and institutions involved in bringing the journal in this form, the review ends with a call on the established scholars and practitioner researchers to cross over disciplinary boundaries and create an international platform for intellectual exchange which will ultimately lead towards a positive social transformation.

Global Financial Dynamics: Crisis, Ethics, and Market Impacts: Insights from the June 2023 Issue

With the collaborative support of the editorial board members, authors, reviewers, section editors, technical editors, and production editor, we successfully launched the June 2023 issue of the International Journal of Accounting, Business, and Finance (IJABF). Volume 2, Issue 2 of IJABF features five articles addressing contemporary issues. The authors explore these research questions through empirical results, providing insights and directions for future studies. We extend our gratitude to all contributors to this issue.

Treating Chronic Pruritus: Are We at the Threshold of a Breakthrough?

Chronic pruritis, characterized by persistent itchiness lasting more than six weeks, affects up to 15% of the population, significantly impairing quality of life. Despite its prevalence and impact, there is an absence of FDA-approved medications specifically for the treatment of chronic pruritus, highlighting a significant unmet need in dermatology. Advancements in dermatologic medications, however, including the development of biologics and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, signal potential breakthroughs in pruritus management through a radically different mechanism of action that focuses on their effect on the nervous system. Currently, the most commonly utilized treatments for pruritis are sedating antihistamines, which have been largely ineffective for non-histamine-induced itch, underscoring the necessity for novel approaches. This editorial reviews key studies and clinical trials with a particular focus on cases of prurigo nodularis, where itch serves as the primary pathology rather than just a symptom. The effectiveness of dupilumab in phase III trials for treating prurigo nodularis, independent of its effects on dermatitis or atopic background, alongside the success of JAK inhibitors in managing chronic idiopathic pruritus, indicates a shift towards therapies that directly and specifically target itch nerve pathways instead of indirectly via immune system modulation or sedation. These developments suggest that significant progress may be on the horizon for treating chronic itch, providing hope for those suffering from pruritis, the number one cause of misery in dermatology.

Observations from Statistical Review Editors: A Commentary

Observations from Statistical Review Editors: A Commentary

Mapping the Dental Applications of Nanosilver Fluoride: A Narrative Review.

The main objective of this paper is to discuss the current progress in the field of dentistry and highlight the aspects regarding silver nanoparticle incorporation, emphasizing the properties, applications, and advantages of nanosilver fluoride (NSF) that it brings to dentistry. An extensive electronic scientific search was conducted on published articles in various databases, such as Medline (PubMed), CENTRAL (Cochrane), Scopus, and Web of Science, using the search terms AgNPs, nano dentistry, caries prevention, and oral health. Further brief communications, randomized controlled trials (RCT), in vitro research, and animal studies written in English were also considered. Case reports, editorial reviews, and opinion letters were excluded from the first phase of our research. Pertaining to various kinds of literature reviews in journals, around 345 articles were retrieved. After screening, about 28 articles met all the selection criteria, focusing on NSF for the contemporary management of dental caries, emphasizing microinvasive therapeutic methods that can successfully halt the progression of caries at the initial level and minimize the loss of sound tooth structure. Due to its exceptional properties and wide range of clinical applications, AgNPs incorporated in fluoride may be employed as an effective, affordable, and improved anticaries agent that brings about superior enhancements in the fields of orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and pediatric and preventive dentistry. Thimmaiah C, Thomas NA, Baskaradoss JK, et al. Mapping the Dental Applications of Nanosilver Fluoride: A Narrative Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):833-837.

The Ethics of Scholarly Book Reviewing

Post-publication scholarly book reviews, as acts of public assessment, draw attention to the contributions of recently published scholarly works. The various actors in the production and consumption of scholarly book reviews—authors, publishers, reviewers, book review editors, readers—bring different expectations to such reviews. As evaluators, reviewers must strive for accurate and appropriate descriptions and assessments that are objective, fair, unbiased, and without conflicts of interest. Questions of ethics can arise in many ways. This article describes the key relationships in the production of scholarly book reviews, emphasizing several ethical dimensions that reviewers should keep in mind at all stages of the reviewing process.

A Letter from the Museum Reviews Editor

A Letter from the Museum Reviews Editor

Advantages and Limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) to Assess Adult Obesity.

Obesity reflects excessive fat deposits. At-risk individuals are guided by healthcare professionals to eat fewer calories and exercise more, often using body mass index (BMI; weight/height2) thresholds for screening and to guide progress and prognosis. By conducting a mini-narrative review of original articles, websites, editorials, commentaries, and guidelines, we sought to place BMI in the context of its appropriate use in population health, clinical screening, and monitoring in clinical care. The review covers studies and publications through 2023, encompassing consensus reviews and relevant literature. Recent consensus reviews suggest that BMI is a valuable tool for population surveys and primary healthcare screening but has limitations in predicting the risk of chronic diseases and assessing excess fat. BMI can guide nutritional and exercise counseling, even if it is inadequate for reliable individual risk prediction. BMI cut-offs must be reconsidered in populations of varying body build, age, and/or ethnicity. Since BMI-diagnosed overweight persons are sometimes physically and physiologically fit by other indicators, persons who are overweight on BMI should be more fully evaluated, diagnosed, and monitored with combined anthropometric and performance metrics to better clarify risks. The use of combined anthropometric and performance metrics involves integrating measurements of body composition with assessments of physical function and fitness to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual's health and fitness status. Eligibility for bariatric surgery or semaglutide satiety/appetite-reduction medications should not be determined by BMI alone. Awareness of the advantages and limitations of using BMI as a tool to assess adult obesity can maximize its appropriate use in the context of population health and in rapid clinical screening and evaluation.

A proposed guide to reducing bias and improving assessments of decolonization in global health research

IntroductionThe movement to decolonize global health encompasses efforts to dismantle historically inequitable structures and processes in global health research, education, and practice. However, despite increasing literature on the decolonization of global health, gaps between action and knowledge exist in assessments of knowledge production. In this Perspective, we will outline potential biases in current approaches to assessing knowledge production and propose a systems-focused guide to improve the interrogation of knowledge production in this field.MethodsWe leverage the “Inner Setting” and “Outer Setting” domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), a well-established, commonly-used implementation science framework to critically assess the status quo of decolonization and to develop criteria to help guide decolonization efforts in academic contexts. We defined the Inner Setting as academic and research institutions leading and participating in global health research collaborations, and the Outer Setting as the funding, editorial, and peer review policies and practices that influence knowledge production in global health. Research institutions in the Inner organizational domain continually interact with the Outer policy domains. We categorize the levels at which decolonization may occur and where action should be focused as follows: (1) North–South, (2) South–South, (3) Local South, and (4) Local North. Using CFIR domains and the levels of action for decolonization, we propose a multi-level guide to improve on the standardization, granularity, and accuracy of decolonization assessments in global health research.Conclusion and expected impactThe proposed guide is informed by our global health research expertise and experiences as African scientists with extensive exposure in both global North and global South research contexts. We expect that the proposed guide will help to identify and address the biases identified and will lead to better knowledge-driven action in the process of decolonizing global health research.

The role of digital transformation in achieving sustainable supply chain management in Industry 4.0: an editorial review perspective

ABSTRACT Before and aftermath of COVID-19 has created multiple waves of digital transformation adoption in supply chain management. The power of potential benefits is realised as a multitude however the transformation phases are not sustainable. This editorial special issue has edited papers of scholarly research contributions to the theory and practice of digital transformation aspects in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Based on the summary of each contribution and an extended literature review on the theme, this editorial paper proposes a novel framework that could facilitate the logistics industry at times of disruptive technologies when firms are struggling to cope with the challenges created due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery.