Search Results (2,436)

In the context of both domestic and international economic landscapes, regional policy has emerged as an increasingly influential factor shaping the developmental trajectories of Chinese enterprises. Despite its growing significance, the extant literature lacks a comprehensive and systematically visualized synthesis that encapsulates the scope and trends of research in this domain. This study addresses this critical gap by conducting an integrative bibliometric and qualitative review of the academic output related to regional policy and Chinese firm growth. Drawing on a final dataset comprising 3428 validated academic publications—selected from an initial pool of 3604 records retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection between 1991 and 2022, the research employs a two-stage methodological framework. In the first phase, advanced bibliometric tools, and software applications, including RStudio, Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CitNetExplorer, are utilized to implement techniques such as keyword co-occurrence analysis, thematic clustering, and the tracing of thematic evolution over time. These methods facilitate rigorous data cleansing, breakpoint identification, and the visualization of intellectual structures and emerging research patterns. In the second phase, a targeted qualitative review is conducted to evaluate the influence of regional policies on Chinese firms across three critical stages of business development: start-up, expansion, and maturity. The findings reveal that regional policy interventions generally exert a positive influence on firm performance throughout all stages of development. Notably, a significant concentration of citation activity occurred prior to 2017; however, post-2017, the volume of scholarly publications, journal-level impact (as measured by h-index), and author-level influence experienced a marked increase. Among the 3428 analyzed publications, a substantial portion—2259 articles—originated from Chinese academic institutions, highlighting the strong domestic research interest in the subject. Furthermore, since 2015, there has been a discernible shift in keyword co-occurrence trends, with increasing scholarly attention directed towards sustainable development issues, particularly those related to carbon dioxide emissions and green innovation, reflecting evolving policy priorities and environmental imperatives. Full article

The balance between exploration and exploitation is a fundamental element in the design and performance of bio-inspired optimization algorithms. However, to date, its conceptual evolution and its treatment in the scientific literature have not been systematically characterized from a bibliometric approach. This study performs an exhaustive analysis of the scientific production on the balance between exploration and exploitation using records extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The processing and analysis of the data were carried out through the combined use of Bibliometrix (R package) and VOSviewer, tools that made it possible to quantify productivity, map collaborative networks, and visualize emerging thematic trends. The results show a sustained growth in the volume of publications over the last decade, as well as the consolidation of academic collaboration networks and the emergence of new thematic lines in the field. In particular, metaheuristic algorithms have demonstrated a significant and growing impact, constituting a fundamental pillar in the advancement and methodological diversification of the exploration–exploitation balance. This work provides a quantitative framework and a structured view of the evolution of research, identifies the main actors and trends, and raises opportunities for future lines of research in the field of optimization using metaheuristics, the most prominent instantiation of bio-inspired optimization algorithms. Full article

This study explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in overhauling conventional housing rental systems. It specifically addresses persistent issues, such as information asymmetry, fraudulent listings, weak Rental Agreements, and data breaches. A comprehensive review of ten academic publications highlights the architectural frameworks, underlying technologies, and myriad benefits of decentralized rental platforms. The intrinsic characteristics of blockchain—immutability, transparency, and decentralization—are pivotal in enhancing the credibility of rental information and proactively preventing fraudulent activities. Smart contracts emerge as a key innovation, enabling the automated execution of Rental Agreements, thereby significantly boosting efficiency and minimizing reliance on intermediaries. Furthermore, Decentralized Identity (DID) solutions offer a robust mechanism for securely managing identities, effectively mitigating risks associated with data leakage, and fostering a more trustworthy environment. The suitability of platforms such as Hyperledger Fabric for developing such sophisticated rental systems is also critically evaluated. Blockchain-based systems promise to dramatically increase market transparency, bolster transaction security, and enhance fraud prevention. They also offer streamlined processes for dispute resolution. Despite these significant advantages, the widespread adoption of blockchain in the rental sector faces several challenges. These include inherent technological complexity, adoption barriers, the need for extensive legal and regulatory adaptation, and critical privacy concerns (e.g., ensuring compliance with GDPR). Furthermore, blockchain scalability limitations and the intricate balance between data immutability and the necessity for occasional data corrections present considerable hurdles. Future research should focus on developing user-friendly DID solutions, enhancing blockchain performance and cost-efficiency, strengthening smart contract security, optimizing the overall user experience, and exploring seamless integration with emerging technologies. While current challenges are undeniable, blockchain technology offers a powerful suite of tools for fundamentally improving the rental market’s efficiency, transparency, and security, exhibiting significant potential to reshape the entire rental ecosystem. Full article

Smart cities are technologically advanced urban environments where interconnected systems and data-driven technologies enhance public service delivery and quality of life. These cities rely on information and communication technologies, the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, and other Industry 4.0 tools to support efficient city management and foster citizen engagement. Often referred to as digital cities, they integrate intelligent infrastructures and real-time data analytics to improve mobility, security, and sustainability. Ubiquitous sensors, paired with Artificial Intelligence, enable cities to monitor infrastructure, respond to residents’ needs, and optimize urban conditions dynamically. Given the increasing significance of Industry 4.0 in urban development, this study adopts a bibliometric approach to systematically review the application of these technologies within smart cities. Utilizing major academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science the research aims to identify the primary Industry 4.0 technologies implemented in smart cities, assess their impact on infrastructure, economic systems, and urban communities, and explore the challenges and benefits associated with their integration. The bibliometric analysis included publications from 2016 to 2023, since the emergence of urban researchers’ interest in the technologies of the new industrial revolution. The task is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how smart cities evolve through the adoption of advanced technological frameworks. Research indicates that IoT and AI are the most commonly used tools in urban spaces, particularly in smart mobility and smart environments. Full article

In distance learning environments, learner engagement directly impacts attention, motivation, and academic performance. Signs of fatigue, negative affect, or critical remarks can warn of growing disengagement and potential dropout. However, most existing approaches rely on a single modality, visual or text-based, without providing a general view of learners’ cognitive and affective states. We propose a multimodal system that integrates three complementary analyzes: (1) a CNN-LSTM model augmented with warning signs such as PERCLOS and yawning frequency for fatigue detection, (2) facial emotion recognition by EmoNet and an LSTM to handle temporal dynamics, and (3) sentiment analysis of feedback by a fine-tuned BERT model. It was evaluated on three public benchmarks: DAiSEE for fatigue, AffectNet for emotion, and MOOC Review (Coursera) for sentiment analysis. The results show a precision of 88.5% for fatigue detection, 70% for emotion detection, and 91.5% for sentiment analysis. Aggregating these cues enables an accurate identification of disengagement periods and triggers individualized pedagogical interventions. These results, although based on independently sourced datasets, demonstrate the feasibility of an integrated approach to detecting disengagement and open the door to emotionally intelligent learning systems with potential for future work in real-time content personalization and adaptive learning assistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Improving health outcomes for Indigenous people by strengthening the cultural safety of care is a vital challenge for the health sector. University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH), academic centres based in regional, rural, and remote (RRR) locations across Australia, are uniquely positioned to foster a culturally safe rural health workforce through training, education, and engagement with Indigenous communities. This narrative review examines the contributions of UDRHs to health workforce issues through analysis of their publications focused on Indigenous health. Methods: Research articles relating to workforce were identified from an established database of UDRH Indigenous health-related publications published 2010–2021. Results: Of 46 articles identified across the 12 years, 19 focused on developing the understanding and cultural safety skills of university students studying in a health field, including campus-based Indigenous health education and support for students undertaking rural clinical placements. Twelve articles investigated cultural safety skills and recruitment and retention of the rural health workforce. Fifteen articles focused on Indigenous people in the health workforce, examining clinical training and resources, and the enablers and barriers to retaining Indigenous students and workers. Conclusions: This analysis highlights the sustained efforts of UDRHs to improve Indigenous health through multiple areas within their influence, including curriculum design, health student training on campus, and rural placement opportunities to transform understanding of Indigenous strengths and disadvantages and rural health workforce development. A continuing effort is needed on ways UDRHs can support Indigenous health students during their studies and while on placement, how to improve cultural safety in the health workforce, and ways to better support Indigenous health professionals. Full article

This study analyzes the relationship between ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors and labor productivity using a bibliometric approach through a general analysis and one that includes inclusion criteria such as English language, open access, and primary research publications to identify only those articles that explicitly address the relationship between ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors and labor productivity. It is recognized that both physical and psychosocial conditions of the work environment directly influence workers’ health and organizational performance. For this purpose, a bibliometric review was conducted in academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis, resulting in the selection of 4794 relevant articles for general analysis. Additionally, 116 relevant articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Tools and methodologies, such as Rayyan, Excel, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and PRISMA, were used to classify the studies and identify trends, collaboration networks, and geographical distribution. The results reveal a sustained growth in scientific production, with clusters on occupational safety and health, work environment factors, and the characteristics of the population, approach, and methodologies used in the studies. Likewise, Procedia Manufacturing, International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, and Ergonomics stand out as the main sources of publication, while countries such as Sweden, Poland, and the United States lead the scientific production in this field. In addition, the network of co-occurrence of keywords evidences a comprehensive approach that articulates physical or ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors with organizational performance, while the network of authors shows consolidated collaborations and studies focused on analyzing the relationship between physical demands and musculoskeletal disorders from advanced ergonomic approaches. Full article

This paper presents a critical and comprehensive review of the application of mining waste, specifically waste rock and tailings, in asphalt pavements, with the aim of synthesizing performance outcomes and identifying key research gaps. A systematic literature search yielded a final dataset of 41 peer-reviewed articles for detailed analysis. Bibliometric analysis indicates a notable upward trend in annual publications, reflecting growing academic and practical interest in this field. Performance-based evaluations demonstrate that mining wastes, particularly iron and copper tailings, have the potential to enhance the high-temperature performance (i.e., rutting resistance) of asphalt binders and mixtures when utilized as fillers or aggregates. However, their effects on fatigue life, low-temperature cracking, and moisture susceptibility are inconsistent, largely influenced by the physicochemical properties and dosage of the specific waste material. Despite promising results, critical knowledge gaps remain, particularly in relation to long-term durability, comprehensive environmental and economic Life-Cycle Assessments (LCA), and the inherent variability of waste materials. This review underscores the substantial potential of mining wastes as sustainable alternatives to conventional pavement materials, while emphasizing the need for further multidisciplinary research to support their broader implementation. Full article

Urban transport is a key driver of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, making its decarbonization essential to achieving EU climate neutrality targets. This study examines how European strategies, such as the Green Deal, the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, and the Fit for 55 package, are reflected in Romania’s transport policies, with a focus on implementation challenges and urban outcomes in Bucharest. By combining policy analysis, stakeholder mapping, and comparative mobility indicators, the paper critically assesses Bucharest’s current reliance on private vehicles, underperforming public transport satisfaction, and limited progress on active mobility. The study develops a context-sensitive reform framework for the Romanian capital, grounded in transferable lessons from Western and Central European cities. It emphasizes coordinated metropolitan governance, public trust-building, phased car-restraint measures, and investment alignment as key levers. Rather than merely cataloguing policy intentions, the paper offers practical recommendations informed by systemic governance barriers and public attitudes. The findings will contribute to academic debates on urban mobility transitions in post-socialist cities and provide actionable insights for policymakers seeking to operationalize EU decarbonization goals at the metropolitan scale. Full article

Acid mine drainage (AMD) remains a critical environmental challenge in South Africa due to its severe impact on water quality, ecosystems and public health. Numerous studies on AMD management, treatment and resource recovery have been conducted over the past 20 years. This study presents a comprehensive review of research activities on AMD in South Africa from 1998 to 2025, highlighting key trends, emerging challenges and future directions. The study reveals a significant focus on passive and active treatment methods, environmental remediation and the recovery of valuable resources, such as iron, rare earth elements (REEs) and gypsum. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify the most influential studies and thematic research areas over the years. Bibliometric tools (Biblioshiny and VOSviewer) were used to analyse the data that was extracted from the PubMed database. The findings indicate that research production has increased significantly over time, with substantial contributions from top academics and institutions. Advanced treatment technologies, the use of artificial intelligence and circular economy strategies for resource recovery are among the new research prospects identified in this study. Despite substantial progress, persistent challenges, such as scalability, economic viability and policy implementation, remain. Furthermore, few technologies have moved beyond pilot-scale implementation, underscoring the need for greater investment in field-scale research and technology transfer. This study recommends stronger industry–academic collaboration, the development of standardised treatment protocols and enhanced government policy support to facilitate sustainable AMD management. The study emphasises the necessity of data-driven approaches, sustainable technology and interdisciplinary cooperation to address AMD’s socioeconomic and environmental effects in the ensuing decades. Full article

The adoption of technological innovations in the maritime industry is of interest to business, policy, and academic communities. In the last group, this interest has translated into the publication of a large but scattered literature, making it difficult to compare findings and identify the dynamics, structures, and patterns that might inform future research. A comprehensive review of past research on this topic might help achieve this. To date, no such review has been carried out, which is an important gap in the literature that this paper contributes to bridging. Two bibliometric review techniques—co-citation analysis of cited references and bibliographic coupling of documents—are applied to 171 journal articles published between 1999 and February 2025 to answer the following questions: 1. What is the knowledge base of this literature? 2. What are the recent research trends (research fronts) in this literature? The analysis reveals that research on “shore power” dominates both the knowledge base and research fronts. Other key research themes centre on “autonomous shipping”, “blockchain”, and “alternative fuels”. Based on these results, implications for future research are drawn. Full article

The rapid emergence of generative AI technologies has sparked significant transformation across educational landscapes worldwide. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of GAI in education, mapping scholarly trends from 2022 to 2025. Drawing on 3808 peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus, the analysis reveals exponential growth in publications, with dominant contributions from the United States, China, and Hong Kong. Using VOSviewer, the study identifies six major thematic clusters, including GAI in higher education, ethics, technological foundations, writing support, and assessment. Prominent tools, especially ChatGPT, are shown to influence pedagogical design, academic integrity, and learner engagement. The study highlights interdisciplinary integration, regional research ecosystems, and evolving keyword patterns reflecting the field’s transition from tool-based inquiry to learner-centered concerns. This review offers strategic insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers navigating AI’s transformative role in education. Full article

Ongoing interest in the intersection of spirituality and health has prompted a need for integrated research. This report proposes a distinct approach in a model that allows for successful and harmonious cross-fertilization within these latter two areas of interest. Our work is especially pertinent to inquiries around the role of spirituality in mental health, with special attention to chronic pain conditions. The latter have become an open channel for novel avenues to explore the field of spirituality-based interventions within the arena of psychological inquiry. To address this, the authors developed and implemented the Church and Academia Model, a prototype for an innovative collaborative research project, with the aim of exploring the role of devotional practices, and their potential to be used as therapeutic co-adjuvants or tools to enhance the coping skills of patients with chronic pain. Keeping in mind that the church presents a rich landscape for clinical inquiry with broad relevance for clinicians and society at large, we created a unique hybrid research model. This is a new paradigm that focuses on distinct and well-defined studies where the funding, protocol writing, study design, and implementation are shared by experts from both the pastoral and clinical spaces. A team of theologians, researchers, and healthcare providers, including clinical pain psychologists, built a coalition leveraging their respective skill sets. Each expert is housed in their own environs, creating a functional network that has proven academically productive and pastorally effective. Key outputs include the creation and validation of a new psychometric measure, the Pain-related PRAYER Scale (PPRAYERS), an associated bedside prayer tool and a full-scale dissemination strategy through journal publications and specialty society conferences. This collaborative prototype is also an ideal fit for integrated knowledge translation platforms, and it is a promising paradigm for future collaborative projects focused on spirituality and mental health. Full article

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH), like attitudes towards other vaccines, is a critical global public health concern. Despite numerous studies covering psychological, sociodemographic, and other determinants of vaccine acceptance, resistance, and hesitance, few studies have reported these factors among students, particularly in politically unstable settings like Ukraine. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study assesses hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines, utilizing the 5Cs Model. Among 936 respondents surveyed in 2023, 64% received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine (acceptant), 11% were still considering getting vaccinated (hesitant), and 25% refused vaccination (resistant). Vaccination behavior is significantly associated with the 5Cs. Higher collective responsibility significantly increased acceptance and reduced resistance, while higher constraints lowered the chances of being either acceptant or resistant. Confidence protected against resistance. Complacency, counterintuitively, reduced odds of resistance, pointing to differences between passive hesitancy and active refusal. Male gender and sources of information and misinformation influenced confidence. Collective responsibility was positively associated with official sources and negatively with conspiracy beliefs. Complacency increased with official sources, while constraints and calculation were least explained by predictors. Practical barriers should be tackled through improved accessibility and fostering collective responsibility via targeted communication strategies. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and academic institutions to enhance vaccine uptake among university students, particularly in crisis settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: International students pursuing higher education in the United States face unique challenges that increase their risk of food insecurity, including limited financial resources, employment restrictions, and cultural barriers. While food insecurity among domestic students has been widely studied, limited research focuses on the lived experiences of international graduate students. This study explores the challenges, perceptions, and coping strategies related to food insecurity among international graduate students at a large public university in North Texas. Methods: This qualitative, ethnographic study involved 20 semi-structured interviews with international graduate students who were clients of the university’s food pantry. Participants were recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Interviews focused on students’ experiences with food access, financial constraints, campus resources, and cultural food preferences. Data were analyzed using thematic coding in MAXQDA. Two standardized food insecurity measures—the USDA and FAO scales—were also administered and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Findings revealed that 85% of participants experienced limited access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, with 70% reporting hunger due to financial constraints. Themes included lack of cooking skills, limited campus food options, difficulty accessing familiar groceries, and limited job opportunities. Students expressed that food insecurity significantly impacted their physical health, mental well-being, and social lives, though many continued to prioritize academics over personal nourishment. Conclusions: Food insecurity among international graduate students is multifaceted, shaped by financial, cultural, and institutional barriers. Addressing this issue requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved access to diverse food options, tailored student support services, and institutional efforts to better understand and meet the needs of international students. Full article