Search Results (2,590)

Against the backdrop of multifaceted strategies to combat climate change, understanding soil erosion’s role in carbon cycling is critical due to terrestrial carbon pool vulnerability. This study integrates bibliometric methods with visualization tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer) to analyze 3880 Web of Science core publications (1994–2024, inclusive), constructing knowledge graphs and forecasting trends. The results show exponential publication growth, shifting from slow development (1994–2011) to rapid expansion (2012–2024), aligning with international climate policy milestones. The Chinese Academy of Sciences led productivity (519 articles), while the US demonstrated major influence (H-index 117; 52,297 citations), creating a China–US bipolar research pattern. It was also found that Dutch journals dominate this research field. A keyword analysis revealed a shift from erosion-driven carbon transport to ecosystem service assessments. Emerging hotspots include microbial community regulation, climate–erosion feedback, and model–policy integration, though developing country collaboration remains limited. Future research should prioritize isotope tracing, multiscale modeling, and studies in ecologically vulnerable regions to enhance global soil carbon management. This study provides a novel analytical framework and forward-looking perspective for the soil erosion research on soil carbon cycling, serving as an extension of climate change mitigation strategies. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a vital role in the restoration of tropical forests by enhancing soil fertility, facilitating plant establishment, and improving ecosystem resilience. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global scientific output on AMF in the context of ecological restoration, based on 3835 publications indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2001 to 2024. An average annual growth rate of approximately 9.45% was observed, with contributions from 10,868 authors across 880 journals. The most prominent journals included Mycorrhiza (3.34%), New Phytologist (3.00%), and Applied Soil Ecology (2.79%). Thematically, dominant research areas encompassed soil–plant interactions, phytoremediation, biodiversity, and microbial ecology. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified “arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,” “diversity,” “soil,” and “plant growth” as core topics, while emerging topics such as rhizosphere interactions and responses to abiotic stress showed increasing prominence. Despite the expanding body of literature, key knowledge gaps remain, particularly concerning AMF–plant specificity, long-term restoration outcomes, and integration of microbial community dynamics. These findings offer critical insights into the development of AMF research and underscore its strategic importance in tropical forest restoration, providing a foundation for future studies and informing ecosystem management policies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite legal frameworks acknowledging the need to protect the rights of female prisoners, penitentiary systems often neglect gender-specific needs, particularly for foreign women. Among them, Muslim women face distinct challenges linked to cultural and religious practices, which are frequently unmet in prison contexts. This review aims to explore the academic literature on the experiences of Muslim women in detention. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using three major bibliographic databases—Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science—covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies examining the condition of Muslim women in prison. Of the initial pool, only four articles met the criteria and were included in the final analysis. Results: The review reveals a marked scarcity of research on Muslim women in prison at both national and international levels. This gap may be due to their limited representation or cultural factors that hinder open discourse. The selected studies highlight key issues, including restricted access to services, limited ability to practice religion, and language and cultural barriers. These challenges contribute to increased psychological vulnerability, which is often underestimated in prison settings. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for targeted research and culturally competent training for prison staff to adequately support Muslim women in detention. Greater academic and institutional attention is essential to develop inclusive policies that consider the intersection of gender, religion, and migration, particularly in the post-release reintegration process. Full article

Background: Statins exhibit pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, suggesting their potential in non-cardiovascular conditions. However, evidence supporting their repurposing remains limited, and off-label prescribing policies vary globally. Objective: To systematically review evidence on statin repurposing in oncology and infectious diseases, and to assess Hungarian regulatory practices regarding off-label statin use. Methods: A systematic literature search (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect; 2010–May 2025) was conducted using the terms “drug repositioning” OR “off-label prescription” AND “statin” NOT “cardiovascular,” following PRISMA guidelines. Hungarian off-label usage data from the NNGYK (2008–2025) were also analyzed. Results: Out of 205 publications, 12 met the inclusion criteria—75% were oncology-focused, and 25% focused on infectious diseases. Most were preclinical (58%); only 25% offered strong clinical evidence. Applications included hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, Cryptococcus neoformans, SARS-CoV-2, and dengue virus. Mechanisms involved mevalonate pathway inhibition and modulation of host immune responses. Hungarian data revealed five approved off-label statin uses—three dermatologic and two pediatric metabolic—supported by the literature and requiring post-treatment reporting. Conclusions: While preclinical findings are promising, clinical validation of off-label statin use remains limited. Statins should be continued in cancer patients with cardiovascular indications, but initiation for other purposes should be trial-based. Future directions include biomarker-based personalization, regulatory harmonization, and cost-effectiveness studies. Full article

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental and social concern, particularly in Southeast Asia, where urban rivers serve as key pathways for transporting waste to marine environments. This scoping review examines 110 peer-reviewed studies to understand how plastic pollution in waterways is being researched, addressed, and reconceptualized. Drawing from the literature across environmental science, technology, and social studies, we identify four interconnected areas of focus: urban pollution pathways, innovations in monitoring and methods, community-based interventions, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Our analysis combines qualitative synthesis with visual mapping techniques, including keyword co-occurrence networks, to explore how real-time tools, such as IoT sensors, multi-sensor systems, and geospatial technologies, are transforming the ways plastic waste is tracked and analyzed. The review also considers the growing use of novel theoretical frameworks, such as post-phenomenology and ecological materialism, to better understand the role of plastics as both pollutants and ecological agents. Despite progress, the literature reveals persistent gaps in longitudinal studies, regional representation, and policy translation, particularly across the Global South. We emphasize the value of participatory models and community-led research in bridging these gaps and advancing more inclusive and responsive solutions. These insights inform the development of plastic tracker technologies currently being piloted in Vietnam and contribute to broader sustainability goals, including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Full article

Burnout syndrome is a growing concern in higher education, affecting the psychological well-being and performance of university professors. This systematic review presents a narrative synthesis of findings from quantitative studies on sociodemographic and psychosocial determinants of academic burnout. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, sixty peer-reviewed articles published between Jan 2019 and May 2024 were selected from Scopus and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria required validated psychometric instruments and exclusive focus on university faculty. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and CASP checklist. Data from approximately 43,639 academic staff were analyzed. Key risk factors identified include excessive workload, lack of institutional support, and workplace conflict. In contrast, collegial support, participative leadership, and job satisfaction functioned as protective elements. Variables such as age, gender, academic rank, and employment stability significantly influenced burnout vulnerability. While general patterns were observed across studies, differences in design and sampling require caution in generalization. The evidence supports the implementation of integrated strategies encompassing mental health programs, workload regulation, participatory governance, and culturally responsive approaches. These findings inform the development of institutional policies aimed at preventing burnout and fostering academic well-being. Future research should adopt longitudinal and cross-cultural designs to further explore burnout trajectories and support educational reform. Full article

Background/Objectives: The effect of diet on maternal and infant genetic levels has been reported in the literature. Diet-associated DNA damage, such as the presence of micronuclei (MN), may be related to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer. There is particular concern regarding this damage during pregnancy, as it may affect the newborn (NB). Thus, this review aims to summarize the primary evidence of the impact of diet on the frequency of MN in the mother–infant population. Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were used to search for observational studies. Google Scholar and manual searching were required to perform the “gray literature” search. Results: The search strategy retrieved 1418 records. Of these, 13 were read in full and 5 were included in the review. Most studies were of the cohort type (n = 4) and were carried out in the European region. A total of 875 pregnant women and 238 newborns were evaluated. Despite insufficient evidence to confirm that diet changes the frequency of MN, the included studies found possible effects from the consumption of fried red meat and processed meats and the adequate consumption of vegetables and polyunsaturated fats. Conclusions: Future research is needed in order to understand the effects of diet on genetic stability and to obtain evidence to help plan public policies on food and nutrition or reinforce protective dietary patterns for this and future generations. Full article

Morocco is facing a situation of alarming water stress, aggravated by climate change, overexploitation of resources, and unequal distribution of water, placing the country among the most vulnerable to water scarcity in the MENA region. This study aims to investigate the dynamic relationship between economic growth and water stress in Morocco while highlighting the importance of integrated water management and adaptive economic policies to enhance resilience to water scarcity. A mixed methodology, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods, was adopted to overview the economic–environmental Moroccan context, and to empirically analyze the GDP (gross domestic product) and water stress in Morocco over the period 1975–2021 using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The empirical analysis is based on annual data sourced from the World Bank and FAO databases for GDP, agricultural value added, renewable internal freshwater resources, and water productivity. The results suggest that water productivity has a significant positive effect on economic growth, while the impacts of agricultural value added and renewable water resources are less significant and vary depending on the model specification. Diagnostic tests confirm the reliability of the ARDL model; however, the presence of outliers in certain years reflects the influence of exogenous shocks, such as severe droughts or policy changes, on the Moroccan economy. The key contribution of this study lies in the fact that it is the first to analyze the intrinsic link between economic growth and the environmental aspect of water in Morocco. According to our findings, it is imperative to continuously improve water productivity and adopt adaptive management, rooted in science and innovation, in order to ensure water security and support the sustainable economic development of Morocco. Full article

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of psychological distress among medical students in Spain, a growing concern given the high prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout reported across multiple medical schools and universities. To assess the scope and key characteristics of this phenomenon, a thorough literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 in peer-reviewed scientific journals, written in English or Spanish, and specifically focused on medical students enrolled in Spanish universities were considered for inclusion. A total of 14 studies were analysed. The findings indicate that psychological distress often emerges early in medical training and tends to intensify as students progress academically. Female medical students are consistently more affected, as most of the studies reviewed indicate that they exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and perceived stress. Some research also suggests greater levels of burnout among female students compared to their male peers. Key contributing factors include academic overload and dissatisfaction, sleep deprivation, and the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Although awareness of the issue is increasing, available evidence suggests that institutional responses remain limited, and that only a small number of universities have implemented structured mental health programmes. Overall, the results underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms in Spanish medical education to safeguard students’ mental wellbeing. Key priorities include revising curricula, implementing structured emotional support programmes, and ensuring accessible services—requiring coordinated, long-term commitment across academic, healthcare, and policy sectors. Future research should explore longitudinal trends and the effectiveness of targeted interventions. Full article

The intersection of green finance and artificial intelligence (AI) represents a rapidly emerging and high-impact research domain with the potential to reshape sustainable economic systems. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric and network analysis aimed at mapping the scientific landscape, identifying research hotspots, and highlighting methodological trends at this nexus. A dataset of 268 peer-reviewed publications (2014–June 2025) was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, filtered by the Business Economics category. Analytical techniques employed include Bibliometrix in R, VOSviewer, and science mapping tools such as thematic mapping, trend topic analysis, co-citation networks, and co-occurrence clustering. Results indicate an annual growth rate of 53.31%, with China leading in both productivity and impact, followed by Vietnam and the United Kingdom. The most prolific affiliations and authors, primarily based in China, underscore a concentrated regional research output. The most relevant journals include Energy Economics and Finance Research Letters. Network visualizations identified 17 clusters, with focused analysis on the top three: (1) Emission, Health, and Environmental Risk, (2) Institutional and Technological Infrastructure, and (3) Green Innovation and Sustainable Urban Development. The methodological landscape is equally diverse, with top techniques including blockchain technology, large language models, convolutional neural networks, sentiment analysis, and structural equation modeling, demonstrating a blend of traditional econometrics and advanced AI. This study not only uncovers intellectual structures and thematic evolution but also identifies underdeveloped areas and proposes future research directions. These include dynamic topic modeling, regional case studies, and ethical frameworks for AI in sustainable finance. The findings provide a strategic foundation for advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and policy innovation in green AI–finance ecosystems. Full article

This entry explores the multifaceted intersections of gender and digital technologies, offering a comprehensive analysis of how structural inequalities are reproduced, contested, and transformed in digital contexts. It is structured into six interrelated sections that collectively address key dimensions of gendered digital contexts. It begins by addressing the gender digital divide, particularly in the Global South, emphasizing disparities in access, literacy, and sociocultural constraints. The second section examines gendered labor in the tech industry, highlighting persistent inequalities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, employment, and platform-based work. The third part focuses on gender representation in digital spaces, revealing how algorithmic and platform design perpetuate biases. The fourth section discusses gender bias in AI and disinformation, underscoring the systemic nature of digital inequalities. This is followed by an analysis of online gender-based violence, particularly its impact on marginalized communities and participation in digital life. The final section considers the potentials and limitations of digital activism in advancing gender justice. These sections collectively argue for an intersectional, inclusive, and justice-oriented approach to technology policy and design, calling for coordinated global efforts to create equitable digital futures. Full article

Agricultural development is vital for East Africa’s economic growth, yet the region faces significant disparities and systemic barriers. A critical problem exists due to the lack of an integrated quantitative framework to systematically comparing agricultural capacities and facilitate optimal resource allocation, as existing studies often overlook combined internal and external factors. This study proposes a comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to assess, categorize, and strategically profile the agricultural development capacity of 18 East African countries. The method employed is an integrated Entropy-MAIRCA model, which objectively weighs six criteria (the food production index, arable land, production fluctuation, food export/import ratios, and the political stability index) and ranks countries by their distance from an ideal development state. The experiment applied this framework to 18 East African nations using official data. The results revealed significant differences, forming four distinct strategic groups: frontier, emerging, trade-dependent, and high risk. The food export index (C4) and production volatility (C3) were identified as the most influential criteria. This model’s contribution is providing a science-based, transparent decision support tool for designing sustainable agricultural policies, aiding investment planning, and promoting regional cooperation, while emphasizing the crucial role of institutional factors. Full article

Traditional energy conservation policies have primarily relied on economic incentives and informational campaigns. However, recent insights from behavioral and social sciences indicate that subtle behavioral interventions, particularly social nudges, can significantly influence household electricity use. This paper presents a structured review of 23 recent field studies examining how social nudging strategies, such as peer comparison, group identity, and normative messaging, have contributed to measurable reductions in electricity consumption. By analyzing intervention outcomes across different regions and formats, we identify key success factors, limitations, and policy implications. Special attention is given to ethical considerations, fairness in implementation, and potential challenges in sustaining behavior change. This study offers a framework for integrating social nudges into future energy policies, emphasizing their role as low-cost, scalable tools for promoting sustainable energy behavior. Full article

The aim of this research is to identify policy and practice interventions that support a just transition towards resilient practices for resource-dependent communities. We focus on Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho, two provinces in the Northern Midlands and Mountains of Vietnam. The region is reliant on agriculture but is assessed as highly vulnerable to climate change. We surveyed 105 farming households. A Likert-type questionnaire asked respondents to self-assess their experiences of weather extremes and of changes they had made to their farming practices. Our results show that for both Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho, farmers see the effects of climate change on their crops. Respondents in Thai Nguyen were more likely to report technically driven adaptation and engagement with extension services. Respondents in Pho Tho were more likely to continue traditional practices. For both, use of traditional knowledge and practices was related to taking measures to adapt to climate change. Our main conclusion is that at least three actions could support a just transition to resilient livelihoods. First is incorporating natural science and traditional knowledge into decision-making for just transitions. Second is considering long-term implications of interventions that appear to support livelihoods in the short term. Third is tailoring messaging and engagement strategies to the requirements of the most vulnerable people. The main message of this study is that a just transition for resource-dependent communities will inevitably be context-specific. Even in centralized and authoritarian contexts, flexibility to adapt top-down policies to locals’ own experiences of changing climates is needed. Full article

The escalating climate crisis and global disruptions have prompted a critical re-evaluation of operations management within manufacturing and supply systems. This conceptual article addresses the theoretical and strategic gap in aligning resilience and sustainability by proposing an Integrated Sustainable Operational Strategy (ISOS) framework. Drawing on systems theory, circular economy principles, and sustainability science, the framework synthesizes multiple operational domains—circularity, localization, digital adaptation, and workforce flexibility—across macro (policy), meso (organizational), and micro (process) levels. This study constructs a conceptual model that explains the interdependencies and trade-offs among strategic operational responses in the Anthropocene era. Supported by multi-level logic and a synthesis of domain constructs, the model provides a foundation for empirical investigation and strategic planning. Key propositions for future research are developed, focusing on causal relationships and boundary conditions. The novelty of ISOS lies in its simultaneous integration of three strategic pillars—circularity, localization, and digital resilience—within a unified, multi-scalar architecture that bridges fragmented operational theories. The article advances theory by redefining operational excellence through regenerative logic and adaptive capacity, responding directly to SDG 9 (industry innovation), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). This integrative framework offers both theoretical insight and practical guidance for transforming operations into catalysts of sustainable transition. Full article