Multi-Regional Input-Output Analysis (MRIO): Exploring Trends and Gaining Key Insights Through Bibliometric Analysis

Understanding the interaction of economies with the environment is very important in today's globalized world. Traditional economic models, which focus on single regions, are often inadequate for capturing the complexity of these global interactions. To overcome this, Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) matrices expand conventional Input Output (IO) models by incorporating multiple regions, providing a comprehensive view of economic relationships within the global economy. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive bibliometric review of scientific articles published on the topic of "Multi-Regional Input-Output" analysis in an attempt to understand the research trends, key themes, and future research directions in this field. The methodology undertaken in this paper is a bibliometric analysis of 1,247 research publications from 2003 to 2024. This has been performed by extracting bibliometric data with the Biblioshiny function of the Bibliometrix package in R-studio and mapping it to identify crucial trends and contributors to MRIO research. The findings of these analyses can be summarised into five key points. First, research in the MRIO field is significantly increasing, especially since 2014 and peaking in 2022. Second, the Journal of Cleaner Production is by far the most prolific source for MRIO research. The thematic analysis finds that "carbon pricing," "environmental policy," and "embodied energy" are among the dominant and popular themes within MRIO research. The study highlights the importance of collaboration networks and key contributors within the field, identifying influential authors, sources, and trending keywords. Furthermore, the study underlines that important authors, sources and trending keywords in MRIO research agree with the pattern of collaboration extrapolated considering works cited. Finally, great value is put into future research to investigate new themes and work further on integrating and consolidating them into a wider MRIO framework. This is one of the first attempts at a bibliometric analysis of MRIO research. Hence, this bibliometric review provides valuable insights for future research by pinpointing areas for further investigation, such as integrating MRIO methodologies into broader sustainability assessment frameworks and improving their applicability for policy decision-making

Fermentation of Raw Cassava Starch Using Geotrichum candidum sp. Optimizing enzyme and starch concentrations for alcohol production

Production of bioethanol is a global requirement toaddress the question of energy crisis. Attempts have been madeto use agricultural starch based renewable resources to produceethanol. Starchy materials should be converted into simplersugars prior to fermentation and this is achieved by treating withenzymes. Fermentation medium containing 1.5 g, 3 g and 10 g ofraw cassava were optimized for brix value by directly inoculatingsamples (DIS) with fungi G. candidum or treating the mediumwith different concentrations of crude enzyme (50 mL & 100 mL)and 50% ammonium sulphate fractionated proteins (EnzymeTreated Samples -ETS). Highest brix values containing samplesfor 1.5 g, 3 g and 10 g of cassava under two differentexperimental conditions were ETS1, ETS2, ETS3, and DIS1,DIS2, DIS3 respectively. The samples were fermented with yeaststock cultures of maximum viable cells (7.065×106 cells cm-3&86.4% viability). Brix value and alcohol percentage for thesesix samples showed that 50% Ammonium sulphate saturatedenzyme samples is suitable to obtain higher brix value whencompared to crude and direct inoculation method. Then theculture conditions were optimized for starch percentage, pH andviable cell numbers. The results showed that an effective increasein Brix value of 2.3 could be obtained with 3 % and 4 % starchafter 12 hrs incubation period when treated with 50%ammonium sulphate fractionated enzyme. Optimizedfermentation conditions showed that the viable cell numbers ofculture medium decreased during 36-48 hrs of incubation period.There was a sudden pH drop after 12 hrs and considerablechanges were not observable in prolonged incubation.Optimization results for alcohol with 4 % starch showed that ahigh percentage of alcohol (2.5 %) could be obtained after 60 hrsincubation. In conclusion, 50% saturated enzyme sample at roomtemperature and 4% starch has yielded highest brix value andresulted 2.5% of alcohol in 100 mL of fermentation medium

Prevalence and Correlates of Internet Gaming Disorder Among an Advanced Level Student Population from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is rising in many low and middle-income countries owing to the increasing popularity of electronic gaming and technology availability among adolescents. However, the epidemiology of IGD in South Asia remains largely unknown. We aimed to determine IGD’s prevalence and associations, including motivations for gaming, among a Sri Lankan school-going population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Advanced Level students aged 16-18 attending four Colombo Educational Zone schools. Of the 412 randomly sampled recruits, 395 consenting participants filled a pretested questionnaire exploring gaming habits, motivations, and psychosocial factors. English and Sinhala versions of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) were used, and IGD was identified if ?5 items in the scale were endorsed. The Sinhala IGDS9-SF demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability, and its factorial validity was affirmed via Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results: Among the sample, 81.5% (n=322) were gamers. A majority of these gamers preferred mobile gaming (64.0%) and Multiplayer Battle Royale games (27.0%). The prevalence of IGD was 5.06% (95% CI = 2.90–7.22) and was significantly higher (p<0.05) among males, who constituted 52.4% of the sample. Daily weekday gaming for ?6h, low involvement in student societies, poor relationship with parents, escape motive, and fantasy motive were positively associated with IGD, and the Competition motive was negatively associated with IGD in multivariable analyses. Conclusion: The prevalence of IGD was considerably high in our student population and is associated with specific motives, poor parent-child relationships, and low extra-curricular involvement

Waste Management Research in Sri Lanka: Exploring Trends, Identifying Gaps, and Gaining Key Insights Through Bibliometric Analysis

Waste generation has emerged as a critical global challenge, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and evolving consumption patterns with insatiable needs and a shift away from minimalization. In 2023, cities worldwide generated 2.3 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, whereas Sri Lanka accounts for millions of tonnes annually. Continued waste generation is expected to increase from 2.3 billion to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. Despite the global emphasis on advanced waste management practices such as recycling, composting, and circular economy models, there is a notable lack of systematic understanding of the research landscape in developing nations like Sri Lanka. This absence creates a critical gap in identifying the evolution, key contributors, and dominant themes in the country's waste management area. To bridge this gap, bibliometric analyses offer a structured way to explore trends and identify key contributors in the field. This study aims to present a comprehensive bibliometric review of waste management research conducted in Sri Lanka, providing insights into its evolution, dominant themes, and emerging research directions. Using 235 research articles published between 1990 and 2023 and data extracted from the OpenAlex database, the analysis was conducted with Biblioshiny software to examine publication trends, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution. Key findings are summarized into five main points. First, research output has steadily increased since 2010, with a remarkable growth peak around 2020, reflecting growing scholarly interest. Second, the University of Moratuwa emerges as a dominant contributor, alongside international collaborations with institutions from countries like the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Third, thematic analysis reveals that sustainability practices, waste-to-energy conversion, and recycling are dominant themes. At the same time, policy development, public participation, and electronic waste management are identified as emerging research areas. Fourth, bibliometric data emphasizes the role of influential journals like Waste Management and Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management in shaping the field. Finally, keyword analysis highlights interconnected themes such as environmental monitoring, public health concerns, and the socio-economic aspects of waste management. This bibliometric review, focused on Sri Lanka, provides a foundation for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to identify critical gaps and advocate for the integration of innovative technologies and cross-disciplinary strategies that advance sustainable waste management practices and policy development

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to hypertension among Sri Lankans: an online cross-sectional survey

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) is a major public health issue in Sri Lanka, influenced by genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors. Despite high general literacy, gaps in health literacy and suboptimal HTN management persist. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in HTN is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions to improve awareness and management.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Sri Lankan adults from February to September 2024. Participants were recruited via social media, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HTN, attitudes toward prevention and treatment, and health-related practices. Knowledge scores were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and regression models.ResultsA total of 2,013 participants were included, with 47% diagnosed with HTN. The mean knowledge score was 57 ± 20%, with 36% of respondents scoring below 50%. Awareness of risk factors varied—while 78% recognized excessive salt intake, only 40% identified alcohol consumption as a risk factor. Knowledge of HTN consequences was uneven; 87% identified heart disease, but only 31% recognized eye disease as a complication. Urban residents and those with higher education and income had significantly better knowledge scores, while misconceptions about HTN, such as water intake being a risk factor (21%), were prevalent. Attitudes toward HTN management were generally positive, with 81% recognizing the importance of treatment adherence, though only 48% acknowledged weight loss as a preventive measure. Regular blood pressure monitoring was reported by 81%, with individuals diagnosed with HTN being 7.3 times more likely to check their BP regularly (OR: 7.28, 95% CI: 4.67–11.35, p < 0.001). Salt reduction practices were influenced by socioeconomic factors, with urban residents being 2.2 times more likely to add salt (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.56–3.12, p < 0.001).ConclusionDespite Sri Lanka’s high general literacy, significant gaps exist in HTN knowledge and practices. Public health strategies should focus on improving health literacy, addressing misconceptions, and promoting behavioural change through targeted interventions, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations

In-vitro responses of peritoneal macrophages of marine red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) model to vibriosis: A comparative study between vaccinated and non-vaccinated fish

Vibriosis, an infection caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Vibrio is a major disease in global aquaculture. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure against vibriosis. Phagocytosis, the fundamental cellular mechanism that eliminates invading pathogens is governed by phagocytic cells like macrophages and neutrophils. To gain insight into the mechanism of vaccination and its role in influencing macrophage activity in reducing the number of live Vibrio species prior to the establishment of infection in the host, in vitro responses of peritoneal macrophages of vaccinated and unvaccinated marine red hybrid tilapia were compared in terms of phagocytosis, intracellular killing, and macrophage death rates. A total of 90 healthy marine red hybrid tilapia were divided into three equal groups. Group 1 and 2 were vaccinated using feed-based oil-adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted killed whole cell V. harveyi vaccine, respectively. Group 3 was not vaccinated. Vaccine feed was given on weeks 0, 2 and 6. Peritoneal macrophages were collected at week 0 and 10. Macrophages were exposed to V. harveyi or V. alginolyticus and harvested at 0-, 30-, 60- and 120-minutes post-infection. The rate of phagocytosis, intracellular killing rate of bacteria and rate of macrophage cell death were calculated. In general, post-vaccinated macrophages of all treatment groups showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in phagocytosis than pre-vaccinated macrophages following V. harveyi and V. alginolyticus challenge. Macrophages of post-vaccine oil-adjuvanted group showed significant (p<0.05) increase in intracellular killing of V. harveyi and V. alginolyticus. Macrophages of post- vaccinated Group 2 fish showed a higher cell death rate following V. harveyi and V. alginolyticus infection than that of post-vaccinated Group 1 fish. This study proved that the macrophages of tilapia immunized with an oil-adjuvanted vaccine were more efficient in phagocytosis, intracellular killing, and more resistance compared to non-adjuvanted vaccinated and unvaccinated tilapia in the presence of V. harveyi or V. alginolyticus

EBV T-cell immunotherapy generated by peptide selection has enhanced effector functionality compared to LCL stimulation

Adoptive immunotherapy with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-specific T cells is an effective treatment for relapsed or refractory EBV-induced post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) with overall survival rates of up to 69%. EBV-specific T cells have been conventionally made by repeated stimulation with EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL), which act as antigen-presenting cells. However, this process is expensive, takes many months, and has practical risks associated with live virus. We have developed a peptide-based, virus-free, serum-free closed system to manufacture a bank of virus-specific T cells (VST) for clinical use. We compared these with standard LCL-derived VST using comprehensive characterization and potency assays to determine differences that might influence clinical benefits. Multi-parameter flow cytometry revealed that peptide-derived VST had an expanded central memory population and less exhaustion marker expression than LCL-derived VST. A quantitative HLA-matched allogeneic cytotoxicity assay demonstrated similar specific killing of EBV-infected targets, though peptide-derived EBV T cells had a significantly higher expression of antiviral cytokines and degranulation markers after antigen recall. High-throughput T cell receptor-beta (TCRβ) sequencing demonstrated oligoclonal repertoires, with more matches to known EBV-binding complementary determining region 3 (CDR3) sequences in peptide-derived EBV T cells. Peptide-derived products showed broader and enhanced specificities to EBV nuclear antigens (EBNAs) in both CD8 and CD4 compartments, which may improve the targeting of highly expressed latency antigens in PTLD. Importantly, peptide-based isolation and expansion allows rapid manufacture and significantly increased product yield over conventional LCL-based approaches.</p