Advanced Research Methods Research Articles

The recent history and near future of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine: an update on progress from 2019 to 2024.

The field of behavioral medicine has a long and successful history of leveraging digital health tools to promote health behavior change. Our 2019 summary of the history and future of digital health in behavioral medicine (Arigo in J Behav Med 8: 67-83, 2019) was one of the most highly cited articles in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine from 2010 to 2020; here, we provide an update on the opportunities and challenges we identified in 2019. We address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral medicine research and practice and highlight some of the digital health advances it prompted. We also describe emerging challenges and opportunities in the evolving ecosystem of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine, including the emergence of new evidence, research methods, and tools to promote health and health behaviors. Specifically, we offer updates on advanced research methods, the science of digital engagement, dissemination and implementation science, and artificial intelligence technologies, including examples of uses in healthcare and behavioral medicine. We also provide recommendations for next steps in these areas with attention to ethics, training, and accessibility considerations. The field of behavioral medicine has made meaningful advances since 2019 and continues to evolve with impressive pace and innovation.

Emotion recognition using cross-modal attention from EEG and facial expression

The fusion of facial expression and Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in a multi-modal framework is a comprehensive and accurate method for emotion recognition. However, current methods often tend to directly concatenate two modalities, thereby overlooking the interplay between modalities. Furthermore, the selection of single static facial images for extracting facial features neglected the dynamic changes in facial expressions. These limitations have been identified as factors that constrain the accuracy and stability of the model. In this study, an innovative multimodal emotion recognition network was introduced, which using continuous facial expressions and EEG signals. It incorporated the cross-modal attention fusion mechanism to establish robust correlations between modal feature vectors, thereby generating amalgamated vectors with mutual information. Additionally, a Self-Attention Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (SA-ConvLSTM) was employed to capture spatiotemporal information from facial expression images. The model proposed in this paper was experimentally evaluated on the DEAP and MAHNOB-HCI datasets. Its recognition accuracy was higher than the existing advanced research methods. At the same time, it still performed well in the Leave-One-Subject-Out (LOSO) experiment based on DEAP dataset. The experimental results showed the effectiveness of the proposed model in the task of multimodal emotion recognition.

Full of sound and fury.

The subject of noise in the operating theatre was recognized as early as 1972 and has been compared to noise levels on a busy highway. While noise-induced hearing loss in orthopaedic surgery specifically has been recognized as early as the 1990s, it remains poorly studied. As a result, there has been renewed focus in this occupational hazard. Noise level is typically measured in decibels (dB), whereas noise adjusted for human perception uses A-weighted sound levels and is expressed in dBA. Mean operating theatre noise levels range between 51 and 75 dBA, with peak levels between 80 and 119 dBA. The greatest sources of noise emanate from powered surgical instruments, which can exceed levels as high as 140 dBA. Newer technology, such as robotic-assisted systems, contribute a potential new source of noise. This article is a narrative review of the deleterious effects of prolonged noise exposure, including noise-induced hearing loss in the operating theatre team and the patient, intraoperative miscommunication, and increased cognitive load and stress, all of which impact the surgical team's overall performance. Interventions to mitigate the effects of noise exposure include the use of quieter surgical equipment, the implementation of sound-absorbing personal protective equipment, or changes in communication protocols. Future research endeavours should use advanced research methods and embrace technological innovations to proactively mitigate the effects of operating theatre noise.

The role of single case experimental designs in evidence creation in rehabilitation.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard of evidence guiding intervention selection in rehabilitation. However, conduct of sufficiently powered RCTs in rehabilitation can be expensive, pose ethical and attrition concerns when participants are assigned to ineffective treatment as usual conditions, and are infeasible with low-incidence populations. Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs), including N-of-1 RCTs are causal inference studies for small numbers of participants and not necessarily one participant as the name implies. These designs are increasingly used to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in diverse clinical settings and employ design features including but not limited to randomization and each participant serving as their own control. These and other internal validity enhancements can increase the confidence in study results coming from these designs. This manuscript discusses the expanded application of SCEDs in rehabilitation contexts to answer everyday clinical rehabilitation research questions with emphasis on strategies to use: 1) to maximize internal validity of this family of designs; 2) improve utility, effectiveness, and acceptability of these designs for rehabilitation end-users (clinicians, policymakers, and participants); 3) build evidence bases in areas of rehabilitation where RCTs are uncommonly used. Primary considerations for situating SCEDs within the continuum of experimental designs include increasing internal validity within designs, improving transparency in conduct and reporting of these studies, and increasing access to advanced research methods training for rehabilitation professionals.

The correlation between cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition: molecular mechanisms and significance in cancer theragnosis.

The connections between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, making it a focal point in cancer theragnosis. This review provides a panorama of associations and regulation pathways between CSCs and EMT, highlighting their significance in cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlined EMT are thoroughly explored, including the involvement of key transcription factors and signaling pathways. In addition, the roles of CSCs and EMT in tumor biology and therapy resistance, is further examined in this review. The clinical implications of CSCs-EMT interplay are explored, including identifying mesenchymal-state CSC subpopulations using advanced research methods and developing targeted therapies such as inhibitors and combination treatments. Overall, understanding the reciprocal relationship between EMT and CSCs holds excellent potential for informing the development of personalized therapies and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

ReBiA-Robotic Enabled Biological Automation: 3D Epithelial Tissue Production.

The Food and Drug Administration's recent decision to eliminate mandatory animal testing for drug approval marks a significant shift to alternative methods. Similarly, the European Parliament is advocating for a faster transition, reflecting public preference for animal-free research practices. In vitro tissue models are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for regulatory assessments before clinical trials, in line with the 3R principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine). Despite their potential, barriers such as the need for standardization, availability, and cost hinder their widespread adoption. To address these challenges, the Robotic Enabled Biological Automation (ReBiA) system is developed. This system uses a dual-arm robot capable of standardizing laboratory processes within a closed automated environment, translating manual processes into automated ones. This reduces the need for process-specific developments, making in vitro tissue models more consistent and cost-effective. ReBiA's performance is demonstrated through producing human reconstructed epidermis, human airway epithelial models, and human intestinal organoids. Analyses confirm that these models match the morphology and protein expression of manually prepared and native tissues, with similar cell viability. These successes highlight ReBiA's potential to lower barriers to broader adoption of in vitro tissue models, supporting a shift toward more ethical and advanced research methods.

RESEARCH ON THE DESTRUCTION PROCESSES OF WELDED JOINTS UNDER CONDITIONS OF DETACHMENT OF THE VERTICAL STEEL TANK BODY FROM THE BOTTOM DURING A FIRE

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of welded joints by applying advanced mathematical modelling and experimental research methods. The primary objective was to develop and validate a methodology for mathematical modelling of the behaviour of welded joints under mechanical loading, as well as to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approaches in predicting their strength and durability. Based on the research results, we can draw the following conclusions. The authors obtained the results of welded joint samples and analysed the corresponding curves of the dependence of force factors on their deformations. The study showed that the destruction of welded joints occurs mainly along the weld seam, where the strength is lower than in the base material of the rods. It is consistent with the practical data of the experiment, which confirms that the weld is the weakest link in the structure. The article substantiated a set of provisions and assumptions for implementing mathematical modelling of the behaviour of samples of welded joints imitating welded joints in a reservoir for petroleum products under mechanical tensile tests. The test results justified the mathematical models of the steel material of welded joints of petroleum product tanks and obtained numerical parameters of the mechanical properties of steel of welded joints. Yield strength is in the range of 240–300 MPa, the modulus of elasticity is 190–240 GPa, the hardening modulus is 18–20 GPa, and the ultimate plastic deformation is 0.00334. Based on a complex of well-founded mathematical models of welded joints, we carried out calculations regarding the numerical study of the behaviour of welded joints under the conditions of their mechanical tests. We compared the obtained results with the results of experimental tests and, based on this comparative analysis, established that they were adequate since the Fisher criterion did not exceed the tabular value and the relative error did not surpass 12%. The findings of this research offer valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving the design and evaluation of welded structures, enhancing their performance and safety in engineering applications.

The gratitude and mental health of student in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

PurposeHigh levels of mental health disorders in students can affect their academic activity. Students should think positively to control the mental health disturbances they experience. This study aims to address the mental health problems of students by increasing their gratitude because gratitude is the key to facing the problems that a person faces. Therefore, the study focuses on finding the influence of gratitude on student mental health disorders.Design/methodology/approachThe subjects in this study were 420 students in Eastern Kalimantan using quantitative methods with gratitude scales GQ-6 and DASS-21. Data collection method with online questionnaires to be analyzed with regression analysis.FindingsThe findings of this study empirically show that gratitude has a significant and positive effect on mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). This shows that gratitude has an important effect on mental health in students. If gratitude is higher, then anxiety and stress decreases significantly. This study aims can serve as a foundation for student mental health improvement programs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was cross-sectional, which makes it impossible to conclude a causal relationship between the variables. Therefore, future research should use more advanced research methods, including longitudinal and experimental studies. Another potential limitation that could bias the results is the fact that the data were based solely on self-reports. Then, the study group included a larger proportion of female students than male students.Practical implicationsThis study provides a deeper understanding of the importance of gratitude in maintaining mental health. Gratitude has been shown to have a positive correlation with increased psychological well-being, decreased levels of depression and increased resilience in the face of everyday stress and challenges in college students at private univesity and state university.Originality/valueThis research changes students' mindset to always be grateful by thinking positively during the teaching and learning process at university. Many students complain about the current conditions, especially related to study assignments, differences in the teaching and learning process at school. This study is useful for students to reduce mental health disorders at university.

Compensatory evolution of chromosomes and plasmids counteracts the plasmid fitness cost.

Plasmids incur a fitness cost that has the potential to restrict the dissemination of resistance in bacterial pathogens. However, bacteria can overcome this disadvantage by compensatory evolution to maintain their resistance. Compensatory evolution can occur via both chromosomes and plasmids, but there are a few reviews regarding this topic, and most of them focus on plasmids. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the currently reported mechanisms underlying compensatory evolution on chromosomes and plasmids, elucidate key targets regulating plasmid fitness cost, and discuss future challenges in this field. We found that compensatory evolution on chromosomes primarily arises from mutations in transcriptional regulatory factors, whereas compensatory evolution of plasmids predominantly involves three pathways: plasmid copy number regulation, conjugation transfer efficiency, and expression of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Furthermore, the importance of reasonable selection of research subjects and effective integration of diverse advanced research methods is also emphasized in our future study on compensatory mechanisms. Overall, this review establishes a theoretical framework that aims to provide innovative ideas for minimizing the emergence and spread of AMR genes.

Corruption perceptions in the Schengen Zone and their relation to education, economic performance, and governance.

In the quest for integrity and transparency, the perception of corruption within a state not only undermines trust in governance but also hinders sustainable progress. This study investigates the relationship between education, economic performance, and governance and their impact on the assessment of corruption in the context of sustainable development goals. The research framework included data from 14 European countries, members of the Schengen zone, using panel data for the period 2003-2022. The analysis of the sample indicators guided us to apply further advanced research methods. Principal Components Analysis was applied to reduce dimensionality. Under various assumptions related to heterogeneity, stationarity and exogeneity, panel Fixed Effects (FE) and Dynamic Panel with Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) were applied to link the drivers and the perception of corruption. The results are twofold: (i) on the one hand, the diachronic evolution of corruption, education index, economic performance or governance perceptions reveals different patterns for the countries of the Schengen zone; (ii) on the other hand, the composite index for education and governance assessment had a significant impact on corruption perceptions, while economic performance showed no apparent link to corruption. Incorporating the effects of economic and political shocks, the study will explore the resilience of the Schengen Zone's governance against corruption, particularly by examining the effectiveness of crisis management and education's role in reinforcing integrity. It will also conduct a longitudinal analysis to assess how these shocks influence corruption perceptions over time, offering insights into the adaptability of policy responses and their lasting impact on public trust. The findings establish new research pathways for academics and provide valuable incentives to policymakers and professional trainers to improve mechanisms for combating corruption.

Self-Directed Learning in a Qualitative Research Methods Course for Doctoral Students

This paper describes (1) the reasoning behind a self-directed learning assignment in an advanced qualitative research methods course, and (2) doctoral students’ experiences with that assignment. Drawing on instructor and student perspectives, a professor and four doctoral students collaborated to reflect and report on the process and product of one assignment within a course. The doctoral students approached the assignment in unique ways: delving into one specific research methodology, comparing multiple research designs, and exploring current uses of qualitative research at a research conference. The piece contributes to the body of literature about students’ and instructors’ experiences in graduate qualitative research methods courses and argues for providing more opportunities for students to direct their own learning in graduate coursework.

The Challenges of Engaging African American Communities During a Public Health Crisis: The Role of Government Information, COVID-19 Discourse, and Emotional Content on Social Media

ABSTRACT During a public health crisis, social media platforms play a pivotal role in circulating information and influencing public reactions. This research investigates the dynamics of public engagement with COVID-19-related content and government information sources within African American online communities, a population that has experienced significant health risks and inequities. Using advanced computational research methods, we analyzed 199,542 posts from 1,152 communities created between January 2020 and December 2022. The present research focused on the presence of COVID-19-related content, government information sources, the emotions of anger and fear in these posts, and their associations with user engagement metrics. The results indicated that posts discussing COVID-19 and those incorporating government information sources tend to receive lower levels of engagement. On the other hand, posts with higher levels of anger generated more shares and comments. The findings suggest a “triple disadvantage” in user engagement for social media messages that reference government sources and discuss public health risks without delivering strong negative emotions. These patterns are crucial not only for understanding the challenges faced by the at-risk population but also for aiding researchers and practitioners in developing more effective communication strategies during public health crises.

Deep hanging out, mixed methods toolkit, or something else? Current ethnographic practices in US anthropology

AbstractWe use a mix of qualitative and quantitative analyses to examine 1354 survey responses from members of the American Anthropological Association about their practice and teaching of cultural anthropology research methods. Latent profile analysis and an examination of responses to open‐ended survey questions reveal distinctive methodological clustering among anthropologists. However, two historical approaches to ethnography remain prominent: deep hanging out and a mixed methods toolkit, with the former remaining central to the practice and teaching of all forms of contemporary cultural anthropology. Further, many anthropologists are committed to advancing research methods that account for power imbalances in fieldwork, such as through community‐based and participatory approaches. And a substantial number also teach a wider array of methods and techniques that open new career pathways for anthropologists. Overall, our study reveals a core set of ethnographic practices—loosely, participant‐observation, informal interviews, and the experiential immersion of the ethnographer—while also highlighting the great breadth of cultural anthropological research practice and pedagogy. The findings presented here can help inform how current and future anthropological practitioners and educators position themselves to meet the ever‐changing demands of community members, funders, clients, collaborators, and students.

Advanced and alternative research methods for the acute care surgeon scientist

Clinical research has evolved significantly over the last few decades to include many advanced and alternative study designs to answer unique questions. Recognizing a potential knowledge gap, the AAST Associate...

АНАЛІЗ НАУКОВО-ПРАКТИЧНИХ ПІДХОДІВ ПОПЕРЕДЖЕННЯ НЕПЛАТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ БАНКІВ

The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanisms of bank insolvency and explore the possibilities of applying technological innovations for risk management and ensuring financial stability of banks. The relevance of this research lies in its focus on understanding the causes and mechanisms of bank insolvency, as well as identifying possible ways to prevent this phenomenon and maintain financial stability in the banking sector. Given the dynamics of the economic environment, changes in legislation, and technological innovations, understanding risks and mechanisms of their management becomes extremely important for ensuring the stability of the banking system and protecting the interests of financial market participants. Such research can serve as a basis for developing risk management strategies in the banking sector and contribute to strengthening trust in banks and the financial system as a whole. The study employed the following research methods: specification – the research refined the terminology and definitions of bank insolvency to understand which criteria determine this status; systematization – various aspects of bank insolvency were structured, such as causes and indicators; literature review with analysis of the material found; theoretical modeling – development of theoretical models of causes and consequences of bank insolvency; classification. The obtained results of the research provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes of bank insolvency, determine the parameters of this phenomenon, and consider possible ways of regulation and risk management. The importance of using technological innovations, such as machine learning and data analytics, to improve the efficiency of risk management and ensure financial stability of banks is also emphasized. This article makes an important contribution to the study of financial stability of banks through its systematic analysis and scientific approach to the issue of insolvency. It examines various aspects of this phenomenon, from conceptual foundations to practical applications, focusing on economic, legal, and technological aspects. The article introduces innovative approaches to risk analysis in the banking sector, using advanced research methods.

Лучевые методы диагностики при инсульте головного мозга (обзор литературы)

Abstract. This research is devoted to a review of the possibilities of diagnosing stroke of the brain in modern radiology. Diagnosis and confirmation of this disease is based on the use of radiation research methods, each of which has its own advantages and limitations. Today, the capabilities of the radiation diagnostic method for cerebral stroke have expanded significantly due to the evolution of high technologies. But with all the advantages of advanced research methods, basic methods for detecting pathology do not lose their relevance. The research purpose is to assess the current state of the issue of diagnosing cerebral stroke. Materials and methods: a search was conducted in the literature on radiology, in electronic scientific databases PubMed and the database of the Russian scientific electronic library eLibrary using keywords and phrases: brain computed tomography, brain magnetic resonance imaging. Results. Various methods for diagnosing cerebral stroke have their own advantages and disadvantages. Brain computed tomography is a key tool in the diagnosis of acute stroke. It provides valuable information about the presence and severity of ischemia and helps rule out other potential causes of neurological dysfunction. Mandatory computed tomography is recommended for all patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke. However, this method may not be effective enough in diagnosing ischemic stroke in the early stages, since its manifestations may be mild or completely absent. MRI can visualize the arteries and veins of the brain without the use of contrast agents. Various MRI techniques, including diffusion, perfusion, spectroscopy, and T1 and T2 weighted imaging, provide information about the location and severity of stroke. Despite the benefits of MRI, additional research is needed to fully understand its diagnostic capabilities and to further improve evaluation protocols for stroke patients. Conclusion: vector of development of modern radiation diagnostics creates all the conditions for the natural development and active growth of diagnostic capabilities for cerebral stroke.

The Study of a Kazakh document in Chinese archives related to Khankhoja sultan’s cattle trade and its historical significance

In the following article, Advanced research methods of history and historical philology are used, along with a letter written by the Kazakh’s sultan Khankhoja, who owned the East Kazakh steppe since the end of the 18thcentury and had close relations with the neighboring Qing dynasty, to the local taiji who was in charge of af-fairs in Tarbagatai is studied. The letter is written in the old Kazakh written language, the language is simple, understandable, the content is deep, it is an original document written by the Kazakh, which is very valuable for the comprehensive study of the trade business of the Kazakh steppe. In the previous studies, it was often said that “silk was traded for horses”, but as we can see from the content of the analyzed letter, not only hors-es were exchanged for silk, sometimes other livestock were also traded. The letter is now stored in the First Historical Archives of China in Beijing. From the contents of the letter, the long history of Kazakh- Kyrgyz relations can be indirectly understood.

The world was their laboratory: how two pioneer scientist-administrators, James Watt and Zdenek Fejfar, advanced methods and international collaboration in cardiovascular disease epidemiology during the Cold War.

In 1952, James Watt, a young US Public Health Service (PHS) infectious disease epidemiologist, was appointed-amid wide surprise-director of the US National Heart Institute (NHI) where he served until 1961. He skillfully advanced epidemiologic research methods and study conduct nationally while also establishing epidemiology in the administrative hierarchy of the institute. Watt soon turned to development of an effective program in international cardiovascular disease (CVD) epidemiology under auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the United Nations in Geneva. That effort resulted in the 1959 appointment of Zdenek Fejfar, a young Czech clinical investigator, as director of the WHO CVD Unit. The coming together of Watt and Fejfar, with a joint focus on improved methods and population comparisons, helped establish a vigorous international community of CVD epidemiology. Their collaboration and friendship remained active and close throughout their career assignments and thereafter, as documented in this story.

Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences as a Potential CURE-All for Applied Research Training and Real-World Knowledge Acquisition

Calls have been made for higher education to offer students hands-on and experiential learning opportunities. This paper explores the development and implementation of an advanced undergraduate research methods course offered in fall 2020 and 2022. After initially conducting research on its first offering in 2020, the instructor navigated changes based on self-reflective, student, and community partner feedback. Students, agency partners, and the instructor-of-record participated in mid and end-of-semester evaluations, focus groups, interviews, and follow-up surveys during both iterations of the course with new data offering insights into course perceptions, pitfalls, and impact. Findings suggested that students had generally positive experiences in the class. The course’s applicability and relevance additionally contributed to increased student engagement and motivation. While prior literature identifies the utility of experiential learning in gaining real-world research skills, the applied criminal justice research course additionally highlights motivation and investment as defining characteristics.

Mastering Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Social Studies

This study delves into the intricate domain of advanced qualitative research methods in social studies, highlighting their growing significance in studying multifaceted social phenomena. The paper offers a comprehensive overview of foundational principles and core techniques required for rigorous qualitative investigation, encompassing varied research designs such as ethnography, grounded theory, and narrative inquiry. Techniques for data collection, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, are explored, along with strategies ensuring research quality, such as validity, reflexivity, and triangulation. Analytical methods, from coding to thematic analysis, are discussed, with an emphasis on the utilization of software tools. The article underscores the ethical imperatives of the qualitative research process, addresses challenges like subjectivity and generalizability, and points toward emerging trends, including digital qualitative research and interdisciplinary approaches. In conclusion, it asserts that mastering qualitative methods demands a profound commitment to reflective and ethical practices, ensuring rich insights into human experiences for social studies scholarship.