Research Capabilities Research Articles

Qualitative research on the flipped classroom cognition of undergraduate nursing students

ObjectiveTo assess undergraduate nursing students' understanding of the flipped classroom model, facilitate its integration into nursing education, and support its implementation and reform.MethodsThe in-depth interview method of phenomenological research was used to interview 10 undergraduate nursing students during their course on 15 January 2024 in the classroom. The Colaizzi analysis method was employed for the data analysis.ResultsStudents' cognition of the flipped classroom model highlights three main aspects: limitations of traditional education, improved understanding of the flipped classroom despite its infrequent use in higher education, and its potential benefits, including increased learning interest, better learning outcomes, enhanced language skills, improved nursing research abilities, and stronger emotional connections between teachers and students. Challenges include increased workload, low self-discipline in self-directed learning, classroom time inefficiencies, and difficulty replacing traditional teacher-led instruction. The cognition of the flipped classroom among undergraduate nursing students can be summarised into three aspects: the restraints posed by traditional education models; the improvement in students’ understanding of the flipped classroom model – although its usage in college education is still rare; and the model’s potential to enhance learning interest, improve learning outcomes, foster language skills, enhance nursing research capabilities, and increase emotional interaction between teachers and students. However, several challenges persist, such as increased learning burdens, low student self-discipline in self-directed learning, substantial time wastage in class, and the difficulty of substituting traditional teacher-led instructions.ConclusionThe ongoing updates in educational models suggest that the flipped classroom model is conducive to improving learning outcomes and promoting the effective integration of theory and practice. However, further enhancements to this model are needed as it continues to be applied.

A portable low‐cost incubation chamber for real‐time characterization of soil respiration

AbstractMonitoring CO2 or O2 concentrations within a closed, volume‐defined chamber is widely used to quantify soil respiration during laboratory soil incubation experiments. The standard method of using periodic manual gas sampling is costly, labor‐intensive, and frequently fails to capture the aerobic respiration process. Thus, tools that allow continuous, real‐time tracking of CO2 and O2 concentration changes are needed for soil respiration research. This study presents a new, portable, low‐cost (∼$700), open‐source sensor system to measure CO2 and O2 concentrations in four closed chambers. We provided non‐engineering end‐users with step‐by‐step instructions on how to build the system, enabling replication and customization. System performance was tested by comparing two respiration rates using the same soil—soil with and without glucose added for 1 week. Consistent CO2 production and O2 consumption rates were measured at 1‐min intervals, and the reliability of the system was validated by a trace gas analyzer. Two distinctive continuous apparent respiratory quotient time series between two soil treatments were observed, with higher values of CO2 in glucose soil, demonstrating the ability of the system to capture ongoing respiration processes and sufficient sensitivity to distinguish differences among respiration substrates (i.e., glucose). The tested performance of the system highlights its capabilities for soil respiration research and the potential for further adoption in real‐time gas monitoring applications.

Strengthening Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Researchers Through Research Methods Webinars

The resurgence of interest in career and technical education (CTE) has driven demand for skilled researchers to examine policies and practices that prepare individuals for the workforce. This study disseminates the perspectives of graduate and post-doctoral CTE research fellows on the quality and impact of research methods webinars they attended during their fellowship. The webinars aimed to enhance research skills and professional development. The study used mixed methods to analyze fellows' feedback, revealing themes such as supplementation to doctoral coursework, networking with CTE scholars, acquiring new knowledge, peer engagement, and the essential role of webinars in the fellowship. After each webinar surveys were collected from fellows (n=175). A total of ten fellows provided detailed responses to the open-ended questions, leading to findings about the fellows' perceived level of quality and impacts of the webinars. The findings indicate that the webinars offered valuable supplementary knowledge beyond doctoral coursework, broadened the fellows' understanding, and enhanced their capability to conduct rigorous research. The webinars also facilitated networking with CTE scholars, sparked the development of new knowledge and potential research studies, fostered peer engagement, and were regarded as an essential component of the fellowship program in enhancing research skills and capabilities.

Ethical reflection of Chinese scientists on the dual-use concerns of emerging medical biotechnology

Emerging medical biotechnology typically exhibits a ‘dual-use’ nature, which, while promoting human well-being, concurrently presents potential risks of misuse or abuse, thereby posing significant threats. Globally, including in China, emerging...

Disentangling the ‘digital’: A critical review of information technology capabilities, information technology–enabled capabilities and digital capabilities in business research

Disentangling the ‘digital’: A critical review of information technology capabilities, information technology–enabled capabilities and digital capabilities in business research

Advanced Solar Energy Potential Assessment in Malawi: Utilizing High-Resolution WRF Model and GIS to Identify Optimal Sites for Photovoltaic Generation

Solar PV technology offers a promising electricity alternative in developing countries like Malawi, which face limited electricity access and increased vulnerability to climate change. This study assesses solar resources using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model's high-resolution capabilities. A two-year simulation helped compute solar PV's technical potential, focusing on annual energy generation, capacity factor, and global horizontal irradiance (GHI) variation. GIS and expert-based fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) identified optimal solar PV sites, considering eight key constraints. Findings show an annual average daily peak GHI of 1106.45 W/m2 and a daily energy inflow of 6.76 kWh/m2/day, with a peak in October and a diffuse fraction of 10.61%, indicating clear skies ideal for solar PV. The average annual energy yield is about 14.11 TWh with a 21.48% capacity factor. Notably, the most suitable lands for solar PV, covering 10,288.2 km2 or 15.6% of acceptable land, are predominantly in the southern region. Thus, these solar PV potentials offer the possibility to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, placing Malawi in agreement with worldwide sustainability goals. Generally, this research lays a crucial foundation for Malawi's renewable energy strategies, highlighting the opportunity for improved electrification and more effective climate change mitigation endeavors.

Design and validation of research capability test for educators

Design and validation of research capability test for educators

The Impact of Augmented Reality Through User-Platform Interactions Towards Continuance Intention with the Effect of User Generation

When users interact with mobile platforms in an Augmented Reality (AR) environment, cognitive and emotional engagements change through different stimuli cues that respond to users’ behavioral intentions. Although AR engages more interactions in mobile platforms, there is a significant gap in assessing UX, considering the physical distance between users and virtual products in a mobile platform. Considering the effect of user generation, the impacts of perceived engagements toward continuance intention through user-platform interactions are unexplored. This study investigated a nuanced understanding of how stimuli cues in augmented reality affect sense of immersion and sense of presence, followed by an Interaction-Engagement-Intention (I-E-I) model. A quantitative method was used to validate the proposed model. Based on an online survey with 886 responses, product fit, network quality, and Artificial Intelligence-driven Recommendation (AIR) influences were assessed for cognitive engagements. This study examined the importance of engaging satisfaction and trust as emotional engagements, influencing users’ continuance intention. The findings showed that sense of presence has a more significant influence on building trust and satisfaction. Also, trust has a more significant impact on the continuance intention to use AR mobile platforms. This study also explored the positive effects of user generation on continuance intention. This could enhance the capabilities of information system designers, researchers, marketing professionals, and solution providers to attain sustainable user retention.

Sensory conflict in simulator sessions - measuring biosignals to predict the onset of disorderly symptoms: a brief literature review.

The global virtual reality (VR) market is growing surprisingly fast. As VR applications continue to expand into various areas of life, attention is being paid to issues related to user well-being. The danger lurking for users is the occurrence of simulator sickness and artificial reality sickness, collectively referred to as sensory conflict. As early as the 1950s, an attempt was made to study simulator sickness. Unfavorable psychophysical symptoms occurred in pilots using the first flight simulators. With the development of technology, the graphic and simulation capabilities of the various types of simulators are increasing. Easier access to simulators using first person view (FPV) and thus more outstanding research capabilities allow new studies related to the incidence of this disease to compare symptoms occurring during simulator sessions with those occurring during realworld endeavors. The primary purpose of the review is to bring together the latest reports on different types of sensory conflict concerning factors that are symptomatic in prediction and diagnosis. Heart rate, brain activity, stomach activity, and skin conductance seem to be the most adequate, objective indicators of subjects' susceptibility to this phenomenon. In addition, it is intended to systematize concepts related to sensory conflict in the broadest sense. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(5).

First operation of LArTPC in the stratosphere as an engineering GRAMS balloon flight (eGRAMS)

Abstract GRAMS (Gamma-Ray and AntiMatter Survey) is a next-generation balloon/satellite experiment utilizing a LArTPC (Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber), to simultaneously target astrophysical observations of cosmic MeV gamma-rays and conduct an indirect dark matter search using antimatter. While LArTPCs are widely used in particle physics experiments, they have never been operated at balloon altitudes. An engineering balloon flight with a small-scale LArTPC (eGRAMS) was conducted on July 27th, 2023, to establish a system for safely operating a LArTPC at balloon altitudes and to obtain cosmic-ray data from the LArTPC. The flight was launched from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Taiki Aerospace Research Field in Hokkaido, Japan. The total flight duration was 3 hours and 12 minutes, including a level-flight of 44 minutes at a maximum altitude of 28.9 km. The flight system was landed on the sea and successfully recovered. The LArTPC was successfully operated throughout the flight, and about 0.5 million events of the cosmic-ray data including muons, protons, and Compton scattering gamma-ray candidates, were collected. This pioneering flight demonstrates the feasibility of operating a LArTPC in high-altitude environments, paving the way for future GRAMS missions and advancing our capabilities in MeV gamma-ray astronomy and dark matter research.

A practical approach to multifaceted perspectives for sustainable international collaboration on mosquito-borne diseases in Southeast Asia

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted the necessity and limitations of scientific collaboration and equitable and effective international research partnerships. The spread of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) presents severe public health challenges, particularly in Southeast Asia. Addressing these threats requires establishing regional priorities, bridging research gaps, and strengthening long-term international collaboration. We propose a practical approach to multifaceted perspectives to enhance collaboration across Asia. This study examines MBD-related scientific publications from nine Southeast Asian countries between January 2017 and June 2024, utilizing bibliometric analysis and data visualization to identify research trends, research capacities, key institutions, and international collaborative partners. Thailand and Singapore led the dengue research, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia. Vietnam and the Philippines demonstrated moderate research capabilities, whereas Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar had lower capacities. Relationships with high-income countries drove international collaboration, whereas intra-regional collaboration in Southeast Asia increased. Furthermore, we identified directions for cooperative opportunities between South Korea and other Southeast Asian countries by analyzing their relative research capacities for infectious MBDs. We propose a practical approach to bridge research-capacity gaps and strengthen collaboration between low- and middle-income countries. These findings provide fundamental information for developing future infectious-disease-response strategies and international-collaboration research partnerships and facilitate the implementation of effective global public health preparedness policies and evidence-based decision-making, such as knowledge-transfer and resource-sharing.

Selenophene-containing silicon-rhodamine: A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe for Hg2+ detection and its application in cell imaging

Monitoring of mercury ion (Hg2+) pollution is one of the eternal themes due to its notorious toxicity. Herein, we elaborately designed a novel fluorescent probe N’-((selenophen-2-yl)methylene)Si-rhodamine B hydrazide (Se-SiRH) by integrating 2-formylselenophene with Si-rhodamine B hydrazide. Se-SiRH exhibited an excellent near-infrared response towards Hg2+ in MeOH/PBS solution (1:1, v/v, pH = 7.0) and superior specificity towards Hg2+ than other metal ions. Meanwhile, striking sensitivity towards Hg2+ was found and the limit of detection in fluorescence measurement was calculated to be 2.1 × 10−9 mol·L−1. What’s more, Hg2+-binding mechanism was confirmed with Job-plot measurement, HR-MS and theoretical calculation. Importantly, the success in detecting Hg2+ in real water samples and visualizing Hg2+ in HepG2 cells validated its eye-catching application capability in environmental and biological research.

Emerging Advances in Lanthanide Photon Avalanche Nanophotonics.

Photon avalanche (PA) upconversion in lanthanide nanosystems represents a groundbreaking discovery, demonstrating an optical nonlinearity exceeding 50. This remarkable sensitivity to even the slightest light perturbations unlocks new possibilities for ultrasensitive biosensing, super-resolution imaging, and a range of other applications. This review delves into the fundamental mechanisms underlying PA and the approaches for controlling energy flow within these nanomaterials. We present innovative design strategies for optimizing optical dynamics tailored to specific applications. Furthermore, we critically assess the advantages and limitations of PA technology across diverse applications. In addition, we explore future directions, highlighting the key challenges and proposing pathways for further research. By enhancing the understanding of PA phenomena and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, this review seeks to foster ongoing innovation at the convergence of nanophotonics and materials science, pushing the boundaries of current capabilities in photonics research.

Changes in hip and knee arthroplasty practice post-COVID-19 in the English NHS: a retrospective analysis of hospital episode statistics data.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries across the English NHS. With the resumption of regular operations postpandemic, efforts have been made to address the surgical backlog by maximising capacity. This study assesses the current activity rates of hip and knee arthroplasty in the NHS and their return to prepandemic levels. We analysed hospital episode statistics from all English NHS providers of hip and knee arthroplasty from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2023. Variables such as activity, location of surgery, length of stay and readmission rates were examined. Data for 706,772 hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries show that overall activity from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 has decreased by 8.8% compared with the initial year of the study. During the last year, 38.4% of surgeries were performed in the independent sector, an increase from 29.6% in the first year. The postpandemic recovery phase has seen a strategic shift of surgeries to the independent sector, which helps reduce backlogs but poses risks to the role of the NHS in surgical training and innovation. This redistribution has immediate benefits for patient care but may impede trainee development and weaken research capabilities due to the lack of infrastructure in independent sectors. To maintain its leading role in orthopaedic care, the NHS needs to explore innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, incorporating advanced technologies and new training methods to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.

Machine Learning Models for the Classification of Histopathological Images of Colorectal Cancer

The aim of this study was to explore the application of computational models for the analysis of histopathological images in the context of colon cancer. A comprehensive dataset of colon cancer images annotated into eight distinct categories based on their representation of cancerous cell portions was used. The primary objective was to employ various image classification algorithms to assess their efficacy in the context of cancer classification. Additionally, this study investigated the use of feature extraction techniques to derive meaningful data from the images, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of cancerous tissues, comparing the performance of different image classification algorithms in the context of colon cancer image analysis. The findings of this research suggested that XGboost provides the highest accuracy (89.79%) and could contribute to the growing body of knowledge in computational pathology. Other algorithms, such as the random forest, SVM, and CNN, also provided satisfactory results, offering insights into the effectiveness of image classification algorithms in distinguishing between different categories of cancerous cells. This work holds implications for the development of more accurate and efficient tools, underscoring the potential of computational models in enhancing the analysis of histopathological images and improving diagnostic capabilities in cancer research.

Evaluation of Instructor Capability: Perspective from Building Information Modeling Competition Students in Mainland China

Building information modelling (BIM) technology, which has experienced rapid development, has become the focus of digital education learning in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) related disciplines. However, BIM education is still confronted with the disconnection between theoretical education and engineering practice. In mainland China, BIM competitions are an important digital platform for higher education practice teaching. As the organizer and leader of student participants, BIM instructors, especially their BIM capability, have an important impact on digital education. Previous research on BIM capability did not involve the field of BIM education, and the existing BIM capability framework is not entirely applicable to evaluating the BIM capability of instructors. Semi-structured interviews based on grounded theory (GT) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to construct a five-dimensional model containing 23 capability indicators. The research findings highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of BIM capability for instructors and indicated that personnel capability was the most important for instructors, while process capability was considered the most dispensable. This is significantly different from the emphasis on technical and process capability in BIM capability research in the traditional AEC industry. It was also found that students from different levels of universities and different educational backgrounds had different demands for the BIM capability of instructors. The results of this study will help universities select excellent instructors, improve the quality of BIM education in universities, and cultivate more outstanding BIM talents for the development of BIM in the AEC industry, thereby promoting the digital practice of BIM education in universities.

Exploring participants’ characteristics and self-assessed readiness to conduct clinical trials in general practice – baseline analysis of the RaPHaeL practice-based research network

Background Primary care is integral to healthcare systems extending beyond traditional illness management to include preventive care, chronic disease management, and health promotion. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) have emerged as essential infrastructures for conducting clinical research in primary care. This study explores the establishment of the ‘Research-Practices Halle-Leipzig’ (RaPHaeL) PBRN in Germany, evaluating the characteristics and research readiness of participating practices. Methods A cross-sectional survey (MORNING II) was conducted among all general practitioners (GPs) joining the RaPHaeL PBRN, assessing socio-demographic characteristics, practice infrastructure, and research readiness. After a descriptive analysis, we compared data with a previous study (MORNING) to examine potential differences between PBRN participants and non-participants. We developed a research readiness score (RRS) to quantify practices’ ability to perform clinical research subtasks. Results The response rate was 97.1% and our participants were often male, involved in undergraduate education, generally interested in research or had previous research experiences. However, they differed widely in age and size, staff structure, and patient demographics of their practices. Initially, around two-thirds of the practices were not sufficiently prepared to conduct clinical trials (self-assessed feasibility of relevant subtasks). If further research and documentation tasks are required, patient recruitment estimations are lower than for patient identification and information. Conclusion This study highlights the variability in research readiness among GP practices and shows the need for targeted training. By systematically assessing and enhancing research capabilities of participating GPs, PBRNs can facilitate high-quality clinical research in primary care to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

User perspectives on library digitization and its impact on research capabilities

This study assessed user perspectives on library digitization and its impact on research capabilities. A survey design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents whereas purposive sampling was used to select key informants. Data were collected using online questionnaires and interviews. MS Excel was used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic method. Findings show that the majority of the respondents utilize library resources frequently with statistical analysis (MS = 0.387998, t = −1.45939, p < 0.146074) indicating there is no significant difference between education level and the frequency of library resources usage. Also, the majority of respondents have positive perceptions towards the use of library resources with t-statistic (6.599663291, is above 1.649982976 for one-tail and 1.967956506 for two-tail) indicating a significant difference between age and perceptions towards the use of library resources. Moreover, findings show capacity of a single document to be used by many users at once and information to be accessed at a fingerprint are major impacts of library digitization. Furthermore, findings reveal issues related to licensing, subscription costs, and copyright and overwhelming volume of information available as the major challenges user face when utilizing digital library resources. This study marks the pioneering exploration into the impacts of library digitization on research capabilities. The study therefore, recommends a continuous training to students to be able to access and critically evaluate the overwhelming amount of online information. Also, users should be trained on how to navigate copyright issues when accessing digital library resources. Additionally, libraries should consider expanding their collections by incorporating more open access resources. Moreover, parent institutions should make sure that they increase the budget to their digital libraries so that libraries can increase the subscriptions of all useful resources.

Improving pharmacy professionals’ research capability and confidence: evaluation of a national e-learning course

Abstract Introduction In 2023, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) launched nine collaborative e-Learning modules funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)1. The modules cover qualitative and quantitative research methods, how to critically analyse evidence, research ethics, research funding, and publishing research findings. The content was designed to improve pharmacy professionals’ research capability and confidence. Aim Eighteen months following the final module’s launch, this evaluation aims to analyse module uptake and user feedback to assesses the impact of the modules on pharmacy professionals’ self-reported research confidence and determine what improvement can be made. Methods All module feedback surveys had the same thirteen questions, focussing on learners’ confidence engaging with research and their thoughts on the length and interactive aspects of the modules. Open-text questions gathered qualitative data on how organisations are supporting research activity and their barriers to undertaking research. E-Learning module data, including number of users, module scores, and feedback survey responses, were exported to Microsoft Excel. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and open text feedback were themed. Ethical approval was not required as this is a service evaluation. Results As of 06 June 2024, 835 users have enrolled in the RPS’ Research Learning Programme for Pharmacy Professionals course. Module 1 (Introduction to Research) had the highest learner numbers at 567, whereas module 5 (Quantitative methods – data collection and analysis) had the lowest at 49. Average modules scores range from 81.87% for module 3 to 93.73% for module 5. Users’ confidence conducting research noticeably improved after completing the eLearning. The whole course average saw users who rated their confidence engaging with research as “confident” or “strongly confident” raise from 29% to 60% after completing the modules. A mean of 60% of users believed the expected length; however, this value varied, with the lowest value being 48% for module 4 (Research methods – an overview). 96% of all users found activities useful to reinforce learning, and 95% reported that quizzes were "somewhat useful” or “very useful” for testing their understanding. Across all modules, 77% of users shared they would recommend the eLearning to a colleague. This value varied between modules, with the highest being 85% for module 1, and the lowest being 72% for modules 6 and 9. The open-text questions gathered valuable qualitative data. The positive feedback highlighted that users like the interactive format and that the content level was appropriate. However, noted areas for improvement were that the lack of in-module quiz feedback and a measure of success which isn’t self-assessment. Time, staff shortages, and funding were the primary barriers to undertaking research in users’ current roles/organisations. Conclusion The Research Learning Programme for Pharmacy Professionals has been reported by those who completed it to improve their research confidence, and more than three quarters would recommend the e-learning course to others. Further effort is ongoing to further disseminate the eLearning course, and to communicate the importance of understanding all aspects of research to research-active pharmacists, or those that wish to be. Reference 1. Course: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Research Learning Programme for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians | NIHR Learn. https://learn.nihr.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1008.

Collaborations between health services and educational institutions to develop research capacity in health services and health service staff: a systematic scoping review

BackgroundParticipation of health service staff in research improves health outcomes and adherence to clinical guidelines. To increase research participation, many health services seek to build research capacity which adds to the development of individual and organisational skills and abilities in order to conduct health research. Numerous approaches to research capacity building have been trialed with inter- and intra-institutional, or university-health service collaborative approaches being frequently described strategies. University-health service research collaborations have potential for high impact and mutual benefit, by harnessing respective strengths across both organisations. However, the range and scope of research capacity building approaches, including their relative value and success have not been consolidated. The aim of this review was to examine and describe the collaborative strategies employed by health services in conjunction with educational partners to enhance the research capability of health service staff.MethodsThe scoping review framework by Arksey and O’Malley was used to inform the review method. A systematic search was conducted of four major databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane, focusing on publications after 1995. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established through iterative team discussions. The two-stage screening process and data extraction was managed in Covidence. Collaboration, Research Capacity, Health Services, and Health workforce were the primary concepts, contexts and populations guiding the search.ResultsOf the 1462 studies identified, 61 were selected for the review. These studies reported on partnerships between universities and health services with a specific focus on building research capacity of health service staff. Studies predominantly hailed from Australia, USA, UK, and Canada. Collaboration approaches varied and leveraged different activities to build research capacity included training, mentoring, shared funding, and networking. Training partnerships emerging as the most prevalent. Findings emphasised the importance of localisation in approaches, with some studies indicating the intrinsic value of such collaborations for both partners involved. Despite the emphasis on individual interventions like training and mentoring, team-level interventions were notably scarce.ConclusionThis review highlights the diverse range of approaches in research capacity building collaborations between health services and educational partners. It advocates for a shared understanding of goals, highlighting the critical nature of relationship-building and the pivotal role of sustainable infrastructure in long-term collaboration success. Future directions should consider the tangible impacts of these models on clinical outcomes.