Early Stages Of Research Research Articles

Linking intra- and extra-cellular metabolic domains via neural-network surrogates for dynamic metabolic control

We outline a modeling and optimization strategy for investigating dynamic metabolic engineering interventions. Our framework is particularly useful at the early stages of research and development, often constrained by limited knowledge and experimental data. Elucidating a priori optimal trajectories of manipulatable intracellular fluxes can guide the design of suitable control schemes, e.g., cyber(ge)netic or in-cell approaches, and the selection of appropriate actuators, e.g., at the transcriptional or post-translational levels. Model-based dynamic optimization is proposed to predict optimal trajectories of target manipulatable intracellular fluxes. A challenge emerges as existing models are often oversimplified, lacking insights into metabolism, or excessively complex, making them difficult to build and implement. Here, we use surrogates derived from steady-state solutions of constraint-based metabolic models to link manipulatable intracellular fluxes to the process exchange rates of structurally simple hybrid dynamic models. The latter can be conveniently used in optimal control problems of metabolism. As a proof of concept, we apply our method to a reduced metabolic network of Escherichia coli considering two different scenarios of dynamic metabolic engineering.

The role of economic evaluations in advancing HIV multipurpose prevention technologies in early-stage development.

Product development is a high-risk undertaking, especially so when investments are prioritized for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where markets may be smaller, fragile, and resource-constrained. New HIV prevention technologies, such as the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) and long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA), are being introduced to these markets with one indication, meeting different needs of groups such as adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and female sex workers (FSWs) in settings with high HIV burden. However, limited supply and demand have made their uptake a challenge. Economic evaluations conducted before Phase III trials can help optimize the potential public health value proposition of products in early-stage research and development (R&D), targeting investments in the development pathway that result in products likely to be available and taken up. Public investors in the HIV prevention pipeline, in particular those focused on innovative presentations such as multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs), can leverage early economic evaluations to understand the intrinsic uncertainty in market characterization. In this perspective piece, we reflect on the role of economic evaluations in early product development and on methodological considerations that are central to these analyses. We also discuss methods, in quantitative and qualitative research that can be deployed in early economic evaluations to address uncertainty, with examples applied to the development of future technologies for HIV prevention and MPTs.

Making (Slowly) as Method: Piecing, Stitching and Steeping Metaphors for Multiple Methodologies

How and what do we make through method? This paper imagines the processes of designing and carrying out socio-environmental research through the lens of a slow, creative craft form: sewing a patchworked piece from hand-dyed fabric samples. In doing so, it contributes to thinking about how methodologies are pieced and stitched together from multiple parts. Based on early findings from an extended research project exploring the practice of natural textile dyeing in the UK, I offer a range of textile processes for thinking through the creative dimensions of the doing of methodological work. The quilt-like piece I am attempting to make from plant-dyed fabric is at once the object, objective, and method in this study. I draw on auto-ethnographic reflections on my attempts to begin learning natural dyeing and sewing skills, suggesting piecing, stitching, and steeping may be useful, tactile metaphors for thinking through the early, often messy and uncertain stages of multi-sited and multi-method qualitative research. As such, I build on and extend recent discussions about ‘patchwork ethnography’, an approach recognising that the realities of ethnographic research in practice are often fragmented, non-linear, and intricately shaped by researchers’ everyday lives and commitments. The paper also offers insight into the potentials and pitfalls of intentionally ‘slow’ scholarship that aims to disrupt the urgent temporalities of research projects as they are often imagined.

The future of pharmacology and therapeutics of the arachidonic acid cascade in the next decade: Innovative advancements in drug repurposing.

Many drugs can act on multiple targets or disease pathways, regardless of their original purpose. Drug repurposing involves reevaluating existing compounds for new medical uses. This can include repositioning approved drugs, redeveloping unapproved drugs, or repurposing any chemical, nutraceutical, or biotherapeutic product for new applications. Traditional drug development is slow, expensive, and has high failure rates. Drug repurposing can speed up the process, costing less and saving time. This approach can save 6-7 years of early-stage research time. Drug repurposing benefits from existing compounds with optimized structures and approved for clinical use with associated structure-activity relationship publications, supporting the development of new effective compounds. Drug repurposes can now utilize advanced in silico screening enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated tissue and organ-level in vitro models. These models more accurately replicate human physiology and improve the selection of existing drugs for further pre-clinical testing and, eventually, clinical trials for new indications. This mini-review discusses some examples of drug repurposing and novel strategies for further development of compounds for targets of the arachidonic acid cascade. In particular, we will delve into the prospect of repurposing antiplatelet agents for cancer prevention and addressing the emerging noncanonical functionalities of 5-lipoxygenase, potentially for leukemia therapy.

Erratum to International collaboration of early-stage researchers in nursing science: A discussion paper

Erratum to International collaboration of early-stage researchers in nursing science: A discussion paper

Exploring person-specific associations of situational motivation and readiness with leisure-time physical activity effort and experience.

Identifying determinants of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) often relies on population-level (nomothetic) averages, potentially overlooking person-specific (idiographic) associations. This study uses an idiographic perspective to explore how subjective readiness and motives for LTPA relate to volitional effort (duration, intensity) and affective experience (pleasure, displeasure). We also highlight the potential for different interpretations when data are averaged within individuals and assessed using a variable-centered approach. Participants (N = 22, 25±8 years old, 54.5% women) were asked to continue their regular PA patterns for 10 weeks. Ecological momentary assessment procedures allowed participants to provide pre-activity reports (physical, cognitive, emotional readiness and situational motive for activity) and post-activity reports (activity type, duration, perceived exertion, ratings of affective valence). Spearman rank correlation was implemented to interpret within- and between-person associations. Data visualization approaches were used to showcase person-specific differences in associations. Participants provided 519 reports of LTPA (24±11 events/person), which displayed between- and within-person variety in type, duration, intensity, and affective experience. Exemplar cases highlight discrepancies in interpretation based on level of analysis, such that the nomothetic association (rho = .42, p = .05; 95% CI -.02, .72) between motive to replenish energy and LTPA duration was observed in only one within-person analysis (41% were weak-to-large inverse effects). Alternatively, the negligible nomothetic association (rho = .02, p = .93; 95% CI -.41, .44) between physical readiness and LTPA-related affect did not reflect the 59% of within-person analyses showing moderate-to-large, positive effects. Future research aiming to identify determinants of LTPA effort and experience should integrate contemporary, idiographic analyses in early-stage research for developing person-specific strategies for LTPA promotion.

The innovation menagerie: New institutional structures are expanding horizons for early-stage research

Academia is a vital source of innovation and discovery, but it faces challenges in funding and coordination. These challenges limit the scope and impact of academic research. Now, philanthropists and governments are exploring new institutional structures and funding strategies, with the goal of unleashing scientific discovery.

Understanding how early-stage researchers leverage socio-technical affordances for distributed research support

Understanding how early-stage researchers leverage socio-technical affordances for distributed research support

How to spread optics in an interactive manner – LUZADA (USCOPTICA Student Chapter & Santiago YM Section): Our activities in 2023 & 2024

Spreading optics and photonics arises as a pivotal duty for researchers in the field, aiming to inspire new generations of students to pursue a scientific career. Furthermore, essential abilities for researchers such as explaining science to an audience or approaching abstract concepts in a visual manner can be easily learnt whilst performing science fostering activities. With these ideas in mind, USCOPTICA Student Chapter and Santiago USC YM Sections were born. Bachelor and Master students and early-stage researchers collaborate in our group, performing diverse outreach sessions, comprising hands-on scientific workshops in schools and science diffusion events, roundtables raising awareness on social issues in Academia and cycles of conferences in collaboration with other student groups. The following abstract aims to share with the scientific community our major activities in the last two years.

Bacteria–fungi interaction for material formation

Abstract This paper describes an early-stage research and experiments exploring methods of co-cultivation of the fungal strain Ganoderma lucidum and the bacterial strain Sporosarcina pasteurii within the field of architecture. Co-cultivating these species within a bio-based compound, forming a living material, shows that the binding abilities of both microbial partners can be harnessed through multistep production techniques. As the mycelial network of the fungus spreads through the inoculated wood substrate, bacterial cells disperse and multiply on this same network and release the enzyme urease throughout the now-forming compound bound by the fungus. The enzyme is one of the key actors in the biocementation process, which is activated with the addition of a calcium source to the material. Calcium carbonate minerals form and attach on the hyphae, as well as in between the network, inside the wood sawdust pieces and around void spaces within the composite. While additional data collection is required, the current state of this research suggests that properties of both living materials can be expanded, for example, fire resistance and compressive strength compared to traditional mycelium-based composites, as well as the increased ability of the bacteria to homogeneously distribute and exist in unfavorable environments compared to mono-cultured bacterial communities.

Structural Understanding of Influencer Worship in Social Media: The Formation and Consequences of Influencer Power

Purpose - Influencer marketing has emerged as a prominent trend in marketing, with marketers utilizing influencer endorsements to promote and sell products. The phenomenon of influencer worship has been identified as an individual’s obsession with social media influencers, who have become role models capable of influencing online consumer attitudes and behaviors. However, empirical research on influencer worship is still limited, with existing academic papers primarily focused on social media platforms rather than the evolving significance of influencers. Our study proposes a conceptual model and hypotheses to address this research gap.
 Design/Methodology/Approach - An online questionnaire was developed as the research instrument. Then, using an information acceleration method, samples were selected, and 570 respondents in Korea were included in the statistical analysis. Given the early stage of research on influencer worship, partial least squares (PLS) analysis was considered an appropriate statistical approach.
 Findings - Based on the result, the model suggests that perceived influencer utilitarian, hedonic, and social values were positively associated with trust and commitment, which in turn, influenced influencer worship. Ultimately, influencer worship affects endorsed brand attitude and willingness to share reviews.
 Research Implications - This study is among the initial attempts to investigate the significance of influencer worship, and it contributes to academic findings and practices by highlighting the role of influencers in online marketing.

Investigating the protective effects of mindfulness-based attention training on mind wandering in applied settings.

Mind wandering, a phenomenon in which attention drifts away from the task-at-hand, is associated with deleterious effects on performance and well-being. As such, efforts to curb mind wandering are warranted. Recently, mindfulness training (MT) has been found to protect against mind wandering. Yet, many MT programs are at risk of falling off the implementation cliff due to challenges implementing these programs in applied settings. To mitigate against this, early-stage research in small convenience samples may be necessary to spur stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Herein, the effects of MT on mind wandering were examined via an internal meta-analysis of early-stage studies of a manualized, context-adaptable short-form MT program, referred to as Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT). Five longitudinal studies (N = 304) were conducted in a variety of organizational cohorts. Self-reported mind wandering and meta-awareness, as well as accuracy (A') and response time variability (intra-individual coefficient of variation, ICV) during performance of the sustained attention to response task (SART) were assessed at baseline (T1) and 4 weeks later (T2) in MBAT and no-training participants. Standardized mean change (SMC) from T1 to T2 significantly differed between MBAT and no-training groups for mind wandering (ΔSMC = -0.387, p < 0.001), meta-awareness (ΔSMC = -0.374, p < 0.001), and ICV (ΔSMC = -0.376, p = 0.043), suggesting potential protective effects in self-reported and performance-based metrics of mind wandering. These results serve as preliminary proof-of-concept support for MBAT's protective effects on mind wandering. Further, they suggest that MBAT is amenable to implementation across a variety of applied and organizational settings and warrants additional research employing larger sample sizes in randomized controlled designs.

Experimental investigation of concrete frames reinforced with GFRP bars under reversed cyclic loading

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) have been widely investigated and successfully used as internal reinforcement in new reinforced concrete (RC) members and structures such as slabs, beams, bridges, multi-storey car parks and others as means to overcome the corrosion problem of steel. The linear-elastic behaviour, brittle failure and low modulus of elasticity are some of the significant mechanical characteristics of FRP rebars which raise concerns on their capability to allow structural members to dissipate energy in seismic zones and thus limit their use in earthquake resistant RC structures (such as moment resisting frames). The behaviour of concrete frames reinforced with FRP bars is still in its early stages of research and development with only a few researchers exploring such structures under in-place cyclic loading (seismic loading). As a result, design codes do not provide guidance for RC moment frames internally reinforced with FRP. This study attempts to partially fill the gap by investigating the behaviour of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) RC frames under in-plane loading. Six 1/3 scaled RC frames were constructed and tested under reversed cyclic loading to simulate seismic loading conditions. Three were reinforced with GFRP bent bars and three (their counterparts) with conventional steel. The testing was conducted in displacement-controlled mode with the loading history according to ACI 374.1–05. Test parameters included longitudinal reinforcement ratio and arrangement in the columns and presence of links in the joints. The experimental results are presented as hysteretic curves, lateral load / drift graphs, stiffness degradation and cumulative energy dissipated with the overall indication of the feasibility of GFRP RC frames in seismic regions. All GFRP specimens successfully reached 2.75% loading drifts. The energy dissipation of GFRP specimens was lower at initial drifts compared to the steel reinforced samples, but it become greater at final drift. GFRP frames had approximately the same load bearing capacity as their counterparts and even greater in one case. Ultimate loads for G frames were reached at higher level of displacement than for S frames.

THE ROLE OF THE INDEPENDENT LEARNING PROGRAM ON CAMPUS IN SHAPING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM IN UNIVERSITIES

In 2020, the Indonesian minister of education, Nadiem Makarim, launched the MBKM (Merdeka Learn Campus Merdeka) program to prepare higher education graduates who are demanding to face change. Through the MBKM Program, students have the opportunity for one semester or the equivalent of twenty credits to study outside the study program at the same University and a maximum of two semesters or the equivalent of forty credits of studying in the same study program at different universities, looking in various study programs at multiple universities, and learning outside the university. To give birth to prospective entrepreneurs, universities must create a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem for students (Mack &amp; Mayer, 2016). The role of each component in the ecosystem, such as faculty, according to Hayter (2016), is needed in adding to the social network of prospective entrepreneurs. Autio et al. (2014) revealed that policymakers are a more dominant factor in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Mueller and Toutain (2015) explain that schools are the right environment to foster cultural creativity, self-confidence, and development freedom. Various internal and external elements must be involved in forming an entrepreneurial ecosystem in higher education. This research is an early stage of research to identify multiple inputs owned by universities in shaping their entrepreneurial ecosystem through the MBKM Entrepreneurship program. The method used in this study is a qualitative method using a participatory action research (PAR) approach. The research results are expected to help universities map the factors that can support the formation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem through the MBKM program carried out by universities.

Sharing, curation and metadata as essential components of the data management plan

This paper stresses the critical importance that data management plans actually be data management and sharing plans, that encourage data-sharing at the early stages of research; that indicate that data must be made as open as possible (and as closed as necessary); and that specify a minimum level of curation and collection of essential metadata. The author stresses that fact that it is no longer sufficient to post material openly and hope that others will be able to make use of it. The use of metadata and careful data curation of the data are essential to facilitate the discovery and successful re-use of data.

3D concrete printing in air and under water: a comparative study on the buildability and interlayer adhesion

3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology is still in the early stages of research in the construction industry, and the development of underwater 3D concrete printing (U3DCP) based on this technology is still in its infancy. To promote the widespread application and adoption of U3DCP, a comprehensive understanding of the performance of 3D concrete printing in air and under water is crucial. In this study, the buildability and interlayer bonding of fresh concrete in different environments were evaluated and compared. The advantages of using water buoyancy to partially counterbalance the weight of concrete and enhance buildability, and the drawbacks of weakened interlayer bonding in a water environment were highlighted. Predictive formulas for the printable height of concrete printed in air and under water considering the impact of time intervals on the characteristics of the concrete, were proposed based on the relationship between the structural build-up coefficient and the height of the printed specimens. The interfacial adhesion of concrete printed in air was higher than that printed under water. However, the interlayer adhesion over time of concrete printed in air decreased faster than that printed under water. Permeability measurements on fresh concrete confirmed that water penetration is mainly responsible for the differences observed in interface adhesion.

The Distal Oblique Bundle in the Distal Forearm: From Anatomical Features to Clinical Implementation.

Background and objective The distal oblique bundle (DOB) is nowadays recognized as thethickest component of the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM). It is neither thought to be a clear-cut ligament, and nor does it follow the typical configuration of the rest of the DIOM. It is not always present and some studies have raised disputes about its prevalence and a few anatomical features. In this study, we aimed to provide data on the prevalence and anatomical features of the DOB, which are of great importance at this early stage of research into the topic. Our findings have been correlated with current knowledge and are expected to contribute to clinical implementation. Materials and methods Twenty-eightfresh-frozen forearms were utilized for measurements. Specifically, mean length, width, distance from the middle of the bundle's insertion to the ulna to the tip of the styloid process of the ulna, as well as the distance from the midpoint of its insertion to the radius to the tip of the radiuses' styloid process were calculated. The prevalence was described with a cutoff thickness point of 0.5 mm. Early results based on three cases of DOB reconstruction with the "Riggenbach" technique due to distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability were documented. Results Eleven DOBs were reported out of the 28 specimens, suggesting a prevalence of 39.3%. The mean thickness was 0.88 mm (range: 0.6-1.3 mm), the mean width was 5.22 mm (range: 2.2-8.4 mm), and the mean length was 25.68 mm (range: 22.7-29.2 mm). Proximally, the mean distance from the bundle's ulnar insertion to the tip of the styloid process of the ulna was 51.02 mm (range: 45.5-55.6 mm) while distally, the mean distance from the bundle's insertion to the radius to the tip of the styloid process of the radius was 34.5 mm (range: 31.3-37.7 mm). After a follow-up of at least six months, improvement was evident in all measured areas in the three patients who underwent surgery. Additionally, they reported satisfaction and accomplishment of their preoperative goals. Conclusions Discrepancies in measurements in some anatomic features between studies are probably due to variations in specimen types, measurement methods, and sites. Efforts must continue to be made on a more extensive scale and in a more standardized manner for more factual results and conclusions. "Reconstruction-recreation" or "original construction-creation" procedures yield promising results in a fast, simple, and less invasive manner than traditional methods of DRUJ stabilization.

Secure short-packet transmission in uplink massive MU-MIMO assisted URLLC under imperfect CSI

Ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) is still in the early stage of research due to its two strict and conflicting requirements, i.e., ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability, and its impact on security performance is still unclear. Specifically, short-packet communication is expected to meet the delay requirement of URLLC, while the degradation of reliability caused by it makes traditional physical-layer security metrics not applicable. In this paper, we investigate the secure short-packet transmission in uplink massive multiuser multiple-input-multiple-output (MU-MIMO) system under imperfect channel state information (CSI). We propose an artificial noise scheme to improve the security performance of the system and use the system average secrecy throughput (AST) as the analysis metric. We derive the approximate closed-form expression of the system AST and further analyze the system asymptotic performance in two regimes. Furthermore, a one-dimensional search method is used to optimize the maximum system AST for a given pilot length. Numerical results verify the correctness of theoretical analysis, and show that there are some parameters that affect the tradeoff between security and latency. Moreover, appropriately increasing the number of antennas at the base station (BS) and transmission power at user devices (UDs) can increase the system AST to achieve the required threshold.

SASER in Practice: Early Insights from Two Case Studies Connected to Industry

AbstractSystems Engineering (SE) research with Industry as a laboratory (IaL) has multiple benefits: it safe‐guards relevance, facilitates co‐design, and allows researchers to gain practical insights. However, it faces a challenge in aligning traditional academic research with fast‐paced industrial processes. The Spiral Approach for Systems Engineering Research (SASER) was recently proposed to address this challenge. In this paper, we demonstrate and discuss for the first time the application of SASER in the context of (1) the High‐tech industry, and (2) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Despite the context differences of the two case studies, SASER shows promising results for both the researchers and the industrial partners in keeping the partners interested, enabling shorter feedback loops, and preventing analysis paralysis. Even though there are just two case studies and this is an early stage research application of SASER, we firmly believe that it shows merit in facilitating SE academic research in the context of IaL.

P63: Best Practice Guidance on Human Interaction with Technology in Dementia Update June 2023 – Recommendations from the INDUCT and DISTINCT Networks

Objective:INDUCT (Interdisciplinary Network for Dementia Using Current Technology), and DISTINCT (Dementia Inter-sectorial strategy for training and innovation network for current technology) are two Marie Sklodowska-Curie funded International Training Networks that aimed to develop a multi-disciplinary, inter-sectorial educational research framework for Europe to improve technology and care for people with dementia, and to provide the evidence to show how technology can improve the lives of people with dementia.Methods:In INDUCT (2016-2020) 15 Early Stage Researchers worked on projects in the areas of Technology to support everyday life; technology to promote meaningful activities; and healthcare technology. In DISTINCT (2019-2023) 15 Early Stage Researchers worked on technology to promote Social health in three domains: fulfilling ones potential and obligations in society, managing one’s own life, and participation in social and other meaningful activities.Both networks adopted three transversal objectives: 1) To determine practical, cognitive and social factors needed to make technology more useable for people with dementia; 2) To evaluate the effectiveness of specific contemporary technology; 3) To trace facilitators and barriers for implementation of technology in dementia care.Results:The main recommendations resulting from all research projects are integrated in a web-based digital Best Practice Guidance on Human Interaction with Technology in Dementia which was recently updated (Dec 2022 and June 2023) and will be presented at the congress. The recommendations are meant for different target groups, i.e. people in different stages of dementia, their (in)formal carers, policy makers, designers and researchers, who can easily find the recommendations relevant to them in the Best Practice Guidance by means of a digital selection tool.Conclusions:The INDUCT/DISTINCT Best Practice Guidance informs on how to improve the development, usage, impact and implementation of technology for people with dementia in various technology areas. This Best Practice Guidance is the result of intensive collaborative partnership of INDUCT and DISTINCT with academic and non-academic partners as well as the involvement of representatives of the different target groups throughout the projects.