Funding Research Research Articles

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSING AND REALIZING THE INVESTMENT POTENTIAL OF THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

THE PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE is to study methodological approaches to assessing and realizing the investment potential of the country’s economy in the context of sustainable development. RESEARCH METHODS. In writing the article, the following research methods were used: analytical method – to study the indicators of the country’s investment potential, study trends and previous studies in this area; theoretical analysis – in analyzing modern theoretical approaches to assessing and realizing investment potential in the context of sustainable development; method of empirical research and comparative analysis – to identify advantages and disadvantages; case study – to identify factors of successful realization of investment potential, taking into account the principles of sustainable development. PRESENTING MAIN MATERIAL. In the context of globalization and increasing environmental risks, the issue of rational use of investment potential in the context of sustainable development is of particular relevance, where investments are becoming a key element that ensures economic growth, improvement of social welfare and environmental protection. The investment potential of a national economy is a set of resources and conditions that enable the attraction and efficient use of investments in various sectors of the economy, including: economic resources; social resources; natural resources; and institutional resources. Among the methodological approaches to assessing investment potential, the most popular is the classical approach, where the assessment of investment potential is based on the analysis of such indicators as the level of domestic and foreign investment, GDP structure, level of savings and investment activity of enterprises. In the context of sustainable development, the assessment of investment potential takes into account additional factors such as environmental risks, the level of social responsibility, and the availability of green investment projects. Innovations and the introduction of green technologies are key elements in the context of sustainable development, where government support is directed to funding research and supporting green investments. Countries that have succeeded in realizing their investment potential in the context of sustainable development are characterized by: a developed institutional framework (availability of effective institutions that support investment activities), a high level of innovation activity (active implementation of innovations in various sectors of the economy), and effective environmental policy (active state support for environmentally friendly technologies and projects). Therefore, approaches to assessing and realizing investment potential take into account the main aspects of innovative development and the introduction of green technologies, where the state helps to create a favorable investment climate and support sustainable development by stimulating investment, developing infrastructure and supporting innovation. CONCLUSIONS. In today’s world, the concept of sustainable development is central to the economic development strategies of countries, where one of the key aspects is the effective use of investment potential to ensure sustainable economic growth. The main approaches to realizing investment potential include: creating a favorable investment climate (legislative regulation that stimulates investment in low-carbon sectors; reducing bureaucratic barriers for foreign and domestic investors; developing infrastructure that supports sustainable production and consumption); integrating sustainable development principles into investment projects (assessing the impact of projects on the environment and social aspects; implementing investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy). It has been established that the realization of the country’s investment potential in the context of sustainable development requires an integrated approach and systematic integration of economic, social and environmental requirements, which requires active cooperation between government, business, academia and the public to achieve common goals of sustainable development and provide future generations with a stable and environmentally friendly living environment. KEYWORDS: investment potential; national economy; sustainable development; methodological approaches; economic development of the country; economic growth; assessment and implementation; investment climate; investment projects; financing; infrastructure.

Transforming Higher Education in Sierra Leone – A Path to Sustainable Development

This paper examines the critical role of higher education in driving sustainable development in Sierra Leone, guided by Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and Sustainable Development Theory (SDT). The study investigates challenges within the higher education system, such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and limited research capacity, and presents a comprehensive framework for transformation. These obstacles hinder the effectiveness of higher education institutions (HEIs) in contributing to national development. The paper highlights innovative teaching methods, such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and experiential education, as strategies to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities among students. By aligning academic programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizing interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration, HEIs can play a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic progress. Drawing on successful models from universities such as Aalborg, the University of Malaya, and the University of Cape Town, the study demonstrates how interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships can drive innovation and development. The findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts from academia, industry, government, and international partners to transform Sierra Leone’s higher education system into a driver of sustainable development. The paper concludes that, while challenges persist, the integration of transformative learning and sustainable development principles can enable HEIs to equip graduates with the skills necessary to address the country’s most pressing socio-economic and environmental issues.

What is ‘high-risk research’? Comparing the social sciences and humanities and the natural sciences

Abstract Although high-risk research is a key concern for research policy and science studies, there is little knowledge about what funding agencies or researchers mean by risks. This paper draws on 80 grant proposals from the social sciences and humanities (SSH) and the natural sciences (NSC) that have been submitted to the Reinhart Koselleck funding program of the German Research Foundation. The qualitative analysis shows both similarities and differences in how applicants in the two fields claim risks: in both fields, the most prominent notions refer to results and methodologies. While results at risk are interpreted similarly, methodological risks differ between the two fields. The analysis also reveals a greater variety of different risks in the SSH compared to the NSC. The paper suggests that research policy and science studies should avoid treating “riskiness” as a given and consider different notions of risk across a disciplinary spectrum that includes the SSH.

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.

Amid magic and menace: psychiatrists' attitudes to psilocybin therapy.

Understanding variations in knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists to psilocybin therapy is important for the collective discourse about the potential impact on clinical practice and public health in Ireland. A 28-item questionnaire was designed based on previous studies and distributed to psychiatrists in Ireland via online mailing lists and at in-person academic events. 151 psychiatrists completed the questionnaire (73.3% were under 40 years of age, 76.0% were trainees, and 49.0% were female). In the total sample, 81.5% agreed that psilocybin therapy shows promise in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and 86.8% supported funding research, 86.8% would be willing to refer a patient if it was licensed and indicated, and 78.1% would consider the treatment for themselves, if indicated. Conversely, 6.6% agreed that psilocybin therapy was unsafe even under medical supervision, and 21.9% thought it was potentially addictive. 15.9% of the total sample reported at least one concern including, lack of robust evidence, long-term effectiveness, superiority to current interventions, potential harmful effects, cost and accessibility, and impartiality. Less than half of respondents felt knowledgeable (40.0%) and 9.9% felt adequately prepared to participate in psilocybin therapy. Consultant psychiatrists trended towards less optimism for a potential role in bipolar depression and emotionally unstable personality disorder compared to trainee psychiatrists. Overall psychiatrists in Ireland held positive attitudes towards psilocybin therapy. However, there was a lack of knowledge evident. Addressing the knowledge gap and aligning with the best available evidence will be key if psychedelic therapy is to prevail in a clinical setting.

Single cell atlas reveals multilayered metabolic heterogeneity across tumour types

Metabolic reprogramming plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, contributing to substantial intratumour heterogeneity and influencing tumour behaviour. However, a systematic characterization of metabolic heterogeneity across multiple cancer types at the single-cell level remains limited. We integrated 296 tumour and normal samples spanning six common cancer types to construct a single-cell compendium of metabolic gene expression profiles and identify cell type-specific metabolic properties and reprogramming patterns. A computational approach based on non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was utilised to identify metabolic meta-programs (MMPs) showing intratumour heterogeneity. In-vitro cell experiments were conducted to confirm the associations between MMPs and chemotherapy resistance, as well as the function of key metabolic regulators. Survival analyses were performed to assess clinical relevance of cellular metabolic properties. Our analysis revealed shared glycolysis upregulation and divergent regulation of citric acid cycle across different cell types. In malignant cells, we identified a colorectal cancer-specific MMP associated with resistance to the cuproptosis inducer elesclomol, validated through in-vitro cell experiments. Furthermore, our findings enabled the stratification of patients into distinct prognostic subtypes based on metabolic properties of specific cell types, such as myeloid cells. This study presents a nuanced understanding of multilayered metabolic heterogeneity, offering valuable insights into potential personalized therapies targeting tumour metabolism. National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFA1300601). National Natural Science Foundation of China (key grants 82030081 and 81874235). The Shenzhen High-level Hospital Construction Fund and Shenzhen Basic Research Key Project (JCYJ20220818102811024). The Lam Chung Nin Foundation for Systems Biomedicine.

AO Trauma North America Funded Research: Fellows and Early Career Grants. A Tribute to Andrew Burgess.

AO Trauma North America Funded Research: Fellows and Early Career Grants. A Tribute to Andrew Burgess.

3.H. Scientific session: Advancing Health and Care System Transformation with the THCS Partnership

Abstract Health and care systems across Europe are facing similar challenges. These include demographic and epidemiological changes, such as growing ageing population and increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, in addition to diminishing of budgets. These challenges can be met by innovative, evidence-based solutions, the research and development of which can be supported by several ways. The European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) is a co-fund action within the Horizon Europe Programme which supports coordinated national and regional research and innovation programs, alongside capacity building, networking, dissemination, and other activities crucial for health and care systems’ transformation. The core of THCS’s activities lies in funding research and innovation projects through transnational calls, engaging numerous research and innovation funding organisations. In addition to the funding activities, THCS develops several means for supporting the transformation towards sustainable, efficient, resilient, inclusive, innovative, and people-centred health and care systems accessible to all. This workshop aims at discussing on the trends and needs for research, development and innovation and capacity building in the European health and care systems, on leveraging research outcomes for evidence-based strategies and translating research into practice, on transferring and implementing innovative health and care practices, on fostering ecosystems, and on facilitating knowledge exchange and sharing. In the workshop the different means of the THCS partnership to support the transformation of health and care systems are presented and their further development discussed. The workshop consists of five presentations followed by a general discussion. Key messages • Participants will learn about the different means of the THCS partnership to support the transformation of health and care systems. • Participants can contribute to the further development of the THCS activities by sharing their reflections, opinions, and viewpoints.

Key players join forces to advance global health

A new landmark partnership between Novo Nordisk Foundation, Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was announced at the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Global Science Summit in Denmark in May 2024. The goal of the partnership is to accelerate global health research and development (R&D). At the Summit, thought leaders and policymakers from across the world came together to discuss global health challenges and inspire innovative solutions. Ahead of the event, Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of Novo Nordisk Foundation, said: ‘By bringing together around 150 leading experts from across disciplines, sectors and geographies, we hope to catalyse the development of new knowledge that can lead to transformative, accessible solutions for people facing disease, food insecurity and the devastation wrought by climate change’. As these challenges are closely interconnected, their resolution requires an interdisciplinary approach. Novo Nordisk Foundation, Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will collaborate for three years and have each committed US$100 million to fund research for innovative solutions to overcome health challenges. Krogsgaard Thomsen said: ‘By pooling the vast experience and unique expertise of each organization ‐ across research, technology, innovation, and enterprise ‐ we can make advances that wouldn’t otherwise be possible’. Initially, the organisations will focus on climate and sustainability and infectious diseases, pooling their resources and knowledge to push forward research in these key areas. This will help overcome bottlenecks created by scientific research occurring in silos.

The translation of transformative policy ambitions in funding research for climate change

Abstract This paper addresses how research and innovation (R&I) policy responds to global challenges, which demand fundamental transformations of societies and economies. The paper presents the case of a transnational, European funding call (SOLSTICE) for climate change research led by social sciences and humanities. Both the development of SOLSTICE and the research community’s responses are analysed in relation to the transformative R&I policy literature, identifying potential future avenues for improving the transformative outcomes of this type of funding. The study concludes that unlocking the value of transformative R&I policy concepts and approaches depends on wide stakeholder engagement in the funding instrument design phase and an active and sustained focus on achieving societal outcomes during project implementation. In addition, barriers to the effectiveness of (European) transnational funding programmes are identified, particularly when policies target community-level socio-technical transitions to address global challenges.

Insurance Solution for Climate Change: Legislation Analysis in Türkiye

In the light of changing and evolving parameters throughout the World, risk definitions vary as well, leading to the necessity to make new risk definitions in various fields in addition to those, the effects of which can be easily observed and measured, such as technology and information securiAty. This change also manifests itself in the insurance industry based on climate change. The increase in the number and scale of climate-based natural disasters throughout the World, in conjunction with global warming, made the economic losses caused by natural disasters visible. Climate changeA caused and will continue to cause significant changes in many fields of the insurance industry, such as property insurances, agricultural insurances, and health insurance. The insurance industry attempts to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change through active risk measures such as mapping, risk analysis, funding research, collective data sharing, and active participation in climate protection activities throughout the World. However, it is crucial for the State and affiliated public enterprises to support this process as a regulatory and adequate power, create a suitable legal, financial and regulatory framework for private sector initiatives, and conduct informative activities about the importance of insurance in natural disasters. Emerging financial burden should be divided between individual-public-private enterprises, and this division should be made in a balanced and fair manner in the light of the applicable legislation. This study primarily addresses the devastating impacts of climate change on the World and Turkey, which emerged notably in the recent era and the financial burden brought about by this. Then the issue of responsibility of the public sector, which is responsible for taking necessary and adequate measures against climate change, was explored in the context of both national legislation and international agreements. The adequacy of the applicable legislation for the State and public enterprises to create a suitable consciousness-raising, a preventive and compensatory legal framework specific to the climate change in Turkey was reviewed, and suggestions were made.

Life Cycle Assessment of Banned Single-Use Plastic Products and Their Alternatives

Plastic and microplastic contamination continue to be growing problems across the globe for both ecosystems and human health. Canada has banned single-use plastic products such as bags, cutlery, and foodservice ware (containers) to address and mitigate plastics and microplastic contamination. This study evaluates the life cycle of banned plastic products and their alternatives to determine whether environmental impacts can be mitigated. The environmental impacts of bags (plastic, paper, cotton), cutlery (plastic, wooden, biodegradable), and containers (plastic, styrofoam, biodegradable) were determined considering both domestic and imported products. The bag study saw paper bags having the highest environmental impacts and cotton bags with the lowest due to their reusability. For the cutlery study, plastic cutlery was the most impactful across all categories except for eutrophication and ozone depletion, where biodegradable cutlery was the most impactful by 25% and 35%, respectively. In the case of foodservice ware (containers), styrofoam was found to be the least impactful. Similar to cutlery, the plastic containers had the greatest impact except where the biodegradable container contributed more to ozone depletion and eutrophication by 25% and 45%, respectively. Local production reduced impacts across all categories. Furthermore, on a local scale, biodegradable cutlery had a greater impact on the smog and respiratory effects categories than plastic by 10% and 30%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that future regulations should focus on promoting and educating consumers on the use of reusable products over single-use products, funding research to mitigate challenges associated with waste management, and consider an informed ban on all single-use products and not just those made of plastic material to mitigate environmental impacts.

The costs of open access publication

This article explores the financial dynamics of open access (OA) publication in Catalan universities by combining four data sources: publication data coupled with article processing charge (APC) estimates; information on journal subscriptions, transformative agreements and APC payments made by universities; acknowledgements of APC funding sources in OA scholarly outputs; and a survey of authors. The findings reveal a consistent increase in OA publication across Catalan universities, with 60% of the articles indexed in the Web of Science being published in either gold or hybrid OA in 2022. In parallel, investment in the research publishing system shows an upward trend. Resources allocated to journal subscription licenses have been redirected towards transformative agreements, leading to a rise in hybrid OA publications. Additional budget allocations have been made to accommodate APCs for gold OA journals. Authors employ varied funding sources for gold and hybrid OA, with university funding programmes and research grants commonly facilitating gold OA, while transformative agreements often support hybrid OA. Authors associated with Catalan universities frequently benefit from funding schemes and transformative agreements that are accessible to their coauthors. However, survey responses underscore the multifaceted nature of researchers’ financial support, including personal assets and waivers. Authors express frustration with the evolving OA landscape, particularly concerning the exorbitant publication fees. Nevertheless, the allure of high-impact journals and expedited peer review processes continues to incentivize authors towards gold OA. Researchers voice concerns regarding the lack of equitable funding programmes and potential conflicts of interest within gold OA models, which signals the risk of compromising peer review integrity to prioritize profits. This study underscores the need for further research to deepen our understanding of scholarly publishing expenditure and inform strategies for fostering a sustainable, equitable OA ecosystem.

UNPACKING THE PLACE OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE IN PANDEMIC STUDIES

Archaeology offers a 3.5 million-year-long scientific record of human and earlier hominine problem-solving and thus has the potential to research very deep into the past human solutions to pandemics and epidemics. Heritage on the other hand acts as a positive enabler for the complex, multi-vector challenges of today’s world, such as cultural and environmental sustainability, economic inequalities, conflict resolution, social cohesion and the future of cities among others. In this way, the remote past has the capacity to educate the present world on how to cope with pandemic diseases and similar challenges in the contemporary era. Therefore, this essay seeks to open a discourse on the ways in which archaeology and heritage can contribute to the prevention and control of the present COVID-19 pandemic and similar others in the present and future. Therefore, the government and other agencies funding research pertaining to the discovery of the ways through which pandemics can be treated, controlled and prevented, need also to explore the option of archaeology and heritage studies, so as to trace the root causes of pandemic diseases. This will lead to the discovery of traditional means of treating, controlling and preventing pandemic outbreaks. This underscores the argument that almost everything that exists in the present day has some historical antecedence.

Funding research on women’s health

Funding research on women’s health

8553 GDF-15 Levels In Patients With Prostate Cancer On Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Abstract Disclosure: S.D. Jaramillo-Quiroz: Other; Self; VAPSHCS: Director Fund Research Fellowship/UW Abrass Family Fellowship Fund. CDMRP (PC170059).. L. Caeiro: None. L.J. Anderson: None. J.M. Garcia: None. Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is a stress-induced cytokine known to induce anorexia and cachexia and a biomarker of biological aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and worse hand grip strength and poor survival in different settings. Also, GDF-15 has pleiotropic functions at all stages of tumorigenicity and is suggested as a marker to differentiate BPH from PCa. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa), but it also decreases muscle mass and function and Quality of life (QOL). The role and effects of GDF-15 in prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT are not well characterized and was explored in this longitudinal, 6-month, observational study that recruited men with (PCa) starting ADT (n=60, mean age 69). Body composition [dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), body weight history], physical performance [handgrip strength (HGS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry and actigraphy)], were assessed before, at 3 and 6 months after starting ADT. QoL was assessed by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). GDF-15 was measured by ELISA. Mean differences performed with standard error of the mean, repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s Post Hoc test. Correlations were assessed by Spearman’s. After 6 months of ADT, fat mass was increased (mean difference: 1.14 ±0.38, p=0.0029), and lean muscle mass (mean difference: -1.214 ± 0.38, p=0.005), appendicular lean mass (ALM, mean difference: -0.879 ± 0.19, p=<0.0001). HGS (mean difference: -2.927 ± 0.59, p=<0.0001), and VO2 max decreased (mean difference -3.31 ± 0.83, p=0.0007). Baseline GDF-15 (mean 1456.59 ± 1022.80) was correlated with the changes in weight (r: -0.38, p=0.01), BMI (r: -0.33, p=0.01), ALM (r: -0.29, p=0.04), and fatigue (r: -0.38, p=0.004). As shown, baseline GDF-15 was inversely correlated with changes in weight, appendicular lean mass, and fatigue in subjects undergoing ADT, highlighting the possibility of its role as a biomarker and therapeutic target of body composition and patient-reported outcomes in this setting. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Epidemiology of periportal fibrosis and relevance of current Schistosoma mansoni infection within the context of repeated mass drug administration in rural Uganda: a population-based, cross-sectional study

WHO guidelines for schistosomiasis-related morbidity control and elimination rely on current infection as a proxy indicator for morbidity. We evaluated these guidelines within the context of repeated mass drug administration and periportal fibrosis attributable to chronic intestinal schistosomiasis. We examined 1442households randomly sampled from 38villages in Buliisa, Pakwach, and Mayuge districts of Uganda within the SchistoTrack cohort. Periportal fibrosis was diagnosed in 2834individuals aged 5-90years using ultrasound and image patterns C-F from the Niamey protocol. Schistosoma mansoni status and intensity were diagnosed by Kato-Katz microscopy and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen tests. Schistosome infection, co-infections, and comorbidities were examined as exposures for periportal fibrosis. Multivariable logistic regressions were run with SEs clustered by household. Between Jan 6and Feb 3, 2022, 342 (12·1%) of 2834 participants were diagnosed with periportal fibrosis. ByKato-Katz microscopy, 1229 (43·4%) of 2834participants were infected. 1863 (65·7%) of 2834participants had trace positive point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen tests, which was higher than prevalence by Kato-Katz microscopy, and 1158 (40·9%) of 2834participants had trace negative point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen tests. Individual schistosome status, intensity, and prevalence of heavy intensity infections of less than 1% and less than 5% were not correlated with periportal fibrosis likelihood or village prevalence. Periportal fibrosis likelihood linearly increased with age from age 5 years to age 25years, non-linearly increased from age 26 years to age 45years, attenuated or remained unchanged from age 46 years to age 60years, and steadily decreased past 60years of age. History of liver diseases, HIV, and ultrasound-detected chronic hepatitis or early cirrhosis-like disease were associated with more than two-times increased periportal fibrosis likelihood. WHO guidelines reliant on current schistosome status and intensity are uninformative for identifying probable cases or communities with periportal fibrosis. History of HIV and underlying chronic hepatitis or early cirrhosis-like disease are risk factors that could be investigated for periportal fibrosis surveillance and management. NDPH Pump Priming Fund, Wellcome Trust, John Fell Fund, Robertson Foundation, and UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Development Strategy School Financial Resilience in Yogyakarta Private High School

The success of educational institutions in providing quality services is influenced by various factors, including planning, facilities, human resources, and financial support. This research focuses on school financial management, emphasizing the importance of financial resilience to support operational resilience and sustainability, especially in private schools with limited funds. Financial resilience is the capacity of an institution to survive and adapt to financial challenges, which includes effective and efficient management of income and expenditure. This research uses qualitative methods with a descriptive approach to explore strategies for developing financial resilience at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta. Data was collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and document study, and analyzed using triangulation techniques to ensure the validity of the information. The main focus of research is on absorptive, adaptive and transformative strategies in school financial management. Absorptive strategies emphasize the importance of effective budget planning and evaluation. Adaptive strategies include the use of financial information systems and the involvement of external parties. Transformative strategies involve student service innovation, awards, and seeking additional funding Research findings show that SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta has succeeded in overcoming financial challenges through good management and implementing innovative strategies. This research recommends regular evaluation of financial management systems, staff training, and collaboration with other educational institutions to improve financial management strategies. It is hoped that further research can contribute to the development of policies and best practices in educational financial management.

A history of community-based initiatives that led to crop improvement and protection in the Canadian prairies

From the early days of agricultural production in the 1800s through to the present day, farmers, agronomists, and other motivated people have worked to improve crop production through pest management and surveillance, selection of crop genotypes and agronomic innovations such as reduced and zero-tillage. These essential contributions also helped raise awareness of the practical problems that farmers have faced, of the potential solutions to those problems, and the problems that remain to be solved. In many cases, farmers have organized their efforts to support research to address agricultural challenges through commodity organizations who actively fund research, raise awareness of science, and encourage participation in activities such as pest monitoring and on-farm research trials. This review highlights some of the important contributions of Canadian community scientists. The future of a biovigilance approach to crop production depends on the continued participation of agricultural community members.

PSLBI-4 Influence of gender on animal science research funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Abstract According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, females and males in science disciplines obtain bachelor’s degrees at or near parity, yet females are not equally represented in academic faculty positions. This is true for agricultural fields including the animal sciences. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), a flagship competitive grants program that funds research, education, and extension efforts with a total appropriation of $445 million in 2024. Our objective was to determine the difference between genders for submission rates (i.e., number of standard and seed grant applications submitted), peer reviewers of grant applications, and success rates (i.e., number of grant awards/number of applications submitted) in the main animal related AFRI program area priorities. All applications submitted to AFRI programs in animal genomics, reproduction, health, nutrition and growth, and welfare during yr 2013-2022 were evaluated. Gender was assigned to Project Directors (PD) and peer reviewers using first names as input into Gender API software (Gender-API.com; Passau, Germany) with ≥ 95% accuracy and ≥ 20 database occurrences used as quality filters and binary outcomes only (i.e., male or female). Effect of gender on submission rates, peer review panel compositions, and success rates were then analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-squared tests with P ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 3,757 applications were submitted, of which 2,761 (73%) PD genders were assigned and analyzed further. Overall, the proportional submission rate for females was 28% and for males was 72%. Submission rates for females increased (P = 0.0614) over time ranging from 22% in 2013 to 33% in 2021. Submission rates differed by gender across programs (P < 0.0001) and ranged from 23% female in animal reproduction to 48% female in animal welfare. Across 48 panels, 41% of panelists were female; no differences were identified for the proportion of female panelists over time (P = 0.9509) or by program (P = 0.9298). Overall, the funding success rate for females was 23% and for males was 22%. Success rates did not differ between genders over time (P = 0.9080) or by program (P = 0.9094). Females submitted less than one-half as many applications as did males, but the proportion of submissions by females increased over time. This trend remained consistent despite challenges of relocation of NIFA and COVID-19 during this time. Overall, the proportion of NIFA panelists who were female exceeded the proportion of applications submitted by females. Funding success rates did not differ by gender and increased for both genders over time. These results indicate that although differences in gender existed for application submission rate and panel composition, these differences did not impact funding success rate of applications in animal science programs at NIFA, which did not differ between genders.