Meaningful Research Research Articles

Determining an Applicable Sample Size in Research Studies

Determining a proper sample size is a critical aspect of research design as it influences the reliability and validity of study findings. The key objective of writing this article is to suggest some rudimentary formulae, easy software tools and a general sample size table to determine an applicable sample size to be used in research studies. To attain this objective, relevant books and journal articles have been taken as the sources of secondary data. After a comprehensive overview of the literature regarding the sample size, this article concludes that the confidence level, the margin of error, the population size, and the population proportion statistically determine the sample size in quantitative research studies. Similarly, the nature of population, and types of research studies are the vital factors that confer us the basic idea about the sample size before computing the ideal or required sample size that homogeneous population and qualitative research studies generally require a smaller sample size, whereas heterogeneous population and quantitative research studies necessitate a larger sample size. Researchers, practitioners, and students will find this article valuable in guiding their decisions on sample size determination for robust and meaningful research outcomes.

Dynamically customizable 4D printed shape memory polymer biomedical devices: a review

Abstract There is an increased risk of complications and even surgical failures for various types of medical devices due to difficult to control configurations and performances, incomplete deployments, etc. Shape memory polymers (SMPs)-based 4D printing technology offers the opportunity to create dynamic, personalized, and accurately controllable biomedical devices with complex configurations. SMPs, typical representatives of intelligent materials, are capable of programmable deformation in response to stimuli and dynamic remodeling on demand. 4D printed SMP medical devices not only enable active control of configuration, performance and functionality, but also open the way for minimally invasive treatments and remote controllable deployment. Here, the shape memory mechanism, actuation methods, and printing strategies of active programmable SMPs are reviewed, and cutting-edge advances of 4D printed SMPs in the fields such as bone scaffolds, tracheal stents, cardiovascular stents, cell morphological regulation, and drug delivery are highlighted. In addition, promising and meaningful future research directions for 4D printed SMP biomedical devices are discussed. The development of 4D printed SMP medical devices is inseparable from the in-depth cooperation between doctors and engineers. The application of 4D printed SMP medical devices will facilitate the rapid realization of "smart medical care" and accelerate the process of "intelligentization" of medical devices.

Sex and Gender Considerations in Orthopaedic Research

Abstract JBJS convened a symposium to discuss the reporting of sex and gender in research studies as an imperative to improve research methods and results to benefit all patients. Barriers to improved reporting include a lack of societal and cultural acceptance of its need; a lack of education regarding appropriate terminology and appropriate statistical methods and efficient study designs; a need for increased research funding to support larger group sizes; unknown concordance of cell and animal models with humans to reflect biologic variables such as sex; and a lack of understanding of key considerations of gender, race, and other social determinants of health and how these factors intersect. Attention to developing and disseminating best-practice statistical methods and to educating investigators (at all career levels), reviewers, funders, editors, and staff in their proper implementation will aid reporting. Concomitantly, well-designed studies with sufficient rigor and adequate resources are essential to enable meaningful and reproducible research. Existing recommendations, such as the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines, provide valuable guidance that can be applied across the research ecosystem. Academic institutions and private foundations are likely groups to assist in scientific and institutional review board guidance and study recruitment and pilot funding to generate meaningful power estimates, and to serve as sources for additional funding and presentation of workshops, educational events, and seminars. All of this needs to be conducted on an ongoing basis to ensure that sex and gender are considered in scientific analyses, where relevant.

Social impacts of the network "Composing Worlds: Humanities, Health and Well-Being"

In the twenty-first century, the interaction between humans and their ecological, sociocultural, and technological environment poses significant challenges, particularly regarding health and well-being. This paper contends that understanding these dynamics requires an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on the humanities, arts, social sciences, and health sciences. The "Composing Worlds" project addresses these issues by fostering interdisciplinary research, training, and cultural innovation, adopting a participatory approach, involving experts from different fields to uncover perspectives on crucial issues. The thematic analysis identifies collective correspondences covering critical thinking in health, environmental sustainability, technological advances, and bioethics. These axes guide transdisciplinary research and cultural activities to address 21st-century concerns. By promoting critical thinking and meaningful research, it aims to create a global narrative with a relational ethical connotation that encourages dialogue and reflection on changing societal paradigms.

Preparation and properties of room temperature foaming lignin-based non-isocyanate polyurethane foams

The preparation and application of biomass-based non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is an essential and meaningful hot topic research work in the field of polyurethane industry, due to its advantages of sustainability of raw materials and no highly toxic isocyanate used in the synthesis. Lignin, as the second most renewable natural polymer on earth, was used in this paper to synthesize lignin-based non-isocyanate polyurethane (L-NIPU) resins. Subsequently, L-NIPU foams were prepared by self-foaming at room temperature with the addition of maleic acid as an initiator and glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker, and their properties were investigated. Results show that L-NIPU foams are lightweight (0.11–0.18 g/cm3), have low thermal conductivity (0.033–0.04 W/m·K), and have excellent compressive strength. When the addition of maleic acid and glutaraldehyde is respectively 18 % and 25 % (based on L-NIPU resin quality), the compressive strength can be as high as 0.5 MPa, and the thermal conductivity is only 0.03559 W/m·K, so it can be used as an insulating board in buildings. In addition, FT-IR and XPS analyses showed that maleic acid and glutaraldehyde can react with the amino group in L-NIPU to form a cross-linked network structure, which ensures the favorable mechanical properties of the foam.

Measurement, spatial differences and driving effects of well-being levels in China.

As the largest developing country, China has accumulated enormous material wealth since its reform and opening-up policy. How to effectively evaluate the level of well-being in China has become a meaningful research endeavor. Using the entropy method, Dagum Gini coefficient and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition methods, the study examines the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics, spatial differences and driving effects of provincial well-being levels from 2007 to 2020. The results of this study suggest that the level of well-being as a whole, as well as in the eastern, central and western regions increased significantly over the period, with an "east-to-west decreasing" distribution in China. In terms of the pattern of inter-provincial distribution, although the level of well-being in the central and western regions has improved at a faster rate, most provinces in the eastern region have always been among the leading teams on the path of livelihood development. There is still enormous room for improvement in the level of well-being in the central and western provinces. The overall differences in the development of well-being in China, as well as intra-regional and inter-regional differences among the three major regions, showed a narrowing trend. Intra-regional differences in the development of well-being are greatest in the western region, and inter-regional differences in the development of well-being are greatest in the eastern and western regions. Inter-regional differences are the main reason for the spatial differences in well-being among China's provinces. The combination of economic, social, ecological and technological effects has led to a gradual increase in the level of well-being over the sample period. Among them, economic, social and technological effects have a clear positive driving effect on the increase of well-being levels, while ecological effect have a certain negative driving influence.

Money, methods, and morals: What are development economists up to?

AbstractIn the highly competitive field of publishing in economics journals, methods often become fads sometimes to the detriment of framing meaningful research agendas and of research ethics. In recent times, empirical work based on primary data collection has gained traction. Randomized controlled trials entail not just primary data collection but also interventions involving human subjects. Field research involving data collection is also expensive, raising a number of concerns. In this special symposium we explore questions of research agendas and research ethics, and argue fo rthe acceptance of broader methodological approaches, greater inclusion in the publication process and for a reflection at the disciplinary level of practices related to field research.

Rising Stars in Dermatology: Analysis of Lead Authorship Roles in the Published Literature

Introduction: The quality and progression of dermatologic research is significantly impacted by the contribution of first authors at different stages of their careers. Our study examines the association between first-author academic degree, financial sponsorship, and evidence quality published in three highly read journals from October 2013 to October 2023. Methods: Data collection was conducted using REDCap, and statistical analyses were performed with Welch’s t-tests and chi-squared tests. Results: A significant shift in first-author education levels was observed pre- and post-2018, with an increase in pre-doctoral (bachelor’s or master’s degree) compared to post-doctoral (MD or PhD) first authors (9.6% vs. 15.5%, p=0.04), indicating a trend of early-career researchers assuming lead roles in original investigations. Additionally, citation frequency did not differ between pre- and post-doctoral first authors (p=0.26), suggesting comparable research impact. However, post-doctoral first authors had a higher proportion of financial sponsorships (48% vs. 41%, p=0.014) and a higher quality of evidence based on study design (31.4% vs. 13.7%, p<0.001). Discussion:The disparity in financial sponsorship and evidence quality highlights an opportunity for enhanced support of pre-doctoral early career researchers through mentorship programs and financial grants to potentially improve meaningful research productivity in dermatology.

13 Awardee Talk: Goals, methods, and philosophy of graduate mentoring in reproductive physiology

Abstract Successful graduate and postdoctoral training programs in reproductive physiology are reciprocal relationships that, by default, benefit both trainee and mentor. Ideally, goals are for the mentor to facilitate and guide the long-term educational and professional aspirations of the trainee, while simultaneously creating an important member of the research team capable of meaningful contributions to the scientific enterprise. When this partnership fails to develop and flourish in a transparent and collaborative manner, the resulting disequilibrium leads to negative and costly impacts. Over the last 50 yr, I have observed the importance of several principles that, in my opinion, have a major influence on this process. The first of these begins at student recruitment and during the early part of a program after acceptance. Here, a clear understanding of any academic deficiencies and a commitment to rectify these deficiencies is essential. Academic programs of promising M.S. level candidates are sometimes heavily encumbered by this task. In contrast, Ph.D. programs are usually the final opportunity to take advantage of cutting-edge courses related to or supportive of reproductive biology and should be encouraged. Second, early development of a functional advisory committee is important and contributes broad experience and wisdom to the unique strengths and weaknesses of every student. Third, the trainee must learn early on the value of a mature attitude, a strong work ethic, and personal accountability. As an animal scientist, I want every student to be well-versed with hands on training/experience in basic animal physiology, nutrition, reproduction, experimental (surgical) techniques, and husbandry. Concurrently, they must learn to ensure that the well-being and ethical treatment of research animals always comes first. The foregoing is accomplished through personal example and never asking a student to do something you cannot or will not do yourself. Fourth, pursuing modern, cutting-edge techniques in the laboratory, regardless of long-term personal goals, should be an educational and experiential requirement. Fifth, development of meaningful and sound research projects requires hours of reading, thought and discussion. Students, particularly at the M.S. level, are often completely lost relative to the path forward. Allowing trainees to adopt pre-planned experiments within existing projects in the lab, with the mandate of developing new hypotheses and expanding beyond initial objectives, is a common theme. Pragmatically, this is also essential for maintaining laboratory focus and to service federal, state, and industry-funded projects effectively. Nonetheless, learning to develop and test new and sound hypotheses using appropriate experimental designs remains essential. Finally, no other factor has a greater impact on trainee success than the ability to communicate effectively using the English language. Unfortunately, this topic and problems associated with it usually form the caboose of most graduate training programs when it should have formed the engine.

Integrating Precision Training for Building a Sustainable National Data Infrastructure in Wales: A Datacise Open Learning (DOL) Based Case Study

ObjectiveConstruct an innovative open-learning solution that provides comprehensive training specific to Trusted Research Environments (TRE) and the broader research community of administrative data users, irrespective of their proficiency levels. DOL offers training opportunities tailored to meet each user's unique learning needs, enabling them to utilise complex, linked administrative datasets confidently and effectively for meaningful research outcomes, thereby building capacity for sustainable national data infrastructure. ApproachDOL’s innovative open-learning solution offers two learning formats: adaptive and experiential. Adaptive learning provides registered users with bitesize self-paced training based on Administrative Data Research UK's priorities. Experiential learning involves online workgroups with real-world context and practical application. They meet twice a year and are designed around specific topics with frequent guest speakers who are experts in their fields. ConclusionDOL’s innovative open-learning solution empowers TREs, such as SAIL Databank, to provide well-rounded learning that fosters community support, knowledge-sharing, and networking opportunities for its users, while gathering valuable user feedback. Users can personalise learning and test their knowledge in a flexible training environment, allowing them to take charge of their learning journey. ImplicationIn response to the increasing demand for training services from novice to advanced users, SAIL Databank adopted DOL's dual learning approach by (1) developing training courses that cover access, process, methodology, integration, and analytical tools for SAIL TRE users, (2) engaging users in a series of workgroups focused on themed datasets including Justice, Environmental, Maternal, Education, and Core Health.

Collaborating for (Game) Change(rs): Negotiating and Building Meaningful Action Research Partnerships

Sport- and physical activity-related participatory action research (PAR) often involves voluntary partnerships spanning institutions, organizations, and jurisdictions. Negotiating and maintaining multi-stakeholder and multi-jurisdictional research partnerships can be likened to a delicate balancing act fraught with potential challenges and strains impacting project outcomes (e.g., waning commitment, emerging external factors, new and/or revised stakeholder/organizational requirements, fidelity to the necessary care given when working with community partners and participants). This article presents PAR as a methodology in sport and physical activity that can potentially engage all research participants as co-researchers, sharing power equitably. Recognizing the need for continued attention and action in this area, we provide an overview of PAR in practice, identifying significant ideas and principles. Additionally, we outline Game Changers—a PAR project involving students with various disabilities, schools, PE teachers, coaches, national and community sport partners, and university researchers. Based on lessons learned from this multi-stakeholder and multi-jurisdictional research project, we interrogate the possibilities associated with engaging in PAR by exploring challenges and opportunities related to sport and physical activity-focused PAR.

The Odyssey of HOMER: Comparative Effectiveness Research on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The usual challenges of conducting primary care research, including randomized trials, have been exacerbated, and new ones identified, during the COVID-19 pandemic. HOMER (Home versus Office for Medication Enhanced Recovery; subsequently, Comparing Home, Office, and Telehealth Induction for Medication Enhanced Recovery) is a pragmatic, comparative-effectiveness research trial that aims to answer a key question from patients and clinicians: What is the best setting in which to start treatment with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder for this patient at this time? In this article, we describe the difficult journey to find the answer. The HOMER study began as a randomized trial comparing treatment outcomes in patients starting treatment with buprenorphine via induction at home (unobserved) vs in the office (observed, synchronous). The study aimed to enroll 1,000 participants from 100 diverse primary care practices associated with the State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices and Partners and the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network. The research team faced unexpected challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and dramatic changes in the opioid epidemic. These challenges required changes to the study design, protocol, recruitment intensity, and funding conversations, as well as patience. As this is a participatory research study, we sought, documented, and responded to practice and patient requests for adaptations. Changes included adding a third study arm using telehealth induction (observed via telephone or video, synchronous) and switching to a comprehensive cohort design to answer meaningful patient-centered research questions. Using a narrative approach based on the Greek myth of Homer, we describe here the challenges and adaptations that have provided the opportunity for HOMER to thrive and find the way home. These clinical trial strategies may apply to other studies faced with similar cultural and extreme circumstances.

Exosomes and Macrophages: Bidirectional Mutual Regulation in the Treatment of Diabetic Complications.

The bidirectional regulation of macrophages and exosomes provides a meaningful research direction for the treatment of complications arising from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there is currently no comprehensive evaluation of the bidirectional regulatory role of macrophages and exosomes in diabetic complications. In this review, we aim to provide the detailed process of the bidirectional regulation mechanism of macrophages and exosomes, and how macrophage-associated exosomes use this mechanism to make it better applied to clinical practice through biotechnology. Therefore, we summarized the bidirectional regulation mechanism of macrophages and exosomes and the application based on the bidirectional regulation mechanism from two aspects of inflammation and insulin resistance. As key regulators of the immune system, macrophages are crucial in the progression of diabetic complications due to their significant impact on the regulation of cellular metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, exosomes, as innovative mediators of intercellular communication, transport miRNAs, proteins, and various bioactive molecules, influencing the occurrence and progression of diabetic complications through the regulation of inflammation and insulin resistance. The bidirectional regulation between macrophages and exosomes provides a promising pathway for the treatment of diabetic complications aimed at regulating the immune response and improving insulin sensitivity. Understanding the complexity of the interaction between macrophages and exosomes can advance the treatment of diabetic complications and drug development, and bringing more innovative and effective treatment strategies for diabetic complications.

Developing and Gathering Validity Evidence for an Instrument to Measure How High School Students Identify as Researchers

AbstractThe authentic research experience, which provides students with meaningful collaborative research opportunities designed to promote discovery and innovation under the guidance of mentors, is increasing as a way to attract and engage students in STEM fields. However, despite the increase in authentic research experiences offered to students, there has been little research, particularly at the high school level, investigating students’ attitudes about themselves as researchers. To address this need, we developed a theory (or construct) for how high school age students self-identify as researchers and a companion survey to measure their identity. After three iterative development cycles, 823 high school students from diverse backgrounds were administered the 12-item survey, the Researcher Identity Survey—Form G (RISG). The partial credit Rasch model (1960/1980) was used to analyze the survey data. The results indicate that the survey identifies and locates high school age students as researchers validly and reliably along an easy to use and interpret scale. The survey holds promise as an important element for use in programs designed to broaden the entryway for students into the STEM disciplines.

Testing the sequence of successional processes in miniature ecosystems.

Hypotheses regarding the underlying processes of ecological successions have primarily emerged from and have been tested in observational studies, lacking substantial support through controlled experiments. The design of such experiments should focus on testing contemporary ecological theories at the intersection of community assembly and successional research. To achieve this, we developed and employed 3D-printed "Ecosystems on a Plate" (EsoaP) within controlled laboratory settings. EsoaPs surmount several limitations of nanoscale instruments that had hindered their application in ecologically meaningful research. By sharing 3D printing designs, experimental protocols, and data openly, we facilitate reproducibility of our experiments by researchers across diverse ecological disciplines. Moreover, our approach facilitates cost-effective replication of experiments, democratizing access to tools for ecological research, and thus holds the potential to serve as a model for future studies and educational purposes.

Building a Self-Sustaining Psychology Research Team in Academic Medicine: A Multi-Tiered Mentorship Model.

Psychologists in academic medicine face pressure to juggle multiple roles, and research is often limited by a lack of available resources and funding. In other academic settings, student-led psychology research teams that utilize a tiered mentorship approach are able to produce advances in meaningful research while supporting the development of future professionals in the field. This article identifies the barriers of implementing a tiered mentorship model into an academic medicine setting and reviews a case study of how the model can be effectively adapted and evaluated to promote a self-sustaining, student-led psychology research team.

Barriers and facilitators to ethical co-production with Autistic people with an eating disorder

BackgroundCo-production is the collaboration between researchers and the lived experience community in designing, conducting and sharing research. The importance of co-production is increasingly advocated in both the autism and eating disorder fields. Despite this, there remains a lack of clarity at how to define, apply and conduct ethical co-production. Understanding common challenges and what we can do to overcome these challenges are integral to ensuring ethical and meaningful research with Autistic people with an eating disorder. The current study therefore explored: What are the barriers and facilitators to ethical co-production with Autistic people with an ED?MethodsFive workshops were conducted with 30 collaborators exploring barriers and facilitators to ethical co-production. Synchronous (online workshops) and asynchronous (offline discussion forum) data was analysed using thematic analysis. Themes were co-produced by a neurotypical and Autistic researcher with lived/living experience of an eating disorder.ResultsFour themes were identified that explored barriers to ethical co-production: unequal partnerships, the inaccessibility of research, excluded by diagnoses and communication differences. Three themes were identified with regards to facilitators of ethical co-production: shared power (with sub-themes relationships, not roles and creative compensation), clarity and transparency and autism-affirming approaches.DiscussionConducting ethical co-production with Autistic people with eating disorders has the potential to generate meaningful research that can be translated into improving the lives of the Autistic and eating disorder community. To achieve this, co-production teams should strive towards shared power and long-term relationships, adapting for communication differences and preferences and operating firmly within an autism-affirming framework. It is hoped that study findings will inspire collaboration, discussion and novel, translatable research.

Low-Temperature Synthesis of Linear Carbon Chain inside Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Linear carbon chain (LCC) has attracted much interest concerning its structure and applications. It has been reported that LCC possesses higher strength, elastic modulus, and stiffness than any known material, which provides a possibility for LCC as a new composite material, yet its chemical stability remains an issue [1]. Therefore, finding a method to efficiently synthesize LCC has become a meaningful research topic in recent years. A landmark study on LCC synthesis was given by using double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) as the template combined with a high-temperature annealing treatment at 1460°C to acquire long chains composed of more than 6,000 carbon atoms [2]. Except for DWCNTs, LCC synthesis starting from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as templates was also reported. However, given the instability of SWCNTs at higher temperature [2] the synthesis efficiency is not as good as for DWCNTs. As far as we know, there is still no report on an efficient LCC synthesis inside SWCNTs. Herein, we report the low-temperature (400°C) efficient LCC synthesis starting from a SWCNT template.To this end, a SWCNT dispersion [3] underwent a surfactant exchange process and was fabricated into a SWCNT film by the filtration method. The SWCNT film was annealed under 400°C in an argon atmosphere to synthesize LCC. Raman spectroscopy (laser wavelength 532 nm) was used to characterize the efficiency of the LCC synthesis. A strong peak at 1863 cm-1 appeared after annealing, originating from the well-known C-mode of the linear carbon chain [4] thereby confirming its existence inside SWCNTs. SWCNTs synthesized by a low-pressure alcohol catalytic chemical vapor deposition (ACCVD) method [5] were also adopted for the LCC synthesis template, resulting in a similar LCC Raman peak at 1863 cm-1. We attribute this successful low-temperature LCC synthesis to the appropriate surfactant which could be encapsulated inside CNTs and converted to LCC during the annealing process.Keywords: Linear Carbon Chain, Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes, Surfactants

Eating Disorder and Autism Collaborative project outline: promoting eating disorder research embedded in a neurodiversity-affirming culture.

EDAC (Eating Disorders and Autism Collaborative) is an innovative project aiming to increase research capacity by supporting collaboration in the fields of eating disorders and autism. EDAC comprises four integrated workstreams to co-produce interdisciplinary research, directed by Autistic individuals with lived experience of eating disorders. Workstream 1 will outline best collaborative practices, informing the research network. Workstream 2 will use arts-based methodologies to set research priorities, with emphasis on the perspectives of underrepresented groups. Workstream 3 will support interdisciplinary collaborations to develop innovative research. Finally, workstream 4 will maximise knowledge mobilisation with the aim of reducing barriers to rapid incorporation of research into policy and clinical practice. A core aim of EDAC is to embed a neurodiversity-affirming culture within eating disorder research and to support the development of a new generation of researchers conducting innovative and meaningful research with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

The SEER Program's evolution: supporting clinically meaningful population-level research.

Although the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program has maintained high standards of quality and completeness, the traditional data captured through population-based cancer surveillance are no longer sufficient to understand the impact of cancer and its outcomes. Therefore, in recent years, the SEER Program has expanded the population it covers and enhanced the types of data that are being collected. Traditionally, surveillance systems collected data characterizing the patient and their cancer at the time of diagnosis, as well as limited information on the initial course of therapy. SEER performs active follow-up on cancer patients from diagnosis until death, ascertaining critical information on mortality and survival over time. With the growth of precision oncology and rapid development and dissemination of new diagnostics and treatments, the limited data that registries have traditionally captured around the time of diagnosis-although useful for characterizing the cancer-are insufficient for understanding why similar patients may have different outcomes. The molecular composition of the tumor and genetic factors such as BRCA status affect the patient's treatment response and outcomes. Capturing and stratifying by these critical risk factors are essential if we are to understand differences in outcomes among patients who may be demographically similar, have the same cancer, be diagnosed at the same stage, and receive the same treatment. In addition to the tumor characteristics, it is essential to understand all the therapies that a patient receives over time, not only for the initial treatment period but also if the cancer recurs or progresses. Capturing this subsequent therapy is critical not only for research but also to help patients understand their risk at the time of therapeutic decision making. This article serves as an introduction and foundation for a JNCI Monograph with specific articles focusing on innovative new methods and processes implemented or under development for the SEER Program. The following sections describe the need to evaluate the SEER Program and provide a summary or introduction of those key enhancements that have been or are in the process of being implemented for SEER.