Scientific Research Articles

Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: 2024 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The science of cardiac rehabilitation and the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease has progressed substantially since the most recent American Heart Association and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation update on the core components of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs was published in 2007. In addition, the advent of new care models, including virtual and remote delivery of cardiac rehabilitation services, has expanded the ways that cardiac rehabilitation programs can reach patients. In this scientific statement, we update the scientific basis of the core components of patient assessment, nutritional counseling, weight management and body composition, cardiovascular disease and risk factor management, psychosocial management, aerobic exercise training, strength training, and physical activity counseling. In addition, in recognition that high-quality cardiac rehabilitation programs regularly monitor their processes and outcomes and engage in an ongoing process of quality improvement, we introduce a new core component of program quality. High-quality program performance will be essential to improve widely documented low enrollment and adherence rates and reduce health disparities in cardiac rehabilitation access.

Investigating the Impact of Financial Sponsorship in Dermatology Research

Introduction: Financial sponsorship plays a crucial role in advancing dermatologic research, yet its impact on research quality and visibility is not well-defined. This study aims to evaluate the association between financial sponsorship and the quality of evidence, publication impact, and research collaboration in dermatology. Methods: We analyzed 1,380 dermatology articles published from October 2013 to October 2023 in three leading journals. Data collection was conducted using REDCap. We assessed the proportion of sponsored studies and their impact in terms of citation frequency, author count, and journal impact factors. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, chi-squared tests, and regression analysis in STATA VSN 16.1. Results: Sponsored articles comprised 48.2% of the total, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being the predominant funder. These articles showed significantly higher citation rates and more authors per article compared to non-sponsored ones. The mean journal impact factor was also higher for sponsored studies. Furthermore, sponsored studies were more likely to employ prospective study designs, indicative of higher evidence quality. Discussion: Financial sponsorship significantly enhances the visibility and quality of evidence in dermatologic research. The findings underscore the need for increased advocacy for funding, particularly in clinical research within dermatology, to foster greater research collaborations and more impactful scientific discoveries.

Philipp Schwartz, one of the pioneers of perinatal pathology was born 130 years ago (1894-1977), who escaped hundreds of scientists from Nazi Germany

Philipp Schwartz, one of the pioneers of perinatal pathology was born 130 years ago (1894-1977), who escaped hundreds of scientists from Nazi Germany

Understanding policy changes: dilemmas of funding reform in Indonesian higher education

ABSTRACT In the interpretive tradition, the study on policy changes focuses on analyzing the shift of framework of agreed and shared meanings amongst actors. While ‘dilemmas’ offer an analytical lens to understand policy change, their application remains limited. Drawing from the experience of funding reform for research in Indonesian higher education, this article explores the meanings and ideas associated with output-based funding mechanism. Affirming the established understanding within the interpretive tradition, this article finds that a policy change is a matter of actors’ inter-subjectivity and intra-discursive reasonings. This results in a wide acceptance of the new funding mechanism. However, by conceptualizing that actors are also institutionally situated, the concept of dilemmas unveils extra-discursive tensions and conflicts that confront actors’ understanding and receptivity of change. This finding underscores the significance of combining actors’ intra- and extra-discursive contexts in enriching the interpretive analysis of socio-political events.

Precisely Prepared Hierarchical Micelles of Polyfluorene‐block‐Polythiophene‐block‐Poly(phenyl isocyanide) via Crystallization‐Driven Self‐Assembly

AbstractThe precise preparation of hierarchical micelles is a fundamental challenge in modern materials science and chemistry. Herein, poly(di‐n‐hexylfluorene)‐block‐poly(3‐tetraethylene glycol thiophene) (poly(1m‐b‐2n)) diblock copolymers and polyfluorene‐block‐polythiophene‐block‐poly(phenyl isocyanide) triblock copolymers were synthesized using a one‐pot process via the sequential addition of corresponding monomers using a Ni(II) complex as a single catalyst for living/controlled polymerization. The crystallization‐driven self‐assembly of amphiphilic conjugated poly(1m‐b‐2n) led to the formation of nanofibers with controlled lengths and narrow dispersity. The block copolymers exhibited white, yellow, and red emissions in different self‐assembly states. By using uniform poly(1m‐b‐2n) nanofibers as seeds, introducing the polyfluorene‐block‐polythiophene‐block‐poly(phenyl isocyanide) triblock polymer as a unimer in the seed growth process, and adjusting the structure of the poly(phenyl isocyanide) block and the polarity of self‐assembly solvent, A−B−A triblock micelles, multiarm branched micelles, and raft micelles were prepared.

Are the discoveries directed to applications? Translating the status of translational research in Peshawar, Pakistan

Background: Translational research plays a pivotal role in transforming basic scientific discoveries into practical applications, such as drugs and treatments, to address community health needs. This study aims to assess the awareness and perceptions of translational research among healthcare professionals in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, with data collected between January and July 2023 from public and private tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. The study was approved by Ethical review board of Northwest School of Medicine via letter number: IRB & EC/2022-SM/074 dated: 15 Nov 2022. A sample size of 472 healthcare professionals was determined using the OpenEpi sample size calculator. The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire covering demographic information, awareness of translational research, and knowledge of its various aspects. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics and a one-sample t-test. Results: The study included 472 participants, with a mean age of 30.8 years, comprising various healthcare roles. Gender distribution showed 62.7% males and 37.3% females. Only 25% of respondents reported familiarity with translational research, while 75% indicated a lack of awareness. Information sources varied, with conferences/seminars (16.1%) and colleagues (5.5%) being prominent. Regarding the understanding of translational research, 64.2% admitted to having no idea. Identified barriers included lack of resources (14.8%), lack of awareness (7.6%), and lack of a sense of responsibility (1.3%). A significant majority (87.3%) reported poor knowledge of translational research, while only 12.7% indicated good knowledge. Conclusion: The findings highlight a substantial lack of awareness and understanding of translational research among healthcare professionals in Pakistan.

Can nanotechnology and genomics innovations trigger agricultural revolution and sustainable development?

At the dawn of new millennium, policy makers and researchers focused on sustainable agricultural growth, aiming for food security and enhanced food quality. Several emerging scientific innovations hold the promise to meet the future challenges. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to tackle the diverse challenges in agriculture. By leveraging nanomaterials, including nano fertilizers, pesticides, and sensors, it provides targeted delivery methods, enhancing efficacy in both crop production and protection. This integration of nanotechnology with agriculture introduces innovations like disease diagnostics, improved nutrient uptake in plants, and advanced delivery systems for agrochemicals. These precision-based approaches not only optimize resource utilization but also reduce environmental impact, aligning well with sustainability objectives. Concurrently, genetic innovations, including genome editing and advanced breeding techniques, enable the development of crops with improved yield, resilience, and nutritional content. The emergence of precision gene-editing technologies, exemplified by CRISPR/Cas9, can transform the realm of genetic modification and enabled precise manipulation of plant genomes while avoiding the incorporation of external DNAs. Integration of nanotechnology and genetic innovations in agriculture presents a transformative approach. Leveraging nanoparticles for targeted genetic modifications, nanosensors for early plant health monitoring, and precision nanomaterials for controlled delivery of inputs offers a sustainable pathway towards enhanced crop productivity, resource efficiency, and food safety throughout the agricultural lifecycle. This comprehensive review outlines the pivotal role of nanotechnology in precision agriculture, emphasizing soil health improvement, stress resilience against biotic and abiotic factors, environmental sustainability, and genetic engineering.

Documents from Stasys Žakevičius (Žymantas) archive

In 2009, the Museum of Genocide Victims of the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania received documents from the archive of Stasys Žakevičius (who was called Žymantas since 1945), a social activist, lawyer, and participant of the anti-Soviet and anti-Nazi resistance, from the United States of America. The documents from the archive collected and preserved by Žakevičius have not yet been used much in historical research, as they are scattered in various archives and reflect different periods of his biography.

The role of university patents in building strategic management

With the challenges that arise in the 21st century, the creation of new products, processes or brands has become even more of a priority for global economic growth. In several countries, universities are the "engine" of efforts to create and commercialise scientific discoveries and improve the social welfare and benefits of the population. Two challenges inherent in licensing technology from universities are making all managers aware of the benefits of investing in research that generates innovations and determining the final commercial value of a technology that is at an early stage of development. The aim of this paper is to review the latest approaches to strategic management, particularly in the area of patents created by universities and how the effects of intentional and unintentional signalling impact institutionally.

The Role of Digital Training for Human Resources in the Relevance of Research Within the University

This article examines the role of digital human resources training in the mastery of digital research management (DRM) in universities. For they are primarily responsible for structural change and innovation in university research. Notwithstanding this, this paper aims to detect and identify the technical and digital deficiencies that mitigate the level of achievement in research. Method: Our approach is based on an empirical study via a sample of 135 research specialists who will be interviewed and organized as follows: 34 teachers and 34 PhD students from the université Chouaib Doukkali in El Jadida, and 33 teachers and 34 PhD students from the université d' Ain Chock in Casablanca. Nevertheless, we focused on the use of SPSS software. The chi-square test and Cramer's Phi V will form the basis of our analysis, in order to process and interpret the data. At the same time, we will assess the correlation and strength of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables Our study is based on a hypothetico-deductive approach that takes into consideration a mixed reflection based on qualitative and quantitative methods. The results of this study reveal that human resources are not being provided with specific training in MDR research, which is seen as a means of strengthening and modernizing research in higher education. Result: The results attest those human resources are not trained by digital management strategies to carry out research projects, however, cel impacts relevance, excellence and above all innovation in scientific research. Conclusion: In short, the aim of this article is to explore and determine the level of training of human resources for a digital transformation that positively impacts the world of creation, invention and innovation of new professional knowledge, reflexive and professionalizing, specific to scientific research on a national and international scale. Keywords: Digital management, research, university, challenges, prospect

How Are The Science Process Skills of Prospective Science Teacher Students: Studies in Inorganic Chemistry and Gender

Prospective teacher students must be able to design practicums so that the learning process is meaningful. The skills that students develop in carrying out scientific discoveries, namely applying concepts, rules, and characteristics that exist in science, are called science process skills (SPS). Therefore, in building students' knowledge, students must have process skills in teaching so they can teach effectively and must have a good understanding of concepts and strong process skills. This research aims to describe the SPS of prospective science education teacher students through inorganic chemistry courses after going through learning with the discovery learning model. This research uses a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental design one-shot case study research method. The research results show that student SPS as a whole is in the high category with an average percentage of 59.71%. SPS analysis in classes A, B, and C, respectively, has an average percentage of 58.23%, 62.66%, and 58.24% in the high category. SPS analysis based on gender shows that the respective percentage of male students is 53.89% with the medium category for women and 59.81% for the high category.

Exploring the value of PGRs who teach (PGWT) in supporting undergraduate students’ sense of belonging: A Student Staff Partnership Project

The aim of this research was to explore the impact of interactions between undergraduate students (‘students’) and the postgraduate researchers (‘PGWT’) who teach them, on students’ sense of belonging. Meaningful interactions between staff and students have been identified as a key aspect of students’ sense of belonging. The unique space that postgraduates who teach occupy- both student and teacher- is widely recognized in the literature and through this dual role PGWT can provide a valuable bridge between students and academic staff. Due to the nature of their teaching - which is typically small group teaching characterised by proximity and informality - opportunities can arise for discussion of matters from the wider student experience beyond the curriculum. Activity-oriented focus groups were conducted with module leaders, PGWT and their students in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Hull to explore each groups’ perspectives, and the results were thematically analysed. Findings show that whilst students didn’t explicitly recognize or use the term ‘belonging’, through resonance, rapport and academic enrichment PGWT created environments which aligned with definitions of belonging, including building meaningful relationships, contributing to the student experience, and creating informal spaces where students discussed both learning and personal matters. PGWT were relatable, providing authentic examples and being role models. Our findings suggest that being a teacher enables PGWT themselves to feel part of, and that they belong in, the University community. This research adds to the literature on students’ perceptions of PGWT and provides recommendations for future practice.

Gaps in PM&R for Blindness & Low Vision: The Imperative of Rehabilitation for Visual Disability

Abstract Persons with blindness and low vision (pBLV) experience increased fall and injury risk beyond atypical biomechanics and balance impairments. Falling risk doubles with blindness, and more than triples with depth perception losses. Despite this, physical therapy (PT) focuses on musculoskeletal injuries post-event rather than taking a proactive and preventative approach for pBLV. We posit that PT implemented pre-injury, alongside orientation and mobility (O&M) training of adapted movement protocols could positively affect injury avoidance and severity for pBLV. The global VISION 2020 initiative seeks increased access to rehabilitation services and treatments to enhance quality-of-life for pBLV. In support, this paper reviews research studies in rehabilitation science that promote physical health and wellbeing, and stresses preventative skilled mobility and therapeutic exercise to mitigate injury. To reduce the personal, financial, and societal costs associated with BLV, as well as position patients for better outcomes, we review an evidence base that may generate immediate impact in this area. While these recommendations provide an initial framework, the role of PT in pre-habilitative care remains a critical gap that must be addressed. It is imperative that interventions, guidelines, impairment/severity-specific practices, and overall health promotion are re-evaluated and redesigned for pBLV, affording equity for health and mobility.

A Tale of Two Cities in Fluorescent Sensing of Carbon Monoxide: Probes That Detect CO and Those That Detect Only Chemically Reactive CO Donors (CORMs), but Not CO.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is endogenously produced with a range of pharmacological activities. Sensitive and selective detection of CO is critical to studying its biology. Since the first report of a CO fluorescent probe in 2012, more than 100 papers on this topic have appeared. Noteworthy in such work is the widespread use of two commercially available ruthenium-carbonyl complexes (CORM-2 and CORM-3) as CO surrogates. Unfortunately, these two CORMs are chemically very reactive and preferentially release CO2 but not CO, unless in the presence of a nucleophile. As a result, there are "two tales" of the reported CO probes: those that detect CO and those that detect only the CORM used but not CO. In addition, because of their lack of reliable CO production and fast degradation in an aqueous solution, there is the question of what "detecting CORM-2 or CORM-3" really means in the context of CO research. Additionally, for applying fluorescent CO probes in detecting low levels (often nanomolar) of CO in vivo, fast reaction kinetics is a prerequisite for meaningful results. In this Perspective, we discuss in detail these issues with the understanding of the evolutionary nature of scientific discoveries and the aim of preventing further confusion.

Enhancing China’s Incentive System for Scientific Innovation: A Review and Recommendations

Enhancing China’s Incentive System for Scientific Innovation: A Review and Recommendations

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.

The Urban Land, the Disputed Land: The Land Disputes of Pawirorejo in Surakarta 1982-1985

Abstract: The issue of land disputes in urban areas during the New Order era intensified due to the massive use of land for housing needs and to support various development projects. Especially in the late 1970s, land issues had become a major concern in cities at the municipal level. This paper analyzed the causes of land disputes involving the Pawirorejo family in the city of Surakarta. This historical research used archival sources such as trial documents from the Surakarta Court Office, regional statistical data, and newspapers. The study's results suggest that the state-controlled lands in Surakarta, which did not receive full attention, triggered the Pawirorejo land dispute; consequently, the city government's weak control also played a role. Furthermore, land as a commodity with significant value in the city of Surakarta is vulnerable to conflicts, and the adage "land for the people" becomes very difficult to fully realize amidst the strengthening currents of development and the interests of the authorities. Therefore, the use and ownership of land in urban areas, especially state land in Surakarta, require explicit regulation through legal means. Keywords: The Land Disputes, Pawirorejo, Surakarta, New Order

The Dying Tradition of Kalesa Industry in the City of Laoag

The Kalesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage, has been an iconic symbol of Filipino culture and heritage for centuries. However, in recent years, the once vibrant Kalesa industry in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, has been facing a steady decline. This research abstract aims to investigte the factors contributing to the demise of this traditional mode of transportation and its associated industry. Through a combination of qualitative interviews, this study examines the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors that have led to the dwindling presence of Kalesas in Laoag City. Furthermore, historical research was done to look at primary sources and secondary documents on the Kalesa’s contribution to the city’s growth, especially in terms of its local economy and distinctive features that let people appreciate its local color even more.

Status of “African research and its contribution to global health research: a review and an opinion”

Abstract Aim Research is key to the development of any nation, with health research being of high value to society. Research provides data that is useful for the generation and provision of knowledge needed for policy making, planning and strategic management to develop nations. Despite the African population accounting for nearly 14% of the world’s population, little published research originates from African scholars. Purpose The purpose of this article is to highlight the reasons for the lack of robust research by scientists from African low-and-middle-income countries and to emphasize the inequity experienced by African scientists in global health research. Possible solutions to the dearth in African global health research are equally explored. Findings Insufficient research has led to poor growth, development and advancements in health in Africa. A significant gap in African-led and published research, lack of mentorship, inequitable access to research funding and grant eligibility, and increased dependency on foreign organizations have contributed to the lack of sustainability and failure of African research. Conclusion Research is crucial for national development, especially in health. However, African researchers are underrepresented in global publications. To optimize research, local needs and African researchers must be prioritized, and research systems in African institutions must be strengthened. Additionally, the international community must respect, be transparent, and support research development in Africa. These efforts are essential for fostering a robust research environment, addressing global health challenges, and promoting sustainable development across Africa and LMICs.

MarkerDB 2.0: a comprehensive molecular biomarker database for 2025.

MarkerDB (https://markerdb.ca) has become a leading resource for comprehensive information on molecular biomarkers. Over the past 3 years, the database has evolved significantly, reflecting the dynamic landscape of biomarker research and increasing demands from its user community. This year's update, which is called MarkerDB 2.0, introduces key improvements to enhance the database's usability, consistency and the range of biomarkers covered. These improvements include (i) the addition of thousands of new biomarkers and associated health conditions, (ii) the inclusion of many new biomarker types and categories, (iii) upgraded searches and data filtering functionalities, (iv) new features for exploring and understanding biomarker panels and (v) significantly expanded and improved descriptions. These upgrades, along with numerous minor improvements in content, interface, layout and overall website performance, have greatly enhanced MarkerDB's usability and capacity to facilitate biomarker interpretation across various research domains. MarkerDB remains committed to providing a free, publicly accessible platform for consolidated information on a wide range of molecular (protein, genetic, chromosomal and chemical/small molecule) biomarkers, covering diagnostic, prognostic, risk, monitoring, safety and response-related biomarkers. We are confident that these upgrades and updates will improve MarkerDB's user friendliness, increase its utility and greatly expand its potential applications to many other areas of clinical medicine and biomedical research.