Practical Recommendations Research Articles

Tackling assay interference associated with small molecules.

Biochemical and cell-based assays are essential to discovering and optimizing efficacious and safe drugs, agrochemicals and cosmetics. However, false assay readouts stemming from colloidal aggregation, chemical reactivity, chelation, light signal attenuation and emission, membrane disruption, and other interference mechanisms remain a considerable challenge in screening synthetic compounds and natural products. To address assay interference, a range of powerful experimental approaches are available and in silico methods are now gaining traction. This Review begins with an overview of the scope and limitations of experimental approaches for tackling assay interference. It then focuses on theoretical methods, discusses strategies for their integration with experimental approaches, and provides recommendations for best practices. The Review closes with a summary of the critical facts and an outlook on potential future developments.

Building Research Capacity and Promoting Collaboration Through Grant Writing: Lessons From Ukrainian Universities

<p style="text-align: justify;">This study examines the state of grant writing practices in Ukrainian universities and proposes recommendations to enhance their capacity to secure external funding for research and development. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and semi-structured interviews, data was gathered from researchers and faculty members. The study identifies challenges faced by Ukrainian universities in obtaining external funding and highlights important themes for improving grant-writing practices. These themes include promoting collaboration, providing resources and infrastructure, implementing language support policies, raising awareness of funding opportunities, offering institutional support, fostering a research culture, establishing internal grant review processes, leveraging international collaborations, and emphasising evaluation and learning. By addressing these themes, Ukrainian universities can improve their grant-writing practices, increase proposal competitiveness, and enhance success rates in securing external funding. This study provides valuable insights, complements existing literature, and offers practical recommendations for grant writing in Ukrainian universities.</p>

Factors Influencing the Use of E-Assessment in Engineering Education During Emergency Remote Teaching: A Qualitative Approach

The study aims to investigate engineering education instructors' observations and experiences with e-assessment challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic's Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) period. The study employed a focus group discussion method with a criterion sample of seven instructors from engineering education in a higher education institution. The data gathered was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed four major themes: benefits, challenges, different types of remote assessment, and recommendations and guidelines for future better practice. The study's findings offer insights into the challenges faced by engineering education instructors during the ERT period, as well as recommendations for future better e-assessment practices.

Effect of commercial probiotics and antibiotics on the growth of Campylobacter isolated from chicken meat in Ho Chi Minh city markets

This study explores the antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter, a prominent foodborne pathogen, isolated in Ho Chi Minh city markets and the efficacy of commercial probiotics in inhibiting these bacteria for enhancing food safety and treating Campylobacter infections. Bacteria were isolated from chicken meat in modified coal deoxycholate cefoperazone agar (mCCD), followed by characterization as per standard procedures. Ten isolates with Gram negative, catalase positive and oxidase positive characteristics were collected. Antibiotic susceptibility is ascertained through the determination of the inhibited zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of five distinct antibiotics against Campylobacter on Muller Hinton agar plates, culminating in a comprehensive assessment after a 24-hour incubation duration. The antibiotic susceptibility results underscore substantial diversity in Campylobacter isolates among meat samples, thereby accentuating discernible distinctions among the various antibiotic products. The research also evaluated the suitability of 5 commercial probiotic products (re-named as A, B, C, D, and E for fair assessment) by examining their impact on the growth of Campylobacter colonies. The antimicrobial effect of probiotics against Campylobacter is assessed using the agar well diffusion assay and co-culture method. We obtained consistent results from two methods, indicating no variation in Campylobacter species among meat samples but significant variations among probiotic products. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into the antimicrobial potential of each probiotic and antibiotic on Campylobacter, informing recommendations for food hygiene practices and underscoring the role of both probiotics and antibiotics in combating Campylobacter infections.

Fortifying Micronutrient Supplementation in India: Indian Expert consensus.

Micronutrients play a key role in human health, being involved in energy metabolism, immunity, cellular functioning, growth, and development. Deficiencies in micronutrients occur in individuals of all ages due to several factors, including inadequate diets, disease states, and overweight/obesity. Guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Expert Group on Nutrient Requirements for Indians (2023) have specified the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for macronutrients and micronutrients. In addition, a healthy diet is crucial for overall health and should be the first step toward addressing micronutrient deficiencies. When diet is inadequate, micronutrient supplements can be provided to compensate. An expert panel of Indian doctors was convened to develop a pathway toward micronutrient supplementation among the Indian population. This Consensus Statement recognizes that different populations have varying needs for specific micronutrients, and ensuring adequate intake of such micronutrients can improve health outcomes. The panel provided recommendations for dietary practices and micronutrient supplementation when diet is inadequate. Addressing micronutrient deficiencies at the primary care level can prevent chronic deficiencies and their consequences. This Consensus Statement can serve as a primer for physicians to monitor and address deficiencies and thus help individuals maintain their health.

288 It affected me so much that I even had to tie my tubes: The Role of Patient-Clinician Communication on Black Women’s Perceptions of Pregnancy Risk

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: This study utilizes a Black Feminist metatheoretical approach in conjunction with the Social Amplification of Risk Framework to: i) assess the role of communication with clinicians on Black women’s perceptions of risk and ii) outline recommendations for empowering communication that attenuates Black women’s perceptions of pregnancy risk. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 self-identified Black women in 2022 and 2023 to gain insights into their conceptualizations of pregnancy risk, and the role of communication with clinicians in the amplification and/or attenuation of pregnancy risk perceptions.An IRB approved flier was used for both in-person and online recruitment of participants from 12 US states.Each participant signed a consent form and received $20 as compensation for their time. Interviews were recorded and transcribed using a digital transcription tool, and then reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy. This study’s metatheoretical underpinning in Black Feminist Theory informed the use of reflexive thematic analysis in the qualitative analysis of the in-depth interviews. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: This study found thatunclear communication (including insufficiently contextualized history taking), obstetric violence, anddiagnoses with insufficient explanation,led to the amplification of concerns and worries about pregnancy as well as erosion of trust in healthcare. In contrast,clinicians lessenedconcerns about pregnancy through clear communication (including appropriately contextualized history-taking), demonstration of empathy, and by fostering patient agency.The study thus highlights the importance of clinicians' clear communication,demonstration ofempathy and fostering of patient agencyas critical factors to empowering communication that attenuates Black women’s pregnancy-related risk perceptions. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Given the unjust dangers Black women face during pregnancy, this study demonstrates how patient-clinician communication influences Black women’s pregnancy risk perceptions, providing recommendations for clinician communication practices that empower Black women and attenuate their perceptions of pregnancy risk.

Fluid therapy in ICU – A review

The most common indications of fluid resuscitation in critical care settings are severe hypovolemia, sepsis, trauma, burns, and perioperative fluid loss. Evaluation of intravascular volume status and the ability for identifying patients who might profit from volume expansion is vital. Traditional markers such as central venous pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure have poor predictive value for fluid responsiveness. Dynamic indices such as pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation, tidal volume challenge, and passive leg raise test are recommended to predict fluid responsiveness over static markers. The next perplexing part of fluid therapy is the choice of fluid resuscitation. The simplest answer is to provide crystalloids and avoid synthetic colloids (hydroxyethyl startch, gelatin, and dextran). Among the colloids, albumin has a role in certain clinical conditions in critical care settings. Between normal saline and buffered solutions, buffered solutions have the advantage of reducing acid–base disturbances, and chloride burden, and are likely to prevent renal failure. However, the advantage of buffered solutions did not consistently show up in large randomized controlled trials. Although administering fluids is a common therapeutic approach in critical care settings, administering fluids excessively has been linked to fatal outcomes. The resuscitation, optimization, stabilization, and evacuation concept describes the use of a dynamic fluid strategy to optimize benefits and prevent the negative effects of fluid overload. After receiving a patient in an emergency room or intensive care unit with hemodynamic instability, the first thing that comes to mind is whether or not the patient would benefit from fluid administration. How to predict fluid responsiveness? What type of fluids should be administered? When to stop administering fluids and start evacuation are vital questions confronted in day-to-day practice. In this article, we would like to discuss these issues and provide recommendations for current practices.

OPTIMIZATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN INDONESIA

This article focuses on the importance of optimizing Human Resource (HRM) development in the public sector, in this case the Indonesian education sector, to improve the quality of education. Effective human resource management plays a vital role in achieving the goal of high-quality and sustainable education. This study explores various elements of HRM, including recruitment and selection, development and training, motivation and retention, performance evaluation, and well-being and work-life balance. Using qualitative research methods, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document studies from various educational institutions in Indonesia. The research findings suggest that optimizing HRM can contribute significantly to improving the quality of education. This article offers recommendations for HRM policies and practices that can be utilized by policymakers and practitioners in the Indonesian education sector.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Ad Personalization: A Study on Programmatic Advertising

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on ad personalization within the realm of programmatic advertising, exploring how AI-driven techniques optimize targeting and engagement. By leveraging AI algorithms, programmatic advertising systems can analyze vast datasets to deliver highly personalized ad experiences tailored to individual users. The research delves into the mechanisms by which AI enhances personalization, from predictive analytics to real-time data processing, and assesses the implications for both advertisers and consumers. Our findings indicate that AI-powered personalization not only increases ad relevance but also improves user satisfaction, engagement, and conversion rates. However, ethical considerations, such as data privacy and transparency, remain critical. This study provides a comprehensive overview of AI’s role in programmatic advertising, addressing both technological advancements and ethical challenges, with recommendations for future research and industry practices.

Assessing the robustness of Multi-Armed Bandit algorithms against biased initialization

The robustness of Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) algorithms forms a cornerstone of the efficacy of contemporary recommender systems. This study provides a comparative analysis of four widely-adopted MAB algorithmsEpsilon Greedy, Explore Then Commit (ETC), Upper Confidence Bound (UCB1), and Thompson Samplingunder the influence of biased initialization. Conducted in a simulated environment that mirrors practical recommender scenarios, the study examines the adaptive responses of these algorithms over time, quantifying their performance using cumulative regret as a primary metric. Our findings indicate varying degrees of resilience, with Epsilon Greedy exhibiting the slowest recovery from initial bias and Thompson Sampling demonstrating consistent adaptability. By exploring the implications of static biases to various multi-armed bandit algorithms, this research contributes foundational insights for advancing the development of robust and equitable recommender systems.

Examining prevalence and predictors of food insecurity for transition-age youth transitioning out of foster care

ABSTRACT Transition-age youth with foster care involvement (TAY) face significant risks for food insecurity and other hardships in early adulthood. Using representative survey data of youth transitioning out of foster care in California, we examine the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity. We find that about 30% of study participants were food insecure at ages 19, 21, and 23. We also identify multiple risk and protective factors associated with being food insecure, such as TAY’s sexual identity and receipt of public benefits. The results of our study offer life-stage-specific recommendations for policy and practice to address food insecurity among TAY.

A systematic evidence synthesis of disability and inclusive pedagogy in initial teacher training in English as a Foreign Language

This systematic review considers recent evidence of the preparation of inclusive education implementation in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education across different countries. The study comprised of a comprehensive search of multiple databases which are accessible for scholars with visual impairments working with an open-source screen reader application: British Education Index, Education Source, ERIC subscription, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. The searches generated 508 studies from January 1 2002, to December 31 2022,. 73 duplicated studies were removed, leaving 435 records to be screened for inclusion. 430 of these were rejected for not meeting the selection criteria, leaving five studies for inclusion. One additional relevant study from author's personal collection of references was also included in the review. The review discovered that the issue of disability and inclusive pedagogy in initial EFL teacher education scholarship is extremely under-studied. Only four relevant studies were conducted in the Global North, two in the Middle East, and none in the Global South, where an expanding population of pupils learning English are located. The findings of this study provide insights and recommendations for policy and practices of initial EFL teacher education.

Enhancing customer segmentation in Chinese city commercial banks: A machine learning approach

This paper examines the progression and implementation of customer segmentation theory in banking, focusing particularly on an improved RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) model. It highlights the essential role of identifying high-value customers for the sustained growth and success of commercial banks. The study elucidates the pivotal role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and detailed management in the realm of retail banking as crucial for achieving success. By analyzing real-case scenarios from the Chinese banking sector, this paper illuminates the evolving nature of customer segmentation theory and its varied applications. The objective is to provide insightful and practical recommendations for commercial banks aiming to develop or enhance their customer segmentation frameworks. This research contributes both to the theoretical understanding of customer segmentation and offers a pragmatic guide for banks seeking to improve their customer management approaches in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.

Основные технологические свойства заменителей сычужного фермента

The quality of the finished cheese depends on the process of obtaining a milk clot under the action of a milk-converting enzyme. Most types of cheeses can be produced using the full range of dairy coagulants available on the market. However, without taking into account their technological features, enterprises save pennies on the cost of enzymes and lose rubles on the quality of products. The main technological characteristics of rennet enzyme substitutes (proteolytic activity, sensitivity to Ca2+ ions, pH, temperature stability), important for regulating the coagulation process during cheese production, are investigated. Practical recommendations on the use of milk-clotting enzyme preparations are given.

The Atypical Forms of Employment Acceptance by Polish Full-Time Employees as per Modern Labour Market Rules in an EU-Country Context

This manuscript is dedicated to atypical forms of employment which are a response to transactional relations between the employee and the employer on the modern labour market. The general research question is whether employees who accept atypical forms of employment (or “AFE”; readiness to providing work) obtain benefits in the form of high employability and well-being as well as low levels of job insecurity. The assumptions and the research scheme are new compared to previous studies. A quantitative CAWI study was conducted on a sample of Polish full-time employees (N = 543), as potentially voluntarily declaring their acceptance of AFE. In addition, well-being was operationalised according to C. Ryff ’s approach as a sense of agency in the creation of the professional environment. The respondents were divided into two groups – those accepting AFE and those accepting traditional, long-term employment, in reference to the concept of transactional and relational psychological contract. The regression analysis shows that the first group had a high level of employability. However, they achieved low levels of well-being, and job insecurity was not significant. These are individuals in managerial positions in the private sector. On the other hand, the group that accepts the traditional form of relationships are public sector employees and have high job insecurity only. An important determinant of the acceptance of AFE is the so-called “Big Five trait” openness. In addition, the level of acceptance decreases with age. Gender and education are not statistically significant. The focus in this paper on full-time employees, and the benefits of AFE, fill the research gap in this area. It also delivers recommendations for labour market practices and policy on how to support employees on the modern labour market in EU countries.

Modes of assay interference and the effectiveness of serum pretreatment approaches in detection of anti-HLA antibodies

AimsSeveral modes of assay interference common to immunoassays affect solid-phase single-antigen bead-based immunoassays (SAB) used to detect antibodies against human leucocyte antigens (HLA). Best practice recommendations include methods to address...

Breathing patterns and associated cardiovascular changes in intermittently breathing animals: (Partially) correcting a semantic quagmire.

Many animal species do not breathe in a continuous, rhythmic fashion, but rather display a variety of breathing patterns characterized by prolonged periods between breaths (inter-breath intervals), during which the heart continues to beat. Examples of intermittent breathing abound across the animal kingdom, from crustaceans to cetaceans. With respect to human physiology, intermittent breathing-also termed 'periodic' or 'episodic' breathing-is associated with a variety of pathologies. Cardiovascular phenomena associated with intermittent breathing in diving species have been termed 'diving bradycardia', 'submersion bradycardia', 'immersion bradycardia', 'ventilation tachycardia', 'respiratory sinus arrhythmia' and so forth. An examination across the literature of terminology applied to these physiological phenomena indicates, unfortunately, no attempt at standardization. This might be viewed as an esoteric semantic problem except for the fact that many of the terms variously used by different authors carry with them implicit or explicit suggestions of underlying physiological mechanisms and even human-associated pathologies. In this article, we review several phenomena associated with diving and intermittent breathing, indicate the semantic issues arising from the use of each term, and make recommendations for best practice when applying specific terms to particular cardiorespiratory patterns. Ultimately, we emphasize that the biology-not the semantics-is what is important, but also stress that confusion surrounding underlying mechanisms can be avoided by more careful attention to terms describing physiological changes during intermittent breathing and diving.

Adapting the in vitro micronucleus assay (OECD Test Guideline No. 487) for testing of manufactured nanomaterials: recommendations for best practices.

The current Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development test guideline number 487 (OECD TG No. 487) provides instruction on how to conduct the in vitro micronucleus assay. This assay is one of the gold standard approaches for measuring the mutagenicity of test items; however, it is directed at testing low molecular weight molecules and may not be appropriate for particulate materials (e.g. engineered nanoparticles [ENPs]). This study aimed to adapt the in vitro micronucleus assay for ENP testing and underpins the development of an OECD guidance document. A harmonized, nano-specific protocol was generated and evaluated by two independent laboratories. Cell lines utilized were human lymphoblastoid (TK6) cells, human liver hepatocytes (HepG2) cells, Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79) cells, whole blood, and buffy coat cells from healthy human volunteers. These cells were exposed to reference ENPs from the Joint Research Council (JRC): SiO2 (RLS-0102), Au5nm and Au30nm (RLS-03, RLS-010), CeO2 (NM212), and BaSO4 (NM220). Tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC/Co) was used as a trial particulate positive control. The chemical controls were positive in all cell cultures, but WC/Co was only positive in TK6 and buffy coat cells. In TK6 cells, mutagenicity was observed for SiO2- and both Au types. In HepG2 cells, Au5nm and SiO2 showed sub-two-fold increases in micronuclei. In V79 cells, whole blood, and buffy coat cells, no genotoxicity was detected with the test materials. The data confirmed that ENPs could be tested with the harmonized protocol, additionally, concordant data were observed across the two laboratories with V79 cells. WC/Co may be a suitable particulate positive control in the in vitro micronucleus assay when using TK6 and buffy coat cells. Detailed recommendations are therefore provided to adapt OECD TG No. 487 for testing ENP.

A qualitative exploration of the use of telehealth for opioid treatment: Implications for nurse-managed care.

To characterise experiences with telehealth for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) services among patients, prescribers, nurses and substance use counsellors to inform future best practices. We engaged a qualitative descriptive study design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with prescribers (nurse practitioners and physicians, n = 20), nurses and substance use counsellors (n = 7), and patients (n = 20) between June and September 2021. Interviews were verbatim transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. Among both providers and patients, four themes were identified: (1) Difficulties with telehealth connection (2) Flexibility in follow-up and retention, (3) Policy changes that enabled expanded care, (4) Path forward with telehealth. Two additional findings emerged from provider interviews: (1) Expansion of nurse-managed office-based opioid treatment, and (2) Novel methods to engage patients. Patients and providers continued to view telehealth as an acceptable means for delivery and management of MOUD, particularly when utilised in a hybrid manner between in-person visits. Nurse-managed care for this service was evident as nurses extended the breadth of services offered and utilised novel methods such as text messages and management of 'call-in' lines to engage patients. Use of telehealth for MOUD should be incorporated into practice settings to reach patients in a flexible manner. Nurses in particular can use this medium to extend office-based opioid treatment by conducting assessments and expanding capacity for other wrap-around services. We identify recommendations for best practices in the use of telehealth for opioid use disorder management and highlight the value of nurse-managed care. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Patients with opioid use disorder and prescribers with experience using telehealth were interviewed for this study.

Neurocognitive management in congenital heart disease: a systematic review of clinical practice recommendations

Neurocognitive management in congenital heart disease: a systematic review of clinical practice recommendations