Collaborative Research Research Articles

Meeting report of the seventh annual Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium Symposium.

The Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium (TSMC) was founded to enhance collaboration, coordination, and communication of microbiome research among DoD organizations and to facilitate resource, material and information sharing among consortium members, which includes collaborators in academia and industry. The 2023 annual symposium was a hybrid meeting held in Washington DC on 26-27 September 2023 concurrent with the virtual attendance, with oral and poster presentations and discussions centered on microbiome-related topics within five broad thematic areas: 1) Environmental Microbiome Characterization; 2) Microbiome Analysis; 3) Human Microbiome Characterization; 4) Microbiome Engineering; and 5) In Vitro and In Vivo Microbiome Models. Collectively, the symposium provided an update on the scope of current DoD and DoD-affiliated microbiome research efforts and fostered collaborative opportunities. This report summarizes the presentations and outcomes of the 7th annual TSMC symposium.

Spinal cord evaluation in multiple sclerosis: clinical and radiological associations, present and future

Abstract Spinal cord disease is important in most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) but assessment remains less emphasized in patient care, basic and clinical research, and therapeutic trials. The North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis (NAIMS) Spinal Cord Interest Group formed to determine and present the contemporary landscape of MS spinal cord evaluation, further existing and advanced spinal cord imaging techniques, and foster collaborative work. Important themes arose: 1) Multiple Sclerosis Spinal Cord Lesions (differential diagnosis, association with clinical course); 2) Spinal Cord Radiological-Pathological Associations; 3) “Critical” spinal cord lesions; 4) Multiple Sclerosis Topographical Model; 5) Spinal Cord Atrophy; 6) Automated and Special Imaging Techniques. Distinguishing multiple sclerosis from other myelopathic etiology is increasingly refined by imaging and serological studies. Postmortem spinal cord findings and MRI-pathological correlative studies demonstrate MRI’s high sensitivity detecting microstructural demyelination and axonal loss. Spinal leptomeninges include immune inflammatory infiltrates, some in B-cell lymphoid-like structures. “Critical” demyelinating lesions along spinal cord corticospinal tracts are anatomically consistent with and may be disproportionately associated with motor progression. Multiple Sclerosis topographical model implicates the spinal cord as an area where threshold impairment associates with multiple sclerosis disability. Progressive spinal cord atrophy and “silent” multiple sclerosis progression may be emerging as an important multiple sclerosis prognostic biomarker. Manual atrophy assessment is complicated by rater bias, while automation (e.g. Spinal Cord Toolbox), and artificial intelligence may reduce this. Collaborative research by NAIMS and similar groups with experts combining distinct strengths is key to advancing assessment and treatment of people with multiple sclerosis spinal cord disease.

Quantifying the Emergence of Basic Research Capabilities in Cluster Enterprises: An Analytical Framework Based on Information Entropy

This study looks at how basic research capabilities develop within enterprise clusters, focusing on the complex and adaptive nature of these systems. It builds a conceptual model using systems theory and applies information entropy to measure how much these capabilities have emerged. This study introduces an innovative application of information entropy to model and quantify the emergence of research capabilities within enterprise clusters, offering a novel framework for assessing research development. To dive deeper, China Pingmei Shenma Group (Henan, China) was used as a case study. A case study approach was used to gather empirical data. This case—focused on a state-owned enterprise cluster in China’s coal-based energy and chemical industries—highlights the key factors that influence research capability growth. These factors include support from external systems, how internal resources are used, and their renewal over time. From 2017 to 2022, the study tracked how the organization of research capabilities evolved over time by tracking changes in entropy, revealing the process of research development driven by both internal and external forces. The methodology involves measuring system entropy to evaluate the degree of orderliness and innovation performance, incorporating entropy generation and exchange metrics, which allows for a more precise understanding of system emergence and complexity. The interactions within the system, such as knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and external input from government subsidies or tax incentives, are modeled to track how they influence the system’s overall entropy. This study finds that the ability of an enterprise cluster to bring in external resources and reduce internal inefficiencies is critical for enhancing research capabilities. This model can help policymakers and enterprises in strategic decision-making, particularly in industries undergoing technological transformation. This framework also provides practical insights for improving research collaboration and innovation in enterprise clusters, especially in rapidly evolving industries like energy and chemicals.

Research needs of higher specialist trainees in psychiatry in Ireland: mixed methods study.

Higher specialist trainees (HSTs) in psychiatry in Ireland were recruited to complete a 21-item online questionnaire anonymously. Questions were designed to establish the research experience of HSTs in various years of training, identify perceived barriers to participation and generate potential strategies to overcome these barriers. Of 165 HSTs surveyed, 50 (30%) responded. Most respondents (58%) were in the second or third year of HST. Most (72%) were training in general adult psychiatry. Themes that emerged from analysis of the qualitative data were 'collaborative research culture', 'guidance', 'choice' and 'access to resources'. Participants felt they needed more structured guidance and regular supervision, and expressed a desire for more networking and collaboration. The need for a supportive, collaborative research culture within psychiatry was predominant among responses. Structured research programmes and access to resources may facilitate a more positive research culture and should be considered as part of the training curriculum.

Challenges in institutional ethical review process and approval for international multicenter clinical studies in lower and middle-income countries: the case of PARITY study

BackgroundOne of the greatest challenges to conducting multicenter research studies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is the heterogeneity in regulatory processes across sites. Previous studies have reported variations in requirements with a lack of standardization in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes between centers, imposing barriers for approval, participation, and development of multicenter research.ObjectivesTo describe the regulatory process, variability and challenges faced by pediatric researchers in LMICs during the IRB process of an international multicenter observational point prevalence study (Global PARITY).DesignA 16-question multiple-choice online survey was sent to site principal investigators (PIs) at PARITY study participating centers to explore characteristics of the IRB process, costs, and barriers to research approval. A shorter survey was employed for sites that expressed interest in participating in Global PARITY and started the approval process, but ultimately did not participate in data collection (non-participating sites) to assess IRB characteristics.ResultsOf the 91 sites that sought IRB approval, 46 were successful in obtaining approval and finishing the data collection process. The survey was completed by 46 (100%) participating centers and 21 (47%) non-participating centers. There was a significant difference between participating and non-participating sites in IRB approval of a waiver consent and in the requirement for a legal review of the protocol. The greatest challenge to research identified by non-participating sites was a lack of research time and the lack of institutional support.ConclusionsGlobal collaborative research is crucial to increase our understanding of pediatric critical care conditions in hospitals of all resource-levels and IRBs are required to ensure that this research complies with ethical standards. Critical barriers restrict research activities in some resource limiting countries. Increasing the efficiency and accessibility of local IRB review could greatly impact participation of resource limited sites and enrollment of vulnerable populations.

Heritage Transmission From Past to Future: A Practice‐Based Exploration of Value Education Through Oral History

ABSTRACTStudies connecting oral history and value education as a method of learning and teaching are a few, and most are based on theoretical knowledge. There are limited studies that practically apply value education, using oral history as an example for researchers and readers. We designed this research to fill the gap between theory and practice. The current study aims to integrate oral history practices into value education and provide a practice‐based example. Our problem statement: “Can the oral history method contribute to students' learning of the values?” To answer this question, we conducted collaborative action research with 20 students studying in a public secondary school over nine weeks to teach them the values of attaching importance to family unity, solidarity, respect, and responsibility, which we determined to be within the scope of the social studies course. At all stages, we collaborated with the social studies teacher, students, and family members of the students. We used various data collection tools, including knowledge assessment forms (pre and post), implementation assessment forms, and semi‐structured interview forms with the students. After the data collection, we used the content analysis method. The study results showed that implementing value education through oral history effectively taught the objectives' values. In addition, thanks to the practice, students could perceive the change and continuity of values and develop their skills. Based on the research results, we can say that oral history should be used more as an innovative method in value education.

Recording of non-musculoskeletal manifestations, comorbidities, and safety outcomes in European spondyloarthritis registries: a survey

Abstract Objectives Real-world evidence is needed to inform treatment strategies for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), who have non-musculoskeletal manifestations (NMM), various risk factors, and comorbidities. International collaboration is required to ensure statistical power and to enhance generalisability. The first step forward is identifying which data are currently being collected. Across 17 registries participating in the European Spondyloarthritis research collaboration, we aimed to map in a survey recording practices for NMMs, comorbidities, and safety outcomes in patients with PsA and axSpA. Methods Through a survey with 4,420 questionnaire items, we explored the recording practices of 58 pre-defined conditions (ie, NMMs, comorbidities, and safety outcomes) covering 10 disease areas. In all registries we mapped for each condition 1) whether it was recorded, 2) the recording procedure, and 3) the potential to identify it through linkage to other national registries. Results Conditions were generally recorded at entry into the registry and clinical follow-up visits using a pre-specified list or a coding system. Most registries recorded conditions within the following disease areas: NMMs (number of registries, n = 15–16), cardiovascular diseases (n = 10–14), gastrointestinal diseases (n = 12–13), infections (n = 10–13), and death (n = 14). Nordic countries had the potential for data linkage and generally had limited recording of conditions in their registry, while other countries had comprehensive recording practices. Conclusion A wide range of conditions were consistently recorded across the registries. The recording practices of many conditions and disease areas were comparable across the registries. Our findings support the potential for future collaborative research.

Contact Risk Assessment in Dynamic Indoor Settings through Agent‐Based Modeling: A Spatially Explicit and Reproducible Approach

This study introduces an agent‐based model (ABM) pedestrian simulation tool to assess the risk of close contact (6 feet) in dynamic indoor environments, specifically in urban settings with diverse social activities and spatial structures. Our approach uses machine learning‐based sensitivity analysis (SA) to identify factors impacting the number of individual contacts, such as individual stay time and area. In addition, we conducted an in‐depth quantitative analysis to evaluate how specific factors, such as the strategic placement of obstacles, dwell time, and stay time near the entrances, mitigate the number of contacts. This analysis provides valuable insights for developing practical guidelines to curb contact risks in indoor environments. Lastly, we share the model, validation methods, and associated data as an open‐source Python library, complete with comprehensive documentation. This aims at fostering collaborative research and enables the application of our model across various scenarios, contributing to the development of spatially explicit models. Such efforts enhance the understanding of contact risks in urban indoor settings and promote joint research efforts, thus advancing the field through shared knowledge and tools.

Developing the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing

PurposeThis paper describes the development of the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing, and details the experiences of some of WECARE’s 17 members.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores and situates the WECARE team’s experiences within extant literature on cross-national and collaborative research groupings alongside a strongly practical focus.FindingsThe study’s findings included effects of member mindsets and motivations, differentiated benefits and challenges of membership, cultural sensitivity, research capacity-building, leadership, communication, data security and planning.Originality/valueCross-national research is seen as an important part of academic researchers’ activities. Yet, little has been written about how cross-national research groups form and operate, and what benefits and challenges their members experience.

Association between the serum albumin–creatinine ratio and 28-day intensive care unit mortality among patients with sepsis: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

IntroductionSepsis is a substantial global health challenge with a considerable disease burden. Despite advancements in sepsis research, the mortality rates associated with this condition remain high. The relationship between the serum albumin-to-creatinine ratio (sACR) and mortality in patients with sepsis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the sACR and 28-day mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we used data sourced from the eICU Collaborative Research Database. The primary exposure variable was sACR, and the primary outcome measure was mortality within 28 days after ICU admission. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, generalized additive models, and two-piecewise linear regression models, which were employed to explore non-linear relationships and threshold effects between sACR and mortality.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 9,690 ICU patients with sepsis, with a 28-day mortality rate of 9.99%. The results of the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that elevated sACR levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality (odds ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.71–0.87, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Curve fitting revealed a non-linear relationship between sACR and 28-day mortality, with an inflection point of 4.79.DiscussionThis study demonstrated that sACR is an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in ICU patients with sepsis, exhibiting a non-linear negative dose–response relationship and a threshold effect. These findings may serve as early warning indicators in high-risk populations.

Decoding nationalistic biases in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam research

ABSTRACT The Nile Basin, supporting 40% of Africa's population, faces a critical challenge in aligning developmental goals with water security needs. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) illustrates this dilemma: it promises substantial energy benefits for Ethiopia but raises downstream water scarcity concerns, particularly in Egypt. This study examines GERD-related research to understand how academic perspectives may influence regional tensions or foster collaboration. Through systematic analysis of 79 articles published between 2011 and 2023, we utilized quantitative sentiment analysis to explore potential biases linked to researcher nationality, methodology, and co-authorship diversity. Findings reveal a statistically significant nationalistic bias, with Egyptian and Ethiopian researchers showing negative and positive sentiments, respectively, suggesting research can inadvertently shape polarized public and political stances on GERD. Importantly, studies with diverse co-authorship displayed reduced bias, underscoring the value of multi-national collaboration in mitigating partiality. Contrary to expectations, qualitative methods did not necessarily correlate with extreme positions, while quantitative methods appeared vulnerable to unintended bias. These insights highlight the need for critically assessing academic objectivity in transboundary resource issues, advocating for interdisciplinary and collaborative research to build mutual trust, which could potentially inform and improve regional diplomatic efforts.

The association of serum albumin with 28 day mortality in critically ill patients undergoing dialysis: a secondary analysis based on the eICU collaborative research database

BackgroundThe relationship between serum albumin and prognosis in critically ill patients has been studied, however, there is a paucity of exploration into non-linear relationships, particularly in critically ill patients undergoing dialysis. This study intends to investigate the association between serum albumin (ALB) and 28 day mortality in critically ill patients undergoing dialysis.MethodsWe conducted a multi-center retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing dialysis by utilising data from the eICU Collaborative Research Database from 208 distinct ICUs across the United States between 2014 and 2015. The study focused on mortality within 28 days of ICU admission. We employed univariate analysis, multi-factor logistic regression, subgroup analysis, curve-fitting, and threshold effect analysis to examine the correlation between ALB levels and 28 day mortality.ResultsAmong the 2,315 patients with a median age of 63 years, 205 (8.86%) died within 28 days of ICU admission. When ALB level was < 2.7 g/dL, the mortality decreased with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.34 (95% CI 0.22–0.51, P < 0.0001) for every 1 increment in the ALB. However, no significant mortality changes were observed when ALB levels were at or above this threshold.ConclusionOur study identifies a nonlinear dose–response relationship between serum ALB levels and 28 day mortality in critically ill patients undergoing dialysis, with a specific turning point observed. This finding underscores a significant negative correlation between ALB levels and mortality risk, with lower ALB levels being associated with higher mortality risk in this particular population.

Priority-based QoS Extensions and IAM Improvements

The command and control system operates in a harsh and dynamic environment with limited resources and have a very high risk of failure or malfunction. In the case of military information systems, including the command and control system, the efficiency and effectiveness of system resource management are very important and required. Therefore, the application of a QoS-like approach is necessary to improve the operational effectiveness of all command and control system resources. However, supporting QoS at the entire command and control system level incurs additional costs and burdens for implementation and operation. This paper describes the necessity and possibility of collaboration with QoS and IAM (identity and access management) among the collaboration between core functions within the command and control system. This paper proposes an extended QoS approach to improve the operational effectiveness of the entire command and control system resources. As a result of this research, expanded concepts, structures, standards, and methods of collaboration between QoS and IAM are developed and presented, and their feasibility is demonstrated through prototype development and experiments.

Matvei Nikolaevich Khangalov: an intellectual biography of a distinguished ethnographer

In this article, we attempt to present an intellectual biography of the prominent Buryat ethnographer and public educator Matvei Khangalov (1858–1918). He remains an important figure in the Buryat public community, yet little attention has been paid to his life and work in anthropological studies. Drawing on archival and literary sources, as well as various recollections of his contemporaries, we explore his family background, pedagogical activities, public engagement, scholarly legacy and publications, tracing the chronology of his academic career and the scope of his field research and academic collaborations. The new findings shed light on the historical circumstances, shaped by the specific development of Mongol studies and ethnography within the Russian Empire, that provided the scholar with the opportunity to fully realize his creative potential.

Remote Sensing Data Quality in the Era of AI

Abstract. The era of Artificial Intelligence ‘AI’ with all the benefits brought along, has raised new and additional challenges to the ongoing efforts of assessing, defining, formulating, and implementing the quality aspects of geospatial remote sensing data. Developed practices using artificial intelligence leveraged techniques such as image interpretation, classification, thematic mapping, and even image quality enhancement, necessitating by that the reassessment and redevelopment of some of the related emerging quality aspects. Moreover, technology also made the generation of false images and false data possible, this matter constrained and increased precaution and doubtfulness, altogether making some practices based on that data almost halt to further notice. This paper presents the collaborative research work to assess and clarify the quality aspects that arose with the advent and implementation of AI and associated technologies; the concerns and issues that can accompany the generation of false satellite and aerial images including the generated geospatial data out of which, how the new emerged quality aspects fit into the currently existing methods through the lifecycle of remote sensing data production and usage, and consequently how the quality dimensions are affected and should be further developed and improved to tackle the changes and innovations. Also, lame a bit on investigating how to accommodate the new challenges in standards, and practical procedures and raise the awareness to users, the level of dependency on improved and enhanced satellite images when it comes to data collection interpretation and classification, and finally define the research gaps, future expected challenges and thus enclose suggestions and recommendations in that respect.

The Complexity of Funding International Research Collaboration. An Analysis of Partnership and Rivalry Between the EU and China

In recent years, increased rivalry between China and the EU has been seen as a threat to cooperation, including in the field of higher education and scientific research. We explore how cooperation in research between China and the EU has developed over time via a bibliometric analysis of international co-authorships within four different funding agencies (CAS, MOST, JRC, and ESA). Our findings suggest that EU-China cooperation has continued to strengthen, despite a new options for “rivalry to increase between these two parties”. We suggest that this is explained by the benefits that both the EU and China receive from collaboration, albeit such benefits differ in type. Possibly, our findings are also a byproduct of adjustments triggered initially by the US “China Initiative”. The dilemma of whether to collaborate or not is likely to become more pressing, as the policies of some funding agencies have implications for national defense and security.

Influence and collaboration in library and information science research: A university perspective

Objective. The objective of this study was to examine the influence and collaboration patterns within library and information science (LIS) research, with a particular focus on the contributions of universities over time. Design/Methodology/Approach. This study used bibliometrics and LIS network analysis to examine 14,517 articles indexed in Scopus from 1954 to 2023. The Bibliometrix R-package was used to identify publication trends, influential institutions, authors, and collaboration networks in the LIS field. Findings. The key findings indicated that Wuhan University was the foremost institution in LIS research, with notable contributions from Chinese scholars who were identified as the most influential authors in the field. The keywords “information science” and “information retrieval” emerged as common thematic areas, reflecting core research interests. The content analysis also revealed that LIS research had robust connections with fields such as physics, computer science, and information technology, underscoring an interdisciplinary trend. Originality/Value. This study offered original insights into the evolving landscape of LIS research, identifying both leadership in academic output and potential gaps in current research coverage. It underscored the necessity for future research to expand the scope of its database and refine keyword selection for more comprehensive representation. The findings contributed to the strategic development of LIS research and the fostering of international collaboration.

Considerations for enhancing participation and data accuracy in geospatial research in rural areas: experiences with PGIS in northern Malawi

ABSTRACT Rural environments are experiencing rapid changes that must be explored to understand, enhance, and facilitate positive changes and adapt to detrimental changes. However, the information researchers can obtain about the environment to identify effective management strategies for rural resources is hindered by several factors. Participatory geospatial research presents an approach that integrates local voices to map the facts and values of rural people and represent environmental changes. Here, we draw on more than six years of participatory geospatial research in rural northern Malawi to identify and present various considerations that participatory geospatial researchers and planners should be mindful of when working with rural people to enhance participation in research and improve spatial data accuracy. Based on experiences using various research methods and activities applied in several transdisciplinary collaborative research projects, we posit that rural geospatial researchers should keenly consider i) ethical issues concerning data collection, analysis, and representation, e.g. taboos and sacred spaces, ii) integrating local spatial ecological knowledge of people about the environment, and iii) economic conflicts and gender dynamics that tend to disempower and limit participation in research and affect data quality. Considering these would build rapport between participants and researchers to facilitate active participation and data accuracy.

Beamtimes and knowledge production times: how big-science research infrastructures shape nations’ domestic and international science production

Frontier scientific discoveries increasingly rely on big-science research infrastructures, such as supercolliders, synchrotron light sources, and space telescopes, whose construction and operation involve intensive international collaboration. This collaborative nature, however, presents a challenge in balancing national interests with the common good, particularly given the substantial fiscal investments involved. This study investigates the effects of one of China’s prominent big-science infrastructures, the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF), on the country’s production of science, differentiating between national and international scientific endeavors. Employing a rigorous difference-in-differences (DID) methodology, it evaluates SSRF’s effects on discipline-level production of publications by domestic researchers and those involving international collaboration. The empirical findings reveal compelling evidence that SSRF has significantly enhanced the production of high-impact national and international publications for disciplines reliant on the facility for experiments, particularly increasing the percentage of high-impact national publications. The findings also underscore the dual role of big-science infrastructures in fostering international research collaboration while simultaneously enhancing nations’ domestic scientific development and competitiveness. Additionally, the study provides valuable insights for research assessment and science policy discussions.

The Role of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Managing Malaria and HIV Co-Infection

Malaria and HIV co-infection presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where co-morbidity rates are highest. Conventional therapies, including antiretrovirals and antimalarial drugs, are expensive and often associated with side effects that lead to noncompliance. Traditional medicinal plants offer an affordable and culturally accepted alternative. This review explores various plants used historically in the treatment of both malaria and HIV, focusing on their phytochemical constituents, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy. Plants such as Catharanthus roseus, Adenia venenata, and Morinda lucida have demonstrated antimalarial and antiviral properties, often through bioactive compounds like alkaloids and flavonoids. Additionally, integrating these traditional medicines with modern healthcare systems faces regulatory challenges, but there is promising potential for synergies in treatment efficacy. Further research, clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary to validate these medicinal plants and improve the management of malaria and HIV co-infection. Keywords: Traditional medicinal plants, Malaria, HIV co-infection, Phytochemicals, Antimalarial properties.