Research Models Research Articles

Implementing Evidence-Based Pain Management Interventions Into an Emergency Department: Outcomes Guided by Use of the Ottawa Model of Research Use.

To implement strategies to improve the care of patients with acute pain in the emergency department (ED). Pre-post implementation study using a Type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design. Implementation strategies were introduced and monitored through the Ottawa Model of Research Uses' assessment, monitoring and evaluation cycles, supported by focused and sustained facilitation. Improvements in time-to-analgesia within 30 min (21%-27%), administration of nurse-initiated analgesia (NIA) (17%-27%) and measurement of pain (65%-75%) were achieved post-implementation. NIA was the strongest predictor of receiving analgesia within 30 min. Adoption of pain interventions into practice was not immediate yet responded to sustained facilitation of implementation strategies. Collaboration with local clinicians to introduce simple interventions that did not disrupt workflow or substantially add to workload were effective in improving analgesia administration rates, and the proportion of patients receiving analgesia within 30 min. The assessment, monitoring and evaluation cycles enabled agile and responsive facilitation of implementation activities within the dynamic ED environment. Improvements took time to embed into practice, trending upward over the course of the implementation period, supporting the sustained facilitation approach throughout the study. Sustained adoption of evidence-based pain interventions into the care of people presenting to the ED with acute pain can be achieved through sustained facilitation of implementation. NIA should be at the centre of acute pain management in the ED. This study addressed the lingering gap between evidence and practice for patients with acute pain in the ED. Implementation of locally relevant/informed implementation strategies supported by focused and sustained facilitation improved the care of patients with acute pain in the ED. This research will have an impact on people presenting to EDs with acute pain, and on clinicians treating people with acute pain in the ED. Relevant equator guidelines were followed and the StaRI reporting method used. No Patient or Public Contribution in this study.

Characterization and Dataset Compilation of Torque–Angle Curve Behavior for M2/M3 Screws

This research explores the torque–angle behavior of M2/M3 screws in automotive applications, focusing on ensuring component reliability and manufacturing precision within the recommended assembly specification limits. M2/M3 screws, often used in tight spaces, are susceptible to issues like stripped threads and inconsistent torque, which can compromise safety and performance. The study’s primary objective is to develop a comprehensive dataset of torque–angle measurements for these screws, facilitating the analysis of key parameters such as torque-to-seat, torque-to-fail, and process windows. By applying Gaussian curve fitting and Gaussian process regression, the research models and simulates torque behavior to understand torque dynamics in small fasteners and remarks on the potential of statistical methods in torque analysis, offering insights for improving manufacturing practices. As a result, it can be concluded that the proposed stochastics methodologies offer the benefit of fail-to-seat ratio improvement, allow inference, reduce the sample size needed in incoming test studies, and minimize the number of destructive test samples needed.

Development of an improved mass transfer model for condensation with dynamic feedback regulation

In the field of condensation research, accurate and efficient numerical simulation models are highly desired. One of the widely used phase change mass transfer models is known as the Lee model. However, this model has limitations due to uncertainties in the mass transfer intensity factor, which can lead to simulation failures and impede large-scale engineering applications. This study presents an improved mass transfer model which employs a tuning function to dynamically and accurately modify the mass transfer intensity factor in each two-phase cell via feedback adjustment. This approach enables immediate and customized adjustment of the factor for each grid within the limit of the tuning function, significantly reducing the errors caused by repeated artificial adjustments and related uncertainties. The adjustment capabilities of the hyperbolic tangent and softsign functions are evaluated. The softsign function is superior in both regulation efficiency and accuracy. The model's accuracy is verified by comparing with previous experiments and simulations, as well as by the one-dimensional Stefan problem. The proposed model achieves high prediction accuracy, reduces the risk of simulation dispersion, and significantly enhances computational efficiency with the iteration number reduced by nearly half under certain conditions compared to the Lee model. Furthermore, the new model shows robustness as the prediction accuracy is insensitive to variations in critical parameters. The improved model is expected to provide valuable assistance for future research and applications in flow condensation with outstanding computational accuracy, efficiency, and stability.

Content Analysis of Postgraduate Theses About the Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Physical Activity in Türkiye in 2010-2023

The aim of this study is to evaluate the postgraduate theses on the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and physical activity registered at the YÖK National Thesis Center between the years 2010-2023 and to examine these theses using the headings of descriptive features, content and methodology. A total of sixty-one (61) theses, forty-four (44) master's theses and seventeen (17) doctoral theses, on the relationship between ASD and physical activity between the years 2010-2023 were included in the study. The data of the study were obtained by using the document review model, which is one of the qualitative research methods, and analyzed by the content analysis method. Within the scope of the findings obtained from the study, it is seen that the postgraduate theses were mostly published between the years 2019-2023 and most of them were completed at Gazi University. The findings obtained show that the master's (49.9%) and doctoral (47%) theses were mostly carried out in Health Sciences Institutes. Thirty-three (33) studies were conducted in the Department of Physical Education and Sports, including twenty-one (21) master's theses (47.7%) and twelve (12) doctoral theses (70.5%). In addition, four (4) master's theses (9%) and two (2) doctoral theses (11.7%) were conducted in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching. A total of twenty-seven (27) studies, nineteen (19) master's theses (41.3%) were conducted by advisors with the title of Assistant Professor, while ten (10) doctoral theses were conducted under the leadership of advisors with the title of Prof. Dr. (%47.6). The sample group of the master's and doctoral studies mostly consists of individuals/children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition, the sample group in master's theses (51.5%) and doctoral theses (28.2%) consisted of parents. Of the master's theses in the years 2014-2018 and 2019-2023, 29-30% were studies completed in the field of motor skills and 11-12% in the field of social skills. Of the doctoral theses in the years 2019-2023, 36.8% were studies completed in the field of motor skills and 15.7% in the field of social skills. It was seen that the examined master's and doctoral theses were mostly completed in metropolitan cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. Again, it was understood that postgraduate theses were mostly completed in special education and rehabilitation centers. Quantitative research was mostly applied in postgraduate theses (79.5% of master's degrees, 64.6% of doctoral studies) and the majority used the criterion sampling method (47.7% of master's degrees, 76.4% of doctoral studies). It was also seen that both master's and doctoral theses were conducted in experimental and case study research models. While test battery (41%) and scale (17.9) were used in master's theses, observation form (19.9) and scale (19.9) were used in doctoral theses. Finally, criterion sampling and random sampling methods were preferred in both master's and doctoral theses. As a result, it was seen that the studies completed on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increased between 2019-2023 and focused especially on motor skills and social skills.

Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar PAKAT dengan Model PBL Fase D Kelas 9 SMPN 4 Tebing Tinggi

The low learning outcomes in Catholic religion for 9th-grade students are a problem, and the root of the problem is teachers' propensity to employ a traditional teaching style called lecturing. The researcher tries to apply the PBL approach to enhance learning results. Both qualitative and quantitative descriptive research models are used in this study. SMPN 4 Tebing Tinggi is the research site. The study's findings suggest that applying the PBL approach can enhance students' learning objectives. The fact that learning results improved from cycle 1 to cycle 2 with data showing that in the cognitive aspect, the competent category is at 22.2% and the proficient category at 77.8%. In the affective aspect, the competent category is at 11.1%, and the proficient category is at 88.9%. A similar trend is observed in the psychomotor aspect, with the competent category at 11.1% and the proficient category at 88.9%. The study concludes that the use of the PBL model in learning can enhance the learning outcomes of 9th-grade students.

RETRACTION: High-Resolution Imaging of Human Viruses in Liquid Droplets.

G. M. Jonaid, W. J. Dearnaley, M. A. Casasanta, L. Kaylor, S. Berry, M. J. Dukes, M. S. Spilman, J. L. Gray and D. F. Kelly, "High-Resolution Imaging of Human Viruses in Liquid Droplets," Advanced Materials 33, no. 37 (2021): 2103221, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202103221. The above article, published online on 24 July 2021 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the author, M. S. Spilman; the journal Editors-in-Chief, Irem Bayindir-Buchhalter and Esther Levy; and Wiley-VCH GmbH. The retraction has been agreed upon following a thorough peer review process conducted by the author's institution, Penn State University. The peer review determined that there is no significant correlation between the EM map and the model at any resolution. Furthermore, the validation curves and the published curves significantly misrepresent the fit of models to EM maps. The authors didnot provide their original research data, EM maps, and models included in the study, to justify their findings. As a result, the institution recommends the article be retracted. The editors of the journal agree with these findings as they are supported by their own independent investigation. The author, D.F. Kelly, disagrees with the retraction; G.M. Jonaid agrees with the retraction; the other authors were unavailable for comment.

Twenty-five years of addressing cutting-edge scientific, policy, and regulatory issues through collaboration: The Forum for Collaborative Research.

Developing safe and effective drugs and other medical products is a complex and costly process. Drug development has been, historically, commonly competitive and uncollaborative, and this tendency toward a lack of interaction between stakeholders-the pharmaceutical industry, academia, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, and communities, among others-can lead to missed opportunities to improve efficiency and, ultimately, public health. The Forum for Collaborative Research was established in 1997 to address current scientific, policy, and regulatory issues in global health through multistakeholder engagement and dialogue. By providing a neutral and safe space for discussion, the Forum's model has impacted how clinical trials in diverse health areas are conducted, supported broader and more equitable clinical trial participation, and accelerated delivery of new drugs. The Forum's focus and directions have shifted over time, and this responsiveness to the needs of the global health community will be critical to ensure that the Forum continues to support collaboration in global health. In this article, we present lessons learned from this innovative model of collaborative research and regulatory science, pioneered by the Forum for over 25 years, including the importance of collective ownership and governance by all stakeholders, and emphasis on common goals and advantages of collaboration.

Perspectives in the investigation of Cockayne syndrome group B neurological disease: the utility of patient-derived brain organoid models.

Cockayne syndrome (CS) group B (CSB), which results from mutations in the excision repair cross-complementation group 6 (ERCC6) genes, which produce CSB protein, is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by multiple progressive disorders including growth failure, microcephaly, skin photosensitivity, and premature aging. Clinical data show that brain atrophy, demyelination, and calcification are the main neurological manifestations of CS, which progress with time. Neuronal loss and calcification occur in various brain areas, particularly the cerebellum and basal ganglia, resulting in dyskinesia, ataxia, and limb tremors in CSB patients. However, the understanding of neurodevelopmental defects in CS has been constrained by the lack of significant neurodevelopmental and functional abnormalities observed in CSB-deficient mice. In this review, we focus on elucidating the protein structure and distribution of CSB and delve into the impact of CSB mutations on the development and function of the nervous system. In addition, we provide an overview of research models that have been instrumental in exploring CS disorders, with a forward-looking perspective on the substantial contributions that brain organoids are poised to further advance this field.

Characterization of microcirculatory endothelial functions in a D-Galactose-induced aging model

BackgroundMicrocirculation health is critical to human health, and aging is an important factor affecting microcirculation health. Although D-Galactose has been widely used in aging research models, there is a lack of relevant studies on D-Galactose simulating microcirculatory aging. Here, we explored microcirculatory endothelial function in D-Galactose-induced aging mice. MethodsIntraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/(kg·d) of D-Galactose was given to cause senescence in mice. Aging was evaluated by SA-β-gal (senescence-associated β-galactosidase) staining. The auricular skin and hepatic microcirculation of mice were observed and detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microcirculation apparatus. The aging of microcirculation was analyzed from oxidative stress, endothelial impairment, inflammation, microvascular morphology and hemodynamics. ResultsIn aging mice, percentage of SA-β-gal positive area, oxidative stress products reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), endothelial impairment marker syndecan-1 (SDC-1), stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) were all up-regulated. The tortuosity of microvessels increased in aging mice, the linear density did not change significantly, but the total length of narrow microvessels (TLNMV) increased and wide microvessels (TLWMV) decreased, speculate that vasomotor dysfunction may be present. Hemodynamically, both perfusion and velocity of blood flow were reduced in senescent mice, presumably due to endothelial dysfunction. ConclusionMicrocirculatory endothelial dysfunction is induced by D-Galactose, leading to microcirculatory aging. In vivo, this is manifested by elevated levels of oxidative stress, impaired endothelial glycocalyx (eGC), and a greater production of chemokines and adhesive molecules. These changes cause vasomotor dysfunction and remodeling, ultimately leading to hemodynamic impairment.

Analysis Of Bankruptcy Prediction Using Springate, Zmijewski, Grover. And Altman Z-Score Models On Retail Companies Listed On The Indonesia Stock Exchange

The retail sector plays a significant role and contributes greatly to the national economy. The slowdown in domestic economic growth and decreased consumer purchasing power have significantly impacted the retail business in Indonesia. This is evident from the high number of retail companies declared bankrupt and many large retail companies closing their stores. The aim of this study is to assess the health level of retail companies, determine the differences in scores among the research models, and evaluate the accuracy of the Springate, Zmijewski, Grover, and Altman models. This research is a quantitative study with a descriptive approach. The research objects are retail companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2019-2021. Sampling technique used is purposive sampling. The results of this study indicate that the highest accuracy level is achieved by the Grover model with an accuracy of 77.7%, followed by the Zmijewski model with an accuracy level of 72.2%. Meanwhile, the Springate and Altman models have the same accuracy level of 66.6%.

Machine learning models for personalised healthcare on marketable generative-AI with ethical implications

Personalised healthcare, underpinned by a deep understanding of individual patient variability, demands innovative solutions. Machine Learning (ML) models offer a promising avenue to achieve this by facilitating the development of enhanced Digital Twins (DTs). This research proposes a novel framework for creating DTs tailored to individual patients, considering not only physical attributes but also the intricate interplay of social, and biological factors. By capturing this comprehensive patient profile, ML-powered DTs have the potential to revolutionise healthcare by enabling predictive, preventive, and personalised care strategies, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and the development of a marketable, trust-worthy product. Current healthcare solutions lack personalisation, often failing to consider individual differences in disease presentation and response to treatment. Traditional DTs in healthcare often adopt a disease-centric or organ-specific approach, thereby restricting their capacity to deliver comprehensive, personalised care. To address this limitation, we propose a holistic Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework centered on ML models. Initially focusing on diabetes, our research aims to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and predictive capabilities through personalised insights, thereby optimising patient outcomes and care management. The benefits identified with our ML model are early disease prevention and risk stratification, optimised treatment planning and therapy selection, enhanced patient-physician communication and shared decision-making, reduced healthcare costs and improved resource allocation. Our models are designed to optimise patient care while prioritising safety and societal benefit. To ensure this, we have conducted a thorough assessment of potential ethical implications. Key challenges identified include data privacy and security, algorithmic bias, diagnostic accuracy, data interoperability and standardisation, integration with existing healthcare systems, ethical management of sensitive patient data, refinement of ML methodologies, addressing legal and ethical AI challenges, and suggesting robust ethical guidelines. A comprehensive evaluation of accuracy, reliability, and associated risks will be conducted prior to full-scale integration into the healthcare ecosystem to establish a robust ethical framework for our research models.

An Assessment of the Evolution of Executive Functions

Cognitive evolution, as the core subject of fields like paleoanthropology, cognitive archeology, and neuropsychology, has begun to gain more interest in psychology in recent years. Executive functions are viewed from the perspective of cognitive evolution as basic advancements that are crucial to the evolution of language and contemporary cognition. As a metaphor, executive functions refer to advanced cognitive processes (working memory, inhibition, organization, cognitive flexibility, etc.) in the context of complex goal-directed behaviors. Sophisticated cognitive traits like executive functions emerged because of solutions to adaptive issues (survival, reproduction, and social group life) that human ancestors confronted over millions of years and passed them on to their offspring. Although it is accepted that Homo sapiens owes its evolutionary success to Paleolithic living conditions, explaining this process has not always been easy. In this review article, general information about executive functions is presented, followed by a review of scientific explanations about the evolution of executive functions. Evaluations have shown that these alternative scientific explanations based on archaeological, anthropological, and neuropsychological evidence for the evolutionary origins of executive functions do not fit all the pieces of the puzzle. It is believed that novel research models will clarify which of these alternative explanations are proximate causes and which are ultimate causes.

Targeted Funding for Anti-Trafficking Initiatives: An evidence-based anti-oppressive approach

Community-driven research is key to creating evidence-based collaborative systems that meet the multifaceted needs of human trafficking survivors and address oppressions that create vulnerabilities to human trafficking. Programmes and solutions require money and evidenced-informed processes, or they risk investing in systems that will not meet the needs of the intended target populations. This paper reflects on how a community-initiated research project influenced funding to enhance anti-trafficking work in a Midwestern US state. We urge other regions to adopt this model of research and resource allocation in their own anti-trafficking efforts.

IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON E-COMMERCE:"A STUDY OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOR"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the e-commerce landscape, influencing consumer behavior significantly. This study aims to explore the various ways AI impacts e-commerce, utilizing numerical data to analyze consumer preferences, purchasing patterns, and overall shopping experiences. The findings reveal both advantages and disadvantages, providing a comprehensive overview of AI's role in shaping modern consumer behavior. This study examines the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on E-commerce and consumer preferences and purchasing patterns have evolved. this paper analyzes various numerical data, identifies key trends, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of AI in E-commerce. In online shopping enterprises, AI technology has been widely used to provide accurate and fast personalized consumer services. This research demonstrates the use of AI technology in the e-commerce business, specifically online enterprises, to determine different effects. The study was conducted in Jordan and involved about 230 participants. The study evaluated different impacts of AI, such as e-payment and stimulating consumers' sentiments. The study used the Stimulus–Organism–Response model (SOR) empirical model, which states that the examination of human processes differs from that of the machine assessment. The model classified the AI technology experienced by the customers' when they visit online to do purchasing. Online purchasing behaviors can be influenced by insight, accuracy, and interaction experience. Also, the perceived value was used as a mediating variable from the prospects of perceived hedonic and utility value. The research integrated empirical research models such as SEM and SPSS to analyze the data on the effects of three-dimension. The results indicated that the AI technology accuracy, interactive experience, and insight significantly affected customers' perceived hedonic and utilitarian values. KEYWORDS: AI in consumer behavior, Artificial Intelligence etc

The Effect of Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series Presented with Tablet Computer in Acquiring Functional Reading Skills for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

This study aims to examine the effect of the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series, which is presented with a tablet computer, on the acquisition of functional reading skills by three high school students with moderate intellectual disabilities. The design of the study is a multiple-probe model with an inter-subject probe phase, which is one of the single-subject research models. While the dependent variable is identified as functional reading skill, the independent variable of the present study is the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series offered via a tablet computer. The participants of the study are three male students with moderate intellectual disability. The starting level of the experimental process of the research, the implementation of the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series consisted of monitoring and generalization stages. The data obtained in the research were analyzed and interpreted graphically. As a result of the research, it was found that the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series, which was tested with a tablet computer, was effective in acquiring functional reading skills of students with moderate intellectual disability. In addition, the participants of the research were able to generalize the 10 target words that were taught in the real environment as well as in the teaching environment, and they were able to continue reading one and three weeks after the teaching. The interviews conducted to determine the social validity of the research revealed that parents, teachers and participant students expressed positive opinions about the program offered via tablet computer.

Overexpression of BDNF Suppresses the Epileptiform Activity in Cortical Neurons of Heterozygous Mice with a Transcription Factor Sip1 Deletion.

Since genetic mutations during brain development play a significant role in the genesis of epilepsy, and such genetically determined epilepsies are the most difficult to treat, there is a need to study the mechanisms of epilepsy development with deletions of various transcription factors. We utilized heterozygous mice (Sip1wt/fl) with a neuronal deletion of the transcription factor Sip1 (Smad interacting protein 1) in the cerebral cortex. These mice are characterized by cognitive impairment and are prone to epilepsy. It is known that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a neuroprotective effect in various neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we created and applied an adeno-associated construct carrying the BDNF sequence selectively in neurons. Using in vitro and in vivo research models, we were able to identify a key gen, the disruption of whose expression accompanies the deletion of Sip1 and contributes to hyperexcitation of neurons in the cerebral cortex. Overexpression of BDNF in cortical neurons eliminated epileptiform activity in neurons obtained from heterozygous Sip1 mice in a magnesium-free model of epileptiform activity (in vitro). Using PCR analysis, it was possible to identify correlations in the expression profile of genes encoding key proteins responsible for neurotransmission and neuronal survival. The effects of BDNF overexpression on the expression profiles of these genes were also revealed. Using BDNF overexpression in cortical neurons of heterozygous Sip1 mice, it was possible to achieve 100% survival in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. At the level of gene expression in the cerebral cortex, patterns were established that may be involved in the protection of brain cells from epileptic seizures and the restoration of cognitive functions in mice with Sip1 deletion.

Development of Science Learning Modules with Computer-Based Test (CBT) Assessments to Train Critical Thinking Skills of Students at SMP Negeri 7 Bontang

This study aims to improve Modules for science subject with the Computer-Based Test Assessment in order to train students’ critical thinking on one of science topics which is human’s respiratory system using ADDIE model. This model of research is the development research level 3. The data were collected by involving expert’s validation, observation, test, and questionnaire. The results showed that: the module validity result in terms of module itself was 93.75% with a very valid category. The validity in terms of language and material were 88.77% and 99.54% respectively, while the results by the Computer-Based Test application were 97%. The module’s practical results assessed by questionnaires were 89.41% and it means this module is highly practical to be used. The results of the module’s efficacy in terms of normality, the n-gain of all classes in pre-test and post-test’s sig value > 0.05, therefore the data was distributed normally. The results of paired sample t-test indicate that there is a noticeable difference on the average of pre-test and post-test results in the experimental group. Hence, the science module with Computer-Based Test is effective to be utilized as learning materials that can increase students’ critical thinking skills at schools.

Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia by Docetaxel: Prevalence, Treatment and Prevention.

Docetaxel is a commonly used taxane chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, and head and neck cancer. Docetaxel exerts its anti-cancer effects through inhibition of the cell cycle and induction of proapoptotic activity. However, docetaxel also impacts rapidly proliferating normal cells in the scalp hair follicles (HFs), rendering the HFs vulnerable to docetaxel-induced cell death and leading to chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). In severe cases, docetaxel causes persistent or permanent CIA (pCIA) when hair does not grow back completely six months after chemotherapy cessation. Hair loss has severe negative impacts on patients' quality of life and may even compromise their compliance with treatment. This review discusses the notable prevalence of docetaxel-induced CIA and pCIA, as well as their prevention and management. At this moment, scalp cooling is the standard of care to prevent CIA. Treatment options to promote hair regrowth include but are not limited to minoxidil, photobiomodulation (PBMT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In addition, a handful of current clinical trials are exploring additional agents to treat or prevent CIA. Research models of CIA, particularly ex vivo human scalp HF organ culture and in vivo mouse models with human scalp xenografts, will help expedite the translation of bench findings of CIA prevention and/or amelioration to the clinic.

Factors Influencing the Participation in Defined Contribution Pension Scheme by Urban women in the informal Sector in Ghana

The study set out to investigate reasons for the low interest in participating in Defined Contribution Pension Schemes (DCPS) by urban women in the informal sector in Ghana (UWISG) in order to unravel the causes of the phenomenon of non-participation so that solutions can be identified. Most studies conducted on voluntary participation in pension schemes have not explored the such variables; perceived net pension wealth, permanent income, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control. The main research questions among others are; what are the effects of demographic characteristics of urban women in the informal sector in Ghana (UWISG) on their intention to participate in Defined Contribution Pension Schemes (DCPS)? What is the impact of perceived net pension wealth (perceived benefits) on the intention of UWISG to participate in DCPS? The Methodology of the study is quantitative research design. The study has two research models a logistic regression model of demographic variables and model is a framework consisting of exogenous and endogenous latent variables. Some significant findings of the study are (i) an inverse relationship between disposition to save and intention to participate in DCPS. The inverse relationship implied that most of the respondents would prefer to probably put money in their savings or investment accounts rather than contributing to DCPS. The study also found the age variable to be an insignificant influencer of DCPS adoption intention.

Abstract C011: The Critical Role of Developmental Evaluation in Supporting and Enhancing an Equitable Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Cancer Disparities

Abstract Background: Complex problems such as cancer disparities require deeper integration of social and scientific problem-solving and a broader systems approach. Given the nature of disparities, it also demands that we not just seek equitable outcomes but collaborate in ways that reflect equity in the process. To address breast and lung cancer disparities, we developed a unique transdisciplinary approach that creates teams inclusive of community, clinicians, and researchers and builds capacity to understand at a deep level the factors that underpin disparities and design and implement newer sustainable solutions. Methods: This study focuses on a phase I planning period for a transdisciplinary process with five teams locally embedded where lung and breast cancer disparities are significant. A leadership team that included primary investigators from academic medicine and public health supported community-based facilitators and evaluators responsible for guiding local teams. Deep equity, considerations on the biology to policy spectrum, and systems thinking are grounding principles in our approach. At the end of phase I, an evaluator facilitated After-Action Reviews (AAR) to assess effectiveness in maintaining fidelity to the framework and to identify successful practices and areas for improvement. These data informed changes to our approach to implementation to further root our commitment to equity during implementation. Seven AAR sessions were conducted: individual teams members, facilitators and evaluators, and the leaderships team (n-=50). The evaluator triangulated the data from the different AARs and facilitated a discussion of the integrated findings to the expanded leadership team. Results: The AAR highlighted three primary themes for critical self-reflection including (1) strengthening the understanding and use of our approach, (2) reducing ambiguity while preserving slack (e.g. flexibility with resources) and creativity, and (3) integrating project’s partners intentionally into our wider transdisciplinary network. In examining these themes, we identified several strategies for improving our transdisciplinary approach during implementation and for wider replication of our framework with future integrated science-social problem solving. These areas included improved systems for 360-degree communication, clear expectations of roles, and additional support for transdisciplinary collaboration and application of grounded principles to better self-organize a transdisciplinary system within a wider less resilient system like academic medicine. Discussion: To successfully innovate socially and scientifically within complexities of cancer disparities, we need to push beyond conventional models of research and program intervention. This means incorporating methods across fields and sectors including evaluation. An After-Action Review is an effective evaluation tool for assessing a complex process with numerous contributors to ensure a stronger outcome including more refined and relevant research questions and sustainability program, policy and practice. Citation Format: Tobi Cawthra, Laura Pinsoneault, Jerica Broeckling, Kristen Gardner-Volle, Tim Meister, Kailey Taebel, Jada Proctor, Felicia Fairfield, Kelly Hackett, David Frazer, Staci Young, Melinda Stolley. The Critical Role of Developmental Evaluation in Supporting and Enhancing an Equitable Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Cancer Disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C011.