Research Strategy Research Articles

Efficacy of Homoeopathy In PCOS- A Review

Introduction: To evaluate the usefulness of homeopathy for the treatment of PCOS through a literature review and to develop a strategy for future research. Method: A comprehensive search was done in electronic databases, including general medical databases MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Science Direct, specialised database for homeopathy CORE-Hom, CAM databases LILACS Chiro ACCESS, AYUSH Research Portal, Google Scholar, Research gate net, clinical trial registry, aimed to target the available literature of observational studies, randomized trials, controlled trials, case reports on PCOS in homeopathy and limited to the English language. The inclusion criteria are the studies with a full-text present in mentioned databases, studies with experimental or quasi-experimental designs published in peer-reviewed or partial peer-reviewed journals and studies with humans as their samples. Result: A literary search through databases helped to identify a few significant studies, such as one placebo-controlled trial, one comparative clinical study, one retrospective study, three clinical studies, and nine case reports. A retrospective study showed positive results for the role of homeopathic medicines in PCOS. The placebo-controlled trial showed a difference in outcome between the two groups. The verum group showed a positive effect in the regularization of menses. The comparative clinical study showed that both homeopathic medicines (Cal. carb, Lycopodium) appeared to be effective. Three clinical studies showed the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in improving and curing PCOS. Nine case reports showed a positive effect of homeopathy in improving PCOS, out of which three cases showed positive outcomes also in infertility with PCOS. Conclusion: The results showed that Homoeopathy has positive effects on the management of PCOS in women. In the future, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCT), comparative studies of homeopathy with conventional therapy, and in-vitro and animal model studies will be required to support the effectiveness of homeopathic therapeutics in PCOS.

Leveraging AI to Improve Research Strategies Investigating the Complex Interaction Between Chardonnay Marc and Its Potential Impact on Gut Barrier Function

Leveraging AI to Improve Research Strategies Investigating the Complex Interaction Between Chardonnay Marc and Its Potential Impact on Gut Barrier Function

Impact of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBP) during water/wastewater treatment: A review

Disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation during water and wastewater treatment is a concern for public health and environmental preservation. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) serves as a recognized precursor to DBP formation, which can potentially jeopardize human health. This review article offers a comprehensive insight into DON's influence on DBP formation during water and wastewater treatment processes. It delves into DON's sources, properties, and concentrations in water and wastewater, underlining the variability dependent on water source and environmental conditions. The mechanisms of DBP formation from DON, encompassing formation pathways and influencing factors, are meticulously examined. Different treatment methods, like chlorination, ozonation, and UV disinfection, are carefully examined to see how they affect the formation of DON and DBP. Factors that sway DON's impact on DBP formation are also explored. The review also presents various DBP reduction techniques, spanning physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods, their efficacy in curtailing DON's influence, and their potential pros and cons. It addresses challenges, outlines future research directions, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights the necessity for regulatory measures and policies, providing recommendations for prospective research avenues. It is clear from this in-depth review that more research is needed to understand how DON affects the formation of DBP entirely. It is also essential to protect human health and the environment and follow the rules first when treating wastewater. In conclusion, it analyzes DON's part in forming DBP in water and wastewater treatment. This emphasizes the need for ongoing research and mitigation strategies to protect public health and water quality.

Gender Differences in Physical Performance and Psychological Assessment Among Cuban National Athletics Team

Introduction: Elite sports pose potential health risks, but are vital to the well-being of society. In Cuban society, sport is an integral part of personal development and public health, fostering unity and promoting female participation for sustainable growth. Athletics is one of the most important sports in Cuban sport, and should be approached both from the point of view of sports training and sports psychology. Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a description of conditional variables in a countermovement jump (CMJ), mood profile, self-efficacy, and the leg-hip height index among athletes from the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team, differentiated by gender. Methods: Our sample consisted of the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team. Results: Mood profile analysis using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) did not reveal significant gender differences, with a small effect size for gender. Men showed a slightly greater trend towards vigor compared to women. Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed between men and women in their confidence levels to achieve jump heights between 21 and 40 cm using the CMJ. However, no significant differences were found for jumps exceeding 40 cm, highlighting the importance of strategies to enhance athletes’ psychological needs and self-efficacy. Conclusions: This study suggests that the association between tension-related anxiety and performance indicators related to jump height may play a crucial role in determining specific profiles in male and female Cuban athletes. Our comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding gender differences in performance factors. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and athlete development strategies.

Sustainable Enablers of Knowledge Management Strategies in a Higher Education Institution

By facilitating the capture, organization, and dissemination of knowledge within and beyond the institution, knowledge management (KM) in higher education institutions (HEIs) fuels innovation, enhances research impact, and strengthens collaboration, ultimately leading to the creation of new knowledge and its valuable exchange. However, there is still much to explore in terms of the enablers of knowledge creation, sharing, and transfer. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the enablers of effective KM in the Polytechnique University of Leiria, which serves as a benchmark for other higher education institutions due to its leadership role in RUN-EU, a consortium of European universities. To achieve this, a narrative analysis based on information from SCOPUS and the institute’s website, focusing on innovation, research, and development strategies, is proposed. The findings suggest that for KM initiatives to be successful, they need to be strategically designed, culturally supported, technologically enabled, and integrated into existing workflows.

Thermodynamic performance analysis of direct methanol solid oxide fuel cell hybrid power system for ship application

Methanol is a fuel that can be directly supplied to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) without carbon deposition. This paper introduces the direct methanol SOFC-Internal combustion engine (ICE) hybrid power and SOFC-Gas turbine (GT) hybrid power systems. Thermodynamic performance analysis of the hybrid power systems and an investigation into the impact of various parameters were conducted. The results indicate that the electric efficiency of the SOFC-ICE system is 56.07 %, which is 3 percentage points higher than the SOFC-GT system but 3–4 percentage points lower than the SOFC-ICE system with pre-reforming. Increasing fuel utilization rate, operation temperature, and excess air ratio is beneficial to the performance of the SOFC, and raising current density helps improve the system's power density. Load-sharing strategy research demonstrates that in a scenario where the power ratio between SOFC and the ICE is 35:65, compared to a methanol engine, the efficiency of the SOFC-ICE hybrid power system increases by 4.3 %. Despite a 1.4-fold increase in weight and a 1.66-fold increase in cost, the fuel consumption rate and carbon emissions decrease by 8.8 %. Therefore, the strategy of combining a high-power engine with a low-power SOFC is currently a suitable load-sharing strategy for ship applications.

Outcomes with inpatient use of midodrine in patients with heart failure and kidney failure on maintenance dialysis

Background Midodrine, an FDA-approved medication for orthostatic hypotension, is also used off-label to manage hypotension in dialysis patients, including those with heart failure. However, in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and/or right heart failure, midodrine is potentially harmful. No known studies examine the safety of midodrine in hospitalised kidney failure patients with HF. Methods The TriNetX database was queried for hospitalised kidney failure patients with HFrEF and/or right heart failure who experienced hypotension (SBP < 110 mm Hg or MAP < 70 mm Hg). Excluding those needing critical care or vasopressors, we compared cohorts based on midodrine use, matching for comorbidities. Results Analysis showed patients on midodrine had a higher 6-month mortality risk ratio (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.037 to 2.246) and Hazard Ratio (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.022 to 2.317) compared to those not on midodrine, indicating an association with increased mortality. Conclusion This study illuminates the complexities in treating hospitalised patients with kidney failure and HF. Our findings, drawn from an exploratory analysis, indicate that inpatient midodrine use is associated with increased 6-month mortality. This may reflect deleterious effects from vasoconstriction and/or unmeasured confounders in this vulnerable population. This investigation, utilising TriNetX, was limited by access to deidentified aggregate data, preventing detailed exploration of specifics such as timing, dosage, and indications for midodrine use. Moreover, given its observational nature, cause-effect relationship cannot be established. Our findings indicate an increased mortality associated with midodrine use for hypotension, underscoring the need for further research and consideration of alternative strategies.

Identifying neonatal transport research priorities: a modified Delphi consensus

ObjectivesWith increasing advances in neonatal transport, a focused research strategy is required to increase the evidence base towards providing optimal care. We aimed to identify the most important neonatal transport...

Genetic and functional research strategies of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the post genome-wide association study era

The emergence of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has greatly promoted the genetic research of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). There have been more than 40 regions concerning NSCL/P identified by GWAS, whereas specific susceptible loci and their potential function remains unclear. In the post-GWAS era, precise localization of susceptible loci in candidate regions and exploration of underlying biological mechanism will contribute to further understanding of genetic etiology of NSCL/P. The present article reviewed the genetic and functional research strategies of NSCL/P in post-GWAS era.

G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications.

G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.

Unpacking the effects of R&D strategy proximity on inter-firm knowledge flow: evidence from the global 3D printing industry

ABSTRACT The determinants of inter-organisational knowledge flow have shifted from bilateral and static factors to network and dynamic factors. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the impact mechanism of firms’ dynamic behaviours on knowledge flow in a multiplex inter-firm strategy proximity network. The paper proposes a conceptual model to examine how the different research and development (R&D) dynamic strategies impact the inter-firm knowledge flow from a network-to-network lens, considering the moderating effect of the firm size heterogeneity. To test the hypotheses, we conducted an empirical study on 150 listed firms in the global 3D printing industry from 2005 to 2016 using multi-source heterogeneous data and Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP) regression model. Results show that the proximities of the R&D internationalisation strategy and R&D domain strategy are positively associated with the inter-firm knowledge flow. Firm size heterogeneity plays a moderating role, and these effects vary at different stages of industrialisation.

Quantitative analysis of the electromagnetic hybrid nanofluid flow within the gap of two tubes using deep learning neural networks

Purpose(1) A mathematical model for the Hybrid nanofluids flow is used as carriers for delivering drugs. (2) The flow conditions are controlled to enable drug-loaded nanofluids to flow through the smaller gap between the two tubes. (3) Hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) made from silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are analyzed for applications of drug delivery. (Ag) and (TiO2) (NPs) are suitable candidates for cancer treatment due to their excellent biocompatibility, high photoactivity, and low toxicity. (4) The new strategy of artificial neural networks (ANN) is used which is machine-based and more prominent in validation, and comparison with other techniques.Design/methodology/approachThe two Tubes are settled in such a manner that the gap between them is uniform. The Control Volume Finite Element Method; Rk-4 and Artificial Neural Network (ANN).Findings(1) From the obtained results it is observed that the dispersion and distribution of drug-loaded nanoparticles within the body will be improved by the convective motion caused by hybrid nanofluids. The effectiveness and uniformity of drug delivery to target tissues or organs is improved based on the uniform flow and uniform gap. (2) The targeting efficiency of nanofluids is further improved with the addition of the magnetic field. (3) The size of the cylinders, and flow rate, are considered uniform to optimize the drug delivery.Research limitations/implications(1)The flow phenomena is considered laminar, one can use the same idea through a turbulent flow case. (2) The gap is considered uniform and will be interesting if someone extends the idea as non-uniform.Practical implications(1) To deliver drugs to the targeted area, a suitable mathematical model is required. (2) The analysis of hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) derived from silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is conducted for the purpose of drug delivery. The biocompatibility, high photoactivity, and low toxicity of (Ag) and (TiO2) (NPs) make them ideal candidates for cancer treatment. (3) Machine-based artificial neural networks (ANN) have a new strategy that is more prominent in validation compared to other techniques.Social implicationsThe drug delivery model is a useful strategy for new researchers. (1) They can extend this idea using a non-uniform gap. (2) The flow is considered uniform, the new researchers can extend the idea using a turbulent case. (3) Other hybrid nanofluids flow, in the same model for other industrial usages are possible.Originality/valueAll the obtained results are new. The experimental thermophysical results are used from the existing literature and references are provided.

Barriers to and facilitators of paediatric medical device innovation: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionThe development of paediatric medical devices continues to lag adult medical devices and contributes to issues of inequity, safety, quality and patient outcomes. New legislation and funding mechanisms have been...

Do Firms Proactively Build Internal Markets for Redeployment? Evidence from a Natural Experiment

The topic of related diversification is of fundamental interest to corporate strategy research. However, the understanding of how the potential for resource redeployment might encourage related diversification is limited. This paper explores the impact of the 2006 German real estate transfer tax (RETT) reform, which led to higher RETT rates but retained the exemption from RETT for corporate restructurings. We propose that firms might have reacted strategically to the threat of higher transfer taxes by combining related businesses into a portfolio, providing an efficient internal market for reallocating property assets in the event of business-specific shocks. Consistent with a dynamic perspective on relatedness, difference-in-differences analyses of the European retail market show that the probability of related diversification increased significantly for firms that were affected by the reform, relative to control firms. This finding contributes to the literature that links firm boundary choices to intertemporal economies of scope and offers new insights into the real effects of transfer tax policies. This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy. Funding: This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades [Grant PID2020-115660GB-I00]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02396 .

Campus entrepreneurs’ research habits and needs: a five-year study

PurposeThis study surveyed the entrepreneurship community on a large university campus in 2016 and in 2020 to identify and understand its information habits and needs. User needs can inform service design and assessment, as well as inform approaches to reference interactions. Librarians are encouraged to conduct similar surveys to better understand this niche population.Design/methodology/approachInvestigators employed repeated cross-sectional design, a longitudinal research approach that draws on samples of non-overlapping or minimally overlapping cases over time. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using online survey instruments. Data collected included demographic information, venture characteristics, participation in institutional activities such as accelerator programs and credit courses, general startup research behaviors and needs, and details of a specific instance of business or market research as well as interaction with the library and access to training. Triangulation of semantic and episodic was applied to draw reliable conclusions about respondent behavior.FindingsIn both surveys, over half of respondents were students and 75% of respondents were engaged in startup activity, most at the early stages. While respondent demographics, type and purpose of information sought remained constant between the two surveys, awareness and use of the library rose on several metrics. Coding revealed insights into respondents’ attitudes toward and strategies for secondary business research. Information obtained during the research process had a moderate impact on their ventures. These findings informed the development of library research and instruction services, programs, and collections for entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe repeated cross-sectional design of the study is unique and shows trends in the community over time. The mixed-methods approach provides a robust and nuanced portrait of the community. These findings informed the development and assessment of library research and instruction services, programs and collections for entrepreneurs.

Rapid quantitative analysis of multiple rare earth elements in NdFeB alloys based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and random forest (RF)

NdFeB material has excellent comprehensive magnetic properties, which plays a crucial role in the field of rare earth magnetic materials, and is one of the important basic materials to support modern high-tech industries. In the production of NdFeB alloys, the control of rare earth elements (REEs) is directly related to the quality and resource utilization efficiency of NdFeB materials. Therefore, the prediction of REEs content in NdFeB alloys is of great research significance and application value for the quality control of products, the enhancement of production efficiency and reduction of energy consumption by the rare earth material industry. In this study, a combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and random forest (RF) was used to investigate the quantitative analysis of four REEs (Nd, Pr, Tb and Dy) in NdFeB alloys. Firstly, the original LIBS spectra were screened by principal component analysis-mahalanobis distance (PCA-MD). Then, the effects of different data processing methods on the screened LIBS spectra were explored, and next, the feature variables were extracted from the preprocessed spectral data by the variable importance measurement (VIM). In order to further verify the prediction performance of the model, the prediction results of the RF models based on the different methods were compared. Finally, a PCA-VIM-RF calibration model was established on the basis of the optimized spectra, selected feature variables and parameters. Leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) was used to optimize the parameters of PCA-MD method, spectral preprocessing method and variable importance thresholds during the construction of the calibration model. The results show that the PCA-VIM-RF model has better prediction performance than the RF calibration model based on the raw spectra. For the PCA-VIM-RF calibration method of Nd, Pr, Tb and Dy elements, the values of R2CV are 0.9991, 0.9998, 0.9986, and 0.9984, respectively, the values of RMSECV are 0.06296%, 0.02788%, 0.04647% and 0.05252%, respectively. The values of R2P are 0.9508, 0.9975, 0.9691 and 0.9457, respectively, and the values of RMSEP are 0.6082%, 0.09205%, 0.5776% and 0.2631%, respectively.The above results indicate that LIBS combined with PCA-VIM-RF algorithm is a promising method for rapid quantitative analysis of REEs in NdFeB alloys without complicated sample preparation, which can provide some new ideas or strategies for the future research, development and quality control of rare earth materials.

Enhancing Efficiency and Energy Optimization: Data-Driven Solutions in Process Industrial Manufacturing

This paper reviews the current state of research in data analytics and machine learning techniques, focusing on their applications in process industrial manufacturing, particularly in control and optimization. Key areas for future research include selection and transfer learning for process monitoring, addressing time-varying characteristics, and enhancing data-driven optimal control with domain-specific knowledge. Additionally, the paper explores reinforcement learning techniques and robust optimization, including distributional robust optimization, for high-level decision-making. Emphasizing the importance of historical knowledge of plants and processes, this paper aims to identify knowledge gaps and pave the way for future research in data-driven strategies for process industries, with a particular emphasis on energy efficiency and optimization.

Development of Sustainable Integrated Farming Systems for Small and Marginal Farmers and Ecosystem Services -A Comprehensive Review

This review article shows a holistic approach regarding integrated farming system (IFS) for livelihood security and sustainable development of small and marginal households in India. Integrated farming systems are being developed for location specific because enormous problems are being aroused in the agriculture and allied sectors such as declined factor productivity, profitability, unscientific management of farm resources, decreases in crops and livestock productivity due to climate change, changes in food habits of the people, deprived soil health, low inputs use efficiencies, declined in crop diversification and biodiversity, increased cost of production, utilization of high energy inputs, produces low energy outputs and other problems are also coexisted in current farming system. The integrated farming system includes different components like crops, livestock, poultry, beekeeping, fisheries, mushroom, kitchen garden, boundary plantation and others to cultivate in an integrated way for efficient utilization of limited farm resources. Moreover, imperative need to resolve these ablaze issues with the help of development of location-specific integrated farming system modules/models. IFS is a tool of sustainable strategies for the meeting of assorted agrarian anxieties along with ensured food and nutritional security and conserved ecosystem services. The standardized and upscale IFS models increased the productivity and profitability of the farmers more than mono-cropping and single-farm enterprises. The conducted studies emphases about enhance soil quality indicators, recycling and saving plant nutrients by around 55.6% through proper management of farm-based waste and byproducts. A total of 265.18 kg nitrogen, 48.91 kg phosphorus and 269.48 kg potassium can be saved through recycled farm-based waste or byproducts of a 1.5 ha model which comprises nine components. In conclusion, IFS modules/models are emission-negative or low GHG emitters, paving the way for promoting of climate-friendly farming in India. IFS emerges as a holistic approach to increase climate-resilient, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, it is a potential for sustainable agriculture development requiring continued research, policy support and innovative strategies for widespread adoption. As regards to livelihood security, the IFS approach has adapted to meet the home-grown family needs of cereals, pulses, oils, fruits, milk, meat, eggs, and vegetables. The future direction for research includes vertical farming, climate-smart farming systems, and improving the quality and sustainability of the farming systems, especially for underprivileged farm householders.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by a wide range of symptoms that severely impact all aspects of life. Despite its significant prevalence, ME/CFS remains one of the most understudied and misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. ME/CFS lacks standardised diagnostic criteria owing to variations in both inclusion and exclusion criteria across different diagnostic guidelines, and furthermore, there are currently no effective treatments available. Moving beyond the traditional fragmented perspectives that have limited our understanding and management of the disease, our analysis of current information on ME/CFS represents a significant paradigm shift by synthesising the disease's multifactorial origins into a cohesive model. We discuss how ME/CFS emerges from an intricate web of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers, notably viral infections, leading to a complex series of pathological responses including immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic disturbances. This comprehensive model not only advances our understanding of ME/CFS's pathophysiology but also opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic strategies. By integrating these disparate elements, our work emphasises the necessity of a holistic approach to diagnosing, researching, and treating ME/CFS, urging the scientific community to reconsider the disease's complexity and the multifaceted approach required for its study and management.

Co-production of a systematic review on decision coaching: a mixed methods case study within a review

BackgroundCo-production is a collaborative approach to prepare, plan, conduct, and apply research with those who will use or be impacted by research (knowledge users). Our team of knowledge users and researchers sought to conduct and evaluate co-production of a systematic review on decision coaching.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods case study within a review to describe team co-production of a systematic review. We used the Collaborative Research Framework to support an integrated knowledge translation approach to guide a team through the steps in co-production of a systematic review. The team agreed to conduct self-study as a study within a review to learn from belonging to a co-production research team. A core group that includes a patient partner developed and conducted the study within a review. Data sources were surveys and documents. The study coordinator administered surveys to determine participant preferred and actual levels of engagement, experiences, and perceptions. We included frequency counts, content, and document analysis.ResultsWe describe co-production of a systematic review. Of 17 team members, 14 (82%) agreed to study participation and of those 12 (86%) provided data pre- and post-systematic review. Most participants identified as women (n = 9, 75.0%), researchers (n = 7, 58%), trainees (n = 4, 33%), and/or clinicians (n = 2, 17%) with two patient/caregiver partners (17%). The team self-organized study governance with an executive and Steering Committee and agreed on research co-production actions and strategies. Satisfaction for engagement in the 11 systematic review steps ranged from 75 to 92%, with one participant who did not respond to any of the questions (8%) for all. Participants reported positive experiences with team communication processes (n = 12, 100%), collaboration (n = 12, 100%), and negotiation (n = 10–12, 83–100%). Participants perceived the systematic review as co-produced (n = 12, 100%) with collaborative (n = 8, 67%) and engagement activities to characterize co-production (n = 8, 67%). Participants indicated that they would not change the co-production approach (n = 8, 66%). Five participants (42%) reported team logistics challenges and four (33%) were unaware of challenges.ConclusionsOur results indicate that it is feasible to use an integrated knowledge translation approach to conduct a systematic review. We demonstrate the importance of a relational approach to research co-production, and that it is essential to plan and actively support team engagement in the research lifecycle.