Research Orientation Research Articles

Extension of the 3 × 2 achievement goal model to university concert band performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the 3 × 2 achievement goal model describes the goal orientations of university band students in two performance contexts. Students ( N = 183) enrolled in four concert band ensembles at two universities completed a goal orientation questionnaire, once in reference to personal music performance goals and once in reference to music performance goals as members of their university concert bands. The questionnaire, translated from the sports domain for use with musicians, measured the six goal orientations of the 3 × 2 achievement goal model: task-approach, task-avoidance, self-approach, self-avoidance, other-approach, other-avoidance. Results of confirmatory factor analyses indicate satisfactory fit of the six-factor model in the personal and ensemble contexts. In both contexts, the 3 × 2 model demonstrates better fit to the university band student data than ten alternative models. The model also demonstrates construct reliability and validity. Discussion includes evaluation of model fit differences between performance contexts. Future study of musician’s goal orientations could benefit from participant-level analysis and further examination of performance context differences. Continued development of a 3 × 2 achievement goal model scale for musicians could further bolster goal orientation research in the music domain.

QOL-20. NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY BRAIN TUMOR QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH AGENDA

Abstract BACKGROUND QoL is a critical aspect of health care outcomes, particularly in the context of brain tumor treatment and survivorship. There are evidence gaps in optimal strategies for improving QoL among brain tumor patients and care partners. Understanding the multifaceted dimensions of QoL and identifying key areas for brain tumor QoL research can significantly enhance patient care and support. Engaging the brain tumor community in defining QoL outcomes and determining research priorities can help orient research resources to community needs and perspectives. OBJECTIVE To summarize the process and outcomes of an NBTS-led collaborative effort to co-design a comprehensive research agenda on QoL for brain tumor patients and care partners, as outlined in the “Brain Tumor QoL Research Agenda.” METHODS The agenda was developed through a collaborative effort involving experts in neuro-oncology, patients, care partners, patient advocacy groups, and healthcare professionals over a two-year period. A review of existing literature, patient experiences, and expert opinions informed the identification of key research priorities. A multistakeholder advisory group held monthly meetings where brain tumor QoL was defined. In 2023, we conducted two “Research Roundtables” for adults and pediatric/AYA. The World Cafe method captured data and a survey consensus process to validate findings. RESULTS The QoL research agenda delineates a multifaceted framework encompassing domains crucial for understanding and improving QoL in brain tumor patients. Key focus areas include symptom management, psychosocial support, care burden, treatment decision-making, survivorship issues, and health care delivery models. An RFP was released by NBTS with input from stakeholder advisors in April 2024. CONCLUSION The Brain Tumor QoL Research Agenda created a roadmap for advancing research efforts aimed at enhancing the QoL of individuals affected by brain tumors. By addressing the identified research priorities, healthcare stakeholders can work towards implementing effective interventions and policies to optimize patient outcomes and well-being. This program was funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute® (PCORI®) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EACB-23261).

Rechargeable Hydrogen Gas Batteries: Fundamentals, Principles, Materials, and Applications.

The growing demand for renewable energy sources has accelerated a boom in research on new battery chemistries. Despite decades of development for various battery types, including lithium-ion batteries, their suitability for grid-scale energy storage applications remains imperfect. In recent years, rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries (HGBs), utilizing hydrogen catalytic electrode as anode, have attracted extensive academic and industrial attention. HGBs, facilitated by appropriate catalysts, demonstrate notable attributes such as high power density, high capacity, excellent low-temperature performance, and ultralong cycle life. This review presents a comprehensive overview of four key aspects pertaining to HGBs: fundamentals, principles, materials, and applications. First, detailed insights are provided into hydrogen electrodes, encompassing electrochemical principles, hydrogen catalytic mechanisms, advancements in hydrogen catalytic materials, and structural considerations in hydrogen electrode design. Second, an examination and future prospects of cathode material compatibility, encompassing both current and potential materials, are summarized. Third, other components and engineering considerations of HGBs are elaborated, including cell stack design and pressure vessel design. Finally, a techno-economic analysis and outlook offers an overview of the current status and future prospects of HGBs, indicating their orientation for further research and application advancements.

Gay Dreams: Exploring the Relationship Between Sexual Orientation and Dream Content in Men.

Although numerous individual factors influencing dream content have been explored, research on the link between sexual orientation and dreaming remains limited. This study examined this relationship among 119 German-speaking men (mean age = 31.97 years), including 55homosexual and 64heterosexual participants. Participants completed a questionnaire on their waking life sexuality and dreams and provided two dream reports. Homosexual men reported more sexual partners in waking life and lower satisfaction with their sexual orientation compared to heterosexual men. No significant differences were found in dream recall frequency, emotional tone, nightmare frequency, or distress, though homosexual men reported more sexual dreams. Dream reports showed no significant differences in sexual interactions or the number of sexual partners between groups, but homosexual men's dreams featured a higher ratio of male to female characters and more romantic relationships with men. These findings partially align with the continuity hypothesis, suggesting that the dream content of homosexual men reflects their social interactions and romantic preferences. Overall, the study suggests that homosexual and heterosexual men share a similar dream pattern. The implications of these findings highlight the importance of considering sexual orientation in dream research to better understand the intersection of sexuality and unconscious processes.

Literature Review and Perspectives on Digital Customer Orientation in the Context of Digitization

With the advent of the digital era, the entrepreneurial environment has changed dramatically. Driven by demand and technological innovation, various types of platform enterprises have emerged and developed into a digital ecosystem dominated by core platform enterprises, with members of the industry evolving in a collaborative and mutually beneficial manner. For start-ups with "new entry deficiencies", only by further embracing the digital ecosystem can they make better use of complementary resources to achieve growth. Through a review of the classic literature on digital customer orientation at home and abroad, the concept, composition, measurement and application of digital customer orientation are systematically reviewed. The study shows that digital customer orientation is a concept different from customer orientation, a way for companies to provide real-time and customized customer experiences by embracing digital ecosystems, and that it plays a key role in the process of embracing digital ecosystems by start-ups. The shortcomings of digital customer orientation research are summarized and future research directions are proposed with the aim of promoting the further development of digital innovation research.

Research on the Implementation Path of English Curriculum Policy for Compulsory Education in the New Era

This paper aims to explore the implementation path of English curriculum policy for compulsory education, with primary and secondary English education in northwest China as a case study for an in-depth analysis. The paper first reviews the evolution of educational policies over the past decade. Starting from the definition, nature, and carriers of curriculum policy, this paper introduces the research output of domestic and foreign scholars on the implementation of English curriculum policy. This paper proposes three characteristics and five practical pathways to implement English curriculum policy in compulsory education. Based on the above analysis, the paper proposes future research orientations, including regional decision-making strategies, comprehensive methodological frameworks, the synergy between English curriculum policy and other educational policies, and the localization and practical orientation of curriculum policy.

Basic or applied research in university–industry collaborations? An analysis of research orientations in knowledge creation partnerships

AbstractIn a knowledge‐based economy, university–industry collaborations play a pivotal role in driving innovation and economic growth. This study investigates the research orientations of these collaborations, focusing on the balance between basic and applied research. Using data from 631 collaborative projects funded by the French Cifre PhD programme, we find that most projects emphasize basic research (61%), contradicting the common expectation that industry‐led partnerships primarily focus on applied research. Importantly, our analysis reveals that this preference for basic research is not contingent on traditional contextual factors such as scientific discipline, company size or university type. These findings challenge established assumptions in the literature and suggest that even in industry‐sponsored research, fundamental inquiry is critical in supporting long‐term innovation strategies. This paper contributes to the understanding of research orientations in university–industry collaborations and offers practical suggestions for enhancing these partnerships and informing research policy. Additionally, we outline a research agenda for further exploration of the factors influencing research orientations, the impact of early‐stage industry engagement and the role of policies in shaping collaboration outcomes.

A framework for a low-cost system of automated gate control in assays of spatial cognition in fishes.

Automation of experimental setups is a promising direction in behavioral research because it can facilitate the acquisition of data while increasing its repeatability and reliability. For example, research in spatial cognition can benefit from automated control by systematic manipulation of sensory cues and more efficient execution of training procedures. However, commercial solutions are often costly, restricted to specific platforms, and mainly focused on the automation of data acquisition, stimulus presentation, and reward delivery. Animal welfare considerations as well as experimental demands may require automating the access of an animal or animals to the experimental arena. Here, we provide and test a low-cost, versatile Raspberry Pi-based solution for such use cases. We provide four application scenarios of varying complexities, based on our research of spatial orientation and navigation in weakly electric fish, with step-by-step protocols for the control of gates in the experimental setups. This easy-to-implement, platform-independent approach can be adapted to various experimental needs, including closed-loop as well as field experiments. As such, it can contribute to the optimization and standardization of experiments in a variety of species, thereby enhancing the comparability of data.

Enantioselective photochemical reactions within the confined cavities of supramolecular assemblies

Compared to bulk solvents, reactions in the confined spaces of supramolecular self-assemblies feature rate acceleration, high efficiency and substrate selectivity. These advantages lead to efficient catalytic efficiency and excellent selectivity in enantioselective supramolecular photochemical transformations. During the last few years, enantioselective supramolecular photocatalysis has developed into one of the most powerful strategies to construct enantioenriched chiral compounds. In this review, the recent advances of enantioselective photochemical reactions taking place within the confined spaces of supramolecular assemblies are summarized, with an emphasis on the specific catalytic modes and chemical transformations. Organization of the data follows a subdivision according to supramolecular host and reaction type. At last, the current limitations and the future research orientation of this research field are discussed.

Digitalization of administrative work at home

Abstract People must perform bureaucratic, administrative work in daily life, such as applying for official documents, concluding contracts, organizing purchases, managing pension plans, etc. This work is time-consuming and unequally distributed in the household. At its best, it is perceived as boring; at its worst, it is mentally and emotionally stressful, leaving people overwhelmed and unable to fulfill their obligations. People can benefit from the digitalization of domestic bureaucracy automating repetitive tasks, reducing mental effort, and saving time for leisure activities. In recent years, there has been a need for more empirical knowledge about the use of technology or the working environment for this purpose. This paper presents insights from an online survey with 617 socio-demographically distributed participants highlighting the devices, tools, special software, and common places people favor for accomplishing these office-like household chores. Our results provide a solid empirical basis that not only quantifies previous qualitative results now using the German adult population but also offers orientation for further in-depth research as well as design.

Structural and functional model of formation of STEM-competencies of students of professional higher education institutions in mathematics teaching

Abstract This study focuses on the vocational preparation of learners in professional pre-higher educational establishments. The primary objective is to provide a theoretical foundation for, construct, and empirically evaluate the efficacy of a structural-functional paradigm for cultivating STEM proficiencies among students in these institutions through mathematics instruction. The pedagogical experiment corroborated the research postulate that attaining advanced STEM competencies in mathematics among professional pre-higher education students can be facilitated through a learning model that incorporates specific pedagogical conditions: motivating and stimulating students to engage in educational, cognitive and research activities in mathematics through engagement in cooperation and the use of individual and group coaching; implementation of STEM projects in mathematics teaching; usage of ICT to ensure visibility and research orientation of mathematics teaching. The experimental outcomes and accompanying educational resources have enabled a comprehensive analysis of the challenges associated with implementing STEM methodologies in mathematics instruction. This article aims to elucidate the key attributes of the devised structural-functional model and evaluate its implementation efficacy, with particular emphasis on the application of the authors’ developed pedagogical support materials.

Маркировка вещественных доказательств как элемент обеспечения их технической достоверности

Introduction. The article is devoted to the issue of introducing into criminal justice system the procedure of labelling physical evidence with dynamic QR codes generated in the conditions of seizure of trace information after filling in a digital individual map for each object. Working with the encoded information is suggested to be carried out with appliance of the programme ‘Verification of technical authenticity of physical evidence’ providing access of the user authorised on a permanent or temporary basis to the primary and supplemented information on the labelled physical evidence, formed in handling the object equipped with a QR code. These data include factographic data on territorial-temporal parameters and conditions of seizure of objects, their localisation, information on the persons involved in processing physical evidence, technical and forensic means and methods applied in the process of detection, fixation, seizure, preliminary and expert investigation, accounting and registration activities. The authors emphasise the necessity of creation of systems of automatic identification of physical evidence with appliance of QR codes making it possible to trace the whole life cycle of objects. It is noted that the development and introduction of advanced software into practice can contribute to the creation of a modern system of traceability of handling a labelled object, aimed at preventing illegal activities related to intellectual or material forgery of physical evidence. Methods. The universal dialectical method of scientific research, as well as a set of various methods of general scientific and cognitive orientation, including logical, comparative-legal and other private methods of research are used as a methodological basis of the study. Results. The authors have substantiated the reasonability of introducing into the activity of law enforcement bodies the procedure of labelling each physical evidence, attached to the materials of a criminal case by using dynamic QR codes. This means provides technical reliability of each object, attached to the materials of a criminal case due to full traceability of all manipulations, carried out in processing it when investigating crimes.

Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Work-related Dermatoses in the Artisanal Fishing Ports of Conakry, Guinea: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: Was to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of dermatoses in workers in artisanal fishing ports in Conakry. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional and descriptive in nature, lasting 17 months. Workers with active or remitting dermatosis were included. A multidisciplinary medical observation (occupational physicians and dermatologists) was made of each worker. Results: The study focused on 396 workers in artisanal fishing ports who had dermatosis in artisanal fishing ports in Conakry with an average age of 39 years and a male predominance of 72.5%. Fishermen represented the most affected professionals with 65.6%. Erythema and keratosis were the dominant dermatological lesions, 45.9% and 35.3% respectively. Traumatic dermatoses were encountered in 90.9% with an involvement of the hands of 70.7% and the feet of 26.5%. Among the etiologies identified on the lesions, the bite of the jaw dominated with 51.9%. Almost all (99%) of the workers of the artisanal fishing ports had no qualified professional training in the matter against 44.9% who used gloves and 16.2%, helmets. Conclusion: Dermatoses in the artisanal port environment are urgent as a significant health problem among workers. The establishment of a research orientation plan focused on working conditions and medical surveillance will allow a better understanding of safety and health issues in this area.

Perception of the Academic Lecturer’s Profile: From Research Orientation to Pedagogic Orientation, and Implications for the Digital Learning of Students

Aim. This study aims to examine the effect of lecturers’ teaching orientations, as perceived by students, on students’ digital learning patterns, differentiating between research-oriented and pedagogy-oriented teaching approaches. Methods. A survey method was employed to collect data from undergraduate students regarding their perceptions of their lecturers’ orientations and their own digital learning patterns. Descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson correlation, and mediation models were utilized to analyse the relationships between variables. Results. The findings indicate that when students perceived the lecturer as research-oriented, no significant indirect association mediated by the digital learning experience was found between the lecturer’s profile and both active and passive digital learning patterns. However, the association between the research-oriented lecturer and active digital learning was partially mediated by the student’s reading habits, while the association with passive digital learning was fully mediated by reading habits. For pedagogy-oriented lecturers, both active and passive digital learning patterns were partially mediated by the student’s learning experience, with no significant mediation by reading habits. Conclusion. The study suggests that research-oriented lecturers influence active digital learning through students’ reading habits, while pedagogy-oriented lecturers influence both active and passive digital learning through students’ digital learning experiences. Understanding these dynamics can help educational institutions support lecturers in their professional development and improve student learning outcomes in digital environments.

Landscape of exosomes to modified exosomes: a state of the art in cancer therapy.

Exosomes are a subpopulation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that naturally originate from endosomes. They play a significant role in cellular communication. Tumor-secreted exosomes play a crucial role in cancer development and significantly contribute to tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis by intracellular communication. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) are a promising biomarker source of cancer detection in the early stages. On the other hand, they offer revolutionary cutting-edge approaches to cancer therapeutics. Exosomes offer a cell-free approach to cancer therapeutics, which overcomes immune cell and stem cell therapeutics-based limitations (complication, toxicity, and cost of treatment). There are multiple sources of therapeutic exosomes present (stem cells, immune cells, plant cells, and synthetic and modified exosomes). This article explores the dynamic source of exosomes (plants, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune cells) and their modification (chimeric, hybrid exosomes, exosome-based CRISPR, and drug delivery) based on cancer therapeutic development. This review also highlights exosomes based clinical trials and the challenges and future orientation of exosome research. We hope that this article will inspire researchers to further explore exosome-based cancer therapeutic platforms for precision oncology.

Higher education of sustainable food systems: a literature review

PurposeThis study aims to fill data gaps concerning solutions and practices used in sustainable food systems (SFS) in higher education (HE). The development of SFS is a vital global challenge in which HE may play a significant role.Design/methodology/approachLiterature search and content analysis of found papers were performed. Additionally, the quantitative time trend of the emergence of research connected to SFS HE and the connectivity of content within the research papers about research questions were determined by regression analysis and data visualization, respectively.FindingsIt is evident that SFS education in universities (higher education institutes) is emerging, and the number of research papers is rapidly increasing. In the reviewed papers, universities recognized their significant role in managing wicked problems. The motivation for developing SFS education was high, with strong ambitions. SFS in HE includes developing education in-house through trans- and multidisciplinary solutions, developing education with stakeholders and supporting student growth to become responsible professionals and citizens.Practical implicationsWhen developing SFS education in HE both practical and theoretical research is needed. Ethical dimensions should be included in both research orientations because of the moral complexity that exists in SFS issues.Social implicationsThis study shows that competence in trans- and multidisciplinary working is needed. Concomitantly, the ability of cooperation between HE, business and society is vital when solving global food challenges. Also, the local tradition of food cultivation should be respected and maintained.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review on the development of SFS education in HEIs. A qualitative content analysis and data visualization were used to enrich the review.

Functionalized expanded graphite foam supported by PVDF skeleton for cationic dyes selectively separating and purifying

In order to fully utilize the advantages of expandable graphite (large specific surface area and porous structure), a solvent-free method was used to provide a supporting skeleton for expandable graphite through melting, bonding and solidification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Based on its porous structure and enhanced mechanical stability, the formed PVDF/expandable graphite composite foam, amounts of functional groups were introduced throughout the foam (outside on the surface and inner side in the expandable graphite) by deposition of tannic acid (TA) and dopamine (DA), endowing it selective adsorption characteristics. The functioned foam exhibited excellent dynamic dye adsorption capacity by capturing dye molecules firmly through π-π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and charge attraction between the functional groups and dyes. Furthermore, with low zeta potential (-24.9 mV), the functional groups showed selective adsorption properties resulting in rapid separation of cationic dyes and anionic dyes. The functionalized PVDF/expandable graphite composite foam contact these two materials together in order to complement each other's advantages, showing a new research orientation for the treatment of different types of dyestuff wastewater.

How to make a shared decision with older persons for end-stage kidney disease treatment: the added value of geronto-nephrology.

Improving care for older people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) requires the adaptation of standards to meet their needs. This may be complex due to their heterogeneity in terms of multimorbidity, frailty, cognitive decline and healthcare priorities. As benefits and risks are uncertain for these persons, choosing an appropriate treatment is a daily challenge for nephrologists. In this narrative review, we aimed to describe the issues associated with healthcare for older people, with a specific focus on decision-making processes; apply these concepts to the context of ESKD; identify components and modalities of shared decision-making and suggest means to improve care pathways. To this end, we propose a geronto-nephrology dynamic, described here as the necessary collaboration between these specialties. Underscoring gaps in the current evidence in this field led us to suggest priority research orientations.

Sexual orientation and gender diversity research manuscript writing guide.

Sexual orientation and gender diversity research manuscript writing guide.

Understanding Impact Resistance of Hollow Core Slabs Using FRP Retrofitting. A Comparative Analysis of GFRP And CFRP

Abstract Sudden Impact of structural events poses a significant threat to life safety and structural stability. In other words, the local failure(s) of structures can lead to the collapse of other members and eventually a partial or total collapse. Impact load is one of the extreme loads that are not usually taken into design consideration because of its high cost to be prevented unless the usage of the building dictates this extra care. Hollow core slabs, while offering advantages in terms of weight and construction efficiency, are particularly vulnerable to localized damage in comparison with other slab systems to localized damage, which could lead to progressive collapse. This research investigates the effectiveness of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) retrofitting techniques in enhancing the impact of resistance of hollow core slabs, aiming to mitigate progressive collapse risks and improve structure resilience. In this paper, the significance of FRP retrofitting techniques and properties for different types have been discussed and compared, focusing on Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). By evaluating various case studies, experimental analyses, and numerical simulations, the effectiveness, durability, and performance of FRP retrofitting strategies are examined as well to show the most suitable material for resisting impact load. The findings of this study will provide valuable guidance for engineers and designers in selecting the most suitable FRP material for retrofitting hollow core slabs, enhancing structural integrity and safety against impact loading. Furthermore, this research identifies research gaps and potential areas for further investigation, contributing to the development of a more effective and resilient research orientation for enhanced structure systems.