Research Priorities Research Articles

Invasive candidiasis.

Invasive candidiasis is an important fungal disease caused by Candida albicans and, increasingly, non-albicans Candida pathogens. Invasive Candida infections originate most frequently from endogenous human reservoirs and are triggered by impaired host defences. Signs and symptoms of invasive candidiasis are non-specific; candidaemia is the most diagnosed manifestation, with disseminated candidiasis affecting single or multiple organs. Diagnosis poses many challenges, and conventional culture techniques are frequently supplemented by non-culture-based assays. The attributable mortality from candidaemia and disseminated infections is ~30%. Fluconazole resistance is a concern for Nakaseomyces glabratus, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris and less so in Candida tropicalis infection; acquired echinocandin resistance remains uncommon. The epidemiology of invasive candidiasis varies in different geographical areas and within various patient populations. Risk factors include intensive care unit stay, central venous catheter use, broad-spectrum antibiotics use, abdominal surgery and immune suppression. Early antifungal treatment and central venous catheter removal form the cornerstones to decrease mortality. The landscape of novel therapeutics is growing; however, the application of new drugs requires careful selection of eligible patients as the spectrum of activity is limited to a few fungal species. Unanswered questions and knowledge gaps define future research priorities and a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis is of paramount importance.

CCUS in India: bridging the gap between action and ambition

India has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. While targets for CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies are not explicitly set, the Government of India’s agencies and public-sector enterprises have mentioned CCUS approaches conditionally subject to availability of feasible technology and financing. This paper aims to examine the gap between the current status of CCUS in India and the levels of deployment as projected by modeling exercises. It takes a Talanoa dialogue approach to answer the following questions on CCUS perspective in India: where are we right now, where do we need to be, and how do we get there. The current status of CO2 capture in India is at the pilot/demonstration stage, with the chemicals and steel sectors, being the most advanced. Emergence of the methanol economy as a key avenue for CO2 utilization may be seen at a large-scale. Geologic CO2 storage is at an advanced planning stage via enhanced oil recovery, and will likely be targeted over this decade. From the current and planned stage, India would likely need 400–800 Mt-CO2/year by 2050 to meet its share of the 1.5 °C carbon budget. We suggest several priority research directions for technology development across the CCUS value chain.

Corruption as a factor in the delegitimization of justice

The article examines the phenomenon of judicial corruption as a factor that negatively affects the legitimacy of the judiciary, which is based on the public's trust in the court and judicial protection.
 It was established that the fight against corruption in the judiciary is a global trend, as evidenced by numerous international documents. They, in particular, emphasize the priority of eradicating judicial corruption, as it undermines the rule of law, which is the cornerstone of pluralistic democracy, calls into question equality before the law and the right to a fair trial, and undermines the legitimacy of all state authorities. Judicial corruption stands in the way of the stable functioning of the rule of law.
 It was noted that corruption discredits any power institution, and as for the judiciary, it destroys its basic value - a person's faith in the justice of the court, the justice of the court process and the court decision. It not only undermines trust in the judiciary, negatively affecting its authority. Judicial corruption causes social stratification, causing sharp negative reactions in society in relation to the professional community of judges.
 Based on the analysis of scientific sources, it was concluded that there are no unified approaches to the definition of judicial corruption or a standardized understanding of its manifestations. At the same time, according to the authors, the priority for research should be issues of praxeological direction: the causes of judicial corruption, its typical manifestations, consequences, measures of counteraction and struggle.
 In conclusion, it is stated that judicial corruption, characterized by the specificity and nature of a special danger for the stable functioning of the state, has many manifestations (bribery, extortion, nepotism, etc.) and reasons (structural, economic, political, social, personal). Therefore, all researchers are united in the issue of the need for a consistent and comprehensive policy of countering and fighting judicial corruption. All three key subjects must be involved in its implementation: the state, society and the judicial system, whose actions depend on the legitimacy of the judiciary in the state.

A battery internal short circuit fault diagnosis method based on incremental capacity curves

The safe operation of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) has become one of the research priorities in this industry. And it is usually threated by various faults caused by design flaws, environmental conditions, and operating conditions et al. Among these faults, the internal short circuit (ISC) faults pose a significant threat to the safety of BESSs. Relevant studies focus on ISC fault diagnosis itself and ignore the impact of battery aging within the pack on fault diagnosis. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an ISC fault diagnosis method based on incremental capacity (IC) curves. And a qualitative differentiation between ISC batteries and aging ones is first achieved by leveraging the characteristic variations of IC curves. Then, an equivalent circuit model is constructed for ISC batteries. Further, a joint estimation of ISC resistance and SOC of the faulty battery is performed by combining Extended Kalman Filtering (EKF) and Forgetting Factor Recursive Least Squares (FFRLS). Finally, an experimental platform is established to verify the proposed method. Results show the proposed method can effectively differentiate between ISC batteries and aging batteries. Moreover, the estimation errors of SOC are less than 0.26% and the estimation accuracy of ISC resistance is more than 99.42%.

Technology for managing incontinence: What are the research priorities?

Incontinence and toileting difficulties can often be successfully addressed by treating their underlying causes. However, (complete) cure is not always possible and continence products to prevent or contain unresolved leakage or to facilitate toileting are in widespread use. Many people use them successfully but identifying the product(s) most likely to meet individual needs can be challenging and the recently published Seventh International Consultation on Incontinence includes a chapter which draws on the literature to provide evidence-based recommendations to help clinicians and product users to select appropriate products. This paper is based on the same evidence, but reviewed from the different perspective of those keen to identify unmet needs and develop improved products. For each of the main continence product categories it (i) outlines the design approach and key features of what is currently available; (ii) provides a generic functional design specification; (iii) reviews how well existing products meet the requirements of their main user groups; and (iv) suggests priorities for the attention of product designers. It also flags some core scientific problems which - if successfully addressed - would likely yield benefits in multiple incontinence product contexts.

A Sectoral Analysis of BSE-Listed Indian Pharma Companies

Purpose: Investors, including domestic and international firms, venture capitalists, and financial institutions, rely on research to evaluate investment opportunities in the Indian pharmaceutical sector. Research helps assess factors such as market potential, company performance, R&D capabilities, regulatory environment, and risk-return profiles. Research plays a crucial role in guiding research and development (R&D) investments and priorities within the Indian pharmaceutical industry. By identifying unmet medical needs, emerging therapeutic areas, and technological advancements, research helps companies allocate resources effectively and focus on areas with the highest potential for impact and return on investment. The current research includes analysing financial statements, such as income statements and cash flow statements, to assess the profitability and earnings stability of pharmaceutical firms, and also investigate factors influencing EPS growth, such as revenue trends, cost structures, research and development (R&D) investments, regulatory environments, and market dynamics. Additionally, the study of DPS involves evaluating dividend payout ratios, dividend yield, dividend stability, and factors driving dividend decisions, including company profitability, cash flow generation, capital requirements, and shareholder preferences. Understanding the relationship between EPS and DPS in the Indian pharmaceutical sector provides valuable insights for investors, analysts, and policymakers in assessing the financial health, investment attractiveness, and shareholder value creation of pharmaceutical companies. Pharmaceutical companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange were selected for the study. Speculations were tested using ANOVA and T-TEST. The audit revealed that investors can invest in Dr. Reddys Laboratories, Abbott India, and Themis Medicare for their EPS to be maximum and Dr. Reddys Laboratories, Abbott India, and Novartis India for their DPS to be maximum. Methodology: Fifteen BSE-listed pharmaceutical companies are considered for the present research work and analysed by using EPS and DPS. Result: Selected Large, medium, and small Indian pharmaceutical companies listed on the BSE were the subjects of this study's analysis of their EPS and DPS. The websites of Money Control and the BSE provided the majority of the time series data used in the study on two different variables, EPS and DPS. Five years, from 2019 to 2020 to 2022–2023 are included in the analysis of the EPS and DPS. The BSE-listed Indian pharmaceutical businesses' EPS and DPS were examined in this study. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard error, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) were computed for the determined EPS and DPS. An ANOVA test is run on the EPS and DPS data to find the differences between the chosen pharmaceutical businesses listed on the BSE. It is recommended that investors put their money into Abbott India, Themis Medicare, and Dr. Reddys Laboratories in order to maximise their EPS, and Novartis India, Abbott India, and Dr. Reddys Laboratories in order to maximise their DPS. Originality/Value: The BSE-listed Indian pharmaceutical businesses' EPS and DPS were examined in this study. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard error, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) were computed for the determined EPS and DPS. Based on the study, the right companies for the investors are recommended. Paper Type: Exploratory research.

A Decadal Survey Without Analogs: Earth Observation Needs for a Warming World

AbstractSince 2007, the National Academy for Sciences Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) has recommended Earth Science research and investment priorities every 10 years. The Decadal Survey balances the continuation of essential climate variable time series against unmet measurement needs and new Earth Observations made possible by technological breakthroughs. The next survey (2027–2028, DS28) will be framed by a rapidly changing world, and it will be critical to anticipate the observational needs of the 2030s–2040s, a world increasingly dominated by climate extremes and a rapidly changing Earth system. Here, we highlight some of the changes that factor into a framework for the DS28.

Unsupervised Screen Exposure and Poor Language Development: A Scoping Review to Assess Current Evidence and Suggest Priorities for Research.

Screen exposure has both negative and positive effects on the level of language skills a child acquires. The purpose of this review is to address current literature on the possible relationship between unsupervised screen exposure and language development in children and to provide recommendations to caregivers regarding screen exposure of children, taking into consideration the possible effects. A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) database. A total of 590 articles were retrieved and considered for inclusion. Twenty-one articles were finally included and reviewed with an emphasis on language, communication, and executive skills as well as cognitive development. The negative effects of screen exposure for children outweigh the positive effects. The largest number of studies demonstrate that unsupervised screen exposure may negatively impact a child's language usage and cognitive and executive skills, disrupt playtime, and affect the quality of sleep. On the other hand, supervised screen use is associated with improved language skills. More evidence is needed on unsupervised exposure in children to new types of screens. As technology could play a significant role in schools in the future, additional research is required to create educational media for schoolchildren with specific guidelines.

O244: Patients’ priorities in Vulval lichen sclerosus – results of a patient and public involvement for a study investigating autologous lipotransfer and platelet-rich plasma in Vulval lichen sclerosus

Abstract Background Vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a high-burden, under-researched chronic skin disease. It is characterised by itching, pain, sexual dysfunction and poor quality of life. Up to 70% of patients develop fibrosis and vulval architectural changes. The only evidence-based treatment includes topical steroids. New potential surgical treatments include autologous fat transfer (AFG) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections but high-level evidence supporting these treatments is sparse. Aims To identify patients’ research priorities and evaluate the acceptability of AFG and PRP as treatments for VLS and design a trial co-produced by patients. Methods One-to-one interviews, focus groups and online questionnaires were used to investigate patients’ research priorities, acceptability of treatments, preferred outcome assessment tools, views on a sham procedure and trial design. Results A focus group (n=18) and an online patient survey (n=809) identified the top research priorities: changes to vulval anatomy, emotional impact on intimate relationships, inability to have penetrative intercourse and pain during intercourse. Patients reported poor quality of life and said that addressing these would be life-changing. Ninety-nine percent of patients agreed that this trial should be performed and 73% were willing to take part if a sham procedure was used. A patient advisory group (n=5) has been created to co-produce the trial. Conclusion VLS is a complex disease with no core outcome set. Patient co-production is a keystone to a successful trial design and ensures that research is aligned with patients’ priorities. This research defines the key priorities of research into current surgical interventions for VLS.

Menstruation and learning disability across the life course: Using a two‐part scoping exercise to co‐produce research priorities

AbstractBackgroundAcross the life course, women and girls with learning disabilities and their carers report difficulties in accessing information and support with menstruation, yet their experiences are often overlooked in initiatives to improve menstrual health and wellbeing. Our aim was to collaborate with women with learning disabilities to co‐produce future research priorities in a UK context.MethodsWe undertook a two‐part scoping exercise to explore what is known about this topic from a life course perspective, beginning pre‐menarche and extending to post‐menopause support. This combined a rapid scoping review of the literature since 1980 with a stakeholder consultation where people with learning disabilities, family carers, advocacy groups and staff working across education, health and social care were invited to share their experiences of menstruation support.FindingsUK and international literature provided insight across five narrative themes. Seventy stakeholders took part in our consultation, enabling the identification of five key themes. Findings across both highlight examples of supportive practice and valued resources alongside enduring health inequalities and barriers to menstruation support faced by women and girls with learning disabilities across the life course.ConclusionOur scoping exercise identified multiple gaps in research and practice, ongoing reproductive health inequalities and a need for improved access to peer support, resources and training that take a life course approach. The scoping exercise indicates the need for further empirical research on menstruation and learning disability, with a particular focus on collating people's lived experiences.

Greater white matter degeneration and lower structural connectivity in non-amnestic vs. amnestic Alzheimer's disease.

Multimodal evidence indicates Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by early white matter (WM) changes that precede overt cognitive impairment. WM changes have overwhelmingly been investigated in typical, amnestic mild cognitive impairment and AD; fewer studies have addressed WM change in atypical, non-amnestic syndromes. We hypothesized each non-amnestic AD syndrome would exhibit WM differences from amnestic and other non-amnestic syndromes. Participants included 45 cognitively normal (CN) individuals; 41 amnestic AD patients; and 67 patients with non-amnestic AD syndromes including logopenic-variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA, n = 32), posterior cortical atrophy (PCA, n = 17), behavioral variant AD (bvAD, n = 10), and corticobasal syndrome (CBS, n = 8). All had T1-weighted MRI and 30-direction diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). We performed whole-brain deterministic tractography between 148 cortical and subcortical regions; connection strength was quantified by tractwise mean generalized fractional anisotropy. Regression models assessed effects of group and phenotype as well as associations with grey matter volume. Topological analyses assessed differences in persistent homology (numbers of graph components and cycles). Additionally, we tested associations of topological metrics with global cognition, disease duration, and DWI microstructural metrics. Both amnestic and non-amnestic patients exhibited lower WM connection strength than CN participants in corpus callosum, cingulum, and inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculi. Overall, non-amnestic patients had more WM disease than amnestic patients. LvPPA patients had left-lateralized WM degeneration; PCA patients had reductions in connections to bilateral posterior parietal, occipital, and temporal areas. Topological analysis showed the non-amnestic but not the amnestic group had more connected components than controls, indicating persistently lower connectivity. Longer disease duration and cognitive impairment were associated with more connected components and fewer cycles in individuals' brain graphs. We have previously reported syndromic differences in GM degeneration and tau accumulation between AD syndromes; here we find corresponding differences in WM tracts connecting syndrome-specific epicenters. Determining the reasons for selective WM degeneration in non-amnestic AD is a research priority that will require integration of knowledge from neuroimaging, biomarker, autopsy, and functional genetic studies. Furthermore, longitudinal studies to determine the chronology of WM vs. GM degeneration will be key to assessing evidence for WM-mediated tau spread.

Incorporating social vulnerability in infectious disease mathematical modelling: a scoping review

BackgroundHighlighted by the rise of COVID-19, climate change, and conflict, socially vulnerable populations are least resilient to disaster. In infectious disease management, mathematical models are a commonly used tool. Researchers should include social vulnerability in models to strengthen their utility in reflecting real-world dynamics. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate how researchers have incorporated social vulnerability into infectious disease mathematical models.MethodsThe methodology followed the Joanna Briggs Institute and updated Arksey and O'Malley frameworks, verified by the PRISMA-ScR checklist. PubMed, Clarivate Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO Africa Wide Information, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for peer-reviewed published articles. Screening and extracting data were done by two independent researchers.ResultsOf 4075 results, 89 articles were identified. Two-thirds of articles used a compartmental model (n = 58, 65.2%), with a quarter using agent-based models (n = 24, 27.0%). Overall, routine indicators, namely age and sex, were among the most frequently used measures (n = 42, 12.3%; n = 22, 6.4%, respectively). Only one measure related to culture and social behaviour (0.3%). For compartmental models, researchers commonly constructed distinct models for each level of a social vulnerability measure and included new parameters or influenced standard parameters in model equations (n = 30, 51.7%). For all agent-based models, characteristics were assigned to hosts (n = 24, 100.0%), with most models including age, contact behaviour, and/or sex (n = 18, 75.0%; n = 14, 53.3%; n = 10, 41.7%, respectively).ConclusionsGiven the importance of equitable and effective infectious disease management, there is potential to further the field. Our findings demonstrate that social vulnerability is not considered holistically. There is a focus on incorporating routine demographic indicators but important cultural and social behaviours that impact health outcomes are excluded. It is crucial to develop models that foreground social vulnerability to not only design more equitable interventions, but also to develop more effective infectious disease control and elimination strategies. Furthermore, this study revealed the lack of transparency around data sources, inconsistent reporting, lack of collaboration with local experts, and limited studies focused on modelling cultural indicators. These challenges are priorities for future research.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Connective Tissue Diseases Other than Systemic Sclerosis.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a known complication of certain connective tissue diseases (CTDs), with systemic sclerosis (SSc) being the most common in the Western world. However, PH in association with non-SSc CTD such as systemic lupus erythematous, mixed connective tissue disease, and primary Sjögren's syndrome constitutes a distinct subset of patients with inherently different epidemiologic profiles, pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical features, therapeutic options, and prognostic implications. The purpose of this review is to inform a practical approach for clinicians evaluating patients with non-SSc CTD-associated PH.The development of PH in these patients involves a complex interplay between genetic factors, immune-mediated mechanisms, and endothelial cell dysfunction. Furthermore, the broad spectrum of CTD manifestations can contribute to the development of PH through various pathophysiologic mechanisms, including intrinsic pulmonary arteriolar vasculopathy (pulmonary arterial hypertension, Group 1 PH), left-heart disease (Group 2), chronic lung disease (Group 3), chronic pulmonary artery obstruction (Group 4), and unclear and/or multifactorial mechanisms (Group 5). The importance of diagnosing PH early in symptomatic patients with non-SSc CTD is highlighted, with a review of the relevant biomarkers, imaging, and diagnostic procedures required to establish a diagnosis.Therapeutic strategies for non-SSc PH associated with CTD are explored with an in-depth review of the medical, interventional, and surgical options available to these patients, emphasizing the CTD-specific considerations that guide treatment and aid in prognosis. By identifying gaps in the current literature, we offer insights into future research priorities that may prove valuable for patients with PH associated with non-SSc CTD.

Book studies in Poland between 1945 and 2015: The sources of theoretical inspiration

The aim of the paper is to picture a retrospective panorama of the theoretical legacy of post-war Polish book studies. Of key importance to the author is the question of the object of the discipline and, consequently, its scope. The author discusses directions in book studies and the bibliological process making up — starting in the 1930s and with Jan Muszkowski’s concept — the core tradition and foundation of book-studies theories: the theories built around the paradigm of ‘life of the book,’ looking at it as an integrally defined process of production, dissemination and consumption; Karol Glombiowski’s functional theory, thanks to which ‘systemic’ and ‘functional’ approaches became a commonly accepted methodological premise in book studies; the concepts formulated by Janusz Dunin, who linked the bibliological tradition of historical source studies of editorial forms of books to the functional theory and to ‘communication’ perspective; the theory formulated by Radoslaw Cybulski, who, in combining the established morphology of the book with a semiotic and communication perspective, adopted ‘book consumption,’ that is, an ‘integrated system of satisfying the needs of book users,’ as a functional category to describe the behaviour of participants in the book market; the concepts focused on the ‘social communication situation’ as a research concept and perspective stemming from the sociological and semiotic reorientation of humanistic thinking. At the end, the author discusses the trends which have considerably expanded research perspectives in recent years: books in the media space; the ‘culture of the book’ paradigm, which is conducive to an ‘anthropologisation’ of the bibliological process, perceived no longer only institutionally, from the perspective of social communication, but also through relations, interactions and value judgements of people participating in it, which shifts research priorities towards the questions of reading and often also towards ‘regional’ approaches; and the theory of book art and research into book aesthetics. At the various stages of the development of bibliology and in relation to respective research approaches, the focus shifted from the book as a cultural artefact and its ‘life,’ that is, the bibliological process with its institutions, to the functions of the book with regard to the public in the process of social and cultural transmission, and, finally, to the public as the creator and user of the culture of the book, whose actions are ‘recorded’ in bibliological documentation.

Frogs and flows: Using life‐history traits and a systematic review to establish water‐dependent functional groups for stream frogs in New South Wales, Australia

AbstractHydrological alteration has contributed to the global decline of stream frogs. Flows support stream frog reproduction, juvenile development, food resources, and maintain habitats for all life stages. At present, there is a lack of information regarding the specific water requirements necessary for the conservation of stream frogs. To address this gap, we developed a traits‐based approach that serves as a valuable tool for grouping and prioritising water‐dependent stream frog species to inform future research priorities and environmental flow design. In this study, we focussed on 53 Australian frog species and analysed eight species traits to develop water‐dependent functional groups for stream frogs. We classified frogs based on their level of water dependency using an agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis and a systematic review of water requirements and water management threats. The distinguishing traits that determined functional groups were: tadpole body type, egg clutch type, stream breeding habitat type, and documented association with flowing water and water permanence. Our study identified two distinct water‐dependent groups: facultative stream spawners, capable of reproducing in both stream and non‐stream habitats, and obligate stream spawners, restricted solely to stream habitats. Importantly, we highlight that the obligate stream spawners are the most sensitive group to within‐channel flow alteration and should be prioritised for water management decisions in lotic environments. This study represents the first comprehensive overview of the importance of hydrology for stream frogs and identifies the critical need for additional research and validation to enhance our understanding of stream frog responses to flows regimes.

Health from the Grassroots, Listening to Mob

Abstract
 Background: There is opportunity for Universities to actively engage with Aboriginal communities to participate, conduct, and ideally lead, responsible research that attends to community priorities and issues. The Health from the Grassroots (Grassroots) project seeks to address an ongoing mismatch between university-defined priorities and community-defined priorities in rural [***]. Grassroots, led by Aboriginal staff of the [***], is a community engagement project aimed at engaging Aboriginal communities in conversations to inform research priorities. This paper describes the project vision, implementation, and lessons learned in the first years.
 
 Approach: The Grassroots project was a true representation of collaborative research led by and for Aboriginal people. We designed and conducted a local survey and yarning sessions with community members and used this information to design a “rich picture” to report findings and engage in further conversation with communities about evolving health and research priorities.
 We identified strengths and challenges faced by communities and health services in the region. The Aboriginal research team centred community in decision-making for project design and direction.
 Lessons Learned: Challenges encountered included limited resources and devoted time for the research team as this project occurred alongside staffs’ substantive positions. Community members were highly engaged in the consultation process and the rich picture continues to be used to further conversations about research action.
 Conclusions: Deep-rooted relationships and identities as members of the Community in which we live, and work enabled meaningful consultation to inform research action. Research priorities identified through the Grassroots project have been integrated into the ongoing work of the [***].

Antibacterial Potential of Bio-Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Against MDR Bacteria

The treatment of bacterial and viral infections with antibiotics is a route which is rapidly becoming more and more difficult to achieve. The start of the twentieth century was infectious disease as the leading cause for mortality worldwide. These diseases were treatable, for a time, with antibiotic development and the research coming to the fore in medical focus at this time. However, As the usage of antibiotics expanded and they were incorporated into other areas of human work, bacterium strains resistant to antibiotics started to appear. The genes that code for antibiotic resistance are not readily lost once they have developed in a bacterial population, in addition to the ongoing growth of resistance. These genes join the bacterial genome and become a stable part of it after integration. Treatment that can successfully address this multi-drug resistant condition gets more difficult to provide as new resistance mechanisms emerge. Antibiotic resistance can occur through a many of ways, such as the release of large amounts of antibiotics into the environment during waste water treatment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the presence of antibacterial agents in soaps and other products. Exposure to air exhaled from animal housing or discharged during animal transportation; ingesting contaminated water; and coming into contact with diseased farm workers or meat processors. These scenarios raise an important issue; that there is a great need for an enhancement of existing technology and techniques in the field of drug development, as well as the pressing requirement for development of new and innovative treatment methods for infectious diseases. A long-term material to these resistance problems that can and will be used as a foundation for further medical research in these fields has to be the goal of the research priorities. The answer to this problem may lie in the relatively discovery of antimicrobial nanomaterials, technology against which the pathogens cannot able to develop a resistance mechanism. The nanomaterials themselves would act as precisely engineered plat forms from which drugs may be delivered to target physiological sites.

Forecasting Emerging Technologies in Intelligent Machine Tools: A Novel Framework Based on Community Analysis

Having emerged as strategic focal points in industrial transformation and technological innovation, intelligent machine tools are pivotal in the field of intelligent manufacturing. Accurately forecasting emerging technologies within this domain is crucial for guiding intelligent manufacturing’s evolution and fostering rapid innovation. However, prevailing research methodologies exhibit limitations, often concentrating on popular topics at the expense of lesser-known yet significant areas, thereby impacting the accurate identification of research priorities. The complex, systemic, and interdisciplinary nature of intelligent machine tool technology challenges traditional research approaches, particularly in assessing technological maturity and intricate interactions. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel framework that leverages technological communities for a comprehensive analysis. This approach clusters data into specific topics which are reflective of the technology system, facilitating detailed investigations within each area. By refining community analysis methods and integrating structural and interactive community features, our framework significantly improves the precision of emerging technology predictions. Our research not only validates the framework but also projects key emerging technologies in intelligent machine tools, offering valuable insights for business leaders and scholars alike.

Skookum Health

This article presents findings of a collaborative, community-based project that established partnerships between researchers at Simon Fraser University and Indigenous community members and organizations in Surrey, British Columbia. In Metro Vancouver, Surrey saw the biggest increase in its Indigenous population, which grew 77 per cent between 2006 and 2016 to 13,460. This was a timely project given that community research partners were interested in focusing on health issues and that traditional health and social service models geared towards Indigenous populations tend to focus on on-reserve populations. Research objectives included: 1) to identify the health needs and priorities of Indigenous peoples in Surrey; 2) to determine what methodologies should be used when researching culture and health; and 3) to explore how existing data connected to Surrey’s Indigenous population can be accessed to better align research priorities with the health status of Indigenous peoples in Surrey. Data was gathered through two community talking circles (n=30) and one-to-one interviews with health and social service providers (n=12). Findings from the project included: the importance of culturally safe care and support in health and social service systems; the need for training and education among health and social service providers on the history and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples; and the importance of having access to Elder-led cultural teachings and land-based activities that support health and wellbeing of families and communities.

Advancing Patient-Centered Care: An International Survey of Adolescent Perspectives on Insomnia

ABSTRACT Objective The study objective was to inform patient-centered care for adolescent insomnia by describing adolescents’ perspectives on insomnia. Specific constructs of interest included: 1) factors that contributed to insomnia development or maintenance, 2) impact of insomnia on day-to-day life, 3) recommended research priorities, and 4) overall experience living with insomnia. Method A convenience sample of adolescents (ages 13–18 years) self-identifying with insomnia symptoms was recruited through social media. Respondents (n = 3,014) completed an online survey. Responses to an open-ended item assessing patient experience were coded using thematic analysis. Results Participants identified as 70.8% White non-Hispanic, 77.0% female, and lived in one of five English-speaking countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand). Most (87.5%) met DSM-V diagnostic criteria for insomnia. The most common contributory factors to insomnia endorsed were stress (72.1%) and depressed mood (63.6%), while common impact areas were mood (72.2%), focus (61.0%), and pain (49.7%). Patient-centered research priorities were identifying insomnia causes (66.4%) and early detection (66.1%). Common adolescent experiences included high distress levels, feelings of invalidation, and helplessness about their insomnia. Conclusions Adolescents with insomnia offer a unique perspective that should inform patient-centered research and care. There is a need for heightened screening and awareness about insomnia as a condition that causes significant distress and impairment for adolescents. To provide validating care, providers should recognize the multifaceted causes of insomnia.