University Research Programs Research Articles

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN SUPERVISING STUDENT RESEARCH

In Ukraine, student involvement in scientific research primarily occurs through participation in student scientific groups or societies. However, many teachers face challenges when supervising student research projects. This study aims at identifying challenges in supervising student scientific research in higher education, drawing on experiences of both foreign and domestic university faculties. Literature from PubMed and Google Scholar databases was reviewed, focusing on articles related to the topic. Researchers suggest early engagement of students in scientific research within laboratories and participation in inquiry-based programs such as "discovery-based," "project-based," and "inquiry-based," mirroring real-world scientific practices. These approaches offer valuable insights into science, providing structured support and laboratory experience for students. However, challenges such as material and technical limitations and teachers' lack of motivation to dedicate sufficient time to students hinder the widespread implementation of research programs in universities. To foster successful student scientific research, students must be motivated to take ownership of their work, and department laboratories require adequate material and technical support to facilitate student research groups. Additionally, scientific mentors should receive adequate pedagogical training to effectively guide research groups. Mentor efforts should focus on encouraging student participation in research activities by enhancing their awareness and creating opportunities for engagement.

Understanding Research Engagement Among Academics in the Philippines Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract: This study evaluates the Theory of Planned Behavior’s ability to predict and explain academics’ research engagement behaviors using structural equation modeling. The results of a survey of 412 academics from the Philippines show that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly and positively predict intention to engage in research, and intention predicts actual research behavior. The model showed acceptable goodness of fit: SRMR = 0.5, CFI = .94, NFI = .9, RMSEA = .05. The findings provide support for the use of the Theory of Planned Behavior in understanding and predicting research-related behaviors. The results of the study have implications for university research policies and programs.

Impacts of a University Research Assistant Program: The First Decade.

There is a declining number of physician-scientists. Little is published about the potential for university student experiences to contribute to the pipeline of future researchers. The purpose of this study was to describe a unique university research program and report the outcomes of the first 10years. The University Research Assistant Program (URAP) was described including course content, research experiences, and student composition. Outcomes of URAP student contributions to the literature and research presentations was reported. URAP students were also surveyed to assess their perspectives on the impact of the URAP program on career choices after graduation. URAP began as an independent study course and grew into for-credit university courses. A total of 212 students have taken at least one semester and 88 responded to the survey. All students who participated in URAP have graduated, and 77% (n = 68) reported the URAP program prepared them to reach their career goals. Most graduates pursued health care careers including medical school (55%), Master's programs in health care (29%), or PhD in health care (5%). URAP students participated in research involving 11 different pediatric subspecialties. Many attained co-authorship of abstracts and publications, 53 first-authored an abstract presentation and 7 manuscripts. URAP significantly influenced university students who overwhelmingly entered health care fields. While difficult to assess if these early experiences will influence participation as future physician -scientists, these students made meaningful research contributions while enrolled in these courses. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-023-01852-6.

Three-dimensional left ventricular strain analysis in Fabry disease: correlation with heart failure severity, myocardial scar and impact on long-term prognosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Charles University Research program “Cooperatio - Cardiovascular Science”. Introduction Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystemic lysosomal storage disorder caused by a defect in the gene coding the alpha-galactosidase A enzyme. Cardiac involvement typically manifests as a phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Three-dimensional echocardiography can analyze myocardial deformation of the left ventricle (LV) in both circumferential and longitudinal dimensions. Purpose We assessed 3D echocardiographic strain of the LV in FD patients in relation to heart failure severity, the presence of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scar and long-term prognosis. Methods 3D echocardiography was feasible in 75/99 FD patients. Baseline natriuretic peptides and CMR late gadolinium enhancement were assessed together with long term outcome (death, heart failure decompensation or cardiovascular hospitalization) over a median follow-up of 3.1 years. Results The average age was 47 ± 14 years, 44% of patients were male and 51% expressed hypertrophy or concentric remodeling of the LV. Average LV ejection fraction (EF) was 65 ± 6%. A stronger correlation was observed for NTproBNP levels with 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS) (r = 0.49, p < 0.0001) than with 3D global circumferential strain (GCS) (r = 0.38, p < 0.001). LV EF by 3D weakly correlated with NTproBNP levels (r = 0.25, p = 0.036). Individuals with posterolateral scar on CMR had significantly lower local 3D circumferential strain at corresponding region (p = 0.008). 3D GLS was associated with long-term outcome (adjusted HR 0.84, CI 0.75, 0.95, p = 0.004) while 3D GCS was not (HR 0.94, CI 0.85 – 1.10, p = 0.284). 3D LV EF was not associated with long-term outcome. Conclusion 3D GLS is strongly associated with both heart failure severity measured as natriuretic peptides levels and long-term prognosis. Only borderline association of 3D GCS with HF severity and no association with prognosis was observed. Decreased local 3D CS reflects typical posterolateral scarring in FD. Where feasible, 3D-strain echocardiography can be used for comprehensive mechanical assessment of the LV in FD patients.

Perspectives from parents of autistic children on participating in early intervention and associated research.

Support for autistic children early in life should help them to lead flourishing lives. However, many of the early intervention programmes for young autistic children are time-consuming and costly for families. These programmes are also often conducted in settings that are not closely matched to real life. We spoke to 23 parents (of 22 autistic children) to understand their experiences of their children's involvement in early intervention. Parents told us they were grateful for the opportunity, that they had 'hit the jackpot', and their children had 'gained so much' from the programme. They seemed to value the service because it made them feel safe and secure during an uncertain time in their children's lives. Parents told us they trusted staff, felt that they weren't 'doing it alone', and this 'took that pressure off' and helped them feel empowered. They also spoke of feelings of safety from being linked to the university research programme which offered 'accountability' and 'integrity'. Parents' comments showed a strong commitment to the early intervention model and staff - but also common feelings of abandonment and disempowerment as their child's time with the programme came to an end and they went 'back to the real world' and needed to find new supports for their children. These parents' insights should help to inform the design and delivery of community supports for preschool-aged autistic children and their families, which match the reality of their lived experiences.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is associated with cardiac injury and stroke severity in patients after acute ischemic stroke

Abstract Background Patients after acute stroke frequently show signs of myocardial injury. The pathophysiology and impact on patient's outcome are not fully understood. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is cytokine known to be associated with cardiovascular events. Purpose We aimed to assess TRAIL level dynamic changes in patients after acute ischemic stroke and its relations to cardiac injury, stroke severity and impact on short-term outcome. Methods Between August 2020 and August 2021, 104 consecutive patients after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were enrolled in our study. Blood samples were obtained from patients at the time of admission, 24- and 48-hours later to determine levels of Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitive Troponin I (hs-cTnI). Twelve lead ECG at admission, 24-, 48-hours later and at the release of the patients were obtained. Patients underwent echocardiographic examination within first 5 days of hospitalization, if eligible. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days following the patient's discharge from the hospital were performed. Chi-square, Fishers exact test and regression analysis were performed to detect differences between variables using SPSS statistics. Results were considered statistically significant at a significance level of p<0.05. Results We found significant negative association between TRAIL and NT-proBNP at admission (p=0.039), after 24 (p=0.043) and 48 hours (p=0.023) of hospitalization. There was significant negative association between TRAIL and hs-cTnI at admission (p=0.04). Moreover, we found significant negative association between TRAIL and stroke severity evaluated by NIHSS at admission (p=0.044) and negative association with severe disability or death evaluated by mRS at 90 days both after 24 (p=0.0022) and 48 hours (p=0.044) of hospitalization. In ECG analysis, lower TRAIL levels were associated with the occurrence of premature ventricular extrasystoles (p=0.043), and there was a near statistically significant association with prolonged QTc interval (p=0.07). Two patients presented with new left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality. Conclusions Lower TRAIL levels are associated with laboratory markers of cardiac injury, stroke severity and unfavorable functional outcome in patients after acute ischemic stroke. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Charles University Research Program Cooperatio – Cardiovascular sciences

Bimodal distribution of QRS complex duration in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing an ICD implant procedure

Abstract Background/Introduction In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), QRS duration is of the uttermost importance. Substantial proportion of patients with HFrEF and sufficiently prolonged QRS complex, especially those with left bundle branch block (LBBB), may significantly benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy. Purpose The aim of the study was to analyse the distribution of the QRS durations in patients with HFrEF undergoing ICD implant procedure to better understand the phenomenon of QRS prolongation. Methods All patients undergoing the implant procedure in our centre between January 2017 and December 2021 for HFrEF caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were analysed for the inclusion into the study. The exclusion criteria were (1) coincidence of CAD with DCM, (2) upgrade from any other cardiac rhythm management device, (3) unavailability of the ECG recording or ECG recording with insufficient quality before the implant procedure, (4) more than one ventricular premature beat in the recording. The study used automatically measured QRS duration by Mortara EKG machines (299 recordings with ELI350, 98 with ELI380, and 10 with ELI250). Statistical analysis was performed in R software [1] with the function locmodes for the visualisation of probability density and excess mass test [2] for assessing statistical significance, both from the multimode package. Results The study included 407 patients. In 113 patients with DCM and 177 patients with CAD, the implantation was based on primary prevention (PP) indications, and 24 and 93 patients with DCM and CAD were implanted for secondary prevention (SP) indications. The distribution of QRS durations in the CAD-PP, as well as CAD-SP was unimodal (p=ns). In the DCM-PP group, the distribution was bimodal (p=0.012), in the DCM-SP group, the trend was non-significantly bimodal (p=0.076). Both DCM groups taken together had clearly bimodal distribution (p=0.002 – probability density curve according to locmodes function in the figure). The values between 139 and 142 ms were not present in this group. Below this border zone, two other patients fulfilled the criteria of LBBB, both with the duration close to the border zone (137 and 138 ms). Above this zone, 8 patients had right bundle branch block, the rest had LBBB. Conclusions Bimodal distribution of QRS duration values in patients with DCM supports the idea of sudden change of left bundle conduction rather than slow progression of local changes. In CAD, scars and other local impairments in conduction may hide these changes and no clear border zone can be set. With the well-known differences in the measurements of main ECGmachine manufacturers, criteria for bundle branch block in DCM could be set with high accuracy. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Charles University Research Program “Cooperatio – Cardiovascular Science” and the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic Conceptual Development of Research Organization

Financial hardship from purchasing prescription drugs among older adults in the United States before, during, and after the Medicare Part D "Donut Hole": Findings from 1998, 2001, 2015, and 2021.

BACKGROUND: Cost-related nonadherence compromises successful and effective management of chronic disease. The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) aimed to increase the affordability of outpatient prescription drugs for older adults (older than age 64 years). The Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance coverage gap ("donut hole") created by the MMA was fully closed in 2020 by the ACA. OBJECTIVES: To (1) describe prescription drug coverage and financial hardship from purchasing prescription drugs among older American adults for 2021, (2) compare these results with findings from data collected before the MMA and during the progressive elimination of the Medicare Part D coverage gap, and (3) compute the likelihood for financial hardship from purchasing prescription drugs using variables for year, prescription drug insurance coverage, health-related information, and demographics. METHODS: Data were obtained from 4 nationally distributed, crosssectional surveys of older adults to track coverage for and financial hardship from purchasing prescription drugs. Surveys in 1998 and 2001 were mailed to national random samples of US seniors. Of 2,434 deliverable surveys, 700 (29%) provided useable data. Data were collected in 2015 and 2021 via online surveys sent to samples of US adults. Of 27,694 usable responses, 4,445 were from older adults. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses described relationships among financial hardship and demographics, diagnoses, and daily prescription drug use. RESULTS: Five percent of older adults lacked prescription drug coverage in 2021, continuing a downward trend from 32% in 1998, 29% in 2001, and 9% in 2015. Contrastingly, 20% of older adults reported financial hardship from prescription drug purchases in 2021, bending an upward trend from 19% in 1998, 31% in 2001, and 36% in 2015. Financial hardship from purchasing prescription drugs was more likely to be reported by older adults lacking prescription drug insurance, taking multiple medications daily, and having a low annual household income across all survey years. The latter 2 of these 3 factors were still predictive of financial hardship from purchasing prescription drugs among older adults with prescription drug insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Financial hardship from purchasing prescription drugs is still experienced by many older adults after the full implementation of the MMA and ACA. Lacking prescription drug coverage, taking more than 5 prescription drugs daily, and a low annual household income may increase the likelihood of experiencing this financial hardship. Pharmacists can be a resource for older adults making choices about their prescription drug coverages and purchases. DISCLOSURES: Funding was provided by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy New Investigator Program, the University of Minnesota Grant-in-Aid of Research Program, the Peters Endowment for Pharmacy Practice Innovation, the Chapman University Research Program, and the University Minnesota Research Program.

Research Enterprise in Covid-19 Times: Establishing the New Normal

What impact has the spread of the covid-19 virus had upon research programs in universities? The virus has been resistant to government measures to restrict its spread and the resulting health crisis has led to an economic crisis which is impacting every part of the global economy. Research enterprise has been affected in many ways particularly as research resources have been diverted into medical and strategic crisis response. This paper describes the impact of the pandemic in Australia on research departments of universities and analyses the implications of this impact for researchers and writers. It draws attention to the way research commissions from government departments and grants from research funding bodies are redirecting research funds to covid related projects and away from the tradition pre-covid priorities. Finally, it describes ways that research departments and individual researchers can adjust to the new normal in the research environment

AN INSTRUMENT FOR ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH WITH A GESI-PERSPECTIVE

GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) is one of the important issues of the world’s concern. For instance, based on UN data, it is estimated that 70% of women are the poorest group in the world. In addition, family head women (the backbone of the family), poor women, the elderly people, people with disabilities, children, minority groups, indigenous peoples, laborers, domestic servants, disaster victims, and other marginalized groups in the frontier, outermost, and isolated regions are still excluded from many university research programs in Indonesia. Therefore, universities need to be encouraged to focus their research activities on GESI. This research was aimed at developing an outcome-based instrument for assessing the performance of university research with a GESI perspective. To achieve this objective, the research method used was instrument development, including three stages, namely preliminary stage (theoretical review), product development stage (theoretical test), and product implementation stage (instrument test). Expert judgment (Borg & Gall, 2003) was employed for the content validity test and Principal Component Analysis (Rigner, 2008) was adopted for the data analysis. The outcome of the research was an Outcome-based Instrument for Assessing the Performance of University Research with a GESI perspective. The result of the research has an implication for the need to improve the quality of research focusing on GESI for lecturers.

Methodological Learning Strategies Based on Disruptive Innovation in Research for Students of a Public University

The objective of the investigation was: To determine the effect of the application of the university investigation program to improve the investigation capacities in the students of cycle VIII, IX and X of the different faculties of the National University of San Martín-Tarapoto. From this perspective, it has been hypothesized that the application of a university research program produces significant effects in the improvement of research capacities in students of cycle VIII, IX and X of the various faculties of the National University of San Martín-Tarapoto. The explanatory study, of the experimental level, of the quasi-experimental design, has been carried out with a sample of 187 students from the various faculties of the UNSM-T. The comparison of the pre and post test scores, obtained from the students' responses, has allowed us to reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis, which shows that: The application of the university's research program significantly influences the improvement of research capacities, dimensions: Epistemological, methodological and transformational criticism of the students of the different faculties of the National University of San Martín-Tarapoto.

Дискуссия о коллективных благах в контексте современных вопросов глобального управления

This article is dedicated to three interconnected concepts – “collective goods”, “free rider” and “hegemony” in the context of modern politics. We analyze three theoretical approaches to the problem of provision of collective goods by hegemonic states. These approaches are: neoliberal, (neo) realist and World-System Theory. Basing on these theoretical premises, we analyze the debate about free-ridng in the Western political discourse (especially among US allies) and we point out that particular interests of US can be disguised as “collective goods”. Basing on this, we analyze discussions about free-riding both in the Western world (among NATO and EU members) and among US allies in the Pacific region (Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand). We point out that in fact US can use the concept of collective goods to push their own agenda. Than we move to popular in western political science idea that China is a global free rider – for instance in the sphere of sea lane security and global energy security. Basing on A. Kennedy works, we demonstrate that China in fact does not wish to make western powers pay the costs of collective goods. China is rather afraid that western powers will exploit his resources. This idea is supported with the evidence, gathered during in-depth interview with Chinese diplomats and foreign policy experts. Having said that, paper points out that mentioned cases mark the importance of the concept of trust. Trust is well-studied in the field of behavioral economics, but IR theory doesn`t usually takes the concept of trust into account. Also this paper raises a question about including historical and cultural topics in the theory of international relations. Basing on analysis of different ways to incorporate economic arguments in IR theory, authors point out that modern IR theory lacks economic argumentation. Paper concludes with the idea that IR theory should capitalize on behavioral economics. Acknowledgements. This paper is a part of MGIMO University research program no. 1921-01-02.

The use of mindfulness dialogue for life in substance use disorder treatment in the time of COVID-19

Effective communication is critical for therapeutic work with individuals, for the interdisciplinary team, and for leadership in a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, over a two-year period Thomas Jefferson University's Maternal Addiction Treatment, Education and Research (MATER) program, an SUD treatment program serving pregnant and parenting women living in an urban environment, implemented Mindfulness Dialogue for Life (MDfL) to deepen communication, encourage courageous conversations, bring more compassion to staff and patients, and improve trust among leadership. MDfL focuses on three stages—connecting, exploring, and discovering—and it uses mindfulness practices to enhance communication. Here we describe our efforts to implement MDfL on a virtual platform and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected staff's work experience, as identified during their MDfL sessions.

On Strachan

The work of Hew Strachan as Chichele Professor of the History of War at Oxford University in 2002–2015 encompassed many distinct aspects, of which three are considered here. First, as co-founder, and then Director, of the notably interdisciplinary Oxford University research programme on the Changing Character of War. Second, as contributor to public and governmental debate, by authoring and editing a wide range of books and other publications on contemporary wars and the history of strategic thought, and also by serving on public and governmental bodies concerned with the problem of war – including the UK Defence Academy Advisory Board. Thirdly, as a university teacher, facing the familiar problem that Oxford University has everything needed for the study of war except for posts.

His bundle pacing preserves left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with conduction disease and high risk of development pacing induced cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background His bundle pacing (HBP), contrary to right ventricular myocardial pacing (RVP), offers the most physiological activation of both ventricles and may not lead to pacing induced cardiomyopathy. The change in myocardial structure in failing heart due to myocardial pacing should be reflected in plasmatic levels of collagen metabolism biomarkers and inflammation markers. Purpose To compare a difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and levels of selected biomarkers between two groups: HBP and RVP (preferably septal). Methods Eighty-six patients with conduction disease indicated to permanent cardiac pacing were randomized to HBP or RVP. Only high-risk patients for pacing induced cardiomyopathy development were included. Blood sampling and echocardiography were performed on the consequent day and 180 days after the pacemaker implantation. The measured biomarkers were: matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), galectin-3 (GAL3), ST2/IL-33R (ST2/IL) and TGF-beta 1 (TGFβ1). Statistical analysis included Students t-test, Fishers exact test and Chi-squared test. The p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results First group included 39 patients with HBP (selective or non-selective His bundle capture) and 47 patients with RVP. Both groups were similar with respect to gender, LVEF, QRS duration and the baseline levels of evaluated biomarkers. In both groups, there was a high burden of ventricular pacing after 6 months (above 90%) (p = NS). The ejection fraction of the left ventricle did not change in the HBPgroup (60 vs 60%, p=0,3), but it decreased significantly in the RVP group (59 vs 56%, p=0,004). The decline in the LVEF of at least 5% occurred in 12 patients (26%) from RVP group, compared to 3 patients (8%) in HBP group (p=0,03). The blood levels of dMMP-9 (p=0,02), TIMP-1 (p=0,003), ST2/IL (p=0,003) and TGFβ1 (p=0,021) declined significantly after 180 days in the HBP group, decline of Galectin 3 was nonsignificant. In the RVP group, there was a significant decline in blood levels of MMP-9 (p=0,014), TIMP-1 (p=0,001) and ST2/IL (p= 0,04), decline of Galectin 3 and TGFβ1 was nonsignificant. The biomarker level difference was not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion His bundle pacing, contrary to right ventricular myocardial pacing, preserves LVEF in patients with high risk of pacing induced cardiomyopathy development. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Charles University research programme. Q38. UNCE/MED/002

Abstract IA18: North Carolina Central University and Duke Cancer Institute's collaborative cancer research and education program: Connecting cancer disparities translational research, clinical trials operations, and community engagement

Abstract Three interrelated contributors to cancer disparities include the lack of diversity among investigators contributing to cancer research, the deficiency of minority participation in clinical trials and bio-banking, and the need to advance community engagement as a vital component of the translational research spectrum. The North Carolina Central University and Duke Cancer Institute's Cancer Disparities Translational Research Partnership (NCCU-DCI CDTRP) (P20 PACHE), through its Cancer Research and Education Program (C-REP), provides a Translational Immersion Experience (TIE) that spans the full translational research spectrum, for traditionally under-represented PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-stage investigators. The goals of TIE are to (1) provide cancer disparities research training with an emphasis on translational laboratory science including high-throughput screening/drug discovery, (2) equip trainees with unique training and education in the operational infrastructure that supports clinical research and trials, (3) highlight strategies to increase diverse participation in clinical trials and bio banking, and (4) learn and apply principles of community engagement through community-based programs and outreach. Using multimodal training techniques, the TIE program provides training and education in real-life settings that expose trainees to the full translational research spectrum across two diseases that disproportionality affect African Americans at significantly higher rates, prostate cancer and inflammatory breast cancer. The overarching goal is to bolster our trainees' experiences and training to contribute to innovative technologies and discoveries and provide access to training that spans beyond the traditional curriculum in areas of high need in translational cancer disparities research such as minority accrual and clinical trials operations. The program includes evidence-based workshops in healthy mentor-mentee relationships, building and sustaining resilience, and sharpening grantwriting skills coupled with ongoing external evaluation to provide real-time feedback on the program. We present the preliminary evaluation data based on the first cohort of the C-REP TIE program. Citation Format: Kevin P. Williams, Nadine J. Barrett, Carla E. Oldham, Holly Hough, Artis Woodard, Jennifer Freedman, Gayathri R. Devi, Steven R. Patierno. North Carolina Central University and Duke Cancer Institute's collaborative cancer research and education program: Connecting cancer disparities translational research, clinical trials operations, and community engagement [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA18.

Praxis for Accelerated Improvement in Research (PAIR)

This article introduces the Praxis for Accelerated Improvement in Research (PAIR) as a transformative research management paradigm drawn from the participatory action research program focused on research production and publication in a private higher education institution in Manila, Philippines. PAIR mentoring scheme upholds establishing a committed and caring relationship between the mentor and the mentee, thereby developing a shared vision towards research. PAIR mentoring further underscores the need to institute a university research infrastructure to support its research programs and initiatives. This participatory and transformative approach to research management tendered significant (and accelerated) improvement in the Scopus® metrics of the university. Reflecting from the researchers’ and research participants’ journey in implementing and embracing change and improvement in the university research programs, this article argues that researchers need to advance connectedness, conviviality, optimism, shared vision, and prudence in all aspects of research. This article thereby recommends learning and researching within the lens of participatory and transformative paradigm. The authors further recommend to higher education institutions establishment of a sustained mentoring program where mentors and mentees mutually agree and commit to advance the research vision of the university collectively. Finally, this article reasons in favor of an institutional research infrastructure that nurtures not just the knowledge and skills in research, but also the attitude and values of its research stakeholders towards research and the overall research program of the organization.

Software for quantitative prediction of hydrate blockage formation in gas condensate systems

A new industry–university research and development program targets improved hydrate kinetic modelling in gas-dominant flows for application in engineering simulation. It is recognised that current industry hydrate blockage prediction models, based largely on experience with oil-dominant systems, may not be sufficiently accurate in gas-dominant systems. The availability of improved hydrate kinetics and transport models can enable safe field operations targeting hydrate management, rather than avoidance. This can yield significant savings in capital and operational expenditure.

The 2D InSe/WS2 Heterostructure with Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance in the Visible Region**Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 11404013, 11474012, 11364030, 61622406, 61571415, 51502283 and 11605003, the National Key Research and Development Program of China under Grant No 2017YFA0206303, the MOST of China, and the 2018 Graduate Research Program of Beijing Technology and Business University.

Two-dimensional (2D) InSe and WS2 exhibit promising characteristics for optoelectronic applications. However, they both have poor absorption of visible light due to wide bandgaps: 2D InSe has high electron mobility but low hole mobility, while 2D WS2 is on the contrary. We propose a 2D heterostructure composed of their monolayers as a solution to both problems. Our first-principles calculations show that the heterostructure has a type-II band alignment as expected. Consequently, the bandgap of the heterostructure is reduced to 2.19 eV, which is much smaller than those of the monolayers. The reduction in bandgap leads to a considerable enhancement of the visible-light absorption, such as about fivefold (threefold) increase in comparison to monolayer InSe (WS2) at the wavelength of 490 nm. Meanwhile, the type-II band alignment also facilitates the spatial separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs; i.e., electrons (holes) reside preferably in the InSe (WS2) layer. As a result, the two layers complement each other in carrier mobilities of the heterostructure: the photogenerated electrons and holes inherit the large mobilities from the InSe and WS2 monolayers, respectively.

Revisión de estudios internacionales sobre evaluación y metodologías docentes universitarias

En los últimos años se han venido ensayando estrategias exitosas diversas, tanto desde el contexto propio de la universidad, como desde otros contextos internacionales. Estos antecedentes empíricos, apoyados por datos impresionísticos o validados con evidencias internacionales justifican la formalización de un programa de investigación e innovación docente universitaria centrado en las competencias genéricas de lectura crítica LC y construcción textual CT. Para ello, parece pertinente el analizar estos antecedentes. Además, tres tipos de debates internacionales y muy presentes en Colombia, introducen una gran complejidad al campo, faltando evidencias empíricas contrastadas y validadas para la toma de decisiones. Por una parte, sobre los avances y las perspectivas de la evaluación (Tamayo et al., 2018); en segundo lugar, los límites y problemas que surgen con el modelo de competencias (Barnet, 2001; Díaz-Flórez, 2018) en ambos casos, con muchos debates y reflexiones sobre priorización de la calidad sobre los sistemas de evaluación o sobre el constructo de competencia (Ravitch, 2013), ello especialmente candente cuando se aborda la cuestión de la formación inicial del profesorado (preservice teachers, García-Martín & García-Sánchez, 2017) en Colombia (Arias-Gómez et al., 2018). Y por último, el debate clásico de la enseñanza activa de Dewey, el aprendizaje significativo de Ausubel, el aprendizaje por descubrimiento de Bruner, o el gran desarrollo del enfoque socio histórico cultural de Vigotsky y su pedagogía desde la ZDP y que se concreta en modelos completos de enseñanza y aprendizaje de carreras como el que sigue el aprendizaje basado en problemas ABP (Fernández et al., 2006; García, 2002); cuestión que se refleja en el informe sobre la educación superior en Colombia de la OCDE (2016). Se trata de un Proyecto de Investigación Competitivo CONV-ÍNDEX Núm. 13-2018, Código Proyecto INV. 150-01-007-13 Universidad de la Costa (Colombia) – Universidad de León (España). Evaluado por la ACAC (MEN Colombia).