Small Group Research Research Articles

Prioritizing evidence-based practices for acute respiratory distress syndrome using digital data: an iterative multi-stakeholder process

BackgroundEvidence-based practices (EBPs) for patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation vary in the quality of their underlying evidence and ease of implementation.Research questionHow do researchers and clinicians prioritize EBPs to help guide clinical decision-making and focus implementation efforts to improve patient care using existing, validated measures?Study design and methodsWe developed a 4-step rapid method using existing criteria to prioritize EBPs associated with lower mortality and/or shorter duration of invasive mechanical ventilation for patients suffering from acute respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Using different types of data including surveys, we (1) identified relevant EBPs, (2) rated EBPs using the Guideline Implementability Appraisal (GLIA) tool, (3) surveyed practicing ICU clinicians from different hospital systems using a subset of GLIA criteria, and (4) developed metrics to assess EBP performance. In this paper, we describe steps 2 and 3.ResultsIn step 2, we prioritized 11 EBPs from an initial list of 30, using surveys and ratings among a small group of clinician researchers. In step 3, 42 clinicians from 8 different hospital systems provided assessments of these 11 EBPs which inform the final step of metric development.InterpretationOur prioritization process allowed us to identify 11 EBPs out of a larger group that clinicians perceive is most likely to help optimize invasive mechanical ventilation and improve the outcomes of this vulnerable patient population. While this method was developed in critical care related to adults receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, it is adaptable to other health contexts.

Neural Organoids Making Connections, Getting Real

Neural Organoids Making Connections, Getting Real

Meeting report - Cell size and growth: from single cells to the tree of life.

In April 2022, The Company of Biologists hosted their first post-pandemic in-person Workshop at Buxted Park Country House in the Sussex countryside. The Workshop, entitled 'Cell size and growth: from single cells to the tree of life', gathered a small group of early-career and senior researchers with expertise in cell size spanning a broad range of organisms, including bacteria, yeast, animal cells, embryos and plants, and working in fields from cell biology to ecology and evolutionary biology. The programme made ample room for fruitful discussions and provided a much-needed opportunity to discuss the most recent findings relating to the regulation of cell size and growth, identify the emerging challenges for the field, and build a community after the pandemic.

Teacher Educators: A Bibliometric Mapping of an Emerging Research Area

There has been increasing research attention on teacher educators in recent years; however, the dynamics of this research area have not been examined through bibliometric analysis of the relevant studies. This study aimed to perform a systematic mapping of the trends in research studies on teacher educators through the bibliometric data obtained from the Web of Science database. The bibliometric analysis led to four substantial findings: (1) research on teacher educators is an emerging field of educational studies that have experienced a progressive increase since the 2000s; (2) scientific publications in this field are produced by a small group of researchers from the USA, Australia, Canada, several European, and few Asian countries through collaborative research networks; (3) research on teacher educators is primarily spread in general teacher education journals; (4) the main topics regarding teacher educator research area are: professional development, professional identity, works, and practices.

QUALITY OF LIFE IN HEMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS IN THE POST-COVID ERA

ObjectiveCurrently, restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted in many countries. However, the pandemic could still have impact on the current quality of life of patients, especially oncological ones. Our study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning of patients with hematological diseases.MethodologyThis is a prospective survey-based study. We used the EORTC QoL questionnaire in the population consisting of 32 patients: 22 with lymphoma (69%), 4 with hairy cell leukemia (13%), 3 with myelofibrosis (9%), 1 with acute myeloid leukemia (3%), 1 with chronic myeloid leukemia (3%), 1 with non-oncologic disease (3%). The median age was 50.5 years (ranged 21 – 76). The questionnaires were collected between May and June 2022. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (R version 4.0.3.).Results41% of patients had a COVID-19 infection confirmed by PCR test. 38% of them were hospitalized, 80% of whom required oxygen therapy. Quality of life was 62.5 (16.7 – 83.3), functioning scales: physical functioning 86.7, role functioning 66.7, emotional functioning 83.3, cognitive functioning 83.3, social functioning 66.7; symptom: fatigue 33.3, insomnia 33.3. Patients who required oxygen therapy had higher scores on the financial impact scale than those who didn't, 66.7 vs 0, p = 0.0261.ConclusionRole and social functioning was the worst item among functioning scales. Women had significantly higher social functioning than men. Fatigue and insomnia were the most burdensome symptoms assessed on the symptom scales. No significant differences were found in scores of EORTC between patients who reported COVID infection and those who didn't. The limitation of this study is a relatively small research group. The future direction is to perform a similar analysis on a larger population.

Developing a new Governance Approval Process to support federated discovery and meta-analysis of data across the UK through the CO-CONNECT project.

Objectives To develop a new approval process for federated data custodians to install and support a new platform which enables researchers to run from one website, instantaneous, aggregate-level queries to determine the number of patients in each dataset which meet their research criteria. To agree security controls across data custodians which protect patient confidentiality whilst also providing this new automated capability for researchers and reducing the burden on each data custodian to manually provide the information. ApproachThe COVID - Curated and Open aNalysis aNd rEsearCh plaTform (CO-CONNECT) has integrated a Cohort Discovery Tool into the Health Data Research (HDR) UK Innovation Gateway website and is connecting >50 different federated datasets. The underpinning architecture is novel, without precedent at such a scale in the UK. We found that although each data custodian recognised the benefits of the platform, many were unclear of the process to formally approve this new model. We have worked across data custodians to co-develop the required new processes and document the security controls. ResultsWe found vast differences in technical knowledge and infrastructures across different data custodians, especially across small research groups hosting data on consented research cohorts verses larger organisations who host and manage routinely collected data. A model for approvals evolved for these 2 separate groups: Consented research cohorts: a 2-stage process of a pre-assessment for the need for a DPIA and/or completed DPIA. All returned a positive outcome which deemed no personal identifiable information was being used. Unconsented population level data: 4 different documents were required each being approved by different committees within each data custodian: DPIA, Data Access Application, Security Risk Assessment, Disclosure Control Assessment. As the model was novel to many data custodians, we developed many different explainer videos and detailed step by step instructions. ConclusionWe recommend a new approvals process for new technologies/models is developed to support initiatives which are not covered by the traditional data access request process. Increased investment in teams which approve data governance and IT security applications which have been overwhelmed by the increased demand for their services to review COVID-19 related projects would be welcomed.

Pengaplikasian Model Pembelajaran Project Based Learning (PjBL) Berbasis Karakteristik Serangga di Sekitar Danau Ranu Kumbolo pada Mata Kuliah Entomologi

The online learning policy was implemented during the Covid 19 pandemic in various countries in the world. Problems arise in learning biology that requires laboratory experiment activities. This research provides an innovation in entomology learning with the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model using insect biodiversity in the local ecosystem, namely Lake Ranu Kumbolo. This study aims to determine the ability of science process skills and student responses using the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model. Project Based Learning (PjBL) is one of the learning models that are set in the independent learning process to learn independent campuses. The research was conducted with exploratory descriptive research method. Science process skills and student project products are measured using a rubric. Student learning outcomes are measured using quiz questions with the google form application. Meanwhile, student responses were measured using a questionnaire. Based on the results of the study, it showed that the science process skills of students who were taught using the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model were in the good and very good categories. The output produced is a practicum guide based on the assessment rubric which is in good and very good grades. Student responses about the application of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model in entomology courses are in the agree and strongly agree categories. Student learning outcomes showed an average in the good and very good categories. The application of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model is able to stimulate the ability of science processes and student learning outcomes in entomology courses. The Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model is very appropriate to be applied to fields of science that require a lot of experimental activities. Because it is carried out in small research groups, the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model is very appropriate to be applied in learning during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Development of Electronic Student Worksheets (e-SW) Electrolyte and Nonelectrolyte Solutions based on Project Based Learning (PjBL) on the Learning Outcomes

The purpose of this research is to develop teaching materials in the form of e-SW electrolyte and nonelectrolyte solutions based on PjBL for class X SMA/MA students. The method used is the Plom Model development method with stages the Preliminary Research, Prototyping Phase, and Assessment Phase. The limitation of this research is only small group research. The assessment of this development is valid and practical. The elements that are validated are content, serving, language, and graphical components. The practical element is seen in the questionnaire conducted by 3 students and 2 teachers. The results of this study are teaching materials that meet valid and practical criteria, so they can be used for learning electrolyte and nonelectrolyte solutions for class X SMA/MA students

First Line Research Data Management for Life Sciences: a Case Study


 Modern life sciences studies depend on the collection, management and analysis of comprehensive datasets in what has become data-intensive research. Life science research is also characterised by having relatively small groups of researchers. This combination of data-intensive research performed by a few people has led to an increasing bottleneck in research data management (RDM). Parallel to this, there has been an urgent call by initiatives like FAIR and Open Science to openly publish research data which has put additional pressure on improving the quality of RDM. Here, we reflect on the lessons learnt by DataHub Maastricht, a RDM support group of the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+) in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in providing first-line RDM support for life sciences. DataHub Maastricht operates with a small core team, and is complemented with disciplinary data stewards, many of whom have joint positions with DataHub and a research group. This organisational model helps creating shared knowledge between DataHub and the data stewards, including insights how to focus support on the most reusable datasets. This model has shown to be very beneficial given limited time and personnel. We found that co-hosting tailored platforms for specific domains, reducing storage costs by implementing tiered storage and promoting cross-institutional collaboration through federated authentication were all effective features to stimulate researchers to initiate RDM. Overall, utilising the expertise and communication channel of the embedded data stewards was also instrumental in our RDM success. Looking into the future, we foresee the need to further embed the role of data stewards into the lifeblood of the research organisation, along with policies on how to finance long-term storage of research data. The latter, to remain feasible, needs to be combined with a further formalising of appraisal and reappraisal of archived research data.

Changes in adipokine concentrations in antidepressant-resistant bipolar depression after ketamine infusion and electroconvulsive therapy

Objectives This study attempts to assess the concentration of two opposite-acting adipokines (anti-inflammatory adiponectin and pro-inflammatory resistin) in antidepressant-resistant patients undergoing ketamine infusion (KI) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Methods The study group comprised 52 patients hospitalised due to episodes of depression in the course of bipolar disorders. The Hamilton depression scale was used to assess the intensity of the depression symptoms before starting therapy and one day after its completion. The serum concentration of adipokines was determined before and after the therapeutic intervention using an ELISA method. Results Baseline adipokine levels differed between patients receiving KI and ECT therapy. Regardless of the procedure used, these levels changed after treatment, with the nature of these changes being different. In the case of KI, the adiponectin levels increased, and resistin levels decreased. In contrast, after ECT, the concentrations of both adipokines decreased. Changes in adipokine concentrations correlated with improvement in mental status, as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale, type of bipolar disorder, and gender. Conclusions Adipokines remain interesting candidate biomarkers in assessing the state and course of the disease depending on the therapeutic procedure applied. However, the relatively small study group and limited original research available for discussion justify further investigation.

It Takes a Village: Using a Crowdsourced Approach to Investigate Organic Matter Composition in Global Rivers Through the Lens of Ecological Theory

Though community-based scientific approaches are becoming more common, many scientific efforts are conducted by small groups of researchers that together develop a concept, analyze data, and interpret results that ultimately translate into a publication. Here, we present a community effort that breaks these traditional boundaries of the publication process by engaging the scientific community from initial hypothesis generation to final publication. We leverage community-generated data from the Worldwide Hydrobiogeochemistry Observation Network for Dynamic River Systems (WHONDRS) consortium to study organic matter composition through the lens of ecological theory. This community endeavor will use a suite of paired physical and chemical datasets collected from 97 river corridors across the globe. With our first step aimed at ideation, we engaged a community of scientists from over 20 countries and 60 institutions, spanning disciplines and career stages by holding a virtual workshop (April 2021). In the workshop, participants generated content for questions, hypotheses, and proposed analyses based on the WHONDRS dataset. These ideation efforts resulted in several narratives investigating different questions led by different teams, which will be the basis for research articles in a Frontiers in Water collection. Currently, the community is collectively analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing these data that will result in six crowdsourced articles using a single, existing WHONDRS dataset. The use of a shared dataset across articles not only lowers barriers for broad participation by not requiring generation of new data, but also provides unique opportunities for emergent learning by connecting outcomes across studies. Here we will explain methods used to enable this community endeavor aimed to promote a greater diversity of thinking on river corridor biogeochemistry through crowdsourced science.

The Impact of Algorithmic Price Discrimination on Consumers' Perceived Betrayal.

With the development of artificial intelligence technology, data support is increasing in importance, as are problems such as information disclosure, algorithmic discrimination and the digital divide. Algorithmic price discrimination occurs when online retailers or platforms charge experienced consumers who are purchasing products on their online platforms higher prices than those charged to new consumers for the same products at the same time. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of algorithmic price discrimination on consumers’ perceived betrayal. This paper employed a field experimental method involving two studies. In total, 696 questionnaires were distributed to consumers: 310 for Study 1 and 386 for Study 2. The collected data were analyzed using variance analysis and process analysis methods and SPSS software. Our findings suggest (1) Increased algorithmic price discrimination leads to increased perceived betrayal. (2) Increased algorithmic price discrimination leads to lower perceived price fairness and therefore to increased perceived betrayal among consumers. (3) Higher perceived ease of use of online retailers decreases the impact of algorithmic price discrimination on consumers’ perceived betrayal. We are a small group of researchers focusing on algorithmic price discrimination and integrating algorithmic discrimination into the consumer research field. Our research introduces the concept of consumer perceived betrayal to the field of artificial intelligence. We adopt a field experimental study to examine the impact of algorithmic price discrimination on consumers’ perceived betrayal by introducing variables of perceived price fairness and perceived ease of use.

Collaborative data analysis: examining youths’ literacy practices in YPAR

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how youth from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds came together to collaboratively analyze data they collected across two research projects in a community-based Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) initiative, a less understood aspect of YPAR. Specifically, this study discusses how youth enacted collaborative data analysis to foreground lived experience and experiential knowledge while enacting critical literacy practices and building toward an open and reflective form of relationality.Design/methodology/approachThe examination of youths’ data analysis practices is situated in a larger qualitative research study of the Central City Youth Participatory Action Research initiative, a six-month, community-based, out-of-school program. This study discusses the relational and humanizing practices of youth through collaborative data analysis practices.FindingsThis study focuses on two small-group research teams, examining how youth enacted critical literacy practices and humanizing modes of learning through relational practices as data analysis. This study discusses two themes in the findings: making sense of data through personal experience and negotiating researcher roles as stancetaking in collaborative data analysisOriginality/valueIn analyzing students’ collaborative data analysis practices across the small-group YPAR projects they enacted, this study contributes new understandings about how youth analyzed data to examine aspects of educational equity important to them.

Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Backgrounds: Current Detection Efforts and Future Prospects

The collection of individually resolvable gravitational wave (GW) events makes up a tiny fraction of all GW signals that reach our detectors, while most lie below the confusion limit and are undetected. Similarly to voices in a crowded room, the collection of unresolved signals gives rise to a background that is well-described via stochastic variables and, hence, referred to as the stochastic GW background (SGWB). In this review, we provide an overview of stochastic GW signals and characterise them based on features of interest such as generation processes and observational properties. We then review the current detection strategies for stochastic backgrounds, offering a ready-to-use manual for stochastic GW searches in real data. In the process, we distinguish between interferometric measurements of GWs, either by ground-based or space-based laser interferometers, and timing-residuals analyses with pulsar timing arrays (PTAs). These detection methods have been applied to real data both by large GW collaborations and smaller research groups, and the most recent and instructive results are reported here. We close this review with an outlook on future observations with third generation detectors, space-based interferometers, and potential noninterferometric detection methods proposed in the literature.

The risk of fake controversies for Brazilian environmental policies

Fake controversies have influenced policy making on health and environmental issues for decades, resulting in major implementation setbacks worldwide. As a case study, in this paper we examine fake controversies produced by a small group of active Brazilian researchers that have seriously impacted environmental conservation, particularly in issues related to deforestation and climate change. Based on the literature, we develop a typology of strategies deployed in fake controversies, which include manufacturing uncertainty, misusing scientific credentials, and disregarding scientific literature. Afterwards, we examine the influence of this group of contrarians at the National Congress. We then analyze the fake controversies promoted by these contrarians and argue that, to properly understand them, we need to consider a strategy so far overlooked in the literature: the manufacture of “pseudo-facts”, namely, affirmations at odds with the established literature but that strives to appear as scientific facts. Unlike other contexts, in which contrarians have mainly sought to cast doubt on consensual issues by arguing that there are still considerable uncertainties surrounding them, in Brazil pseudo-facts on deforestation have been produced and published outside the peer-reviewed literature. We conclude the study with recommendations on how to oppose fake scientific controversies that threaten environmental conservation in general.

Use of Technology in the Study of Team-Interaction and Performance

Direct observation of groups is labor-intensive. As a result, current research on small groups often relies on retrospective ratings. Recent developments in sensor-technology have eased data gathering, leading to a renewed interest in direct observation of groups. Sensor technology has potential, but also limitations; research has been technology- and data-driven with less recognition of the large body, and long history, of research and theory building. We review the literature on technology in small group research, argue for more interdisciplinary research and propose combining sensor technology with methods of interaction analysis, and the theories that underlie them, developed prior to 1980.

Application of Project Based Learning Insect Characteristics Around Lake Tondano in Entomology Course

The online learning policy was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in various countries around the world. Problems arise in learning biology that requires laboratory experiment activities. This research provides an innovation in entomology learning with a project-based learning method using insect biodiversity in the local ecosystem, namely Lake Tondano. This study aims to determine the ability of science process skills and student responses using the project-based learning method. Project-based learning is one of the methods established for the independent learning process to learn the independent curriculum. The research was conducted with an exploratory, descriptive research method. Science process skills and student project products are measured using a rubric. Student learning outcomes are measured using quiz questions with the google form application.Meanwhile, student responses were measured using a questionnaire. The study results showed that the science process skills of students who were taught using the Project-based learning method were in the good and very good categories. The resulting project output is a practical guide based on the assessment rubric which is in good and very good grades. Student responses regarding the application of Project based learning in entomology courses are in the agree and strongly agree categories. Student learning outcomes showed an average in the good and very good categories. The application of project-based learning can stimulate the ability of science processes and student learning outcomes in entomology courses. Project-based learning is very appropriate to be applied to fields of science that require a lot of experimental activities. Because it is carried out in small research groups, the project-based learning method is appropriate for learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

EP.TU.520ISC0Re Begins: An independent research group for junior doctors

Abstract Research is often a difficult component of training for many surgical trainees and junior medical officers (JMOs) wanting to apply for surgical training in Australia. In 2014, we established an independent research group called Institute of Surgical Collaboration for Research (ISCoRe) to develop a research culture amongst surgical trainees and junior medical officers (JMOs). The group was chaired by an unaccredited surgical registrar with a strong interest in surgical research and a general surgeon with a wealth of experience in presentations and publications in an advisory role. Being a small independent research group allows us to work very closely with JMOs and surgical trainees to identify their career interests, coming up with research topics and ideas and guiding the research group members through the process of data collection, analysis, writing up abstracts and submitting abstracts to conferences. We have had a good initial success with the research output from the group, with multiple research abstracts accepted and presented in various international conferences in our first two years of the formation of the group. However, being an independent group does have its disadvantages. The biggest challenges we face involve manpower and financial support. We are hopeful that by training up JMOs who have been with us for one or two years, they will in turn be able to help us guide new group members.

Pollen, charcoal and phytolith records from the Late Quaternary of southern Africa: vegetation and climate interpretations

AbstractAlthough the lack of Late Quaternary pollen, phytolith and charcoal records for southern Africa has been bemoaned by many, there are a surprising number of publications by a relatively small group of researchers. Previous comprehensive reviews covered the research up to 2016 and 2018 so this paper only considers a selection of more recent studies, with a focus on the three types of botanical remains (pollen, phytoliths, micro- and macro-charcoal). The newer works use the traditional approaches of identification of vegetation and the use of modern analogues to reconstruct past climate and relate the results to other works and proxies. Sibudu Cave, with its long record and multi-proxy record is presented as a case study because the vegetation, climate and human behaviour are well integrated together. A more recent and general trend to provide emphasis on identifying climate driving forces and re-interpretation of data have a tendency to obscure the original sound research.

Creativity in Scientific Research: Multidisciplinarity Fosters Depth of Ideas Among Scientists in Electronic “Brainwriting” Groups

The aim of this study was to examine the potential benefits of multidisciplinarity among agri-food researchers working in small groups to generate ideas to stimulate innovation in the context of a laboratory project. Research on the role of multidisciplinarity in scientific research teams remains limited, particularly regarding the generation of ideas to innovate in a real laboratory project, and on a task with a real challenge for innovation. Researchers and agri-food research staff were assigned to small groups of either multidisciplinary or unidisciplinary composition to produce ideas on a cross-cutting theme for an innovative laboratory project using an electronic "brainwriting" application. A greater depth in idea generation (number of ideas per category) was observed in the multidisciplinary condition than in the unidisciplinary condition. The main benefits of this study were to experimentally examine the effects of multidisciplinarity in small scientific research groups on the production of ideas in a field study conducted on the premises of an agri-food laboratory. This study provides advice on how to promote innovative projects by stimulating ideation processes, which includes constructing small multidisciplinary groups and using an electronic "brainwriting" technique.