A case study on the relationship between risk assessment of scientific research projects and related factors under the Naive Bayesian algorithm.

This paper delves into the nuanced dynamics influencing the outcomes of risk assessment (RA) in scientific research projects (SRPs), employing the Naive Bayes algorithm. The methodology involves the selection of diverse SRPs cases, gathering data encompassing project scale, budget investment, team experience, and other pertinent factors. The paper advances the application of the Naive Bayes algorithm by introducing enhancements, specifically integrating the Tree-augmented Naive Bayes (TANB) model. This augmentation serves to estimate risk probabilities for different research projects, shedding light on the intricate interplay and contributions of various factors to the RA process. The findings underscore the efficacy of the TANB algorithm, demonstrating commendable accuracy (average accuracy 89.2%) in RA for SRPs. Notably, budget investment (regression coefficient: 0.68, P < 0.05) and team experience (regression coefficient: 0.51, P < 0.05) emerge as significant determinants obviously influencing RA outcomes. Conversely, the impact of project size (regression coefficient: 0.31, P < 0.05) is relatively modest. This paper furnishes a concrete reference framework for project managers, facilitating informed decision-making in SRPs. By comprehensively analyzing the influence of various factors on RA, the paper not only contributes empirical insights to project decision-making but also elucidates the intricate relationships between different factors. The research advocates for heightened attention to budget investment and team experience when formulating risk management strategies. This strategic focus is posited to enhance the precision of RAs and the scientific foundation of decision-making processes.

The ESCMID Study Group for Clostridioides difficile: History, Role, and Perspectives.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a major nosocomial pathogen but is also increasingly recognised as an important diarrhoeal pathogen in the community, not always associated with antibiotics. The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for C. difficile (ESGCD) is a group of clinicians, scientists, and others from many European countries and further afield, who share a common interest in C. difficile. The aims of the Study Group are centred around raising the profile of  C. difficile infection (CDI) in humans and animals, fostering collaboration amongst centres in different European countries and providing a forum for discussing and disseminating information. One of the principal aims of the Study Group is to raise awareness of C. difficile infections in Europe. ESGCD has a particular interest in the development and dissemination of European guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CDI. This chapter will discuss the organisation of ESGCD within the ESCMID Study Group structure, the origins of the Study Group, the aims, and objectives of the group, and will highlight some of the past and present activities of ESGCD in relation to these.

Can Antibiotic Stewardship Be Achieved by Utilizing the Stewardship Through Educating Patients (S.T.E.P.) Process?

BACKGROUND: Despite research and efforts to mitigate bacterial resistance, antibiotic overprescribing continues to occur, often due to real or perceived expectations of patients.  Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) if there's an association between the provider's patient education efforts and the patient's satisfaction, and (2) the research participant's subsequent behavior concerning antibiotic prescriptions, by utilizing the Stewardship Through Educating Patients (S.T.E.P.) process for positive prescriptive change. The S.T.E.P. program features straightforward, simple education via face-to-face counseling at patient encounters, along with presenting applicable printed educational pamphlets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These two interventions were utilized in this study with research participants from the healthcare provider, with education focused on appropriate antibiotic use in the treatment of adults diagnosed with common illnesses such as an upper respiratory infection (the common cold), acute sinusitis, and acute bronchitis, which oftentimes are viral in origin. METHOD: This Quality Improvement (QI) interventional study utilized the researcher's direct face-to-face patient education and CDC printed materials as a measure of antibiotic prescribing as a primary outcome, with patient satisfaction as a secondary outcome via convenience sampling of 40 hospital employees who utilized a free hospital-based employee healthcare clinic. RESULTS: Patient-teaching by this study's researcher, along with supplemental printed patient education material from the CDC that were given to research participants during an initial medical encounter, were effective interventions used in reducing antibiotic prescribing, as evidenced by a positive patient satisfaction in 95% of research participants. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic use in the treatment of adults diagnosed with common illnesses such as an upper respiratory infection (the common cold), acute sinusitis, and acute bronchitis, may be safely reduced by using a combination of patient-education and clinician intervention.

The impact of funding disruptions on large-scale teen pregnancy prevention research projects.

To advance the field of teen pregnancy prevention, new interventions must be developed and tested. The federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention program (TPP) funds the evaluation of promising interventions. We report on a funding disruption to 21 TPP Tier 2B research grantees across the US that was unusual for its ideological causation, sudden timing, severity, and ultimately court decisions compelling the agency to reverse the decision. We address the following question: How did challenges presented by the attempted funding termination impact grantees' ability to continue with their intended research? Results from grantee surveys in 2019 demonstrate the funding disruption negatively impacted participant recruitment, organizational collaboration, program delivery, research rigor, and compromised grantees' ability to complete high-quality evaluations. Results also show most projects could continue, with modified research goals, when funding was reinstated. We conclude administrations should avoid arbitrarily and prematurely terminating research projects. However, there is merit in reinstating funds to projects should a disruption occur. Results from this work are particularly relevant as we anticipate how health research projects may manage other disruptions to funding or timetables, such as those caused by COVID-19. Results are relevant to policy makers, researchers, government and private funders, grantees, and technical assistance teams.

Students' perceived research skills development and satisfaction after completion of a mandatory research project: results from five cohorts of the Sydney medical program.

BACKGROUND: Research activities undertaken during University studies contribute to preparation of medical students for practice of evidence-based medicine. This study aimed to understand medical students' experiences, perceived research skills development and satisfaction associated with completion of mandatory research projects. METHODS: An online survey was sent to five cohorts of students (n = 1375) from years 2017-2021 at the completion of their research projects. Univariate analysis was conducted to understand students' perception of research skills development, followed by linear regression modeling to explore factors influencing satisfaction with their research project. Manifest content analysis employing a framework approach was used to analyse qualitative data from responses to open ended questions. RESULTS: Response rate was 42%, with 513 (89%) returned surveys being complete and included in analysis. Whilst 37% of students felt they had requisite research skills before undertaking the research project, 84% reported they had these skills after completing the project (χ2 = 8.99, P = 0.02). Mean satisfaction score of the students was 5.0/10 (+/- 2.5, median = 6 (IQR = 3.0-7.0) with 59% of students reporting satisfaction scores higher than the average. Higher satisfaction scores were reported by those who perceived that: research methods and teaching was useful in preparing them for conducting research; the research project helped them acquire new skills; the project resulted in peer-reviewed publication; and, who felt supported by their supervisors. Responses to open ended questions offered important insights into student experience and emphasised the importance of supportive supervisors and the need for a dedicated research block in the busy medical program. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of students reported positive outcomes from the mandatory research project. Student satisfaction can be improved by ensuring supportive research environments and high-quality supervision, and inclusion of dedicated research time in the medical curriculum.

Clustering networked funded European research activities through rank-size laws.

This paper treats a well-established public evaluation problem, which is the analysis of the funded research projects. We specifically deal with the collection of the research actions funded by the European Union over the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development and Horizon 2020. The reference period is 2007-2020. The study is developed through three methodological steps. First, we consider the networked scientific institutions by stating a link between two organizations when they are partners in the same funded project. In doing so, we build yearly complex networks. We compute four nodal centrality measures with relevant, informative content for each of them. Second, we implement a rank-size procedure on each network and each centrality measure by testing four meaningful classes of parametric curves to fit the ranked data. At the end of such a step, we derive the best fit curve and the calibrated parameters. Third, we perform a clustering procedure based on the best-fit curves of the ranked data for identifying regularities and deviations among years of research and scientific institutions. The joint employment of the three methodological approaches allows a clear view of the research activity in Europe in recent years.

Rapid Rescoping and Adaptation: An Evaluation of the Impact of COVID-19 on Postgraduate Medical Student Research Projects.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected tertiary science and medical education, with significant impact on research-related activities. Research projects are a mandatory requirement of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at the University of Sydney, and medical student projects are delivered across multiple sites in metropolitan and rural New South Wales, Australia. Several cohorts of medical students had projects that were affected by COVID-19. The aims of this study were to determine the impact of COVID-19 on medical student research projects and describe the measures taken to rescope projects, to support students in meeting the learning objectives of the program. Mandatory submission statements for all medical student research project scientific reports for 2020-2022 were examined for reports of the effect of COVID-19 on the project, including COVID-19 related delays, downsizing and the need to change research project types. During the study period, a total of 760 student reports were submitted, of which 217 (28.7%) were affected by COVID-19. About 50% were significantly delayed, 30% were downsized, and 6% required completely new projects. Rescoping arrangements implemented facilitated the successful completion of projects. Overall, the final student grades for the research projects were unaffected by COVID-19 or the related project rescoping. Whilst significantly impacted by COVID-19, medical student research projects were completed with provision of appropriate rescoping plans and academic support. Ensuring projects have a documented contingency plan secured projects as the pandemic progressed and will be a useful safeguard for all future project delivery.

Principales dificultades de los proyectos de investigación de la especialidad Medicina General Integral / Main Difficulties of Research Projects of the General Comprehensive Medicine Specialty

Introducción: El residente de Medicina General Integral, una vez graduado, ejecutará investigaciones en correspondencia con las necesidades actuales del Sistema Nacional de Salud y a partir de los problemas de salud predominantes en su comunidad. Objetivo: Describir las principales dificultades en los proyectos de investigación de los residentes de la Especialidad de Medicina General Integral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Sagua la Grande en el período 2020-2021. La población objeto de análisis quedó constituida por un total de 69 proyectos de investigación provenientes de 5 policlínicos docentes de 3 municipios del territorio (Corralillo, Quemado de Güines y Sagua la Grande). Se revisó el proyecto de investigación, se confeccionó un modelo para la recogida de datos extraídos de los mismos y se elaboró una base de datos para su almacenamiento. Resultados: Las principales dificultades estuvieron dadas en no sustentar adecuadamente la investigación, en la redacción del problema científico, específicamente la relación entre el problema y el tipo de investigación, la conceptualización y/o operacionalización de las variables, la selección y elaboración de los métodos, técnicas e instrumentos para la recogida de la información y la acotación de la bibliografía por normas de Vancouver. Conclusiones: Resulta de vital importancia que los residentes de esta especialidad desarrollen habilidades investigativas desde el primer año de formación, lo que contribuirá a un mejor desempeño profesional a partir de la aplicación del método científico en la solución de los problemas de salud que se presenten en su quehacer diario(AU)

Introduction: The family medicine resident, once graduated, will do research in correspondence with the current needs of the national health system and considering the predominant health problems in her/his community. Objective: To describe the main difficulties in the research projects of residents in the General Comprehensive Medicine specialty. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study was carried out in the medical school of Sagua la Grande Municipality, in the period 2020-2021. The population under analysis consisted of a total of 69 research projects from five teaching polyclinics in three municipalities of the territory (Corralillo, Quemado de Güines and Sagua la Grande). Each research project was reviewed, a model was prepared for collecting the data extracted from them, and a database was elaborated for their storage. Results: The main difficulties were not supporting the research adequately, as well as in writing the scientific problem, specifically the relation between the problem and the type of research; also, the conceptualization or operationalization of variables, the selection and elaboration of methods, the techniques and instruments for the collection of information, and the bibliographical adjustment by the Vancouver norms. Conclusions: It is of vital importance that residents of this specialty develop research skills from the first year of training, which will contribute to better professional performance from the application of the scientific method in the solution of health problems that appear in their daily work(AU)

Repercusión científica de las ayudas de la Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas: Publicaciones derivadas e impacto científico / Financed research from Government Delegation grants for the National Plan on Drugs: Research assessment and scientific impact

Los trastornos adictivos son un grave problema de salud al que se destinan gran cantidad de recursos de investigación. El propósito de este trabajo es analizar la evolución e impacto científico de las publicaciones derivadas de las ayudas a proyectos de investigación financiados por el Plan Nacional Sobre Drogas (PNSD). La relación de ayudas concedidas fue proporcionada por el PNSD. Las publicaciones derivadas se obtuvieron preguntando a los investigadores principales de las ayudas y buscando en Web of Science y Scopus. Se calcularon indicadores bibliométricos y tendencias evolutivas de la producción científica por proyecto. Por término medio, el PNSD concedió 15 ayudas anuales a proyectos de investigación, con un importe anual cercano al millón de euros (944.200,64€) y un importe medio por ayuda de algo más de 60.000€, siendo mayor en la investigación básica y en alcohol. El 71,9% de las ayudas tuvieron publicaciones derivadas y casi la mitad produjeron entre una y tres publicaciones, siendo la investigación básica la más prolífica. La revista extranjera en la que más artículos se publicaron fue Psychopharmacology (50) y entre las españolas destacó Adicciones (28). Se identificó un alto índice de coautoría y de colaboración internacional. La mayoría de los proyectos financiados por el PNSD produjeron artículos de investigación y muchos de ellos en revistas del primer y segundo cuartil del Journal Citation Reports. Los resultados de este estudio han permitido conocer la repercusión científica de las ayudas a proyectos de investigación del PNSD y puede contribuir a determinar futuras prioridades de financiación. (AU)

Addictive disorders are a serious health problem to which large amounts of research resources are devoted. This study aims to analyze the evolution and scientific impact of the publications derived from the funding of research projects by the Spanish National Plan on Drugs (PNSD). The list of grants awarded was provided by the PNSD. Derived publications were obtained by asking the principal investigators of the grants and searching in the Web of Science and Scopus. Bibliometric indicators and evolutive trends of scientific production per project were calculated. On average, the PNSD conferred 15 annual grants to research projects, with an annual amount close to one million euros (€944,200.64) and an average amount per grant of just over €60,000, being higher in basic research and in alcohol. 71,9% of the grants had derived publications and almost half of them produced between one and three publications, with basic research being the most prolific. The international journal in which most articles were published was Psychopharmacology (50) and among Spanish journals, Adicciones stood out (28). A high level of co-authorship and international collaboration was identified. Most of the PNSD-funded projects produced research articles, many of them in journals belonging to the first and second quartiles of the Journal Citation Reports. The results of this study have revealed the scientific impact of the PNSD research projects funding and may contribute to determining future funding priorities. (AU)

Building Connections to Biology and Community through Service-Learning and Research Experiences.

Service-learning and undergraduate research experiences are high-impact practices that have become more common in the sciences, but the benefits of short-term experiences have not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare within-semester gains for students in a short-term service-learning (SL) or short-term research project (RP) in terms of students' (i) motivation to learn biology, (ii) scientific literacy, (iii) perception of the relevance of biology to their lives, and (iv) learning gains associated with course learning outcomes. The impacts of brief service-learning and research project experiences were compared using direct and indirect assessments, including qualitative coding of open-ended response questions and quantitative analysis of exams and Likert-type items. We found few differences between students in the two projects regarding their changes in motivation (both slightly negative), scientific literacy (both gains), and their ability to connect biology to their lives (both gains). Emergent themes revealed that both projects influenced students' plans for future research and service-learning. Both projects helped students build relationships; however, RP students built relationships with classmates, while SL students built relationships with community members. The positive experiences highlight the need for engaging science students through service-learning in addition to research.

Real-life research projects improve student engagement and provide reliable data for academics.

Student engagement can have a positive influence on student success. Many methods exist for fostering engagement but tend to be generic and require tailoring to specific contexts, subjects, and students. In the case of undergraduate science students, practical classes are a popular tool for increasing engagement. However, despite strong potential for improvement via links with "real life" research projects (RLRPs), few academic staff incorporate research participation with teaching activities. This is potentially due to poor time availability and low opinions of students' ability to collect reliable data. This study aims to examine whether involvement with RLRPs can generate reliable scientific data and also act as a motivational tool for engaging tertiary science students. A preexisting core activity for first-year biology and marine biology students was modified to include a short RLRP component. Student-based data collection and a questionnaire about experiences were used to examine the reliability of student-collected data and student perceptions of RLRPs. Results indicated that error rate in student-collected data was minimal. Irrespective of participating in a "normal" practical class or a class with a RLRP component, students collected equally accurate data. However, when the topic aligned specifically with their degree subject, student accuracy was higher. All students surveyed reported high motivation with the idea of RLRP participation, placing high importance on this from an educational and employability perspective. Yet, students were not confident about participating in RLRPs until they had engaged with one, suggesting that introducing such projects into taught sessions early-on may encourage students to seek further opportunities in the future. In conclusion, incorporating RLRPs into the curriculum of undergraduate science courses has considerable potential benefits for both students and academic staff.

A Personal Odyssey in Health Informatics: The Journey to Ithaca.

The aim of this paper is to share knowledge and experiences of a professional lifetime in the field of Biomedical and Health Informatics (BMHI), almost from the time of the initiation of the domain until today. The achievements and the milestones reached are not personal, but they just indicate the progress of the field as it was experienced by the observer. The challenges are still there waiting to be tackled for the benefit of healthcare. The paper is based on a systematic review of the author's published contributions across the professional timeline. For organizing the presentation of the results, the timeline is subdivided into five phases. In the discussion an aggregation of the achievements, milestones, and the challenges is presented.

Airborne Sound Power Levels and Spectra of Noise Sources in Port Areas.

Airborne port noise has historically suffered from a lack of regulatory assessment compared to other transport infrastructures. This has led to several complaints from citizens living in the urban areas surrounding ports, which is a very common situation, especially in countries facing the Mediterranean sea. Only in relatively recent years has an effort been made to improve this situation, which has resulted in a call for and financing of numerous international cooperation research projects, within the framework of programs such as EU FP7, H2020, ENPI-CBC MED, LIFE, and INTERREG. These projects dealt with issues and aspects of port noise, which is an intrinsically tangled problem, since several authorities and companies operate within the borders of ports, and several different noise sources are present at the same time. In addition, ship classification societies have recently recognized the problem and nowadays are developing procedures and voluntary notations to assess the airborne noise emission from marine vessels. The present work summarizes the recent results of research regarding port noise sources in order to provide a comprehensive database of sources that can be easily used, for example, as an input to the noise mapping phase, and can subsequently prevent citizens' exposure to noise.

Non-invasive brain stimulation and neuroenhancement.

Attempts to enhance human memory and learning ability have a long tradition in science. This topic has recently gained substantial attention because of the increasing percentage of older individuals worldwide and the predicted rise of age-associated cognitive decline in brain functions. Transcranial brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial magnetic (TMS) and transcranial electric (tES) stimulation, have been extensively used in an effort to improve cognitive functions in humans. Here we summarize the available data on low-intensity tES for this purpose, in comparison to repetitive TMS and some pharmacological agents, such as caffeine and nicotine. There is no single area in the brain stimulation field in which only positive outcomes have been reported. For self-directed tES devices, how to restrict variability with regard to efficacy is an essential aspect of device design and function. As with any technique, reproducible outcomes depend on the equipment and how well this is matched to the experience and skill of the operator. For self-administered non-invasive brain stimulation, this requires device designs that rigorously incorporate human operator factors. The wide parameter space of non-invasive brain stimulation, including dose (e.g., duration, intensity (current density), number of repetitions), inclusion/exclusion (e.g., subject's age), and homeostatic effects, administration of tasks before and during stimulation, and, most importantly, placebo or nocebo effects, have to be taken into account. The outcomes of stimulation are expected to depend on these parameters and should be strictly controlled. The consensus among experts is that low-intensity tES is safe as long as tested and accepted protocols (including, for example, dose, inclusion/exclusion) are followed and devices are used which follow established engineering risk-management procedures. Devices and protocols that allow stimulation outside these parameters cannot claim to be "safe" where they are applying stimulation beyond that examined in published studies that also investigated potential side effects. Brain stimulation devices marketed for consumer use are distinct from medical devices because they do not make medical claims and are therefore not necessarily subject to the same level of regulation as medical devices (i.e., by government agencies tasked with regulating medical devices). Manufacturers must follow ethical and best practices in marketing tES stimulators, including not misleading users by referencing effects from human trials using devices and protocols not similar to theirs.

Research supervisors' views of barriers and enablers for research projects undertaken by medical students; a mixed methods evaluation of a post-graduate medical degree research project program.

BACKGROUND: Medical degree programs use scholarly activities to support development of basic research skills, critical evaluation of medical information and promotion of medical research. The University of Sydney Doctor of Medicine Program includes a compulsory research project. Medical student projects are supervised by academic staff and affiliates, including biomedical science researchers and clinician-academics. This study investigated research supervisors' observations of the barriers to and enablers of successful medical student research projects. METHODS: Research supervisors (n = 130) completed an anonymous, online survey after the completion of the research project. Survey questions targeted the research supervisors' perceptions of barriers to successful completion of projects and sources of support for their supervision of the student project. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and using manifest content analysis. Further quantitative investigation was made by cross-tabulation according to prior research supervision experience. RESULTS: Research supervisors reported that students needed both generic skills (75%) and research-based skills (71%) to successfully complete the project. The major barrier to successful research projects was the lack of protected time for research activities (61%). The assessment schedule with compulsory progress milestones enabled project completion (75%), and improved scientific presentation (90%) and writing (93%) skills. Supervisors requested further support for their students for statistics (75%), scientific writing (51%), and funding for projects (52%). Prior research supervision experience influenced the responses. Compared to novice supervisors, highly experienced supervisors were significantly more likely to want students to be allocated dedicated time for the project (P < 0.01) and reported higher rates of access to expert assistance in scientific writing, preparing ethics applications and research methodology. Novice supervisors reported higher rates of unexpected project delays and data acquisition problems (P < 0.05). Co-supervision was favoured by experienced supervisors but rejected by novice supervisors. CONCLUSIONS: Both generic and research-related skills were important for medical student research project success. Overall, protected research time, financial and other academic support were identified as factors that would improve the research project program. Prior research supervision experience influences perceptions of program barriers and enablers. These findings will inform future support needs for projects and research supervisor training for the research supervision role.

Advances in Irradiated Livestock Vaccine Research and Production Addressing the Unmet Needs for Farmers and Veterinary Services in FAO/IAEA Member States.

The Animal Production and Health section (APH) of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture at the International Atomic Energy Agency has over the last 58 years provided technical and scientific support to more than 100 countries through co-ordinated research activities and technical co-operation projects in peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. A key component of this support has been the development of irradiated vaccines targeting diseases that are endemic to participating countries. APH laboratories has over the last decade developed new techniques and has put in place a framework that allows researchers from participating member states to develop relevant vaccines targeting local diseases while using irradiation as a tool for improving livestock resources.

Resultados del grupo científico estudiantil Formación e investigación en apoyo vital en emergencias y desastres / Results of a student scientific group for Training and Research in Vital Support for Emergencies and Disasters

Introducción: El desarrollo de grupos científicos estudiantiles en las universidades es una necesidad en función de nuevos conocimientos y una formación más integral. Objetivo: Describir los principales resultados del grupo científico estudiantil Formación e investigación en apoyo vital en emergencias y desastres en sus primeros tres años de trabajo. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva, prospectiva, desarrollada en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos entre 2017 y 2019. El universo estuvo conformado por todos los estudiantes (25) y profesores tutores (6) que integraban el grupo. Como técnicas se emplearon la revisión documental, la tormenta de ideas y el grupo focal. Resultados: El plan de formación investigativa anual fue diferenciado por año académico y necesidades. Se impartieron temas escalonadamente complejos sobre metodología de la investigación y otros afines a la carrera. En cada año se cumplieron las tareas propuestas. Los estudiantes desarrollaron 29 investigaciones (13,8 por ciento publicadas y 48,3 por ciento premiadas), que se presentaron en tres fórums estudiantiles y otros 12 eventos. La producción científica creció progresivamente tanto en cantidad como en calidad. Conclusiones: Los resultados del grupo científico estudiantil fueron positivos. El diseño de un programa de capacitación extracurricular, modular y de participación colectiva sobre metodología de la investigación y temas médicos afines al proyecto de los tutores facilitaron la adquisición de habilidades investigativas de los estudiantes, y la obtención de buenos indicadores de actividad científica, con excepción del número de publicaciones(AU)

Introduction: The development of student scientific groups in universities is a need in terms of new knowledge and a more comprehensive training. Objective: To describe the main results of a student scientific group for training and research in vital support for emergencies and disasters in its first three years of work. Methods: Descriptive and prospective research carried out at the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos between 2017 and 2019. The universe consisted of all students (25) and tutor teachers (6) who were part of the group. Documental review, brainstorming and focus group were used as techniques. Results: The annual research training plan was differentiated by academic year and needs. Complex topics on research methodology and others related to the major were taught in stages. In each year, the proposed tasks were completed. The students developed 29 research projects (13.8 percent were published and 48.3 percent received awards), presented during three student scientific meetings and twelve other events. Scientific production grew progressively both in quantity and quality. Conclusions: The results of the student scientific group are positive. The design of an extracurricular, modular and collective participation training program on research methodology and medical topics related to the tutors' project facilitated the acquisition of students' research skills and the achievement of good indicators of scientific activity, with the exception of the number of publications(AU)

Perspectivas de los graduados de Odontología sobre la supervisión (asesoría) de la tesis de licenciatura

Resumen Se identificó las perspectivas que tienen los graduados sobre los procesos de supervisión que tuvieron con sus asesores de tesis. Estudio cualitativo cuya población fueron graduados del pregrado de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Lima. Perú), a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas. Las categorías de estudio estuvieron relacionadas con la planificación de las actividades con el supervisor, decisiones del supervisor y percepciones generales sobre el supervisor. De los 20 entrevistados, 12 (60%) fueron mujeres. La planificación fue indicada como uno de los elementos que poco se discutió con el asesor, la mayoría indicó que nunca tuvieron una primera reunión para coordinar cómo serían las sesiones de asesoría. La percepción que se tiene de los supervisores de tesis no es adecuada por parte de los estudiantes de Odontología. Los principales aspectos negativos estuvieron relacionados a la falta de planificación de las actividades y reuniones.

Resumo Foram identificadas as perspectivas que os egressos têm sobre os processos de supervisão que tiveram com seus orientadores de tese. Estudo qualitativo cuja população foram graduandos da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Lima, Peru), por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. As categorias do estudo foram relacionadas ao planejamento das atividades com o supervisor, decisões do supervisor e percepções gerais sobre o supervisor. Dos 20 entrevistados, 12 (60%) eram mulheres. O planejamento foi apontado como um dos elementos pouco discutidos com a assessoria, a maioria indicou que nunca teve uma primeira reunião para coordenar como seriam as sessões de assessoria. A percepção dos orientadores de tese não é adequada por parte dos alunos de Odontologia. Os principais aspectos negativos foram relacionados à falta de planejamento das atividades e reuniões.

Abstract We identified graduates' views on their thesis supervision process as led by their thesis advisors. A qualitative study of graduates of the School of Dentistry of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Lima, Peru) included semi-structured interviews. The study categories were planning activities with the advisor, the advisor's decisions, and general views on the advisor. Of the 20 interviewees, 12 (60%) were women. Planning was insufficiently discussed with the advisor; most interviewees said that they never had a first meeting to coordinate what the advisory sessions would be like. Dental students do not have a favorable view of thesis advisors. The main negative aspects were the lack of planning of activities and meetings.

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE): first steps in the process of the engagement in research projects in Brazil

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) - sometimes called Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) - comes as a big challenge but one that can be very helpful for health care professionals and stakeholders in planning better health policies for attending to the main needs of the community. PPIE involves three pillars: public involvement, public engagement, and participation. Public involvement occurs when members of the general population are actively involved in developing the research question, designing, and conducting the research. Public engagement tells people about new studies, why they are important, the impact of results, the possible implication of the main findings for the community, and the possible impact of these new findings in society, as well as, in the dissemination of knowledge to the general population. Participation is being a volunteer in the study. Our experience with PPIE, to the best of our knowledge the first initiative in Brazil, is a partnership with the University of Birmingham, the University of Liverpool, and the NIHR Global Health Group on Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Management focusing on the AF care pathway exploring the important aspects of diagnosis and treatment in the primary care system from a low-middle income area in São Paulo. The involvement of patients/public in the research represents a new step in the process of inclusion of all segments of our society based on patient illness and the gaps in knowledge aiming to open new horizons for continuous improvement and better acceptance of research projects.

Analyses on horizontal scientific research projects from 2015 to 2019 by provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:To analyze the horizontal scientific research projects from 2015 to 2019 by the provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in China, and to compare the regional differences, in order to provide the suggestion on the scientific management of CDC.Methods:The horizontal scientific research projects from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed by questionnaire survey. Multiple linear regression models were adopted to examine the trend, and variance analyses were used to test the differences in horizontal scientific research projects among the Eastern, Central, and Western regions.Results:From 2015 to 2019, provincial CDC have received RMB 124.3 million of horizontal scientific research project funds totally, of which 51.9% were funded by enterprises, and 86.9% were undertaken by provincial CDC themselves. There were no statistical significance in the change of research project funds obtained by provincial CDC ( F=0.46, P = 0.764) during this period.The number of horizontal scientific research projects undertook or participated by provincial CDC in the Eastern region were more than that of the Central and Western region ( F = 5.85, P = 0.004; F = 5.03, P = 0.008). Conclusions:The horizontal scientific research projects obtained by the provincial CDC remained stable in recent years while distribution was unbalanced in the region areas. It is suggested to innovate the management mode of scientific research projects with strengthening the trans-agency, trans-department and trans-regional cooperation.