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When postgraduate researchers’ interests lie outside the body(ies) of knowledge with which their supervisors are familiar, different supervisory approaches are called for. In such situations, questions concerning the appropriateness of traditional models arise, which almost invariably involve a budding candidate’s relationship with a knowing-established researcher/supervisor. Supervisory relationships involving creative practice-led research in particular confront significant challenges by new and emerging themes, questions, processes and practices. My lack of disciplinary knowledge regarding two PhD candidates’ projects led me some years ago to question the effects of this lack and to search for effective ways of dealing with it. A subsequent commitment to different modes of candidate/supervisor collaborations was based on three assumptions: One, a supervisor is not, in the first instance, a conveyor or purveyor of knowledge. Two, postgraduate researchers already have substantial and refined pockets of relevant knowledge to draw on. Three, and very importantly, they are able to activate networks of distributed knowledge, often outside of the University. The argument presented in this article draws theoretically on Jacques Rancière and Hannah Arendt’s ideas of pedagogy and public space, as well as notions of cosmopolitics (Cheah & Robbins), mode 2 knowledge (Gibbonset al.) and not-knowing in Art & Design (Jonas). Reflections on my experiences of supervising PhD and Master of Art & Design candidates, together with ideas offered by contributors to a book I have recently edited, will locate moments of choice and the emergence of the unforeseeable, of vigilance towards singular events as much as collective understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Salud America! is a national network created to engage Latino researchers, health professionals and community leaders in actions to reduce Latino childhood obesity. An online survey of 148 Salud America! network members investigated relationships between (1) their levels of engagement with the network, (2) self- and collective-efficacy, and (3) behavioral intentions to engage in advocacy for policies that can help reduce Latino childhood obesity. Analyses of these data found that higher levels of Salud America! engagement was associated with collective-advocacy efficacy—greater confidence in organized group advocacy as a way of advancing policies to reduce Latino childhood obesity. A multiple regression analysis found that this sense of collective-efficacy moderately predicted intentions to engage in advocacy behaviors. Salud America! engagement levels were less strongly associated with members’ confidence in their personal ability to be an effective advocate, yet this sense of self-efficacy was a very strong predictor of a behavioral intention to advocate. Based on these findings, new online applications aimed at increasing self- and collective-efficacy through peer modeling are being developed for Salud America! in order to help individuals interested in Latino childhood obesity prevention to connect with each other and with opportunities for concerted local actions in their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translational medicine bridges the gap between discoveries in biomedical science and their safe and effective clinical application. Despite the gross opportunity afforded by modern research for unparalleled advances in this field, the process of translation remains protracted. Efforts to expedite science translation have included the facilitation of interdisciplinary collaboration within both academic and clinical environments in order to generate integrated working platforms fuelling the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and tools to align biomedical research with clinical need. However, barriers to scientific translation remain, and further progress is urgently required. Collective intelligence and crowdsourcing applications offer the potential for global online networks, allowing connection and collaboration between a wide variety of fields. This would drive the alignment of biomedical science with biotechnology, clinical need, and patient experience, in order to deliver evidence-based innovation which can revolutionize medical care worldwide. Here we discuss the critical steps towards implementing collective intelligence in translational medicine using the experience of those in other fields of science and public health.Key MessagesThe scientific translation of biomedical research into clinical applications is protracted, despite the mass opportunity afforded by modern science.Barriers to translational medicine exist as a result of the impracticalities of research, organizational hurdles, and lack of an interdisciplinary workforce.Collective intelligence and crowdsourcing offer the potential to expedite the translational process by providing a platform upon which interdisciplinary workforces can communicate and collaborate, aligning biomedical research with clinical need revolutionizing health care worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The UK Kidney Research Consortium (UKKRC) was established in 2007 to promote clinical research in adults and children affected by kidney disease. Clinical study groups (CSGs) are the core subgroups of UKKRC. The aim of the CSGs is to generate a portfolio of clinical studies that can and should be undertaken in the UK. Since 2007 the CSGs have helped develop and secure funding for 13 studies to a total value of £13,443,648. Funders include Kidney Research UK, Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). The studies address the full translational pathway. UKKRC is thus a unique structure that dovetails with the NIHR Renal Disorders Specialty Group to generate and deliver a portfolio of high-quality renal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocational education and training (VET) systems differ internationally regarding how practitioners are required to hold qualifications to teach, or undertake continuing professional development. Few require the undertaking of research into professional practice, although in some cases there are strategies to encourage and enhance this. This article provides an insight into how vocational practitioners in England have been encouraged to examine their professional practice through two initiatives: a research network and an HE-supported practitioner-research programme. Both have attempted to create systematic, collaborative approaches to changing and improving professional practice by placing the practitioner at the heart of their activities. The challenges of supporting such initiatives are examined in the context of the increasing demands placed upon practitioners as VET is directed to meet economic goals of many nation states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aims to explore the role of Health Research Networks (HRN) in facilitating and expedite achieving the prospects for goals of health research based on the visions of Iran by 2025.Aiming to the main function of HSR to achieve the targeted conducting of health sciences research; more cooperation and coordination between health science researchers; avoid parallel investigations; and optimum utilization and appropriate distribution of resources, in 2000 the deputy of Research and Technology of Ministry of Health and Medical Education defined and developed a comprehensive HRN.There are currently 27 research networks operating under the supervision of the Deputy of Research and Technology at MOHME. All of the HRN policies are following based on their strategic planning's which are extracted from national visions of Iran by 2025.Promoting the current position needs a reliable and feasible new strategies. The present article introduces the lessons learned of our experience in virtual web-based health research networking in Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI).

Thematic networks of Web 2.0 are very useful for the training of researchers. Its use means radically changing the usual perspective on how to work and train experts. They represent a new model of professionalism, with its potential and limitations, based on collaboration and teamwork. The website of Thematic Network "Manejo de la Simbiosis Micorrízica en Agrosistemas" was developed and published since 2008 with the aim to create a collaborative framework that foster the management of the information that the members of the network generate and to put it to the service of the scientific community and allows the exchange of knowledge and cooperation as a working method for the emerging future joint activities. The presence of this website on internet publishes and promotes the research carried out by members of this network and main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of a research project conducted by a network of environmental research institutes called Partnership for European Environmental Research (PEER). Our analysis constitutes a reflection on this research project based on a proposed ideal-typical transdisciplinary research process developed by. The aim of the PRESS project (PEER Research on EcoSystem Services) was to provide support for the development and implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, with a special emphasis on the ecosystem services concept. Our analysis of the research phases of the PRESS project shows that not all of the project elements accord with the notion of a full-scale transdisciplinary process. Despite this, a number of lessons can be learned regarding the use of different boundary objects for knowledge integration and the various roles played by researchers. We also identify some constraints with regard to synchronizing policy and project cycles and consider the advantages and disadvantages of research network structures in facilitating long-term cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Asia, as local and regional environment problems grow, societal demand for new sustainability knowledge has outpaced its supply by traditional institutions and created a niche for research networks and think tanks. We discuss the role of networks in producing knowledge by using the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) as a case study. We argue that geographic research networks can contribute to the growth of sustainability knowledge through (1) knowledge transfer, (2) knowledge sharing, and (3) knowledge deepening. By analyzing qualitative and quantitative information, we showed that although SANDEE participants gained significant intangible advantages from the network, there was also a noted tangible gain is in terms of a higher international publication rate. The SANDEE experience also suggests that policy outcomes are more likely to emerge from the buildup of human capital rather than from direct research interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective The Food and Nutrition stream of Australasian Child and Adolescent Obesity Research Network ( ACAORN) aims to improve the quality of dietary methodologies and the reporting of dietary intake within Australasian child obesity research (). Methods/Results With 2012 marking ACAORN's 10th anniversary, this commentary profiles a selection of child obesity nutrition research published over the last decade by Food and Nutrition Stream members. In addition, stream activities have included the development of an online selection guide to assist researchers in their selection of appropriate dietary intake methodologies (). Conclusions The quantity and quality of research to guide effective child obesity prevention and treatment has increased substantially over the last decade. ACAORN provides a successful case study of how research networks can provide a collegial atmosphere to foster and coordinate research efforts in an otherwise competitive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context The Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group (PCRC) is the first clinical trials cooperative for palliative care in the U.S. Objectives To describe barriers and strategies for recruitment during the inaugural PCRC clinical trial. Methods The parent study was a multisite randomized controlled trial enrolling adults with life expectancy anticipated to be one to six months, randomized to discontinue statins (intervention) vs. to continue on statins (control). To study recruitment best practices, we conducted semistructured interviews with 18 site principal investigators (PIs) and clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and reviewed recruitment rates. Interviews covered three topics: 1) successful strategies for recruitment, 2) barriers to recruitment, and 3) optimal roles of the PI and CRC. Results All eligible site PIs and CRCs completed interviews and provided data on statin protocol recruitment. The parent study completed recruitment of 381 patients. Site enrollment ranged from 1 to 109 participants, with an average of 25 enrolled per site. Five major barriers included difficulty locating eligible patients, severity of illness, family and provider protectiveness, seeking patients in multiple settings, and lack of resources for recruitment activities. Five effective recruitment strategies included systematic screening of patient lists, thoughtful messaging to make research relevant, flexible protocols to accommodate patients' needs, support from clinical champions, and the additional resources of a trials cooperative group. Conclusion The recruitment experience from the multisite PCRC yields new insights into methods for effective recruitment to palliative care clinical trials. These results will inform training materials for the PCRC and may assist other investigators in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This study aims to examine the performance of Indian research Institutions' websites using webometrics by investigating their visibility, traffic ranks, number of links, time on site, Indian/Foreign users and page ranks besides focusing on the two designed hypotheses. Design/methodology/approach -- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) directory (www.csir.res.in/external/heads/aboutcsir/lab%5Fdirectory.htm) is used to identify the research institutions in India. The directory lists 40 research institutions across India. However, Alexa did not offer required information for some of the websites due to very high traffic ranks, and accordingly the list is reduced to 21 research institutions. The data collected were analysed and tabulated to reveal findings in accordance with the desired objectives. Findings -- The results reveal that global traffic ranks, number of page views, number of links and time on site of Indian research institutions are low. However, the page ranks are to some extent satisfactory. The traffic ranks of Indian research institutions differ significantly, whereas no major difference in the page ranks is found. Further, the results show that Indian research institutions' websites have not been able to attract foreign visitors given the calibre and reputation of these institutions. Originality/value -- The results of this study will be useful for website administrators of research institutions in India and across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article applies and builds upon the network leadership models introduced by Provan and Kenis to the case of the British Columbia Network for Aging Research (BCNAR). We specify a particular type of shared leadership model and term this a Targeted Shared Leadership (TSL) model based on the governance structure of BCNAR. Key features include six coleaders who are selected on the basis of representation of five major universities (typically in its gerontology center) situated in the five provincial health authorities in British Columbia. Several network characteristics are introduced and then applied to BCNAR to assess effectiveness of the leadership structure. Innovations in research grant capacity support, communication, mentorship and training of new gerontologists, and knowledge translation are used to specify the effectiveness of the leadership structural dynamics of BCNAR. Potential applications of this shared leadership model for other networks are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, we describe the rationale, design and evaluation of a widget-based dashboard to support scholars’ awareness of their Research Networks. We introduce the concept of a Research Network and discuss Personal Research Environments that are built of as a development parallel to Personal Learning Environments. Based on the results of an international interview study, we report on the design of a paper prototype of an awareness dashboard (AWESOME). Research in the Internet age has changed; the dashboard is tailor-made for use in modern research. We compared existing scholarly toolsets with our paper prototype. The evaluation of the user tests shows that, on all tested items, AWESOME performs better than the existing toolsets: it is easier to use, less time-consuming, more user-friendly, more supportive with regards to technology and awareness and, finally, helps researchers to carry out their tasks more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study uncovers the evolution of a fuel cell research network through a bibliometric study focusing on a period from 1991 to 2010. From a dataset of 37,435 research articles, the study focuses on the evolution of fuel cell research networks at a national level. Focusing solely on the expansion of the research networks, and the policies effecting collaboration, the paper poses three research questions (1) Is research into fuel cells more unconcentrated than in science overall and if so, (2) is there changes within time and (3) can we identify a cluster among certain countries. To answer the research questions, the data was compared to findings on the overall scientific output worldwide. In addition, an ego network analysis was performed and a modularity algorithm was used in order to identify clusters from the network data. The study showed that fuel cell research co-operation has had a distinct evolution within the time frame of the study. Research has increased in both volume and in co-operation, but research co-operation is more unconcentrated than in science overall. Non-TRIAD countries have a stronger role in fuel cell research than in science overall. Clusters in research co-operation have evolved into two modes of co-operation-one around Asia and North America and the second around European co-operation with US and Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Clinical data research networks require large investments in infrastructure support to maintain their abilities to extract, transform, and load data from varied data sources, expand electronic data sources and develop learning communities. Case Description: This paper outlines a sustainable business model of ongoing infrastructure support for clinical data research activities. The DARTNet Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a support entity for multiple practice-based research networks. Several clinical data research networks working closely with a professional society began collaborating to support shared goals in 2008. This loose affiliation called itself the "DARTNet Collaborative." In 2011, the DARTNet Institute incorporated as an independent, not-for-profit entity. The business structure allows DARTNet to advocate for all partners without operating its own practice-based research network, serve as a legal voice for activities that overlap multiple partners, share personnel resources through service contracts between partners, and purchase lowcost (nonprofit rate) software. Major Themes: DARTNet's business model relies upon four diverse sources of revenue: (1) DARTNet licenses and provides access to a propriety software system that extracts, transforms, and loads data from all major electronic health records (EHRs) utilized in the United States, and which also provides clinical decision support for research studies; (2) DARTNet operates a recognized, national professional-society-quality improvement registry that enables organizations to fulfill Meaningful Use 2 criteria; (3) DARTNet provides access to data for research activities that are funded by direct research dollars, provided at prices that generate excess revenue; and (4) DARTNet provides access to large primary care datasets for observational studies and pregrant analyses such as for sample size development. The ability of the system to support pragmatic trials will be described. Conclusion: The DARTNet model facilitates the use of direct grant dollars to generate revenue to support the overall enterprise through a purchased services arrangement. Other services provided through subcontracting provide facilities and administration fees as well as direct dollars to support the system. The flexibility of the business model overcomes the complicated financial arrangements and governance requirements of many professional associations and academic medical centers. Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge all the parrtner networks of the DARTNet Institute that have shared their knowledge, technical support staff and data. We would also like to acknowledge Ms. Elizabeth Staton for her help with editing and preparing this manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In the UK care homes are one of the main providers of long term care for older people with dementia. Despite the recent increase in care home research, residents with dementia are often excluded from studies. Care home research networks have been recommended by the Ministerial Advisory Group on Dementia Research (MAGDR) as a way of increasing research opportunities for residents with dementia. This paper reports on an evaluation of the feasibility and early impact of an initiative to increase care home participation in research. Methods A two phase, mixed methods approach was used; phase 1 established a baseline of current and recent studies including the National Institute for Health Research portfolio. To explore the experiences of recruiting care homes and research participation, interviews were conducted with researchers working for the Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network (DeNDRoN) and care home managers. In phase 2, four DeNDRoN area offices recruited care homes to a care home networks for their region. The care home networks were separate from the DeNDRoN research network. Diaries were used to document and cost recruitment; DeNDRoN staff were interviewed to understand the barriers, facilitators and impact of the care home networks. Results Thirty three current or recent studies were identified as involving care homes as care home specific studies or those which included residents. Further details of care home recruitment were obtained on 20 studies by contacting study teams. Care home managers were keen to be involved in research that provided staff support, benefits for residents and minimal disruptive. In phase 2, 141 care homes were recruited to the care home research networks, through corporate engagement and individual invitation. Pre-existing relationships with care homes facilitated recruitment. Sites with minimal experience of working with care homes identified the need for care home training for researchers. Conclusions Phase 1 review revealed a small but increasing number of studies involving care homes. Phase 2 demonstrated the feasibility of care home research networks, their potential to increase recruitment to research and develop partnerships between health services and care homes, but highlighted the need for care home training for researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines empirically the relative influence of static and dynamic agglomeration effects on the one hand and research networking [measured by Framework Programme (FP) participation] on the other on regional R&D productivity in the European Union. We found that agglomeration is an important predictor of R&D productivity in the case of market-oriented (Edison-type) research while interregional scientific networking is an important determinant of R&D productivity in the case of science-driven (Pasteur-type) research. Importantly, the two determinants are never jointly significant. This finding indicates that in a knowledge production context, and contrary to what may happen in other areas of economic activity, agglomeration and scientific networking are neither substitutes nor complements but operate at distinct parts of the knowledge production process. Our findings uncover the principal components of regional knowledge production processes across European regions in a dynamic setting. They therefore allow us to explore counterfactual scenarios and characterize the effects of policy interventions. A simulation of the likely impacts of FP6 funds on regional R&D productivity demonstrates that the dynamic effect is greater in regions with high agglomeration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines the work done by the Australian Network for Early European Research (NEER) to build a national digital research community in this field. Funded through the Australian Research Council's Research Networks programme during the period 2005-2010, NEER's overall goal was to enhance the scale and focus of Australian research in medieval and early modern studies. Developing and implementing appropriate digital technologies was one of the main methods used to address this goal. In the end, NEER's digital programme produced three main services: a service for collaboration (Confluence), a service for the publication and storage of research outputs (PioNEER), and a service for identifying and engaging with the objects of this research (Europa Inventa). This paper evaluates the effect of these services on Early European research in Australia. It also considers their future, now that government funding for NEER has ended.

Mastery of aerospace technology becomes very important for Indonesia. Due to the given the vast areas of Indonesia mostly in the form of marine waters.This condition has made a guarding and monitoring becomes easy. Therefore needed satellite technology that can be utilized to guard the interests of the territory of Indonesia.The success of developing IiNUSAT-1 on the one hand proves that the universities in Indonesia have competence in the field of nano-satellite development, on the other hand also shows that gotong-royong (working-together) in research-networks and technology will accelerate the research competence. In the first year of development IiNUSAT-1 produced a document Prelimidary Design Review, and a prototype of the nano-satellite. The result shows that the nano-satellite prototype has maximum transfer rate 115.2 kbps and every parameter is sampled every second. Having experience developing and operating the nano-satellite in the first year research project, it will trigger the research related to security and prosperity of the nation. The next version of the nano-satellite will be payloaded with sensors and instruments which can be utilized for national security and prosperity.

Resumo A pesquisa em redes tem se destacado como uma forma importante de organização dos trabalhos em genômica. Dois projetos conduzidos recentemente no Brasil – um sobre a Moniliophthora (ex Crinipellis) perniciosa, agente causador da doença vassoura de bruxa em cacau, e outro sobre o seqüenciamento do eucalipto – possibilitam essa afirmação. Este artigo analisa a dinâmica e o funcionamento dessas redes de pesquisa e sua importância como geradoras de conhecimento e inovações, evidenciando as diferenças na concepção, evolução e integração entre atores. Os resultados obtidos apontam o impacto positivo dessas ações (sem desconsiderar os riscos inerentes) e fornecem elementos para a implementação de políticas públicas para o desenvolvimento de arranjos cooperativos em áreas estratégicas. Palavras-chave Redes de pesquisa, organização da ciência e da tecnologia, pesquisa em genômica, dinâmica inovativa. Abstract Network organization has been key for genomics research. Two research projects recently conducted in Brazil - one focused on Moniliophthora perniciosa, which causes witches' broom (vassoura de bruxa) disease in cocoa, and the other on eucalyptus – were selected to discuss this statement. This article analyzes the dynamics and functioning of both networks and their importance in generating knowledge and innovation, pointing out the differences in project conception and evolution and in integration between actors. Results obtained highlight the strongly positive impact of these networks and provide some guidelines for public policy directed to the development of cooperative arrangements in strategic areas. Keywords research networks, science and technology organization, genomics research, innovative dynamics

Background: The Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) has been implemented on various claims and electronic health record (EHR) databases, but has not been applied to a hospital transactional database. This study addresses the implementation of the OMOP CDM on the U.S. Premier Hospital database. Methods:We designed and implemented an extract, transform, load (ETL) process to convert the Premier hospital database into the OMOP CDM. Standard charge codes in Premier were mapped between the OMOP version 4.0 Vocabulary and standard charge descriptions. Visit logic was added to impute the visit dates. We tested the conversion by replicating a published study using the raw and transformed databases. The Premier hospital database was compared to a claims database, in regard to prevalence of disease. Findings: The data transformed into the CDM resulted in 1% of the data being discarded due to data errors in the raw data. A total of 91.4% of Premier standard charge codes were mapped successfully to a standard vocabulary. The results of the replication study resulted in a similar distribution of patient characteristics. The comparison to the claims data yields notable similarities and differences amongst conditions represented in both databases. Discussion: The transformation of the Premier database into the OMOP CDM version 4.0 adds value in conducting analyses due to successful mapping of the drugs and procedures. The addition of visit logic gives ordinality to drugs and procedures that wasn't present prior to the transformation. Comparing conditions in Premier against a claims database can provide an understanding about Premier's potential use in pharmacoepidemiology studies that are traditionally conducted via claims databases. Conclusion/Next steps: The conversion of the Premier database into the OMOP CDM 4.0 was completed successfully. The next steps include refinement of vocabularies and mappings and continual maintenance of the transformed CDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are many benefits of multistate collaboratives or networks to states, but at the center is that they allow for the opportunity to learn from other states and experts about the practices and policies states have implemented without the significant time lag of published research. This commentary examines these benefits and illustrates the importance of quality improvement collaborations to decision-making in state Medicaid programs. Background: In 2007, the Medicaid Medical Directors Learning Network (MMDLN) began conducting quality improvement studies using their own state-level administrative data to better understand the major clinical issues facing the Medicaid populations and to work together on policies to improve outcomes. Rationale and Results: The three issues selected by MMDs for quality improvement monitoring to date involved an important national problem -- including both morbidity and cost -- and were amenable to policy solutions. The studies examined the use of antipsychotic medication in children, hospital admissions and readmissions, and early elective deliveries (i.e., elective deliveries occurring before 39 weeks). Importance and Utility: The multistate clinical quality projects conducted offer a key mechanism for achieving the goal of helping the Medicaid program deliver value-driven, high-quality, cost-effective health care in an efficient manner. These projects also provide the participating states with data to inform policies internally. Conclusions: In order for the quality of health care to improve, the system needs to be structured as a learning health care system; one that is always accessing evidence, implementing a variation of it (i.e., with new data sources or tools such as electronic clinical data), assessing effectiveness, and sharing results for others to repeat the cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the evolution of methods and share lessons learned from conducting multi-state studies with Medicaid Medical Directors (MMD) using state administrative data. There was a great need for these studies, but also much to be learned about conducting network-based research and ensuring comparability of results. Methods: This was a network-level case study. The findings were drawn from the experience developing and executing network analyses with the MMDs, as well as from participant feedback on lessons learned. For the latter, nine interviews with MMD project leads, state data analysts, and outside researchers involved with the projects were conducted. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed using NVivo 10.0 analytic software. Findings:MMD study methodology involved many steps: developing research questions, defining data specifications, organizing an aggregated data collection spreadsheet form, assuring quality through review, and analyzing and reporting state data at the national level. State analysts extracted the data from their state Medicaid administrative (claims) databases (and sometimes other datasets). Analysis at the national level aggregated state data overall, by demographics and other sub groups, and displayed descriptive statistics and cross-tabs. Conclusions: Projects in the MMD multi-state network address high-priority clinical issues in Medicaid and impact quality of care through sharing of data and policies among states. Further, these studies contribute not only to high-quality, cost-effective health care for Medicaid beneficiaries, but also add to our knowledge of network-based research. Continuation of these studies requires funding for a permanent research infrastructure nationally, as well as at the state-level to strengthen capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HMO Research Network (HMORN) Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW) is a public, non-proprietary, research-focused data model implemented at 17 health care systems across theUnited States. The HMORN has created a governance structure and specified policies concerning the VDW's content, development, implementation, and quality assurance. Data extracted from the VDW have been used by thousands of studies published in peer-reviewed journal articles. Advances in software supporting care delivery and claims processing and the availability of new data sources have greatly expanded the data available for research, but substantially increased the complexity of data management. The VDW data model incorporates software and data advances to ensure that comprehensive, up-to-date data of known quality are available for research. VDW governance works to accommodate new data and system complexities. This article highlights the HMORN VDW data model, its governance principles, data content, and quality assurance procedures. Our goal is to share the VDW data model and its operations to those wishing to implement a distributed interoperable health care data system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims (i) To describe patient and public involvement (PPI) in a network promoting research in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, in terms of activity at the different stages of the research cycle and within the different levels of the research network. (ii) To use case studies to try and answer the question: what benefits (if any) does PPI in research bring to the research process? Background PPI in health research is a central part of government policy, but the evidence base underpinning it needs strengthening. PPI allows exploration of feasibility, acceptability and relevance of hypotheses, assists in the precise definition of research questions and increases accrual to studies. However, the measurement of outcomes is methodologically difficult, because the impact of lay researchers may occur through team interactions and be difficult to untangle from the efforts of professional researchers. Opportunities for PPI in rapidly progressive diseases may be limited, and involvement of people with marked cognitive impairment is particularly challenging. Design (i) Description of PPI within the DeNDRoN network. (ii) Case studies of three research projects which asked for extra help from centrally organized PPI. Results PPI in research projects on the DeNDRoN portfolio may function at different levels, occurring at project, local research network and national level. Case studies of three research projects show different roles for PPI in research and different functions for centrally organized PPI, including contribution to remedial action in studies that are not recruiting to target, solving problems because of the complexity and sensitivity of the research topic, and linking researchers to PPI resources. Discussion The case studies suggest that centrally organized PPI can have 'diagnostic' and remedial functions in studies that are struggling to recruit and serve as reinforcement for study-level PPI in the complex and sensitive research topics that are typical in neurodegenerative diseases research. PPI may be actively sought by researchers, but the infrastructure of PPI is not yet so widespread in the research community that lay researchers are easy to find; a centrally organized PPI resource can assist in this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The storage based Research Networks that IEAGHG organise aim to address the various aspects of CO2 geological storage. The broad aims of the Research Networks are to provide a platform for the expertise and experience of those organisations at the forefront of research, development and demonstration of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) to come together on a regular basis and share the latest experiences and knowledge, and to move the knowledge-base forward as CCS moves from research to reality. In 2010, IEAGHG produced a summary brochure, which provided a short introduction to each of the storage based Research Networks, and outlined the main achievements of each network over its existence, and the aims for the future. This paper serves as an update and outlines the future focus for the networks as determined in the Joint Network Meeting in June 2012. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper analyses the profitability of research networks in the pharmaceutical industry where R&D-based activities are of great importance for the companies following the offensive research strategy, i.e., generating original drugs. There are also companies who follow the defensive strategy, i.e., develop generic drugs. We focus on the issue how knowledge-related capabilities can be utilised when trying to profit from innovations. The larger the knowledge pool to be used by the companies, the higher is the probability to profit from new innovation. This is one of the greatest motivations to establish strategic research networks. However, the more innovative the offensive companies are the more opportunities there are also for defensive companies. We tackle this innovation race by a simulation model that scrutinises the profitability of research networks in the three company world where tacitness, legal appropriability means, and absorptive capacities are used as means of technology strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent decades have seen many advances in policy and legislation that support the development of drugs used by neonates, infants, children, and young people. This review summarizes the characteristics and performance of networks capable of conducting studies needed to meet regulatory requirements and make advances in pediatric drug development., Methods: Description of network goals and capabilities by network leaders., Results: In the United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada, clinical research networks have been organized to meet the needs of biopharmaceutical and academic sponsors for timely access to high-quality sites, as well as to provide advice about drug development with regard to strategic and operational feasibility. Each network addresses the specificities of its context while working toward shared principles including standards and timelines; alignment of goals and processes, while not disturbing arrangements for conducting trials that work well; wide geographic coverage; all age groups and pediatric conditions; sources of funding; sites that compete on performance; performance monitoring for benchmarking, and opportunities to optimize the allocation of resources; and education and training for network members. Facilitation in interactions among these networks is based on a single point-of-contact for each; similar approaches to strategic and operational feasibility assessment, and site selection; and collaborative approaches to education and training., Conclusion: Within five years, clinical research networks will support the needs of biopharmaceutical and publicly funded pediatric drug development through locally appropriate and globally interoperable approaches., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Drug Information Association, Inc.)

This paper reports on school-university collaboration during an action research project, which aimed to build a writing pedagogy for students with Learning Disabilities in the trilingual, biliterate educational context of Hong Kong. The project was established through interpersonal relationships built from the ground up between stakeholders from a university department and a secondary school. The informal social networks were the locus of innovation and creativity within the project. This paper examines four broad dimensions of collaboration: the relationships created, the resources shared, the action taken and the pedagogy created. We discuss these dimensions of collaboration from the perspectives of the stakeholders. We found that each stakeholder aligned their motivations and expectations with other stakeholders to achieve the common goals of the research and consequently we call such alignments of interests "research networks". Finally, we suggest that "research networks" constitute an important, yet overlooked component of action research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background.: The Mental Health Research Network and Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network were established in the UK to increase research capacity and activity; the former in mental health generally, and the latter specifically in neurodegenerative disorders including dementia. Little evidence exists on the impact of these networks on research in mental health of older people. Aims: To examine research network support to a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of anti-depressants in people with depression superimposed on dementia. Method: Qualitative questionnaires were completed by principal investigators, trial-funded research workers and clinical study officers (CSOs) of the research networks. Results: Research network contribution was much valued by principal investigators and the nine research teams. CSOs boosted the recruitment campaign in a challenging environment and enhanced assessment processes. Some problems with consistency and staff turnover were raised. Conclusion: Research network input can make an appreciable difference to the process and outcome of a multi-centre clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Academic, medical and research libraries frequently implement Web 2.0 services for users. Several reports notwithstanding, characteristics and effectiveness of services are unclear. Objectives: To find out: the Web 2.0 services implemented by medical, academic and research libraries; study designs, measures and types of data used in included articles to evaluate effectiveness; whether the identified body of literature is amenable to a systematic review of results. Methods: Scoping review mapping the literature on the topic. Searches were performed in 19 databases. Inclusion criteria: research articles in English, Italian, German, French and Spanish (publication date ≥2006) about Web 2.0 services for final users implemented by academic, medical and research libraries. Reviewers' agreement was measured by Cohen's kappa. From a data set of 6461 articles, 255 (4%) were coded and analysed. Results: Conferencing/chat/instant messaging, blogging, podcasts, social networking, wikis and aggregators were frequently examined. Services were mainly targeted at general academic users of English-speaking countries. Conclusions: Data prohibit a reliable estimate of the relative frequency of implemented Web 2.0 services. Case studies were the prevalent design. Most articles evaluated different outcomes using diverse assessment methodologies. A systematic review is recommended to assess the effectiveness of such services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Open Access (OA) to scientific information is an important step forward in communication patterns, yet we still need to reinforce OA principles to promote a cultural change of traditional publishing practices. The advantages of free access to scientific information are even more evident in public health where knowledge is directly associated with human wellbeing. Objectives: An OA 'consolidation' initiative in public health is presented to show how the involvement of people and institutions is fundamental to create awareness on OA and promote a cultural change. This initiative is developed within the project NEtwork of COllaboration Between Europe and Latin American Caribbean countries (NECOBELAC), financed by the European Commission. Methods: Three actions are envisaged: Capacity building through a flexible and sustainable training programme on scientific writing and OA publishing; creation of training tools based on semantic web technologies; development of a network of supporting institutions. Results: In 2010-2011, 23 training initiatives were performed involving 856 participants from 15 countries; topic maps on scientific publication and OA were produced; 195 institutions are included in the network. Conclusions: Cultural change in scientific dissemination practices is a long process requiring a flexible approach and strong commitment by all stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]