Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Susannah Westbury, Oyinlola Oyebode, Thijs van Rens, Thomas M. Barber
Summary: This review aims to examine the causes of obesity, the dominance of the perception of personal responsibility and the resulting stigma. It summarizes the consequences of obesity stigma and proposes potential strategies to reduce the focus on personal responsibility and improve interventions.
CURRENT OBESITY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susanne Deutsch, Miriam Heider, Silke Glage, Andre Bleich, Rene Tolba, Daniel Strech, Susanne Wieschowski
Summary: The publication rate of animal studies increased from 67% to 70% based on a follow-up study. The most widely accepted suggestions for improving publication rates included full coverage of publication costs for open access journals, performance-based allocation of funds for reporting non-supportive results, and receiving more information from journals that publish non-significant results.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maggie Creamer, Kristina Horback
Summary: Research on human-animal interactions with beef cattle often occurs during stress-inducing contexts, potentially skewing behavioral and physiological responses. Future studies should consider conducting experiments in low stress contexts to better understand how animal personality and previous experience influence cattle production and welfare. By adapting methods used for wildlife response research, researchers may gain insights into improving the quality and outcomes of human-cattle interactions on rangelands.
Review
Microbiology
Jacob T. Nearing, Andre M. Comeau, Morgan G. I. Langille
Summary: Advances in DNA sequencing technology have improved researchers' ability to explore human microbiomes, but systemic biases introduced during the process can lead to inconsistent results. Biases begin with sample collection and persist throughout experiments, resulting in observed microbial communities that differ significantly from the true composition. efforts to reduce bias in sequence-based human microbiome studies are ongoing.
Article
Environmental Studies
Yousef Ghorbani, Glen T. Nwaila, Steven E. Zhang, Julie E. Bourdeau, Manuel Canovas, Javier Arzua, Nooraddin Nikadat
Summary: Deep underground mining is being extensively developed due to the depletion of shallow mineral deposits, and it has a lower environmental footprint compared to shallow mining. This paper summarizes the key factors driving deep underground mining, examines the challenges associated with it, and explores solutions provided by recent advances in science and technology.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ana C. Franco, Debby Ianson, Tetjana Ross, Charles Hannah, Akash Sastri, Philippe D. Tortell
Summary: Bottom waters of the northeast Pacific continental shelf naturally experience localized hypoxic conditions, with significant influences on food webs and biogeochemical cycling. In August 2021, extreme hypoxia was detected from several measurement platforms along the southern British Columbia continental shelf, with oxygen concentration <60 mu mol kg(-1), and a difference from the seasonal climatology of more than 2 standard deviations. The drivers of this extreme low oxygen event could be enhanced under future climate change, with potentially significant impacts on marine ecology and biogeochemistry.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Elizabeth A. Clemmons, Kendra J. Alfson, John W. Dutton
Summary: Animals play a crucial role in providing food and resources to the global population. Transboundary animal diseases are highly contagious, epidemic diseases with the potential to cause significant socioeconomic and public health consequences. More understanding of disease transmission and pathogenesis is needed, along with improvements in diagnostics and vaccines. This review provides a comprehensive overview of 17 transboundary diseases, offering valuable information for researchers and veterinarians.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Charlotte C. Burn, Trinity Camacho, Jo Hockenhull
Summary: This study examined different methods for lifting laboratory rats and the concerns of rat handlers. The findings suggest that lifting rats by the tail may cause unnecessary suffering, and the most common method, shoulder saddle, did not show significant benefits over tail lifting. Chest-and-bottom support, cupping, tunnel, and other rarer methods may offer more refined ways of handling rats.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kyla C. Johnstone, Clare McArthur, Peter B. Banks
Summary: This study surveyed free-living black rat populations, filmed rat behavior in novel tracking tunnels with different risk-reward treatments, and found that detection biases were driven by personality, increased with each tier, and differed between risk treatments. This suggests that biases driven by personality are predictable and can be managed across devices detecting specific animal behaviors.
Article
Limnology
Zhongwei Yuan, Thomas J. J. Browning, Ruifeng Zhang, Chengwang Wang, Chuanjun Du, Yanmin Wang, Ying Chen, Zhiyu Liu, Xin Liu, Dalin Shi, Minhan Dai
Summary: In nitrogen limited low latitude ocean regions, phosphate depletion can induce stress responses in marine microbes. This study associates a broad region of phosphate depletion in the subtropical North Pacific with different levels of phosphorus stress, and demonstrates the primary nitrogen limitation of the phytoplankton community with the relief provided by aerosol supply. Enhanced alkaline phosphatase activities indicate elevated phosphorus stress in northern sites with depleted phosphate. Increased aerosol deposition, likely stimulated by aerosol iron supply, can drive the regional enhancement in phosphate depletion through elevated nitrogen fixation. These findings are crucial for predicting future biogeochemical responses in the subtropical North Pacific to changes in aerosol supply.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianjia Liu, Loretta J. Mickley, Ritesh Gautam, Manoj K. Singh, Ruth S. DeFries, Miriam E. Marlier
Summary: Since the Green Revolution in the mid-1960s, a shift towards rice-wheat rotation in Punjab, India has led to increased crop yield and production. Satellite data from 2003 to 2016 shows a delay in peak burning activity and aerosol optical depth in Punjab, attributed to delayed growth of monsoon crops. Increased burning and aerosol optical depth in the region are likely driven by agricultural intensification and changes in groundwater policies, with potential consequences for air quality and public health in the heavily-populated Indo-Gangetic Plain.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dinko Novosel, Vladimir Brajkovic, Mojca Simcic, Minja Zorc, Tanja Svara, Karmen Branovic Cakanic, Andreja Jungic, Betka Logar, Vlatka Cubric-Curik, Peter Dovc, Ino Curik
Summary: While mitogenome mutations leading to pathological manifestations are rare in domestic animals, over 200 such mutations have been described in humans. In this study, two cows with the mitogenome mutation T10432C in the ND4L gene were identified in the Slovenian cattle breed Cika. The mutation corresponds to the human T10663C mutation known to cause Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). The presence of the mutation was confirmed by pedigree analysis and Sanger sequencing, and a closer examination of one cow with the mutation revealed clinical and histopathological signs similar to LHON in humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessie R. Baldwin, Jean-Baptiste Pingault, Tabea Schoeler, Hannah M. Sallis, Marcus R. Munafo
Summary: This article discusses the problems that researcher biases can cause in secondary data analysis and proposes solutions and alternative approaches. These solutions include addressing biases related to prior knowledge of the data, enabling pre-registration of non-hypothesis-driven research, ensuring that pre-registered analyses are appropriate for the data, and addressing difficulties arising from reduced analytical flexibility. Implementing these practices can protect against researcher biases in secondary data analysis and improve the robustness of research based on existing data.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
J. M. Clarkson, J. E. Martin, J. Sparrey, M. C. Leach, D. E. F. McKeegan
Summary: The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas for killing laboratory mice in scientific research presents ethical concerns. In this study, we investigated the use of gradual decompression with hypobaric hypoxia as an alternative method. The results suggest that gradual decompression may provide a more humane way of killing laboratory mice.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Ecology
MacKenzie K. Kjeldgaard, Jeremy A. Hewlett, Micky D. Eubanks
Summary: Stable isotope analysis is widely used to estimate trophic position and provide insight into ecological communities, but the variation in baselines and methodologies may lead to biased or erroneous conclusions. It is recommended to combine stable isotope analysis with other techniques, increase sample size, and use specific methods to enhance the robustness and accuracy of conclusions based on stable isotopes.
ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
(2021)
Article
Medical Ethics
Rik Peels, Lex Bouter
Summary: This paper explores the relationships between replication and trustworthiness, including the relationships between different types of replication and trustworthiness, the relationship between replication intentionality and trustworthiness, and whether the trustworthiness of research findings depends on what is at stake. It concludes that replication should be considered along with other factors in assessing the trustworthiness of research findings.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Medical Ethics
Tamarinde Haven, Lex Bouter, Louise Mennen, Joeri Tijdink
Summary: One way to strengthen research integrity is through supervision. The study developed a 3-day pilot training for PhD supervisors that combined responsible research practices (RRPs) and interpersonal skills. The results showed that both supervisors and PhD candidates had more positive perceptions of the supervisor's interpersonal skills and ability to foster RRPs after the training.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
A. N. Varga, A. E. Guevara Morel, J. M. van Dongen, J. Lokkerbol, M. Lindeboom, M. W. van Tulder, L. M. Bouter, J. E. Bosmans
Summary: This paper discusses the collaboration challenges faced by epidemiologists and economists in health intervention research due to differences in terminology, and illustrates these differences with examples. The study aims to improve the quality of multidisciplinary collaboration between the two fields and assist researchers in selecting the most suitable analytical techniques for their research problems.
HEALTH SERVICES AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medical Ethics
Jeroen de Ridder, Lex Bouter, Tamarinde Haven, Rik Peels, Joeri Tijdink, Maurice P. Zeegers
Summary: We evaluate Radder's criticisms of the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and find that they fail to address the main issues or rely on controversial assumptions about the Code's purpose. While Radder raises important questions about the broader roles and purposes of research in society, his proposed revisions to the Code are unjustified.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Johanna A. Damen, Pauline Heus, Herm J. Lamberink, Joeri K. Tijdink, Lex Bouter, Paul Glasziou, David Moher, Willem M. Otte, Christiaan H. Vinkers, Lotty Hooft
Summary: This study explores indicators of questionable research practices in randomized controlled trials, including bias risk, selective reporting bias, sample size, and statistical discrepancy. The findings suggest that more recent publication year, trial registration, mentioning of reporting standards, and higher journal impact factor are associated with a lower risk of questionable research practices.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Studies
Rosie Hastings, Krishma Labib, Iris Lechner, Lex Bouter, Guy Widdershoven, Natalie Evans
Summary: This study aims to assess the differences between research integrity guidance provided by pan-European discipline-specific learned societies and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA code), as well as the differences among the guidance from different discipline societies. The study found that the guidance provided by learned societies mainly focuses on research culture and environment, with notable differences among disciplines.
SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY
(2023)
Article
Medical Ethics
Krishma Labib, Joeri Tijdink, Klaas Sijtsma, Lex Bouter, Natalie Evans, Guy Widdershoven
Summary: Research integrity is important, but rules alone may not be enough to improve research practice without commitment from researchers. This paper explores combining rules and commitment through market, bureaucratic, and network governance modes. The use of network processes can legitimize and regulate systems, but there needs to be a balance between the different governance modes for fostering research integrity.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medical Ethics
Lex Bouter
Summary: Research data mismanagement poses a serious threat to accountability, reproducibility, and data re-use. However, the categorization of RDMM into intentional misconduct and unintentional questionable practice is not accurate. It is challenging to prove intentionality, and other criteria should be considered when determining the severity of a breach of research integrity. Instead of focusing on intentionality and sanctions, efforts should be directed towards improving data management practices through preventive actions led by research institutions.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Medical Ethics
Lex Bouter
Summary: Trust is crucial for scholars to collaborate and apply research findings. Open science practices strengthen research transparency and accountability, allowing for the verification of trustworthiness. However, questionable research practices and perverse incentives in the research system can pose challenges to maintaining research integrity.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mario Malicki, IJsbrand Jan Aalbersberg, Lex Bouter, Adrian Mulligan, Gerben ter Riet
Summary: Calls have been made to improve transparency in research and work climates, and prevent detrimental research practices. A survey was conducted among authors, reviewers, and editors to assess their attitudes and practices in these areas. The results showed no significant differences in attitudes towards transparency and work climates among the different groups. Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and lack of citing prior research were perceived as more prevalent by editors than authors or reviewers. Overall, a considerable proportion of respondents admitted sacrificing quality for quantity and reported interference from funders in study design or reporting. While the respondents were from various countries, the low response rate limits the generalizability of the findings. Nevertheless, the results highlight the need for increased involvement of stakeholders to align practices with current recommendations.
Article
Ethics
Giulia Inguaggiato, Krishma Labib, Natalie Evans, Fenneke Blom, Lex Bouter, Guy Widdershoven
Summary: In this paper, the authors demonstrate the value of using Moral Case Deliberation, a case reflection method, in teaching responsible conduct of research (RCR) to PhD students. This method helps students become aware of and internalize RCR principles and values, reflect on their own conduct in daily practice, and develop dialogical skills for discussing RCR issues. By focusing on values and personal motivations, reflecting on real experiences and dilemmas, and cultivating participants' dialogical skills, this method supports students in acting responsibly and pursuing RCR in their research practice.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Medical Ethics
I. M. Lechner, L. B. Mokkink, G. J. de Ridder, R. van Woudenberg, L. M. Bouter, J. K. Tijdink
Summary: This study used empirical methods to identify the epistemic responsibilities of universities, and found that universities should foster research integrity, stimulate the development of intellectual virtues, address the big questions of life, cultivate the diversity of disciplinary fields, serve and engage with society, and cultivate and safeguard academic freedom. These findings can inform the debate about the roles and responsibilities of universities and highlight the importance of epistemic tasks.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Krishma Labib, Natalie Evans, Daniel Pizzolato, Noemie Aubert Bonn, Guy Widdershoven, Lex Bouter, Teodora Konach, Miranda Langendam, Kris Dierickx, Joeri Tijdink
Summary: In order to promote research integrity, research institutions have developed guidelines for research integrity education. These guidelines focus on different target groups and recommend mandatory training, follow-up refresher training, informal discussions, rewards and incentives, and evaluation of educational events. The guidelines provide practical guidance for institutions to develop a successful research integrity education strategy and are available as publicly accessible tools.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Shaoxiong Brian Xu, Natalie Evans, Guangwei Hu, Lex Bouter
Summary: Academic journal publications may be retracted due to research misconduct, and retraction notices often lack information about institutional investigations. An analysis of 7,318 retraction notices published between 1927 and 2019 found that only a minority mentioned institutional investigations, with journal authorities being the most commonly mentioned. The introduction of retraction guidelines by COPE in 2009 increased the likelihood of reporting investigations by journal authorities. Retraction notices in social sciences and humanities were more likely to disclose investigations by research performing organizations compared to biomedical and natural sciences.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tony Ross-Hellauer, Lex M. Bouter, Serge P. J. M. Horbach
Summary: Open Peer Review is gaining attention and use, but there is a need for additional evidence to responsibly promote it. In this article, we propose a preliminary research agenda and issue a call to action.
