Basic Science Fields Research Articles

Postdoctoral struggles in the Global South: insights from India.

The global postdoctoral community faces many challenges including low pay, irregular benefits, little job security amid cost-of-living hikes, challenges to mental health, and power imbalances. Conclusions from the 2020 and 2023 global postdoctoral surveys by Nature highlighting these struggles are highly skewed towards respondents from the Global North, underrepresenting the Global South. Here, we address the postdoctoral struggles of scholars in the Global South who are more vulnerable due to low-income economy and patriarchal society that discriminates against women. We argue that neglecting postdoctoral researchers in basic science fields, women and scholars from local and regional universities will affect global academic and research outputs. We recommend sustainable, long-term solutions such as "Postdoc Representative Body" ensuring just and wider postdoctoral benefits at country level to secure postdoctoral benefits in the Global South.

Authentic Assessment in Medical Microbiology: A Scientific Poster Based Approach

Introduction: Carrying out an authentic evaluation in the field of basic medical sciences is a challenge when it comes to choosing the appropriate instrument, even more so in the subject of medical microbiology, which belongs to the basic clinical sciences. Objective: Propose the scientific poster as a suitable instrument for the authentic evaluation of this subject, raising it to the level of the Objectively Structured Clinical Examination, or evaluation using simulators. Methods: A study was proposed with a qualitative approach based on a research question, which led to a bibliographic review in databases, referring to authentic evaluation, the inherent characteristics of the scientific poster and their interrelation. Results: From this it was possible to establish the main advantages and limitations of the scientific poster as an authentic evaluation instrument, and based on its characteristics and the type of studies that can be represented in it, a scientific poster design suitable for the subject of medical microbiology.Conclusions: Also determining that, although authentic evaluation is still a utopia in medical training, the integration of research in the basic sciences of medicine will allow the student to: deepen the levels of assimilation of the knowledge of the base subject, scale in the pyramid of competencies by integrating other knowledge, being prepared for a significant performance in medicine after graduation and responding appropriately to their curriculum, demonstrating the relevance of their knowledge and skills.

Retractions in academic publishing: insights from highly ranked global universities

Purpose The study aims to profile the scientific retractions in the top five global universities and provide descriptive statistics on specific subjects. Design/methodology/approach The data for reasons behind retractions is manually extracted from the Retraction Watch Database. The top five global universities according to the Times Higher Education global ranking of 2024 are selected for this study. Findings The study found that Stanford University emerged with the highest number of retractions in the assessment across institutions in the field of basic life sciences and health sciences. Notably, the predominant reasons for these retractions were identified, with “unreliable results” being the most prevalent, accounting for 53 retractions. Following closely was the category of “errors in results and/or conclusions”, contributing to 51 retractions. MIT has the longest time between publication and retraction of any subject group, with an average of 1,701 days. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations, as it only analysed the retractions of the top five global universities. Originality/value The study provides a comprehensive analysis of retractions in academic publishing, focusing on reasons, time gaps, article types and accessibility categories across prestigious universities. The paper underscores the critical role of retractions in maintaining the integrity of scientific literature, emphasizing the importance of transparent correction and responsible peer review to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of published research. Results show that common reasons for retractions include duplication, fake peer review and plagiarism, underlining the need for ethical research standards.

An Evaluation on the Effect of Differences in Recitations on Islamic Law: Within the Context of Intercourse with a Woman After Menstruation

The main source of Islam is the Holy Qur'ān. Qirā’a is the branch of science that deals with the different ways of reciting the words of the Qur'ān. For this reason, the science of qirā’a has a special place and importance among the basic Islamic sciences. The fact that the Qur'ān ranks first among the primary evidences in Islamic jurisprudence methodology has made it directly related to the science of qirā’a. At the beginning of Islam, the verses revealed were transmitted firsthand by the Prophet (PBUH) to his companions, who in turn would teach these verses to others. The differences in reciting that existed in this process led to the types of qirā’a called 'seven ahruf/letters'. Believers would first learn the different qirā’āt that they heard from the Prophet (PBUH) and then pass them on to the others. However, in addition to the authentic qirā’āt, the unauthentic qirā’āt that emerged over time directly affected the Islamic legal doctrine. Especially the differences in the most accurate understanding of the divine word led to the emergence of differences of opinion among Islamic jurists. This, in turn, was the source of the divergence of jurisprudential groups. These divergences between the groups based on the differences in qirā’a have come to the agenda depending on the issues of Islamic law, sometimes usūl and sometimes furū’. These debates have led to different jurisprudential approaches depending on the different interpretations of the verses, which has led to mental turmoil among Muslims. In this study, the impact of qirā’a differences on Islamic legal doctrine is analyzed. In this context, the issue of intercourse with a woman after menstruation, one of the issues of jurisprudence, is discussed., Regarding this, in the text the concept of qirā’a, its types, and the reasons for the emergence of qirā’a differences are first evaluated. For a better understanding of the issue, the approaches of the four fiqh schools to the differences of qirā’a are also examined in a general way. Then, the jurisprudential aspect of the concept of menstruation, the way it is expressed in the verse, and the differences of qirā’a on the related verse are examined, and the legal consequences that arise due to these different qirā’āt are explained. As far as can be detected in the process, most of the studies in the field of basic Islamic sciences are carried out in the form of subject analysis under a specific discipline. Unlike the general studies in the literature, in this research, a fundamental issue related to Islamic law and qirā’a, which is among the basic disciplines of Islamic sciences, has been addressed, which reveals the strong bond and interaction between the two disciplines. In order to have a better understanding of the subject of the present research, special attention has been given to include the fundamental sources of the science of qirā’a along with Islamic law.

Graphene Oxide-Induced Prototropism and Enhancement of Fluorescence Yield of Organic Molecules in Solutions: Recent Advances.

Till date, humankind has mainly acknowledged the quenching phenomenon of graphene oxide (GO). From a fundamental science standpoint, the unique and dynamic prospects of graphene oxide have been showcased in a brief but concise manner. Worldwide research studies have proven that graphene oxide has tremendous potentiality in showcasing breakthroughs in the fields of both basic science and innovative applications. In this Perspective, the fact that, apart from the very common fluorescence quenching phenomenon, graphene oxide can also enhance fluorescence intensity, promote prototropism, demonstrate aggregation-induced emission, and itself exhibit photoluminescence properties in nonaqueous media has been highlighted. It draws attention to the fact regarding unveiling the unknown properties of graphene oxide that might be useful to scientific communities in upcoming years.

Abstract 1848: The Cellular Thermal Shift assay and its applications in Target ID, MoA determination and biomarker discovery

Abstract With the Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) celebrating its first decade since the PoC publication, the method has gained much interest in the basic science field as well as become an industry standard in applied drug discovery setting. In the last few years it has become apparent that in addition to providing information about drug-protein interaction, CETSA based thermal profiling of cells can help describe additional aspects of cell biology as it gives insight into the activating and rewiring of protein-protein interaction networks inside the cell upon stimuli. In the work presented here, we have used CETSA coupled to high resolution mass spectrometric readout to profile the response patterns of about 8000 proteins to several hundred molecular probes and marketed drugs. The goal has been to provide a map of wanted and unwanted effects following treatment and to correlate it to alternative readouts, by for example cellular imaging and cell death assays. We have applied the CETSA protocol for close to five hundred compounds, many in several cell-lines (HepG2, U87MG and K562). The experimental setup includes the step of treating the cells with a certain compound at a fixed concentration. After incubation for an hour, we heated the cells to a range of temperatures, followed by a lysis protocol and pooling of the samples. After this, the samples have been centrifuged to separate the soluble from insoluble fraction. The soluble fraction has then been prepared for MS acquisition using TMT based multiplexing. Typically, this allowed us to monitor changes in thermal stability among more than 8,000 proteins, as a consequence of compound treatment. This data reveals specific compound “fingerprints” that can be used to decipher mode of action and identify biomarkers. Despite the short incubation time, proteins with compound-induced thermal stability shifts are not only targets/off-targets (direct binders), but also downstream, and sometimes upstream, pathway members and general cellular responses. All data combined makes the basis of the Target Engagement Atlas. Here we can see clusters of compounds, sharing similar protein binding profiles. Among the most prominent ones are mTOR inhibitors, NSAIDs, as well as tubulin binders. Alternatively, one can use this resource to reveal clusters of “pharmacologically” associated protein networks. We show that pharmacological perturbation allows identification of clusters representing tight protein complexes (for example ribosomes), known metabolic pathways (folate biosynthesis), molecular functions (kinases), as well as networks of proteins linked only by ligand binding specificity. CETSA MS allows for unbiased, cellular, and molecular profiling of compound effects. Together with data from clinical settings, as well as in vivo/in vitro end point assays it is possible to correlate the CETSA patterns to wanted but also unwanted responses. Citation Format: Tomas Friman, Alexey Chernobrovkin, Tuomas Tolvanen, Erin Gilson, Stina Lundgren, Victoria Brehmer, Daniel Martinez Molina. The Cellular Thermal Shift assay and its applications in Target ID, MoA determination and biomarker discovery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1848.

MicroRNA cross-talk between Monilinia fungal pathogens and peach host

The reciprocal targeting of microRNAs (miRNA) and micro-like-RNAs (milRNA) between hosts and pathogens is critical for understanding their interactions. In this study, reciprocal miRNA targets were explored in two Monilinia fungal pathogens, M. fructicola & M. laxa, and their peach host (Prunus presica). Using in silico analysis, 355 and 266 putative miRNAs were predicted for M. fructicola and M. laxa, respectively. Number of miRNAs and their targets differed based on host and pathogen species as 209 M. fructicola miRNAs target 98 peach genes and 128 M. laxa miRNAs target 338 peach genes. On the other hand, peach miRNAs showed the species-specific responses targeting fungal pathways to struggle with its pathogens. These findings indicate distinct strategies and species-specific interactions in this pathosystem. Besides, through the in vitro experimental designs, 166 and 124 expressed miRNAs by M. fructicola were detected in the host-mimicked and control environments, respectively. Additionally, novel miRNAs were discovered, six of which were in the mimicked environment and the seven in the controlled environment as highlighting dynamic and specialized miRNA expression in M. fructicola depending on the environmental conditions. In conclusion, this study provides the first insights into miRNA-mediated interactions between M. fructicola, M. laxa, and peach hosts. Unrevealing the cross talk through the miRNAs in host–pathogen interactions enhances the understanding of pathogenesis and host defense mechanisms. These findings have implications for disease management strategies and contribute to the fields of basic science and evolutionary biology.

Scientific eminence and scientific hierarchy: bibliometric prediction of fellowship in the Australian Academy of Science

Research metrics are known to predict many markers of scientific eminence, but fellowship in learned academies has not been examined in this context. The present research used Scopus-based citation indices, including a composite index developed by Ioannidis et al., (PLoS Biol 14:e1002501, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1002501) that improves cross-field comparison, to predict fellowship in the Australian Academy of Sciences (AAS). Based on ideas of a hierarchy of the sciences, the study also examined whether researchers from natural science fields were advantaged in achieving AAS fellowship relative to researchers from fields toward the social science end of the hierarchy. In a comprehensive sample of top global researchers, the composite index and its components all strongly differentiated Australian researchers who were elected as AAS fellows from those who were not. As predicted, when composite index scores were statistically controlled, researchers in physical and mathematical sciences were more likely to achieve fellow status than biological scientists, who were much more likely to achieve it than psychological, cognitive, and social scientists. Researchers in basic science fields also had an election advantage over those in more applied and technological fields. These findings suggest that recognition by learned academies may be predicted by citation indices, but may also be influenced by the perceived hardness, prestige, and purity of research fields.

A Challenge to Solve Complicated Nonlinear Differential Equations in the Engineering Fields and Basic Sciences by New Approach AKLM

In this manuscript, we claim that many complicated applied problems in nonlinear differential equations can be answered analytically.And as far as the researchers know, the application of analytical (not numerical) solution in the field of engineering and basic sciences is very important.These virgin methods can be successfully applied in various engineering fields such as mechanics (solid, fluid,heat and mass transfer), electronics, petroleum industry, designing chemical reactors, and also in applied sciences, economics and so on. It is worth noting that these methods are convergent at any form of differential equations, including any number of initial and boundary conditions. During the solution procedure, it is not required to convert or simplify the exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic terms, which enables the user to obtain a highly precise solution This method can be very valuable in solving engineering and basic science problems, and even economics, as a result, we present this method in this article for academic researchers.

A graduate laboratory experiment to study the dynamics of an acoustically levitated particle

The comprehension of physical wave phenomena is imperative for students in the fields of engineering and basic sciences. Laboratory experiments that involve generation of acoustic waves can be used to explain advanced nonlinear wave phenomena. Acoustic levitation is a method for stably suspending and trapping objects in mid-air using acoustic radiation forces. This paper discusses an experimental apparatus that offers an economical means to demonstrate the acoustic levitation of polystyrene particles while enabling the investigation of stability and nonlinear dynamics of the trapped particles. Additionally, this platform offers the potential to examine other phenomena, such as the interaction forces between multiple acoustically levitated particles. The mechanical design of the system along with the data acquisition and control techniques are thoroughly explained.

A holistic failure modes and effects analysis for university plastic injection laboratory under Bayesian Network

University Research & Development (R&D) laboratories are facilities used for research and manufacturing activities in engineering and basic science fields. Various filling materials are used in plastic R&D laboratories to improve the mechanical properties of thermoplastics or to recycle waste materials. The use of filling materials causes changes in plastic production parameters. This study dealt with the risks arising from extrusion, injection and shredder in a plastic injection laboratory, which led to the inability to manufacture the appropriate product under a holistic methodology. The proposed holistic methodology merges the concepts of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), fuzzy best-worst method (FBWM), and a rule-based three-hierarchical Bayesian network (RB-THBN). First, 15 root risks have been identified under a three-stage hierarchy with the support of laboratory decision makers. Then, questionnaires were created using the FMEA concept. The importance values (degree of belief-DoB) of three different FMEA parameters (severity, occurrence and detection) by experts for each risk have been calculated with FBWM. And finally, the RB-THBN has been created, and the final risk values have been computed using the linear utility function for the network. The system has been analyzed via a Bayesian modeling software. A validity test and a control measures planning has also been executed. According to the results, the highest root risk has been determined as “E2-The prepared mixture is not homogeneous” with a crisp risk score of 0.639559. In addition, “Failure due to extrusion” has been determined as the highest risk category with a score of 0.564059. It was discussed in detail that these risks arise from homogenization and how the used mixture should be homogenized. A comparative study among traditional FMEA, FMEA extended under FBWM and the proposed approach is performed to observe the differences in final ranking of root risks and to highlight the arguments that strengthen the advantages of the proposed method over the other two.

Evaluation of the Use of Learning Technology in Improving Students' Mathematical Competence in the Digital Era

The aim of this research is to analyze the use of technology to improve mathematics learning skills in the digital era. With the rapid development of information and communication technology, the world of education is also caught up in the digitalization trend, in line with the global need to adapt to technological developments that can improve the quality of education. Mathematics, one of the basic science fields, has also experienced great progress in the digital era. The interaction process between teachers and students in the current digital era is different from before. The place where the learning process (interaction) takes place will begin to shift to digital learning interactions. In order for the learning process to change from generation to generation, learning strategies are needed that are appropriate to developments in information technology. This research provides valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, to improve mathematics learning evaluation strategies by utilizing technology in the digital era. It is hoped that the practical implications of this research can support more effective decision making in developing a competitive mathematics learning environment in the digital era.

Biomechanical Forces in the Tissue Engineering and Regeneration of Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and Ankle Joints.

Tear on the tendon, ligament and articular cartilage of the joints do not heal by itself and new modalities of treatment are required to address the need for full restoration of joint functions. Accompanied by degenerative diseases, the healing of these tissues does not occur naturally and hence requires surgical interventions, but with associated morbidity. Tissue engineering strategies are now focusing on the effective incorporation of biomechanical stimulation by the application of biomechanical forces relevant to the tissue of interest to regenerate and engineer functional tissues. Bioreactors are being continuously developed to accomplish this goal. Although bioreactors have been developed, the advancement in the field of biomaterial, basic science, and cell engineering warrant further refinement for their effective use. In this article we reviewed the application of biomechanical forces in the tissue engineering and regeneration of the joints such as rotator cuff of shoulder, ball and socket joint of the hip, articular cartilage of knee, and the ankle joints.

Comparative analysis of the Khan Academy virtual college course to improve new students’ academic performance in Faculty of Engineering

The low performance of the engineering student is an underlying problem in mathematics subjects, derived from the various situations that surround the student and for which he is exposed to school dropout. However, there are technological learning tools (Khan Academy), which, if well implemented and in a timely manner, at the beginning of their higher education, help to improve the understanding of mathematical and logical concepts in the field of basic sciences and mathematics. especially in the latter, because it contributes greatly to the formation of the Engineer. The comparative analysis of the Virtual College Preparatory Course implemented in the Khan Academy platform over a period of 4 years was carried out, which shows the evolution of the new student, as well as the results with the comparative analysis of the diagnostic and final exam obtained each year. It is notorious reservation of young new students to make use of the various educational platforms on the Internet, however, the comparison suggests a positive impact by the use of these, with the appropriate guidance and experience.

Investigation of the Effects of Optical Models on the Production Cross–Section Calculations of 22,24Na Radioisotopes with some (d,x) and (α,x) Reactions

It is well recognized that the outcomes of investigations conducted in the field of basic sciences, as well as the achievements gained over the period of these studies, mediate effective and useful outcomes not only for basic sciences, but also for many other fields as diverse from engineering to medicine. In this regard, theoretical researches on the production routes of various radioisotopes that could be implemented in a numerous of fields ensure that physics and other associated areas interact on a common ground. Taking this fact into account as the motivation, the goal of this study is set to investigate how various deuteron and alpha optical models impact the cross–section calculations of 22,24Na radioisotopes, which are known to be utilized in medical applications. The TALYS (v1.95) code was utilized in the calculations, which allows for the use of five different deuteron and eight different alpha optical model alternatives. The obtained results were not only visually compared to the existing experimental data in the literature, but also quantitatively by performing mean weighted deviation and relative variance analyses.

Evaluating the effectiveness of Ph.D. courses in basic medical sciences to create knowledge management capabilities from the graduate students’ view of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Knowledge management as a new subject has created a new approach to facilitating education and research in the higher education system. University graduates need to enter the world with the tools to play a role before they go to work, which is considered imperative in knowledge management. The purpose of this study was to survey the effectiveness of the PhD. curriculum to create knowledge management capabilities from the point of view of graduate students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
 Methods: This study incorporated a descriptive cross-sectional approach. The research sample included Ph.D. graduates from various fields of basic medical sciences at Tehran University (107 participants). Data collection was via a researcher-made questionnaire constructed based on the components of Bukowitz and Williams’s model, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The SPSS version 22 statistical software was used for data analysis.
 Results: The findings of this research showed that the average score of knowledge management in courses from the graduate students’ view is higher than the theoretical average. In addition, the highest average is related to knowledge contribution (3.2), and the lowest is related to knowledge assessment (2.69).
 Conclusion: The effectiveness of PhD. courses in creating knowledge management capabilities from the graduate students’ view was higher than the theoretical average. However, it did not have a favorable outcome in some components; therefore, extensive planning and attention is necessary, particularly in terms of knowledge assessment and elimination.

Advances in Optimization and Nonlinear Analysis

There are many applications of optimization and nonlinear analysis in various fields of basic science, engineering, and natural phenomena [...]

Nucleic Acid Aptamers Emerging as Modulators of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Challenge to Difficult Cell Surface Proteins.

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), among various cell surface proteins, are essential targets in the fields of basic science and drug discovery. The discovery and development of modulators for the receptors have provided deep insights into the mechanism of action of receptors and have led to a new therapeutic option for human diseases. Although various modulators against GPCRs have been developed to date, the identification of new modulators for GPCRs remains a challenge due to several technical problems and limitations. To overcome this situation, a variety of strategies have been developed by several modalities, including nucleic acid aptamers, which are emerging as unique molecules isolated by a repetitive selection process against various types of targets from an enormous combinatorial library. This review summarized the achievements in the development of aptamers targeting GPCRs, and discussed their isolation methods and the diverse functional features of aptamers against GPCRs.

Preface

Third edition of RECENT ADVANCES IN FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES (RAFAS) was organized by School of Chemical Engineering & Physical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India in June 2021 to spur the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the field of science and technology. The conference was a convergence of scientists, research investigators, students, and other professionals from diverse backgrounds who deliberated upon various current issues related to different branches of sciences and technology.The conference aimed to provide a platform to present the current research and latest technologies being adopted that address local and international scientific challenges. RAFAS 2021 offered an ideal environment for young researchers as well as practitioners to promote discourses regarding new advances in every facet of science and technology. The focus of the conference was on various research fields of basic sciences (viz. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering. The current edition (in online mode) provided a perfect platform to build productive coordination between the academia and the industry, which was very much the need of the hour.List of Chief Patron, Patron, Chairman, Conveners, Co-conveners, Organizing Secretaries, Joint Organizing Secretaries are available in this pdf.

Examination of theses on anatomy in the field of basic medical sciences (2016-2020)

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal descriptive data about postgraduate theses on anatomy and to determine their general trends. Material and Methods: Between the years 2016-2020 National Thesis Center of basic medical sciences, published in the department of anatomy thesis full text of 390; each of the thesis, name, type, year of publication, systematic and topographical anatomy class, study design, keywords, the situation of receiving budget support, the academic advisor, the title, the author's gender, bachelor degree and the publication of a thesis at the University of recorded and investigated. Frequency and percentage values were used for descriptive statistics and categorical variables. Results: Of the thesis, 237 (60.8%) were written by women, 242 (62.1%) were master's theses, 254 (65.1%) thesis advisor were professor, 113 (29%) received budget support, and 169 (43.3%) used radiological methods. The bachelor degree of the thesis authors was ranked as physiotherapy and rehabilitation (n=167, 42.8%), biology (n=64, 16.4%), nursing (n=58, 14.9%) and medicine (n=57, 14.6%). Of the thesis, 126 (32.3%) were from the head region and 174 (44.9%) were from the movement system. The most used keywords; computed tomography (n=58), morphometry (n=41), anthropometry (n=30), anatomy (n=27) and magnetic resonance imaging (n=25) were detected. Conclusion: In this study, bibliometric data about theses on anatomy were invastigated and a wide range of information was presented to the researchers in anatomy field. In recent years, it has been seen that female researchers and physiotherapists have come to the fore in anatomy postgraduate education. It can be said that especially studies involving the movement and nervous system or the head, lower and upper extremities attract the attention of researchers. In addition, radiological, experimental animal and anthropometric methods are frequently used in study designs. The result of the study is expected to shed light on anatomy graduate students, clinicians and researchers who carry out/will carry out their academic study.