Science City Research Articles

Preparation for smart and modernizing transportation: A qualitative exploration of commuters and operators in science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

The move towards smart and modern transportation systems is crucial to the growth of cities like the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Urban residents increasingly expect convenient, punctual, and technologically advanced means of transportation, especially as cities undergo transformational processes. This study investigates the readiness of Science City of Muñoz for a smart and innovative transport system, focusing on the perspectives of both commuters and transportation providers. This research forms part of a broader planning effort to align the city's transportation system with the needs of modern urban environments and sustainable development.

Assessment of Personal Hygiene, Sanitation, and Operational Practices of a Smoked Fish Production Facility in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

This study evaluated the personal hygiene, sanitation, and operational practices of a smoked fish production facility in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, aiming to enhance food safety standards and promote better worker health within the facility. A survey and face-to-face interview were conducted to gather the needed information. The facility demonstrated strong knowledge of food safety principles, including personal hygiene and sanitation, specifically on the use of protective gear, with 5 level of agreement or strongly agree on the answered statements. However, the study found that the facility’s practices fell short in several areas, including infrequent handwashing among workers, inadequate handwashing stations, inconsistent documentation, insufficient temperature control, and a lack of formal sanitation documentation. The facility also needs to improve its training program to ensure that workers are up-to-date on best practices. The study provided recommendations for improvement, including investing in reliable temperature monitoring systems, conducting regular training sessions for workers on HACCP principles, implementing a system for maintaining detailed records of production and maintenance, encouraging employees to wash their hands frequently during shifts, installing traps and implementing a regular pest control program, and ensuring that all finished products are properly labeled with accurate product information and nutritional content.

Проблемы развития наукоградов Российской Федерации

This article is devoted to the need for the development of cities with the status of a science city of the Russian Federation, whose innovative structure is aimed at creating unique scientific and technical developments and products. The paper analyzed the main indicators of science cities of the Russian Federation (funding volumes, population, etc.), and identified problems affecting the development of these territories. The author also notes that the main task for the state is the economic growth and sovereignty of the country, which can be achieved through the training of highly qualified personnel, breakthrough research and development, modern material and technical base and innovative activities. Further development of the country is possible only thanks to the return of the former image to the science cities of the Russian Federation — the development of territories with high scientific and innovative potential, with a comfortable urban environment attractive for work and life.

Blasting safety criterion of existing high speed railway tunnel over tunnel

Drilling and blasting method is still an important method in the current tunnel excavation construction. Controlling the vibration effect of blasting during construction and its influence on the upper span tunnel is the key problem in tunnel construction. Based on Chongqing Science City tunnel excavation blasting project, combined with the tunnel blasting vibration monitoring and testing, this paper analyzes the propagation attenuation law of tunnel blasting vibration along the rock mass, and studies the load characteristics of the explosion stress wave propagating to the existing high-speed railway tunnel. Considering the influence of the buried depth of the blasting source, a mathematical prediction model of the attenuation law of the upper span existing high-speed railway tunnel caused by tunnel blasting is established. Based on the dynamic finite element numerical calculation method, the influence of blasting vibration on the structure of the existing high-speed railway tunnel under construction is analyzed, and the propagation and attenuation law of blasting vibration along the tunnel contour is studied. Based on the ultimate tensile stress criterion, the ultimate shear stress criterion and the Mohr criterion, and compared with the results obtained from the numerical simulation, the blasting safety criterion model of the existing high-speed railway tunnel over the tunnel is established.

Expectations of Katowice residents regarding the program assumptions of the European city of science Katowice 2024 in the field of medical and health sciences - questionnaire survey results

IntroductionScientific literacy has been the subject of studies for several decades, but there is much less interest in the social perception of science, traceability of key areas of scientific activity and social expectations regarding science. Proper recognition of such issues can significantly contribute to a better understanding of the causes of the crisis of trust in science and help to find an effective and socially acceptable solution to mitigate it. Our study was aimed at identifying and systematizing the public needs and expectations towards medical and health sciences, based on the example of the population of Katowice.Materials and methodsThe study was carried out using a mixed, qualitative-quantitative methodology. Based on the conclusions of the in-depth interviews, a questionnaire was constructed to check the level of awareness of residents of Katowice obtaining the title of the European City of Science 2024 and the respondents’ opinion on the development of medical and health sciences. 400 inhabitants of the city and/or people associated with it through their work or education took part in the questionnaire survey.ResultsOnly 7.8% of respondents had in-depth knowledge about the European City of Science 2024 project, with further 28.8% declaring some level of general knowledge of the issue. Study participants associated medical and health sciences with health promotion and clinical specialties (43% and 33,5% respectively). In terms of further development of medical and health sciences in Katowice study participants prioritized mainly development of research in chronic and lifestyle-related diseases (51%) and the need of development of prevention and health promotion (46.3%) as well as clinical medicine (32.8%). The inhabitants of the city recognize the resources of the city and the region in the field of medical sciences and health sciences as large and with high development potential.ConclusionsThe events organized as part of the European City of Science 2024 should become a good opportunity to promote and disseminate knowledge about the achievements and development potential of the City and the Region in the field of medical and health sciences.

Determination of the role and factors of technopolis development in the economic security of the depressed regions

Purpose: is to develop the integrated approach to assessing and determining the role and factors of technopolis development in the context of improving economic security of the depressed region.Methods: to analyze the current state of technopolis development in the Russian Federation, the comprehensive multi-component methodological approach was developed, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as statistical methods of data interpretation. This approach was applied to assess the technopolis development of 14 science cities in Russia, the results of which were presented in the form of the composite index heat map. The source of initial data is Rosstat.Results:the study analyzed the evolution of the technopolis concept from the late 19th century to the present. This made it possible to identify the key factors influencing the transformation of scientific and innovation ecosystems. In particular, it was found that modern technopolises in Russia are often the result of renaming or transformation of existing science cities. In the context of economic security of the depressed regions, the factors influencing technopolis development were analyzed. Special attention was paid to the science city of Biysk, located in the largest depressive region of the country – Altai Krai.Conclusions and Relevance: the study showed that technopolises can act as catalysts of economic revival of the depressed regions. However, it also revealed the risks of creating socio-economic imbalances, which indicates the need for a differentiated approach when implementing technopolis projects in the such regions. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the management and development of technopolises, as well as to improve the economic security of the depressed regions. The main directions of further research may include analyzing the relationship between technopolis development and economic security, as well as the development of specific management and financing mechanisms.

Anesthesiology Approach to Pregnant Women Affected by Brugada Syndrome: A Single-Center Case Series and Literature Review

This study aimed to review the peri-operative management of pregnant women affected by Brugada syndrome (BrS) undergoing spontaneous deliveries or C-sections. Few studies in literature have explored this issue in pregnant women, and the safety of anesthetic agents in BrS is under debate. We collected data from 11 pregnant patients, with confirmed or suspected BrS, who gave birth at Sant’Anna Hospital in the City of Health and Science of Turin between 2013 and 2022. In all the patients, we did not report any arrhythmic complications either during spontaneous deliveries or during cesarean section (C-section).

Governing innovation-driven development under state entrepreneurialism in China

While global production networks stress the role of lead firms, state entrepreneurialism highlights the role of the state in governing innovation-driven development. However, there is a gap in understanding how the state institution configures and operates to achieve its strategic development goals. This paper fills this gap by examining market means of park management. It shows that Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai reinvented its development agency – a park development corporation to mobilize finance and govern development. Jiangbei in Nanjing focused on coupling with a multinational lead firm – the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Rather than thinking of innovation governance as state-commanded, we reveal they are market-based operations. At the same time, they extend the state capacities into industrial governance.

How can “Katowice as European City of Science” change Silesia region: Recognising perspectives of private companies

The study analyses, the perception of the European City of Science (ECS) initiative planned event in Katowice in the context of the city and region's development in the eyes of private companies. It has been argued that this honour may change the city's prestige and become the source of the city and the region's development, not only through building the city's recognisable brand but also its social capital. Using focus research as a method enables not only to collect empirical data but can also be treated as a form of public participation. The study results contribute to the growing body of literature on public engagement and co‐creation as well as place branding. The study's findings show the companies' expectations concerning the role of universities and their participation in the region's development. They were the foundation for preparing a set of suggestions for local governments to successfully implement the ECS initiative. This paper is the first to examine the process of preparing a city to become an ECS, as demonstrated through the case study of Katowice.

Coronary Artery Tree Description and Lesion Evaluation (CatLet) score for functional evaluation of coronary stenosis: a comparison study with pressure wire fractional flow reserve.

Pressure wire fractional flow reserve (FFR) and its derivatives, such as quantitative flow ratio (QFR), computational pressure flow-derived FFR (caFFR), coronary angiography-derived FFR (FFRangio), and computed tomography-derived FFR (FFRCT), have been validated for identifying functionally significant stenosis and guiding revascularization strategy. The limitations of using these methods include the side effects of hyperemia-induced agents, additional costs, and vulnerability to microvascular resistance. FFR is related both to the degree of a stenotic coronary artery and to its subtended myocardial territory. Coronary Artery Tree Description and Lesion Evaluation (CatLet) score (also known as Hexu) is a product of the degree of a stenosis and the weighting of the affected coronary artery (myocardial territory). Hence, we hypothesized that the CatLet score could predict hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis. We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease. They attended Sichuan Science City Hospital with at least one lesion of 50-90% diameter stenosis in a coronary artery of 2 mm or larger. FFR measurement was obtained during invasive coronary angiography. The CatLet score was obtained by multiplying a fixed value of 2.0 (for non-occlusive lesions) and the weight of the affected coronary artery. The primary endpoint was the CatLet score's diagnostic accuracy in identifying hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis, with a pressure wire FFR of ≤0.80 being used as reference. We analyzed the FFR and CatLet scores from 206 vessels in 175 patients with stable coronary disease and intermediate coronary lesions. The per-vessel analysis revealed an overall good correlation between the CatLet score and the FFR [r=-0.61; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.69 to -0.52; P<0.01]. We also noted a significant CatLet score-FFR correlation for each of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA). With a CatLet score ≥10 as a predictor of FFR ≤0.80, the overall diagnostic accuracy included a sensitivity of 78.80% (95% CI: 67.00-87.90%), a specificity of 85.00% (95% CI: 78.00-90.50%), a positive likelihood ratio of 5.25, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.25, and an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.94). Equivalent vessel-specific results were also achieved for each of the LAD, LCX, and RCA. The CatLet score, solely based on visual estimation of the results of coronary angiography, demonstrated good diagnostic performance with respect to myocardial ischemia. Its clinical values in guiding revascularization warrant further investigation.

Analysis of risk factors associated with pre-myopia among primary school students in the Mianyang Science City.

Objectives To find out the prevalence rate of pre-myopia among primary school students in the Mianyang Science City Area, analyze its related risk factors, and thus provide a reference for local authorities to formulate policies on the prevention and control of myopia for primary school students. Methods From September to October 2021, Cluster sampling was adopted by our research group to obtain the vision levels of primary school students employing a diopter test in the Science City Area. In addition, questionnaires were distributed to help us find the risk factors associated with pre-myopia. Through the statistical analysis, we identify the main risk factors for pre-myopia and propose appropriate interventions. Results The prevalence rate of pre-myopia among primary school students in the Science City Area was 45.27% (1020/2253), of which 43.82% were boys and 46.92% were girls, with no statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of myopia between boys and girls (2 =2.171, P=0.141). The results of the linear trend test showed that the prevalence rate of pre-myopia tends to decrease with increasing age (Z=296.521, P=0.000). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the main risk factors for pre-myopia were having at least one parent with myopia, spending less than 2 hours a day outdoors, using the eyes continuously for more than 1 hour, looking at electronic screens for more than 2 hours, and having an improper reading and writing posture. Conclusion The Science City Area has a high prevalence rate of pre-myopia among primary school students. It is proposed that students, schools, families, and local authorities work together to increase the time spent outdoors, reduce digital screens and develop scientific use of eye habits.

Научно-производственный комплекс наукограда Российской Федерации как отличительный признак территории с высоким научно-техническим потенциалом

Science city is a territory with a high concentration of scientific and technical potential, its characteristic feature is a city– forming scientific and industrial complex, in institutional cooperation with organizations of which local self-governments of science city solve issues of local importance in order to develop innovative infrastructure, create a comfortable urban environment, ensure accessibility of social infrastructure to increase the output of high-tech products, develop human resources the resource of the science city and the involvement of highly qualified specialists by organizations. The article highlights the key features of the scientific and industrial complex as a criterion for assigning the status of “science city of the Russian Federation” to a municipality in accordance with the procedure established by the federal law “On the Status of Science Cities of the Russian Federation”. Based on the analysis of the legislation, it is pointed out the shortcomings of legal regulation and the need to improve it to ensure the development of science cities, including to determine the specifics of the organization and implementation of local self-government in science cities.

Development and Fabrication of MOSFET-Based Radiation Dosimeter (RadFET) for Enhanced Performance in Space Missions

This work presents the development and fabrication process of a radiation dosimeter based on Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) technology, known as RadFET. The aim of this study is to determine the specifications of the RadFET sensor for use in space missions by the Egyptian Space Agency in SPNeX mission. We have successfully determined the sensor specifications, specified the required electronic components for readout circuits, and confirmed the correct operation of the RadFET device through device simulations and radiation-induced damage models. The fabrication process was conducted at Zewail City of Science, Technology and Innovation cleanroom facility, utilizing Sentaurus TCAD for device and process simulations. We have conducted fabrication experiments for phosphorus spin-on dopant application, dry oxide growth, and wet oxidation using water vapor bubblers. The dosimeter readout PCB fabrication and assembly phases have been successfully completed. The developed RadFET dosimeter holds great promise for radiation monitoring in space missions, ensuring enhanced safety and reliability of electronic systems.

Study of Smart Cities Based on Human Capital (Case of Russian Research-Driven Towns as Proto-Smart Cities)

Existent philosophical literature has been largely focusing on the ethical aspects and controversies of developing and using smart technologies such as AI and big data, whereas human capital and infrastructural environment as pre-existing factors have been covered by AI Ethics in a lesser extent. Most of the current research focuses on technical infrastructural aspects in the implementation of complex «smart projects», while insufficient attention is paid to the role of social capital. In order to widen the focus and to include human capital and infrastructural developments coming along with the increasing role of AI, the paper takes a novel look at philosophical underpinnings of smart cities and discusses the concept of the Russian Naukograd (literally from Russian – City of Science, or Researchers’ city, meaning a city which is developing as a community of scientists and academics) as a historical approach for smart city concept implementation. The authors apply theoretical methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis) as well as the case study approach to the Russian (Soviet) experience in forming research-driven cities in order to highlight the value of high scientific, industrial and educational capital («smart nation») as a fundamental factor for the stable long-term development of modern cities. The findings suggest that some concepts of the Russian Naukograd for example the focus on research and education are valuable and that investment in social capital (i. e., people) should stand on the same footing as investment in technology developing a smart city. In this approach the prefix «smart» may stand for «smart citizens/nations» as a pivotal framework at the initial stages of smart cities development.

Monitoring and Improvement of Performance Indicators of Science Cities

The article presents a statistical analysis of the activities of science cities in 2022 of implementation measures of socio-economic development strategies and compliance with the requirements for the status of “science city”. The disadvantages of the ongoing monitoring of the activities of science cities are discovered. Additional monitoring indicators that allow to conduct systematic analysis of the activities of science cities with the subsequent development of recommendations for their further development are proposed. A conclusion is made about the dynamics of the development of science cities and the need to use additional indicators for assessing the activities of science cities.

Designing a test battery for workers' well-being: the first wave of the Tsukuba Salutogenic Occupational Cohort Study.

In recent years, there has been a diversification of working styles. The concept of workers' well-being is no longer limited to material wealth, such as how satisfied they are with their wages. Psychological enrichment, encompassing factors like motivation and interpersonal relationships, is also important. This study was established to develop a scale to evaluate the well-being of workers, named the Abundance Index for Workers (AIW). This new concept proposed by the authors comprehensively considers both job-related resources and personal and societal resources. This study was carried out as part of the Tsukuba Salutogenic Occupational Cohort Study (T-SOCS). We utilized data from a survey targeting workers affiliated with institutions under the Tsukuba Science City Network, examining aspects of their daily life, work, and mental health. The deviation scores for each survey item were averaged to calculate an overall score. The correlations of the comprehensive score with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) index for depression and the Single-item Presenteeism Question (SPQ) index for presenteeism were analyzed to determine criterion-related validity. The number of participants analyzed was 2,745. Factor analysis categorized the data into three factors: workplace mental health, societal resources, and lifestyle habits. Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.688. There were correlations of -0.363 (p < 0.001) between the total score and SPQ, and -0.558 (p < 0.001) between the total score and PHQ-9, suggesting a degree of criterion-related validity. In this study, we designed a test battery that assesses workers' well-being based on job-related resources and the richness of societal resources. The internal consistency of this battery was not as high as expected due to the broad scope of well-being. Although it is difficult to evaluate workers' well-being on a single scale, we believe that the AIW functions well as a test battery by combining scales with different attributes, which enables well-being to be captured from as many different perspectives as possible. This tool is designed to assist individuals in evaluating their own well-being and recognizing factors that can enhance it. Not applicable; this study is not an intervention trial.

How Modern Machinery Replaces Laborers: A Comparative Study of Their Livelihood Before and After Implementation

With modernization, the agricultural sector has increasingly adopted modern machinery, raising concerns about its impact on farm laborers, whose roles are being supplanted by these advanced technologies. This study examined the effects of mechanization on the livelihood of farmers in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Employing a phenomenological qualitative approach and convenience sampling, the research focused on five Filipino farmers who participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews using a validated, researcher-developed interview guide. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s 7-Step Method. The findings reveal that the prevalence of modern machines has significantly contributed to unemployment and financial hardship among farm laborers, posing challenges to their livelihoods. Additionally, the farmers highlighted the importance of education in the agricultural sector and the erosion of the "bayanihan spirit" (communal unity) due to the introduction of modern machinery. This study underscores the dual-edged nature of mechanization: while enhancing efficiency, it also inflicts substantial socio-economic costs on farm workers. Consequently, it calls for a deeper understanding and proactive measures to address the adverse effects on laborers affected by agricultural mechanization.

Digital Transformation Adoption in the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: the Challenges and Best Practices

This study explores the integration of digital transformation within the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, focusing on challenges and best practices. Through surveys and interviews across departments, it identifies digital initiatives, challenges, best practices, skills proficiency, and age-related factors and offers policy recommendations. The study highlights LGU efforts, including internet access, staff training, digital communication, record management, and an e-government portal, with ongoing projects such as Cashless and Online Government Transactions. The research uncovers significant obstacles impeding the LGU's digital progress, including budget limitations, skill gaps, cybersecurity issues, and user adoption challenges. The research also cited best practices within the LGU, encompassing skill development, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, change management, and infrastructure investment. The researcher provides a set of recommendations to support the LGU's digital transformation, covering aspects like internet infrastructure enhancement, comprehensive digital skills training, budget allocation, cybersecurity reinforcement, collaboration and partnerships, user-centric design, change management strategies, cloud storage solutions, e-government portal enhancement, and age-specific training for staff. In conclusion, while acknowledging the commendable progress made by the LGU of the Science City of Muñoz in its digital journey, the study emphasizes persistent challenges hindering complete digital adoption. The outlined strategic actions in the form of policy recommendations serve as a roadmap for sustained progress, aiming to ensure that the LGU maximizes the benefits of a fully realized digital government, benefiting both its staff and the broader community. As the digital landscape evolves, adaptability and innovation become essential for the continued advancement of local governance.

Наукограды России и проблемы городской среды

The article presents a study of the problems of science cities as key tools for the development of not only Rus-sian socio-economics, with modern technological challenges, but also the training of specialized scientific per-sonnel in universities and qualified engineering specialists in a priority area for each science city, which is im-portant not only for the entire scientific settlement, but for the region and the country as a whole, since at the same time integrity and balance are preserved development of the space of the whole country. The article ana-lyzes the research of 13 science cities with officially assigned status. Uneven territorial distribution of science cities has been revealed – almost all of them are located in the Central Federal District, which increases ine-quality between regions. The article examines the volume of funding for science cities with an emphasis on the uneven distribution of annually allocated funds, as well as a noticeable decrease in funding in recent years. The study focuses on the existing problems in the infrastructure of science cities, which is confirmed by the low quality indicators of the urban environment of individual science cities. The assumption is made about the weakening of state support for science cities and the insufficiency of funds allocated by the federal center for the development of the infrastructure of science cities. Recommendations are given on the need for special attention and comprehensive support of science cities, not only in terms of the development of scientific and industrial complexes and improving the efficiency of its use, but also creating comfortable living and working conditions in them. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the results can be used in the preparation of proposals for the development of the urban environment of science cities.

Examining the Effectiveness of Housing and House Registration Policies for Raising Inflow of Talents A Case Study in Zhangjiang Science City, Shanghai

With the national economic transformation, the advance of the intelligent manufacturing industry is gradually approaching, which has a direct positive correlation with innovations and the development of high-tech industries. Sufficient technical and entrepreneurial talent supply is the key to maintaining a high level of technological progress and sustaining economic development. Therefore, as one of the most developed cities in China, Shanghai adopts several house-related policies to attract the inflow of advanced talent. This paper examines the effectiveness and feasibility of the housing and household registration policies implemented in Zhangjiang Science City, including shortening the time of transferring temporary residence permit into the registered permanent residence (TR-to-PR) and offering talents apartments to reduce rental pressure of young talents. Four simple quantitative indicators used to analyze the effectuality are the number of talents introduced annually and its growth rate; the number of TR-to-PR groups annually and its growth, respectively. As a result, this paper supports that the policies are effective in promoting talent inflow. However, the future talent retention issue is still alarming and it deserves the attention of policymakers. More policies concerning solving house price bubbles and improving the living environment should be adopted to keep talents stay and contribute to economic development in the long run.