Scientific Knowledge Research Articles

Values Are Not Taught, Values Are Built

Forming values to contribute to the complete formation of the human being as responsible citizens is an educational task that is indispensable to the construction of sustainability. Consequently, this document states that achieving a construction of values that leads to true development is not possible without a teaching and learning of science that, starting from an intersystemic and therefore complex vision of the world, allows us to build them. Answering the question How can interdisciplinary science teaching contribute to generating in today’s children a genuine interest in the study and knowledge of science in general, and in the conservation of natural resources in particular? Was the objective of the methodological proposal for interdisciplinary science teaching that was previously described in the article “Teaching soil science: a strategy and warranty towards the future” (Reyes-Sánchez, 2012). This second document addresses why, how and for what purpose the formation of values and principles accompanied this methodological proposal for interdisciplinary science teaching as a qualitative pedagogical approach that was applied within two schools with children in 5th and 6th grade of basic education −10 and 11 years of age-: by amalgamating the construction of knowledge with that of values to support the appropriation of both in a playful way, seeking and encouraging in children the congruence between knowledge, thought and action. The differences in children’s opinions regarding life problems that affect the social, political and economic order before and after the pedagogical intervention are presented in a comparative manner.

Transactional development of science and mathematics knowledge and reading proficiency for multilingual students across languages of instruction.

Transactional development of science and mathematics knowledge and reading proficiency for multilingual students across languages of instruction.

Nine decades of research on Zostera capensis: from foundational science to conservation and resilience

Cape dwarf eelgrass Zostera capensis is the most abundant seagrass in South Africa, with some isolated populations occurring along the East African coastline. Providing numerous ecosystem services that support biodiversity and human wellbeing, it is endangered throughout its distribution. As such, the long-term persistence of Z. capensis is uncertain and novel approaches are required to reverse declines and the loss of associated critical ecosystem functions. Central to this is the need to build on existing scientific knowledge, so that habitat requirements, responses to future global change pressures and the functional significance of Z. capensis from a socio-ecological perspective can be better understood. In this comprehensive review, we summarise 8 key topics from 197 studies published between 1933 and 2023 and present a timely overview of research conducted on Z. capensis. Some of the earliest research that focussed on foundational knowledge included geographical distribution and aspects of seagrass ecology and physiology. In the last 3 decades, the breadth and diversity of research increased to encompass themes particularly relevant to ecological value and conservation, including emerging approaches such as conservation genomics, restoration and assessing the value of seagrass meadows in the context of blue carbon. This review also identifies critical gaps in our understanding of Z. capensis, including the impact of pollutants and sea level rise on seagrass persistence, novel techniques for mapping seagrass meadows, the interaction of microbiomes and seagrass health, alternative sources for upscaling seagrass restoration, increasing management and conservation efforts and engaging with people’s perceptions on the value of seagrass meadows.

What’s Important (Arts & Humanities): Temple of Healing

This literary investigation dives into the complex combination of scientific knowledge, creative expertise, surgical skills, and fundamental humanistic qualities that constitute the orthopaedic profession. This poetic perspective conveys the essence of orthopaedic surgery techniques by figuratively describing the processes involved in bone and joint operations and commenting on the meticulous labor that doctors undertake with sinews, sockets, tendons, and bones. It emphasizes the human body’s resilience and the restorative power of orthopaedic interventions, depicting how surgeons navigate the complexities of human anatomy to repair injuries and alleviate degenerative conditions, not only restoring physical strength but also giving patients a renewed sense of life and mobility. “Temple of Healing” is a dedication to orthopaedic surgeons, stressing the combination of art and science in their work and highlighting the enormous influence of orthopaedic surgery on patient quality of life.

Enhancing science achievement through inquiry activities: the critical role of perceived teacher support

ABSTRACT In science education, scientific inquiry is crucial for developing inquiry skills and constructing scientific knowledge. However, the impact of scientific inquiry activities on student achievement continues to be debated. A number of counterintuitive findings highlight the need to explore the underlying factors influencing the effectiveness of inquiry-based learning. This study employed hierarchical linear models (HLM) to investigate the role of students’ perceived school teacher support in moderating the relationship between inquiry-based science activities and science achievement. The sample used in this study was drawn from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Guangdong in mainland China (B-S-J-G-China). These four provinces participated in the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) as a collective group. The dataset comprised 9,592 students (4,543 females and 5,049 males) from 261 schools. Results revealed a negative correlation between inquiry-based activities and science achievement, indicating that a higher frequency of inquiry-based activities was associated with lower science achievement. However, this association was positively and significantly moderated by the extent of school teacher support. These findings highlight the pivotal role of students’ perceived school teacher support in enhancing the effectiveness of inquiry-based practices and shed light on optimising inquiry-based educational strategies. This suggests that the effective implementation of inquiry-based activities requires the backing of supportive teachers, with broader implications for curriculum design and teacher development in science education.

Mapping the evolution of liver aging research: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND With the increasing of the global aging population, healthy aging and prevention of age-related diseases have become increasingly important. The liver, a vital organ involved in metabolism, detoxification, digestion, and immunity, holds a pivotal role in the aging process of organisms. Although extensive research on liver aging has been carried out, no bibliometric analysis has been conducted to evaluate the scientific progress in this area. AIM To analyze basic knowledge, development trends, and current research frontiers in the field via bibliometric methods. METHODS We conducted bibliometric analyses via a range of analytical tools including Python, the bibliometrix package in R, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer. We retrieved publication data on liver aging research from the Web of Science Core Collection Database. A scientific knowledge map was constructed to display the contributions from different authors, journals, countries, institutions, as well as patterns of co-occurrence keywords and co-cited references. Additionally, gene regulation pathways associated with liver aging were analyzed via the STRING database. RESULTS We identified 4288 articles on liver aging, authored by 24034 contributors from 4092 institutions across 85 countries. Notably, the years 1991 and 2020 presented significant bursts in publication output. The United States led in terms of publications (n = 1008, 25.1%), citations (n = 55205), and international collaborations (multiple country publications = 214). Keywords such as “lipid metabolism”, “fatty liver disease”, “inflammation”, “liver fibrosis” and “target” were prominent, highlighting the current research hotspots. Notably, the top 64 genes, each of which appeared in at least 8 articles, were involved in pathways essential for cell survival and aging, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, Forkhead box O and p53 signaling pathways. CONCLUSION This study highlights key areas of liver aging and offers a comprehensive overview of research trends, as well as insights into potential value for collaborative pursuits and clinical implementations.

Biodiversity of Macrofungi in Mapinguari National Park, Amazonas, Brazil

Objective: This study aimed to survey the fungal species found in PARNA Mapinguari-AM. Theoretical framework: Fungi are well known for their function as decomposers of organic matter, and have great ecological importance for maintaining the cycle of life. In the Amazon region, there is a vast diversity of macrofungi present, which can have very useful and important applications. These are important for human life, as they stand out in several areas, mainly ecological and economic. Method: The field research was carried out in the period from July to October 2022 and from September to November 2023. On the three trails existing in the park, it was decided to work only on trail 01 due to access and logistics of the research. The walking method was used along the 5 km of each trail, in order to demarcate the areas of possible macrofungi in substrates. Results and Discussion: Twenty-nine species of macrofungi were found and identified, divided into five families with the highest occurrence in the order Polyporales. Positive results were obtained, since the Mapinguari National Park has a large quantity of decomposing substrates, in addition to parts with high humidity, thus making it possible to find an excessive quantity of macrofungi specimens. Implications of the research: The results of this unprecedented study carried out in the area reveal the potential of the rich fungal biodiversity. Originality/value: Studies of macrofungi surveys contribute to the expansion of knowledge of mycological diversity. Therefore, the implementation of environmental education through interpretive trails as a perspective for this conservation unit in order to preserve and conserve the species of macrofungi existing in the park, as well as recording the existing macrofungi from trails 2 and 3 of the Mapinguari National Park are of fundamental importance for scientific knowledge.

Empowering sustainability: bridging science, community, and youth for a brighter future

Abstract Background Sustainability science has become a crucial aspect of interdisciplinary research aimed at finding practical solutions and driving lasting change. This article examines the challenges facing sustainability science to move beyond the analysis of problems within interconnected systems and critically evaluate the interplay of social, political, and technological factors in the application of knowledge to action. Results The study highlights the influence of innovation implemented by companies on their sustainability performance, the establishment of innovations that positively affect sustainability performance, and analyzes the youth and local community perspectives on scientific innovations for a sustainable future. Conclusions The main conclusion is that sustainable development needs to focus on four areas of research: the impact of values ​​on research and decisions; community perspectives on sustainability; fostering socio-technical progress; and promoting learning for sustainable development. By decoding science, positive change can be achieved through the implementation of strategies such as transparency, understandability, and openness to scientific knowledge.

Mapping of Indigenous Knowledge Research in India: A Review of Growth, Emerging Topics and Future Research Directions based on Scientometric Tools

The study of indigenous knowledge in India has evolved over the years and gained significant importance as a vital area of research. This study aimed to explore the evolution of the research landscape on indigenous knowledge in India over the last twenty years (2003-2022), focusing on growth trends and knowledge mapping through Scientometric tools. The study collected 1,980 data from the Scopus database, indexed between 2003 and 2022. Initially, the analysis focused on measuring the research growth and performance of the key players. Then, the study performed scientific knowledge mapping, visualizing the relationships between different concepts and topics within the field. The findings reveal a significant growth in indigenous knowledge research in India. The study also identified key research themes, including traditional medicine, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, etc. In the early two decades, research was conducted on natural resource management, ethnoveterinary practices, ethnomedicine, biodiversity, tribal communities, and traditional healers, etc. The most recent research topics were COVID-19, sustainability, livelihood, ethnopharmacology, climate change, herbal drugs, etc. Research on medicinal plants and ethnobotany was the most influential in the last two decades. Furthermore, the study revealed a highly interconnected network of authors and institutions, with a few key players dominating the field. The study concludes by highlighting the need for further research on indigenous knowledge in India, particularly in areas such as intellectual property rights, geographical identification, preservation, and the role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development.

Organizing Scientific Knowledge from Engineering Sciences Using the Open Research Knowledge Graph: The Tailored Forming Process Chain Use Case

Organizing Scientific Knowledge from Engineering Sciences Using the Open Research Knowledge Graph: The Tailored Forming Process Chain Use Case

Smart Waste Management System

Internet of Things (IoT) plays an important role to make the cities greener, safer, and more efficient. Waste collection management solution based on providing intelligence to wastebins, using an IoT prototype with sensors is been presented in this paper. Planning the waste management for all of the garbage produced in the country is an enormous task which involves both logistical planning and scientific knowledge in order to balance the impact on the environment and the people. With speedy increase in population, the issues related to sanitation with respect to waste operation are demeaning immensely. It creates unhealthy conditions for the citizens in the near surroundings, leading to the spread of contagious conditions and illness. In the proposed system, embedded device helps in real time monitoring of checking the status of the waste in waste dustbins. The data regarding the waste level will be used to deliver optimized route for waste collecting vans, which will reduce cost associated with fuels. The load sensor will increase effectiveness of data related to waste status and moistness sensor will be used to give data of waste segregation in a dust bins. Keywords: Internet-of-Things, smart waste management, Arduino, Wi-Fi, Internet.

Applied Terminology in Geodiversity and Geotourism Activity: a Sustainable Conceptual Exercise

Objective: Promoting environmental geoconservation, geodiversity and local culture, namely through tours and research on these natural environments. Theoretical Framework:t is based on modern scientific definitions used in geology, geomorphology, paleontology, culture, and for educational and geotourism purposes. Method:The literature review significantly contextualizes knowledge and broad understanding, as well as advances in the terminology most used in geotourism activity, adopted in Brazil and European references in the area.It is representativeness: relational: the suitability of the geosite to illustrate a geological process or quality, which contributes significantly to the understanding of the theme, process, characteristic or (i) representation: geological context, (ii) integrity: related to the state of conservation of the geosite, (iii) rarity: number of geosites in the geological study area, (iv) scientific knowledge. Results and Discussion:The results obtained revealed that review studies of specialized terminology applied in geodiversity and geotourism activity play a significant role in interpreting unique places where most geosites occur, attracting tourists who are increasingly surprised by geosites. Research Implications:The implications of geosite terminology do not involve universal consensus, and there are several ways to scientifically describe a geosite in the context of a type of terrestrial relief, geological structure and minerals. This interpretation should be carried out by a specialist or by experienced people who are knowledgeable about the local specificities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the terminology applied in geoscience that encompasses geodiversity and geotourism. The relevance and potential of geosites for education, scientific interpretation of geological characteristics in the central region of the North Amazon.

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network: Cross-site transdisciplinary science to support a sustainable and resilient agriculture.

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network is a collaborative initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, aimed at advancing sustainable, resilient agriculture through coordinated research conducted on croplands, grazing lands, and integrated crop/livestock systems. Here we provide an overview of the LTAR network, highlighting its vision, mission, initiatives, recent network activities, and future directions. Network-level research is critical for developing contextually relevant solutions to the challenges faced by agricultural producers. Long-term data collection, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of scientific knowledge are needed to enhance agricultural productivity and its resiliency, environmental quality, profitability, and social well-being into the future.

Scientific knowledge management in Brazil: an analysis of the Lattes Platform

The Lattes Platform (PL) is an essential resource for Brazil's scientific and technological landscape, centralizing researchers' curricular information and facilitating the management of scientific data. However, the lack of rigorous standardization in the data entered compromises the efficiency of retrieving and analyzing this information, limiting academic knowledge management. This study investigated the limitations of the PL and proposed a solution that integrates new technologies to optimize scientific data management. The research was conducted in two main stages: a systematic literature review on knowledge management and technologies applied to the PL, and a case study at the Federal Institute of Acre (IFAC). The review included the analysis of 79 articles and a survey of software records at the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). In the case study, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to IFAC staff to understand their needs and perceptions regarding the PL. The results reveal a significant demand for tools that automate data extraction and integrate the PL with other academic management systems. The analysis of software records at INPI highlighted solutions that can enhance the PL’s efficiency. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), exemplified by the proposed LattesAI, emerges as a promising solution to overcome the platform's current limitations, automating processes and personalizing knowledge management. This innovation not only optimizes academic management but also strengthens Brazil's position in the global scientific landscape, promoting greater efficiency and collaboration in educational and research institutions. Future studies should focus on developing AI algorithms specifically for the PL, ensuring its continuous evolution in response to the demands of the academic environment.

Enhancing South–South Ties: Some Effects of Educational Collaboration between Brazil and PALOP

ABSTRACT This article discusses the dialogue and circulation of scientific knowledge in the South-South context between Brazil and the African Portuguese Speaking Countries (PALOP), focusing on the Political Science and Political Sociology fields. The main questions are: What strategies have been implemented to foster educational cooperation between Brazil and African countries? How much and for whom do these policies provide educational opportunities? Methodologically, the analysis covers historical, political, and diplomatic aspects that have driven collaboration between Brazil and PALOP in education. We based our analysis on a qualitative literature review, triangulated with quantitative data from Brazilian educational policies. The main conclusion is that Brazil has played a relevant role in training PALOP professionals in recent decades through its foreign policy in the educational field, enabling an epistemic dialogue between Africa and Latin America. Therefore, educational cooperation establishes bridges connecting the Brazilian way of thinking and building Social Sciences and the scientific approaches developed in the PALOP, which can serve as an example for other countries that want to strengthen South-South knowledge production.

Organizational Support in Career Self-Management: A Systematic Literature Review

The present study consists of a systematic literature review, based on the PRISMA model, with the objective of analyzing the relationship between organizational support and career self-management in order to address the gaps in the existing literature. Specifically, it seeks to answer whether organizational support influences career self-management behaviors and whether the inverse also occurs. To systematize the scientific knowledge on this topic over the past 13 years (2010–2023), three databases were consulted: Web of Science, Scopus, and Core. This research resulted from the combination of the keywords “career self-management” and “organizational support: and involved the screening of 353 studies. For the systematic literature review, a total of six studies were identified that met the established eligibility criteria. The main conclusions of this study are that organizational support, in the form of perceived organizational support, human resource management practices/perception of human resource management practices, and leader–member exchanges, appears to positively influence career self-management, as well as the inverse. Such evidence can be observed through the direct and indirect relationships established between the variables. This relationship leads, for example, to workers being more satisfied with their careers while also becoming more committed to the organization. Overall, this systematic literature review provides practical implications for organizations and their workers. It is suggested that future research should explore the relationship between career self-management and organizational support, as well as other potential mediators of this relationship.

Enhancing the accessibility of science at The Lancet with native language abstracts

Today, 98% of peer-reviewed scientific publishing is in English, which is also the official language of most scientific events and international academic journals. UNESCO, through its Recommendation on Open Science, has called on scientific institutions to foster multilingualism in the practice of science, in scientific publications, and in academic communications. At The Lancet, we recognize the need to provide more equitable and inclusive access to scientific knowledge by providing abstracts translated into relevant languages. Following a pilot, a workflow for abstract translation was devised. I present here details of our abstract translation procedure and rollout.

Monitoring materialities: Anthropocene landscapes of environing technologies in the High North

An increased interest in Arctic regions as places of data generation to inform climate models, reports, and policies on environmental change has created a distinct kind of landscape, transformed by the material legacy of short and long-term monitoring and other scientific activities. Drawing from fieldwork in four key areas for environmental monitoring in the High North of Norway, Sweden, and Greenland, we investigate the intentional and unintentional materialities of environing technologies and other anthropogenic impacts that form a particular kind of Anthropocene landscape related to knowing global environmental change. We conclude that such distinctive monitoring landscapes contribute to work investigating shifting conceptualisations of heritage and the emergence of unintentional landscapes in the Anthropocene, and suggest that as co-creators of the global environment, they provide an interesting insight into the material legacies of natural scientific knowledge production.

Medical students as teachers: impact of peer-led teaching sessions on NBME exam performance

Introduction/BackgroundPeer-led teaching sessions (PLTS) supplement conventional medical education, allowing students to share knowledge effectively. PLTS have shown significant academic benefits for student instructors. However, the impact on attendees, especially concerning NBME-style examinations, remains underexplored.MethodsThis study analyzed de-identified data from 67 first-year medical students at Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, divided into PLTS attendees (study group) and non-attendees (control group) based on session participation. Data were collected before two NBME examinations, with attendees defined as those attending at least five Peer-led teaching sessions. Academic performance was measured using NBME Customized Assessment Services (CAS) exam scores. Statistical analyses, including p-tests, chi-square, and t-tests, assessed differences in performance and potential biases based on MCAT scores, first-generation status, and socioeconomic background.ResultsThe study group initially had 26 students, and the control group had 31 students. Post-first examination, the study group adjusted to 22 students, and the control group to 35 students. MCAT scores and demographics showed no significant differences between groups. The first examination revealed a significant higher score in PLTS attendees’ scores (4.28% increase, p = 0.036), indicating a positive impact of PLTS on basic science knowledge. The second examination on organ systems physiology showed no significant difference (p = 0.722).DiscussionPLTS effectively enhance foundational science understanding but may be less impactful for advanced topics. The diminishing effect may result from increased use of diverse study resources and adaptation to medical school. Future research should explore long-term benefits, optimal implementation strategies, and the impact of instructor quality and engagement. Therefore, the overall conclusion is that PLTS positively influence NBME-style exam performance in early medical education, but benefits decrease over time.

The closed fishing season policy in Ghana: Lessons from the coastal fisherfolk

Although the socio-economic significance of fishing is globally recognized, the protection of fish stock has not been adequately attended to in fisheries management, leading to fishing practices that threaten the sustainability of fish stock. This study examined the Closed Fishing Season (CFS) policy adopted in Ghana to reduce the excessive pressure on fish stock to ensure the sustainability of fishing-related livelihoods. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with 80 participants, comprising coastal fisherfolk as critical stakeholders, traditional authorities, technocrats, and an academic in fisheries. The data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that whereas the academic and technocrats had a scientific justification for the policy, the fisherfolk took a cultural view of it without necessarily discounting the scientific rationale. Compliance with the policy was high but there were isolated cases of violations occasioned principally by livelihood pressures. The fisherfolk perceived the livelihood support packages provided by the government to be inadequate, unfairly distributed, and untimely delivered. Also, they perceived their participation in decision-making to be low. Based on the fact that their expectation of a bumper catch immediately after the CFS was not met, the fisherfolk described the effectiveness of the policy to be weak. Although the fisherfolk were not opposed to the policy in principle, they maintained that it was more important to address issues of corruption in the distribution of premix fuel, plastic waste, trans-shipment, proliferation of fishing vessels, use of chemicals and light for fishing, and other illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing practices. Adopting the co-management approach in addressing issues of alternative livelihoods, IUUs, and misconceptions, coupled with a strategic integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge in the design and implementation of the policy would enhance its effectiveness.