Scientific Knowledge Research Articles

Bee The CURE: Increasing Student Science Self-Efficacy, Science Identity, and Predictors of Scientific Civic Engagement in a Community College CURE.

"Bee the CURE" is a Power-of-Place course-based undergraduate research experience (PoP-CUREs; Jaeger et al., 2024) that combines place-based education (Demarest, 2014; Gruenewald, 2014) with CUREs, emphasizing student scientific civic engagement where research is relevant to the community where the research is taking place. PoP-CUREs have potential to build students' knowledge, skills, value, and self-efficacy when engaging with the public using science skills (i.e., scientific civic engagement). A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design utilizing surveys and semistructured interviews was used for this study (Warfa, 2016). Students made gains in science self-efficacy over the course of the semester and showed a trend of increasing science identity in both Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. Students' scientific civic knowledge, or a student's sense of how to use or apply knowledge and skills to help a community, increased significantly, while other predictors of scientific civic engagement started high and remained high throughout the course. Bee the CURE demonstrates psychosocial outcomes that are similar to previously studied CUREs and expands our understanding of how PoP-CUREs might influence outcomes with evidence that an important predictor of future scientific civic engagement increases. Implications for PoP-CURE instruction at Hispanic serving community colleges are discussed.

Unraveling land use land cover change, their driving factors, and implication on carbon storage through an integrated modelling approach

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change is a complex phenomenon driven by various natural and anthropogenic factors, significantly impacting carbon storage potential. By applying integrated models of ANN-CA Markov, GeoDetector, and InVEST model, this study aimed to analyze LULC change, their driving factors, and implications on carbon storage in the Forest Management Unit (FMU) of Ampang Plampang in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Several data sources were utilized in the modelling approach, including DEM (Digital Elevation Model), topographical map, Landsat imageries (2011, 2016, 2021), measured carbon density (above ground, below ground, soil, dead organic), and socio-economic data (number of populations, farmer, and agricultural land). The dryland forest in the study area constitutes the most extensive LULC that has experienced significant declines due to deforestation, predominantly transforming into agricultural land, and these are predicted to continue until 2031 with different magnitudes. The significant driving factors of LULC change were elevation, population pressure on land, and distance from settlement. The LULC change also greatly influenced the decline of carbon storage historically (2011–2016) and in projected LULC (2026–2031). The conversion of forested areas to non-forest LULCs has released carbon emissions of about 1.89 Mt CO2-eq. The study findings implied that the integration of ANN-CA Markov, GeoDetector, and InVEST models has been helpful for comprehending complicated interactions among LULC change, driving factors, and carbon dynamics. The results also contribute to the scientific knowledge base for land management decision-making and policy formulation. Effective management of LULC changes through low carbon development is suggested to mitigate the loss of carbon storage capacities, foster sustainable development goals (SDGs), support Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and improve ecosystem resilience

Evidence of Vedic Sanātana Hinduism as a Global Dharma

This research explores the spread-out influence of Vedic Sanātana Hinduism, postulating that it once served as a foundational spiritual and cultural tradition with a reach that extended well beyond the Indian subcontinent. By looking into key aspects of Vedic culture, such as meditation, ritual practices, and Ārcavigraha (deity worship) as expressions of the divine, this study presents a multifaceted view of Hinduism’s spread and adaptation across diverse ancient civilizations. Evidence of Hindu deities and symbols found globally in archaeological excavations—ranging from Southeast Asia, Europe to the Americas and Canada, —demonstrates that elements of Hindu spirituality were not confined to any one region. Rather, they appear to have permeated a variety of cultures and belief systems over time, often integrating with local customs and symbols. Moreover, this research examines Vedic Hinduism’s contributions to scientific knowledge, literature, governance, and technology, highlighting the sophistication and cultural advancement of early Hindu society. Ancient Hindu texts like the Mahabharata and the Vedas depict Bhāratavarṣa, a concept of a unified Earth or global empire under Vedic values, which is reflected in historical records describing interactions with regions beyond South Asia, including the Mleccha, Yavanas, and other international groups. Stories and references from these texts suggest a thriving network of trade, communication, and diplomacy between India and other parts of the ancient world, where Vedic influences may have taken root. Furthermore, the principles of Vedic literature continue to shape modern philosophy, science, ethics, and governance, underscoring the enduring relevance of Hindu thought across multiple fields. Further, Vedic texts trace humanity's origins to Rishi Kashyapa and his descendants, with references to various tribes and races like the Yavanas and Mleccha crossing oceans to establish their own cultures. The enduring legacy of Vedic philosophy in science, literature, ethics, and governance underscores its universal appeal and lasting impact on modern disciplines. This study demonstrates that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism, in its scope and influence, was more than a regional faith; it served as a global dharma, profoundly shaping the course of world history and spirituality. Through a combination of historical documentation, scriptural analysis, and contemporary scholarship, this research contends that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism not only shaped Indian civilization but also left an indelible mark on the religious, intellectual, and cultural landscapes of many regions across the globe. This convergence of ancient evidence and modern insight reinforces the idea that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism once operated as a truly global dharma, offering a comprehensive and profound framework for understanding the interconnectedness of human society.

Dance Discussions: A Methodology to Explore Biological Rhythms through Movement

ABSTRACT We present a pedagogical experience where dance and scientific knowledge were genuinely entangled. Focusing on biological rhythms in movement, we introduced an innovative methodology that leveraged the effects of exercise on cognition. We developed a 10-week course for dance and science students within the framework of the Continuing Education Unit at the Uruguayan Public University. Our approach gave rise to “dance discussions,” where dance movements effortlessly melded with scientific conceptualization. The interplay between expository classes and movement-based performative practices revealed embodiment as a valid mechanism to integrate scientific concepts within a diverse group of participants. Exploring chronobiology through dance opens up fresh dimensions of interdisciplinary fields, transforming a traditional conference space into a dance floor, and vice versa.

Improving Black Maternal Health: Early Implementation Findings from California's Black Infant Health Program.

This paper reviews the scientific basis and reports initial implementation results of California's Black Infant Health Program, a statewide group-based program with complementary one-on-one life planning to improve maternal and infant health among Black mothers and birthing persons. Descriptive analyses were conducted at the participant and group session level using program evaluation data from the initial three years of program implementation to examine participation rates, rates of service delivery, and participants perceptions of the program. From 2015 to 2018, 3332 Black birthing persons received group and/or life planning and 386 10-session prenatal group series were initiated with an average of 5.9 participants per series. Most sessions delivered all required activities (86.1%) and met requirements for providing food (84.5%), transportation support (72.2%), and childcare (55.4%). More than 90% of responding participants agreed or strongly agreed that BIH helped them manage stress (94.5%), set (97.4%) and achieve (92.9%) goals, and build stronger social connections (94.5%). The program was developed in response to evolving scientific knowledge regarding racism as the root cause of health disparities for Black birthing people. Focusing on six interwoven strategies for improving maternal and infant health outcomes, the program is supported by current scientific knowledge and can be feasibly implemented at a level consistent with similar evidence-based models.

The Importance of Basic Sciences in Dental Education

The rapid advancements in biomedical sciences, including genomics, microbiome research, and bioinformatics, underscore the need for dental education to evolve to meet future challenges in public oral health and healthcare delivery. The integration of basic sciences into dental curricula is crucial to ensure that dental professionals are thoroughly prepared in these fundamental areas. Despite the widespread agreement on the necessity of including basic medical sciences in dental education, challenges such as curricular congestion, faculty economics, and infrastructural limits persist, complicating the integration of new scientific knowledge. Furthermore, there remains a significant lack of research concerning the optimal extent, timing, and focus of these subjects, whether biochemical, medical, or dental. Additionally, there is a need to address prevailing conceptions about the irrelevance of basic sciences to the field of dentistry, which necessitates a focus on teaching methodologies and pedagogical strategies. Therefore, it is essential to advance educational research that prepares future educators to integrate basic sciences into dental education through evidence-based teaching methods. The dental curriculum, which encompasses fundamental sciences, laboratory exercises, and clinical practice, must overcome considerable pedagogical challenges to effectively incorporate and balance these basic sciences within its educational structure.

HYBRID APPROACH TO LEARNING BASED ON EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE METATHINKING IN POST-WAR UKRAINE

Purpose of the study is to synthesize generalized metaheuristic and metacognitive models, the use of which in project culture contributes to the formation of innovative creative-critical metathinking of an individual. Methodology. The methodology for studying creative activity and training of a designer is based on the post-neoclassical paradigm of scientific knowledge, subject-object integrity of the system of relations and dialectically developing relationships in a hybrid innovative learning environment. The methodology also includes new methods of interdisciplinary research and modeling of reality, integrating physical and social ontology. It is shown that the development of a structural-functional approach to the perception of physical and digital reality takes into account the peculiarities of an individual's brain activity. Results. The main results obtained are a triad of generalized author's metamodels, namely: 1. A heuristic metamodel of post-neoclassical perception of physical reality by a designer, in which the independence of cognition cycles, as well as the complementarity of paradigms (synergetic, triadic and semiotic) combines physical and social ontology, which creates new opportunities for the formation of a designer's creative metathinking in the process of experience. activity. 2. A heuristic metamodel of post-neoclassical perception and reflection of physical and virtual reality by a conceptual designer, in which the dependence of cycles of cognition, as well as the complementarity of heuristic metamodels, is achieved through universal triangles (fractal, Pascal, Sierpinski), the structures of which contribute to innovative activity of the conceptual designer. 3. Cognitive meta-model for the formation of meta-thinking of a designer-conceptualist, which is based on the spatio-temporal balance of explicit and hidden relationships, the cognitive visualization of which contributes to the search for harmony in the process of experience-oriented learning and creative activity through semiotic tools. Scientific novelty is determined by the complementarity of the structures of the author's metamodels of physical and digital reality, the synergy of which contributes to the optimization of experience-oriented models of teaching and self-learning. The interrelation of the structures of metamodels and their complementarity is the basis of successful activities in a hybrid learning environment (real physical and virtual mathematical), which facilitates the transfer of emotional and intellectual content between objects and subjects of the digital world. Practical significance of complementarity and interconnection of new metamodels of metathinking allows us to develop: universal criteria for determining the quality of design objects using GenAI; a method for identifying triads of interconnected opposites in information sources of various natures, the visualization of which simplifies interdisciplinary interaction between designers; create a personal e-assistant, e-consultant, e-expert using GenAI. In post-war Ukraine, interdisciplinary exchange of ideas, methods and successful experiences is extremely relevant within the framework of a hybrid approach to understanding the harmony of physical and digital reality, which promotes successful creative activity based on the perception of the harmony of nature to achieve the unattainable. Further development of experiential learning through the formation of metathinking is necessary to improve mental health and adapt to inevitable social transformations.

From kitchen to climate: multimedia interventions on social media as science tools for sustainability communication among food business actors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to hypothesize that tailored multimedia interventions using the Elaboration Likelihood Model and Behavior Change Techniques via social media platforms have the potential to effectively disseminate scientific information regarding food sustainability to food professionals. The objective is to evaluate the extent of the influence of these interventions on social media in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of food professionals about food sustainability, with a specific focus on next-generation professional chefs. Design/methodology/approach A total of 121 students majoring in gastronomy and culinary arts volunteered to participate in the study. A 5-min multimedia intervention was explicitly tailored for their backgrounds and designed for social media platforms. It covered food sustainability topics and related factors using a diverse range of multimedia elements, such as video, still images, text and audio narration. Furthermore, researchers developed a validated questionnaire that covered the same topics as the multimedia intervention. In a quasi-experimental design, participants were administered the questionnaire both before and after watching the tailored multimedia intervention. Findings The results of this study revealed significant improvements in participants’ knowledge and attitudes of key concepts, including greenhouse gases and their relation to climate change, climate change and meat-based menu items relation, inequality in the distribution of natural resources, primary sources of food loss, the significance of implementing new technology in agricultural activities and the role of the next generation. The multimedia shifted participants’ attitudes, prioritizing climate change as the most critical and strengthening the perception of local food production as the least critical factors. Moreover, it strengthened participants’ attitudes toward the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as the primary actor in sustainability. Research limitations/implications Although culinary students may be seen as a subset of a targeted food professional group, they are the future leaders of the global food system. Chefs have substantial influences in a broad range of settings and sectors, including institutional food service, chain restaurants, the food and beverage industry and home cooking via books and television programs, among others. Chefs increasingly adopt sustainable menus and business practices to promote sustainable food systems and reduce climate change associated with the food sector. In addition, they use their community power to advocate for legislation that promotes the long-term sustainability of food systems. Practical implications Chefs and restaurant owners can use the results to tailor multimedia about food sustainability topics for their staff training programs and daily sharing on their social media platforms. Government organizations and policymakers can use the results to develop effective communication plans with food professionals. Non-governmental organizations dedicated to the environment and food sustainability can tailor multimedia campaigns on social media that address the food professionals directly to encourage them to adopt sustainable practices. Professional teams producing content on social media platforms can use the results to create engaging and informative scientific multimedia interventions targeting food professionals. Social implications In a broader societal context, enhancing the scientific knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the professional chefs toward food sustainability will, in turn, lead to widespread adaptation of sustainable practices, not only within their professional domains but also in wider community settings. This will significantly contribute to the major goal of advancing food sustainability and addressing global challenges like food inequality and food insecurity. Originality/value The impact of various variables and the roles of different food sectors and their actors in food sustainability have been extensively studied. Furthermore, a wide range of research has examined diverse consumer groups’ food sustainability knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. However, developing an effective method for communicating and advocating scientific facts about food sustainability-related topics has been a challenge. Traditional environmental education is insufficient for fostering sustainable change. As social media are the fastest-growing science communication tool, this pioneering research suggests multimedia interventions on social media to improve food professionals’ food sustainability knowledge, attitudes and behaviors to fill the literature gap.

Averroesian Religious Common Sense Natural Theology as Reflective Knowledge in the Form of Teleological Argument

In his Middle Commentary on Posterior Analytics, the great Aristotelian Commentator Ibn Rushd defines “knowledge” (scientific knowledge, epistemē, ‘ilm) as one of Aristotle’s five intellectual virtues and the faculty of reason, akin to the other virtues, in an Aristotelian way. Ibn Rushd defends the teleological argument, rooted in Aristotle’s teleological reading of nature, and supports the modal strong epistemic status of this argument, which is part of the concept of knowledge, in his early work (Short Commentary on Metaphysics), middle period work (al-Kashf) and late work (Long Commentary on Metaphysics), all in harmony with each other. Ibn Rushd, constructing the teleological argument based on the definition of knowledge, which fundamentally articulates the necessary or essential qualities inherent in objects in defense of de re modality, takes a step that seems quite radical within the context of the Aristotelian epistemic tradition to which he is affiliated: The teleological argument, strongly associated with the concept of knowledge—one of the five intellectual virtues—is presented as a form of deductive inference accessible not only to philosophers but also to ordinary public. In other words, according to him, the argument is both a philosophical and a religious way. This implies, for instance, that natural theology, typically viewed by Aquinas as an activity reserved for the higher epistemic class with talent and leisure, is seen by Ibn Rushd as a robust epistemic activity accessible to ordinary people. This new element, which can be referred to as common sense natural theology, contends that ordinary public knowledge and philosophers’ knowledge differ in details, such as whether it is a simple or complex deductive inference, while remaining the same in terms of their knowledge status.

Unraveling the Nature of Interfacial Behavior in the LiTFSI-LiCl Aqueous Biphasic System.

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) with water-in-salt electrolytes are gaining significant attention for their role in aqueous biphasic interphase studies, particularly in energy storage devices. Aqueous salt-salt biphasic electrolytes are considered a promising alternative to replace traditional liquid electrolytes commonly used in battery technologies, for example, membrane-less redox flow batteries, owing to their low cost and high ionic conductivity. However, the stability of the interphase over time must be considered, as it can impact the long-term electrochemical performance in various applications. This study reports the unstable interfacial behavior of lithium bis(trifluoro-methanesulfonyl)imide and lithium chloride (LiTFSI-LiCl) system using an optical microscope and electrochemical properties. These observations reveal the liquid-liquid instability phenomenon at the interphase over time. Moreover, this research discovers and analyzes the unwanted solid phase formation at the LiTFSI-LiCl interphase. This study not only contributes to fundamental knowledge in interfacial science but also holds significant implications for developing novel applications reliant on ABSs stability.

Critical infrastructure of Ukraine as a subject of scientific knowledge: theoretical aspect

The article is devoted to the study of theoretical aspects of critical infrastructure as a subject of scientific knowledge. The importance of critical infrastructure facilities for ensuring Ukraine’s national security, the stability of its economy and the state’s defense capability is determined. Legislative regulation in this area is analyzed, in particular, the Law of Ukraine «On Critical Infrastructure», «On National Security of Ukraine», the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, the National Security Strategy of Ukraine, etc. normative legal acts that contain definitions of terms. Attention is drawn to the fact that the violation of the functioning of the specified objects in the conditions of martial law may cause socially dangerous consequences for society and the state. According to the result of the comparison with foreign experience (USA, EU, Great Britain, China, Japan), it is proved that Ukraine takes into account international approaches to the protection of critical infrastructure, but has its own unique features caused by national threats and challenges. In the US, for example, critical infrastructure is defined as systems and assets so important that their failure to function or damage would have a devastating impact on security, the national economy, and public health. The European Union approaches this issue through the European Critical Infrastructures Directive, focusing on interconnection and coordination between member states. The UK takes care of cyber security, while China and Japan emphasize national control and resilience of facilities. Based on the analysis, recommendations were made for improving the legislative policy of Ukraine in the field of critical infrastructure. A conclusion was made about the relevance of the task of the Security Service of Ukraine to combat criminal offenses at critical infrastructure facilities, and practical recommendations for further improvement of this area were provided. It has been determined that the perspective areas of scientific research are the analysis of the experience of the countries of the European Union in terms of legal protection against criminal offenses at critical infrastructure facilities.

Relasi Filsafat dan Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Realisasinya di Era Super Smart Society

The relationship between the philosophy of science and education plays a crucial role in shaping the capacity of future generations to think critically and solve problems effectively. Philosophy of science, as a discipline that explores the foundations, methods, and implications of scientific knowledge, offers a framework for understanding how knowledge is constructed and how it can be applied in solving real-world problems. In the context of education, it serves as a cornerstone for fostering analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and reflective inquiry. This paper examines how philosophical perspectives on science can inform educational practices that nurture critical and solution-oriented thinking. By integrating philosophical insights into the curriculum, educators can promote an environment that encourages students to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and develop innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Ultimately, the integration of philosophy of science into education not only enhances intellectual growth but also equips students with the tools needed to address the complex issues facing society today. This relationship is essential in preparing a generation that is capable of navigating the rapidly changing world with a mindset grounded in inquiry, adaptability, and ethical reasoning.

Gamification For Digital Marketing: A Bibliometric Analysis and Theories, Contexts, Characteristics and Methodologies Analysis

The objectives of this review are twofold. Firstly, it aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of gamification in digital marketing, synthesizing existing knowledge in a structured manner. Secondly, it offers valuable insights that will guide future research specifically related to digital marketing. This study presents bibliometric and TCCM analyses. The review analyzed 110 articles on digital marketing, with data sourced from the Scopus scientific database. The literature review revealed a need for continued research on the use of gamification in digital marketing, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that are not yet widely familiar with this approach. The TCCM analysis highlighted key theories and methodological approaches used in the published articles, with a notable emphasis on quantitative methods and primary data collected through online surveys. Additionally, the review provides future research directions to advance scientific knowledge and contextual relevance, and it supports strategic decision-making.

Human-CoMo: A Combination of Cognitive Knowledge Engineering and Data Modelling for Human-Cyber-Physical Systems in Intelligent Manufacturing

Many cyber-physical systems face the challenge of appropriately integrating domain-specific human expert knowledge into the cyber part to create a shared sphere of knowledge and intelligent interactions between humans and the semi-autonomous technical system. Cognitive engineering contributes methods and insights into higher-order cognition that help to embed human knowledge in an appropriate way. The original research introduces a novel transdisciplinary framework called Human-CoMo, which demonstrates a systematic modelling process, different human perspectives, and the integration of expert knowledge at multiple hierarchical levels. Fundamental principles inspired by human cognition, such as conceptual chunking and knowledge precision, are characterised. Furthermore, it is shown how knowledge hierarchies can be methodically reflected in appropriate data analysis and modelling levels for small and big data applications including artificial intelligence approaches. Combined knowledge- and data-based modelling approaches offer more flexibility to integrate the strengths of humans and technology in a complementary way. The cognitive foundations and their computational reflections are outlined for the technical example process electroplating from the field of materials and surface engineering. The possibilities and limitations of integrating human knowledge through formalisation and implications for future forms of human-machine interaction are discussed.

ПРОФЕСІЙНА ПІДГОТОВКА МАЙБУТНІХ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ В УМОВАХ СУЧАСНИХ ВИКЛИКІВ

The article examines transformation of social work under conditions of contemporary challenges in Ukraine and changes in training of social workers under these conditions. It was determined that difficult circumstances of wartime affect the course of education process, education format is changing, there is a transition to its distance forms, and there emerges a need to create a safe environment for the subjects of educational services provision. The purpose of the publication is to determine characteristic features of training of future social work specialists under conditions of martial law, to study transformation of social work caused by contemporary challenges. The research methodology is a combination of philosophical ideas about the course of social processes unders conditions of crises and challenges with theories of social work based on the socio-pedagogical paradigm of scientific knowledge. It has been proven that models of social work are flexibly transformed in accordance with contemporary legislation, unification of different regions of the country is being actualized, and the guidelines of social development in the post-war era, in which modern specialists should orient themselves, are gradually being updated. It was substantiated that additional attention must to be paid to changes in the content of social work to overcome stressful situations, develop resilience, form social cohesion of the population. A model of distance training of social workers in the educational online space was proposed, which includes a step-by-step algorithm of actions to ensure inteconnection of learning and extracurricular activities of students, which is an effective means and environment for implementation of educational activities in the process of theoretical and practical training of future social workers. The practical significance of the research lies in creation of a favorable distance educational environment, in which necessary competences of specialists are formed and their social creativity, which contributes to performance of professional activities, develops. Types and forms of educational work, which can be integrated into training and education process of higher education students, are being implemented with transformation according to requirements of specific educational programs and components for training of future social workers. Key words: social workers training, educational and professional program, transformations of social work in Ukraine, distance education, safe environment.

How scientific literacy is conceptualized in tasks from junior secondary physics textbooks

ABSTRACT This study examined how scientific literacy had been conceptualised in textbook tasks based on the PISA 2018 science framework. Specifically, a total of 3888 tasks from four versions of Chinese junior secondary physics textbooks were coded on the three PISA dimensions of competencies, knowledge, and contexts. It was found that about 70% of tasks were de-contextualized and those tasks involving real contexts focused on content related to the frontiers of science and technology. More significantly, tasks testing ‘explaining scientific phenomena’ were predominant while those involving ‘interpret data and evidence scientifically’ and especially ‘evaluate and design scientific enquiry’ competencies were rare. Tasks requiring content knowledge were also overemphasised whereas the use of epistemic knowledge was downplayed. It therefore appeared that tasks in these physics textbooks emphasised the recall, understanding and verification of scientific knowledge. More meaningful task contexts related to sustainable development should be designed to develop students’ epistemic knowledge as well as promote their understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry are among the implications from this study.

Essential work, invisible workers: The role of digital curation in COVID‐19 Open Science

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the role digital curation practices and practitioners played in facilitating open science (OS) initiatives amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. In Summer 2023, we conducted a content analysis of available information regarding 50 OS initiatives that emerged—or substantially shifted their focus—between 2020 and 2022 to address COVID‐19 related challenges. Despite growing recognition of the value of digital curation for the organization, dissemination, and preservation of scientific knowledge, our study reveals that digital curatorial work often remains invisible in pandemic OS initiatives. In particular, we find that, even among those initiatives that greatly invested in digital curation work, digital curation is seldom mentioned in mission statements, and little is known about the rationales behind curatorial choices and the individuals responsible for the implementation of curatorial strategies. Given the important yet persistent invisibility of digital curatorial work, we propose a shift in how we conceptualize digital curation from a practice that merely “adds value” to research outputs to a practice of knowledge production. We conclude with reflections on how iSchools can lead in professionalizing the field and offer suggestions for initial steps in that direction.

Serum Homocysteine and Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Catheter Ablation: A Meta-Analysis of 11 Cohort Studies Involving 2147 Patients.

The relationship between serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following catheter ablation remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to investigate this association. Comprehensive searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases identified relevant studies published up to May 25, 2024. Cohort studies that measured pre-ablation serum Hcy levels and reported AF recurrence post-ablation were included. Data were analyzed using random-effects models by incorporating the potential influence of heterogeneity, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated for the association between serum Hcy levels and AF recurrence. Eleven retrospective cohort studies involving 2147 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation were analyzed. Higher pre-ablation serum Hcy levels were associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence (OR for per 1 μmol/l increment of Hcy: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.28, p<0.001; I²=0%). Additionally, studies that categorized Hcy levels also found a higher risk of AF recurrence in patients with elevated Hcy (OR for patients with a high versus a low serum Hcy: 2.75, 95% CI: 2.02 to 3.75, p <0.001; I²=0%). Funnel plots and Egger's regression test indicated low risks of publication bias. In conclusions, elevated pre-ablation serum Hcy levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence post-catheter ablation. These findings suggest that Hcy could be a valuable biomarker for predicting AF recurrence and may inform pre-ablation risk stratification. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Knowledge of ozone depletion and climate change: An empirical research from Russian pre-service teachers

Pre-service teachers’ (PTs) knowledge about climate change issues is essential to a greater willingness to act on environmental problems. However, existing studies have not addressed knowledge of ozone layer depletion (OLD) and climate change among Russian PTs. To address this gap in the literature, this study examined Russian PTs’ knowledge of OLD and climate change. The results showed that most participants correctly had scientific knowledge about OLD and climate change. However, the results also showed that participants had misunderstood and inaccurate knowledge about the relationship between acid rain and the ozone layer, the role of carbon dioxide in ozone depletion, the impact of acid on the greenhouse effect (GE), and the impact of the GE on ultraviolet radiation, skin cancer risk, and radioactive waste. Furthermore, the findings revealed no significant differences in gender and major areas in knowledge of OLD and climate change. The results also showed that the media and the Internet were the primary sources of participants and significant differences between major and non-major science participants’ knowledge sources.

Could the State Benefit from Aristophanic Comic Relief? Philosophical Perspectives on Carnal Politics in Postcolonial Uganda

ABSTRACT This article is a critical analysis of the anti-homosexuality legislation in Uganda, a state in East Africa. It primarily uses Plato’s political philosophy as expressed in Aristophanes’ speech in the Symposium. Using the Aristophanic viewpoint, the study derived six analytical concepts that structure its findings, discussion and conclusion. These are: the origin and fall of man; all sexual orientations are valid whether lesbian, homosexual or heterosexual; sexual cravings are natural phenomena whether lesbian, homosexual or heterosexual; law encumbers natural feelings of love and should not be used to prohibit any aspect of sexual orientation; homosexual (man-man) relations generate greater political benefits than the rest; scientific knowledge can be used to justify Aristophanes mythological explanations of sexual orientation. These concepts have been transformed into analytical questions in the study regarding the morality, naturality and legality of homosexuality in Uganda. This has led to several conclusions: All sexual orientations are valid whether lesbian, homosexual or heterosexual; Sexual cravings are natural phenomena whether lesbian, homosexual or heterosexual; and Law encumbers natural feelings of love and should not be used to prohibit any aspect of sexual orientation.