Scientific Experiments Research Articles

A sibling interaction analysis dataset (SIBD): a scenario of screen-free programmable robotics in Chinese households

ABSTRACT In China, with the rise of multi-child families, enhancing interactions between siblings to promote their mutual learning has been receiving widespread attention. Among the multitude of educational toys, robotic programming is becoming increasingly popular. Existing datasets for children education predominantly focus on interactions between unrelated children, between parents and children, or between children and electronic devices. However, these datasets do not encompass the unique aspects inherent in sibling interactions, such as their unspoken mutual understanding. To bridge this gap, we introduce a sibling interaction analysis dataset (SIBD) based on video recordings of 48 children (24 sibling pairs) from Chinese households. SIBD contains manually annotated labels and automated extracted features, giving a clear view into sibling interactions during learning processes. Beyond the programming robot scenario we employed, the dataset can be extended to encompass other contexts such as block building, science experiment kits, and similar collaborative activities. The statistics of the dataset identified potential relationships among the labels, indicating that siblings with a more positive interactive atmosphere and timely responses could be more likely to stay focused on tasks. SIBD can serve as a foundation for developing targeted interventions that improve interactions during sibling learning. Moreover, the insights derived from this study, while grounded in the Chinese context, may offer preliminary implications for understanding sibling interactions within similar cultural contexts.

Neurodidactic strategies to improve meaningful learning of experimental science in High School Students

Neurodidactic strategies to improve meaningful learning of experimental science in High School Students

Neurodidactic strategies to improve meaningful learning of experimental science in High School Students

Neurodidactic strategies to improve meaningful learning of experimental science in High School Students

A droplet robotic system enabled by electret-induced polarization on droplet

Robotics for scientific research are evolving from grasping macro-scale solid materials to directly actuating micro-scale liquid samples. However, current liquid actuation mechanisms often restrict operable liquid types or compromise the activity of biochemical samples by introducing interfering mediums. Here, we propose a robotic liquid handling system enabled by a novel droplet actuation mechanism, termed electret-induced polarization on droplet (EPD). EPD enables all-liquid actuation in principle and experimentally exhibits generality for actuating various inorganic/organic liquids with relative permittivity ranging from 2.25 to 84.2 and volume from 500 nL to 1 mL. Moreover, EPD is capable of actuating various biochemical samples without compromising their activities, including various body fluids, living cells, and proteins. A robotic system is also coupled with the EPD mechanism to enable full automation. EPD’s high adaptability with liquid types and biochemical samples thus promotes the automation of liquid-based scientific experiments across multiple disciplines.

Weight and linear growth of steers of Aubrac breed when using the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle

One of the main factors, which influence on the intensity of growth and fattening of steers are adequate feeding. In this regard, the study of the effect of the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle on the steers of Aubrac breed has scientific and practical interest. In order to carry out a scientific and economic experiment on steers of Aubrac breed aged from 7 to 18 months, two groups were formed. The control group received a commercial feeding ration, the experimental group received the ration with a reduced content of digestible protein due to a decrease in the rapeseed presscake in the ration. The steers received the missing amount of digestible protein due to the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle. This made it possible to obtain steers with a higher live weight for rearing and fattening. Thus, the significunt difference in live weight by the end of the experiment between the experimental and control groups was 51.5 kg or 9.6 % (P > 0.999). The average daily live weight gain for the age period from 9 to 18 months in the experimental group of steers was 1033 g, which exceeded the same indicator for the control group steers by 150 g or 17.0 % (P > 0.999). In terms of height measurements, the experimental group of steers showed an advantage in all age periods. It should be noted that the steers that received the feed additive were characterized by better development of the rear part of the body, which was shown by the hip width and half-girth measurements. Thus, the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle can be recommended for fattening of steers of Aubrac breed.

Effectiveness of complex use of non-traditional additives in feeding of horses

The purpose of the research was to investigate the efficiency of the complex use of non-traditional feed additives in the rations of horses during the winter period of housing. Scientific and industrial testing was carried out on horses of Yakut breed under the conditions of the peasant farm Rumyantsev S. I. in the Ust-Aldansky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The scientifi c and industrial experiment was carried out in accordance with the methodological guidelines (VASKhNIL, 1984). It was found as a result of research that the loss of live weight in animals in the control group on average amounted to 26.4 kg, while in the experimental group this indicator was slightly better and equaled 21.3 kg. The fi nal diff erence between the groups at the end of the experiment was 94 kg in favor of the horses of the experimental group; ultimately this affected the coverage of additional costs and an increase in the economic efficiency of feeding. The estimated cost of the economic effect taking into account the difference in additional costs in the experimental group amounted to 20.68 thousand rubles. As a result, the profitability level in the control group was 45.5 %, and in the experimental group this figure increased to 45.8 %. We note that the data of the production testing confirm the previously obtained data of scientific and economic experiment and supplement the economic efficiency of horses feeding in the winter period of housing with new information. It was established as a result of research that the use of non-traditional feed additives from natural raw materials in the complex in feeding of horses in the winter period contributes to a comparatively better preservation of live weight, as well as an increase in the efficiency of feeding. Thus, the use of local non-traditional feed additives in the complex in feeding of horses of Yakut breed showed economic efficiency under the conditions of Yakutia.

The Taxonomy of Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) as a Teaching Strategy and Thinking Process of Chemistry Stakeholders

Predict-observe-explain (POE) is a strategy being used during scientific investigations and experiments. However, POE-related studies mainly focused on its validity and reliability as a teaching strategy in classrooms. Thus, this paper extends the context of POE discussion not only as a teaching strategy but also as science process skills, and as cognitive thinking skills in performing experiments and answering scientific inquiries among chemistry stakeholders: students, teachers, and chemists. The study sees POE as a way to develop critical thinking and builds the skills needed for further academic and professional endeavors in the different fields of science. Through a constructivist grounded theory methodology using focus group discussions for students and in-depth interviews with the teachers and chemists, the study: described how students, teachers, and chemists exemplified POE strategy in terms of its process, and identified mutual patterns of POE process from the chemistry stakeholders. The study revealed that: student POE taxonomy is focused on basic processes and structures of POE; teacher POE taxonomy is a guide in their lesson planning; and chemist POE taxonomy is based on local and international compliance during experimentation. Therefore, POE is a science process skill for chemistry stakeholders where the POE taxonomy used by the chemistry stakeholders are different based on experiences, needs, and context.

Through an animal's eye: the implications of diverse sensory systems in scientific experimentation.

'Accounting for the sensory abilities of animals is critical in experimental design.' No researcher would disagree with this statement, yet it is often the case that we inadvertently fall for anthropocentric biases and use ourselves as the reference point. This paper discusses the risks of adopting an anthropocentric view when working with non-human animals, and the unintended consequences this has on our experimental designs and results. To this aim, we provide general examples of anthropocentric bias from different fields of animal research, with a particular focus on animal cognition and behaviour, and lay out the potential consequences of adopting a human-based perspective. Knowledge of the sensory abilities, both in terms of similarities to humans and peculiarities of the investigated species, is crucial to ensure solid conclusions. A more careful consideration of the diverse sensory systems of animals would improve many scientific fields and enhance animal welfare in the laboratory.

Integration of High‐Tc Superconductors with High‐Q‐Factor Oxide Mechanical Resonators

AbstractMicro‐mechanical resonators are building blocks of a variety of applications in basic science and consumer electronics. This device technology is mainly based on well‐established and reproducible silicon‐based fabrication processes with outstanding performances in term of mechanical Q‐factor and sensitivity to external perturbations. Broadening the functionalities of micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) by the integration of functional materials is a key step for both applied and fundamental science. However, combining functional materials with silicon‐based devices is challenging. An alternative approach is directly fabricating MEMS based on compounds inherently showing non‐trivial functional properties, such as transition metal oxides. Here, a full‐oxide approach is reported, where a high‐ superconductor YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) is integrated with high Q‐factor micro‐bridge resonators made of single‐crystal LaAlO3 (LAO) thin films. LAO resonators are tensile strained, with a stress of about 350 MPa, show a Q‐factor above 200k, and have low roughness. YBCO overlayers are grown ex situ by pulsed laser deposition and YBCO/LAO bridges show zero resistance below 78 K and mechanical properties similar to those of bare LAO resonators. These results open new possibilities toward the development of advanced transducers, such as bolometers or magnetic field detectors, as well as experiments in solid state physics, material science, and quantum opto‐mechanics.

Permutation Strategies for Inference in ANOVA‐Based Models for Nonorthogonal Designs Including Continuous Covariates

ABSTRACTAnalysis of variance and linear models is undoubtedly one of the most useful statistical contributions to experimental and observational science. With the ability to characterize a system through multivariate responses, these methods have emerged to be general tools regardless of response dimensionality. Contemporary methods for establishing statistical inference, such as ANOVA simultaneous component analysis (ASCA), are based on Monte Carlo sampling; however, a flat uniform resampling scheme may violate the structure of the uncertainty for unbalanced designs as well as for observational data. In this work, we provide permutation strategies for inferential testing for unbalanced designs including interaction models and establish nonuniform randomization based on the concept of propensity score matching. Lastly, we provide a general method for modelling continuous covariates based on kernel smoothers. All methods are characterized on their ability to provide unbiased Type I error results.

The Effects of Designing Scientific Experiments with Visual Programming Language on Learning Outcomes

AbstractWhen the studies on the effectiveness of visual programming language are examined, it is seen that studies on coding teaching have been carried out frequently recently. In this study, Scratch was used as a teaching tool in teaching science lessons. In this way, a new perspective has been brought to Scratch applications. In the related study, the effects of designing science experiments with visual programming language (Scratch) on students’ beliefs of self-efficacy related to computational thinking (CT) skills, metacognitive awareness levels, and motivation levels for science learning are examined. This study was carried out using a single-group research design based on pretest and posttest applications. Students attending the fifth grade participated in this study. Sixty-five students attending the fifth grade participated in the research. Research data were obtained using “Self-Efficacy Perception Scale for CT Skills (SEP_CTS),” “Metacognitive Awareness Scale (MAS),” and “Motivation Scale for Science Learning (MSSL).” The research process is 10 weeks and 3 days in total. It was determined that designing science experiments in visual programming language applications based on Scratch improved students’ CT self-efficacy perceptions, but did not have the expected effect on students’ science learning motivation and metacognitive awareness. This research provides evidence that some skills can be improved by using Scratch as a teaching tool in different courses. With the focus of research on this subject, it can contributed to the development of new understandings of Scratch in teaching processes.

An Evaluation of the Experimental Science Teaching Program for Primary Education from the Teachers’ Perspective: An Educational Design Research Journey

The concerns about ensuring scientific literacy for all are underpinned by international recommendations from organizations such as the UN and the OECD for science education. They advocate for science education from a contextualized, sequential, systematic, and active perspective on the students’ learning process, starting from the early years of schooling. It is based on these pedagogical principles that the research project the “Experimental Science Teaching Program” (PEEC) was founded. This article aims to disseminate an evaluation of the PEEC for primary education, which includes a science teaching curriculum proposal, teaching activities and resources (e.g., digital games), and assessment record instruments for learning. This program was developed using an Educational Design Research methodological approach based on iterative cycles, with the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team (e.g., teachers, researchers, and children). For a final evaluation of the PEEC components, we consulted the ten participating teachers through a questionnaire survey one year after the end of their official collaboration. The main results highlight the relevance and appropriateness of the proposals presented for the targeted age group and the assumptions and objectives of science education in terms of the curriculum, teaching resources, and digital assessment games. Teachers also mentioned continuing to use the PEEC resources after their participation in this study. These results underscore the need to expand and promote projects of this nature to contribute to more practical science education in Portugal and, consequently, to increase children’s levels of scientific literacy.

BEATS: BEAmline for synchrotron X-ray microTomography at SESAME.

The ID10 beamline of the SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) synchrotron light source in Jordan was inaugurated in June 2023 and is now open to scientific users. The beamline, which was designed and installed within the European Horizon 2020 project BEAmline for Tomography at SESAME (BEATS), provides full-field X-ray radiography and microtomography imaging with monochromatic or polychromatic X-rays up to photon energies of 100 keV. The photon source generated by a 2.9 T wavelength shifter with variable gap, and a double-multilayer monochromator system allow versatile application for experiments requiring either an X-ray beam with high intensity and flux, and/or a partially spatial coherent beam for phase-contrast applications. Sample manipulation and X-ray detection systems are designed to allow scanning samples with different size, weight and material, providing image voxel sizes from 13 µm down to 0.33 µm. A state-of-the-art computing infrastructure for data collection, three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction and data analysis allows the visualization and exploration of results online within a few seconds from the completion of a scan. Insights from 3D X-ray imaging are key to the investigation of specimens from archaeology and cultural heritage, biology and health sciences, materials science and engineering, earth, environmental sciences and more. Microtomography scans and preliminary results obtained at the beamline demonstrate that the new beamline ID10-BEATS expands significantly the range of scientific applications that can be targeted at SESAME.

Impact and Classification of Augmented Reality in Science Experiments in Teaching—A Review

Impact and Classification of Augmented Reality in Science Experiments in Teaching—A Review

Peran Media Pembelajaran Kreatif Dalam Peningkatan Keterampilan Sains Anak Usia Dini di Kelurahan Kebonsari, Kecamatan Citangkil, Kota Cilegon

The lava lamp exercise with the children of kebonsari urban village, citangkil sub-district is a fun and educational activity that involves making simple lava lamps using materials easily found at home. This study aims to explore the children's experience of the lava lamp experiment, and its impact on their understanding of basic chemistry concepts, and chemical interactions. Through a teaching approach based on simple science experiments and participatory observation, children were given the opportunity to experiment with a mixture of oil, water, and coloring agents to create interesting visual effects in their own lava lamps. The results showed that this practice not only increased children's interest in science, but also strengthened collaborative skills, and understanding of basic experimental concepts. This experiment highlights the importance of experiential and interactive learning approaches in developing childrens I nterest in science.

Merged Observatory Data Files (MODFs): an integrated observational data product supporting process-oriented investigations and diagnostics

Abstract. A large and ever-growing body of geophysical information is measured in campaigns and at specialized observatories as a part of scientific expeditions and experiments. These collections of observed data include many essential climate variables (as defined by the Global Climate Observing System) but are often distinguished by a wide range of additional non-routine measurements that are designed to not only document the state of the environment but also the drivers that contribute to that state. These field data are used not only to further understand environmental processes through observation-based studies but also to provide baseline data to test model performance and to codify understanding to improve predictive capabilities. To address the considerable barriers and difficulty in utilizing these diverse and complex data for observation–model research, the Merged Observatory Data File (MODF) concept has been developed. A MODF combines measurements from multiple instruments into a single file that complies with well-established data format and metadata practices and has been designed to parallel the development of corresponding Merged Model Data Files (MMDFs). Using the MODF and MMDF protocols will facilitate the evolution of model intercomparison projects into model intercomparison and improvement projects by putting observation and model data “on the same page” in a timely manner. The MODF concept was developed especially for weather forecast model studies in the Arctic. The surprisingly complex process of implementing MODFs in that context refined the concept itself. Thus, this article explains the concept of MODFs by providing details on the issues that were revealed and resolved during that first specific implementation. Detailed instructions are provided on how to make MODFs, and this article can be considered a MODF creation manual.

Measure this, not that: Optimizing the cost and model-based information content of measurements

Model-based design of experiments (MBDoE) is a powerful framework for selecting and calibrating science-based mathematical models from data. This work extends popular MBDoE workflows by proposing a convex mixed integer (non)linear programming (MINLP) problem to optimize the selection of measurements. The solver MindtPy is modified to support calculating the D-optimality objective and its gradient via an external package, SciPy, using the grey-box module in Pyomo. The new approach is demonstrated in two case studies: estimating highly correlated kinetics from a batch reactor and estimating transport parameters in a large-scale rotary packed bed for CO2 capture. Both case studies show how examining the Pareto-optimal trade-offs between information content measured by A- and D-optimality versus measurement budget offers practical guidance for selecting measurements for scientific experiments.

Tamanhos de parcelas e amostras para variáveis biométricas em mudas de alface

ABSTRACT: In order to ensure reliable inferences in scientific experiments, sampling criteria should be determined and defined during the experimental design phase. Determining plot and sample sizes without scientific criteria could result in resource and labor inefficiencies with no gain in experimental precision. In this work we estimate plot and sample sizes for biometric variable analyses in lettuce seedlings. The seedlings were sown in four expanded polystyrene foam transplant trays with 128 and 200 cells. Foliar area, stem diameter, shoot height, root length, root volume, root area, fresh and dry shoot and root masses. The methods described by Paranaiba (PARANAIBA et al., 2009) and Cochran (COCHRAN, 1977) were used for plot size and sample size estimations, respectively. Sample size varied according to the variables analysed and transplant tray cell number. Root variables required the highest number of samples. For a 10% margin of error, 12 seedlings were necessary for evaluations in a 128 cell tray, while 11 seedlings were required for analysis in 200 cell trays.

Clinical Relevance of Cancerization of Ducts in Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Although prevalent in 50%-90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, the clinical relevance of "cancerization of ducts" (COD) remains unknown. Pathologists retrospectively reviewed slides classifying prevalence of COD. Histopathological parameters, location of first recurrence, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were collected from the institutional pancreatectomy registry. Among 311 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, COD was present in 216 (69.5%) and more prevalent in the cohort that underwent upfront surgery (75.3% vs 63.1%, P = 0.019). Furthermore, COD was associated with female gender (P = 0.040), advanced T stage (P = 0.007), perineural invasion (P = 0.014), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.025), and R1 margin (P = 0.009), but not N stage (P = 0.401) or tumor differentiation (P = 0.717). In multivariable regression, COD was associated with less liver recurrence (odds ratio, 0.44; P < 0.005). This association was driven by the cohort of patients who had received preoperative treatment (odds ratio, 0.18; P < 0.001). COD was not predictive for RFS or OS. Cancerization of ducts was not associated with RFS or OS. Currently underrecognized, standardized implementation into histopathological reports may have merit, and further mechanistic scientific experiments need to illuminate its clinical and biologic impact.

Histomorphological and Histochemical Study of Esophagus and Stomach in Adult Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)

This study was performed to examine and compare the esophagus and stomach histomorphological and histochemical characteristics during adulthood to clarify micromorphological alterations. In addition to the importance of this animal species as a model in many scientific experiments and due to some of its unique anatomical and physiological features. It also supports further studies on vital processes of the digestive system, such as food processing and absorption. To conduct such a project, ten heathy adult guinea pigs at 2 months age and weighing 461.8±8.3g were gathered from the public spinning market. The animals were euthanized and dissected, then the organs were topographically investigated in situ, and samples were collected from the ten animals and was kept in 10% neutral buffered formalin for routine histological procedures. The esophagus is a musculo – membranous tube structure extended from the pharynx to the stomach, measured about 10.54±0.14 cm in length and 0.35±0.01 g in weight, and segmented according to its position in the body into three sections: the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal. The stomach is a simple unilocular transverse grayish white sac-like structure of the digestive system; it connects the esophagus to the intestine; its mean length was 4.39±0.11 cm; its capacity was 17.01±0.22 ml; and its weight was 7.07±0.05 gm. It lacks an outward demarcation-limiting ridge between its divisions and appears relatively smooth. Histologically, the esophagus is devoid of glands, while the stomach's three interior sections are dotted with glands, and both organs consist of the same four basic histological layers.