Field Of Science Research Articles

Feasibility study of establishing an integrated geographic information system: a case study of medical libraries

PurposeMedical libraries can extend their resources’ accessibility by creating a network through web-based geographical information system (WEBGIS) that connects physical and non-physical resources. Geographical information system (GIS allows) libraries to create strong connections with other libraries by establishing a shared server for loading and using digital information. This research aims to explore the feasibility of creating a unified GIS-based service system for medical libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe target population for this study includes a total of 32 medical libraries across three medical universities (in this case called A, B and C). A researcher-designed 34-item questionnaire was applied in this study.FindingsFindings revealed that the libraries affiliated with University A have the highest average (46.54%) and better situation in terms of all of the needed infrastructures. Furthermore, in terms of the technical infrastructure required for implementing the integrated WEBGIS, the libraries of University B are in a better situation in comparison with other libraries (64.55%). Weak technical infrastructure belongs to libraries affiliated with University C, with 59.17% availability of infrastructure. The findings underscored the existing gaps in various aspects and highlighted the need for further improvements, particularly in financial and legal aspects, to enhance the overall availability of infrastructure.Originality/valueThis study was conducted for the first time in medical science libraries. The findings of this research shed light on the shortages within the surveyed universities in terms of human infrastructure. Results highlight the need for financial, legal and technical support to bridge the gap between the current status and the desired situation. By focusing on improving the various infrastructural aspects, libraries can foster a conducive environment for the effective utilization of spatial information systems, ultimately benefiting academic research, education and overall information management in the field of medical sciences.

Mid-infrared enhanced Raman soliton generation in an erbium-doped ZBLAN with record energy and peak power

The advancement of tunable ultrafast sources in the mid-infrared spectrum would bring about significant progress in various scientific fields. This study suggests a gain-modulation technique to increase the peak power and pulse energy of mid-infrared tunable Raman solitons. By utilizing a high-power 2-2.23 µm Raman soliton pulse as a pump source, mid-infrared Raman solitons within the 2-3.2 µm tuning range can be generated in a segment of Er3+: ZBLAN fiber. Additionally, the introduction of 976 nm pump light into the Er3+: ZBLAN fiber leverages the gain of Er3+ to amplify the frequency shift velocity and pulse energy of the Raman soliton. Consequently, the frequency shift range of the Raman soliton is extended to 3.5 µm, with peak power and pulse energy reaching 0.93 MW and 107 nJ, respectively. These achievements represent the highest peak power and energy levels of Raman solitons generated in mid-infrared fibers to date.

Bibliometric Analysis of Spline Regression Model for Trend Mapping and Strategy Development Research Using Vosviewer

Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method used to measure and analyze scientific literature. This technique involves the collection and analysis of publication data, such as journal articles, books, and conferences, to evaluate and understand patterns of scientific communication, research productivity, author collaboration, journal impact, and trends within a scientific field. Bibliometric analysis has a limitation in that it is challenging to visualize effectively, necessitating the use of software for proper visualization. Therefore, this article discusses bibliometric analysis on spline regression for trend mapping and strategy development using VOSviewer software. The research results show that the visualization of spline regression keywords with VOSviewer can help in understanding patterns of relationships between variables, research trends, and network structures in scientific literature. Based on the analysis results, bibliometric analysis on spline regression can be visualized in trend mapping, which can aid in planning further research strategies, including identifying collaboration opportunities and underexplored research areas.

THE DIALECTICAL ASPECT OF THE SYSTEM OF ACCUMULATION AND REPRODUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE OF MODERN ENGINEERING SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL

The development of the technological potential of the state is possible with a well- established system of training highly qualified specialists in the field of technical sciences, providing growth opportunities in the field of production, industry, ensuring the safety and quality of life of citizens. The key element of a modern engineering scientific school should be the system of accumulation and reproduction of knowledge, which determines the systemic relationship of knowledge with the pedagogical and scientific elements of the school, ensuring the innovative nature of technological developments. The construction of such a model is possible taking into account the dialectical aspect of the formation and development of the engineering school paradigm in its evolutionary context. The study of the dependence of the formation of these schools on the dynamics of engineering knowledge at various stages of its accumulation and reproduction allows us to determine the modern prospects for constructing a model of an engineering scientific school.

Bio-orthogonal tuning of matrix properties during 3D cell culture to induce morphological and phenotypic changes.

Described herein is a protocol for producing a synthetic extracellular matrix that can be modified in situ during three-dimensional cell culture. The hydrogel platform is established using modular building blocks employing bio-orthogonal tetrazine (Tz) ligation with slow (norbornene, Nb) and fast (trans-cyclooctene, TCO) dienophiles. A cell-laden gel construct is created via the slow, off-stoichiometric Tz/Nb reaction. After a few days of culture, matrix properties can be altered by supplementing the cell culture media with TCO-tagged molecules through the rapid reaction with the remaining Tz groups in the network at the gel-liquid interface. As the Tz/TCO reaction is faster than molecular diffusion, matrix properties can be modified in a spatiotemporal fashion simply by altering the identity of the diffusive species and the diffusion time/path. Our strategy does not interfere with native biochemical processes nor does it require external triggers or a second, independent chemistry. The biomimetic three-dimensional cultures can be analyzed by standard molecular and cellular techniques and visualized by confocal microscopy. We have previously used this method to demonstrate how in situ modulation of matrix properties induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, elicits fibroblast transition from mesenchymal stem cells and regulates myofibroblast differentiation. Following the detailed procedures, individuals with a bachelor's in science and engineering fields can successfully complete the protocol in 4-5 weeks. This protocol can be applied to model tissue morphogenesis and disease progression and it can also be used to establish engineered constructs with tissue-like anisotropy and tissue-specific functions.

Gender, Racial-Ethnic, and Cohort Effects on STEM Interests: A Fourteen-Year Comparison

Gender and racial-ethnic disparities continue to exist in participation within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Because vocational interests predict career choice and educational interventions to help promote STEM interest among underrepresented groups have increased, research is needed to assess if meaningful changes have occurred with STEM-related interests, particularly among women and people of color who have historically been underrepresented in the STEM workforce. The present study examines vocational interests in large samples of college students across two cohorts who completed the Strong Interest Inventory in 2005 ( N = 6,496) and 2019 ( N = 21,146). Results indicate that STEM-related interest levels have increased both across gender (i.e., men and women) and racial-ethnic groups, specifically for Black, Latinx, Asian, and White college students over this period. Notably, STEM-related interests declined or stayed the same across cohorts for Native American students. Additionally, the gap between women and men narrowed for the Investigative General Occupational Theme and STEM-related Basic Interest Scales. Finally, these results are discussed within the context of vocational interest development and societal STEM-related initiatives and focus on increasing STEM interests among underrepresented youth living in the United States.

Supramolecular systems and their connection with metal–organic structures

Supramolecular structures with specific applications are a pillar in several areas of science. Thus, from a contemporary point of view, there are several reasons to embrace a systematic order of the supramolecular concept itself. First, the structuring of a supramolecular material seems safer now than it did decades ago. Second, the interactions of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and supramolecular chemistry and, conversely, supramolecularity to assemble MOFs and create efficient complex systems in multiple cutting-edge applications are an image to be safeguarded. Third, perhaps we should simply limit ourselves to considering how researchers in these fields have attempted to correlate the notion of supramolecular systems by linking self-assembly considerations. In any case, these topics present advantages to optimize innovative geometries that are useful to highlight significant practical applications. This review covers a general introduction to MOFs and supramolecularity, the key unit of the study presented here, followed by a survey of recent advances in confined space chemistry, the relationships of MOFs with supramolecular structures, and the synthesis electrochemistry of MOFs and switchable MOFs to obtain a greater understanding of structure–property relationships. To conclude, some future perspectives on this promising and plausible field of science will be mentioned.

Three-dimensional semiquantitative evaluation of reactive emphysema in magnesium implant models.

Magnesium alloys have great potentials as bioabsorbable implants, whereas the difficulty in evaluating hydrogen gas produced in the degradation process has hindered their research and development. In this study, we investigated the possibility of industrial microfocus X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) for the precise evaluation of subcutaneous emphysematous changes in a rabbit implantation model. Magnesium plates with/without porous venting were implanted under skin defects on the backs of rabbits. The graft sites were examined by industrial micro-CT after sacrificing. The captured images were reconstructed three-dimensionally for volumetric analyses. The tissues of the graft site were also examined in the traditional histological investigation. We were able to image and numerate the shape and volume of subcutaneous emphysema using industrial micro-CT. The volume of emphysema was suppressed by pores punched in samples, and this trend increased as the number of pores increased. In the traditional histological examination, inflammatory changes were observed, but the emphysema could not be measured quantitatively. Industrial micro-CT imaging makes it possible to visualize and evaluate magnesium-induced subcutaneous emphysema in animal experiment. This cross-border technology has the potential to be widely applied to other life science fields.

Margaret: Streamlining Research Productivity Analysis in Colombia with an R Package for GrupLAC Integration

Margaret is an advanced R package designed to systematically extract and consolidate data pertaining to research outputs (such as publications, books, book chapters, and conference presentations) of scientific groups from the GrupLAC platform, an online application managed by Minciencias in Colombia for the registration and updating of researcher and research group information in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. The challenge of monitoring and evaluating scientific production across various web platforms presents a substantial barrier to universities in tracking their contributions effectively. To address this challenge, Margaret accepts a designated list of links corresponding to university-affiliated research groups within GrupLAC. Utilizing web-scraping techniques, the package retrieves and compiles this data into a comprehensive XLSX file. This file encompasses information across 51 distinct categories of research products, enabling research directors to meticulously assess, monitor, and enhance various strategies that aim to augment the production, quality, and impact of scientific outputs. The Shiny application is publicly accessible and can be accessed via the following link: https://ucatolicaluisamigo-investigaciones.shinyapps.io/margaret/

Integration of CRISPR/Cas9 with multi-omics technologies to engineer secondary metabolite productions in medicinal plant: Challenges and Prospects.

Plants acts asliving chemical factories that may create a large variety of secondary metabolites, most of which are used in pharmaceutical products. The production of these secondary metabolites is often much lower. Moreover, the primary constraint after discovering potential metabolites is the capacity to manufacture sufficiently for use in industrial and therapeutic contexts. The development of omics technology has brought revolutionary discoveries in various scientific fields, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and genome sequencing. The metabolic pathways leading to the utilization of new secondary metabolites in the pharmaceutical industry can be identified with the use of these technologies. Genome editing (GEd) is a versatile technology primarily used for site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, replacements, base editing, and activation/repression at the targeted locus. Utilizing GEd techniques such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9), metabolic pathways engineered to synthesize bioactive metabolites optimally. This article will briefly discuss omics and CRISPR/Cas9-based methods to improve secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants.

Why summing up bibliometric indicators does not justify a composite indicator

AbstractVarious bibliometric indicators have been used to assess the researchers’ impact, but composites of such indicators, namely a metric that combines various individual indicators to describe a complex construct, have received a strong critique thus far. We employ concepts from psychometrics to revisit a composite proposed by Ioannidis et al. (2020) that aimed to represent researcher impact. Based on a selected sample of highly cited researchers, our proof-of-concept study presents a psychometrically principled composite formation. Specifically, by relying on the congeneric measurement model (and related models) rooted in classical test theory, we found that one of the proposed indicators clearly violated the congeneric model’s fundamental assumption of unidimensionality, and two other indicators were excluded for redundancy. The resulting composite based on only three bibliometric indicators was found to display excellent reliability. Importantly, the reliability approached that of the composite based on five indicators, and it was clearly better than the original six-indicator composite. Further, we found rather homogeneous effective weights (i.e., relative contributions of each indicator to composite variance) for simple sum scores, and these weights were close to those calculated using an algorithm for equally effective weights. While the congeneric measurement model also showed strong measurement invariance across sexes, this model’s loadings and intercepts were not measurement invariant across scientific fields and academic age groups. Notably, we found that various derived composites correlate positively with academic age, hinting at a lack of fairness of the composites.

New Estimates of the Potential Schrödinger Equation

The Schrödinger equation, a fundamental construct in quantum mechanics, plays a pivotal role in understanding the properties and behaviors of quantum systems across various scientific fields, including but not limited to physics, economics, and geophysics. This research paper delves into the exploration of novel invariants associated with the Schrödinger equation, uncovering previously unrecognized symmetries and properties that open new pathways for theoretical and applied scientific exploration. The investigation reveals that the energy of bound states remains invariant under transformations of the coordinate system, highlighting a universal symmetry embedded within the equation. This discovery, coupled with an analysis of the variation in scattering amplitudes’ phase with different coordinate systems, not only enriches the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics but also has significant practical implications across various domains such as fluid dynamics, material science, and medical imaging. Furthermore, by applying the principles of the Poincaré-Riemann-Hilbert boundary-value problem, the study offers a novel approach to estimate potentials within the Schrödinger equation, advancing the three-dimensional inverse problem of quantum scattering theory. This methodological innovation allows for a more profound understanding of the unitary scattering operator, facilitating enhanced modeling of complex systems and phenomena. The implications of these findings extend beyond theoretical physics, offering transformative insights and applications in areas ranging from fluid dynamics, where it aids in refining models for the Navier-Stokes equations, to seismic exploration, tomography, and ultrasound imaging, where it enhances phase selection and interpretation of measurement results. In essence, this research not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the Schrödinger equation’s fundamental properties but also paves the way for interdisciplinary advancements, demonstrating the profound impact of theoretical discoveries on practical applications in diverse scientific and technological domains.

The impact of sex/gender-specific funding and editorial policies on biomedical research outcomes: a cross-national analysis (2000–2021)

Reflecting sex and gender characteristics in biomedical research is critical to improving health outcomes and reducing adverse effects from medical treatments. This study investigates the impact of sex/gender-specific funding policies and journal editorial standards on the integration of sex/gender analysis in biomedical research publications. Using data from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries between 2000 and 2021, we assessed how these policies influenced research output in the fields of medicine and life sciences. Our findings show that countries with progressive funding policies and journals promoting sex/gender-based reporting have significantly improved research quality and publication rates. This highlights the importance of coordinated policy efforts and editorial practices in advancing integrated sex/gender research. We recommend continued global efforts from policymakers, funding bodies, and journals to embed sex/gender perspectives in scientific inquiry, ensuring more effective and equitable biomedical advancements.

Academic Mobility as a Strategic Vector of Quality Training of Future Specialists in the Era of Globalisation and Development of Educational Innovations

The article reveals the essence and analyses the conceptual foundations of academic mobility through the prism of its impact on the quality of educational services in modern universities. The close connection between academic mobility, globalisation processes and the rapid development of educational innovations aimed at integrating national higher education systems into a unified European educational area and the global knowledge society is emphasised. It stresses that academic mobility is one of the most important features of the modern education system and an effective tool for improving the quality of human capital. Based on analysis of academic literature and legal documents, the essence of the terms «mobility» and «academic mobility» is presented and the types and forms of academic mobility are defined. It is noted that one of the indicators of successful development of the global market of educational services is international academic mobility, participation in which contributes not only to improving the quality and competitiveness of the national higher education system in the global market of educational services, but also to improving mutual understanding between peoples and cultures, optimising educational intercultural communication, creating conditions for professional and personal self-realisation, formation of highly qualified specialists capable of acting effectively in a dynamic world. The article describes international academic exchange programmes aimed at supporting research and innovation in the field of education and science.

Commentary: Revisiting developmental science research practices during a global crisis.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents were extensive, touching aspects of their lives such as those reviewed in this Special Section : school experiences, family relationships, peer relationships, and civic engagement. In parallel with these effects on individuals, the fields of developmental and psychological science were shaken up by this global crisis. The accelerated transition to online data collection and collaboration presented opportunities to expand research on adolescence, breaking down many physical and social barriers to participation and sparking methodological innovation. Yet, this crisis also shed light on the global digital divides and the uneven impacts of the pandemic across the research community. This commentary reflects on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the methods and methodologies of developmental science, the challenges and opportunities it surfaced, and the populations included and omitted in this period of research. We integrate reflections on how the pandemic shaped our own research and on how the pandemic has shaped the future of developmental science.

Computation of Outer Inverse of Tensors Based on t‐Product

ABSTRACTTensor computations play an essential role in various fields of science and engineering, including multiway data analysis. In this study, we established a few basic properties of the range and null space of a tensor by using block circulant matrices and a discrete Fourier matrix. We then discuss the outer inverse of the tensors based on ‐product with a prescribed range and kernel of third‐order tensors. We address the relation of this outer inverse with other generalized inverses, such as the Moore–Penrose inverse, group inverse, and Drazin inverse. In addition, we present a few algorithms for computing the outer inverses of the tensors. In particular, a ‐QR decomposition based algorithm was developed to compute outer inverses. It is well known that the confidentiality of information transmitted through the virtual world grows exponentially, and color image and video security have become a significant concern when communicating over the internet. As an application, a ‐QR decomposition based algorithm was demonstrated for concealing secret color images and videos.

Development of education in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

The Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, settled within the borders of Azerbaijan, embarks on a transformational journey in the field of education and science. Amidst its scenic landscapes and personal cultural heritage, NAR is steadfast in its commitment to developing human capital, enabling intellectual curiosity and flourishing a culture of innovation. These years can be achieved as a result of scientific research and discoveries in building a strong educational infrastructure in the region, expanding access to educational decision making. The development of education and science in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is Development of education in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republicthe focus of the state to develop people, create innovation capitals and contribute to socio-economic progress. Along with efforts to strengthen NAR education, it has also given importance to the development of a culture of scientific research and innovation. Through strategic investments, research ties and international relations, the region has become a center for advanced research and technological research. From breakthroughs in agricultural science to advances in renewable energy, Nakhchivan's scientific legacy continues to push the frontiers of knowledge, fueling progress and prosperity in the region and beyond. In the article, NAR will be researched for education and science development.

Analisis Pemahaman Konsep Hukum Kekekalan Energi Mekanik Mahasiswa Tadris IPA Pada Mata Kuliah Energi Dalam Sistem Kehidupan

Physics is a branch of science that contains complex explanations regarding the relationships between various natural events which are expressed as facts, theories, concepts, principles and physical laws. Energy is one of essential chapter in physics which contains concepts that need to be understood not memorized. One of the topics discussed in energy material which includes many abstract concepts is the law of conservation of mechanical energy. Studying the law of conservation of mechanical energy, which contains abstract concepts, certainly requires conceptual understanding not just remembering and memorizing. Understanding concepts in physics is very important because it can help develop critical thinking skill, creative thinking skill, and good problem solving skill. The descriptive quantitative method with a test approach was used as a method in this study and the sample is 72 Tadris IPA college students of IAIN Ponorogo in the 3rd semester. The results of the study show that in the category of understanding the concept of the law of conservation of energy in objects moving vertically upwards was classified as moderate, in the category understanding the concept of the law of conservation of energy in objects moving along a certain path was classified as low.

Evaluating Uncertainty Quantification in Medical Image Segmentation: A Multi-Dataset, Multi-Algorithm Study

Deep learning is revolutionizing various scientific fields, with medical applications at the forefront. One key focus is automating image segmentation, a process crucial in many clinical services. However, medical images are often ambiguous and challenging even for experts. To address this, reliable models need to quantify their uncertainty, allowing physicians to understand the model’s confidence in its segmentation. This paper explores how the performance and uncertainty of a model are influenced by the number of annotations per input sample. We examine the effects of both single and multiple manual annotations on various deep learning architectures. To tackle this question, we employ three widely recognized deep learning architectures and evaluate them across four publicly available datasets. Furthermore, we explore the effects of dropout rates on Monte Carlo models by examining uncertainty models with dropout rates of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. Subsequently, we evaluate the models using various measurement metrics. The findings reveal that the influence of multiple annotations varies significantly depending on the datasets. Additionally, we observe that the dropout rate has minimal or no impact on the model’s performance unless there is a substantial loss of training data, primarily evident in the 80% dropout rate scenario.

Heritage research at the PUMA beamline

The PUMA beamline, created for the heritage community and accessible by all fields of science, welcomed its first users in 2019. Its optical layout uses a horizontal focusing mirror to prefocus the light emitted from the wiggler source for the experimental endstation. It provides a 5 µm × 7 µm microbeam for XRF, XAS, XRD and XEOL analysis or a wide 20 × 5 mm full field when the beam is defocused, and the KB mirrors are retracted. An extremely stable fixed-exit Si(111) monochromator is used to select the wavelength. Many experiments have been performed at PUMA, particularly in archaeology, paleontology, conservation, art history and in identifying safer conditions of irradiation for precious heritage samples. XRF analysis has been used, for example, to show the effects of the interaction of Palaeolithic ivory with soil; to identify the elemental composition of mineralized textiles and to reveal hidden morphologies of fossils.