Key Sciences Research Articles

The anglicization of science in China

Abstract The preeminence of English as the lingua franca in global science has led to English-dominant publication practices, even in non-English-speaking countries. We examine the complex dynamics of language use in scientific publications in China, a major contributor to global scientific output, and the tensions between English and the native language. By analyzing 2,209,987 multilingual publications from 183,457 projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, we reveal a strong preference for English as the publication language in China, with 66.2% of publications in English versus 33.8% in Chinese. Key projects and natural sciences and engineering projects favor English more; regional projects and social sciences projects use Chinese more. However, English has a growing prevalence over the years across all research fields, project types, and publication venues. There is a negative correlation between the shares of English usage in journals and conference proceedings. We find only a minor overlap between English and Chinese-language publications, indicating unique contributions rather than repetitive content. However, Chinese-language publications are more likely to be similar to English-language publications. For highly similar cross-language publication pairs, the Chinese version tends to be published earlier. The findings underscore the risk of underestimating China’s scientific output by only counting English-language publications. We highlight the importance of creating a comprehensive multilingual database and the significant role of non-English-language research in global scientific discourse. Keywords: multilingual publishing; scientific communication; language policy; academic multilingualism; bibliometrics; quantitative analysis.

Actual problems of creative activity and new cognitive possibilities: a transdisciplinary approach

Digitalization of education and science is a unique opportunity for creative activity, as well as new problems of the functioning of complex dynamic systems, including the human body, in extreme conditions (technogenic, environmental, epidemics and wars). New tools are proposed, based on new phenomena, analogies and principles, as well as metamodels of thought structures and relationships between key sciences and their metasciences, the complementarity of which has cognitive and heuristic value. It is shown that the heuristic significance of successful activity is associated with the emotional perception of the harmony of nature, the holographic nature of memory and the desire to generate useful ideas. The cognitive value of extreme principles in the natural sciences, in information theory, in psychology and design is considered. Attention is drawn to new possibilities for the use of signs and symbols, the versatility of which made it possible to propose: • apply the diversity of signs and symbols in the natural sciences to bridge the gap between the humanities and science cultures; • heuristic meta-models in the form of the Star of David, the complementarity of which increases their cognitive value; • new tools for optimizing creative activity, the use of which contributes to the harmonization of interaction in the digital environment. It is proposed to unify the criteria for evaluating different types of creative activity (scientific, technical and artistic), which are aimed at solving the actual problems of the individual (health, safety and development of emotional intelligence).

Actual problems of creative activity and new cognitive possibilities: a transdisciplinary approach

Digitalization of education and science is a unique opportunity for creative activity, as well as new problems of the functioning of complex dynamic systems, including the human body, in extreme conditions (technogenic, environmental, epidemics and wars). New tools are proposed, based on new phenomena, analogies and principles, as well as metamodels of thought structures and relationships between key sciences and their metasciences, the complementarity of which has cognitive and heuristic value. It is shown that the heuristic significance of successful activity is associated with the emotional perception of the harmony of nature, the holographic nature of memory and the desire to generate useful ideas. The cognitive value of extreme principles in the natural sciences, in information theory, in psychology and design is considered. Attention is drawn to new possibilities for the use of signs and symbols, the versatility of which made it possible to propose: • apply the diversity of signs and symbols in the natural sciences to bridge the gap between the humanities and science cultures; • heuristic meta-models in the form of the Star of David, the complementarity of which increases their cognitive value; • new tools for optimizing creative activity, the use of which contributes to the harmonization of interaction in the digital environment. It is proposed to unify the criteria for evaluating different types of creative activity (scientific, technical and artistic), which are aimed at solving the actual problems of the individual (health, safety and development of emotional intelligence).

The 40-m Thai National Radio Telescope with its key sciences and a future South-East Asian VLBI Network

AbstractNational Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) initiated a national flagship project in 2017 for development of radio astronomy and geodesy in Thailand. In this project, a 40-m Thai National Radio Telescope (TNRT) and a 13-m VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) radio telescope as its co-location are constructed in Chiang Mai. The 40-m TNRT is the largest telescope for radio astronomy in South-East Asia. Its flexible operation with a wide-coverage of observable frequencies 0.3-115 GHz will allow us to uniquely contribute to the time-domain astronomy as well as carry out unbiased surveys for a wide variety of science research fields, which were published in a white paper. Within the framework of collaboration with VLBI arrays in the world, TNRT will drastically improve the imaging quality and performances based on its unique geographical location, for both radio astronomy and geodetic VLBI studies in South-East Asia for the first time. On-going commissioning of TNRT particularly in the L-band system (1.0–1.8 GHz) is introduced as well as vision for establishment of forthcoming regional VLBI networks based on TNRT: Thai National VLBI Array and South-East Asian VLBI Network in collaboration with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

On Theoretical Foundations of Aerolimnology: Study of Fresh Water Bodies and Coastal Territories Using Air Robot Equipment

The integration of the methodological basis of several different sciences in interdisciplinary research is a characteristic feature of new mechanisms for solving modern applied problems. The emerging theoretical foundations of aerolimnology, as a new scientific direction, are considered from the point of view of the contribution of three key sciences to it: limnology, informatics and robotics. Classifications of methods and approaches of limnological research, airborne robotic means, and information technologies that are promising for solving problems in the field of aerolimnology are given. The task of the scientific direction of aerolimnology is formulated as the study of the possibilities and limitations of combined methods of remote sensory measurement, robotic sampling and analytical study of the parameters of freshwater ecosystems to monitor and predict the dynamics of their development. Among the main areas of aerolimnological research, the following are distinguished: the construction of orthophotomaps and photogrammetric spatial models of the bottom topography and individual elements of the bottom landscape and coastal zone of various scales; geological and geophysical mapping of the underwater part of the coastal zone; the study of phytoplankton, in particular, the "bloom" of water caused by cyanobacteria; study of distribution and migration of large representatives of hydrofauna; study of temperature fields and processes of redistribution of water masses. The limitations imposed on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in sampling and monitoring coastal water areas are discussed, primarily weather-climatic, temporal, spatial, and technical. The advantage of using unmanned aerial vehicles in aerolimnology is justified by an increase in the speed of data acquisition, the possibility of approaching hard-to-reach and territorially remote objects, and a decrease in the influence of the human factor. The scientific novelty of the presented research consists in an attempt to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge when using unmanned aerial vehicles and processing the obtained data based on artificial intelligence technologies in the study of limnological objects and processes. The important role of geoinformation systems is noted and examples of maps of shore typification and geomorphology of Lake Ladoga are given, posted on the website of the Center for the Collective Use of Scientific Equipment "North-Western Center for Monitoring and Forecasting the Development of Territories" of the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The main stages of the methodology for conducting aerolimnological studies using interdisciplinary approaches based on limnology, informatics and robotic tools operating in different environments are considered.

Support for Informal Caregivers in Canada: A Scoping Review from a Hospice and Palliative/End-of-Life Care Lens.

Objective: Informal caregivers (ICs) providing care for those at the end-of-life face physical, psycho-social, emotional, and/or financial challenges. However, there is a paucity of research towards the effectiveness of available interventions for this vulnerable population. The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate the availability and efficacy of interventions for ICs providing hospice and palliative/end-of-life care in Canada. Methods: Using Arksey and O’Malley's five step framework, a scoping review was conducted in the spring of 2020. Key electronic healthcare, social sciences, and grey literature databases were searched. Relevant publications from 2005 to 2019 were screened for inclusion criteria, and a thematic content analysis was conducted to summarize all key findings. Results: Initial searches yielded 145 results out of which 114 distinct articles were obtained. De-duplication and final screening yielded 28 sources which met inclusion criteria (22 peer-reviewed articles [78%] and 6 grey sources [22%]; 12 qualitative papers [42%]). Through thematic content analysis, four major themes were identified: [1] Direct financial support, [2] Direct psycho-sociospiritual support, [3] Indirect patient information provision/education, and [4] Indirect patient support. Conclusions: Healthcare practitioners should provide information on patient care and financial aid to ICs. Policies should aim to expand eligibility for and access to financial aid, in particular the Compassionate Care Benefits (CCB). Future research should focus on exploring other interventions, such as physical activities, to better support this vulnerable population. The results from this review will help inform and improve the well-being of ICs providing end-of-life care in Canada and beyond.

The Grief and Bereavement Experiences of Informal Caregivers: A Scoping Review of the North American Literature.

Background: Informal caregivers are a significant part of the hospice and palliative care landscape as members of the interdisciplinary care team. Despite this, little is known about the impact this responsibility has on informal caregivers’ experiences of grief and bereavement. Objective: To address this, a scoping review of the literature was conducted to explore the current state of knowledge toward grief and bereavement of informal caregivers of adult/geriatric patients in the hospice and palliative/end-of-life care realm within North America. Methods: Using Arksey and O’Malley's 5-step framework, key electronic health care and social sciences databases (eg, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest Sociological s, PsycINFO) alongside gray literature sources were searched and screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes. Results: 29 articles met the final inclusion criteria with 3 central themes emerging: (1) mediators of grief, (2) grief experiences, and (3) types of grief. Discussion: Informal caregivers encounter unique grief and bereavement experiences: The range of psychosocial outcomes, both negative and positive, can be affected by various mediators such as caregiver burden, demographics, disease type of the patient being cared for, etc. Bereavement interventions must be designed with the mediators of grief in mind. Conclusions: Understanding the nuances of informal caregivers’ experiences with grief and bereavement will inform and advance practice, policy, and research. Practitioners/clinicians should be further educated on how to properly acknowledge the complexity of grief and bereavement for informal caregivers, specifically paying attention to mediators. Further research needs to consider the role of culture.

Informal Caregiving for People With Life-Limiting Illness: Exploring the Knowledge Gaps.

Background: People with life-limiting illness are increasingly having more care provided to them by informal caregivers (ICs) such as family members and friends. Although there is a substantial amount of literature surrounding informal caregiving, there is a paucity of research from a hospice palliative care angle. To address this knowledge gap, this scoping review explored the effects of/challenges to informal caregiving at the end of life in Canada. Methods: Scoping review of the literature following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Key healthcare and social sciences databases alongside the gray literature were searched. Relevant scholarly and gray literature sources from 2005 to 2019 were screened for inclusion criteria, and a thematic content analysis employed to summarize findings. Results: Of 2,717 initial search results, 257 distinct full text articles were obtained. Following deduplication and screening, 33 met inclusion criteria. Four major themes were identified: (1) Physical health challenges, (2) Psycho-socio-spiritual health challenges, (3) Financial issues, and (4) Health system issues. Gender of ICs was also found to be an important contributor to the differing effects of providing support. Conclusions: This review raises awareness toward ICs regarding the numerous physical, psycho-socio-spiritual, financial, and health system challenges faced during care for people with life-limiting illness. The knowledge gained will inform and advance future practice, policy, and research. Application to interventions (such as caregiver benefits) will assist to improve informal caregiving experiences and outcomes alongside quality of life. Further research is required to understand these unique experiences and the challenges of minority IC populations.

Anti inflammatory activity of Silver nanoparticles synthesised using Cumin oil

Aim: To evaluate the anti inflammatory activity of silver nanoparticles synthesised using Cumin oil. Introduction: Silver nanoparticles are today a standout amongst the most generally utilised Nanoparticles both in key therapeutic sciences and clinical practice. Silver particles are connected to modified cell demise, and expanded cytotoxicity in specific conditions. Materials and method: Preparation of denaturation particles using Cumin oil and evaluating the anti inflammatory activity by using albumin denaturation assay technique. Results: The characteristic surface plasmon absorption band were observed at 440nm. It is observed that with the increase in concentration, the anti-inflammatory activity of silver nanoparticles increases. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles synthesized using cumin oil exhibit potent anti inflammatory activity and hence can be used along with anti inflammatory drugs, which would potentiate the effect of the drugs.

Sustainability, polysaccharide science, and bio-economy

At the opening of the 2nd EPNOE conference the role and responsibility of polysaccharide scientists was reflected upon and placed in the context of actual global issues like the transition process towards “sustainable bio-economy”. Difficulties in the chain of communication between the different parties involved and towards the wider public was addressed. The need for change in the relations between science and the public and to go beyond the horizon of the specialization was discussed. It was stated that polysaccharide science is one of the key sciences in those transitions.

NCI explores “provocative questions”

NCI explores “provocative questions”

The Extended Nutrigenomics - Understanding the Interplay between the Genomes of Food, Gut Microbes, and Human Host.

Comprehensive investigation of nutritional health effects at the molecular level requires the understanding of the interplay between three genomes, the food, the gut microbial, and the human host genome. Food genomes are researched for discovery and exploitation of macro- and micronutrients as well as specific bioactives, with those genes coding for bioactive proteins and peptides being of central interest. The human gut microbiota encompasses a complex ecosystem in the intestine with profound impact on host metabolism. It is being studied at genomic and, more recently, also at proteomic and metabonomic level. Humans are being characterized at the level of genetic pre-disposition and inter-individual variability in terms of (i) response to nutritional interventions and direction of health trajectories; (ii) epigenetic, metabolic programming at certain life stages with health consequences later in life and even for subsequent generations; and (iii) acute genomic expression as a holistic response to diet, monitored at gene transcript, protein and metabolite level. Modern nutrition science explores health-related aspects of bioactive food components, thereby promoting health, preventing, or delaying the onset of disease, optimizing performance and assessing benefits and risks in individuals and subpopulations. Personalized nutrition means adapting food to individual needs, depending on the human host’s life stage, -style, and -situation. Traditionally, nutrigenomics and nutri(epi)genetics are seen as the key sciences to understand human variability in preferences and requirements for diet as well as responses to nutrition. This article puts the three nutrition and health-relevant genomes into perspective, namely the food, the gut microbial and the human host’s genome, and calls for an “extended nutrigenomics” approach in order to build the future tools for personalized nutrition, health maintenance, and disease prevention. We discuss examples of these genomes, proteomes, transcriptomes, and metabolomes under the definition of genomics as the overarching term covering essentially all Omics rather than the sole study of DNA and RNA.

Interdisciplinary Research Frontiers: A Neurologist’s Perspective

Interdisciplinary Research Frontiers: A Neurologist’s Perspective

Ecoregions and Ecoregionalization: Geographical and Ecological Perspectives

Ecoregions, i.e., areas exhibiting relative homogeneity of ecosystems, are units of analysis that are increasingly important in environmental assessment and management. Ecoregions provide a holistic framework for flexible, comparative analysis of complex environmental problems. Ecoregions mapping has intellectual foundations in both geography and ecology. However, a hallmark of ecoregions mapping is that it is a truly interdisciplinary endeavor that demands the integration of knowledge from a multitude of sciences. Geographers emphasize the role of place, scale, and both natural and social elements when delineating and characterizing regions. Ecologists tend to focus on environmental processes with special attention given to energy flows and nutrient cycling. Integration of disparate knowledge from the many key sciences has been one of the great challenges of ecoregions mapping, and may lie at the heart of the lack of consensus on the "optimal" approach and methods to use in such work. Through a review of the principal existing US ecoregion maps, issues that should be addressed in order to advance the state of the art are identified. Research related to needs, methods, data sources, data delivery, and validation is needed. It is also important that the academic system foster education so that there is an infusion of new expertise in ecoregion mapping and use.

Editorial

Welcome to this new journal of the Social Policy Association, whose fundamental aim is to bring the study of social policy to a wider audience. It intends to mark itself out as distinct from its older sister, the Journal of Social Policy, the leading journal in the discipline, yet at the same time remain closely associated with it and complement its work. Drawing upon research and developments in all key social sciences, the journal will aim to provide an important new outlet for relevant, contemporary and stimulating articles from the specialist and non-specialist alike on a wide variety of issues concerning public and social policy. Articles can be theoretical or empirical in nature (or both) or speculative, but all will be authoritatively written.

Chemical education and the pharmaceutical industry

The burgeoning need for molecular scientists in the pharmaceutical industry is fueled by the evolving nature of chemistry, biology, and physics, the applications of which are best assisted by an understanding of the use of informatics. The legitimate common interests of society, government, industry, and higher education systems dictate a fresh look at curricular issues associated with the training of molecular scientists, i.e. chemists. Some suggestions are offered. An education in science starts with mathematics, nowadays, certainly joined by information technology, followed closely by the three key experimental sciences of physics, chemistry, and biology. Later on, the research dimension is added, constituting an instrument for the creation of new knowledge. The process involved is characterized by its mostly interdisciplinary nature, resulting from the expanding overlap between the basic scientific disciplines (see Figs 1-3), a rapidly growing complexity, and the

GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS OF MEDICAL EDUCATION

Summary The extremely rapid changes in the world about us mean that it is imperative to re-evaluate the role of the doctor and consequently medical education. Virtually all countries are experiencing increasing pressure on health care expenditure, particularly through expanded use of medical technology, whereas people seem to have unlimited demand, whilst resources remain limited. How can doctors balance overall benefit against cost, and make medicine a matter of empathy, not merely a commodity? There is ever-mounting evidence pointing to environment and lifestyle as the key factors affecting health status. In order to cope with these pressures and truly promote the goals of primary health care, it is essential that medical education is broadened to encompass key social sciences, and that doctors are better oriented towards the concerns of the community. Medical training must reflect the needs of end users, and this has extensive implications for admissions policy, medical curricula, teaching methods and medical ethics.