Scientific Ethics Research Articles

Revisiting two dogmas of conservation science.

Conservation science is a morally motivated field, with implicit and explicit values built into its practice. As such, conservationists must engage with conservation ethics to interrogate underlying values. We examined cutting-edge ecological science and contemporary ethics to revisit 2 conservation norms that have become dogmatic in the field: ecological collectives, but not individual animals, are valuable and anthropomorphism should be staunchly avoided. Emerging studies demonstrate that individuals and their intraspecific variation can be instrumentally valuable for conservation science, and there is an emerging consensus within environmental philosophy around the moral worth of individuals. Thus, we suggest conservation science should explicitly recognize the value of individuals. We also argue that avoiding anthropomorphism is detrimental to conservation because critical anthropomorphism enables a more nuanced scientific approach-allowing conservationists to ask enlightened questions with creativity and compassion. We provide evidence that both dogmatic norms are scientifically and morally outdated and propose new normative values to push conservation toward more robust science and ethical practice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

“Banten” The Balinese Sacred Ceremony Component and Their Implication in Science Learning

Banten is one local wisdom and culture of the Balinese Hindu community. One of banten is banten suci. When examined, the implication of science learning of banten suci, especially in the biotic and abiotic materials. The research aims to explore the banten as a local genius and connect the component inside the science learning process. The methodology used was qualitative by using triangulation contained by observation, interview-questionnaire, and literature study. The data analysis technique contained data collection, data reduction, and drawing conclusion. The results of the research were banten suci not only meaning philosophically and theologically, but also pedagogically. In its component, banten suci has meanings connected to the science learning context and forming the scientific ethic. Banten suci is one of the local geniuses who composed deeply especially the material and symbolical meaning in its component. That the component in the offerings has implications for learning continuity.

The effects of melissa officinalis on depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetes patients with depression: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundDepression is more common in diabetic patients, with a 1.5-fold increased risk of death.Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis) have anti-diabetic and anti-depression activities. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of M. officinalis extract on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms.MethodsIn this double-blind clinical trial, 60 volunteer patients (age range 20–65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus with symptoms of depression were randomized into the intervention (received 700 mg/day hydroalcoholic extract; n = 30) or control group (received 700 mg/day toasted flour; n = 30). Dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometric indices, FBS (Fasting blood sugar), hs-CRP(High-sensitivity C-reactiveprotein), depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were determined at the beginning and end of the study. Depression and anxiety were assessed by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively; sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsSixty participants received M. officinalis extract or placebo, of which 44 patients completed the 12-week double-blind clinical trial. After 12-week the mean change of depression and anxiety scores were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively), but no significant differences were observed in FBS, hs-CRP, anthropometric indices, sleep quality, and blood pressure.In the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in depression and anxiety severity(p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) at the end of the study compared to the baseline.Trial registrationAll protocols in this study were followed in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration (1989 revision). Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Iran University of Medical Sciences Ethics committee (IR.IUMS.FMD.REC 1396.9413468004; research.iums.ac.ir). The study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT201709239472N16); Registration date: 09/10/2017.

Problem-Based Learning virtual with a peer tutor in pandemic

To know the experience of first-year medical students at Universidad Austral de Chile regarding virtual Problem-Based learning (PBL) tutorials carried out by peer tutors during the second semester of 2021. Quantitative and qualitative research, transversal, descriptive. The non-probabilistic sample consisted of 45 medical students who participated in virtual PBL tutorials with peer tutors. Data collection through an anonymous and voluntary opinion survey comprised two areas: methodology and role of the tutor, considering open questions related to facilitating and hindering aspects. Quantitative data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics with frequency measurements. The qualitative ones with progressive reduction. Study approved by the Scientific Ethics Committee, Valdivia Health Service. There is a high degree of satisfaction in all three areas. Both in the qualitative and quantitative results, the participants positively value the performance of the peer tutor, highlighting empathy, commitment, trust, facilitation, feedback, and a good learning environment, allowing collaborative learning. Unlike the quantitative, the qualitative is more frequently identified as hindering factors, poor internet connection, excessive curricular load, and lack of knowledge about the methodology by the tutor. Although the preparation of peer tutors for PBL tutorials is essential, it is even more critical in virtual mode since they face challenges such as managing virtual platforms and achieving effective communication that allows learning collaboratively.

Citizen Science to improve healthy and active living among adolescents in four European countries: a protocol of the cluster randomised controlled trial of the Science Engagement to Empower aDolescentS (SEEDS) project

IntroductionImproving healthy lifestyles of adolescents is challenging. Citizen Science is a way to engage them in the design and delivery of interventions, and may also increase their interest in science,...

Effect of modified alternate day fasting diet on the severity of premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life in women with overweight or obesity: a trial study protocol

IntroductionPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) includes a range of physical, behavioural and psychological symptoms and decreases women’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It has been proposed that increased body mass index (BMI)...

테크니컬 라이팅을 활용한 이공계 글쓰기 교육 연구

This study explored the possibility and significance of the application and use in a broad sense of technical writing in liberal arts Korean classes for science and engineering students. Technical writing is writing with the primary purpose of enhancing the understanding of and convincing the reader.&#x0D; The researcher presented the concept of technical writing in a broad sense. By connecting technical writing to the obligation of scientists and engineers to deliver information, it was expanded to discuss the sociology and ethics of science to reveal the relationship between science and society. Furthermore, the components and methods of technical writing were explained using news, columns, and webtoons, through which students expanded their perception of scientific ethics through technical writing to prevent and remedy damage caused by false scientific and technological information.&#x0D; Writing classes using technical writing that clearly conveys scientific and technological information will help students improve their communication skills and ethical skills based on social responsibility.

On the innovation virtue of scientists

Innovation has become more and more important to the social development of the 21st century. It is not only the driving force behind social development, but also a manifestation of the comprehensive strength of various countries on the international stage. It plays a vital role in the development of any country. This paper makes a targeted elaboration on the group of scientists who are the main force that influences the development of innovation. In addition, this study also reveals the internal development mechanism that affects the development of scientific ethics, and puts forward 4 targeted suggestions based on examples.

Pandangan Aksiologi terhadap Geoengineering sebagai Usaha Untuk Mengatasi Pemanasan Global

The industrial revolution plays a very important role in making the world more advanced, for example with the creation of motor vehicles, power plants, and fertilizers used in agriculture. There have been many disasters that have occurred caused by global warming such as storms, hurricanes, heavy rains, and changes in planting seasons. One way that can be done is by doing a geoengineering strategy. Geoengineering is an attempt to manipulate the Earth's climate to counter the effects of global warming. In the study of axiology, a science or theory must be studied about its uses which include ethics, goodness, badness, and aesthetics. Some of the world's leading Institutes have and will research geoengineering and seek the potential benefits of this science. However, if the concept of climate manipulation is misused as a weapon of war (Operation Popeye) and technology to destroy an area (HAARP), then geoengineering is said to have violated scientific ethics. Therefore, an axiological study of geoengineering strategies is important to do.

Ethics considerations on brain-computer interface technology

The development and potential application of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is closely related to the human brain, so that the ethical regulation of BCI has become an important issue attracting the consideration of society. Existing literatures have discussed the ethical norms of BCI technology from the perspectives of non-BCI developers and scientific ethics, while few discussions have been launched from the perspective of BCI developers. Therefore, there is a great need to study and discuss the ethical norms of BCI technology from the perspective of BCI developers. In this paper, we present the user-centered and non-harmful BCI technology ethics, and then discuss and look forward on them. This paper argues that human beings can cope with the ethical issues arising from BCI technology, and as BCI technology develops, its ethical norms will be improved continuously. It is expected that this paper can provide thoughts and references for the formulation of ethical norms related to BCI technology.

Experience of the National Research Fund of Mozambique

The rapid growth of research units on the African continent has been identified as a preponderant factor in achieving their development. However, this assumption remains a mirage and demands from science managers a deep reflection on the practices of integrity and ethics in research in order to reinforce the quality of its results. Our reflection on the relevance of Integrity and Ethics in research practice, taking the case of Mozambique as an example based on the analysis of legislation and experiences of the National Research Fund (FNI) of Mozambique. The results demonstrated a commitment by the government to boost research based on integrity and ethics, which is evidenced by the fact that in 2007 the country approved the Code of Ethics for Science and Technology through Decree n. 71/2007, of December 24th. However, the rapid growth of research institutions (Universities, institutes and research centers) in the last ten years and the promotion of research by the FNI and other organizations has raised the largest scientific production in the country, with emphasis on the health area that between 2014 -2018 concentrated 60% of all publications in the country. In this way, several government initiatives (MCTES-FNI) and with partners such as UNESCO, are underway to boost national ethics committees in Mozambique.

Experience from the Research Foundation of South Africa

Scientific Ethics and Research Integrity plays an important role for the researcher, the institution that hosts the researcher and the funding agency funding the research. The applicants applying for funding are doing so with research credentials/publications assumed were obtained ethical and with integrity. Based on the applicant info provided in the proposal is reviewed and then funded the funding agency. The agency expects the applicant to submit a proposal in an ethical manner and subsequently creating research output that has integrity and obtain ethically. Funding agency main objective is not to police researchers to see if they are applying ethical and ensure research outputs that of high integrity. It is therefore important that funding agencies engage with research organisations to work closely with other agencies involved in research for example universities, research councils, policy makers etc. However, funding agencies need to implement protective mechanism to prevent and monitor any unethical behaviour and ensure that integrity principles were adhere to when applicants apply for funding. An internal standard operating procedure (SOP) document was developed to handle unethical conduct. The document needs to allow for a fair and transparent process. Due the fact that the applicant, the institute of the applicant and the panel that identify the misconduct, a structure process should be followed. When applicant found guilty of misconduct, it is up to the respective applicant institution to come up with appropriate punishment the applicant. The funding agency can institute additional restriction such as preventing the guilty applicant to apply for funding for a set period. The funding agency should insist on a rehabilitation process and sensitise other applicants (as a deterrent) from refraining from unethical practises. Ethical research and research integrity are important obligation from the research, the researcher institute, the funding agency and the broader science system all the role player serve. Identifying violation of the ethical and integrity principles should allow for actions to be taken and the gaps that existed to be close.

Ethics in Science, Technology and Innovation: Proposed regulation

Within the scope of the responsibility of promoting policies and legislation in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (CTI) and the materialization of its Action Plan of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI), a proposal for a General Code is presented of Ethics in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGECTI). This proposal arises from the need to fill gaps in the legislation on ethics in science and technology and was created with a view to presenting the general principles of ethics in carrying out Scientific Research and Experimental Development, Technology Transfer and Innovation activities; to promote the monitoring of the application of ethical principles internationally established and applicable to the exercise of scientific research, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic, International Conventions, National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation, the Statute of the Career of Scientific Investigators in force and other applicable legislation; and contribute to the scientific affirmation of Angola in the context of nations. Likewise, the aforementioned code proposal should consider principles and elements such as transversality, compatibility, definitions, supervision, honesty, integrity, training and skills and security. The preparation of this code proposal was based on some bibliographic sources produced by UNESCO, OECD, the Republic of Mozambique and Higher Education Institutions. The proposal comprises seven chapters divided by object, scope and purpose; ethical principles; national ethics commission; scientific area ethical council; duties and rights; sanctions; and final provisions. The proposal highlights the creation of a plural national commission, involving sectors of the state, the private sector, academic and scientific institutions, professional associations and civil society, as well as the formation of ethics committees by scientific area. This proposal should be submitted to the actors of the National System of Science, Technology and Innovation for contributions.

Integrity and Ethics in Scientific Research: What's the Problem?

It discusses what constitutes the problem of Integrity and Ethics in Scientific Research worldwide and, in particular, what challenge it poses to FUNDECIT in Angola, based on its Statute, literature and press reports. Research produces scientific knowledge which, ever since, and even more so in the modern information/global knowledge society, is the basis of the economy and development. Good practices in the application of the scientific method, integrity, ethics and deontology make it possible to permanently obtain reliable and relevant knowledge. Bad practices, on the other hand, corrupt the system by introducing potentially wrong knowledge, waste resources, and create unfair competition. Thus, all actors in science (researchers, research groups, research and development institutions, funding agencies and global organizations) must promote training and education, policies and practices that are honest and pro-ethical. FUNDECIT's Statute advocates “respecting ethical standards, with a view to protecting and ensuring integrity” and promoting training in project management. Although medicine, bioethics, the environment, and other areas have their specificities, no investigation dispenses with integrity and ethics. The Creating a Culture of Publication Integrity Together (https://publicationethics.org/) and Plagiarism (https://plagiarism.org/), the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals websites (https://www.icmje.org/icmje -recommendations.pdf), and the BMJ Scientific Misconduct (https://www.bmj.com/abou0tbmj/ resourcesauthors/formspoliciesandchecklists/scientificmisconduct) deal with this matter. The challenge publish or perish cannot be done at the expense of integrity, ethics and truth. As Mia Couto says, “you have to show that it pays to be honest” (https://www.geledes.org.br/discurso-proferido-por-mia-couto-ao-receber-o-titulo-doutor-honoriscausa-pela-universidade-politecnica-de-maputo/).

Adam Ferguson on true religion, science, and moral progress

ABSTRACT This paper affirms the central role of religion in Adam Ferguson's practical thought by offering a new reading of his view on the interrelations between true religion, science, moral progress, and immortality. Fergusonian true religion, it is shown, originates in the understanding of wise, benevolent Providence which the physical and moral sciences offer when they become comprehensive. This understanding, in turn, grounds a neo-Stoic religious ethic. Having true religion then means: knowing the providential order, and virtuously acting upon a proper understanding of one's place, potential, and limits in this order. For Ferguson, it is argued, it is each individual's own responsibility to morally progress on the basis of true religion. The paper thus opposes interpretations of Ferguson's view of moral progress as the irreversible result of the species’ ever-increasing insight in the details of nature as a providential order. Human societies can only offer a fertile backdrop that enables individuals to live rationally and virtuously. The highest possible degree of human moral-religious progress is to be realized in the afterlife – if the individual has lived sufficiently virtuously on earth so as to merit entrance to the afterlife's progressive scene. Nevertheless, Ferguson's focus remains firmly on religion's value for this life.

Technological trajectories as an outcome of the structure-agency interplay at the national level: Insights from emerging varieties of AI

Development studies have paid less attention to the role of technological innovations and we are yet to understand how, and more importantly why, technological trajectories differ across countries. This gap becomes sharper as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly important in addressing many world development challenges. Drawing on insights from institutional work literature, this paper develops a structure-agency interplay framework to unravel the various trajectories of emerging technologies at the national level and examines the development and diffusion of AI in Canada and China. The findings show that Canada’s stable institutional environment, reinforced through institutional work by various actors, generated a national AI trajectory driven by technology development through a strong focus on scientific research and ethics, with slower organic commercialisation of AI. In China, a dynamic and loose institutional structure characterised by lax regulations, low entry barriers, and high openness to novelties has resulted in a market-driven AI trajectory focused on technology commercialisation, with domestic digital giants and the government as dominant players. National-level dynamics in formal institutions, informal institutions, technologies, and actor strategies determine heterogeneous approaches to technology development and diffusion, giving rise to varieties of technological trajectories. The levels of institutionalisation exert different forces and create different spaces for institutional work across different geographical contexts.

Studies in chemistry education under the perspective of the animal issue: a review on the international literature

Guided by the questioning about how issues related to animals are addressed in research aimed at teaching chemistry, we conducted a review in international journals in science, chemistry, education and animal ethics, seeking to identify a possible dialogue between the themes. Highlighting the novelty of these possible relations, the objective was to assemble a panoramic impression of it, assuming that inserting the animal theme in chemistry classes would improve learning, the development of values generally associated with a critical citizen, and would promote significant practices linked to the questioning of reality. In line with the themes of the works found, we built a theoretical basis on the issue between animal consumption and the future of the environment, followed by the methodology and analysis of the selected articles, divided into three categories: environmental chemistry as driving issue to construct scientific concepts, discussions on food and nutrition through a scientific view, and introduction of concepts, analysis and methods through food chemistry. The analyzed texts brought several aspects of the investigated relations, dealing with both food health and environmental problems. Along with that, they explored numerous pedagogical possibilities in order to raise awareness and make the teaching-learning process more attractive and effective. Among the conclusions, there is that animal ethics, through its various aspects, is either not contemplated or appears in a veiled way by publications in the area of chemistry education. We recognize that there is a long way to go in search of a new perception.

Chinese academic community speaks out on He Jiankui again: Consensus statement on the challenges and responses of science and technology ethics governance

Chinese academic community speaks out on He Jiankui again: Consensus statement on the challenges and responses of science and technology ethics governance

The evolution of research evaluation in China

Reforming the research evaluation system is essentially a struggle between the academic aristocracy, which professes expert approaches to evaluation, and the scientific bureaucracy, which seeks to ensure the dictate of numerical indicators. A representative example is the evolution of this confrontation in China, where a long-term commitment to international scientometric databases made it possible to achieve world leadership in terms of the number of publications. However, these achievements were accompanied by negative effects caused by deterioration in the personnel policy of universities, the reduction of academic freedoms, changes in the publication behavior of researchers, and violations of scientific ethics. This led to a reform of the national evaluation system, namely, the strengthening of the role of expertise, the priority dissemination of scientific information at the national level, and the restriction of open access publications. This considers the history of the formation of and changes in the research evaluation system in China, its positive and negative effects, as well as new scientific practices, their likely consequences, and the possibility to apply them in other countries.

How Can IJDS Authors, Reviewers, and Editors Use (and Misuse) Generative AI?

How Can <i>IJDS</i> Authors, Reviewers, and Editors Use (and Misuse) Generative AI?