Scientific Research Articles

Claiming Relevance for Social Science and the Humanities: Relevance Expressions Across Methodological Divides

AbstractThis article addresses the issue of how Social Science and Humanities (SSH) researchers frame and argue relevance, where there are no explicit expectations to do so. It uses research project reports submitted to a Swedish research council, to distil and further analyze ‘relevance expressions’. These expressions illustrate some methodological differences along the lines of the long-standing distinction between nomothetic (generalization oriented) and idiographic (case /description oriented). We extracted relevance claims from a database of project abstracts and reports from the following fields: History, Linguistics, Political Science and Psychology. We interrogated these statements for possible differences with respect to how relevance is expressed. The study finds differences in the way that nomothetic and idiographic expressions imply, argue or derive support for relevance, and that these may be somewhat associated with fields, although with certain qualifications. Importantly, relevance expressions can be viewed as epistemic operations that occur in degrees of concretization, broadly or narrowly formulated, and in different levels of everyday and technical expressions. A key insight is that relevance in SSH appears to be closely associated with the way subjects relate to the empirical. This ultimately lends support for the application of the nomothetic/idiographic as a conceptual, albeit not exhaustive, analytical approach to understanding the relevance of SSH.

Chinese-Style Fiscal Decentralization, Government Innovation Investment, and Regional Innovation

Innovation is a key driver of high-quality economic development. Building strong relationships between central and local financial authorities, with a clear division of powers and responsibilities and well-coordinated fiscal resources, is both practical and significant. Such collaboration enhances the government’s ability to support scientific and technological innovation, leading to improved outcomes. In this study, multiple mechanisms of fiscal decentralization and government innovation investment in regional innovation were explored based on Chinese-style fiscal decentralization, the theory of fiscal decentralization, and the innovation system. Provincial panel data from 2008 to 2021 were used to examine both the direct effect of fiscal decentralization and the mediating effect of government innovation investment on regional innovation. The results show that fiscal decentralization distorts the government’s fiscal expenditure behavior, significantly inhibiting regional innovation enhancement. The results of a mechanism analysis demonstrate that fiscal decentralization weakens the government’s support and guidance for scientific and technological innovation, but increasing innovation investment can offset this effect and enhance the regional innovation level. Overall, fiscal decentralization negatively affects regional innovation by inhibiting the government’s innovation investment. To address these challenges, the fiscal system requires deeper reform, adjusting the relationship between central and local governments. Additional measures should include improving the government’s performance appraisal system, guiding local authorities to adopt appropriate performance perspectives, increasing fiscal expenditure and the government’s role in scientific and technological innovation, and enhancing independent scientific and technological innovation.

Micro-Powers Scientific Research: Opening a New Chapter

Recently, there have been several scientific breakthroughs in the fields of micro- and nanoscience [...]

The fall of Adolphe Thiers on 24 may 1873: documentary evidence from the Russian embassy in Paris

In this article, the author analyses the causes and circumstances of the downfall of Adolphe Thiers, the first President of the Third French Republic. He held the office from 31 August 1871 until 24 May 1873, when he was compelled to resign. Although Thiers’ tenure as president was relatively brief, encompassing less than two years, it was of significant consequence in the establishment of the republican system in France. In many ways, this was the personal merit of President Thiers, who publicly espoused the cause of the republic, for which he was compelled to relinquish his post as head of state. The reasons for Thiers’ downfall have been the subject of considerable historical analysis. In this study, the author draws upon hitherto overlooked sources, thereby offering a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of an already well-researched topic. The focus of this inquiry is confidential diplomatic communications from the Russian Embassy in Paris. This source is significant in that it demonstrates that both the Russian ambassador to France, Prince Nikolay Orlov, and the embassy counsellor Grigory Okunev had direct contact with Thiers, enjoyed his confidence, and were well aware of the plans and intentions of the President of the Republic. They frequently met with him and his ministers, attended meetings of the National Assembly, and were thus able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political process that gave rise to the republican system in France. It can be argued that their assessments and judgments are of significant interest to the historian. This is particularly true when considering the dispatches and analytical notes compiled at the Russian embassy in Paris for Emperor Alexander II by Chancellor Gorchakov. These documents have not attracted the appropriate level of attention from researchers for a considerable period of time and therefore represent a valuable and underutilised resource for historical research.

Five new species in the Afrotropical genus Gnathodes Whalley (Lepidoptera: Thyrididae, Siculodinae) with the description of the female of Gnathodes fiscinella Whalley

An examination of the Thyrididae material housed in the collections of the African Natural History Research Trust (ANHRT) has resulted in the discovery of five new species of Gnathodes Whalley, 1971 which are described in this paper: Gnathodes parallela sp. nov. (Cameroon), G. pallida sp. nov. (Liberia), G. ndoki sp. nov. (Republic of Congo), G. smithi sp. nov. (Liberia) and G. whalleyi sp. nov. (Liberia). The hitherto unknown female of G. fiscinella Whalley, 1971 is also illustrated and its genitalia described here for the first time.

The Health Benefits of Ghee: A Comparative Analysis of Ayurvedic and Modern Scientific Perspectives: A Review

The scientific perspective on dairy fats, including ghee, is evolving. In the past, dairy fats were thought to have adverse health effects, but recent research is revealing their functional benefits and the positive aspects of their fatty acids. This shift in scientific understanding has sparked interest in ghee, a clarified butter derived from milk, which holds cultural significance in India and plays a prominent role in Ayurvedic medicine. While modern scientific studies on ghee’s benefits are limited, Ayurvedic literature extensively documents its therapeutic potential, categorizing different types of ghee based on factors like milk source, manufacturing methodand maturation. To explore ghee’s therapeutic potential further, researchers conducted a review comparing Ayurvedic literature to modern scientific studies. These mentions were grouped into various health benefit clusters. While recent research emphasized cardiovascular health and skin benefits, Ayurveda, an ancient medical system, has emphasized cognitive benefits, gastrointestinal healthand overall nourishment. These aspects are gaining significance as the world’s population ages and chronic diseases become more common. As scientists work to address these health issues, they can look to the detailed descriptions in Ayurvedic texts. These texts provide information about the animal sources of ghee, how it is processedand how it is aged, as well as its associated health benefits. This knowledge could offer valuable insights for guiding future research efforts. Exploring ghee’s traditional usage and formulations could lead to new scientific discoveries and potentially innovative approaches to addressing modern health challenges.

Global mobility of the recent STEM postdoctoral workforce registered in ORCID

Abstract Postdoctoral researchers contribute to scientific, technological, and societal innovations under the supervision of academic faculty and domain experts. Their international movements facilitate the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and thus are important for research and development. To understand postdoctoral mobility at a global scale, this paper analyzes self-reported career trajectories of postdoctoral researchers by leveraging Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID), focusing on five STEM fields: Biological Sciences, Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering, and Physical Sciences. The U.S. and European countries are major destinations for the first postdoctoral position across the selected fields, and three Asian countries – China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea – also attract postdoctoral researchers in Chemical Sciences and Engineering. Gender differences are observed for some specific cases mainly due to the tendency that female postdoctoral researchers are more likely to stay in a single country or less likely to move to the U.S. for the second postdoctoral position compared to male postdoctoral researchers. The results would be leveraged to design science and technology policies for postdoctoral researchers in consideration of additional factors, such as culture and language. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00341

The Scandinavian Journal of Economics at 125: a bibliometric overview

AbstractEstablished in 1899 by David Davidson, The Scandinavian Journal of Economics is one of the most respected journals in the field of economics. In 2024, the journal celebrates its 125th anniversary. To commemorate this exceptional event, this study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the publications of the journal. The objective is to identify the leading trends that have occurred in the journal, especially during the last decades. The bibliographic data are retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases. The work also uses the VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software tools to construct and visualize bibliometric maps. The results reveal that authors affiliated with Scandinavian institutions are the most productive in the journal, along with those from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The keyword and topical analysis shows that The Scandinavian Journal of Economics covers a wide range of topics within economics, publishing frequently on labour, monetary, public, and international economics.

Herbal DPP-4 Inhibitors: Comprehensive Review of their Effectiveness, Safety and Environmental Fate in Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus continues to be a worldwide health concern, which calls for the ongoing investigation of novel therapeutic options. This review aims to examine the developing field of herbal dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors as a potentially useful approach to managing diabetes. Because of their ability to suppress the breakdown of incretin hormones, DPP-4 inhibitors have become increasingly popular due to their role in improving glycemic control. This review focuses on the rising evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of herbal alternatives, although synthetic DPP-4 inhibitors have been used extensively in the past. The pharmacological actions of several herbal substances with DPP-4 inhibitory characteristics are extensively examined in this review. These natural chemicals have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties derived from traditional medicinal plants. This study also sheds light on the molecular processes via which these herbal medicines inhibit DPP-4. In addition, the study assesses the efficacy of herbal DPP-4 inhibitors in both animal and human studies, providing a critical evaluation of both types of research. The research of natural alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals not only broadens the therapeutic landscape but also highlights the significance of merging traditional wisdom with modern scientific breakthroughs. This is because natural alternatives were not previously available. Herbal DPP-4 inhibitors may emerge as significant additions to the arsenal of anti-diabetic drugs as research in this field continues to advance. These inhibitors would provide a holistic and sustainable approach to the treatment of diabetes.

Leveraging AI and Data Visualization for Enhanced Policy-Making: Aligning Research Initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals

Scientists, research institutions, funding agencies, and policy-makers have all emphasized the need to monitor and prioritize research investments and outputs to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, many current and historic research publications, proposals, and grants were not categorized against the SDGs at the time of submission. Manual post hoc classification is time-consuming and prone to human biases. Even when classified, few tools are available to decision makers for supporting resource allocation. This paper aims to develop a deep learning classifier for categorizing research abstracts by the SDGs and a decision support system for research funding policy-makers. First, we fine-tune a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model using a dataset of 15,488 research abstracts from authors at leading Brazilian universities, which were preprocessed and balanced for training and testing. Second, we present a PowerBI dashboard that visualizes classifications for supporting informed resource allocation for sustainability-focused research. The model achieved an F1-score, precision, and recall exceeding 70% for certain classes and successfully classified existing projects, thereby enabling better tracking of Agenda 2030 progress. Although the model is capable of classifying any text, it is specifically optimized for Brazilian research due to the nature of its fine-tuning data.

Expected features of the course leader in the rehabilitation healthcare professionals' higher education: A qualitative study on students' perspectives.

Course leaders in rehabilitation healthcare professionals' higher education face challenges stemming from multi-disciplinarity and the co-existence of different stakeholders. So far, the literature mainly attributed to course leaders' managerial tasks, neglecting other fundamental transversal skills. Students represent an essential source of information for understanding the expected characteristics and roles of course leaders in rehabilitation healthcare degree programmes. This study explored students' expected features of the course leaders in the rehabilitation healthcare professionals' higher education. A qualitative interview study was carried out. A group of recent graduates and students of the MSc in 'Healthcare Professionals Rehabilitation Sciences' (University of Verona, Verona, Italy) was recruited using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using 'Reflexive Thematic Analysis' by Braun & Clarke. Ten healthcare professionals agreed to partake in the study (age 30 ± 9; men N = 2; women N = 8). Five themes were generated from the analysis: 1) 'A Collaborative Manager', as students perceived course leaders as non-authoritarian managers who involved all the stakeholders in the decision-making process addressing aspects such as curriculum adjustments, program improvements, and any challenges faced; 2) 'A Diplomatic yet Honest Communicator', as students needed course leaders capable of communicating transparently; 3) 'A Flexible Mediator', as course leaders should actively listen to all stakeholders, mitigating conflicts; 4) 'An Empathic and Available Guide', as students need course leaders available and ready to help; 5) 'An Experienced Healthcare Professional', as students felt course leaders should have a clinical background related to the course they lead. The results of this study suggested that students expect the course leaders to have a wide range of qualities and attitudes about soft (i.e., adaptation, communication, organisation skills, teamwork) and hard skills (i.e., clinical experience, evidence-based practice updated). They expect a course leader to consider all stakeholders' needs and preferences to guarantee course harmony and satisfaction.

A systematic literature review of attitudes, intentions and behaviours of teaching academics pertaining to AI and generative AI (GenAI) in higher education: An analysis of GenAI adoption using the UTAUT framework

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has outpaced existing research and regulatory frameworks in higher education, leading to varied institutional responses. Although some educators and institutions have embraced AI and generative AI (GenAI), other individuals remain cautious. This systematic literature review explored teaching academics' attitudes, perceptions and intentions towards AI and GenAI, identifying perceived benefits and obstacles. Utilising the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology framework, this study reveals positive attitudes towards AI's efficiency and teaching enhancement, but also significant concerns about academic integrity, accuracy, reliability, skill development and the need for comprehensive training and policies. These findings underscore the necessity for institutional support to navigate the integration of AI and GenAI in tertiary education. Implications for practice or policy: Attitudes towards AI and GenAI integration are diverse with educators recognising benefits but raising ethical and practical concerns. These concerns indicate a need for a more comprehensive understanding and dialogue within academic communities. Academics' intentions to use these technologies are contingent upon the development of robust ethical guidelines and supportive institutional policies. Institutional support and training shape behaviours. The scarcity of formal training, systematic guidelines and policy frameworks currently limits effective integration.

Predictions for 2025: Artificial Intelligence in Modern Drug Development, Quantum Proof Encryption, and Health Data Monetization

We are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of scientific discoveries, technology innovations, exponential adoption of technology and remarkable population demographic shifts towards a digitally native society. The Noble Prizes in medicine, chemistry, physics awarded this year further validated the profound impact of technology on healthcare and life sciences. For 2025-designated by the United Nations as The Year of Quantum Technology, we can envision further technology-driven innovations in all domains, triggering the transition to a novel health ecosystem. The role of AI in modern drug development, the demand for quantum-proof encryption, and the opportunities of blockchain in health data monetization are all trends can be disruptive for pharma, healthcare and healthcare finance.

Images and Religious History in Italy

Abstract The aim of this article is to present historical research conducted by Italian historians and art historians who have treated images as historical sources whose testimonial value is the same as that of written (literary and archival) sources. After a brief introduction into the origins of these methods and the development of the Warburgian approach in Italy, some pioneering works will be examined, followed by a selection of more recent studies by historians and art historians. The latter converge in the shared field of iconographic studies, which function as a dual historiographical periphery, shared by both historians and art historians. Although images have been used to explore different aspects of religious life, this essay will focus on the subtle dynamics of religious conflicts, both among Christians and between Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

First person – Rupalatha Maddala

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Rupalatha Maddala is first author on ‘ Ankyrin-B is required for the establishment and maintenance of lens cytoarchitecture, mechanics and clarity’, published in JCS. Rupalatha conducted the research described in this article while a Research Scientist in P. Vasantha Rao's lab at Duke Eye Center, Durham, USA. She is now an Assistant Professor in the same lab investigating molecular mechanisms regulating cytoskeletal organization and their role in ocular tissues function and diseases.

“Spot” archaeological studies in the research on history of city (based on materials of excavations in Tyumen in 2006)

In historical cities, the cultural layer takes an important place in providing research in humanities with new sources of a wide spectrum. The purpose of this article is to introduce the results of excavations in 2006 during the construction of a shopping and entertainment mall on Lenin Street with an area of 58 m2, located on the slope of a ravine near the building of the museum of local lore, that is, on the periphery of the borders of historical Tyumen. Large area of the excavation was crosscut by late housing development, which casted doubts on the pos-sibility of discovery of undisturbed objects at the site. As a result of carried out research, the remains of four buildings located along the edge of the ravine were examined. Within the layer, tools informative on activities of inhabitants of the buildings were discovered. Pottery and clothing finds from intact layers date back to the 17th century. Despite the small area of the examined cultural layer, valuable information has been obtained about the beginning of living of citizens, their adaptation to new conditions and remarkable survival. Residents of the city used, for economic pur-poses, objects made of bone, birch bark, broken glass, fragments of which show traces of secondary use as a strickle, scraper, and polisher. Also found were objects documenting their cultural contacts with the local population (arrowhead, bead). The effectiveness of the study shows that the practice of analysis of the cultural layer is neces-sary for all construction works in the historical areas of the city. In Tyumen, the system of “spot” excavations is the only way to avoid losing valuable sources related to the research of the early history of the city.

Recent Progress in High‐Throughput On‐Chip Synthesis, Screening, and Data‐Driven Optimization: Toward an Electrocatalyst Chip for Catalysis Universe Exploration

AbstractThroughout history, the quest for a “magic crystal ball” to predict the future and uncover the world's greatest innovations has captivated human imagination. For scientists, the dream of a compact chip brimming with data and wisdom is equally tantalizing. Despite the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence, the research paradigm for electrocatalysts has lagged, advancing at a surprisingly sluggish pace. This review aims to promote electrocatalyst informatics and revolutionize high‐performance material discovery by integrating advanced combinatorial on‐chip synthesis, high‐throughput screening, and machine learning‐powered analysis and optimization. The synergistic progress in these fields, envisioning a future where a minimized “electrocatalyst chip” can effortlessly navigate complex chemical spaces within a “data fablab” is critically examined. This innovative paradigm promises to accelerate the discovery of crucial materials, offering tangible solutions to pressing global challenges in energy, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement. This strategy is believed to hold great potential to transform the landscape of catalyst discovery and unleash a new wave of scientific breakthroughs.

QANIXÇAY (ALAZAN) ARXEOLOJİ MƏDƏNİYYƏTİ

One of the important and insufficiently resolved issues in modern Azerbaijani historiography and archeology is the archaeological culture of Ganikhchay (Alazan). The relevance of the article is to solve the tasks set for the solution of this problem. For the first time in the article, material culture findings representing the archaeological culture of Ganikhchay (Alazan) were studied, different and new scientific conclusions were obtained. The application of these results, which constitute the scientific innovation of the article, in secondary and higher educational institutions is one of the important requirements of today. As a result of the article, it was once again emphasized that these materials are important to be applied in the teaching process, and it was recommended to cover them in relevant publications. In a number of state-level events, including in the field of tourism, the opinion that museum materials are important has been expressed.

Значение Энергетического Сектора в Геоэкономическом Положении Азербайджана в Первом Десятилетии XXI Века

The article analyzes the development path of the energy sector of Azerbaijan over the past quarter century and its geoeconomic significance. The article jointly analyzes the geoeconomic parameters of Azerbaijan’s energy resources and their role in economic diversification for the first time. This analysis covers a certain period of time, during which new proposals are made, such as revising the importance of energy resources in the world and implementing the transition to green energy. Studying the material of the article allows us to consider to a certain extent the nature of the global political course around energy resources and the dividends that it has brought and can bring in the future to Azerbaijan. On the eve of the COP 29 event, it is very important to analyze the positive impact of this event on the geopolitical influence of Azerbaijan and the benefits it brings to its geoeconomic interests. It can also serve as a kind of basic material for researchers conducting research in this direction. The importance of the energy sector in Azerbaijan's geoeconomic situation during the first decade of the 21st century can be explored through several dimensions, including the country's strategic position, its energy resources, and how these elements shaped its geopolitical influence and economic growth. The scientific innovation of this theme lies in understanding the transformational role that Azerbaijan's energy sector played not only in its national development but also in the broader regional and global geopolitical context.

Game Theoretical REIT Acquisitions

This study conceptualized and created the three-person cooperative game. To date, the existing cooperative game is the two-person cooperative game by [Nash, J (1953). Two-person cooperative games. Econometrica, 21(1), 128-140]. The three-person cooperative game leads to cross-subsidization. Therefore, in the context of real estate investment trust (REIT) acquisitions, friendly deals are more beneficial than hostile mergers. The latter finding is consistent with prior studies such as [Womack, KS (2012). Real estate mergers: Corporate control & shareholder wealth. The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, 44(4), 446–471].