Scientific Curiosity Research Articles

Franz Matschinsky, MD (1931–2022): Paragon of Scientific Rigor and Curiosity Who Discovered Glucokinase as the Pancreatic Glucose Sensor

Franz Matschinsky, MD (1931–2022): Paragon of Scientific Rigor and Curiosity Who Discovered Glucokinase as the Pancreatic Glucose Sensor

Students creating videos for learning by teaching from their scientific curiosity

ABSTRACT Background Given the scarce but promising practice of educational interventions based on the creation of teaching materials by students, Bikos Project has been designed. Purpose This article presents and assesses Bikos Project. Pairs of students cooperatively create video tutorials from questions that arise from their scientific curiosity. Four research questions were addressed: (1) Do students improve their specific knowledge about the question?; (2) Do students perceive improvements in their learning?; (3) What do students attribute their learning to?, and (4) How do students evaluate the project?. Sample The project was carried out in two primary schools, with 44 sixth-grade students (i.e. 23 girls and 21 boys aged 11–12 years old), who were grouped in pairs. Each of the 22 pairs of students created two video tutorials. Design and methods A one-group pretest-posttest design was carried out to identify possible improvements in their specific knowledge, and an online survey was administered at the end of the project to gather student perceptions. Results The pretest-posttest shows that students significantly improve their specific knowledge about the questions. They perceive these improvements in specific knowledge, and in other areas of learning, including those related to information searching and the use of technological tools. Mainly, they attribute their learning to choosing the question and to the help from the partner. Digital technologies, cooperative learning, and learning about their questions were positively valued, while time investment, and difficulties when searching for information and recording the voice-over were underlined. Conclusion It seems that the learning benefits of the project are not limited to the specific knowledge about the question, but also involve other areas. However, it is necessary to avoid that the technological aspects of the project monopolize all the attention and deviate it from the main challenge: transforming information into knowledge.

When Science Journalism is Awesome: Measuring Audiences’ Experiences of awe from Reading Science Stories

ABSTRACT In collaboration with professional science journalists, we conducted a national online survey (N = 2,088) to explore facets of awe as potential response states to science journalism and how audiences’ dispositional science curiosity may influence these response states. Our science journalist collaborators identified several “awe-inducing” articles as well as a “business-as-usual” article to use in the survey, and we measured participants’ experiences of awe using the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S). We replicated the factor structure of the AWE-S and found that participants’ generally experienced greater awe from reading the “awe-inducing” science articles compared to the “business-as-usual” one. Only partial support for the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects model was found. Although we found that greater science curiosity predicted greater awe reactions to science journalism, science curiosity did not moderate the relationship between type of article read and experiences of awe. Together, these results demonstrate that audiences can experience awe from reading science journalism and the AWE-S is a good way to capture this emotion for media psychology research.

Ferroelectrets: Recent developments

Ferroelectrets (also called piezoelectrets) are relatively young members in the family of piezo-, pyro- and ferroelectric materials. They exhibit ferroic behaviour phenomenologically undistinguishable from that of traditional ferroelectrics, although the materials per se are essentially non-polar space-charge electrets with artificial macroscopic dipoles (i.e. internally charged cavities). Since ferroelectrets not only represent a scientific curiosity but also have great application potential, they have attracted tremendous attention from science and industry. The research and development of ferroelectrets has witnessed significant progress in the past few years. New ferroelectrets with large transverse piezoelectric activity, biodegradable ferroelectrets as well as 3-D printed ferroelectrets are reported. Charging methods of high efficiency are proposed based on better understanding of the physico-chemical processes during charging. New insights into the piezoelectricity of ferroelectrets are provided. The development of ferroelectret-based piezoelectric-magnetic multimodal transducer films opens up new avenues for the research of ferroelectrets. Particularly, more and more novel applications of ferroelectrets in flexible pressure sensors, health monitoring, energy harvesting, air-coupled ultrasonic non-destructive testing etc. are reported. Here, these exciting recent advancements in the field of ferroelectret research are reviewed and discussed.

Ethno-botanical Utilization of Selected Medicinal Plant Species in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

The ethno-botanical research results were obtained in five communities (Umuagwu, Ogume, Abbi, Kokori and Ekpan) in Delta State and one community (Arue) Esan North East, in Edo State. Acalypha wilkesiana was used for the treatment of high blood pressure by the People of Umuagwu Community, Asaba, Delta State, use of Sida acuta Burm. f. for the treatment of loss of appetite, digestion problem, tuberculosis and general health by Ogume People, Delta State, the use of Aspilia africana (Pers) C.D. for ulcer dressing and wound by the people of Abbi, Delta State, use of Bryophyllum pinnatum for the treatment of haemorrhoids by the people of Kokori, Delta State, use of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) (Boundary Tree) for treatment of difficulty in breathing by the people of Ekpan, Delta State and use of Mallotus oppositifolius for the treatment of haemorrhoids by Arue people of Edo State. Parts of the plants used for preparation included root, leaf, twig, stem and flower. The use of plants for medicinal purposes varied from one community to another depending on their indigenous knowledge on the ethno-botanical application of plants for the treatment of different ailments. The information obtained from the communities was as a result of perennial usage of these plants and the desirable results obtained over the years without negative side effects. This research seeks to document this salient vital information to invoke scientific curiosity and expand the scope of the knowledge for more effective utilization.

Sounding Out Science: the Sonaphor and Electronic Sound Design as a Learning Tool in Secondary Science

The divergent use of digital technologies provides an important opportunity for students to develop critical and postdigital approaches to learning. Despite the rising accessibility of music technology, creatively composed sound is a relatively underexplored educational tool compared to the musical elements of melody, rhythm, and lyrics. Sound’s ability to transfer spatial and temporal information renders it a transformative tool for teaching and learning. Embracing an interdisciplinary approach, our research explores the possibility of supplementing secondary science education with a sound-based learning tool which creatively interprets scientific concepts to increase comprehension and engagement. Building on the existing ways in which science is communicated through music and sound, we have developed the Sonaphor (abbreviated from ‘sonic metaphor’). This article will outline the capacity for experimental electronic sound design to increase engagement in contexts ranging from classrooms through to informal learning environments. We see potential for the Sonaphor as a learning tool that reignites wonder and curiosity in science; it combines learning and creativity in sound design and science, allowing learners to interact with, and create their own Sonaphors. Through exemplar Sonaphors, we highlight a proposed structure and discuss the importance of harmonious script, dialogue, and sound design. The flexibility of the digital medium and increasing ubiquity of sound recording and editing software presents an opportunity for Sonaphors to become ‘living’ digital objects that could be adapted by different narrators, sound designers, and artists for different cultures, languages, syllabi, and purposes that build inclusivity in science education and communication.

Química, Ecotoxicologia e Escola: propostas interdisciplinares

Interdisciplinarity is still considered a challenge in teaching. From this perspective, Ecotoxicology presents itself as a science capable of permeating several areas, especially in Chemistry. The objective of this study was to demonstrate through a narrative literature review, the integration of Chemistry with Ecotoxicology in school education. This study was based on scientific articles and academic papers conducted in Brazil and published in Portuguese. We identified expository, practical and investigative methodologies that are related to chemistry and other subjects and environmental problems that are part of the student’s daily life. Teachers who use interdisciplinary proposals report success in developing critical thoughts and observations by students on the topics discussed. For this reason, the implementation of projects with interdisciplinary teaching and the application of active methodologies should be encouraged. The approximation between universities and schools can be very useful to achieve this objective so that the best infrastructure of laboratories and the knowledge acquired at the university can help in the formation of critical citizens and arouse interest and curiosity for science.

Medicinal plants used in the treatment of snakebite and scorpion sting by the tribes of Shahapur and Jawhar forest division

Many tribal communities living in the forest area deals with emergency cases of snakebite, scorpion sting by using traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. They possess Traditional and authentic information gained from their elders about the antidote for poisonous bites. The present study was conducted in the tribal pockets of Shahapur and Jawhar forest division of Thane forest circle, Maharashtra. Data was collected by interviews with folk healers and informers by using specially design open and close-ended proforma. Collected data have been verified from the classical text of Ayurveda, books and available articles. This medico-ethno-botanical survey reveals the detail information on 27 plants belonging to 19 families. Total 17 and 10 claims have been reported for the treatment of snakebite and scorpion sting, respectively. Only 1 plant is claimed for veterinary use. Tribal has been using flower, fruit, pod, root, stem, stem bark, leaf, etc. as an antidote in the form of fresh juice, powder for internal use and paste for local application. They also are administering medicine via Nasya (nasal administration) and Dhumapan (smoke). The observation generated by this article create scientific curiosity regarding further studies to evaluate the efficacy and develop antidote from medicinal plants based on tribal knowledge

Still Mrs. B.-An Ode to Personhood During the Pandemic.

Still Mrs. B.-An Ode to Personhood During the Pandemic.

Scientific attitudes: gender differences, impact on physics scores and choices to study physics at higher levels among pre-college STEM students

ABSTRACT Scholars have suggested that student non-cognitive factors, such as attitudes, have contributed to the gender gap in STEM. Gender has been under investigation for students’ attitudes towards science/physics, but student scientific attitudes (SA) have meagre exploration. This study examined the relationships between gender, SA (in terms of rationality, open-mindedness, confidence in the scientific method, curiosity, and aversion to superstition), physics scores (PS), and students who chose to study college physics. The study involved 641 K12 pre-college STEM students in India. The results revealed that girls have lower PS and SA scores than boys. The PS and SA have a strong correlation for girls compared to boys. SA accounts for 34.8% of the variation in PS for girls and 18.1% for boys, including a further higher contribution from students’ aversion to superstitions than other SA under study. We consider that the students’ socio-cultural dynamics might have influenced these results. SA also impact students’ choice to study physics after K12, though gender is not a factor. Our study supports SA as another important aspect towards achieving gender parity in STEM learning.

Psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders

Existing pharmacological treatments for psychiatric disorders have demonstrated limited efficacy, delayed onset of action, and significant burden of side effects. Recent findings from human studies with psychedelics have shown promise, demonstrating rapid and sustained clinical benefits of these compounds for a variety of psychiatric disorders. Classical psychedelics have a rich history and some of these compounds have been used in shamanic and spiritual ceremonies for millennia. The psychoactive effects of these drugs, particularly on human consciousness, have generated great scientific curiosity, and early research on psychedelics suggested their clinical benefits for psychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorders and anxiety and depressive symptoms in terminal illness and life-threatening conditions. Since the 1990s, after a period of dormancy that followed the criminalization of psychedelic drugs since the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, the continued interest in their unique psychoactive effects along with the pursuit for novel and more effective treatments in psychiatry have led to a renewed interest in research on these compounds. While preliminary findings on psychedelics are encouraging, current evidence is still insufficient to support extensive use of these drugs routinely. Long-term safety and efficacy of these compounds remain unclear, and several clinical trials are underway and may add clarity to these questions. Therefore, this article intends to provide an overview of the evidence to date on psychedelic drugs – particularly psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD – for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

It All Began With Curiosity [Pathways

Xu She’s interest in engineering began in elementary school, after reading <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">One Hundred Thousand Whys</i> . This popular science book series in China, mostly intended for children, was given to him by his parents and ignited a passion for engineering that would burn brightly throughout his life. It included various stories covering a wide range of topics, inspiring readers to reflect on the world by asking generic questions and providing answers satisfying their scientific curiosity. She was very much immersed in these stories which, he believes, piqued his interested in pursuing a career in engineering.

The Relationship of Curiosity, Confidence, and Kinesthetic Learning Styles with Interest in Science Learning

The student’s curiosity, self-confidence, and interest in learning science are still low. This situation is also supported by the teacher's way of teaching, which is less attractive so that students feel that science lessons are so boring. This study analyzes the relationship between curiosity, self-confidence, and kinesthetic learning styles interested in learning science. The type of research conducted is the type of ex-post research. This population is 326 students. Determination of the sample in this study using a random sampling technique with the required number of samples, as many as 167 students. The method used in this research is the non-test method. The instrument used is a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is inferential statistical analysis. This research shows that the significance of curiosity is 0.000 &lt; 0.05, so curiosity has a significant positive relationship with interest in learning science. The significance of self-confidence is 0.024 &lt;0.05, so self-confidence has a significant positive relationship with interest in learning science. The significance of the kinesthetic learning style (x3) is 0.047 &lt; 0.05, so the kinesthetic learning style is significantly positively related to the interest in learning science. It was concluded that curiosity, self-confidence, and kinesthetic learning styles had a significant positive relationship with interest in learning science.

John Gilissen and the Teaching of Legal History in Brussels

John Gilissen (1912–1988) was a high-profile legal academic at the Université libre de Bruxelles (°1834) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (°1969). Personal – albeit fragmentary – archival records deposited with these universities permit to reconstruct his teaching (both ex cathedra-courses for big groups and intensive tutorials), impressive global scientific network and insatiable scientific curiosity. Gilissen is the author of standard works on many aspects of domestic legal history (both public and private), and acquired renown as the secretary-general of the Société Jean Bodin pour l’histoire comparative des institutions. His influential position as a public prosecutor, law professor and legal historian generates a unique insider’s perspective on the confessional, linguistic and constitutional transformation of the country from World War One to the First Reform of the State. The current law curriculum at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel still bears marks of Gilissen’s comparative approach to the history of civil law and his interest in the contemporary relevance of institutional history.

Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents for Hepatitis C Virus Infection-From Drug Discovery to Successful Implementation in Clinical Practice.

Today, hepatitis C virus infection affects up to 1.5 million people per year and is responsible for 29 thousand deaths per year. In the 1970s, the clinical observation of unclear, transfusion-related cases of hepatitis ignited scientific curiosity, and after years of intensive, basic research, the hepatitis C virus was discovered and described as the causative agent for these cases of unclear hepatitis in 1989. Even before the description of the hepatitis C virus, clinicians had started treating infected individuals with interferon. However, intense side effects and limited antiviral efficacy have been major challenges, shaping the aim for the development of more suitable and specific treatments. Before direct-acting antiviral agents could be developed, a detailed understanding of viral properties was necessary. In the years after the discovery of the new virus, several research groups had been working on the hepatitis C virus biology and finally revealed the replication cycle. This knowledge was the basis for the later development of specific antiviral drugs referred to as direct-acting antiviral agents. In 2011, roughly 22 years after the discovery of the hepatitis C virus, the first two drugs became available and paved the way for a revolution in hepatitis C therapy. Today, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection does not rely on interferon anymore, and the treatment response rate is above 90% in most cases, including those with unsuccessful pretreatments. Regardless of the clinical and scientific success story, some challenges remain until the HCV elimination goals announced by the World Health Organization are met.

Struggling or Succeeding in Science and Technology Education: Elementary School Students’ Individual Differences During Inquiry- and Design-Based Learning

The primary aim of this study was to identify how elementary school students’ individual differences are related to their learning outcomes and learning process in science and technology (S&amp;amp;T) education, using a mixed methods design. At the start of the study, we assessed the reading comprehension, math skills, science skills, executive functions, coherence of speech, science curiosity and attitude toward S&amp;amp;T of 73 fifth and sixth graders. The students then received a four-lesson inquiry- and design-based learning unit on the concept of sound. Learning outcomes were measured through a pre- and post-test regarding students’ conceptual knowledge of sound, a practical assessment of design skills and a situational interest measure. A factor score regression model (N = 62) showed significant influence from prior conceptual knowledge and the latent factor “academic abilities” (reading, math, and science skills) on post conceptual knowledge. The latent factor “affective” (curiosity and attitude toward S&amp;amp;T) and to a lesser extend also prior conceptual knowledge were predictive of situational interest. Learning process was measured through individual interviews and student worksheets within a subsample (N = 24). We used latent profile analysis to identify three profiles based on students’ individual differences, from which the subsample for qualitative analyses was selected. Codes and themes that emerged from the qualitative analyses revealed differences between students from the three profiles. The results of this study show how different types of students succeed or struggle within S&amp;amp;T education, which is essential for teachers in order to differentiate their instruction and guidance. Differentiation aimed at supporting language and the integration of science into design, while facilitating a variety of learning activities and assessments that move beyond written assignments, could help achieve the most optimal learning conditions for each student.

ÖĞRENME ORTAMLARINDAKİ (OKUL, EV, MÜZE VE TOPLUM) BİLİMSEL MERAK ÖLÇEĞİNİN TÜRKÇEYE UYARLANMASI: GEÇERLİLİK VE GÜVENİRLİLİK ÇALIŞMASI

In this study, The Scientific Curiosity (SCILE) scale in learning environments such as school, home, museum, and society developed by Weible and Zimmerman (2016) to translate Turkish language and a validity and reliability study was conducted. For language validity study, the scale was translated into Turkish by the language and field experts. The Turkish form was translated into English by a language specialist and compared to the original structure, and the scale was finalized. The data were collected from 284 students in two different high schools in a province in the Eastern Anatolia region. The data were analyzed by Exploratory Factor Analysis. The exploratory factor analysis results demonstrated that the questionnaire has two-dimensional structure and ten items. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale was found in ,799. The findings indicate that the ÖOBM scale is a valid measurement to measure high school student’s scientific curiosity in a learning environment such as schools, homes, museums, and society.

Revisiting Innovations in Governance

Innovations, reforms and reinvention drives are overlapping strategies which arrive during organisational crisis when public sector capacity falls short of addressing a catastrophe. They come as a natural consequence of survival design or a tenacious need to outdo an opponent in a competition. However, some may even come through errors of the past. Innovations shrink both time and budget while becoming an agent for the three ‘Rs’ of recognition, replication and research. Much research, such as studies on administrative innovations at Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances’ (DARPG) best administrative practices research on innovation has been undertaken since the coming of globalisation which brought through a combination of computers and information technology, on one hand, and re-conceptualisation of inter-agency collaboration and network research, on the other. Innovations do not bypass traditional public sector values of equity, fairness and probity to achieve enhanced efficiency as these become elements of sustainability and continuity in them. Government has a role to play in public sector innovations in facilitating freedom to innovate, in generating an environment of scientific curiosity, democratic freedom and decentralised governance. A spirit of entrepreneurship is currently being treated as a gateway to innovations and the mushrooming of startups as unleashing of innovations which may transform the manner in which public administration works in India. However, failed startups set at rest the innovation theory. Innovations need certain essentials for their success and continuity.

Global research capacity building among academic researchers

ABSTRACT Although concepts such as research without borders have become more commonplace in recent decades, few studies have investigated the capabilities that global researchers require to cross both cultural and disciplinary borders. This paper explores global capabilities along with strategies and spaces that may facilitate academic researchers’ acquisition and development of global research competence. The study’s dataset comprises responses of 26 participants across 15 countries – all of whom are members of a specific comparative education society – who contributed their views via e-questionnaire. Findings indicate that research capacity building is a dynamic process and global competence calls for complex skills and conscious attitudes. Commitment to expand scientific curiosity beyond one’s own culture and academic discipline appears to be a main criterion in achieving global competence. Results of this study are not meant to be prescriptive but rather exploratory and informative for a broad group of academic stakeholders.

INTEGRATING GENOMIC DISCOVERIES INTO FORENSICS: A MINI REVIEW

The justification that behavioral genetic evidence provides in criminality remains a wonder. Scientific evidence suggests that a decreased activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAOA-L) dubbed the warrior gene surges the possibility for aggressive, antisocial behavior and increased criminality. Ever since the human genome project was completed, breakthrough in genetics and biotechnology are now advancing at a speedy rate. Advancement in genetics and biotechnology has opened a frontier to carry out investigation on the influence of genetics on human behavior at the molecular-genetic level. The interplay between genes and susceptibility to diseases has extensively been accepted, but, the similar link between genes and predisposition to criminal behavior is yet to gain a wide acceptance. Notwithstanding this cynicism, biological studies have revealed that relatives of convicted criminals have higher chances of criminality, suggesting a genetic association to certain criminal behavioral tendencies. Emerging data and evidence indicates that without recourse to genetics, there would be a limited opportunity in elucidating the mechanism and reason for criminal, aggressive and antisocial behavior of some individuals. In this light, reports from some scientific finding revealed that monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) provides the strongest association between genetic variation and aggressive behavior particularly low gene variant monoamine oxidase A (MAOA-L) which has been introduced by experts as evidence for criminal behavior. Beside a satisfaction of scientific curiosity, genetic research portends the potential to contribute to preventive measures and investigation into the genetic etiological correlation of criminal behavior may result to the opening of a new frontier for treatment and intervention. Peer Review History: Received: 27 February 2022; Revised: 22 March; Accepted: 28 April, Available online: 15 May 2022 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Dennis Amaechi, MrsFoluBabade Mini Estate , Flat 5 by Old Soldiers Quarter, Sabongari/Bwari, Abuja- Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. amaechitoexcel@yahoo.com Idoko Alexander, Caritas University, Enugu, Nigeria, idokoalexander1@gmail.com Similar Articles: IN SILICO ANTIMALARIAL TARGET SELECTION CONSERVED IN FOUR PLASMODIUM SPECIES