Scientific Literature Research Articles

Design and validation of the usability framework of learning management systems

Purpose This study aims to identify the most important factors affecting the usability of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and present these factors in the form of a comprehensive and practical framework and validate the framework. Design/methodology/approach In this research, a mixed research method and sequential exploratory research design were used. In the qualitative section, the qualitative meta-synthesis method was utilized to extract usability factors from the research literature and formulate the framework of factors, and in the quantitative section, the survey method was employed to validate the framework. In the qualitative section, the research field included the research available in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and the data collection tool included electronic and printed documents on the usability factors of LMSs. To validate the findings, in addition to citing research literature and theoretical foundations, the audit trail, consensual validity and expert peer review methods were used. Also, to analyze the data, the thematic analysis method and thematic network via MAXQDA 2020 software were used. In the quantitative section, the statistical population was students of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at Allameh Tabatabai University in Iran, and the sample included undergraduate students of this faculty with a volume of 200 people. The tool for collecting information was a researcher-made questionnaire that was provided to students in the first half of the academic year 2022–2023. To validate the findings, content-related validity through Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) and construct validity through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Convergent Validity were examined. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Composite Reliability (CR) were also used to check reliability. To analyze the data one-sample T-test via SPSS 27 software was used, and the PLS-SEM was utilized via SmartPLS 4 software to validate the framework proposed by the researcher. Findings The findings from the qualitative part of this research include basic themes and organizing themes related to the global theme of usability. Based on the findings from the qualitative part, it can be concluded that the factors in terms of frequency in the research literature have the following ranks: interaction (first rank), ease of use and usefulness (second rank), learnability (third rank), navigation (fourth rank), satisfaction and enjoyment, visual design and accessibility (fifth rank), help and assessment and feedback (sixth rank) and content, errors correction and privacy and security (seventh rank). The findings of the quantitative part include the external fit indexes of the framework and the internal fit index of the framework; based on the obtained values, it can be concluded that the framework of LMS usability factors has a good fit. Research limitations/implications This research is the first comprehensive study of all theories on the usability of LMSs, in which a framework is proposed that combines the important factors mentioned in the relevant theories and models for the first time. Additionally, practical and applicable suggestions are provided in this study to enhance each of the usability factors of LMS. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research presents a framework for the first time in which all important factors of usability theories and models are combined and prioritizes these factors based on their importance in relevant research. It also provides practical recommendations for enhancing these factors in LMSs for system developers and instructional designers.

New public management as an extension of neoliberal ideology

Ideology is invisibly present in economics. Some schools of economic thought, such as Marxism or old institutional ism, admit the fact of researchers having their own value systems. However, proponents of neoliberal ideas insist on the positive and non-ideological nature of economic science. Denying neoliberalism’s ideological foundations affects socio-economic policy in regulating the public sector of the economy. The study aims to reveal the relationship between managerialism and neoliberal ideology. The foundation of research resides in the theory of new public management, old institutional economics theory, and approaches of narrative economics. The selection and full text screening of Russian-language scientific publications were carried out using narrative analysis and the PRISMA method. The evidence base covers an array of studies by Russian researchers on managerialism, new public management, and neoliberalism. The paper reveals that scholars predominantly view managerialism as a continuation of neoliberal ideology. We have traced the evolution of theoretical and practical aspects of neoliberalism, which can be classified as a loose concept subject to heavy criticism, and identified three additional types of neoliberalism specific to Russian economic science. The findings illustrate that the practical implementation of new public management shifts the focus from long-term strategic goals to short-term results.

Scientometric tools in strategising the development of scientific periodicals: the case of the journal Digital Models and Solutions

The present study is dedicated to the development of scientometric tools for the strategic advancement of a scientific periodical, exemplified by the journal of the Ural State University of Economics, “Digital Models and Solutions”. The research involved a compre hensive analysis of the publication activity and thematic profile of this journal, as well as a general statistical examination of Russian academic journals indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) that pertain to the upper echelon of the State Rubricator of Scientific and Technical Information category “Informatics”. Primary data collection was conducted using the platforms elibrary.ru, CyberLeninka and CrossRef. The data analysis and visuali zation were performed utilizing the R programming language. The construction of thematic networks was carried out using the VOSviewer software, while additional visualization of certain results was executed using Scimago Graphica. The findings of the study identify the current positioning of the journal “Digital Models and Solutions” among scientific publi cations in informatics, define target scientometric indicators for its prospective growth, and propose specific recommendations for the strategic development of the journal, aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and scholarly impact.

Talent Identification: Time to Move Forward on Estimation of Potentials? Proposed Explanations and Promising Methods.

The scientific literature on talent identification is extensive, with significant advancements made over the past 30years. However, as with any field, the translation of research into practice and its impact on the field have been slower than anticipated. Indeed, recent findings highlight a pervasive relative age effect, the effects of maturation being often overlooked, disparate populations between young and senior performers, and a necessity to embrace a holistic approach. However, simple elements can be implemented to avoid some of these known biases. This review synthesizes recent advancements, critically examines key elements to consider in talent identification, and proposes promising avenues for enhancement. These include (1) understanding and illustrating early performance influences, (2) implementing individualized performance trajectory models, (3) applying corrective adjustments based on relative, biological, and training age, and (4) improving estimation of potentials through a holistic approach that integrates "life pathways". In light of these necessary improvements, it seems opportune to propose a semantic shift to generate a change in both conceptual and operational paradigms. The proposed terminology of "estimation of potential" is based on a semantic and mathematical definition, which operationalizes its conceptualization. This study suggests that understanding the trajectories of transitions from youth to senior categories in each sport, coupled with a holistic approach centered on individual performance progressions across the three ages, would be a possible path toward estimating potential.

Способы и критерии оценки степени экономической интеграции на примере стран Европейского союза

In this article the authors examined relevant experience of evaluating the effectiveness of economic integration using the example of the European Union as the most advanced integration association in the world nowadays. The article contains the analysis of the indices for integration measurement proposed by the supranational structures of the EU – the European Commission and the European Central Bank. The authors studied in detail two examples of approaches to assessing the effectiveness of integration within the EU by foreign researchers, which are based on an expanded theoretical and empirical base. The authors of the article highlight that besides the experience studied in the text, scientific publications also contain calculations of the old and new EU members integration level (Central and Eastern European countries), as well as integration and disintegration processes within the EU. Finally, the authors concluded that despite the methods adopted in the European Union for assessing the degree of its integration, this issue remains in the focus of attention of the European scientific community. Furthermore, the methodology for assessing the effectiveness of economic integration within the EU allows its leadership to timely adjust the development strategies of the integration association, which is strongly important in modern conditions. A question of integration is especially acute in the context of the systemic crisis in all EU countries, one of the main causes of which is the anti-Russian sanction policy.

Charcot as a collector and critic of the arts: Relationship of the ‘founder of neurology’ with various aspects of art

ABSTRACT In his teaching, Charcot often used artistic representations from previous centuries to illustrate the historical developments of various conditions, particularly hysteria, mainly with the help of his pupil Paul Richer. Charcot liked to draw portraits and sketches of colleagues during boring faculty meetings and students’ examinations, including caricatures of himself and others, church sculptures, landscapes, soldiers, and so on. He also used this skill in his clinical and scientific work. He drew histological or anatomic specimens, as well as patients’ features and demeanor. His most daring artistic experiments were drawing under the influence of hashish. Charcot’s tastes in art were conservative; he displayed little interest for the avant-gardes of his time, including impressionism, or for contemporary musicians, such as César Franck or Hector Berlioz. The pamphleteer Léon Daudet described Charcot’s home as a pseudo-gothic kitsch accumulation of heteroclite pieces of furniture and materials. However, he taught medicine not only as a science but also as an art, a style that has now been almost universally forgotten.

Microemulsions and Nanoparticles: The Sustainable Future of Drilling Fluids in Oil Exploration

Objective: This study aims to contextualize the advancements in the application of nanoparticles, microemulsions, and nanoemulsions in drilling fluids, highlighting their contributions to the efficiency and sustainability of operations in the oil industry. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in principles of nanotechnology and fluid dynamics, analyzing the role of drilling fluids in aspects such as wellbore instability, rheological properties, filtration, and physicochemical characteristics. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing scientific articles, conference papers, technical books, and patents. The research included both foundational and recent studies to identify trends and advancements in drilling fluid formulations. Results and Discussion: Drilling fluid formulations have evolved to address challenges such as diverse well geometries, extreme temperature and pressure gradients, and environmental regulations. The incorporation of nanoparticles into drilling fluids has demonstrated benefits such as reduced circulation losses and increased resistance to high pressures and temperatures. Nanoemulsions and microemulsions have shown reduced environmental impact compared to oil-based fluids, along with improved filtration properties, rheology, and thermal resistance compared to water-based fluids. Research Implications: The findings underscore the importance of nanoparticles and nanoemulsion and microemulsion systems for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of drilling fluids, meeting the demand for environmentally responsible solutions. Originality/Value: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of advancements in drilling fluid formulations, emphasizing the sustainable potential of nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and microemulsions, and reinforcing their relevance to the future of the oil industry.

Examining the under-representation of black researchers in sports science and sports medicine publications: ‘You Can’t be what You Can’t See’

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the representation of black researchers as authors of articles published in four peer-reviewed journals with the highest impact factors (IFs) in the field of sports science and...

Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Caregivers of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Scoping Review

Informal caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience an increased caregiver burden as the disease progresses. Supportive interventions for caregivers are available and continue to be developed. One of the supportive intervention methods is mindfulness-based interventions, and despite the growing evidence on this topic, there is a lack of studies compiling information about interventions for caregivers of patients with ALS. This study aimed to evaluate and summarize the current scientific literature on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for informal caregivers of the patients with ALS. A scoping review was conducted using electronic databases such as Ebsco, Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science. A total of 315 studies were identified by searching through databases and other sources. After screening the titles and abstracts, 19 studies remained for fulltext review. Finally, 5 studies were included in this scoping review. In particular, answers were sought to the questions "What is effect of mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers of patients with ALS on caregiver burden?", “What evidence is there for the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers of the patients with ALS?” It was demonstrated that mindfulness-based interventions could be an effective supporting approach for caregivers of patients with ALS. The findings of this scoping review reveal that mindfulness-based interventions can have a positive impact on caregiver burden, quality of life, and psychological well-being such as anxiety and depression in caregivers of patients with ALS, despite limited studies.

Toward a Sense of Place Unified Conceptual Framework Based on a Narrative Review: A Way of Feeding Place-Based GIS

Space and place are two of the main concepts in several fields of knowledge, such as human geography, environmental psychology, urban sociology, architecture, urban planning, and others. Space is an objective and structured concept. It is mainly a physical location characterized by measured dimensions and geographical coordinates, while place is a location that holds meaning and value for an individual or a group, created through the human experience and social interactions. Sense of place is thus a set of precepted meanings and attitudinal ties toward a place (conative, affective, and cognitive bonds). From a geospatial perspective, the subjective aspect of sense of place is difficult to depict in a cartographic projection. From this angle, Place-Based Geographic Information Systems represent a set of initiatives that attempt to combine the objectivity of spaces and the subjectivity of places in digital systems, and that integrate spatial semantic characteristics as described by places’ users. In this paper, the methodological approach is mainly based on a systematic analysis and search of the scientific literature. It is a narrative review inspired and based on a scoping review strategy following the JBI methodology and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. This bibliographic analysis is about understanding the characterization and the components of sense of place. Results take the form of a synthesis of the conceptual approaches most prominent in the literature, in addition to a conceptual model encompassing the full conceptual specificities of the sense of place concept.

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ НОВОЙ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА ШПИНТОНОВ

This study objective is to analyze the effectiveness of using the technology of tail suspension of cars as a way to increase the reliability and comfort of movement in railway transport. To achieve this goal, the following task was defined: identification and analysis of internal defects that are the causes of product rejection, and the subsequent development of recommendations for their elimination. The main research method is the analysis of current operating procedure of manufacturing parts, the study of materials and methods of their processing used to strengthen tails. The priority is to identify the key factors contributing to increasing the durability of the tail assembly through the use of reinforcing technology. Both theoretical analysis of existing scientific papers on this topic and practical experiments on stress tests are used as research methods. The novelty of the work is in offering a more environmentally friendly product processing technology, as well as confirming the possibility of replacing the tail material with a more cost-effective one. It is worth noting that the issue of ensuring the quality of truck tails of subway cars, the ecological purity of the heat treatment process, and cost reduction is being solved through a new heat treatment technology – quenching with a fast-moving stream of water and replacing 40X alloy steel with 35 carbon steel without reducing operational properties. As a result, the proposed measures contribute to improving the manufacturing quality of tail assemblies and reducing the percentage of their rejection at the production testing stage.

Integrating life cycle assessment into supply chain optimization

Integrating Supply Chain Optimization (SCO) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is essential for creating supply chains that are both economically efficient and environmentally sustainable. While SCO focuses on optimizing network structures and decisions related to product and service delivery, LCA systematically assesses the environmental impacts across the entire supply chain. The existing literature treats SCO and LCA as separate, sequential steps, often leading to inconsistencies in scope and challenges in data transfer and rescaling. Our research presents a novel Supply Chain Life Cycle Optimization (SCLCO) model that integrates SCO and LCA. Our SCLCO model is based on LCA data structures, incorporates multi-time period, closed-loop SCO decisions (e.g. reverse chain management, inventory control, network design), and is capable of considering the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. It includes harmonizing principles, terminology, and notation, thereby bridging the gap between the SCO and LCA communities through a generalized formulation. Computational experiments on a selected SCO model from Operations Research literature validate the SCLCO and demonstrate its effectiveness in providing valuable insights to both SCO and LCA practitioners and researchers. The results emphasize that the simultaneous execution of SCO and LCA in SCLCO minimizes the risk of overlooking decision impacts and facilitates data transfer from existing LCA databases.

Exploring Hornstedtia scyphifera: an extensive multimethod phytochemical investigation reveals the chemical composition and bioactive potential

Abstract Hornstedtia scyphifera (J.Koenig) Steud. represents a lesser-known member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that is used in Malaysia as spice and traditional medicine. The phytochemical investigation of leaves from this species utilizing diverse analytical methods has provided comprehensive insights into its chemical profile for the first time. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GCMS) and GCMS analyses of essential oil and nonpolar extracts verified α-pinene, camphene, p-cymene, and camphor as main volatile compounds. Metabolite profiling of the crude extract by ultra-high-performance-liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) unveiled terpenoids, flavonoids and other phenolics as major compound classes. Isolation and follow-up structure elucidation, involving 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, UV and CD analysis, yielded two new sesquiterpenoids, (1R,5S,6S,7R,10R)-mustak-14-oic acid (1) and (1R,6S,7S,10R)-6-hydroxy-anhuienosol (2), along with 24 known compounds (seven terpenoids, seven flavonoids, ten phenolics), 21 of these never reported for H. scyphifera. Additionally, the crude extract and fractions from the purification process were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity. This is supplemented by an extensive literature research for described bioactivities of all isolated compounds. Our results support and explain previously detected antimicrobial, antifungal and neuroprotective effects of H. scyphifera extracts and provide evidence for its potential pharmacological importance.

Conduction system pacing using electro-anatomical mapping-guided system vs. fluoroscopy: a systematic review, meta-analysis and economic evaluation

Electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) system has been shown as an alternative procedure to fluoroscopy for conduction system pacing (CSP) in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, however its beneficial and harmful effects has not been assessed in a systematic review (SR). We sought to assess their safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. A SR of the available scientific literature was conducted on the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of CSP using EAM system vs. fluoroscopy in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia. A partial economic evaluation was carried out to compare the costs of both strategies from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System. A budget impact analysis was also conducted with a five-year horizon. Seven comparative observational studies (N = 231), analyzing the use of EAM vs. fluoroscopy were selected. Statistically significant differences were observed in total fluoroscopy time: −9.87 min (95%CI:−14.20, −5.53, p < 0.01; I2 = 95%; k = 7; n = 231); His-lead fluoroscopic time: −8.08 min (95%CI:−10.36, −5.81, p < 0.01; I2 = 0%; k = 2; n = 50); and His-lead radiation dose: −17.21 mGy (95%CI:−24.08, −10.34, p < 0.01; k = 1; n = 20). No differences in total fluoroscopy dose, successful procedure or safety were found. The use of EAM represents an increase of EUR 1,397.81 per patient and a net budget impact of EUR 1.63 million. EAM is a valuable alternative for patients who should not be exposed to ionizing radiation with similar effectiveness and safety than fluoroscopy. However, the inclusion of EAM systems, for the indication under study, in routine clinical practice would mean an increase in costs for the Spanish National Health System.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=421072, identifier (CRD42023421072).

The Head Pendant from the Marchetti Collection: Phoenicio-Punic Glass or Modern Forgery?

This article focuses on the archaeological and archaeometric characterization of a glass head pendant in Phoenicio-Punic style from the Marchetti Collection, a formerly private assemblage now belonging to the University of Padova. After the first visual inspection, the typology and appearance of the object raised serious doubts about its authenticity. For this reason, an integrated approach combining stylistic and typo-chronological analyses with archaeometric data was implemented for reconstructing the manufacturing techniques and identifying the raw materials used (i.e., silica source, flux composition, and colouring and opacifying agents). The analytical techniques used include stereomicroscopy (SM) to identify the production techniques, OM, SEM-EDS, and µ-Raman for textural and chemico-mineralogical investigations. The archaeological study and the comparison of our analytical results with the data published in the scientific literature agree in confirming that the investigated object is a forgery, as already demonstrated for other pieces from the same collection.

Formal Relationship Between the Firearm “Memory Effect” and the Decay Time of the GSR Particles Present on the Shooter’s Hands

Background/Objectives: The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), combined with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), has been, for over fifty years of practical experience and research in the field, the analytical system of choice for the investigation and analysis of Gun Shot Residues (GSRs). However, the interpretation of analytical results has profoundly changed in recent decades. Specifically, the criteria for evaluating particles presumptive of contamination of a possible discharge have evolved, assessments regarding possible primary/secondary transfer phenomena have been refined, and the retention times of particulate matter on various types of surfaces involved during the discharge have been revalued. The purpose of this study is to provide a formal representation that links together the firearm memory effect, namely the formation of composite characteristic GSRs resulting from the use of the same Firearm but with ammunition having different metallic alloy constituents and different primer mixtures, and the decay time. Methods: The deduced mathematical model is based on experimental results reported in the scientific literature listed below, and it has been elaborated with a series of non-contradictory assumptions, each of which plays a specific role in the mathematical formalism used. Results and Conclusions: This model, although not yet validated through rigorous experimentation, represents a valuable tool in investigations related to the firearm memory effect when forensic specialists have collected GSR samples from the hands of the alleged shooter within four hours of the shooting.

Interventions in the Sexuality of Men With Stomas: A Scoping Review.

To map interventions in the sexuality of men with stomas. Scoping review, following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines to report results. Databases consulted were PubMed, via National Library of Medicine, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Brazilian Electronic Library of Thesis and Dissertations, CAPES Catalogue of Thesis and Dissertations and Open Access Scientific Repository of Portugal. Texts were read by independent reviewers, with no time or language restrictions. The final sample included 10 studies. Data were synthesised and grouped for its similarity to approach models, preoperative orientations, self-care promotion, collecting pouch hygiene and safety, sexual health discussion and education, construction of bonds and sexual function evaluation. Interventions in the sexuality of men with stomas included adherence to models for approaching sexuality, focusing on the permission and coparticipation of the patient, open conversations on the topic, self-care promotion, collecting pouch hygiene and safety, encouragement to the creation of bonds, sexual function evaluation in pre- and postoperative periods and individual and/or collective sexual health education. This study contributes to the sexuality of men with stomas. It identified recommendations to approach and conduct the topic at hand, addressing the rehabilitation process since the surgery to place the stoma is considered. This study addressed scientific literature on the sexuality of men with stomas. Most were from Europe and results demonstrated a gap in knowledge. This research will impact the stoma therapy research, affecting teams involved in the care to men with stomas, encouraging reflections on the sexuality of these patients. This study complies with the PRISMA-ScR. There was no patient or public contribution. The protocol of this scoping review was registered in the Open Science Framework, registered under DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/X9DSC. It can be accessed through the following link: https://osf.io/x9dsc/?view_only=a9c62ef6c11f44499f7b2bfe1fe379f9.

Artificial Intelligence in Educational Data Mining and Human-in-the-Loop Machine Learning and Machine Teaching: Analysis of Scientific Knowledge

This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational data mining (EDM), human-assisted machine learning (HITL-ML), and machine-assisted teaching, with the aim of improving adaptive and personalized learning environments. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted, analyzing 370 articles published between 2006 and 2024. The research examines how AI can support the identification of learning patterns and individual student needs. Through EDM, student data are analyzed to predict student performance and enable timely interventions. HITL-ML ensures that educators remain in control, allowing them to adjust the system according to their pedagogical goals and minimizing potential biases. Machine-assisted teaching allows AI processes to be structured around specific learning criteria, ensuring relevance to educational outcomes. The findings suggest that these AI applications can significantly improve personalized learning, student tracking, and resource optimization in educational institutions. The study highlights ethical considerations, such as the need to protect privacy, ensure the transparency of algorithms, and promote equity, to ensure inclusive and fair learning environments. Responsible implementation of these methods could significantly improve educational quality.

Integrating Practice-Changing Studies in Gynaecologic Oncology Through Clinical Illustrations.

Advances in gynaecologic oncology research lead to continuous updates in clinical guidelines. However, undergraduate medical education often lacks in-depth coverage of recent developments, limiting students' preparedness for evidence-based management of gynaecological cancers. This study aimed to bridge the educational gap by integrating case-based analyses of practice-changing studies into the undergraduate obstetrics and gynaecology course. We aimed to enhance students' understanding of relevant gynaecologic oncology concepts and improve their skills in analysing scientific literature related to cancer management. An educational method was introduced to 5th-year medical students (n = 46) over a 2-week course. Using clinical case scenarios, students were presented with examples of practice-changing trials along with research findings incorporated into clinical practice. Following the course, 36 students completed a feedback survey evaluating their knowledge and research interpretation skills before and after the course. Descriptive statistical methods and Fisher's exact test were used to assess students' self-reported knowledge improvement. There were significant increases in students' self-reported knowledge level on the covered topics, including a distinction between chemotherapy types (p < 0.0001), surgical treatment (p < 0.0001), maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer (p < 0.0001), molecular classification (p < 0.0001) and immunotherapy in endometrial cancer (p < 0.0001). Understanding of inclusion criteria and endpoints in scientific articles also improved, rising from 22 to 86% (p < 0.0001, OR 21, 95% CI 5.62-78.48). Incorporating practice-changing studies into clinical teaching significantly enhances students' perceived comprehension of gynaecologic oncology and strengthens their self-reported research interpretation skills. This methodological approach highlights the value of connecting case-based learning with current research.

A scoping review of interventions on middle school students' attitudes towards science.

The aim of the study was to review the scientific literature on educational interventions to promote positive attitudes towards science in middle school students. Due to the decline in positive attitudes towards science observed in this critical age group of students and the implementation of training programmes aimed at changing this situation, we sought to identify components of training proposals that have received attention from researchers. This paper presents a scoping review of 37 papers published in English and Spanish over the last 10 years. The review aims to describe the research outputs and analyse the effectiveness and characteristics of program interventions, drawing from various databases. The results show the need to examine the operational definition of the constructs used in the programmes, to focus attention on the influence of intrinsic variables on middle school students' attitudes towards science, such as racial group or self-efficacy, and to conduct follow-up evaluations to assess the permanence of attitudes. While acknowledging limitations related to construct clarity or language restrictions in the search process the findings suggest that middle school students' attitudes towards science remain an open area of research, as there is no consensus on the characteristics of effective programmes.