Science Sector Research Articles

The Lee-Carter approach for life expectancy analysis and mortality forecasting in Sri Lanka

A person's life expectancy is one of the statistical measures used to determine how long they will live. However, in Sri Lanka, there is a lack of long-term, data-driven mortality forecasting, which limits the ability to make informed decisions in public health, insurance, and policy planning. This study addresses this gap by applying the Lee-Carter (LC) mortality estimation method to improve life expectancy analysis and mortality forecasting. In general, a life table that details the effects of mortality is used to calculate life expectancy. As a result, mortality predictions and life table analysis are important in the insurance, actuarial science, government, and pension planning sectors. The Registrar General's Office and the Department of Census and Statistics in Sri Lanka provided the mid-year population data and deaths as historical data for this study from 1992 to 2014. The Lee-Carter (LC) mortality estimation method is used to forecast mortality using actual death rates and mid-year populations from 1992 to 2014. ax (the average age-specific log mortality rate over time), bx (the sensitivity of mortality at each age to changes in the mortality index), and kt (the overall mortality index over time) parameters are estimated using the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) method in the Lee-Carter methodology between 1992 and 2014. kt is forecasted for the years 2015–2035 using the traditional time series approach, and no specific time series model such as ARIMA or Exponential Smoothing was used. In 2035, the probability of dying as a 55-year-old woman and man are 0.023 and 0.051, respectively, according to the research. The following is a statement of the study's results: South Asia's average life expectancy is 69.41 years, while Sri Lanka's is 74.5 years. A country's future can be improved by thoroughly investigating demographics and life expectancy, as these factors directly affect financial stability.

Indigeneity and emergency management: an emic “gaze” on the role of traditional knowledges and cultural practices in emergency management contexts

There is increasing recognition within disaster research and practice that Indigenous cultural technologies may be drawn on to strengthen disaster risk reduction. This rapid review presents an emic and discursive analysis of Indigenous emergency management noted in disaster research literature between January 2000 and July 2022. There is a limited body of peer-reviewed research literature that specifically discussed Indigenous Peoples’ engagement with emergency management. Review findings indicate that Indigenous knowledges and practices are shaping emergency management initiatives locally, regionally and nationally. Yet epistemological tensions between Western European science and Indigenous understandings of emergency management have impacted effective uptake of Indigenous knowledges within disaster science and emergency management sectors. Despite challenges due to deeply embedded colonial practices worldwide, there are opportunities for the advancement of Indigenous Peoples to have greater autonomy in emergency management research, policy and practice.

The 2024 Acoustic Metamaterials Roadmap

Abstract Today, acoustic metamaterials form a core area of metamaterial research. They offer bespoke wave control, achievable through their rationally designed structure and are at the forefront of metamaterial applications and commercialisation. They find purpose across science and defence sectors in wave filtering, sensing, communications, energy harvesting, thermal emission control, and aeroacoustics, to name but a few. They enjoy success in metropolitan environments with designer audio and noise mitigation falling within their remit; acoustic metamaterial technologies are already penetrating the market across audio and healthcare sectors.

The landscape of acoustic metamaterial research is continually expanding, now incorporating several wave regimes under a broader definition that we adopt here. The diversity of acoustic metamaterial research displays how they exist not only to translate electromagnetic phenomena, but also to provide a unique platform for exploring all metamaterial physics, and for solving key societal challenges.

The aim of this Roadmap is to present a summary of the state of acoustic metamaterial research and innovation in 2024, with opinions on the challenges and future opportunities from a group of renown experts, covering key interdisciplinary areas from fundamental acoustics to device implementation.

Enhancing PhD Education: Research Collaboration and Assistantship Insights from Columbia Teachers College and Georgian Universities

Postgraduate education has always been a vital component of academic development, delivering specific expertise and knowledge and advancing innovation throughout different sectors of science and industry. In the context of an ever-changing environment, universities seek to improve their postgraduate programs by embracing successful models from different parts of the world. This endeavor of improvement necessitates an integrated approach to forward-looking postgraduate studies, designed to equip learners with the knowledge and competencies needed to thrive not only in conventional scholarly careers but also in a broader spectrum of positions within non-academic circles. All earnest efforts should be made to nurture the competencies of doctoral students to become applicable for diverse fields, such as industry, public or private sectors, non-profit institutions, and business organizations, therefore facilitating graduates to find their way in a competitive labour market successfully. The focus of this paper is to identify and analyze the advantages associated with experiential teaching and learning through professor assistantships and cooperative research in doctoral programs. This paper uses qualitative data and analyzes them from institutional policy documents and primary documents such as curriculum and policies for teaching/learning in postgraduate courses at Columbia Teachers College, NYU, and recent changes to institutional regulations concerning doctoral education at International Black Sea University (IBSU). Additionally, it investigates specific mechanisms embedded in these programs that foster development at both the prospective academic and professional levels. The findings suggest that professor assistantships and collaborative research are considered valuable experiences that benefit both doctoral students and the staff of the university through the development of teaching experience, professional development, and mentor/mentee relationships. Finally, this paper gives insight and recommendations for Georgian universities based on successful models found and could have implications for the quality and relevance of doctoral programs and their ability to prepare graduates for the competitive and diverse labour markets.

Exploring the dynamics of fractional-order nonlinear dispersive wave system through homotopy technique

Abstract In this article, we study the time-dependent two-dimensional system of Wu–Zhang equations of fractional order in terms of the Caputo operator, which describes long dispersive waves that minimize and analyze the damaging effects caused by these waves. This article centers on finding soliton solutions of a non-linear ( 2 + 1 2+1 )-dimensional time-fractional Wu–Zhang system, which has become a significant point of interest for its ability to describe the dynamics of long dispersive gravity water waves. The semi-analytical method called the q q -homotopy analysis method in amalgamation with the Laplace transform is applied to uncover an analytical solution for this system of equations. The outcomes obtained through the considered method are in the form of a series solution, and they converge swiftly. The results coincide with the exact solution are portrayed through graphs and carried out numerical simulations which shows minimum residual error. This analysis shows that the technique used here is a reliable and well organized, which enhances in analyzing the higher-dimensional non-linear fractional differential equations in various sectors of science and engineering.

Navigating Careers in Academic Librarianship: The Value of Library Cadetship and Internship Programs in Australian University Libraries

ABSTRACT The transition from formal education to professional employment in the library and information science (LIS) sector presents significant challenges, with ongoing concerns about the alignment between academic training and workforce expectations. In response, academic library cadetship programs have been developed in Australian universities to bridge this gap, providing structured, hands-on experience to early-career professionals. This study examines the long-term career trajectories of former library cadets and interns from four Australian universities: Deakin University, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, and University of South Australia, using LinkedIn data to track employment trends, sectoral mobility, and professional progression. The research assesses the effectiveness of cadetship programs in retaining graduates within the LIS sector, their movement across academic and other library settings, and their advancement into specialised or leadership roles. Findings highlight the contribution of cadetships to workforce development, succession planning, and professional identity formation. While most former cadets remain within the LIS profession, the study also explores instances of career transition beyond libraries, underscoring the transferability of LIS skills to broader industries. The study offers key insights for LIS educators, library managers, and policymakers, informing strategies to enhance professional training, career development pathways, and sustainable workforce planning in academic libraries.

IGES 2.0: stronger together and further into Europe

'You don't need to be in the consulting business these days if you can't do Europe.' This is the motto according to which the owner of the IGES Group, Prof. Dr Bertram Häussler, has been building up the company with eight European country organisations - from Italy to the UK and Norway - under his own steam for around a decade. Häussler, owner of the group, is now igniting the next stage of expansion by transferring a large proportion of his shares to the athagoras Group, another international consulting company in the health science sector. This will provide IGES with capital for further expansion, but above all with expertise in the areas of marketing authorisation, market access and pharmacovigilance as well as artificial intelligence (AI).

A comprehensive review on the synthesis methods and wide-ranging applications of silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as one of the most extensively researched nanomaterials due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and broad-spectrum applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of AgNP synthesis methods, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Physical methods produce high-purity nanoparticles but require significant energy input. Chemical methods offer precise control over nanoparticle morphology but often involve hazardous reagents. In contrast, biological or green synthesis providing an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative. The diverse applications of AgNPs span multiple fields, including biomedicine, environmental science, and industrial sectors. Despite their significant potential, challenges such as scalability, environmental impact, and potential toxicity must be addressed to ensure the safe and effective utilization of AgNPs.

Concentration on the Ukrainian higher education services market: Institutional and financial dimensions

During the pandemic and russia’s war against Ukraine, higher education shifted to hybrid and distance learning, with some universities forced to adapt or relocate from occupied territories. This article analyzes the institutional, spatial, and financial aspects of Ukraine’s higher education market (1990–2023), focusing on financial data from 2020–2023 across 24 regions and Kyiv, excluding occupied territories. The calculated results based on concentration levels and the Herfindahl-Hirschman index for the number of educational institutions, students, and postgraduate students showed that the higher education market is highly competitive, with an uneven geographical distribution between regions. The analysis of the level of concentration of financial resources among higher education institutions, calculated based on state funding, showed that the distribution of financial resources among universities is relatively even (in 2023, the 20 largest higher education institutions accumulated more than 43.5% of total state funding). The share of state resources aimed at developing the scientific potential of higher education institutions decreased for the 20 largest higher education institutions from 58% in 2020 to 55% in 2022. Non-parametric correlation analysis revealed a low correlation between the amount of general funding for higher education institutions and the amount of revenues to the special fund for research, which indicates insufficient support and prioritization of the scientific sector in the country. These conclusions can be used in implementing the reform (balancing and optimization) of the existing educational network in Ukraine, which has been actively pursued in recent years.

COMPETITIVENESS IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND GLOBAL CHANGES

Abstract. The article examines the evolution of the concept of competitiveness in the context of digitalization and globalization. The main stages of the development of competitiveness as a concept are analyzed – from assessing the characteristics of an individual product to evaluating enterprises, industries, and national economies. The key factors influencing competitiveness in modern conditions are identified, including innovation, digital technology integration, market flexibility, environmental sustainability, and strategic management. Key approaches to competitiveness management are considered, including systemic, innovative, and globalization approaches. The role of strategic management, digital transformation, global market integration, and social responsibility in shaping long-term competitive advantages is determined. The article analyzes modern approaches to assessing competitiveness, particularly focusing on economic, social, technological, and environmental aspects. The interrelation between product, enterprise, industry, and national competitiveness is substantiated, reflecting the multilevel nature of this phenomenon. Special attention is given to the role of innovation and digital technologies in creating competitive advantages. It is determined that in modern conditions, competitiveness depends not only on the cost of products or services but also on the level of digital transformation, adaptability to market changes, and integration into global supply chains. The evolution of the concept of competitiveness is examined, covering various aspects that influence this indicator at the levels of enterprises, industries, and countries. Each level is analyzed in terms of its defining factors and mechanisms of influence. It is proven that competitiveness has a multi-level nature, where the factors affecting enterprises, industries, and national economies are interconnected. Sustainable competitiveness requires not only the development of individual companies but also state support, technological integration, and effective resource management. Recommendations are proposed for the development of competitiveness strategies that will contribute to increasing enterprise efficiency, enhancing their adaptability to rapid market changes, and fostering the growth of an innovative economy. Particular emphasis is placed on the necessity of building a digital ecosystem, implementing sustainable business models, and strengthening cooperation between the public, private, and scientific sectors to ensure long-term economic growth.

LIS sector’s contributions to climate action: Indicators for measuring success

A survey was conducted among the public and school libraries in Scotland to gather data on the different kinds of activities being undertaken for achieving and promoting sustainability, and especially Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG13) (climate change). These activities were mapped onto the targets and indicators of SDG13 and some targets and indicators of other SDGs that contribute to SDG13. Based on this, two simple templates are proposed for recording and reporting the activities of the library and information science (LIS) sector towards SDG13. Some simple measures for recording the outcomes and impact of some such activities are also proposed.

Effectiveness of State Science and Technology Policy in USSR at Turn of 1960s and 1970s

This study examines the evolution of the state science and technology policy in the USSR at the turn of the 1960s and 1970s, utilizing declassified archival documents to assess its effectiveness across several key areas. The findings demonstrate that the analyzed documents provide substantial evidence that central party-state organs — thanks to the efforts of the State Planning Committee of the USSR, the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, and the State Committee for Science and Technology under the Council of Ministers — obtained concrete information regarding both the overall scientific and technological potential of the country and specific sectors. It is reported that comparative metrics with the United States and other leading capitalist nations were traditionally included in such reports, serving as arguments that drew leadership attention to various issues while corroborating the authors’ conclusions. The study identifies several critical blocking factors, including insufficient funding, low investment efficiency, prolonged construction projects, subpar quality of domestic equipment, and a lack of competence among certain high-ranking government officials, as well as the neglect of recommendations from leading scientists; a departmental approach, inadequate collaboration between civilian and defense sectors of science, and a shortage of specialists in key areas. Furthermore, it is noted that trends in the development of the scientific and technological sphere in leading countries indicated the emergence of national innovation systems that have proven effective.

FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFORMATION SOCIETY IN AZERBAIJAN (1969-2003 YEARS)

A comprehensive scientific study of the political activity and various aspects of the governance experience of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev is of particular relevance in the modern era. The years when the Great Leader ruled Azerbaijan, when the course of our history fundamentally changed, and when freedom and sovereignty were achieved, are the brightest pages in the history of Azerbaijan’s independence. This article explores the role of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev in the formation and development of the information society, information and communication technology, knowledge economy in Azerbaijan, and ensuring information sovereignty. The measures taken by the Great Leader to advance the science and education sector of our country, train highly qualified personnel, and establish new production facilities are reviewed. The contribution of the Great Leader in eliminating the information blockade against our country, reconstructing the communication infrastructure based on information technologies, forming and developing the information society, establishing international cooperation in the field of ICT, attracting the first investments in the telecommunications sector in Azerbaijan, organizing our country’s radio and television broadcasting in accordance with modern requirements, etc. are studied. The decrees and orders signed by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev on the development of the information society and important documents are analyzed. This study mainly aims to study the strategic policy implemented by Heydar Aliyev for forming and developing the information society in Azerbaijan, the essence of the decisions he made, and their impact on the development of the country. The article explores the state support provided to the development of ICT under the initiative and leadership of Heydar Aliyev, the improvement of the legislative framework adopted in this area, the achievements accomplished in the field of international cooperation and expansion of the application of modern technologies.

Ai-enabled language models (LMs) to large language models (LLMs) and multimodal large language models (MLLMs) in drug discovery and development.

Ai-enabled language models (LMs) to large language models (LLMs) and multimodal large language models (MLLMs) in drug discovery and development.

Assessing Gender Equality in Italian Animal Science: A Case Study on Academic Careers and Research Outcomes.

This paper focuses on gender issues within the Italian Animal Science and Production Association (ASPA), which includes both academic and non-academic researchers involved in animal sciences. Data from the association's archives in 2023 and bibliometric data obtained from Scopus and Web of Science were used. This study highlighted how within the ASPA and in that part of the academic realm falling within the field of animal science, a noticeable gender gap still exists, albeit decreasing over time at a very slow pace. There is clear vertical segregation, with a minority of women occupying full professor positions, and horizontal segregation with a low percentage of women involved in animal science disciplines closer to STEM fields, such as "Animal breeding and genetics". At the bibliometric level, gender differences in bibliometric indicators are observed, favouring men, although these differences are not significant when considering the academic position, scientific sector, and age. In the official journal of the ASPA (Italian Journal of Animal Science), women are under-represented in prestigious positions such as first, last, and corresponding authors. Scientific societies, academic institutions, and research organizations are called upon to do their part to accelerate the process of overcoming these inequalities.

Accessible high-reflectance, TiO2-BaSO4-based white coatings as an alternative in health, science, and industry sectors

Accessible high-reflectance, TiO2-BaSO4-based white coatings as an alternative in health, science, and industry sectors

Interesting properties of Opuntia’s cladodes: an updated review

Abstract Opuntia, cactus plants native to Mexico, have adapted to arid and semi-arid environments through Crassulacean acid metabolism. With over 150 species, they are found across the Americas, Africa, Australia, India, and the Mediterranean, prized for water storage and ecological implications. Rich in bioactive compounds, Opuntia are gaining attention in nutrition, phytochemistry, and technological uses. This review updates knowledge on Opuntia cladodes, explores novel uses like vegetable coatings, evaluates how preservation and cooking impact nutrition, and delves into consumer preferences. Opuntia is common in Mexican and global cuisine, with potential as an edible coating. Opuntia-derived biopolymer films reduce plastic dependency, are eco-friendly, and have varied applications. Research on mucilage’s antimicrobial properties and alternative uses is ongoing. Opuntia’s underutilised status presents numerous opportunities for innovation across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and material science sectors, with potential benefits including climate resilience and economic empowerment of communities. Continuous research aims to fully exploit their potential for societal and environmental benefit.

Management of scientific activities of classical university students: challenges and solutions

Abstract. Science is a powerful stimulating factor in the improvement of the quality of life. The key scientific sectors include scientific activities of university students. Involving students in scientific work is an important part of the educational strategy of modern universities. Close integration of theoretical and practical training creates conditions for effective professional activity in the future. However, approaches to the formation of an individual cognitive style of students in the course of professional training have not yet been fully researched. Therefore, the problem of this research can be formulated as follows: what are the problems of organizing the scientific activities of students at a classical university and ways to solve them?The goal of the research is to identify the problems of organizing scientific activities of students at a classical university and suggest ways to solve them. The research method used are analysis, synthesis, generalization, survey, description. The research results are the following: the importance of involving students in scientific work has been substantiated; the degree of formation of students' research skills and the level of organization of students’ scientific work at a university have been experimentally revealed; the problems of scientific work of students at a classical university have been identified and ways to solve them have been proposed.Key findings: students' scientific work is considered among the main factors in the quality of training future personnel; it is implemented in two forms – educational research work provided for by the curriculum, and research activities outside the academic disciplines; low research activity of students, weak motivation for research work and other problems have been identified; ways to solve the identified problems in the context of improving the formation of the research development environment of the classical university have been substantiated.

Sustainable Leadership and Employee Performance: The Role of Organizational Culture in Malaysia’s Information Science Sector

Sustainable Leadership and Employee Performance: The Role of Organizational Culture in Malaysia’s Information Science Sector

XPRIZE HEALTHSPAN: A PATH TO ACCELERATE TRANSLATIONAL GEROSCIENCE

Abstract By targeting biological aging pathways with a single or combination of therapeutic treatments, it may be possible to restore function lost to age-related degradation of multiple organ systems. Interventions targeting aging pathways are being translated to humans, yet public perception, poor alignment and testing guidelines, and unclear regulatory and commercial pathways are barriers to clinical translation. XPRIZE Healthspan is a 7-yr $101M global competition to incentivize scientific teams to develop and test gerotherapeutics, accelerating progress from research & development to clinical trials. The winning team will demonstrate that their therapeutic treatment restores muscle, cognitive, and immune function in adults aged 50-80 years. The XPRIZE Healthspan concept was created through a deliberate process of scientific engagement and collaboration by 22 scientific advisors and technical experts across commercial and non-profit scientific sectors coupled with an open public comment period, and registration opened officially in July 2024. To date >420 investigative teams and companies from 53 countries have submitted an intent to compete. Teams span academic investigators, research networks or collaboratives, commercial start-ups, established biotech and pharmaceutical companies. A wide variety of potential therapeutics are proposed by teams for testing, including but not limited to AI-driven small molecule discovery, novel and repurposed pharmacologics, nutraceuticals, lifestyle interventions, devices, immunomodulatory agents, stem cell therapies, other biologics, and partial reprogramming – administered alone or in combination. In this talk we will review design of the global competition, describe frameworks for early-stage clinical trials, and provide an overview of the rapidly emerging field of translational geroscience.