Scientific Debate Research Articles

Enhancing Scientific Argumentation Skills in High School Physics: A Blended Learning Approach with Project-based Instruction

This empirical investigation delves into the application of blended learning within project-based instruction (project-based blended learning), within the framework of physics education for eleventh-grade students in a high school setting. The primary aim is to unravel the repercussions of this teaching model on the students' proficiency in scientific argumentation, particularly in the domain of optical instruments. Employing the non-equivalent control group design, the study enlists two classes: the experimental and the control group at a senior high school in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, encompassing a total of 60 students during the academic year 2022/2023. Quantitative evaluation of scientific argumentation skills was conducted through tests, while qualitative insights into student reactions were garnered via an open-ended questionnaire. The findings underscore a noteworthy enhancement in the scientific argumentation abilities of the experimental group (n-gain: 0.69) as opposed to the control group (n-gain: 0.40), with the test of mean differences yielding a significance level (2-tailed) of 0.00. Qualitative scrutiny of the data also brought to light a more pronounced positive reception from students in the experimental cohort, lending support to the potential refinement of the project-based blended learning model for the augmentation of students' scientific argumentation aptitude.

Improving Student’s Arabic Achievement by Implementing Extracurricular Program Management

Lack of support for language activities outside the classroom causes failure in learning Arabic. The first aim of this research to determine the extracurricular management design in improving students' Arabic language skills. The second objective to explain the process of organizing, implementing and evaluating learning in the Arabic extracurricular program. Third, researchers wanted to know students' success after conducting the extracurricular Arabic language program. This research uses a qualitative approach in the form of a case study. The data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews. After obtaining the data, Data for the analysis were collected through observation and in-depth interviews with six extracurricular teachers in four Arabic extracurricular classes: news reading, speech, and scientific debate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Indonesian to make answering and minimizing language barriers easier for participants. The collected data is analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of this research indicate that students’ achievement in mastering Arabic can be improved with the implementation of additional activities such as extracurricular activities. Designing extracurricular programs such as determining activities, determining supervisors, improving student achievement in getting Arabic and the role of supervisor responsibilities, and selecting students' interests according to their talents positively impacts the love of learning Arabic. Apart from that, implementing innovative strategies and maintaining relevant material can increase students' enthusiasm for learning Arabic, and what is no less critical is holding weekly semester evaluations at each meeting to determine student learning outcomes in mastering Arabic.

The Effect of Phenomenon –Based Progamin in Scientific Argumentation Skills Development for Intermediate School Students

The Effect of Phenomenon –Based Progamin in Scientific Argumentation Skills Development for Intermediate School Students

Da'wah Methods in Qur'anic Invitations to Reflect on the Universe

The Qur'an commands Muslims to observe and interpret the universe rationally, considering natural phenomena as signs of Allah's existence and guidance for humankind. This study explores the Qur'anic method of da'wah through verses inviting reflection on the universe. Employing a qualitative research design and a thematic analysis approach, the study examines Qur'anic verses related to natural phenomena and their implications for da'wah. Primary data sources include ayat kawniyyah (verses about natural phenomena) from the Qur'an, with secondary data from classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship, tafsir literature, and scientific studies on environmental preservation. The analysis reveals that the Qur'an emphasizes the observation and study of the universe, highlighting its creation, balance, and order by Allah. The study identifies three main da'wah methods: da’wah bi al-Hāl (concrete actions in environmental conservation), da’wah bi al-lisan (rational and scientific argumentation), and da’wah bi al-qalb (fostering opposition to environmental destruction). The findings underscore the importance of integrating spiritual, philosophical, and practical dimensions in environmental stewardship.

The Role of Kyai's Charismatic Leadership in Mitigating Religious Intolerance and Radicalism in Pesantren

This research discusses the critical role of kyai's charismatic leadership in mitigating religious intolerance and radicalism in pesantren. Kyai, as the primary leader in pesantren, has a significant influence in shaping the attitudes and thoughts of the santri. This research was conducted based on a field analysis study, followed by literature research incorporating various scientific arguments and information from relevant literature sources. This research was implemented at Pondok Pesantren Sabilurrosyad Gasek as a sample object, involving kyai, santri, and the surrounding community. Through his charisma and authority, the kyai can effectively convey the values of religious moderation to the santri. The approach taken by the kyai, which emphasizes the values of deliberation, balance, and tolerance, helps the santri understand religious teachings in a balanced manner and avoid radical attitudes. Islamic boarding schools also play a role in instilling religious moderation values through a well-structured religious education curriculum. Thus, the charismatic leadership of kyai is at the forefront of reducing religious intolerance and radicalism in pesantren, forming a generation of santri who understand religious teachings comprehensively and moderately, and contributing to creating an inclusive and peaceful society.

An ecosystem orchestration framework for the design of digital product passports in a circular economy

AbstractDigital product passports are considered key levers for a circular economy. By encouraging intraorganizational and interorganizational exchange of data and information, they enable informed life cycle decision‐making to circulate products and materials at their highest utility. This is contingent on the engagement of supply chain actors to contextualize the industrial implications in the span between regulatory compliance and additional value‐generation. Through the lens of ecosystem orchestration, this multiple case study draws upon industrial insights from three product manufacturers as well as a sample of their respective suppliers, service partners, customers, and third‐party recycling companies to identify 16 practices and five orchestration mechanisms. These unfold at different stages of ecosystem maturity. Combined, they construct a framework for the adaptation of digital product passports in industrial ecosystems. This provides guidance for practitioners throughout the contextualization and utilization of digital product passports and extends the scientific debate in the direction of operationalization. As digital product passports are still in their infancy, avenues for further research are identified, particularly concerning the operational foundations, including the adherent driving and inhibiting factors toward the implementation of digital product passports.

SMART-Problem Solving Strategy to Improve Students Scientific Argumentation Skills on "Rain and Malin Kundang Stone Issue" as Local Socio-Scientific Issues (LSSI)

Argumentation skills are needed to prepare the generation to face the industrial era 5.0. This research aims to find out whether the SMART-Problem Solving strategy can improve students' scientific argumentation skills in the context of LSSI "Batu Malin Kundang" which is integrated in chemistry learning to encourage students to make good scientific arguments. This research is a quasi-experimental research with Pretest Posttest Control Group design, involving 101 class XI students at one of the State High Schools in Padang City. The research sample was selected using a convenience sampling technique, namely sampling based on availability in the field or samples that have easy access to researchers. Scientific argumentation skills were measured through pretest and posttest using scientific argumentation skills test instrument in the form of an essay (N=4). The data analysis used in this research is parametric (one way ANOVA). The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference in the average students' scientific argumentation abilities between the SMART-Problem Solving class (average score of 74.09), ADI (average score of 62.94) and the control class (average score of 43. 35), where learning SMART-Problem Solving with the LSSI context can improve argumentation skills effectively

Differences in Scientific Argumentation Skills of Preservice Physics Teachers in Written and Oral Contexts: A Case Study of Video-Based Microteaching Learning

This study aims to analyze the profile of scientific argumentation skills of preservice physics teachers in the context of written case studies and oral presentations through video-based microteaching learning. Data was collected from 15 preservice physics teachers participating in a microteaching course. Qualitative analysis of argumentation components (claim, reason, evidence, rebuttal, conclusion) revealed significant differences in argumentation skills between the two contexts. In written case studies, students demonstrated a relatively good ability to present evidence. However, they needed to improve in formulating claims and reasons. Meanwhile, in oral presentations, there was a significant increase in all components of argumentation, particularly claims, reasons, rebuttals, and conclusions. These findings have important implications for developing more effective microteaching learning to improve the scientific argumentation skills of preservice physics teachers.

Pre-Earthquake Oscillating and Accelerating Patterns in the Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) before the 2022 Luding (China) Ms6.8 Earthquake

The coupling processes among the lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere (LAI) during the earthquake preparation phase are still an open scientific debate. Comprehensive LAI coupling effects around the 2022 Ms6.8 Luding earthquake in China are investigated with a multi-parameter and multi-layer approach, including the b-value, revised accelerated moment release, Earth resistivity, ELF magnetic field emissions, atmospheric electric field, surface temperature, foF2 from ionosonde, GNSS TEC, Ne and magnetic field from CSES and Swarm satellites, and energetic electrons from CSES and NOAA satellites. It is found that the anomalies start from the lithospheric parameters as Earth resistivity and b-values 1–2 years before to reflect the local stress loading in the seismic region, then the ionospheric and atmospheric disturbances occur and accelerate −50 days before and −15 days before, and finally the electrons precipitate a few days before. The simultaneous perturbations in LAI illustrate the thermodynamic coupling channel, such as on 24 August, −12 days before. Meanwhile, the abundant developed ionospheric anomalies without atmospheric disturbances demonstrate the electromagnetic coupling way from the lithosphere to the ionosphere directly. Finally, the results demonstrate a two-way model of LAIC: one way is characterized by a slow chain of processes, of thermodynamic nature, starting from the ground and proceeding to the above atmosphere and ionosphere, showing an exponential trend in the cumulative number of anomalies; the second way is characterized by oscillating electromagnetic coupling between the lithosphere and ionosphere, showing intermittent fluctuations in the corresponding cumulative number of anomalies.

Negative association of sea lice from fish farms on recreational fishing catches of Atlantic salmon

Abstract The question of whether and to what extent sea‐louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infestations from salmon farms influence wild Atlantic salmon survival has been subject to sustained scientific debate and political controversy. Documenting population‐level effects of sea lice on wild salmon remains inherently challenging. We employ comprehensive sea‐lice data and recreational catch data from Norway to assess the impact of farm sea‐louse infestations on wild salmon catches in different production areas (PAs). Our analysis finds a significant correlation between declines in wild Atlantic salmon catches and increasing amounts of adult female sea lice per km2. The effect is most pronounced in PA 4 on the west coast of Norway, an area within the government's” traffic light” management system where out‐migrating salmon smolts are deemed to face high risk of louse‐induced mortality. Our model predicts below‐average catches when the total sea‐louse load exceeds the limit of 0.1 average adult female sea louse per farmed fish within some production areas. Furthermore, our results indicate that the risk of below‐average catches increases by approximately 47% when salmon farms exceed this limit (estimated risk ratio of 1.47, 95% CI [1.10, 1.96]). Synthesis and applications: Our study expands the existing body of evidence demonstrating a negative association between fish farming and the ecosystem services provided by wild salmon stocks. This has important implications for aquaculture management. First, it shows that farm sea lice directly affect peoples, rights holders and interest groups, such as landowners and anglers, who rely on viable populations of wild salmon. Second, it suggests that a >0.1 sea lice limit may be insufficient to prevent subpar catches in some areas. Furthermore, in the context of allowing further growth in farmed salmon biomass, setting absolute sea‐louse limits for entire production areas may be a more effective regulatory instrument than setting average lice limits per farmed fish. Our findings contribute to advancing a scientific basis for setting appropriate louse limits on farm and area scales.

A simple, practical experiment to investigate atomic wavefunction reduction within a Stern–Gerlach magnet

For nearly one hundred years most quantum-mechanics texts have depicted a continuous, spin-direction superposition of the wavefunction of the silver atom traversing a Stern–Gerlach (S–G) magnet. But there are sound scientific arguments which deny that understanding. Schrodinger’s equation for that continuous wavefunction development cannot describe the transfer of energy from the magnetic field to that atom. Modern micro-fabrication techniques now make it possible to implement a simple, accessible experiment testing whether a spin superposition does continue in the magnet. Because the S–G experiment is the prototype for quantum measurement, that observation is crucial to implementing a realistic quantum theory of measurement.

Relative Frequency Controversies and the Growth of Biological Knowledge

Relative frequency controversies, so common in the biological sciences, pose something of a puzzle. Why do biologists routinely engage in disputes that (a) are rarely settled and (b) arguably wouldn’t yield interesting knowledge even if they were? Recent work suggests that relative frequency controversies can lead biologists to increase their understanding of the modal profile of the processes under dispute. Here, we consider some further consequences of this view. We contend that relative frequency controversies can generate recurrent, transient underdetermination about which causes are responsible for producing particular effects. As a result, the increases in understanding these controversies provide can come with decreases in biologists’ ability to offer warranted explanations. We argue that this fits with a toolkit view of biological theory, and suggest some implications for the scientific realism debate as it pertains to biological science.

Promoting abstract thinking and scientific argumentation in the teaching of physics

thinking and scientific argumentation are two of the more important high-order cognitive skills that students at secondary level need to develop in the learning of physics. In this paper a new methodology based on constructivism’s view of education is presented by using counterintuitive experiments under a POE strategy (Predict, Explain, Observe). The experiments consist in a race of two soda can, one of them previously shaken, over an inclined plane; and the movement of a double cone object, built by two joined funnels, over two convergent inclined rails. The unexpected outcome of both experiments challenges the prior ideas of the students and provokes a higher engagement in their learning process. The results of a pilot experience applying this methodology suggest that using counterintuitive experiments under PEO strategy is an effective methodology to introduce the teaching of abstract concepts as moment of inertia and centre of mass. It also helps identifying students’ prior knowledge, promoting the use of scientific reasoning, and training students in the activation of their abstraction skills.

The Protection of Human Rights Defenders in the National Policy of Police Reforms in Indonesia

This research is intended to find scientific arguments to ensure that Indonesia’s National Police reform agenda must be carried out with systematic efforts that can promote and protect human rights defenders. This research uses the descriptive qualitative method using conceptual, statutory, and historical approaches. Library sources as the primary data. This research collects data in the field of literature study, such as books, journals, and credible periodical reports. Finally, the problems are analyzed using the qualitative method. Police Bureaucratic Reform is the ideal patron of the National Police, which is carried out gradually and systematically. Through this instrument, human rights policing can provide certainty for promoting and protecting human rights to human rights defenders. The result of this research convinces and invites the government officers, parliament, NHRIs, and civil society, including human rights defenders, to openly and periodically monitor and evaluate the implementation of National Police bureaucratic reform.

The role of science in resilience planning for military-civilian domains in the U.S. and NATO

ABSTRACT In recent years, the NATO member nations have committed to a coordinated approach to strengthening resilience among the Allies, including the development of National Resilience Plans (NRPs). The Allies outlined the extent to which the robustness of their respective military capacities requires the designed resilience of systems that bridge civilian and military domains. This article outlines the role that resilience plays in supporting tactical and strategic measures of national security and defense within military and civilian domains. This exploration provides an outline of how resilience is currently applied in practice by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and NATO. Building on this diversity of applications, various categorical forms of resilience drawn from the empirical science of resilience are positioned within NATO’s emerging frame for ‘layered’ resilience. This article reinforces the scientific debate that an optimal orientation to resilience leaves open the door for the transformative adaptation of function and identity when the single-equilibrium processes of resilience reach their limits. This article concludes with a normative perspective on how military and civilian resilience planning could support the development of NRPs that would amplify the Allies’ collective capacity to face shared security threats.

A step further towards scientific arguments for expert witnesses in the defense of patients accused of forensic parasomnias.

A step further towards scientific arguments for expert witnesses in the defense of patients accused of forensic parasomnias.

Scientific Debate - “Digital Information and Electronic Services for Citizens”

Scientific Debate - “Digital Information and Electronic Services for Citizens”

Fundamentals of State Sovereignty in Africa: Theoretical Perspective

In the context of the ongoing scientific debate about the essence of state sovereignty and possible directions of its transformation, there is a need for a comprehensive analysis of regional specifics. Traditionally, the analysis of sovereignty was based on the historical experience of European states, and the Westphalian model of sovereignty was considered as almost universal. At the same time, this approach does not provide a much-needed framework for the local and regional specifics of sovereignty. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to identify and reveal the main characteristics of the sovereignty of African countries according to four parameters: integrity, immutability, carriers, and direction. Such an analysis will not only allow African political experience to fit into academic research, which still relies heavily on Western (European) cases of sovereignty. An important task of this article is also to show the features of sovereignty and variability of African states. The specificity of the sovereignty of African states is historically determined by the imposition of different types of sovereignty. Most of them were developed on the continent and were introduced from outside. This implies a noticeable variability in the practical implementation of sovereign rights and the specificity of the actual bearers of sovereignty. In contrast to Westphalian sovereignty, Africa has developed a wider range of sovereignty holders, which is not limited by formal state decision-making mechanisms. Due to the peculiarities of supranational integration and external borrowing, African countries have developed some constraints on external sovereignty and have retained the ability to deal with other states, including extra-regional ones. However, this process still has little impact on internal sovereignty due to its heterogeneity, multi-level nature, and complexity.

Duality of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Chronic Cardiovascular Disease: Potential Biomarkers versus Active Pathophysiological Promoters.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), comprising leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), and valine (Val), are essential nutrients vital for protein synthesis and metabolic regulation via specialized signaling networks. Their association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has become a focal point of scientific debate, with emerging evidence suggesting both beneficial and detrimental roles. This review aims to dissect the multifaceted relationship between BCAAs and cardiovascular health, exploring the molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. Elevated BCAA levels have also been linked to insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), inflammation, and dyslipidemia, which are well-established risk factors for CVD. Central to these processes are key pathways such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activate B cells (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation, and oxidative stress. Additionally, the interplay between BCAA metabolism and gut microbiota, particularly the production of metabolites like trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), adds another layer of complexity. Contrarily, some studies propose that BCAAs may have cardioprotective effects under certain conditions, contributing to muscle maintenance and metabolic health. This review critically evaluates the evidence, addressing the biological basis and signal transduction mechanism, and also discusses the potential for BCAAs to act as biomarkers versus active mediators of cardiovascular pathology. By presenting a balanced analysis, this review seeks to clarify the contentious roles of BCAAs in CVD, providing a foundation for future research and therapeutic strategies required because of the rising prevalence, incidence, and total burden of CVDs.

Does good governance moderate the relationship between blockchain technology use and tax evasion? Evidence from STOXX 600

PurposeThis paper aimed to shed light on the relationship between blockchain technology intensity and tax evasion and whether this relationship is moderated by good governance.Design/methodology/approachData from a sample of 50 European companies selected from the STOXX 600 index between 2010 and 2019 were used to test the model via panel data and multiple regression. Here, we used the generalized least squares method estimated on panel data. A multivariate regression model was used to analyze the moderating effect of good governance on the association between blockchain technology intensity and tax evasion. For the robustness analyses, we included the comparative study of legal systems. We performed an additional analysis by testing the dynamic dimension of the data set using the generalized method of moments to control for the endogeneity problem.FindingsExpectedly, the results showed a negative relationship between blockchain technology intensity and tax evasion. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the moderating variable negatively affects the relationship between blockchain technology and tax evasion.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, this study supports the existing literature. Firstly, it expands the scientific debate on tax evasion. Secondly, it extends the scope of the agency theory, which is used to explain the phenomena associated with tax evasion. This study is one of the first to examine the moderating effect of good governance on the association between blockchain technology intensity and tax evasion.