Scientific Endeavor Research Articles

Harmonizing Science and Society: A Change Management Approach to Align Scientific Endeavors with Societal Needs

The pursuit of scientific knowledge has long been humanity’s most potent tool for comprehending the natural world and driving technological advancements. However, a persistent paradox exists within the scientific enterprise: the occasional disconnect, be it slight or complete, between scientific inquiry and tangible societal impact. This misalignment can occur from differences between what may be esoteric scientific priorities and the immediate practical needs of society. Misalignment can be problematic because many global challenges, such as climate change, infectious diseases, and resource scarcity, demand research that informs actionable strategies that more immediately benefit society. The gap between scientific outcomes and societal needs is sometimes broadened via ineffective communication, sensationalized media portrayal of research, and a lack of collaboration. This article is written to (a) articulate a method to ensure that scientific outcomes align with societal needs (in cases where alignment is important) and (b) inspire discussion about the purposefulness of scientific research. An organizational change leadership approach, rooted in business management principles, is presented that can be applied to scientific research to bridge this gap and unlock science’s transformative and tangible potential. This novel approach involves crafting a clear vision, practicing effective communication, empowering researchers, shifting success metrics, and cultivating a research enterprise culture that values societal engagement. An example application is provided to catalyze transformative change in the mining industry. By adopting a change management method, researchers can ensure their work addresses real-world needs, garners stakeholder buy-in, and enhances societal acceptance of scientific endeavors.

Research on the green preparation of manufactured sand by tuff produced in Gansu China and its influence on the properties of concrete

Tuff in Gansu Province, China, is a parent rock with abundant reserves. Studying the characteristics of this parent rock and developing advanced technology for manufacturing its sand are valuable scientific endeavors. The physical and mechanical properties, chemical composition, pore structure, and lithofacies of the parent rock of tuff in the study region were examined in this study. The crushing and impact characteristics of the tuff were analyzed to propose a set of novel key processes and parameters for the production of manufactured sand from tuff in the Gansu region. Using the technology proposed in this study, tuff-manufactured sand was produced and used to prepare concrete. The effects of the tuff-manufactured sand on the flowability, hydration process, mechanical properties, pore structure, and interface transition zone (ITZ) of the concrete were systematically studied. The research results show that the SiO2 content in tuff is as high as 55.45 %, making it a neutral alkaline stone with a compressive strength of 48.0 MPa. The Bangde ball milling work index and impact work index of tuff was 9.89KW/t and 6.45, respectively. And the tuff is easy to break and more stone powder will be produced during the preparation of manufactured sand. The “two-stage crushing and three-stage screening” preparation process and key parameters for tuff-manufactured sand were proposed for the first time. Compared with traditional granite, the slump of tuff-manufactured sand concrete was reduced by 2.38 %, and the compressive strength was increased by 8.56 %. The stone powder in the tuff-manufactured sand participated in a hydration reaction before 14 h of hydration. Compared with river sand concrete, the total number of pores of tuff-manufactured sand concrete decreased by 49.18 %, ITZ split tensile strength and ITZ vulnerable point microhardness increased by 30.91 %, ITZ thickness decreased by 21.05 %, and the maximum crack width of aggregate and ITZ contact interface decreased by 0.47 μm after standard curing for 28 d.

Selective generation of H2O2 by Cu-modified graphitic carbon nitride for rapid water disinfection via intracellular Fenton reaction

Pathogenic microorganisms pose a significant threat to human health. Recognizing the critical necessity for antimicrobial photocatalysts with exceptional disinfection efficiency, we have embarked upon a scientific endeavor that integrates theoretical calculation to guide the synthesis of Cu nanoparticles decorated on a graphitic carbon nitride matrix (Cu-CN). This designed catalyst exhibits an enhanced ability to selectively generate H2O2, thereby facilitating rapid water disinfection under visible-light irradiation. Our results demonstrate that photocatalytic intervention can achieve complete inactivation of S. aureus (7 log) within 60 min. Through a combination of experimental and characterization data, we propose a potential intracellular Fenton reaction of H2O2 that contributes to the bacterial inactivation. This research not only provides valuable insights into the development of high-performance photocatalysts capable of selective H2O2 generation but also enhances our understanding of the mechanism behind bacterial inactivation mediated by H2O2 during the photocatalytic process.

Tracing a new path in the field of AI and robotics: mimicking human intelligence through chemistry. Part II: systems chemistry.

Inspired by some traits of human intelligence, it is proposed that wetware approaches based on molecular, supramolecular, and systems chemistry can provide valuable models and tools for novel forms of robotics and AI, being constituted by soft matter and fluid states as the human nervous system and, more generally, life, is. Bottom-up mimicries of intelligence range from the molecular world to the multicellular level, i.e., from the Ångström ( meters) to the micrometer scales ( meters), and allows the development of unconventional chemical robotics. Whereas conventional robotics lets humans explore and colonise otherwise inaccessible environments, such as the deep oceanic abysses and other solar system planets, chemical robots will permit us to inspect and control the microscopic molecular and cellular worlds. This article suggests that systems made of properly chosen molecular compounds can implement all those modules that are the fundamental ingredients of every living being: sensory, processing, actuating, and metabolic networks. Autonomous chemical robotics will be within reach when such modules are compartmentalised and assembled. The design of a strongly intertwined web of chemical robots, with or without the involvement of living matter, will give rise to collective forms of intelligence that will probably reproduce, on a minimal scale, some sophisticated performances of the human intellect and will implement forms of "general AI." These remarkable achievements will require a productive interdisciplinary collaboration among chemists, biotechnologists, computer scientists, engineers, physicists, neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, and philosophers to be achieved. The principal purpose of this paper is to spark this revolutionary collaborative scientific endeavour.

Coral Lipids.

Reef-building corals, recognized as cornerstone species in marine ecosystems, captivate with their unique duality as both symbiotic partners and autotrophic entities. Beyond their ecological prominence, these corals produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites, many of which are poised to revolutionize the domains of pharmacology and medicine. This exhaustive review delves deeply into the multifaceted world of coral-derived lipids, highlighting both ubiquitous and rare forms. Within this spectrum, we navigate through a myriad of fatty acids and their acyl derivatives, encompassing waxes, sterol esters, triacylglycerols, mono-akyl-diacylglycerols, and an array of polar lipids such as betaine lipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids, phospholipids, and phosphonolipids. We offer a comprehensive exploration of the intricate biochemical variety of these lipids, related fatty acids, prostaglandins, and both cyclic and acyclic oxilipins. Additionally, the review provides insights into the chemotaxonomy of these compounds, illuminating the fatty acid synthesis routes inherent in corals. Of particular interest is the symbiotic bond many coral species nurture with dinoflagellates from the Symbiodinium group; their lipid and fatty acid profiles are also detailed in this discourse. This exploration accentuates the vast potential and intricacy of coral lipids and underscores their profound relevance in scientific endeavors.

ASM Sci. J., Vol. 1, No. 1, 2007

The ASM Science Journal (ASM Sc. J.) is intended to be one of the primary vehicles of the Academy of Sciences Malaysiato stimulate and nurture excellence in science and technology for the development of the nation and for the benefit ofmankind. Its purpose is also to widely disseminate significant research developments and deliberate on R&D strategiesand policies. It will further provide a major opportunity for showcasing the effectiveness of scientific and technical effortsand increasing the efficiency of management of research and development which is linked with the ability to communicateinformation about current research efforts and the results of past work. This journal will pay attention to the importanceof scientific and technical endeavour and contribute to the better understanding of problems of science and technologythrough its regular publication and wide circulation, thus promoting cooperation and exchange of views among the sciencecommunity worldwide. All these objectives are fully in line with the aims and objectives of the Academy.In this maiden issue, there are contributions from many fields covering both fundamental and applied research: medicine,engineering, chemistry, electronics, mechanics and physics. Our future plan is to gear one issue a year towards a particulartheme. The papers in that issue will address current and impending issues, and the demands and needs of the scientificcommunity and society pertaining to the selected theme.It is hoped that this varied, vital and vigorous exchange of scientific information that the Journal provides will assist inbetter understanding the various forces and factors that affect the progress of humanity and safeguard its survival. TheAcademy of Sciences Malaysia, therefore, in earnestly discharging its responsibility, proudly associates itself with thisJournal in striving to promote an international exchange of scientific information.

Editorial: Current advances in anti-infective strategies

Infectious diseases pose a global challenge, necessitating an exploration of novel methodologies for diagnostics and treatments. Since the onset of the most recent pandemic, COVID-19, which was initially identified as a worldwide health crisis, numerous countries experienced profound disruptions in their healthcare systems. To combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments across the globe have mobilized significant efforts and resources to develop treatments and vaccines. Researchers have put forth a multitude of approaches for COVID-19 detection, treatment protocols, and vaccine development, including groundbreaking mRNA technology, among others.
 This matter represents not only a scientific endeavor but also an essential addition to our arsenal for combating infectious diseases. This concern is underscored by the inclusion of eleven articles in this issue, each highlighting the urgent need to boost global resources for investigating, detecting, treating, and responding to emerging infections. Furthermore, there is a pressing call for the effective coordination and guidance of Arabian research initiatives, in conjunction with the efforts of Afro-Asian countries, to collectively address the challenges at hand and enhance overall outcomes.
 This special issue of Baghdad Science Journal on COVID-19 and anti-infective strategies provides an overview of infectious disease and anti-infective strategies management for detection, treatment protocol, and vaccine development including mRNA with many other strategies, by publishing articles on recent research concepts.

Noise levels in a changing Arctic Ocean and its implications for security

Arctic Ocean is undergoing an “Atlantification” of its oceanographic properties. Sea ice retreat and reduction of sea ice age will affect its underwater soundscape, with anthropogenic noise expected to increase due to the exploitation of new maritime routes. The CMRE’s Environmental and Operational Effectiveness Programme conducted a study of the new Arctic oceanographic conditions and ambient noise by deploying in 2021 and in 2022 different moorings equipped with passive acoustic recorders and oceanographic sensors. Data did not show a clear relation between sea-ice concentration and noise levels in the marginal ice zone. However, noise levels indicate that the possible presence of transmissions ducts might increase high frequency noise in the subsurface area. Seasonality and variations in the overall soundscapes were also evident by the presence of sounds from biological sources. In 2023, with the support of the NATO Office of the Chief Scientist, CMRE started a long-term scientific endeavor to study how climate change might affect the Alliance’s security in the maritime domain. A significant research effort is focused on the Arctic, and in June–July 2023 CMRE deployed three deep moorings for monitoring the acoustic-oceanographic conditions in the long term. [Work supported by the NATO Allied Command Transformation.]

Forensic Graphology: A Critical Appraisal of Handwriting Analysis in Criminal Profiling

Abstract: Graphology, the practice of assessing personality traits through the analysis of handwriting, remains a topic of interest and debate within the field of psychology. This abstract provides a scientific perspective on the utility of graphology in identifying personality characteristics. While graphology has been a subject of study for decades, it is essential to acknowledge that it lacks robust empirical validation and widespread acceptance within the scientific community. Despite its limitations, some proponents argue that handwriting analysis may offer insights into certain personality traits. This abstract explores the key aspects of graphology, including its historical development, principles, methodology, and the challenges it faces in achieving scientific credibility. The discussion highlights the need for continued research to establish the validity and reliability of handwriting analysis as a tool for assessing personality, emphasizing the importance of empirical validation in scientific endeavors.

Astaxanthin: Past, Present, and Future.

Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective.

Zwitterion-doped liquid crystal speckle reducers for immersive displays and vectorial imaging

Lasers possess many attractive features (e.g., high brightness, narrow linewidth, well-defined polarization) that make them the ideal illumination source for many different scientific and technological endeavors relating to imaging and the display of high-resolution information. However, their high-level of coherence can result in the formation of noise, referred to as speckle, that can corrupt and degrade images. Here, we demonstrate a new electro-optic technology for combatting laser speckle using a chiral nematic liquid crystal (LC) dispersed with zwitterionic dopants. Results are presented that demonstrate when driven at the optimum electric field conditions, the speckle noise can be reduced by >90% resulting in speckle contrast (C) values of C = 0.07, which is approaching that required to be imperceptible to the human eye. This LC technology is then showcased in an array of different display and imaging applications, including a demonstration of speckle reduction in modern vectorial laser-based imaging.

Succinate metabolism: a promising therapeutic target for inflammation, ischemia/reperfusion injury and cancer.

Succinate serves as an essential circulating metabolite within the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and functions as a substrate for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), thereby contributing to energy production in fundamental mitochondrial metabolic pathways. Aberrant changes in succinate concentrations have been associated with pathological states, including chronic inflammation, ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, and cancer, resulting from the exaggerated response of specific immune cells, thereby rendering it a central area of investigation. Recent studies have elucidated the pivotal involvement of succinate and SDH in immunity beyond metabolic processes, particularly in the context of cancer. Current scientific endeavors are concentrated on comprehending the functional repercussions of metabolic modifications, specifically pertaining to succinate and SDH, in immune cells operating within a hypoxic milieu. The efficacy of targeting succinate and SDH alterations to manipulate immune cell functions in hypoxia-related diseases have been demonstrated. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of succinate's role in metabolism and the regulation of SDH is crucial for effectively targeting succinate and SDH as therapeutic interventions to influence the progression of specific diseases. This review provides a succinct overview of the latest advancements in comprehending the emerging functions of succinate and SDH in metabolic processes. Furthermore, it explores the involvement of succinate, an intermediary of the TCA cycle, in chronic inflammation, IR injury, and cancer, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms underlying succinate accumulation. This review critically assesses the potential of modulating succinate accumulation and metabolism within the hypoxic milieu as a means to combat various diseases. It explores potential targets for therapeutic interventions by focusing on succinate metabolism and the regulation of SDH in hypoxia-related disorders.

Architecture of soil microaggregates: Advanced methodologies to explore properties and functions

AbstractThe functions of soils are intimately linked to their three‐dimensional pore space and the associated biogeochemical interfaces, mirrored in the complex structure that developed during pedogenesis. Under stress overload, soil disintegrates into smaller compound structures, conventionally named aggregates. Microaggregates (<250 µm) are recognized as the most stable soil structural units. They are built of mineral, organic, and biotic materials, provide habitats for a vast diversity of microorganisms, and are closely involved in the cycling of matter and energy. However, exploring the architecture of soil microaggregates and their linkage to soil functions remains a challenging but demanding scientific endeavor. With the advent of complementary spectromicroscopic and tomographic techniques, we can now assess and visualize the size, composition, and porosity of microaggregates and the spatial arrangement of their interior building units. Their combinations with advanced experimental pedology, multi‐isotope labeling experiments, and computational approaches pave the way to investigate microaggregate turnover and stability, explore their role in element cycling, and unravel the intricate linkage between structure and function. However, spectromicroscopic techniques operate at different scales and resolutions, and have specific requirements for sample preparation and microaggregate isolation; hence, special attention must be paid to both the separation of microaggregates in a reproducible manner and the synopsis of the geography of information that originates from the diverse complementary instrumental techniques. The latter calls for further development of strategies for synlocation and synscaling beyond the present state of correlative analysis. Here, we present examples of recent scientific progress and review both options and challenges of the joint application of cutting‐edge techniques to achieve a sophisticated picture of the properties and functions of soil microaggregates.

The effects of industry 4.0 on productivity: A scientific mapping study

Industry 4.0 is a prevailing topic in contemporary discourse, and the volume of scholarly research in this domain is rapidly expanding. Within the last decade alone, the Web of Science database has yielded a corpus of nearly 38,000 publications. Productivity, as a multifaceted concept, is profoundly influenced by various domains, with Industry 4.0 exerting a particularly noteworthy impact on industrial sectors. In this investigation, a rigorous scientific mapping endeavor has been undertaken to examine the interplay between Industry 4.0 and productivity. To this end, bibliometric data encompassing 523 articles and 63 review articles on the subjects of “Productivity” and “Industry 4.0” were extracted from the Web of Science database. These 586 articles were subsequently subjected to comprehensive analysis, employing the SciMAT program to facilitate both bibliometric assessments and content analysis. The bibliometric evaluation encompasses the evolution of publication output, identification of influential authors and journals within the field, scrutiny of highly cited publications, and an examination of the most frequently referenced works. The content analysis stage harnesses Strategic Diagrams, Thematic Networks, and Evolutionary Maps to discern overarching themes, associated terminologies, and their temporal evolution. The resulting findings are meticulously interpreted and explicated for each individual theme, affording nuanced insights into the intricate relationship between Industry 4.0 and productivity.

Global research on nuclear energy in the context of health and environmental risks, considering economic interests

AbstractThe question of whether nuclear energy—as a source with relatively low carbon dioxide emissions—can be classified as a sustainable energy source has come into focus in connection with climate change. There is a controversy over securing independence from fossil fuels and gas supplies from other countries through a revival of nuclear energy. On the other hand, some viewpoints are critical: the handling of nuclear waste and the still unclear risks to human health and the environment, especially in light of recent perils from Russian military attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants. To evaluate the worldwide publications on nuclear energy under health and environmental aspects, socio‐economic parameters were included to provide an informed background for all stakeholders, from scientists to decision‐makers. The correlation between the number of nuclear power plants and the publication output of the countries is proven to be highly significant. Thus, the operating countries publish the most. It has been shown that the development and economic use of nuclear energy are major stimuli for scientific endeavors. Reactor accidents have also spurred research. Mathematical risk modeling has been the area with the highest citation rate to date, but environmental and health aspects have become more important, especially after major accidents. The results show the importance of economic interests in research on nuclear energy from health and environmental aspects. Against the background of transnational hazards, global research participation should be encouraged. Moreover, the international debate should not ignore the reality of threats and their possible impacts.This article is categorized under: Policy and Economics > Research and Development Policy and Economics > Security Human and Social Dimensions > Energy and Climate Justice

Improving Science Process Skills of Students: A Review of Literature

This paper aims to review and assess the strategies available in literature to improve the practices of science process skills (SPS) among students. SPS encompasses the mental and physical activities of students in collecting and organizing information and then using the information to make predictions, explain phenomena, solve problems, understand the scientific endeavor, and learn science. Students were required to develop and use these skills in the teaching and learning process. The commonly identified and described SPS are observation, measuring, classifying, communicating, predicting, inferring, using numbers, using space/time relationship, questioning, identifying and controlling variables, hypothesizing, defining operationally, designing experiments, interpreting data, and modeling. These skills are important for students as tools for exploration and investigation of the natural world, improving academic achievements and attitudes towards science, learning science with understanding, and promoting development of mental and intellectual processes. From the literature reviewed the following strategies were recognized for the development of SPS in students: integration of SPS in curriculum materials, classroom lessons and assessments, use of instructional strategies or methods, and providing explicit instruction or training on SPS. The instructional strategies identified for enhancing SPS were student-centered teaching methods and multiple representation approaches. Student-centered teaching approaches promote the development of SPS in students by engaging them in mind-on and hand-on activities. Multiple representation approaches involve presenting lessons by using a combination of various teaching methods or various media in the same lesson and are found important for SPS development in students. Therefore, it was recommended to use these strategies for developing SPS to attain science education goals.

Open Science and Language Data: Expectations vs. Reality

Language data are essential for any scientific endeavor. However, unlike numerical data, language data are often protected by copyright, as they easily meet the threshold of originality. The role of research infrastructures (such CLARIN, DARIAH, and Text+) is to bridge the gap between uses allowed by statutory exceptions and the requirements of Open Science. This is achieved on the one hand by sharing language data produced by research organisations with the widest possible circle of persons, and on the other by mutualizing efforts towards copyright clearance and appropriate licensing of datasets.

Adoption of environmental DNA in public agency practice

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has matured to the point that it is ready for deployment in many applications, particularly in aquatic environments. But public agencies have yet to adopt eDNA methods into their environmental decision making routines at scale, even when eDNA offers clear advantages to those now in use. This article provides a perspective on this gap by considering adoption of a new technology as a path‐dependent, social process in which some paths lead to outcomes that provide far greater benefits than others. We use the diffusion of innovations to investigate eDNA adoption by government agencies, in an effort to (1) identify likely paths toward institutionalized uptake, and (2) suggest ways of avoiding societally inefficient adoption outcomes. Because—as in any scientific endeavor—the best eDNA practices will continue to change, public agencies must remain open to improvements while building a useful and validated array of methods for routine eDNA application. Here we suggest one mechanism for doing so, which we call collaborative governance.

Overview of Space-Capable Global Navigation Satellite Systems Receivers: Heritage, Status and the Trend towards Miniaturization.

Spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers have become ubiquitous sensors for spacecraft navigation, especially in Low Earth Orbits (LEOs), often also supporting science endeavors or as acting dedicated science payloads. Due to the large number of space-capable GNSS receiver models available, spacecraft designers, as well as scientists, may find it difficult to have or gain an overview of suitable state-of-the-art models for their purposes and constraints. Based on a literature review that included more than 90 different receiver models, this paper aims to provide an overview of space-capable GNSS receivers that have a heritage in space missions. It analyses trends from the collected data and provides an outlook on miniaturized GNSS receiver models, which have a high potential of being used in future space missions.

An American Perspective on the Legacy of Anatoly I. Grigoriev in Space Medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Academician Anatoly Ivanovich Grigoriev was a physician, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Presidium, and a celebrated leader of science in the Soviet Union and Russia-but in the United States, he will be remembered as a friend and mentor. His contributions to space and medicine of extreme environments had a profound impact on human space exploration. He fostered collaboration in many areas of space-human factors, especially in the areas of renal function, endocrinology, and fluids and electrolytes. The joint efforts between NASA and the Soviet/Russian Space Program constitute the foundation for mutual respect and scientific endeavors that continue to transcend the world's political events.DISCUSSION: This article briefly summarizes Grigoriev's contributions in our long and historical collaboration in human spaceflight. Multiple sources were used, with much drawn from firsthand knowledge through our personal interfaces and working collaboration.Nicogossian AE, Doarn CR. An American perspective on the legacy of Anatoly I. Grigoriev in space medicine. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(9):723-727.