Scientific Institutions Research Articles

Estudo das dificuldades encontradas por laboratórios brasileiros na implementação de métodos alternativos ao uso de animais: avaliação de irritação ocular e o teste de Permeabilidade e Opacidade da Córnea Bovina (BCOP)

Introduction: Ensuring the safety of products causing ocular irritation is crucial. The Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) test is an accepted alternative method for ocular irritation assessment in regulatory contexts. Objective: This study aimed to identify the main challenges and technical limitations faced by professionals when implementing alternative methods, particularly for ocular irritation assessment. Method: A qualitative research approach was employed using questionnaires (n = 22 respondents) and interviews (n = 7), followed by discourse analysis. Results: Findings reveal that 71% of alternative method practitioners encounter significant difficulties, primarily due to high validation/implementation costs (62%), driven by consumable expenses. Limited access to training (62%) and importation of reagents and equipment (43%) were also noted. Key BCOP limitations include restricted access to bovine eyeballs (50%), less precise risk classification (43%), and substantial eyeball waste (29%) due to damage. Interviews supported these conclusions, highlighting challenges such as travel to slaughterhouses, insufficient technical details in the OECD Guide, the need for additional support materials, and a lack of experienced professionals. These results underscore the need for expanded training opportunities for test implementation. The high cost of imported materials indicates greater validation expenses in Brazil than in other countries. Conclusions: Addressing these challenges requires an open innovation environment, fostering collaboration among the Triple Helix (Companies, Scientific and Technological Institutions, and Government).

Fire Safety Assessment of a Typical Sports Hall Building Based on Fire Dynamics and Crowd Movement Models

Fire risk analysis is one of the essential components of building design to ensure the safety of occupants and properties in case of fires. Currently, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing Regulation No. 20/PRT/M/2009 provides guidelines for conducting a fire risk analysis, however, without a clear consideration of fire dynamics in the estimation of the fire risk level. In this work, we investigate the fire safety aspects of a typical sports hall buildings by a fire dynamics deterministic model (Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) of the National Institute of Science and Technology, USA) and crowd movement model for occupant evacuation (Pathfinder of Thunderhead Engineering). Systematic investigations were made on the effects of the fire growth category and smoke extraction system on the Available Safe Egress Time (ASET). The results of ASET were then compared to the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) which is obtained from the evacuation model. Our results suggest that ASET decreases exponentially with fire growth rate, especially from slow to medium growth rate. The fire growth rate significantly affects the acceptable fire risk of ASET longer than RSET. Occupant capacity, fire management systems, and smoke extraction systems play important roles in reducing fire risk. However, as the fire growth rate increases, the effects of smoke extraction in maintaining safe conditions diminish. This study provides recommendations to reduce risks to the occupants in case of fire, contributing to the considerations of the design and management of a typical sports hall building.

Examining the Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With a Virtual Agent on User Motivation and Improvement in Psychological Distress and Anxiety: Two-Session Experimental Study.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment for mood disorders and anxiety. CBT methods, such as cognitive restructuring, are employed to change automatic negative thoughts to more realistic ones. This study extends on previous research conducted by the authors, focused on the process of correcting automatic negative thoughts to realistic ones and reducing distress and anxiety via CBT with a virtual agent. It was aimed to investigate whether the previously applied virtual agent would achieve changes in automatic negative thoughts when modifications to the previous experimental paradigm are applied and when user motivation is taken into consideration. Furthermore, thepotential effects of existing participant knowledge concerning CBT or automatic thoughts were explored. A single-group, 2-session experiment was conducted using a within-group design. The study recruited 35 participants from May 15, 2023, to June 2, 2023, via Inter Group Corporation, with data collection following from June 5 to June 20, 2023, at Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. There were 19 male and 16 female participants (age range: 18-50 years; mean 33.66, SD 10.77 years). Participants answered multiple questionnaires covering depressive symptomatology and other cognitive variables before and after a CBT session. CBT was carried out using a virtual agent, who participants conversed with using a CBT dialogue scenario on the topic of automatic negative thoughts. Session 2 of the experiment took place 1 week after session 1. Changes in distress and state anxiety were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and t-test for paired samples. The relationships of motivation with cognitive changes and distress or anxiety changes were investigated via correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the potential predictive qualities of previous knowledge of CBT and automatic negative thoughts regarding outcome measures. Significant reductions in distress (all P<.001) and state anxiety (all P<.003) emerged throughout the first and second experimental sessions. The CBT intervention increased participants' recognition of their negative thinking and their intention to change it, namely their motivation to change it. However, no clear correlations of motivation with changes in distress or anxiety were found (all P>.04). Participants reported moderate subjective changes in their cognition, which were in part positively correlated with their motivation (all P<.007). Lastly, existing knowledge of CBT did not predict reductions in distress during the first session of the experiment (P=.02). CBT using a virtual agent and a CBT dialogue scenario was successful in reducing distress and anxiety when talking about automatic negative thoughts. The promotion of client motivation needs to be critically considered when designing interventions using CBT with a virtual agent, and further experimental investigations on the causal influences between motivation and outcome measures need to be conducted.

Speaking in Private: Privacy Expectations Depend on Communication Modality

Consumers disclose personal information when they interact with connected technologies. The advent of voice technology has enabled consumers to interact with connected technologies not only through typing but also through speaking. The present research investigates whether consumers expect different levels of privacy for information they disclose via different communication modalities. The results of three studies suggest that consumers have more restrictive privacy expectations for information disclosed via speech as compared with text. The studies probe the viability of several mechanisms that may drive this effect and test practically relevant moderators. The results suggest that the effect is driven, at least in part, by increased feelings of ownership over content disclosed via speech as compared with text. Of relevance to multiple stakeholders, the article discusses implications for privacy regulation, privacy-preserving application design, targeted advertising, and the “privacy paradox.” This paper has been This paper was accepted by Catherine Tucker for the Special Issue on the Human-Algorithm Connection. Funding: This work was supported by Marketing Science Institute [4001309], NYU Stern Center for Global Economy and Business. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03954 .

Empirical Research on the Assessment and Enhancement of Blended Teaching Competence of Integrated English Teachers

This research aimed to assess Integrated English teachers’ competence at Guangzhou Institute of Science and Technology. The participants of the study were 275 students who were enrolled in Integrated English course, and 11 teachers who teach this course. The study revealed that the level of teachers’ competence in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes in Integrated English blended teaching was very high as assessed by the teacher and student participants. However, the challenges and problems encountered by teachers were limited time, insufficient supervision on students’ study and difficulty in assessing individual outputs. Therefore, a plan of action was proposed to improve the teaching of Integrated English through blended mode.

Force Measurement Standards Up to 1 MN and Above

The use of force measurements standards ensures testing of load and force sensors designed for measuring and studying large loads in rocket science, nuclear power plant construction, and testing of structural materials. The article provides an overview of the State Primary Standard of force GET 32–2011 of the Russian Federation in the range up to 1 MN, and also analyzes international experience in the field of reproduction of the unit of force with a value above 1 MN. The range of reproduction and composition of loads of the deadweight machine EU-100 from the composition of the State Primary Standard of force GET 32–2011 of the Russian Federation, deadweight machine of the Physical-Technical Federal Institute (PTB, Germany), deadweight machine of the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, deadweight machine of the Fujian Institute for Metrology (FPIM, China) and the deadweight machine of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS, Republic of Korea) were assessed. The article is of scientific and practical interest to specialists in the field of reproduction of the unit of force of large values. The generalized experience can become the basis for research in the field of improving the standards of force. The review is also addressed to teachers and students of specialized disciplines of higher education.

Economic and biological assessment of a new medium-ripened variety of soft winter wheat Priazovye

Relevance. In the Russian Federation, winter common wheat is the main food and strategic crop. Permanent improvement of productivity and quality of wheat grain, reducing its production costs is the main task of agricultural production. To solve this problem, the leading place is given to the continuous and constant creation and introduction into production of new competitive wheat varieties, highly adapted to stress factors, with guaranteed high yields and high grain quality.Methods. The research was carried out in the southern zone of the Rostov region at the experimental sites of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution ANTS “Donskoy” in 2021–2023 in order to create a new variety of soft winter wheat capable of forming not only high yields, but also having high frost resistance, drought resistance, resistance to leaf diseases, possessing high rheological and technological properties of grain and flour.Results. The winter common wheat variety Priazovie was developed by stepwise hybridization using the varieties Voyazh and Tanya. This is a highly productive variety. On average, over three years (2021–2023) of study in the competitive variety testing, the productivity of the variety laid in green manure fallow was 9.88 t/ha, exceeding that of the standard variety by 1.56 t/ha. The variety is capable of producing high yields after various forecrops. The maximum productivity of the variety (12.23 t/ha) was obtained in green manure fallow in 2022. The variety forms a high stem capacity (up to 800 pcs/m²), and is characterized by high resistance to the main leaf diseases, such as powdery mildew, brown and yellow mildew, loose smut, leaf blotch, etc. According to the main indicators of grain and flour quality, it belongs to valuable wheat, in terms of frost resistance (73.3%) it surpasses the standard Ermak variety (69.2%).

Techniques for increasing tomato yield in Astrakhan region

Relevance. The use of mineral fertilizers in the cultivation of tomato in the first place should ensure the best conditions for the nutrition of plants during the entire growing season in accordance with their need.The research methodology was based on generally accepted methods for vegetable growing. The main goal of this study was to improve the zonal technology for cultivating tomato in open ground using leaf dressing with KCL and KNO3 preparations, aimed at increasing the level of yield during irrigation in the north of the Astrakhan region. Field experiments were carried out at the experimental irrigated land use area of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Caspian Agrarian Federal Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences" in the period from 2021 to 2023. The scientific novelty of the study was the theoretical and practical justification for the use of leaf dressing with KCL and KNO3 in the cultivation of vegetables, aimed at the formation of highly productive commercial products.Results. During the research work, a comparative analysis of various standards of use of drugs was carried out, highlighting the most promising option. Three-year studies found that the use of potassium fertilizer KCl with a concentration of 0.5%), 30... 40 days. after planting (flowering), 50 days. after planting and 60 days. after planting gave a significant increase in yield relative to the control option. Conclusions. Based on the results of the analysis, an average of five charges, the KCl treatment variant Background + 3 (concentration 0.5%) was identified, which had the highest yield of 130.56 t/ha. This option was significantly different from both control and other options under study. The increase relative to the control was + 4.08 t/ha or + 3.2%.

Resilient locusts, ignorant people, modern state and scientific knowledge: a late Ottoman human-animal-state history

This article revisits Ottoman history by exploring the enduring relationship between humans and locusts through an animal-human history approach, emphasizing their ‘companionship’ and combined agencies. Instead of focusing on a specific region, the study highlights an empire-wide locust agency by examining the dynamics among humans, locusts, and state policies within the framework of the institutionalization of science. The study traces the evolution of Ottoman locust policies from the Hamidian era’s shift to standardized methods relying on human labor, to the CUP era’s ambitious emphasis on science and increased state racism, categorizing people as ‘ignorant inferiors’. It argues that while scientific knowledge was used to justify state racism to manage locusts and police humans, the resilience of locusts and their relationship with ‘ignorant’ humans and their surrounding environment forced policy changes. By integrating locust agency, this study offers a holistic perspective on the Ottoman past, revealing how locusts, humans, and the state continually influenced each other, and contested the nature of biopolitics and scientific knowledge.

Remuneration in science: an analysis from the perspective of the decent work concept

Decent wages in science are necessary because the work of scientists is valuable for ensuring a country's viability and economic growth. This study aims to develop the theoretical and methodological foundations for examining wage policy within the framework of the decent work concept at the sectoral level. Additionally, the study seeks to analyze wage policies within the scientific field to identify areas for enhancement. The authors developed methodological principles for assessing wages in terms of the decent work concept. The assessment of wages confirmed the hypothesis about insufficient wage policy in science, which does not attract new employees to work in scientific institutions, engages scientists in research, and motivates results. The results showed that the science sector belongs to the sectors of the economy with decent wage indicators below the average. An analysis of wage policy in science revealed some positive characteristics and negative trends. Priority objectives were set to raise the prestige and attractiveness of scientific work. These objectives include raising salaries and increasing the minimal guarantees, implementing innovative wage tariffing and bonus schemes, introducing competitive social packages, reducing the gender pay gap, and developing social partnership and wage bargaining regulations. The practical significance of the study is evident in the potential application of the methodology by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Leaders of scientific institutions and social partners can use this methodology to derive practical benefits.

абезпечення інноваційного розвитку національної економіки на основі реалізації економічних інтересів учасників систем кластерного партнерства в умовах нових викликів

Introduction. Recent years have been a challenge for the Ukrainian economy. The full-scale war caused significant destruction, interrupted production chains and led to massive migration of the population. In such circumstances, the issues of economic recovery and increasing its competitiveness are particularly acute. The cluster approach, as a proven tool for economic development, can be an effective mechanism for overcoming the consequences of war and ensuring sustainable growth. In the developed countries of the world, there is an increase in cluster formations, where the organizational and functional structures do not change, but the process of joint interaction intensifies, which creates favorable conditions for the development of cluster partnerships based on integrated and quasi-integrated relationships and the economy of the territories where they are based. Problem Statement. The effectiveness of cluster partnerships has been proven theoretically by foreign scientists and confirmed by foreign examples. However, modern approaches to the development of cluster partnership systems of the national economy and the implementation of cluster policy in Ukraine do not consider military consequences, the specifics of the territories, the features of cluster partnership as a network interaction of integrated and quasi-integrated business structures, government and scientific institutions, synergistic links between them, regional, sectoral and other aspects. The purpose is to study the features and formulate directions for ensuring the innovative development of the national economy based on the realization of the economic interests of participants in cluster partnership systems in the face of new challenges. Methods. The study used general scientific and special methods, in particular, description, analysis, theoretical generalization, synthesis. Results. The directions of state support for the innovative development of the national economy based on the realization of the interests of participants in cluster partnership systems, which are implemented by intensifying the policy of cluster partnership in the innovation sector and are an alternative option for the formation and support of initiatives in the implementation of innovative projects. A characteristic of cluster partnership systems is the acquisition of forms of mutual assistance through cooperation in the regulatory policy of innovative development of the country's economy. The private sector is responsible for increasing the amount of funding for the innovation process, directly implements and ensures the commercialization of innovations. The state, first of all, provides legislative, financial, and informational support, and undertakes the training of highly qualified personnel. Conclusions. State support is the driving force behind the development of cluster partnership systems, which are implemented through the intensification of cluster partnership policy in the innovation sector and is the only alternative option for the formation and support of initiatives in the implementation of innovative projects for the development of the national economy in the post-war period.

Ratios of organic mass to organic carbon in fine particulate matter at urban sites in China and Korea during winter and summer.

This study evaluates the composition and seasonal characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during winter and summer through simultaneous measurements conducted at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea and the Changping campus of Peking University in China. PM2.5 samples were concurrently collected at both sites, and chemical analyses were conducted to quantify various components, including carbonaceous materials, ionic species, and metals. Although the average PM2.5 concentrations were comparable between the two sites, there were distinct differences in the concentrations of major components. Organic indicator compounds were analyzed to discern the contributions of primary and secondary pollution sources. Changping displayed a mix of primary and secondary pollution, characterized by higher concentrations of primary organic carbon (POC) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and hopanes, compared to Gwangju. In contrast, Gwangju demonstrated a higher prevalence of secondary organic carbon (SOC), particularly water-soluble organic carbon not related to biomass burning (WSOCnbb) and various polar organic compounds. The organic mass to organic carbon (OM/OC) ratios estimated using the mass balance method revealed significant differences, with Gwangju showing a higher ratio of 2.3 compared to 1.9 at Changping, indicating a greater influence of secondary pollutants at Gwangju. Additionally, both Changping and Gwangju exhibited higher OM/OC ratios in summer (Changping: 2.0, Gwangju: 2.5) compared to winter (Changping: 1.8, Gwangju: 2.2), indicating seasonal differences in organic mass contributions to PM2.5. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for spatial and seasonal variations in air pollution studies and suggest that updating commonly used OM/OC ratios could enhance the reliability of research outcomes.

Developing a flexible learning model for an applied science college and institute in Saudi Arabia: A conceptual articulation

Developing a flexible learning model for an applied science college and institute in Saudi Arabia: A conceptual articulation

Международные конференции, посвященные исто­рии чингизидских государств

On August 19, 2024, Astana hosted an international conference on “Topical issues on the history of the Kazakh Khanate from the second half of the 15th – first half of the 18th century”. On August 20–21, another international conference was held, entitled, “Ethnopolitical history of the Jochi, Chagatai, Haidu and Moghulistan uluses” and dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the formation of the Jochid Ulus. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Scientific Institute for the Study of the Jochid Ulus. More than 70 leading scientists, specialists and researchers researching the history of nomadic societies and empires, including the history of the Kazakh Khanate and the Golden Horde, from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, China, Canada, Japan, and Austria participated in the conferences. The conferences discussed the issues of studying the Kazakh Khanate and the ethnopolitical history of the Jochi, Chagatai, and Haidu Uluses which were formed during the collapse of the Mongolian Empire. Moreover the participants discussed the issues of developing the fourth volume of the History of Kazakhstan and creating a separate book dedicated to the history of the Kazakh Khanate. Within the framework of the 2nd conference dedicated to the history of the Jochi, Chagatai, Haidu uluses, and Moghulistan, a private screening was organized for the documentary film “Batu: Historical Detective” created by Kazakh director Rashid Nugmanov. The was contributed to by historians and researchers from Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Mongolia, France, Canada and the USA.

Gaps in HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Acceptance: Findings from an Outpatient HIV Testing Service in Italy

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among individuals eligible for prophylaxis. Setting: Retrospective study of individuals receiving their first HIV test at the Infectious Diseases Unit of IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. Methods: People i) who received their first HIV test (baseline date) between January 2018 (availability of PrEP in Italy) and December 2023 (data lock), ii) with an indication for PrEP based on condomless sex were included; those already on PrEP were excluded. Individuals with a negative HIV test result were offered PrEP counselling and prescription according to guidelines. Characteristics of people who accepted or declined HIV PrEP were compared using Mann-Whitney or Chi-square tests, as appropriate. Results: A total of 2627 people were tested for HIV: 175 (6.6%) were diagnosed with HIV. Of the 2452 people with negative HIV test results, 2165 (88.3%) were men; median age was 34.3 years (interquartile range, IQR=28.7-42.4). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were detected in 478/2452 (19.5%), most commonly gonorrhoea (206/2452, 8.4%). Overall, 982/2452 (40.0%) people accepted PrEP, including only three women. Non-acceptance was higher among women (p&lt;0.001) and non-Caucasians (p&lt;0.001). Of those who did not accept PrEP, 260 (17.7%) were diagnosed with at least one STI at the time of HIV testing. Conclusion: Low PrEP acceptance was observed, particularly among women and people of non-Caucasian origin. Non-acceptance of PrEP was also observed among individuals diagnosed with an STI.

Gamification of virtual museum curation: a case study of Chinese bronze wares

Museums, which are among the most popular science institutions outside schools, are usually used to display and introduce historical culture and cultural relics to tourists. Text and audio explanations are used by traditional museums to popularize historical knowledge and science for tourists, and general interactive systems are based on desktops. This learning method is relatively boring in terms of experience. As a result, tourists have no desire or interest in actively exploring and learning about bronze ware, so they only have a basic understanding about bronze ware. Since most tourists are familiar with games, they are more likely to be attracted by game content and will actively explore and interact with it. In addition, a certain degree of reality is created by virtual reality technology and an immersive experience through head-mounted devices is provided to users. In this paper, we take Chinese bronzes as the research objects. We first use 3D laser scanners to obtain bronze models ; then, we build a virtual museum environment, and we finally design a virtual reality curation game based on this bronze digital museum. This game offers visitors an immersive museum roaming and bronze ware interactive experience. Through a combination of text, video learning, and games, visitors’ curiosity and desire to explore bronze ware are stimulated, and their understanding and ability to remember bronze ware knowledge can be deepened. In terms of cultural heritage, this game is also conducive to the spread of traditional Chinese bronze culture throughout the world.

Key Issues and Challenges in Establishing Regionally Differentiated Water Quality Standard in China

The goal of environmental management in China is transitioning from pollution control to the improvement of ecological quality. The establishment of regional differential water quality standards can better adapt to the ecological characteristics and development needs of different regions. Given the shortcomings of current water quality standards and the needs of technological development, this study analyzed the causes and influencing factors of regional differences in water quality standards and summarized China's regional variations in areas such as the characteristics of receiving water bodies, social attributes, climate conditions, physicochemical properties of water, and aquatic biotic populations. It also examined the impact of regional characteristics on the assessment of biological toxicity. Based on these analyses, the study identified key scientific questions that may arise in the development of regional differential water quality standards in China and outlined future critical research directions in this field. These directions include developing theories and methods for determining the effluent dilution coefficient, establishing methods for identifying regional key water quality indicators and assessing their impact on water quality standards, determining regional characteristic species and their influence on water quality standards, and formulating theories and methods for categorizing different regions across the country. The aim of the study was to provide a reference for the scientific establishment of water quality standards in China.

The American Society for Clinical Pathology's 2023 wage survey of medical laboratories in the United States.

To inform the pathology and laboratory field of the most recent national wage data. Historically, the results of this biennial survey have served as a basis for additional research on laboratory professional recruitment, retention, education, marketing, certification, and advocacy. The 2023 Wage Survey was conducted in collaboration between the American Society for Clinical Pathology's (ASCP's) Institute of Science, Technology, and Policy in Washington, DC, and ASCP Board of Certification in Chicago, Illinois. Compared to 2021, results show that more occupations at the staff level had an increased average hourly wage (pathologists' assistant, molecular biology technologist, phlebotomist, cytogenetic technologist, and medical laboratory technician [MLT]), after adjusting for inflation. Wages by time in current occupational title are significantly higher in 2023 than in 2021. Histotechnicians, histotechnologists, and MLTs show consistent increases in pay rates for a longer length of time in the laboratory. Over half (52.4%) of the respondents feel the pandemic continues to influence their salary and/or well-being. Survey results call for continued efforts in promoting visibility of the profession and greater representation through advocacy. While burnout rates are lower compared to 2021, staffing challenges remain a relevant concern. Efforts to support the workforce have multiplied since the pandemic and have been the forefront focus of the laboratory community. However, continued support and advocacy are needed to increase the promotion and value of laboratory careers for laboratory professionals and patients alike.

Biological Manifestation of Different Temperature Regimes and Certain Insecticides on Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fab.) Preying on Cowpea Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch

Background: Ladybird beetles are great bio-control agents and campodeiform grubs of these little predators are able to devour aphids in a voracious fashion. They feed on a wide array of aphid species most noticeably on the infamous black aphids or cowpea aphids Aphis craccivora (Koch). Methods: The growth and feeding potential of C. sexmaculata were studied in the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (Institute of Agricultural Sciences), SOA Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, India at four different temperatures 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C during 2021-2022. Result: The life history parameters indicated that the duration of eggs, larvae, pupae, adult males and adult females was longest at 30°C and shortest at 20°C. Such variations were also observed in morphometry and feeding potential. The trend was 30°C greater than 25°C greater than 35°C greater than 20°C. In the case of feeding potential the trend was adult female greater than adult male greater than 4th instar greater than 3rd instar greater than 2nd instar greater than 1st instar across all temperatures. Adult females lived longer than males and thereby consumed more aphids than males. Maximum consumption was seen in case of adult female at 30°C which was 633±5.71 aphids and least feeding was seen at 20°C by 1st instar grub which was 8.9±0.56 aphids. The effect of insecticides in direct spray method indicated that dimethoate 30EC killed more ladybirds and clothianidin 50% WDG killed the least. This trend was strong across all temperatures and insect growth stages. The feed contamination method indicated that clothianidin 50% WDG, imidacloprid 17.8% SL and thiamethoxam 25% WG produced higher mortality rates than direct contamination method. All insecticides showed increased mortality up to 72 h and the mortality trend was 72 HAT greater than 48 HAT greater than 24 HAT. The mortality rate of immature individuals is higher than that of adults.

Scientific Research in Nova Scotia

On the evening of Monday, March 4, 2024, the Nova Scotian Institute of Science (NSIS) held a student symposium as part of its public lecture series. This year’s theme was Scientific Research in Nova Scotia, welcoming talks from all scientific disciplines.One goal was to highlight the diversity and breadth of research currently being conducted by students across the province. The NSIS Council therefore decided, as part of its lecture series, to invite short, 3-minute talks from students with projects at any stage of com-pletion. The focus was to attract young researchers to contribute more to NSIS activities. The limited time enabled the session to maximize the number of presenters. Many strong applications to present were received, and eight students were selected from various academic levels (from undergraduates to doctoral students) to give talks about their research. They also answered questions from the live audience and those watching and listening online. At the end of the evening, awards were presented to selected contributors, and all students were commended for very well-presented and interesting talks.The abstracts for the talks are provided below.