Scientific Research Activities Research Articles

Challenges of the new Fiocruz Biodiversity and Health Biobank for preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), a Brazilian federal research institution supported by the Brazilian Health Ministry, established a biobank. This biobank began by preserving the SARS-CoV-2 virus and human biological material related to COVID-19. This innovative initiative combined human and biodiversity materials within a single infrastructure. Designed for supporting research, development, and innovation in healthcare and preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the biobank’s focus has since expanded to include various biological materials, leading to its renaming as the Biodiversity and Health Biobank - Fiocruz-BBS (Portuguese: Biobanco da Biodiversidade e Saúde da Fiocruz – BBS-Fiocruz). This paper outlines the challenges of creating and maintaining an adequate infrastructure in a developing country for promoting and supporting scientific research and biotechnological innovation activities in health through processes of depositing, characterizing, preserving, and supplying human and biodiversity biological materials, alongside associated data, while complying with prevailing legal and ethical rules. These processes adhere to stringent quality, biosafety, and biosecurity standards set forth in ISO 20387:2018. Additionally, the challenges of ensuring the Biobank’s long-term sustainability is discussed. This involves a) establishing benchmarks and best practices, b) developing a comprehensive business plan, c) forging partnerships, d) diversifying funding sources, e) ensuring ethical and legal compliance, f) implementing rigorous quality control procedures, and g) investing in human resources and infrastructure. The insights shared in this paper will benefit other biobanks engaged in services related to tropical infectious diseases.

On the Separation of Scientific Activity and the State-owned Corporate Form of Science Management in Contemporary Russia. Part 2

The article presents the details of ideas and proposals announced by the author in 2021 within the framework of the round table of the “Science Management: Theory and Practice” journal (on the topic “Science in an Innovative Economy”). The proposed measures are considered as increasingly relevant in the face of the long-term confrontation with the ‘collective West’, which is striving for scientific and economic isolation of contemporary Russia, as well as in relation to the national goals and objectives set by the country’s leadership for the period up to 2036. The second part of the article deals with the structural as well as administrative and legal features of the Russian science and technology complex. It numbers over four thousand organizations that carry out research and development activities in substantially separate sectors of “civil” and “defense” science. As a result, a proposal is submitted to the readers to integrate research and development that produce new fundamental scientific knowledge, end-to-end high-tech technologies and relevant intellectual activity results in the interests of socio-economic development, the national defense and security of the state in a specialized state corporation by giving it the authority to regulate scientific research and technological activities, including those in relation to the rest of the bulk of Russian research organizations of different branches. It is proposed to implement a thoroughgoing reform in the field of Russian science by adoption of appropriate new federal laws.

MANAGEMENT OF THE SDGs ACHIEVEMENT PROCESS IN LNTU SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

The article is devoted to considering green standards for scientific research activities, and a system of priority measures and the achievement of key performance indicators reasoning. A self-assessment of SDGs achievement according to Green standards at LNTU in 2023 has been conducted, which includes environmental, social, and economic responsibility, as well as components of education and research. The hypothesis of the consistency of experts' views during the self-assessment of compliance with green standards of scientific activities has been proven by the Kendall concordance coefficient.The results of the self-assessment of compliance with green standards of scientific activities at LNTU are the basis for forming strategic actions to achieve SDGs. A methodology for forming an archetypal scenario of interaction between LNTU and SDGs has been proposed for use: tolerant, uncommitted, paternalistic, or transformational. The implementation of the transformational archetypal scenario of interaction between LNTU contains priorities for improving policies and plans.

Fostering reflective impact orientation in transdisciplinary research–A multi-method workshop format

The primary objective of transdisciplinary research (TDR) is to contribute to the solution of complex ‘real-world’ problems by integrating heterogeneous knowledge and achieving societal effects. However, establishing a continuous impact orientation during TDR processes remains a challenge, as the necessary tools are not yet sufficiently available.We developed and tested a half-day workshop format for strengthening the impact-oriented project management and research activities of seven TDR projects. Our findings indicate that the reflective impact workshops supported participants in pursuing societal effects systematically. Applying the methodological approach also fosters TDR process qualities such as knowledge integration. Conducted at different project stages, the results can serve as a basis for monitoring and adapting the project design.The reflective approach•includes scientific and non-scientific TDR project team members,•draws on Theory of Change as a conceptual framework and motivates participants to reflect on plausible impact pathways and make implicit assumptions about interlinkages between different forms of societal effects explicit, and•provides results which enable project partners to adjust their project design for greater societal effectiveness.

Current Situation and Challenges of Safety Management of Chemical Laboratories in Universities: Problems and Countermeasures

University chemistry laboratory is an important base for teaching experiment and scientific research, and its experimental activities and scientific research results play an irreplaceable role in cultivating students' practical ability and promoting the development of the subject. However, with the increase of the frequency of laboratory use and the improvement of experimental complexity, the safety management of chemical laboratories in colleges and universities has become increasingly prominent. Laboratory accidents can not only cause serious harm to people and the environment, but can also have a negative impact on a school's reputation and the quality of education. Through the field investigation and data analysis of chemical laboratories in many colleges and universities, it is found that although many colleges and universities have established a set of safety management system, there are still many deficiencies in practical operation, such as weak safety awareness, imperfect safety facilities, insufficient safety training and lack of emergency plans. These problems not only threaten the safe operation of the laboratory, but also restrict the smooth development of scientific research and teaching activities. In view of the challenges facing the safety management of chemical laboratories in colleges and universities, safety education and training should be strengthened to improve the awareness and attention of teachers and students to laboratory safety. Secondly, it is necessary to improve the safety facilities and ensure that the hardware equipment of the laboratory can meet the safety requirements. In addition, a sound safety management system and emergency plans should be established to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

We Will Innovate the Scientific Research Management System

This paper deeply discusses the urgency and implementation strategy of innovative scientific research management system. Under the background of the rapid development of science and technology, the traditional scientific research management system has been stretched thin, and it is difficult to meet the diversified and efficient needs of scientific research activities. Therefore, we urgently need to review and reform the existing scientific research management system. Firstly, this paper objectively analyzes the shortcomings of the current scientific research management system, as well as the challenges and difficulties it faces, and then leads to the urgency and necessity of innovating the scientific research management system. On this basis, the paper deeply analyzes the theoretical foundation of the innovative scientific research management system, and combines the advanced practice in this field at home and abroad to provide us with valuable reference. More importantly, the paper puts forward a series of practical strategies and suggestions, such as building a diversified scientific research investment mechanism, optimizing the scientific research evaluation system and incentive mechanism, and strengthening the construction of scientific research ethics and study style, so as to provide powerful theoretical support and practical guidelines for the innovation of scientific research management system.

INTEGRATION OF EDUCATIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN THE PROCESS OF FORMING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF FUTURE TEACHERS

The effectiveness of forming the competitiveness of future teachers is ensured through the integration of educational and scientific research activities of students, embedded in the content of professional training. The article's purpose: to characterise the peculiarities of the integration of educational-scientific research activities in the process of forming the competitiveness of future teachers in higher education. Research methods: analysis and synthesis, comparison, systematization (to clarify key research concepts), and generalization (to form authors` conclusions). The concept of a teacher's competitiveness is considered as an integrative professionally significant quality of a specialist, which ensures the demand in the teaching labor market due to the realization of competitive advantages that reflect a high level of formation of general cultural and professional competencies and personal characteristics. The components of a teacher's competitiveness are: fundamental professional training, motivation for professional activity, positive value and moral attitudes of an individual, communication skills, organizational and leadership skills, the ability to work in a team, mobility, perseverance, initiative, responsibility, the presence of creative potential, innovative competence, purposefulness, the ability to plan a professional and life career, orientation towards self-development, self-improvement and self-realization, stress resistance, the ability to overcome difficulties, the desire for success, etc. The effectiveness of future teachers competitiveness formation is ensured through the integration of educational-scientific research activities, provided by the principles: unification and coordination of the efforts and interests of scientists and departments of the university with all interested persons and scientific structures; ensuring cathedral autonomy; formation of a connection between scientific and research activities with the future profession and requests of real practice; expansion of international cooperation.

Integration of a new Cryogenic Liquefier into the IB-1 Cryogenic Test Facility

The increase over the last years of the testing activities related to quantum systems, SRF cavities for the PIP-II and the LCLS-II projects, as well as superconducting magnets for the HL-LHC project and Fusion research activities, has required the addition of a new Helium cryogenic plant into the existing IB-1 Industrial Cryogenic Test Facility. The new cryogenic plant is composed of a cryogenic liquefier (Cold Box) able to provide up to 340 L/h, a 4 kL Dewar and two Mycom® compressors providing up to 120 g/s. AL-AT (Air Liquide Advanced Technologies) has taken part of this project by designing and manufacturing the cryogenic liquefier. This new cryogenic plant is connected through a cryogenic distribution system to a 10 kL Dewar, which is part of the existing cryogenic test facility, itself composed of another Cold Box and a Sullair® compressor. The new cryogenic plant has two main operating modes: one allows to transfer liquid helium at 1.7 bar between the two Dewars, the other allows to transfer supercritical Helium at 2 bar or more between the new Cold Box and the 10 kL Dewar. The entire industrial cryogenic facility is handled by a common Inventory Control System, composed of three control valves, and 9 tanks giving a total buffer volume of more than 1000 m3. This paper presents the technical features of the new Helium cryogenic plant, as well as the main results of the liquefier commissioning phase and details of the helium transfer between the two Dewars, making the connection between the cryogenic plants at the IB-1 Industrial Cryogenic Test Facility.

Approaches for motivating undergraduates to participate in scientific research

Scientific inquiry has always been a fundamental educational endeavor for students. Undergraduate students are novices who are not well-versed in scientific research activities; hence, they frequently encounter several obstacles. This research investigates the challenges and incentives that drive undergraduate students to engage in scientific inquiry. Subsequently, in accordance with this theoretical framework, “Tinto’s Persistence Theory” a model of approaches was generated to encourage undergraduate students in Vietnam to do more high-quality scientific research.

A Proposal for Improvement of Korean Science Inquiry Activities through an Analysis of Practicals of the IB DP Physics

A Proposal for Improvement of Korean Science Inquiry Activities through an Analysis of Practicals of the IB DP Physics

Model of Implementation of Consistency in Professional and Pedagogical Activities of math Teachers

This article shows one of the possible theoretical models for the implementation of system city in the professional and pedagogical activities of a future mathematics teacher in the learning process. The constructed model is presented from the position of a systemic and methodological approach to the activities of the teacher as a carrier of activity and is focused on updating system city in the upcoming professional and pedagogical activities. In the proposed theoretical model, one of the most important components is a set of special means: systemic-structural, subject knowledge and procedural-didactic, which correspond to the general scientific (methodological), the actual subject and educational and didactic activities of the teacher. Our own pedagogical experience confirms that the use of this complex of special tools in a teacher’s activities gives rise to a special systematic style (way) of his practical and mental activity. The purpose of the article is to reveal the essence and content of the theoretical model for the implementation of system city in the professional and pedagogical activities of a future mathematics teacher. Methodology. The methodological foundations of this study are the starting points and ideas of theoretical-constructive and analytical-reflexive theory. The basic methods and means of a systemic strategy of mental and practical activity, a systemic-structural and constructive methodology for the implementation of scientific research activities, as well as the basic ideas of the theory of knowledge, thinking and reflection were used. Research results. Based on the systemic-methodological approach to defining the activities of a teacher, the content and structure of a conceptual-theoretical model for the implementation and actualization of system city in the professional and pedagogical activities of a mathematics teacher have been developed. To sum up, conclusions are drawn about the need to implement and update the presented theoretical model, functionally oriented towards the implementation of system city in the professional and pedagogical activities of a mathematics teacher. At the same time, further practical implementation of this model will improve the quality of the teacher’s work in the process of teaching mathematics, optimize the learning process, and also increase the efficiency of mathematics education.

Development of an index system for the scientific literacy of medical staff: a modified Delphi study in China.

Scientific research activity in hospitals is important for promoting the development of clinical medicine, and the scientific literacy of medical staff plays an important role in improving the quality and competitiveness of hospital research. To date, no index system applicable to the scientific literacy of medical staff in China has been developed that can effectively evaluate and guide scientific literacy. This study aimed to establish an index system for the scientific literacy of medical staff in China and provide a reference for improving the evaluation of this system. In this study, a preliminary indicator pool for the scientific literacy of medical staff was constructed through the nominal group technique (n = 16) with medical staff. Then, two rounds of Delphi expert consultation surveys (n = 20) were conducted with clinicians, and the indicators were screened, revised and supplemented using the boundary value method and expert opinions. Next, the hierarchical analysis method was utilized to determine the weights of the indicators and ultimately establish a scientific literacy indicator system for medical staff. Following expert opinion, the index system for the scientific literacy of medical staff featuring 2 first-level indicators, 9second-level indicators, and 38 third-level indicators was ultimately established, and the weights of the indicators were calculated. The two first-level indicators were research literacy and research ability, and the second-level indicators were research attitude (0.375), ability to identify problems (0.2038), basic literacy (0.1250), ability to implement projects (0.0843), research output capacity (0.0747), professional capacity (0.0735), data-processing capacity (0.0239), thesis-writing skills (0.0217), and ability to use literature (0.0181). This study constructed a comprehensive scientific literacy index system that can assess medical staff's scientific literacy and serve as a reference for evaluating and improving their scientific literacy.

<span>Factors influences scientific research activities of engineering students at An Giang University</span>

Scientific research helps enable students to access theoretical and practical knowledge in depth. However, stimulating student participation in scientific research is challenging for universities and colleges nationwide. This study was conducted on 224 students majoring in engineering at An Giang University to investigate the factors influencing student involvement in scientific research. The survey results showed that from 2018 to 2020, there were no student scientific research projects, while in 2021 there were 02 and in 2022 only 01. Among the 7 surveyed influencing factors, personal interest was the highest, accounting for 36.61%. Regarding the 4 levels of satisfaction surveyed, the majority of students were satisfied with their supervising professors, accounting for 38.83%. For accessing scientific research, understanding of scientific research accounted for only 8.93%. Therefore, we propose several solutions such as increasing bonus points for academic achievements, allocating more funding support, organizing research groups, and promoting scientific conferences within the university to enhance student participation in scientific research.

Interpretation of biosafety in endodontics by means of a literature review using PRISMA 2020 methodology

Biosafety is of great importance in all areas of health care, including endodontic procedures, since they represent a high risk of biological transmission of diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis, among others. The aim of the study was to interpret biosafety in endodontics by means of a literature review using PRISMA 2020 methodology. It was an observational, retrospective and descriptive study corresponding to the exploratory level, following the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 methodology, combining the terms 'biosafety' and 'endodontics' in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The results highlighted the importance of biosafety in endodontic procedures and it was found that endodontics is used to treat different types of endodontic infections with high bacterial loads, so the correct use of biosafety barriers and protocols is necessary, since the area of dentistry has a high risk of biological contagion. It was also shown that biosafety comprises a set of rules, precautions and guidelines used in various scientific research and teaching activities to prevent risks or infections associated with exposure to agents that may be infectious or present significant biological, chemical or physical risks. It was concluded that endodontics and its procedures require strict compliance with biosafety protocols to ensure a high success rate and safeguard the health of the professional, the patient and the work team

Perception, practice, and barriers toward research among pediatric undergraduates: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey

BackgroundScientific research activities are crucial for the development of clinician-scientists. However, few people pay attention to the current situation of medical research in pediatric medical students in China. This study aims to assess the perceptions, practices and barriers toward medical research of pediatric undergraduates.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among third-year, fourth-year and fifth-year pediatric students from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China via an anonymous online questionnaire. The questionnaires were also received from fifth-year students majoring in other medicine programs [clinical medicine (“5 + 3”) and clinical medicine (5-year)].ResultsThe response rate of pediatric undergraduates was 88.3% (68/77). The total sample of students enrolled in the study was 124, including 36 students majoring in clinical medicine (“5 + 3”) and 20 students majoring in clinical medicine (5-year). Most students from pediatrics (“5 + 3”) recognized that research was important. Practices in scientific research activities are not satisfactory. A total of 51.5%, 35.3% and 36.8% of the pediatric students participated in research training, research projects and scientific article writing, respectively. Only 4.4% of the pediatric students contributed to publishing a scientific article, and 14.7% had attended medical congresses. None of them had given a presentation at a congress. When compared with fifth-year students in the other medicine program, the frequency of practices toward research projects and training was lower in the pediatric fifth-year students. Lack of time, lack of guidance and lack of training were perceived as the main barriers to scientific work. Limited English was another obvious barrier for pediatric undergraduates. Pediatric undergraduates preferred to participate in clinical research (80.9%) rather than basic research.ConclusionsAlthough pediatric undergraduates recognized the importance of medical research, interest and practices in research still require improvement. Lack of time, lack of guidance, lack of training and limited English were the common barriers to scientific work. Therefore, research training and English improvement were recommended for pediatric undergraduates.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Postgraduate Nursing Students: Comparison of Master’s and Doctorate Studies

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the pandemic on the education and scientific research activities of nursing graduate students. The descriptive and cross-sectional research was carried out in Türkiye between February and March 2021 with 383 postgraduate students, 218 of whom are master's and 165 are doctoral students. The data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods, independent groups t-test and chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. The majority of the master’s students were nurses (83.5%), and the majority of doctorate students were academicians (79.4%). During the pandemic, 75.7% of master’s students and 80.6% of doctorate students completed their education online. While 50.3% of doctoral students made scientific publications and 44.8% participated in scientific events, only 18.8% of master’s students had publications and 21.6% participated in congresses and symposiums. Master’s students had more difficulties in communicating with the instructors, maintaining course attendance, and focusing on educational activities compared to doctorate students. Similarly, master’s students had lower satisfaction with the efficiency of the courses, achievement of learning objectives, course achievements, scientific meetings, scientific publications, and academic consulting activities. The lowest satisfaction in both groups was academic consulting and advisory processes (Master’s: 8.7%, Doctorate: 9.1%). The pandemic has affected master’s and doctorate students’ training and research activities. During the pandemic, nursing students enrolled in the master's program experienced more difficulties and were less satisfied with educational activities than doctoral students.

PHYSICAL THEORY: EMPIRICAL COMPONENT, GENERAL THEORY AND MODEL

Actual scientific research and issues analysis. If a theory is not related to reality and does not contain any statements about laws, it cannot make predictions. In other words, the combinations of data obtained with the help of scientific theories should be neither arbitrary nor magical. With this restriction, a scientific theory can, of course, be viewed for purely practical purposes as a data factory. A physical theory must have some actual data as input and be able to produce a set of possible data as output in such a way that both input and output are consistent with the assumptions of the theory - laws, relationships, etc. The research objective. Consider the empirical component of physical theory, the representation of general physical theory and its model. The statement of basic materials. The article discusses some modern problems of the methodology of the fundamentals of physics, in particular the interdependence of theory and data.

MODERN CHALLENGES OF ENSURING EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIBLE CIVIL SERVICE

Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The issue of ensuring effective training of civil servants and civil service reforms is the subject of scientific research by such domestic scientists as: N. Alyushina, T. Vasylevska, M. Golovan, G. Yermolayeva, N. Lasna, V. Kozakov, N. Korchak, O. Melnikov, O. Parkhomenko-Kutsevil, B. Panchenko, M. Rudakevich, I. Chaplai, etc. The research objective. To determine the professional abilities and competencies of public servants in order to ensure effective and responsible public service in modern conditions. The statement of basic materials. The formation of professional ethics and integrity of civil servants is analyzed as an important prerequisite for ensuring effective and responsible civil service. Emphasis is placed on the rapidity and dynamism of today's realities, which requires civil servants to improve their professional qualities constantly. It is emphasized that the information society and society of knowledge, in comparison with the traditional society, requires a new quality of public service and, accordingly, professional civil servants who are modern in their worldview and professional skills. It is in need to promote the implementation of civil service reforms in the context of the transition to society of knowledge, scientific support for civil service modernization based on international experience is outlined. The importance of using innovative methods of training civil servants, including self-education, electronic counseling and training, cooperation with professionals, coaching, etc., has been proven.

USE OF THE WORDWALL CLOUD SERVICE IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS OF A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Various aspects of the implementation of modern cloud technologies in education are extensively discussed in the works of V. Bykov, O. Spirin, O. Hrybyuk, R. Hurevich, A. Hurzhiya, M. Zhaldaka, N. Morze, I. Voytovych, V. Franchuk, P. Mykytenko, and others. The research objective. The task of this study is to analyze the capabilities of the WordWall cloud service. Familiarize yourself with the WordWall service - explore the available templates and learn how to create interactive exercises. Learn how to use WordWall in education. The statement of basic materials At the current stage of the development of society, significant changes are taking place in the means and technologies of the dissemination and use of information, which has led to significant changes in the application of educational technologies, which contributes to the rather active implementation of distance and mixed forms of learning, as one of the directions of reforming the education system. The involvement of more modern services and their use make it possible to optimize the educational process, make it more efficient, and provide comfortable conditions for the participants of the educational process. Among the large number of cloud services, it is worth paying attention to the WordWall cloud service. The WordWall cloud service is a multifunctional toolkit for creating didactic educational materials and their further use during classes in various educational disciplines. This service makes it possible to create interactive exercises, as well as their printed versions (pdf format), which greatly simplifies the work of scientific and pedagogical workers in the absence of access to the global network.

THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF LIFE IS THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. It is impossible to imagine solving modern environmental problems without studying the problems of environmental ethics and moral philosophy. Publications on environmental ethics and ethics of responsibility are available from H. Jonas, O. Leopold, and A. Schweitzer. They create an ontological ethics of values, where existence and preservation of existence occupy a central place. The concept of preservation of existence is supported by: A. Schopenhauer, A. Schweitzer, T. Mayer. Problems of the interaction of environmental ethics and science are put forward by O. Geffe, R. Holfeld, Y. Rau, I. Vogel and others. Ukrainian philosophers explore the principles of responsible politics, environmental ethics, philosophical problems of environmental education, philosophy of education: T. Hardashuk, O. Bazaluk, V. Baranivskyi, H. Berehova, V. Gur, A. Yermolenko, Z. Samchuk, M. Kiselyov, V. Krysachenko, K. Korsak, T. Chornoshtan and others. But regardless the significant contribution of philosophers, questions of environmental ethics, ethics for environmental education always need consideration. The research objective. Show the necessity of the concept of ecovitalism for environmental ethics and its methodological foundations. Consider the formation of environmental ethics on the basis of the absolute value of life, which has an impact on the formation of life-value orientations of modern people, the implementation of the main values of environmental ethics in practice. Realize that the future of humanity depends on whether it realizes the need for environmental ethics, environmental responsibility, ecologically appropriate behavior to preserve life on our planet. The statement of basic materials. The article examines the concept of ecovitalism, which is the basis of environmental ethics, primarily as an ecological support for life, focused not simply on the preservation of its natural foundations, but on the historically formed social attitude to nature as a value. At the same time, human activity, as a morally regulated life activity, is not based on purely natural determinations, but in a new quality of the natural-historical process, the basis of which is not nature itself, but the value of nature as a derivative of social progress. This gives grounds for asserting that the absolute value of life has becomes the main basis of modern environmental ethics. It is shown that environmental ethics is an important aspect in the formation of environmental education and creates new values for the preservation of human existence.