Stem Area Research Articles

Neuropathology in COVID-19 autopsies is defined by microglial activation and lesions of the white matter with emphasis in cerebellar and brain stem areas.

This study aimed to investigate microglial and macrophage activation in 17 patients who died in the context of a COVID-19 infection in 2020 and 2021. Through immunohistochemical analysis, the lysosomal marker CD68 was used to detect diffuse parenchymal microglial activity, pronounced perivascular macrophage activation and macrophage clusters. COVID-19 patients were compared to control patients and grouped regarding clinical aspects. Detection of viral proteins was attempted in different regions through multiple commercially available antibodies. Microglial and macrophage activation was most pronounced in the white matter with emphasis in brain stem and cerebellar areas. Analysis of lesion patterns yielded no correlation between disease severity and neuropathological changes. Occurrence of macrophage clusters could not be associated with a severe course of disease or preconditions but represent a more advanced stage of microglial and macrophage activation. Severe neuropathological changes in COVID-19 were comparable to severe Influenza. Hypoxic damage was not a confounder to the described neuropathology. The macrophage/microglia reaction was less pronounced in post COVID-19 patients, but detectable i.e. in the brain stem. Commercially available antibodies for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus material in immunohistochemistry yielded no specific signal over controls. The presented microglial and macrophage activation might be an explanation for the long COVID syndrome.

Exploring the gender gap in mathematics and science from the score distribution of PISA: Lessons learned from gifted education teachers’ perspective

ABSTRACT This paper addresses how there are still issues with students’ performance due to the gender gap in the STEM area. The researchers first analyzed 2012 and 2018 PISA data in Taiwan. They found that the gender difference is polarized. There are more boys than girls at the high score level, this phenomenon is global. Then the researchers used this analysis as a protocol and conducted focus group interviews with 28 gifted education teachers to explore the gender issue of teaching gifted students. From their perspective, the influences of gender stereotypes and gender issues reflected the psychosocial challenges for both genders. The focus groups also developed a potential action plan to improve science learning for both genders. Later, a follow-up survey found the participating teachers reported they used positive approaches in their daily teaching practices after they joined the focus group interviews.

Sense of Belonging and Transition to College: A Qualitative Case Study of Freshmen and Sophomores in Physics and Chemistry

Difficulty in retaining college students in STEM majors is one of the key contributors to the scarcity of STEM graduates and a short supply of STEM workers in the United States. Two factors that are closely related to retention and achievement are transition to college and sense of belonging and involvement. We conducted a case study to explore the transitional experiences and sense of belonging of five low-income, academically talented college freshmen and sophomores in chemistry and physics. Although participants reported a high sense of belonging, this alone did not necessarily lead to retention. Involvement in academic organizations and activities such as clubs and research groups played a more important role in the scholars’ decisions to remain in their degree programs. The findings of our research also suggest that faculty in STEM areas may benefit from systematic professional development with a focus on curriculum design and pedagogy.

The turnover dynamics of woody plants in a tropical lowland rain forest during recovery following anthropogenic disturbances

An important indicator of forest dynamics is the forest community turnover rate, which was defined as the relative change in a variable of interest (e.g., basal area or stem abundance) to its maximum or total in the community over a certain period. Community turnover dynamics in part explain the community assembly process and give insights for understanding forest ecosystem functions. Here, we assessed how anthropogenic disturbances (shifting cultivation, clear cutting) affect turnover relative to old growth forests in a tropical lowland rainforest. Using two censuses over 5 years of twelve 1-ha forest dynamics plots (FDPs), we compared turnover dynamics of woody plant, then analyzed the influencing factors. We found that community turnover dynamics of FDPs that experienced shifting cultivation were significantly higher than those experienced clear cutting or no disturbance, but little difference between clear cutting and no disturbance. Stem mortality and relative growth rates were the highest contributors to stem and basal area turnover dynamics of woody plants, respectively. Both stem and turnover dynamics of woody plants were more consistent by the dynamics of trees (DBH≥5 cm). Canopy openness, as the most important drivers, was positively correlated with turnover rates, while soil available potassium and elevation were negatively correlated with turnover rates. We highlight the long-term impacts of major anthropogenic disturbances on tropical natural forests. Different conservation and restoration strategies should be adopted for tropical natural forests experienced different disturbance types.

Gender, self-efficacy and attrition from STEM programmes: evidence from Danish survey and registry data

ABSTRACT The persistent gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is often attributed to differences in students’ confidence in their own academic abilities (i.e. self-efficacy). Yet, the role of self-efficacy in mediating gender differences in STEM attrition is unclear. To address this issue, we analyse administrative register data and representative survey responses from two cohorts of students (N = 14,427) who entered higher education programmes in 2017 and 2019. In linear models that adjust for high-school performance, parents’ education level and other relevant background variables, we find that women have lower average self-efficacy levels than men before entering higher education. This gender gap is not specific to STEM fields but also exists in the humanities and social sciences. Although women have higher dropout rates than men in some, but not all STEM areas (most notably in mathematics and physics), self-efficacy differences do not explain this gap, suggesting that factors beyond prior achievements, sociodemographic background and confidence in one’s own abilities perpetuate gender disparities in STEM attrition.

Phytoremediation potential modulated by structural and functional traits in a saline desert halophyte Fagonia indica Burm. f.

Using halophytes for phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly technique, now gaining importance all over the world. Fagonia indica Burm. f. (Indian Fagonia) is primarily distributed in salt-affected lands of the Cholistan Desert and surrounding habitats. Four populations with three replications from salt-affected habitats were collected from natural habitats to evaluate structural and functional adaptation for salinity tolerance and phytoremediation of hypersaline habitats. The populations collected from the highest saline sites Pati Sir (PS) and Ladam Sir (LS) had restricted growth habit, increased accumulation of K+ and Ca2+ along Na+ and Cl-, more excretion of Na+ and Cl-, increased cross-sectional area of root and stem, larger exodermal and endodermal cells in roots, and broad metaxylem area. Sclerification in stem was high in population. Specific modifications in leaves were reduced stomatal area and increased adaxial epidermal cell area. Important traits associated with phytoremediation potential of F. indica populations (Pati Sir and Ladam Sir) were deeper roots and taller plants, increased density of salt glands on leaf surface, and high excretion of Na+. Additionally, higher bio-concentration factor, translocation factor, and dilution factor for Na and Cl- in same Ladam Sir and Pati Sir population were identified as key phytoremediation attributes. The plants of F. indica colonizing high salinities (Pati Sir and Ladam Sir) were, therefore, more efficient in phytoremediation of saline soils as these populations accumulated and/or excrete toxic salts. Density of salt glands remarkably increased in the Pati Sir population collected from the highest salinity. This population accumulated and excreted the highest amount of Na+ and Cl-. The dilution factor of Na+ and Cl- ions was also the highest in this population. Anatomical modifications such as root and stem cross-sectional areas, proportion of storage parenchyma, and broad metaxylem vessels were the maximum in Pati Sir population. These modifications indicate not only better salt tolerance of the Pati Sir population but also better in accumulation and excretion of toxic salts. This population can potentially rehabilitate hypersaline uncultivated lands through green reclamation.

Synergistic Effect of Organic and Biofertilizers on Strawberry Cultivation

In the contemporary era, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in areas where strawberries are intensively cultivated disrupts the balance of nature and reduces economic efficiency. Therefore, using organic and biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture can solve these problems. The effect of organic fertilizer and other treatments on the yield, quality, and plant growth of the Monterey strawberry variety was investigated. Solid farm manure and a liquid organic fertilizer of vegetable origin were used as basic fertilizers, while five different commercial fertilizers containing bacteria and mycorrhiza were used as complementary fertilizers. In addition, this study examined plant growth parameters, including root length, stem diameter, leaf area, yield per plant, fruit weight, pH in the fruit, SSC, acid, SSC-to-acid ratio, and plant nutrient content. The Biofarm+Botanica+Fontera microzone bacterial fertilizer (Azosprillium brasilense, Azotobacter vinelandii, Rhizobium trifollii, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Bacillus mucilaginosus) treatment provided the best results; namely, it produced the highest total yield (250.17 g plant−1), largest fruits (18.13 g), highest SSC-to-acid ratio (18.05), and best nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents in the leaves. Similarly, the same treatment produced the longest root, thickest stem, and maximum leaf area. As a result of this study, it is recommended to use biofertilizers together with organic fertilizers to ensure high-quality fruit production.

Unraveling the Situation of Women in STEM Areas from the European Teacher Perspective: Insights from FEMALES Project

The purpose of this study is to examine the views of teachers on the number and situation of women in STEM areas as well as ways to encourage female students to STEM areas. We carried out the study through basic qualitative research. The participants of the study included 39 teachers from Turkey, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Romania. For data collection, focus group interviews were carried out in each country. The collected data were analyzed through content analysis. The study yielded similar findings in almost all the countries showing that the number of women was not sufficient, and the participants mostly had negative views regarding the visibility of women, gender equality, and societal roles posed to women. We found that female students could be encouraged to STEM areas through the use of appropriate role models who carried some inborn and achieved traits.

Gender Differences in the New Interdisciplinary Subject Informatik, Mathematik, Physik (IMP)—Sticking with STEM?

The current state of research in computer science education outlines gender differences in motivation, interest, and elective subject decisions in favor of male students. This study takes an exploratory approach to examine the gender differences in the interdisciplinary STEM profile subject Informatik, Mathematik, Physik (in short: subject IMP), which combines the three subjects of computer science, mathematics, and physics. A survey was conducted involving n = 336 (m = 236, f = 88, o = 12) subject IMP students in the 10th grade attending a Gymnasium in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The deciding factors for choosing the subject, subject interest, motivation, and more were measured using a questionnaire. Overall, the subject IMP is most chosen by male students. For those students choosing the subject IMP, no statistically significant gender differences in subject interest in IMP, mathematics, and the STEM area or in motivation and vocational orientation in natural science and engineering were found in contrast to the state of research. The interdisciplinary character of the subject IMP could be more appealing to girls than computer science by itself. We conclude that, with a higher participation rate of female students, the subject IMP could be a first step in getting more women into STEM fields.

Fabrication of graphene nanoplatelets/MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanocomposites as efficient support for gold nanoparticles and their catalytic performance in 4-nitrophenol reduction

The catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol is of considerable importance to a multitude of applications and industries. The present work introduces a new catalyst (AuNP/GNP/MgAl-LDH) containing gold nanoparticles (AuNP) supported on graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) intercalated in Mg Al layered double hydroxides (MgAl-LDH) for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol using NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The catalyst was characterised by FTIR, XRD, STEM, TEM, and BET specific surface area. The XRD analysis showed the presence of crystalline phases of gold on the supports, while TEM demonstrated that MgAl-LDH provided uniform binding sites for AuNPs and prevented agglomeration. Similar reaction rate constant was determined for the disappearance of 4-nitrophenol and for the appearance of 4-aminophenol. The reaction rate constant was the highest for AuNP/GNP/MgAl-LDH, followed by AuNP/MgAl-LDH and AuNP/GNP. AuNP/GNP/MgAl-LDH was found stable after five repeated cycles.

Overcoming the gender bias in ecology and evolution: is the double-anonymized peer review an effective pathway over time?

Male researchers dominate scientific production in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, potential mechanisms to avoid this gender imbalance remain poorly explored in STEM, including ecology and evolution areas. In the last decades, changes in the peer-review process towards double-anonymized (DA) have increased among ecology and evolution (EcoEvo) journals. Using comprehensive data on articles from 18 selected EcoEvo journals with an impact factor >1, we tested the effect of the DA peer-review process in female-leading (i.e., first and senior authors) articles. We tested whether the representation of female-leading authors differs between double and single-anonymized (SA) peer-reviewed journals. Also, we tested if the adoption of the DA by previous SA journals has increased the representativeness of female-leading authors over time. We found that publications led by female authors did not differ between DA and SA journals. Moreover, female-leading articles did not increase after changes from SA to DA peer-review. Tackling female underrepresentation in science is a complex task requiring many interventions. Still, our results highlight that adopting the DA peer-review system alone could be insufficient in fostering gender equality in EcoEvo scientific publications. Ecologists and evolutionists understand how diversity is important to ecosystems' resilience in facing environmental changes. The question remaining is: why is it so difficult to promote and keep this "diversity" in addition to equity and inclusion in the academic environment? We thus argue that all scientists, mentors, and research centers must be engaged in promoting solutions to gender bias by fostering diversity, inclusion, and affirmative measures.

Teaching Health Informatics in Middle School: Experience from an NIH AIM-AHEAD Pilot

Health informatics as a topic is rarely introduced to middle school students due to their age and insufficient background knowledge in computing and healthcare. At the same time, it has been observed that many students have lost interest in science and technology when they reach high school. Funded by the NIH AIM-AHEAD initiative, we embarked on a project to create a health informatics after-school initiative focused on AI. We recognize that students who identify as racial or ethnic minorities are less likely to be introduced to and less prepared for a range of STEM-H careers. Limited diversity in the life sciences and health professions has significant consequences for access to healthcare services. Preparing diverse students for the future "digitally proficient" healthcare workforce is fundamental to addressing health disparities, increasing cross-cultural communication, and positively impacting health equity. We acknowledge that students are more likely to thrive academically in areas of STEM- H when they have access to instructors from diverse races, ethnicities, and backgrounds who understand their experiences and perspectives.

원전용 밸브 패킹응력 해석을 위한 모델링 연구

The valve used in nuclear power plant must be qualified by the known experimental equation, which is the requirement of ASME QME-1 standard. Up to now, the stress on packing is assumed to be constant in design and experimental analysis. This paper deals with the development of analysis model for the packing stress. In the analysis model, the stress is calculated with the love function, whose eigen function is deduced by applying the separation method of axial and radial variables to biharmonic equation with boundary conditions. And the unkown parameters of love function are calculated by applying the remaining boundary conditions. The distribution of radial and axial stress are not constant and the big variation of stress is found at the inner and outer face. The radial stress after boundary layer of radial stress is 45% of gland packing stress. Considering the discussion that the double packing stress makes the radial stress in the packing as same as the fluid pressure, it is proper that the industrial design guide has been used to select the gland packing stress as twice as much as fluid pressure. And the force on stem can be calculated by applying shear stress of packing on stem area. Later, the load factor, which is used in the experimental analysis for consideration of stress distribution, must be related to the real stress distribution by this research result.

Analysis of the retention of women in higher education STEM programs

Gender equity and quality education are Sustainable Development Goals that are present when a culture of equity and inclusion is pursued in society, companies, and institutions. Particularly in undergraduate programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), there is a noticeable gender gap between men and women. The objective of this study was to find out the causes of permanence in STEM careers of women, as well as the possible causes of career abandonment towards another STEM or non-STEM career. This was done by analyzing historical data for admission to STEM careers and using an instrument (survey) for data collection carried out in a private university in Mexico. Historical data indicates that only 17% of the total population were women choosing a STEM career. A survey was carried out for 3 months to obtain information on the factors that affect the decision to opt for a STEM career or to remain in it. It was found that men and women prefer inspiring Faculty who motivate them to continue their careers. Factors such as the competitive environment and the difficulty of teaching with less empathetic Faculty were negative and decisive aspects of decision-making. School achievement did not influence the dropout rate of women in STEM careers. The factors of choice and desertion of women in STEM careers were determined, and actions of educational innovation such as mentoring and timely monitoring of already enrolled female students, digital platforms for students and Faculty, awareness workshops for Faculty, and talks with successful women in STEM areas were proposed.

Rethinking the Ph.D. dissertation in botany: Widening the circle.

Rethinking the Ph.D. dissertation in botany: Widening the circle.

The Possibilities of Developing STEM Skills in Higher Education

The development of information and technology in recent decades has entailed a change of attitudes in higher education. In addition to academic knowledge, it is becoming increasingly important for students to acquire up-to-date, practical knowledge that will help them find their place in the world of work and in everyday life. Based on international analyses, the following characteristics, so-called soft skills, are essential on the labour market: higher-level thinking, communication skills, cooperation, self-control and a positive self-image. In our paper, we examine the possibilities of skills development in the field of STEM, especially in engineering education. In our university’s engineering teacher training, we strive to develop our students’ STEM skills using a variety of methods, and prepare them for the teacherly task of being able to effectively develop their own students’ skills and motivate them in STEM areas. This requires students to view their own learning process not as passive onlookers but as active participants. In our paper, we present some methods that can be effectively applied in STEM areas (e.g. discussion, collaborative learning, cooperative methods, project method, problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, gamification, the use of robots in education). Keywords: STEM, skills development, educational methods, teacher training

Pipe Model Can Accurately Estimate Crown Biomass of Larch (Larix olgensis) Plantation Forest in Northeast China

The pipe model theory has been applied to estimate allometry of trees in many regions; however, its reliability and generality need more verification for estimating crown biomass in China. In the present study, the crown biomass of Larix olgensis plantations in four sites in northeast China was estimated using the pipe model, and the correlation efficiency index of larch crown biomass for pipe model estimation was 0.953. The crown biomass of larch plantations could be accurately estimated by the tree height, crown base height, and stem area at breast height. Meanwhile, the effects of site, stand density, and age on the accuracy of crown biomass estimated by the pipe model were detected. The covariance analysis showed that the effect of age on crown biomass was 0.024, indicating that age had a significant effect on the estimation accuracy in this model, while site and stand density had no significant effects (p = 0.180 and p = 0.169). Our study showed that the crown biomass of L. olgensis plantations in northeast China could be accurately estimated using the pipe model, and we recommend considering the age effect in practical applications.

Integration of STEM Education in Differential and Integral Calculus classes: Aspects Evidenced in a Mathematical Modelling Activity

Background: The integration of STEM areas (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in engineering courses has been the focus of research in the educational context and mathematical modelling has the potential for its success. Objectives: The research question that guides the discussion is: What aspects of STEM education can be evidenced when engineering students develop mathematical modelling activities in a virtual environment within the scope of a Differential and Integral Calculus course? Design: Qualitative research carried out in the second half of 2020, based on research design guidelines, in the Differential and Integral Calculus subject during remote teaching. Setting and Participants: Virtual environment shared by two classes with 72 students from different courses for the development of a mathematical modelling activity. Data collection and analysis: Data from 18 groups were collected virtually from notes on the wiki, audio or video recordings of group meetings or orientation meetings, activity communication video and individual response to a questionnaire. The analysis was based on an initial coding of data from all groups, carried out with the support of AtlasTi, in which three groups were selected for a detailed analysis related to aspects of STEM education. Results: Some groups naturally integrate the four STEM areas and others carry out this integration in a partial way. Conclusions: The virtual environment made it possible for students to interact in their groups and collaborate with each other to solve a problem in a way that knowledge of basic sciences and mathematics were articulated.

Tracking patterns in secondary students’ intention to major in STEM

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate howHarmony Public Schools' (HPS) ’ Class of 2024 high school students’ current selves (high school experience, math and science efficacy, parent, and teacher expectations) affect to possible future selves (i.e. choosing a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM]-major in college). 1464 tenth grade students participated in the study. We utilised logistic regressions for the study. It was found that males are 1.9 times more likely to consider STEM majors in college. African American students are least likely to choose STEM majors compared to all other ethnicities. Students who had STEM professional relatives are more likely to choose a STEM major in college. Students with higher self and parent encouragements are 1.2 and 1.3 times more likely to select a STEM major after graduation, respectively. Students with more STEM club participation, more STEM competitions (e.g. science fairs, mathematics Olympiads etc.), and higher GPA scores are more likely to plan majoring in STEM areas in college compared to less of each. Finally, students with higher math self-efficacy and science self-efficacy scores are 1.3 and 1.5 times more likely to choose a STEM-related area in college compared to students with lower math and science self-efficacy scores.

Modular 3-D-Printed Education Tool for Blind and Visually Impaired Students Oriented to Net Structures

Contribution: This article presents the design, creation, testing, and results after the use of a 3-D-printed educational tool that helped a blind student learning electric circuits theory in higher education. Background: Educational tools oriented to visually impaired and blind students in higher education are limited or even nonexistent in the STEM area. Previous developments on the field present in the literature, including other 3-D printing solutions, have been revised and compared to the proposed educational tool. Intended Outcomes: The tool was tested by a blind student in order to test the potential of the design to achieve a better understanding of the topology and performance of electric circuits. The main purpose of the tool described in this work is helping to increase the resources available in the field of teaching students with visual impairments. Application Design: 3-D technology has the potential to be used to create accessibility tools for visually impaired and blind individuals. Modular systems can be used to create complex structures using simple elements. A modular 3-D-printed tool was fabricated to help blind and visually impaired students to learn net structures. Findings: The 3-D tool has allowed the blind student to work autonomously in the study of simple electric circuits and supplies the teacher with a resource to communicate with the student in an easy and fast way. Updated design can be used to describe more complex net structures that can be applied to most electric circuits despite their complexity. The use of the modular system provided the blind student with a direct representation of the whole subject, even when it involved a great amount of graphical information and manipulation.