Support Scientific Research Research Articles

Enhancing Germplasm Collection with the NBPGR-PDS App

This research explores the intersection of Java programming and plant genetic resources (PGR) management by focusing on the development and implementation of the NBPGR-PDS (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Passport Data Sheet) app. By utilizing Java in mobile development, the NBPGR-PDS app addresses challenges in real-time data collection, security, and usability during field explorations for plant germplasm. This paper investigates how Java’s core features—such as platform independence, multithreading, and security—support scientific research in PGR, ensuring reliable data management and enhancing germplasm collection missions. The study concludes with recommendations for improving digital tools and future research directions in this domain.

Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae in Beehives of the Apulian Region of Italy: How Citizen Science Can Support Scientific Research

Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are two well-known pathogens affecting the health of honeybees. To help understand how honeybee colonies are affected by these pathogens, the aim of this study was to analyze the impact of Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis in hives in the Apulian Region through a Citizen Science approach. First, a form about the health status of the beehives was filled out by beekeepers. After an inspection visit to confirm the signs observed by beekeepers, adult honeybee samples collected from beehives in four Apulian provinces (Taranto, Bari, Foggia and Brindisi) were subjected to light microscopy investigation for the detection of Nosema spp. spores and to molecular analysis using species-specific primers for the discrimination of Nosema apis spores from those of Nosema ceranae. Among the forty-eight samples, thirty-six tested positive for Nosema ceranae, and one sample tested positive for Nosema apis. The forms filled out by beekeepers revealed that only 5/36 beehives that tested positive for Nosema ceranae showed signs of depopulation and reduced honey production, while 19/36 had only low honey yield. This study provides data on Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae prevalence in Italy and correlates the presence of these intestinal pathogens with the most important problems encountered by local beekeepers.

Financing of the agricultural industrial complex of Ukraine: problems and prospects

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the financing of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine, the identification of problems and prospects of this process. During the research, methods of a scientific and empirical nature were used the collection and comparison of information, as well as complex analytical methods, which include synthesis and generalization. The informative basis of the paper is the scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists who consider the issue of financing the agro-industrial complex and the problems associated with its development. The paper noted that Ukraine with its fertile land has great potential for the growth of this sector of the economy. However, the unconscious and inefficient use of natural resources, as well as internal and external economic challenges put it at risk. Factors that hold back the development of this industry include insufficient financing, lack of available credit, low level of investment, bureaucratic obstacles, corruption and instability, infrastructure problems. The experience of foreign countries can be useful for Ukraine in the field of state support of the agro-industrial complex. The conclusion emphasizes that financing the development of the domestic agricultural sector is an urgent problem that requires a comprehensive approach. To ensure the sustainable development of the industry, it is necessary to increase state support, expand lending programs on favorable terms, support scientific research and development of agricultural technologies. Tax incentives for agricultural producers and the development of processing of agricultural products can contribute to an increase in added value and the number of jobs. Strengthening the financial stability of the sector and increasing the export potential of products with high added value can have a positive effect on the country's economy and ensure the sustainable growth of agriculture. A close relationship between state institutions, enterprises and scientific institutions is necessary for the successful implementation of these measures.

Experience of the SPSTL SB RAS in the Study of Open Tools to Support Scientific Research

The purpose of this study was to study online tools to support open science research processes, as a result of which a system of open tools to support scientific research (OIPSR) was built at the State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the online platform “Library for Open Science”. To create a system, an analysis of existing open tools to support research processes was carried out. Online tools have been identified from a number of different sources. The tools were evaluated in terms of openness, freeness and accessibility under restrictions. The final list of open research support tools contains 137 tools. As a result, a system was created based on the stages of the entire cycle of scientific research – planning, searching, analyzing, writing, publishing, disseminating, evaluating. The found and selected tools were grouped according to research activities for all stages of scientific research. The developed system will allow scientific researchers to increase the efficiency of their scientific work, reduce the time to search for the necessary publications and data, make research workflows more open and reliable, which will contribute to the promotion of open science practices in our country.

Recent Developments in Wireless Soil Moisture Sensing to Support Scientific Research and Agricultural Management

In recent years, wireless sensor network (WSN) technology has emerged as an important technique for wireless sensing of soil moisture from the field to the catchment scale. This review paper presents the current status of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology for distributed, near real-time sensing of soil moisture to investigate seasonal and event dynamics of soil moisture patterns. It is also discussed how WSN measurements of soil measurements contribute to the validation and downscaling of satellite data and non-invasive geophysical instruments as well as the validation of distributed hydrological models. Finally, future perspectives for WSN measurements of soil moisture are highlighted, which includes the improved integration of real-time WSN measurements with other information sources using the latest wireless communication techniques and cyberinfrastructures.

Building a Digital Geological Knowledge Management System to Support Scientific Research

The paper describes new approaches to collecting data on scientific publications from open access systems with the subject of Earth Science. Based on the developed and adapted approaches, an archive of scientific publications (repository) and a set of programs for accessing scientific publications for collecting, searching, filtering, cataloging and managing publications and their metadata have been created. In order to improve the availability of publications and other related data on the websites of the SGM RAS, the Wiki – Geology of Russia system has been developed. This system is a thematic rubric in the direction of "Mineral deposits of Russia", with an additional topic "Mineralogy". All articles must have a link to the source of information from the archive of scientific publications and, optionally, additional links on similar topics. Wiki – Geology of Russia is the first step in creating a knowledge base on mineral deposits.

From an Information and Analytical Environment to Support Scientific Research in Geology to a Single Digital Space of Geological Scientific Knowledge

The article describes all stages of the development of an Information system for the creation, development and support of scientific research in geology: from the Information and analytical environment to the Unified Digital Space of geological scientific knowledge. The current stage of the Project under development is a step forward from the traditional geographically distributed geological system to the digital environment of the future.

Web Technologies to Support Scientific Research and Education in Citizen Science—A Case Study in Germany

In citizen science, citizens are encouraged to participate in research, with web technologies promoting location-independent participation and broad knowledge sharing. In this study, web technologies were extracted from 112 citizen science projects listed on the “Bürger schaffen Wissen”. Four indicators on web technologies—Online platforms, Educational tools, Social media, and Data sharing between projects—were chosen to quantify the extent to which web technologies are used within citizen science projects. The results show that the use of web technologies is already very well established in both the natural and social science projects and only the possibilities for data sharing between projects are limited.

How Do Young Community and Citizen Science Volunteers Support Scientific Research on Biodiversity? The Case of iNaturalist.

Online community and citizen science (CCS) projects have broadened access to scientific research and enabled different forms of participation in biodiversity research; however, little is known about whether and how such opportunities are taken up by young people (aged 5-19). Furthermore, when they do participate, there is little research on whether their online activity makes a tangible contribution to scientific research. We addressed these knowledge gaps using quantitative analytical approaches and visualisations to investigate 249 youths' contributions to CCS on the iNaturalist platform, and the potential for the scientific use of their contributions. We found that nearly all the young volunteers' observations were 'verifiable' (included a photo, location, and date/time) and therefore potentially useful to biodiversity research. Furthermore, more than half were designated as 'Research Grade', with a community agreed-upon identification, making them more valuable and accessible to biodiversity science researchers. Our findings show that young volunteers with lasting participation on the platform and those aged 16-19 years are more likely to have a higher proportion of Research Grade observations than younger, or more ephemeral participants. This study enhances our understanding of young volunteers' contributions to biodiversity research, as well as the important role professional scientists and data users can play in helping verify youths' contributions to make them more accessible for biodiversity research.

Factors That Influence the Intention to Use Self-Diagnosis Apps in Vietnam

The research is financed by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, No. 2019M661701 Abstract Background: mHealth, which stands for Mobile Health, is a new concept that has emerged in recent years to talk about a new type of e-health. In mHealth medical activities are supported by mobile devices such as tablets and cell phones and these devices assist in tracking health status, support medical treatment, and support scientific research. The devices used in mHealth are not only limited to mobile phones but also includes laptops with wireless connection and hand-held wristbands that can collect and transmit information about the surrounding environment and the health status of the user. Using smartphones apps for medical and healthcare purposes is rapidly increasing. Some benefits of mHealth are connecting doctors and patients without meeting, tracking personal health data on smartphones, and performing treatments using the mHealth apps. Methods: In this study, the factors that influence the intention to use self-diagnostic apps in Vietnam were examined. The research model was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and The Use of Technology model (UTAUT2) as well as the Theory of Perceived Risk (TPR). Data were collected through an online questionnaire and SPSS version 20 was employed to conduct regression analysis of the data of 482 respondents. Results: The results revealed performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and social influence had a positive impact on the intention to use self-diagnostic apps. Furthermore, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and hedonic motivation had a strong impact on users’ intentions to use apps. While perceived risk had a negative effect, price value had no effect on users’ intention to use the apps. Conclusions: An examination of the factors that influence individuals’ intention to use self-diagnostic apps in Vietnam can help app developers and marketers adjust their marketing strategies to meet customers’ needs. Keywords: Diagnosis; mHealth; apps; UTAUT2; Vietnam DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/72-06 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Building new societies: Insights and predictions from the 5th Wiley Society Member Survey

The 5th Wiley Society Member Survey was conducted in May 2019. We received responses from 3,112 members who either consume, produce, utilize, or support scientific research, from more than 20 countries and across 40 disciplines. This year, we intentionally sought more responses from outside the USA and Western Europe than in the past, making the results more reflective of the diversity of the global research community. This made it clear that the research world is more disparate and, in some cases, such as in the Asia‐Pacific region, more contradictory than we have seen. Previously identified observations, such as an increase in respondents' simultaneous membership of multiple societies, have been consolidated, whereas others, such as the demand for support from societies for high standards of publishing ethics, are new to this survey. Central to the survey's findings is the continuing rise in researcher demand for open access and open research as tools for both consumption and production of research. Ultimately, by using these findings, this article suggests some strategies to enable societies to navigate their way through this new and constantly evolving world of academic research.

I-PETER (Interactive platform to experience tours and education on the rocks): A virtual system for the understanding and dissemination of mineralogical-petrographic science

Nowadays mineralogical and petrographic sciences represent important resources for the understanding of natural and cultural heritage. Indeed, the implication in economic and social scenario, from the exploitation of geo-resources to the natural stone application in architecture, involves the whole society. In this context, scientific museums are called to enhance society awareness about the importance of minerals and rocks, while facilitating their understanding. It is well-known that the majority of the population is still left out from the museum fruition, usually because of problems of cultural accessibility. In order to find a solution, the Museum of Mineralogy, Petrography and Volcanology of the University of Catania implemented a new communication system based on the visitor’s personal experience. The idea is to give to all users, regardless of their educational level, the possibility to learn by playing. The collaboration among geologists, conservators and computer scientists led to the implementation of a web application called I-PETER: Interactive Platform to Experience Tours and Education on the Rocks. The application, interacting with a database, offers to the public two different modes of exploring the museum’s collections. The visitor can decide to observe the rocks or minerals from the sample exposed to the internal structure and then explore their external application on monuments, or he/she can choose to make a tour in the interactive map, focusing on a particular monument and from there make the virtual reverse path from the macro to the micro scale. Furthermore, thanks to the effort made to construct the knowledge base at the base of I-PETER web app, a labelled dataset of images of rocks and minerals can be easily released for future petrological investigations based on machine learning. Thanks to this pilot project, the museum’s scientific knowledge can promote cultural tourism by making it more accessible to a wide public, as well as support scientific research on petrography and mineralogy.

Development of an Occupational Risk Assessment Tool for Laboratory Animal Facilities.

Laboratory animal facilities aim to provide excellence in animal care and welfare and support scientific research. Critical to these goals is to ensure a safe work environment for personnel comprising veterinary and animal care, laboratory research, and maintenance staff. Thus, performing occupational risk assessments allows for evaluation of risks from identified hazards associated with a variety of tasks ongoing in laboratory animal facilities. Herein, we present the development of an occupational risk assessment tool purposed to capture the dynamics of work performed in laboratory animal facilities, calculate and prioritize identified risks associated with procedures and processes, and inform and evaluate risk mitigations. We also discuss a risk assessment for refining sharps use in nonhuman primate husbandry and care to demonstrate the utility of this tool to improve occupational safety in our animal facility. This tool and framework evolve into a holistic occupational risk management system that identifies, evaluates, and mitigates occupational risks; determines risk acceptability; consistently ensures communication and consultation with frontline personnel, stakeholders, senior leadership, and subject matter experts in biosafety, science, and animal care and welfare; and continuously strives to improve and enhance the operations of laboratory animal facilities.

Big data: is clinical practice changing?

The widespread diffusion of the digital culture and technology, involving both individual and population, together with the fast pacing digital globalization process (far surpassing ‘political’ globalization), is radically changing the world social landscape, including medicine and clinical research. The most significant change in clinical research is the ever more frequent acceptance of observational data, both through the use of registry of rare or common conditions and the implementation of capillary networks recording the daily clinical practice (Electronic Health Recording system). By becoming ‘observational’ clinical practice should change significantly: (i) record of different data (epidemiological, clinical, and administrative) in inter-operational database, producing a dynamic map of the health demands, either met or not, that allows a reconfiguration of the health systems capable to adapt to the shifting clinical needs. Implicate the larger group possible of patients and healthy individuals, who, through smartphone technology, could participate in primary and secondary prevention projects and epidemiological analyses. (ii) Support scientific research by integrating it with the clinical practice as instrument of good government that is scientific evidence-based Public Health System: the Learning Health System. The road will be long and gruelling. A first negative by-product is the proliferation of cybercrime throughout digital medicine.

Bibliometrics and modern scientific libraries

The authors examine the possibilities of bibliometrics enhancing and complementing information and library processes to support scientific research: applying bibliometric analysis of science organizations’ document flows to monitor publication activities; using bibliometric methods to design and support scientific research in various subjects, and to organize certain library processes, e.g. collection development and user information demand study; and dating ofrelevant information. The authors focus on the bibliometrics fundamental importance for exploring processes of document information flows. They argue that the introduction of bibliometric procedures in scientific libraries would increase their status and make them actors of academic communication system. The examples are given of using bibliometrics for detecting fraud and adulteration schemes in science practice. The key methods and procedures of bibliometric research in scientific libraries are characterized. Main risks due to the introduction of bibliometrics into scientific research are defined. The authors emphasize the scientific libraries’ need for competent librarians which means developing continuous professional education system; within this context workshops and training courses, instructional aids and recommendations, training professionals at universities are also important.

Mare Geneticum: Balancing Governance of Marine Genetic Resources in International Waters

Abstract A fair and effective regime regulating benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources (mgr) in areas beyond national jurisdiction (abnj) must consider the inclusion of developing states, support scientific research and safeguard investments of the private sector. The present innovative proposal ensures a delicate balance through an approach based on open access, albeit with limitations. Access to mgr in abnj is facilitated, but conditional on the public release of collected samples and raw data. Adoption of the open access principle guarantees a powerful form of non-monetary benefit-sharing. The balance is maintained by the option for an extended embargo period, allowing samples and data to be kept confidential for a certain period, against payment to a biodiversity contribution fund. Monetary benefit-sharing, as a sector-negotiated percentage on revenue, could be imposed at the point of product commercialisation, and would offer a tangible payment system with a low transaction cost.

The Ice Bucket Challenge: Viral campaigns can bring in millions but require careful preparation

The ALS Association's Ice Bucket Challenge became a global phenomenon this past summer, raising more than $115 million to heighten awareness of the progressive neurodegenerative disease and support scientific research in hopes of finding a cure. Heather Linford, community engagement and support manager at Blackbaud's everydayhero, said a number of factors contributed to the campaign's success, and although most nonprofits will probably never launch such a far‐reaching initiative, it's a good idea to prepare for a day when your organization's project might go viral.

Climate Extremes and Society

In October 2005, as the United States still was reeling from Hurricane Katrina in August and as the alphabet was too short to contain all of that year's named Atlantic tropical storms (Hurricane Wilma was forming near Jamaica), a timely workshop in Bermuda focused on climate extremes and society (see Eos, 87(3), 25, 17 January 2006). This edited volume, which corresponds roughly to the presentations given at that workshop, offers a fascinating look at the critically important intersection of acute climate stress and human vulnerabilities.A changing climate affects humans and other living things not through the variable that most robustly demonstrates the role of rising greenhouse gases—globally averaged temperature—but through local changes, especially changes in extremes. The first part of this book, “Defining and modeling the nature of weather and climate extremes,” focuses on natural science. The second part, “Impacts of weather and climate extremes,” focuses on societal impacts and responses, emphasizing an insurance industry perspective because a primary sponsor of the workshop was the Risk Prediction Initiative, whose aim is to “support scientific research on topics of interest to its sponsors” (p. 320).