Scientific Research Research Articles

Perception of scientific research in Dentistry

Scientific research is the fundamental basis for the complete education of dental students from the beginning of their studies since it provides them with the necessary tools to deal with real situations. Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge about scientific research in dental students of the Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes. Methodology and methods: A comparative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was used, applied to students enrolled from first to tenth semester of the dental career of the Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes in the academic period May 2023 - September 2023. Application of descriptive statistics. Results: The results obtained in the survey of 840 students, show that there is an average knowledge of scientific writing with 44.05% and 3.1% say they have no knowledge of it, being this a weakness as students to conduct research work that can help to progress academically, thus gaining experience and benefiting favorably to their resume that later will open more doors as a professional or student. Conclusions: Based on the results, deficient knowledge about the relationship between scientific research and dentistry was identified. This situation leads us to implement a plan for the development of efficient strategies to improve scientific activity, which will undoubtedly increase the level of research of the graduate student and give him/her the opportunity to practice evidence-based dentistry in an adequate manner.

Understanding the human element in scams: a multidisciplinary approach

ABSTRACT Scams are a widespread and persistent issue that have existed for thousands of years, evolving into a significant problem in modern society with the advancement of new media and communication technologies. This editorial attempts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social and psychological mechanisms in scams through a multidisciplinary lens, drawing insights from communication studies, information systems, psychology, sociology, and economics. We aim to not only provide a robust framework for future scientific research, but also to map potential directions for developing effective scam prevention and intervention strategies in the future.

Investigation on parasite infection and anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep in Hinggan league (City), China

BackgroundDifferent areas of sheep infected with different types of parasites, all will cause serious harm to the local sheep, and the widespread use and repeated use of anthelmintics have produced different degrees of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in various regions. We re-investigated the infection of common parasites and AR of Gastrointestinal Nematodes (GINs) in sheep in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, and first investigated the common parasite types and AR of GINs in sheep at other four areas in Hinggan league (city), China.ResultsA total of 1770 fecal samples were collected from 1 prefecture-level city and 4 counties in Hinggan league, in which the infection rate of Coccidia ranged from 83.3% to 96.06%, that of Ascaris ovis ranged from 10.17% to 15.19%, that of Moniezia benedeni ranged from 0.6% to 1%, that of Moniezia expansa ranged from 0.33% to 8.15%. The infection rate of GINs was 100%, and Haemonchus contortus was still the dominant species. The AR results showed that only the closantel in Horqin Right Wing Middle Banner was low resiatant, and the other three regions had been resistant. Levamisole also occurred AR in the other four regions, the widely used ivermectin and albendazole had produced serious AR in five areas. The research shows that GINs are becoming more and more resistant to various anthelmintics, which has made the problem worse.ConclusionsUnderstanding the dynamic changes of parasite infections and the development trend of AR in sheep in the region in this paper, the development trend seems to be more serious than imagined. Therefore only by deeply understanding the parasitic infections of sheep in this land can more reasonable medication guidance be carried out. It is expected to provide new ideas formore innovative, scientific and sustainable methods of preventing and controlling parasites.

Occupational therapy embedded in early childhood education (OTEEC): Developing a population-focused, place-based approach to early intervention through occupational therapy and early childhood education center partnerships

ABSTRACT Occupational therapy practices supporting population health are emphasized in the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Vision 2025 statement, yet limited examples of how practitioner’s design, construct, and evaluate health promotion practices exist in the literature. This manuscript describes how occupational therapy providers collaborated with early childhood education administrators, teachers, and parents to create a novel approach to supporting young children’s development and learning called the Occupational Therapy Embedded in Early Childhood Education (OTEEC) Partnership Model. Educational design research informed how the OTEEC Partnership Model was developed and refined via the integration of scientific inquiry within the context of program development. We completed literature reviews, conducted in-depth interviews with key decision-makers, hosted stakeholder focus groups, and engaged in critical reflection as an occupational therapy provider team to arrive at the foundational principles and unique practices of the OTEEC Partnership Model. Early childhood education center administrators, teachers, and parents believed the strengths of the OTEEC Partnership Model included universal access to an occupational therapy provider, collaborative partnerships with teachers and parents, and integrating occupational therapy practices within an early childhood classroom context. Occupational therapy providers can use the procedures described in this manuscript to develop innovative practices focused on population health and may consider if elevating their own classroom involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and partnerships with parents can enhance their current practices. Occupational therapists may also consider how to create new access pathways for children who might benefit from occupational therapy yet do not qualify for services within current practice guidelines.

Electroceuticals: Unlocking the promise of therapies.

Electroceuticals refers to the constantly growing disciplines of bioelectric and bioelectronic medication. These include a broad variety of devices that have been invented and are now being utilized in medical implants, wearable medical electronics, and bioelectronics. The primary aim of this study is to encompass several facets of electroceuticals, their applications, and recent advancements in the field of medical challenges. A complete literature study was conducted, which included a comprehensive review of globally recognized scientific research databases. The progressive refinement and diminution of technology, in conjunction with swift advancements in comprehending the role of electrical pathways in the human body, have rendered it progressively viable to manipulate these pathways for therapeutic purposes. Electrical stimulation impacts and modifies biological functioning and pathological processes in the body. In the contemporary era of medicine, health care practitioners from a variety of fields utilize electricity to cure disease or injury or to assess and diagnose using a variety of electrically driven medical tools.

Navigating risk in Caspian sturgeon conservation: mapping manager risk perceptions with species conservation measures

ABSTRACT The six species of sturgeon endemic to the Caspian are among the most critically endangered species in the world. Conservation of these species therefore entails balancing harvests and investments in rehabilitating wild populations. Using a semi-structured interview format, this study interviewed sturgeon aquaculture and hatchery managers in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to explore how risks to Caspian sturgeon are understood and negotiated by employing Soviet-era and modern-day aquaculture techniques. The results highlight how manager risk perceptions for species conservation are increasingly tied to market risks rather than restocking risks. Recommendations for integrating commercial techniques with scientific research programmes are offered.

From technique mastery to scientific thinking: how open-ended experiments shape medical students' perception of laboratory course roles in China

BackgroundBasic science education is universally acknowledged as a pivotal component of medical education. In China, medical students undergo significant preclinical training but often lack scientific thinking. As China transitions to a knowledge-intensive nation, addressing this gap is crucial. This research aims to qualitatively and quantitatively examine how sophomore medical students perceive the roles of basic laboratory courses, assess whether open-ended experiments can change these perceptions, and qualitatively determine their feelings towards experienced open-ended experiments.MethodsThis study has an interventional design, surveying students before and after an open-ended experiment to evaluate its impact on their perceptions of the roles of the basic laboratory course. Quantitative methods, including frequency analysis, Kendall's W test, the chi-square test, and an independent t test, were used to analyse the rankings of the roles of basic laboratory courses thoroughly. Moreover, qualitative thematic analysis provides insights into students' experiences with the open-ended experiments.ResultsThe study revealed that the students in the historical control groups considered learning to master experimental operation techniques as the most important role of the laboratory courses, whereas the students in the post-intervention groups regarded cultivating scientific thinking as the most crucial role. Compared with the historical control groups, the post-intervention groups attached greater importance to the role of cultivating scientific thinking, which was statistically significant. The main concerns and experiences of the open-ended experiments discussed by participants from the historical control groups were summarized into two themes: “negatively biased feelings of open-ended experiments” and “inappropriate for open-ended experiments at present”. However, the two major themes that emerged from the post-intervention groups are “positively biased feelings of open-ended experiments” and “moderate and appropriate open-ended experiments at present”.ConclusionsThis study revealed that medical students’ perceptions of the roles of laboratory courses were influenced by experimental teaching methods. Open-ended experiments have emerged as effective tools for fostering scientific thinking. This research emphasizes the importance of refining teaching methods in the preclinical phase to foster an environment conducive for enhancing the scientific thinking of Chinese students and the overall effectiveness of medical education.

Behaviors and attitudes towards mobile learning during course work and scientific research among dental, medical and non-medical undergraduates: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMobile learning is a valuable supplement to traditional education methods, but the current research on mobile learning is still insufficient. This study aimed to assess dental undergraduates’ behaviors and attitudes towards mobile learning during course work and scientific research and to compare these findings to those of medical and non-medical students.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduates at Sichuan University, China. Participants completed an online questionnaire covering demographic information, mobile learning behaviors in course work and scientific research, and attitudes towards mobile learning.ResultsA total of 849 valid responses were collected, including 290 dental students, 307 medical students, and 252 non-medical students. The average behavior scores for using mobile devices in course work and scientific research were 3.02 and 3.09 (out of 5), respectively. Smartphones were the most frequently used devices for course work across all majors, while laptops predominated for scientific research. Mobile device preferences for various learning activities were similar across all majors, with minor variations. Over 80% of dental students reported using mobile learning for more than one hour daily for course work, and they had the highest proportion of daily mobile learning exceeding 90 min. Overall, students demonstrated positive attitudes towards mobile learning, with average attitude scores of 3.58, 3.66, and 3.47 (out of 5) for dental, medical, and non-medical students, respectively.ConclusionResult show that dental undergraduates used mobile learning extensively and exhibited positive attitudes towards it for both course work and scientific research. This study highlights mobile device preferences and their alignment with various academic activities, which can inform the strategic development of educational technologies in dental curricula.

Analyzing Parental Involvement in Youth Basketball

Parental involvement in youth sports is increasingly relevant in scientific research since parents have gradually developed awareness regarding youngsters’ sports experiences. This study aimed to (1) examine potential differences in athletes’ and parents’ perceptions of parental involvement practices in youth basketball, (2) verify whether these perceptions differ by sex, and (3) analyze the relationship between the different perceptions dimensions recorded. The analysis included a large sample of 423 Portuguese participants (151 youth basketball athletes and 272 parents) who completed the Parental Behaviors in Sports (PBSP) questionnaire. The PBSP comprises a version for parents and a version for athletes, composed of five dimensions: (1) sports support, (2) competition attendance, (3) technical influence, (4) performance pressure, and (5) sports expectations. No significant statistical differences regarding PBSP dimensions were observed between boys and girls in the athletes’ group. However, in the parents’ group, fathers scored significantly lower than mothers in sports expectations (p = 0.001). Differences between athletes’ and parents’ perceptions were evident in competition attendance (p = 0.023), technical influence (p ≤ 0.001), and sports expectations (p = 0.023). When analyzing the dyads of boys–fathers and girls–mothers, significant differences were found for technical influence (p = 0.035), performance pressure (p = 0.020), and sports expectations (p < 0.001) between boys and fathers. Among girls and mothers, differences were perceived exclusively for technical influence (p = 0.005). Finally, technical influence correlated significantly with performance pressure (r = 0.351, p < 0.001) and sports expectations (r = 0.367, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the crucial importance for sports researchers and practitioners to consider differences in perceptions based on sex and role (athlete or parent) when designing and implementing parental educational programs.

Fruiting traits and seedling regeneration of the relict mangrove plant Nypa fruticans Wurmb in China

Abstract Nypa fruticans Wurmb is both a relic plant and a true mangrove. In China, wild populations are distributed only on Hainan Island and face significant challenges in regeneration from seedlings. This study explored the underlying causes of recruitment limitation by examining seed morphological traits from three distinct populations (Haikou, Wenchang and Wanning) and analysing seed germination and seedling growth characteristics under varying conditions. The key findings are as follows: fruiting and seed-setting rates for N. fruticans were notably low, standing at only 21 and 40%, respectively. The Wanning population exhibited significantly higher rates compared to the other two populations. Under natural conditions, the germination and seedling emergence rates were also modest, at 36.58 and 22.99%, respectively. The germination and emergence rates of the Wanning population were significantly greater than those of the Haikou and Wenchang populations. Meanwhile, seeds from a single population did not differ in germination rates among three in situ N. fruticans habitats, but seedling emergence rates differed significantly. Optimal conditions for seed germination involved a light intensity of 60%, a salinity of 5‰ and a flooding time of 8 h/day. In natural settings, these three environmental factors fall short of the ideal conditions. The study underscores that light, salinity and flooding are primary factors contributing to the limitations in N. fruticans seedling recruitment. In addition to advocating increased investment in scientific research and technology to address seed source issues, we recommend heightened efforts in habitat restoration, in situ conservation and the optimization of relocation and field return strategies to bolster N. fruticans populations.

A mixed method study investigating the key translational competencies acquired during a challenge-based course

BackgroundThe translational domain is a complex subfield of the biomedical life sciences focused on bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical application, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care through healthcare innovations. Professionals in this field, ranging from researchers to clinicians and industry experts, require specific core competencies. These include communication, collaboration, boundary crossing, innovation, and the ability to integrate diverse scientific domains.MethodsWe investigated the translational competencies acquired most by life science students who participated in a six-month challenge-based course at a Dutch graduate school. Seventeen students were part of the 2021 cohort, supervised by five biomedical experts serving as their clients. Quantitative and qualitative student survey data (n = 10), and semi-structured expert interview data (n = 4) were collected after completion of the course in 2021. Two existing translational competency frameworks were used to categorize and rank the acquired competencies, highlighting those most developed and relevant during the translational challenge-based course.ResultsCommunication was the most listed competency category by both students and experts, and a new competency category was identified named Self-Development Tools, which included competencies related to decision-making, reflection, feedback, and creative thinking. Student data also showed that the course influenced their choice in pursuing a translational career path.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into key translational competencies acquired by students during a six-month challenge-based course and insight into competencies that may be part of their continued education after graduation from both student and expert perspectives. These findings are relevant for both educators and prospective employers in the translational domain as they apply a novel ranking to the existing literature on translational competencies and elaborate on how to prepare life sciences graduates towards a translational career.

Improving Participant Recruitment in Clinical Trials: Comparative Analysis of Innovative Digital Platforms.

Pharmaceutical product development relies on thorough and costly clinical trials. Participant recruitment and monitoring can be challenging. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence has revolutionized clinical research (particularly in the recruitment stage), enhanced secure data storage and analysis, and facilitated participant monitoring while protecting their personal information. This study aims to investigate the use of novel digital platforms and their features, such as e-recruitment, e-consent, and matching, aiming to optimize and expedite clinical research. A review with a systematic approach was conducted encompassing literature from January 2000 to October 2024. The MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were examined thoroughly using a customized search string. Inclusion criteria focused on digital platforms involving clinical trial recruitment phases that were in English and had international presence, scientific validation, regulatory approval, and no geographic limitations. Literature reviews and unvalidated digital platforms were excluded. The selected studies underwent meticulous screening by the research team, ensuring a thorough analysis of novel digital platforms and their use and features for clinical trials. A total of 24 digital platforms were identified that supported clinical trial recruitment phases. In general, most of them (n=22, 80%) are headquartered and operating in the United States, providing a range of functionalities including electronic consent (n=14, 60% of the platforms), participant matching, and monitoring of patients' health status. These supplementary features enhance the overall effectiveness of the platforms in facilitating the recruitment process for clinical trials. The analysis and digital platform findings refer to a specific time frame when the investigation took place, and a notable surge was observed in the adoption of these novel digital tools, particularly following the COVID-19 outbreak. This study underscores the vital role of the identified digital platforms in clinical trials, aiding in recruitment, enhancing patient engagement, accelerating procedures, and personalizing vital sign monitoring. Despite their impact, challenges in accessibility, compatibility, and transparency require careful consideration. Addressing these challenges is crucial for optimizing digital tool integration into clinical research, allowing researchers to harness the benefits while managing the associated risks effectively.

The method in education to the pedagogue John Dewey

John Dewey, an American pedagogue, applied pragmatism in education. The education, according to Dewey, needs to propose a method in the act of acting, in order to be able to transform reality, through the scientific method with democratic practices. The traditional education depended on the finalism of results through written assessments, whose pedagogy of Dewey proposes the elaboration of works with scientific samples and methodologies in groups of students to ensure the educational process in practice through the process. This pedagogy influenced several disciplines of basic education, such as Chemistry by conducting experimental exhibitions by observing experiments in the laboratory; and Geography with the study of the environment through excursions to experience different realities of the lives of students. Based on curiosity and observation, Dewey considers that scientific knowledge becomes accessible to students in basic education and the production of knowledge becomes possible, especially with interdisciplinary activities and educational practices, as occurs in Environmental Education, in order to raise student’s awareness and ensure better results in the educational process.

Актуализация информационного обеспечения бизнес-процессов агентирования и фрахтования морских судов

Improving information support and introducing digital analytical tools is one of the ways to improve the efficiency of cargo transportation management. The aim of this study was to analyze maritime cargo transportation, identify reserves for improving the information support of business processes in the agency and chartering of vessels. For this purpose, general scientific approaches and research methods were employed, including trend analysis of data, visualization tools from the World Bank, and modeling of business processes. The research yielded several key findings: an upward trend in the dynamics of container maritime transportation in the Russian Federation was identified over the first two decades of the 21st century; deficiencies in the information support of transport processes were uncovered; models of business processes for agency and chartering of maritime vessels were constructed; and the necessity for improvement and directions for modernization of existing vessel and cargo chartering information systems under modern conditions were substantiated. These findings indicate potential practical applications in the operations of transport and logistics companies.

Enhancing corporate accountability through covert situational integrity testing (CSIT)

ABSTRACT This article explores the potential of ‘covert situational integrity testing’ as a mechanism for assessing corporate/organisational compliance with legal rules and standards, the goal being to enhance corporate/organisational accountability. There are major challenges to holding corporations/organisations to account for non-compliance: low detection levels, incomplete understanding of the inner workings of organisations, and the modest power of current social scientific research methodologies. This article argues there is scope for methodological innovation through the use of covert situational integrity testing, a variation of mystery shopping methodologies, to address some of these gaps, with a focus not on service quality or customer satisfaction but on compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, and as a data gathering tool on secretive and difficult to access areas of business operation. We focus on two examples: AML compliance by challenger banks, and the promotion of aggressive tax avoidance schemes. Our core argument is that covert situational integrity testing provides a research mechanism through which robust and systematic observational data can be collected and scrutinised by independent, third-party assessors to understand levels of organisational/corporate compliance with legal rules and standards, and by doing so, identify critical vulnerabilities and strengths in the compliance responses of organisations and industries.

Systematic experimental investigation on pressure build-up characteristics of water-jet injection into a molten LBE pool

Systematic experimental investigation on pressure build-up characteristics of water-jet injection into a molten LBE pool

Scientific, bibliometric and biographical analysis of 71 Jewish and dissident pharmacologists persecuted in Germany between 1933 and 1945.

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, founded in 1873, is the oldest pharmacological journal. This study sheds light on the influence of persecution and expulsion of Jewish and dissident German pharmacologists during the Nazi era (1933-1945) on their scientific work and publication behaviour. The analysis is based on the German-language book 'Verfolgte deutschsprachige Pharmakologen (persecuted German-speaking pharmacologists) 1933-1945' by Trendelenburg and Löffelholz (2008), which contains short biographies of 71 persecuted pharmacologists. We analysed their publication activity from 1900 to 1980, the topics of the publications and the emigration data. Most persecuted pharmacologists emigrated, with two peaks of emigration around 1933 and 1938. Most pharmacologists emigrated to the USA, followed by Great Britain. Five of the scientists who emigrated to Great Britain were elected to the British Pharmacological Society's Pharmacology Hall of Fame, and one of them was a Nobel Laureate. Very few of the emigrated pharmacologists returned to Germany. After the Nazis came to power in 1933, the share of papers by persecuted pharmacologists in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology dropped sharply. At around 1936, several of the persecuted pharmacologists began to publish increasingly in the American competitor journal, the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. The persecuted pharmacologists who emigrated to Great Britain had a major influence on the British Journal of Pharmacology, founded in 1946, as initially, they accounted for a high proportion of publications. We further analysed the papers published in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology by persecuted pharmacologists between 1933 and 1945. About half of these papers were submitted from abroad, indicating that despite the persecution and repression, papers from persecuted pharmacologists previously working at German institutes were still published during this period. Most of the papers by persecuted pharmacologists published from German institutes during this period were published under regime-critical or politically persecuted institute directors. Persecuted pharmacologists covered a huge spectrum of scientific topics, highlighting their immense scientific impact. After World War II, Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology lost much of its previous thematic diversity for decades. Overall, our analyses highlight the enormous loss to German pharmacology due to the persecution, exclusion and expulsion of 'non-Aryan' pharmacologists. Conversely, pharmacology of the USA and Great Britain benefited greatly from the emigration of distinguished scientists from Germany.

Ultraviolet and infrared radiation in Australia: assessing the benefits, risks, and optimal exposure guidelines

Despite extensive research, determining the optimal level of sunlight exposure for human health remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for ongoing scientific inquiry into this critical aspect of human well-being. This review aims to elucidate how different components of the solar spectrum, particularly near-infrared (NIR) radiation and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) affect human health in diverse ways depending on factors such as time of day and duration of exposure. Sunlight has beneficial effects from the production of melatonin by NIR and vitamin D by UVB. Sunlight also causes harmful effects as evidenced by oxidative stress and DNA damage. Exposure to morning and evening sunlight when the UV index is below 3 is suggested to be beneficial for harnessing its positive effects while avoiding the harmful effects of UVR when the UV index is 3 or higher. Understanding the optimal timing and duration of sunlight exposure is crucial for harnessing its beneficial effects while minimizing its harmful consequences by adopting appropriate sun protection measures. By adhering to sun protection guidelines when the UV index is 3 or more and incorporating strategic exposure to NIR rays when the UV index is less than 3, individuals can optimize their health outcomes while mitigating the risks associated with sun exposure. Given that the effects of sun exposure can be both harmful and beneficial, and Australia’s unique geographical position where it experiences the highest levels of exposure to sunlight, it is vital to understand the appropriate level and timing of sun exposure to live healthy under the Australian sun.

In Memoriam: Cytogeneticist Dr. Sc. Ninel A. Petrova (1940–2024) — life and scientific heritage

The article is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Sc. Ninel A. Petrova, who passed away on 18 April 2024, and to her scientific heritage. Ninel was born on 28 March 1940 in Leningrad, the former Soviet Union. From 1959 to 1964, she studied at the Faculty of Biology and Soil Science of the Leningrad State University. After graduating from the university, Ninel joined the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where she worked for almost 60 years, rising from a research assistant to a leading researcher. Her scientific research focused on the structure and evolution of polytene chromosomes of two families of Diptera, black flies (Simuliidae) and non-biting midges (Chironomidae). Ninel has published nearly 200 scientific articles, three monographs and one monograph chapter and has become one of the leading experts in her field. Along with scientific activities, Ninel worked for 25 years as the Scientific Secretary of the Specialized Scientific Council for the Defense of Dissertations at the Zoological Institute.

EDITORIAL NOTE Vol. 61 (12/2024) RA’E GA – THE GEOGRAPHIC SPACE UNDER ANALYSIS

RA’E GA – THE GEOGRAPHIC SPACE UNDER ANALYSIS is pleased to present to the national and international scientific community the third volume of 2024 (V.61 – 12/2024 - DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5380/raega.v61i1), which encompasses articles covering various topics related to Geographic knowledge and other areas of scientific expertise. This edition of the Journal maintains the publication flow in English and Portuguese. This change aimed to preserve the Papers construction structure of the texts and increase access for different readers. RA’E GA extends its gratitude to the authors, the editorial team, section editors, and reviewers, especially those who contributed to this volume, as well as the Program for Support of Periodical Scientific Publications at UFPR. All these activities are crucial for the advancement of Brazilian scientific research and have been instrumental in ensuring the quality of this current volume.