Young Researchers Research Articles

Young researchers explore climate histories

Young researchers explore climate histories

On Prešić-Type Mappings: Survey

This paper is dedicated to the memory of the esteemed Serbian mathematician Slaviša B. Prešić (1933–2008). The primary aim of this survey paper is to compile articles on Prešić-type mappings published since 1965. Additionally, it introduces a novel class of symmetric contractions known as Prešić–Menger and Prešić–Ćirić–Menger contractions, thereby enriching the literature on Prešić-type mappings. The paper endeavors to furnish young researchers with a comprehensive resource in functional and nonlinear analysis. The relevance of Prešić’s method, which generalizes Banach’s theorem from 1922, remains significant in metric fixed point theory, as evidenced by recent publications. The overview article addresses the growing importance of Prešić’s approach, coupled with new ideas, reflecting the ongoing advancements in the field. Additionally, the paper establishes the existence and uniqueness of fixed points in Menger spaces, contributing to the filling of gaps in the existing literature on Prešić’s works while providing valuable insights into this specialized domain.

National and International Comparisons of Gynecological Research in Germany Based on a Bibliometric Analysis of Publications.

Recent years have seen a considerable shift from male doctors to female doctors in the field of gynecology. Female doctors are traditionally more involved with planning and maintaining their family. For gynecology, this could be associated with a risk that research activities will decrease, particularly if results are published in scientific journals. In view of this shift, a comparative observational study was carried for 2022 in which 1306 publications were matched to 1786 female and male doctors reported on the websites of the 44 locations of university gynecology departments in Germany. In addition, the volume of publications issued between 2014 and 2022 was compared for Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In Germany, the volume of publications in Gynecology was additionally compared with the publication outputs of the specialties Urology and Trauma Surgery. Since 2014, the increase in the numbers of publications in the field of Gynecology in Germany was lower (225%) than that of the countries with which it was compared (238%/252%/260% for F/UK/USA). When Gynecology was compared with other medical specialties in Germany, the number of publications in Urology were found to have increased at a lower rate (196%) while the number of publications in the field of Trauma Surgery increased by more (286%) than that of Gynecology. At the start of 2023, the percentage of women who were working as doctors at the lowest hierarchical level (junior doctor) was 81%. The publication output per capita of female doctors working at lower levels in the medical hierarchy, i.e., working as junior doctors and senior physicians, was between 40% and 80% lower than that of male doctors working at the same level. However, female directors published as much as male directors did. In the lower hierarchy levels, men were up to 14% more likely to be without an academic title. Predictors for more extensive publication activities by young female and male doctors include the extent and quality of publications by doctors in senior positions, the presence of a comprehensive cancer center or an institute for human genetics at the location where the young doctors were working, and joint publications with foreign authors. For the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the results suggest a number of approaches to promote young researchers. The support provided to young female doctors is especially important as this should help to retain them as junior researchers over the long term.

Impact of Open Access status on journal metrics in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology – A cross-sectional study

IntroductionWhile Open Access (OA) journals provide free access to articles, they entail high article processing charges (APC), limiting opportunities for young researchers and those from low-middle income countries to publish OA. MethodsCross-sectional study, evaluating APC and academic impact of full OA (FOA) journals in infectious diseases (ID) and clinical microbiology (CM) compared to hybrid journals. Data were collected from Journal Citation Reports and journals’ websites. ResultsAmong 255 journals, median APC was 2850 (interquartile range [IQR] 1325–3654$). Median APC for 120 FOA journals was significantly lower than for 119 hybrid journals (2000, IQR 648–2767$ versus 3550, IQR 2948–4120$, p < 0.001). FOA journals had lower citation numbers and impact metrics compared to hybrid journals. ConclusionWhile FOA ID/CM journals have lower APCs, they also lower academic impact compared to hybrid journals. These findings highlight the need for reforms in the publication process in view of achieving equitable data dissemination.

Moral Paradoxes of the Age of Turbulence

MGIMO University annually hosts an international conference held in the memory of Professor A. F. Shishkin, a distinguished soviet ethicist and the founder of the Department of Philosophy of the university. The latest 29th Shishkin Readings took place in MGIMO University on December 23, 2023, and was devoted to ethical issues in the age of ever-increasing turbulence. M. A. Shishkin and A. V. Shestopal greeted the participants, and V. S. Glagolev gave an opening talk on the requirements a modern person should meet and a moral compass in the turbulent social context. There followed plenary and breakout sessions moderated by senior lecturers of the Department of Philosophy D. S. Gorshenyov and I. A. Chuprova. PhD students, professors, and researchers shared their expertise and participated in keen discussions. Today’s turbulence transforms individual and social lives, massive changes in international affairs put forward new challenges which cannot be addressed without consideration of their ethical dimension. In their reports, speakers focused on negative and positive evaluations, the role of ethics as an academic discipline, moral aspects of digitalization and the rise of AI. Over the years the conference, by giving the floor to aspiring scholars, proved to be a good venue for bridging the gap between generations of academicians. Young researchers had a favorable chance to present and argue their studies before a competent audience coming from various academic fields.

The Effects of Participating in International Mobility for Russian Scientists

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the opening of borders, numerous measures have been taken to internationalize Russian science. In particular, publications in journals that are listed in international scientific citation databases have become a point of closer focus. Universities and scientific organizations began inviting foreign professors and sending their own staff and students abroad on international internships. After the start of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine in 2022, Russian science faced numerous sanctions that entailed a reduction in international cooperation. However Russian scientists have accumulated 30 years of experience in active participation in international cooperation and academic mobility. Nevertheless, there is still a significant lack of understanding of how this experience will impact the scientific careers of Russian scientists going forward. In this article, the authors present the results of a study dedicated to exploring this issue. The theoretical framework for the analysis is based on such a concept as “the Three Careers of an Academic” (organizational, cognitive, and community careers) proposed by German experts in sociology of science Johan Gläser and Grit Laudel. The empirical data used in the study include materials from in-depth interviews with young scientists under the age of 39, collected in 2020–2021 as part of a project known as “International Mobility of Russian Young Researchers”, as well as the results of a sociological survey of 7,255 highly productive scientists conducted under the “Monitoring of education markets and organizations” in 2022. All respondents had spent more than three months abroad. The study revealed that international mobility has a comprehensive impact, noticeable in all three components of a scientific career. Acquired knowledge and skills, as well as involvement in international projects contribute to the development of a researcher’s cognitive career, while new professional connections promote advancement in the international scientific community. As for the “organizational dimension” of a career, mobility does not have a direct influence on career advancement. However, mobility often leads to personal changes, particularly influencing one’s determination to switch jobs and seek better conditions. These assessments are presented for the first time and can be useful in developing recommendations for science and technology policies regarding the revision of mobility support programs in light of the new geopolitical reality.

Reconstructing human history from ancient genomes: an interview with Nobel laureate Svante Pääbo

NSR's interview with 2022 Nobel laureate Svante Pääbo to learn about his interesting works in ancient hominine genomes, his perspectives on paleo genome studies and his advice to young researchers.

The 3rd Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) biennial congress: Lessons learnt to advance lung health in Africa

Lung health in Africa is of great public health concern. To exchange knowledge, communicate the latest scientific advances in lung health, build the capacity of young researchers, and provide a platform for networking of lung health stakeholders in Africa, the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS), in partnership with the Respiratory Society of Kenya organized and held the 3rd Biennial PATS congress, from June 7–10, 2023 in Mombasa, Kenya. There were a total of 30 conference sessions, which included six skills building workshops, two research dissemination workshops, six plenary sessions, and five each of pediatric, adult, and thoracic surgery symposia. A total of 60 abstracts were presented, including 27 oral abstracts and 33 posters. A wide range of issues for lung health in Africa emerged. These include the emerging role of the environment, especially climate change and global warming, on lung health, the threat posed by the use of tobacco and other nicotine products in Africa, the high burden of lung infections, insecurity of medical oxygen supply systems, and high burden of chronic respiratory disease. In this paper, we summarize the proceedings of this conference and draw lessons that can be used to advance lung health in the African continent.

Why so few Ps become As: The character, choices and challenges of South Africa’s most talented young researchers

In this research article, we examine why so few of the most promising young scientists in South Africa, those who obtain a P or ‘prestigious’ rating from the South African National Research Foundation, go on to obtain an A rating, i.e. become leading international scholars in their fields. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 36 P-rated scientists in the period 1983 to 2022, we found that personal characteristics (such as work ethic), the right international networks, and strong departmental support are among the key factors that explain the research accomplishments of highly successful achievers.

Morphological scientists at the Imperial St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences in the 18th – early 20th centuries. To the 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The purpose of this work was to analyze the participation of domestic and foreign morphological scientists in the activities of the Imperial St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences. From 1724 until 1917, a number of outstanding morphologists were elected as full members of the Academy, among them - anatomist and embryologist K.F. Wolf, anatomist A.E. Protasov, embryologist, geologist and paleontologist H.G. Pander, naturalist K. E. Beer, embryologist A. O. Kovalevsky, physiologist, histologist and zoologist F. V. Ovsyannikov, histologist A. S. Dogel, anthropologist, ethnographer and geographer D. N. Anuchin. The academy’s connections with foreign scientists also developed, many of whom were elected corresponding members and foreign honorary members of the academy, among them a number of morphologists, comparative anatomists and histologists. Thus, the following were elected as foreign honorary members: René Antoine Reaumur (1683 - 1757, elected in 1737); Albrecht Haller (1708 – 1777, elected 1776); in 1802 Georges Cuvier (1769 – 1732) was elected; in 1826 – Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749 – 1832); in 1905 - Camillo Golgi (1844 - 1926).&#x0D; Correspondents were elected as foreign members: in 1826 - Robert Brown (1773 - 1858), who in 1827 became a full member of the academy; in 1826, Karl Ernst Baer (1792 - 1876) was elected foreign corresponding member, who after moving to Russia became its ordinary academician (1827), and then after his resignation, its honorary member (1862); in 1832 - Johannes Peter Müller (1801 - 1852); in 1836 - Jan Evangelista Purkinje (1787 - 1869); in 1850 – Matthias Jacob Schleiden (1804 – 1881); in 1857 - Rudolf Albert Kölliker (1817 - 1905); in 1881 - Rudolf Virchow (1821 - 1902); in 1897 - Franz Leydig (1821 - 1908).&#x0D; Communication between foreign corresponding members and foreign honorary members was carried out with the academy in several directions, of which the main one was sending their works to the academy and publishing their works in the academy’s publications. Another direction was the training of students who were subjects of the Russian Empire, as well as the internship of young Russian researchers who were preparing for a professorship.

Editorial to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Synthesis and Sintering

Serving as a member of the editorial board of Synthesis and Sintering and the founder of the Synsint Research Group is undoubtedly a great honor for me. I am happy to witness the significant growth of this journal as a global platform that publishes scientific articles with high standards. As we celebrate the third anniversary of Synthesis and Sintering, we are proud to present to readers a collection of high-quality articles written by leading experts and young researchers in the fields of synthesis and sintering. These articles, which have been published regularly in the past three years, have shown the commitment of the journal and its management team to the development of science and research in these fields. In this editorial article, the goals of the journal, its achievements and our prospects are presented.

Reconstructing the Gravitational Hologram with Quantum Information

Maldacena’s 1997 discovery of gauge/gravity duality promised to provide a complete understanding of quantum effects in gravity, by relating gravitating quantum systems to conventional quantum field theories on fixed backgrounds. Although much has been learned, this initial promise has not been completely fulfilled, due to lingering questions associated with the basic dictionary describing the way observables are mapped between one description and the other. While the dictionary is under good control for observables near the boundary, and also at the level of perturbation theory about a classical bulk spacetime for observables further in, non-perturbative questions critical for a full resolution of the black hole information problem remain to be fully answered. Over the last few years, however, a number of developments arising from the application of quantum information theory to AdS/CFT seem to be indicating that it may now be possible to address some of these questions. This GGI workshop brought together experts and young researchers, in order to capitalize on these developments.

Doctoral Theses in the Digital Age – ICT use by Social Sciences PhD Students of The Maria Grzegorzewska University

The article is a result of a complementary advanced publication workshop accompanying the curriculum course exercises for PhD students, on the role of ICT in the research work of a scientist. To fulfill the extended course requirements the participants decided to write relevant paper, if possible, related to their individual research endeavors and their relations to the digital world. The paper consists of a collection of short chapters written by young researchers. They express their own views, based on early research experience, relevant generally to the inclusion of critical digital age components in their theses. The chapters are only moderately consulted by the tutor in the direction of finding a common denominator related to social sciences.

International conference on "Photosynthesis and Hydrogen Energy Research for Sustainability-2023": in honor of Robert Blankenship, Győző Garab, Michael Grätzel, Norman Hüner and Gunnar Öquist.

The 11th International Photosynthesis Conference on Hydrogen Energy Research and Sustainability 2023 was organized in honor of Robert Blankenship, Győző Garab, Michael Grätzel, Norman Hüner, and Gunnar Öquist, in Istanbul, Türkiye at Bahçeşehir University Future Campus from 03 to 09 July 2023. It was jointly supported by the International Society of Photosynthesis Research (ISPR) and the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE). In this article we provide brief details of the conference, its events, keynote speakers, and the scientific contribution of scientists honored at this conference. Further, we also describe the participation of young researchers, their talks, and their awards.

The Historical Evolution and Enlightenment of Marx's View of Civil Society

In-depth study of young Marx's civil society theory has important academic and practical significance. In terms of academic theory, "civil society" is a red line that runs through the gradual formation of Marx's materialist view of history. Clarifying the development vein of young Marx's view of civil society and clarifying the connotation and characteristics of civil society is helpful to understand the focus of young Marx's philosophical research, so as to grasp the evolution of his ideological history more carefully. In reality, it is of great significance to construct the road of socialist modernization governance with Chinese characteristics to absorb and draw on the theoretical essence which accords with China's national conditions.

Autonomy in adolescence: a conceptual, developmental and cross-cultural perspective

ABSTRACT This paper provides an overview of autonomy development during adolescence. Autonomy, inspired by the Separation-Individuation Theory of Peter Blos, was initially framed as autonomy-as-independence. However, as debates in the literature arose regarding the interpretation of autonomy in adolescence, often referred to as the detachment debate, it became evident that a distinction is needed between autonomy-as-independence and autonomy-as-volitional functioning, the latter definition coming from Self-Determination Theory of Ryan and Deci). This paper defines both facets of autonomy in adolescence and reviews a line of research on their developmental trajectories, the cross-cultural interpretations of autonomy, and the role parents play in nurturing adolescent autonomy. This review provides further evidence for the two-dimensional nature of autonomy in adolescence. This distinction between independence and volition carries significant implications for how autonomy is perceived in relation to adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment and development. It also influences our understanding of how micro-contexts, such as parents and macro-contexts, including cultural factors, can shape adolescent autonomy. It is our hope that this paper contributes to the clarification of the autonomy concept and serves as an inspiration for young researchers to pursue further investigations into this vital subject.

Conference report: Fourth annual young researcher forum of the Japan Society of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Traditional Medicine

AbstractFour young researchers presented their studies in the field of traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Wakan‐yaku) at the Fourth Annual Young Researcher Forum held the day before the 2023 annual meeting of the Japan Society of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Traditional Medicine. Mr Sakoda outlined his research plan, emphasizing the potential of yokukansan to enhance palliative care for cancer patients. Meanwhile, Ms Tanide and Mr Nishihara explored the correlation among component contents in Coptis japonica on Sado Island. Additionally, Mr Okayama presented his study, focusing on the use of Sinomenium acutum‐derived compounds to inhibit the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and eradicate cancer stem cells. Finally, Mr Muraoka shared insights from his research on the inhibitory properties of Cassia obtusifolia sprout components. The event, conducted both in person and online, attracted a total of 58 participants. Looking ahead, we aim to further develop and continue hosting this forum in 2024 and beyond, fostering the advancement of research in this field.

Navigating challenges in social science research: the impact of halo effect and inadequate academic socialization on Chinese young researchers

ABSTRACT While there exists an extensive body of literature on Early Career Researchers (ECRs), there has been a notable lack of focus on the hurdles encountered by ECRs in social sciences at local universities when it comes to academic publishing. This study addresses this gap by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 Chinese university academics to explore the hindering factors affecting ECRs’ scholarly publishing in CSSCI-indexed journals. The research is grounded in the conceptual frameworks of the halo effect and academic socialization. The findings reveal a myriad of hindering factors operating at different levels, including macro-level factors such as the dilemma of growing demand and shrinking supply in CSSCI-listed journals, the halo effect’s impact on journal gatekeeping, and the insufficiency of constructive review feedback. Meso-level factors encompass the lack of academic mentorship and support, and the burden of teaching and administrative responsibilities. Micro-level factors involve inadequate speculative research skills, unfamiliarity with journal norms, diminishing confidence in research endeavors, and a shift in academic identity. To address these problems, academia, institutions, policymakers as well as academics need to take collective efforts to foster an environment that supports the growth and success of young social science researchers at local Chinese universities.

Publish and perish: mental health among communication and media scholars

Abstract Studies point to a significantly higher prevalence of mental health issues among academics compared to most other working populations. However, we know relatively little about the situation within the field of media and communication studies. Based on an international survey of 1028 researchers within this field, we found mental health issues to be widespread. Early career researchers, women, and those in nonpermanent positions were significantly more strongly affected by these issues than scholars in later career stages, men, and those in permanent employment. Academics in our field worry most about structural aspects of their work, most notably about publication pressure and future career prospects. We argue that while our findings are somewhat aligned with results from or across other fields, they are still worrisome. We thus argue for the need to start a conversation about how to reduce the mental burden, especially for young and early career researchers.

Preface

The 2023 3rd International Conference on Measurement Control and Instrumentation (MCAI 2023) was grandly held in Guangzhou, China from November 24th to 26th, 2023 (hybrid event). Scholars, experts and enterprise representatives from all over the world gathered together to discuss the latest research results, technological advances and innovative applications in the field of measurement control and instrumentation.This Conference was organized in a variety of formats, including keynote speeches, oral presentations, poster presentations, Q&A sessions, academic investigation, etc., aiming to provide a platform for participants to present their achievements, have in-depth exchanges, and discuss collaborations. Over 300 representatives attended the conference, including experts with outstanding achievements in the field of measurement control and instrumentation as well as young researchers and graduate students interested in the field. They are actively committed to advancing the field and promoting academic exchanges and collaborations through this international conference. Participants listened to the presentations of outstanding researchers from all over the world and engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges with them.The Proceedings of MCAI 2023 contains top academic papers from all over the world, which cover a wide range of topics and cutting-edge researches in the field of measurement control and instrumentation, including but not limited to: Numerical Control Technology, Precision Assessment, Microsensor Technology and Applications, Intelligent Instruments and Machinery, etc. The Editorial Board, a group of experts with rich experience and outstanding achievements in related fields, were responsible for reviewing and selecting the best papers to ensure the high quality and academic impact of the Proceedings.By sharing the latest research results and technology applications, we are confident that MCAI 2023’s Proceedings will be an important literature resource in the field of measurement control and instrumentation, providing researchers with an extensive knowledge base that will help them keep abreast of the latest research development and technology trends.Finally, we would like to thank all the people and organizations that have participated in and supported MCAI 2023. Sincere thanks to all the authors and editorial board members who have contributed to this Proceedings. Through the publication and dissemination of the Proceedings, we can facilitate the cooperation between academia and industry, promote the translation and application of scientific research results, and contribute to the solution of practical problems.The Committee of MCAI 2023List of Committee Member is available in this pdf.