University of Konstanz
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Perceived and observed biases within scientific communities : a case study in movement ecology
No full textWho conducts biological research, where they do it and how results are disseminated vary among geographies and identities. Identifying and documenting these forms of bias by research communities is a critical step towards addressing them. We documented perceived and observed biases in movement ecology, a rapidly expanding sub-discipline of biology, which is strongly underpinned by fieldwork and technology use. We surveyed attendees before an international conference to assess a baseline within-discipline perceived bias (uninformed perceived bias). We analysed geographic patterns in Movement Ecology articles, finding discrepancies between the country of the authors’ affiliation and study site location, related to national economics. We analysed race-gender identities of USA biology researchers (the closest to our sub-discipline with data available), finding that they differed from national demographics. Finally, we discussed the quantitatively observed bias at the conference, to assess within-discipline perceived bias informed with observational data (informed perceived bias). Although the survey indicated most conference participants as bias-aware, conversations only covered a subset of biases. We discuss potential causes of bias (parachute-science, fieldwork accessibility), solutions and the need to evaluate mitigatory action effectiveness. Undertaking data-driven analysis of bias within sub-disciplines can help identify specific barriers and move towards the inclusion of a greater diversity of participants in the scientific process.publishe
Competencies for teaching with and about artificial intelligence in the natural sciences – DiKoLAN AI
No full textThe rapid advancement and widespread adoption of digital technologies have transformed the education sector. Among these developments, the emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT has had a considerable impact on teaching and learning practices. While the integration of AI into educational settings is becoming increasingly common, subject-specific analyses, especially in STEM education, are still lacking. This paper examines the specific challenges and potential of AI in the context of STEM education. It does so by exploring how AI has transformed scientific disciplines and how these changes impact teaching and learning. It highlights the necessity for educators to acquire specific competencies to effectively incorporate AI into their instructional practices. Building on existing frameworks such as DigCompEdu and the subject-specific DiKoLAN, the paper proposes an AI-focused framework: DiKoLAN AI. This framework aligns AI-related teacher competencies with instructional practice in science education. It also provides a structure for categorizing existing teacher training programs. The paper outlines the development of the DiKoLAN AI framework and its content consensus validation by a total of 64 experts trough three iterative cycles. Its practical application is demonstrated through 20 case studies from different authors, which offer a practical approach for supporting teacher training and curriculum design in AI-integrated STEM education. The paper concludes with a discussion of opportunities, challenges and future research needs for teacher professionalization.publishe
The Concept of Active and Protective Coping for Individual Psychotherapy in Chronic Fatigue : an Example from Post COVID
No full textIndividuals affected by chronic fatigue often experience unpredictable fluctuations in their symptoms and activity levels, often leading to a perceived loss of control. This paper presents an explanatory model for understanding coping behaviors in chronic fatigue from the perspective of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As a comprehensive framework for patients and therapists, we introduce the Model of Active and Protective Coping for Chronic Fatigue (APC-Model), integrating clinical observations, existing knowledge, and the principles of behavioral analysis. The model identifies two dysfunctional behavioral patterns: Active Coping, by which individuals overexert themselves, and Protective Coping, by which activity levels become too low. Patients may alternate between these patterns, thereby exacerbating symptoms. The APC-Model suggests stabilizing activity levels within the individual’s area of endurable load as a major goal to enhance symptom management and control. Applying behavioral analysis separately to each dysfunctional coping pattern can help patients detect and disentangle the underlying and the maintaining factors, as well as those contributing to the shift between coping patterns. We illustrate with a case study suffering from chronic fatigue as part of post COVID, how this approach provides a valuable tool for deriving points of intervention and treatment strategies for individuals affected by chronic fatigue. We provide therapeutic material to support its practical application in English and German.publishe
1 PHz of Coherent Bandwidth from a Compact Fiber Device
No full textFemtosecond frequency combs uniquely combine high frequency resolution, wide spectral coverage, and the ability to generate single-cycle pulses, rendering them essential for fundamental research and applied photonics. However, effective dispersion management across vast bandwidths remains a major challenge, often requiring complex setups that compromise stability and efficiency. Here, a coherent comb spectrum is presented with an unprecedented bandwidth of 1 PHz, spanning from the deep ultraviolet (280 nm) to the mid-infrared (2700 nm). This output is generated by a compact fiber device pumped by an ultrastable Er:fiber system. By integrating two highly nonlinear fibers with distinct germanium doping and waveguide design, a flat dispersion profile is achieved across the entire mid- and near-infrared spectral region. This pulse purification technology facilitates efficient third-harmonic generation within the same nonlinear device enabling the synthesis of ultrashort pulses with an exceptionally clean temporal envelope. Using a novel spectral filter and customized chirped mirrors, single-cycle near-infrared pulses with a duration of 3.56 fs are obtained. Beat signals between the fundamental dispersive wave and its third harmonic exhibit exceptional long-term passive stability, underpinning the reliability of this concept. This compact and versatile approach marks a significant leap forward in the generation and control of coherent supercontinua.publishe
The impact of diversity training on workplace behavior – a meta-analysis
No full textPurpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether organizational diversity training (DT) results in transfer and thereby affects the workplace behavior of trainees. Furthermore, this paper investigates the influence of three possible moderators.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a systematic literature search to identify relevant studies (n = 12), and they synthesized the effect sizes reported in these studies via a random effects meta-analytic model. The authors used subgroup analyses to examine the influence of potential moderator variables.
Findings
The meta-analysis revealed a small yet statistically significant effect (g = 0.29) of DT on workplace behavior. Subgroup analyses indicated that planning transfer behavior during training might moderate the transfer success of DT. No significant effects were found for needs analysis or attendance policy as moderators.
Research limitations/implications
Further primary studies should be conducted to evaluate the workplace behavior of trainees after DT. Ideally, future studies should go beyond solely relying on self-reports of trainees.
Practical implications
The results of this study suggest that DT can positively impact workplace behavior and can, thus, be an effective tool for addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with a diverse workforce. Furthermore, the results provide indications for transfer-enhancing training designs.
Originality/value
Previous research has primarily examined the extent to which trainees achieve learning gains after DT. However, evidence suggests that learning does not necessarily lead to behavioral change in the workplace. Thus, this analysis extends our knowledge of DT effectiveness.publishe
Investigating the Interaction Profile of Unconjugated Ubiquitin : Chemical Biology and Affinity Enrichment Mass Spectrometric Approaches
No full textThe covalent attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) to target proteins (ubiquitylation) represents one of the most versatile post-translational modifications (PTM) in eukaryotic cells. Substrate modifications range from a single Ub moiety being attached to a target protein to complex Ub chains that can also contain Ubls (Ub-like proteins) or chemical modifications like acetylation or phosphorylation. The entirety of this complex system is entitled as “the Ub code”. To regulate the Ub code, cells have an arsenal of enzymes to install, translate, and reverse these modifications. However, deciphering the Ub code is challenging due to the difficulty of generating defined Ub/Ubl−protein conjugates. In this mini review, an overview of chemical biology techniques for the generation of defined Ub variants and their subsequent application in affinity enrichment experiments to identify interacting proteins by mass spectrometry is provided. The main focus is on unconjugated Ub variants since they are not well understood even though a “second messenger”-like function of those have been found. Finally, the opportunities to expand this approach to Ubl proteins are briefly discussed.publishe
Les entretiens d’asyle au Royaume-Uni : le problème de preuves et la possibilité de l’anthropologie appliquée
No full textEvidence and credibility assessments are an important part of asylum procedure in the UK. But answers given in the asylum interviews cannot be measured against an independent standard. This is particularly the case if the applicant claims to be stateless. Drawing on ethnomethodology, I analyse asylum interviews and show in what ways evidence can rather be understood as the result of an asymmetrical co-construction. Consequently, the individual applicant disappears and a ‘case’ is established. Anthropologists who write country of origin reports based on such ‘case material’ for tribunals and courts can highlight the asymmetries in evidence-making and question the very categorisations through which the state operates. The article contributes to ongoing debates on the role of anthropologists and their knowledge as experts in court.publishe
Translational repression by 4E-T is crucial to maintain the prophase-I arrest in vertebrate oocytes
No full textMeiotic maturation of vertebrate oocytes occurs in the near-absence of transcription. Thus, female fertility relies on timely translational activation of maternal transcripts stockpiled in full-grown prophase-I-arrested oocytes. However, how expression of these mRNAs is suppressed to maintain the long-lasting prophase-I arrest remains mysterious. Utilizing fast-acting TRIM-Away, we demonstrate that acute loss of the translation repressor 4E-T triggers spontaneous release from prophase-I arrest in mouse and frog oocytes. This is due to untimely expression of key meiotic drivers like c-Mos and cyclin-B1. Notably, mutant 4E-T associated with premature ovarian insufficiency in women fails to maintain the prophase-I arrest in Xenopus oocytes. We further show that 4E-T association with eIF4E and PATL2 is critical for target mRNA binding and repression. Thus, 4E-T is a central factor in translational repression of mRNAs stockpiled in full-grown oocytes for later activation and, therefore, essential to sustain the oocyte pool throughout the reproductive lifespan of female vertebrates.publishe