Open Science. Research Practices in the Berlin Research Area

This report presents in detail the results of the first pilot study of the Berlin Science Survey (BSS) on the topic of open science. The term open science covers various scientific practices that aim to improve the accessibility, traceability and reusability of scientific results. The BSS specifically addressed open access publications, data sharing, code and material sharing, open peer review, and citizen science. In addition to the prevalence of the individual open science practices, attitudes and assessments of the scientists were also surveyed, providing information on the extent to which the science policy goal of expanding open science is shared among scientists

Assessment and Level Modelling in Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering

This paper focuses on the module “Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering,” in which students from different engineering disciplines often face difficulties. Despite efforts to enhance the course through digital media, the formation of study groups, and adjusted lecture and exercise materials, there is still a high failure rate in the subject, leading to potential student dropouts. The primary goal is to analyze students’ challenges in solving electrical engineering problems to evaluate their grasp of the fundamentals of electrical engineering and identify varying levels of competence. The findings are based on a cross-sectional study conducted at the conclusion of a university course in Germany, involving 196 students. Through item response theory (IRT) analyses, it was determined that the assessment items demonstrated satisfactory fit values. The proficiency model delineates four levels, with only 8.2% of students achieving the highest level. At this stage, students can tackle more intricate problems using circuit analysis techniques. However, a notable portion of students (40.3%) lack a basic understanding of electrical circuits, placing them at the lowest level

Open Science. Forschungspraktiken im Berliner Forschungsraum

In diesem Report werden die Ergebnisse der ersten Pilotstudie des Berlin Science Survey (BSS) zum Themenblock Open Science detailliert vorgestellt. Unter dem Begriff Open Science werden verschiedene wissenschaftliche Praktiken zusammengefasst, die die Verbesserung der Zugänglichkeit, Nachvollziehbarkeit und Nachnutzbarkeit von wissenschaftlichen Ergebnissen zum Ziel haben. Im BSS wurden Open Access Publikationen, Data Sharing, Code und Material Sharing, Open Peer Review und Citizen Science thematisiert. Neben der Verbreitung der einzelnen Open Science Praktiken wurden auch Einstellungen und Einschätzungen der Wissenschaftler:innen erhoben, die Aufschluss darüber geben, inwiefern das wissenschaftspolitische Ziel einer Ausweitung von Open Science geteilt wird

Workshopbericht: Armut und Bibliotheken (Nürnberg 2015)

Der Text berichtet von einem Workshop zum Thema "Armut und Bibliotheken", der auf dem Bibliothekstag 2015 in Nürnberg durchgeführt wurde. Im Text werden die Diskussionen, die an drei Tischen zu den Themen "Können Bibliotheken Menschen in Armut dabei helfen, ihren Alltag zu gestalten?", "Können Bibliotheken Menschen in Armut dabei helfen, aus der Armut auszusteigen?" und "Können Bibliotheken Kinder und Jugendliche in Armut unterstützen?" vorgestellt und diese zusammengefasst. Im Workshop kristallisierte sich heraus, dass viele Kolleginnen und Kollegen am Thema interessiert sind, aber wenig Austausch dazu stattfindet. Grundsätzlich wäre Menschen in Armut zu helfen, wenn Angebote so gestaltet werden, dass sie diese Menschen nicht in ihrer sozialen Situation diskriminieren, aber sie gleichzeitig am meisten unterstützen. Gleichzeitig wurden viele Formen von Kooperationen angedacht

Hippocampal pyramidal cells: the reemergence of cortical lamination

The increasing resolution of tract-tracing studies has led to the definition of segments along the transverse axis of the hippocampal pyramidal cell layer, which may represent functionally defined elements. This review will summarize evidence for a morphological and functional differentiation of pyramidal cells along the radial (deep to superficial) axis of the cell layer. In many species, deep and superficial sublayers can be identified histologically throughout large parts of the septotemporal extent of the hippocampus. Neurons in these sublayers are generated during different periods of development. During development, deep and superficial cells express genes (Sox5, SatB2) that also specify the phenotypes of superficial and deep cells in the neocortex. Deep and superficial cells differ neurochemically (e.g. calbindin and zinc) and in their adult gene expression patterns. These markers also distinguish sublayers in the septal hippocampus, where they are not readily apparent histologically in rat or mouse. Deep and superficial pyramidal cells differ in septal, striatal, and neocortical efferent connections. Distributions of deep and superficial pyramidal cell dendrites and studies in reeler or sparsely GFP-expressing mice indicate that this also applies to afferent pathways. Histological, neurochemical, and connective differences between deep and superficial neurons may correlate with (patho-) physiological phenomena specific to pyramidal cells at different radial locations. We feel that an appreciation of radial subdivisions in the pyramidal cell layer reminiscent of lamination in other cortical areas may be critical in the interpretation of studies of hippocampal anatomy and function