Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Natural Science Disciplines”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Theoretical and methodological elements for integrating ethics as a foundation into the education of professional and design disciplines.

The paper addresses the integration of ethics into professional education related to the disciplines responsible for the conception and creation of the artificial (artefactual or technology). The ontological-epistemological paradigm of those disciplines is understood within the frame of the sciences of the artificial as established by Herbert Simon (1969). According to that paradigm, those sciences include disciplines not only related to the production of artefacts (technology), such as engineering, architecture, industrial design, etc, but also disciplines related to devised courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred ones, like medicine, law, education, etc. They are centered on intentional action and at their core is the activity of design, which is their common foundation and attitude, or their common culture. The science of design becomes the broader foundational discipline for any professions engaged in the intentional transformation of the world. The main distinction between design disciplines and scientific ones rests on the object-project dichotomy. Indeed, contrary to Science that sees the world as an object to be observed, Design sees the world as a project and acts upon the world through projects, which are grounded in intentions, ends, and values. Design disciplines are meant to transform the world, or part of it, and are teleological. Being so, they are embodied in an act that is ethical and their ontology-epistemology must be addressed also through practical reason to resituate all professional disciplines according to their involved nature. The paper introduces theoretical, methodological, and ethical elements to establish a model that integrates ethics into the education of the professional disciplines, design-based disciplines, responsible for the creation of the artificial, artefactual or technological, world. The model is articulated around the notions of ethical engagement and responsibility through the act of design understood as action with intention situated in a project, common in all professional disciplines.

Curriculum↗
PubMed2005

Interdisciplinary research: noradrenergic regulation of adaptive immunity.

To understand the complexity of mechanisms involved in the regulation of adaptive immunity by the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine and adrenergic receptor stimulation, there must be a rich history of basic science and clinical findings upon which to form hypotheses for testing, as well as a rich supply of individuals trained in two or more disciplines. This review is intended to offer a tour of the past, present, and future discoveries that have been made in the area of adrenergic regulation of adaptive immunity, as well as share a vision of how our field of study will progress years from now, given that every individual who contributes to the interdisciplinary nature of our research is valued. And finally, this review will discuss how the lessons from the past can help us to attain a vision of interdisciplinary research for the future.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2002

The coming space science programme in animal cell/tissue research.

Between the genotypical potentials and given phenotypical expressions, cell behaviour is hypothesised largely depending on local distributed control mechanisms resulting from delicate mass flux balances involving biochemical (including cytokine, endocrine and paracrine factors) and mechanical signalling pathways. Better knowledge and exogenous control of these mechanisms is a major objective of our ESA programme in biotechnology through the integrated use of natural sciences and engineering sciences. The control of cell potency and differentiation and of cell regulation mechanisms (including apoptosis and migration triggering events) will have a huge impact on regenerative medicine (tissue engineering), and will also improve our understanding of phenomena important in immune diseases, the ageing process, and cancer. A summary is given of current research projects which have in common the understanding of the cell-environment relationship or the development of analytical and processing methods in the discipline of animal cell technology.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The nurse researcher: an added dimension to qualitative research methodology.

Nurse researchers are increasingly adopting qualitative methodologies for research practice and theory development. These approaches to research are, in many cases, more appropriate for the field of nursing inquiry than the previously dominant techno-rational methods. However, there remains the issue of adapting methodologies developed in other academic disciplines to the nursing research context. This paper draws upon my own experience with interpretive research to raise questions about the issue of nursing research within a social science research framework. The paper argues that by integrating the characteristics of nursing practice with the characteristics of research practice, the researcher can develop a 'nursing lens', an approach to qualitative research that brings an added dimension to social science methodologies in the nursing research context. Attention is drawn to the unique nature of the nurse-patient relationship, and the ways in which this aspect of nursing practice can enhance nursing research. Examples are given from interview transcripts to support this position.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Allometric algorithms.

The aim of the present study is to emphasize the applicability and versatility of the allometric equation in the biological sciences. This equation (Y = a x Mb) was introduced by Huxley (1932) for intra- and interspecific comparisons of morphological, physiological and ecological variables (Y), when they are expressed as functions of body mass (M). The regression analysis of the experimental data, plotted in a double logarithmic scale, yields a straight line, which is equivalent to the logarithmic form of the above mentioned allometric equation [log Y = log(a) + (b) x log(M)]. Only the exponent (b) can be calculated a priori for a given function, based firstly on the corresponding dimensional analysis in accordance with the MLT-system of physics, and secondly on one of the theories of biological similarity, while parameter (a) is of empirical nature. A relevant feature of the allometric equations is that they can be treated algebraically to obtain allometric ratios, mass independent numbers (MIN), and even dimensionless numbers (M0L0T0), which are valid for all organisms pertaining to the same taxonomic classification.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

The social nature of primate cognition.

The hypothesis that the enlarged brain size of the primates was selected for by social, rather than purely ecological, factors has been strongly influential in studies of primate cognition and behaviour over the past two decades. However, the Machiavellian intelligence hypothesis, also known as the social brain hypothesis, tends to emphasize certain traits and behaviours, like exploitation and deception, at the expense of others, such as tolerance and behavioural coordination, and therefore presents only one view of how social life may shape cognition. This review outlines work from other relevant disciplines, including evolutionary economics, cognitive science and neurophysiology, to illustrate how these can be used to build a more general theoretical framework, incorporating notions of embodied and distributed cognition, in which to situate questions concerning the evolution of primate social cognition.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Cognitive neuroscience of human social behaviour.

We are an intensely social species--it has been argued that our social nature defines what makes us human, what makes us conscious or what gave us our large brains. As a new field, the social brain sciences are probing the neural underpinnings of social behaviour and have produced a banquet of data that are both tantalizing and deeply puzzling. We are finding new links between emotion and reason, between action and perception, and between representations of other people and ourselves. No less important are the links that are also being established across disciplines to understand social behaviour, as neuroscientists, social psychologists, anthropologists, ethologists and philosophers forge new collaborations.

Cognition↗
PubMed1998

The implications for academic attainment of perceived gender-appropriateness upon spatial task performance.

BACKGROUND: Male superiority in spatial ability has traditionally been used as an explanation for the male domination of 'spatial' disciplines such as mathematics, science and computing. Data are presented which show the degree of male domination of these disciplines at a range of academic levels. AIMS: To evaluate the effect of describing a spatial ability test either as a measure of spatial ability (traditional format) or as a measure of empathy, upon male and female performance. Psychological gender is also assessed to evaluate the role of masculinity and femininity upon performance. METHOD: Eighty-four sixth form students were presented with the Group Embedded Figures Test in the assessment's traditional format and as a measure of 'empathy'. Levels of masculinity and femininity were also assessed using the Bem Sex Role Inventory. RESULTS: Whilst the description of the nature of the assessment did not affect male performance, female performance' varied significantly as a function of test description. Females only underperformed when the test was described as a measure of spatial ability. Additionally, those high in masculinity were found to outperform those high in femininity. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that 'apparent' sex differences in spatial ability are more accurately described as psychological gender differences which determine the motivation to attempt the assessments. COMMENT: The implications for genderised activities (such as computing) within education are discussed.

Achievement↗
PubMed2000

Dimensionality and Disciplinary Differences in Personal Epistemology.

A growing body of work addresses the nature of epistemological development and epistemological beliefs: how individuals come to know, the theories and beliefs they hold about knowing, and the manner in which such epistemological premises are a part of and an influence on the cognitive processes of thinking and reasoning. This study investigates the dimensionality of personal epistemology as hypothesized in a recent review of the literature as well as the nature of disciplinary differences. First-year college students responded to a set of questionnaires that included an adaptation of a domain-general epistemological instrument and a discipline-focused questionnaire. Results suggest that there is an underlying dimensionality to epistemological theories that cuts across disciplinary domains, but that students, at least by the 1st year of college, discriminate as to how these theories differ by discipline. Disciplinary differences were strong, suggesting that 1st-year college students see knowledge in science as more certain and unchanging than in psychology, are more likely to regard personal knowledge and firsthand experience as a basis for justification of knowing in psychology than in science, view authority and expertise as the source of knowledge more in science than in psychology, and perceive that in science, more than in psychology, truth is attainable by experts. This contradicts existing research that suggests that epistemological development is domain general and that epistemological beliefs do not differ by discipline. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Behavioral and social sciences at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Critical disciplines for public health.

The mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Fifty years ago, CDC's efforts were focused on epidemiologic and laboratory studies of malaria, typhus, and plague. Today, CDC's activities cover a broad range of diseases and conditions, and a broader range of disciplines are required to address these diverse public health problems. The behavioral and social sciences have a critical role to play in helping the public understand risk group characteristics and the frequency, context, and determinants of risky behaviors and in developing, implementing, and assessing prevention programs. CDC is taking steps to foster an environment in which behavioral and social sciences can flourish and to integrate these sciences into all of CDC's prevention activities. Other articles in this section describe the breath and nature of the contributions of behavioral and social sciences at CDC.

Behavioral Sciences↗
PubMed2001

Positivism and qualitative nursing research.

Despite the hostility to positivism shown by qualitative methodologists in nursing, as in other disciplines, the epistemological and ontological instincts of qualitative researchers seem to coincide with those of the positivists, especially Bayesian positivists. This article suggests that positivists and qualitative researchers alike are pro-observation, proinduction, pro-plausibility and pro-subjectivity. They are also anti-cause, anti-realist, anti-explanation, anti-correspondence, anti-truth. In only one respect is there a significant difference between positivist and qualitative methodologists: most positivists have believed that, methodologically, the natural sciences and the social sciences are the same; most qualitative researchers are adamant that they are not. However, if positivism fails as a philosophy of the natural sciences (which it probably does), it might well succeed as a philosophy of the social sciences, just because there is a methodological watershed between the two. Reflex antagonism to positivism might therefore be a major obstacle to understanding the real reasons why qualitative research and the natural sciences are methodologically divergent; and less hostility on the part of qualitative nurse researchers might bring certain advantages in its wake.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

The last mile: earthquake risk mitigation assistance in developing countries.

Over the past few decades, we have seen many joint programmes between developed countries and developing countries to help the latter in managing their earthquake risks. These programmes span the whole spectrum of disciplines from seismology and geology to engineering, social science and economics. Many of these programmes have been effective in raising awareness, in urging governments to work towards risk reduction and in spawning an 'industry' of disaster management in many of the developing countries. However, even as these efforts proceed, we have seen death and destruction due to earthquake after earthquake in developing countries, strongly suggesting that the problems for which those assistance programmes were developed are not so effective. Therefore, it is natural to ask why this is happening. Are the assistance programmes reaching the right people? Maybe we are reaching the right people and doing the right type of things in these countries, but we have not allowed enough time for our actions to take effect. Maybe we are reaching the right people and doing the right actions for most of the miles we need to cover in helping communities mitigate their earthquake risks. However, the issue could be whether we are reaching people who represent the 'last mile' on this pathway. Here, I explore whether the work that many organizations and countries have done towards earthquake risk reduction over the past few decades in developing countries is appropriate or not. Why do we keep seeing the catastrophes of Sumatra, Chi Chi, Bhuj, Turkey, Algeria and on and on? I will articulate what I think is the problem. My contribution is intended to generate discussions, self-analysis of our approaches, what we are doing right and what we are not doing right. Hopefully such discussions will result in a better connection between the last mile and programmes around the world which are working towards earthquake risk mitigation.

Developed Countries↗
PubMed2003

On explanatory practice and disciplinary identity.

This essay explores connections between explanatory discourse and disciplinary identity. While explanation is frequently assumed to be one of the central aims of the sciences, I contend that if we want to appreciate explanation's role within scientific practice, we need to look elsewhere. Explanations encode the aims and values of particular scientific communities, telling practitioners what they should want to know about the world and how they should reason to get there. By inculcating patterns of reasoning consistent with these aims and values, explanatory discourse is crucial for the formation of cohesive scientific disciplines. Yet because such discourse is frequently grounded in exemplars, the implicit nature of exemplar-based training must be confronted. I argue that exemplars are an appropriate vehicle for communicating skill-based knowledge and methodological norms and, additionally, that exemplars are a practical means of grappling with the indeterminacy of theory application.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Science and practice: a case for medical informatics as a local science of design.

Because scientific research is guided by concerns for uncovering "fundamental truths," its time frame differs from that of design, development, and practice, which are driven by immediate needs for practical solutions. In medicine, however, as in other disciplines, basic scientists, developers, and practitioners are being called on increasingly to forge new alliances and work toward common goals. The authors propose that medical informatics be construed as a local science of design. A local science seeks to explain aspects of a domain rather than derive a set of unifying principles. Design is concerned with the creation, implementation, and adaptation of artifacts in a range of settings. The authors explore the implications of this point of view and endeavor to characterize the nature of informatics research, the relationship between theory and practice, and issues of scientific validity and generalizability. They argue for a more pluralistic approach to medical informatics in building a cumulative body of knowledge.

Computer Systems↗
PubMed1999

The Phenomena of Proton Transfer from Catalytic Oxides.

Chemical processes that occur at the particle aqueous interface are properly termed colloidal when the particle is a material where one or more of its three dimensions lies within the range of 1-1000 nm. Nanoparticles which include porous materials and nanostructures that meet this requirement have been the subject of investigation from researchers from a variety of disciplines and their studies have been reported in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science as well as other archival journals for many years. The chemical process of charge development on colloidal particles is, in general, determined by a plethora of complex physico-chemical properties of the particles' surfaces exposed to the surrounding aqueous environment. The existence of surface charge plays an essential role in the dispersity, flocculation properties, ion exchange capacity, dissolution, and deposition of cations and anions of synthetic and natural materials. In particular, recent advances in catalytic science have demonstrated that the "black art" of catalyst preparation does have a scientific basis. The objective of this article is to demonstrate that surface charge development (a consequence of proton transfer) as a function of pH, the so-called master variable, can identify specific domains of charge maxima. It is found that the number and strength of charged sites can be correlated with the catalytic properties of the studied materials, even though the reaction conditions are significantly different from those under which the surface charge was measured. Such findings are essential for the establishment of design and construction protocols and prediction of the performance of catalysts. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

A concept analysis of energy. Its meaning in the lives of three individuals with chronic illness.

Energy is an essential concept in nursing which seems to be a key concept in the daily life of three individuals with chronic illness. Much has been done within the natural sciences to investigate and explain the concept, but studies on the meaning of energy and how it is experienced are difficult to find. A review of the existing literature reflects that energy has been an important term for nursing theorists, both in empirical studies and in nursing theories. In this study the principles of the hybrid model developed by Schwartz-Barcot & Kim of concept development were used to examine: (a) how the concept has been outlined in the literature within different disciplines, (b) how energy is experienced in the daily lives of three individuals with chronic illness, and finally, (c) the existing literature compared and contrasted with the empirical findings. The experience of having energy was very important for all three individuals. Energy was a familiar term which each individual linked most directly with his or her feeling states and the ability to perform daily activities. It demanded attention every day. Energy was defined as the individual's potential to perform physical and mental activity. The study indicates that this concept has potential for theory development and for clinical practice.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2000

The family resemblance metaphor: some unfinished business of interpretive inquiry.

The rapidly expanding discipline of interpretive inquiry, especially in its narrative analysis form, has not been fully cognizant of certain crucial epistemological and methodological assumptions that form the ultimate basis of its purpose. Even after abandoning traditional positivist views, the related disciplines within the human sciences that are engaged in interpretive inquiry have still not discovered the core implicit assumptions that militate against a full acceptance of this form of inquiry. This article outlines the locus of these implicit assumptions and then argues that the legitimacy of these enterprises must be grounded in a well-known but heretofore undiscovered perspective, namely, Wittgenstein's notion of a family resemblance. It is argued that this metaphoric phrase is the key to unlocking the real and unique nature of narrative analysis.

Cognition↗
PubMed1995

Veterinary wildlife research and its role in community development.

Veterinarians, biologists and administrators attended a workshop 'Veterinary science and wildlife utilisation for the benefit of community development' which was held during March 1995 as part of the Veterinary Science Research Programme of the Foundation for Research Development. The workshop was the first step in the establishment of a veterinary wildlife research forum which aims to integrate veterinary research with that of other disciplines in addressing issues that have an impact on wildlife. Initially, discussions covered a broad perspective of worldwide approaches towards the conservation of the environment and the upliftment of rural communities. Thereafter the dialogue focused upon the objectives of the workshop which were: (1) to identify areas in wildlife and nature conservation where veterinary research is needed; (2) to identify specific projects within these areas. Seven areas were identified in which veterinary research was needed: the promotion of the free flow of products and animals; extensive husbandry; intensive husbandry; pharmacology and toxicology; public health; ethical issues; forensic and diagnostic techniques. A steering committee was elected to coordinate veterinary wildlife research; establish relevant data bases; to facilitate cooperation between researchers; and to organise regular contact through annual workshops.

Animals↗