Foundational Ideas Research Articles

Reconsidering Martin Heidegger on the modern university

AbstractMartin Heidegger's 1933 Freiburg University Rector's Address is normally considered in terms of the horrors of its association with National Socialism. This study re‐frames the debate about the Address by situating it in the context of the tradition of philosophical reflection upon the political and historical significance of the modern research university. I highlight aspects of the Address that signified continuity with distinctively liberal presuppositions embedded in foundational ideas of the Humboldtian university. I conclude with reflections on how Heidegger's Address sheds light on the issues of university governance and academic freedom as the contemporary neoliberal university confronts its own challenges.

The Environmental Approach to Security: A Historical-Theoretical Literature Review on Space and Crime

This article offers a historical-theoretical review of the environmental approach to security. It critically traces its development from the early origins to the latest progress with a multidisciplinary approach by highlighting the importance of the environment in preventing crime. In particular, this review tidies up the subject by emphasizing the founders’ foundational ideas – and their importance, which are sometimes misinterpreted; it develops the matter by updating it up to the latest advances, as in the case of crime theories; and it allows further evolution of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), increasingly overlapping with the environmental approach, also pointing out the importance of the fear of crime concept.

Linguistic discrimination and diversity: the pivotal role of linguistics in the University of Pennsylvania’s writing program

Abstract This paper outlines a unit on linguistics in the curriculum of the writing seminar taken by all undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania. The linguistic unit introduces undergraduates to key concepts from linguistic scholarship, and compels students to engage with these language issues in order to advance their consciousness of linguistic inequity and their appreciation of linguistic diversity. Taking our cue from linguists, the unit focuses on the descriptive and contrasts it with the prescriptive approach with which they are typically accustomed. It introduces foundational ideas about language, languaging, and linguistic discrimination through readings and videos. Students write guided reflections in response to the readings and screenings, culminating in a personal narrative and questions they share with their peers on an online discussion board, exploring their own and others’ language use or language attitudes. Upon completion of this unit, many students confirm one of the unit’s learning outcomes by expressing a new awareness of a linguistic climate that they had previously assumed was neutral. Our goal, in part, is to render the campus’s linguistic climate more equitable by advancing students’ consciousness of linguistic inequity and appreciation of the rich diversity of their voices.

El Yo de la persona humana como elección radical de ser individuo singular en el pensamiento de Søren Kierkegaard

The aim of this study is to present that the category of singular individual in Kierkegaard's thought in the pseudonymous works The Concept of Anxiety and The Sickness Unto Death, mainly, is configured structurally and dynamically as a personal self, not reduced to the character of individuation and always in a critical position to any attempt at homologation of social, organic, ideological or political forms, contradicting the interpretations of Kierkegaard as individualist, solipsist or, on the contrary, as devoid of an idea of ​​community or ontological foundation. The singular individual as a personal I in Kierkegaard is structurally configured in a tripartite relationship of soul, body and spirit, which are integrated as that singular person in a free dynamic not reduced to the conception of the Hegelian or Aristotelian movement, but of a radical choice to be oneself as freedom, which is, at the same time, the relationship with the foundation of existence that for Kierkegaard is the love of a personal God, configuring its reality in forms of life in a non-chronological time. In such a way that the I as a singular individual in Kierkegaard is the concrete person, in relation to an existential foundation and an essential freedom, which constitute the basis of a personalist anthropology.

Against Infinite Nothingness: Ultimate Ground vs Metaphysical Nihilism in Indian Philosophy

Abstract The Idea of a unified foundation of all reality has long been core to many attempts at a fundamental ontology, as well as many arguments for the divine. In medieval India a cluster of arguments for metaphysical inheritance, causal entanglement, the impossibility of fundamental relations and more, were advanced together to show there must be an ultimate and unified ground. But foundationalism has been under attack in both recent metaphysics, and Buddhist philosophy. This article unpacks Vedānta’s defense of divine foundationalism against Madhyamaka Buddhism’s metaphysical nihilism. Firstly, we look at how inheritance arguments for ultimate ground aimed to circumvent the possibility of infinite regress. Secondly, we assess three arguments that this ground is a unified modal anchor, with entangled causal power, providing a connective medium for all phenomena. We address some caveats and limitations, but go on to argue that if they are right, they circumvent the Buddhists’ ‘dualistic’ assumption that if the empirical world is mere imagined convention, it needs no explanation. Monists and nihilists are allies against excessively realist ontologies, but these arguments make a compelling case for some unified fundamental nature from which, as the Upaniṣads put it, all things emerge like sparks from a fire.

Diverse ideas about the value of Official Statistics systems

This paper offers an initial overview of different ideas about the value of Official Statistics systems. For the purposes of this paper, an Official Statistics ‘system’ is taken to cover the set of organisations (within a country) that are involved in the production, communication, use and governance of Official Statistics. The paper seeks to analyse the stated ambitions for, or the claims about, these systems that are contained within a sample of formal corporate documents mainly produced by different national statistical organisations. These sources offer a range of diverse ideas about different types of value that societies may secure from having well-functioning Official Statistics systems. There are some foundational ideas of value that are often referenced – including the ambition that good Official Statistics will enable good (or better) decision-making by governments and others, which in turn will generate positive outcomes for society. The analysis also flags a range of ambitions for wider outcomes that might be secured by well-functioning Official Statistics systems – for example, outcomes for citizens (enabling them to be better informed, represented and empowered), outcomes for governments (contributing to a better more effective governmental process) or outcomes in terms of having better informed public debate. Collectively these concepts could inform any wider framework developed to communicate the potential value of Official Statistics systems, complementing the more specific expressions of value that might emerge directly from the views and judgements of users.

A tutorial: Analyzing eye and head movements in virtual reality.

This tutorial provides instruction on how to use the eye tracking technology built into virtual reality (VR) headsets, emphasizing the analysis of head and eye movement data when an observer is situated in the center of an omnidirectional environment. We begin with a brief description of how VR eye movement research differs from previous forms of eye movement research, as well as identifying some outstanding gaps in the current literature. We then introduce the basic methodology used to collect VR eye movement data both in general and with regard to the specific data that we collected to illustrate different analytical approaches. We continue with an introduction of the foundational ideas regarding data analysis in VR, including frames of reference, how to map eye and head position, and event detection. In the next part, we introduce core head and eye data analyses focusing on determining where the head and eyes are directed. We then expand on what has been presented, introducing several novel spatial, spatio-temporal, and temporal head-eye data analysis techniques. We conclude with a reflection on what has been presented, and how the techniques introduced in this tutorial provide the scaffolding for extensions to more complex and dynamic VR environments.

A review on green synthesis, biological applications of carbon dots in the field of drug delivery, biosensors, and bioimaging.

Since the beginning of nanoscience and nanotechnology, carbon dots (CDs) have been the foundational idea and have dominated the growth of the nano-field. CDs are an intriguing platform for utilization in biology, technology, catalysis, and other fields thanks to their numerous distinctive structural, physicochemical, and photochemical characteristics. Since several carbon dots have already been created, they have been assessed based on their synthesis process, and luminescence characteristics. Due to their biocompatibility, less toxic effects, and most significantly their fluorescent features in contrast to other carbon nanostructures, CDs have several benefits. This review focuses on the most recent advancements in the characterization, applications, and synthesis techniques used for CDs made from natural sources. It will also direct scientists in the creation of a synthesis technique for adjustable carbon dots that is more practical, effective, and environmentally benign. With low toxicity and low cost, CDs are meeting the new era's requirements for more selectivity and sensitivity in the detection and sensing of various things, such as biomaterial sensing, enzymes, chemical contamination, and temperature sensing. Its variety of properties, such as optical properties, chemiluminescence, and morphological analysis, make it a good option to use in bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensors, and cancer diagnosis.

Decentering Food Pedagogies

In this collaborative essay, five gastrofeminists from various disciplines, mainly literature, anthropology, sociology, ethnic studies, and diverse locations of Global South and Global North, share four collaborative experiments built around two axioms: to integrate experiences of students as gendered and racialized subjects in their experiential learning irrespective of disciplinary boundaries, and to integrate critical feminist scholarship that destabilizes ethnocentric notions around consumption, production, and distribution of food. Through the four collaborative experiments: students’ food voice, autobiographies, collective kusina, and food walks, the pedagogues bring embodied lived experience in conversation with critical pedagogy, expanding some of the foundational ideas of feminist pedagogy, especially of not treating theory, research, and experience as independent silos. Each of these collaborative experiments calls for a need to create dialogic space through a collaborative co-learning process and offers a decolonial reading of texts through recognizing the difference and diversity of our classrooms.

Optimizing Distributed Generation in DC Microgrids: A Comprehensive Study

This thorough examination offers a critical analysis of the intricate relationship between Distributed Generation (DG) and DC microgrids. It provides a thorough analysis of basic ideas, sophisticated control techniques, technological developments, and useful applications in actual situations. In the framework of a paradigm shift towards decentralized energy solutions, this study investigates the efficacy of Direct Current (DC) microgrids in integrating and optimizing diverse distributed generation sources. The study conducts a critical analysis of the challenges and possibilities related to various distributed generation technologies and renewable energy systems. For scientists, engineers, and policymakers engaged in the challenging task of incorporating dispersed energy into current systems, it offers crucial perspectives. This review is an important tool that advances our knowledge of distributed generation in DC microgrids. It contributes significantly to the development of discussions on resilient and sustainable energy solutions. In addition to discussing the challenges associated with DG integration, this study highlights real-world examples that highlight the adaptability and efficiency of DC microgrid designs. Because it includes a thorough examination of power electronics, energy storage, and advanced control systems, this study is an invaluable resource for stakeholders hoping to take advantage of DC microgrids. Through the integration of analytical analysis and pragmatic application, this review provides insightful analysis and field assistance. The entire study contributes significantly to the advancement of distributed generation (DG) integration, which is necessary to establish a sustainable and resilient energy environment. It offers the fundamental knowledge required to accomplish successful integration. This review paper offers an in-depth analysis of DG integration in DC microgrids. This review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the dynamic landscape where distributed energy generation and DC microgrids interact, starting with the foundational ideas and moving on to a close examination of the difficulties, innovations in technology, and useful applications.

Object-centric Learning with Capsule Networks: A Survey

Capsule networks emerged as a promising alternative to convolutional neural networks for learning object-centric representations. The idea is to explicitly model part-whole hierarchies by using groups of neurons called capsules to encode visual entities, then learn the relationships between these entities dynamically from data. However, a major hurdle for capsule network research has been the lack of a reliable point of reference for understanding their foundational ideas and motivations. This survey provides a comprehensive and critical overview of capsule networks, which aims to serve as a main point of reference going forward. To that end, we introduce the fundamental concepts and motivations behind capsule networks, such as equivariant inference . We then cover various technical advances in capsule routing algorithms as well as alternative geometric and generative formulations. We provide a detailed explanation of how capsule networks relate to the attention mechanism in Transformers and uncover non-trivial conceptual similarities between them in the context of object-centric representation learning. We also review the extensive applications of capsule networks in computer vision, video and motion, graph representation learning, natural language processing, medical imaging, and many others. To conclude, we provide an in-depth discussion highlighting promising directions for future work.

Contradictions between Capitalism and Sustainable Human Development: Where is the 2030 Agenda Headed?

ABSTRACT This article aims to analyse the basic premises of the theory of sustainable human development as it is based on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and contrast it with the theoretical and political proposals of capitalism. With this purpose, in the first place, the work studies the central elements of development theory, as well as the basic premises that support the capitalist model. Secondly, the article compares the essential contradictions between both theoretical proposals, as well as the invisibility of these contradictions in the 2030 Agenda. The article concludes that the foundational ideas of capitalism, as well as the policies derived from these conceptions, are essentially opposed to the theory and practice of sustainable human development and that this is the real limit to advance in the 2030 Agenda.

A review of SLAM techniques and applications in unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) is a foundational idea in the field of robotics. It involves the processing of sensor signals and the optimisation of pose-graphs. SLAM has found several applications in various domains, including but not limited to courier services, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and military operations, particularly with the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). There exist several applications. This work aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of three Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms, namely CNN-SLAM, Linearized Kalman Filter (LKF), and Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Additionally, it will explore the utilisation of SLAM algorithms in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by examining its use in precision agriculture, geological surveys, and Emergency Scenarios. This section will outline certain issues that SLAM algorithms may encounter in relation to wide area applications, real-time processing and efficiency, robustness, and dynamic objects within the environment. Ultimately, this study will undertake a comparative analysis of the merits and drawbacks associated with the three algorithms, while also putting up potential remedies for the aforementioned issues.

Focusing on foundational Calculus ideas to understand the derivative concept via problem-solving tasks that involve the use of a Dynamic Geometry System

The aim of this paper is to review recently calculus curriculum reforms and research studies that document what types of understanding students develop in their precalculus courses. We argue that it is important to characterize what difficulties students experience to solve tasks that include the use of foundational calculus concepts and to look for possible ways for students to develop a way of reasoning to work on problems that involve variational phenomena. Thus, we identified tasks in which calculus students exhibit limited understanding of essential concepts to approach and solve those tasks. The purpose is to illustrate and discuss how the systematic use of a Dynamic Geometry System (DGS) could provide a set of affordances for students to develop ways of thinking to grasp calculus foundational ideas and to study the derivative concept. Here, we relied on Thurston’s seminal work that emphasizes the relevance for learners to identify, connect, and coordinate different dimensions and meanings (intuitive, symbolic, algorithmic, geometric, physical, and formal) to construct, understand, and apply the concept of derivative.

A Better Economics for a Better World

In Paris on 13th May 2024, J. Doyne Farmer presented the foundational ideas and research underpinning his new book, Making Sense of Chaos: A Better Economics for a Better World. Here, we reproduce Farmer�s talk and his post-talk discussion with Jean-Philippe Bouchaud. We are also fortunate to be able to reproduce a chapter from Making Sense of Chaos, looking at �How Credit Causes Financial Turbulence�.

Renewable energy mechanisms: An examination of the progress achieved in wireless power transmission techniques

Technology for “wireless power transfer” (WPT) has advanced greatly in recent years, especially when used for renewable power sources. Environmental issues and the growing need for renewable energy sources have prompted a great deal of study in this area. This report provided an overview of the evolution of WPT technologies for renewable energy systems, including their advantages, disadvantages, and future possibilities. An introduction to WTP’s foundational ideas is provided, including techniques such as resonant pairing, capacitive connection, and microwave-based approaches. It delves into how these systems have been modified and improved to facilitate the long-distance transmission of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. The study emphasizes the benefits of WPT in renewable energy systems, such as improved convenience, lower maintenance costs, and the opportunity to lessen negative effects on the environment. Problems with WPT technology in renewable energy applications are also analyzed critically. Power loss in transmission, misalignment, and electromagnetic interference are all examples of technical difficulties, and these are on top of the financial and legal obstacles. WPT’s effects on humans and animals are also explored since they must be taken into account before broad use of the technology.

A call for an expanded self psychology: Incorporating socio–cultural perspectives in teaching and clinical practice

ABSTRACT Recognizing that psychoanalysis needs to change to meet the challenges described by the Holmes Report on American Psychoanalysis, the authors describe their journey to include socio-cultural perspectives in their teaching activities. To widen the lens of course content, they include topics of race, racial trauma, and inequality by bringing additional voices into their Self Psychology course materials including Beverly Stoute and Franz Fanon. Further, they discuss these authors’ contributions in relation to Heinz Kohut’s foundational ideas about development and clinical practice. They describe the features of an anti-racist pedagogical approach to teaching which supports encouraging and appreciating the contributions of all participants in the learning process. They provide several vignettes from their teaching experiences and argue that self psychologically-informed clinicians are particularly well-suited to meet the challenge of expanding psychoanalytic thinking to incorporate socio-cultural perspectives.

The Conception of the Urban, 1800-1875

Many writers in northwestern Europe circa 1800 to 1875 attempted to grasp the dual dynamic of industrialization and urbanization. They contributed to a genre that we would now recognize as urban sociology. They attempted to grasp new social phenomena and to develop categories adequate for them. The writers who contributed to this body of literature mediated their experience through psychological, social, and cultural understandings, but they nonetheless partially grasped their world. In so doing, they developed historically specific categories. Their writing simultaneously recognized and misrecognized their world; it both affirmed the new dynamics of capitalism and urbanization and criticized them, pointing to a different and better world beyond them. This analysis will draw out of this body of literature avant lettre foundational ideas of sociology and social theory including ones more fully developed later by Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Ferdinand Tӧnnies, and Georg Simmel.

Shaping Language Pedagogy: The Impact of Linguistics, Psychology, and Sociology from the 1880s to the 1980s

The time frame from the 1880s to the 1980s represents a crucial era where foundational ideas in linguistics, psychology, and sociology were established. Major developments in these fields such as the emergence of modern linguistics, establishment of psychology as a distinct scientific discipline, Durkheim’s concept of collective consciousness and societal nature of beliefs, two world wars, and geopolitical changes greatly influenced language teaching methodologies and theories during this time. The impact of these events resulted in changes within school systems, prompting ministries of education to take administrative measures. It also gave rise to the establishment of new organizations like the International Phonetic Association (IPA) and associations for language teachers. The research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of linguistics, psychology, and sociology in molding language pedagogy during a crucial period in its historical development. The intersection of these disciplines sheds light on shaping language teaching methodologies and theories, offering insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers in the field of language education.

Informing research on generative artificial intelligence from a language and literacy perspective: A meta‐synthesis of studies in science education

AbstractResearch in languages and literacies in science education (LLSE) has developed substantial theoretical and pedagogical insights into how students learn science through language, discourse, and multimodal representations. At the same time, language is central to the functioning of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). On this common basis concerning the role of language, this paper explores how foundational ideas from LLSE studies can inform the use of GenAI in science education. A bibliometric analysis of 412 journal articles from Web of Science provided the initial step to identify major themes and relationships in the LLSE literature. The analysis revealed four clusters of research in LLSE: reading and writing scientific text, science discourse and interaction, multilingual science classroom, and multimodality and representations. Each cluster was further analyzed through close reading of selected articles to identify and connect key constructs to the potential use of GenAI. These constructs include the interactive‐constructive reading model, text genre, reading‐writing integration, dialogic interaction, critical questioning, argumentation, translanguaging, hybridity, thematic pattern, modal affordance, and transduction. From these ideas and connections, the paper recommends several pedagogical principles for science educators to guide the use of GenAI. It concludes that LLSE research offers valuable insights for researchers and teachers to investigate and design the use of GenAI in science education. In turn, the impending use of GenAI also calls for a rethinking of literacy that will shape future research in LLSE.