Interdisciplinary Perspective Research Articles

What Makes a Good Theory? Interdisciplinary Perspectives

What Makes a Good Theory? Interdisciplinary Perspectives

The Contemporary Novel in the Context of Interdisciplinarity, With Specific Reference to DeLillo’s Zero K and McCarthy’s The Road

The interdisciplinary approach greatly enriches contemporary novels, allowing researchers to explore complex issues from a multiplicity of angles and perspectives. Communication and collaboration across different disciplines within novels, which some refer to as “consilience,” have had a noticeable impact on these novels’ literary elements and overall narrative. This paper will examine the impact of the interdisciplinary approach on themes, plot, and characterization on two selected contemporary novels: Zero K (2016) by Don DeLillo and The Road (2006) by Cormac McCarthy. It aims to provide a new reading of the two novels from an interdisciplinary perspective, demonstrating how a multidisciplinary approach reveals more meanings and aspects that cannot be revealed as effectively when examined from the viewpoint of a stand-alone discipline.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Forest Ecosystems and Climate Interplay: A Review

This review comprehensively examines the multifunctional role of forest ecosystems in climate regulation and the consequential impacts of climate change on these critical biomes. A systematic approach was employed, utilizing extensive bibliometric analysis and synthesis of recent literature from databases such as Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Key ecological functions of forests, including carbon sequestration, albedo modulation, evapotranspiration, and cloud formation, were scrutinized to elucidate their contributions to the global carbon cycle and local/regional climate dynamics. The analysis highlights significant phenological shifts, species migrations, and increased vulnerabilities to pests, diseases, and fire disturbances as primary indicators of climate-induced ecological changes. Furthermore, the study explores the intricate feedback loops that exacerbate deforestation and alterations in forest structure and function. Predictive models incorporating various climate scenarios are discussed, emphasizing their importance in developing adaptive management strategies for forest conservation. The findings underscore the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement to formulate effective strategies for mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing forest ecosystem resilience. This review advances the field of ecology by providing critical insights into the interplay between forest ecosystems and climate dynamics, offering a foundation for future research and policy development.

Articulation Work and Tinkering for Fairness in Machine Learning

The field of fair AI aims to counter biased algorithms through computational modelling. However, it faces increasing criticism for perpetuating the use of overly technical and reductionist methods. As a result, novel approaches appear in the field to address more socially-oriented and interdisciplinary (SOI) perspectives on fair AI. In this paper, we take this dynamic as the starting point to study the tension between computer science (CS) and SOI research. By drawing on STS and CSCW theory, we position fair AI research as a matter of 'organizational alignment': what makes research 'doable' is the successful alignment of three levels of work organization (the social world, the laboratory, and the experiment). Based on qualitative interviews with CS researchers, we analyze the tasks, resources, and actors required for doable research in the case of fair AI. We find that CS researchers engage with SOI research to some extent, but organizational conditions, articulation work, and ambiguities of the social world constrain the doability of SOI research for them. Based on our findings, we identify and discuss problems for aligning CS and SOI as fair AI continues to evolve.

Routes for GPs into clinical research

This article sets out to provide those considering speciality training in general practice, and those already established as GP trainees or GPs, with a framework to consider involvement in research. The world of academia can seem mysterious and inaccessible to the outsider, and this article aims to demystify the options for adding research to your career portfolio. Academic general practice can provide a complementary role to the busy, demanding challenges of clinical practice. Academic general practice brings something different to the day-to-day of clinical work, enabling us to think outside the confines of our consulting rooms, to engage with new ideas from a host of interdisciplinary perspectives, develop and contribute to change, shaping the context for future general practice.

Näkymättömyysviitta ja tuntoisuuskysymys – kielenomistajuus, kehollisuus ja tila kielikeskusopiskelijoiden kertomina

This article examines university students’ experiences with the embodied and spatial aspects of language learning and use, along with the concept of language ownership. Bridging sociolinguistics, cognitive science, and the phenomenology of embodiment, the study is based on 11 thematic interviews with students who have taken at least one language course at a Finnish university language center. Our data illustrates how language users describe their bodily and spatial language experiences. We also demonstrate that language ownership, akin to grounded cognition, exists at the intersection of sensory perception, the external body as the object of perception, and the material and social environment. This research enriches the discussion on language learning environments and practices in higher education, while providing an interdisciplinary perspective on sociolinguistic concepts.

Organizational Management Models in Public Educational Institutions: Strategies to Improve Performance in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The objective of this research study is to analyze organizational management models for comprehensive basic education in low- and middle-income countries and Latin America. A systematic review was carried out, information had to be selected and extracted from 4 databases of scientific journals. The different experiences of organizational management models, which help to increase the levels of efficiency, effectiveness and interrelation in public entities, giving priority to the structure in various structural issues of international and national interest, emphasizing education. The research design is quantitative descriptive of systematic reviews of organizational management models in public educational institutions. Given its articulation design and from its interdisciplinary perspective, an organizational model has been included to improve the performance of each of these members of an institution's working group.

Faglig forankra, fagovergripende – og med fotfeste i profesjonen

In this overview study, we analyse student teachers’ master’s theses in Norwegian L1 from the first cohort of the five-year integrated master’s program for primary and lower secondary school teachers. We investigate what characterises the theses in terms of subject topics, interdisciplinary perspectives, and data sources. The data, consisting of summaries of 199 master’s theses, was collected from all teacher education institutions in Norway. The data is analysed by means of both quantitative and qualitative categories. Our qualitive content analysis reveals that literature, reading, writing, and multilingualism are the main academic foci. Additionally, many students incorporate interdisciplinary themes such as public health and life skills or linguistic and cultural diversity. Very few theses address topics requiring knowledge of language as a system, or historical topics. Furthermore, most students collect data from schools, often through interviews. The analytical findings are discussed in light of academic and educational policy issues, such as the content and framework of the L1 subject and the tension between professional and academic orientations in teacher education. Thus, the study contributes to discussions about master’s theses in teacher education in general, and, more specifically, about the operationalisation of the Norwegian L1 subject in schools and teacher education.

THE PULSE OF THE CITY: 'GOUARIR' STREET AND THE EVOLUTION OF PUBLIC SPACES IN ALGERIA

The transformation of a neighborhood street into a city-wide street reflects the adaptation of urban forms to new usages, evolving as a space of urbanity where animation and social activity develop. Often located on the public domain, the street differs from the layout of plots, which is constantly changing, its underground infrastructure transforming as networks evolve. In this regard, the concept of the street needs to be assessed in light of the transformations induced by the new urban trends in Algeria. The study of the various urban and architectural transformations of “rue Gouarir” in Bordj Bou Arreridj and its evolution enables us to examine both urban recompositions as an expression of changing patterns of life, and the significance of place in contemporary Algerian cities. This study, conducted from an interdisciplinary perspective involving architecture, urban planning and economics. The aim is to assess the urban transformations and dynamics affecting this street and the people who live on it and build it. In order to better understand the dynamics of street transformation into public space, an analytical method mainly founded on socio-spatial investigation was employed. As a result, “Rue Gouarir” is overseen by community residents and business proprietors, with a conspicuous lack of involvement from local authorities. The interactions within “Rue Gouarir” have substantially transformed the surrounding area, propelling it to become a sought-after and attractive district within the city.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Agent-Based Modeling in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Review

This paper explores the transformative impact of agent-based modeling (ABM) on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, highlighting its indispensable role in revolutionizing project management, construction processes, safety protocols, and sustainability initiatives including energy optimization and occupants’ comfort. Through an in-depth review of 178 documents published between 1970 and 2024 on current practices and the integration of ABM with emerging digital technologies, this study underscores the critical importance of ABM in facilitating enhanced decision-making, resource optimization, and complex system simulations. For instance, ABM is shown to reduce project delays by up to 15% through enhanced resource allocation and improve safety outcomes by simulating worker behavior and identifying potential hazards in dynamic construction environments. The results reveal ABM’s potential to significantly improve construction methodologies, integrate technological advancements seamlessly, and contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient building practices. Furthermore, this paper identifies key areas for future research, including the exploration of ABM’s capabilities in conjunction with other digital innovations to unlock new avenues for efficiency and sustainability in construction. This study sets out a forward-looking agenda for providing this modeling approach to address contemporary challenges and harness opportunities for innovation and growth in the AEC sector.

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Food

The undergraduate degree Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) has attracted a stereotype of developing future political and financial elites with little regard to the subject material covered in the programme. This clashes with student expectations and university messaging on PPE, which, especially at the University of Warwick, highlight the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives for addressing complex global challenges. This introduction to this special section argues that it is imperative to centre students’ voices in defining PPE, and, to this end, showcases a co-creation process aimed at developing an interdisciplinary module. The resulting module on the PPE of food thereby speaks to how students understand their PPE: as a programme that breaks with interdisciplinary silos to answer complex questions relevant to the world we live in.

Practice and Research on College English Teaching from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

With the deepening of globalization, English, as the main language of international communication, is no longer limited to the teaching of language knowledge, but pays more attention to the cultivation of comprehensive application ability from an interdisciplinary perspective. This paper aims to explore the practice and research of college English teaching from an interdisciplinary perspective. By analyzing the current status and shortcomings of college English teaching, combined with multidisciplinary perspectives such as philosophy, culture, and politics, this paper proposes strategies and methods to improve college English teaching. Through practical teaching and case analysis, this paper verifies the effectiveness of college English teaching from an interdisciplinary perspective and looks forward to its future development direction.

A Comparative Analysis of Educational Leadership Research: Insights from U.S. and China based on CiteSpace

Research on educational leadership in the United States began in the early 1980s, originating from principles of industrial and business management, with leadership theories and practices from business being adapted for educational settings. Over time, educational leadership theories have evolved through various interdisciplinary perspectives. The United States has produced extensive research on educational leadership, providing valuable insights for Chinese scholars. Most Chinese research is based on American experiences, with little comparative analysis between Chinese and American studies, and often relies on subjective content interpretation with limited use of scientific tools. This study uses CiteSpace, a scientific measurement software, to visually analyze Chinese and American research literature. It aims to objectively compare educational leadership research between the two countries, offering new ideas and perspectives for Chinese researchers.

Ethics and Personality Deformation in Time and Space: A Semiotic Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat

Romantic literature rose in the 19th century, and the Gothic novel evolved into one of the special genres. Allan Poe carries out the idea of unity of effect. He uses internal and external perspective conversion in The Black Cat, reflecting the continuity of self-consciousness in different times and spaces. It realizes the interpretation of macroscopic ethics and morality connotation. The study focuses on the linguistic symbolic context. It discusses the changing process of the deformed personality of the black cat from the space-time construction implied in the narrative layer. This discussion has research significance in analyzing the signifier meaning of each language symbol and the relationship network of the ideographic system. The construction of time and space, which is full of philosophical thinking, is introduced into the interpretation of the text. At the same time, it further deepens the understanding of Ellen Poe’s moral aesthetic angle. The literature review method and text analysis method are used in this study. From the perspective of the new combination of philosophy and philology theory, it goes further into the inner world of the characters. With the outburst of the negative suggestion power of the protagonist, the deformity of the character also reaches the climax of the intensity. From an interdisciplinary perspective, literary criticism offers a new way to the Alienation of capitalist society through the involuntary flow of consciousness and the conversion of narrative layers.

Improving family engagement during implementation of IEP-aided AAC services: an interdisciplinary US-based perspective

All IEP team members should find statements pointing to where and when the aided AAC system and accessible learning tools will be used. Classroom-based and research supported AAC learning strategies and teaching practices should be clearly listed, explained, and accessible to all team members. Aided AAC refers to a variety of communication tools that are portable and external to the body. Aided AAC ranges from paper-based picture communication cards, boards, binders, tablets, or digital smartphone applications to multifunctional/high-tech devices offering synthesized and digitized speech. Aided AAC allows students with CCN/ESNs to access speech or writing using any body part capable of performing voluntary and independent movement. Many electronic/high-tech aided AAC systems can store thousands of multilingual words, allowing seamless communication between home and school. Students with CCN/ESNs can also use hightech aided AAC with native keyboards as “alternative pencils” to practice spelling and early writing, thus allowing equitable academic access and opportunities to make progress on emergent literacy skills. High-tech/digital-aided AAC allows for the maturation of linguistic specificity and fuller participation in daily routines required for academic success. It is critical for students with CCN/ESNs to use high-tech aided AAC with ample vocabulary storage to increase opportunities for self-generation of complex and decontextualized messages for varied social interactions. Additionally, digital device platforms (e.g., iPads, other tablets, Smartphones) offer multiple.

Food Webs and Feedbacks: The Untold Ecological Relevance of Antimicrobial Resistance as Seen in Harmful Algal Blooms

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has long been framed as an epidemiological and public health concern. Its impacts on the environment are unclear. Yet, the basis for AMR is altered cell physiology. Just as this affects how microbes interact with antimicrobials, it can also affect how they interact with their own species, other species, and their non-living environment. Moreover, if the microbes are globally notorious for causing landscape-level environmental issues, then these effects could alter biodiversity and ecosystem function on a grand scale. To investigate these possibilities, we compiled peer-reviewed literature from the past 20 years regarding AMR in toxic freshwater cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs). We examined it for evidence of AMR affecting HAB frequency, severity, or persistence. Although no study within our scope was explicitly designed to address the question, multiple studies reported AMR-associated changes in HAB-forming cyanobacteria (and co-occurring microbes) that pertained directly to HAB timing, toxicity, and phase, as well as to the dynamics of HAB-afflicted aquatic food webs. These findings highlight the potential for AMR to have far-reaching environmental impacts (including the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function) and bring into focus the importance of confronting complex interrelated issues such as AMR and HABs in concert, with interdisciplinary tools and perspectives.

Navigating the definition of urban flooding: A conceptual and systematic review of the literature

ABSTRACT Urban flooding is a pervasive global risk, posing a great challenge to urban planners, policymakers, and particularly communities. This paper reviews the literature to analyze how urban flooding is defined across scientific disciplines. Our objectives are to uncover the elements used to define urban flooding and evaluate how these elements can impact future research and practice. A key difficulty is the lack of a consistent, comprehensive definition that captures both physical and social dimensions of urban flooding. Current definitions often focus solely on physical aspects (e.g., rainfall, infrastructure) or social impacts, rarely integrating both. This fragmentation hinders effective flood risk management and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our contribution is a multifaceted definition incorporating spatial and social concerns, including water origins, built environment characteristics, and local community aspects. We introduce the ‘Urban Water Transect’ concept to illustrate the continuum of flood risk across urban zones, addressing a gap in the literature. The analysis reveals that many papers discuss flooding causes without providing an explicit definition. Urban flooding is predominantly defined based on water source, imperviousness, and drainage infrastructure. Future research should adopt an interdisciplinary perspective considering both physical and social aspects, potentially transforming urban flood risk management.

Interdisciplinary perspectives on accessing specialty evidence-based treatment for Medicaid-insured adolescents with eating disorders

BackgroundFamily-based treatment (FBT), the leading intervention for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), is severely understudied in outpatient care settings that serve publicly-insured populations. Many individuals with public insurance are lower-income, racially and ethnically diverse, and experience barriers to accessing evidence-based interventions for eating disorders (EDs).MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with ten interdisciplinary providers who provide specialty care to youth with EDs in an inpatient and/or outpatient medical setting. Interview questions were focused on the interdisciplinary providers’ experiences of caring for individuals with EDs, with a focus on differences in care for those with private insurance compared to public insurance. The interviews took place two years after training in FBT was delivered to mental health providers in San Francisco County, which created opportunities to explore provider perspectives on collaborating with newly-trained mental health providers in the community implementing FBT with publicly-insured youth.ResultsContent analysis converged on three themes: the critical importance of supporting mental health treatment within the context of medical care, complex challenges when helping patients and their families navigate publicly-funded health care systems, and the overall positive impact of the FBT rollout in San Francisco County. Participants emphasized greater confidence in patient outcomes when collaborating with FBT providers and noted discord when working with providers not trained in EDs or FBT. Referral systems, weight-based stigma, and a lack of appropriate services were highlighted as significant barriers to care. To facilitate treatment engagement in publicly-insured populations, participants stressed the importance of clinicians providing psychoeducation and providing services with a high degree of cultural competence. Participants expressed that patients’ ability to access FBT and providers’ ability to collaborate on cases markedly improved following the county training, increasing their sense of efficacy in delivering adequate patient care.ConclusionsThe discussed themes highlight the importance of access to FBT for individuals in underserved communities, which can significantly reduce both provider and patient burden. Despite various barriers to utilizing FBT in publicly-funded settings, clinicians stressed that cultural adaptations increase the implementation of and facilitate family engagement in FBT, which is consistent with previous literature examining evidence-based intervention implementation science.

Research on Mongolian-Chinese Translation Teaching from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

In the context of globalization, translation teaching faces increasingly complex linguistic and cultural challenges. Specifically, the structural differences between Mongolian and Chinese languages and cultural barriers render traditional translation teaching methods inadequate. This study explores the theoretical foundations, teaching strategies, and implementation and optimization of Mongolian-Chinese translation teaching from an interdisciplinary perspective. By integrating theories from linguistics, cultural studies, and cognitive science, this research proposes application strategies for interdisciplinary teaching methods in Mongolian-Chinese translation, including optimized course design, teaching methods, and assessment tools. This approach not only enhances the systematic and scientific nature of translation teaching but also promotes students' cross-cultural understanding and practical translation abilities. The study indicates that future translation teaching will place greater emphasis on cross-cultural communication, multilingual competency development, and the application of technological innovations.

Research on the Construction of Calligraphy Education Curriculum System from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

With the continuous advancement of educational models, interdisciplinary education has gradually become an important means of promoting teaching innovation. This study aims to explore the construction of a calligraphy education curriculum system from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining the traditional values of calligraphy art with modern educational needs to propose a systematic curriculum design plan. The paper first introduces the theoretical framework and implementation strategies of interdisciplinary education, clarifying the disciplinary background of calligraphy education and its innovative applications in interdisciplinary integration. Next, through an in-depth analysis of the design principles, integration strategies, and teaching methods of the interdisciplinary calligraphy education curriculum system, the study evaluates the effectiveness of curriculum implementation and future development trends. The research indicates that interdisciplinary calligraphy education not only enriches the curriculum content but also enhances students' comprehensive abilities and innovative thinking. Future research should focus on curriculum practice models, applicability across educational stages, and international collaboration to further promote innovation and development in calligraphy education.