Scientific Theories Research Articles

Enhancing Reflexivity in Research and Practice in Healthcare Through Oral-Based Autoethnography.

Autoethnography is an increasingly used method to promote individual and group reflexivity in research, not the least in healthcare. However, autoethnography's uptake among practitioners is impeded by the fact that it has not been adequately adapted to practitioner settings from its academic origins. This article analyzes the experience of a research team comprised of practitioners/surgeons and social scientists using primarily oral-based autoethnographic practices to promote reflexive collaboration in a longitudinal research and innovation project on selection and training of surgical residents. Based on our case of innovative adaptation and application of autoethnography, which we term autoethnorality, several modifications in autoethnographic practice are suggested to make it more amenable to practitioner settings. These include adopting the collaborative and analytic forms of autoethnography and developing oral-based modalities for autoethnographic practice. The case also shows how these strategic choices along with successive adoption of autoethnographic practices can facilitate the resolution of tensions deriving from the differing timeframes, skillsets, and interests of practitioners on the one hand and academic researchers on the other, as well as paradigmatic differences in theory of science between the medical and social sciences. A table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of different strategic choices and adaptations regarding autoethnography along with actionable recommendations is presented.

Criteria for the Acceptability of Scientific Theories as Locus theologicus: A Methodological Analysis of Catholic Church’s Reactions to the Cases of Galileo and Darwin (Bellarmine—Pius XII—John Paul II)

Criteria for the Acceptability of Scientific Theories as Locus theologicus: A Methodological Analysis of Catholic Church’s Reactions to the Cases of Galileo and Darwin (Bellarmine—Pius XII—John Paul II)

Is Ockham’s razor losing its edge? New perspectives on the principle of model parsimony

The preference for simple explanations, known as the parsimony principle, has long guided the development of scientific theories, hypotheses, and models. Yet recent years have seen a number of successes in employing highly complex models for scientific inquiry (e.g., for 3D protein folding or climate forecasting). In this paper, we reexamine the parsimony principle in light of these scientific and technological advancements. We review recent developments, including the surprising benefits of modeling with more parameters than data, the increasing appreciation of the context-sensitivity of data and misspecification of scientific models, and the development of new modeling tools. By integrating these insights, we reassess the utility of parsimony as a proxy for desirable model traits, such as predictive accuracy, interpretability, effectiveness in guiding new research, and resource efficiency. We conclude that more complex models are sometimes essential for scientific progress, and discuss the ways in which parsimony and complexity can play complementary roles in scientific modeling practice.

150 Years of the Tetrahedral Carbon: A Toast to Chirality.

We have recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of the tetrahedral carbon (1874-2024), as postulated by van't Hoff and Le Bel, who published their seminal breakthrough only 2-months apart, on September 5 and November 5, 1874, respectively. The concept is a fundamental pillar of structural chemistry and, if we may say so, of molecular sciences. How two young men in their early careers dared to disturb the established way of thinking constitutes the jumping-off of scientific theories as constructive elements, rather than arguments derived from experiments. Chirality makes no sense without geometry. Nor can we interpret a molecular scenario devoid of spatial considerations. All in all, a felicitous celebration to be highlighted.

Theory-informed refinement and tailored implementation of a quality improvement program in maternity care to reduce unwarranted clinical variation across a health service network

BackgroundUnwarranted clinical variation presents a major challenge in contemporary healthcare, indicating potential inequalities and inefficiencies, and unrealised potential for better outcomes. Despite an increasing focus on unwarranted clinical variation, and consideration of efforts to address this challenge, evidence-based strategies which achieve this are limited. Audit and feedback of healthcare processes (process auditing) and clinician engagement are important tools which may help to reduce unwarranted clinical variation, however their application in maternity care is yet to be thoroughly explored. We describe the development and implementation of a program to address unwarranted clinical variation across a multi-site maternity network termed Practice Improvement with Clinicians eNgaged in Improving Care (PICNIC). The goals of the program were to engage clinicians to identify and reduce unwarranted clinical variation and enhance the delivery of evidence-based care, with the intention of improving care quality, clinical outcomes, and efficiency of the health service.MethodsA theory-informed approach was used to design and implement the four-phase program, underpinned by implementation science and quality improvement methodologies. It utilised clinician-performed process auditing, built upon existing evidence for audit and feedback, and employed evidence-based implementation strategies to promote clinician behaviour change.ResultsThe intervention was implemented across the five maternity network sites in 2020 with around 300 clinicians participating in 18 audit topics over four years (2020–2023). A diverse array of evidence-based strategies were utilised to support implementation over this period and are mapped to the Behaviour Change Taxonomy and Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation. Observed benefits of the program include the development and implementation of clinician co-designed system-level improvements that are tailored to context, to improve the delivery of best-practice healthcare and improve outcomes.ConclusionsImplementation science theory and quality improvement processes can be integrated pragmatically to engage clinicians to address unwarranted clinical variation, with the objective of creating meaningful behaviour change, and system-level improvements for better healthcare outcomes. The replicability of this approach in other disciplines and hospital networks should be explored.Trial registrationNot applicable to this report.

Modern Methods of General Criminal Offences Investigation

Objective: The article examines the main modern methods of investigation of general criminal offences with an emphasis on their effectiveness in solving complex tactical tasks arising during pre-trial investigation. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the concepts and theories of forensic science, including methods of forensic analysis, modelling, analysis of the operational situation and establishing the ‘criminal-victim’ relationship. Method: The study was conducted using the methods of observation, comparison, analysis, synthesis and modelling. In particular, general scientific approaches to the study of tactical tasks that may arise in the investigation of crimes were used. Results and Discussion: The authors reveal the peculiarities of using such methods as mental (imaginary) modelling, analysis of subjects and objects of criminal attempt, analysis of the operational situation, forensic analysis of the ‘criminal-victim’ relationship, and forensic analysis of the method of committing a crime. Their role in identifying the perpetrator, analyzing motives and building versions is revealed. Contributions: The developed approaches are important for optimizing investigative techniques and expanding their adaptation to the specifics of modern crimes, including cybercrime and economic offences. The study offers an innovative approach to the typification and systematization of investigative methods, contributing to the improvement of forensic practice.

A SURVEY OF DIMENSION OF POSETS

In 1930, E. Szpilrajn proved that any order relation on a set $X$ can be extended to linear order on $X$. It also follows that order relation is the intersection of its linear extensions. In 1941 Dushnik and Miller introduced the concept of dimension of a poset $(X,P)$, denoted $Dim(X,P)$, as the smallest positive integer $n$ for which there exist linear extensions $L_1, L_2, ..., L_n$ of $P$ so that $P=L_1\cap L_2\cap ...\cap L_n$. In this paper, we do literature survey of the research articles on dimension theory of posets. This survey provides an overview of key concepts, results, and challenges in dimension theory of posets. The survey also examines advanced topics like fractional dimension, geometric representations, and topological considerations. Open problems and future research directions, emphasizing the interdisciplinary potential of dimension theory in mathematics and computer science.

On The Developmental Trajectory Of Research On Critical Consciousness

This commentary uses concepts from developmental science theory to consider how this special issue represents meaningful development of the field of research on critical consciousness. I first describe how these papers show the increasing differentiation of critical consciousness research. The second section includes several points of praise for these five papers, along with questions and suggestions for future work. In the third section, I synthesize and expand on those recommendations to describe potential directions for the developmental trajectory of critical consciousness research. Finally, I offer concluding remarks on moving the field of CC forward.

The Formation of a Language of Science: Vitalism in 18th-century Scotland

Vitalism was a scientific theory that prevailed in 18th-century Scotland. Due to the influence of Boerhaave and the teaching of native scholars, vitalism appeared in Scotland in the first half of the 18th century. Its prosperity was closely related to the personal activities of William Cullen and marked by the acceptance and use of vitalism by other new disciplines, especially chemistry. Due to the continuous progress of experiments and the update of experimental instruments, vitalism was gradually replaced by experimental conclusions. Analyzed by social network analysis, the influencing factors affecting the spread of vitalism in Scotland in the 18th century are obtained. Officially, the University of Edinburgh and the teacher-student relationship were the main influencing factors; unofficially, William Cullens influence was the main influencing factor. As a scientific theory, vitalism experienced a limited rise and fall process; as a language of science, vitalism was borrowed by literature and other disciplines and has an influence even in biology today.

A Review of Cognitive Control: Advancement, Definition, Framework, and Prospect

The operational environments of engineering systems are becoming increasingly complex and require automatic control systems to be more intelligent. Cognitive control extends the domain of intelligent control, whereby cognitive science theories are applied to guide the design of automatic control systems to make them conform to the human cognition paradigm and behave like a real person, hence improving physical systems performance. Cognitive control has been investigated in several fields, but a comprehensive review covering all these fields has yet to be provided in any paper. This paper first presents a review of cognitive control development and related works. Then, the relationship between cognitive control and cognitive science is analyzed, based on which the definition and framework of cognitive control are summarized from the perspective of automation and control. Cognitive control is then compared with similar concepts, such as cognitive radio and cognitive radar, and similar control methods, such as intelligent control, robust control, and adaptive control. Finally, the main issues, research directions, and development prospects are discussed. We expect that this paper will contribute to the development of cognitive control.

Enhancing One Health outcomes using decision science and negotiation

One Health initiatives have advanced zoonotic disease management by recognizing the interconnectedness of three sectors of governance (human, ecosystem, and animal) and by identifying options that can improve full‐system health. Although One Health has had many successes, its full realization may be inhibited by a lack of strategies to overcome simultaneous impediments in decision making and governance. Decision impediments that hinder management may include uncertainty, risk, resource limitations, and trade‐offs among objectives. Governance impediments arise from disparities in costs and benefits of disease management among sectors. Tools and strategies developed from decision science, collaboration, and negotiation theory can help articulate and overcome coinciding decision and governance impediments and enhance multisectoral One Health initiatives. In cases where collaboration and negotiation are insufficient to address disparities in cross‐sector costs and benefits, altering incentive structures might improve disease‐specific outcomes and improve the realization of One Health.

A Right-Brain-Based Epistemology Grounded on Local Wisdom: Intuilytics as a Culturally-Meaningful Alternative in Science

Epistemology, the study of knowledge, has long grappled with the challenge of determining truth. While the combination of deductive and inductive reasoning has been a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, several limitations emerge in its application to contemporary epistemology. One significant issue lies within the core of falsificationism, a prominent philosophy championed by Karl Popper. Falsificationism posits that a scientific theory can only be proven false, not true. While this approach aims to prevent dogmatic adherence to untested ideas, it can lead to an endless cycle of trial and error. As Popper himself acknowledged, no single experiment can definitively prove a theory correct. Summarizing, the dominance of rationalist thinking has shaped the way we view the world and conduct scientific research. However, this approach often neglects the subjective dimensions of human experience, such as intuition, emotion, and creativity. Consequently, many complex phenomena are difficult to fully explain through the lens of rationalism alone. This article aims to explore the potential of right-brain-based epistemology, which we call intuilytics. This approach emphasizes the role of intuition, creativity, and holistic thinking in the process of acquiring knowledge. This article presents a critical perspective on today’s epistemological practices. It does not intend to discredit the importance of deductive-inductive reasoning or the valuable contributions of philosophers like Karl Popper and economists like Ronald Coase.

Methane Adsorption in Heterogeneous Potential Wells of Coal: Characterization Model and Applications.

In terms of the phenomenon of nonuniformity adsorption energy between methane and a natural heterogeneous coal surface, a heterogeneous potential well model is established in this study based on adsorption science and molecular dynamics theories. This model describes the methane adsorption positions in coal pores as a three-dimensional space composed of adsorption equipotential surfaces with varying depths of potential well, which emphasizes the heterogeneous distribution of methane adsorption potential well depths in coal and accurately describes the spatial distribution and energy states of methane molecules during methane adsorption and desorption in naturally heterogeneous coal. By taking the residual sum of squares (RSS) and Pearson correlation coefficient as indicators, the fitting accuracies of the Langmuir model and the heterogeneous potential well model for isothermal adsorption and desorption curves are compared so that the superiority of the heterogeneous potential well model in describing the adsorption and desorption of methane in natural coal is confirmed. According to this new model, a method to calculate the potential well distribution of coal by using isotherm adsorption and desorption curves was proposed. Taking the number of potential wells, the average potential well depth, and the variance of potential well depth as statistical indicators, the potential well distribution characteristics of coal in different ranks in the processes of methane adsorption and desorption under different temperatures were analyzed. In addition, the effects of temperature increase on the changes of the occupation rate of potential wells and methane desorption amount of coal with different potential well depth distributions are studied, which confirmed the necessity of evaluating the thermal recovery rate of coalbed methane based on the potential well depth distribution of coal seams.

The Concept of Legal Egalitarianism in Heterogeneous and Culturally Homogeneous Societies

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concepts of legal egalitarianism and formal equality both in European legal orders and in legal orders of non-European cultural code in historical retrospect and modern times. The author traces the origin, emergence and development of the concept of formal equality and the accompanying philosophical and legal egalitarian doctrine that has gained dominant positions in the legal orders of European and other countries of the world after the French Revolution of 1789. The author examined historical material and scientific positions of various scientists — sociology, cultural science, social anthropology, political science, history and legal theory. The author reflects on the possibility and effectiveness of the uncontested existence and application of egalitarian legal doctrine in the context of complex heterogeneous multicultural societies. At the same time, the author questions the views on the essence of formal equality as a philosophical and legal concept and principle of law that exist in modern theoretical and legal studies.

Marx and Epistemology

ABSTRACT This article shows first that Marx, in his quest for a scientific theory of history, followed a path entirely comparable to that which Gaston Bachelard described for the sciences of nature with their epistemological ruptures. The first break is with pre-scientific knowledge. Marx outlined this break in the area of classical economics, but proceeded to deepen this rupture, leading to his first problematic. This is the one that was constructed using the famous opposition relations of production/productive forces, base/superstructure, and material life/ideological forms, that would serve as his “common thread.” The article then shows that these pairs of concepts presented several difficulties, that would lead Marx to his second, much stronger problematic. This was based on the pair of concepts “concrete” labour or useful work/ “abstract” labour or energy expenditure. These constitute the two sides of the production process, the first representing the ultimate determination and the second the main determination. The article responds to objections made concerning the generality of these concepts, and then explains how the other two oppositions are also profoundly modified. In addition, the article focuses on the Marxian conception of scientific work, which anticipates the constructivist one of Bachelard, and on the breaks that Marx made with a continuist and determinist vision of history.

Is Literary Theory the Same as Scientific Theory?

Is Literary Theory the Same as Scientific Theory?

Transparency, Accountability, and Influence in the International Investment Law System

This article offers the first interdisciplinary critique of transparency in international investment law (“IIL”) that draws on transparency-skeptical and accountability scholarship in political science and public administration. Not only has the expansive IIL literature overlooked these disciplines, but much of it fails to define the core concept of transparency. Building on contributions from the fields of administrative law, international relations, and system theory in classic political science, we provide a novel functionalist account of transparency that traces a line from transparency to accountability to influence in the IIL system. We make three arguments. First, transparency involves access to data that must be interpreted by an enabled target audience. Second, transparency is not a good in itself but rather a means of advancing accountability, which in turn is designed to promote influence in the system; that is, transparency and accountability are both secondary rather than primary values. Third, transparency is best understood at a system level; a system framework highlights the multiplicity of actors making divergent demands for the creation or application of IIL rules and illuminates the distribution of influence and how that distribution may be shifted by systemic reforms. We apply the lessons from our conceptual discussion to explain the limited utility of recent transparency reforms in investor-state dispute settlement (“ISDS”) by key IIL institutions such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (“UNCITRAL”), insofar as they rely on the public as the primary actor and agent of change in the IIL system. Beyond transparency-specific reforms, we also consider how our theory bears on broader ISDS reforms currently under review by UNCITRAL Working Group III, which has embarked on a historic mission to reform ISDS from the ground up.

Pablo Melogno’s legacy: interpreting Kuhn’s work on science education

As this paper coincides with the first anniversary of Pablo Melognos passing, it delves into his profound contributions as a distinguished philosopher of science to the field of science education. Focused on his unique perspective shaped by an extensive exploration of Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy, the paper aims to elucidate Melogno’s distinctive insights into science education. The methodology employed involves a theoretical and exploratory analysis of Melogno’s limited but qualitatively rich works on science education. Melogno’s perspective on science education emerges in a deep engagement with Kuhn’s philosophy. Despite shifts in his assessment of Kuhn’s ideas, Melogno’s core vision about science education remains steadfast throughout all his texts. By advocating a holistic understanding of the history of science, Melogno emphasizes the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills in students, while not forgetting to teach scientific concepts, methods, and theories. His stance rejects the notion of total ruptures in scientific paradigms as a way to avoid indoctrination. Furthermore, the paper proposes investigations into the relationship between Melogno’s defense of partial ruptures, fostering a more nuanced historical perspective and promoting critical thinking in science education. In essence, Melogno’s legacy extends beyond the footsteps of Kuhn, as he carved his own philosophical path, leaving indelible marks on the landscape of scientific thought.

Improvement Options and Directions for Crisis Management Exercises Organised by Local Governmental Administration on the Example of Podkarpackie Voivodship — Theoretical Assumptions

Aim: The objective of the presented analysis is to offer theoretical assumptions for the research work of the team appointed for the purposes of the Voivodship Crisis Management Team exercises organised by the Voivode of Podkarpackie. The authors present the basis for developing the methodology of the project aiming at defining the options and methods for improving the exercises organised by local governmental administration. Introduction: The analyses conducted by the above-mentioned team aimed at finding sources of knowledge and information related to the organisation of exercises by local governmental administration and determination of the practical usability of the related scientific theories. The works conducted involved such specific problems as: definition of the essentials of the organisation of crisis management pratice activities by local governmental administration, identification of organisation improvement needs related to crisis management by local governmental administration and definition of the conditions and perspectives for the improvement of the organisation of the subject exercises. The adopted assumptions indicated that the options of improvement of the organisation of exercises by the local governmental administration of Podkarpackie Voivodship should be sought in the emerging new organisational solutions and access to the preparation and completion analytics and efficiency assessment tools. Methodology: The authors focused on the review of the methodological assumptions of exercises and the applicable regulations and documents used in the public administration office serving the Voivode and local government bodies of Podkarpackie Voivodship Conclusions: The above-mentioned review confirmed the belief in the importance of exercises for the crisis operations improvement process. It is crucial for the preparation of the local communities for emergencies. Above all, it enables the practical application of crisis management plans, which enables identifying deficiencies and areas to improve. Those operations may be improved by preparing a scientific approach to the organisation and assessment of exercises and selection of appropriate legal and scientific bases. The next stage in the works of the authors team will consist in the analysis of local exercises and drawing comprehensive conclusions.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Educational Informatization Innovation: Importance and Practice

With the rapid development of information technology, educational informatization has become a crucial force in promoting the modernization of education. Interdisciplinary collaboration, as an innovative research and practice model, provides new ideas and methods for the in-depth development of educational informatization. This paper first explores the theoretical foundation of interdisciplinary collaboration, including knowledge integration theory, collaborative innovation theory, and learning science theory, providing a solid theoretical support for the research. Then, it analyzes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation, pointing out its key role in promoting the renewal of educational concepts, driving the integration of educational technologies, improving the quality and effectiveness of teaching, and cultivating innovative talents. The paper further proposes practical paths for interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation, including building interdisciplinary collaborative teams, conducting interdisciplinary research projects, promoting the construction of interdisciplinary courses, and strengthening the construction of interdisciplinary collaborative platforms. Through case analysis, it showcases the successful practices of interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation at home and abroad and summarizes their experiences and insights. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges faced by interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation and proposes corresponding strategies to provide references for the future development of educational informatization.