Transforming Neuroscience into a Totalizing Meta-Narrative

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Gaitán ◽  
Luis Echarte ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Visual Data ◽  
Philosophical Thinking ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Eliminative Materialism ◽  
Human Preference ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mereological Fallacy

The present work is developed within the frame of so-called critical neuroscience. The aim of this article is to explain the transition from a kind of neuroscience understood as a strict scientific discipline, possessing a methodology and a specific praxis, to a kind of neuroscience that has been transformed into a meta-narrative with totalizing claims. In particular, we identify and examine eleven catalysts for such a transition: 1) a lack of communication between scientists and journalists; 2) the abuse of information by the sensational press; 3) the acceptance of specific philosophical approaches (like eliminative materialism) by a wide range of scientists; 4) the widespread transmission of two conceptual mistakes: a) an identification between methodological and ontological reductionism and b) the mereological fallacy; 5) the influence of post-Cartesian philosophical thinking in the scientific community; 6) an overwhelming scientific hyper-specialization; 7) the illegitimate transfer of authority from humanities to the sciences; 8) an inbuilt human preference for visual data; 9) economic interests; 10) scientific utopianism; and 11) the new self-help movements and their alliance with neuro-enhancement. Finally, our essay seeks to draw attention to the most damaging consequences for both science and human ways of living.

Group Experiences and Individual Differences in Stuttering

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (12) ◽  
pp. 4335-4350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth E. Tichenor ◽  
J. Scott Yaruss
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Group Experiences ◽  
History Of ◽  
Adults Who Stutter

Purpose This study explored group experiences and individual differences in the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings perceived by adults who stutter. Respondents' goals when speaking and prior participation in self-help/support groups were used to predict individual differences in reported behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Method In this study, 502 adults who stutter completed a survey examining their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in and around moments of stuttering. Data were analyzed to determine distributions of group and individual experiences. Results Speakers reported experiencing a wide range of both overt behaviors (e.g., repetitions) and covert behaviors (e.g., remaining silent, choosing not to speak). Having the goal of not stuttering when speaking was significantly associated with more covert behaviors and more negative cognitive and affective states, whereas a history of self-help/support group participation was significantly associated with a decreased probability of these behaviors and states. Conclusion Data from this survey suggest that participating in self-help/support groups and having a goal of communicating freely (as opposed to trying not to stutter) are associated with less negative life outcomes due to stuttering. Results further indicate that the behaviors, thoughts, and experiences most commonly reported by speakers may not be those that are most readily observed by listeners.

Key directions and methodological features of modern studies of land use changes

2019 ◽  
pp. 62-68
Author(s):  
Pavlo Kazmir ◽  
Lyubomyr Kazmir
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Land Change Science ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Land Relations ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
Planning Methodology

Interest in land-use changes (LUC) research has been growing rapidly in recent years. This topic has already become the subject of a separate scientific discipline – land use science (or land change science). In order to formulate relevant future policy and develop appropriate land-use management tools, it is crucial to know how the LUC шьзфсе the environment and society condition. For Ukraine, where the structure of land use and the system of land resources management have significantly changed during the years of post-socialist transformation of land relations, the study of the LUC on a modern methodological basis is especially actual. The paper, based on a critical analysis of publications in leading international journals over the last thirty years, identifies key directions of LUC studies and analyzes their methodological features. There is a significant increase of the number of works based on the results of meta-studies and the use of a wide range of methods for modeling the LUC processes, their causes and possible consequences. The great "synergistic potential" of integration of the selected directions is noted, which makes it possible to accelerate the development of the general theory of land use and increase its use efficiency in substantiation of management decisions in the sphere of land use and modernization of the mechanisms of state land, spatial and ecological policies with consideration of existing and potential globalizing challenges. In this context, the key role of the land use integrated planning methodology at regional and local levels is emphasized. This methodology would require close cooperation between government, business and the public in developing a common vision for the implementation of specific land use plans and projects based on the principles of subsidiarity, participativity and shared responsibility.

Heterocycle Compounds with Antimicrobial Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 867-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fesatidou ◽  
Anthi Petrou ◽  
Geronikaki Athina
Keyword(s):  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms

Background: Bacterial infections are a growing problem worldwide causing morbidity and mortality mainly in developing countries. Moreover, the increased number of microorganisms, developing multiple resistances to known drugs, due to abuse of antibiotics, is another serious problem. This problem becomes more serious for immunocompromised patients and those who are often disposed to opportunistic fungal infections. Objective: The objective of this manuscript is to give an overview of new findings in the field of antimicrobial agents among five-membered heterocyclic compounds. These heterocyclic compounds especially five-membered attracted the interest of the scientific community not only for their occurrence in nature but also due to their wide range of biological activities. Method: To reach our goal, a literature survey that covers the last decade was performed. Results: As a result, recent data on the biological activity of thiazole, thiazolidinone, benzothiazole and thiadiazole derivatives are mentioned. Conclusion: It should be mentioned that despite the progress in the development of new antimicrobial agents, there is still room for new findings. Thus, research still continues.

A Comprehensive Review on C-3 Functionalization of β-Lactams

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reshma Nagpal ◽  
Jitender Bhalla ◽  
Shamsher S. Bari
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
Organometallic Reagent ◽  
Reaction Conditions ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Economic Strategies ◽  
Synthetic Utility ◽  
Recent Advancement ◽  
Equivalent Method ◽  
Made In

Background:A lot of advancement has been made in the area of β-lactams in recent times. Most of the research is targeted towards the synthesis of novel β-lactams, their functionalization and exploring their biological potential. The C-3 functionalization of β-lactams has continued to attract considerable interest of the scientific community due to their utility as versatile intermediates in organic synthesis and their therapeutic applications. This has led to the significant increase in efforts towards developing efficient and economic strategies for C-3 functionalized β-lactams.Objective:The present review aims to highlight recent advancement made in C-3 functionalization of β-lactams.Conclusion:To summarize, functionalization of β-lactams at C-3 is an essential aspect of β-lactam chemistry in order to improve/modify its synthetic utility as well as biological potential. The C-3 carbocation equivalent method has emerged as an important and convenient strategy for C-3 functionalization of β-lactam heterocycles which provides a wide range of β-lactams viz. 3-alkylated β-lactams, 3-aryl/heteroarylated β-lactams, 3- alkoxylated β-lactams. On the other hand, base mediated functionalization of β-lactams via carbanion intermediate is another useful approach but their scope is limited by the requirement of stringent reaction conditions. In addition to this, organometallic reagent mediated α-alkylation of 3-halo/3-keto-β-lactams also emerged as interesting methods for the synthesis of functionalized β-lactams having good yields and diastereoselectivities.

Investigating the Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of a Web-based Self-help Program for People With Adjustment Problems After an Accident (SelFIT): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Hegy ◽  
Noemi Anja Brog ◽  
Thomas Berger ◽  
Hansjoerg Znoj
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Adjustment Problems ◽  
Health Care Consumption ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Wide Range

BACKGROUND Accidents and the resulting injuries are one of the world’s biggest health care issues often causing long-term effects on psychological and physical health. With regard to psychological consequences, accidents can cause a wide range of burdens including adjustment problems. Although adjustment problems are among the most frequent mental health problems, there are few specific interventions available. The newly developed program SelFIT aims to remedy this situation by offering a low-threshold web-based self-help intervention for psychological distress after an accident. OBJECTIVE The overall aim is to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the SelFIT program plus care as usual (CAU) compared to only care as usual. Furthermore, the program’s user friendliness, acceptance and adherence are assessed. We expect that the use of SelFIT is associated with a greater reduction in psychological distress, greater improvement in mental and physical well-being, and greater cost-effectiveness compared to CAU. METHODS Adults (n=240) showing adjustment problems due to an accident they experienced between 2 weeks and 2 years before entering the study will be randomized. Participants in the intervention group receive direct access to SelFIT. The control group receives access to the program after 12 weeks. There are 6 measurement points for both groups (baseline as well as after 4, 8, 12, 24 and 36 weeks). The main outcome is a reduction in anxiety, depression and stress symptoms that indicate adjustment problems. Secondary outcomes include well-being, optimism, embitterment, self-esteem, self-efficacy, emotion regulation, pain, costs of health care consumption and productivity loss as well as the program’s adherence, acceptance and user-friendliness. RESULTS Recruitment started in December 2019 and is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study examining a web-based self-help program designed to treat adjustment problems resulting from an accident. If effective, the program could complement the still limited offer of secondary and tertiary psychological prevention after an accident. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03785912; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03785912?cond=NCT03785912&draw=2&rank=1

scholarly journals FACELESS YOUTUBERS: HOW CONTENT CREATORS SHAPE AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Dunham
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flow Of Information ◽  
Share Information ◽  
Electrical Appliance

YouTube's maturation as a platform can be seen through a collection of social norms, audience expectations, and politics, all of which weave themselves into the technosocial fabric of digital life. As such, certain practices that regulate the flow of information have become normalized across a certain subset of YouTube channels. This paper will look at this practice among YouTubers that are “faceless”—content creators who do not reveal their faces on camera while voluntarily revealing many other aspects of their identity. Specifically, a content analysis is performed on these channels: The Lockpicking Lawyer, AvE, SteadyCraftin, This Old Tony, bigclivedotcom, CGP Grey, and fastASMR. The wide range of categories these channels belong to (DIY, self help, science and technology, home crafting, electrical appliance teardown, and audio therapy) indicates that choosing to remain faceless is not a function of a certain type of material, but rather a salient trend that crosscuts YouTube genres. The channels analyzed suggest that these YouTubers feel empowered through remaining faceless, allowing for increased disclosure about the topic at hand. They also demonstrate that Faceless YouTubers selectively share information depending on a range of motivations, all of which revolve around imparting meaningful content to specific audiences while maintaining a specifically-constructed notion of privacy. As a platform that is continually evolving,this paper represents an advance in the study of YouTube.

Alfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913): evolution and medicine

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-216
Author(s):  
Henry P O'Connell
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
Charles Darwin ◽  
Linnean Society ◽  
Alfred Russel Wallace ◽  
Scientific World ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Evolution And Medicine

The theory we now know simply as ‘evolution’ was first presented to the scientific world one and a half centuries ago, on 1 July 1858, when the work of two men, Alfred Russel Wallace and Charles Robert Darwin (1809–82), was jointly read at the Linnean Society. While Charles Darwin has rightly taken his place in history as one of the greatest scientists of all time, Alfred Russel Wallace has been largely forgotten outside of the scientific community. However, Wallace was a prolific researcher and writer with interests in a wide range of topics, from medicine to economics.

scholarly journals Obituary: Georges Matheron

2000 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1190-1192
Author(s):  
Dominique Jeulin
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Image Coding ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Random Media ◽  
Applied Mathematics ◽  
Artificial Vision ◽  
Scientific Heritage ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Major Figure

The scientific community is saddened to learn of the death of Professor Georges Matheron on 7 August 2000. As a major figure in applied mathematics over four decades, he leaves an outstanding scientific heritage, covering a wide range of domains where probabilistic tools and models are implemented. He also trained more than one generation of researchers, engineers and teachers. In the fields of theoretical and applied random media and image analysis his work has inspired many researchers worldwide: mathematicians, statisticians, physicists, experimentalists, earth scientists, mining engineers and also users of image analysis and synthesis in all its applications (materials, biology, artificial vision, CAD, remote sensing, geophysics, biometry, image coding etc.).

scholarly journals Computer-aided prediction and design of IL-6 inducing peptides: IL-6 plays a crucial role in COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Dhall ◽  
Sumeet Patiyal ◽  
Neelam Sharma ◽  
Salman Sadullah Usmani ◽  
Gajendra P S Raghava
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Validation Dataset ◽  
Independent Validation ◽  
Immune Epitope ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Immune Epitope Database

Abstract Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that stimulates acute phase responses, hematopoiesis and specific immune reactions. Recently, it was found that the IL-6 plays a vital role in the progression of COVID-19, which is responsible for the high mortality rate. In order to facilitate the scientific community to fight against COVID-19, we have developed a method for predicting IL-6 inducing peptides/epitopes. The models were trained and tested on experimentally validated 365 IL-6 inducing and 2991 non-inducing peptides extracted from the immune epitope database. Initially, 9149 features of each peptide were computed using Pfeature, which were reduced to 186 features using the SVC-L1 technique. These features were ranked based on their classification ability, and the top 10 features were used for developing prediction models. A wide range of machine learning techniques has been deployed to develop models. Random Forest-based model achieves a maximum AUROC of 0.84 and 0.83 on training and independent validation dataset, respectively. We have also identified IL-6 inducing peptides in different proteins of SARS-CoV-2, using our best models to design vaccine against COVID-19. A web server named as IL-6Pred and a standalone package has been developed for predicting, designing and screening of IL-6 inducing peptides (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/il6pred/).

scholarly journals Processing of Metals and Metalloids by Actinobacteria: Cell Resistance Mechanisms and Synthesis of Metal(loid)-Based Nanostructures

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2027
Author(s):  
Alessandro Presentato ◽  
Elena Piacenza ◽  
Raymond J. Turner ◽  
Davide Zannoni ◽  
Martina Cappelletti
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Technological Value ◽  
Inorganic Substances ◽  
Wide Range

Metal(loid)s have a dual biological role as micronutrients and stress agents. A few geochemical and natural processes can cause their release in the environment, although most metal-contaminated sites derive from anthropogenic activities. Actinobacteria include high GC bacteria that inhabit a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic ecological niches, where they play essential roles in recycling or transforming organic and inorganic substances. The metal(loid) tolerance and/or resistance of several members of this phylum rely on mechanisms such as biosorption and extracellular sequestration by siderophores and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and metal efflux processes, which overall contribute to maintaining metal homeostasis. Considering the bioprocessing potential of metal(loid)s by Actinobacteria, the development of bioremediation strategies to reclaim metal-contaminated environments has gained scientific and economic interests. Moreover, the ability of Actinobacteria to produce nanoscale materials with intriguing physical-chemical and biological properties emphasizes the technological value of these biotic approaches. Given these premises, this review summarizes the strategies used by Actinobacteria to cope with metal(loid) toxicity and their undoubted role in bioremediation and bionanotechnology fields.

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