Social and personal normative influences on healthcare professionals to use information technology: towards a more robust social ergonomics

Social structures and processes are increasingly acknowledged and studied within the human factors/ergonomics (HFE) discipline. At the same time, social phenomena are rarely the focus of HFE work, leaving a knowledge gap. This study directly addresses social and personal normative forces that influence technology use and performance. Social and personal normative influence to use electronic health records were investigated using semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 attending physicians at two US hospitals. Analyses used a comprehensive framework based on leading social scientific theories and revealed numerous sources of influence, including hospital administration, colleagues, patients, clinical and professional groups, government and one's self. Influence was achieved through different means and invoked different psychological processes. Findings motivate a new view of professionals’ technology use as a highly social process occurring in a social context, with implications for research, policy, design and, in general, the development of a robust social ergonomics.     

静电防护工程学与标准化

本文综述了静电防护工程学的诞生背景,介绍了这门新兴学科的研究内容和特点。静电防护工程学是研究静电危害及其防护工程的一门交叉学科,它以电子、石油化工、火炸药、粉体工业、纺织、建材、检测计量、管理等领域的静电防护标准为知识载体。静电防护工程学以静电学和电磁场理论为基础,面对复杂的环境以及各种非理想情况,很多现象在理论上难以解释,所以常常以工程化的方法解决实际问题,所以它属于工程技术学科。它利用标准化的方法,形成了静电防护知识体系、标准体系、产品体系和科学仪器。     

Limits to prediction in science and design science

Design, it is argued, is inextricably bound up with the idea of science for, in carrying out design, the present as embodied in scientific knowledge forms the starting point for inventing the future. One bridge between science and design is thus contained in the notion of prediction which reveals the inevitable tensions between these activities. Prediction is concerned with the likely and possible future, design is concerned with the desirable one. Paradoxes contained therein are first explored in methodological terms and then the limits posed by scientific prediction are charted by examples using predictive computer models in urban planning.     

A methodological comparison of the structures of scientific research and engineering design: their similarities and differences

The misunderstanding that engineering is just a part of science (at the most applied science) and that engineering design is only a kind of scientific research (often considered rather trivial) is still widespread, especially among scientists. Yet it is a misunderstanding. In the present paper the structures of scientific research and of engineering design will be compared and, apart from a few very evident similarities, a large number of essential differences will be discussed. The conclusions are on the one hand that science and engineering are strongly interwoven and mutually dependent on each other, but on the other hand that there are fundamental differences between scientific research and engineering design. They consequently require specific methodologies.     

Design method and scientific method

A recurring theme in recent design theory has been a desire to relate design method to scientific method: to create the ‘science of design’ or a ‘design science’. There is an inherent paradox in such a desire since design and science are clearly very dissimilar kinds of activities. Further, the concept of ‘scientific method’ now seems to be in epistemological chaos. For these reasons, attempts to model design method on scientific method seem misplaced. It is proposed that it would be more fruitful to regard design as a technology, rather than as a science. The paper seeks to establish the basis for such a view, drawing especially on the idea that both design and technology involve the application of types of knowledge other than the purely ‘scientific’ kind.     

Internet technology and the epistemic strategies of scientists in post-apartheid South Africa: Race as a decisive factor

Internet technology is an indispensable tool in scientific research. Prior research confirms the importance of professional activities, professional networks, scientific collaboration and the internet among scientists, academics and researchers. In other words, professional activities, networks and collaboration are relevant epistemic strategies in both the short- and long-term objectives of knowledge production. Variations in these strategies are possible across different categories such as race and gender. Involving academics and scientists (n = 204) from sampled institutions in post-apartheid South Africa, this study examines how the use of technology by people in different racial categories influences their epistemic strategies of professional activities, networks and scientific collaboration.     

Artisanal culture in early modern Iberian and Atlantic worlds

For several decades, historians have realized the limitations of analysing the historical past of science as a mere succession of theories. One of the most stimulating messages that the reinvention of the discipline has launched is that although there are obvious intellectual elements that promote the development and progress of science, there are also social, economic, and institutional aspects to consider. The history of science is no longer just a history of scientific ideas and theories, but also a history of institutions, communities, spaces, objects, and practices as well as a history of the complex interaction among all these dimensions. Accompanying this new panorama is a broad consensus among scholars to accept that major social changes have inexorably some impact on scientific practice and vice versa. This premise, now widespread, is especially relevant to the history of early modern science and the question of its roots because it has allowed the introduction of new agents and spaces previously excluded from the domain of scientific development. In other words, this enriched perspective has multiplied both the processes of knowledge construction and the arenas in which these processes were undertaken. More specifically, historical research is no longer limited to spaces traditionally linked to the construction of science; it now embraces less orthodox ones. Within this broadened field of inquiry, practical knowledge and the objects of material culture have come to occupy a central place. This special issue explores how the new directions in which the history of science has expanded have a direct impact on the study of Iberian science in the Atlantic world.     

A guided walk through Larry Hench’s monumental discoveries

Here we review and summarize the groundbreaking scientific researches of the late Professor Larry L. Hench, including several of his key discoveries in materials science and engineering. First, we provide a statistical overview of his exceptional scientific performance using Scopus, Web of Science, and other Web sites to extract statistical data on his scientific publications and patents. Professor Hench achieved an exceptionally high h-index of 77 (Scopus) for the field of materials science and engineering, which resulted from his 340 research papers, 210 conference papers, 41 patents, 24 books, 4 editorial notes, and 3 biographies starting in 1967. Then, we summarize and highlight his seminal articles, books, and patents in several research areas, such as bioactive glasses, optical gel glasses, biocomposites/coatings, glass–ceramics, biophotonics, advanced ceramics, semiconducting and ionic conducting glasses, glass corrosion, and nuclear waste disposal. Prof. Hench not only discovered the first man-made material to form a chemical bond with bone and initiated a whole new field—bioactive glasses and glass–ceramics—but also made several other important scientific discoveries. It is quite clear that he was one of the most influential materials scientists/engineers of all time! We hope that this review is not only useful for all persons interested in materials science and engineering but also encourages students and younger investigators to make use of this accumulated knowledge to design novel materials and discover new applications for glasses and ceramics.     

优化科学传播中参与进程的协同设计实践研究

目的 提升科学传播过程中的参与质量,采用协同设计方式对科研院所内闲置空间进行改造;同时依据实践成果进行路径总结,为同类设计活动提供一定参考。方法 整体研究分为设计方案的构思、实践、验证及总结四部分：首先,构思阶段分为两部分,一是基于卡诺（Kano）模型的问卷调查,二是焦点小组与深度访谈形式结合的讨论,旨在获取与转化用户的需求;其次,实践阶段依托环境、产品、视传三类专业知识展开,通过设计学各分支协作将需求物化;再次,选取使用情况评估（POE）模型对结果进行分析,以评估参与进程优化效果;最终,将上述三阶段各类资料进行汇总,与院所内专家一同进行理论总结。结果 既定方案如期完工,满足了院所方的各项诉求;相关各部门通力协作,助力团队集齐实验所需资料。结论 协调利益相关,实现结果最优化,是协同设计最大的特点。就本次研究而言：中科院具备科学传播知识,并拥有长期举办“科学咖啡馆”活动的经验,这是本次实践目标达成的根本依据;我校团队掌握的学科相关知识,以及设计学科固有的视觉化优势,是各项设计任务能够完成的基础;院所内师生、行政及后勤等人员提出的宝贵建议,使本次的实践研究更趋合理。正是打破了三者间的壁垒,...     

Situating technological and societal futures. Pragmatist engagements with computer simulations and social dynamics

This article employs pragmatist ideas to conceptualise the interdependencies of epistemic instruments and societal futures. Drawing on recent discussions in science and technology studies, it argues that the numerical predictions of computer simulations do not only create novel kinds of future knowledge (epistemic performativity), but also new practices and arrangements of prediction (social performativity). The conceptual framework centres on Dewey's logic of inquiry as the transformation of indeterminate into determinate situations and the role which epistemic instruments such as computer simulations play in this transformation. In order to trace the social performativity of numerical predictions, the paper will provide answers to three questions from a pragmatist perspective. The first question concerns the agency of computer simulations as transformative means in social relations. The second revolves around the impact of these simulations on specific ways of thinking about the future. And, third, the observation and analysis of these changes through empirical research will be addressed.     

Designing and transforming yield-stress fluids

We review progress in designing and transforming multi-functional yield-stress fluids and give a perspective on the current state of knowledge that supports each step in the design process. We focus mainly on the rheological properties that make yield-stress fluids so useful and the trade-offs which need to be considered when working with these materials. Thinking in terms of “design with” and “design of” yield-stress fluids motivates how we can organize our scientific understanding of this field. “Design with” involves identification of rheological property requirements independent of the chemical formulation, e.g. for 3D direct-write printing which needs to accommodate a wide range of chemistry and material structures. “Design of” includes microstructural considerations: conceptual models relating formulation to properties, quantitative models of formulation-structure-property relations, and chemical transformation strategies for converting effective yield-stress fluids to be more useful solid engineering materials. Future research directions are suggested at the intersection of chemistry, soft-matter physics, and material science in the context of our desire to design useful rheologically-complex functional materials.     

A treatise on order in engineering design research

Engineering design research shows a rather fragmented, if not a chaotic, picture. But does it have a hidden order? Can we explore it, or should we impose a reasoning model? This paper looks for the answer in the purpose of engineering design. It is destined to sustain human existence and well being by virtual creation of artifacts and services for the society. To this end, the engineering design discipline should provide a proper body of knowledge. The design knowledge obtained by empirical exploration and/or rational comprehension should be transformed for practical/pragmatic deployment. It was assumed that this purposely streaming of design knowledge gives a unique rationale for engineering design research. Based on this, a framework of reasoning was constructed, including source, channel, and sink categories of knowledge and research of engineering design, respectively. Within each category, research domains, trajectories, and approaches were identified. The semantic relationships of domains, trajectories, and approaches form a hierarchical structure. The proposed framework enables a grounded argumentation about the order of engineering design research, as well as about the articulation of the engineering design knowledge.     

A survey of Indian logic from the point of view of computer science

Indian logic has a long history. It somewhat covers the domains of two of the six schools (darsanas) of Indian philosophy, namely,Nyaya andVaisesika. The generally accepted definition of Indian logic over the ages is the science which ascertains valid knowledge either by means of six senses or by means of the five members of the syllogism. In other words, perception and inference constitute the subject matter of logic. The science of logic evolved in India through three ages: the ancient, the medieval and the modern, spanning almost thirty centuries. Advances in Computer Science, in particular, in Artificial Intelligence have got researchers in these areas interested in the basic problems of language, logic and cognition in the past three decades. In the 1980s, Artificial Intelligence has evolved into knowledge-based and intelligent system design, and the knowledge base and inference engine have become standard subsystems of an intelligent system. One of the important issues in the design of such systems is knowledge acquisition from humans who are experts in a branch of learning (such as medicine or law) and transferring that knowledge to a computing system. The second important issue in such systems is the validation of the knowledge base of the system i.e. ensuring that the knowledge is complete and consistent. It is in this context that comparative study of Indian logic with recent theories of logic, language and knowledge engineering will help the computer scientist understand the deeper implications of the terms and concepts he is currently using and attempting to develop.     

A bibliometric analysis of publications in computer networking research

Scientometrics - Computer networking is a major research discipline in computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. The field has been actively growing, in terms of both...     

Interdisciplinarity and insularity in the diffusion of knowledge: an analysis of disciplinary boundaries between philosophy of science and the sciences

Two fundamentally different perspectives on knowledge diffusion dominate debates about academic disciplines. On the one hand, critics of disciplinary research and education have argued that disciplines are isolated silos, within which specialists pursue inward-looking and increasingly narrow research agendas. On the other hand, critics of the silo argument have demonstrated that researchers constantly import and export ideas across disciplinary boundaries. These perspectives have different implications for how knowledge diffuses, how intellectuals gain and lose status within their disciplines, and how intellectual reputations evolve within and across disciplines. We argue that highly general claims about the nature of disciplinary boundaries are counterproductive, and that research on the nature of specific disciplinary boundaries is more useful. To that end, this paper uses a novel publication and citation network dataset and statistical models of citation networks to test hypotheses about the boundaries between philosophy of science and 11 disciplinary clusters. Specifically, we test hypotheses about whether engaging with and being cited by scientific communities outside philosophy of science has an impact on one’s position within philosophy of science. Our results suggest that philosophers of science produce interdisciplinary scholarship, but they tend not to cite work by other philosophers when it is published in journals outside of their discipline. Furthermore, net of other factors, receiving citations from other disciplines has no meaningful impact—positive or negative—on citations within philosophy of science. We conclude by considering this evidence for simultaneous interdisciplinarity and insularity in terms of scientific trading theory and other work on disciplinary boundaries and communication.     

S&T knowledge production from 2000 to 2009 in two periphery countries: Brazil and South Korea

This paper investigates the dynamic evolution profiles of science and technology knowledge production in Brazil and the Republic of Korea from 2000 to 2009. The two countries have followed different models of publication profiles, bioenvironmental model and Japanese model, and they currently belong to periphery countries in terms of the center-periphery framework. Brazil and the Republic of Korea have established a few core disciplines successfully and increased their share in the world publication of scientific papers over the last decade. Notwithstanding the fact that the two countries have recorded sustained growth in the percentage of published scientific papers, South Korea has evolved into a more balanced science and technology knowledge production system, whereas Brazil into the more unbalanced knowledge production system. Core-lagging or periphery-lagging patterns of science production have been revealed in Brazil and indirectly imply that the existing science base has not been fully stimulated or utilized.     

Implementation of Interdisciplinary Group Learning and Peer Assessment in a Nanotechnology Engineering Course

Nanotechnology is an inherently interdisciplinary field that has generated significant scientific and engineering interest in recent years. In an effort to convey the excitement and opportunities surrounding this discipline to senior undergraduate students and junior graduate students, a nanotechnology engineering course has been developed in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University over the past two years. This paper examines the unique challenges facing educators in this dynamic, emerging field and describes an approach for the design of a nanotechnology engineering course employing the non‐traditional pedagogical practices of collaborative group learning, interdisciplinary learning, problem‐based learning, and peer assessment. Utilizing the same nanotechnology course given the year before as a historical control, analysis of the difference between measures of student performance and student experience over the two years indicates that these practices are successful and provide an educationally informed template for other newly developed engineering courses.     

Bayesian design of experiments for generalized linear models and dimensional analysis with industrial and scientific application

ABSTRACT

The design of an experiment can always be considered at least implicitly Bayesian, with prior knowledge used informally to aid decisions such as the variables to be studied and the choice of a plausible relationship between the explanatory variables and measured responses. Bayesian methods allow uncertainty in these decisions to be incorporated into design selection through prior distributions that encapsulate information available from scientific knowledge or previous experimentation. Further, a design may be explicitly tailored to the aim of the experiment through a decision-theoretic approach using an appropriate loss function. We review the area of decision-theoretic Bayesian design, with particular emphasis on recent advances in computational methods. For many problems arising in industry and science, experiments result in a discrete response that is well described by a member of the class of generalized linear models. Bayesian design for such nonlinear models is often seen as impractical as the expected loss is analytically intractable and numerical approximations are usually computationally expensive. We describe how Gaussian process emulation, commonly used in computer experiments, can play an important role in facilitating Bayesian design for realistic problems. A main focus is the combination of Gaussian process regression to approximate the expected loss with cyclic descent (coordinate exchange) optimization algorithms to allow optimal designs to be found for previously infeasible problems. We also present the first optimal design results for statistical models formed from dimensional analysis, a methodology widely employed in the engineering and physical sciences to produce parsimonious and interpretable models. Using the famous paper helicopter experiment, we show the potential for the combination of Bayesian design, generalized linear models, and dimensional analysis to produce small but informative experiments.