Brain Research on Mental Disorders: A Criticism

Objective: To expose the problems and inherent limitations of neuroscience-based brain research on mental disorders. Method: Discussion of the theory underlying brain research on mental disorders, followed by a systematic evaluation of typical studies. Results: The fundamental problem is that brain researchers fail to differentiate between biological mental disorders in which brain processes cause the disorder (notably schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and melancholic depression) and learned mental disorders in which brain processes mediate but do not cause the disorder (which is the case with reactive depression, reactive anxiety, OCD, and PTSD). Researchers have been unsuccessful in identifying mechanisms in the brain that cause biological mental disorders, and will never be able to locate the innumerable specific neural connections that mediate learned mental disorders. Moreover, the author’s review of typical studies in this field shows that they have serious problems with theory, measurement, and data analysis, and that their findings cannot be trusted. Conclusions: Neuroscience-based brain research on mental disorders, unlike other neurological research, has been an expensive failure and it is not worth continuing.

Tianjin Automotive Test Center & National Passenger Car Quality Supervision and Inspection Center——A State Testing and Universality Techniques Research Base in China

Tianiin Automotive Test Center has a test capability as well as a capability of conducting universality techniques research. With fixed assets of around RMB 76.44 million yuan and an architectural area of 11,200 sqm, test labs mainly include: auto emission test lab, full-scale vehicle crash test lab, auto safety test lab, auto lighting and view field test lab, engine test lab,

E-Research环境下学术机构知识库的构建研究

文章分析了E-Research环境下学术机构知识库的构建必要性,从资源建设模式、服务模式两方面介绍了E-Research环境下学术机构知识库构建模式,并给出了E-Research环境下学术机构知识库的构建方案,该方案主要包括前期设计、运行设计和后期维护设计,最后提出了E-Research环境下学术机构知识库构建的策略。

The Flemish Performance-based Research Funding System: A Unique Variant of the Norwegian Model

The BOF-key is the performance-based research funding system that is used in Flanders, Belgium. In this paper we describe the historical background of the system, its current design and organization, as well as its effects on the Flemish higher education landscape. The BOFkey in its current form relies on three bibliometric parameters: publications in Web of Science, citations in Web of Science, and publications in a comprehensive regional database for SSH publications. Taken together, the BOF-key forms a unique variant of the Norwegian model: while the system to a large extent relies on a commercial database, it avoids the problem of inadequate coverage of the SSH. Because the bibliometric parameters of the BOF-key are reused in other funding allocation schemes, their overall importance to the Flemish universities is substantial.

Redesigning the Model of Book Evaluation in the Polish Performance-based Research Funding System

Purpose: This study aims to present the key systemic changes in the Polish book evaluation model to focus on the publisher list, as inspired by the Norwegian Model. Design/methodology/approach: In this study we reconstruct the framework of the 2010 and 2018 models of book evaluation in Poland within the performance-based research funding system. Findings: For almost 20 years the book evaluation system in Poland has been based on the verification of various technical criteria(e.g. length of the book). The new 2018 model is based on the principle of prestige inheritance(a book is worth as much as its publisher is) and is inspired by the publisher list used in the Norwegian Model. In this paper, we argue that this solution may be a more balanced policy instrument than the previous 2010 model in which neither the quality of the publisher nor the quality of the book played any role in the evaluation.Research limitations: We work from the framework of the 2018 model of book evaluation specified in the law on higher education and science from 20 July 2018, as implementation acts are not available yet. Practical implications: This study may provide a valuable point of reference on how structural reforms in the research evaluation model were implemented on a country level. The results of this study may be interesting to policy makers, stakeholders and researchers focused on science policy. Originality/value: This is the very first study that presents the new framework of the Polish research evaluation model and policy instruments for scholarly book evaluation. We describe what motivated policy makers to change the book evaluation model, and what arguments were explicitly raised to argue for the new solution.

A Local Adaptation in an Output-Based Research Support Scheme(OBRSS)at University College Dublin

University College Dublin(UCD) has implemented the Output-Based Research Support Scheme(OBRSS) since 2016. Adapted from the Norwegian model, the OBRSS awards individual academic staff using a points system based on the number of publications and doctoral students. This article describes the design and implementation processes of the OBRSS, including the creation of the ranked publication list and points system and infrastructure requirements. Some results of the OBRSS will be presented, focusing on the coverage of publications reported in the OBRSS ranked publication list and Scopus, as well as information about spending patterns. Challenges such as the evaluation of the OBRSS in terms of fairness, transparency, and effectiveness will also be discussed.

Genomics-based plant germplasm research(GPGR)

Plant germplasm underpins much of crop genetic improvement.Millions of germplasm accessions have been collected and conserved ex situ and/or in situ,and the major challenge is now how to exploit and utilize this abundant resource.Genomics-based plant germplasm research(GPGR) or "Genoplasmics" is a novel cross-disciplinary research field that seeks to apply the principles and techniques of genomics to germplasm research.We describe in this paper the concept,strategy,and approach behind GPGR,and summarize current progress in the areas of the definition and construction of core collections,enhancement of germplasm with core collections,and gene discovery from core collections.GPGR is opening a new era in germplasm research.The contribution,progress and achievements of GPGR in the future are predicted.

Academic Nursing Center Primary Care Quality Improvement Using an Electronic Health Record and a Practice-Based Research Network

Practice-based research networks (PBRN) seek to improve healthcare through the use of research, quality improvement, and collaborative learning. When used by nontraditional models of care such as the nurse managed healthcare center (NMHC), PBRNs can be incorporated into successful quality improvement (QI) programs. UT Health Services is a NMHC utilizing a PBRN as one component of a comprehensive QI program in an effort to deliver high quality healthcare.

Methods and Practices for Institutional Benchmarking based on Research Impact and Competitiveness: A Case Study of ShanghaiTech University

Purpose: To develop and test a mission-oriented and multi-dimensional benchmarking method for a small scale university aiming for internationally first-class basic research.Design/methodology/approach: An individualized evidence-based assessment scheme was employed to benchmark ShanghaiTech University against selected top research institutions,focusing on research impact and competitiveness at the institutional and disciplinary levels.Topic maps opposing ShanghaiTech and corresponding top institutions were produced for the main research disciplines of ShanghaiTech. This provides opportunities for further exploration of strengths and weakness. Findings: This study establishes a preliminary framework for assessing the mission of the university. It further provides assessment principles, assessment questions, and indicators.Analytical methods and data sources were tested and proved to be applicable and efficient.Research limitations: To better fit the selective research focuses of this university, its schema of research disciplines needs to be re-organized and benchmarking targets should include disciplinary top institutions and not necessarily those universities leading overall rankings.Current reliance on research articles and certain databases may neglect important research output types.Practical implications: This study provides a working framework and practical methods for mission-oriented, individual, and multi-dimensional benchmarking that ShanghaiTech decided to use for periodical assessments. It also offers a working reference for other institutions to adapt. Further needs are identified so that ShanghaiTech can tackle them for future benchmarking.Originality/value: This is an effort to develop a mission-oriented, individually designed,systematically structured, and multi-dimensional assessment methodology which differs from often used composite indices.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Capacity Built through a Community-Based Participatory Research Project Addressing Diabetes and Obesity in South and East Los Angeles

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are more prevalent in low-income and minority communities. One promising method to understand and address these chronic conditions is through Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR). CBPR engages and empowers community members to identify risk factors and work toward solutions as equal partners with researchers. One positive and lasting outcome may be an increase in the community capacity which includes individual and community leadership development, policy making, creating connections and utilizing existing community resources. Evaluating community capacity created as a result of a CBPR project is one way to measure its effectiveness. This paper is a retrospective analysis of the capacity built during a CBPR study of diabetes and obesity in East and South Los Angeles which are two low-income and minority neighborhoods. Four people, who were heavily involved in the project, completed a retrospective analysis of the capacity built utilizing a validated instrument. There was consensus about the capacity built, which included: excellent participation by community members, inclusion of members’ ideas to leverage additional funding, and pride of community members in their participation in the project. One area that could have been strengthened was increased access for leadership and research experience among community members, especially since the project ended prematurely. There were differences among the two community groups with East Los Angeles members focusing more on tangible interventions and grant writing, while South Los Angeles members had a greater policy focus. Communities and researchers who are embarking on a CBPR project can learn from those who have implemented the strategy. Measuring capacity built during and after the project, can be one way to understanding the contributions of a project in a community. CBPR is an empowering research methodology which, done correctly, can build community capacity and have long-term impacts on individuals and communities.

科研反哺教学在林木育种学教学中的探索与实践

林木育种学是高等农林院校林学专业的一门骨干课程,是以遗传进化理论为指导,研究林木优良品种选育、繁殖原理和技术的学科。其最高目标是选育林木优良品种,为林业生产提供最基本、最优质、最高效的生产资料,是林业的命脉和促进林业产业发展的原动力,在生态文明和美丽中国建设中发挥着越来越重要的作用。为了使学生更容易理解和掌握林木育种学的理论知识,深化科教融合,推进创新型人才培养,完善协同育人机制,在林木育种学授课过程中,通过将理论知识与生产实践相联系,将科技前沿贯穿于课堂教学,并以科研平台辅助实验教学的方式进行教学改革,不仅丰富了教学内容,激发了学生的学习热情,加深了对理论知识的理解,而且还利于学生良好科研素养的培养及创新能力的提高。

全面深化新工科建设中“理论力学”课程内容体系探索

全面深化新工科建设是为适应时代发展,响应国家战略和新兴产业发展需求,培养具有全球视野、创新精神和实践能力的复合型人才。“理论力学”是高校理工类专业必修的专业基础课程,是从基础理论学习迈向专业学习的关键一步。基于新工科建设对人才培养的目标,通过对“理论力学”课程体系和教学内容的思考、探索和实践,提出了几点有特色的建议,注重培养学生逻辑推理能力、强化问题分析能力、加强发散思维训练,激励学生科技报国,激发学生自主学习,为后续“理论力学”课程内容体系改革提供参考和思路。

“五育”并举视域下基于中药商品学的研学课程改革与实践

“五育”是培养新时代人才的教育方式,课程建设是高校构建“五育”培养教育体系的基础。中药商品学是中药学专业的特色专业课,但教学过程中面临实践课时有限、授课方式单一、学生被动学习和实践训练薄弱等问题,该文通过建立“五育”并举视域下基于中药商品学的研学课程改革,使学生在每一个教学单元和每一次教学活动中得到全面培养,实现“五育”的有机融合与统一,提高学生综合素质和核心竞争力。

研究性教学在动物寄生虫学课程中的探索与实践

研究性教学是一种以学生为主体,以问题为导向,旨在培养学生的探究精神和研究能力的一种创新性教学模式。该文以西南大学动物寄生虫学课程的本科教学为例,从教学内容的优化和补充、教学方法的改进、考核方式的调整及教学资源和教学队伍的建设等方面,系统论述研究性教学在动物寄生虫学教学中的应用。实践结果表明,多元的教学方法、丰富的教学内容和综合的考核方式能有效提高课程的教学质量,使学生的创新思维和实践能力得到显著提高。

研究性教学法在高校金融学专业课程中的应用策略探究

通过分析研究性教学法的核心原则和特点,结合新文科背景下的新变化,探讨研究性教学法在高校金融学专业课程中的应用。提出强化跨学科合作、加强实际案例和行业联系、整合技术手段和在线资源、优化教师培训和支持、建立评估体系和反馈机制等改进策略。

“双线并行、三环往复”:设计过程主导下的风景园林设计研究体系建构

【目的】针对风景园林学科回归实践本质的重要性、消解学术研究与设计实践隔阂的严峻性,风景园林学界需积极确立学术独立自主性,合力厚植符合自身认知特点且逻辑自适的设计研究核心方法论。【方法/过程】通过文献综述、概念分析和理论构建,提出设计研究中为了设计之研究(RfD)、通过设计之研究(RtD)和关于设计之研究(RaD)3种主要类型与设计实践活动前期、中期、后期的对应关系,并建构以设计过程为主导的“双线并行、三环往复”风景园林设计研究体系。【结果/结论】“双线并行”为同体孪生的设计型研究和研究型设计,设计型研究包括RfD、RtD、RaD3种研究类型,研究型设计包括前馈设计、过程迭代设计和反馈设计3种设计类型。此6种类型分别落位于设计前、中、后3个环节,设计过程和研究活动相辅相成、循环往复,有利于共同孵化设计成果和研究成果,弥补设计与研究分置的问题。