This book offers insights relevant to modern history and epistemology of physics, mathematics and, indeed, to all the sciences and engineering disciplines emerging of 19th century. This research volume is the first of a set of three Springer books on Lazare Nicolas Marguérite Carnot’s (1753–1823) remarkable work: Essay on Machines in General (Essai sur les machines en général [1783] 1786). The other two forthcoming volumes are: Principes fondamentaux de l’équilibre et du mouvement (1803) and Géométrie de position (1803). Lazare Carnot (...) – l'organisateur de la victoire – in Essai sur le machine en général (1786) assumed that the generalization of machines was a necessity for society and its economic development. Subsequently, his new coming science applied to machines attracted considerable interest for technician, as well, already in the 1780’s. With no lack in rigour, Carnot used geometric and trigonometric rather than algebraic arguments, and usually went on to explain in words what the formulae contained. His main physical– mathematical concepts were the Geometric motion and Moment of activity–concept of Work . In particular, he found the invariants of the transmission of motion (by stating the principle of the moment of the quantity of motion) and theorized the condition of the maximum efficiency of mechanical machines (i.e., principle of continuity in the transmission of power). While the core theme remains the theories and historical studies of the text, the book contains an extensive Introduction and an accurate critical English Translation – including the parallel text edition and substantive critical/explicative notes – of Essai sur les machines en général (1786). The authors offer much-needed insight into the relation between mechanics, mathematics and engineering from a conceptual, empirical and methodological, and universalis point of view. As a cutting–edge writing by leading authorities on the history of physics and mathematics, and epistemological aspects, it appeals to historians, epistemologist–philosophers and scientists (physicists, mathematicians and applied sciences and technology). (shrink)

Three standard psychometric tests were administered to parents who volunteered their children for a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a new asthma drug and to a control group of parents whose children were eligible for the trial but had declined the invitation. The trial took place at a children's hospital in Australia. The subjects comprised 68 parents who had volunteered their children and 42 who had not, a participation rate of 94 per cent and 70 per cent, respectively. The responses (...) of these parents to the Gordon Survey of Interpersonal Values Questionnaire, the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Cattell Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire were analysed by computer. There was a marked difference between the psychological profiles of the two groups of parents. Volunteering parents put more value on benevolence while non-volunteering parents were more concerned with power and prestige. The self-esteem of volunteering parents was much lower than that of non-volunteering parents. Finally, volunteering parents were more introverted, exhibited greater anxiety and low supergo, while non-volunteering parents appeared to have greater social confidence and emotional stability. Since an individual's values, self-esteem and personality may be important antecedents of behaviour, these findings suggest that parents who volunteer their children for clinical research are not only socially disadvantaged and emotionally vulnerable, but may also be psychologically predisposed to volunteering. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence for the existence of a psychosocial 'filter' effect of the informed consent procedure, which may be discouraging the better educated, more privileged and psychologically resilient members of society from participation as research subjects. (shrink)

Three standard psychometric tests were administered to parents who volunteered their children for a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a new asthma drug and to a control group of parents whose children were eligible for the trial but had declined the invitation. The trial took place at a children's hospital in Australia. The subjects comprised 68 parents who had volunteered their children and 42 who had not, a participation rate of 94 per cent and 70 per cent, respectively. The responses (...) of these parents to the Gordon Survey of Interpersonal Values Questionnaire, the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Cattell Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire were analysed by computer. There was a marked difference between the psychological profiles of the two groups of parents. Volunteering parents put more value on benevolence while non-volunteering parents were more concerned with power and prestige. The self-esteem of volunteering parents was much lower than that of non-volunteering parents. Finally, volunteering parents were more introverted, exhibited greater anxiety and low supergo, while non-volunteering parents appeared to have greater social confidence and emotional stability. Since an individual's values, self-esteem and personality may be important antecedents of behaviour, these findings suggest that parents who volunteer their children for clinical research are not only socially disadvantaged and emotionally vulnerable, but may also be psychologically predisposed to volunteering. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence for the existence of a psychosocial 'filter' effect of the informed consent procedure, which may be discouraging the better educated, more privileged and psychologically resilient members of society from participation as research subjects. (shrink)

RESUMEN Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal cuanti-cualitativo, en función de la caracterización sicológica de los adolescentes con ideación suicida, atendidos en la consulta de Sicología del Centro Comunitario de Salud Mental “Joaquín de Agüero” del área de salud Pirre, Finlay y Norte en la provincia de Camagüey, en el período comprendido desde enero hasta diciembre de 2016. Por ello el objetivo del presente trabajo está dirigido a exponer los principales resultados del proceso de investigación al que se alude. Se (...) operó con un universo de 16 adolescentes. Se utilizó un muestreo intencional puro con criterios de inclusión y exclusión, la muestra quedó conformada por 13. Se emplearon métodos de nivel teórico, empíricos:, Test funcionamiento familiar, Idaren, Ideren, Autoestima de Coopersmith) y métodos estadísticos. Predominó el grupo etario entre 13 a 15 años, sexo femenino, escolaridad secundaria y estado civil soltero. Prevalecieron las familias nucleares monoparentales y reensambladas. El poco tiempo a compartir con los hijos pobre comunicación y conflictos con los padres son factores de riesgo en el funcionamiento familiar. La autoestima se comportó a niveles bajo, con carencia afectiva, sentimientos de soledad, falta de apoyo y poca tolerancia a las frustraciones. Se constataron niveles altos de ansiedad como estado y rasgo, la depresión como estado alto y como rasgo bajo y se encontró dañada la tríada afectiva. ABSTRACT A descriptive transversal quantitative-qualitative study was carried out in order to do a psychological characterization of teenagers with suicidal ideation. They were treated in the psychology consultation of the Joaquin de Aguero Mental Health Community Center from the Pirre, Finlay and North policlinics health area in Camaguey province from January to December 2016. Therefore, this paper is aimed at showing the main results of the research process which is made reference to. Sixteen teenagers were selected as population. A pure intentional sampling with inclusion and exclusion criteria was used and the final sample was 13 teenagers. Different methods were used: theoretical, empirical ), Family functioning test, Idaren, Ideren, Coopersmith Self-esteem) and statistical methods. It prevailed an age bracket between 13 and 15-year-old high school single teens. It prevailed nuclear single-parent and rejoined families. The short time parents share with children as well as the poor communication and the conflicts between them are family functioning risk factors. Self-esteem levels were low, with affection deprivation, loneliness feelings, lack of support and little tolerance towards frustrations. High anxiety levels such as state and trait were confirmed, as well as high state and low trait. The affective triad was found to be damaged. (shrink)