Editorial Commentary

Critical Thinking II

Critical thinking is a cognitive process with several attributes. The attributes of critical thinking include the following:

• Confidence: Confidence tends to grow with experience in recognizing strengths and limitations. One example is performing IV cannulations.
• Independent thinking: Independent thinking is essential to improve and expand nursing practice. An example is selecting nursing interventions that are best for the patient.
• Fairness: Fairness...

Journal Bearings

Journal bearings are mechanical components that support and provide lateral stability to rotating shafts and axles. They are crucial in reducing friction, wear, and vibration in machinery such as engines, turbines, and pumps. The principle behind journal bearings is forming a thin lubricant film between the bearing surface and the rotating shaft, which minimizes direct contact and reduces frictional forces.
To better understand the concept of journal bearings, consider a rope winch with dry or...

Feedback Loops

In most cases, excessive hormone production is prevented by negative feedback—a loop that starts with a stimulus inducing the release of a particular substance, like a hormone, to maintain a certain level before triggering a signal that results in a decrease in further release of the hormone.

Blood-sugar Levels

For example, an increase in blood glucose levels releases the hormone insulin from beta cells of the pancreas into the bloodstream, delivering insulin to cells throughout the...

Feedback Inhibition

Biochemical reactions are occurring constantly in cells, converting starting substances to different products, usually with the help of enzymes that speed the reactions. Without enzymes, it would take far too long for most reactions to occur to be useful to the cell!

Since enzymes help control the rate of reactions, their activity is regulated so that appropriate amounts of starting materials, intermediate metabolites, and products are maintained in the cell. Excessive build-up or depletion of...

Statistical Analysis: Overview

When we take repeated measurements on the same or replicated samples, we will observe inconsistencies in the magnitude. These inconsistencies are called errors. To categorize and characterize these results and their errors, the researcher can use statistical analysis to determine the quality of the measurements and/or suitability of the methods.
One of the most commonly used statistical quantifiers is the mean, which is the ratio between the sum of the numerical values of all results and the...

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps