24,263 research outputs found
The construction of Karen Karnak: The multi-author-function
No full textThis thesis is situated within the comparatively recent developments of Web 2.0 and the emergence of interactive WikiMedia, and explores the mode of authorship within a Read/Write culture compared to that of a Read/Only tradition. The hypothesis of this study is that the role of the audience has become merged with the author, and as such, represents new functions and attributes, distinct from a more conventional concept of authorship, in which the roles of audience and author are more separate. Read/Write and participatory culture, as defined by this study, is focused on collaboration, and includes the influences of D.I.Y. culture, Open-Source practices and the production of text by multiple authors. Multi-authorship presents a re-thinking of several concepts which support the notion of the individual author, since the focus of multi-authorship is not on attribution and ownership of a finished text, but on the continued malleability of a text. Modes of multi-authorship, demonstrated in the use of the pseudonyms Alan Smithee and Karen Eliot, represent declarative authors whose names signify multiple origins, whilst concurrently indicating a distinct body of work. The function of these names form an important context to this study, since primary research involves the construction of an experimental mode of multi-authorship utilising WikiMedia technology and the interaction of thirty nine participants, who are invited to create a body of work under the collective pseudonym Karen Karnak. The data generated by this experiment is analysed using aspects of Michel Foucault's author-function to identify and determine power structures inherent in the WikiMedia context. The interplay of power structures, including concepts such as identity, ownership and the body of work, affect the resulting mode of authorship and contribute to the construction of Karen Karnak, suggesting further areas of research into the emerging multi-author
Reduktion des Einflusses infektiöser Wirkstoffe: die Bedeutung von Prophylaxe-Strategien
No full textEach year almost 15 million people die of infectious diseases and in all probability this figure is much higher, because in many cases infection is not at all recognized as being the cause of death or its contributory role is not known. There is an increase in the risks posed by infections; the belief in the omnipotence of drugs has not stood the test of time; rather, by adopting a counterstance we risk losing all that we accomplished during the last decades. After all, over the past 40 years we witnessed progress in the development of reliable and affordable anti-infectives and vaccines. As a result of this, today parents have their children vaccinated less often since they are no longer aware of the risks posed by lack of vaccination. This will give rise to the sudden reemergence of certain infectious diseases. And we overlook the fact that by observing basic rules of hygiene (hand hygiene; water decontamination; etc), we could save many lives on this earth. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to treat with antibiotics patients harboring resistant bacterial strains on their skin. Hospitals need surface disinfection to prevent microbes such as Clostridiium difficile or norovirus. The institutional use of alcohol-based hand disinfectants has by now become an accepted practice in North America. But some of these substances have dangerous side effects where humans and the environment are concerned. Our test methods are not always able to evaluate the actual extent of the risks posed. Prevention is accorded greater importance in view of the declining number of therapeutic measures available. But combating pathogenic microorganisms could, in turn, give rise to problems whose nature we cannot at all predict today. We need far greater knowledge of the pathogens and should be less nave when embracing new technologies, which only seem to solve problems. What will be the long-term implications if the increasing selective pressure exerted on these bacteria induces them to become more resistant? We need an effective combination of treatment and vaccination strategies, together with a consistent prevention policy. Unlike drugs and vaccinations, disinfectants can be used in a consistent manner; they can simultaneously eliminate a vast range of pathogenic microorganisms, without having any major side effects.Beinahe 15 Millionen Menschen sterben pro Jahr an Infektionen und wahrscheinlich sind es in Wirklichkeit weit mehr, weil man bei vielen die Infektion als Todesursache gar nicht erkannt hat oder uns die Zusammenhänge nicht bekannt sind. Die Gefährdung durch Infektionen nimmt zu, der Glaube an die Allmacht der Pharmazie hat uns nicht weiter gebracht, sondern wir sind in Gefahr, in einer Art Gegenreaktion zu verlieren, was wir in den letzten Dekaden erreicht haben. Immerhin sehen wir in den letzten 40 Jahren einen Fortschritt bei der Entwicklung sicherer und bezahlbarer Anti-Infektiva und Impfstoffe. Als Effekt lassen die Eltern ihre Kinder heute seltener impfen, weil ihnen die Risiken, die sie damit eingehen, nicht mehr bewusst sind. Das wird dazu führen, dass so manche Infektionskrankheit plötzlich wieder da sein wird. Und wir übersehen, dass man mit der Einhaltung einfacher hygienischer Regeln (Händehygiene, Wasseraufbereitung etc.) auf dieser Welt viele Leben retten könnte. Immer mehr Patienten mit resistenten Bakterienstämmen auf ihrer Haut können nicht mehr mit Antibiotika behandelt werden. Krankenhäuser brauchen Flächendesinfektion, um Infektionen mit Keimen wie z.B. Clostridium difficile oder Norovirus zu verhindern. Der institutionelle Gebrauch alkoholischer Händedesinfektionsmittel ist mittlerweile in Nordamerika akzeptiert. Aber manche dieser Substanzen haben wiederum schädliche Nebenwirkungen für Mensch und Umwelt. Unsere Prüfmethoden erfassen die Risiken nicht immer in ihrem tatsächlichen Ausmaß. Dabei wird die Prävention immer wichtiger durch die abnehmende Zahl der zur Verfügung stehenden Therapien. Aber die Bekämpfung der pathogenen Mikroorganismen könnte ihrerseits wieder Probleme auslösen, die wir heute gar nicht absehen können. Wir brauchen ein viel profunderes Wissen über die Krankheitserreger und weniger Naivität in der Anwendung neuer Technologien, die nur auf den ersten Blick die Probleme lösen. Was lösen wir aus, indem wir diese Keime durch immer selektiveren Druck zu immer größerer Anpassung zwingen? Wir brauchen eine effektivere Mischung aus Behandlungs- und Impfstrategien, zusammen mit einer konsequenten Präventionsstrategie. Anders als Medikation oder Impfstoffe können Desinfektionsmittel, konsequent angewandt, eine breite Zahl von pathogenen Mikroorganismen gleichzeitig unschädlich machen, und das ohne große Nebenwirkungen
Language Change and SA-OT: The case of sentential negation
No full textSimulated Annealing for Optimality Theory (SA-OT) updates Optimality Theory by adding a model of performance to a theory of linguistic competence. Our aim is to show that SA-OT can contribute to language change simulations. Performance "errors" are considered to be one of the causes of variation and change. We have chosen to model the evolution of sentential negation (SN). The descriptive background adopts Jespersen's Cycle, according to which the evolution of sentential negation follows three main stages (1. pre-verbal, 2. discontinuous, and 3. post-verbal). Therefore, we advance a novel model for SN, based on SA-OT. It reproduces the three pure and the two observed mixed stages, whereas it correctly predicts the lack of an intermediate stage between 3 and 1. The success of the approach corroborates the computational, performance-based approach to the data. Finally, we employ the iterated learning paradigm to reproduce historical changes in a "simulated corpus study". This enterprise turns out to be more difficult than one would naively believe.Appeared open access as: Computational Linguistics in the Netherlands Journal (CLIN), vol. 1 (2011), pp. 21-40, and is available at http://www.clinjournal.org/sites/default/files/Lopopolo.pdfA. Lopopolo and Biró, T., “Language Change and SA-OT. The case of sentential negation”, Computational Linguistics in the Netherlands Journal, vol. 1, pp. 21-40, 2011.Peer Reviewe
Ceramides: a new player in the inflammation-insulin resistance paradigm?
No full textNo abstract available
Stakeholder research CoVE Water SA: CoVE Water SA the umbrella for all stakeholders
No full textThe water and sanitation sector faces well-documented issues that are challenging to address, leading to the establishment of the Platform of Vocational Excellence (PoVE) Water. This platform brings together five regional Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) Water in Europe and South Africa to ensure high-quality skills and competencies in the water sector. These CoVEs facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, enabling the development of vocational education and training programs to increase awareness, responsiveness to industry needs, and address sector challenges. A few months ago, CoVE Water SA was established in South Africa to achieve the previously mentioned goals. Therefore, it is important that the following research question is answered in this initial set-up phase: What actions need to be taken to enhance the effectiveness of the CoVE Water SA? To answer this research question, several important stakeholders were interviewed. Subsequently, the interviews were analysed thematically in order to extract the most important themes and quotes, PI grids were created to assess power and interest dynamics among stakeholders, and a Social Network Analysis was conducted to understand the CoVE Water SA network and potential clusters.The research findings have unveiled key aspects for enhancing the effectiveness of CoVE Water SA. The current network in the water sector has a low density, implying that many collaborations are lacking. This leads to a high degree of interdependence within the network, resulting in a non dynamic system. The lack of collaborations, such as connections with TVET colleges, schools, farmers and local communities, results in a lack of knowledge, funding and connection to the labour market. Governmental stakeholders, like DWS, EWSeta, and BGCMA, have been identified as influential players with extensive networks and important resources, Local Authorities and Research Organizations also play important roles. Universities exhibit substantial international links, making them crucial contributors. These stakeholders have the potential to provide knowledge, collaboration, and power. These are valuable insights for CoVE Water SA, fostering network growth and effectiveness in the water sector. Furthermore, six key themes have been derived from the conducted interviews, addressing the needs of stakeholders and where CoVE can make a valuable contribution. These themes include raising awareness, reducing the skills gap in the water sector, fostering international collaborations, mitigating the labour shortage in the water sector, improving education material and establishing desired collaborations. For each theme, the interviewed stakeholders have presented their views and numerous suggestions on how CoVE Water SA can assist in addressing these issues. Additionally, stakeholders have also mentioned possible failures of CoVE Water SA, which can aid in preventing any shortcomings of the platform. Furthermore, stakeholders mentioned ongoing initiatives related to the six themes, through which they can contribute to the platform. From the Thematic Analysis, PI Grids and the SNA, a set of actions have emerged that are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of CoVE Water SA. These actions revolve around expanding and enhancing the network, organising activities and contributing to educational improvement. In terms of broadening and strengthening the network, the platform should focus on enhancing the collaborations among educational groups, building stronger relations with international institutions in Europe and Africa, involving TVETs and schools within the water network, improving stakeholder involvement and encouraging the involvement of Local Communities to increase awareness and knowledge about water issues. Furthermore, CoVE Water SA should play a role in organising activities to raise awareness of Water Resource Management. Additionally, it should assist in improving curricula, supporting students’ preparation for the workforce and making the education more practical instead of only theoretical. CoVE Water SA should also provide training and learning resources as well as comprehensive courses.However, this study recognizes several limitations that should be considered in future research and when implementing recommendations for CoVE Water SA. These limitations encompass factors like a limited scope due to resource and time constraints, minimal varied interviewee responses, and potential biases in responses. Addressing these limitations will be crucial in guiding future research and actions for CoVE Water SA.CEGM3000Civil Engineerin
Interview with Erica Jolly - teacher, author and founding member of SA Social Studies Teachers Association
No full textErica is a teacher and author who was a founding member of the SA Social Studies Teachers Association (contributing to its text books) and the SA History Teachers Association. She took her Masters in English Literature at Flinders University and taught in Girls and Boys Technical Colleges for 40 years. Erica's published works include a history of vocational education in South Australia from 1897 - 2001, We Came to Marion 1955 - 1995 (1995), A Broader Vision: Voices of Vocational Education in SA (2001), Challenging the Divide: Approaches to Science and Poetry (2010), and Making a Stand (2015)
Waste Biorefineries: Future Energy, Green Products and Waste Treatment
No full textThis eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contac
Waste Biorefineries: Future Energy, Green Products and Waste Treatment
No full textThis eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contac
Historický vývoj a charakteristika rozvojovej pomoci
No full textV príspevku sa autor zaoberá vývojom povojnových rozvojových teórií, ktorých podstatou je skúmanie príčin, dôsledkov zaostalosti krajín rozvojového sveta a vzniku ekonomických a spoločenských disparít medzi jednotlivými regiónmi sveta. Z chronologického hľadiska sa autor v príspevku venuje relevantným historickým aspektom, ktoré ovplyvnili vznik rozvojovej pomoci vo forme ako ju poznáme v súčasnosti. Východiskovou teóriou zahraničnej rozvojovej pomoci sa stala teória „Začarovaného kruhu chudoby“ a z nej vychádzajú mnohí autori, ktorí hľadajú východiská zo zaostalosti a prehlbovania sa rozdielov medzi vyspelými a zaostalými krajinami sveta. Jednotlivé regióny sú špecifické určitými charakteristikami, ktoré autor rozoberá v poslednej časti príspevku.rozvojové teórie, rozvojová pomoc, zahraničná pomoc, začarovaný kruh
Le Dr Doyen, sa Staphylase et sa Mycolysine
No full textDer Dr Doyen, seine Staphylase und seine Mycolysine.
Der Verfasser gibt einige Auskünfte über diese zwei, von Marcel Proust erwähnte Arzneimittel, und deren Hersteller, Eugène-Louis Doyen, 1859 geboren.Dr Doyen, his Staphylase and his Mycolysine.
The author provides some information on these two medications mentioned by Marcel Proust, and on their discover, Eugène-Louis Doyen, born in 1859.Lefebvre Thierry. Le Dr Doyen, sa Staphylase et sa Mycolysine. In: Revue d'histoire de la pharmacie, 79ᵉ année, n°289, 1991. pp. 193-198
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