Search

After noting that the revisions made by corporate writers contained significant modifications in the original propositions, to the extent that they may have changed the meaning of the proposition, a study was undertaken to see if the same phenomenon occurred among students and teachers. Subjects were Hong Kong secondary school students and a graduate student. Comparison of the students' original writing and revisions showed evidence of both modification and elaboration of propositions in the process of rewriting. A number of excerpts from the writings are presented and analyzed. It is proposed that establishing and maintaining coherence in a text be taught to students, and that the issue of propositional modification be used for this purpose. Contains 17 references. (MSE)

Proteins are the molecular machines that underlie the functioning of living organisms. Without knowing the three-dimensional structure and sequence of the proteins, their functions cannot be predicted. The protein structure prediction consists in finding one of a huge number of conformations. For that, the hydrophobic-polar (HP) model was considered. Although the backtracking algorithm is not suitable for the analysis of exponentially sized spaces, we apply it in a parallel variant. By applying techniques to reduce conformational space and decrease computational time, we obtained all conformations for several sequences known in the literature and for kappa-Hefutoxin1, a real protein in scorpion venom. The purpose of this type of research is to understand the structure of combinatorial space. The analysis of the obtained conformations shows that they are arranged in a certain order in the combinatorial hypercube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possibility to form three-dimensional (3D) microstructures in a silicone elastomer (polydimethylsiloxane; PDMS) doped with different radical photoinitiators was investigated using direct laser writing employing femtosecond laser pulses at different exposure conditions. Accuracy of the 3D structuring with resolution down to 5 μm and a fabrication throughput of up to 720 μm3/s, which exceeded the previously reported values by ×300, was achieved. The 3D laser fabrication in PDMS without presence of any photoinitiator resulting in a fully bio-compatible material has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-economics is a paradigm that can hardly be absorbed by the dominant orientation of economics. Its basic postulates are totally different from the mechanist assumptions of traditional economics. Thus, Georgescu-Roegen and his followers are situated outside the standard economics, because, in accordance to this, for a sustained economic growth there must beadequate and cheap energy and raw materialresources. In early classical economics, the focus of economic analysis was placed on the scarcity of resources. Some economists of today deny the scarce resource problem and invented the "unlimited subsidiarity principle". Georgescu-Roegen noted that according to the fourth law of thermodynamics, even the most efficient recycling system could not prevent the gradual depletion of resources. The Roegian dialectics clearly demonstrates that technological optimism of standard economists lacks of solid background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the theoretical and practical approach of the economic life, appears more often the idea of sustainable economic development, of reconciliation between man and nature in attracting and using its resources without interfering in its natural movement and evolution. In this paper we are trying to bring to light the relation between the economic development and the mineral resources, in terms of achieving sustainable development. The place and role of natural factors in the market economy is revealed by bringing to the forefront a number of arguments that demonstrate their vital position in the sustainable growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Romanian economy began its transition to the market-oriented model in unpropitious conditions, more difficult than in other Central and Eastern European countries. The economy's evolution after 1990 took place according, generally, to the model „stop and go" and registered, so far, outcomes far from expectations. Objective and, especially, subjective explanations are multiple, on their identification focusing numerous surveys carried out after 1990 by international organizations, governmental bodies, international consultancy firms, domestic and foreign prestigious research institutes. The main conclusions of these surveys, even they are quite different, converge toward the essential idea that the actual condition of the Romanian economy and industry is, first of all, the result of a clear, coherent and judicious oriented strategy's absence, accompanied by adequate policies devoted to different sides of the economic and social development. In the context of absence for a long period of these strategies and policies set up on a consensual basis and consistently applied, the manner in which reform was managed proved to be deficient, oscillating and purposeless. Together with the deindustrialization also changed the configuration of the active population. Restructuring the economy left a negative mark on the standard of living, by reducing the family incomes of most of the country's inhabitants. If the study was to analyze the nation's health, the conclusions would have been really demoralizing. But the concern of this analysis was to present the economic reconfiguration in the past two decades, as well as the multivalent influences on the population, compared to the human and work conditions, the health of the population, the standard of living and the educational and cultural standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural resources are not homogeneous in nature, having certain features in the productive process that require grouping them into different categories by different criteria. Consequently, natural resources cannot be addressed all at once, but only distinctly, according to relevant criteria selected based on the proposed goals. Changing approaches based resources (materials) to the knowledge, from quantity to quality, from mass products to new concepts of higher added value, follows a development that is based on eco-efficiency and sustainable products and services. In this respect, integrated research will become key factors towards global processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we demonstrate the versatility of multi-photon polymerization technique used to fabricate micro/nanostructures out of various polymeric materials (acrylate based AKRE, acrylated biodegradable PEG-DA-258, epoxy based NIL, hybrid organic-inorganic SZ2080 and Ormocore b59) on opaque surfaces such as silicon and different metals (Cr, Al, Fe, Ti, Au) with sub-micrometer resolution. We show the possibility to fabricate 2.5D and 3D structures on glossy and rough surfaces as well as on the boundary of transparent-opaque substrates (like glass-Au). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensively discussed and analyzed (many times controversial), globalization is accepted as an objective phenomenon, by its size and unrivalled evolution in the world history. Both globalization and regionalization have emerged and developed as a result of the unprecedented intensification of competition among economic agents, countries or regions. Many countries have been helped to develop at a much faster pace than they would have normally done under other circumstances. An advantage of the accelerated development of their economies was explained by reducing barriers to international trade (as a globalization effect). The international trade can significantly contribute to the growth of a nation, and on its turn, being influenced by the exports, represents the central component of a state's economic policy, one that contributes to improving living standards of millions of people and to the national development. (Drucker, P., 1997). However, this requires a shift of the human factor from one area of the world to another. The temporary or permanent migration, driven by the economic development, may still be an important element to strengthen the power of certain economies on the detriment of others? Absolutely. In fact, the economic future will be a regionalization of wealth in other areas than those well known. And this will lead or amplify, at every level, the social, politic, economic and even military confrontations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definitive characteristics of companies' management and background have offered more or less convincing explanations for the fundamentals of their performances and competiveness. It was long studied the ability of managers and management teams of drawing "strategic lines" at national, regional, EU and world level. The future, instead, is at stake because of the crisis. All big companies experienced new managerial methods and models, more or less strategic, for the past two years. The present shows that those companies which resisted in front of the present realities of the market do not fit in the general strategic management. Already, often, the strategy does not excel one year. What preoccupies the specialists in human resources lately is the existent disequilibrium on the labor market and the crisis at all levels: moral crisis - spiritual crisis - financial crisis - economic crisis - social crisis, and on the needs to reduce costs with the human factor. Very few will be interested in indentifying their employees' labor aspects. They examine human personality, with the purpose of completing their employees' professional training and improvement, their performances and behavior at work, their individual results and those of the organization compared to competition… That seems to be enough, right?! But who is still interested in investigating the relation between the work results and the quality of life, the lifestyle, the personal satisfactions? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience of developed countries, especially the most important economic actors on the world stage - USA, European Union, Japan - offered numerous "reference anchors" in what concerns the definitive characteristics of company management and its background. Such characteristics explained the fundamentals of their performances and their high competitiveness. It was long studied the ability of managers and management teams of drawing "strategic lines" at national, regional, EU(the case of companies inside the European Union) and world level. Thanks to this ability the future development of such companies was possible, and the developing methods and their consolidation were shaped. The strategic management practice became extremely important, and it optimized the business portfolio, the allocative efficiency and the way resources were used. On this basis, companies became stronger on the international market. The future, instead, is at stake because of the crisis. All big companies experienced for the past two years new managerial methods and models, more or less strategic. The present shows that those companies which resisted in front of the present realities of the market do not fit in the general strategic management. Often, the strategy does not excel one year. We do not know what will happen in the theoretical and practical future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Conference: Challenges of the Knowledge Society (CKS) is the property of Nicolae Titulescu University of Bucharest and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

HIV testing is a critical entry point for HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation programs. Because offering the service alone has failed to increase testing, more efforts have to be undertaken to understand other factors that may affect individuals' willingness to be tested. This study tested two hypotheses: (a) that HIV-related stigma would function as a barrier to and that knowledge and self-efficacy would serve as facilitators of testing uptake, and (b) that a comprehensive behavior-change campaign, such as the Malawi BRIDGE Project, would be associated with lower levels of stigma and higher levels of knowledge and self-efficacy among the general public. Data were drawn from cross-sectional surveys conducted as part of formative and midterm evaluation of the Malawi BRIDGE Project. Baseline data (N = 891) were collected from eight districts in Malawi, and midterm data (N = 881) were collected from four districts after intervention activities had occurred for two years. We found that HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and lack of stigma were positively associated with HIV testing. A positive association was also found between program exposure, on the one hand, and knowledge, self-efficacy and lack of HIV/AIDS-related stigma, on the other hand. Findings inform researchers, policy-makers, and communities that important psychosocial variables, including knowledge, stigma, and self-efficacy, are linked with people's likelihood of HIV testing, and that these variables can be influenced by means of comprehensive behavior-change programs. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massively Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are among the most celebrated of online gaming systems. A blend of role-playing games and Multi-User Dungeons, MMORPGs allow thousands of individuals to simultaneously inhabit virtual gaming spaces. Launched in 2004, World of Warcraft (WoW) is perhaps the most popular of these MMORPGs. WoW is a multifaceted, gaming system, with a rich sociological complexity that provides a fertile ground for the study of online interaction and sociability. WoW is much more than a "gaming space"; it is also a sophisticated sociological space where individuals meet, compete and collaborate with virtual allies and enemies. It is also a virtual place where relationships that extend beyond the game and into RL are established, cultivated and nurtured. Within the gaming space of WoW, many levels of social reality are constructed, some through game design and others by players of the game. Based upon an extensive ethnographic investigation, we suggest that four distinctive and interrelated dimensions exist within WoW game-play. The first two dimensions - virtual reality and virtual social reality - speak to the experiences of players within the virtual world created both by the game designers and by player's own actions and interactions. The next two dimensions - real life reality and real life social reality - reveal both the often isolating nature of WoW game-play and the contrastingly rich, social relationships players form outside of game-play. It is through the emergence of these four dimensions of social reality that the experience of WoW is constituted. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Wet-Spinning of Multifunctional Graphene Fibers Using Graphene Oxide Liquid Crystals," by Rouhollah Jalili and colleagues is presented.

The article presents a study on the characterization and fabrication of chitosan-gelatin nanofibers. It discusses how the study was conducted which involved the use of glacial acetic acid, deionized water, and medium molecular weight chitosan powder. It details the electrospinning and tests wherein blends of chitosan-gelatin were dissolved in concentrated acetic acid. It concludes that integrating gelation with chitosan can help in the electrospinning of chitosan.