Vision and Textuality in

Este artículo analiza el conflicto entre las formas de representación visuales y textuales como tema central de la formación en Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre de Goethe. Los primeros intereses de Wilhelm por el teatro están claramente motivadas por un deseo de la óptica exclusiva prometida por esa institución. No obstante, a pesar de que Wilhelm quiere compartir los ilusorios poderes visuales, al final se ve a sí mismo seducido por la seguridad de la representación textual. A lo largo de una buena parte de la novela, Wilhelm parece incapaz de dar crédito a sus propios ojos a menos que la validez de su visión sea corroborada por alguna «evidencia» textual. La relación de Wilhelm con la representación cambia cuando se entera de su probable paternidad. Primero reconoce el potencial desilusionador de la representación textual y realmente desea «ver» a Félix como a su hijo. Para ello, Wilhelm finaliza su inútil propósito de ver a través del teatro y entra a formar parte de otro tetaron —el panóptico de la Sociedad de la Torre. No obstante, la Sociedad de la Torre hará enfrentarse a Wilhelm con alguna mesura al poder de la visión que tanto anhela. Al someterse a sí mismo al poder ocular absoluto de estos visionarios, Wilhelm sacrifica su independencia. Su formación concluye con la imagen de su propio ser, dibujada hasta el mínimo detalle por la mano maestra y manipuladora de la Sociedad de la Torre.This article examines the conflict between visual and textual forms of representation as a central theme of Bildung in Goethe’s Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre. Wilhelm’s earliest interest in the theater is clearly motivated by a desire for the exclusive vision promised by this institution. However, though Wilhelm wants a share in the illusive power of vision, he finds himself utterly seduced by security of textual representation. Through most of the novel, Wilhelm seems unable to believe his own eyes unless the validity of his vision is corroborated by some textual «evidence.» Wilhelm’s relationship to representation changes when he learns of his potential fatherhood. For the first time he recognizes the deceptive potential of textual representation and truly desires to «see» Felix as his son. Therefore, Wilhelm ends his futile pursuit of vision through the theater and joins another théa-tron — the panoptic Tower Society. Though the Tower Society will endow Wilhelm with some measure of the power of vision he so keenly desires, it comes at a cost. In submitting to the absolute ocular power of this society of visionaries, Wilhelm sacrifices his autonomy. His Bildung ends with the image of his own Bild — rendered in minute detail by the masterful and manipulative hands of the Tower Society

Forest land use classification from ERTS-1 imagery

The preparation of thematic maps and tabular summaries defining the maps is basic to forest land use decision making. Because objectives differ according to the decision being made, raw input data should be used to prepare the maps and tables. The Earth Resource Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) collects data over large areas and the data are available to any prospective user. Minimum collection of ground truth and handling of both ERTS-1 and ground data with a readily available set of com-puter programs permits classification of land use, forest types and volume classes. Orientation with the ground can be maintained in order to prepare the maps. Frequencies of classifications can be used to prepare tabular summaries. The classification system used consisted of a computer mapping program, a discriminant analysis classification program and chi-square testing of results. The system was complemented by a forest inventory program. In the dis-criminant analysis procedure, an option was used which per-mits user participation by assigning prior probabilities. A test of the system in Polk County, Tennessee, using ERTS-1 multispectral scanner channels 6 and 7 data acquired on October 15, 1972, showed acceptable results in classifying land use and forest type. Results of classifying volume were less acceptable because volume is a continuous function and discriminant analysis is applicable to discrete functions. The use of aircraft imagery as ground truth for land use classification was acceptable. Aircraft imagery for forest type classification was also acceptable, but forest type classification from ground truth was better when both sets of results were analyzed by the chi-square test of a contingency table. An important conclusion drawn was that ERTS-1 digital tapes should have been used instead of using photographic reproductions in a microdensitometer. Each generation of data results in some degradation. The most important con-clusion drawn was that prospective users of ERTS-1 imagery can construct a system from available computer programs and prepare thematic maps and tables. It is also possible to exert a degree of user control into the syste

Birth

In James T. Farrell\u27s memorable novel, A World I Never Made, there is a scene in which Jim O\u27Neill\u27s wife tells him that she is pregnant. They already have five children and are so poor that they have been forced to ask a relative to raise one of the boys. Jim realizes that this new child will probably know nothing save the misery of poverty and yet he cannot help but feel a certain pride in the fact that he is to be a parent once more. This is typical of fatherhood

Antenatal corticosteroids-to-birth interval in preterm birth

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes in children born between 24 and 34 weeks’ gestation, according to observed antenatal corticosteroids (ACS)-to-birth intervals. Research question: ‘Is there a difference in short-term outcomes between observed ACS-to-birth intervals across a range of gestational ages at birth?’ Methods: Cohort study assessing differences in incidence of short-term neonatal outcomes according to the observed interval between the last administration of ACS and birth. Linear, non-weighted GEE models with an independence working correlation structure were fitted to infant level data providing valid point estimates for either incidence or rate differences (binary outcomes) or average differences (continuous outcomes). Results: Of 886 children, 35.9% were born within 2 days after the last administration of ACS, 32.2% within 2 to 7 days, 14.1% within 8 to 14 days, and 17.8% more than 14 days after. Across gestational ages at birth, there were no differences in birth weight between children born at an ACS-to-birth interval of 7 days or less compared to more than 7 days, nor were there differences in respiratory outcomes, cerebral outcomes, or composite outcome. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions on the importance of the ACS-to-birth interval is difficult due to the post-hoc nature of the variable. In the absence of tools to better estimate if and when PTB will occur, it might not have any value in daily practice, regardless of whether there is an optimal ACS-to-birth interval or not

On Scholarly Composition: From Acceptable to Exceptional

Scholarly writing is a difficult skill to develop. This editorial presents our observations on how to move from acceptable to exceptional writing in academic manuscripts. We discuss three phases of writing—the predrafting, drafting, and postdrafting phases—and provide suggestions based on our experiences for improving the quality of academic manuscripts prior to their submission

Birth outcomes for African and Caribbean babies in England and Wales: retrospective analysis of routinely collected data

Objectives: To compare mean birth weights, gestational ages and odds of preterm birth and low birth weight of live singleton babies of black African or Caribbean ethnicity born in 2005 or 2006 by mother's country of birth. Design: Secondary analysis of data from linked birth registration and NHS Numbers for Babies data set. Setting: Births to women in England and Wales in 2005 and 2006. Participants: Babies of African and Caribbean ethnicity born in England and Wales in 2005–2006, whose mothers were born in African and Caribbean countries or the UK. Birth outcomes for 51 599 singleton births were analysed. Main outcome measures: Gestational age and birth weight. Results: Mothers born in Eastern or Northern Africa had babies at higher mean gestational ages (39.38 and 39.41 weeks, respectively) and lower odds of preterm birth (OR=0.80 and 0.65, respectively) compared with 39.00 weeks for babies with mothers born in the UK. Babies of African ethnicity whose mothers were born in Middle or Western Africa had mean birth weights of 3327 and 3311 g, respectively. These were significantly higher than the mean birth weight of 3257 g for babies of the UK-born mothers. Their odds of low birth weight (OR=0.75 and 0.72, respectively) were significantly lower. Babies of Caribbean ethnicity whose mothers were born in the Caribbean had higher mean birth weight and lower odds of low birth weight than those whose mothers were born in the UK. Conclusions: The study shows that in babies of African and Caribbean ethnicity, rates of low birth weight and preterm birth varied by mothers' countries of birth. Ethnicity and country of birth are important factors associated with perinatal health, but assessing them singly can mask important heterogeneity in birth outcomes within categories particularly in relation to African ethnicity. These differences should be explored further

Artificial Wombs, Birth, and "Birth": A Response to Romanis

Recently, I argued that human subjects in artificial wombs (AWs) “share the same moral status as newborns” and so, deserve the same treatment and protections as newborns. This thesis rests on two claims: (A) “Subjects of partial ectogenesis—those that develop in utero for at time before being transferred to AWs—are newborns,” and (B) “Subjects of complete ectogenesis—those who develop in AWs entirely—share the same moral status as newborns.” In response, Elizabeth Chloe Romanis argued that the subject in an AW is “a unique human entity…rather than a fetus or a newborn.” She provides four lines of response to my essay. First, she argues that I have “misconstrued” what birth is. Once we correct that error, it becomes clear that subjects of partial ectogenesis have not been born. Second, she argues that my claims imply that non-implanted embryos (existing in vivo) “would also be ‘born.’” But that is absurd. Third, she claims I fail to “meaningfully respond” to distinctions she draws between subjects of ectogenesis and neonates. Finally, she criticizes my essay for focusing on subjects of AWs rather than focusing on pregnant persons (who should be at the “centre” of debates over AWs). I respond to each of these charges. In doing so, I reaffirm that (contra Romanis) some subjects of ectogenesis are newborns and all subjects of ectogenesis—even those that have not been born—share the same moral status as newborns

A Profile of Third-Grade Proficiency in Erie County

Produced by the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, this report details information about why it is important for third graders in Erie County to be proficient in reading and math. Children below grade-level proficiency in third grade are much less likely to graduate from high school.Without mastering early reading and math skills, a child will fall further and further behind their peers. Without a high school degree, our children will face a future in which they are less likely to be able to support themselves through employment, and are more likely to live in poverty