The fight for Communism in Germany

https://stars.library.ucf.edu/prism/1400/thumbnail.jp

Brains behind barbed wire

https://stars.library.ucf.edu/prism/1159/thumbnail.jp

Addressing social representations in socio-technical transitions with the case of shale gas

While sociologists of science and technology have long understoodtechnological diffusion and adoption as processes of social embed-ding, the psycho-social processes involved have received relativelylittle attention in the socio-technical transitions literature. Here weconsider the value of Moscovici’s social representations theory interms of its potential contribution to a theory of socio-technicalchange, the multi-level perspective (MLP). Using fracking-derivedshale gas as a technology case study and newspaper representa-tions of the technology in Poland, Germany and the UK as data,we address and illustrate connections between the processes ofanchoring and objectification that are central to social represen-tations theory and the socio-technical dynamics observed. In so doing, we set out an approach for further work on agency in the MLP and socio-technical change processes generally, informed by a social psychological approach that aligns with structuralist concepts

Patterns of long‐term vegetation change vary between different types of semi‐natural grasslands in Western and Central Europe

Questions: Has plant species richness in semi‐natural grasslands changed over recent decades? Do the temporal trends of habitat specialists differ from those of habitat generalists? Has there been a homogenization of the grassland vegetation? Location: Different regions in Germany and the UK. Methods: We conducted a formal meta‐analysis of re‐survey vegetation studies of semi‐natural grasslands. In total, 23 data sets were compiled, spanning up to 75 years between the surveys, including 13 data sets from wet grasslands, six from dry grasslands and four from other grassland types. Edaphic conditions were assessed using mean Ellenberg indicator values for soil moisture, nitrogen and pH. Changes in species richness and environmental variables were evaluated using response ratios. Results: In most wet grasslands, total species richness declined over time, while habitat specialists almost completely vanished. The number of species losses increased with increasing time between the surveys and were associated with a strong decrease in soil moisture and higher soil nutrient contents. Wet grasslands in nature reserves showed no such changes or even opposite trends. In dry grasslands and other grassland types, total species richness did not consistently change, but the number or proportions of habitat specialists declined. There were also considerable changes in species composition, especially in wet grasslands that often have been converted into intensively managed, highly productive meadows or pastures. We did not find a general homogenization of the vegetation in any of the grassland types. Conclusions: The results document the widespread deterioration of semi‐natural grasslands, especially of those types that can easily be transformed to high production grasslands. The main causes for the loss of grassland specialists are changed management in combination with increased fertilization and nitrogen deposition. Dry grasslands are most resistant to change, but also show a long‐term trend towards an increase in more mesotrophic species

Und das ist Adolf Hitler

Der im Juli 1932 gewählte Reichstag wird schon im September wieder aufgelöst und am 6. November neu gewählt. Der Wahlkampf ist nur noch ein Zerrbild demokratischen Meinungsstreites. Selbst die SPD paßt sich dem verdorbenen Stil an und liefert persönliche Angriffe statt politischer Argumente. Zum Inhalt: Tatsächlich hat Hitler sich am 9. November 1923 beim ersten Schuß zu Boden geworfen. Auch die anderen personlichen Einzelheiten sind richtig. Potempa: in diesem oberschlesischen Dorf haben fünf SA-Manner einen Kommunisten brutal ermördet; Hitler hat den Mordern ein Solidaritats-Telegramm geschickt.Digital imag