How far can it be argued that rationality of modernity creates a dehumanised and disenchanted self?

This essay seeks to discover just how far it can be argued that rationality of modernity can do so by focusing on various theorists and their position on the subject. Max Weber is a key philosopher whose perspective is considered throughout the discourse of the essay on topics such as secularisation, capitalism, formal rationality, bureaucracy and ‘iron cages’ which imprison the self. Ritzer’s theory of ‘McDonaldization’ is also considered, arguing that his specific tenets of control and efficiency lead to dehumanisation. This is concurred by Bryman and his postulations of ‘emotional labour’. Marxist theory is also accounted for, around the subject of reification; the transformation of the consciousness of a human into an object. The extreme depths of the argument surrounding the rationality of modernity are presented through applying the theories to the nature of the Nazi Holocaust. Finally, consideration is given as to how to re-humanise and re-enchant the self through postmodernist observation and a case study on the power of community

Computational Methods for Structural Mechanics and Dynamics, part 1

The structural analysis methods research has several goals. One goal is to develop analysis methods that are general. This goal of generality leads naturally to finite-element methods, but the research will also include other structural analysis methods. Another goal is that the methods be amenable to error analysis; that is, given a physical problem and a mathematical model of that problem, an analyst would like to know the probable error in predicting a given response quantity. The ultimate objective is to specify the error tolerances and to use automated logic to adjust the mathematical model or solution strategy to obtain that accuracy. A third goal is to develop structural analysis methods that can exploit parallel processing computers. The structural analysis methods research will focus initially on three types of problems: local/global nonlinear stress analysis, nonlinear transient dynamics, and tire modeling

Long-term stress relaxation behavior of predrawn poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Research has been carried out with the aim of better understanding the relevant properties of materials to be used in a new self-healing cementitious composite material system. In a previous study, the buildup of stress in a heat-activated restrained predrawn poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) specimen was investigated. In the current study, the long-term stress relaxation behavior of such a restrained specimen has been explored so that its potential for use in the new material system can be better understood. The work includes an experimental study in which the stress in a number of PET specimens, restrained against longitudinal shrinkage, was measured during the initial heat activation and cooling phases, and then monitored for a further 6 months. These data were used to quantify the stress relaxation of the specimen and to inform the development of a new one-dimensional numerical model to simulate the thermomechanical behavior of this material. This model is shown to be able to reproduce the observed short- and long-term experimental behavior with good accuracy

Numerical simulation of the long-term behaviour of a self-healing concrete beam vs standard reinforced concrete

Research on the self-healing cementitious composite material system named LatConX is presented, with predictions made as to the effectiveness of the system in limiting crack widths in concrete beams subjected to sustained loads. A layered beam numerical model for the transient thermo-mechanical behaviour of reinforced concrete has been developed and coupled to a previously published numerical model for transient thermo-mechanical behaviour of a shape memory polymer. The combined model has been validated by comparison with experimental data. Finally, the model is used to predict ten-year crack widths in standard reinforced concrete beams, and in beams employing the LatConX system. These results indicate that the LatConX system has the potential to reduce crack widths by up to 65% when compared with an identical beam without the LatConX system

Actuarial prediction of violent recidivism in mentally disordered offenders

Background Actuarial instruments may be useful in predicting long-term violence in mentally disordered patients. We compared two instruments that differ in terms of what they are designed to predict (general versus violent recividism) and the inclusion of stable mental health variables. Method A large sample of mentally disordered patients were scored on two risk assessment instruments, the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) and the Offender Group Reconviction Scale (OGRS), based on information at the point of discharge. Their criminal histories for at least 2 years following discharge were obtained from official records. Results Both instruments were good predictors of both violent and general offending. Over shorter periods (0·85], which were significantly better than the OGRS. For longer follow-up periods the instruments had approximately equal prediction accuracy. However, both instruments predicted far more offences than were in fact recorded. Conclusions The VRAG is a very good predictor of future violence in the UK sample. The OGRS may also be of value as it can be completed quickly and without the need for mental health variables. Caution is needed, however, as both instruments appeared to over-predict the levels of reconvictions in this sample

Experimental investigation of adhesive-based self-healing of cementitious materials

This paper presents the results of a series of self-healing experiments conducted on reinforced mortar beams containing adhesive-filled glass reservoirs. An overview of the findings of the preliminary investigation stage of experiments is given in addition to the results of a parametric study which investigates the effect of the level of reinforcement and loading rate on the amount of self-healing. Results show that both primary and secondary healing occurs during the first and second loading cycles respectively. Qualitative results also show clear evidence of the occurrence of crack-healing following the first loading cycle and new crack formation during the second loading cycle. The long-term motivation for this work is to provide data suitable for the development of a numerical material model for the autonomic healing process in cementitious materials

Centerscope

Centerscope, formerly Scope, was published by the Boston University Medical Center "to communicate the concern of the Medical Center for the development and maintenance of improved health care in contemporary society.

The Confederate military commissions of Edwin G. Lee, 1860-1864

Official military commissions, resignations, receipts for pay and other documents associated with the military career Edwin G. Lee. The documents include: An appointment as first lieutenant in the Virginia militia, June 1860 An appointment as a major in the active volunteer forces of Virginia, July 1861 An assignment to the 33rd Virginia Regiment, July 27, 1861 A resignation (at rank of Colonel), December 1862 A commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the 33rd Virginia Regiment, dated January 14, 1863 with term of service beginning in April of that year A certificate of nomination by the President (of the Confederate States) to Lieutenant Colonel in the Adjutant General\u27s department, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, March 13, 1863 Appointment as Major Assistant Adjutant General, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, April 11, 1863 An acceptance of resignation as acting Master in the Confederate States Navy, July 21, 1863 Appointment as Colonel of Cavalry in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States, November 19, 1863 Appointment as Brigadier General in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States, September 23, 1864 Certificate of payment to Lee, Paymaster\u27s Office, Staunton, Virginia, $544, October 31, 1864 Edwin Gray Lee also served the Confederacy in Canada during and after the war.https://digitalcommons.wofford.edu/littlejohnedwinlee/1000/thumbnail.jp

The Aussie, 1918-1931: cartoons, digger remembrance and First World War identity

Feelings of community, cultural definition and memory were kept alive through the soldiers’ mass circulation tabloid, the Aussie, examined here in the light of theorization of memory and representation, applied to both text and cartoons. The publication’s aim for veterans’ values to become shared national values is analysed in the light of its high profile usage of soft cartoon humour and also of nostalgia – highlighting the limitations as well as the effectiveness in terms of Australia’s evolving national identity. When the post-war economic situation worsened, deeper issues of national tension were glossed over by the use of scapegoats such as ‘profiteers’ and ‘lazy workers’. The armed forces were obliged to take on a political role of lobbying for their cause, but the Aussie as ‘cheerful friend’ experienced its own identity crisis that proved to be terminal

NADPH Oxidase Limits Innate Immune Responses in the Lungs in Mice

Background: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder of the NADPH oxidase in which phagocytes are defective in generating superoxide anion and downstream reactive oxidant intermediates (ROIs), is characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and by excessive inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). The mechanisms by which NADPH oxidase regulates inflammation are not well understood. Methodology/Principal Findings: We found that NADPH oxidase restrains inflammation by modulating redox-sensitive innate immune pathways. When challenged with either intratracheal zymosan or LPS, NADPH oxidase-deficient p47phox-/- mice and gp91phox-deficient mice developed exaggerated and progressive lung inflammation, augmented NF-kB activation, and elevated downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, and G-CSF) compared to wildtype mice. Replacement of functional NADPH oxidase in bone marrow-derived cells restored the normal lung inflammatory response. Studies in vivo and in isolated macrophages demonstrated that in the absence of functional NADPH oxidase, zymosan failed to activate Nrf2, a key redox-sensitive anti-inflammatory regulator. The triterpenoid, CDDO-Im, activated Nrf2 independently of NADPH oxidase and reduced zymosan-induced lung inflammation in CGD mice. Consistent with these findings, zymosan-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from X-linked CGD patients showed impaired Nrf2 activity and increased NF-kB activation. Conclusions/Significance: These studies support a model in which NADPH oxidase-dependent, redox-mediated signaling is critical for termination of lung inflammation and suggest new potential therapeutic targets for CGD