Listening to Landforms: Intersections of Ethnomusicology and the Environmental Humanities

This thesis addresses the emergence of ecologically and environmentally focused research within ethnomusicology and situates this research within Anthropocene and posthuman discourses in the broader environmental humanities. The opening section begins with an overview of relevant literature in ethnomusicology, particularly in the subfields of sound studies and ecomusicology. Several overlapping yet distinct approaches to the problem of locating music and sound as relevant phenomena within escalating environmental crises are identified within these subfields, and the relevance of environmental crises to music/sound studies is established. In the second section, the multinaturalist framework and its complication of the nature-culture binary, as well as its challenge to the hegemony of scientific and Enlightenment epistemologies, is addressed. Focus is directed on the effects that these hegemonic forces have had on ethnomusicological and anthropological scholarship. The third section discusses the centrality of indigenous perspectives, knowledges and scholarship as decolonizing frameworks. The following two sections offer a synthesis of posthumanist, ecofeminist, and phenomenological perspectives as a theoretical preparation for embodied re-engagement with the more-than-human world. In the final section of this thesis, an experimental field observation is presented which demonstrates a method of multispecies-oriented observation and interpretation of the acoustic phenomena of a creek bed in the Santa Ynez mountains of the central California coast. The methodological and theoretical challenges of listening to landforms are recognized and are positioned in relation to the perceived need to integrate human and more-than-human stories and perspectives in the context of global ecological crises.The main question that this thesis identifies through synthesis of a wide breadth of interdisciplinary literature is this; how can the study of sound and music contribute to the incorporation of human stories with more-than-human stories? This incorporation, I argue, has been limited in ethnomusicological discourse by a commitment to the primacy of the human mind/body as the site of creative, meaningful musical expression. Recent environmental humanities scholarship, in contrast, offers modes of thinking and acting that destabilize the individual and shift primacy onto assemblage-based collaborations, nested ecosystems, or poly-corporeal beings as sites of creative expression. This thesis proposes a rethinking of musicality and acoustic expression from a posthuman frame, arguing that traditional, discipline-inherited conceptions of music as humanly organized sound can be productively transformed through rigorous engagement with the generative acoustic capacity of more-than-human, poly-corporeal forms

Exploring the human rights understandings of educators

The Bill of Rights (Constitution of the RSA, Act No. 108 of 1996) is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in the country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. As a legal instrument the Bill of Rights is open to differences in interpretation and understanding. The understanding and interpretation that educators attach to the rights contained in the Bill of Rights is of vital importance as it will determine how the upcoming generation will interpret and give meaning to these rights. The purpose of this study was to explore the human rights understanding of the educators at a Catholic school, and then to determine whether the understanding that these educators have about human rights concurs with the existing literature and where applicable, judgements of the Constitutional Court. A case study approach was undertaken with eight primary school educators at the school and using the evidence, collected from interviews conducted, the study found that as much as the understanding of the participants was generally in line with the literature and the Constitutional Court judgments, their understanding is largely theoretically based. As much as the participants have a clear understanding of the different rights, are able to attach meaning that is in line with universal definitions and does not transgress the legal bounds, the emergence of the nuanced opinions indicates that this understanding is limited by the values, traditions and societal norms that the participants associate themselves with and could lead to intolerance. In the final analysis, human rights and its associated concepts is defined and understood by individuals and groups of people in different ways. This understanding of human rights is intrinsically linked to culture, values, norms and societal perceptions. As a result, the understanding of this concept will differ from person to person and culture to culture. It is however possible that in many instances these different understandings are no more than different cultural and religious expressions of the same fundamental principles. As long as these different cultural and religious practises remain within the boundaries of the law, are not imposed on others and do not lead to intolerance, they should be respected and allowed to continue. These differences in interpretation, understanding and practise not only contribute to the ongoing debate around human rights and its associated concepts but in addition, contribute to the nurturing of democracy and freedom in South Africa. Where these differences in understanding, interpretation and practise become a contentious issue that cannot be resolved by the parties independently, as was the case in Christian Education SA v Minister of Education-CCT 4/00, the Constitutional Court can be approached in order to test the different understandings / interpretations and make an appropriate ruling on the matter.Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2006.Education Management and Policy Studiesunrestricte

Schedulability analysis and automated implementation of real-time object-oriented design models

There is a growing interest in adopting object technologies for the development of real-time systems. Several commercial tools, currently available, provide object-oriented modeling and design support for real-time systems. While these products provide many useful facilities, such as visualization tools and automatic code generation, they are all weak in addressing the central characteristic of real-time system design, i.e., providing support for a designer to reason about timeliness properties. We believe an approach that integrates the advancements in both object modeling and design methods, and real-time scheduling theory is the key to successful use of object technology for real-time software. We propose a methodology based on this idea for uni-processor multi-threaded environments. Specifically, given an application design model and end-to-end timing requirements, we synthesize a feasible implementation model using a built-in schedulability analysis tool. The synthesis process is supported by automatic code generation that can take the application design model and the synthesized implementation model and generate code for the target platform. In this thesis, I have designed and implemented some of the key components to support this methodology. First, I have developed a schedulability test that determines whether a particular implementation model satisfies the real-time requirements of an application. This can be used during the automatic synthesis process. Second, I have developed an initial implementation supporting automatic code generation, which takes textual specifications of the application design model and a synthesized implementation model, and automatically generates executable code for i

Water Purification in Micromagnetofluidic Devices: Mixing in MHD Micromixers

AbstractThis contribution addresses a possible solution for water purification from heavy metals by magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidic water flow systems. In this technique, the most important component is the micromixer while efficient mixing and particle driving is achieved by external magnetic fields. For the simulation of water flow and nanoparticles, Computational Fluid Dynamics methods are used. The 2D and 3D Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the flow field while trajectories of the magnetic nanoparticles are simulated by the use of a Lagrangian method. Compared to traditional techniques, this method is expected to succeed chemical speed and increased water purification times

Failure of interpolation in the intuitionistic logic of constant domains

This paper shows that the interpolation theorem fails in the intuitionistic logic of constant domains. This result refutes two previously published claims that the interpolation property holds.Comment: 13 pages, 0 figures. Overlaps with arXiv 1202.1195 removed, the text thouroughly reworked in terms of notation and style, historical notes as well as some other minor details adde

Computational Study of the Optimum Gradient Magnetic Field for the Navigation of the Spherical Particles in the Process of Cleaning the Water from Heavy Metals

AbstractThe usage of magnetic spherical nanoparticles, coated with substances and driven to targeted areas in tanks, is proposed for cleaning the water from heavy metals. In the present paper, a computational study for the estimation of the optimum gradient magnetic field is presented in order to ensure the optimum driving of the particles into the targeted area. The optimization of the gradient magnetic field rates’ is verified with the particles’ deviation from a desired trajectory. Using the above mentioned method, it was depicted that with the increase of the optimization parameters number, the particles’ deviation from the desired trajectory is decreased

Perceptions of China as an Opportunity or a Threat in Central and Eastern Europe: The Case of the Sino-Serbian Relations | Grade: 9

Τα τελευταία χρόνια η Κίνα έχει αυξήσει δραματικά την παρουσία της στην Κεντρική και Ανατολική Ευρώπη (ΚΑΕ), κυρίως μέσα από την πρωτοβουλία «14+1». Αυτή είναι μια απρόσμενη εξέλιξη, καθώς η Κίνα είχε δύσκολες και ενίοτε καθόλου σχέσεις με τις χώρες της ΚΑΕ κατά τη διάρκεια του 20ου αιώνα. Καθόσον οι πολυμερείς και οι διμερείς σχέσεις εντείνονται, η Κίνα και η πρωτοβουλία «14+1» έχουν γίνει θέματα αυξημένου ενδιαφέροντος και συζητήσεων στην ΚΑΕ. Αυτές οι συζητήσεις έχουν κυρίως επικεντρωθεί στην ανάλυση των κινήτρων πίσω από την «ευγενική επίθεση» της Κίνας στην περιοχή, και τις επιπτώσεις της εμπλοκής της Κίνας στην ΚΑΕ στην οικονομία και την πολιτική των διαφόρων κρατών. Έχουν διαμορφωθεί δύο αντικρουόμενες θεωρίες, οι οποίες προσφέρουν αντίθετες εξηγήσεις για την σχέση της Κίνας με την ΚΑΕ. Παρουσιάζουν τα Κινεζικά ενδιαφέροντα και τις φιλοδοξίες στην ΚΑΕ, καθώς και τις επιπτώσεις τους, είτε με εξαιρετικά αισιόδοξους/θετικούς είτε με εξαιρετικά απαισιόδοξους/αρνητικούς όρους, σε κάτι που έχει ονομαστεί ως ένας «διπολικός φακός». Τέτοιες διαμετρικά αντίθετες θεωρίες, επίσης, συντελούν σε διαφορετικές αντιλήψεις αναφορικά με το ποια ζητήματα πρέπει να καλυφθούν, και με τι δράσεις και πολιτικές πρέπει να εφαρμοστούν για να τα αντιμετωπίσουν επαρκώς. Ο σκοπός αυτής της έρευνας είναι να αναλύσει αυτές τις αντίθετες θεωρίες σε ένα κράτος της ΚΑΕ, τη Σερβία. Αναζητεί να απαντήσει στα παρακάτω ερωτήματα: Πώς έχει αντιληφθεί η Σερβία τις διπλωματικές ενέργειες της Κίνας, αλλά και τις συνέπειες των εντονότερων σχέσεων με αυτή; Τι μπορούν να μας αποκαλύψουν τα εμπειρικά δεδομένα σχετικά με την ακρίβεια αυτών των αντιλήψεων; Και, τέλος, πώς έχει επηρεάσει η σχέση μεταξύ των αντιλήψεων και των πραγματικών δεδομένων την προοπτική των Σινο-Σερβικών σχέσεων στο παρόν και στο μέλλον; Η υπόθεση εργασίας της έρευνας είναι ότι η Σερβία αντιλαμβάνεται την Κίνα ως μια μεγάλη ευκαιρία. Παρόλα αυτά, προσπαθώ να αναλύσω ότι αυτή η αντίληψη δεν βασίζεται σε πραγματικά δεδομένα, αλλά μάλλον σε προκαταλήψεις και μη ρεαλιστικές προσδοκίες. Αυτό, με τη σειρά του, τροφοδοτεί αντίθετες απόψεις στο εσωτερικό της Σερβίας, οι οποίες αντιλαμβάνονται αυτή τη σχέση ως μια απειλή. Ξανά, προσπαθώ να αναλύσω ότι αυτή η κατανόηση είναι εσφαλμένη, βασισμένη σε υπερβολικές απειλές, οι οποίες δεν αντικατοπτρίζουν την πραγματική κατάσταση. Αυτό οδηγεί στο συμπέρασμα, ότι, για να αξιολογήσουμε καλύτερα την Κινεζική παρουσία στη Σερβία, δεν πρέπει να βασιζόμαστε σε μεροληπτικές θεωρίες, αλλά να γίνεται χρήση εμπειρικά τεκμηριωμένων συμπερασμάτων, τα οποία εκλαμβάνονται μέσα από ενδελεχή ανάλυση των πραγματικών δεδομένων.In recent years, China has grown its presence in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) dramatically, mainly inside the “14+1” initiative. This is an unexpected development as China had difficult and at sometimes no relations with CEE states during the 20th century. As multilateral and bilateral relations intensify, China and the “14+1” initiative have become subjects of increased interest and debate in CEE. These debates have primarily focused on analysing the intentions behind China’s “charm offensive” in the area, and the consequences of China’s engagement in CEE for the different states’ economic and political future. Two conflicting narratives have arisen as a result of this process, both offering starkly opposed interpretations of China’s relationship with CEE. They portray Chinese interests and ambitions in CEE, as well as their consequences, in either extremely optimistic/favourable or pessimistic/unfavourable terms, in what has been described as the “bifocal lens”. Such diametrically opposed narratives also offer opposing perspectives on what concerns should be emphasized within that interaction, and what actions and policies should be implemented to adequately address them. The purpose of this study is to look into the significance of domestic discourse and these conflicting narratives in one CEE state, Serbia. It seeks to provide answers to the following questions: How has Serbia interpreted China’s diplomatic efforts, as well as the consequences of closer relations with China? What can empirical data reveal us about the accuracy of these interpretations? And, last, how does the interaction between perceptions and real developments influence the potential of the China-Serbia relations now and in the future? This study’s research hypothesis is that Serbia has been perceiving China as a great opportunity. However, I try to analyse that this perception is not based on the actual evidence but rather on bias and unrealistic expectations. This, in turn, fuels opposition voices inside Serbia who understand this relationship as a threat. Once again, I claim that this understanding is false, based on hyperbolic threats, which do not represent the actual situation. This leads to the conclusion that, in order to best evaluate China’s presence in Serbia, one must not rely on biased narratives but use empirically based assumptions, which are created through deep analysis of the actual data

Primary Pulmonary Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (PMCAC) is an extremely rare cystic neoplasm. A case of a 56-year-old male with a cystic lesion of the right lower lobe is described. Preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology and bronchoscopy were inconclusive. The patient underwent a formal right lower lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. Diagnosis was established intraoperatively. The biological behavior of primary PMCAC is unknown. Therefore, careful long-term follow-up is considered necessary because of lack of experience globally

Oct-2, although not required for early B-cell development, is critical for later B-cell maturation and for postnatal survival

Oct-2, a POU homeo domain transcription factor, is believed to stimulate B-cell-restricted expression of immunoglobulin genes through binding sites in immunoglobulin gene promoters and enhancers. To determine whether Oct-2 is required for B-cell development or function, or has other developmental roles, the gene was disrupted by homologous recombination. Oct-2^(-/-) mice develop normally but die within hours of birth for undetermined reasons. Mutants contain normal numbers of B-cell precursors but are somewhat deficient in IgM+ B cells. These B cells have a marked defect in their capacity to secrete immunoglobulin upon mitogenic stimulation in vitro. Thus, Oct-2 is not required for the generation of immunoglobulin-bearing B cells but is crucial for their maturation to immunoglobulin-secreting cells and for another undetermined organismal function