Hard Failures - Soft Solutions

The traditional view is that hard problems - those susceptible to the software engineering approach - are in some sense easier to solve than soft problems / problem situations. Hard problems are (in theory) more easily scoped and their solutions more precisely defined and more easily achieved than is the case for soft or messy problems This paper suggests that this is not necessarily the case: reasons for failure in hard and soft environments have much in common. A case study will be used to support the argumen

Conductances, transference numbers, and activity coefficients of some low atomic number rare earths in aqueous solution

The conductances, transference numbers, and activity coefficients of aqueous solutions of the chlorides of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium have been determined for concentrations up to 0.1 normal . The transference numbers were determined by the moving-boundary method as developed by Longsworth and MacInnes; the activity coefficients were measured by using concentration cells with transference; and the conductances were obtained with a conventional apparatus of the type recommended by Jones and Josephs. The accuracy of all measurements was within 0.1 per cent

Science and the stock market: Investors' recognition of unburnable carbon

This paper documents the stock market's reaction to a 2009 paper in the Nature journal of science, which concluded that only a fraction of the world's existing oil, gas, and coal reserves could be emitted if global warming by 2050 were not to exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. This Nature article is now one of the most cited environmental science studies in recent years. Our analysis indicates that this publication prompted an average stock price drop of 1.5% to 2% for our sample of the 63 largest U.S. oil and gas firms. Later, in 2012-2013, the press "discovered" this article, writing hundreds of stories on the grim consequences of unburnable carbon for fossil fuel companies. We show only a small negative reaction to these later stories, mostly in the two weeks following their publication. This limited market response contrasts with the predictions of some analysts and commentators of a substantial decline in the shareholder value of fossil fuel companies from a carbon bubble. Our paper discusses possible reasons for this discrepancy

Conductances, transference numbers, and activity coefficients of some low atomic number rare earths in aqueous solution

The conductances, transference numbers, and activity coefficients of aqueous solutions of the chlorides of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium have been determined for concentrations up to 0.1 normal . The transference numbers were determined by the moving-boundary method as developed by Longsworth and MacInnes; the activity coefficients were measured by using concentration cells with transference; and the conductances were obtained with a conventional apparatus of the type recommended by Jones and Josephs. The accuracy of all measurements was within 0.1 per cent.</p

Bringing Practitioners Back In

This book examines how educational practice can be improved through practice-focused educational research. The editors and contributors explore the issues involved in breaking down boundaries between educational research and practice - research often seen as an elitist activity that can only be determined by a favoured few - as well as the socially constructed nature of boundaries between academic and vocational education. Containing illuminating case studies written by practicing teachers from the further and vocational education sector, it posits that educational research should enable teachers to learn from research in order to improve their own educational practice. This book will be of interest and value to scholars of further and vocational education, as well as those wanting to bridge the gap between research and practice

Changes in mitochondrial function are pivotal in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders: How important is BDNF?

The brain is at the very limit of its energy supply and has evolved specific means of adapting function to energy supply, of which mitochondria form a crucial link. Neurotrophic and inflammatory processes may not only have opposite effects on neuroplasticity, but also involve opposite effects on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolytic processes, respectively, modulated by stress and glucocorticoids, which also have marked effects on mood. Neurodegenerative processes show marked disorders in oxidative metabolism in key brain areas, sometimes decades before symptoms appear (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases). We argue that brain-derived neurotrophic factor couples activity to changes in respiratory efficiency and these effects may be opposed by inflammatory cytokines, a key factor in neurodegenerative processes

Paul D. Johnston: Aptos and the Mid-Santa Cruz County Area from the 1890s through World War II

A longtime Aptos resident who spent part of his youth in Soquel, Mr. Johnston began his interview with descriptions of turn-of- the-century Capitola, the Soquel paper mill, and the mid-county fruit industry. He then discussed the history and economy of the old village of Aptos-- its businesses, school, roads, water supply, and volunteer fire department, of which he was long an active member. He also described the men who were the large landowners in the mid-county at that time and the coming of the modern real estate developers, specifically the creation of Rio Del Mar and Seacliff. In the latter part of the manuscript he described the rum-running and mountain stills of the Prohibition era, while the concluding chapters were devoted to World War II, particularly the Civil Defense efforts in the County during those years

Reflective Teaching in Further Adult and Vocational Education (4th Edition)

Reflective Teaching in Further, Adult and Vocational Education is the definitive textbook for reflective professionals in further, adult and vocational education, drawing on the experience of the author team and the latest research, including that of the Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP) findings. It offers extensive support for trainee and practising teachers in further, adult and vocational settings, for both practice-based training and career-long professionalism. Now in its fourth edition, written by a collaborative author team of further, adult and vocational education experts led by Yvonne Hillier and Margaret Gregson, Reflective Teaching in Further, Adult and Vocational Education offers two levels of support: - practical guidance for practitioner success with a focus on the key issues including individual and collaborative approaches to reflective practice, a systematic approach to educational improvement based upon Joint Practice Development; and - evidence-informed 'principles' to aid understanding of how theories can effectively inform teaching practices and offer ways to develop deeper understanding of effective practices. The new edition is also enhanced by improved navigation and updated pedagogical features, including a revised chapter structure and text design, all-new case studies, activities, figures and diagrams