Consuming Identities: Cultural Hybridity and Foodways

This paper explores the author’s hybrid cultural identity in terms of foodways. Autoethnography is used as the method to discuss the paternal—Latino, and maternal—White, foodways that the author has inherited. The author discusses how these foodways constitute his hybrid cultural identity as neither Latino nor White, yet both Latino and White simultaneously

Le nouveau mercantilisme et sa crise. Eléments de discussion (The new Mercantilism and its crisis elements for discussion )

Comment comprendre la crise actuelle qui est déterminante sur le plan mondiale ? Dans ce texte, en suivant la pensée de Joan Robinson, nous présenterons dans la première partie le contenu de la définition du « nouveau mercantilisme », puis nous verrons comment ces pratiques ont contribué et ont soutenu ce que nous appelons communément la mondialisation. Cette mondialisation, du fait des barrières internes et externes auxquelles s’est heurté le capitalisme a été vite mue par la finance. Cette dernière alimentant l’« économie virtuelle » est de venue par son essoufflement une cause de dévalorisation et de destruction de capitaux excédentaires. Et après ? Quel peut être l’avenir de l’« économie monde » ? Le capitalisme peut-il se passer du mercantilisme ? How to understand the current crisis which is decisive at the World level? In this text, following the thought of Joan Robinson, we present in the first part the content of the definition of “new mercantilism”, and we then explain how these practices have helped and supported what we commonly call globalization. Globalization, because of the internal and external barriers that capitalism had to face, was quickly driven by finance. The latter, supplying the “virtual economy”, has become -because of its shortcomings-a cause of devaluation and destruction of surplus capital. And after? What can be the future of the “world economy”? Can Capitalism escape from mercantilism?new mercantilsm, crisis, capitalism, globalization

Forming District Metered Areas in a Water Distribution Network Using Genetic Algorithms

AbstractDividing a water distribution network into District Metered Areas (DMAs) is the first vital step towards water loss management. It is a multivariate problem. Techniques based on Genetic Algorithms is a proven way to provide a very good solution to optimization problems. Basic requirement is that each problem must be well described by an objective function. The formation of the objective function is tested through Matlab's optimization tools. The results of the genetic algorithm are compared to the results of an algorithm (in C++ Language) developed in an earlier stage to provide optimal system pressure reduction by closing indicated pipes. The process for the formation of the objective function and a case study on a real network are presented

Evaluating Learning for the Multiple Constituencies of Higher Education: A Call for Action, A Call for Research

[EN] This paper explores the rapidly changing world of higher education and the need for different ways to identify learner outcomes and evaluate student learning. In recent years, higher education has experienced significant demographic shifts in student populations. These shifts were the result of numerous variables including the increasing cost of higher education, the demand from business and industry to get people into high-demand occupations faster, and the decreasing number of individuals choosing post-secondary education immediately following high school. The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to the world with the pandemic caused by the coronavirus known as COVID-19. The pandemic accelerated the change that was already taking place in higher education. From how education was delivered to where it was delivered, higher education was forced to rapidly change a centuries-old model. This paper explores a tier one research university’s response to the changes in higher education by employing a proven process of mapping learning outcomes, assessing both new and prior learning using innovative technology, issuing microcredentials, and working with policymakers and employers to meet workforce demands.Debacker, D.; Dudek, J.; Patelis, T.; Kingston, N. (2021). Evaluating Learning for the Multiple Constituencies of Higher Education: A Call for Action, A Call for Research. En 7th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'21). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 615-622. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd21.2021.12981OCS61562

Challenges in interpreting allergen microarrays in relation to clinical symptoms: a machine learning approach.

Identifying different patterns of allergens and understanding their predictive ability in relation to asthma and other allergic diseases is crucial for the design of personalized diagnostic tools.Allergen-IgE screening using ImmunoCAP ISAC(®) assay was performed at age 11 yrs in children participating a population-based birth cohort. Logistic regression (LR) and nonlinear statistical learning models, including random forests (RF) and Bayesian networks (BN), coupled with feature selection approaches, were used to identify patterns of allergen responses associated with asthma, rhino-conjunctivitis, wheeze, eczema and airway hyper-reactivity (AHR, positive methacholine challenge). Sensitivity/specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) were used to assess model performance via repeated validation.Serum sample for IgE measurement was obtained from 461 of 822 (56.1%) participants. Two hundred and thirty-eight of 461 (51.6%) children had at least one of 112 allergen components IgE > 0 ISU. The binary threshold >0.3 ISU performed less well than using continuous IgE values, discretizing data or using other data transformations, but not significantly (p = 0.1). With the exception of eczema (AUROC~0.5), LR, RF and BN achieved comparable AUROC, ranging from 0.76 to 0.82. Dust mite, pollens and pet allergens were highly associated with asthma, whilst pollens and dust mite with rhino-conjunctivitis. Egg/bovine allergens were associated with eczema.After validation, LR, RF and BN demonstrated reasonable discrimination ability for asthma, rhino-conjunctivitis, wheeze and AHR, but not for eczema. However, further improvements in threshold ascertainment and/or value transformation for different components, and better interpretation algorithms are needed to fully capitalize on the potential of the technology

ΣΥΝΘΕΣΗ ΠΟΛΥΜΕΡΙΚΩΝ/ΟΡΓΑΝΙΚΩΝ ΝΑΝΟΣΩΜΑΤΙΔΙΩΝ ΜΕ ΚΑΛΑ ΚΑΘΟΡΙΣΜΕΝΕΣ ΔΙΑΣΤΑΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΗΣ ΤΟΥΣ ΣΤΙΣ ΙΔΙΟΤΗΤΕΣ ΜΗ ΓΡΑΜΜΙΚΩΝ ΠΟΛΥΜΕΡΩΝ ΣΕ ΔΙΑΛΥΜΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΓΜΑ.

Η παρούσα διατριβή, πραγματοποιήθηκε με σκοπό να δώσει νέα στοιχεία, στο πώς μεταβάλλεται η δυναμική μονομοριακών νανοσωματιδίων πολυστυρενίου ως προς τα πρόδρομα γραμμικά πολυμερή, και μιγμάτων τους με γραμμικά πολυστυρένια και αστέρια, σε μορφή τήγματος, σε σχέση με τη μεταβολή του μοριακού τους βάρους και του ποσοστού σταυροσύνδεσης. Για το σκοπό αυτό, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οι τεχνικές, της διαφορικής θερμιδομετρίας σάρωσης (DSC), της διηλεκτρικής φασματοσκοπίας εναλλασσόμενου πεδίου (BDS) και της ρεολογίας. Ως προς τη μελέτη του βαθμού σταυροσύνδεσης, για τη μελέτη του κατώτατου ορίου παρασκευάστηκε ένα κυκλικό πολυστυρένιο (βαθμός σταυροσύνδεσης-ένα, μεταξύ των δύο πολυμερικών άκρων) και για του ανώτατου, ένα νανοσωματίδιο PBCB (BCB: 4-βινυλοβενζοκυκλοβουτενίου) με 100% ποσοστό διασταυρωτή. Ενώ, η ενδιάμεση περιοχή καλύφθηκε με μία σειρά τυχαίων συμπολυμερών PS-co-PBCB (PS: πολυστυρένιο) με μεταβλητό μοριακό βάρος και ποσοστό διασταυρωτή (BCB). Συνθετικά, αρχικά έγινε η οργανική σύνθεση του μονομερούς 4-βινυλοβενζοκυκλο βουτενίου (4VBCB). Εν συνεχεία, συντέθηκαν τρείς, διαφορετικής αρχιτεκτονικής μονομοριακές νανοδομές πολυστυρενίου: μονομοριακά νανοσωματίδια, μονομοριακά νανοσωματίδια με μία αλυσίδα πολυστυρενίου (SCNP-1 tail) και μονομοριακά νανοσωματίδια με δύο αλυσίδες πολυστυρενίου (SCNP-2 tails). Αναλυτικότερα, έγινε η σύνθεση μιας σειράς τυχαίων συμπολυμερών PS-co-PBCB μεταβλητού μοριακού βάρους (12.5-330 kg/mol) και ποσοστού σταυροσυνδέτη (CrF 4.8-46 mol% BCB). Η σύνθεση των πρόδρομων γραμμικών τυχαίων συμπολυμερών, έγινε με ελεγχόμενο ριζικό πολυμερισμό με τη χρήση νιτροξειδικών ριζών (NMP), ενώ ο σχηματισμός των αντίστοιχων νανοσωματιδίων πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσω μιας ενδομοριακής θερμικής κυκλοπροσθήκης [4+4] Diels Alder μεταξύ των μονομερών BCB, υπό αδρανείς συνθήκες, σε μεγάλη αραίωση και σε περιβάλλον καλού διαλύτη. Η επιτυχής σύνθεση των SCNPs επιβεβαιώθηκε από όλες τις μεθόδους χαρακτηρισμού που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν (SEC, 1H NMR, DSC, DLS, TGA, ιξωδομετρία), ενώ μελετήθηκε η δυναμική τους σε τήγμα με ρεολογία και διηλεκτρική φασματοσκοπία εναλλασσόμενου πεδίου (BDS). Ως συνέχεια των SCNPs, έγινε η σύνθεση των νέων μονομοριακών νανοδομών, PS-b-(PS-co-PBCB) (NMP) και PS-b-PBCB, PS-b-PBCB-b-PS (με ανιοντικό πολυμερισμό). Οι δομές αυτές χαρακτηρίστηκαν με SEC, 1H NMR, DSC και μελετήθηκαν διηλεκτρικά και ρεολογικά. Ακολούθησε η σύνθεση τριών νέων κυκλικών πολυμερών PBCB-b-PS-b-PBCB μεταβλητού μοριακού βάρους. Αρχικά με ανιοντικό πολυμερισμό προς σχηματισμό των πρόδρομων γραμμικών μορίων και εν συνεχεία μέσω μιας ενδομοριακής θερμικής κυκλοπροσθήκης [4+4] Diels Alder των αντίστοιχων κυκλικών πολυμερών. Συμπληρωματικά, συντέθηκε ένα ακόμα κυκλικό πολυστυρένιο με ελεγχόμενο ριζικό πολυμερισμό μεταφοράς ατόμου (ATRP) και εν συνεχεία με χρήση της χημείας “κλικ”. Ο μοριακός χαρακτηρισμός τους πραγματοποιήθηκε με SEC, 1H NMR, DSC ενώ η δυναμική τους μελετήθηκε με διηλεκτρική φασματοσκοπία εναλλασσόμενου πεδίου (BDS). Τέλος συντέθηκαν τρείς σειρές αστεριών πολυστυρενίου με μεταβλητό αριθμό και μοριακό βάρος κλάδου.In this thesis, a series of linear PS-co-PBCB, where PS is polystyrene and PBCB is poly 4-vinylbenzocyclobutene, were synthesized by living radical polymerization (nmp, nitroxide mediated polymerization), as well as five NEW different series of linear PS-b-PBCB, PS-b-PBCB-b-PS by living anionic polymerization techniques. The SCNPs formation were obtained under high dilution and inert atmosphere, via intramolecular dimerization of the benzocyclobutene group at high temperatures. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), 1H-NMR and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were carried out to verify the SCNPs production. Other experimental techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and rheology showed a totally different behavior of the nanoparticles polymers versus the linear precursors. The [4+4] Diels Alder reactions between the 4-VBCBs of the same polymer chain is the reason of the polystyrene nanoparticle size reduction in connection with the linear precursor. Furthermore, this SCNPs formation is the reason of the different physiochemical properties of the final products. A pure monocyclic polystyrene (c-PS) was synthesized. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was employed to prepare well-defined α,ω-functionalized PS, while ring closure “click” reaction was utilized to achieve high coupling efficiency˙ the reaction was carried out in dilute conditions to suppress the inter-chain coupling reaction. The c-PS was purified, from the linear contaminates (“dead” chains during ATRP, unreacted linear PS precursors, dimers) by LCCC fractionation. The c-PS was fully characterized by SEC, 1HNMR, FTIR, DSC, BDS and rheology. Finally, a series of star-shaped PS homopolymers were synthesized. The purpose of this thesis is to provide new data on the dynamics of single chain nanostructures and ring polymers in melt, by means of DSC, BDS and rheology techniques

Modular e-learning for a practical skill in vascular surgery

Introduction: Working Time Regulations in Europe allied with the endovascular revolution require vascular surgeons to be innovative in achieving competence during their training period. We evaluated the feasibility of eLearning to teach the use of OsiriX for sizing and planning endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs. Materials and Methods: Eight blended learning modules were constructed, consisting of instructional PDFs, demonstration videos, CT angiogram downloads for individual practice and online support forums. These were delivered online over a nine-week period. The learning material encompassed an introduction to the OsiriX interface, the basic skills to use OsiriX for sizing and planning of aneurysm repairs and advanced techniques for reconstruction and online communication relating to imaging. Results: The course was successfully delivered and produced positive feedback from registered users. A high rate of dropouts occurred during the early phase. The design and implementation of a fully web-based course by full time clinicians utilising multimedia and user forums to teach vascular surgeons the performance of a practical skill is feasible. Conclusions: A modular instructional course offered online by vascular surgeons is feasible in teaching clinicians the use of OsiriX for 3D reconstructions of CT angiograms of aortic aneurysms. Shortening course duration may improve compliance. The instructional model is effective and well received by compliant learners

Changes in self-schema structure in cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial.

Negative cognitive structure (particularly for interpersonal content) has been shown in some research to persist past a current episode of depression and potentially to be a stable marker of vulnerability for depression (D. J. A. Dozois, 2007; D. J. A. Dozois & K. S. Dobson, 2001a). Given that cognitive therapy (CT) is highly effective for treating the acute phase of a depressive episode and that this treatment also reduces the risk of relapse and recurrence, it is possible that CT may alter these stable cognitive structures. In the current study, patients were randomly assigned to CT+ pharmacotherapy (n = 21) or to pharmacotherapy alone (n = 21). Both groups evidenced significant and similar reductions in level of depression (as measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression), as well as automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes. However, group differences were found on cognitive organization in favor of individuals who received the combination of CT+ pharmacotherapy. The implications of these results for understanding mechanisms of change in therapy and the prophylactic nature of CT are discussed

ICTs and ethical consumption: the political and market futures of fair trade

This paper addresses the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and ethical consumption as part of a cause for the insurance of a sustainable future. It homes in on fair trade as an ethical market, politically progressive cause and, crucially, form of participation where citizens can engage in the formation of an alternative future and the broader issue of food security. An three-dimensional analysis of agencies and uses of digital structures and content is informed by a case study approach, as well as interviews with fair trade activists, and ethically consuming citizens in the British metropolis. Through this, the argument which primarily rises distinguishes between the dimensions of durability (in terms of time and duration) and sustainability (in terms of time, duration and environmental concerns) of engagement in fair trade as a form of participation. Ethical consumption, then, is part of a durable market which has developed despite general market fluctuation, but is still very much bound in traditional physical economic spaces; in other words, ethical consumption has been integrated in the business as usual paradigm. Additionally, ICTs have not challenged the way in which information about ethical consumption is communicated or the spaces in which it is conducted. ICTs have been employed by fair trade activists, but they have not contributed to the development of fair trade as a political or economic project. Over a period of over five decades since the inception of the cause, their use has not significantly altered the way in which citizens engage with fair trade in the alternative or mainstream marketplace