bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An extended revision of the interlayer structures of one- and two- layer hydrates of Na- vermiculite
Authors: Beyer J. , Graf Von Reichenbach H.
Published: September 2014

The interlayer structures in one- and two-layer hydrates of Na-vermiculite are described by presenting the positional parameters of their constituent atoms, including protons.

The revision of these structures has been accomplished by: (1) determining accurate water contents of the two hydrates by thermoanalysis (TG, DSC); (2) using earlier X-ray diffraction data published by Slade et al.(1985) and de la Calle et al. (1984) as a reference; and (3) applying least-squares refinements when considering the constraints for atomic distances and bond angles between interlayer constituents.

In the 1.485 nm hydrate of Na-vermiculite (nH2O/nNa ≈ 4), sharing edges of Na(OH2)6 octahedra cause their chainlike arrangement. The chains are aligned along [100] and are stabilized by H-bonds between interlayer water molecules and oxygens of the silicate layer. The partial loss of these bonds during dehydration forces the stacking order to change from V3 to Vc in the resulting 1.185 nm (nH2O/nNa ≈ 2) hydrate.

This new understanding may help to explain differences in the rotational correlation time of water molecules between one- and two-layer hydrates of vermiculite as observed by quasielastic neutron scattering (Swenson et al., 2000).
Exothermic effects in soils during thermal analysis
Authors: Emmerich K. , Smykatz-Kloss W.
Published: September 2014

This paper addresses the application of thermal analytical methods (DTA/DSC/TG/ MS) in soil investigations, especially the interrelation of exothermic effects and analytical or preparative parameters. For the superimposed decomposition/ oxidation reactions of siderites, FeCO3, the heating rate is shown to have a decisive influence because low heating rates tend to suppress the endothermic effect. In mixtures of small amounts of organic matter (glucose and starch) with talc, the phyllosilicate acts as a catalyst by influencing the intensity of combustion of the organic matter.
The thermal reactions of montmorillonite: a Mössbauer study
Authors: Murad E. , Wagner U. , Wagner F. E. , Häusler W.
Published: September 2014

The physical properties of three montmorillonites before and after heating were studied by reflectance colorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) and Mössbauer spectroscopies. Colorimetric data, though not directly relatable to sample mineralogy, provide cheap and rapid information on the temperatures of sample breakdown. X-ray diffraction provides information on sample mineralogy and the transformations that develop during firing and allows the major phases formed in the course of firing to be identified, whereas IR data provide information on water and hydroxyl loss and the final breakdown of the montmorillonite structure. Mössbauer spectroscopy gives information on Fe2+ oxidation (where applicable) and reveals subtle variations in Fe site coordination and Fe mineralogy, including the formation of Fe oxides – that can be quantified in proportions as low as 0.1% – following structural breakdown of the montmorillonites.
Characterization of the expandable clays formed from kaolinite at 200ºC
Authors: Bentabol M. , Ruiz Cruz M. D. , Huertas F. J. , Linares J.
Published: September 2014

The hydrothermal reaction of kaolinite in the system Na2O-K2O-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2- H2O-HCl, at near-neutral pH conditions, has been investigated at 200ºC, for times from 12 h to 180 days. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study of the solid products indicates that the phases formed from 15 days’ reaction time are randomly ordered mixed-layer chlorite-smectite, dioctahedral on average, with a chlorite:smectite ratio of ∼1:2. No structural evolution was observed with increasing reaction time. Investigation by transmission electron microscopy revealed, on the contrary, that very thin packets with basal spacing of either 10 Å (smectite) or 14 Å (chlorite) are dominant. In addition, packets with periodicities of 12 –13 Å are also observed. Only rarely, randomly to ordered sequences of 10 and 14 Å are observed in the packets. These observations indicate that the mixture of these phases behaves in XRD as randomly ordered mixed-layer chlorite-smectite. Chemical analysis of the solutions suggests that the neo-formed phases are metastable and would evolve, at longer reaction times, toward ordered mixed-layer chlorite-smectite or to clinochlore.
Mineralogy and grain-size distribution of clay-rich rock units of the Algarve Basin (South Portugal)
Authors: Trindade M. J. , Rocha F. , Dias M. I. , Prudêncio M. I.
Published: September 2014

A detailed survey of the most clay-rich rock units of the Meso-Cenozoic geological section exposed in the Algarve Basin (South Portugal) was performed and data were analysed for the grain-size distribution and mineralogy (whole rock and clay fraction), aimed at a compositional study of the clay-rich sediments and their depositional environment. Granulometry was obtained using wet sieving and laser diffraction by attenuation of X-rays, and the mineralogical study was carried out by X-ray diffraction.

Most clay-rich rock units of the Algarve are classified as silty clays and clayey silts, and only a minority is coarser. The mineralogical study enabled us to define two main types of clays: (1) noncalcareous clays, consisting largely of quartz and clay minerals, with goethite as the typical Fe-rich phase (sediments of Carboniferous, Neogene and Quaternary age and Cretaceous siliciclastic clays); and (2) calcareous clays, which can be calcite-rich clays (Middle and Upper Jurassic) or dolomiterich clays (Triassic and Lower Jurassic), the latter typically containing hematite as an accessory phase. Plagioclase, K-feldspar, and Ti-oxides are often accessory phases, whereas ankerite, anhydrite, gypsum and opal are rare.

In the clay fraction illite generally predominates, resulting probably from weathering of preexisting rocks, as well as the less frequent Fe-chlorite, pointing to incipient chemical alteration under semi-arid climatic conditions. Kaolinite occurs in diverse proportions, being especially abundant in Cretaceous and Cenozoic units; it is mainly related to chemical weathering in continental environments under humid conditions. As the Atlantic Ocean opened during Triassic and the continental environment evolved to a shallow-marine environment with evaporitic conditions, smectite became more expressive, being sometimes accompanied by other Mg-rich phases (chlorite, sepiolite, corrensite and palygorskite). Especially during the Cenozoic the proportion of different phases in the clay mineral association of the sediments reflects the control of tectonic movements and fluctuations in sea level during their deposition.
Substantial influence on solar energy harnessing ability by geometries of ordered Si nanowire array
Authors: Wu Zilong , Wang Ziyi , Wang Songyou , Zhong Zhenyang
Published: September 2014

The reflectance of the controlled periodic Si nanowire (NW) arrays is systematically explored, which characterizes the influence on the solar energy harnessing ability by the geometries of the NW. A unique dependence of the reflectance of the Si NW array on the diameter, the height, and the bending of the NW are disclosed. The solar energy loss caused by the reflection of the Si NW array exhibits the minimum for the NW with intermediate diameter and length. A plane-wave-based transfer-matrix method (TMM) simulation is performed, which is well consistent with the experimental results. Our results demonstrate the design principle to optimize the Si NW arrays for high-efficiency solar cells.

PACS

81.07.-b; 78.67.-n; 81.16.-c
Providing quality-of-service for frequency-aware Wi-Fi using OFDM-based variable-length Bloom filters
Authors: Lee Suchul , Choi Jaehyuk , Yoo Joon , Kim Chong-Kwon
Published: September 2014

Modern Wi-Fi networks are trending towards using a wider channel bandwidth to achieve high physical layer data rate. The wide channel band experiences fluctuations across the different frequencies, causing diversity in the frequency domain. Frequency-aware Wi-Fi protocols exploit this frequency diversity and consequently achieve high wireless capacity. However, most of the existing works have not considered quality-of-service (QoS) issues. In this paper, we present a new Wi-Fi protocol called QoS-Fi, that provides QoS for the mobile users in the frequency aware Wi-Fi network. QoS-Fi dynamically assigns orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subchannels for heterogeneous mobile users to meet the QoS demands. To achieve this goal, we apply an OFDM-based variable-length Bloom filter (VBF) that synergistically integrates the channel quality estimation and QoS channel coordination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that employs QoS at the frequency domain for Wi-Fi networks. We study the impact of variable-length signatures in the aspect of throughput maximization and meeting the QoS requirements and further develop a decentralized QoS-aware channel-allocation algorithm that achieves sub-optimal performance. Our USRP/GNURadio-based experiments and trace-driven simulations show that QoS-Fi provides up to 1.39 × and 1.29 × throughput improvements compared to the legacy EDCA and well-known Knopp and Humblet’s and round robin (K&H/RR) scheduling, respectively in the QoS-regimes.
Age-related deficit accumulation and the risk of late-life dementia
Authors: Song Xiaowei , Mitnitski Arnold , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Many age-related health problems have been associated with dementia, leading to the hypothesis that late-life dementia may be determined less by specific risk factors, and more by the operation of multiple health deficits in the aggregate. Our study addressed (a) how the predictive value of dementia risk varies by the number of deficits considered and (b) how traditional (for example. vascular risks) and nontraditional risk factors (for example, foot problems, nasal congestion) compare in their predictive effects.

Methods

Older adults in the Canadian Study of Health and Aging who were cognitively healthy at baseline were analyzed (men, 2,902; women, 4,337). Over a 10-year period, 44.8% of men and 33.4% of women died; 7.4% of men and 9.1% of women without baseline cognitive impairment developed dementia. Self-rated health problems, including, but not restricted to, dementia risk factors, were coded as deficit present/absent. Different numbers of randomly selected variables were used to calculate various iterations of the index (that is, the proportion of deficits present in an individual. Risks for 10-year mortality and dementia outcomes were evaluated separately for men and women by using logistic regression, adjusted for age. The prediction accuracy was evaluated by using C-statistics.

Results

Age-adjusted odds ratios per additional deficit were 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18 to 1.26) in men and 1.14 (1.11 to 1.16) in women in relation to death, and 1.18 (1.12 to 1.25) in men and 1.08 (1.04 to 1.11) in women in relation to dementia. The predictive value increased with the number (n) of deficits considered, regardless of whether they were known dementia risks, and stabilized at n > 25. The all-factor index best predicted dementia (C-statistics, 0.67 ± 0.03).

Conclusions

The variety of items associated with dementias suggests that some part of the risk might relate more to aberrant repair processes, than to specifically toxic results. The epidemiology of late-life illness might best consider overall health status.
Association between cell-bound blood amyloid-β(1 - 40) levels and hippocampus volume
Authors: Sotolongo-Grau Oscar , Pesini Pedro , Valero Sergi , Lafuente Asunción , Buendía Mar , Pérez-Grijalba Virginia , Josè Itziar San , Ibarria Marta , Tejero Miguel A , Giménez Joan , Hernández Isabel , Tárraga Lluís , Ruiz Agustín , Boada Mercè , Sarasa Manuel
Published: September 2014

Introduction

The identification of early, preferably presymptomatic, biomarkers and true etiologic factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the first step toward establishing effective primary and secondary prevention programs. Consequently, the search for a relatively inexpensive and harmless biomarker for AD continues. Despite intensive research worldwide, to date there is no definitive plasma or blood biomarker indicating high or low risk of conversion to AD.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging and β -amyloid (Aβ) levels in three blood compartments (diluted in plasma, undiluted in plasma and cell-bound) were measured in 96 subjects (33 with mild cognitive impairment, 14 with AD and 49 healthy controls). Pearson correlations were completed between 113 regions of interest (ROIs) (45 subcortical and 68 cortical) and Aβ levels. Pearson correlation analyses adjusted for the covariates age, sex, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), education and creatinine levels showed neuroimaging ROIs were associated with Aβ levels. Two statistical methods were applied to study the major relationships identified: (1) Pearson correlation with phenotype added as a covariate and (2) a meta-analysis stratified by phenotype. Neuroimaging data and plasma Aβ measurements were taken from 630 Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) subjects to be compared with our results.

Results

The left hippocampus was the brain region most correlated with Aβ(1 - 40) bound to blood cell pellets (partial correlation (pcor) = − 0.37, P = 0.0007) after adjustment for the covariates age, gender and education, ApoE and creatinine levels. The correlation remained almost the same (pcor = − 0.35, P = 0.002) if phenotype is also added as a covariate. The association between both measurements was independent of cognitive status. The left hemisphere entorhinal cortex also correlated with Aβ(1 - 40) cell-bound fraction. AB128 and ADNI plasma Aβ measurements were not related to any brain morphometric measurement.

Conclusions

Association of cell-bound A β(1 - 40) in blood with left hippocampal volume was much stronger than previously observed in A β plasma fractions. If confirmed, this observation will require careful interpretation and must be taken into account for blood amyloid-based biomarker development.
The hippo signaling pathway: implications for heart regeneration and disease
Authors: Del Re Dominic P
Published: September 2014

Control of cell number and organ size is critical for appropriate development and tissue homeostasis. Studies in both Drosophila and mammals have established the Hippo signaling pathway as an important modulator of organ size and tumorigenesis. Upon activation, this kinase cascade modulates gene expression through the phosphorylation and inhibition of transcription co‐activators that are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, growth and apoptosis. Hippo signaling serves to limit organ size and suppress malignancies, and has been implicated in tissue regeneration following injury. These outcomes highlight the important role that Hippo signaling plays in regulating both physiologic and pathologic processes. In this review, an overview of the signaling pathway will be discussed as well as recent work that has investigated its role in cardiac development, regeneration and disease.
Workflow for integrating mesoscale heterogeneities in materials structure with process simulation of titanium alloys
Authors: Salem Ayman A , Shaffer Joshua B , Satko Daniel P , Semiatin S Lee , Kalidindi Surya R
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a generalized workflow is outlined for the necessary integration of multimodal measurements and multiphysics models at multiple hierarchical length scales demanded by an Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) approach to accelerated materials development. Recognizing that multiple choices or techniques are typically available in each of the main steps, several exemplary analyses are detailed utilizing mainly the alpha/beta titanium alloys as an illustrative case. It is anticipated that the use and further refinement of these workflows will promote transparency and engender intimate collaborations between materials experts and manufacturing/design specialists by providing an understanding of the various mesoscale heterogeneities that develop naturally in the workpiece as a direct consequence of the inherent heterogeneity imposed by the manufacturing history (i.e., different thermomechanical histories at different locations in the sample). More specifically, this article focuses on three main areas: (i) data science protocols for efficient analysis of large microstructure datasets (e.g., cluster analysis), (ii) protocols for extracting reduced descriptions of salient microstructure features for insertion into simulations (e.g., regions of homogeneity), and (iii) protocols for direct and efficient linking of materials models/databases into process/performance simulation codes (e.g., crystal plasticity finite element method).
Enhanced performance of non-thermal plasma coupled with TiO2/GAC for decomposition of chlorinated organic compounds: influence of a hydrogen-rich substance
Authors: Abedi Kamaleddin , Ghorbani-Shahna Farshid , Jaleh Babak , Bahrami Abdolrahman , Yarahmadi Rasoul
Published: September 2014

Background

No study was found in the literature on the combination of TiO2/GAC catalyst and non-thermal plasma for chlorinated volatile organic compounds abatement in air. This paper presents this hybrid process for the decomposition of chloroform (as a target compound) using a multi-pin to plate discharge reactor. The experiments were performed using a high frequency pulsed transformer as the power supply system to examine the effect of SIE, frequency, as well as initial concentration on the chloroform removal efficiency (RE). Toluene was added as a hydrogen-rich source to shift the reactions into the formation of environmentally desirable products.

Results

RE of around 60% was observed with the NTP-alone process at the highest possible SIE (3000 J L-1), while it rocketed up to 100% (total oxidation) in the presence of TiO2/GAC at SIE of 1000 J L-1. About 100% O3destruction over TiO2/GAC and both adsorption and catalytic activities of GAC may be considered as the reasons for better performance of the hybrid process. Toluene feeding diminished the chlorinated by-products such as Cl2and TCE significantly. The selectivity towards CO2was noticed to enhance noticeably, when both catalyst and toluene were introduced, regardless of the input concentration.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the hybrid of NTP with TiO2/GAC will highly be effective in the abatement of chloroform, and the addition of toluene will successfully decline harmful chlorinated by-products.
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgeon unemployment in Canada: A cross-sectional survey of graduating Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery residents
Authors: Brandt Michael G , Scott Grace M , Doyle Philip C , Ballagh Robert H
Published: September 2014

Objective

Recently graduated Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgeons (OTO-HNS) are facing an employment crisis. To date, there has been no systematic evaluation of the factors contributing to this situation, graduating OTO-HNS trainee employment rates, nor the employment concerns of these graduating residents. This investigation sought to empirically evaluate prospective OTO-HNS graduate employment, identify factors contributing to this situation, and provide suggestions going forward.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of the 2014 graduating cohort of OTO-HNS residents was conducted 6-months prior to graduation, and immediately following residency graduation. Surveyed items focused on the demographics of the graduating cohort, their future training and employment plans, and their concerns relative to the OTO-HNS employment situation.

Results

All twenty-nine Canadian medical school graduated OTO-HNS residents completed the initial survey, with 93% responding at the completion of residency. Only 6 (22%) indicated confirmed employment following residency training. 78% indicated that they were pursuing fellowship training. 90% identified the pursuit of fellowship training as a moderately influenced by limited job opportunities. The ability to find and secure full-time employment, losing technical skills if underemployed/unemployed, and being required to consider working in a less-desired city/province were most concerning. 34% of the residents felt that they were appropriately counseled during their residency training about employment. 90% felt that greater efforts should be made to proactively match residency-training positions to forecasted job opportunities.

Conclusions

Canadian OTO-HN Surgeons lack confirmed employment, are choosing to pursue fellowship training to defer employment, and are facing startling levels of under- and unemployment. A multitude of factors have contributed to this situation and immediate action is required to rectify this slowly evolving catastrophe.
The Relationships Between Serum Sclerostin, Bone Mineral Density, and Vascular Calcification in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Paccou J. , Mentaverri R. , Renard C. , Liabeuf S. , Fardellone P. , Massy Z. A. , Brazier M. , Kamel S.
Published: September 2014

Context:

Recent data indicate that the secreted glycoprotein sclerostin may be involved in vascular calcification (VC).

Objective:

The objective of the study was to establish whether serum sclerostin levels are associated with VC in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Design:

This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting:

The study was conducted with ambulatory care.

Patients:

We compared 75 RA patients with 75 age- and gender-matched control participants.

Intervention:

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) scores were evaluated by computed tomography.

Main Outcome Measure:

Serum sclerostin levels (determined with an ELISA) were assessed. A statistical analysis was performed to identify the determinants of serum sclerostin and VC.

Results:

AAC and CAC were more prevalent and more severe in patients with RA than in controls. Higher levels of AAC (P = .02) and a higher lumbar bone mineral density (BMD; P = .03) were identified as independent determinants of higher serum sclerostin levels in RA patients, whereas male gender (P = .03), higher lumbar BMD (P < .0001), and low estimated glomerular rate (P < .001) were identified as determinants in controls. In RA patients, a multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that older age [P < .01, with an odds ratio (OR) per year 1.10] and male gender (P = .02, OR 6.79) were independent determinants of CAC and that older age (P < .001, OR 1.16) were independent determinants of AAC. In controls, the independent determinants were older age (P < .01, OR 1.19), hypertension (P < .01, OR 7.31), and lumbar BMD (P = .03, OR per 30 mg/cm2 increment of 1.14) for CAC and older age (P = .01, OR 1.11) for AAC.

Conclusions:

Serum sclerostin levels were significantly and independently associated with AAC in RA patients.
Keynes, Lerner, and the Question of Public Debt
Authors: Aspromourgos Tony
Published: September 2014

This essay examines Keynes’s views on public debt, taking as its point of departure his 1943 confrontation with Abba Lerner on the issue. It also exhaustively considers the wider intellectual relationship between the two men, as well as Keynes’s other commentaries on public debt in the 1930s and 1940s. The essay concludes that the key issue distinguishing Keynes’s rather more cautious view of feasible and desirable public debt trajectories, vis-à-vis Lerner’s position, is Keynes’s attentiveness to the psychology of the debt markets, which is, in turn, an expression of his sensibility toward theory versus practice.
The Second Jansenism and the Rise of French Eighteenth-Century Political Economy
Authors: Orain Arnaud
Published: September 2014

The insufficiently criticized story of a secularized pre-Revolutionary France has led historians of economics to consider French political economy as free from the influence of religion from the 1730s through the 1780s. On the contrary, through a study of the “second Jansenism,” the most powerful and intellectually the richest Christian movement in the French Enlightenment, this article shows that religion played a pivotal role in the emergence of French political economy. Having established the theoretical richness of the movement, this article aims to show, through two case studies, in what different ways it affected economics. The first explores the resonance of the Jansenist culture of several members of the Gournay circle on their methodological approaches and their promotion of agriculture and trade. The second case study focuses on the loan at interest. This article shows that the major authors on this issue in the second half of the century were all deeply influenced by Jansenist thinking on the subject.
Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Determine the Juvenile–Mature Wood Transition in Black Spruce
Authors: Giroud Guillaume , Defo Maurice , Bégin Jean , Ung Chhun-Huor
Published: September 2014

The potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine the transition from juvenile to mature wood in black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) was assessed. In total, 127 wood samples were harvested from 50 sites located across the black spruce–moss domain in the province of Québec, Canada. Mechanical wood properties were determined by SilviScan. NIR spectra were collected on the transverse face of the samples. Good to excellent calibration statistics (R2, ratio of performance to deviation) were obtained for basic density (0.85, 1.8), microfibril angle (0.79, 2.2), and modulus of elasticity (0.88, 2.9). Two-segment linear regressions were applied to microfibril angle profiles to determine the transition age and then calculate the juvenile and mature wood properties. The values obtained using SilviScan data were compared with those obtained using NIRS predicted data. Using SilviScan data, the average transition age was 23 years, with a standard deviation of 7 years. The correlation was moderate for the transition age (r = 0.592, P < 0.0001), which was slightly underestimated by NIRS with a mean prediction error (and 95% limits of agreement) of −2.2 ± 6.3 years (−14.6/10.1). These results suggest that the transition age from juvenile to mature wood could be predicted by NIRS. This article makes some recommendations to improve method accuracy for operational use.
Strafzwecke und Strafrecht
Authors: Calliess Rolf-Peter
Published: September 2014

The development of criminal law in the ))Society of risks« proves a transition from liberal and constitutional to social and authoritarian criminallaw as criminal matters are integrated into positive law and gain priority over it. The constitution-oriented model of criminallaw as a complex interrelationship between citizens (protection laws for citizens) and the state (defensive law, power monopoly) is re-interpreted to a one-dimensionallegal relationship characterized by punishment being carried out by the state.

On the other hand it must be stressed that in the scientific and technological society democracy can no Ionger retain its validity as a form of rule, only as a way of life. Given this precondition criminallaw is aiming at protecting the rights to communication and participation in the society which is based on a basic law.
Das Risiko der Verantwortung in der Gentechnologie bei Pflanzen und Tieren
Authors: Koch Traugott
Published: September 2014

Because genetic engineering greatly accelerates the cultivation of new breeds of plants and animals and because in nature all life is part of an integrated whole, great responsibility rests upon those pursuing genetic research. No one can know with certainty what might develop as the result of genetic manipulation. One therefore cannot merely assume that only negative or catastrophic developments are to be expected. Rather, uncertainty remains, and it is necessary to learn to work with this uncertainty, that is, to work carefully, one step at a time, open to correction and trusting that God is able to bring about good even from efforts that have gone away. Then nature remains a living whole and retains its own dynamic despite human intervention.
Haben Senioren politischen Einfluß?
Authors: Schneider Hans-Dieter
Published: September 2014

In the present society those groups have the highest probability to realize their goals which execise the greatest influence. The older politicians have a bad image. The presence of elderly persons in influential positions is beneficial to the development of their intelligence. According to the model of >>actional space« satisfaction and motivation are linked with an adequate position on the dimensions of activities, · decisions, interactions, and esteem. Political influence has favorable effects on all four dimensions. Some examples of political influence of the elderly are discussed: representation in parliaments, political parties of the elderly, consulting committees of political organizations, voting, economy, organizations for older persons' self-help, and consulting groups in homes for the elderly. An enlargement of the elderlies' political influence is supported especially for those in the lower social classes.
Der abhängige alte Mensch: Eine Belastung für unsere Gesellschaft?
Authors: Zimmermann Robert
Published: September 2014

We are witnessing a dramatic increase of the percentage of old people in our population- this is what we call the aging of society. The basic question involved in this matter concerns the relationship of the different age groups to each other. What kind of solidarity is demanded from the younger generation and to what extent are they willing to provide it? Many old people, especially the very old ones, have to rely upon help from others for Ionger periods of time. To give them support may be a tough job with only little reward. The people involved are often unable to cope with the situation and it is not uncommon that mutual violence occurs. A prerequisite for real help and support is human attention and a conscious affirmation of life even if it is a dependent one in its last phase. In Switzerland -like in other countries- we only have homes and therapeutical institutions for long-term patients, but not enough people who are really willing to provide true care and counsel. It is necessary to accept that others are individuals and to be aware of alle the facets of life.
Notwendige Sicherung menschlicher Würde im Alter- Sozialethische Überlegungen zur Rentenreform
Authors: Keil Siegtried
Published: September 2014

In view of the failures made in the past, the necessity of a reform of the old-age pension scheme is pointed out and biblically proved. The new positions of women and men demand ·the organization of an independent social protection of the housewife and mother, the decrease in births the further development of the two-generations-contract to a three-generations-contract. The commonly agreed old-age pension ·reform of 1992 is measured against these elaborated exigencies and criticized in crucial points at issue.
Ethik und Risiko
Authors: Ruh Hans
Published: September 2014

Calling the risks of advanced technologies into question will inevitably result in an evaluation of the inherent hazardous potential. The consideration of maintaining the bases of living for human and non-human beeings as a commonly accepted pritnary ethic value leads to the conclusion that only the criterion of forecast maximum damages can be utilized for said evaluation but not the criterion of probality. Furthermore such an evaluation will have to take into account the hazardous potential affecting mainly those who do not posess any right of decision in these matters but will have to bear severe pain in case control of the hazardous potential gets lost.
Die Zweite Soziale Dimension- Chancen und Verpflichtungen der Diakonie im europäischen Einigungsprozeß
Authors: Stein Jürgen
Published: September 2014

In spite of accelerated economical growth disadvantaged groups (p. e. handicapped or unemployed people, refugees) might be »non-winners« of a European Single Market now determinating the structures of any future »European House«. The responsibility of diaconia is to prevent a split between those citizens who are able to of T er mobility and flexibility and rely on effective multinational pressure-groups and those who do not. With help from concerned organs of the E. C. diaconia might benefit from an enhanced exchange of experiences, define the social responsibility of the churches in Europe and participate in the shaping of a common future.
»Den Wohlstand aller zu fördern ... «
Authors: Segbers Franz
Published: September 2014

The economic political concept of the domestic common market is orientated at neo-liberal supply-dominated principles, which expect the social organization from the forces of the market. The economic control is to take place in the market. As a consequence of this central question of social ethics is the question of the relationship between economy and politics. From a socialethic point of view the concept of market economy however is only bearable by an historical compromise or the so-called »irenische Formel« (Brakelmann) which admits the political desire for order a primary versus economy.

With regard to the concept of the common market which enables the economic interests a leading position before political concepts the historical compromise of social ethics and market economy is again put up for discussion.
»Arbeit, Leben und Gesundheit«
Authors: Strohm Theodor
Published: September 2014

The debate about the so-called humanization of the matters of labour is presently concentrated on the safety of health during the working process, upon the preventive industrial safety. The social department (Sozialkammer) of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) has published a memorandum about this, in which the situation of industrial safety is analyzed against the background of the European development; this memorandum also contains ethical principles for an all-embracing understanding and method, concrete suggestions for a further organization are given. Challenges for example result from the effect of uncountable chemical substances, in the application of new and complex technical methods, in bio-technologics an genetic analysis. The church tries to overcome the predokeinant mono-causal method of analysis and it considers carefully the dimensions of a far-reaching responsibility for health.
Der Pfarrer- elementarer Repräsentant von Subjektivität?
Authors: Lämmermann Godwin
Published: September 2014

At the same rate the importance of the church has been decreasing among the majority of the German population, the profession of the pastor has subsequently gained acceptance: the previous expectations towards the institution have been relegated onto the pastor, whose profession is now socially defined. He is expected to keep the central contents of christianity alive within the society. Among these contents there is the exemplary realization of succsesful subjectivity - in spite of the decreasing possibilities for the fulfillment of individual freedom.
Armut in Ländern der Dritten Welt als wirtschaftsethisches Problem
Authors: Sautter Hermann
Published: September 2014

After haring presented statistical data, an ethical framework for analysing the poverty-problem is discussed, using this framework the roots of the poverty-problem are analyzed: poverty causing rules of allocation and of distribution, deficient transfer systems. Basing on this analysis the elements of an anti-poverty strategy are shown
Norm und Erfahrung
Authors: Mieth Dietmar
Published: September 2014

The author pointsout that there ist no contradiction between the question of norms and the question of values which are part of life experience. Normative ethics can formulate precepts which show by way of induction the relevance of values and norms based on experience. Experience has the status of an experimental discovesy of the reality of life. In this way, the author attempts a mediation between norm and experience with a view to an ambitious concept of theological ethics.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer als »Theologe der DDR«
Authors: Krötke Wolf
Published: September 2014

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology has bad a role in the development ofthe Protestant Churches in the GDR which was not at all unimportant. Wolf Krötke has a closer look at the reception of Bonhoeffer in the GDR. He describes Bonhoeffer in wide perspectives. They range from a socialist demand on the one hand up to critical claims against socialism on the other hand. In these perspectives the slogan of »Kirche im Sozialismus« plays a prominent and at the same time problematic role. Krötke's study demands a critical inventary of the Bonhoeffer-reception in the GDR and gives a first and cautious contribution to this analysis.
Die Ethik Dietrich Bonhoeffers – Quelle oder Hemmschuh für feministisch-theologische Ethik?
Authors: Kuhlmann Helga
Published: September 2014

The article connects the discourses on Bonhoeffer's Ethics with feminist ethics and critically reviews Bonhoeffer's use of »man« and »woman« respectively malehood and femalehood and relates both to the centrat ideas on >mature«, »body«, »Order«, and »sacrificejvictim« (in German both »Opfer«!). While Bonhoeffer's concept of nature and body shares quite a Iot with the respective feminist concepts in ethics, his concept of sacrificejvictim differs substantially. The argument pretends that both approaches could enrich each other. One result of the analysis is that Bonhoeffer uses the convential patterns of »man« und »woman« as weil as of»malehood« and »femalehood«, butthat his ethics also includes some fundamental ideas to overcome the traditional categories of gender.
Christliche Rechtsüberzeugungen im Kontext einer pluralistischen Gesellschaft
Authors: Pannenberg Wolfhart
Published: September 2014

Although modern society emancipated itself from its Christian roots, Christian motivs continue to be effective even in the realm oflaw. Thus, in the 16. cent., the idea oftoleration had Christian, though not ecclesiastic origins. In a Christian perspective, however, toleration does not entail complete neutrality in all religious matters and on the part of society and legal order such complete neutrality is to be considered delusive. The positive attitude of Christians toward the German constitution is largely bound up with its emphasis on human dignity, which is rooted in the biblical idea of the human person being created in the image of God. In the reality of modern society, on the other hand, personal selfrealization tends to become the fundamental human right, and on certain points (abortion) issues in conflicts with the priority of human dignity. Here, the idea of freedom degenerates into licence, which in a Christian perspective is sin. Another area of particular concern for Christians in the legal system is marriage and family. Here, the author pleads for the Christian emphasis on marriage as basis of the family and indicates its legal consequences.
»Du sollst nicht töten!«
Authors: Krüger Thomas
Published: September 2014

There exists a tension between the categorical prohibition of killing in the Decalogue and the claim for or toleration of homicide, and of killing animals, in other passages of the Old Testament. This tension can be made understandable if we see in the Decalogue an attempt to formulate the ethical foundations of given legal bases. The ethica/ dictate of not killing seems to have given an impulse to the development of the law to Iimit bloodshed as much as possible. The conviction that bloodshed can only be ))atoned for« by renewed bloodshed expresses a >>reverence for Iife« which sets free and, at the same time, restricts the tendency to avoid bloodshed in the ethics and laws of the Old Testament.
Grenzen des medizinischen Fortschritts aus ethischer Sicht
Authors: Huber Wolfgang
Published: September 2014

When discussing the Iimits of medical progress from an ethical point of view, medical progress must neither be glorified nor rejected. Ethical reflection rather has to consider the different kinds of Iimits of medical practice and research. Starting from an ethics of dignity, that refuses to define human being and dignity only by the fact of human cerebration, the article argues for extending the Iimits of medicine in order to fight against the epidemics, and for correcting new Iimits of medical care, that result from the over specialisation of medical technics and the division of medical labour. Above all however medical treatment has to respect those Iimits, that are given by the dignity of the individual. Therefore for example the criteria for organ transplantation must be very strict in order to avoid any commercialization of donating organs, and in order to respect the process of human death.
Der Übergang zur Marktwirtschaft – Ein soziokulturelles Problem
Authors: Nutzinger Hans G.
Published: September 2014

Hans Nutzinger describes the current complex of problems of the eastern european countries on their transition to market economy and points out, how far socio-cultural problems determine the conditions of transformation. The appropriate economic system seems to appear as a responsibility of organization, where as interdependence has tobe seen in a double sense: as an interdependence of all economic decisions, valuations and actions and, on the other hand, as an interdependence of economic systems as a whole. He deals with the topic how far a free-enterprise development depends on specific religious preconditions, but leaves the question - respecting the Iimits of the economic discipline - undecided
Geld: Seine »ethische« Rationalität
Authors: Kaiser Helmut
Published: September 2014

The thoughts presented here describe the »Reality« of money and its Connections, in the sense oft he point of attachment, to an ethic of »Money«. The respective theological remarks to the descriptions integrate, strenghten and interpret these and thus present perspectives for the handling of money without, however, providing handling methods. A functional view of the social and economic sciences is not sufficient for a description of money by means of (the theological) ethics. Although ethics must have knowledge of this »Rationality«, yet the many methods of talking of and money are an indication for ethical reflections that behind the functional reality of money there lurks an »Ethical« dimension (money, wealth, power;justice, goodness, solidarity; time is money, insatiability, magic, idolatry of money) which require tobe deciphered and interpreted.
Selbstbestimmung und Institution
Authors: Rendtorff Trutz
Published: September 2014

There's no new knowledge about »homosexuality« by science of medicine, natural science or historical science. On the contrary the ethical structure of the debate is to clarify. The author studies the problern in the aspect of the conflict between self determination and institution. In this point of view the ethical opinions changed. The author points out the revised lines for ethical judgement in the churches
Strategien zur Bekämpfung der Armut in der Informationsgesellschaft
Authors: Stein Jürgen
Published: September 2014

Abstract Today's multimedia-world gives many opportunities to ignore poverty and to violate the rights of the poor. Therefore some strategies obtain considerable importance which strengthen the observation and the communicative process on matters of poverty and social exclusion. official (governmental) poverty reports belong to these instruments. Even international programmes to combat poverty (p.e. POVERTY 3 by the European Community) might gain considerable communicative relevance. United Nations World Summit on Social Development at Copenhague 1995 should not be underestimated in its potential importance.
KOINONIA-DIAKONIA Schlüsselbegriffe ökumenischer Diakonie
Authors: Robra Martin
Published: September 2014

The survey is an attempt to identify and systematically reconstruct the main line of the discussions on diakonia within the ecumenical movement, using the paradigm-analysis model suggested by Thomas Kuhn and applied to the ecumenical movement by Konrad Raiser. The subheadings indicate the key words which mediate in the successive periods between the theological concepts of that time and the actual situation. During the 1980s it became obvious that the ongoing paradigm-shift calls for an innovative change of concepts.
Zum Verständnis des Lebens in der Ethik
Authors: Frey Christofer
Published: September 2014

The article questions the empty formula of the concept of life and examines its theological and ethical implications. A critical survey of various positions found in the history of philosophy and theology illustrates its ambiguity and normative use. In the light oftbis historical and systematic investigation the author inquires into a handling of the concept which would be justifiable today in theological and ethical terms. Neither moral evidence nor theological structure are cited. Instead the concept - inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's distinction between the ›Letzter‹ and ›Vorletzter‹- should be made relative and placed into perspective by a critical understanding of the revelation.
Politische Kultur und Rechtsbewußtsein in Ostdeutschland-Folgen der Diktatur
Authors: Neubert Ehrhart
Published: September 2014

The author examines the consequences of dictatorship upon the conciousness of law and justice in the postsocialist society of East-Germany. This society and even the Church are characterized by a moralizing thinking of justice- according to the German tradition of paternalistic state: the state grants justice and represents community. Ever after theseGermans regard themselves as inferiors, who want to get adjusted into a disciplined order. This leeds to disappointments and radical criticism of the democratic constitutional state. Law is not able to realize ultimatejustice. For the aceptance ofthe constitutional state it will be necessary to restore civil society and overcome a fundamentalistic criticism of civilisation.
Heimat
Authors: Wilhelms Günter
Published: September 2014

The notions of “Heimat” are split up in various rival versions. The author explores the social and personal values of “Heimat”. His thesis: “Heimat” means a concrete position and a concrete time in reference to a persons biography. This notion can support a critical claim against the loss of the biographic roots of “Heimat” (for example: massmedia).
Werte, Gewohnheiten, Haltungen. Eine Erinnerung an Emile Durkheims Konzept der Moralerziehung
Authors: Schieder Rolf
Published: September 2014

The ethical value ofthe debate on values is dubious. The collision ofvalues, their implicit economic logic, the danger of a ›tyranny of values‹, and the gap between values and behavior show the problems of the value concept. Durkheims understanding of moral education insists on the social character of moral behavior. Morality has nothing to do with moral ideals and values. Morality is socially constituted in the first place. Durkheims programm of moral education goes from self-discipline over social abilities to autonomy. His plea for a universalistic morality can be seen in the context of Durkheims reflections upon bis situation as an assimilated Jew in France during the years of the Dreyfuß affaire.
Technikrisiken - Zum Beispiel Kernenergie
Authors: Herms Eilert , Anzenbacher Arno
Published: September 2014

The use and development of technic always presuposes- as every human interaction does- at least implicitely as set of leading concepts conceming the essense and destiny of human life and the good order of society. This study analyses and explains out of a christian perspective the concepts of technic, technical damages, technical risks, developes principals for the treatment of such risks and finally tries to evaluate the nuclear energy technic
Sozialklauseln im internationalen Handel. Wirtschaftsethische Kriterien
Authors: Stückelberger Christoph
Published: September 2014

»Social Clauses« in international trade policy and law are appointments for a set of minimal standards, which are to be respected in international trade; they are social rules which have to be established in the lntemational-Economy-Order. The author presents this concept and discusses criteria in the horizon of economy-ethics about the valuation of Social Clauses.