bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação do risco de incêndio em centros urbanos antigos. Parte II – aplicação informática sobre o método de ARICA
Authors: Figueira Rui , Leça Coelho António , C. Rodrigues João Paulo
Published: March 2015

Nesta segunda parte do artigo “Avaliação do risco de incêndio em centros urbanos antigos” faz-se a apresentação dum programa de computador desenvolvido para a aplicação do método ARICA. Este programa permite a aplicação do método duma forma simples e sistematizada traduzindo-se com isso numa maior inteligibilidade das soluções a testar e numa economia de tempo.
Risco de incêndio na sala de comando duma estação de tratamento de resíduos sólidos
Authors: Ferreira Emanuel , C. Rodrigues João Paulo , Coelho Leça
Published: March 2015

Neste artigo apresentam-se os resultados da avaliação quantitativa probabilística do risco de incêndio do núcleo da sala de comando duma estação de tratamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos. Para a quantificação do risco de incêndio utilizou-se o Building Fire Safety Evaluation Method (BFSEM). A aplicação do BFSEM ao referido compartimento permitiu a determinação das probabilidades de ocorrência das diferentes formas de extinção do incêndio e do flashover.
Imaginarios sobre amenazas y gestión del riesgo urbano en Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Hernández Peña Yolanda Teresa , Vargas Cuervo Germán
Published: March 2015

En la vida cotidiana se utilizan ciertos imaginarios que permiten a las personas guiar sus ritmos de acción frente a amenazas y riesgos. La importancia de los imaginarios radica en que se pueden transmitir como motor de procesos de cambio o inspirar una política pública para la prevención, en comunidades que tienen algún tipo de amenaza natural o antrópica. La investigación se orientó a encontrar los imaginarios frente a las amenazas naturales y frente a la gestión del riesgo en la ciudad de Bogotá. El método de investigación es etnográfico.
Influência das crenças e atitudes rodoviárias enquanto determinantes da sinistralidade
Authors: Marques Petra , Surrador António , Jamal Soraia , Fonseca Maria José , Freixo Daniela
Published: March 2015

A sinistralidade rodoviária constitui um problema relevante nas sociedades modernas e tem despertado o interesse ao nível das diferenças individuais que potencialmente predizem os comportamentos de segurança na condução. Pretende-se, com o presente estudo exploratório, averiguar a influência das crenças e atitudes rodoviárias, numa organização militar, enquanto variáveis determinantes da sinistralidade. Os resultados demonstram que a variável experiência de condução possui poder discriminativo sobre a sinistralidade e que as crenças não têm um impacto significativo nesta medida. São apresentadas orientações para futuros estudos.
Condução de viatura e o efeito de bebidas alcoólicas – o estudo que faltava
Authors: Talaia Mário , Crastro Joaquim
Published: March 2015

Bebidas alcoólicas podem afectar a saúde. Indivíduos que conduzem viaturas (incluindo industriais) e trabalham com equipamento industrial podem beneficiar da leitura deste artigo. Neste trabalho apresenta-se uma abordagem diferente que permite conhecer de forma rápida, se um indivíduo após a ingestão de bebida alcoólica deve adoptar estratégias de não conduzir. São ainda apresentados diagramas de observação visual directa onde é mostrada a influência da ingestão de álcool no organismo e a adopção de estratégias de intervenção.
Inundações e riscos na cidade de Aquidauana-MS
Authors: Artigas Elvis Freitas , Loubet Elaine Nogueira , Anunciação Andrade Vicentina Socorro da
Published: March 2015

A concentração populacional em áreas urbanizadas associada a um crescimento desordenado e acelerado tem provocado uma diversidade de transformações no ambiente urbano. A expansão do espaço urbano de Aquidauana–MS/Brasil provocou significativas modificações na paisagem natural evidenciando muitos dos problemas socioambientais na atualidade, como as enchentes e inundações. Os resultados desta pesquisa apontam que o aumento das inundações está relacionado ao avanço do processo de urbanização aliado à ineficácia do planejamento urbano.
A experiência do CEPED UFSC no desastre natural de novembro de 2008 no estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Schadeck Rafael , Bauzys Fernanda , Guzi Diane , Jungles Antônio Edésio
Published: March 2015

Este artigo visa caracterizar as ações do Centro Universitário de Estudos e Pesquisas Sobre Desastres Naturais da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (CEPED-UFSC) dentro do projeto “Resposta ao Desastre de Santa Catarina em Novembro de 2008”. A realização deste projeto buscou, fundamentalmente, apoiar os municípios atingidos no desastre, através da avaliação das áreas submetidas a movimentos de massa que afetaram moradias e prédios públicos.
Identificação e mapeamento de áreas de risco geotécnico na área urbana de Timóteo (MG, sudeste do Brasil) e suas implicações na qualidade de vida de seus moradores
Authors: Morais Sérgio Lana , Fonseca Vlamir Soares , Dos Santos Vaz Dirley
Published: March 2015

A cidade de Timóteo, na região Sudeste do Brasil, não está imune à ocorrência de áreas de riscos causadas por processos naturais e/ou induzidos por situações antrópicas que interferem diretamente na qualidade de vida de parte de sua população. O presente trabalho tem como foco identificar e analisar a ocupação urbana nestas áreas de risco do distrito de Cachoeira do vale. No final foi elaborada uma carta de susceptibilidade ao risco, que servirá como mais uma ferramenta no gerenciamento do referido problema por parte do poder público municipal
The Effect of Pharmacies’ Right to Negotiate Discounts on the Market Share of Parallel Imported Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Granlund David
Published: March 2015

This paper analyzes how allowing pharmacies to negotiate discounts with parallel traders and producers affects the market share for parallel imports. Economic theory predicts that discount negotiations will promote products bought directly from the producers because producers have cost advantages, due to which they always underbid the marginal prices of parallel traders. A reform that allowed discount negotiations is found to reduce the market share for parallel imports by about 11 percentage points to reach 31%. The results clearly indicate that pharmacies have an important role in the choice between medically equivalent pharmaceuticals.
Rare causes of acute abdomen in pregnancy: “ultrasound to the rescue”. A review of two cases
Authors: Aliyu Labaran Dayyabu
Published: March 2015

Acute abdomen in pregnancy poses special challenge to the pregnant woman, her unborn infant, and the attending physician. The problems are multifactorial, as the physiological changes in pregnancy mask some of the clinical signs that can be elicited in making accurate diagnosis. Some diagnostic modalities are not feasible in pregnancy because of their effects on the fetus. Another dilemma is that two lives are at stake. It becomes even more challenging when one is faced with rare causes. For these reasons, the choice of diagnostic modality becomes critical. The chosen diagnostic modality should not only be readily available, non-invasive, least hazardous to the mother and fetus, but should also provide adequate information to enable accurate diagnosis. Ultrasonography provides such an opportunity and should be utilized whenever the need arises. We present two cases of acute abdomen in pregnancy managed at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital: one was seen in the third trimester and the other in the first trimester, each with its peculiar presentation. The review is meant to alert obstetricians on the critical role of ultrasound in enhancing accurate diagnosis in the face of a complex clinical condition like acute abdomen in pregnancy.
Key-escrow free multi-signature scheme using bilinear pairings
Authors: Das Manik Lal
Published: March 2015

We present a multi-signature scheme based on bilinear pairings. The scheme is key escrow-free and does not require any secure channel for private key issuance to users. We use a binding-blinding technique to avoid the key escrow problem and to eliminate a secure channel requirement for the key issuance stage. The basic scheme is extended to sequential and parallel multi-signature schemes. We show that the basic scheme and multi-signature schemes are secure against adaptive chosen message attacks under standard assumptions.
Synthesis of mono- and bis-1,2,3-triazole derivatives containing 4H-pyran-4-one moiety by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Saraei Mahnaz , Hossienzadeh Roshanak , Jabbari Maryam
Published: March 2015

An efficient and green methodology for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles substituted with a 4H-pyran-4-one moiety was developed by treatment of 2-(4-azidomethylphenyl)-6-phenyl-4H-pyran-4-one with alkynes in water. The yields are good to excellent. The reactions of the terminal alkynes occur in the presence of Cu(I) as catalyst and lead to the formation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles. Also, bis-1,2,3-triazoles containing 4H-pyran-4-one moiety were synthesized by the reaction of 2,6-bis[4-(azidomethyl)phenyl]-4H-pyran-4-one with internal alkynes in 51–84% yields.
Modeling and Improving the Performance of Cabinet Solar Dryer Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Ghaffari Ali , Mehdipour Ramin
Published: March 2015

In this study, a new approach for numerically modeling of an entire cabinet solar dryer is proposed. Collector, drying chamber and chimney are the three principle sections considered in the present modeling. The collector section containing a cover and an absorber plate is modeled applying energy and fluid flow equations to obtain temperature distribution inside the collector. Due to the non-linear behavior of the governing equations as well as variety of effective variables, an iterative method is employed for solution. Regarding the geometry complexity of the drying chamber along with the air compressibility (that in turn causes coupling of momentum and energy equations) drying chamber is simulated by CFD method. Chimney’s effect and effective parameters in suction are comprehensively considered in the present model. The numerical results are in line with experimental results which show that the model can be applied with certainty to employ the dryer for drying highly demanded and time-consuming products in a scientific, sanitary, and timely manner. The model is then optimized by adding some baffles to achieve higher efficiencies and accelerate the drying process.
Luminescence Properties of the Thermographic Phosphors Dy3+:YAG and Tm3+:YAG for the Application in High Temperature Systems
Authors: Jovicic Gordana , Zigan Lars , Will Stefan , Leipertz Alfred
Published: March 2015

The high temperature sensitivity of the luminescence emission of
thermographic phosphor (TP) particles favours its utilization for the
measurement of wall or gas temperatures in combustion devices. The
present work focuses on the luminescence behavior and suitability of
two lanthanide ion types (Tm and Dy) doped in a YAG host
crystal for high temperature applications. The Dy:YAG is
a well-known thermographic phosphor and is used here as a reference for
the comparison with Tm:YAG TP. Additionally its dopant
concentration is varied to improve its signal intensity for high
temperature applications. For the studied thermographic phosphors
phosphorescence spectra, intensity ratios and luminescence decay time
are characterized for a wide temperature range up to
1573 K.
Improving Private Sector Impact on Poverty Alleviation: A Cost-Based Taxonomy
Authors: Clyde Paul , Karnani Aneel
Published: March 2015

The past few decades have seen an increasing role for the private sector in poverty alleviation. The variety of names used to describe these initiatives—corporate social responsibility, social enterprise, base of the pyramid, impact investing, not-for-loss business, and corporate philanthropy—obscures the similarity between them: they all sacrifice economic profits in return for social impact. This article uses economic theory to develop a cost-based taxonomy of private sector initiatives in poverty alleviation by taking into consideration which costs are being subsidized. This highlights the incentive effects, allowing the donor to increase the efficiency and impact of the initiative.
3D Robotics: Disrupting the Drone Market
Authors: Stuart Toby , Anderson Chris
Published: March 2015

This case study focuses on 3D Robotics, a drone company with UAV platforms. It examines what 3DR should pursue at the critical inflection point within its history and highlights what is unique about 3DR, particularly when compared to a more traditional non-open, non-Maker company.
The SMC′ Is a Highly Accurate Approximation to the Ancestral Recombination Graph
Authors: Wilton Peter R , Carmi Shai , Hobolth Asger
Published: March 2015

Two sequentially Markov coalescent models (SMC and SMC′) are available as tractable approximations to the ancestral recombination graph (ARG). We present a Markov process describing coalescence at two fixed points along a pair of sequences evolving under the SMC′. Using our Markov process, we derive a number of new quantities related to the pairwise SMC′, thereby analytically quantifying for the first time the similarity between the SMC′ and the ARG. We use our process to show that the joint distribution of pairwise coalescence times at recombination sites under the SMC′ is the same as it is marginally under the ARG, which demonstrates that the SMC′ is, in a particular well-defined, intuitive sense, the most appropriate first-order sequentially Markov approximation to the ARG. Finally, we use these results to show that population size estimates under the pairwise SMC are asymptotically biased, while under the pairwise SMC′ they are approximately asymptotically unbiased.
The Aggregation-Prone Intracellular Serpin SRP-2 Fails to Transit the ER inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Silverman Richard M , Cummings Erin E , O’Reilly Linda P , Miedel Mark T , Silverman Gary A , Luke Cliff J , Perlmutter David H , Pak Stephen C
Published: March 2015

Familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusions bodies (FENIB) is a serpinopathy that induces a rare form of presenile dementia. Neuroserpin contains a classical signal peptide and like all extracellular serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) is secreted via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi pathway. The disease phenotype is due to gain-of-function missense mutations that cause neuroserpin to misfold and aggregate within the ER. In a previous study, nematodes expressing a homologous mutation in the endogenous Caenorhabditis elegans serpin, srp-2, were reported to model the ER proteotoxicity induced by an allele of mutant neuroserpin. Our results suggest that SRP-2 lacks a classical N-terminal signal peptide and is a member of the intracellular serpin family. Using confocal imaging and an ER colocalization marker, we confirmed that GFP-tagged wild-type SRP-2 localized to the cytosol and not the ER. Similarly, the aggregation-prone SRP-2 mutant formed intracellular inclusions that localized to the cytosol. Interestingly, wild-type SRP-2, targeted to the ER by fusion to a cleavable N-terminal signal peptide, failed to be secreted and accumulated within the ER lumen. This ER retention phenotype is typical of other obligate intracellular serpins forced to translocate across the ER membrane. Neuroserpin is a secreted protein that inhibits trypsin-like proteinase. SRP-2 is a cytosolic serpin that inhibits lysosomal cysteine peptidases. We concluded that SRP-2 is neither an ortholog nor a functional homolog of neuroserpin. Furthermore, animals expressing an aggregation-prone mutation in SRP-2 do not model the ER proteotoxicity associated with FENIB.
Immobilization of Persimmon Tannin on Cellulose Viscopearls and Removal of Caffeine from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Alejandra Murguía Flores Dennise , La Ode Ahmad , Kunimoto Ko-Ki , Ríos Jaime Bonilla
Published: March 2015

An eco-friendly adsorbent was prepared by immobilization of Persimmon Tannin (PT) in cellulose viscopearls to remove caffeine. The immobilization time within a range of 1-42days was performed. Batch adsorption experiments were studied for different Persimmon Tannin on Cellulose Viscopearls (PTIC) gel samples, adsorbent dosage, and initial caffeine concentration. FTIR indicated that PT was successfully immobilized onto viscopearls. SEM images showed differences especially on particle size and shape, between control, day7, and day28 of PTIC gel samples. The adsorption capacity results showed that removal of caffeine as the amount of adsorbed increased, the percentage of caffeine adsorption increased accordingly, but it decreased with the increased in initial caffeine concentration. Results for different PTIC gel samples showed that day 42 PTIC sample exhibits the highest adsorption capacity of caffeine solution of 43.3mg/g. The samples showed water contents in the range of 343-324%.The equilibrium data were analyzed using Freundlich and Langmuir equations. It suggested that viscopearls acted to be a suitable insoluble matrix to immobilized PT, instead of using crosslinkers.
Green Synthesis of Y2O3:Eu3+Nanocrystals for Bioimaging
Authors: Malek Khachatourian Adrine , Golestani-Fard Farhad , Sarpoolaky Hossein , Vogt Carmen , Zhao Yichen , Toprak Muhammet S.
Published: March 2015

Rare earth (e.g., Eu, Er, Yb, Tm) doped Y2O3nanocrystals are promising fluorescent bioimaging agents which can overcome well known problems of currently used organic dyes like photobleaching, phototoxicity, and light scattering. Furthermore, the alternative quantum dots (QDs) composed of heavy metals (e.g., CdSe) possess inherently low biocompatibility due to the heavy metal content. In the present work, monodisperse spherical Y2O3:Eu3+nanocrystals were successfully synthesized by microwave assisted urea precipitation method followed by thermochemical treatment. This is a green, fast and reproducible synthesis method, which is surfactant and hazardous precursors free. The as prepared particles were non-aggregated, spherical particles with a narrow size distribution. The calcined particles have a polycrystalline structure preserving the monodispersity and the spherical morphology of the as prepared particles. After calcination of Y(OH)CO3:Eu3+precursors at 900°C for 2 hours, a highly crystalline cubic Y2O3structure was obtained. The Y2O3:Eu3+spherical particles showed a strong red emission peak at 613nm due to the5D0–7F2forced electric dipole transition of Eu3+ions under UV excitation (235 nm) as revealed by the photoluminescence analysis (PL). The effect of reaction time on size and photoluminescence properties of calcined particles and also the effect of reaction temperature and pressure on the size and the yield of the precipitation process have been studied. The intense red fluorescent emission, excellent stability and potential low toxicity make these QDs promising for applications in bio-related areas such as fluorescence cell imaging or fluorescence bio labels.
Oxygen Vacancies at the γ-Al2O3/STO Heterointerface Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Ngo Thong Q. , McDaniel Martin D. , Posadas Agham , Demkov Alexander A. , Ekerdt John G.
Published: March 2015

We report the epitaxial growth of γ-Al2O3 on SrTiO3 (STO) substrates by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The ALD growth of γ-Al2O3 on STO(001) single crystal substrates was performed at a temperature of 345 °C. Trimethylaluminum and water were used as co-reactants. In-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction and ex-situ x-ray diffraction were used to determine the crystallinity of the Al2O3 films. In-situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the Al2O3/STO heterointerface. The formation of a Ti3+ feature is observed in the Ti 2p spectrum of STO after the first few ALD cycles of Al2O3 and even after exposure of the STO substrate to trimethylaluminum alone at 345 °C. The presence of a Ti3+ feature is a direct indication of oxygen vacancies at the Al2O3/STO heterointerface, which provide the carriers for the quasi-two dimensional electron gas at the interface.
A Rapid Solar Reduction Method to TiO2/MoO2/Graphene Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Aravind.S.S Jyothirmayee , Ramanujachary Kandalam , Vaden Timothy D. , Mugweru Amos
Published: March 2015

Semiconductor photocatalysis has emerged as an interesting area of research since the discovery of Honda-Fujishima effect. In this study, TiO2/MoO2/graphene composites have been prepared by a solar radiation-assisted co-reduction method, wherein ammonium tetrathiomolybdate salt and graphite oxide are reduced to MoO2 and graphene respectively along with TiO2. The method involved the utilization of focused pulses of natural sunlight using a simple convex lens, thereby eliminating the need for harmful reducing agents. The compound was characterized by XRD and SEM for phase identification and morphology. The TiO2/MoO2/graphene composite exhibits superior photocatalytic water splitting activity without using a co-catalyst. In addition, we demonstrate the electrocatalytic hydrogen production using this earth abundant catalyst, which shows high current density (60 mA/cm2) and low Tafel slope (47 mV/dec). The hydrogen evolved during photocatalysis was detected by gas chromatography.
Selective Ordering of Pertechnetate at the Interface between Amorphous Silica and Water: a Poisson Boltzmann Treatment
Authors: Williams Christopher D. , Travis Karl P. , Harding John H. , Burton Neil A.
Published: March 2015

Calculations based on Poisson-Boltzmann theory are used to investigate the equilibrium properties of an electrolyte containing TcO4−and SO42−ions near the surface of amorphous silica. The calculations show that the concentration of TcO4−is greater than SO42−at distances less than 1 nm from the surface due to the negative charge density caused by deprotonation of the amorphous silica silanol groups. At lower pH, the surface becomes protonated and the magnitude of this effect is reduced. These results have implications for the potential use of oxyanion-SAMMS for the environmental remediation of water contaminated with99Tc.
Introduction
Authors: Braun Willi
Published: March 2015

Brief overview of this issue's contributions to the Greco-Roman Relgions in Focussection which were contributed to by participants in a conference held May, 2009 at Aristotle University,Thessaloniki.
Problem of Ideology in Biblical Studies
Authors: Reed Randall
Published: March 2015

The issue of ideology is one which is still in need of discussion in biblical studies. In this article I will map the way that the various strains of social approaches to New Testament have started to address this issue, though often indirectly. I will then move to an explicit discussion of the issue making reference to the Marxist tradition focusing on Marx, Althusser and Žižek. I will argue that rather than the more traditional view which focuses on a non-ideological space like science, a better approach is one championed by Žižek which looks for gaps and cracks in the social world which then lend themselves to ideological criticism.
Beliefs and Habituated Bodies
Authors: McCloud Sean
Published: March 2015

None. This is one of several responses to a book in an authors meets critics set.
Defending Science and Nonbelief
Authors: Edis Taner
Published: March 2015

Responses to review and comments concerning Science and Nonbelief
Baal Sham Tov
Authors: Caplan Jennifer
Published: March 2015

Woody Allen has long been seen as a definitive voice in American Jewish humor because of his films, but his short fiction has been largely ignored. An analysis of his fiction can, however, yield strong indications that while Allen himself may be an atheist, his prose owes a great debt to his religious upbringing and his ongoing religious literacy. This essay take a closer look at one particular story to note the ways in which Allen encounters religion in his fiction and uses his knowledge of Jewish scriptural forms to enhance the reader's experience of his satire. In this story, consisting of his parodies of the Hassidic tales of Eastern Europe, is he the Baal Sham Tov; the Master of the Good Fake.
“And Take Your Invisible Friends with You"
Authors: Cowan Douglas
Published: March 2015

Douglas E. Cowan responds to other articles published in this special issue of Bulletin.
Myths and Narratology
Authors: Feldt Laura
Published: March 2015

This essay presents narratology as a strategy for analysis of written myths. It analyses the narrative form of a written religious narrative from ancient Mesopotamia known as The Epic of Anzû, suggesting that the narrative form of myths is a necessary object of inquiry for historians of religion; one that has consequences for our understanding of the meaning and functions of myths, of the religions that make use of them, as well as for broader discussions of religious narrative.
Religious Narrative
Authors: Geertz Armin
Published: March 2015

This introduction to the special issue on narrative discusses various ways of approaching religious narrative. It looks at various evolutionary hypotheses and distinguishes between three fundamental aspects of narrative: 1. the neurobiological, psychological, social and cultural mechanisms and processes, 2. the many media and methods used in human communication, and 3. the variety of expressive genres. The introduction ends with a definition of narrative.
Rethinking “Religion and Politics”
Authors: Amesbury Richard
Published: March 2015

Twenty years after the publication of Genealogies of Religion, scholarship in the field of “religion and politics” mostly ignores Talal Asad’s central arguments about the socially constructed nature of the secular-religious distinction. However, a critical counter-tradition is gaining traction. After briefly reviewing the work of three scholars who have drawn on Asad to intervene in debates in political theory, religion and violence, and international relations, I offer some reflections on the triangular relation among states, capital, and the cultural formation of religion. “Religion” as a transcultural category, I argue, can be understood as partly the spectral projection of a universalizing liberal-capitalist order in search of an “other” by means of which to legitimate itself.
Weber, Geertz, and Ricoeur on Explanation and Interpretation
Authors: Segal Robert
Published: March 2015

One perennial issue in the study of religion is the relationship between explanation and interpretation. Explanation provides causes. Interpretation provides meanings. The issue is the relationship between causes and meanings, for which rough synonyms are reasons, motives, intentions, and purposes. This article presents three of the most common positions on the relationship: those of Max Weber, Clifford Geertz, and Paul Ricoeur. The aim is not to endorse any of the positions but simply to compare them.
Our Peculiar Institution
Authors: Schaefer Donovan
Published: March 2015

Read through the lens of Sharon Patricia Holland's work on the "erotic life of racism," Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave offers ways of thinking the intertwining of religion and race in the United States from the antebellum era up to today.
To Tweet or Not To Tweet?
Authors: LoRusso James
Published: March 2015

This piece argues that new technologies generally, and social media in particular, are too often accepted uncritically and incorporated hastily into course designs for the humanities. The author encourages teachers to ask two basic questions when considering social media in the classroom: 1. Does social media actually improve the learning process? And 2. How are these technologies embedded in the larger socio-economic context?
Agency, Structure, Change, Power…and Jesus
Authors: Crossley James
Published: March 2015

A response to the reviews of Jesus in an Age of Neoliberalism
'Very' Self-Conscious Jesus
Authors: Henderson Ian
Published: March 2015

Beside his scholarly contributions to understanding Jesus, early Christian discourses and Jewish law, James Crossley has developed an influential toolkit for critical reflection on the unavoidable ideological embededness of scholarshp on Jesus. Most recently he has exposed the deep permeation of historical studies of Jesus with the neoliberal discourse in which scholars and their institutions operate. Crossley provides a compelling mirror for his readers, but cannot entirely guide us as to why we choose to look and what we hope and fear to see there.
Debating a Discipline, Contesting Identities, and the Future of Islamic Studies
Authors: Tite Philip
Published: March 2015

Editor's introduction to the Bulletin for the Study of Religion 43.4 (2014). Presents the panel of articles on the "future of Islamic studies", with a particular focus on the etic/emic debate in not only Islamic studies but religious studies more broadly. Presents the two standalone articles (one on the Loch Ness monster in Scotland re-conceptualized as a "naga" creature; the other a theoretical look at atheism as historic object of study) as well as a conference report in "Field Notes".
Thoughts on Dissecting an Octopus
Authors: Schubel Vernon
Published: March 2015

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Is the Grass Greener?
Authors: Crossley James
Published: March 2015

This response views the Safi-Hughes debate on the "historical Muhammad" from the perspective of debates in biblical studies, particularly the quest for the historical Jesus. The main question raised is this: can the "quest for the historical Muhammad" or the "historical Jesus" ever be freed from theological concerns?
Follow the Politics...
Authors: Mas Ruth
Published: March 2015

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Pali Buddhist Review 3.3 (1978)
Authors: Various -
Published: March 2015

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Cultural Remnants of the Indigenous Peoples in the Buddhist Scriptures
Authors: Levman Bryan Geoffrey
Published: March 2015

While the linguistic influence of India’s indigenous languages on the Indo- Aryan language (IA) is well understood, the cultural impact of the autochthonous Munda, Dravidian and Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples is much harder to evaluate, due to the lack of indigenous coeval records, and later historicization of the Buddha’s life and teachings. Nevertheless, there are cultural remnants of the indigenous belief systems discoverable in the Buddhist scriptures. In this article we examine 1) The longstanding hostility between the IA immigrants and the eastern ethnic groups, especially the Buddha’s Sakya clan. 2) The Sakyas’ socio-political organization, religious and cultural values which differ significantly from those of the immigrants. 3) The concept of the Mah?puru?a which was likely an historicization of an indigenous Indian belief. 4) Indigenous belief structures like serpent- and tree-worship and the culture of sacred groves, and 5) Indigenous funeral rites in the story of the Buddha’s parinibb?na.
Two S?tras in the Chinese Sa?yukt?gama without Direct P?li Parallels — Some remarks on how to identify ‘later additions’ to the corpus
Authors: Bingenheimer Marcus
Published: March 2015

23 out of the 364 s?tras of the Shorter Chinese Sa?yukt?gama (BZA: Bieyi zaahan jing ?????? T.100) and many more of the Longer Chinese Sa?yukt?gama (ZA: Zaahan jing ???? T.99) have no known direct counterpart in P?li, Sanskrit or Tibetan. These s?tras are especially suitable to introduce common problems regarding the relationship of early Indian s?tras and their Chinese translation. While usually the existence of an Indian parallel helps researchers to narrow down the range of likely forms of names and words, in the absence of Indian versions our understanding of translations and transcriptions becomes all the more conjectural. ?gama texts without a P?li counterpart must also be suspected to be later additions to the collection and we have to deduce from form and content of the s?tra as well as its position in the collection, when, where and why the text came into being. The article introduces these problems as they appear in two BZA sutras (153 and 184), both of which are translated below.
Editorial
Authors: Harvey Peter , Collett Alice
Published: March 2015

Editorial
Buddhism, War, and Nationalism: Chinese Monks in the Struggle against Japanese Aggressions, 1931–1945 by Xue Yu. Routledge, 2011. 278pp. Pb. £28/$49.95. ISBN- 13: 9780415802307
Authors: Chen Kai
Published: March 2015

Book review
Norwegian ?arak? Salafism: “The Saved Sect” Hugs the Infidels
Authors: Mårtensson Ulrika
Published: March 2015

The article defines the Norwegian organization Islam Net with reference to current research on Salafism, and analyses Islam Net’s capacity for civil engagement through de Certeau’s and Habermas’ concepts of discourse. The main findings are that Islam Net can be defined both as “European ?arak? Salafism” and “neo-fundamentalism”. It is a publicly oriented and negotiated form of Salafism which engages in civic political activities for the sake of “clarifying misunderstanding of Islam”, while maintaining Salafi creed and legal method. Yet their capacity for civic engagement is limited by public refusal to both accept and discuss gender segregation at public meetings, a practice that Islam Net’s members in their turn refuse to negotiate. With reference to Habermas’ concept of public discourse, it is argued that public refusal to dialogue with Islam Net over this issue potentially weakens the legitimacy of liberal democracy.
Introduction: Salafism, the Social, and the Global Resurgence of Religion
Authors: Sedgwick Mark
Published: March 2015

This introductory article frames the special issue’s examination of social aspects of Salafism in terms of Roel Meijer’s observations on Salafism’s capacity to empower and change identities, and in terms of the wider contexts of the resurgence of Islam and of the global resurgence of religion. It argues that while the study of doctrinal aspects of Salafism is important, the study of the social aspects is more neglected, and that this is where the special issue makes an important contribution.
Rosemary Radford Ruether, Integrating Ecofeminism, Globalization and World Religions
Authors: Grau Marion
Published: March 2015

Rosemary Radford Ruether, Integrating Ecofeminism, Globalization and World Religions (Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005), pp. xii + 194. Paperback $20, £14.99, ISBN 0-7425-3530-4.
Earth as a Common Treasury
Authors: Bradstock Andrew
Published: March 2015

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Travail of Creation and the Daughters of God
Authors: Green Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2015

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Acting with Compassion
Authors: Kaza Stephanie
Published: March 2015

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Liturgizing the World
Authors: Rossi Vincent
Published: March 2015

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Orthodox Tradition and the Protection of the Environment
Authors: Theoxeni Sister
Published: March 2015

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Ecology and Ecumenism in Europe
Authors: Bruce Donald , Pickering David
Published: March 2015

Introduction As we stand on the threshold of a new millennium, it is only natural to ask what sort of world we will pass on to the dwellers of those coming centuries. It seems clear that our legacy will be both blessing and curse. To some at least we will hand over benefits in communication, mobility and technical possibilities. To many we will bequeath unprecedented problems, as the effects of global warming inexorably take their course, as gridlock and pollution choke the world’s cities, and as water and soils become increasingly vulnerable. There are some good signs, but many in the secular environmental sphere feel powerless and frustrated at how little we have all done to reduce those heavy burdens our descendants will inherit.
The Sacred Edge
Authors: Victorin-Vangerud Nancy M.
Published: March 2015

In the Australian context, the desert or bush landscape has provided the primary sense of place for spiritual and ecotheological reflection. But what is it about Australians and the sea? This exploration makes the case that a spiritual sense of place as seascape can inform the constructive work of Australian eco-eschatology. By shifting perspectives from desert fathers to ocean mothers, an alternative spiritual map can be imagined that re-names the geographical margins as a sacred edge. Through the ocean-wisdom of life's risk, fluidity and dynamic openness, the article explores the critical construction of an eco-eschatology of dis/closive possibility. No one has marked the sea. The shore is an ancient world, for as long as there has been an earth and sea there has been this place of the meeting of land and water. Yet it is a world that keeps alive the sense of continuing creation and of the relentless drive of life. Beach for all!
Turning
Authors: Larkin Lucy
Published: March 2015

This article elaborates on the themes of creativity, compassion and new forms of relating in regard to human encounters with nature. The example of an endangered weevil, Limobius mixtus, is put forward to argue that the loss of biodiversity results in the diminishment of God. Emmanuel Levinas’ use of the image of ‘the face’ that comes from ‘height’, Martin Buber’s philosophy of ‘I and Thou’ and feminist theological writing on the breakdown of relationship are all employed in the weaving of a theological tapestry.

Sin is defined as the failure to observe one of the ‘least’, such as the weevil. Our motives in desiring repaired relationships with nature are additionally scrutinised. It is suggested that to be creative, compassionate and to desire right relationships with nature promote a dynamic which ultimately preserves the life of God.
Sacred Places in the Construction of Indigenous Environmentalism
Authors: Harvey Graham
Published: March 2015

Indigenous people have often been linked with ‘nature’. Recently this has been complimentary, based on the assessment that nature is good, but this was not always the case. This paper is interested in the construction of indigeneity as environmentalist, and in the construction of environmentalism with reference to indigeneity. It is particularly concerned with challenging various relevant Western notions from the perspective that indigenous religious traditions might offer quite different ontologies and engagements. It takes note of the wider context of a conflict between colonialism and sovereignty which entangle these issues in traumatic crises but also underpin significant possibilities for change.
'If You Go Down to the Woods Today...'
Authors: Letcher Andy
Published: March 2015

Emerging from the anti-road protests which marked the 1990s, Eco-Paganism is a collective term for the diverse set of de-traditionalised, but Pagan-like, spiritualities found within road-protest culture. Whilst the actions, and direct-action, of protesters may not always appear outwardly to be religious, many protesters are motivated by their religious convictions such as the paramount belief in the sanctity of nature. The protest lifestyle, involving an immersion in nature through living outdoors and sleeping in treehouses, reinforces these convictions. These sentiments, and the anguish felt by practitioners as they engage in environmental struggle, find expression through spontaneous rituals. This article provides an overview of the protest lifestyle, suggesting ways in which it informs Eco-Pagan religiosity. An example of a typical ad-hoc religious ritual is provided.
Nuclear Energy Protests
Authors: Opocenska Jane
Published: March 2015

The governmental approval of the installation of nuclear power in southern Bohemia has raised a fiery protest from a group of women determined to halt the development. In particular, there has been no attempt to assess environmental impact or proper public consultation, or even proper documentation on issues of safety. The development is against the trend to dismantle nuclear power plants in other parts of the European community. The Mothers of Southern Bohemia are a group that acts for ecological issues, promoting awareness through visits to schools and other direct political activity, such as lobbying the European Parliament.
Franciscan Order and Natural Philosophy in the Thirteenth Century
Authors: Senocak Neslihan
Published: March 2015

It has been largely assumed that the mendicant friars, particularly Franciscans, had a tradition of the study of natural philosophy, since a good number of medieval scholars interested in this discipline were Franciscan friars. However, some historical facts render such an assumption invalid. Concentrating on the thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, this paper investigates whether the interest of some of the Franciscans in natural philosophy can be accounted to the whole Order, and whether there was a deliberate policy of the Order imposed through the constitutions. The examination of the evidence points to the conclusion that the Franciscan attraction to natural philosophy was limited to the masters in Paris and Oxford who, in the main, were trained in arts prior to their entry into the order, and that their involvement in natural philosophy was an extension of the general interest present in these two main university towns.
'Great Shamans and Great Teachers'
Authors: Perlo Katherine
Published: March 2015

Animals in the role of guides and messengers are found in the texts (artistic, ritual, mythological and written) of many traditions, with the significance of the animals’ presence going beyond the merely aesthetic or fanciful. The animal-related shamanic practice of hunter-gatherer cultures has influenced later world religions. Written texts can be divided into the mystical, concerning experience; the philosophical, concerning ideas; the devotional, concerning sacred places and utterances; and the ethical. Two important narratives provide examples of zoophilic ethical principles supporting ontological claims.
Between the Rock and a Hard Place
Authors: Bookless David
Published: March 2015

This paper tells the story of A Rocha, an international Christian conservation organization, founded in 1982, and now working in an increasing number of countries. A Rocha's distinctive inclusive Christian basis is eplored in describing the original Portuguese project, and three more recent ones in Lebenon, Kenya and an urban UK context. Some of the theological and missiological issues A Rocha's work touches upon are considered, including the biblical basis for practical conservation work, and the possibility of mission in a multifaith environment using creation as a starting point
Orchestrating Sacred Space
Authors: Ivakhiv Adrian
Published: March 2015

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Smokey and the Sacred
Authors: Clifton Chas S.
Published: March 2015

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Reclaiming the Ecoerotic
Authors: Shaw Sylvie
Published: March 2015

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Covenanting Nature
Authors: Donaldsom Laura
Published: March 2015

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THE TROUBLE WITH TRUTH
Authors: Carpenter Lucas
Published: March 2015

Both within its own borders and in the rest of the world, especially the Middle East, the United States is facing a growing crisis precipitated largely by the increasingly violent clash of fundamentalist religions—both among themselves and with all brands of secularism. At the center of these conflicts is the philosophical concept of the Absolute Truth: the only thing about which there is virtually total agreement among the contending parties, that is to say, almost everyone agrees that there is an Absolute Truth about the way the world is and that they are in exclusive possession of it. For religious fundamentalists the Absolute Truth is their particular dogma and orthodoxy, while for Marxists it is atheistic materialism, and for Postmodernists the Absolute Truth is that there is no Absolute Truth. Needless to say, such beliefs leave virtually no room for negotiation or compromise, especially when the truth is seen as divinely ordained. Thus we find ourselves at a dangerous impasse with regard to politics and other modes of public discourse. How do we progress when everyone is right?
HABERMAS FOR HUMANISTS
Authors: Tate Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2015

An exploration of how the writings of Jürgen Habermas lend philosophical support to the universal validity of reason, thus reinforcing the foundation of humanism.
FREETHOUGHT AND COMPASSION
Authors: Strain Daniel T.
Published: March 2015

This paper was originally prepared for oral presentation at the Houston Church of Freethought - April 9, 2006, service. The HCOF members include humanists, atheists, agnostics, and other freethinkers. The paper argues that compassion is consistent with Freethought and supplies some suggestions for bringing it to the fore in everyday life.
WE CARE!
Authors: Smith Curtis
Published: March 2015

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CONDORCET’S LEGACY AMONG THE PHILOSOPHES AND THE VALUE OF HIS FEMINISM FOR TODAY’S MAN
Authors: Nall Jeff
Published: March 2015

Key Enlightenment minds are often juxtaposed with their iconic foes, religious conservatives. When discussing the subject of women’s rights, however, this comparison creates a false impression that Enlightenment male thinkers held ideas very much opposed to a dogmatic institution such as the Catholic Church. Ironically, and damaging to their legacy of prejudice-free rationalism, nearly all of the philosophes, many of whom were “freethinking” atheists, viewed woman’s intellectual nature and societal purpose through a prejudice-tainted glass, not unlike the most conservative establishments of their time. Indeed, when it came to the perception of women, the philosophes had less in common with a virulently secular feminist such as Nicholas de Caritat, marquis de Condorcet, than they do with modern conservative Christians who believe women should be treated more fairly, but still cling to gender stereotypes.
FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
Authors: Hillar Marian
Published: March 2015

A survey essay exploring Nietzsche's intellectual trajectory and especially his notion of the ascetic ideal and its implications for atheism.
KANT AND THE BIOTECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION
Authors: Thomas Brian
Published: March 2015

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The Future(s) of Humans and the Humanists
Authors: Rose Warren J.
Published: March 2015

There is no such thing as the future of Man. Or, rather, there is only one circumstance in which that phrase has any real meaning, that circumstance being the complete eradication of all humans at more or less the same time or as a result of one event—such as a large enough asteroid strike, a widespread major volcanic episode, or a massive nuclear exchange. Barring such an event, however, different groups of humans, even different groups within individual societies, have different futures. Even if we try to think about the future of the human species in the abstract, there are many different futures that can be conceived, and even these different conceptions do not exhaust the topic, for our thinking about our future and our knowledge are linked—our knowledge shapes our thinking about our futures, and the ideas we have about our futures help direct the knowledge that we set out to gain—which then shapes the new thoughts we have about our futures, which are always unfolding before us.
PHILOSOPHY AND ITS REINTERPRETATION
Authors: Hillar Marian
Published: March 2015

An overview of Kant's ethics.
A HUMANIST NARRATIVE
Authors: Olds Mason
Published: March 2015

I have proposed the language of narrative as a vehicle for explaining and promoting the values and concerns of humanists. It is a different language than that of idealism, empiricism, and theological supernaturalism. In the language of the humanist narrative the old metaphors contained in a supernatural dualistic view must be relinquished, for they no longer make sense, nor do they work. The view of the world in the humanist narrative is non-dualistic, and it is “naturalistic” in a pragmatic sense that is limited to an understanding of language in which both culture and nature are viewed as linguistic constructs.
CIVILIZATION WITHOUT ROMANCE
Authors: Montanye James A.
Published: March 2015

Civilization, rather than being an alternative to the state of nature, is instead its efficient form. The instruments and institutions of civilization—economic and political structure, law, culture, religion, war, etc.—are manifestations of humankind’s genetic predispositions toward cooperation and reason. The fabric of civilization comprises behaviors and institutions that coalesce around core beliefs that need not be objectively true. The principal cost of civilization is defined by the social obligations that individuals are compelled to incur, and the opportunities for private benefit that they are compelled to forego, all for the sake of maintaining an optimal degree of civil unity and trust. Disputes about these costs give rise to culture wars, civil wars, and clashes between civilizations.