bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Bedeutung von Tradition und Geheimnis für praktizierende Magier des 21. Jahrhunderts: Ergebnisse einer Interviewstudie The Meaning of Tradition and Secrecy for Magical Practitioners in the 21st Century: Results of an Interview Study
Authors: Mayer Gerhard
Published: July 2008

This article addresses the question of the significance of tradition and secrecy for magical practitioners from various occult groups of the twenty-first century. The observations are based upon the results of an interview study alongside an analysis of contemporary literature concerning the practice of magic. The significance which is attached to the “occult” tradition, the transmission of esoteric knowledge and the figure of the person teaching this knowledge correlates very strongly with the spiritual alignment of the magical practice. This is especially pronounced among mystery schools which are oriented towards “white magic”. These concepts, however, play only a relatively marginal role. The same is not true with regard to aspects of secrets and secrecy. Although the distinct influence of a postmodern relativisation can be ascertained here, secrecy nevertheless remains significant in both theory and practice. The social functionality of secrecy such as was characteristic of the secret societies of the Enlightenment can, however, no longer be taken for granted. In this regard, the cultural situation of the twenty-first century has changed too much.
Theological Lying and Religious Radicalism in Anderson's Constitutions Mensonge théologique et radicalisme religieux dans les Constitutions d'Anderson
Authors: Chakmakjian Pauline
Published: July 2008

Cet article fait état des difficultés que pose le terme “déisme” à propos de la franc-maçonnerie, et propose une analyse des cinq éditions, très importantes, des Constitutions d'Anderson. L'auteur pose la question de savoir si certaines éditions constituent des mensonges théologiques – un mensonge théologique signifiant qu'un écrivain, au dix-huitième siècle, éprouve une sorte de crainte ou de résistance à révéler ses positions réelles en matière de religion. Dans les milieux maçonniques d'alors, il est possible que ce procédé vise à dissimuler la différence séparant les membres de la franc-maçonnerie qui vraiment croient en Dieu, et ceux qui sont athées. Même si telle ou telle édition est un exemple de mensonge théologique, on peut considérer la francmaçonnerie du dix-huitième siècle comme une forme de radicalisme religieux.
Enclosed Nomadism
Authors: Rowton M.
Published: July 2008

The present article is the third in a series of six articles on the subject of tribal and urban autonomy in a nomadic environment 1). The problems discussed also include the relations between nomad and sedentary and between tribe and state, as well as the effect this kind of nomadism has on social and political structure.
Two Aspects of Hindu Social Life and Thought, as Reflected in the Works of Tulsidas
Authors: Chandra Savitri
Published: July 2008

Tulsi (d. 1623) lived and composed his works 1) in an age in which society and politics had acquired a certain measure of stability after a long period of flux and uncertainty. During the preceding period, a number of saints and thinkers had denounced the institution of caste. Nevertheless, caste still had a considerable hold on the masses, and was considered a vital element of Hindu society by the orthodox. Tulsi attempted to synthesize the prevailing ideas in a framework which would, while rejecting the worst iniquities of the caste system, be acceptable to the powerfully entrenched orthodox elements in Hindu society. This task was not an easy one and, in attempting it, Tulsi sometimes takes up contradictory positions.
Bringing Context Into Focus: Parallels i n tHe Psychology of Attention and the Philosophy of Science
Authors: Sven Arvidson P.
Published: July 2008

In the experimental psychology of attention, the phenomenon of attentional context has been underappreciated, while focal attention has taken center stage. Similar problems of context are found in certain realist arguments in .the philosophy of science. Through the lens of Aron Gurwitsch's phenomenology of attention, this paper discusses and evaluates the ways in which context is or is not brought into focus in experimental psychology and the philosophy of science. It concludes that recent developments in both realms show promise. Also some ways are indicated in which phenomenology, experimental psychology, and philosophy of science can benefit from each other.
Sex Objects and Sexual Objectification: Erotic Versus Pornographic Depiction
Authors: Dillon M.C.
Published: July 2008

If desire is conceived as investment in a sex object, why is sexual objectification regarded as intrinsically degrading? The distinction between the "objectification " of pornographic depiction and the "beauty " of erotic depiction can be understood as a difference in degree between the uni-dimensional enframing of one treatment and the multidimensional enframing of the other. The phenomenon of context includes the anticipations of the participating witnesses: the object of pornographic or erotic depiction cannot be isolated from the posture, situation, and desire of the persons participating in the revelation. Erotic depiction which strives to represent the full range of structures, connections, and relationships constitutive of sexlove-that is, forms of mimesis that elaborate the horizons of erotic encounter, that seek to contextualize the intertwining of flesh rather than focus on the slappings of meat-might well meet the most discerning standards of artistic production.
Merleau-Ponty's Account of the Perception of Speech and Luria's Description of Semantic Aphasia
Authors: Wait Eldon
Published: July 2008

Our objective is to corroborate Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology of speech perception and intersubjectivity through an analysis of A. R. Luria's account of semantic aphasia. By emulating Merleau-Ponty's style of analysis in dealing with the work of a contemporary leader in the field of aphasiology, we are able to take up Merleau-Ponty's thought and test whether his conclusions are inevitable or whether they are based on outmoded problems of the psychology and psychopathology of his day. These reflections also enable us to present arguments against both the assumptions of the natural attitude, as well as those of transcendental phenomenology, and so enable us to cast some light on the relation between existential phenomenology and empirical research. By contrasting aphasic and normal perception, we intend to show that ultimately even the aphasiologist is able to characterize aphasic perception only in terms of the aphasic's loss of an "openness" to meanings present in the uttered sounds. We argue that this notion of openness, like that of Merleau-Ponty's notion of "perceptual faith, " requires the reduction but also points to the impossibility of a complete reduction.
Binswanger & Schapp: Existential Analysis or Narrative Analysis?
Authors: Azorin J.M. , Wieder Catherine , Naudin J.
Published: July 2008

Binszuanger's Daseinsanalyse is, first and foremost, an attempt to explain the close links that may exist between how to understand, interpret, and experience. To achieve this goal, it constantly evolves through a to and fro movement between two kinds of thought processes, that is, Husserl's and Heidegger's. It sways around the central question of living connections that take place between the experiences within the intimate "(hi)stories" of one's life and the very same connections between my own experience and that of the other person. Of course, it runs into the problem of misunderstanding, which is typical of that very process and comes back whenever one is confronted by a theory of perception. The present authors question once again such an ontological primacy with reference to Wilhelm Schapp's philosophy. According to the latter, (hi)story and not perception comes first. Things are valid only because they surge within one's (hi)story, and it is (hi)story that holds person's seat. The person thus becomes described as being entangled amidst (hi)stories. The authors show that one can cast a new light on Binswanger's project by following Schapp on a narrative level: Connections living through experiences are connections between (hi)stories. The encounter with the psychiatric patient is understood in terms of mutual "entanglement. " Such a point of view leads the authors to analyze existential analysis through the new criteria of a strictly narrative analysis.
Imaginative Play in Child Psychotherapy: the Relevance of Merleau-Ponty's Thought
Authors: Mook Bertha
Published: July 2008

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the use of imaginative play in child psychotherapy, yet the theoretical conceptualization of the meaning of play is lacking behind its application in practice. In search of a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of imaginative play, the author turns to Merleau-Ponty's ontology and to his phenomenology of structure, of the lived body, of perception, and of expression. In light of his work, play is an embodied mode of being in the world and a body-world phenomenon. Imaginative play in particular exemplifies the human order in that it enables the child to create and re-create his own meanings within his play world. In a therapeutic context, the evocation of play imagery and the expressive shaping and reshaping of play meanings lead to surprising insights and new discoveries relevant to the child's life-world. A central therapeutic value of imaginative play lies in its promise for facilitating change and healing. A clinical case illustration of a young boy is provided, and the meaning of his imaginative play is exemplified in light of Merleau-Ponty's thought. Some implications are drawn for the theory of play in child psychotherapy.
Arabic, Qur'ānic Speech and Postmodern Language. What the Qur'ān Simply Says
Authors: Achrati Ahmed
Published: July 2008

Ibn Warraq has recently compiled two books, one on Muhammad, the other on the Qur'ān. His stated aim is to show that “Muslims need new scientific research into the Qur'ān, and a reexamination of the Qur'ānic message and its meaning in the 21st century” (Ibn Warraq, 2002, p. 59). But his massive anthologizing of old material is remarkable only for its copious display of a humanistic thinking, and the unquestioned commitment to the totalizing rationalism of modern enlightenment. While the hermeneutical approach of this essay explores possible ways of appropriating postmodern strategies for the purpose of understanding the Qur'ān, it also underscores the violence in Ibn Warraq's proposed literary criticism, and its roots in the metaphysics of the letter, and the cultic attachment to the graph.
Sodomie et masculinité chez les juristes musulmans du IXe au XIe siècle
Authors: Mezziane Mohammed
Published: July 2008

The regulation of masculine and feminine sexuality by the Classic Muslim law doesn't respond to moral or procreation concerns, nor even to preservation of an hypothetical “Natural order”. It responds, rather, to the preservation of social order. Therefore, different punishments against sexual transgressions are thought to being strictly applied with harm degree that those transgressions produce. The present article presents this thesis in the context of two axes : the links between fisq, space and sexuality and the relationships between masculinity and sexuality. La régulation de la sexualité masculine et féminine par le droit musulman classique n'obéit pas à des préoccupations de morale, de préservation d'un hypothétique «ordre naturel» ou même de la perpétuation de l'espèce, mais à la préservation de l'ordre public. À ce titre, les divers châtiments prévus contre les transgressions sexuelles sont conçus pour être appliqués en lien étroit avec le degré de nuisance qu'ils génèrent. Le présent article présente cette thèse dans le cadre de deux hypothèses : le lien entre fisq, espace et sexualité ; le lien entre masculinité et sexualité.
La Grammaire à bAgdad Du IXe Au XIIIe Siècle
Authors: Troupeau Gérard
Published: July 2008

À LA fin de son recueil de biographies des grammairiens de Basra et de Kùfa, Abu l-Tayyib al-Lugawi (m. 962) porte ce jugement sur la capitale 'abbàside : « Quant à Bagdad, c'est une ville de royauté et ce n'est pas une ville de science ; la science qu'on y trouve y a été transportée et importée pour les califes », et il précise ailleurs : « La science fut transportée à Bagdad que les gens de Kûfa dominèrent ; ils enseignèrent le hadit aux rois qui les mirent en avant ». De fait, il est exact que les premiers grammairiens que l'on rencontre à Bagdad, au VIIIe siècle, sont des hommes de Kufa attirés vers la capitale par la cour 'abbaside : d'abord al-Kisa'i (m. 805), précepteur des fils de Harun al-Rasid, puis son élève al-Farrà' (m. 822), précepteur des fils d'al-Ma'mun. Il est donc permis de penser que c'est à Bagdad, où nous savons qu'il résidait la plus grande partie de l'année, qu'al-Farra' dicta le K. Hudud al-nahw à un groupe d'élèves dont les trois principaux, Ibn Qàdim, al-Tuwàl et Salama ibn 'Asim, furent les maîtres de Ta 'lab, le premier grammairien originaire de Bagdàd.
La Poésie Arabe Au 'Iraq Et à bAgdad Jusqu'à ma 'Ruf Al-Rusafi
Authors: Blachère Régis
Published: July 2008

A VEC le recul du temps, le 'Iràq et Bagdâd nous paraissent avoir joué un rôle déterminant dans la formation et le développement de la poésie arabe. Comme ce rôle a varié selon les époques, en fonction de facteurs internes et externes, on est appelé à distinguer plusieurs périodes au cours du millénaire dont l'exposé nous est ici imparti.
Kamma and Forgiveness with some Thoughts on Cambodia
Authors: van Oosten Karel
Published: July 2008

In this article, I give some notes on kamma and forgiveness. The doctrines of kamma and forgiveness or grace are central notions in Buddhism and Christianity, and contrary to what looks different at first sight, they may show similarities in terms of 'salvation'. In the first paragraph, I explain, to a very limited extent, the concept of kamma in Theravada Buddhist tradition. In the second paragraph, I maintain that comparing kamma and grace is not correct, but that a comparison between meditation and grace could be more promising. In the third paragraph, narratives from the Pali canon illustrate Buddhist notions that show similarity to forgiveness. The possibility of a royal pardon is the theme of the fourth paragraph. The last paragraph hints at the possible relevance of the thoughts developed in this article for the Khmer Rouge Tribunal and gives some additional food for further thinking.
Missionary Challenges Faced by the First African Church Leaders in Cameroon and Ghana
Authors: Fossouo Pascal
Published: July 2008

The practice of the Christian faith in Ghana and Cameroon changes in details according to the leaders exercising power in church and in the religious traditional system of government known as Sacral Rule. African church leaders were expected to show more understanding in affirming African tradition or in undermining white missionaries' attitudes, thought and rules. They were called to fill the omissions of their predecessors and to solve the problem of spiritual emptiness of the modern state bequeathed to Africa by the colonial practices. More of all, African leaders have to manage the presence of people with dual responsibility in Church as well as in the traditional African system of government.
Up, Up Jesus! Down, Down Satan! African Religiosity in the former Soviet Bloc — the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations
Authors: Adogame Afe
Published: July 2008

African religions are increasingly engaging the diaspora as new abodes and promising 'mission fields' particularly in the last decades. At least two genres of Christian movements can be clearly mapped: those existing as branches of mother churches headquartered in Africa; and those founded by new African immigrants with headquarters in diaspora, from where they are expanding within and back to Africa and elsewhere. The paper deals with an example of the second category, the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations founded in Ukraine by Nigerian-born Sunday Adelaja. While virtually all new African churches in diaspora seem to be dominated by African immigrants, the 'Embassy of God' is an exception with a non-African membership majority. We map its demography and social-ethnic composition, and examine to what extent their belief and ritual system appeal to a population that was until recently home to essentially communist ideas and worldview. We explore how the church is gradually inserting itself in new geo-cultural contexts as well as reconfiguring public roles. It shows how the leader's complex peregrinations demonstrate one instance of religious transnationalization of African churches in diaspora.
Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Plastic Response of Cylindrical Steel Lining‐concrete Structure Under Internal Intense Blast Loading
Authors: Wang Wanpeng , Yue Zhufeng , Hu Yongle , Lin Junde
Published: July 2008

This paper presents numerical simulation results of cylindrical steel lining‐concrete structure’s dynamic plastic response under internal intense blast loading by ANSYS/lS‐DYNA finite element software. The emphasis is put on the dynamic plastic deformation and three‐dimensional stress conditions of steel lining‐concrete structure. It is shown that maximal plastic deformation of steel lining‐concrete structure results from the first action of shock wave on internal surface of the structure. For the steel lining of the structure, radial stress is compressive stress, while hoop and axial stress is tension stress. For concrete of the structure, three‐dimension stress is compressive stress near the out surface of steel lining. Radial stress of concrete at intense shock wave seems to decay as an exponential function with increasing of scaled‐distance.
The Development of Surface Roughness Model When Turning Hardened Steel with Ceramic Cutting Tool Using Response Methodology
Authors: Sahin Yusuf , Riza Motorcu A.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a study of the development of surface roughness model when turning the mild steel hardened up to 484 HV with mixed alumina ceramic (KY1615) and coated alumina ceramic cutting tools (KY4400). The model was developed in terms of main cutting parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut, using response surface methodology. The established equation indicated that the feed rate affected the surface roughness the most, but other parametres remined stable for arithmetic average height parametre (Ra). However, it decreased with increasing the cutting speed, and with the starting and finishing point of cut for ten point height parametre (Rz). The cutting speed and the depth of cut had a slight effect on surface roughness values of Ra, Rz when using KY4400 cutting tools. Furthermore, the average surface roughness value of Ra was about 0.926 um, 1.089 um for KY1615, KY4400 cutting tools, respectively. The predicted surface roughness was found to be very close to experimentally observed ones at 95% confidence level. Moreover, analysis of variance indicated that squares terms were significant but interaction terms were insignificant for both cutting tools.
A Randomized Trial of Probation Case Management for Drug-Involved Women Offenders
Authors: Guydish Joseph , Chan Monica , Bostrom Alan , Jessup Martha A. , Davis Thomas B. , Marsh Cheryl
Published: July 2008

This article reports findings from a clinical trial of a probation case management (PCM) intervention for drug-involved women offenders. Participants were randomly assigned to PCM ( n = 92) or standard probation ( n = 91) and followed for 12 months using measures of substance abuse, psychiatric symptoms, social support, and service utilization. Arrest data were collected from administrative data sets. The sample included mostly African American and White women (age M = 34.7, education M = 11.6 years). Cocaine and heroin were the most frequently reported drugs of abuse, 86% reported history of incarceration, and 74% had children. Women assigned to both PCM and standard probation showed clinical improvement change over time on 7 of 10 measured outcomes. However, PCM group changes were no different than those observed for the standard probation group. Higher levels of case management, drug abuse treatment, and probationary supervision may be required to achieve improved outcomes in this population.
Trained Volunteer-Delivered Mental Health Support To Those Bereaved By Asian Tsunami — An Evaluation
Authors: Vijayakumar L. , Suresh Kumar M.
Published: July 2008

Introduction: While mental health consequences following the Asian December 2004 tsunami have been studied, its impact on the survivors who lost close family members deserves attention. We investigated the usefulness of trained volunteer-delivered mental health support for the bereaved persons.

Method: Non-randomized control design involving all adults aged 18 years or above who lost at least one close family member during tsunami from two geographically different coastal areas in Chennai, India. From the intervention and control sites, 45 and 57 participants were recruited respectively for the study. One year after baseline assessment, all 102 participants in intervention and control sites were interviewed.

Results: Participants receiving interventions on a consistent basis from trained volunteers were less likely to report depressive symptoms and general psychological distress compared with participants who did not receive the above intervention. Regression analysis for predicting the effect of intervention on the difference between the baseline and follow-up in BDI as well as GHQ scores, found a significant association between intervention and the improvement in BDI (adjusted β ( SE): —0.53 (2.44); p = 0.000) and GHQ (adjusted β ( SE): —0.52 (1.81); p = 0.001) scores. Suicidal attempts were also significantly less in the intervention group (FET p = 0.02).

Conclusion: In settings where mental health professionals are limited in number, trained lay volunteers can offer empathetic listening, support and referrals that can be potentially beneficial.
Online Video Game Therapy for Mental Health Concerns: A Review
Authors: Wilkinson Nathan , Ang Rebecca P. , Goh Dion H.
Published: July 2008

Background: There has been research on the use of offline video games for therapeutic purposes but online video game therapy is still fairly under-researched. Online therapeutic interventions have only recently included a gaming component. Hence, this review represents a timely first step toward taking advantage of these recent technological and cultural innovations, particularly for the treatment of special-needs groups such as the young, the elderly and people with various conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and autism spectrum disorders.

Material: A review integrating research findings on two technological advances was conducted: the home computer boom of the 1980s, which triggered a flood of research on therapeutic video games for the treatment of various mental health conditions; and the rise of the internet in the 1990s, which caused computers to be seen as conduits for therapeutic interaction rather than replacements for the therapist.

Discussion: We discuss how video games and the internet can now be combined in therapeutic interventions, as attested by a consideration of pioneering studies.

Conclusion: Future research into online video game therapy for mental health concerns might focus on two broad types of game: simple society games, which are accessible and enjoyable to players of all ages, and online worlds, which offer a unique opportunity for narrative content and immersive remote interaction with therapists and fellow patients. Both genres might be used for assessment and training purposes, and provide an unlimited platform for social interaction. The mental health community can benefit from more collaborative efforts between therapists and engineers, making such innovations a reality.
Son of the Soil
Authors: Nmoma Veronica
Published: July 2008

The ZANU government of President Robert Mugabe has undertaken a credible measure of land redistribution but has yet to achieve a mutually beneficial land reform among the races in Zimbabwe. Mugabe's desire to alter the structure of economic power in a fair and equitable manner provides validity for land reform and redistribution. However, the government's political tactics in handling land reform along with parsimonious British funding significantly contributed to the failure of achieving the goal of a just, equitable and non-racial society. By conveying a portion of public land to private use, via leasehold contract, both sides stand to gain in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Niger Delta Oil, Development of the Niger Delta and the New Development Initiative
Authors: Ebeku Kaniye S.A.
Published: July 2008

Niger Delta oil contributes immensely to the well-being of the Nigerian State; yet the Niger Delta region remains underdeveloped and its indigenous inhabitants are among the poorest in Nigeria, leading the frustrated indigenous people to engage in frequent oil-related protests. Previous development bodies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have failed to bring development to the region for various reasons. This article seeks to consider the Consolidated Council on Social and Economic Development of Coastal States of the Niger Delta (COSEND) — a new development institution recently established by the Government of Nigeria to drive the development of the Niger Delta region — with a view to determining whether it could succeed where similar bodies had failed in the past.
Corruption Cleanups in Africa
Authors: Mbaku John Mukum
Published: July 2008

The study critiques the development literature's neglect of the role played by institutions in development, with special emphasis on corruption cleanups. Such neglect is especially problematic in view of the fact that corruption is a major constraint to wealth creation and economic growth in Africa. The policy limitations of traditional development models with respect to corruption can be remedied by incorporating insights from the theory of public choice into the design and execution of new anti-corruption programs. Such insights include the introduction of new and more relevant rules, reform of existing laws and institutions, provision of more effective and relevant incentive structures, and enforcement mechanisms to reduce the profitability of opportunism.
Intimate Partner Violence among Married Women in Kenya
Authors: Djamba Yanyi K. , Kimuna Sitawa R.
Published: July 2008

This study examines the prevalence and determinants of physical, sexual, and life threatening partner violence experienced by married women, using the 2003 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. We found that 40 percent of respondents have ever been abused by their husbands. Physical abuse was the most common form of abuse (36%) followed by sexual (13%) and life threatening (6%) abuses. Logistic regression results show significant effects of gender-power factors on each of the three dimensions of abuse. However, ethnicity is the most significant variable, suggesting that cultural norms play a major role in gender relations and wife abuse in Kenya.
Paying for Someone Else's Mistake: The Effect of Bystander Negligence on Perpetrator Blame
Authors: Critcher Clayton R. , Pizarro David A.
Published: July 2008

The success of criminal acts can sometimes depend critically on the oversight or negligence of uninvolved bystanders (e.g., someone leaving a first-floor window open). Four studies examined how the contribution of a negligent bystander affects blame for the perpetrator of a crime. Although participants stated that discounting blame for the perpetrator was normatively inappropriate in this context, they expected that others would make this very “error.” Instead, across all four studies, bystander negligence amplified ascriptions of perpetrator blame. This amplification occurred because the bad action of the bystander provided an implicit standard of comparison for the perpetrator's act, framing it as more blameworthy. A variety of alternative mechanisms— that bystander negligence altered perceived crime avoidability, prompted spontaneous counterfactualizing, or increased victim empathy—were tested and ruled out. Implications for legal contexts are discussed.
A method for multilingual text mining and retrieval using growing hierarchical self-organizing maps
Authors: Yang Hsin-Chang , Lee Chung-Hong , Chen Ding-Wen
Published: July 2008

With the increasing number of multilingual texts in the internet, multilingual text retrieval techniques have become an important research issue. However, the discovery of relationships between different languages remains an open problem. In this paper we propose a method, which applies the growing hierarchical self-organizing map (GHSOM) model, to discover knowledge from multilingual text documents. Multilingual parallel corpora were trained by the GHSOM to generate hierarchical feature maps. A discovery process is then applied on these maps to discover the relationships between documents of different languages. The relationships between keywords of different languages are also revealed. We conducted experiments on a set of Chinese—English bilingual parallel corpora to discover the relationships between documents of these languages. We also use such relationships to perform multilingual information retrieval tasks. The experimental results show that our multilingual text mining approach may capture conceptual relationships among documents as well as keywords written in different languages.
A three-year study on the freshness of web search engine databases
Authors: Lewandowski Dirk
Published: July 2008

This paper deals with one aspect of the index quality of search engines: index freshness. The purpose is to analyse the update strategies of the major web search engines Google, Yahoo, and MSN/Live.com. We conducted a test of the updates of 40 daily updated pages and 30 irregularly updated pages. We used data from a time span of six weeks in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. We found that the best search engine in terms of up-to-dateness changes over the years and that none of the engines has an ideal solution for index freshness. Indexing patterns are often irregular, and there seems to be no clear policy regarding when to revisit Web pages. A major problem identified in our research is the delay in making crawled pages available for searching, which differs from one engine to another.
LOM: a linguistic ontology matcher based on information retrieval
Authors: Pirrò Giuseppe , Talia Domenico
Published: July 2008

Ontology mapping is a key problem to be solved for the success of the Semantic Web and related technologies. An ontology mapping algorithm aims at finding correspondences (or mappings) between entities of the source and target ontologies by combining several matching components, i.e., individual matchers, that exploit one or more sources of information encoded within the ontologies. In this paper, we investigate linguistic techniques for ontology mapping and underline their importance in paving the way to other matching techniques. We define a general mapping model architecture and discuss an implementation in the Lucene ontology matcher (LOM). LOM leverages the features of the Lucene search engine library. The basic idea is to gather the different kinds of linguistic information of the source ontology entities in Lucene documents that will be stored into an index. Mappings are discovered by using the values of entities in the target ontology as search arguments against the index created from the source ontology. Extensive experimental results using a popular benchmark test suite show the effectiveness of this approach in terms of precision, recall, F-measure and execution time as compared to other linguistic approaches.
Problems of Feminist Leadership among Educated Women in Ethiopia
Authors: Biseswar Indrawatie
Published: July 2008

Feminist leadership is a matter of grave concern in Ethiopia where educated women appear to be obliged to fight individual battles to sustain their own agendas on the emancipation of women. Being manipulated by the government-led ‘woman question’ rhetoric, many fail to come to terms with charting such an independent discourse. What is holding them back? Could it be their ideological make-up that is influenced by state and religious indoctrination? Or perhaps their own shortcomings where many fail to comprehend what feminist leadership is all about? Educated women need to have a renewed vision on women's emancipation and to take meaningful decisions on what form of leadership would best advance such concerns. In this twenty-first century it is indeed high time to shed the apolitical and deradicalized stance on the emancipation of women; they should take an independent lead and call for comprehensive and transformative forms of gender equality.
The Politics of Contemporary Language Policy in Ethiopia
Authors: Smith Lahra
Published: July 2008

Language is political in Ethiopia because it has both structured and symbolized the nation-building project, and because, in the context of limited resources, any language policy change would require a significant realignment of resources. In modern Ethiopia, the historical distribution of the political goods of communication, recognition and autonomy has been highly skewed, benefiting native Amharic-speakers disproportionately. Since the early 1990s, the decentralization of language choice under the federal constitution has led to the use of other languages by members of select ethno-linguistic communities. This study considers the politics of language choice, drawing from the rich literature in political theory which addresses the role of language in the identity politics of multiethnic and multilingual societies. The historical trajectory of language politics in Ethiopia is presented, but the focus is on evidence gathered in parts of Ethiopia in 2001 and 2003. These findings indicate the relationship between language identities, citizenship formation and identification in the country. They are based on structured interviews and participant observation in select regions of the country.
The “Limited Capital-Labor Accord”: May It Rest in Peace?
Authors: McIntyre Richard , Hillard Michael
Published: July 2008

This essay takes on a major pillar of the social structures of accumulation (SSA) literature: the “limited capital-labor accord.” The accord is shorthand for an industrial relations structure based on job-control, politically conservative unionism, and state-regulated collective bargaining during the period of 1948—1973. Our essay shows how this stylized assumption of industrial relations history has been empirically rejected by labor and business history and industrial relations scholarship since the 1980s.
A Comparative Study on Different Ceramic Fillers Affecting Mechanical Properties of Glass—Polyester Composites
Authors: Patnaik Amar , Satapathy Alok , Mahapatra S.S. , Dash R.R.
Published: July 2008

Filler plays a major role in determining the properties and behavior of particulate composites. In this study a series of glass fiber reinforced polyester composites are fabricated using flyash, aluminum oxide (Al 2O3) and silicon carbide (SiC) particles as filler materials. The effects of these three different ceramics on the mechanical properties of glass—polyester composites are investigated. Comparative analysis shows that with the incorporation of these fillers, the tensile strength of the composites decrease significantly. The flexural properties, interlaminar shear strength, density and hardness are also affected by the type and content of filler particles. It is found that the presence of SiC improves the hardness of the glass—polyester composites, whereas the other two fillers show marginal effect. The study reveals that the reduction in tensile strength is the minimum in case of flyash among all the fillers. Further, the composite with low flyash content (10 wt%) exhibits improved flexural strength. It is thus interesting to find that an industrial waste-like flyash shows better filler characteristics compared to those of alumina and SiC. Moreover, being cheap and easily available, it would hopefully provide a cost effective solution to composite manufacturers.
The Cure Kinetics of Sulfonium Salt UV Cationic Photoinitiator/Epoxy System
Authors: Liu Yuyan  , Jing Xianghai  , Ren Zhong  , Du Xingwen
Published: July 2008

The cationic photoinitiator S,S-dialkyl-S-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfonium (called 4HPS simply) was synthesized in this article. The synthesis was proved successfully through FT-IR spectrum, 1H-NMR, and elemental analysis. The cure kinetics of photoinitiator/ ZH92-21 were studied through FT-IR spectrum combined with a high pressure mercury lamp. The concentrations of residual epoxy group, curing rate Rp and kinetics of polymerize termination were discussed. The results showed that the cure termination reaction of HPS photoinitiator/ZH92-21 was diradical-termination.
A Study on the Tribological Properties of Self-assembled Method Treated Nano-La 2O3 Filled PTFE/PEEK Composites
Authors: Wang Huaiyuan  , Feng Xin  , Shi Yijun  , Lu Xiaohua
Published: July 2008

In this article, the surface of nanometer lanthanum oxide (nano-La 2O3) was modified with n-octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Meanwhile, the influence of OTS on the tribological properties of nano-La 2O3/PTFE/PEEK nanocomposites was investigated. For comparing, unmodified and coupling agent KH-550 modified nano-La2O3 were also used. Results indicate that OTS can be successfully assembled on the surface of nano-La2O3, which increases the water contact angle of nano-La2O3 significantly and reduces the aggregation behavior of nano-La2O3. Thus the dispersion and compatibility of nano-La2O3 in the polymer matrix are improved. At 10 wt% nano-La2O3 filler content, the wear rate of nano-La2O3/PTFE/PEEK composites reaches the lowest value, which is 2.27 times lower than that of PTFE/PEEK composites. OTS treated nano-La2O3 filled PTFE/PEEK composites can form a uniform transfer film on the counterpart surface, while unmodified nano-La2O3 cannot. Results also show that the degree of crystallinity of OTS modified nano-La2O3 filled PEEK is 2.6 times higher than that of unmodified nano-La2O 3 filled PEEK, and it is obviously higher than that of pure PEEK.
What We Need to Learn to Save the Planet
Authors: Gadotti Moacir
Published: July 2008

The author argues that education, as we see it today, is more a part of sustainable development's (SD) problem than a part of its solution because it reinforces the principles and values of an unsustainable lifestyle and economy. He argues for an economy that is not centred on free market and profit, and which circulates wealth with a logic of cooperation rather than competition. Solidarity economy has incorporated the principles of inclusion and social emancipation. Sustainability and solidarity are emergent and convergent themes. Gadotti proposes that without social mobilisation against the current economic model, education for sustainable development (ESD) will not reach its goals. In addition, education for a sustainable life—not only for a sustainable development—is required. The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development is an opportunity for formal education to construct a new quality of education, a social-environmental quality, to replace the current education model that has been eroding the planet since the nineteenth century.
Youth Can Lead the Way to Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Fien John , Neil Cameron , Bentley Matthew
Published: July 2008

This paper provides the rationale for a new education for sustainable development (ESD) project being developed in Australia.Titled Project otherWISE, it seeks to build the capacity of young Australians to be agents of change towards sustainable lifestyles in their communities. The rationale for the project is grounded in three themes that are analysed in this paper. The first is an explanation of consumption as a key defining characteristic of contemporary society and the social and environmental impacts of global consumerism. The second is the rise of postmaterial values and the potential of sustainable consumption to provide alternatives to mainstream lifestyles. The third is the enormous potential for young people to develop skills in questioning the pressures towards unthinking consumption and to create alternative ways of living in the world.
The RCE Initiative as a Policy Instrument for Sustainable Development
Authors: Mochizuki Yoko
Published: July 2008

Concerns have been expressed about the United Nations University's (UNU) Regional Centres of Expertise on education for sustainable development (RCE) initiative. While many have discussed RCE's contribution to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD), there has been no attempt to contextualise the RCE initiative in relation to similar, high-profile UN initiatives such as the Global Compact (GC) and UNESCO's World Heritage List, and to delineate the potential and limitations of RCE as a scheme to encourage recognition of ‘good practices’ and an institutional mechanism to address sustainable development. With a view to refining and advancing the RCE initiative conceptually and operationally, this article addresses some of the key issues that have been raised regarding the RCE programme. By comparing it to the World Heritage List and GC, the article clarifies the nature of designation of local networks as RCEs and offers suggestions on how to ensure the quality and validity of the RCE initiative in the long run.
Fatigue Crack Growth Prediction under Spectrum Load Sequence in an Aluminum Alloy by K*-RMS Approach
Authors: Manjunatha C.M.
Published: July 2008

Constant amplitude fatigue crack growth (FCG) tests were performed at various stress ratios in D16 (2024-T3 equivalent) aluminum alloy using single edge notched tension specimens. Empirical FCG law was derived in terms of crack driving force parameter, K*. The spectrum load sequence of a combat aircraft was approximated as an equivalent constant amplitude (CA) load sequence with maximum and minimum stresses as root-mean-square (RMS) maximum and minimum stresses of the spectrum, respectively. The fatigue crack growth behavior was then predicted under this apparent CA load sequence using the K*-RMS approach. For comparison, the conventional method of FCG prediction using crack closure concept was also performed. In this method, empirical FCG law in terms of effective stress intensity factor range, ▵Keff was obtained from the constant amplitude FCGR data. Assuming a constant K op level for spectrum sequence, FCG behavior was predicted through cycle-by-cycle method. Experimental FCG behavior under spectrum load sequence was determined and compared with predicted results. It was observed that the K*-RMS approach provided a fairly good correlation with results obtained from experimental as well as those predicted by the crack closure concept. The predicted fatigue life was conservative and the fatigue life ratio, N pred/Nexpt, was about 0.87. The simplicity of the proposed K*-RMS approach and the reasonable accuracy in fatigue life predictions are quite encouraging.
Evaluation of Multiaxial Fatigue Life Prediction Model based on Critical Plane for Notched Specimens
Authors: Rashed G. , Ghajar R. , Hashemi S.J.
Published: July 2008

This paper deals with the multiaxial fatigue life prediction model based on critical plane for notched specimens. There are some difficulties in applying smooth specimen fatigue test results to life prediction of notched components due to the effects of stress gradients, local geometries, and incompatibility of fatigue failure definitions between smooth and notched specimens. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate one crack initiation life prediction approach, critical plane, based on correlation with notched specimen biaxial fatigue test data available. The approach has been investigated and found to be a very successful one for smooth specimens. Its applicability to notched components is being emphasized in this paper. The cracking modes of the notched specimens are shown to be totally different from those cracking modes due to the notch geometry constraint. The new values of the constant k relating the shear cracking mode parameter on the notched specimen test data have been obtained under bending and torsional loading.
3D Micromechanics and Effective Moduli for Brittle Composites with Randomly Located Interacting Microcracks and Inclusions
Authors: Lee H.K. , Ju J.W.
Published: July 2008

An innovative 3D, statistical micromechanical framework is proposed for brittle composites with interacting microcracks and interacting inclusions based on the concept of the ensemble—volume average and pairwise interactions. To account for the effect of 3D interactions among constituents, an approximate analytical solution of a micromechanical formulation is presented to accommodate all possible first-order and second-order ensemble—volume averaged perturbations due to the existence and interactions of randomly located microcracks and inclusions. In particular, explicit analytical solutions for the interactions between penny-shaped microcracks and spherical inclusions are systematically derived. The proposed pairwise interacting and first-order micromechanical damage models are compared to illustrate the influence of constituent interactions on effective elastic-damage moduli of composites. This framework provides a viable methodology to accommodate statistical, micromechanical, and interacting aspects of randomly distributed microcracks and inclusions.
Predicting the Ductile Failure of DP-steels Using Micromechanical Modeling of Cells
Authors: Al-Abbasi F.M. , Nemes James A.
Published: July 2008

Thus far, micromechanical modeling of cells has been used successfully to capture the deformation behavior of dual phase (DP) steels, which display impressive mechanical properties, especially for the automotive industry. However, the prediction of ductile failure, which is essential in the manufacture and design of parts, needs to be modeled in order to develop a model, which can fully characterize DP-steels. The Gurson—Tvergaard (GT) damage model is coupled with a micromechanical model developed in earlier works, which captures the deformation behavior of DP-steels well, making a complete material model. A procedure that accounts for damage in terms of the void volume fraction, stress triaxiality and the mechanics of failure in DP-steels as major damage factors, is developed in this work to determine the calibrating parameters in the GT yield function. When these parameters are determined, they are employed in numerical simulations of a tensile bar test to compare the experimental and numerical fracture parameters. The results show good agreement between the numerical predictions using the GT parameters obtained by the procedure developed in the current work and the experimental findings at different levels of volume fraction of martensite (Vm). It is also shown that the GT parameters obtained using a calibrating procedure, which ignores the local deformation behavior of the material, does not produce the appropriate parameter values.
Legal Responses to Trafficking in Narcotics and Other Narcotic Offenses in China
Authors: Hong Lu  , Bin Liang
Published: July 2008

Narcotics offenses have been surging since the economic reforms in China. As a response, laws and governmental decrees have been promulgated and revised to curb these emerging and changing crimes. This article focuses on these evolving laws and policies pertinent to narcotics offenses in China. Using criminal court judgment documents of 362 cases tried after 1978, the authors further analyze the sentencing patterns of these narcotics offenses and examine whether and to what extent sentencing decisions were affected by legal and extralegal factors. The authors conclude with discussions of some theoretical and practical implications based on this research.