Tracing Beethoven Through the Ten Sonatas for Piano and Violin

Examination of Beethoven’s ten sonatas for piano and violin as a single arc, to uncover linkages between the individual sonatas and observe their stylistic evolution as a set, benefits from placing these works also in relation to the wider realm of Beethoven’s chamber music as a whole. During the years in which his sonatas for piano and violin were written, Beethoven often produced multiple works simultaneously. In fact, the first nine sonatas for piano and violin were written within a mere five-year span (1798 – 1803.) After a gap of nine years, Beethoven completed his tenth and final sonata, marking the end of his “Middle Period.” Because of this distribution, it is important to consider each of these sonatas not only as an interdependent set, but also in relation to the whole of Beethoven’s output for small ensemble. Beethoven wrote the last of his piano and violin sonatas in 1812, with a decade and a half of innovation still ahead of him. This provokes one to look beyond these sonatas to discover the final incarnation of the ideas introduced in these works. In particular, the key creative turning points within the ten sonatas for piano and violin become strikingly apparent when compared to Beethoven’s string quartets, which dramatically showcase Beethoven’s evolution in sixteen works distributed more or less evenly across his career. From the perspective of a string quartet player, studying the ten sonatas for piano and violin provides an opportunity to note similarities between the genres. This paper argues that examining the ten sonatas from a viewpoint primarily informed by Beethoven’s string quartets yields a more thorough understanding of the sonatas themselves and a broader conception of the vast network of interrelationships that produce Beethoven’s definitive voice. The body of this paper contains a full exploration of each of the ten sonatas for piano and violin, highlighting key musical, historical, and theoretical elements. Each of the sonatas is then put not only in context of the set of ten, but is contrasted with Beethoven’s sixteen string quartets, identifying unifying motives, techniques, and structural principles that recur across both bodies of work.

Analysis of Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Protein Folding

Microsecond long Molecular Dynamics (MD) trajectories of biomolecular processes are now possible due to advances in computer technology. Soon, trajectories long enough to probe dynamics over many milliseconds will become available. Since these timescales match the physiological timescales over which many small proteins fold, all atom MD simulations of protein folding are now becoming popular. To distill features of such large folding trajectories, we must develop methods that can both compress trajectory data to enable visualization, and that can yield themselves to further analysis, such as the finding of collective coordinates and reduction of the dynamics. Conventionally, clustering has been the most popular MD trajectory analysis technique, followed by principal component analysis (PCA). Simple clustering used in MD trajectory analysis suffers from various serious drawbacks, namely, (i) it is not data driven, (ii) it is unstable to noise and change in cutoff parameters, and (iii) since it does not take into account interrelationships amongst data points, the separation of data into clusters can often be artificial. Usually, partitions generated by clustering techniques are validated visually, but such validation is not possible for MD trajectories of protein folding, as the underlying structural transitions are not well understood. Rigorous cluster validation techniques may be adapted, but it is more crucial to reduce the dimensions in which MD trajectories reside, while still preserving their salient features. PCA has often been used for dimension reduction and while it is computationally inexpensive, being a linear method, it does not achieve good data compression. In this thesis, I propose a different method, a nonmetric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) technique, which achieves superior data compression by virtue of being nonlinear, and also provides a clear insight into the structural processes underlying MD trajectories. I illustrate the capabilities of nMDS by analyzing three complete villin headpiece folding and six norleucine mutant (NLE) folding trajectories simulated by Freddolino and Schulten [1]. Using these trajectories, I make comparisons between nMDS, PCA and clustering to demonstrate the superiority of nMDS. The three villin headpiece trajectories showed great structural heterogeneity. Apart from a few trivial features like early formation of secondary structure, no commonalities between trajectories were found. There were no units of residues or atoms found moving in concert across the trajectories. A flipping transition, corresponding to the flipping of helix 1 relative to the plane formed by helices 2 and 3 was observed towards the end of the folding process in all trajectories, when nearly all native contacts had been formed. However, the transition occurred through a different series of steps in all trajectories, indicating that it may not be a common transition in villin folding. The trajectories showed competition between local structure formation/hydrophobic collapse and global structure formation in all trajectories. Our analysis on the NLE trajectories confirms the notion that a tight hydrophobic core inhibits correct 3-D rearrangement. Only one of the six NLE trajectories folded, and it showed no flipping transition. All the other trajectories get trapped in hydrophobically collapsed states. The NLE residues were found to be buried deeply into the core, compared to the corresponding lysines in the villin headpiece, thereby making the core tighter and harder to undo for 3-D rearrangement. Our results suggest that the NLE may not be a fast folder as experiments suggest. The tightness of the hydrophobic core may be a very important factor in the folding of larger proteins. It is likely that chaperones like GroEL act to undo the tight hydrophobic core of proteins, after most secondary structure elements have been formed, so that global rearrangement is easier. I conclude by presenting facts about chaperone-protein complexes and propose further directions for the study of protein folding.

The relationship between personal cognition, social context, and knowledge sharing in global communities of practice

The purpose of this study was to identify the structural pathways of personal cognition and social context as they influence knowledge sharing behaviors in communities of practice. Based on the existing literature, ten hypotheses and a conceptual model built on the basis of the social cognitive theory were developed regarding the interrelationships of the five constructs: self-efficacy for knowledge sharing, outcome expectations, sense of community, leadership of a community, and knowledge sharing. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from the employees who have participated in communities of practice in a Fortune 100 corporation. A total of 438 usable questionnaires were collected. Overall, three analyses were conducted in order to prove the given hypotheses: (a) hypothesized measurement model fit, (b) relational and influential associations among the constructs, and (c) structural equation model analysis (SEM). In addition, open-ended responses were analyzed. The results presented that (a) hypothesized measurement models were valid and reliable, (b) personal cognitive factors, self-efficacy and outcome expectations for knowledge sharing, were found to be significant predictors of community members’ sense of community and knowledge sharing behaviors, (c) sense of community had the most significant impact on the knowledge sharing, (d) as the perceived social context, sense of community mediated the effects of personal cognition on knowledge sharing behaviors, and (e) personal cognition and social context jointly contributed to knowledge sharing. In brief, all of the hypotheses were positively supported. A conclusive summary is provided along with contributive discussion. Implications and contributions to HRD researchers and practitioners are discussed, and recommendations are provided.

Eco-Taxonomic Insights into Actinomycete Symbionts of Termites for Discovery of Novel Bioactive Compounds

Termites play a major role in foraging and degradation of plant biomass as well as cultivating bioactive microorganisms for their defense. Current advances in "omics'' sciences are revealing insights into function-related presence of these symbionts, and their related biosynthetic activities and genes identified in gut symbiotic bacteria might offer a significant potential for biotechnology and biodiscovery. Actinomycetes have been the major producers of bioactive compounds with an extraordinary range of biological activities. These metabolites have been in use as anticancer agents, immune suppressants, and most notably, as antibiotics. Insect-associated actinomycetes have also been reported to produce a range of antibiotics such as dentigerumycin and mycangimycin. Advances in genomics targeting a single species of the unculturable microbial members are currently aiding an improved understanding of the symbiotic interrelationships among the gut microorganisms as well as revealing the taxonomical identity and functions of the complex multilayered symbiotic actinofloral layers. If combined with target-directed approaches, these molecular advances can provide guidance towards the design of highly selective culturing methods to generate further information related to the physiology and growth requirements of these bioactive actinomycetes associated with the termite guts. This chapter provides an overview on the termite gut symbiotic actinoflora in the light of current advances in the "omics'' science, with examples of their detection and selective isolation from the guts of the Sunshine Coast regional termite Coptotermes lacteus in Queensland, Australia.

Padrões de comunicação científica nas ciências sociais : a interdisciplinaridade entre economia, ciência política, sociologia e antropologia

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciência da Informação, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Informação, 2015.

Henri Lefebvre: possibilidades teórico-metodológicas para Arquitetura e urbanismo

This paper presents the theoretical-methodological possibilities of the French philosopher and sociologist Henri Lefebvre, for the discipline of architecture and urbanism in an effort to overcome the fragmentation imposed by the institutionalization of science in general. From Du rural à l'urbain (Lefebvre, 1970) compilation, it brings the author's other works from the period between 1968 and 1974, indicating the conduits for reflection and their interrelationships with methods, types of analyses and other procedures to treat the space-time urban. The methodology involves a research on the author s 'today and yesterday' in the scientific field, a research and analysis of his procedures in highlight of philosophical, social, economic and political aspects, the historical context of his references and provides significant and possible elements for the study, research and extension in the area in question

A docência no piano : representações sociais de professores de escolas de música em Taguatinga

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Artes, Departamento de Música, Programa de Pós-graduação em Música, 2015.

Contribuição da Geodésia ao monitoramento costeiro do Litoral Setentrional do Rio Grande do Norte, área de influência da indústria petrolífera

The general objective of this thesis has been seasonal monitoring (quarterly time scale) of coastal and estuarine areas of a section of the Northern Coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, environmentally sensitive and with intense sediment erosion in the oil activities to underpin the implementation of projects for containment of erosion and mitigate the impacts of coastal dynamics. In order to achieve the general objective, the work was done systematically in three stages which consisted the specific objectives. The first stage was the implementation of geodetic reference infrastructure for carrying out the geodetic survey of the study area. This process included the implementation of RGLS (Northern Coast of the RN GPS Network), consisting of stations with geodetic coordinates and orthometric heights of precision; positioning of Benchmarks and evaluation of the gravimetric geoid available, for use in GPS altimetry of precision; and development of software for GPS altimetry of precision. The second stage was the development and improvement of methodologies for collection, processing, representation, integration and analysis of CoastLine (CL) and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) obtained by geodetic positioning techniques. As part of this stage have been made since, the choice of equipment and positioning methods to be used, depending on the required precision and structure implanted, and the definition of the LC indicator and of the geodesic references best suited, to coastal monitoring of precision. The third step was the seasonal geodesic monitoring of the study area. It was defined the execution times of the geodetic surveys by analyzing the pattern of sediment dynamics of the study area; the performing of surveys in order to calculate and locate areas and volumes of erosion and accretion (sandy and volumetric sedimentary balance) occurred on CL and on the beaches and islands surfaces throughout the year, and study of correlations between the measured variations (in area and volume) between each survey and the action of the coastal dynamic agents. The results allowed an integrated study of spatial and temporal interrelationships of the causes and consequences of intensive coastal processes operating in the area, especially to the measurement of variability of erosion, transport, balance and supply sedimentary over the annual cycle of construction and destruction of beaches. In the analysis of the results, it was possible to identify the causes and consequences of severe coastal erosion occurred on beaches exposed, to analyze the recovery of beaches and the accretion occurring in tidal inlets and estuaries. From the optics of seasonal variations in the CL, human interventions to erosion contention have been proposed with the aim of restoring the previous situation of the beaches in the process of erosion.

O balanceamento entre as posições esquizo-paranóide e depressiva (PS↔D) na psicodinâmica criativa

No presente trabalho de psicanálise extra-clínica aplicada ao estudo de objectos culturais artísticos, o autor procura mostrar a pertinência da aplicação do modelo bioniano dos elementos em psicanálise, nomeadamente o das inter-relações entre as posições esquizo-paranóide e depressiva (PS↔D) ao processo criativo artístico, isto é, a compreensão de obras artísticas modernas como o resultado da oscilação permanente entre os modos distintos de pensar/sentir dispersivo e integrativo, ilustrando com obras de vários campos artísticos: do teatro (Galileu Galilei de Brecht), da pintura (cubismo de Picasso), da literatura (Ulisses de Joyce) e da dança moderna.

Analysis of size spectra off northwest Africa: a useful indicator in tropical areas?

Changes in the size spectra of demersal fish communities off Cape Verde (1988, 1994), Guinea (1985-1995), and Mauritania (1987-2001) were studied. Intercepts and slopes showed opposite trends for Guinea and Mauritania, but were relatively stable in spite of a strong increase in landings per unit area. For Cape Verde, there were marked changes in size structure, seemingly inconsistent with the more moderate fishing pressure there. Changes in size structure do not seem to be suitable indicators of the effects of fishing in areas characterized by faster growth rates, small sizes, high species diversity, and complex interrelationships, such as the tropics. (c) 2005 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zeitgeist or chameleon? A quantitative analysis of CSR definitions.

Despite its increasing relevance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains hobbled by problems, variously charged as being chameleon, vacuous or an utterly meaningless concept. One reason is the absence of an agreed upon normative basis underpinning CSR. This is in large part due to the concept lacking a universally accepted definition. This paper explores how the concept of CSR has evolved over time drawing from 110 definitions of the construct. Using co-word analysis of definitions from 1953 to 2014, the study maps how the structure of the definitions has evolved during the field's historical development. The research uncovers the key terms underpinning the phenomenon, the centrality of these terms as well as mapping their interrelationships and evolution. The findings suggest that, despite the profusion and definitional heterogeneity over the six decades of the development of the field, there are six recurrent, enduring dimensions that underpin the CSR concept. These dimensions are economic, social, ethical, stakeholders, sustainability and voluntary. This paper makes several contributions to the academic literature. The systematic, quantitative analysis of definitions brings an objectivity that previous qualitative bibliometric analyses of CSR have lacked. The time period selected is substantially longer than previous analyses and captures the complete historical evolution of the concept. Moreover, the analysis provides the basis for the development of a new, comprehensive, yet concise, definition of CSR that captures all six of the recurring dimensions underpinning the concept.

La identidad nacional en tiempos de globalización

The national identity is a historical and geographical process; it is also dynamic and it is constantly transforming, in other words it is: a subject of change. It is constructed by individuals and different social groups who are born or live in a territory with a homogenizing ideological discourse and a reproducer of an imaginary national and, moreover, the cultural influence is expressed by the interrelationships among other countries, which have been accelerated by the phenomenon of globalization. This last aspect has a profound impact not only in the economic field, but also when sharing information, ideas, values and behaviors that are assimilated by people through behaviors, symbols and meanings that are related to the imitation of foreign cultural models. But there is one point in common in the context of this essay and it is to understand that we are in an evolutionary, dynamic and complex process that is part of the socialization processes that link the daily practices of individuals, through the diversity and cultural exchange.

Procedimento applicativo delle misure di prevenzione personale e rito penale: un rapporto controverso

La tesi si prefigge di far luce sui rapporti intercorrenti tra il procedimento applicativo delle misure di prevenzione personale di competenza giudiziale e il processo penale. Nello specifico, l’obiettivo è quello di mettere in evidenza tanto le interferenze, quanto le somiglianze e le inaccettabili divergenze tra i due riti. Nonostante dall’art. 29 cod. ant. traspaia un’apparente indifferenza tra azione penale e azione di prevenzione, infatti, le due sfere di tutela sono così intrecciate da rendere estremamente difficile sostenere che l’una in qualche modo non sia almeno condizionata dall’andamento dell’altra. Il fatto poi che l’unica disposizione contenente la disciplina del procedimento preventivo rinvii, per quanto non espressamente previsto e sempreché vi sia compatibilità, a quella dell’incidente di esecuzione ex art. 666 c.p.p., rimarca la vicinanza con il rito penale; una vicinanza che obbliga dottrina e giurisprudenza a interrogarsi per comprendere se almeno le principali tra le regole e i principi dettati per il processo penale possano valere anche per quello di prevenzione. Il cuore del lavoro sarà dunque dedicato a questa controversa opera di ricostruzione, al fine di individuare le garanzie che devono (o almeno dovrebbero) essere riconosciute al proposto.

Coworking spaces: thriving and organizing in the new world of work

The present Ph.D. thesis proposes three studies on coworking spaces to understand how they foster thriving and organizing in the new world of work. The first study maps and analyzes the thematic structure and evolution of the academic debate that has emerged around coworking spaces in recent years. In doing so, it conducts a science mapping analysis of 351 publications on coworking spaces to detect and visualize key themes in the literature and their co-occurrence with subthemes. The second study proposes an interpretive review of 98 publications from multiple disciplines to shed light on how coworking spaces emerge as sites of organizing for professionals who are not formally connected to one another. It suggests five dimensions that articulate coworking spaces as sites of organizing – ‘materiality,’ ‘temporality,’ ‘affect,’ ‘identity,’ and ‘formalization.’ This study aims to go beyond the community-related understanding of coworking that has characterized most scholarly attention, instead focusing on coworking spaces’ organizational character. The third study investigates what drives thriving at work for remote workers in coworking spaces. In doing so, it acknowledges the potential complex set of interrelationships underpinning thriving at work and mobilizes complexity theory and qualitative comparative analysis to uncover six different, yet equifinal, configurations of antecedents driving remote workers’ thriving in coworking spaces.