Al cap i a la fi, en fi i en definitiva: tres marcadors discursius vehiculadors de la reformulació conclusiva en català

En aquest article analitzem el funcionament de tres marcadors discursius del català en textos escrits que comparteixen el fet que entre els seus components gramaticals hi ha la paraula fi: al cap i a la fi, en fi i en definitiva, per tal de ferneun estudi comparatiu.Tot i que el grau de fixació d’aquestes unitats és elevat —es caracteritzen per la invariablilitat—, la presència del mot fi com a un dels seus elements constitutius influeix decididament en el funcionament semanticopragmàctic d’aquestespeces lèxiques, de manera que en aquests marcadors s’evidencia clarament una interrelació entre la forma i la funció. Tots tres marcadors esdevenen vehiculadors de la reformulació conclusiva en català.

Del discurso a la lexicografía: propuesta de aplicación para los conectores reformulativos

This paper aims at defending the necessity of creating applicationsfrom studies on discourse, so that applied linguistics becomes auseful tool for the society. This work explains briefly what reformulation connectors are and it shows the electronic prototype (than can be consulted by internet) of a tool designed to make the work of lexicographerseasy concerning the entrance of connectors in the dictionaries (ALCOR), by making emphasis on the theoretical base on which it is sustained and on the decisions of application that have been taken into account.

Book vs. Fair Value Accounting in Banking, and Intertemporal Smoothing

The aim of this paper is to examine the pros and cons of book and fair value accounting from the perspective of the theory of banking. We consider the implications of the two accounting methods in an overlapping generations environment. As observed by Allen and Gale(1997), in an overlapping generation model, banks have a role as intergenerational connectors as they allow for intertemporal smoothing. Our main result is that when dividends depend on profits, book value ex ante dominates fair value, as it provides better intertemporal smoothing. This is in contrast with the standard view that states that, fair value yields a better allocation as it reflects the real opportunity cost of assets. Banking regulation play an important role by providing the right incentives for banks to smooth intertemporal consumption whereas market discipline improves intratemporal efficiency.

Les Vies verdes del Vallès

En un moment en que Catalunya i, sobretot, la regió metropolitana de Barcelona, experimenta un procés d'ocupació del territori sense precedents, es especialment important avançar en l'estudi dels possibles connectors existents, el seu reconeixement i la seva delimitació en el planejament territorial, El 13 de juliol de 2004 es va signar i fer públic el Manifest de Sant Celoni pel reconeixement de les vies verdes del Vallès. En aquest manifest es demana, entre altres mesures, el reconeixement i la delimitació en el planejament territorial de 7 grans vies verdes: Obac-Olorda, Sant Llorenç-Collserola, Farell-Marina, Gallifa-Gallecs, Tagamanent-Cellecs, Calma-Corredor, Montseny-Montnegre. Totes aquestes vies exerceixen funcions de connexió ecològica i paisatgística entre les serralades Litoral i Prelitoral i, juntament amb altres espais menys urbanitzats que hi ha al peu de la serralada Prelitoral, integren el sistema d'espais oberts del Vallès. Aquesta ponència presenta, en primer lloc, el marc conceptual on s'inscriu el concepte via verda. En segon lloc, explica els principals antecedents en relació amb les vies verdes del Vallès que apareixen en el Manifest de Sant Celoni, i, finalment l’encaix de les vies verdes del Vallès en el planejament territorial de la regió metropolitana de Barcelona, així com les principals línies estratègiques que es podrien seguir per convertir-les en una realitat

Book vs. fair value accounting in banking and intertemporal smoothing

The aim of this paper is to examine the pros and cons of book and fair value accounting from the perspective of the theory of banking. We consider the implications of the two accounting methods in an overlapping generations environment. As observed by Allen and Gale(1997), in an overlapping generation model, banks have a role as intergenerational connectors as they allow for intertemporal smoothing. Our main result is that when dividends depend on profits, book value ex ante dominates fair value, as it provides better intertemporal smoothing. This is in contrast with the standard view that states that, fair value yields a better allocation as it reflects the real opportunity cost of assets. Banking regulation play an important role by providing the right incentives for banks to smooth intertemporal consumption whereas market discipline improves intratemporal efficiency.

Animal Tissue Response To Mid-Term Electronic Modular Artificial Sphincter Implantation

Introduction and objectives: The AMS 800TM is considered the gold standard for sphincter replacement. However, the one-ring design can erode the urethra and lead to severe complications. A mechanism that could alternatively compress successive segments of the urethra would limit such deleterious outcome. We report 12 weeks animal urethral tissue analysis following implantation of a new modular artificial sphincter. METHODS: The device is composed by three parts: the contractile unit, two rings and an integrated microprocessor. The contractile unit is made of Nitinol fibers. The rings are placed around the urethra to control the flow of urine by squeezing the urethra. They work in a sequential alternative mode and are controlled by a microprocessor connected to an external computer. The computer can reveal specific failure of device components. The device was impkanted in eight male sheep. The rings were positioned around the urethra and the control unit was placed 5cm away. The device was working twenty hours per day; it was open 10min. per hour to allow urination. The animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The urethra and the tissues surrounding the control unit were macroscopically and microscopically examined. Two transversal sections crossing the sphincter and two transversal sections crossing the urethra alone were obtained and stained with modified Paragon after resin embedding. Urethra was also embedded in paraffin. The first section was stained with safranin-hematoxylin-eosin, the second section was stained with Masson's Trichrome and the remaining eight sections were available for immunolabelling of the macrophages.Results: The chronic study went uneventful. No clinical infection or pain was observed. The computer registered no specific failure in ring function, Nitinol wires and tube connectors. At explantation, except for a slight grade of lymphocytes in two out of eight specimens, no urethral stricture or atrophy could be observed. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the absence of macrophages. Tissue structure and organization of the urethra with and without artificial sphincter were similar. No migration of the device was observed.Conclusions: The study clearly showed no tissue damage or inflammation of the urethra. Electronic design, preservation of urethral vascularisation and adjustability after implantation are the key ideas to improve the actual AUS. Further studies will be carried out to evaluate this potential.

Investigation of Two Bridge Alternatives for Low Volume Roads, Volume 1 of 2 Concept 1: Precast Steel Beam Units, HR-382, 1997

Recent reports have indicated that 23.5% of the nation's highway bridges are structurally deficient and 17.7% are functionally obsolete. A significant number of these bridges are on the Iowa secondary road system where over 86% of the rural bridge management responsibilities are assigned to the counties. Some of the bridges can be strengthened or otherwise rehabilitated, but many more are in need of immediate replacement. In a recent investigation (HR-365 "Evaluation of Bridge Replacement Alternatives for the County Bridge System") several types of replacement bridges that are currently being used on low volume roads were identified. It was also determined that a large number of counties (69%) have the ability and are interested in utilizing their own forces to design and construct short span bridges. In reviewing the results from HR-365, the research team developed one "new" bridge replacement concept and a modification of a replacement system currently being used. Both of these bridge replacement alternatives were investigated in this study, the results of which are presented in two volumes. This volume (Volume 1) presents the results of Concept 1 - Steel Beam Precast Units. Concept 2 - Modification of the Beam-in-Slab Bridge is presented in Volume 2. Concept 1, involves the fabrication of precast units (two steel beams connected by a concrete slab) by county work forces. Deck thickness is limited so that the units can be fabricated at one site and then transported to the bridge site where they are connected and the remaining portion of the deck placed. Since Concept 1 bridge is primarily intended for use on low-volume roads, the precast units can be constructed with new or used beams. In the experimental part of the investigation, there were three types of static load tests: small scale connector tests, "handling strength" tests, and service and overload tests of a model bridge. Three finite element models for analyzing the bridge in various states of construction were also developed. Small scale connector tests were completed to determine the best method of connecting the precast double-T (PCDT) units. "Handling strength" tests on an individual PCDT unit were performed to determine the strength and behavior of the precast unit in this configuration. The majority of the testing was completed on the model bridge [L=9,750 mm (32 ft), W=6,400 mm (21 ft)] which was fabricated using the precast units developed. Some of the variables investigated in the model bridge tests were number of connectors required to connect adjacent precast units, contribution of diaphragms to load distribution, influence of position of diaphragms on bridge strength and load distribution, and effect of cast-in-place portion of deck on load distribution. In addition to the service load tests, the bridge was also subjected to overload conditions. Using the finite element models developed, one can predict the behavior and strength of bridges similar to the laboratory model as well as design them. Concept 1 has successfully passed all laboratory testing; the next step is to field test it.

Strengthening of Existing Single Span Steel Beam and Concrete Deck Bridges, HR-238, Part 1, 1983

The Phase I research, Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) Project HR-214, "Feasibility Study of Strengthening Existing Single Span Steel Beam Concrete Deck Bridges," verified that post-tensioning can be used to provide strengthening of the composite bridges under investigation. Phase II research, reported here, involved the strengthening of two full-scale prototype bridges - one a prototype of the model bridge tested during Phase I and the other larger and skewed. In addition to the field work, Phase II also involved a considerable amount of laboratory work. A literature search revealed that only minimal data existed on the angle-plus-bar shear connectors. Thus, several specimens utilizing angle-plus-bar, as well as channels, studs and high strength bolts as shear connectors were fabricated and tested. To obtain additional shear connector information, the bridge model of Phase I was sawed into four composite concrete slab and steel beam specimens. Two of the resulting specimens were tested with the original shear connection, while the other two specimens had additional shear connectors added before testing. Although orthotropic plate theory was shown in Phase I to predict vertical load distribution in bridge decks and to predict approximate distribution of post-tensioning for right-angle bridges, it was questioned whether the theory could also be used on skewed bridges. Thus, a small plexiglas model was constructed and used in vertical load distribution tests and post-tensioning force distribution tests for verification of the theory. Conclusions of this research are as follows: (1) The capacity of existing shear connectors must be checked as part of a bridge strengthening program. Determination of the concrete deck strength in advance of bridge strengthening is also recommended. (2) The ultimate capacity of angle-plus-bar shear connectors can be computed on the basis of a modified AASHTO channel connector formula and an angle-to-beam weld capacity check. (3) Existing shear connector capacity can be augmented by means of double-nut high strength bolt connectors. (4) Post-tensioning did not significantly affect truck load distribution for right angle or skewed bridges. (5) Approximate post-tensioning and truck load distribution for actual bridges can be predicted by orthotropic plate theory for vertical load; however, the agreement between actual distribution and theoretical distribution is not as close as that measured for the laboratory model in Phase I. (6) The right angle bridge exhibited considerable end restraint at what would be assumed to be simple support. The construction details at bridge abutments seem to be the reason for the restraint. (7) The skewed bridge exhibited more end restraint than the right angle bridge. Both skew effects and construction details at the abutments accounted for the restraint. (8) End restraint in the right angle and skewed bridges reduced tension strains in the steel bridge beams due to truck loading, but also reduced the compression strains caused by post-tensioning.

Totes les vacances són diferents. És més beneficiós fer el descans anual sempre a la mateixa època i recordar-lo

Les vacances, el descans mensual, ens influeixen des del punt de vista psicològic i fisiològic, en vista de dos treballs científics recents que analitzen minuciosament els seus efectes.

Falten vocacions científiques. La davallada d'estudiants contrasta amb la capacitat investigadora a Catalunya.

El desenvolupamnet cientifico-tècnic és una de les àrees amb un valor afegit més alt, per la cual cosa és crucial destinar-hi recursos econòmics i capital humà.

Apologia del pensament. Tant en ciència com en educació és imprescindible tenir temps per pensar

Quan hi ha canvi de govern és habitual trobar cartes obertes en què l'autor expressa la seva opinió amb l'esperança que les seves idees puguin contribuir a la nova acció de govern. Aquí pretenc fer una raonada apologia del pensament

La importància de les vacunes. Un conflicte entre llibertat individual i protecció social

Els grups contraris a les vacunes guanyen adeptes, i la seva actitud comença a ser una amenaça per a la salut publica, atès que contribueix que hi hagi rebrots de malalties que ja s'havien eradicat a Catalunya.

La FP ha de dur a la universitat? La formació professional compleix uns objectius diferents al batxillerat.

Alumnes de formació professional copen els graus dedicats a formar el professorat. La irrupcio d'estudiants de FP deixa fora de la universitat alguns batxillers.

Mosquits tigre i xinxes. L'arribada de noves plagues i el ressorgiment de les eradicades

Segons l"OMS, una plaga és una població d"un ésser viu que, quan supera una determinada densitat, provoca perjudicis en les persones. A Catalunya hi ha dos insectes especialment actius a l"estiu la població dels quals es troba molt a prop d"aquest llindar: el mosquit tigre i les xinxes.

Nous conceptes en cosmètica. La importància de la innovació i dels congressos.

El 2010 la cosmètica va generar un volum de negoci de 5.200 milions a Espanya.