Fetishizing the Holocaust: comedy and transatlantic connections in Howard Jacobson's 'Kalooki Nights'

The British Jewish novelist Howard Jacobson has, from the start of his career, found himself saddled with the unenviable label of 'the English Philip Roth'. For many years, Jacobson bristled at the Roth comparisons, offering the alternative label 'the Jewish Jane Austen' and insisting that he had not read Roth at all, though more recently he has put on record his admiration for Roth's comic masterpiece, Sabbath's Theater.If Jacobson's early work was certainly imbued with a Rothian Jewish humour, its cultural reference points were almost invariably English. In contrast, Kalooki Nights is saturated with allusions to American culture, in particular Jewish American culture. This article traces some of the ways in which Kalooki Nights explores and exploits these transatlantic connections in a comic novel that both participates in and satirizes what will be called here the fetishization of the Holocaust. It is concluded that Kalooki Nights is Jacobson's audacious attempt to produce a piece of Holocaust literature that exploits the tension between the desire of some Jews of his generation to know all the 'gory details', and the necessity of recognizing that their own historical situation prevents them from ever doing so. The result is to make people laugh not at the events of the Holocaust itself but at the attempt to fetishize them.

Preference reversals for ambiguity aversion

This paper finds preference reversals in measurements of ambiguity aversion, even if psychological and informational circumstances are kept constant. The reversals are of a fundamentally different nature than the reversals found before because they cannot be explained by context-dependent weightings of attributes. We offer an explanation based on Sugden's random-reference theory, with different elicitation methods generating different random reference points. Then measurements of ambiguity aversion that use willingness to pay are confounded by loss aversion and hence overestimate ambiguity aversion.

Evolução setorial e trajetórias tecnológicas em nível de empresas na indústria de celulose e papel no Brasil (1970 - 2004): contexto da política de substituição de importações à competição globalizada

Accordingly, a variety of firms's technological capabilities studies, the literature recently is still lacking about the dynamic of sector evolution and technological development in inter-firm and their implication for technical and economical financial performance. More lacking is the research catching up the evolution of industrial sectors after the institutional reforms in the 90. For that, the focus of the dissertation is to analyze the main of the evolution of the pulp and paper industry from 1970 to 2004, using as reference points the import-substitution policy and the economic deregulation of the 1990s. Futhermore, the work tries to evaluate how such changes at industry level have been perceived from a firm point of view in terms of accumulation of technological capabilities and improvement of economic financial performance. This linkage is tested and examined in the following firms: Aracruz (Barra do Riacho establishment ), Klabin (Monte Alegre establishment) e Votorantim Celulose e Papel ¿ VCP (Jacareí establishment), defining the same time period of sectoral level. As far as the industry level study is concerned, it is based on the average rate of annual growth of some selected variables, given that the technological capabilities test is performed according to the methodology already existing in the literature, but properly adapted to the pulp and paper case. Similarly, the analysis regarding the improvement of the economic financial performance is based on a set of industry specific indicators. Hence, the work is built upon multiple case studies, taking into account both the qualitative and quantitative evidence, i.e. interviews, direct observations, as well as firm reports. Finally, it is worth emphasizing as the analysis of the changes in the sector, in conjunction with the above mentioned methodology used to measure the technological capabilities in the context of an evolving industrial regime, is still lacking in emerging economies as well as in Brazil. According to the empirical evidence, the reforms of the 1990s had a positive impact on the industrial development, from both the national and international viewpoint. Such a transformation was evident at firm level in terms of accumulation of technological capabilities and improvement of economic financial indicators. Indeed, the results show that the speed of accumulation of technological capabilities within the firms influences positively the performance indicators. On the other hand, these are also related to external factors, such as the macroeconomic conditions, which as such have not been considered in details.

Ontology-based metadata for e-learning content

Nowadays, the popularity of the Web encourages the development of Hypermedia Systems dedicated to e-learning. Nevertheless, most of the available Web teaching systems apply the traditional paper-based learning resources presented as HTML pages making no use of the new capabilities provided by the Web. There is a challenge to develop educative systems that adapt the educative content to the style of learning, context and background of each student. Another research issue is the capacity to interoperate on the Web reusing learning objects. This work presents an approach to address these two issues by using the technologies of the Semantic Web. The approach presented here models the knowledge of the educative content and the learner’s profile with ontologies whose vocabularies are a refinement of those defined on standards situated on the Web as reference points to provide semantics. Ontologies enable the representation of metadata concerning simple learning objects and the rules that define the way that they can feasibly be assembled to configure more complex ones. These complex learning objects could be created dynamically according to the learners’ profile by intelligent agents that use the ontologies as the source of their beliefs. Interoperability issues were addressed by using an application profile of the IEEE LOM- Learning Object Metadata standard.

Escolha ocupacional e ingresso na ocupação: um estudo de fatores determinantes

Este é um trabalho teórico que analisa a questão do estudo dos determinantes da Escolha Ocupacional e do Ingresso na Ocupação. Inicialmente realiza uma crítica de algumas formulações teóricas vigentes, apontando o contefido ideológico a elas subjacente, em especial no caso de formulações de natureza psicológica. A seguir propoe alguns pontos de referência para o estabelecimento de uma posição teórica alternativa, que parte da considera. çao do indivíduo numa perspectiva de totalidade, do indi víduo trabalhador na concretude das relações capitalistas de produção e de trabalho. Nessa abordagem recomenda-se aos que se dedicam ao estudo dos aspectos psíquicos que não deixem que a ê~ . fase no psicológico encubra a importância do econômico. Igualmente os que tratam do econômico nao devem descurar o papel dos aspectos psíquicos.

Inexpensive solution for real-time video and image stitching

Image stitching is the process of joining several images to obtain a bigger view of a scene. It is used, for example, in tourism to transmit to the viewer the sensation of being in another place. I am presenting an inexpensive solution for automatic real time video and image stitching with two web cameras as the video/image sources. The proposed solution relies on the usage of several markers in the scene as reference points for the stitching algorithm. The implemented algorithm is divided in four main steps, the marker detection, camera pose determination (in reference to the markers), video/image size and 3d transformation, and image translation. Wii remote controllers are used to support several steps in the process. The built‐in IR camera provides clean marker detection, which facilitates the camera pose determination. The only restriction in the algorithm is that markers have to be in the field of view when capturing the scene. Several tests where made to evaluate the final algorithm. The algorithm is able to perform video stitching with a frame rate between 8 and 13 fps. The joining of the two videos/images is good with minor misalignments in objects at the same depth of the marker,misalignments in the background and foreground are bigger. The capture process is simple enough so anyone can perform a stitching with a very short explanation. Although real‐time video stitching can be achieved by this affordable approach, there are few shortcomings in current version. For example, contrast inconsistency along the stitching line could be reduced by applying a color correction algorithm to every source videos. In addition, the misalignments in stitched images due to camera lens distortion could be eased by optical correction algorithm. The work was developed in Apple’s Quartz Composer, a visual programming environment. A library of extended functions was developed using Xcode tools also from Apple.

Fator de visão do céu e intensidade de ilhas de calor na escala do pedestre

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Instâncias da representação imagética hiper-real

The approach that undertakes this work revolves around the emergence of iconic structures on reflecting about the meaning of different methods of image representation through which the contemporaneity reveals itself. At baseline, three aspects are considered looking for an analytical ontology of the act of representation and imagery: the transition of representation in the oral culture of societies for writing, from these to typography, and finally the creation of a representation device. Resorted to, therefore, the argument by some genealogy reference points that technological instances such as writing, printing and photography, the evolution of this process, correspond, in itself, a consequent shift technique, for each representation precedent. In the area of the image, the most salient aspect of this change in foward process is the emergence of hyper-reality: the instances of hyper-realistic representation. In the Western context, the 'simulation of the world' - essential idea of mimesis is the work of an autonomous an conventional system. It should be noted, then the fact that under unreflective of the post-industrial societies, the mass-media image is coating with natural or fake code including - according to Baudrillard - tends to replace the real world in the "perpetuation of a large chain of simulacra." Hence in modern times, in the postindustrial society, during the crisis of the representation regimen and perception, centered in the referent. In this limit, new settings are established by aesthetic representations of imagery in contemporary culture: establishing spaces of simulation [Jean Baudrillard] the spectacle [Guy Debord] and hypermodernity [Gilles Lipovetsky] in which they operate. In these assemblages, saps the emergence of Hyper-reality Representation Instances - as seen in this study aesthetic events to configure itineraries of a new sensibility. It is the nature of this practice sign-iconic, ingrained in the creation of current artistic expression, which this research engaged in peering: the hyper-realistic setting, taking empirical support central to contemporary imagery production, diverse formats of analog representation.

Linear dimensional changes of denture base and hard chair-side reline resins after disinfection

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of disinfection by immersion in sodium perborate (50 degrees C/10 min) or microwave irradiation (650 W/6 min) on the linear dimensional change (LDC) of four reline resins (Kooliner-K, New Truliner-N, Tokuso Rebase Fast-T, Ufi Gel Hard-U) and one heat-polymerizing denture base resin (Lucitone 550-L). Methods: Specimens (50.0 mm diameter, 0.5 mm thickness) were made using a split mold with reference points, and divided into two controls and four test groups (u = 8). The distances between the points were measured on the mold (baseline readings), and compared to those obtained from the specimens after: polymerization or immersion in water (37 degrees C) for 7 days (controls); 2 or 7 cycles of disinfection by immersion or microwave irradiation. Results: the two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05) showed that microwave disinfection significantly increased the mean LDC of materials L (-1.43%), N (-1.27%) and K (-1.06%). Material N also exhibited a significant increase in LDC after two cycles of chemical disinfection (-0.73%). For U (-0.47%) and T (-0.21%) materials, no significant changes in LDC were found. Conclusions: Microwave disinfection increases the shrinkage of materials L, N, and K. The dimensional stability of resins U and T was not affected by the disinfection methods evaluated. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Influence of Microwave Disinfection on the Dimensional Stability of Denture Reline Polymers

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influence of Microwave Disinfection on the Linear Dimensional Stability of Complete Dentures: A Clinical Study

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Confiabilidade inter e intraexaminadores nas mensurações angulares por fotogrametria digital e goniometria

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização da fotogrametria computadorizada em prol da goniometria, ou vice-versa, na prática clínica ainda necessita de fundamentações consistentes. OBJETIVOS: Os objetivos deste estudo foram: verificar a confiabilidade inter e intraexaminadores avaliadores na quantificação das medidas angulares obtidas a partir da fotogrametria computadorizada e a goniometria e determinar a confiabilidade paralela entre esses dois diferentes instrumentos de avaliação. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: 26 voluntários e 4 examinadores foram utilizados no estudo. A coleta foi realizada em 4 etapas sequenciais: demarcação dos pontos anatômicos de referência, mensuração e registro dos valores goniométricos, captação da imagem do voluntário com os marcadores fixados no corpo e avaliação do registro fotográfico no programa ImageJ. RESULTADOS: O goniômetro é um instrumento confiável na maioria das evidências, porém, a confiabilidade das medições depende principalmente da uniformização dos procedimentos. Considerações metodológicas relativas ao estabelecimento de confiabilidade e padronização da colocação dos marcadores se fazem necessárias, de modo a oferecer opções de avaliação ainda mais confiáveis para a prática clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Ambos os instrumentos são confiáveis e aceitáveis, porém, mais evidências ainda são necessárias para suportar a utilização desses instrumentos, pois poucos pesquisadores têm utilizado o mesmo desenho de estudo, e a comparação dos resultados entre eles muitas vezes são difíceis.

Dental caries and the nutritional status of preschool children: a spatial analysis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of a heat-treatment on the linear dimensional change of a hard chairside reline resin

Statement of problem. Little data are available regarding the effect of heat-treatments on the dimensional stability of hard chairside reline resins. Purpose. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate whether a heat-treatment improves the dimensional stability of the reline resin Duraliner II and to compare the linear dimensional changes of this material with the heat-polymerized acrylic resin Lucitone 550. Material and methods. The materials were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and packed into a stainless steel split mold (50.0 mm diameter and 0.5 mm thickness) with reference points (A, B, C, and D). Duraliner II specimens were polymerized for 12 minutes in water at 37°C and bench cooled to room temperature before being removed from the mold. Twelve specimens were made and divided into 2 groups: group 1 specimens (n=6) were left untreated, and group 2 specimens (n=6) were submitted to a heat-treatment in a water bath at 55°C for 10 minutes and then bench cooled to room temperature. The 6 Lucitone specimens (control group) were polymerized in a water bath for 9 hours at 71°C. The specimens were removed after the mold reached the room temperature. A Nikon optical comparator was used to measure the distances between the reference points (AB and CD) on the stainless steel mold (baseline readings) and on the specimens to the nearest 0.001 mm. Measurements were made after processing and after the specimens had been stored in distilled water at 37°C for 8 different periods of time. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with repeated measures, followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test (P<.05). Results. All specimens exhibited shrinkage after processing (control, -0.41%; group 1, -0.26%; and group 2, -0.51%). Group 1 specimens showed greater shrinkage (-1.23%) than the control (-0.23%) and group 2 (-0.81%) specimens after 60 days of storage in water (P<.05). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, a significant improvement of the long-term dimensional stability of the Duraliner II reline resin was observed when the specimens were heat-treated. However, the shrinkage remained considerably higher than the denture base resin Lucitone 550. Copyright © 2002 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Automated extraction of road network from medium-and high-resolution images

This paper presents an automatic methodology for road network extraction from medium-and high-resolution aerial images. It is based on two steps. In the first step, the road seeds (i.e., road segments) are extracted using a set of four road objects and another set of connection rules among road objects. Each road object is a local representation of an approximately straight road fragment and its construction is based on a combination of polygons describing all relevant image edges, according to some rules embodying road knowledge. Each road seed is composed by a sequence of connected road objects in which each sequence of this type can be geometrically structured as a chain of contiguous quadrilaterals. In the second step, two strategies for road completion are applied in order to generate the complete road network. The first strategy is based on two basic perceptual grouping rules, i.e., proximity and collinearity rules, which allow the sequential reconstruction of gaps between every pair of disconnected road segments. This strategy does not allow the reconstruction of road crossings, but it allows the extraction of road centerlines from the contiguous quadrilaterals representing connected road segments. The second strategy for road completion aims at reconstructing road crossings. Firstly, the road centerlines are used to find reference points for road crossings, which are their approximate positions. Then these points are used to extract polygons representing the contours of road crossings. This paper presents the proposed methodology and experimental results. © Pleiades Publishing, Inc. 2006.