My work is a critical view of a modern principle of personal autonomy and an idea of autonomous man, which stems from philosophy of liberalism. The practice of personal autonomy in bioetics, which takes over the features of this political concept and does not comprise a metaphysical question about a man seems to empty a concept of humanity. My work tries to turn attentation to this problem and show the difficulties of personal autonomy when presented from the secular point of view. I want to offer then the concept of narrative ethics as a vision of supplementing the concept of modern principal bioetics.

From 2006-2011, four population reintroduction techniques were applied to three sites within a reach of the upper Clinch River in Virginia designated suitable for population restoration of the federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis). These techniques were: 1) translocation of adults (Site 1), 2) release of laboratory-propagated sub-adults (Site 1), 3) release of 8-week old laboratory-propagated juveniles (Site 2), and 4) release of stream-side infested host fishes (Site 3). Demographic data were collected in 2011 and 2012 by systematic quadrat and capture-mark-recapture sampling to assess reintroduction success, evaluate reintroduction techniques, and compare survey approaches for monitoring freshwater mussels. Estimates of abundance and density of translocated adults ranged from 450-577 individuals and 0.09-0.11/m2 in 2011, and 371-645 individuals and 0.07-0.13/m2 in 2012. Estimates of abundance and density of laboratory-propagated sub-adults ranged from 1,678-1,943 individuals and 0.33-0.38/m2 in 2011, and 1,389-1,700 individuals and 0.27-0.33/m2 in 2012. Additionally, three recruits were collected at Site 1. No E. capsaeformis were collected at Sites 2 and 3. Capture-mark-recapture sampling produced similar mean point estimates as systematic quadrat sampling, but with typically more precision. My results indicated that the release of larger individuals (>10 mm) is the most effective technique for restoring populations of E. capsaeformis, and that systematic quadrat and capture-mark-recapture sampling have useful applications in population monitoring that are dependent on project objectives. Systematic quadrat sampling is recommended when the objective is to simply estimate and detect trends in population size for species of moderate to larger densities (>0.2/m2). Capture-mark-recapture sampling should be used when objectives include assessing a reintroduced population of endangered species or at low density, obtaining precise estimates of population demographic parameters, or estimating population size for established species of low to moderate density (0.1-0.2/m2). The ability to grow endangered juveniles to larger sizes in captivity requires improving grow-out culture methods of laboratory-propagated individuals. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature (20-28 C) on growth and survival of laboratory-propagated juveniles of the Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens), E. capsaeformis, and the wavyrayed lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola) in captivity. Results indicated that 26 C is the optimum temperature to maximize growth of laboratory-propagated juveniles in small water-recirculating aquaculture systems. Growing endangered juveniles to larger sizes will improve survival in captivity and after release into the wild. As a result, hatcheries can reduce the time that juveniles spend in captivity and thus increase their overall production and enhance the likelihood of success of mussel population recovery efforts by federal and state agencies, and other partners. / Master of Science

I den genomförda studien undersöktes om det finns förutsättningar för en allt mer avfolkad landsbygd att skapa en ny flyttkedja från staden för en bättre social hållbarhet på kommunal nivå. Ingelstad, en mindre tätort i Växjös omnejd, ska tillsammans med Växjö kommun skapa en attraktivare centrumkärna genom förtätning. Att utveckla landsbygden kräver mod och nytänkande. Kan ett progressivt alternativ utmana den rådande stadsbyggnadspraxisen, med en förtätning som tar tillvara landsbygdens värden och förutsättningar?Syftet med examensarbetet är att undersöka möjligheterna att skapa en attraktiv centrumkärna i ett mindre samhälle och resonera om hur stadsliv kan framkallas på mindre orter likt Ingelstad. Målet är att ta fram ett gestaltningsförslag av ett kvarter i Ingelstad centrum. Gestaltningsförslagets utformning och innehåll bygger dels på teoriersom omfattar vad som kännetecknar ett levande stadsliv och vad som anses vara attraktivt stadsbyggande, dels observationer. Informationen från intervjuerna har utgjort underlag för diskussioner om teorins validitet och reliabilitet samt gestaltningsförslagets utformning och attraktivitet.Studien visar ett samband mellan undersökt teori och intervjuinnehåll, där det presenterade gestaltningsförslaget bör upplevas som attraktivt. Verktygen och teorinuppvisar kännetecken för att uppnå ett attraktivt stadsliv, även om det behövs fler utvärderingar hur de kan appliceras i planeringsprocesser.

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No description available.

Cougars (Puma concolor) are difficult to census due to their large home ranges, low densities, and cryptic nature. The conventional “gold-standard” method for estimating cougar abundance entails the capture and radio-tagging of individuals in a study area in an attempt to acquire a direct enumeration of animals in the population. While this method provides an accurate abundance estimate, it is logistically challenging and prohibitively expensive. Noninvasive survey techniques may offer the ability to both accurately and inexpensively monitor cougar populations. While noninvasive techniques have been used on cougar populations, there remain questions on their accuracy and comparative efficacy. We estimated the density of a cougar population in Northwest Wyoming using direct enumeration, and used this estimate as a reference with which to evaluate the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of three types of noninvasive surveys performed between 2010 and 2014. The noninvasive methods included two annual mark- recapture sessions of: 1) remote camera trapping, 2) winter hair-collection transects, and 3) scat detection dog surveys. We GPS tracked 13 adult cougars (males = 5, females = 8) over 3 annual periods (Sep 2010 – Sep 2013). We used proportional home range overlap to determine density in a 1,570 km2 area. The average density was 0.82 cougars/100 km2 (± 0.10 SD; n = 3 years). The remote camera surveys produced a mean density of 0.60 cougars/100 km2 (n = 2 years; relative SD = 56.5%). The scat detection dog surveys produced an average density of 2.41 cougars/100 km2 (n = 2 years; relative SD = 12.6%). The winter transects failed to produce a sample size large enough for an abundance estimate. Due to the inclusion of non-adults in the scat sampling, and the fact that the reference estimate was essentially a minimum count of adults, we believe that the scat-based estimate was more accurate than the lower estimate produced by remote cameras. Additional analysis indicated that individual identification of cougars in photographs may not be reliable, challenging the validity of photo-based abundance estimates of cougars. On a cost-per-detection basis, scat detection dogs were the most cost effective method (scat detection dogs = $341; remote cameras = $3,241; winter transects = $7,627).

This research paper focuses on the implementation and evaluation of Minervini's momentum analysis techniques in an algorithmic approach. The study aimed to assess the limitations and challenges associated with executing Minervini's strategy in an algorithmic trading system. Several technical restrictions, practical application problems, and the exclusion of fundamental and catalyst aspects contribute to the implementation of a primitive variant of Minervini's strategy. The challenges included the subjective nature of base patterns making bases difficult to identify and limitations in risk and position sizing. However, despite the challenges, the algorithmic approach offers advantages such as the ability to analyze a large number of stocks rapidly. It is suggested to use the algorithm as a tool for stock exclusion rather than fully automating the buying and selling decisions. The research investigates the possibility of generating excess returns in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland using the implemented algorithm over different time periods from 2008 to 2023. Hundreds of stocks were divided up into 18 stock portfolios based on market capitalization size calculations for a given year. These portfolios were traded using both the momentum strategy and an index strategy. The empirical results indicate that small-cap portfolios exhibited consistent excess returns compared to mid-cap and large-cap portfolios, particularly during high volatility periods. However, the research did not account for transaction costs, which are essential to evaluate the strategy's net returns in real-world scenarios. Despite the exclusion of transaction costs in the study, the significant excess returns observed in small-cap portfolios indicate that the implemented momentum strategy performs notably better for small-cap stocks compared to mid-cap and large-cap stocks. This finding contradicts the efficient market hypothesis, assuming equal transaction costs across different market capitalizations. Further research should consider incorporating transaction costs to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the strategy's overall performance and its practical implications for various market segments. Future research should consider incorporating transaction costs and optimizing the stop-loss and profit-taking levels, and exploring a weekly-based approach instead of a daily-based approach. Additionally, volume analysis, data handling improvements, and a more detailed analysis of buy and sell decisions are recommended to optimize the algorithm's performance for future research. To summarize, while the implemented algorithm does not fully mimic Minervini's strategy, it offers valuable insights and potential value, especially in small-cap stocks. Further research and optimization are required to enhance its effectiveness and address the identified limitations.

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[pt] Esta pesquisa analisa o falar em línguas de Marcos 16,15-18 e o processo diacrônico de evolução teológica sobre o falar em línguas nas literaturas canônicas, onde, o falar em línguas: 1. Num primeiro momento seria uma experiência livre e comunitária de glossolalia; 2. Foi normatizado por Paulo em 1Coríntios, mas, mantendo suas características de glossolalia; 3. Teologizado nos Atos dos Apóstolos sendo vinculado a expansão do Evangelho, porém, sendo vivenciado ora pelos evangelizadores (At 2 igual xenoglossia), ora pelos evangelizados (At 10 e 19 igual glossolalia); 4. Para, enfim, ser pensado teologicamente como um sinal que acompanha os missionários itinerantes na evangelização (Mc 16,15-18). Entender a diacronia do falar em línguas é importante para que se dialogue melhor com esta última proposta teológica que será recepcionada pela tradição da Igreja, e servirá de filtro de leitura e formação de pensamento teológico sobre o falar em línguas para aqueles que lerem ou ouvirem a narrativa sincrônica passando pela alocação canônica do Evangelho de Marcos (promessa de Jesus), Atos dos Apóstolos (início da Igreja) e a Primeira Carta de Paulo aos Coríntios (desdobramento eclesiástico). / [en] This research analyzes the speaking in tongues in Mark 16.15 to 18 and the diachronic process of theological evolution of speaking in tongues in the canonical literature, where speaking in tongues: 1. Initially would be a free and community experience of glossolalia ; 2. It was standardized by Paul in 1 Corinthians, but keeping their glossolalia characteristics; 3. theologized in Acts being linked to spread of the Gospel, however, being experienced now by evangelizing (Acts 2 equal xenoglossy), then by evangelized (Acts 10:19 equal glossolalia); 4. To finally be thouth theologically as a sign that accompanies the itinerant missionaries in evangelization (Mark 16.15 to 18). Understand the diachronic of speaking in tongues is important to improve the dialogue between this last theological proposal received by the Church s tradition, and will serve as a reading filter and theological thought of training on speaking in tongues for those who read or hear the synchronic narrative through the allocation of the canonical Gospel of Mark (promise of Jesus), Acts of the Apostles (early Church) and the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians (ecclesiastical explanation).

I många västeuropeiska länder har metoden för skogsavverkning ändrats från användning av motorsåg till ett mekaniserat skogsavverkningssystem känt som kortvirkesmetoden. Denna metod är baserad på en tvåmaskinslösning – en skördare som fäller, grenar och sågar träden enlig fördefinierade längder, och en skotare som transporterar stockarna till en lastplats för vidare transport till en bearbetningsanläggning. För att utveckla skogsmaskiner som är skonsammare för marken behövs en djupare förståelse av interaktionen mellan terrängen och dragfordonet. Huvudfokus i detta projekt ligger på bandgående skotare.Inom detta projekt, innefattar interaktionen mellan bandet och marken spårbildning, sammanpressning, marktryck, skjuvning, grepp och dragkraft. Spårdjupet är en av de viktiga faktorerna för att bestämma fordonets prestanda och skadeåverkan på mark och vegetation. Mätning och karakterisering av de mekaniska egenskaperna för flersiktade jordlager är en komplex uppgift. De två oftast använda metoderna för att mäta jordens mekaniska egenskaper är Bevametertekniken och Konpenetrometertekniken, där Bevametertekniken är jämförelsevis mindre effektiv för att karakterisera den nordiska skogsträngen eftersom skogsjorden inte är homogen.Olika semiempiriska WES-modeller och parametriska modeller används för bestämmandet av marktryck, spårdjup, dragkraft, rörelsemotstånd och kraften i dragkroken för hjul- och bandfordonen. Beräkningarna utfördes för en skotare av mediumstorlek utrustad med tre olika typer av band monterade på boggihjulen. Detta gjordes för tre olika typer av terrängförhållanden och både med och utan last. Även en jämförelse mellan hjul- och bandfordon gjordes. Resultatet från de teoretiska beräkningarna jämfördes med testdata från ett fullskaligt fältprov. Fältprovet inkluderade data för marktryck, nerträngning i jorden och spårdjup mätt på en skotare, både med och utan last.Adams for Tracked Vehicles (ATV) plugin är ett verktyg primärt utvecklat för dynamiska simuleringar av bandfordon. Fördelar och nackdelar med mjukvaran och dess lämplighet för användning för modellering av interaktionen mellan band och jord for skogsmaskiner diskuteras i denna rapport. / In many Western European countries, the method of timber harvesting has changed from the use of chain saws to a mechanized harvesting system known as Cut-To-Length method. This cut to length method is based on a two-machine solution – a harvester that folds, branches and cuts trees according to pre-defined lengths, and a forwarder that transports logs to a loading area from where it is further transported to a processing facility. In order to develop forest machines that is gentler to the ground, a thorough understanding of the terrain and the vehicle’s traction unit is required. The main focus of this project is on the tracked forest forwarders.In this project, the track soil interaction covers issues like rutting, compaction, ground pressure, shearing, traction and drawbar pull. The rut depth is one of the important factors to determine the vehicle performance and damages caused to the ground and vegetation. Measurement and characterization of the mechanical properties of a multilayer soil is quite a complex task. The two most commonly used methods to measure the soil mechanical properties are the Bevameter technique and the Cone penetrometer technique, of which the Bevameter technique is comparatively less efficient for characterizing the Nordic forest terrain as the forest soil is not homogenous.Different semi-empirical WES models and parametric models are used for the determining the ground pressure, rut depth, tractive force, motion resistance and drawbar pull for the wheeled and tracked vehicles. The calculations were performed for a medium sized forwarder equipped with three different types of tracks mounted on bogie wheels on three types of terrain conditions under loaded and unloaded conditions. A comparison of the wheeled and tracked vehicle performance is also made. The results obtained from the theoretical calculations are compared with the test data from a full scale field test. The field test data include ground pressure, soil penetration and rut depth data measured on the forwarder with and without load.Adams for Tracked vehicles (ATV) plugin is a tool primarily developed for performing dynamic simulations of tracked equipment. The pros and cons of the software and it’s suitability to be used for the track soil interaction modeling of forestry machines is discussed in this report.