The differentiation of T Lymphocytes within the thymus is an important biological phenomenon during wich these cell acquire their functions to further control the immune system. Numerous experiments under various conditions have been devised to understand the different mechanisms involved in this complex process. Nevertheless, interpretation of these experiments lead to still contradictory debatable hypotheses. Modelisation of this process through classical simulation methods cannot be envisaged because they are not adapted to modifications of the model structure, which is the point (...) of interest. For these reasons, we proposed a new approach of automatic search for model. The program consists of four independent connected modules : The generator produces model, based on the rationale of formal grammars. Protocol and experimental data are stored in a set of experiments. The simulator using a protocol and a model provides simulated results. Finally, the supervisor by comparing simulated results and experimental data, adapts the model parameters to increase their fit and either chooses a new experiment to explore, or modifies the model structure. Change of the model structure is performed among still unexplored models according to their promise level, which is iteratively evaluated relatively to previously explored models through a proposed model distance. The generator is written in Prolog and the other modules in C++. The architecture of the program allows us to modify or complete a module without changing anything in the other modules. As a consequence, the proposed modeling approach conceived to study T lymphocyte differentiation within the thymus remains independent of this biological phenomenon and can be applied to other biological problems. (shrink)

The most disturbing gift that Disgrace presents to its readers is the hushed resolve with which Lucy Lurie emerges from her rape to reaffirm her way of life. To consider that way of life, the reader is first invited to align oneself with David Lurie's initial normative reading of his daughter's rape; but then, in a second important step, to join in the change of mind by which David overcomes this initial blindness. Imagine what accepting the invitation to take both (...) of these steps demands of the reader: Will you let yourself undergo a change of mind with David to resee Lucy as resolute and proactive? Will you allow yourself to think along with Lucy that horrific violence does not demand retaliation?Descriptions of... (shrink)

Este estudio trata de la dinámica de la voluntad que, como facultad espiritual junto con la inteligencia, existe en un relacionamiento con el ser; en el caso de la primera, con el ser como bondad, lo que ontológicamente se llama amor natural. Ahora bien, el mundo ético exige un amor de elección, lo que abre el tema de la libertad humana y su papel en el sentido de la existencia del hombre. En la síntesis tomista queda claro que, aunque el (...) hombre es principalmente un ser cognitivo, él no puede conocerse plenamente sin dar significado adecuado a su capacidad volitiva. También queda claro que el papel de la voluntad en la acción humana no puede ser comprendido sin ver la relación que la misma tiene con su raíz en el ser. En consecuencia se puede decir que el amor al bien surge como seña de identidad de la voluntad, tanto en Ontología cuanto en Ética. (shrink)

Cet article vise à exposer et à examiner la conception de la vérité chez Derrida. Pour ce faire, nous proposerons une rapide définition de la déconstruction dans son ensemble (I). Cette présentation permettra de comprendre, d’une part, la critique derridienne de la vérité comme logos (c’est-à-dire comme une pièce essentielle de la « métaphysique ») (II), mais aussi, d’autre part, l’approche plus positive dont ce concept fait progressivement l’objet, aboutissant à l’idée d’une vérité performative et pragmatique, liée notamment au concept (...) de témoignage (III). Enfin, nous essaierons de montrer que le problème de la vérité révèle une tension entre deux strates de discours qui divisent la déconstruction dans son ensemble, et dont on peut interroger l’homogénéité (IV). (shrink)

Environmental conservation is one theme that has gained centre stage over the past few decades. This is because of the dangerous threat posed by the imposing environmental degradation being witnessed by the present century, which signals even worse doom for future generations unless nipped in the bud. No doubt, significant attention has been dedicated to investigating and finding solutions to the problem of environmental degradation, but not much seems to have been achieved, especially in Africa. It has therefore become pertinent (...) and urgent to backpedal down memory lane to how the environment was conserved in traditional African societies with considerable success. This paper, therefore, examines the possibility of conserving the environment in Africa using the traditional environment conservation strategies that were hitherto used by different African societies. The African traditional concept of the environment enjoined the living to manage and conserve the environment for future generations, bearing in mind that they would account for their stewardship of the environment to the ancestors when they depart the earth. The African situation could be made to represent other developing regions of the world. The primary thesis of this paper is that there should be a fusion of traditional strategies of with the modern models of environmental conservation for better results to be achieved in Africa. It is the contention of this paper that the almost complete replacement of the traditional methods of environmental conservation in Africa with the modern scientific model would only remain a clog in the wheels of the progress in the environmental sustainability paradigm. (shrink)

The prelims comprise: Introduction The Physician and the Provider Organization The Physician and the Payer Organization Dealing with Systems Conclusion Notes References.