Oxford university

Many foreign jurisdictions of both civil and common law traditions have long recognised an obligation to act in good faith when making and performing contracts. Historically, this was not an approach recognised by the English courts. Rather, English law was said to have "committed itself to no... overriding principle [of good faith] but has developed piecemeal solutions in response to demonstrated problems of unfairness". 1

This chapter is an attempt to identify the individual homelands of the five families making up the Transeurasian grouping, i.e. the Turkic, Mongolic, Tungusic, Koreanic, and Japonic families. Combining various linguistic methods and principles such as the diversity hotspot principle, Bayesian phylolinguistics, cultural reconstruction (“linguistic paleontology”), and prehistoric contact linguistics, the chapter aims to determine the original locations and time depths of the families under discussion. Integrating an archeological perspective, we further propose that the individual speech communities were originally familiar with millet agriculture, while terms for pastoralism or wet-rice agriculture entered their vocabularies only at a later stage in history.

Social distancing and business lockdowns may have severe negative impact on daily living, mental and physical health of community-living older adults. Our Healthy Aging and Neighborhood Study surveyed 370 older adults in Central Massachusetts in 2020 and 2021. Participants were queried about pre-post pandemic changes in social and physical activities, mental and physical health, and lifestyle factors including food purchasing, diet and physical exercise; and attitude towards and receiving of vaccination. The study is ongoing and data are being accumulated. Preliminary analysis suggested that social distancing and lockdowns have negative impacted social engagement, communications with close friends, relatives and family members, food purchasing, frequency of outdoor exercises, especially group activities. The impact appeared to differ by sex, advancing age, and living arrangement. In summary, social distancing and business lockdowns may have negative impacts on most older adults whil...

Background and Objectives There is a need to know more about cannabis use among terminally diagnosed older adults, specifically whether it operates as a complement or alternative to palliative care. The objective is to explore differences among the terminal illness population within the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program (IMCP) by their use of palliative care. Research Design and Methods The study uses primary, cross-sectional survey data from 708 terminally diagnosed patients, residing in Illinois, and enrolled in the IMCP. We compared the sample on palliative care utilization through logistic regression models, examined associations between palliative care and self-reported outcome improvements using ordinary least squares regressions, and explored differences in average pain levels using independent t-tests. Results 115 of 708 terminally diagnosed IMCP participants were receiving palliative care. We find increased odds of palliative care utilization for cancer (odds ratio [OR] [SE...

Lifestyle factors are responsible for a considerable portion of cancer incidence worldwide, but credible estimates from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggest that the fraction of cancers attributable to toxic environmental exposures is between 7% and 19%. To explore the hypothesis that low-dose exposures to mixtures of chemicals in the environment may be combining to contribute to environmental carcinogenesis, we reviewed 11 hallmark phenotypes of cancer, multiple priority target sites for disruption in each area and prototypical chemical disruptors for all targets, this included dose-response characterizations, evidence of low-dose effects and cross-hallmark effects for all targets and chemicals. In total, 85 examples of chemicals were reviewed for actions on key pathways/mechanisms related to carcinogenesis. Only 15% (13/85) were found to have evidence of a dose-response threshold, whereas 59% (50/85) exerted low-dose effe...

A widespread view in metaphysics holds that some properties, perfectly natural ones, have an elite status among properties. As part of a naturalistic approach to metaphysics, it is commonly presumed that science, and in particular physics, will reveal which properties in fact play the role of elite properties. Since properties in physics are often quantitative, this raises the question whether science delivers a distinction between base and derivative quantities that matches the distinction in metaphysics between fundamental and nonfundamental properties. In this chapter I investigate whether laws of nature or systems of units can be employed to arrive at such a distinction, and answer in the negative. The requisite definitional dependencies characteristic of fundamental and less-fundamental properties hold among the dimensions of quantities, not the quantities directly. Yet, the decision about which dimension have priority derives from a distinction of quantities into base quantiti...

This chapter argues that scientific and philosophical progress in our understanding of the living world requires that we abandon a metaphysics of things in favour of one centred on processes. We identify three main empirical motivations for adopting a process ontology in biology: metabolic turnover, life cycles, and ecological interdependence. We show how taking a processual stance in the philosophy of biology enables us to ground existing critiques of essentialism, reductionism, and mechanicism, all of which have traditionally been associated with substance ontology. We illustrate the consequences of embracing an ontology of processes in biology by considering some of its implications for physiology, genetics, evolution, and medicine. And we attempt to locate the subsequent chapters of the book in relation to the position we defend.

This paper presents a cross-national exploration of responses to widening participation (WP), with a specific focus on the provision of Foundation Year (FY) programmes and the use of Contextualised Admissions (CA) in selective Irish and UK institutions. There remains a dearth of research on these routes, with little understanding of the characteristics of students’ who utilize them, of why students use these routes, and little knowledge of their effect on students’ experiences in university and their overall sense of belonging. A year-long longitudinal comparative case study design examined three alternative entry routes in two selective HEIs in the UK and Ireland: a well-established FY; a newly-formed FY; and a CA pathway. Data were collected through a mixed-method approach. Questionnaires and in- depth focus groups were employed at fixed points with participating students in each route. Results indicated that FY students had lower levels of familial educational history, and parental occupation. FY students’ sense of belonging significantly increased over the year, with students reporting increased confidence and sense of belonging due to the relationships established during the FY. CA students’ sense of belonging remained the same, with students reporting feeling different and isolated. Results indicate that while students utilising FYs may be ‘more disadvantaged’ than CA students, their experiences helped establish a sense of belonging; illustrating the need for diverse WP routes catering to a wide range of needs. Results highlight the importance of providing opportunities to develop social and bridging capital for all non-traditional students.

The indirect impact of COVID-19 on food security of middle aged and older adults is not well understood. This study examines changes in risk factors for food security from 2018-2020 in a population-based sample. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2018 and 2020 waves), we utilized generalized estimating equations (GEE) with repeated measures to examine factors associated with food insecurity among US adults aged 50 and older (n=3170) before COVID-19 and since COVID-19. The prevalence of food insecurity doubled from 2018 (4.83%) to 2020 (9.54%). In multivariate analyses, the population-averaged odds of experiencing food insecurity was 81% higher in 2020 compared to 2018. Other factors significantly associated with higher odds of food insecurity included being female (OR: 1.29), Black (OR: 1.46), lowest quintile for wealth (OR: 1.82), not working due to a disability (OR: 3.29), renting (OR: 2.04), greater IADL limitations (OR: 1.32), and greater number of chronic illness ...

This chapter studies the various forms of business organization that are available to those who trade. It focuses on the types of trading structures available, how they are established, and provides an overview of the implications of each form of business organization. It should be noted that there is no one model that will suit every individual or every business model. It is very much the decision of the individual—having assessed the business, what they wish to do with it, and how they see it continuing in the future—to determine the form of enterprise chosen. Being aware of the consequences for the business organization is crucial in making this decision.

Trademarks, or brands, are symbols whose initial purpose is providing information about the source of a product. Yet, with the course of time, high-end brands have developed into symbols providing information about their owner's status rather than about the sold goods. This phenomenon naturally attracts imitation and status cheating, offering new challenges to established trademark doctrines. This chapter outlines the different legal perceptions of imitation in the U.S. and Continental Europe, while placing these perceptions into broader cultural contexts. It then focuses on the U.S. legal view on imitation of trademarks that serve as status symbols, pointing out that this view is “non-traditional” in American context, in the sense that it is inconsistent with U.S. traditional cultural values.

... There is no shortage of research on these two groups; indeed, Donatella della Porta (1995) has written a fascinating ... with the extent that organizations specializing in deployment of coercive means—armies, police forces, coordinated banditry, pirate confederations, mercenary ...

Evidence supports music-based oncologic support interventions including music therapy. By comparison, little is understood about music-based self-care. This meta-ethnography examined five published qualitative studies to extend understanding of music's relevance, including helpfulness, for people affected by cancer; including children, adolescents, and adults with cancer, carers, and the bereaved. To improve understanding of music's broad relevance for those affected by cancer. Meta-ethnography strategies informed the analysis. Five studies were synthesized that included 138 participants: 26 children and 28 parents of children with cancer; 12 adolescents and young adults with cancer; 52 adults with cancer; 12 carers; and 8 bereaved. Studies' category and thematic findings were compared and integrated into third-order interpretations, and a line of argument. Perspectives from the five studies that illuminated the line of argument were developed. Music usage can remain inc...

Beginning in the early 1980s, medical experts and birthing women increasingly voiced criticism of what had long been the technocratic, depersonalized nature of obstetric treatment in Czechoslovakia, despite the limited opportunities for them to do so publicly. A few maternity hospitals responded to the complaints by introducing radically different regimens of care. This article examines the history of one reformist project that took place in the small town of Ostrov nad Ohří. Ostrov means "island" in Czech and, during the last decade of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia, the Ostrov hospital became an island of alternative obstetric care, embracing Leboyer's method of "gentle birthing," acupuncture, fathers in delivery rooms, and assorted technological innovations that aimed to spark fundamental change in familial and social relationships, and humanize childbirth. While many medical professionals decried these reforms as nonsensical and dangerous, a number of p...

From my experience there will be the strongest resistance from the labs to reopen this case. The dating of the Shroud of Turin did not take place in an inert context. I believe that, for some of the key scientists involved, it was-and remains-a pivotal point in a struggle many centuries old.

This handbook is currently in development, with individual articles publishing online in advance of print publication. At this time, we cannot add information about unpublished articles in this handbook, however the table of contents will continue to grow as additional articles pass through the review process and are added to the site. Please note that the online publication date for this handbook is the date that the first article in the title was published online. For more information, please read the site FAQs.

The purpose of a business model canvas is to assess how the firm’s economic activity is configured to create and deliver on a firm’s value proposition. The business model canvas provides a holistic perspective of how the major elements of a business need to be aligned to allow the firm to create and capture value. Managers can use a business model canvas when initiating a new business, or when seeking to revise the strategy of an existing business by assessing how the current configuration of activities may need to change to deliver on the new strategy. This chapter discusses the underlying theory, core idea, depiction, process, insight or value created, and risks and limitations of the business model canvas. The chapter also continues the illustration of Spotify and applies the steps of business model canvas to this case.

Among the most influential ideas that have shaped development thinking in recent years is the concept of human development. The perspective is particularly critical in today's world as we collectively think of solutions to end global poverty, promote human security and establish a just and peaceful society for all. This volume brings together the collection of papers that have shaped the human development approach with its set of concepts, measurement tools, and policy perspectives. The volume is divided into four sections: conceptual foundations, measurement, policy explorations, and new frontiers addressing the political dimensions of human development. The original contributions, so ably put together by the contributors, will stimulate thinking and action. This will be an essential source to all who are committed to taking action towards development that serves the health, well-being, freedom, and dignity of people.

PART 1 LANGUAGE: THE HUMAN ABILITY 1. How do we acquire language? 2. What is linguistics? 3. From one language to the next: Why is it hard to learn a second language? Why is translation so difficult? 4. Does language equal thought? 5. Are sign languages real languages? 6. Do animals have language? 7. Can computers learn language? PART I I LANGUAGE IN SOCIETY 8. Can one person's speech be better than another's? 9. Why do dialects and creoles differ from standard language? 10. Do men and women speak differently? And who cares? 11. English spelling is hard, and it makes learning to read hard. Should we do anything about it? 12. Should the United States adopt English as our official language and overhaul our educational system accordingly? 14. How does language wield power over us? Can it overpower us? 15. Does exposure to and use of offensive language harm children? 16. What do we lose when a language dies? And who cares?