Suchergebnisse

During the last two decades, a decline in public investment has undermined some of the national values and institutions of Costa Rica. The resulting sense of dislocation and loss is usually projected onto Nicaraguan "immigrants." Threatening Others: Nicaraguans and the Formation of National Identities in Costa Rica explores the representation of the Nicaraguan "other" in the Costa Rican imagery. It also seeks to address more generally why the sense of national belonging constitutes a crucial identification in contemporary societies. Interdisciplinary and based on extensive fieldwork, it loo

Recent developments in materials, surface modifications, separation schemes, detection systems, and associated instrumentation have allowed significant advances in the performance of lab-on-a-chip devices. These devices, also referred to as micro total analysis systems (µTAS), offer great versatility, high throughput, short analysis time, low cost, and more importantly, performance that is comparable to standard bench-top instrumentation. To date, µTAS have demonstrated advantages in a significant number of fields including biochemical, pharmaceutical, military, and environmental. Perhaps most importantly, µTAS represent excellent platforms to introduce students to microfabrication and nanotechnology, bridging chemistry with other fields such as engineering and biology, enabling the integration of various skills and curricular concepts. Considering the advantages of the technology and the potential impact to society, our research program aims to address the need for simpler, more affordable, faster, and portable devices to measure biologically-active compounds. Specifically, the program is focused on the development and characterization of a series of novel strategies towards the realization of integrated microanalytical devices. One key aspect of our research projects is that the developed analytical strategies must be compatible with each other, therefore enabling their use in integrated devices. The program combines spectroscopy, surface chemistry, capillary electrophoresis, electrochemical detection, and nanomaterials. This article discusses some of the most recent results obtained in two main areas of emphasis: ▪Capillary Electrophoresis, Microchip-CE, Electrochemical Detection, and▪Interaction of Proteins with Nanomaterials

"This article draws on a concluded research project that examined football as a site for the analysis of the mutual constitution of nationhood and masculinities in daily life in Central America. In particular, the article explores the processes that surrounded national and gender identification during the Costa Rican team's participation in the qualifying tournament for the 2002 World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea, as well as the matches Costa Rica played in the 2002 World Cup. Conversations among fans, media chronicles, advertisements and emails are analysed in this article. By way of conclusion, it is argued that football's dynamics of triumph/pride and defeat/shame provide interchangeable images for representing both nationhood and masculinities." (author's abstract)

Compares historic & modern theories of international law to examine conflicts between states' respective judicial & fiscal laws, aiming for contemporary resolution. Emphasis is on Mexico's relationship with Latin America, the US, & Spain. Western European 13th- to 17th-century history of international law development is outlined, highlighting the most influential theories & contracts. These are compared to modern theories developed in Western Europe during the 1960s. Current international law is depicted as operating within a norm of conflicts. Solutions are based on elaboration & modification of proposals from the Organization of American States, aiming to determine to the best extent possible juridical norms, construct rights-based multilateral bodies, & integrate private, individual rights. Adapted from the source document.