Where now with Optimality Theory?

STRING THEORY : Where are we now ?

This is a brief overview on the current status of string theory for non-specialists. The purpose is to give an aspect on the nature of string theory as a unified theory of all interactions including quantum gravity and to discuss future perspectives. Particular emphases are put on the mysteries why string theory contains gravity and why it resolves the ultraviolet problems. It has long been rec...

Where is pragmatics in optimality theory

This paper deals with the architectural issues of pragmatics within an overall account of natural language in optimality theory. It is argued that pragmatics can be seen as an optimisation problem described by its own constraint system which lies outside the constraint system that defines grammar (the production oriented OT models of syntax and phonology). Speaking and hearing both involve gram...

Adhesive small bowel obstruction: where do we stand now?

Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is one of the most frequently encountered disorders in Emergency Surgery Departments worldwide without negligible hospital admission rates and social costs (1,2). Notwithstanding significant improvements in techniques and materials, intra-abdominal adhesions following abdominal surgery still represent a major unsolved and debated issue harbouring challeng...

The Battle Against COVID-19: Where Do We Stand Now?

Crop biotechnology. Where now?

Nature Biotechnology organized a conference in London on Agobiotech 99: Biotechnology and World Agriculture (November 14-16, 1999). The conference focused entirely on crop biotechnology and covered both societal and scientific aspects. Below is an account of the more important issues raised by the speakers and the audience.