We offer a new view on the two envelope problem (also called the exchange paradox). We describe it as a zero-sum game of two players, having only partial information. We first explain a standard situation and show that the mean gain—when defined—is really zero. However, there are even more paradoxical situations in which the information obtained by the players supports the exchange of envelopes...

In this paper, we present a proof of concept application of a technique that is designed explicitly for face to face collaboration software architectures. The objective is to minimize the impact on the installation and deployment of the application, that, while internally keeping a client-server architecture (in order to allow the centralize coordination and monitoring), presents to the user (b...

The paper covers the topic from an e-learning provider’s perspective on the basis of practical experience and discussions with corporate and SME partners. In this paper the author argues that blended learning is superfluous as a pedagogical concept. Its true context is company politics and the conflict between different factions involved in human resource development. Blended learning is a poli...

Challenges for learning in knowledge work are being discussed. These include the challenge to better support self-directed learning while addressing the organizational goals and constraints at the same time, and providing guidance for learning. The use of competencies is introduced as a way to deal with these challenges. Specifically, the competence performance approach offers ways to better le...

This paper reports on ongoing research efforts and discussions about how to enable, through new technologies, the building of lifelong learning networks and the development of competences of teachers who work in small rural schools. Teachers of such schools are confronted with significant challenges, needing to develop personal competences falling beyond the established initial and in-service t...

When it comes to modelling in atmospheric and climate science, the two main types of models are taken into account – dynamical and statistical models. The former ones have a physical basis: they utilize discretized differential equations with a set of conditions (boundary conditions + present state as an initial condition) and model the system’s state by integrating the equations forward in tim...

Objective: To test the potentially toxic urinary tract effects of indomethacin in comparison with a novel COX-2 inhibitor, meloxicam. Method: In vitro experiments were performed using isolated ring segments of sheep ureter mounted in organ-baths. Changes in isometric tension and frequency of rhythmic contractions were assessed in control and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated preparations prior t...

This paper aims at illustrating the necessities that led to the decision of building a technological learning platform for the ALaRI (Advanced Learning and Research Institute) academic institute, at University of Lugano (Università della Svizzera italiana), Switzerland. Following that, the paper will analyse the development of this platform, the difficulties met, the unforeseen events, the requ...

For well over half a century, the link between insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes has been recognized. Insulin resistance is important. Not only is it the most powerful predictor of future development of type 2 diabetes, it is also a therapeutic target once hyperglycemia is present. In this issue of Diabetes, Morino et al. (1) report a series of studies that provide evidence of a genetic me...