Wave Function of a Supersymmetric FRW Model with Vector Fields

A specific Friedmann-Roberstson-Walker (FRW) model derived from the theory of N=1 supergravity with gauged supermatter is considered in this paper. The supermatter content is restricted to a vector supermultiplet. The corresponding Lorentz and supersymmetry quantum constraints are then derived. Non-trivial solutions are subsquently found. A no-boundary solution is identified while another state may be interpreted as a wormhole solution.Comment: 14 pages, plain LaTe

Conserved Currents in Supersymmetric Quantum Cosmology?

In this paper we investigate whether conserved currents can be sensibly defined in supersymmetric minisuperspaces. Our analysis deals with k=1 FRW and Bianchi class--A models. Supermatter in the form of scalar supermultiplets is included in the former. Moreover, we restrict ourselves to the first-order differential equations derived from the Lorentz and supersymmetry constraints. The ``square-root'' structure of N=1 supergravity was our motivation to contemplate this interesting research. We show that conserved currents cannot be adequately established except for some very simple scenarios. Otherwise, conservation equations may only be obtained from Wheeler-DeWitt--like equations, which are derived from the supersymmetric algebra of constraints. Two appendices are included. In appendix A we describe some interesting features of quantum FRW cosmologies with complex scalar fields when supersymmetry is present. In particular, we explain how the Hartle-Hawking state can now be satisfactorily identified. In appendix B we initiate a discussion about the retrieval of classical properties from supersymmetric quantum cosmologies.Comment: 16 pages, LaTeX (plain), Extended version of a report written for the 1996 Awards for Essays on Gravitation, main text re-written and reduced, includes appendix A (about complex scalr fields in quantum cosmology) and B (about retrieval of classical features in supersymmetric quantum cosmology), references are update

Editorial Note

Editorial note

Labour Market Policy in Portugal

The Portuguese National Action Plan for Employment (NAP) is the main instrument for the labour market policy. It was adopted in 1998. The NAP transposes to the Portuguese reality the contents of such guidelines, with the adequate adjustments required by the national specificities, establishing objectives, quantified targets and action deadlines, as well as defining new programmes and measures. Therefore, the objectives of the labour market policy were focusing on the promotion of an adequate transition of the youngsters in active life, on the promotion of social and professional insertion and fight against long term unemployment and exclusion, on the improvement of basic and professional qualification of the working population in a perspective of lifelong training, namely as a way to prevent unemployment phenomena, and on the preventive management and follow-up of sectoral restructuring processes.labour market; Portugal; unemployment; qualification; training; restructuring

Foresight methodologies to understand changes in the labour process: Experience from Portugal

The foresight and scenario building methods can be an interesting reference for social sciences, especially in terms of innovative methods for labour process analysis. A scenario – as a central concept for the prospective analysis – can be considered as a rich and detailed portrait of a plausible future world. It can be a useful tool for policy-makers to grasp problems clearly and comprehensively, and to better pinpoint challenges as well as opportunities in an overall framework. The features of the foresight methods are being used in some labour policy making experiences. Case studies developed in Portugal will be presented, and some conclusions will be drawn in order to organise a set of principles for foresight analysis applied to the European project WORKS on the work organisation re-structuring in the knowledge society, and on the work design methods for new management structures of virtual organisations.foresight; scenario; labour policy; Portugal; work organisation; work design; knowledge society; virtual organisations

Organizational alternatives for flexible manufacturing systems

There is an increasing importance of different productive architectures related to worker involvement in the decision making, where is given due attention to the intuitive capabilities and the human knowledge in the optimization and flexibilization of manufacturing processes. Thus having reference point architecture of a flexible manufacturing and assembling system existent at UNINOVA-CRI, we will present some exploratory hypothesis about applicability of the concept of hybridization and its repercussions on the definition of jobs, in those organizations and in the formation of working teams.flexibility; robotics; work organization; manufacturing industry

Foresight studies on work in the knowledge society: a 2nd international conference at UNL

The 2nd International Conference on "Foresight Studies on Work in the Knowledge Society" was organised by IET, the Research Centre on Enterprise and Work Innovation, at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of "Universidade Nova de Lisboa" (FCT-UNL), and took place on January 26 and 27 of 2009 with the support of the European project WORKS-Work Organisation Re-structuring in the Knowledge Society (financed by the European Commission, and co-ordinated by HIVA Leuven)Foresight, Portugal, Knowledge society, Work

‘Behaviour that challenges’ in dementia care: an update of psychological approaches for home and care home settings

Over and above the personal and financial costs associated with dementia, those for ‘behaviour that challenges’ (BtC) are significant (Lowry & Warner, 2009; Hermann et al., 2006). This briefing paper outlines the importance of having a psychological understanding of both the causes and appropriate interventions required for BtC. It highlights the role of clinical psychologists, ideally working within multi-disciplinary teams, in producing biopsychosocial formulations to meet the health and psychosocial needs of a person living with dementia (PwD). The paper also draws on relevant evidence including findings from a recently completed NIHR programme of work on the Management of Challenging Behaviour at home and in care homes (Moniz-Cook et al., 2017) to provide recommendations for action