Non-LTE Abundances and Consequences for the Evolution of the alpha elements in the Galaxy

Abundances of alpha-elements such as Ca and Mg in disk and halo stars are usually derived from equivalent widths lines measured on high resolution spectra, and assuming Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE) . In this paper, we present non-LTE differential abundances derived by computing the statistical equilibrium of CaI and MgI atoms, using high resolution equivalent widths available in the literature for 252 dwarf to subgiant stars. These non-LTE abundances combined with recent determination of non-LTE abundances of iron, seem to remove the dispersion of the [Ca/Fe] and [Mg/Fe] ratios in the galactic halo and disk phases, revealing new and surprising structures. These results have important consequences for chemical evolution models of the Galaxy. In addition, non-LTE abundance ratios for stars belonging to the M92 cluster apparently have the same behavior. More high resolution observations, mainly of globular clusters, are urgently needed to confirm our results.Comment: 15 pages, 3 tables, 7 figure

Element of social change, threatening Other : discursive representations of migrants and refugees in Polish parliamentary debates

The increased number of migrants and refugees coming to Europe since 2015 has challenged the member states of the European Union (EU). Despite a rather small number of refugees coming to Poland, their arrival has been framed as a major issue for the country. The aim of this paper is therefore to analyse the images associated with migrants and refugees during Polish parliamentary debates. The paper focuses on the discursive representations of migrants and refugees: how discursive images around migrants and refugees are created and reproduced in a specific political setting, i.e. the Sejm. The main question leading this paper concerns the concept of securitisation and how political actors, in this case members of parliament (MPs), link migration with security concerns through discursive practices for political ends. The methodology used is primarily discourse analysis, applied on data collected from 2014 onwards in the Polish parliament. The discursive construction of claims demonstrates that throughout the migration crisis migrants and refugees tend to be more and more associated with the image of an outsider threatening the nation. Additionally, migration as an object of concerns has been instrumentally addressed by Polish political parties to achieve political gains

Making Media Matter

This book is an essential resource for media educators working to promote critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement through their teaching. Connecting theory and research with creative projects and analyses of pop culture, it models an integrated and practical approach to media education. In order to prepare learners to successfully navigate rapid shifts in digital technology and popular culture, media educators in both secondary and university settings need to develop fresh, innovative approaches. Integrating concepts and practices from the fields of media studies, media arts, and media literacy, this book prepares teachers to help their students make connections between their studies, uses of media, creative expression, and political participation. As educators implement the strategies in this book in their curricula and pedagogy, they will be empowered to help their students more thoughtfully engage with media culture and use their intelligence and imagination to address pressing challenges facing our world today. Making Media Matter is an engaging and accessible read for educators and scholars in the areas of media literacy, media and cultural studies, media arts, and communication studies

Book review: Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto

A review of Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto (2020) written by Kevin M. Gannon

Dark Ride: Disneyland. Using educational games for critical media literacy education

This article describes Dark Ride: Disneyland - a mobile game that encourages Disneyland guests to critically consider Disney’s representations of history, culture, and technology. The game was the creation of a group of faculty, students and professionals associated with Brigham Young University. The article contextualizes the game and its development in relation to concepts including media as public pedagogy, critical inquiries of place, critical and creative media literacy, creative production as research, and educational videogames. It reviews the project’s objective to foster critical reflection and creativity among those involved in developing the game and hopefully to extend media literacy education to the broader public. It summarizes the development of the game itself and describes the its narrative and mechanics. The article concludes with some initial findings from the experience based on responses from those involved in the project and a discussion about the potential for using educational games for critical media literacy education

Du champion national au champion international:Résistance et transformations d’un modèle de concurrence dans le secteur énergétique des années 1990-2000

Cet article s’intéresse aux institutions forgeant le fonctionnement de l’économie. Il prend pour cas d’étude le modèle du champion national, porté dans les années 1990 par la Direction de l’énergie, puis par l’Agence des participations de l’État. Ce modèle, fortement remis en cause par les coups de boutoir de la Commission européenne et la privatisation d’une partie du secteur de l’énergie, a été adapté au cours de ces deux dernières décennies. D’abord considérées comme des outils de politiques publiques, des entreprises sont encouragées dans leur développement pour des raisons financières. Il est par ailleurs montré que la dynamique graduelle de cette institution est largement tributaire des hauts fonctionnaires, qui adaptent le modèle aux exigences de la Commission européenne