Sustainability: an interdisciplinary field

Discussed herein is the interdisciplinary nature of the sustainability sciences field. Through a critical historical account of so-called rationalisation of life and science, it is recognised that the economic growth model that prevailed over the last few centuries led to a disjunctive dissociation of our social systems from the natural systems, which now figures as a root cause of unsustainability. The same rationalisation arguably provoked the fragmentation of knowledge into more and more specialised disciplines, as part of a scientific framework that cannot now be readily applied to deal with current pressing socioenvironmental problems. It is argued that interdisciplinarity is the only academic response capable of achieving the reintegration of knowledge required to address the sustainability paradigm, as compromises are sought between what is essential, desired and possible, both within and without academia.Discute-se aqui a natureza interdisciplinar do campo das ciências da sustentabilidade. Por meio de uma análise histórica crítica da assim chamada racionalização da vida e da ciência, reconhece-se que o modelo de crescimento econômico que prevaleceu nos últimos séculos levou a uma separação nociva de nossos sistemas sociais dos sistemas naturais, que hoje é uma das causas da insustentabilidade. A mesma racionalização teria provocado a fragmentação do conhecimento em disciplinas cada vez mais especializadas, como parte de uma estrutura científica que não pode ser diretamente aplicada para tratar das urgentes questões socioambientais atuais. Argumenta-se que a interdisciplinaridade é a única resposta acadêmica capaz de alcançar a reintegração do conhecimento requerida para lidar com o paradigma da sustentabilidade, à medida que se busca a justa medida entre o que é essencial, desejável e possível, tanto dentro quanto fora da academia

Semi-empirical analysis of Sloan Digital Sky Survey galaxies: II. The bimodality of the galaxy population revisited

We revisit the bimodal distribution of the galaxy population commonly seen in the local universe. Here we address the bimodality observed in galaxy properties in terms of spectral synthesis products, such as mean stellar ages and stellar masses, derived from the application of this powerful method to a volume-limited sample, with magnitude limit cutoff M_r = -20.5, containing about 50 thousand luminous galaxies from the SDSS Data Release 2. In addition, galaxies are classified according to their emission line properties in three distinct spectral classes: star-forming galaxies, with young stellar populations; passive galaxies, dominated by old stellar populations; and, hosts of active nuclei, which comprise a mix of young and old stellar populations. We show that the extremes of the distribution of some galaxy properties, essentially galaxy colours, 4000 A break index, and mean stellar ages, are associated to star-forming galaxies at one side, and passive galaxies at another. We find that the mean light-weighted stellar age of galaxies is the direct responsible for the bimodality seen in the galaxy population. The stellar mass, in this view, has an additional role since most of the star-forming galaxies present in the local universe are low-mass galaxies. Our results also give support to the existence of a 'downsizing' in galaxy formation, where massive galaxies seen nowadays have stellar populations formed at early times.Comment: 18 pages, 19 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

<i>Rehabilitation doxa</i> and practitioner judgment. An analysis of symbolic violence on health care provision in the Scottish prison system

This paper presents an analysis of the symbolic conditions which govern health care provision in the Scottish prison system. The paper considers the wider context of Scottish prisons, where health care provision follows a similar structure both in juvenile and adult prisons. Our intention is to provoke a debate about the doxa (Bourdieu, 1977), which underlies decision making in respect of health care in prison, in a political environment where pragmatism, allied to the ‘pathologisation’ of social policies, health and criminal justice has been a hegemonic force.<br/

Emission line taxonomy and the nature of AGN-looking galaxies in the SDSS

Massive spectroscopic surveys like the SDSS have revolutionized the way we study AGN and their relations to the galaxies they live in. A first step in any such study is to define samples of different types of AGN on the basis of emission line ratios. This deceivingly simple step involves decisions on which classification scheme to use and data quality censorship. Galaxies with weak emission lines are often left aside or dealt with separately because one cannot fully classify them onto the standard Star-Forming, Seyfert of LINER categories. This contribution summarizes alternative classification schemes which include this very numerous population. We then study how star-formation histories and physical properties of the hosts vary from class to class, and present compelling evidence that the emission lines in the majority of LINER-like systems in the SDSS are not powered by black-hole accretion. The data are fully consistent with them being galaxies whose old stars provide all the ionizing power needed to explain their line ratios and luminosities. Such retired galaxies deserve a place in the emission line taxonomy.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings of IAU Symposium 267, Co-Evolution of Central Black Holes and Galaxie

Saúde, sono e falta de tempo: relações com o trabalho profissional e doméstico em enfermeiras

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether reported morbidity and complaints of lack of time and sleep are associated with the burden of professional work and housework among nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional exploratory study was carried out among female nurses and nurse assistants (N=206) of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire. The prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Mean duration of professional work and housework time was 40.4 and 31.6 hours/week, respectively. Long professional working time (over 44 hours/week) were associated with mild emotional disorders (PR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.05-1.80), complaints of lack of time for resting/leisure (PR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.31-1.97), housework (PR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.12-1.97), and childcare (PR=1.99; 95% CI: 1.51-2.63). Long housework time (over 28 hours/week) was associated with lower prevalence of lack of time for childcare (PR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.46-0.84). High housework load was associated with lack of personal time and complaints of varicose veins (PR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.14-1.50 and PR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.08-1.58, respectively). Complaints of varicose veins were also frequent among female nurses with a total work load above 84 hours (PR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.05-1.61), though this group has shown a lower prevalence of arterial hypertension and recurrent headaches (PR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.15-0.83 and PR=0.53; 95% CI: 0.32-0.89, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that both professional and home environments are relevant in the evaluation of work overload on nurses' health and their family and social life. It is stressed the need for instruments for analyzing total workload among female populations.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre a carga de trabalho profissional e doméstico com doenças e queixas sobre o sono e falta de tempo em enfermeiras. MÉTODOS: Estudo exploratório transversal com profissionais de enfermagem do sexo feminino (N=206) de um hospital público no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionário. Foram estimadas as razões de prevalência e seus intervalos de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: A duração média das jornadas semanais profissional e doméstica foram de 40,4h e 31,6h, respectivamente. Jornadas profissionais longas (acima de 44h) se associaram ao relato de tensão, ansiedade ou insônia (RP=1,37;IC 95%: 1,05-1,80), à falta de tempo para o descanso/lazer (RP=1,61; IC 95%: 1,31-1,97), o cuidado da casa (RP=1,48; IC 95%: 1,12-1,97) e dos filhos (RP=1,99; IC 95%: 1,51-2,63). Jornadas domésticas longas (acima de 28h) se associaram à menor prevalência de queixas de falta de tempo para os filhos (RP=0,62; IC 95%: 0,46-0,84). A alta sobrecarga doméstica relacionou-se à falta de tempo para si e ao relato de varizes (RP=1,31; IC 95%: 1,14-1,50 e RP=1,31; IC 95%: 1,08-1,58, respectivamente). Este último também foi mais freqüente entre aquelas cuja carga total de trabalho excedeu 84h (RP=1,30; IC 95%: 1,05-1,61), embora tenham apresentado menor prevalência do relato de hipertensão arterial e de dor de cabeça freqüente (RP=0,35; IC 95%: 0,15-0,83 e RP=0,53; IC 95%: 0,32-0,89, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que há que se valorizar tanto a esfera profissional quanto a doméstica na avaliação da sobrecarga de trabalho sobre a saúde e a vida socio-familiar de enfermeiras. Ressalta-se a demanda por instrumentos de análise que levem em conta as cargas laborais totais que se impõem sobre populações femininas

Práticas pedagógicas no TikTok: língua portuguesa e dancinhas de um minuto

The integration of technology in language teaching is crucial, demanding innovative pedagogical practices to effectively engage students. This study investigates the role of TikTok as a pedagogical tool to facilitate interaction among teachers, content, and students. Using Video Data Analysis (VDA) parameters outlined by Nassauer and Legewie (2021), the study reveals an innovative approach to language teaching, challenging traditional methods and prompting educators to reconsider their strategies in the digital era. However, it also underscores the importance of maintaining educational rigor amid the allure of social media. This study emphasizes the potential of TikTok and similar platforms in language teaching while advocating for a balanced integration of technology and pedagogy, pointing towards a new direction in the field of language education.La integración de la tecnología en la enseñanza de idiomas es crucial, exigiendo prácticas pedagógicas innovadoras para involucrar eficazmente a los estudiantes. Este estudio investiga el papel de TikTok como herramienta pedagógica para facilitar la interacción entre profesores, contenido y estudiantes. Utilizando los parámetros de Análisis de Datos de Video (ADV) delineados por Nassauer y Legewie (2021), el estudio revela un enfoque innovador para la enseñanza de idiomas, desafiando los métodos tradicionales y llevando a los educadores a reconsiderar sus estrategias en la era digital. Sin embargo, también subraya la importancia de mantener un rigor educativo en medio del atractivo de las redes sociales. Este estudio enfatiza el potencial de TikTok y plataformas similares en la enseñanza de idiomas, al mismo tiempo que aboga por una integración equilibrada de tecnología y pedagogía, apuntando hacia una nueva dirección en el campo de la educación lingüística.A integração de tecnologias no ensino de línguas é fundamental, exigindo práticas pedagógicas inovadoras para envolver os alunos de forma eficaz. Este estudo investiga o papel do TikTok como ferramenta pedagógica para facilitar a interação entre professores, conteúdos e alunos. Utilizando a Análise de Dados de Vídeo (ADV), conforme os parâmetros de Nassauer e Legewie (2021), a pesquisa analisou o uso da plataforma para a criação de conteúdos educacionais que combinam elementos visuais e musicais com conceitos gramaticais e dicas de estudo. Os resultados mostram que os educadores conseguem usar recursos visuais, musicais e formatos inovadores para ensinar gramática, fornecer dicas de estudo e transmitir informações acadêmicas, capturando a atenção dos alunos e tornando a aprendizagem mais dinâmica. Este estudo enfatiza o potencial do TikTok e de outras plataformas semelhantes no ensino de línguas, enquanto defende uma integração equilibrada entre tecnologia e pedagogia, apontando para uma nova direção no domínio do ensino de línguas, principalmente na escola

Autumn microhabitat breadth differs between family groups of Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) in a small chalk stream

The effect of family traits on the microhabitat use by six genetically distinct groups (three in each year of study) of juvenile Atlantic salmon tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags was studied via PIT-tag detectors installed on the river bed in a small chalk stream of southern England, during Autumn in 2006 and 2007. Canonical correspondence analysis of the molecular and microhabitat data revealed considerable overlap in the microhabitat use of the family groups and notable differences in microhabitat breadth, which was partly influenced by sample size. The data suggest that microhabitat breadth and preferences of wild salmon are influenced by family of origin