Defining Art in the Gozo International Contemporary Arts Festival

This chapter explores the role of identity, place, and origin of the artists in the Gozo International Contemporary Arts Festival in Gozo, Malta. Based on research conducted in July 2010 for a summer field school in sociocultural anthropology, I draw on conversations with several of the artists showing their work, as well as interactions with local organizing officials, arts instructors, and Gozitan artists and craftspeople not directly involved in the exhibit. I argue that the event is a space in which central questions of Gozitan identity are actively addressed and negotiated, focusing particularly on the manner in which the international artists participating in the festival construct both conceptual and visual images of Gozo and Malta. I suggest that the origin of the artist, in tandem with the purpose and medium of their artwork, plays a major role in how the work is incorporated into the exhibit. Framed in part as a cosmopolitan attraction alongside the historical sites of the island, the exhibition acknowledges the increasingly global nature of Gozo. Ultimately, I aim to address questions pertinent to postcolonial identity and tourism on Gozo and Malta. How is the island viewed by visitors from abroad? What cultural resources is it assumed to possess (or lack)? How do Gozitan artists interact with and respond to such expectations through events like the Arts Festival

Intergenerational differences in healthy eating beliefs among British Pakistanis with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: There are growing concerns on how to prevent, slow down and induce remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent evidence has found diet and lifestyle interventions can cause remission of T2DM, however, there are challenges for diverse groups such as British Pakistanis who are four times more at risk of T2DM. There is a need to understand the food behaviours of different generational groups to develop culturally appropriate strategies to support diabetes prevention programmes. Aims: This study explores beliefs about healthy eating and food practices related to T2DM among British Pakistanis to understand the challenges they face in implementing healthy diets. Method: We carried out 26 semi-structured qualitative interviews via telephone and face-to-face. The sample included T2DM British Pakistanis living in Bradford (UK), aged between 18 and 71 with a mean age of 50 (SD = 17.04). Among the participants, 14 were women (54%) and 12 were men (46%), with interviews conducted in both English (76%) and Urdu (24%). Participants were grouped under three generation groups based on age (first generation 65+; second generation 40–64; younger generation 18–39 years). There was no biological link between the generational groups, and they were not part of the same family. Data were analysed using qualitative reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Findings were categorised into three themes: knowledge and awareness of diabetes symptoms; social and family context of food practices and making sense of healthy eating. The family was the fundamental unit of understanding food-related health behaviours. Eating traditional food was perceived as healthy and deemed practical for first generations who were the initial members of their family to settle in the UK as well as the second generations who had parents born in Pakistan. Younger British Pakistanis were born in the UK and reported that they struggled to eat alternative foods within the home and manage their T2DM. Conclusion: These findings improve our understanding of how three generations of British Pakistanis with T2DM negotiate healthy diets. There is a need for culturally tailored diet modifications and interventions, where different generational needs can be specifically targeted to adopt healthier diets which should be shared and encouraged

Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence: Preliminary Findings from a Field Assessment in Six Shelters in Kosovo

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n2p38

Μια περιεκτική ανασκόπηση της εξελικτικής πορείας των κινητών επικοινωνιών έως τον ορίζοντα 2020

Σκοπός της διπλωματικής εργασίας είναι να προσφέρει στον αναγνώστη ένα περιεκτικό εγχειρίδιο αναφοράς για την εξέλιξη των συστημάτων κινητών επικοινωνιών. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο γίνεται μία εισαγωγή στα πρώτα δίκτυα κινητών επικοινωνιών από την αναλογική επικοινωνία ως το δίκτυο GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), το οποίο αποτελεί το πλέον διαδεδομένο δίκτυο διεθνώς το οποίο υπήρξε η βάση πάνω στην οποία αναπτύχθηκαν οι επόμενες γενιές δικτύων. Το GSM εισήγαγε για πρώτη φορά έννοιες όπως SMS (Short Message Service), SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), τηλευπηρεσίες. Στη συνέχεια εμφανίστηκε η 2.5G που περιλάμβανε νέα πρωτόκολλα και νέα συστήματα. Οπότε από το GSM εμφανίστηκαν τα πρότυπα όπως τα GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) και EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) . Έπειτα παρουσιάζονται σύντομα τα δίκτυα 3ης και 3.5ης γενιάς και οι διαφορές που εντοπίζονται σε σχέση με τις προηγούμενες. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζεται ο βασικός εκπρόσωπος των συστημάτων κινητών επικοινωνιών σήμερα, το LTE (Long-Term Evolution). Αυτό αποτελεί το τελευταίο βήμα στη μετάβαση από τις κυψελωτές 3G υπηρεσίες στις κυψελωτές 4G. Επιπλέον πληροφορίες για τα πλεονεκτήματα, τα στοιχεία της αρχιτεκτονικής του δικτύου, τεχνικά ζητήματα τις εφαρμογές και της επιμέρους εκδοχές του δίνονται στο κεφάλαιο αυτό. Έτσι λοιπόν γίνεται η μετάβαση από το LTE στο LTE-A δίκτυο εισάγοντας μεγαλύτερο εύρος ζώνης και υψηλότερες ταχύτητες downlink και uplink. Ακόμα εισάγεται και αναλύεται ο όρος femtocells τα οποία προσφέρουν δίκτυα μεγαλύτερης χωρητικότητας με οικονομικά βιώσιμο τρόπο. Επιπλέον, σε υψηλό επίπεδο είναι η ποιότητα των υπηρεσιών κάτι που σχετίζεται άμεσα με την αποδοχή ενός τέτοιου δικτύου από τους συνδρομητές. Ωστόσο υπάρχουν και ορισμένα μειονεκτήματα όπως η ασφάλεια, η ταυτοποίηση και ο συγχρονισμός τους. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο αναλύεται το δίκτυο που αναμένεται να εμφανιστεί τα επόμενα χρόνια. Βασισμένο στις αρχές των προηγούμενων δικτύων θα βελτιώσει τις αδυναμίες που υπάρχουν όπως το ρυθμό μετάδοσης, την καταναλισκόμενη ενέργεια, το φάσμα λειτουργίας και το χρόνο απόκρισης. Στο κεφάλαιο αυτό γίνεται μία συνοπτική παρουσίαση επίσης των βασικών στοιχείων του δικτύου καθώς και των τεχνολογιών που συνδέονται με τα δίκτυα αυτά. Ακόμα αναλύονται η πρώτη και δεύτερη φάση του 5G – PPP που περιέχουν 19 και 21 νέες προτάσεις έργων αντίστοιχα. Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο υπάρχουν τα συμπεράσματα και οι προοπτικές του δικτύου 5ης γενιάς. Από τεχνολογικής πλευράς, το δίκτυο αυτό αναμένεται στην αγορά το 2020, ενώ έχει ξεκινήσει ήδη ο σχεδιασμός και η ανάπτυξη του εξοπλισμού (υλικού και λογισμικού). Βασικά χαρακτηριστικά του νέου δικτύου θα είναι ο ταχύτερος ρυθμός μετάδοσης, η χωρητικότητα και η ευέλικτη αρχιτεκτονική.The aim of the thesis is to provide a comprehensive reference manual for the evolution of mobile communication systems. The first chapter introduces the reader to the first mobile communications networks from analogue communication to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which is the most widespread international network. It is the basis upon the next generation of networks has been developed. GSM introduced for the first time concepts such as SMS (Short Message Service), SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), tele-services. Then the 2.5G was appeared and included new protocols and systems. Thus, standards such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) have emerged from GSM. The 3rd and 3rd generation networks were developed in the next years and the differences between the previous generations were obvious. The second chapter introduces the basic representative of mobile communications today, LTE (Long-Term Evolution). This is the last step from cellular 3G services to 4G cellular. Further information on the advantages, the elements of the network architecture, the technical issues of the applications and the individual versions is given in this chapter. Thus, the transition from LTE to LTE-A network takes place by introducing more bandwidth and higher downlink and uplink speeds. It also introduces and analyzes the term of femtocells which offer larger capacity networks in an economically viable way. In addition, a high level of service quality is directly related to the acceptance by subscribers. However, there are certain disadvantages such as security, identification and synchronization. The third chapter analyzes the network that is expected to be appeared in the coming years. Based on the principles of previous networks, it will improve the weaknesses such as transmission rate, energy consumption, operating range and response time. Also a concise presentation of the network key elements as well as of the technologies associated with these networks. In addition, the first and second phases of the 5G - PPP are analyzed, which contain 19 and 21 new project proposals, respectively. In the fourth chapter, there are the conclusion and prospects of the 5th generation network. From a technological point of view, this network is expected in 2020. The design and the development of equipment (hardware and software) have already begun. Key features of the new network will be the fastest transmission rate, capacity and flexible architecture

Η Επικοινωνία ανάμεσα στα Μέλη της Εκπαιδευτικής Κοινότητας την εποχή της Πανδημίας – Covid-19 μέσα από τη ματιά Διευθυντών και Εκπαιδευτικών Σχολικών Μονάδων Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης.

Περίληψη Η παρούσα έρευνα, η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε αποκλειστικά το διάστημα από 20/4/20-10/5/20, την περίοδο κατά την οποία ήταν σε εφαρμογή η απόφαση για αναστολή λειτουργίας όλων των εκπαιδευτικών μονάδων όλων των βαθμίδων εκπαίδευσης ως μέτρο για την αποφυγή της διασποράς του κορωνοϊού Covid-19, έχει ως σκοπό να εξετάσει α) το αν και το πώς αποκαταστήθηκε η επικοινωνία ανάμεσα στα μέλη της κοινότητας, β) αν οι συμμετέχοντες ήταν έτοιμοι να διαχειριστούν την κατάσταση και γ) το πώς βίωσαντην πανδημία και τι προτείνουν για την επόμενη φορά. Ως ερευνητική μέθοδος επιλέχθηκε η Ποιοτική Ανάλυση μέσα από 34 ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις σε Διευθυντές και Εκπαιδευτικούς Γυμνασίων και Λυκείων αστικών και ημι-αστικών περιοχών της Αττικής που πραγματοποιήθηκαν τηλεφωνικά λόγω του απαγορευτικού. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι συμμετέχοντες Διευθυντές αναγκάστηκαν να διαχειριστούν μια πρωτόγνωρη κατάσταση κρίσης και οι συμμετέχοντες εκπαιδευτικοί, χωρίς τα απαραίτητα εφόδια, να αποκαταστήσουν την επικοινωνία και την εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία, αξιοποιώντας κάθε δυνατό μέσο. Καταγράφηκε έντονα η έλλειψη υλικοτεχνικού εξοπλισμού σε μαθητές χαμηλών κοινωνικο-οικονομικών τάξεων και σε μεγαλύτερης ηλικίας εκπαιδευτικούς, η έλλειψη γνώσεων χειρισμού των πλατφορμών τηλεκπαίδευσης, σε μερικές περιπτώσεις ακόμα και η έλλειψη παροχής δικτύου ίντερνετ. Όλα τα παραπάνω συν το ότι δεν υπήρχε πλαίσιο υποχρεωτικότητας, οδήγησαν στην ελλιπή συμμετοχή των μαθητών από την τηλεκπαίδευση και στη απαξίωση της διαδικασίας. Επίσης, αναδείχθηκε η αγωνία των συμμετεχόντων διευθυντών για το πώς θα εξασφαλίσουν τη συνέχεια στη σχολική ζωή, πώς θα υποστηρίξουν ψυχικά και υλικά, εκπαιδευτικούς και μαθητές και πώς θα διαχειριστούν τις οδηγίες των ειδικών για τα μέτρα υγιεινής κατά την επαναλειτουργία των σχολείων ώστε να εξασφαλίσουν την υγεία όλων. Τέλος, όλοι οι συμμετέχοντες εξέφρασαν τις προτάσεις τους για την επόμενη φορά που θα χρειαστεί να διαχειριστούν μία αντίστοιχη κρίση.Abstract The aim of the present study, which took place strictly between 20/4/2020 and 10/5/2020, i.e. at the time of lock down of all education units,as part of the measures to avoid spreading the covid-19 corona virus pandemic, was to examine a) if and how communication among members of school community was achieved, b) if participants were ready and able to handle the situation and c) how they experienced lockdown and what their recommend for a next crisis. The qualitative method of analysis was used, through the data that were collected from 34 phone interviews –due to the lock down - to school leaders and teachers of secondary schools in urban and sub-urban areas of Attica. Results showed that participant school leaders were to manage an unprecedented crisis situation and participant teachers, without the necessary supplies, to restore communication and learning process with students, using all means available. It was strongly recorded the absence of technical equipment and lack in ICT skills in lower-class students and older teachers, as well as cases of no home internet supply. All the above plus the fact that all this was on a non-obligatory basis contributed to the low participation of students in distance learning classes, and, as result, the devaluing of the whole process. What was also obvious from the research was the anxiety of participant school leaders regarding how they would secure school life continuity, how they would support teachers and students, not only materially but also, psychologically, and how they would deal with the application of doctors’ instructions and health measures during school re-opening, so as to keep everyone safe. Finally, all participants made their own recommendations regarding next time crisis management

Volunteering in the community: understanding personal experiences of South Asians in the United Kingdom

Upstanding civic action is central to individual and community well-being, particularly when communities comprise rich and diverse membership. However, not all groups in society have the same opportunities and resources to volunteer. This is particularly true for South Asian people, who are often reported to be less likely to volunteer. Research into the experience and meanings that this ethnic group attributes to volunteering has been exceptionally scarce. Informed by a community psychology perspective, this qualitative study conducted nine semistructured interviews with British South Asians involved in formal volunteering activities. The aim was to explore their personal experiences and motivations regarding volunteering for their community of belonging. Results from reflexive thematic analysis were grouped under three themes. These were (1) volunteering cultivated individual well-being, (2) South Asians who volunteer often experience social injustice and marginalisation and (3) volunteering for South Asians is intrinsically tied to religious and cultural motivations. British South Asians faced personal and social obstacles in accessing fundamental health and social care in their communities of belonging. Religion, and community social capital were positive volunteering strategies for British South Asians. Positive impacts of well-being included becoming closer to faith and increased sense of meaning/purpose and recognising of individual strengths. These findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for community organisations and governmental bodies to better promote volunteering for ethnic minorities. We suggest the adoption of cultural and religious sensitivity, along with strategies to remove barriers in access to opportunities and support for volunteering

Uma proposta de design de intera??o para uma ferramenta de coleta e minera??o de textos em redes sociais online para fins de pesquisa cient?fica

As redes sociais online t?m se tornando cada vez mais populares e, associado a este crescimento, o volume de informa??o gerado em formato digital tem aumentado de forma significativa. Independentemente do tipo de rede social, ? poss?vel aproveit?-la como fonte de informa??o para a constru??o de conhecimento cient?fico, nas mais diferentes ?reas. Por?m realizar tais atividades manualmente ? absolutamente invi?vel, sendo necess?ria a utiliza??o das t?cnicas de Minera??o de Textos para analisar e extrair informa??es ?teis dessa extensa base de dados. Em geral, h? boas op??es de ferramentas no mercado, contudo, se considerarmos a quest?o do ponto de vista acad?mico, seja por falta de habilidade para operar a interface dos programas existentes, ou desconhecimento de sua exist?ncia, a utiliza??o de ferramentas experimentais ainda ? relativamente baixa na pesquisa acad?mica nacional da ?rea de m?dias sociais. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de desenvolver o design da intera??o do Framework Or?culo, uma ferramenta de apoio ao processo de coleta e minera??o de textos, voltada para o apoio de usu?rios que coletam e mineram dados em redes sociais online, para fins de pesquisa cient?fica. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida inicialmente com a identifica??o das necessidades e defini??o dos requisitos dos pesquisadores de institui??es de ensino em rela??o ? coleta e an?lise de dados em redes sociais online e, em seguida, foi feito o design do framework, seguindo a abordagem do Design Centrado na Comunica??o, seguido da constru??o do prot?tipo funcional de alta fidelidade. Uma avalia??o preliminar do prot?tipo foi realizada junto aos seus potenciais usu?rios, e os resultados apontaram a facilidade de uso e a aceitabilidade da sua interface, proporcionando a satisfa??o dos usu?rios, que foi refletida na vontade de utilizar o Or?culo em suas pesquisas futuras. Assim, acredita-se que, com o trabalho, foi poss?vel contribuir com as ?reas de IHC e minera??o de textos, ao trazer considera??es sobre aspectos relevantes para o design e avalia??o de ferramentas de coleta e minera??o de dados provenientes de RSOs, sob o ponto de vista da intera??o humano-computador.Disserta??o (Mestrado Profissional) ? Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Educa??o, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2019.Online social networks are becoming increasingly popular and, associated with this growth, the volume of information generated in digital format has increased significantly. Regardless of the type of social network, it can be used as a source of information for the construction of scientific knowledge in the most different areas. However, performing such activities manually is absolutely not feasible, requiring the use of Text Mining techniques to analyze and extract useful information from this extensive database. In general, there are good tool options on the market, however, if we consider the issue from the academic point of view, either because of the lack of ability to operate the interface of existing programs or lack of knowledge about them, the use of experimental tools is still relatively low. low in national academic research in the area of social media. In this context, this research aimed to develop the interaction design of the Oracle Framework, a tool to support the process of collecting and mining texts, aimed at supporting users who collect and mine data on online social networks, for the purpose of scientific research. The research was initially developed with the identification of the needs and definition of the requirements of the researchers of educational institutions in relation to the collection and analysis of data in online social networks. Then, the framework design was made, following the Centered Design approach. Communication, followed by the construction of the high fidelity functional prototype. A preliminary evaluation of the prototype was carried out with its potential users, and the results showed the ease of use and the acceptability of its interface, providing users' satisfaction, which was reflected in the desire to use the Oracle in their future research. Thus, it is believed that, with the work, it was possible to contribute to the areas of HCI and text mining, by bringing considerations on relevant aspects for the design and evaluation of data collection and mining tools from RSOs, under the point point of view of human-computer interaction