Patterns in the first school years: main constraints

Authors suggest that several mathematical patterns must be addressed, in a systematic way, since an early age, given their key role in the development of algebraic thinking, amongst other aspects. Following this perspective, we developed several activities focusing on patterns of various kinds, involving children from 3 years of age. These activities revealed a set of tasks which are extremely complex and difficult for children. In this paper, by focusing on the pupils’ own productions, we will discuss some of above-mentioned didactic proposals and the implication of the results

National Working Conditions Surveys in Europe: A Compilation

[Excerpt] Eurofound’s European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) has been measuring working conditions across the European Union for the past 20 years. It is a unique instrument for better understanding the quality of work and employment and the factors influencing it. Eurofound is committed to improving further the quality of the EWCS and strengthening its relevance for Eurofound’s tripartite stakeholders. Some of the most important sources of information for the development of the EWCS questionnaire are the national surveys on working conditions. This compilation is a follow-up of a study of working conditions surveys commissioned by Eurofound in 2006 which covered both national and transnational working conditions surveys (Eurofound, 2007). The main goals of this inventory are to: update the background information on existing national working conditions surveys; create a source of basic information from national working conditions surveys related to methodologies, quality control procedures, fieldwork and findings; provide a practical resource for researchers, policymakers, social partners and others with a professional interest in working conditions

Learning through patterns: a powerful approach to algebraic thinking

We are engaged in a project named Mathematics and patterns in elementary schools: perspectives and classroom experiences of students and teachers. Our aim is to analyze the impact of an intervention centered on the study of patterns in the learning of mathematics concepts and on the development of communication and development of higher order thinking skills. In this paper we present part of an ongoing research with pre-service teachers concerning the development of teachers’ algebraic thinking, in particular how they move through pattern tasks involving generalization. We will present some of the tasks used in the didactical experience and some preliminary conclusions of its implementation in the mathematics didactics classes of a mathematics elementary teachers’ course of a School of Education

TOWARDS A COMPETITIVE LOW-CARBON ECONOMY: ON FIRMS’ INCENTIVES AND THE ROLE OF PUBLIC RESEARCH

This paper considers the prerequisites for implementing a competitive low-carbon economy in the European Union from the point of view of firms’ incentives, the role of policy and the contribution of public research. It suggests that the reduction of the environmental impact of energy can be a new competitiveness factor. Rather than being treated as a constraint and cost-aggravating factor, addressing climate change can offer economic opportunity and contribute to growth. The paper looks at both static (energy efficiency) and dynamic (innovation – new products, processes, technologies or sectors and consumption patterns) dimensions of competitiveness.Economic competitiveness; low-carbon economy; energy; technology; and public research.

Eurofound\u27s Definition of Central Public Administration

[Excerpt] Since Eurofound engaged in more systematic research on the public sector, defining central public administration has become a necessity. While there is a branch of research dedicated to employment and working conditions in the sector, linked particularly to the waves of privatisation of various public services, there have been few systematic studies of working conditions and industrial relations at its core, what can be called central public administration (CPA). The aim of this paper is to deliver a working definition of CPA

Online Scientific Volunteering: the technological immersion for the co-construction of knowledge, employability, entrepreneurship and innovation in a logic of inclusion

“We all have something to learn and something to share” is the motto of this project, through which we aim to assess the impact of a multilingual platform which combines and makes the most of the potentials of digital environments and favours inclusion, in the co-construction of knowledge in learning/practice, in employability, entrepreneurism and innovation. In this article we will introduce an ongoing project which is founded on the principle of openness to the research community. Its philosophy is Online Scientific Volunteering for the co-construction of knowledge about learning best practices. The platform that will emerge from the project will be open access. The academic community, whether national or international, can contribute with content and knowledge to the platform, through interaction and discussions around relevant and emerging topics. The community may also exploit, without encumbrance, the contents of the platform for their own benefit. This way students and scientific expertise can share in a common knowledge space, and together build a comprehensive knowledge base.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Step by step optimization of a sperm cryopreservation protocol for spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor Olafsen, 1772)

Spotted wolffish Anarhichas minor reproduction in captivity is dependent on in vitro fertilization. However, low sperm volume with relatively low cell concentration and the lack of gametes synchronization (simultaneous availability of mature eggs and sperm) represent a challenge for the industry. Thus, the development of protocols for sperm storage are crucial. Four sequential experiments were conducted to optimize a sperm cryopreservation protocol for this species. First, three different cryoprotectants (DMSO; 1, 2-propanediol; and methanol) at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20%) were tested for their toxicity. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between the control samples and cryoprotectants at concentration up to 10% DMSO, 10% propanediol, and 20% methanol in terms of motility parameters. Second, using the highest non-toxic concentrations of cryoprotectants, sperm was cryopreserved in 0.5 mL straws, at different distances from the liquid nitrogen (1.5, 2.5, 4.5, and 7.5 cm) that correspond to different freezing rates. Motility parameters after freezing/thawing decreased for all the cryoprotectants (p  0.05) between the two thawing rates. The best results were obtained using 10% DMSO. Finally, the fertilization capacity of cryopreserved sperm (10% DMSO and thawed at 5 °C for 1 min) was tested against fresh sperm using two spermatozoa:egg ratios and 4 h gametes contact time. The ratio of eggs with normal cell cleavage, abnormal cleavage or undeveloped were counted at the 2-4 cell stage. Cryopreserved sperm showed lower fertilization capacity at a concentration of 5 × 104 spermatozoa:egg compared with fresh sperm (p  0.05). To cryopreserve spotted wolffish sperm it is recommended to use 10% DMSO, loaded in 0.5 mL straws, freeze at a height between 4.5 (-14.05 °C/min) and 7.5 cm (-5.9 °C/min) from liquid nitrogen for 10 min and thaw for 1 min at 5 °C (177.9 °C/min). In vitro fertilization with cryopreserved sperm should be performed with a concentration of at least 5 × 105 spermatozoa per egg.WOLFSTORE project (AF0078) supported by the MABIT program from Norway. JS was supported by a Cost action FA1205 AQUAGAMETE and an ERASMUS grant.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Large-scale instabilities in a STOVL upwash fountain

The fountain flow created by two underexpanded axisymmetric, turbulent jets impinging on a ground plane was studied through the use of laser-based experimental techniques. Velocity and turbulence data were acquired in the jet and fountain flow regions using laser doppler velocimetry and particle image velocimetry. Profiles of mean and rms velocities along the jet centreline are presented for nozzle pressure ratios of two, three and four. The unsteady nature of the fountain flow was examined and the presence of large-scale coherent structures identified. A spectral analysis of the fountain flow data was performed using the Welch method. The results have relevance to ongoing studies of the fountain flow using large eddy simulation techniques