The Silver Lining

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Lupia
Keyword(s):  
Types Of Knowledge ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
New Information ◽  
The Face ◽  
Net Benefits ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
Silver Lining ◽  
Effective Education

There are many things that people do not know about politics, policy, and government. In some cases, this ignorance prevents them from making competent choices. It prevents them from making decisions that they would have made had they known certain facts and sought to act consistently with certain values. Such circumstances are why effective education is so important. Educators of all kinds are this book’s protagonists. Educators seek to help people make better decisions—where better refers to the decisions that people would have made had they known certain facts and sought to act consistently with certain values. All educators, however, face important constraints. There are limits on their time and energy. Money can be scarce, as can the labor of coworkers or volunteers. Also limited are prospective learners’ motivation to pay attention to new information. If educators seek to develop effective and efficient informational strategies in the face of such constraints, what information should they provide? Standing between many educators and the educational successes to which they aspire are their perceptions of learning’s net benefits. Over the years, I have met educators, or aspiring educators, who energetically imagine the benefits of conveying their expertise to others. They have strong beliefs that teaching certain facts will improve important outcomes. Many, however, have a difficult time articulating the costs that their educational endeavors will impose. Over the same period, I have met many citizens who are asked to participate in these endeavors. They have a different perspective about these endeavors. For citizens, the costs of becoming informed (e.g., money paid for tuition, the struggle to reconcile new information with old beliefs, time spent away from other activities) are real and tangible—while learning’s benefits are often perceived as uncertain. Many citizens as a result tend to be less enthusiastic about learning than educators imagine (and want) them to be. A key to increasing socially beneficial types of knowledge and competence is to become more knowledgeable about these perceptions. Politics is but one aspect of life to which citizens can devote time and energy.

scholarly journals Seasonal records of benthic macroinvertebrates in a stream on the eastern edge of the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jhenifer Santos ◽  
Luciano Wolff ◽  
Lucíola Baldan ◽  
Ana Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Benthic Macroinvertebrates ◽  
National Park ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Natural Heritage ◽  
Precipitation Temperature ◽  
Brazilian Government ◽  
Urban Impacts ◽  
New Information ◽  
The Face ◽  
Eastern Edge

Background Iguaçu National Park (INP) is known worldwide due to Iguaçu Waterfalls, being considered a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. The INP is one of the last large forested extensions of inland Brazil that provides protection to the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. However, its Natural Heritage status has been threatened by the construction and operation of the Baixo Iguaçu dam, agricultural and urban impacts on its boundaries and the increasing interest of the Brazilian government in re-opening of the “Colono road”, an old illegal road that crossed the interior of the park. Indeed, since benthic macroinvertebrates have been widely used for the environmental assessment of streams, records and abundance of their taxa under different seasonal periods may provide an additional dataset for biomonitoring of hydrographic systems in the face of current anthropogenic impacts on the INP boundaries and other similar streams on forest edges. New information In this study, we improved the sampling design of benthic macroinvertebrates and provided seasonal records covering distinct precipitation/temperature periods between 2016 and 2017 of a stream on the eastern edge of the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. The records total 2,840 individuals distributed in 88 different taxa. The most abundant taxa were the Diptera subfamilies, Chironominae (n = 1,487) and Tanypodinae (n = 256), besides the Heterelmis genus (n = 152, Elmidae; Coleoptera). Diptera was the richest order in number of families (n = 8), while Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera) was the richest taxonomic family in number of genera (n = 11). Aegla (Crustacea) and the Insecta genera, Heterelmis, Hexacylloepus, Noelmis, Phylloicus and Thraulodes, were recorded through all samplings. Twenty-five genera of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) and Odonata were recorded during intermediate precipitation/temperature periods. Twenty-one of them were recorded in May 2016, with five genera standing out in abundance (Hydrosmilodon, Anacroneuria, Argia, Coryphaeschna, Americabaetis) and four (Needhamella, Tikuna, Simothraulopsis, Neocordulia) in December 2016. Four general taxa were exclusive of the lower precipitation/temperature period (August 2016), standing out in abundance were the Oxystigma (Odonata) and Corydalus (Megaloptera) genera. In March 2017 (higher precipitation/temperature period), four exclusive taxa were recorded, amongst them, the Chimarra (Trichoptera) genus. Furthermore, seasonal records demonstrated higher occurrences and abundance of macroinvertebrates during the intermediate and lower precipitation/temperature periods, besides a varied taxa composition throughout the year, with the presence of both sensitive and tolerant groups to environmental impacts. Our findings suggest that the number and composition of the local-stream macrobenthic fauna were influenced by the seasonal climatic regime. These changes should be considered in the limnological monitoring developed on the hydrographic systems of INP eastern edges to improve the assessment of environmental quality under different local seasonal conditions.

scholarly journals An attack on the Cross: Spiritual leaders’ accounts of fear and resilience during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mammusa Rosinah Lekoa ◽  
Sibusiso Louis Ntuli
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Spiritual Leaders ◽  
Vulnerable Communities ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
Essential Services ◽  
The Face ◽  
African Context ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Church

This paper provides accounts on the impact that COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown(s) had on the Church and its leaders in the South African context. The study explores challenges that the leaders faced and how they dealt with them to remain standing despite their fears. The context is COVID-19 pandemic, which brought mass deaths, fear, confusion and frustration to congregations globally. Church leaders faced a challenge to show resilience amid fear because they too were directly affected. Governments introduced regulations that imposed lockdowns to control the spread of the virus. Limiting contact by restricting distance amongst citizens. The church was one sector that could not operate. Although some sectors were never declared essential services like churches, this left vulnerable communities without support in the face of fear. Spiritual leaders had to demonstrate resilience to support the congregants. The key question the researchers seek to understand is to what extent did the church remain resilient during COVID-19 pandemic? And how did the church leaders deal with fear despite anointing and expectations from the congregants and communities? A qualitative approach was used in this study. COVID-19 has shown that Church leaders are humans and they are also fearful, however their faith in God has assisted them to show resilience even at this difficult time. The study also asserts that governments should consult different groupings of faith-based organisations, not only those that are under organised bodies before embarking on restrictions for pandemic control. Communities encompass many churches and leaders require support to assist them from church members.

Electronic Highways in Southeast Asia

2011 ◽  
pp. 57-80
Author(s):  
Loong Wong
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Political Rights ◽  
New Information ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Face ◽  
Crony Capitalism ◽  
Information And Communication

New information and communication technologies (ICTs), it is argued is transformative, and governments all over the world have sought to incorporate it into their development desideratum. It is clear that ICTs have transformed social, economic, and political practices and this certainly is true for Southeast Asia. In the context of Southeast Asia, it is particularly salient for it provided avenues for new political movements and expressions in the face of predominantly authoritarian regimes. Via the new ICTs, people were able to communicate freely and oppositional forces could be readily mobilized. This assertion of political rights threatened the status quo and the ruling political elites’ hold on power. This was compounded by a crisis in public confidence as Southeast Asian economies found themselves caught in the maelstrom of a financial crisis precipitated by the loss of investment confidence and crony capitalism. As the crisis intensified and spread, its political fallout became clear. Governments have to accommodate and make way for social, economic, and political changes. In this chapter, the author seeks to examine

Causality and Filling the Ignorance Gap

2021 ◽  
pp. 163-194
Author(s):  
Sara E. Gorman ◽  
Jack M. Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Research ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Rational Thinking ◽  
Know How ◽  
Cause And Effect ◽  
Hard Time ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
The Face ◽  
Do So

This chapter evaluates uncertainty and why people feel the need to fill the ignorance gap. The tendency to want to know why things are as they are and figuring out what caused what often leads people to incorrect or even dangerous scientific conclusions. The chapter argues that it is highly adaptive to know how to attribute causality but that people are often too quick to do so. This is another instance in which adaptive, evolutionary qualities have done people a disservice in the face of complex debates and rational thinking. In particular, people have a difficult time sitting with uncertainty and an especially hard time accepting coincidence. The chapter then considers the evidence from decades of psychological research showing people’s misunderstanding of cause and effect and the elaborate coping mechanisms they have developed as a result. It also suggests some ways to help people better comprehend true causality, without diminishing their ability to attribute cause when it is in fact appropriate.

2014–2015: a view from Greece

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Catherine Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Public Communication ◽  
Press Coverage ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
New Information ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
The Face ◽  
Slow Progress

In a year when financial crisis and EU turmoil have gripped Greece and dominated international press coverage, one might be forgiven for assuming that there would be slow progress in archaeological research and heritage management. It has certainly been a tumultuous year, and heartfelt thanks are due to colleagues, especially those in the Archaeological Service, who have gone the extra mile to deliver their own work and to help others in the face of mounting pressures. In 2014 alone, the Central Archaeological Council dealt with 1,477 cases in 42 sittings, and its 2015 target is set to exceed this. Yet as I take stock of what has been achieved in publication, fieldwork, study and public communication, I am struck by the wealth of new information available and in many forms. Individual finds, continuing research programmes and a number of landmark conferences and exhibitions have contributed to real and significant advances in knowledge. There is much to report, and even more to see on the ground for readers inspired (as we hope) to spend time in Greece.

Social assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic – first comments related to practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-83
Author(s):  
Beata Mańkowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Assistance ◽  
The Other ◽  
Assistance System ◽  
Responsible Management ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
The Social ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
The Face ◽  
The One

The purpose of the article is to draw attention to the challenges and threats faced by social assistance institutions in the face of the second month of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, with particular emphasis on disturbing phenomena and behaviours involving employees of these institutions. The text, on the one hand, supported by examples derived from personal experiences and reports of the social workers themselves, on the other, by the author's observations and reflections, can serve as a warning against hasty, chaotic actions undermining the morale and reputation of the social assistance system. In the current particularly difficult time for all, it should pass the test in responsible management, coherent cooperation, developing effective solutions and missionary character – serving the ones in need.

An Analysis of the Characteristics of Chinese Female College Students’ English Conversation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Daowei Liu ◽  
Yu Yin
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Female College Students ◽  
Female College ◽  
New Information ◽  
The Face

This article analyzed the characteristics of Chinese female college students’ English conversation from the perspective of second language acquisition by using some theories of sociolinguistics and discourse analysis. After analysis, it was found that female students used hedges and intensifiers extensively in second language conversations. Additionally, the participants consciously maintained the face of their peers and made the conversation take place in an atmosphere of equality and solidarity. Through the use of deixis, the conversation was well organized and carried out smoothly. The participants changed their roles, gave and took the floors, and offered new information to prolong the conversation. Although female language had many characteristics, it cannot be fully reflected in this sample conducted in a second language.

scholarly journals Editorial

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. i-iv
Author(s):  
Katherine Bullock
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Poverty Relief ◽  
The People ◽  
The World ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Indian Ocean ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Silver Lining ◽  
Hiv Aids

Just as the world united in grief after the tragic carnage of 9/11, so too hasthe world become one after the cataclysmic tsunami that has claimed,according to Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald (February 8, 2005),295,608 lives, and has affected 11 countries in the Indian Ocean region.The tsunami destroyed entire villages and families. Long after thehouses have been rebuilt and the people have returned to a kind of normalcyin their lives, the effects of this catastrophe will continue to be felt.Local economies and the infrastructures needed to support them will haveto be rebuilt, and there will be the continuing psychological impact on thesurvivors, who will always feel guilty for having survived and who willnever be free of the pain of losing their loved ones.No one has been unaffected by the tsunami, although some of us, bythe grace of God (swt), have not felt its devastation. As the English adagegoes, every cloud has a silver lining. And in the face of such an awesomenatural calamity, we have seen the best side of humanity, as people rush toprovide aid and assistance to the survivors.The tsunami has also allowed those working in poverty relief and aidprograms elsewhere to turn the spotlight on their efforts to avert othercalamities that are of the same magnitude but occur at a much slower pace.Among such people is Stephen Lewis, the UN Secretary-General’s SpecialEnvoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, who pointed out during an interview on CBCradio (January 12, 2005) that more than 2 million people in Africa die eachyear of AIDS. And then there is Rabbi Michael Lerner, who reminded us inhis essay in Tikkun (January 5, 2005) of a recent UN report that 29,000 childrendie every day from avoidable diseases and malnutrition.Calamities and their accompanying suffering and struggles are tests forhumanity. They remind us that we are not in control of the universe, andthus are a lesson in humility. They remind us that life is fragile and can betaken from us at a time and in a way that we do not expect, and thus are alesson in priorities and perspective, a check against the materialism andhedonism that is overtaking our consumer capitalist lives. Who wouldreally care that they do not own the latest iPod if they knew that they wereto die tomorrow? ...

Preparing for Change

2011 ◽  
pp. 50-70
Author(s):  
Ciara Heavin ◽  
Frederic Adam
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Changing Environment ◽  
Types Of Knowledge ◽  
The Face

In the current climate, preparing for change is an issue for companies large and small. However, there remains a dearth of empirical evidence that highlight how software Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) operationalise their approach to knowledge management (KM) as a means of preparing themselves for the future. For an SME, the first step is to take stock of the types of knowledge that are valuable to the business, where it is stored and how it is used. In addition, consideration must be given to knowledge activities (KA), the constituent parts, of a company’s KM approach. By doing this, the organisation can identify where its strengths lie in terms of the type and extent to which knowledge is managed through acquisition, codification, storage, maintenance, transfer and creation activities. Using a qualitative analysis approach in a single case study, this chapter identifies occurrences of these knowledge activities as a means of assessing an SME’s approach to KM with a view to better facilitating an organisation’s ability to be increasingly flexible in the face of a changing environment.

R—Relating

2019 ◽  
pp. 214-245
Author(s):  
Elaine Wittenberg ◽  
Joy V. Goldsmith ◽  
Sandra L. Ragan ◽  
Terri Ann Parnell
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Serious Illness ◽  
New Information ◽  
Family Perspectives ◽  
Family Acceptance ◽  
The Face ◽  
Complex Architecture ◽  
The Relationship

Relating is a chapter that unpacks the complex architecture of goals always at play for each of us. Because the true motives and goals of a patient are rarely fully understood or realized, the recommendation in this chapter is to attend to the relationship to facilitate the instrumental goals of palliative nursing. Throughout this chapter, authors examine the phenomenon of the patient/family acceptance of an illness status, as well as understanding patient/family perspectives on adjusting to new information. The authors examine the role of uncertainty and how it can impact goals of care discussions and, ultimately, decision-making. Relating to a patient/family creates the opportunity to learn about acceptability of a diagnosis/prognosis, fears associated with uncertainty, and the inevitable dissonance among personal goals in the face of serious illness. Multiple, conflicted, and unrealized goals are a reality that clinicians must navigate and that patients and families must face as they work together to acknowledge a changing life and identity.

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