Contemporary Work Research Articles

Use of magnetic sheets in vertical deformation treatment of textile supports of contemporary paintings

The practice developed during a conservation and restoration intervention does not always follow common or traditional standards, whether due to technical limitations, or space constraints related to the size of the works, or by the material requirements that the works themselves can present. In the light of various particularities and needs, research was initiated into the use of harmless and satisfactory methods in the occasional treatment of deformations of the support of contemporary pictorial works, using magnetic sheets. In its use, different valences were evaluated, such as the control in the iteration of the work, the effectiveness and control of humidity and time during the performance of the treatments, and the results obtained. This article will reflect on the process developed with the application of four case studies, presenting the advantages and disadvantages in the use of this method.

Zwischen Biologie und Bürokratie: Unheimliche Bürolandschaften in Georg Kleins <em>Miakro</em> und Jeff VanderMeers <em>Authority</em>

Following a brief overview of various forms and functions of office settings in fantastic literature, this article will discuss the representation of the supernatural workplace in Georg Klein’s Miakro (2018) and Jeff VanderMeer’s Authority (2014). Both novels bring together seemingly disparate worlds: the natural and the bureaucratic sphere. Klein’s text is about a group of employees who work and live in an animated organic office without a traditional public-private divide, which turns out to be part of a giant mushroom. VanderMeer’s novel concerns itself with the stealthy invasion of a secret government agency by Area X, an ecosystem of extraterrestrial origin that transforms human beings into posthuman creatures. In this this paper, I analyze how Kleins novel deploys its grotesque office setting to reflect dystopian tendencies in contemporary work culture by discussing ramifications of capitalist labor practices such as alienation, worker exploitation, distorted work-life balance and social conformity. Moreover, I will argue that the parasitic office creature can be interpreted as a symbolic manifestation of hyperobject capitalism. VanderMeer, in contrast, uses the haunted house in decline trope as a metaphor for the downfall of human civilization: the bureau. The story of the destruction of the governmental agency by a pristine wilderness therefore questions an anhropocentric worldview by dissolving the dichotomy between the human and the nonhuman. I will demonstrate how the author links the collapse of the bureaucratic rule with the impending end of the human episteme. Paying particular attention to the description of spatial relations, I will furthermore examine how the texts use elements of Gothic and Weird Fiction in order to turn man-made uncanny places into monstrous nonhumanen spaces.

Cross-Cultural Views on Contemporary Philippine Literature in English

This study explores cross-cultural views on contemporary Philippine literature in English, focusing on how foreign critics engage with and interpret Filipino literary works written in the postcolonial language of English. While Philippine literature in English has gained traction globally, varying interpretations among foreign critics reveal a unique reception shaped by differing cultural frameworks. However, a gap exists in fully understanding how these cross-cultural perspectives influence both the global visibility of Philippine literature and its local authenticity. This study aims to investigate this gap by analyzing the critical reception of contemporary works, where colonial and postcolonial identities are often discussed but less often reconciled. The research employs a qualitative content analysis method, drawing on secondary data from literary reviews, journal articles, and critiques from publications. The analysis reveals that while foreign critics often appreciate the political engagement and thematic depth of Philippine literature in English, they may overlook its cultural specificity, leading to a somewhat generalized perception. The study concludes that greater cultural sensitivity in criticism could enrich global understanding and appreciation of Philippine literature. It also recommends more collaboration between Filipino scholars and foreign critics to address these cross-cultural disconnects. The findings underscore the importance of critical discourse in enhancing the global literary standing of Philippine contemporary works.

Semantic Analysis of the Linguistic Heritage of the Golden Horde Period: Based on the Material of “Gulistan Bit-Turki” by Seif Sarai and “Khosrov and Shirin” by Qutb

The aim of this study is to examine the written monuments from the Golden Horde period and contemporary literary works, focusing on the frequency of use, functionality, and stylistic features of both indigenous and borrowed vocabulary within literary texts. The lexical units were analyzed using methods such as linguistic-statistical, contextual, historical-comparative, semantic, and contextual analysis. This study explored the literal and figurative meanings of words of Turkic, Arabic, and Persian origin used in the written monuments of the Golden Horde. The research provides insights into the primary lexical layers of the Turkic languages, the time of their formation, and their frequency of use in the literary tradition. Emphasis was placed on examples of contexts that confirm specific lexical meanings, as well as on metaphorical and figurative transformations aimed at achieving stylistic effects. The study also considered the history of the formation of Turkic languages, the adaptation of borrowed lexical layers, and the modification of primary meanings (metaphorical, figurative). Kipchak, Karluk, and Oghuz language elements were highlighted through the analysis of the written monuments, along with their frequency of integration. Contemporary literary texts were examined in terms of the use of lexical elements (both indigenous and borrowed) for artistic purposes. This research can be used for comparative analysis of closely related Turkic languages, the study of contemporary literary texts in terms of the use of indigenous and borrowed lexicon, and for forming an understanding of the ancient lexical layers of various Turkic languages.

Performance evaluation of different photovoltaic array configurations under partial shading

In Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs), Photo Voltaic (PV) systems often experience notable output power and efficiency reductions due to weather variations. This study is dedicated to determining the most effective PV array configuration under partial shading. Various configurations, including Series Parallel (SP), Total Cross Tied (TCT), Bridge Linked (BL), Honey Comb (HC), Double Tied (DT), and hybrid connections, are simulated and evaluated under PSCs. Nine shading patterns, such as vertical, horizontal, centre-wise, upper triangular, cross-wise, expansive, arbitrary, L-shaped, and diagonal, are examined using a 6 × 6 array of PV Configuration. Performance analysis is based on parameters such as open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP), maximum voltage (Vm), maximum current (Im), Fill Factor (FF), Mismatch Loss (ML)/Power Loss (PL), and efficiency (η). Additionally, hybrid configurations like Alternate- Total Cross Tied -Bridge Linked (ALT-TCT-BL), Alternate -Total Cross Tied -Double Tied (ALT-TCT-DT), and Alternate -Total Cross Tied -Triple Tied (ALT-TCT-TT) are investigated and compared with existing configurations. Hybrid configurations with fewer cross-ties are recommended to simplify circuit complexity. MATLAB/Simulink software is employed for simulation, using a Sunpower SPR-E18-295-COM panel. Comparative analysis confirms that hybrid configurations exhibit higher efficiency for various shading patterns than existing configurations, equal or at par with the TCT connection. For eight connections and nine shading scenarios along with zero (no) shading conditions, eighty distinct combinations have been analysed, and on comparative analysis with contemporary work, the optimal output is obtained from the connections considered under PSCs. For all the shading patterns considered, the proposed work fetches maximum efficiency compared to the contemporary work, and it ranges between 13.61 % and 17.84 % for different shading patterns. The maximum value of efficiencies for horizontal, vertical, diagonal, centre-wise, expansive, arbitrary, upper triangular and L-shaped shading patterns is 13.77 %, 17.24 %, 17.84 %, 15.66 %, 13.61 %, 17.21 %,17.35 % and 15.11 % respectively. The hybrid configuration achieves higher efficiency than current methods for all shading patterns and configurations, with improvements in efficiency ranging from 2.1 % to 42.22 % across all cases.

The elegance of lacquer: Unveiling traditional lacquer techniques in East Asia

This research delves into the intricate world of lacquer art in East Asia, aiming to unravel the relationships among artisan perspectives, aesthetic values, and the contemporary relevance of this ancient craft. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how historical development, apprenticeship traditions, and evolving aesthetic values shape the intricate landscape of lacquer artistry. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducts in-depth interviews with artisans and experts in the field of lacquer art. The research involves a comparative analysis of past literature, drawing upon historical and contemporary works to contextualize the findings within the broader trajectory of lacquer art. Thematic analysis is also applied to unravel the nuances of artisan perspectives, the transmission of knowledge through apprenticeship traditions, and the cultural and aesthetic dimensions embedded in lacquer paintings. This mixed-methods approach enriches the study by providing a holistic and nuanced exploration of the identified variables. The findings illuminate the enduring significance of apprenticeship traditions in preserving traditional lacquer techniques, with artisans actively navigating challenges posed by globalization and digital platforms. Aesthetic values, including symbolism and visual harmony, are revealed as integral components contributing to the narrative richness of lacquer paintings. The study uncovers the dynamic relationships among these variables, emphasizing the adaptive nature of lacquer art in a contemporary context. The implications extend to cultural preservation, heritage management, and educational initiatives, offering valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and educators involved in the realm of traditional crafts. The study contributes to theoretical frameworks on cultural continuity, knowledge transmission, and the socio-cultural dynamics of artistic practices.

Analysis of the reasons for the decline in the marriage rate and fertility rate among women

In recent years, there has been a significant decline in marriage and fertility rates around the world, probably because women are more independent and reluctant to get involved in marriage and pregnancy. Therefore, this article delves into three reasons women are reluctant to marry. From the standpoint of gender mismatch in modern society, fewer men meet women’s needs, creating a mismatch between demand and supply. From the perspective of the contemporary working environment, the improvement of women’s intelligence makes women put more experience into work, and marriage and childbirth may ruin women’s careers. At the same time, sexual harassment in the workplace makes women resentful of men and reluctant to get married. From the perspective of social and cultural influences, the traditional conservative ideas of the past still exist in modern society, which has caused an imbalance in the gender division of labor and made women rebellious. Therefore, women may be reluctant to marry because it becomes a prudent issue and needs to be carefully considered before making a decision.

Nepali English creative writing: historical trajectory and strategies adopted by Nepali English creative writers

ABSTRACT The paper sets out to trace the history of Nepali English creative writing and identify the strategies used by Nepali English creative writers in creating Nepali English literature. The first section of the paper chronicles the historical trajectory of Nepali English creative writing, illustrating Nepali English bilinguals’ increased use of English as an alternative medium of creative expression. The second section of the paper analyzes four contemporary Nepali English literary works in light of bilinguals’ creativity and notions of abrogation and appropriation processes. The analysis revealed the writers’ adoption of four nativizing strategies: leaving cultural references untranslated, cultural references accompanied by explicitation/English translation, hybrid innovations, and syntactic meshing. Through these strategies, the writers inscribed and foregrounded Nepali-specific linguistic and cultural features in their English literary works, resourcing their bi/multilingual creativity. These findings imply further recognition of emerging literatures in English and their use as resources in ESL/EFL pedagogy.

State and law of the Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state as they were seen by foreign contemporaries

Research objectives: An analysis of official documents and notes of foreign contemporaries to clarify some aspects of political and legal life of the Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state in the 13th– beginning of 15th centuries. Materials and methods of research: The basic materials are official documents (diplomatic correspondence), travelers’ reports and notes, diaries and memoirs of travelers from different countries of Europe and Asia who visited the Chaghadai Ulus with different missions in the analyzed period as well as some official documents (diplomatic correspondence) between foreign and Mongol rulers. The methods of research are formal and historical legal research of historical documents, comparative legal analysis as well as historical approach in general. Scientific novelty: The state structure and legal relations in the Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state still have not been objects of special research. The author proposes to use works of foreign contemporaries as a tool to clarify some questions of political and legal life in the Chaghadaid state, finding similarities with other Chinggisid states and specific features of the region, its traditions, etc. Results of the research: The information of the analyzed historical documents, naturally, doesn’t allow one to reconstruct all aspects of political structure of Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state and their legal system in general, but adds valuable details to the information of other sources on history of this state – that is, historical chronicles (mainly of Timurid age) and legal monuments (khans’ yarliks and other official documents of the ulus). At that, we cannot ignore the fact that the Chaghadai Ulus before Timur was not considered as a full and authoritative member of international relations which is why contemporaries paid more attention to other Chinggisid states: The Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, Yuan Empire. However, the analysis of contemporaries’ notes could stimulate scholars to study some specific aspects of the Chaghadai Ulus’ history which were not researched before.

The Evolution of Indian Sculptural Traditions: Interweaving Art, Culture, and Contemporary Practices

Indian sculptural art has historically been intertwined with various artistic forms, such as music, dance, and painting, creating a distinct narrative that has shaped the country's cultural identity. Among these, religious idol-making holds a significant role in reflecting societal values, spiritual beliefs, and artistic expression. Over centuries, idol-making techniques have evolved while adhering to traditional aesthetic and religious principles. This paper explores the evolving traditions of Indian sculpture, with a particular focus on Rajasthani stone sculptures, and examines how modern Indian sculptors are adapting ancient practices to contemporary sensibilities. The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing historical analysis and interpretative methods. Archival materials, such as ancient texts and scholarly commentaries, are used to trace the continuity and transformation of traditional sculptural practices. Fieldwork conducted in Rajasthan, specifically in Jaipur and Alwar, documents the current state of traditional sculpture workshops. Interviews with contemporary sculptors provide insights into the adaptation of traditional techniques to modern artistic trends, while secondary literature on art history situates these changes within a broader cultural and religious context. Results indicate that religious idol-making continues to be a central form of artistic expression in Indian culture, with Rajasthani sculptors preserving traditional methods while incorporating modern materials and techniques. Proportions, aesthetic purity, and spiritual symbolism remain key components of traditional idol-making, influencing contemporary works. However, modern sculptors are expanding their themes to include social, political, and philosophical concepts, reflecting the changing socio-political landscape of India. In conclusion, Indian sculptural traditions have shown resilience and adaptability, balancing cultural heritage with modern innovation. This study highlights the evolving nature of Indian sculpture, particularly in Rajasthan, as artists continue to redefine their craft in response to contemporary cultural shifts.

Knowledge and Anguish at Work: the Clinical Case of a Telephone Operator

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the meaning of mental symptoms manifested at work by articulating their material basis present in the work context and the subject's historical singularity. Theoretical Framework: Psychoanalytic theory is used in this case study as a basis for understanding the relationship between knowledge and anguish at work. On the other hand, it is in ergology that we find the necessary theorizations for a reading of what affects the subject in tele-service work. Method: This is a clinical case study based on the psychoanalytically oriented notes of a telemarketer with work-related symptoms. Results and Discussion: As the main result, we read symptomatic production both as a response on a level of direct material causality to the inconsistency of the assumption of knowledge attributed to the trade and the value of work, and as a way out that the subject finds for their symptomatic position. Implications of the research: We conclude that the orientation of the treatment must seek to preserve the assumption of knowledge in the subject and in their work and enable subjective and material accountability. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by combining psychoanalysis and ergology in the search for an understanding of illness at work. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by the fact that it presents an original clinical case that seeks to highlight the relationship between the place reserved for knowledge in contemporary work and the symptoms produced by it.

Unravelling National Time: Chinese Voices and the Re-ordering of Australian History

Where are Chinese Australians in Australian history? Australia’s Chinese past is persistently framed as ‘forgotten’ in public debate, a perpetual newness which ignores forty years of scholarship in the field. Contemporary works on Sino-Australian relations proliferate, resurrecting Cold War mentalities but avoiding Australia’s colonial history of Chinese migration and settlement. This article accounts for this forgetfulness while also drawing attention to a spate of recently unearthed Chinese-language sources written by Chinese Australians. These sources, newly translated, invite us to see Australia’s past in a Chinese context, revealing a propensity in Australia to organise historical time along European lines, obscuring ties of causality between events in Asia and Australia. Multilingual archives challenge the primacy of English-language sources in the narration of Australia’s past, humanising Chinese Australians and destabilising China as the proxy for Australian security fears.

Solidarity is not a dirty word: exploring and locating solidarity as a theory and model for a radical community social work practice

Within this article we highlight that social work is both a political as well as a professional practice. Despite years of technical specialisation and a policy context that has focused social work on risk management and resource allocation, there remains a deep commitment to care, compassion, and solidarity within contemporary social work practice. The article and its analysis make the case for a more politically informed social work practice, one that is based on solidarity; in opposition to a system that isolates individuals and internalises complex social problems. We posit that the application of solidarity within social work delivers a practice that promotes social inclusion and is based on the provision of practical social support. It is from this perspective that we will present evidence from ethnographic research, drawn from community social work practice, to highlight the importance of social solidarity and provide an insight into different ways of working.

Institutionalization Of Children And Their Overall Development

The ideal environment for children's physical, psychological, and emotional development is within a family. All children should live in supportive, protective, and caring settings that enables them to achieve their full potential. Those with inadequate or no parental care are especially at risk of missing out on such nurturing environments. Many children in India lack a stable home and family. These include abandoned, surrendered, and orphaned children, as well as destitute children with families. These children are particularly vulnerable in terms of their right to survival, development, and protection. The State is accountable for protecting the rights pertaining to these children and ensuring appropriate alternative care through its competent authorities, such as nongovernmental organizations and civil society organizations. The Government also enacted the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, which serves as the major legislative framework for child protection in India, ensuring the security, protection, education, welfare, and development of children in need. The paper attempts to explore the institutionalization of children, the shortcomings of such a process, and the felt needs of the children. It focuses on the concerns of institutionalization and the overall development of children, access to their rights, welfare provisions, and relevant legislations. It also looks at adoption as an alternative to institutionalization. The paper thus examines child care institutions from the perspective of the child and argues that institutional care should be the last resort. It also discusses contemporary social work and advocates for alternative care, along with comprehensive welfare measures to guarantee the protection and overall development of children in need

Review: Duo Precipice: Contemporary Works for Oboe and Percussion. Ann Fronckowiak, oboe, and Cristian Zavola, percussion. April 6, 2023. School of Music Performance Hall, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX.

Review: Duo Precipice: Contemporary Works for Oboe and Percussion. Ann Fronckowiak, oboe, and Cristian Zavola, percussion. April 6, 2023. School of Music Performance Hall, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX.

Duo Precipice: Contemporary Works for Oboe and Percussion. Ann Fronckowiak, oboe, and Cristian Zavola, percussion. April 6, 2023. School of Music Performance Hall, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX.

Duo Precipice: Contemporary Works for Oboe and Percussion. Ann Fronckowiak, oboe, and Cristian Zavola, percussion. April 6, 2023. School of Music Performance Hall, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX.

Transcriptomic landscape of mammalian ventral pallidum at single-cell resolution.

Genetic identity of ventral pallidum cell types is conserved across rodents and primates at the transcriptional level.

Enhancing team crafting through proactive motivation: An intervention study.

Although the literature on individual job crafting has proliferated over the past decade, research on the collaborative crafting efforts of organizational teams has lagged behind, which is surprising given the prominence of team-based arrangements in contemporary work and the importance of team proactivity in today's business environment. Drawing on proactive motivation theory and the literature on proactive performance in teams, this article presents a large-scale intervention study aimed at increasing team proactive motivation, including a pretest/posttest control group with 96 teams and 1,077 employees. We study the extent to which a team proactive motivation intervention is associated with changes in three dimensions of team crafting (task team crafting, relational team crafting, and cognitive team crafting) at both 6 months and 1 year after the intervention. We also examine the mediating role of change in the three team-level crafting dimensions in explaining the association between the intervention and change in team performance over time. Our results show that the intervention is positively associated with change in all three forms of team crafting. Furthermore, change in team crafting positively associates with change in team performance 6 months and 1 year after the intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Care robot literacy: integrating AI ethics and technological literacy in contemporary healthcare

AbstractHealthcare work is guided by care ethics, and any technological changes, including the use of robots and artificial intelligence (AI), must comply with existing norms, values and work practices. By bridging technological literacy and AI ethics, this study provides a nuanced definition and an integrative conceptualization of care robot literacy (CRL) for contemporary care work. Robotized care tasks require new orientation and qualifications on the part of employees. CRL is considered as one of these new demands, which requires practitioners to have the resources, skills and understanding necessary to work with robots. This study builds on sociotechnical approach of literacy by highlighting a dynamic relationship of care robotization in which successful human–technology interaction relies on exchanges between the technological and the social. Our findings from directed content analysis and theoretical synthesis of in-demand technological literacy and AI ethics in care work emphasize competencies and situational awareness regarding both using the robot and communicating about the care robot. The initial conceptualization of CRL provides a conceptual framework for future studies, implementation and product development of care robots, drastically differing from studying, implementing and developing robots in general. In searching for technologically sound and ethically compliant solutions, the study advocates for the future significance of context-specific CRL as valuable addition to the terminology of ethical AI in healthcare.

La pertinencia del Ensayo sobre el don de Marcel Mauss

2022 marked the 150th anniversary of Marcel Mauss's birth. Along with him, his work is recognized as a source and inspiration for countless contemporary anthropological works. His writings favored multiple theoretical currents and influenced dozens of anthropologists: from the structuralism of Levi Strauss to Marcel Griaule, Maurice Leenhardt, Louis Dumont and Roger Bastide, among others. In a modern world characterized by the economic logic of the market, interest, consumption and profit, a revision of Mauss' work, such as the one carried out by Alain Caillé's Movement Anti-utilitarianism in Social Sciences (MAUSS) (2000), can mean significant rediscoveries in contemporary societies of other hidden logics involving reciprocities driven by the symbolic.