Evaluating the audio-diary method in qualitative research

Purpose Audio-diary methods are under-utilised in contemporary qualitative research. In this paper we discuss participants and researchers’ experiences of using audio-diaries alongside semi-structured interviews to explore breastfeeding experiences in a short-term longitudinal study with 22 first-time mothers. Design/methodology/approach We provide a qualitative content analysis of the participants’ feedback about their experiences of the audio-diary method and supplement this with the perspectives of the research team based on fieldwork notes, memos and team discussions. We pay particular attention to the ways in which the data attained from diaries compared with those from the interviews. Findings The diaries produced were heterogeneous in terms of data length and quality. Participants’ experiences with the method were varied. Some found the process therapeutic and useful for reflecting upon the development of breastfeeding skills whilst negative aspects related to lack of mobility, self-consciousness and concerns about confidentiality. Researchers were positive about the audio-diary method but raised certain ethical, epistemological and methodological concerns. These include debates around the use of prompts, appropriate support for participants and the potential of the method to influence the behaviour under scrutiny. Interview and diary accounts contrasted and complemented in ways which typically enriched data analysis. Practical implications The authors conclude that audio-diaries are a flexible and useful tool for qualitative research especially within critical realist and phenomenological paradigms Originality/value This appears to be the first paper to evaluate both participants and researchers’ experiences of using audio-diaries in a detailed and systematic fashio

Synthesis and Characterisation of Polymeric Materials via RAFT Polymerisation

Well-defined polymeric materials incorporating N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), vinyl acetate (VAc) and / or N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) were synthesised using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. Chapter 1 is a general introduction on controlled / living radical polymerisation methods, in addition to a brief background on poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL). Chapter 2 describes the synthesis of RAFT agents (RAFT agents 1-7) used within this study comprising either a dithiocarbamate (RAFT agent 1) or xanthate (RAFT agents 2-7) structure. Several novel RAFT agents with pyrrolidone functionality and based on xanthates (RAFT agents 4-7) were synthesised to improve the RAFT polymerisation of “less activated” monomers (LAMs). Furthermore, multi armed RAFT agents (RAFT agents 9-11) based on xanthates were also synthesised with the aim of generating star-like polymeric structures incorporating LAMs. 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy methods were used to characterise the RAFT agents synthesised. Chapter 3 involves the use of RAFT agents 1-8, to mediate the polymerisation of NVP, VAc and NVCL in order to synthesise linear homopolymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow PDI. The kinetics of NVP RAFT mediated polymerisations using novel RAFT agents 5-7 were also investigated and showed that the polymerisations had controlled / living characteristics. Furthermore, the effect of having either primary, secondary or tertiary R groups was explored, for the controlled polymerisation of NVP. RAFT agent 4 which incorporates a primary R group was found to be ineffective in controlling the polymerisation of NVP, whereas RAFT agents with a secondary or tertiary R groups were found to be effective. The resulting polymers were characterised by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Chapter 4 focuses on the synthesis of linear block and novel random copolymers incorporating various combinations of PNVP, PVAc and PNVCL. PNVP macroCTA’s (12-14) were used to synthesise PNVP-block-PVAc and PNVP-block-PNVCL, whereas PVAc macroCTA’s (15-17) were used to synthesise PVAc-block-PNVP and PVAc block-PNVCL. Bimodal molecular weight distributions were observed in all the block copolymers synthesised. Novel linear PNVP ran PVAc, PNVCL ran PVAc and PNVP-ran-PNVCL were also synthesised in the presence of RAFT agent 5, with monomodal molecular weight distributions and narrow PDI’s. Chapter 5 describes the synthesis of more complex polymeric structures using multi-armed RAFT agents prepared in Chapter 2 (RAFT agents 9-11). A “core first” R group approach was implemented instead of a “core first” Z group approach to synthesise the polymeric stars, in order to maintain the integrity of the star structure. NVP, VAc and NVCL were polymerised via RAFT in the presence of RAFT agents 9 11, to synthesise Star 1-6. PNVP and PVAc three and four armed stars (Star 1-4) were found to exhibit monomodal molecular weight distributions and low PDI. However, PNVCL three and four armed stars (Star 5 and 6) were found to show bimodal molecular weight distributions. Star 3 (4 arm star of PNVP) and Star 4 (4 arm star of PVAc) were then subsequently used as star macroCTA’s and chain extended with NVP, VAc and NVCL to synthesise novel Star-block 1-4. Star block copolymers were found to either have broad or bimodal molecular weight distributions. In addition, novel three and four armed star random copolymers (Star-random 1-6) were also synthesised via RAFT using RAFT agents 9 and 11, respectively. All Star-random copolymers were observed to have monomodal molecular weight distributions and narrow PDI. Chapter 6 investigates the temperature responsive behaviour of polymeric materials containing NVCL using UV-Visible spectroscopy and optical microscopy. PNVCL synthesised via conventional free radical polymerisation, with a Mn of 9.97 x 104 gmol-1, was found to exhibit an LCST at 33°C. In comparison, linear PNVCL samples prepared via RAFT polymerisation, with Mn ranging from 1.02 x 104 to 2.62 x 104 gmol-1 were observed to exhibit higher LCST’s in the region of 38-40°C. This suggests that the LCST of PNVCL is dependent on the polymer chain length; i.e. “classical” (Type 1) Flory Huggins behaviour. Furthermore, PNVCL synthesised using RAFT agents 2-5 exhibited LCST’s in the region of 39-40°C, which is known as fever temperature. Novel linear PNVCL-ran-PNVP, PNVCL-ran-PVAc and Star-random 2, 3, 5-6 were also analysed to determine their temperature responsive behaviour. The introduction of a hydrophobic (PVAc) and hydrophilic (PNVP) entities into PNVCL is shown to significantly decrease and increase the LCST, respectively. Comparison of the LCST transition range for PNVCL-ran-PVAc synthesised via RAFT and conventional FRP, indicated that the former showed a much narrower transition. Novel Star-random 5 and 6 (four armed random copolymers) were found to have a lower LCST compared to Star random 2 and 3 (three armed random copolymers) despite having similar monomer compositions. A thermal hysteresis was found to be present in all polymer samples, which was attributed to the possibility of weak cross-linking interactions between water molecules and PNVCL carbonyl groups. Chapter 7 is a general conclusion of the work discussed in Chapters 1-6 and future work

A new proof that alternating links are non-trivial

We use a simple geometric argument and small cancellation properties of link groups to prove that alternating links are non-trivial. This proof uses only classic results in topology and combinatorial group theory.Comment: Minor changes. To appear in Fundamenta Mathematica

G21 healthy region project part 1 : business plan

Executive SummaryBackgroundG21 Geelong Region Alliance (G21), through the partnership activities of theG21 Health &amp; Wellbeing Pillar, seeks to position health and wellbeing as acentral element to all regional planning processes and outcomes. As a result, G21 wanted to explore the potential application of the World HealthOrganisation&rsquo;s (WHO) &lsquo;Healthy Cities&rsquo; approach across the region to provide a comprehensive framework and set of principles to inform future planning and decision-making.With this aim, G21 commissioned Deakin University to undertake a 6-monthindependent research project. The research project involved two stages:Part 1: A Healthy Region Research Report involved scoping and determining:- The suitability of the World Health Organisations (WHO) &lsquo;Healthy Cities&rsquo;approach to the G21 region; and- The capacity of G21 Geelong Region Alliance to be the organisation tofacilitate this approach across the region.<br /

Detailed Abundances for a Large Sample of Giant Stars in the Globular Cluster 47 Tucanae (NGC 104)

47 Tuc is an ideal target to study chemical evolution and GC formation in massive more metal-rich GCs since is the closest, massive GC. We present chemical abundances for O, Na, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Fe, Ni, La, and Eu in 164 red giant branch (RGB) stars in the massive globular cluster 47 Tuc using spectra obtained with both the Hydra multi-fiber spectrograph at the Blanco 4-m telescope and the FLAMES multi-object spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope. We find an average [Fe/H]=--0.79$\pm$0.09 dex, consistent with literature values, as well as over-abundances of alpha-elements ([\alpha/\mbox{Fe}]\sim0.3 dex). The n-capture process elements indicate that 47 Tuc is r-process dominated ([Eu/La]=+0.24), and the light elements O, Na, and Al exhibit star-to-star variations. The Na-O anti-correlation, a signature typically seen in Galactic globular clusters, is present in 47 Tuc, and extends to include a small number of stars with [O/Fe] $\sim$\,--0.5. Additionally, the [O/Na] ratios of our sample reveal that the cluster stars can be separated into three distinct populations. A KS-test demonstrates that the O-poor/Na-rich stars are more centrally concentrated than the O-rich/Na-poor stars. The observed number and radial distribution of 47 Tuc's stellar populations, as distinguished by their light element composition, agrees closely with the results obtained from photometric data. We do not find evidence supporting a strong Na-Al correlation in 47 Tuc, which is consistent with current models of AGB nucleosynthesis yields.Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa

Editorial

An essential property of a high-quality metallic nanofilm is the quantization of the electron spectrum due to dimensional confinement in one direction. Quantum confinement has a substantial impact on the superconducting characteristics and leads to quantum-size variations of the critical temperature Tc with film thickness. We demonstrate that the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations are able to describe the thickness-dependent Tc in nanofilms, and our results are in good agreement with recent experimental data on ${\rm Pb}$ flat terraces grown on silicon (Science, 306 (2004) 1915 and Nature Phys., 2 (2006) 173). We predict that the quantum-size oscillations of $T_{\rm c}$ will be more pronounced for ${\rm Al}$

Beyond Theology: The Social Construction of Compliance Within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Insights from sociology of law have seldom informed sociology of religion, despite the ability of congregations to construct practical meaning and application with church doctrine. In August of 2009 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) lifted its ban on active homosexuals, allowing for the ordination of homosexuals within committed same-sex relationships. How do individual congregations within the ELCA interpret and implement this new social statement? I have conducted semi-structured interviews with pastors from ELCA congregations concerning the social statement and homosexuality. Interviews demonstrate the ability of actors to construct compliance and to interpret ambiguous policies in a way beneficial to themselves and their congregation. Furthermore, results confirm that ambiguity in text itself is not necessary for the social construction of compliance but rather that actors actively create uncertainty in order to produce policies favorable to individual congregations. As demonstrated, the sociology of religion benefits from the application of legal theory in order to better understand the processes of interpretation and implementation of church doctrine

Using audio-diaries to capture lived experience in health psychology: technological, methodological and epistemological issues

Although diary methods have a long tradition of use within psychology and appear to have considerable potential in researching health-related processes and experiences, the use of unstructured diary methods to generate detailed phenomenological accounts within contemporary health psychology has thus far been limited. In this poster presentation, we describe a recently completed British study in which a sample of first-time mothers used voice-recording technology to make daily diary entries about their infant feeding experiences. We present a consideration of the benefits and challenges of this approach to data collection. In particular, we focus on ethical and epistemological issues, drawing on the accounts of both participants and members of the research team. We also explore the most suitable ways of analysing data derived from diaries and consider the practical advantages and limitations of using audio-diaries. Finally, some of the implications for developing the use of audio-diaries in health psychologists' research and practice are considered

Becoming a breastfeeding mother: An interactionist perspective

Understanding the establishment of breastfeeding by focussing on the mother-child dyad offers only a limited perspective. Instead, breastfeeding can be understood as becoming established or breaking down within broader networks of relationships (e.g. Dykes, 2006; Tiedje et al., 2002). Quantitative research has suggested that support from various others (lay and professional) can be an important factor in sustaining breastfeeding (Sikorski et al., 2003). However, those around the mother may orientate to breastfeeding in various ways. For example, fathers play a key role in decisions about infant feeding and in supporting breastfeeding, and yet need to define and adjust to their new parenting role and changed relationship with their partner in a way that accommodates breastfeeding (Bar-Yam & Darby, 1997). From the perspective of the mother, breastfeeding can be an important aspect of the transition to motherhood. However, becoming a mother is not an individual project but one that involves redefining roles and relationships with others (Mercer, 2004; Nelson, 2003), and negotiating mothering practices such as breastfeeding in the context of others’ expectations and cultural prescriptions for motherhood (McBride-Henry, 2010). The present research aims to extend understanding of how breastfeeding mothers experience their relations with others and how these are implicated in their experiences of breastfeeding and their developing relationship with their infant. The data discussed here have been taken from a longitudinal qualitative study of 22 new mothers in the UK who expressed an intention to breastfeed and were interviewed during the first week following birth and one month later. At each time point they were also asked to keep an audio-diary of their experiences of feeding their baby for one week. The analysis discussed here draws on symbolic interactionism and other theoretical perspectives which emphasise the relational nature of the self and assume that relations with others are part of, rather than external to, lived experience and mediate more distal cultural influences. The themes explored include the women’s sense of duty to balance what they saw as the needs of their baby, their own needs and the needs, demands and sensibilities of others, and the ways in which they negotiated these. We also discuss the way in which, as the participants were developing their new identities as breastfeeding mothers, others with expertise in breastfeeding or perceived to have knowledge regarding related norms and expectations took on a particular significance in the women’s lives. As such, these "experts" were experienced by the participants as in a powerful position to provide either validation or invalidation of them as breastfeeding mothers. We discuss (i) the implications of our analysis for facilitating supportive interactions between health professionals and breastfeeding mothers and their immediate networks and (ii) the implications for breastfeeding promotion of viewing ongoing engagement with the practices of infant feeding as mutually negotiated and enabled, rather than as the choice of individual women