2,4-Dinitrophenol, the inferno drug: a netnographic study of user experiences in the quest for leanness.

Background: Despite not being licensed for human consumption, the Internet has triggered renewed, widespread interest and availability of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP). DNP, a cellular metabolic poison, causes thermogenesis resulting in fat burning and weight loss. Whilst extensively available for purchase online, research on user experiences of DNP is limited. Methods: A netnographic approach was used to describe user experiences of DNP via online public websites. Public websites discussing DNP were identified and a purposeful sample selected. Discussion threads were downloaded and a textual qualitative analysis conducted. Four themes containing 71 categories were generated. Results: There exists a plethora of communal folk pharmacological advice and recommendations for DNP manufacture and use, together with associated harms and outcomes. The efficacy and untoward effects of DNP were described and discussed alongside the notion that DNP should only be used by experienced bodybuilders. Dosage and regimes for optimal use were also described. Conclusion: This unique study provides a rich examination of the knowledge, attitudes, and motivations of DNP users, illustrating the significant role of online public websites in sharing information. Further understanding of DNP users and the online communities in which they reside is warranted to facilitate engagement and formulate appropriate and effective policy responses

Stakeholder perspectives on shale gas fracking: A Q-method study of environmental discourses

The rapid expansion of shale gas exploration worldwide is a significant source of environmental controversy. Successful shale gas policymaking is dependent upon a clear understanding of the dynamics of competing stakeholder perspectives on these issues, and so methods are needed to delineate the areas of agreement and conflict that emerge. This empirical study, based in the United Kingdom, examines emergent perspectives on a range of environmental, health and socio-economic impacts associated with shale gas fracking using Q- methodology: a combined qualitative-quantitative approach. The analysis reveals three typologies of perspectives amongst key industry, civil society and non-affiliated citizen stakeholders; subsequently contextualised in relation to Dryzek’s typology of environmental discourses. These are labelled A) “Don’t trust the fossil fuels industry: campaign for renewables” (mediating between sustainable development and democratic pragmatism discourses); B) “Shale gas is a bridge fuel: economic growth and environmental scepticism” (mediating between economic rationalism and ecological modernisation discourses); and C) “Take place protective action and legislate in the public interest” (reflecting a discourse of administrative rationalism). The implications of these competing discourses for nascent shale gas policy in the UK are discussed in light of recent Government public consultation on changes to national planning policy

The role of shame in alcohol dependence : narratives from those in recovery.

A relationship between shame and alcohol dependence has been reported in the literature, however the precise nature of this relationship is largely unexplored. A review of the literature suggested that experiencing shame is considered to be a risk factor of relapse. The drinking of alcohol temporarily relieves the negative feelings of shame therefore reinforcing further drinking and maintaining addictive behaviour. As a consequence, learning how to cope with shame without drinking, may improve recovery. On the other hand, some evidence suggests that experiencing shame may be helpful for developing reasons for stopping drinking and also a necessary protective factor that helps to prevent relapse.This study sought to explore how shame is experienced and understood by those ‘in recovery’ from alcohol dependence, by looking at the different ways that shame is spoken about in personal narratives. Eight participants were recruited from Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) groups and invited to tell their story of recovery. Transcripts were analysed using a narrative approach, focusing on how participants narrated their stories and made sense of their experiences, by identifying specific narrative techniques used to talk about shame. An analysis across all transcripts then identified narrative themes in relation to shame and from this a tentative model of shame in alcohol dependence was proposed. A discussion of the findings evaluated evidence for the model, taking into account the results from this study and those from existing theory and research, whilst identifying areas of further research that are needed. Clinical implications in relation to addressing shame in recovery are also discussed

The role of shame in alcohol dependence : narratives from those in recovery.

A relationship between shame and alcohol dependence has been reported in the literature, however the precise nature of this relationship is largely unexplored. A review of the literature suggested that experiencing shame is considered to be a risk factor of relapse. The drinking of alcohol temporarily relieves the negative feelings of shame therefore reinforcing further drinking and maintaining addictive behaviour. As a consequence, learning how to cope with shame without drinking, may improve recovery. On the other hand, some evidence suggests that experiencing shame may be helpful for developing reasons for stopping drinking and also a necessary protective factor that helps to prevent relapse.This study sought to explore how shame is experienced and understood by those ‘in recovery’ from alcohol dependence, by looking at the different ways that shame is spoken about in personal narratives. Eight participants were recruited from Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) groups and invited to tell their story of recovery. Transcripts were analysed using a narrative approach, focusing on how participants narrated their stories and made sense of their experiences, by identifying specific narrative techniques used to talk about shame. An analysis across all transcripts then identified narrative themes in relation to shame and from this a tentative model of shame in alcohol dependence was proposed. A discussion of the findings evaluated evidence for the model, taking into account the results from this study and those from existing theory and research, whilst identifying areas of further research that are needed. Clinical implications in relation to addressing shame in recovery are also discussed

Gender analysis and community consultation: The role of women's policy units

The definitive version may be found at www.wiley.comCommunity consultation has become a widely accepted part of policy development in Australia. In this article, we consider how, in an Australian context, consultation can be incorporated within gender analysis processes. Gender analysis refers to systematic procedures to detect and correct gender bias in the full range of government programs, projects and policies. We draw upon insights from a qualitative case study to argue that policy workers located within women's policy units could play a key role in designing and coordinating meaningful and inclusive consultation. We conclude that well-resourced women's policy offices within Australian governments are essential to ensuring effective, equitable consultation exercises are included within gender analysis processes. © 2008 National Council of the Institute of Public Administration Australia.Katy Osborne, Carol Bacchi and Catherine Mackenzi

WorkChoices, imageChoices and the marketing of new industrial relations legislation

This article takes a critical discourse approach to one aspect of the Australian WorkChoices industrial relations legislation: the government’s major advertisement published in national newspapers in late 2005 and released simultaneously as a 16-page booklet. This strategic move was the initial stage of one of the largest ‘information’ campaigns ever mounted by an Australian government, costing more than $AUD137 million. This article analyse the semiotic (visual and graphic) elements of the advertisement to uncover what these elements contribute to the message, particularly through their construction of both an image of the legislation and a portrayal of the Australian worker. We argue for the need to fuse approaches from critical discourse studies and social semiotics to deepen understanding of industrial relations phenomena such as the ‘hard sell’ to win the hearts and minds of citizens regarding unpopular new legislation