The discursive coding of software: a study of the relationship between stability and change

Software has become an integral part of most people\u27s everyday lives. Though discussions of software in the field of rhetoric have traditionally taken an instrumentalist approach that seeks to increase the effective use of software, a critical turn has established the need to examine the ideological signification of software. I argue that one way we can do so is to examine the social practices that symbolically constitute software to reveal how software is discursively coded, and how, consequently, users of software are themselves discursively coded. To this end, I examine the discourse of those primarily responsible for the design and regulation of software---the software programming culture. To analyze the discourse of the software programming culture, I developed a spatio-temporal framework rooted in theories of practice and theories of space and time to guide both my choice of data and the methods by which I conduct analyses. In attempting to resist the objectivist/subjectivist dualism that so often limits accounts of how meaning is made through social practices, I employ historical, ideological, and genre analysis to contextualize and analyze the discourse of the software programming culture. My goal is to identify, describe, and map a network of meaning that simultaneously allows for stability and change. I argue that this network of meaning constitutes not just software but also the software programming culture as a discursive site of ideological struggle, the effects of which have significance for society as a whole. Unveiling the process by which software, as a technological and culture artifact, is discursively coded is a move toward digital literacy that is important for understanding the ways in which ideologies are embedded in the discourse of technological artifacts. In the case of software, I argue that such an understanding may allow even the least technologically-adept users to interrupt and challenge their own coding as digital subjects by the software programming culture and to cultivate a digital literacy that empowers users to have a voice in how their own lives are affected by the discursive coding of software

Bridging the gap: The lived experience of women with Diastasis Recti Abdominis

Research on Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) has primarily focused on diagnostic tools, surgical and conservative treatments. Despite the association of significant physical symptoms and impact on quality of life, evidence is absent regarding knowledge or education provided to women about this condition. Purpose: This study explored the lived experience of women who either self-identified or were medically diagnosed with DRA. A deeper insight into the experience of women with DRA may serve to enhance the patient-provider interaction during this critical time. Methods: Qualitative methodology with a basic interpretive approach and purposive sampling was used. Participants shared their experiences through a semi-structured, in-depth interview. Recruitment occurred in a variety of settings including outpatient physical therapy practices, OB/GYN offices, online support groups, and local colleges and universities. In-person or online interviews were completed following verbal consent and audio was recorded. Transcribed audio recordings were used for coding and identification of overarching themes. Rigor and trustworthiness were enhanced using a variety of techniques. Results: Eight predominant themes emerged from the data: lack of patient knowledge, lack of education offered by providers, impact on self-image, desired education, sources of self-education, benefits of education, problems with available education, and patient recommendations for care. Participants reported that lack of education limited their ability to self-identify associated signs and symptoms leading to negative impacts on body image, fear of future functional limitations, and an inability to seek appropriate treatment. Pursuit of alternative sources resulted in inconsistent information leading to confusion and fear. Participants who received appropriate education reported an associated reduction in anxiety and the impetus to seek help with recovery. Conclusions: Our analysis shows that for women experiencing DRA, the amount and type of education they receive is important. It can lead to self-advocacy, affect self-perception of health status, and provide direction for otherwise unknown treatment options. This study identifies potential gaps in the patient-provider relationship as well as opportunities for improvements in available evidence-based knowledge for patients and providers. Ultimately, empowering patients to seek and gain knowledge about their health can have a profound impact on health outcomes. Future research should expand on the themes identified in this study. The education received and the experiences of women in a broader geographic area could give insight into health disparities and current best practices. Additionally, analysis of the perceptions patients have on empowerment and self-advocacy as it relates to health could help evolve the patient-caregiver relationship. Implications: The results highlight the need for effective targeted educational programs allowing women to make informed decisions. Allowing clinicians a look through the personal lens of affected women could provide the impetus to develop targeted education

Friends, status symbols and weapons: the use of dogs by youth groups and youth gangs

Recent UK media reports and government responses evidence a rising concern over irresponsible dog ownership, particularly the use of so-called status or weapon dogs. Youth criminal and antisocial behaviour using these dogs has been widely reported in urban areas and associated with street-based youth groups, in particular, the growing phenomenon of UK youth gangs. This article reports on the findings and implications of a small-scale study, comprising interviews with 25 youths and seven animal welfare and youth practitioners, which aimed to identify the nature of animal use and abuse in youth groups and gangs. It found that over half of the youths belonged to a youth gang and the remainder a youth group, with the majority owning an animal which was most often a ‘status’ dog (e.g., bull breed/type). Analysis revealed that dogs were used mainly for socialising and companionship, protection and enhancing status. More than 20 types of animal abuse were described by youths and practitioners

Rural-urban dynamics in the UK illegal puppy trade: Trafficking and trade in 'man's best friend'

Recently, much attention has been given to the presence and increase of transnational crime, particularly focusing on online illicit markets. A seldom-explored aspect of transnational online illicit markets is the rural to urban flow of the illicit goods. This paper details research on the UK puppy trade, documenting the movement of puppies reared in irresponsible and/or illegal conditions in rural locations and then advertised online for the urban market. Through analysis of online advertisements in Scotland and expert interviews, a stakeholder survey, and focus groups across Great Britain, we document the rural-urban dynamic of an overlooked transnational illicit market, a market facilitated by neo-liberalism and speciesism. While estimates on the value of the trade are problematic, the snapshot of online sales in Scotland alone suggests a marketplace with an annual value of at least £13 million (17,680 puppies). The cost of animal suffering associated with this trade is incalculable. Awareness must be raised and regulatory enforcement improved to reduce suffering and stop transnational criminals from profiting. This rural-urban dynamic presents a global challenge and demands an international response

Chapter 19 Uncertainty

This handbook brings together leading international academic experts to provide a comprehensive and authoritative survey of Global Environmental Politics. Fully revised, updated and expanded to 45 chapters, the book: • Describes the history of global environmental politics as a discipline and explains the various theories and perspectives used by scholars and students to understand it. • Examines the key actors and institutions in global environmental politics, explaining the roles of states, international organizations, regimes, international law, foreign policy institutions, domestic politics, corporations and transnational actors. • Addresses the ideas and themes shaping the practice and study of global environmental politics, including sustainability, consumption, expertise, uncertainty, security, diplomacy, North-South relations, globalization, justice, ethics, public participation and citizenship. • Assesses the key issues and policies within global environmental politics, including energy, climate change, ozone depletion, air pollution, acid rain, transport, persistent organic pollutants, hazardous wastes, rivers, wetlands, oceans, fisheries, marine mammals, biodiversity, migratory species, natural heritage, forests, desertification, food and agriculture. This second edition includes new chapters on plastics, climate change, energy, earth system governance and the Anthropocene. It is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, researchers and practitioners of environmental politics, environmental studies, environmental science, geography, globalization, international relations and political science

Chapter 19 Uncertainty

This handbook brings together leading international academic experts to provide a comprehensive and authoritative survey of Global Environmental Politics. Fully revised, updated and expanded to 45 chapters, the book: • Describes the history of global environmental politics as a discipline and explains the various theories and perspectives used by scholars and students to understand it. • Examines the key actors and institutions in global environmental politics, explaining the roles of states, international organizations, regimes, international law, foreign policy institutions, domestic politics, corporations and transnational actors. • Addresses the ideas and themes shaping the practice and study of global environmental politics, including sustainability, consumption, expertise, uncertainty, security, diplomacy, North-South relations, globalization, justice, ethics, public participation and citizenship. • Assesses the key issues and policies within global environmental politics, including energy, climate change, ozone depletion, air pollution, acid rain, transport, persistent organic pollutants, hazardous wastes, rivers, wetlands, oceans, fisheries, marine mammals, biodiversity, migratory species, natural heritage, forests, desertification, food and agriculture. This second edition includes new chapters on plastics, climate change, energy, earth system governance and the Anthropocene. It is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, researchers and practitioners of environmental politics, environmental studies, environmental science, geography, globalization, international relations and political science