Plot by plot: plotting urbanism as an ordinary process of urbanization

With this paper, we analyse an ordinary urban process, which has received little attention so far and propose a new concept to take account of it: plotting urbanism. It is usually subsumed under terms like “urban informality” or “incremental urbanism” and not studied as a distinct process. In comparing Lagos, Istanbul and Shenzhen we captured four defining features of plotting urbanism: first, it unfolds in a piecemeal fashion with limited comprehensive planning. Second, it emerges from conflicts between multiple overlapping modes of territorial regulation, land tenure and property rights, which result in specific territorial compromises. Third, plotting is based on commodification of housing and land, which might accentuate socio-economic differentiations between property-owners, who often live in the same area, and their tenants. The term “plotting” highlights the key role of the plot in the process. It also alludes to strategic acts of collaboration for individual and collaborative benefit

One-year clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a new daytime at-home bleaching technique

PubMed ID: 20433566The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and side effects of a new daytime at-home bleaching technique (28% carbamide peroxide [CP] gel) with the overnight application of 10% CP and to determine the change of tooth color 1-year post-treatment. Twenty healthy volunteers were assigned to one of two sample groups of 10. All participants employed one of the two at-home bleaching systems: (1) the new daytime at-home bleaching system including 28% CP gel with a non-custom-fit tray (Meta Tray, Remedent, Deurle, Belgium) for 20 minutes, and (b) the conventional overnight at-home bleaching system with a 10% CP gel and a custom-fit tray (Opalescence PF, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA) for 6 to 8 hours. Digital images and CIE (International Commission on Illumination) L*, a*, and b* spectrophotometric measurements were taken at baseline, after the bleaching treatment and 1-year post-treatment. Tooth and gingival sensitivity was measured with a specially designed 4-point scale. Significant differences were found in L*, a*, and b* values, between initial and post-treatment, for both bleaching systems (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was detected between post-treatment and 1-year follow-up. The bleaching effectiveness of Opalescence PF was found to be superior to that of Meta Tray, considering the color parameter of ?E (p < 0.05). Meta Tray provoked less tooth sensitivity (p < 0.05), however gingival sensitivity appeared more in this group (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the new daytime at-home bleaching system tested (Meta Tray) produced significant bleaching effects. However, the clinical efficacy of the overnight bleaching system was found to be superior to the daytime at-home bleaching system evaluated in this study. The whitening effect remained similar 1-year after the bleaching treatment for both at-home bleaching systems. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Although the new daytime at-home bleaching system tested exhibited significant bleaching effects, overnight bleaching with a 10% CP gel resulted in a higher bleaching effectiveness than this new system. Although the participants using the new bleaching system exhibited less tooth sensitivity probably because of the reduced contact time of bleaching gel with tooth surfaces, the application of the bleaching agent with a non-customized tray provoked more gingival sensitivity in this group. © 2010, Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Visualising Gentrification in Ancoats, Manchester: A Multi Method Approach to Mapping Change

This chapter explores how we can come to see global gentrification through a variety of visual processes, including visual ethnography, social and spatial semiotics, and image analysis of developer hoardings, which in turn, can be read through a series of communicative ‘scenes’ (Silver et al. 2011). Focusing on two areas of Manchester (UK), Ancoats and the neighboring district, Miles Platting, the chapter begins by setting the conceptual framework and aims of the study. Thereafter, the chapter unpacks the history of East Manchester’s industrial decline and subsequent ‘regeneration’, having been awarded host status of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. The chapter explores the ‘partnership mode of governance’ with specific attention paid to the public and private sector developments which promised ‘seamless tenure’ that ‘celebrated variety and identity’.1 Through researcher-produced imagery and fieldwork, the chapters unpacks how Ancoats has been, and Miles Platting is, subject to a process of middle-class restructuring through production (Smith and Williams 1986) and consumption (Ley 1996; Massey 2005; Milestone2008) based gentrification. In particular, this chapter looks at New Islington including the Ancoats Marina and Cutting Room Square, all of which exist in a 0.5-mile radius, close to the North Eastern edge of Manchester. In part, this chapter is also about the optics of visibility, the battle over perceptibility and the ways in which gentrified space can be interrupted (Jordan and Linder 2016), specifically through socially engaged visual practices and the ‘deglamorizing effect’ that blogs and social media can have upon a development project when looked in upon by outsiders. By foregrounding researcher-produced imagery to narrate the physical and cultural change of the landscape in addition to the analysis of visual works produced by others, professional or otherwise, the essays final aim is to continue to normalize the use of visual imagery as a valid and relevant type of data for sociological research (Nathansohn and Zuev 2013)

Can we restore the colour of long‐term discoloured resin composites by noninvasive methods?

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of toothbrushing and paste repolishing on the colour restitution of long-term coffee discoloured prefabricated and direct resin composites. One prefabricated (Componeer-Coltene) and three direct resin composites (Brilliant Ever Glow-Coltene, Essentia-GC, Harmonize-Kerr) were tested. Componeer samples were prepared with and without polishing while the other groups were all polished. After baseline colour-measurement, the specimens were immersed in coffee for 3-month and colour-measurement was repeated, then a simulation of 1-year of toothbrushing (Toothbrush Simulation ZM-3.4-SD Mechatronics) with Pro-Expert Professional Protection-Ipana, 3D White Luxe Perfection-Ipana, and White Ruscello-GC toothpaste was performed. Colour-changes (Delta E) after toothbrushing and repolishing with polishing paste (Enamelize, Cosmodent) were calculated. the discolouration occurred after prolonged exposure to a coffee solution was above the clinically acceptable level of Delta E = 2 in all groups, except Componeer polished group. the lowest discoloured group was Componeer polished (Delta E = 1.66 +/- 0.32) while the highest was Essentia group (Delta E = 4.30 +/- 0.48). the samples toothbrushed with White Ruscello exhibited the greatest colour restitution (Delta E = 2.06 +/- 0.75) (P < .05). After paste repolishing, slight colour restitution was observed among all the groups, but the differences between them remained the same as after the toothbrushing procedure. Prolonged exposure to coffee solution affects the colour of the resin composites and noninvasive methods can provide colour restitution below the critical value for visual perception (Delta E = 3.3). Noninvasive procedures such as toothbrushing with a whitening toothpaste or repolishing with a polishing paste may ensure the colour restitution of direct resin composite restorations until a clinically acceptable level