Family Relations and Remarriage Post-Divorce and Post-Widowhood in China

Analyzing event history data from the 2010 China Family Panel Studies and 13 qualitative interviews, we examine the complex and gendered relationship between family relations and remarriage in China. Distinct roles are played by the presence of pre-school, school-age and adult children in configuring the remarriage of women and men after divorce and after widowhood. The remarriage of widows but not divorcées is positively associated with the presence of parents and siblings respectively. Remarriage is more likely in the presence of large extended families. Whereas single and remarried divorcé(e)s equally provide care to their children, such care provision is less likely among remarried than single widow(er)s. Compared with their single counterparts, remarried divorcé(e)s and particularly widow(er)s are less likely to receive care from their children. We underline the importance of considering the “linked lives” of family members and comparing distinct life-course circumstances in the study of remarriage. We demonstrate that remarriage is far from an “individualized” institution, and that the state’s privatization of marriage seems to reinforce the “familialization” of remarriage practices in China

Delivering an off-grid transition to sustainable energy in Ethiopia and Mozambique

Background: Off-grid and decentralized energy systems have emerged as an alternative to facilitate energy access and resilience in a flexible, adaptable way, particularly for communities that do not have reliable access to centralized energy networks both in rural and urban areas. Much research to date on community energy systems has focused on their deployment in Europe and North America. This paper advances these debates by looking at how community energy systems can support energy transitions in Africa. Specifically, it asks: what role can community energy systems play in the energy transition in East and Southern Africa? Results: This article investigates the potential for community energy to foster sustainable and just energy transitions in two countries in East and Southern Africa, namely Ethiopia and Mozambique. To do so, it explores transformations in Ethiopia and Mozambique’s energy systems through the lens of energy landscapes. This concept enables us to situate energy transitions within recent developments in energy governance and to understand current and future possibilities for change through the involvement of communities that currently lack access to reliable and clean energy. Our results show that when countries face the prospects of lucrative energy investments in natural gas or large hydropower, renewables are often deprioritized. Their suitability to address energy challenges and access gaps is de-emphasized, even though there is little evidence that investment in large-scale generation can handle the energy needs of the most disadvantaged groups. Initiatives and policies supporting community-focused renewable energy have remained limited in both countries. They tend to be designed from the top-down and focused on rural areas when they exist. Conclusions: Energy transitions in Ethiopia and Mozambique, and many other countries with significant gaps in access to centralized energy systems, require putting inclusivity at the forefront to ensure that energy policies and infrastructure support the well-being of society as a whole. As long as investments in off-grid energy continue to depend on international organizations’ goodwill or development aid programs outside the ambit of national energy plans, energy access gaps will remain unaddressed, and there will not be a genuine and just transition to sustainable energy

A great friggin' swindle? Sex Pistols, school kids and 1979

This article examines the popularity of the Sex Pistols’ song “Friggin’ in the Riggin’” and its parent album The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle. It argues that in 1979 the Sex Pistols attracted a new and younger audience, one that has been neglected in previous studies of the band, which tend instead to focus on the years 1976 and 1977 and the band’s original coterie of followers. This article locates the teenage appeal of “Friggin’ in the Riggin’” in its themes of swearing, sex and piracy. It also explores the media infrastructure that enabled young adolescents to access this music. Following on from this, the article charts the triumph of Johnny Rotten’s Sex Pistols’ narrative over that of Malcolm McLaren. The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle fell prey to notions of authenticity, coherence and the canonical tastes of young adults

Statistical analysis plan for the Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke randomised controlled clinical trial

Background: Unplanned hospital presentations may occur post-stroke due to inadequate preparation for transitioning from hospital to home. The Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke (ReCAPS) trial was designed to test the effectiveness of receiving a 12-week, self-management intervention, comprising personalised goal setting with a clinician and aligned educational/motivational electronic messages. Primary outcome is as follows: self-reported unplanned hospital presentations (emergency department/admission) within 90-day post-randomisation. We present the statistical analysis plan for this trial. Methods/design: Participants are randomised 1:1 in variable block sizes, with stratification balancing by age and level of baseline disability. The sample size was 890 participants, calculated to detect a 10% absolute reduction in the proportion of participants reporting unplanned hospital presentations/admissions, with 80% power and 5% significance level (two sided). Recruitment will end in December 2023 when funding is expended, and the sample size achieved will be used. Logistic regression, adjusted for the stratification variables, will be used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will be evaluated using appropriate regression models. The primary outcome analysis will be based on intention to treat. A p-value ≤ 0.05 will indicate statistical significance. An independent Data Safety and Monitoring Committee has routinely reviewed the progress and safety of the trial. Conclusions: This statistical analysis plan ensures transparency in reporting the trial outcomes. ReCAPS trial will provide novel evidence on the effectiveness of a digital health support package post-stroke. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ACTRN12618001468213. Registered on August 31, 2018. SAP version 1.13 (October 12 2023) Protocol version 1.12 (October 12, 2022) SAP revisions Ni

Navigating liquid modernity and flexible capitalism: negotiating 'work', 'success', and 'character' in HongKong

published_or_final_versionSociologyMasterMaster of Philosoph

Low Frequency Sound Absorption by Optimal Combination Structure of Porous Metal and Microperforated Panel

The combination structure of a porous metal and microperforated panel was optimized to develop a low frequency sound absorber. Theoretical models were constructed by the transfer matrix method based on the Johnson—Champoux—Allard model and Maa’s theory. Parameter optimizations of the sound absorbers were conducted by Cuckoo search algorithm. The sound absorption coefficients of the combination structures were verified by finite element simulation and validated by standing wave tube measurement. The experimental data was consistent with the theoretical and simulation data, which proved the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of the constructed theoretical sound absorption model and finite element model. The actual average sound absorption coefficient of the microperforated panel + cavity + porous metal + cavity sound absorber in the 100–1800 Hz range reached 62.9615% and 73.5923%, respectively, when the limited total thickness was 30 mm and 50 mm. The excellent low frequency sound absorbers obtained can be used in the fields of acoustic environmental protection and industrial noise reduction