The interview as narrative ethnography : seeking and shaping connections in qualitative research.

Acts of counter-subjectification in qualitative research are always present but are often submerged in accounts that seek to locate the power of subjectification entirely with the researcher. This is particularly so when talking to people about sensitive issues. Based on an interview-based study of infertility and reproductive disruption among British Pakistanis in Northeast England, we explore how we, as researchers, sought and were drawn into various kinds of connections with the study participants; connections that were actively and performatively constructed through time. The three of us that conducted interviews are all female academics with Ph.Ds in anthropology, but thereafter our backgrounds, life stories and experiences diverge in ways that intersected with those of our informants in complex and shifting ways. We describe how these processes shaped the production of narrative accounts and consider some of the associated analytical and ethical implications

The evolution of post-starburst galaxies from z=2 to 0.5

We present the evolution in the number density and stellar mass functions of photometrically selected post-starburst galaxies in the UKIDSSUltraDeep Survey,with redshifts of 0.510. We find that this transitionary species of galaxy is rare at all redshifts, contributing ∼5 per cent of the total population at z ∼ 2, to <1 per cent by z ∼ 0.5. By comparing the mass functions of quiescent galaxies to post-starburst galaxies at three cosmic epochs, we show that rapid quenching of star formation can account for 100 per cent of quiescent galaxy formation, if the post-starburst spectral features are visible for ∼250 Myr. The flattening of the low-mass end of the quiescent galaxy stellar mass function seen at z ∼ 1 can be entirely explained by the addition of rapidly quenched galaxies. Only if a significant fraction of post-starburst galaxies have features that are visible for longer than 250 Myr, or they acquire new gas and return to the star-forming sequence, can there be significant growth of the red sequence from a slower quenching route. The shape of the mass function of these transitory post-starburst galaxies resembles that of quiescent galaxies at z ∼ 2, with a preferred stellar mass of log (M/M�) ∼10.6, but evolves steadily to resemble that of star-forming galaxies at z /~ 2 they are exclusively massive galaxies that have formed the bulk of their stars during a rapid assembly period, followed by complete quenching of further star formation; (2) at z </~1 they are caused by the rapid quenching of gas-rich star-forming galaxies, independent of stellar mass, possibly due to environment and/or gas-rich major mergers

The identification of post-starburst galaxies at z∼1 using multiwavelength photometry: a spectroscopic verification

Despite decades of study, we still do not fully understand why some massive galaxies abruptly switch off their star formation in the early Universe, and what causes their rapid transition to the red sequence. Post-starburst galaxies provide a rare opportunity to study this transition phase, but few have currently been spectroscopically identified at high redshift (z > 1). In this paper, we present the spectroscopic verification of a new photometric technique to identify post-starbursts in high-redshift surveys. The method classifies the broad-band optical–nearinfrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of galaxies using three spectral shape parameters (supercolours), derived from a principal component analysis of model SEDs. When applied to the multiwavelength photometric data in the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey, this technique identified over 900 candidate post-starbursts at redshifts 0.5 5 angstrem) and Balmer break, characteristic of post-starburst galaxies.We conclude that photometric methods can be used to select large samples of recently-quenched galaxies in the distant Universe

Energy efficiency refurbishment of UK owner-occupied homes: the householders’ perspective

Owner-occupiers represent 63.1% of UK households (ONS, 2016); a key group to focus attention on as a means to increase domestic energy efficiency rates (Risholt et al, 2013). The experiences of early-adopters of measures such as external wall insulation within this group may affect the future adoption rates, through word-of mouth referrals (McMichael & Shipworth, 2013). Householders’ are often willing to tolerate disruption, but unexpected delays or complications can cause considerable stress (Vadodaria et al., 2010). Negative attitudes can develop towards a refurbishment experience due to technological faults or internal disputes leading to problems with workmanship (Crosbie and Baker, 2010). These experiences can lead to dissatisfaction with the experience and potentially the refurbishment outcome in terms of energy demand and living environment comfort. This study has followed ten owner-occupied case study households through an energy efficiency refurbishment process. Householders’ were interviewed pre, during and post refurbishment over a period of one year, with a focus on the expectations and experiences of the refurbishment in terms of process and potential changes to thermal environment comfort and space heating energy demand. The interview data were triangulated with measurements of internal air temperature, air leakage tests and space heating energy use in addition to space heating energy modelling, using a version of the Standard Assessment Procedure (2009). The findings show that in terms of refurbishment process, measures which installers’ have more apparent experience in, such as combination boiler or window replacements have few unexpected events and outcomes, whereas measures such as external wall insulation and air leakage sealing can lead to refurbishment delays or dissatisfaction with workmanship. Two households exceeded the 2050 target for an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions from space heating. Nine improved thermal environment comfort levels, as supported by measurements. However the impact on householder perceptions of disruption and workmanship may affect future uptake. Policy and installer recommendations are made including the need for consistent policy and urgent improvements to installer customer service, energy efficiency expertise and skills

Massive post-starburst galaxies at z > 1 are compact proto-spheroids

We investigate the relationship between the quenching of star formation and the structural transformation of massive galaxies, using a large sample of photometrically-selected poststarburst galaxies in the UKIDSS UDS field. We find that post-starburst galaxies at highredshift (z > 1) show high Sérsic indices, significantly higher than those of active star-forming galaxies, but with a distribution that is indistinguishable from the old quiescent population. We conclude that the morphological transformation occurs before (or during) the quenching of star formation. Recently quenched galaxies are also the most compact; we find evidence that massive post-starburst galaxies (M_ > 1010:5 M_) at high redshift (z > 1) are on average smaller than comparable quiescent galaxies at the same epoch. Our findings are consistent with a scenario in which massive passive galaxies are formed from three distinct phases: (1) gas-rich dissipative collapse to very high densities, forming the proto-spheroid; (2) rapid quenching of star formation, to create the “red nugget” with post-starburst features; (3) a gradual growth in size as the population ages, perhaps as a result of minor mergers

Improved annotation of 3' untranslated regions and complex loci by combination of strand-specific direct RNA sequencing, RNA-seq and ESTs

The reference annotations made for a genome sequence provide the framework for all subsequent analyses of the genome. Correct annotation is particularly important when interpreting the results of RNA-seq experiments where short sequence reads are mapped against the genome and assigned to genes according to the annotation. Inconsistencies in annotations between the reference and the experimental system can lead to incorrect interpretation of the effect on RNA expression of an experimental treatment or mutation in the system under study. Until recently, the genome-wide annotation of 3-prime untranslated regions received less attention than coding regions and the delineation of intron/exon boundaries. In this paper, data produced for samples in Human, Chicken and A. thaliana by the novel single-molecule, strand-specific, Direct RNA Sequencing technology from Helicos Biosciences which locates 3-prime polyadenylation sites to within +/- 2 nt, were combined with archival EST and RNA-Seq data. Nine examples are illustrated where this combination of data allowed: (1) gene and 3-prime UTR re-annotation (including extension of one 3-prime UTR by 5.9 kb); (2) disentangling of gene expression in complex regions; (3) clearer interpretation of small RNA expression and (4) identification of novel genes. While the specific examples displayed here may become obsolete as genome sequences and their annotations are refined, the principles laid out in this paper will be of general use both to those annotating genomes and those seeking to interpret existing publically available annotations in the context of their own experimental dataComment: 44 pages, 9 figure

Written evidence submission to the Communications and Digital Committee Inquiry into digital exclusion and the cost of living

Digital exclusion is currently being addressed in an ad hoc and piecemeal manner, particularly for vulnerable groups of users such as social housing residents over the age of 55. There is insufficient coordination between different organisations working with residents in social housing, leading to cost increases for all, including residents. Digital services are creating new complexities which is leading to a mandate gap among key stakeholders operating within social housing schemes. This risks creating fractured data and services for organisations and users. A coordinated, whole-systems approach is needed to evaluate ongoing and future digital transformation initiatives. This approach will create more opportunities for cost sharing and cost reduction for users, residents and stakeholders involved in the provision of critical digital services in homes. Such an approach could draw valuable lessons for addressing digital exclusion from approaches to addressing fuel poverty

‘Nostalgic food heals for us’: A qualitative exploration of experiences with nostalgia, food, and mood

Issue AddressedNostalgia—the bittersweet reliving of the past—has been linked to social connection and psychological wellbeing. Although food consumption is often an intrinsically social experience, relatively little research has examined how individuals experience and understand how food consumption relates to feelings of nostalgia, food and mood.MethodsIn the current study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Australians from varying cultural backgrounds to explore their experiences with nostalgia, food and mood.ResultsReflexive thematic analysis identified three key themes from the data: (i) The bittersweet experiences of food-evoked nostalgia—individuals' descriptions of food-evoked nostalgia and how it impacted their mood both positively and negatively (ii) social connection and identity continuity—participants' description of food-evoked nostalgia and how this provides an opportunity for social connection and identity continuity throughout life, which positively influences mood, and (iii) the role and relationship of food-evoked nostalgia and mood—individual descriptions of the important role that nostalgic food plays in their life, in addition to their relationship with food, and how this impacts mood.ConclusionsUnderstanding the positive component of nostalgic foods allowed individuals to bolster positive mood states with food-evoked nostalgia, increasing their quality of life.So What?Understanding the link between food-evoked nostalgia and mood has significant implications, suggesting that negative mood states altered by nostalgic foods may result in positive mood states. Appropriate use of food-evoked nostalgia may increase the quality of life for individuals experiencing low mood states

Old(er) Care home residents and sexual/intimate citizenship

Sexuality and intimacy in care homes for older people are overshadowed by concern with prolonging physical and/or psychological autonomy.When sexuality and intimacy have been addressed in scholarship, this can reflect a sexological focus concerned with howto continue sexual activitywithreduced capacity.We reviewthe (Anglophone) academic and practitioner literatures bearing on sexuality and intimacy in relation to older care home residents (though much of this applies to older people generally).We highlight how ageism (or ageist erotophobia), which defines older people as post-sexual, restricts opportunities for the expression of sexuality and intimacy. In doing so, we draw attention to more critical writing that recognises constraints on sexuality and intimacy and indicates solutions to some of the problems identified. We also highlight problems faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) residents who are doubly excluded from sexual/intimate citizenship because of ageism combined with the heterosexual assumption. Older LGB&T residents/individuals can feel obliged to deny or disguise their identity. We conclude by outlining an agenda for research based on more sociologically informed practitioner-led work