Rethinking and remaking “the social”:co-production, critical pedagogy, and mental health among university students in the USA

This paper presents findings from a qualitative study exploring how students at a university in the southern USA conceptualize, theorize, and attempt to influence the role ‘social factors’ play in mental illness and well-being. Drawing on models of research co-production and principles of critical pedagogy, a group of 10 university students (‘student researchers’) worked with a faculty member to develop and conduct the study. The results highlight three ways in which the student interviewees (‘student interlocutors’) theorize ‘the social’. The first two – (1) via the ‘social determinants of health’ and (2) by means of theories on ‘neoliberal subjectivity’ – provide a powerful frame for interrogating hierarchical systems of power. However, because neither of these corresponds to our interest in producing knowledge for social change, we used prefigurative and speculative approaches to explore a third notion of the social, that of (3) ‘world-making practices’. We conclude by reflecting on the relevance of this project for educators, learners, and researchers seeking to deepen knowledge and theories of the social in mental health. We argue that co-produced research that draws from principles of critical pedagogy can enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and lead to more nuanced, transformative, and innovative analyses

Fisheries as a source of marine debris on beaches in the United Kingdom

Marine debris from ships has persisted and remains a concern despite international agreements such as MARPOL. We report on an analysis of beach litter based on a data set established by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC) Beachwatch weekends. Debris collected around the UK was divided into three main types of debris: (1) plastic, (2) fishing, and (3) fishing related plastic and rubber. Correspondence analysis (CA) was used to examine patterns in the occurrence of debris types on a total of 1023 beaches and debris attributable to fishing was identified on clusters of beaches mainly located on the coasts of Scotland and along the English Channel. General Linear model (GLM) identified fishing as the highest explanatory factor when testing for relationships between litter and proximity to fishing ports and grounds. The results add to the growing body of evidence that the fishing industry is largely responsible for marine debris

Preparation of Poly(vinyl chloride) Latexes Using a Dual Surfactant System: The Effect in the Particle Size Distribution

The control of the average particle size and size distribution in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer is an important parameter to determine, not only the latex characteristics, but also the properties of the final dispersion powder in several industrial applications. It is possible to manipulate the particle size distribution (PSD) by applying a mixture of an anionic surfactant-fatty alcohol before the start of the free radical polymerization. Contrary to the procedures of the miniemulsion and the derivative diffusional swelling techniques, no kind of high shear is applied to the monomer and/or surfactant mixtures. In fact, the concentration and selection of the anionic surfactant, together with the fatty-alcohol, can play an interesting role on the final PSD of the polymer's particlesFCT; contract grant number SFRH/BDE/15534/200

An Evaluation of the Impact of The University of Guyana’s MPH Program on Graduate Students

This paper explores the impact of the University of Guyana’s Masters of Public Health Program on the public health competency skills of graduates, specifically in the middle-income country of Guyana. Similar studies have focused on assessing the impact of MPH programs in developed, high-income countries, but few have been conducted in LMICs (ie. China, South Africa, Vietnam, etc.). Of the latter, evaluation found that alumni of MPH programs contribute significantly to the public health human resource capacity in their countries. A similar evaluation, through a comprehensive quantitative survey by 15 alumni (62.5% of all graduates) and a qualitative interview from five randomly selected alumni of University of Guyana’s Master of Public Health Program, showed the need for practical and applicable curriculum; the importance of effective thesis advisors for mentorship beyond the program; the benefits of a practicum; and the increased confidence in public health skills attributed to completion of an academic training program