Changing understanding of waste reduction and avoidance in moralities of thrift: A comparison of Mass Observers narratives three decades apart

This paper explores shifting ideas of waste and recycling in narratives on thrift in the UK. Drawing on texts written by 33 respondents who answered two separate Mass Observation Directives on the subject of thrift in 1987 and 2016, it illuminates how waste reduction and avoidance is described by ‘ordinary people’. The ways in which these practices are framed are depended on the temporal context in which the narrative is set. Two key findings are presented: Firstly, respondents explain motivations for such practices differently, depending on whether their examples relate to what they were exposed to during their upbringing or to their own practices at present. Between these two contexts, the moralisation of thrift through practices of waste reduction and avoidance shifts from a focus on financial hardship towards consciousness/satisfaction, which indicates that current understandings of thrift combine values of ethical consumerism and hedonism. Secondly, responses to the 1987 and 2016 directives differ in terms of how thrift though waste reduction and avoidance of disposable items is accounted for. In 1987 writings, thrift was associated with efforts to find ways to use single-use multiple times, whereas in the 2016 writings, thrift is associated with a firm commitment to household waste recycling through municipal services. This indicates that since the 1980s, material and infrastructural have led to a shift of norms in dealing with single-use products and recycling. The findings point towards critical considerations of how moralities of thrift are employed in the context of material culture in the 21st century.<br/

The impact of tDCS on nicotine craving and affective image evaluation

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Studien zur anodalen transkraniellen Gleichstromstimulation (tDCS) über dem linken dorsolateralen Präfrontalcortex (DLPFC) zeigten, dass tDCS das Verlangen/Craving nach Zigaretten senkt, die Bewertung von affektiven Bildern verändert und das Arbeitsgedächtnis verbessert. In all jenen Studien wurden große Schwammelektroden verwendet, welche neben dem DLPFC noch andere Hirnregionen aktivieren. Wird anodale tDCS mittels kleineren Elektroden nur über dem linken DLPFC angewandt, bleiben die Effekte aus bzw. sind gegensätzlich. Dies lässt darauf schließen, dass die Aktivierung des linken DLPFCs (allein) nicht der Grund für die berichteten Ergebnisse zu sein scheint. Bildgebenden Verfahren zufolge könnte die Aktivierung des ventrolateralen Präfrontalcortex (VLPFC) einen Einfluss auf Craving, affektive Bildbewertung und das Arbeitsgedächtnis haben. Methodik: Anodale tDCS wurde mit einer 35-cm2-Elektrode über dem linken DLPFC/VLPFC angewandt. Außerdem wurden beiden Regionen separat mit je einer kleinen EEG-Elektrode stimuliert. Als Kontrolle wurde eine vorgetäuschte tDCS eingesetzt. Zur Erhebung des Einflusses von tDCS wurde ein Task zur affektiven Bildbewertung vorgegeben, in welchem die Bilder zusätzlich nach ihrem Einfluss auf das Verlangen nach Zigaretten eingestuft werden mussten. Zusätzlich wurde ein 3-back Task durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Außer einem negativen Einfluss der Stimulation des linken VLPFC alleine auf die Genauigkeit im 3-back Task, konnte kein Einfluss von anodaler tDCS gefunden werden. Ein Faktor von Craving, „genauer Zwanghaftigkeit“, stieg während der Sitzungen unabhängig vom tDCS-Setting. Die Bilder im Craving und affektiven Bildbewertungstask wurden hinsichtlich Valenz und Erregung unterschiedlich bewertet. Bilder mit Bezug auf Rauchen führten zu einer höheren Craving-Bewertung. Conclusio: Diese Studie kam zu anderen Ergebnissen als auf Grund vorangehender Forschung erwartet worden war. Da weder die Aktivierung des linken DLPFCs noch des linken VLPFCs einen Einfluss zeigten, scheinen diese in den vorhergehenden Studien mit den großen Elektroden nicht maßgebend gewesen zu sein. Dass die vorherigen Studien durch Nutzung der großen Elektroden nicht repliziert werden konnten, kann an unterschiedlichen Studiendesigns liegen. Weiter Studien zur genaueren Erforschung von tDCS und ihrem Einfluss sind nötig.Theoretical background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) studies over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) have shown to decrease cue-induced craving, to change affective picture evaluation and to increase working memory performance. In most studies electrodes were used which did not only activate the DLPFC but other brain areas as well. Studies applying tDCS over the left DLPFC with small electrodes to only affect DLPFC could not replicate these results. Hence another area which is affected with tDCS over the left DLPFC using big electrodes needs to cause the effects. Brain imaging studies suggest the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) to be involved in all three paradigms. Methods: Anodal tDCS was applied over the left DLPFC/VLPFC using an electrode of 35 cm2 area. To investigate separately stimulation of left DLPFC and VLPFC, anodal tDCS was applied using an EEG electrode either over the one or the other. Additionally, sham stimulation was done as a control. To examine the effect of tDCS, a craving and affective picture evaluation task and a 3-back task were used. Whereas the craving and affective picture evaluation task measured cue-induced craving, actual craving was investigated by frequent ratings during sessions. To compare craving levels before and after stimulation, a questionnaire was used. Results: Apart from the result that anodal tDCS over the VLPFC decreases accuracy in the 3-back task, no influence of anodal tDCS was found. Craving evaluation conducted a raise of the craving factor compulsivity in all four tDCS conditions between the beginning and the end of each session. Further craving ratings differed between smoking cues and other pictures as well as valence which was rated differently between all types of pictures (negative, positive, neutral and smoking cues). Arousal was altered between negative and neutral as well as negative and positive pictures. Conclusion: The results of this study stand in contrast to what was proposed from previous research. Neither left DLPFC nor left VLPFC seem to be the reason for alteration in cue induced craving, picture evaluation and working memory performance in previous studies. For the lacking impact of anodal tDCS using big electrodes in this study, the differences in tDCS parameters, study conduction and subject traits could be a reason. Further studies to get a clearer picture of tDCS are neede

Die Rezeption Vladimir Sorokins in deutschsprachigen Tageszeitungen

Die vorliegende Arbeit ist eine Analyse der Berichterstattung zur Person Vladimir Sorokin, seinem Werk und Schaffen in den deutschsprachigen Tageszeitungen Der Standard, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung und Neue Zürcher Zeitung in den Jahren 1995 bis 2009. Am Beginn der Arbeit werden die theoretischen und methodischen Voraussetzungen erläutert und die aktuelle Forschungslage wird dargestellt. Nach der Vorstellung der Untersuchungsgrundlage und des Untersuchungszeitraumes folgt ein Einblick in den Suchvorgang, außerdem werden die Kriterien zur Auswahl des Untersuchungsmaterials erläutert. Der Hauptteil der Arbeit beginnt mit einer Einführung zum Schriftsteller Vladimir Sorokin. Diese gibt Auskunft über biographische Daten, Erstausgaben deutscher Übersetzungen und Uraufführungen auf Bühnen im deutschsprachigen Raum. Danach folgt eine distributive Analyse des Untersuchungsmaterials. Die Artikel werden nach verschiedenen Gesichtspunkten, wie Zeitung, Zeitpunkt der Veröffentlichung, Art des Artikels, Anlass für die Publikation, Länge und Autor analysiert. Das Kapitel der Einzelanalysen widmet sich sechs verschiedenen Themen. Zu Beginn wird die Berichterstattung zu jenen sechs Romanen, die im Untersuchungszeitraum in deutscher Übersetzung erschienen sind, analysiert. Anschließend werden die Theaterkritiken unter ähnlichen Gesichtspunkten wie die Rezensionen zu Sorokins Romanen beleuchtet. Im nächsten Punkt der Einzelanalysen werden alle im Untersuchungszeitraum in den drei Tageszeitungen veröffentlichten Interviews mit dem Schriftsteller präsentiert. Einen eigenen Punkt bildet die Untersuchung der Berichterstattung rund um den Pornographie-Vorwurf im Jahr 2002. Anschließend werden die von Vladimir Sorokin selbst verfassten Artikel einer genaueren Betrachtung unterzogen. Den abschließenden Punkt der Arbeit bildet eine Darstellung jener Artikel, die den Schriftsteller erwähnen, aber nicht ihm oder seinem Werk gewidmet sind

At-line determining spore germination of Penicillium chrysogenum bioprocesses in complex media

Spore inoculum quality in filamentous bioprocesses is a critical parameter associated with viable spore concentration (1) and spore germination (2). It influences pellet morphology and, consequently, process performance. The state-of-the-art method to measure viable spore concentration is tedious, associated with significant inherent bias, and not applicable in real-time. Therefore, it is not usable as process analytical technology (PAT). Spore germination has so far been monitored using image analysis, which is hampered by complex medium background often observed in filamentous bioprocesses. The method presented here is based on the combination of viability staining and large-particle flow cytometry which enables measurements in real-time and hence aims to be applicable as a PAT tool. It is compatible with the complex media background and allows the quantification of metabolically active spores and the monitoring of spore germination. A distinction of germinated spores and not germinated spores was based on logistic regression, using multiparameteric data from flow cytometry. In a first step, a significant correlation between colony-forming unit (CFU) counts and viable spore concentration (1) in an industrially relevant model bioprocess was found. Spore germination (2) was followed over the initial process phase with close temporal resolution. The validation of the method showed an error below 5 %. Differences in spore germination for various spore inocula ages and spore inoculum concentrations were monitored. The real-time applicability of the method suggests the implementation as a PAT tool in filamentous bioprocesses

Structural stability of the Weeks Island oil repository

A 3-D finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of the SPR upper and lower oil storage levels at Weeks Island. The mechanical analysis predicted stresses and strains from which pillar stability was inferred using a fracture criterion developed from previous testing of Weeks Island salt. This analysis simulated the sequential mining of the two levels and subsequent oil fill of the mine. The predicted subsidence rates compare well to those measured over the past few years. Predicted failure mechanisms agree with observations made at the time the mine was being modified for oil storage. The modeling technique employed here treats an infinite array of pillars and is a reasonable representation of the behavior at the center of the mine. This analysis predicts that the lower level pillars, at the center of the mine, have fractured and their stability at this time is questionable. Localized pillar fracturing is predicted and implies that the mine is entering a phase of continual time dependent deterioration. Continued and expanded monitoring of the facility and development of methods to assess and predict its behavior are more important now than ever

Final report on Weeks Island Monitoring Phase : 1999 through 2004.

This Final Report on the Monitoring Phase of the former Weeks Island Strategic Petroleum Reserve crude oil storage facility details the results of five years of monitoring of various surface accessible quantities at the decommissioned facility. The Weeks Island mine was authorized by the State of Louisiana as a Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil storage facility from 1979 until decommissioning of the facility in 1999. Discovery of a sinkhole over the facility in 1992 with freshwater inflow to the facility threatened the integrity of the oil storage and led to the decision to remove the oil, fill the chambers with brine, and decommission the facility. Thereafter, a monitoring phase, by agreement between the Department of Energy and the State, addressed facility stability and environmental concerns. Monitoring of the surface ground water and the brine of the underground chambers from the East Fill Hole produced no evidence of hydrocarbon contamination, which suggests that any unrecovered oil remaining in the underground chambers has been contained. Ever diminishing progression of the initial major sinkhole, and a subsequent minor sinkhole, with time was verification of the response of sinkholes to filling of the facility with brine. Brine filling of the facility ostensively eliminates any further growth or new formation from freshwater inflow. Continued monitoring of sinkhole response, together with continued surface surveillance for environmental problems, confirmed the intended results of brine pressurization. Surface subsidence measurements over the mine continued throughout the monitoring phase. And finally, the outward flow of brine was monitored as a measure of the creep closure of the mine chambers. Results of each of these monitoring activities are presented, with their correlation toward assuring the stability and environmental security of the decommissioned facility. The results suggest that the decommissioning was successful and no contamination of the surface environment by crude oil has been found

Expansion analyses of strategic petroleum reserve in Bayou Choctaw : revised locations.

This report summarizes a series of three-dimensional simulations for the Bayou Choctaw Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The U.S. Department of Energy plans to leach two new caverns and convert one of the existing caverns within the Bayou Choctaw salt dome to expand its petroleum reserve storage capacity. An existing finite element mesh from previous analyses is modified by changing the locations of two caverns. The structural integrity of the three expansion caverns and the interaction between all the caverns in the dome are investigated. The impacts of the expansion on underground creep closure, surface subsidence, infrastructure, and well integrity are quantified. Two scenarios were used for the duration and timing of workover conditions where wellhead pressures are temporarily reduced to atmospheric pressure. The three expansion caverns are predicted to be structurally stable against tensile failure for both scenarios. Dilatant failure is not expected within the vicinity of the expansion caverns. Damage to surface structures is not predicted and there is not a marked increase in surface strains due to the presence of the three expansion caverns. The wells into the caverns should not undergo yield. The results show that from a structural viewpoint, the locations of the two newly proposed expansion caverns are acceptable, and all three expansion caverns can be safely constructed and operated

Talking methods, talking about methods: Invoking the transformative potential of social methods through animals, objects and how-to instructions

This paper focuses on ‘talking’ methods, noting their wide application across the social sciences, and identifies potential spaces for innovation in this field. Drawing on interview material from the Methods for Change project, we argue that researching methods requires creative approaches to talk. With research methods as our focus, we draw on data collected from online interviews with 36 academics, which aimed to explore the transformative potential of social science research methods. We make three contributions: first, we consider challenges and potentials for talking about methods and communicating the transformative potential of social science methods to diverse audiences. Second, we elaborate on the detail of doing talking methods, identifying potential spaces for innovation. Third, we suggest there is value in supplementing interviews with creative techniques when talking with and about method. We highlight three such techniques used in our project as a means of eliciting conversation about the transformative potential of methods: i) how-to instructions; ii) object interviewing; and iii) methods as animals. The conceptual underpinnings, practical applications and obstacles encountered with each technique are discussed, including our own reflections on creative interviewing in a context where face-to-face research was restricted. In doing so, we respond to and advance recent debates about the need to talk more about the doing of talking methods. We argue that academics need to articulate why methods matter in creating change to global challenges, and that creative techniques can play a pivotal role