The social and material connections of minority children and young people settled in Norway. A critical discourse review

Over the last 20 years, the use of automated and semi-automated techniques for extracting meanings from text have been widely debated in the social sciences. Automated and semi-automated techniques can be employed in all research phases: data collection (e.g. scraping), data cleaning (e.g. lemmatization of words), analysis (e.g. Named Entity Recognition, Part-of-speech Tagging, Topic Modeling, Keyword Analysis, Semantic Network Analysis, Sentiment Analysis), and visualization. Far from forcing epistemological choices, these techniques can be inductively used to deal with big corpora of data, impossible to work with for a human being. The debate produced great expectations, but substantive research results and the development of actual user friendly tools are still relatively scarce. Social researchers usually lack the technical skills to develop and integrate new research tools as instruments able to radically change the way the research is devised and conducted. Computer scientists, on the other hand, often lack regular opportunities to interact with social scientists in ways that would enable greater understanding and more widespread use to be derived from the introduction of new tools. Moreover, in social and organizational sciences, different researchers use different techniques, but both a broader reflection on the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, and an integration/comparison of different tools, are lacking. A critical review of how these techniques are used in social sciences is a valuable and welcome contribution that would enable researchers working in these areas to disentangle the technicalities of these numerous and diverse techniques and showcase the research approaches they are used for. This call for papers follows an initial stream of research developed by the CATARSI project at the University of Bologna. CATARSI (Comprensione Automatica di Testi e ARticoli nelle scienze Sociali e Informatiche – automatic understanding of texts and articles in social sciences and computer sciences) aims at tackling the interface between social sciences and information science and improving both the knowledge and the development of computer-based techniques for analyzing texts and extracting meanings. The issue tackled by CATARSI, thus, is cultural and practical, and its results will impact both on information science, which deals more with ontological aspects, and on the social sciences, which stand to benefit from the use of new instruments to improve the way knowledge is analyzed and created. This Call for Papers (CfP) aims thus at collecting contributions able to shed light on the current use of semi-automatic and computer-aided techniques for understanding texts and extracting meanings from them, especially within the social sciences. Topics include, but are not limited to: application of one or more semi-automated techniques to organizational studies; critical reviews on how semi-automated techniques are used to elicit meanings from texts in organization science; comparison of qualitative and computer-aided techniques in conducting research; analysis of the ways different techniques are used to grasp meaning from texts; cross-field and interdisciplinary applications of automatic analysis techniques; description of new tools and systems for the use and application of these methods; critical reviews on the evolution of automatic reading within social and organization science. We welcome different theoretical and empirical methodologies. Qualitative, quantitative, and experimental methodologies are welcome. Full paper submission deadline: 31st October 2019

To review the use of mixed-methods research in nursing with a particular focus on the extent to which current practice informs nurse researchers. It also aimed to highlight gaps in current knowledge, understanding and reporting of this type of research. Mixed-methods research is becoming increasingly popular among nurses and healthcare professionals. Emergent findings from this type of research are very useful for nurses in practice. The combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods provides a scientific base for practice but also richness from the qualitative enquiry. However, at the same time mixed-methods research is underdeveloped. This study identified mixed-methods research papers and critically evaluated their usefulness for research practice. To support the analysis, we performed a two-stage search using CINAHL to find papers with titles that included the key term 'mixed method'. An analysis of studies that used mixed-methods research revealed some inconsistencies in application and reporting. Attempts to use two distinct research methods in these studies often meant that one or both aspects had limitations. Overall methods were applied in a less rigorous way. This has implications for providing somewhat limited direction for novice researchers. There is also potential for application of evidence in healthcare practice that limited validity. This study highlights current gaps in knowledge, understanding and reporting of mixed-methods research. While these methods are useful to gain insight into clinical problems nurses lack guidance with this type of research. This study revealed that the guidance provided by current mixed-methods research is inconsistent and incomplete and this compounds the lack of available direction. There is an urgent need to develop robust guidelines for using mixed-methods research so that findings may be critically implemented in practice.

A critical review of behavioral issues related to malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa:: what contributions have social scientists made?

Architecture is an interdisciplinary subject that utilises knowledge and experience from numerous scientific fields. Social sciences in particular have a special relationship with architecture, transforming it into a living and reflective discipline. Architectural design is basically a hypothesis that explores how society would react to its substance and the conditions it creates. However, social sciences subjects are often limited to theoretical knowledge over the course of architectural education. This research discusses social and psychological sciences and their architecture-specific theories as powerful tools for student engagement in architectural education. Focusing on educational concepts which lead to a greater understanding of dynamic societal changes, the research also indirectly analyses the traditional process of creating a universal design, outside of this understanding. This approach enables students to understand the limitations of their education and to think analytically about design options and the improved interactions not only with their surroundings but, more importantly, with a specific person or group of people. Activities that develop this kind of understanding are different forms of interactive art (site-specific installations) and social activities (focus groups) with different demographics (persons with health impairments – for example barrier-lessness and social inclusion). The base research analyses social and psychological sciences in relation to the process of architectural design education with a focus on European context. In social sciences, social and spatial connection and their often implied or ignored relationships are investigated in increasingly more interesting ways. The aim of this study is to provide a complex outline of the educational methods which, on top of technological change, also actively monitor social change.

BackgroundThe importance of integrating the social sciences in epidemic preparedness and response has become a common feature of infectious disease policy and practice debates. However to date, this integration remains inadequate, fragmented and under-funded, with limited reach and small initial investments. Based on data collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in this paper we analysed the variety of knowledge, infrastructure and funding gaps that hinder the full integration of the social sciences in epidemics and present a strategic framework for addressing them.MethodsSenior social scientists with expertise in public health emergencies facilitated expert deliberations, and conducted 75 key informant interviews, a consultation with 20 expert social scientists from Africa, Asia and Europe, 2 focus groups and a literature review of 128 identified high-priority peer reviewed articles. We also analysed 56 interviews from the Ebola 100 project, collected just after the West African Ebola epidemic. Analysis was conducted on gaps and recommendations. These were inductively classified according to various themes during two group prioritization exercises. The project was conducted between February and May 2019. Findings from the report were used to inform strategic prioritization of global investments in social science capacities for health emergencies.FindingsOur analysis consolidated 12 knowledge and infrastructure gaps and 38 recommendations from an initial list of 600 gaps and 220 recommendations. In developing our framework, we clustered these into three areas: 1) Recommendations to improve core social science response capacities, including investments in: human resources within response agencies; the creation of social science data analysis capacities at field and global level; mechanisms for operationalizing knowledge; and a set of rapid deployment infrastructures; 2) Recommendations to strengthen applied and basic social sciences, including the need to: better define the social science agenda and core competencies; support innovative interdisciplinary science; make concerted investments in developing field ready tools and building the evidence-base; and develop codes of conduct; and 3) Recommendations for a supportive social science ecosystem, including: the essential foundational investments in institutional development; training and capacity building; awareness-raising activities with allied disciplines; and lastly, support for a community of practice.InterpretationComprehensively integrating social science into the epidemic preparedness and response architecture demands multifaceted investments on par with allied disciplines, such as epidemiology and virology. Building core capacities and competencies should occur at multiple levels, grounded in country-led capacity building. Social science should not be a parallel system, nor should it be “siloed” into risk communication and community engagement. Rather, it should be integrated across existing systems and networks, and deploy interdisciplinary knowledge “transversally” across all preparedness and response sectors and pillars. Future work should update this framework to account for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the institutional landscape.

Quantitative social scientists have adopted the positivist epistemology and methodology of natural sciences, seeking objectivity, generalisability, and neutrality . However, in social sciences – unlike in natural sciences – humans are both the investigators and the object of investigation, leading to intricate interconnections between researchers and participants. This paper presents challenges and opportunities of positionality in quantitative social research. Positionality can uncover gaps in the researcher's knowledge, which may feel unusual and particularly uncomfortable from the positivist point of view, but which can in turn reveal unanticipated opportunities. This postpositivist argument is informed by a mixed-method project exploring Chinese and non-Chinese speakers’ perception of emotions expressed in Mandarin, conducted by an L0 researcher – i.e. one who is unfamiliar with Chinese languages and culture(s). This particular position stimulated reflexivity and instigated the inclusion of other subjectivities in the process. Accordingly, this project illustrates both the challenges and advantages of such undertakings. Once researchers acknowledge (the influence of) the position they speak from and what they do or do not share with participants, they can overcome their ‘knowledge gaps’ by adopting suitable research methods and involving ‘knowledgeable collaborator’ in the process.

The overall objective of this work was to conduct a critical literature review on the application of the circular economy (CE) hierarchy for the management of COVID-19 healthcare waste (HCW). To describe the problem created by COVID-19 HCW, first, the subsystems of the overall management system, including generation, segregation, classification, storage, collection, transport, treatment and disposal, were reviewed and briefly described. Then, the CE hierarchy using the 10R typology was adapted to the management of COVID-19 HCW and included the strategies Refuse, Reduce, Resell/Reuse, Repair, Reprocess, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle and Recover (energy). Disposal was added as a sink of residues from the CE strategies. Using the detailed 10R CE hierarchy for COVID-19 HCW management is the novelty of this review. It was concluded that R-strategy selection depends on its position in the CE hierarchy and medical item criticality and value. Indicative HCW components, which can be managed by each R-strategy, were compiled, but creating value by recovering infectious downgraded materials contaminated with body fluids and tissues is not currently possible. Therefore, after applying the circular solutions, the end of pipe treatment and disposal would be necessary to close material cycles at the end of their life cycles. Addressing the risks, knowledge gaps and policy recommendations of this article may help to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics without creating environmental crises.

From mobile phones and laptop computers to in vitro fertilization and social networks on the Internet, technological devices, products and services are increasingly shaping the lives of people around the world. The pervasiveness of technology and the underlying science that makes it possible has led to a certain ambivalence: most people trust that ‘science’ will eventually help them to live longer, healthier and happier lives. However, they also feel increasingly uncomfortable about certain new technologies, often those that challenge or improve on ‘nature’. Genetically modified crops, gene therapy, stem cell research, cloning, renewed interest in nuclear power: the list of controversial topics involving science and technology is growing steadily and debates on these topics regularly occupy centre stage in public and political arenas. > …the research process itself constitutes a largely overlooked opportunity for addressing social concerns Policy‐makers have responded by calling for increased attention to be paid to the ethical, legal and social aspects of scientific research and technological developments. In particular, new and emerging areas of research—such as genomics, synthetic biology and nanotechnology—have been accompanied by studies of their broader societal implications as well as public‐engagement efforts, in order to guide research and development in ways that respect societal concerns. Such attempts to shape technological trajectories have traditionally occurred both before scientific research, for example, through research policy, technology assessment or public participation, and afterwards, through regulations or market mechanisms. Although these stages are crucial points at which to intervene, the research process itself constitutes a largely overlooked opportunity for addressing social concerns. Indeed, if one acknowledges the central role that scientific research has in the innovation process, this is an area well worth examining. Shaping technological trajectories will, at some point, include shaping the very research processes that help to characterize them (Fisher et al , 2006). Social and …

Social capital mediates knowledge gaps in informing sexual and reproductive health behaviours across Africa

Beyond welfare reform: Reframing undocumented immigrants’ entitlement to health care in the United States, a critical review

One of the issues that cancer patients with minor or adolescent children face is whether to inform children about their cancer diagnosis. Their perspectives toward this issue are underexplored in China. The aim of this study was to explore Chinese cancer parents' perspectives toward informing children of their diseases. Eighteen cancer patients with children younger than 18 years were recruited using purposive sampling. Semistructured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted using a phenomenological approach. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's approach. Six main themes with 2 to 6 subthemes emerged: (a) inappropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children, (b) appropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children, (c) communication content between cancer patients and their children in regard to cancer, (d) attitude on ways of disclosing cancer diagnosis to children, (e) reflections on parenting style, and (f) unmet needs for information and support. Perspectives of Chinese cancer parents toward truthfully disclosing their diagnosis vary, but all are for the purpose of protecting their children. Study findings indicate that Chinese cancer parents have culture-specific considerations, such as concepts of death and filial piety, which differ from studies in Western countries. Meanwhile, there are barriers between cancer parents and children in communicating about the illness and unmet needs for information and support. Psychosocial assessments and consultations, education, and interventions need to include a focus on the dependent children of adult cancer parents.

A primary goal of the welfare state is to ensure that children and young people have a good upbringing and that families feel secure. However, several studies indicate that the risk of marginalisation and social exclusion increases, especially among children of low‐income and immigrant families. Why some children seem to be more loosely connected to people and the world around them is poorly understood. Based on a Foucauldian critical discourse review, this article aims to explore the most cited academic discourses on children’s connections to the social and material environment—typically referred to by terms such as “social inclusion,” “social participation,” “social integration,” and “social exclusion.” The main research questions are: What has been addressed in this literature, by whom, and what are the knowledge gaps? Some of the most important observations are that the most influential literature on children’s connections is typically written by psychologists, address children settled in the US, and tends to neglect important explanation factors, such as the material conditions of children’s everyday life. Implications for the (re)production of knowledge and knowledge gaps are discussed.

Communication Climate as Predictor of Perceived Corporate Governance and Organizational Success

É pacífico na doutrina e jurisprudência que o descumprimento da obrigação material dos pais em relação aos filhos menores e não emancipados é passível de sanção, inclusive, de prisão civil. Contudo, a grande controvérsia envolvendo o abandono imaterial ou afetivo é saber se os genitores que procedem de tal maneira podem ser responsabilizados e condenados por danos morais sofrido pelo filho abandonado. As sociedades contemporâneas enfrentam grandes transformações, particularmente no que diz respeito às Famílias e ao Direito, a partir destas mudanças o afeto passou a ser considerado valor jurídico, exigindo dos pais o dever de criar e educar os filhos sem lhes omitir o carinho necessário para a formação plena de sua personalidade, como atribuição do exercício da autoridade parental. Além disso, a própria Constituição Federal também imputa aos pais o dever de assistir, criar e educar os filhos menores de idade. Assim, a negativa pela responsabilização dos genitores ou de um deles pelo abandono moral da prole é incompatível com o pleno desenvolvimento psíquico, ético-existencial e social das crianças, jovens e adolescentes. Através da pesquisa bibliográfica, desenvolvida pelo método dedutivo, buscou-se abordar o embate proporcionado pelas decisões que concedem a responsabilização civil pelo abandono afetivo filial, bem como demonstrar a dificuldade de mensuração de tal indenização.

We introduce a new measure of social connectedness between U.S. county-pairs, as well as between U.S. counties and foreign countries. Our measure, which we call the Connectedness Index (SCI), is based on the number of friendship links on Facebook, the world's largest online social networking service. Within the U.S., social connectedness is strongly decreasing in geographic distance between counties: for the population of the average county, 62.8% of friends live within 100 miles. The populations of counties with more geographically dispersed social networks are generally richer, more educated, and have a higher life expectancy. Region-pairs that are more socially connected have higher trade flows, even after controlling for geographic distance and the similarity of regions along other economic and demographic measures. Higher social connectedness is also associated with more cross-county migration and patent citations. Social connectedness between U.S. counties and foreign countries is correlated with past migration patterns, with social connectedness decaying in the time since the primary migration wave from that country. Trade with foreign countries is also strongly related to social connectedness. These results suggest that the SCI captures an important role of social networks in facilitating both economic and social interactions. Our findings also highlight the potential for the SCI to mitigate the measurement challenges that pervade empirical research on the role of social interactions across the social sciences.