Work Of Research Groups Research Articles

Emancipation enlargement and the acquisition of autonomy by young people in Catalonia

This article analyses family emancipation and the transition from school to work in the context of transition to adulthood in Catalonia, and discusses some central issues of youth sociology. The data used have been provided by the 2002 Catalan Young People Survey (Casal et al.,2004), carried out in 2002 and 2003, which was commissioned by the Catalan government and managed by the Education and Work Research Group (Autonomous University of Barcelona). The survey was done with a representative sample of 2000 young people from Catalonia aged between 15 and 29. This article explains the postponement of leaving home, the new degrees of autonomy managed by young people and the relationship between the age of emancipation and the complexity of transition from school to work. Finally, we highlight some conclusions with regard to the theoretical framework and policy-making issues.

Aportaciones teóricas y metodológicas a la sociología de la juventud desde la perspectiva de la transición

El articulo presenta y defiende un enfoque biografico acerca de la sociologia de la juventud, y define la juventud como proceso social de emancipacion que atane a aspectos economicos (posicion social y enclasamiento) y familiares (emancipacion de la familia). En la base del enfoque biografico esta el analisis acerca de los itinerarios y en la base sociologica esta el estudio de la diversidad de tipos de itinerarios y sus efectos. Las «modalidades de transicion» son la aportacion principal del articulo, juntamente con la consideracion triangulizada de las edades, las promociones y los periodos. Este planteamiento teorico tiene efectos directos acerca de la propuesta metodologica de corte biografico y longitudinal defendida en el articulo como via fecunda para el desarrollo de la sociologia de la juventud. La aportacion del articulo proviene de una investigacion sociologica a partir de una encuesta a los jovenes de Catalunya, pero tiene sus raices en otras investigaciones del GRET acerca de la sociologia de la juventud y de los procesos de emancipacion profesional y familiar.

Comparative Case Study of Two Biomedical Research Collaboratories

BackgroundWorking together efficiently and effectively presents a significant challenge in large-scale, complex, interdisciplinary research projects. Collaboratories are a nascent method to help meet this challenge. However, formal collaboratories in biomedical research centers are the exception rather than the rule.ObjectiveThe main purpose of this paper is to compare and describe two collaboratories that used off-the-shelf tools and relatively modest resources to support the scientific activity of two biomedical research centers. The two centers were the Great Lakes Regional Center for AIDS Research (HIV/AIDS Center) and the New York University Oral Cancer Research for Adolescent and Adult Health Promotion Center (Oral Cancer Center).MethodsIn each collaboratory, we used semistructured interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiry to assess user needs and define the technology requirements. We evaluated and selected commercial software applications by comparing their feature sets with requirements and then pilot-testing the applications. Local and remote support staff cooperated in the implementation and end user training for the collaborative tools. Collaboratory staff evaluated each implementation by analyzing utilization data, administering user surveys, and functioning as participant observers.ResultsThe HIV/AIDS Center primarily required real-time interaction for developing projects and attracting new participants to the center; the Oral Cancer Center, on the other hand, mainly needed tools to support distributed and asynchronous work in small research groups. The HIV/AIDS Center’s collaboratory included a center-wide website that also served as the launch point for collaboratory applications, such as NetMeeting, Timbuktu Conference, PlaceWare Auditorium, and iVisit. The collaboratory of the Oral Cancer Center used Groove and Genesys Web conferencing. The HIV/AIDS Center was successful in attracting new scientists to HIV/AIDS research, and members used the collaboratory for developing and implementing new research studies. The Oral Cancer Center successfully supported highly distributed and asynchronous research, and the collaboratory facilitated real-time interaction for analyzing data and preparing publications.ConclusionsThe two collaboratory implementations demonstrated the feasibility of supporting biomedical research centers using off-the-shelf commercial tools, but they also identified several barriers to successful collaboration. These barriers included computing platform incompatibilities, network infrastructure complexity, variable availability of local versus remote IT support, low computer and collaborative software literacy, and insufficient maturity of available collaborative software. Factors enabling collaboratory use included collaboration incentives through funding mechanism, a collaborative versus competitive relationship of researchers, leadership by example, and tools well matched to tasks and technical progress. Integrating electronic collaborative tools into routine scientific practice can be successful but requires further research on the technical, social, and behavioral factors influencing the adoption and use of collaboratories.

The Interplay and Synergism of Experiment and Quantum Chemistry in Research on Reactive Intermediates

Three examples from the work of the author's research group on reactive intermediates are used to illustrate how fruitful interaction between experimental and computational chemistry may lead to the solution of problems that neither of the two methods could have solved without the other. It is shown that computational chemistry has indeed become an indispensable tool for the verification of spectroscopic assignments, the elucidation of reaction mechanisms, and the understanding of the factors that drive chemistry.

From Fredrickson's classification of phenotypes--lipoprotein patterns--to genotype comprehension

First, we will review the major episodes of the initial clinical investigations on lipoproteins. They were carried out in the 1950s, decade of the expansion of Biochemistry. Gofman and his colleagues, at Berkeley, established the power and versatility of the ultracentrifugation method to study the serum lipoproteins. This research group identified Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, rather than generic cholesterol as the atherogenic agent. In 1955, Havel et al. at Bethesda, reported a simpler method for the separation of serum lipoproteins by preparative ultracentrifugation, which permitted chemical analysis of defined fractions. However, there was an obvious need for a technique to undertake a screening of a population because the epidemiological Framingham Study, started in 1946, had confirmed serum cholesterol levels as a major risk factor of atherosclerosis. In 1967, Fredrickson et al. applying electrophoresis methods to the separation of lipoproteins developed a classification of lipoprotein disorders, which was somewhat controversial, but it is still a reference. Alaupovic, pursuing his apolipoprotein studies, introduced the ABC nomenclature, the one in use today. In 1973, Brown and Goldstein described the LDL receptor and its function on regulating cholesterol homeostasis, laying the foundations of a classification of hyperlipoproteinemias on a genetic basis. Then, we will review the genetic basis of lipoprotein disorders, through the work of several research groups, studying, mainly, mutations leading to hypercholesterolemias; most hypertrygliceridemias are not well defined in genetic terms.

Using Contact-Specific Surface Area Estimates in Exposure Models

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this work are to demonstrate methods for the collection and incorporation of contact-specific surface area measurements in dermal exposure assessments and illustrate the potential difference in resulting dermal and non-dietary ingestion estimates using this type of surface area data. Continuing the work of Stanford's Exposure Research Group, categorical surface area data contained in children's sequential microlevel activity patterns were converted into quantitative coordinates, which in turn provided a foundation to map data on the skin surface. Programs were constructed to establish an accounting system of spatial coordinates, governed by categorical surface area data, to map exposure estimates or activity statistics on the skin. An illustrative example is provided that estimates the spatial variability of chlorpyrifos on the palm of a hand using contact-specific surface area data. Results show a maximum value of 14.6 ng on the fingertips and no chemical exposure along the edge...

The different steps of skin formation in vertebrates.

Skin morphogenesis occurs following a continuous series of cell-cell interactions which can be subdivided into three main stages: 1- the formation of a dense dermis and its overlying epidermis in the future appendage fields (macropattern); 2- the organization of these primary homogeneous fields into heterogeneous ones by the appearance of cutaneous appendage primordia (micropattern) and 3- cutaneous appendage organogenesis itself. In this review, we will first show, by synthesizing novel and previously published data from our laboratory, how heterogenetic and heterospecific dermal/epidermal recombinations have allowed us to distinguish between the respective roles of the dermis and the epidermis. We will then summarize what is known from the work of many different research groups about the molecular signaling which mediates these interactions in order to introduce the following articles of this Special Issue and to highlight what remains to done.

The gendered nature of men's filial care.

This paper investigates sociodemographic and family structure factors that predict men's involvement (n = 773) in different gendered dimensions of filial caregiving: traditionally male, gender neutral, and traditionally female care. The concepts that guide this research relate to family obligations or motivations to provide care, specifically, commitment to care, legitimate excuses, and caring by default. Data for this research come from the Work and Family Survey (1991-1993) conducted by the Work and Eldercare Research Group of CARNET: The Canadian Aging Research Network. Although such factors as geographic proximity and sibling network composition predict men's involvement independent of the type of task, the gendered nature of the task is important in how other factors, such as filial obligation, parental status, education, and income influence involvement in care. The findings suggest that, for traditionally male tasks, legitimate excuses or a commitment to care may play a more minor role in influencing men's involvement than is true for traditionally female tasks. Overall, this research demonstrates the importance of examining the gendered nature of the care tasks and highlights the value of the conceptual framework for explaining variations in men's filial care.

Climate change and Arctic ecosystems: 1. Vegetation changes north of 55°N between the last glacial maximum, mid‐Holocene, and present

A unified scheme to assign pollen samples to vegetation types was used to reconstruct vegetation patterns north of 55°N at the last glacial maximum (LGM) and mid‐Holocene (6000 years B.P.). The pollen data set assembled for this purpose represents a comprehensive compilation based on the work of many projects and research groups. Five tundra types (cushion forb tundra, graminoid and forb tundra, prostrate dwarf‐shrub tundra, erect dwarf‐shrub tundra, and low‐ and high‐shrub tundra) were distinguished and mapped on the basis of modern pollen surface samples. The tundra‐forest boundary and the distributions of boreal and temperate forest types today were realistically reconstructed. During the mid‐Holocene the tundra‐forest boundary was north of its present position in some regions, but the pattern of this shift was strongly asymmetrical around the pole, with the largest northward shift in central Siberia (∼200 km), little change in Beringia, and a southward shift in Keewatin and Labrador (∼200 km). Low‐ and high‐shrub tundra extended farther north than today. At the LGM, forests were absent from high latitudes. Graminoid and forb tundra abutted on temperate steppe in northwestern Eurasia while prostrate dwarf‐shrub, erect dwarf‐shrub, and graminoid and forb tundra formed a mosaic in Beringia. Graminoid and forb tundra is restricted today and does not form a large continuous biome, but the pollen data show that it was far more extensive at the LGM, while low‐ and high‐shrub tundra were greatly reduced, illustrating the potential for climate change to dramatically alter the relative areas occupied by different vegetation types.

Upgrading real-time control software in the field

The new millennium heralds the convergence between computing, communication, and the intelligent control of our physical environments. Embedded systems often have a long life cycle. This paper reviews our research group's work on how to upgrade embedded control systems without shutting them down, and how to protect the system from bugs and attacks that could be introduced by software upgrades.

Interference of Cryptococcus neoformans with human neutrophil migration.

This paper presents an extensive introduction on Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcosis followed by recent work of the Opportunistic Infections Research Group at the Eijkman-Winkler Centre (Utrecht, The Netherlands).KeywordsBacterial MeningitisCryptococcus NeoformansCryptococcal MeningitisSecondary ProphylaxisCryptococcal AntigenThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Strategies for the augmentation of grafted dopamine neuron survival.

The percentage of grafted embryonic DA neurons that survive transplantation is low, estimated at 5-20%. Significant agreement has emerged from the work of research groups worldwide that specific conditions associated with the transplant procedure and post-transplantation interval render grafted mesencephalic cells susceptible to apoptotic death. Detrimental triggers including hypoxia/ischemia, trophic factor withdrawal, and oxidative stress appear to exert the most impact on grafted DA neuron survival. Treatment strategies that aim to reduce or eliminate the triggers of grafted cell death appear to be more successful than approaches that target the intracellular apoptotic cascade. In particular, treatment of mesencephalic cell suspensions with isolated neurotrophic factors (GDNF, BDNF, NT 4/5) as well as glial-derived factors, antioxidant therapies and augmentation of graft vasculature have demonstrated consistent survival promoting effects. Caspase inhibition, although initially quite promising, has not been demonstrated to reliably increase grafted cell survival. Bcl-2 overexpression similarly has yet to prove beneficial, although this may be due to biologically irrelevant levels of bcl-2 present during the critical immediate post-grafting interval. Future strategies will target a "cocktail" approach in which effective treatment agents are combined to maximize grafted DA neuron survival. Refinements in ex vivo transduction parameters will allow for efficient sustained delivery of survival promoting agents to grafted cells. Once identified, the optimal survival-enhancing treatment of grafted primary embryonic DA neurons should also benefit future transplant therapies utilizing alternatively derived DA neurons.

Experimental and numerical investigations of controlled transition in low-speed free flight

This paper reports on the joint work of several university research groups, where scientists of five German universities tackled the problem of controlled laminar-turbulent transition on an unswept motor-glider wing with different low disturbance measurement methods on respective wing-gloves as well as with Direct Numerical Simulations. To establish a comparable measurement environment for the different measurement methods as well as to facilitate the comparison between measurement and numerical results, a controlled continuous disturbance wave train excited by a harmonic point source was introduced into the boundary-layer flow. A successful comparison between the controlled experiment and simultaneous computations is an essential step towards the understanding of more complex transition scenarios like natural transition. The investigation of the downstream development of the three-dimensional point-source disturbance was the main objective of the mutual research effort.

Primary and Proximate

This article examines the influence of specific characteristics of the caregiving relationship, including coresidence and being the primary provider of care, on sons' filial care involvement. This work focuses on the gendered nature of care by classifying tasks as traditional or nontraditional for men. Data for this research come from the Work and Family Survey (1991-1993) conducted by the Work and Eldercare Research Group of CARNET: The Canadian Aging Research Network, and is based on a sample of 440 men who provide some type of assistance to only one older parent or parent-in-law. The framework that guides this work is structured on concepts related to family obligations or motivations to provide care. This research finds that coresiding predicts greater involvement in nontraditional care; being the primary provider of care predicts greater involvement in traditional care. Results are discussed in relation to the conceptual framework that guides this research.

The Social Work Research Group/NASW Research Section/Council on Social Work Research, 1949-1965: An Emerging Research Identity in the American Profession

Objective To determine major themes and significance of the Social Work Research Group (SWRG), founded in 1949. Methods Archival research, principally at Social Welfare History Archives, University of Minnesota; oral historical interviews of key informants. Results The Social Work Research Group (SWRG), founded in 1949, fostered research within the profession by creating an organization representing and promoting social work research, advancing the place of research in teaching and scholarship, and establishing what ultimately became Social Work Abstracts. It was one of seven organizations leading to the 1955 creation of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Retaining NASW status, the SWRG (renamed NASW Research Section in 1955 and then Council on Social Work Research in 1963) moved from an earlier preoccupation with membership criteria and the place of research within the profession to conceptualizing and promoting research as an established social work method. Conclusion In doing so, the SWRG laid groundwork for the contemporary social work research movement.

Caring Sons: Exploring Men's Involvement in Filial Care

RésuméCette étude examine la structure familiale et socio-démographique et d'autres facteurs permettant de prédire l'engagement des hommes dans les soins à leurs parents. Les concepts qui ont guidé l'étude sont reliégitimes, soins forcés. Les données de la recherche sont tirées des travaux d'un groupe de recherche sur les soins aux aîné(e)s (Work and Eldercare Research Group) du Réseau canadien de la recherche sur le vieillissement (CARNET). Les travaux reposent sur un échantillon de 772 hommes qui fournissent de l'aide à leurs parents ou leurs beaux-parents âgés. Dans l'ensemble, les résultats démontrent la valeur du cadre conceptuel de l'explication des variables dans les soins accordés par les hommes. Ainsi, les contraintes de distance et les obligations envers de jeunes enfants semblent des raisons légitimes pour réduire son engagement. De plus, le fait d'habiter près et d'être fils unique peut «obliger» les hommes à s'engager dans les soins. Cette recherche fait ressortir la plus grande complexité de la question des soins filiaux accordés par les hommes par rapport à l'examen de la question dans une perspective de «différence entre les sexes».

Adventures in fire retardancy

The work of the author's research group on fire retardancy over the past twenty years is reviewed.

A comparison of numerical methods for solving diffusion-reaction equations in air quality models

In this paper we analyze the efficiency of some stiff ode solvers, applied to the coupled solution of vertical turbulent diffusion and chemical kinetics in Air Quality Models. We consider four general-purpose solvers, based on bdf or Rosenbrock methods, and two special-purpose solvers, developed for odes from atmospheric chemistry, and compare their performance on three test problems using different chemical models. The general-purpose solvers have been modified to take advantage of the sparsity of the Jacobian matrices arising in the application of implicit methods. The obtained results show that general-purpose solvers, provided with suitable sparse matrix techniques, perform generally better than special-purpose ones. Our analysis extends to the diffusion-reaction equations the recent work of other research groups, comparing ode solvers on atmospheric chemical kinetics equations.

La traducción jurídica en españa al torno del milenio

These past ten years have witnessed a substantial increase in studies and research in the area of legal translation in Spain. Researchers’ growing interest in specialised translation in all its forms combines with the creation of numerous translation departments, and the significant increase in demand for legal translation, spurred on by the European Union, and the embedment of Spanish economy in the international arena. This work aims to offer a panoramic view of the outstanding work in teaching and research that these factors have brought about. It centres on the work of various research groups, the majority of which are found within the institutional framework of the universities. It also highlights the valuable work of independent professionals whose, efforts and experience, have encouraged the development of the legal translator's profession, promoting the creation of professional associations, increasing the quality of legal translation and fostering communication with the university community.

An Overview of Analytical Chemistry in Australia

ABSTRACT A brief overview of analytical chemistry research in Australia is presented and reference is made to the work of several research groups. Topics covered include the development of a longitudinally modulated cryogenic system for comprehensive gas chromatography, mixed-mode capillary electrochromatography for manipulation of separation selectivity of inorganic ions, new developments in chemical metrology, discontinuous flow analysis and its applications, the design and applications of an orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer, and the use of chemiluminescence in a range of analytical techniques.