Demonstration and interpretation of ‘scutoid’ cells formed in a quasi-2D soap froth

ABSTRACT

Recently a novel type of epithelial cell has been discovered and dubbed the ‘scutoid’. It is induced by curvature of the bounding surfaces. We show by simulations and experiments that such cells are to be found in a dry foam subjected to this boundary condition.     

Thermodynamic fluctuations in magnetic states: Fe3Pt as a prototype

To understand the Invar anomalies, such as negative thermal expansion and spontaneous magnetization, we have applied our recently developed thermodynamic framework for a system with itinerant-electron magnetism to the ordered Fe₃Pt. The framework has coherently predicted the finite temperature intermixing between the fully ferromagnetic (FM) configuration and the spin-flipping configurations (SFCs). We have also discovered a tri-critical point at which a high-temperature second-order phase transition, between the fully ordered FM phase and the paramagnetic phase which is disordered due to SFCs, becomes first order at low temperatures.     

A theory of work softening

Observed features of the yield drop in work softening support the view that the structure in a slip band is heterogeneous in a metal such as aluminium or copper. The centre of the band is almost empty of dislocations. These are concentrated round its boundary, particularly as walls of edge dipoles at its ends. It is argued that work hardening is due to the prevention of the passage of these dislocations by a forest of obstacles with small activation volumes and energies. Thermal energy enables them to cut through their obstacles and so to penetrate further into their walls, thereby reducing their back stress and enabling the Frank-Read sources, within the bands, to become active at lower applied stresses. The yield drop is explained as due to an overshooting, resulting from this thermally activated cutting, of the stress to operate the sources.     

Social aspects of career choice from the perspective of habitus theory

The concept of habitus designates a cognitive structure that is socially embedded and can give valuable insight into the social influences on career choice. A study investigating the relationship of habitus to career choice is presented in a sample of Icelandic youth aged 19–22 (N = 476). Measures of habitus were developed on the basis of reported cultural and leisure activities. The analysis of leisure and cultural items progressed in two steps: factor analysis and cluster analysis. The clusters constitute the four different habitus groups: Pop and fashion, Sports and rock, Music, and Literature. Correspondence factor analysis showed that the habitus groups (clusters) were related to other social variables, such as gender and class; validating habitus theory. Additionally, habitus measures were strongly linked to career variables, such as occupational perception and preferred future occupation. The results support previous research in showing that habitus theory is relevant to career counseling theory and can be a basis of understanding the relationship between social structure and career choice.     

The role of career values for work engagement during the transition to working life

The present longitudinal study examined the role of career values for work engagement across the transition from university education to working life. Finnish young adults reported on their career values (intrinsic, rewards, and security values) at the age of 23; and the degree of person–organization fit (value congruence, and congruence between one's education and the job), subjective income and economic stress two years later at the age of 25. Work engagement was assessed at both measurement points. Structural equation modeling results showed, first, that intrinsic but not rewards or security career values were related to work engagement. Second, value congruence and having a job which was related to young adults' educational field were positively associated with work engagement. Our findings suggest that along with person–organization fit, intrinsic career values are a significant factor in shaping and facilitating successful transitions from education to work.     

Stemming the tide: Predicting women engineers' intentions to leave

This investigation adapts and extends the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) by integrating it with central constructs from turnover theory. The extended model proposes that domain specific self-efficacy and outcome expectations predict job satisfaction and organizational commitment — the two key job attitudes that have been established as influential predictors of turnover cognitions and behaviors. Further, we proposed that one form of organizational supports, specifically developmental opportunities at work, are sources of self efficacy and outcome expectations, and that the relationship between organizational supports and job attitudes is mediated by self-efficacy and outcome expectations. The proposed model was tested on a national sample of 2,042 women engineers. Overall, the results provided support for our newly developed model. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.     

Efficacy of a Post-modern Group Career Assessment Intervention of Disadvantaged High School Learners

The study used a post-modern group assessment procedure to explore career perceptions of 11 Grade 11 learners (6= males; 5= females; mean age = 17 years) from disadvantaged communities. A qualitative process of thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results suggest that narrative career assessment in a group setting may provide a viable alternative to career counselling and assessment with disadvantaged learners.     

Life design counselling effects on the career adaptability of learners in a selective independent school setting

This collective case study applied life design counselling to augment the career adaptability of learners in a South African independent school setting. Five purposively selected learners attending Grade 11 (age range: 16–18) completed eight group-based life design counselling sessions. Data on their career adaptability pre- and post-intervention were gathered from sessional notes. The data were thematically analysed. Following the intervention the participants displayed improved career adaptability as evidenced by their demonstrated efforts to address aspects related to career concern, control, curiosity and confidence. Life design counselling appeared to have a positive effect on the career adaptability of learners in an independent school setting.     

Parental Involvement in Career Development among Disadvantaged Adolescents

The study investigated perceived parental involvement in career development amongst disadvantaged adolescents. Participants were 14 Grade 9 learners (8 boys and 6 girls: mean age =14 years) from a disadvantaged community in North-West Province in South Africa. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and analyzed thematically. Perceived constructive verbal persuasion or encouragement was influential in parents' facilitation of career development in their adolescent children. One-way communication from the parents to the adolescents was perceived to be non-supportive of their career development. Vicarious learning was manifested in the adoption of well-known people as role models in the absence of parental role models.     

Career Development for Psychology Students through an Inpatient Mental Health Volunteer Programme

We report on a volunteer programme for undergraduate psychology students, as a prospective career pathway into the inpatient mental health context. Data on motives for joining the programme, as well as their expectations and career plans were collected from 56 students (mainly under 25 years of age; approximately 80% females) in a volunteer placement within an inpatient mental health setting. About 89.3% of the volunteers reported being on the programme to enhance their applications for postgraduate training prospects in the same field. Only 10.7% were motivated primarily by the desire to help mentally ill patients. Over three-quarters planned to pursue postgraduate training in clinical psychology.