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While qualitative approaches in social network analysis have been flourishing, the research processes, especially data analysis, are still often informed by the structural network analysis paradigm. Furthermore, there is a lack of analytical approaches and systematic discussion on possible ways to analyze network data collected in the qualitative interpretative research paradigm. To close this gap, we propose a methodological approach that builds on the cultural turn in social network analysis that advocates a focus on subjective patterns of interpretation and historical/processual configurations. We formulate a biographical network analytical perspective, analyzing the development of a social network through a person's life history. Based on a case study derived from a research project on transnational support networks of older migrants in Perth, Australia, we aim to explicate the analytical procedure of the biographical reconstructive network analysis (BRNA). BRNA is a collaboratively developed analytical procedure for social network data collection and analysis. During the BRNA data collection, both the biographical-narrative interview and ego-centric network maps are implemented. The BRNA data analysis procedure is informed by biographical reconstructive research principles to fully understand and reconstruct the dynamics of social networks during the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very few of the >650 Proteaceae species in south-western Australia cope with the high calcium (Ca) levels in young, calcareous soils (soil indifferent); most are Ca sensitive and occur on nutrient-impoverished, acidic soils (calcifuge). We assessed possible control points for Ca transport across roots of two soil-indifferent (Hakea prostrata and Banksia prionotes) and two calcifuge (H. incrassata and B. menziesii) Proteaceae. Using quantitative X-ray microanalysis, we investigated cell-specific elemental Ca concentrations at two positions behind the apex in relation to development of apoplastic barriers in roots of plants grown in nutrient solution with low or high Ca supply. In H. prostrata , Ca accumulated in outer cortical cells at 20 mm behind the apex, but [Ca] was low in other cell types. In H. incrassata , [Ca] was low in all cells. Accumulation of Ca in roots of H. prostrata corresponded to development of apoplastic barriers in the endodermis. We found similar [Ca] profiles in roots and similar [Ca] in leaves of two contrasting Banksia species. Soil-indifferent Hakea and Banksia species show different strategies to inhabit calcareous soils: H. prostrata intercepts Ca in roots, reducing transport to shoots, whereas B. prionotes allocates Ca to specific leaf cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article focuses on the plain packaging law in Australia met with opposition from transnational tobacco companies (TTCs). It mentions that the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act is one of the initiatives aimed to reduce the tobacco consumption level. It adds that the regulatory chilling effect is the most visible case in New Zealand.

The article reports on a review by the World Trade Organization (WTO) panel of the agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). It notes that the dispute concerned the legality of the phytosanitary measures that Australia imposed on the importation of apples from New Zealand. It says that the introduction of those measures is aimed to protect Australia against certain pests established in New Zealand.

The UK is rare in allowing a number of gambling forms to be used legally by children under the age of 18. Some previous research indicates that adult problem gamblers are more likely to recollect using these products as children. However, no research has as yet assessed recollected levels of use irrespective of adult gambling status, or investigated these issues in other countries. This is relevant given that at least two of the tested products, coin push machines and crane grab machines, exist in other countries. The present research involves cross-sectional surveys conducted amongst UK (N = 2010) and Australian adults (N = 640), associating recollected legal youth gambling usage with past 12-month gambling, and levels of problem gambling amongst adult gamblers. Adult gamblers recollected using more legal youth gambling products than non-gamblers. For example, 66.6% of UK gamblers reported legally buying National Lottery tickets aged 16-17, compared to 20.9% of UK non-gamblers; 60.8% of Australian gamblers reported using coin push machines as a child, compared to 48.6% of Australian non-gamblers. Overall, 18 of 19 tested associations were significant and in the hypothesized direction for the UK sample, compared to five of eight for the Australian sample. The legal provision of gambling to children is a topic for further international research and policy consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]