bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategie tłumaczy wobec zjawiska obcości kulturowej w przekładach dwudziestowiecznej prozy nowogreckiej na język polski
Authors: Jędraszak Natalia
Published: September 2015

Translation strategies in the face of cultural specificity of the 20th century Modern Greek prose translated into PolishAccording to Werner Koller, there are two main types of translations of texts which are connected to literature and culture. These types are adaptation and transfer. Adaptation is a result of using a translation strategy called domestication which consists in removing from the text all the elements which may seem odd or strange to the target reader and replacing them by some well-known units of the target culture. Transfer is a result of using a strategy called foreignization, that is of introducing to the target text some units characteristic of the source culture which may raise connotations of strangeness and foreignness. The choice of the strategy lies with the translator and depends on his vision of the target reader. The aim of this paper is to analyze translations of three Modern Greek novels into Polish with special attention paid to solutions chosen by the translators in the face of two main translation problems which are results of cultural specificity of the text: lexical problems and allusions to some historical, cultural and social facts as well as to the information these solutions provide on the translators’ vision of the target reader. Strategie tłumaczy wobec zjawiska obcości kulturowej w przekładach dwudziestowiecznej prozy nowogreckiej na język polskiWerner Koller wyróżnia dwa główne rodzaje przekładu tekstów związanych z literaturą i kulturą: adaptację oraz transfer. Adaptacja jest wynikiem użycia strategii tłumaczeniowej zwanej udomowieniem, która polega na usunięciu z tekstu elementów, które czytelnikowi docelowemu mogłyby wydać się obce i zastąpieniu ich dobrze znanymi mu elementami kultury docelowej. Transfer natomiast polega na zastosowaniu strategii zwanej egzotyzacją, tj. wprowadzeniu do tekstu docelowego elementów charakterystycznych dla kultury źródłowej, które mogą u odbiorcy tłumaczenia wywoływać poczucie obcości. Wybór pomiędzy tymi strategiami zależy od tłumacza oraz jego wizji czytelnika docelowego. Przedmiotem tego artykułu jest analiza przekładów trzech wybranych powieści nowogreckich na język polski, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem rozwiązań zastosowanych przez tłumaczy w obliczu dwóch głównych problemów tłumaczeniowych, które wynikają z kulturowej specyfiki tekstu: problemów leksykalnych oraz odniesień do wydarzeń historycznych i faktów społecznych, jak również wiedzy, którą te rozwiązania dostarczają nam na temat wyobrażeń tłumaczy o czytelnikach docelowych przekładanych tekstów.
„Und sollte jemand nach mir fragen, sag’, dass ich ihn herzlich grüsse!”
Authors: Nehring Gerd-Dieter
Published: September 2015

“And if anyone would ask for me, say I greet him cordially“The paper overviews as obituary the professional career and work of the known scientist in Albanian and Balkan studies Oda Buchholz (21.01.1940-02.01.2014). It focuses particularly on her publications in the Albanian-German lexicography and grammar drafting as well as on her activities as professor and her cooperation in Germany and abroad. The obit also draws attention to important translations by this scientist and friend of South Eastern Europe. „Jeśli ktokolwiek spyta o mnie, pozdrówcie go serdecznie”Tekst nekrologu przedstawia drogę naukową i dorobek wybitnej albanolożki i bałkanolożki Ody Buchholz (21.01.1940-2.01.2014).
Krótka charakterystyka bałkańskich portali internetowych, blogów i stron internetowych poświęconych tematyce bałkańskiej
Authors: Karasiński Artur
Published: September 2015

A short review of the Balkan portals, blogs and websitesThis review offers a listing and brief account of selected sites available on the net, where ‘Balkans’ is the word in focus. The text is designed to encourage interested people to visit websites or to facilitate the search for information. It may also be useful because it lists the most popular internet portals of each Balkan country. Krótka charakterystyka bałkańskich portali internetowych, blogów i stron internetowych poświęconych tematyce bałkańskiejKrótka charakterystyka stanowi wykaz i zwięzłą recenzję wybranych miejsc w sieci, gdzie Bałkany stanowią tzw. word in focus. Tekst ma za zadanie zachęcić do ich odwiedzenia lub ułatwić poszukiwanie informacji. Przydatna może okazać się lista najpopularniejszych bałkańskich portali internetowych poszczególnych krajów bałkańskich.
А. Н. Соболев, Основы лингвокультурной антропогеографии Балканского полуострова. Том I: Homo balcanicus и его простpанство
Authors: Sawicka Irena
Published: September 2015

А. Н. Соболев, Основы лингвокультурной антропогеографии Балканского полуострова. Том I: Homo balcanicus и его простpанствоA review of the new monograph in Balkan studies: А. Н. Соболев, Основы лингвокультурной антропогеографии Балканского полуострова. Том I: Homo balcanicus и его простpанство, Наука - Санкт-Петербург, Verlag Otto Sagner – München, 2013. А. Н. Соболев, Основы лингвокультурной антропогеографии Балканского полуострова. Том I: Homo balcanicus и его простpанствоRecenzja najnowszej pozycji bałkanologicznej: А. Н. Соболев, Основы лингвокультурной антропогеографии Балканского полуострова. Том I: Homo balcanicus и его простpанство, Наука – Санкт-Петербург,  Verlag Otto Sagner – München, 2013.
Role of Mesoscale Eddies in Cross-Frontal Transport of Heat and Biogeochemical Tracers in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Dufour Carolina O. , Griffies Stephen M. , de Souza Gregory F. , Frenger Ivy , Morrison Adele K. , Palter Jaime B. , Sarmiento Jorge L. , Galbraith Eric D. , Dunne John P. , Anderson Whit G. , Slater Richard D.
Published: September 2015

This study examines the role of processes transporting tracers across the Polar Front (PF) in the depth interval between the surface and major topographic sills, which this study refers to as the “PF core.” A preindustrial control simulation of an eddying climate model coupled to a biogeochemical model [GFDL Climate Model, version 2.6 (CM2.6)– simplified version of the Biogeochemistry with Light Iron Nutrients and Gas (miniBLING) 0.1° ocean model] is used to investigate the transport of heat, carbon, oxygen, and phosphate across the PF core, with a particular focus on the role of mesoscale eddies. The authors find that the total transport across the PF core results from a ubiquitous Ekman transport that drives the upwelled tracers to the north and a localized opposing eddy transport that induces tracer leakages to the south at major topographic obstacles. In the Ekman layer, the southward eddy transport only partially compensates the northward Ekman transport, while below the Ekman layer, the southward eddy transport dominates the total transport but remains much smaller in magnitude than the near-surface northward transport. Most of the southward branch of the total transport is achieved below the PF core, mainly through geostrophic currents. This study finds that the eddy-diffusive transport reinforces the southward eddy-advective transport for carbon and heat, and opposes it for oxygen and phosphate. Eddy-advective transport is likely to be the leading-order component of eddy-induced transport for all four tracers. However, eddy-diffusive transport may provide a significant contribution to the southward eddy heat transport due to strong along-isopycnal temperature gradients.
Through the Eyes of the Experts: Meteorologists’ Perceptions of the Probability of Precipitation
Authors: Stewart Alan E. , Williams Castle A. , Phan Minh D. , Horst Alexandra L. , Knox Evan D. , Knox John A.
Published: September 2015

Prior surveys of the public indicated that a variety of meanings and interpretations exist about the probability of precipitation (PoP). Does the same variety of meanings for the PoP exist among members of the professional atmospheric science community? What do members of the professional community think that the public should know to understand the PoP more fully? These questions were examined in a survey of 188 meteorologists and broadcasters. Meteorologists were observed to express a variety of different definitions of the PoP and also indicated a high degree of confidence in the accuracy of their definitions. Differences in the definitions stemmed from the way the PoP was derived from model output statistics, parsing of a 12-h PoP over shorter time frames, and generalizing from a point PoP to a wider coverage warning area. In this regard 43% of the online survey respondents believed that there was no or very little consistency in the definition of PoP; only 8% believed that the PoP definition has been used in a consistent manner. The respondents believed that the PoP was limited in its value to the general public because, on average, those surveyed believed that only about 22% of the population had an accurate conception of the PoP. These results imply that the atmospheric science community should work to achieve a wider consensus about the meaning of the PoP. Further, until meteorologists develop a consistent conception of the PoP and disseminate it, the public’s understanding of PoP-based forecasts may remain fuzzy.
Effects of Fluticasone Furoate on Clinical and Immunological Outcomes (IL-17) for Patients With Nasal Polyposis Naive to Steroid Treatment
Authors: Venkatesan Narayanan , Lavigne Philippe , Lavigne Francois , Hamid Qutayba
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

We investigated the effect of topical steroids on clinical outcomes and related immune response of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) patients and in eradicating some polyps. We want to explore a new potential mechanism linked to Th-17 cells.

Methods:

Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with 24 allergic and nonallergic patients were randomized to either placebo or fluticasone furoate for 12 weeks. Assessment of clinical response, endoscopic score with biopsies of the inferior turbinate, and polyps before and after treatment were performed. Biopsies were stained for T-cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and IL-17A/F.

Results:

Steroid treatment improved the mean symptoms scores from 7.12 to 4.02 ( P < .01) and the polyp score from 5.13 to 3.31 ( P < .05), but the comparison with placebo was not statistically significant in nonallergics due to insufficient study power. Steroid treatment decreased eosinophil counts on allergics but not neutrophils or T-cells. The IL-17A/F expression was higher in nonallergics with high neutrophil counts and was inclined by steroids. Compared to baselines, IL-17 cells were significantly less in allergic individuals and were not observed in allergics and with high neutrophil counts.

Conclusion:

Topical steroids were more effective on certain nasal polyp phenotypes. Identification of polyp phenotype might be essential to ensure a better therapeutic response to intranasal corticosteroids.
Testing for cultural measurement equivalence in research on domestic and international tertiary students' fear of crime
Authors: Xiong Lin , Nyland Christopher , Smyrnios Kosmas X
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Education institutions routinely instruct students on how to remain safe from crime. We hold that this instruction and much of the associated practice might be problematic, because none of the researchers who have contrasted the fears and the victimization avoidance strategies of domestic and international students have tested for cultural measurement equivalence. This study aims to examine, whether cultural measurement equivalence exists when domestic and international tertiary students respond to fear of crime-related measures.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 1170 tertiary students across four Melbourne-based universities, Australia. Multiple group confirmatory factor analyses with covariance and mean structures, using structural equation modeling, were used to test whether the same constructs were measured across international and local tertiary students.

Results

The two cohorts hold the same conceptual frame of reference when responding to the measurement items. However, the cohorts display different true score values in relation to a number of questionnaire items associated with fear of crime, perceptions of safety, and avoidance behavior.

Conclusions

This study suggests that researchers need to render testing for cultural measurement equivalence standard practice, when undertaking cross-cultural studies of student safety and that such practice should also be incorporated into student safety programs.
A Dream Best Forgotten
Authors: Bartholomew Theodore T. , Gundel Brittany E. , Kantamneni Neeta
Published: September 2015

Refugees are often forced into states of imposed vulnerability in which loss is common and migration is normative. Karen refugees from Myanmar have endured a long civil war with the Burmese government, followed by their forced relocation to refugee camps and subsequent global resettlement. This phenomenological study aimed to understand the meanings ascribed to pre-resettlement stress among resettled Karen refugees. We interviewed six participants who were identified through purposeful sampling in a Karen refugee community. Using phenomenological analysis, we identified and interpreted 286 meaning units. The meaning units were then grouped into four themes: (a) Loss From Oppression, (b) Resignation and Acceptance in a Context of Regular Violence, (c) Ongoing Insecurity While Confined in Camps, and (d) Redefined Selfhood. The results provide a contextual understanding of the pre-resettlement stressors experienced by Karen refugees.
Looking intra-organizationally for identity cues: Whether perceived organizational support shapes employees’ organizational identification
Authors: Lam Long Wai , Liu Yan , Loi Raymond
Published: September 2015

We propose that employees’ perceptions of intra-organizational cues are an important factor influencing their identification with their organizations. Building on self-categorization theory, we examine whether perceived organizational support influences organizational identification. We contend that in addition to the mediating effect of affective commitment, organizational identification also mediates the effect of perceived organizational support on employees’ extra-role behavior. We collect perceptions of perceived organizational support, organizational identification and extra-role behavior information from 363 nurses in China using a three-wave data collection method and find empirical evidence to support most of our hypotheses. We find that collectivism moderates the indirect effect of perceived organizational support on extra-role behavior through organizational identification. We discuss the implications of our findings.
Summoning the spirits: Organizational texts and the (dis)ordering properties of communication
Authors: Vásquez Consuelo , Schoeneborn Dennis , Sergi Viviane
Published: September 2015

This article addresses the question: why does disorder tend to simultaneously accompany efforts to create order when organizing? Adopting a communication-centered perspective, we specifically examine the role of texts in the mutual constitution of order and disorder. Drawing on empirical material from three qualitative case studies on project organizing, we show that attempts of ordering through language use and texts (i.e. by closing and fixing meaning) tend to induce disordering (i.e. by opening the possibility of multiple meanings), at the same time. As we contend, these (dis)ordering dynamics play a key role in the communicative constitution of organization, keeping them in motion by calling forth continuous processes of meaning (re-)negotiation.
Politics with soul: Social work and the legacy of Nelson Mandela
Authors: Sewpaul Vishantie
Published: September 2015

The choices made by Nelson Mandela for forgiveness, peaceful reconciliation and democracy contributed to a remarkable political transition in South Africa, which have important lessons for social work. Unfortunately, Mandela’s ethical political leadership remains an exception rather than the rule. While social work does have its shadow side, it has always had an emancipatory thrust, with a commitment to doing no harm, social justice and human rights. By making the being for the Other principle the normative in social work, the profession can contribute to an ethical politics and be constructed as politics with soul.
Jails in the United States
Authors: Lurigio Arthur J.
Published: September 2015

In the United States, jails confine large numbers of people each day and process nearly 12 million admissions each year. The estimated average daily population in American jails, as of midyear 2014, was 744,600. Jail overcrowding has continued to remain a problem at the onset of the new millennium, especially in large jurisdictions. More stringent drug and crime control policies and enforcement strategies led to the precipitous rise in the jail population. Jails are a critical resource for the criminal justice system and the larger community. As local institutions, jails often serve the medical and behavioral healthcare needs of the residents in a jurisdiction and are home to the most impoverished and disenfranchised members of the community: the unemployed, the homeless, and those with addiction, and mental illness. Jails have also become increasingly more populated by women. This special issue of The Prison Journal was compiled to focus further attention on servicing and managing the jail detainee population and provides an in-depth look at jails through a variety of lenses. The issue includes articles about the proper role of the jail as a venue for delivering behavioral healthcare and other services and the jail reentry process in rural jurisdictions. Other articles explore a jail reentry program for detainees with substance use disorders; the problems and challenges of female detainees; the nature and extent of trauma among women in a large urban jail; the use and abuse of solitary confinement in jails; and the mentally ill in jails.
Inter-professional prescribing masterclass for medical students and non-medical prescribing students (nurses and pharmacists): a pilot study
Authors: Paterson R , Rolfe A , Coll A , Kinnear M
Published: September 2015

Background and aims

Prescribing errors cause significant patient morbidity and mortality. Current legislation allows prescribing by different health professions. Inter-professional collaboration and learning may result in safer prescribing practice. This study aimed to develop, pilot and test the feasibility of a simulated inter-professional prescribing masterclass for non-medical prescribing students, medical students and pharmacists.

Methods and results

A three-scenario, simulated patient session was designed and implemented by an expert panel. Medical students, non-medical prescribing students and pharmacists worked together to formulate and implement evidence-based prescriptions. The Readiness for Inter-professional Learning Score (RIPLS) and a self-efficacy score were administered to the students and the Trust in Physician Score to the simulated patients. Overall, the RIPLS and self-efficacy scores increased. Pharmacists showed the highest rating in the Trust in Physician score. Post masterclass group discussions suggested that the intervention was viewed as a positive educational experience.

Conclusion

An inter-professional prescribing masterclass is feasible and acceptable to students. It increases self-efficacy, readiness for inter-professional learning and allows students to learn from, about and with each other. A larger study is warranted and the use of feedback from simulated patients explored further.
A national approach for the use of simulation to educate and train the NHS workforce: the First National Clinical Skills Strategy
Authors: Ker Jean , Cachia Philip , Beasant Beverley
Published: September 2015

Introduction

There have been a number of drivers for the use of simulation in healthcare education for the NHS workforce. The development of an accessible and efficient national approach to its implementation has been challenging.

Methods

An action research approach was used to develop a national strategy using several data inputs.

Results

From sampling across practitioners and territorial health boards geographical and professional groups, access was the main challenge to the use of simulation.

Conclusion

Four priority areas were identified, which formed the basis of the national strategy Partnership for Care, which included a mobile unit, a managed educational network, a programme board and an alliance of stakeholders.
Distribution of GPs in Scotland by age, gender and deprivation
Authors: Blane David N , McLean Gary , Watt Graham
Published: September 2015

General practice in the UK is widely reported to be in crisis, with particular concerns about recruitment and retention of family doctors. This study assessed the distribution of GPs in Scotland by age, gender and deprivation, using routinely available data. We found that there are more GPs (and fewer patients per GP) in the least deprived deciles than there are in the most deprived deciles. Furthermore, there are a higher proportion of older GPs in the most deprived deciles. There are also important gender differences in the distribution of GPs. We discuss the implications of these findings for policymakers and practitioners.
The application of the Practitioners in Applied Practice Model during breaking bad news communication training for medical students: a case study
Authors: Dunning Rose , Laidlaw Anita
Published: September 2015

Background and aims

Breaking bad news is a key skill within clinical communication and one which can impact outcomes for both the patient and practitioner. The evidence base for effective clinical communication training in breaking bad news is scarce. Frameworks have been found to assist the practitioner, such as SPIKES; however, the pedagogical approach used alongside such frameworks can vary. This study sought to examine the impact of utilising the Practitioners in Applied Practice Model (PAPM) alongside the SPIKES framework for training undergraduate medical students in breaking bad news.

Methods and results

A case study approach is used to highlight the impact of training based on the PAPM and SPIKES on patient-centred communication and simulated patient satisfaction with the clinical communication behaviour. Results showed that following training, both patient-centred behaviour and patient satisfaction improved. With detailed communication behaviour changes, a balance was established between rapport building behaviour, lifestyle and psychosocial talk alongside biomedical information.

Conclusion

This case study shows how the PAPM could be utilised alongside the SPIKES framework to improve breaking bad news communication in medical undergraduate students and describes the behavioural basis of the improvement. Further research is required to show the generalisability of this training intervention.
Anxiety Sensitivity and Reactivity to Asthma-Like Sensations Among Young Adults With Asthma
Authors: McLeish Alison C. , Luberto Christina M. , O’Bryan Emily M.
Published: September 2015

Anxiety sensitivity, particularly the physical concerns domain, is associated with more problematic asthma symptoms and greater functional limitations. It has been theorized that anxiety sensitivity fosters greater reactivity to asthma-related physical sensations; however, this theory has yet to be empirically tested. Thus, the present investigation sought to examine the role of anxiety sensitivity–physical concerns in terms of affective and physical reactivity to asthma-like symptoms. Participants were 101 undergraduates with asthma (76.2% female, Mage = 19.69 years, SD = 3.77 years, range = 18-49 years) who completed self-report measures and a straw-breathing task. Results indicated that after controlling for the effects of gender, asthma control (i.e., how well one’s asthma symptoms are managed or controlled), and negative affectivity, greater levels of anxiety sensitivity–physical concerns significantly predicted greater anxiety (4.7% unique variance) and asthma symptoms (6.9% unique variance) and lower levels of lung function (4.4% unique variance) after the straw-breathing task. These findings suggest that individuals with asthma who are fearful of physiological arousal are a particularly “at-risk” population for poor asthma outcomes because of this greater reactivity and could benefit from interventions targeting anxiety sensitivity.
Alternative Linear Item Response Theory Observed-Score Equating Methods
Authors: Wiberg Marie
Published: September 2015

Item response theory observed-score equating (IRTOSE) is widely used in many testing programs. The aim of this study was to empirically examine three alternative linear IRTOSE methods compared with the traditional IRTOSE method and to discuss these methods in light of previously suggested alternatives. This contribution is both conceptual, by exploring three alternative methods that fit into the current observed-score equating framework, and empirical by comparing the methods through simulations and with real data. The results show that the local linear (kernel) IRTOSE methods yield low bias and low values on loss measures. However, using only a linear IRTOSE method results in excessive bias and cannot be recommended because of the ease with which IRTOSE with full distributions can be performed. An example using real data showed considerable differences in the equated scores with the alternative methods as well as in comparison with the traditional IRTOSE method. Practical considerations are given in the concluding remarks.
Toward an Ethics of Algorithms
Authors: Ananny Mike
Published: September 2015

Part of understanding the meaning and power of algorithms means asking what new demands they might make of ethical frameworks, and how they might be held accountable to ethical standards. I develop a definition of networked information algorithms (NIAs) as assemblages of institutionally situated code, practices, and norms with the power to create, sustain, and signify relationships among people and data through minimally observable, semiautonomous action. Starting from Merrill’s prompt to see ethics as the study of “what we ought to do,” I examine ethical dimensions of contemporary NIAs. Specifically, in an effort to sketch an empirically grounded, pragmatic ethics of algorithms, I trace an algorithmic assemblage’s power to convene constituents, suggest actions based on perceived similarity and probability, and govern the timing and timeframes of ethical action.
Co-opting feminism: media discourses on political women and the definition of a (new) feminist identity
Authors: Loke Jaime , Bachmann Ingrid , Harp Dustin
Published: September 2015

While feminism is a heterogeneous and complex ideological perspective, mainstream news media have routinely portrayed it in simplistic terms and as social deviance. Within a context of increasing visibility of public women in the political arena in the United States – many of them self-proclaimed feminists – this study examines and illustrates the ideological struggle for defining ‘feminism’ in mediated discourse. A textual analysis of more than 200 US news websites stories from 2007 to 2011 shows how this struggle for meaning centers on women in the political public sphere. In doing so, this article addresses the consequences of such coverage for women and gender equality.
Wind and the city: An evaluation of San Francisco’s planning approach since 1985
Authors: Kim Hyungkyoo , Macdonald Elizabeth
Published: September 2015

In 1985, San Francisco adopted a downtown plan on ground-level wind currents intended to mitigate the negative effects of wind on pedestrians’ perceived comfort in public open spaces. The plan mandates that new buildings in designated parts of the city associated with high density or development potential be designed or adopt measures to not cause wind in excess of accepted comfort levels. This study examines whether and to what degree the plan has successfully shaped an urban form that mitigates wind by comparing the ground-level wind environment in 1985 and 2013. A series of wind tunnel tests found that during San Francisco’s windiest season when the westerly winds are prevalent, the overall mean wind speed ratio measured at 318 locations in four areas of the city dropped by 22%. However, there still exist many excessively windy places that are associated with specific urban form conditions, including streets oriented to have direct exposure to westerly winds, flat façades on high-rise buildings, and horizontal street walls where building façades align. Recommendations based on the findings include incorporating more tangible guidance on the built form conditions, expanding the plan’s reach to cover more parts of the city, and learning from strategies used elsewhere. By evaluating the urban form impacts of a wind mitigation policy that has been in place for 30 years, the research offers insights for other cities that have implemented or plan to adopt similar approach and sheds light on issues related to wind comfort in high-density urban areas.
Grounded Theory as a Macromarketing Methodology
Authors: Samuel Anthony , Peattie Ken
Published: September 2015

This article details and justifies Grounded Theory as a methodology for researching into significant and emerging macromarketing phenomena, through an exploration of its use to investigate the marketing dynamics of the Fairtrade Towns Movement. The paper describes the research journey undertaken from the initial consideration of Fairtrade Towns as an under-researched and challenging topic, through to the final production of new theory rooted in the reality of the research context. The philosophy and systematic processes that underpin Grounded Theory are explained, along with examples of how the key processes of data collection and analysis were undertaken. The insights generated in this paper demonstrate Grounded Theory as a suitable, yet underused, research approach available to macromarketers. It is revealed as a methodology that can bring rigor and confidence to research into emerging macromarketing themes, and the paper concludes by considering its potential for application in key spheres for future research.
A qualitative exploration of a community-based singing activity on the recovery process of people living with mental illness
Authors: Lagacé Martin , Briand Catherine , Desrosiers Julie , Larivière Nadine
Published: September 2015

Introduction

This study first aims to qualitatively explore the benefits of a community-based singing activity taking place in Montreal, Canada. The second aim is to identify the activity’s essential components that potentially explain these benefits.

Method

An exploratory evaluative design involving qualitative descriptive methods was used. Thirteen individuals with various mental illnesses, the voice teacher and the activity coordinator participated in a group interview.

Findings

Four main benefits emerged from the participants’ interviews: (1) rediscovering identity and gaining self-confidence; (2) resuming and engaging in meaningful occupations and projects; (3) learning to collaborate with others and improving social skills; (4) improving physical condition and cognitive skills. The essential components of the activity were identified as: a normalizing environment and the absence of stigma; high expectations and support for participants; teacher-led stress relief exercises and activities; the use of singing as an activity to express emotions and stimulate cognitive functions.

Conclusion

This community-based singing activity appears to have contributed to the recovery process of its participants. There is a clear role for occupational therapists to promote, facilitate and support such activities outside traditional mental health services, since the participants were looking for occupational participation opportunities in normalizing community contexts.
Development of a staff training intervention for inpatient mental health rehabilitation units to increase service users’ engagement in activities
Authors: Cook Sarah , Mundy Tim , Killaspy Helen , Taylor Deborah , Freeman Lara , Craig Thomas , King Michael
Published: September 2015

Introduction

This study developed a training intervention (‘GetREAL’) to change the practice of staff working in National Health Service inpatient mental health rehabilitation units in order to increase service users’ engagement in activities.

Method

The intervention was developed through eight consultation events and piloting in two settings, drawing on the expertise of occupational therapists, psychiatrists, organisational change specialists and service users, together with multi-disciplinary teams.

Results

A manual for the intervention, a fidelity checklist, an induction programme and training materials were produced. The intervention applied a three-stage change model (predisposing, enabling and reinforcing) and was informed by theories from occupational therapy and organisational development. It was delivered by psychiatrists, occupational therapists, activity workers and service users. Staff were encouraged to change their ward structures and routines as well as their practice. Clinical supervision and reflective practice were integral to the trainers’ regime.

Conclusion

The intervention was theoretically coherent, allied to practice and shown to be feasible to deliver. It offered tailored work-based training to the whole multi-disciplinary team, including support staff. Making activity central to rehabilitation could improve patients’ use of time and their consequent function and wellbeing. However, questions were raised about long-term sustainability of change processes.
Effects of radial stress at anchor zone on tensile properties of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendons
Authors: Shi Jianzhe , Wang Xin , Wu Zhishen , Zhu Zhongguo
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the effects of radial stresses induced by anchoring component at anchor zone on the tensile properties of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendons and proposes allowable radial stresses for design and application. The tensile experiments were first conducted to determine the tensile strength of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendons with different types of anchorage including bonding, friction, and compression with protective layer to achieve different levels of radial stresses. The longitudinal compressive strength, transverse compressive strength, and in-plane shear strength of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendons themselves were also measured for theoretical prediction. On the basis of experiments, the theoretical analysis by Hoffman strength criterion on ultimate tensile strength of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendon was conducted according to the above experimental results while the allowable axial stress for application was studied accordingly. The results show that the radial stress affects significantly on the ultimate strength of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendon. The mean values of ultimate strength of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendons anchored by friction and compression with different radial stresses are 5, 12, and 15% lower than that of the specimens by bonding anchor. Hoffman strength criterion is proven to be an effective model in predicting the ultimate strength with different anchorages. For 6 mm basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendon, the radial stresses at the anchor zone are recommended to be below 50 MPa to assure no strength reduction and below 90 MPa with allowable 10% strength reduction. Radial stress is not allowed to exceed 130 MPa to avoid compression failure. The prediction method can guide the design of effective anchorage for the prestressing application of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer tendon.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Posterior Cortical Atrophy and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Suárez-González Aida , Crutch Sebastian J. , Franco-Macías Emilio , Gil-Néciga Eulogio
Published: September 2015

Background:

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by early progressive visual dysfunction in the context of relative preservation of memory and a pattern of atrophy mainly involving the posterior cortex. The aim of the present study is to characterize the neuropsychiatric profile of PCA.

Methods:

The Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to assess 12 neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in 28 patients with PCA and 34 patients with typical Alzheimer disease (AD) matched by age, disease duration, and illness severity.

Results:

The most commonly reported NPS in both groups were depression, anxiety, apathy, and irritability. However, aside from a trend toward lower rates of apathy in patients with PCA, there were no differences in the percentage of NPS presented in each group. All those patients presenting visual hallucinations in the PCA group also met diagnostic criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Auditory hallucinations were only present in patients meeting diagnosis criteria for DLB.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of the 12 NPS examined was similar between patients with PCA and AD. Hallucinations in PCA may be helpful in the differential diagnosis between PCA-AD and PCA-DLB.
Network Models of Minority Opinion Spreading
Authors: Alvarez-Galvez Javier
Published: September 2015

Although several models in the literature analyze the dynamics of opinion formation, less attention has been paid to explain how the structure of social networks and their contextual circumstances can influence the course of minority public opinions. This work aims to pose three basic questions: (1) how the structure of social networks can affect the spread of minority opinion, (2) how committed agents influence this process, and (3) how mass media action, as a contextual factor, can vary different agents’ opinions and network composition. Agent-based modeling is used to create a network model of preferential attachment to explore how phenomena of minority opinion spreading can evolve under different simulated scenarios. This study shows that the success of minority opinions depends on network structure and composition and thus on external factors such as mass media action that can mediate the strength of these internal determinants. Although people tend to remain silent when they feel that their opinions are in the minority, our findings suggest that prevailing majority opinion may be promptly replaced by what was formerly minority opinion if core agents in the network structure and/or external sources support this view.
Force-balancing model predictive control of MEMS vibratory gyroscope sensor
Authors: Hosseini-Pishrobat Mehran , Keighobadi Jafar
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the design process of a new model predictive control (MPC) for force-balancing operation mode of a vibratory Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) gyroscope is investigated. Based on the internal model principle, a robust repetitive MPC is proposed to regulate the gyroscope’s drive mode output to a pre-specified periodic reference signal and to set the sense mode vibration to zero. Owing to the fast dynamics of the MEMS gyroscope, large prediction horizons are required to attain the closed-loop stability as well as tracking objectives. In order to alleviate the computational burden of online optimization within large prediction horizons, a set of orthonormal functions, named Laguerre functions are used to parameterize the system trajectories. Distinguishing features of the proposed control method, for MEMS gyroscope applications, are robustness to large parametric uncertainty, exogenous disturbances/noises and the capability to handle the hard input constraints within an optimal setting. Using a recursive least squares algorithm, on-line estimation of the unknown angular rate and the quadrature error of the force-balanced gyroscope is performed. Through computer simulations, the tracking accuracy of the proposed control method together with the convergence of the parameter estimation algorithm is assessed.
Parametric modeling and updating for bolted joints of aeroengine casings
Authors: Zhai Xue , Fei Cheng-Wei , Wang Jian-Jun , Yao Xing-Yu
Published: September 2015

To establish accurate finite element (FE) model of bolted joint structures of aeroengine stator system (casings), this work implements the parametric FE modeling and updating of bolted joints of aeroengine stator system with multi-characteristic responses (multi-object). Firstly, the parametric FE modeling approach of bolted joint structure was developed based on the thin layer element method. And then the FE model updating thought of aeroengine stator system was developed based on the probabilistic analysis method. Finally, the parametric modeling and updating of the bolted joints of aeroengine stator system with multi-characteristic responses was completed by the optimization iteration calculation of objective function based on the proposed methods and the static stiffness testing data. Through the parametric modeling of bolted joint structures based on the thin layer method, the complexity of FE model of aeroengine casings with many bolted joint structures is reduced. As shown in the FE model updating of casings with multi-characteristic responses analysis, the static stiffness from the updated model are very close to the test data, in which the maximum relative error decreases to 3.9% from 30.52% and the others are less than 3%, so that the design precision of aeroengine stator system with the many and wide variety of bolted joints gets a great improvement. Moreover, the proposed methods of parametric modeling and model updating for multi-characteristic responses are validated to be effective in the simulation and equivalent of the mechanical characteristics of bolted joints in complex systems like aeroengine stator system.
Multiobjective sequential optimization for a vehicle door using hybrid materials tailor-welded structure
Authors: Fang Jianguang , Gao Yunkai , Sun Guangyong , Xu Chengmin , Li Qing
Published: September 2015

To achieve lightweight vehicle door, this paper presents a novel design with a hybrid material tailor-welded structure (HMTWS). A multiobjective optimization procedure is adopted to generate a set of solutions, in which the door stiffness and mass are taken as objective functions, and the material types and plate thicknesses are regarded as the discrete and continuous design variables, respectively. To improve the optimization efficiency, Kriging algorithm is used for generating surrogate model through a sequential sampling strategy. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is employed to perform the multiobjective optimization. It is found that for the same computational cost, the sequential sampling strategy can yield more accurate optimization results than the conventional one-step sampling strategy. Most importantly, HMTWS is found more competent than the traditional thin-walled configurations made of steel or other lighter mono-materials for maximizing the usage of materials and stiffness of the vehicular door structures.
Full-scale testing of a novel slip control braking system for heavy vehicles
Authors: Henderson Leon , Cebon David
Published: September 2015

This paper summarises the measured emergency braking performance of a tri-axle heavy goods vehicle semitrailer fitted with a novel pneumatic slip control braking system developed by the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium. Straight-line braking tests were carried out from 40 km/h in order to compare a commercially electro-pneumatic available anti-lock braking system and the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium system, which has bi-stable valves coupled with a sliding-mode slip controller. On average, the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium system reduced the stopping distance and the air use by 15% and 22% respectively compared with those for the conventional anti-lock braking system. The most significant improvements were seen on a wet basalt-tile surface (with similar friction properties to ice) where the stopping distance and the air use were improved by 17% and 30% respectively. A third performance metric, namely the mean absolute slip error, is introduced to quantify the ability of each braking system to track a wheel slip demand. Using this metric, the bi-stable valve system is shown to improve the wheel slip demand tracking by 62% compared with that of the conventional anti-lock braking system. This improvement potentially allows more accurate control of the wheel forces during extreme manoeuvres, providing scope for the future development of advanced stability control systems.
Effect of a dimethyl ether–soybean methyl ester blend as an alternative fuel on the combustion and the distributions of nitrogen oxide emissions and soot emissions in a passenger car diesel engine
Authors: Ryu Bong Woo , Lee Donggon , Roh Hyun Gu , Lee Chang Sik
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the effect of a dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend as an alternative fuel on the combustion and the spatial distributions of nitrogen oxide emissions and soot emissions in a diesel engine using experimental and numerical approaches. The results obtained from the combustion and the emission characteristics (such as the heat release, the nitrogen oxide emissions, the soot emissions, the carbon monoxide emissions and the hydrocarbon emissions) of a dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend are compared with the results from a conventional diesel fuel. The test fuels used in this investigation were dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend, dimethyl ether and a conventional diesel fuel. The dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend is a mixture of 80 wt % dimethyl ether and 20 wt % biodiesel fuel. A numerical calculation was conducted to analyse the combustion characteristics, the spray behaviours, the mixture formation, the emissions characteristics and the spatial distributios of nitrogen oxides and soot for the dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend in a cylinder by using the AVL FIRE program. The numerical results showed that the combustion characteristics of the dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend and diesel fuel were in good agreement with the experimental results, such as the combustion pressure and the rate of heat release. It was found that the effect of the dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend on the combustion characteristics in an engine resulted in a shorter ignition delay and advanced ignition compared with those using conventional diesel fuel. In addition, the combustion duration of the dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend was shorter than that of diesel fuel. The combustion effect of the dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend on the concentration of the exhaust emissions indicated that the carbon monoxide emissions and the hydrocarbon emissions were lower than those from diesel fuel. On the other hand, the nitrogen oxide emissions of the dimethyl ether–soybean oil methyl ester blend slightly increased in comparison with those from diesel fuel. The soot emission concentration was nearly zero for the entire test range.