Expression Of Preference Research Articles

Structural projections to the nucleus accumbens link to impulsive components of human risk preference

Abstract Functional responses in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc) to risk- and reward-related cues can predict real-life risk-taking behavior. Since NAcc activity depends on neurotransmission from connected brain regions, projections to the NAcc may also predict risk preference. To quantify risk preference, we employed latent variables previously derived in a comprehensive, independent study examining the psychometric structure of risk preference, which yielded a general risk preference factor as well as several specific factors, including a factor capturing impulsivity. Informed by previous work, we preregistered a set of hypotheses concerning the association between different risk preference factors and fractional anisotropy (or FA, which is sensitive to fiber coherence) for projections to the NAcc from Medial PreFrontal Cortex (MPFC), Anterior Insula, Amygdala, and an inferior tract from the Ventral Tegmental Area (iVTA). We tested our hypotheses in a community sample of 125 healthy human adults. As predicted, bilateral iVTA-NAcc tract FA showed a negative correlation with a psychometric factor that captured impulsivity, generalizing findings from prior research. Also as predicted, FA of the bilateral Amygdala-NAcc tract was positively associated with the impulsivity factor. Contrary to predictions, however, we observed no robust associations between the general risk preference factor and FA for projections from bilateral MPFC, right Anterior Insula, or bilateral Amygdala to the NAcc. Notably, exploratory unilateral analyses revealed an association between the general risk preference factor and left MPFC-NAcc tract FA. Taken together, these findings suggest that impulse control as a facet of risk preference maps onto specific neurobiological targets, while more general facets of risk preference may be supported by structural properties of lateral fronto-striatal projections. Although the exact associated functional mechanisms remain to be fully clarified, conNAcctomic approaches like the one presented here could pave the way for further research into the physiological foundations of risk preference and related constructs.

Choice Bolstering Changes Attribute Importance and Affects Future Choices

ABSTRACTPrior research has established that decision‐makers engage in a bolstering process by magnifying the value of a previously made choice in order to justify their choices. The current research examines the impact of bolstering on attribute importance weights and future choices. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrate that after making a choice between a priori comparable options, consumers prefer attributes (e.g., sunlight in an apartment) that they associate with positive features of their chosen option (lot of sunlight) more than attributes they associate (a) with negative features of their chosen option or (b) with positive features of their nonchosen option. These postchoice associations and altered attribute importance weights drive subsequent preferences. In an incentive‐compatible study, Experiment 3 demonstrates that bolstering goes beyond choice justification and impacts subsequent choice. After an initial choice, participants choose new products that have positive features consistent with their original chosen option rather than products with positive features consistent with their original nonchosen option. This research contributes to the literature on preference construction by examining the impact of justification for one's previous choices on constructed attribute preferences and subsequent choices.

Are Preference and Tolerance Measured With the PRETIE-Q (Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire) Relevant Constructs for Understanding Exercise Intensity in Physical Activity? A Scoping Review

Individual preference and tolerance can be seen as relevant traits for the understanding of the relationship between exercise intensity and behavioral outcomes. To better understand that relationship, this scoping review aimed to analyze preference for, and tolerance of, exercise intensity constructs in physical activity settings by verifying the contextual utility and feasibility of the subscales in the multiple settings of their application, the interpretation of the subscales, associations with other variables, and the reported limitations of the subscales’ use. The search was conducted through PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and B-on databases. Inclusion criteria were healthy individuals including athletes, experimental and nonexperimental studies written in English based on the assessment of subjective intensity in exercise; studies including the variables tolerance and/or preference. Exclusion criteria were instrument validation studies with no concurrent data, gray literature, and systematic reviews. Thirty-six studies published between 2005 and 2022 were analyzed. Results indicate that both constructs appear to be useful and feasible in various physical activity settings. No relevant limitations were reported for its use. Preference and tolerance constructs assessed with the PRETIE-Q (Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire) seem to offer a simple but useful understanding of the individual relation with exercise intensity in several physical activity–related outcomes.

Inherent linguistic preference outcompetes incidental alignment in cooperative partner choice

Abstract An important quality to assess in others is their cooperativeness. We hypothesized that people use linguistic markers in their partners’ speech as a proxy of their cooperativeness in other tasks: specifically, we predicted that participants would prefer syntactically similar conversation partners as cooperation partners in a monetary game. We found that, indeed, participants preferably selected syntactically similar conversation partners as cooperation partners, but only when the participants could communicate using their naturally preferred constructions. In contrast, when participants were forced to communicate using dispreferred constructions, they rather cooperated with those partners that matched their natural preference than with those that matched their overt linguistic use. This pattern of results was likely driven by participants valuing representational alignment (i.e., being aligned on both linguistic features and their mental representations) more than incidental behavioral alignment (i.e., superficial convergence on similar linguistic features during interaction). This is because representational alignment is a potential indicator of group membership and may be associated with in-group benefits such as reputation, reciprocity and normative behavior. Those benefits may outweigh the benefits of simple behavioral alignment, which could be a potential indicator of others’ willingness to cooperate. This has important implications for communication in intercultural settings where members of diverse linguistic groups negotiate cooperative actions.

Convergence of Age Differences in Risk Preference, Impulsivity, and Self-Control: A Multiverse Analysis.

Numerous theories exist regarding age differences in risk preference and related constructs, yet many of them offer conflicting predictions and fail to consider convergence between measurement modalities or constructs. To pave the way for conceptual clarification and theoretical refinement, in this preregistered study we aimed to comprehensively examine age effects on risk preference, impulsivity, and self-control using different measurement modalities, and to assess their convergence. We collected a large battery of self-report, informant report, behavioral, hormone, and neuroimaging measures from a cross-sectional sample of 148 (55% female) healthy human participants between 16 and 81 years (mean age = 46 years, standard deviation [SD] = 19). We used an extended sample of 182 participants (54% female, mean age = 46 years, SD = 19) for robustness checks concerning the results from self-reports, informant reports, and behavioral measures. For our main analysis, we performed specification curve analyses to visualize and estimate the convergence between the different modalities and constructs. Our multiverse analysis approach revealed convergent results for risk preference, impulsivity, and self-control from self- and informant reports, suggesting a negative effect of age. For behavioral, hormonal, and neuroimaging outcomes, age effects were mostly absent. Our findings call for conceptual clarification and improved operationalization to capture the putative mechanisms underlying age-related differences in risk preference and related constructs.

An Innovative Retrofitting Technique of an Industrial Prefabricated Building Without Evacuation

This paper presents a seismic retrofit of an industrial-type precast reinforced concrete building structure using friction dampers. The project consisted of retrofitting two precast reinforced concrete buildings, one of which will be presented in this paper. Precast concrete is one of the industrial structures' most preferred construction methods due to its low cost, fast construction, and availability in rural areas. Unfortunately, most structures constructed before “Specification for Buildings to be Built in Seismic Zones(TBDY 2018)[5]” are not sufficiently engineered and are expected to perform poorly when exposed to a significant seismic event. The general characteristic of precast reinforced concrete buildings built before TBDY 2018 is their relatively high concrete quality (compared to cast-in-place reinforced concrete buildings) and better reinforcement workmanship. But they have some characteristic weaknesses as well. Weak beam-column connections, high drift ratios due to heavy beams, instability problems, and lack of frame behavior can be considered primary weaknesses. General classical retrofitting techniques include increasing beam/column sections or adding new reinforced concrete or steel members to the system or FRP(fiber-reinforced polymer) wrapping. Mostly classical retrofitting needs additional foundations. All these techniques require a long construction period, causing evacuation and stopping building usage. Because stopping the production cost can be tolerated by the owners, a retrofitting approach that can be assembled during the normal function of the industrial structures is required. As a result of this requirement, friction dampers are selected as the supplemental energy dissipation device. ASCE 41-17 [10] is employed for the building's damper design and performance evaluation. Before the damper study, some instability and weak connection problems are solved by traditional strengthening measures. The most effective damper configuration and capacities are selected after an iterative trial-and-error linear study using the simplified methods developed by PROMER. Nonlinear push-over analyses are conducted after linear prestudies. Finally, a nonlinear time-history analysis is performed for confirmation of the results. , It is shown that the proposed retrofit scheme satisfies the desired performance goals for both DBE and MCE events. Overall, it is considered that the proposed retrofit scheme with dampers provides the optimal solution for the Project stakeholders from a performance, design, constructability, and economic point of view. Some application photos will be presented, and methods will be explained in detail in the paper. The friction damper behavior is based on the rotational friction hinge concept. The dampers increase building damping, causing a decrease in earthquake demand. As a result, dampers provide passive energy dissipation and protect buildings from structural and nonstructural damage during moderate and severe earthquakes.

Feasibility of Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation to Enhance the Internal Stability of Loess under Zn-Contaminated Seepage Conditions

Loess is widely distributed in Northwestern China and serves as the preferred engineering construction material for anti-fouling barriers. Heavy metal contamination in soil presents significant challenges to the engineering safety of vulnerable loess structures. Hence, there is an urgent need to investigate the impact of heavy metal ions on their percolation performance. In order to investigate the effectiveness of microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) using Sporosarcina pasturii (CGMCC1.3687) bacteria in reducing internal seepage erosion, a saturated permeability test was conducted on reshaped loess under constant water head saturation conditions. The response of loess to deionized water (DW) and ZnCl2 solution seepages was analyzed by monitoring changes in cation concentration over time, measuring Zeta potential, and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the hydrolysis of Zn2+ creates an acidic environment, leading to the dissolution of carbonate minerals in the loess, which enhances its permeability. The adsorption of Zn2+ ions and the resulting diffusion double-layer (DDL) effect reduce the thickness of the diffusion layer and increase the number of free water channels. Additionally, the permeability of loess exposed to ZnCl2 solution seepage significantly increased by 554.5% compared to loess exposed to deionized water (DW) seepage. Following the seepage of ZnCl2 solutions, changes in micropore area ratio were observed, decreasing by 48.80%, while mesopore areas increased by 23.9%. MICP treatment helps reduce erosion and volume shrinkage in contaminated loess. Carbonate precipitation enhances the erosion resistance of contaminated loess by absorbing or coating fine particles and creating bridging connections with coarse particles. These research results offer new perspectives on enhancing the seepage properties of saturated loess in the presence of heavy metal erosion and the geochemical mechanisms involved.

Restricted Philanthropic Gifts: Paradigm Clash between Law and Practice or Simply a Muddle?

Restricted philanthropic gifts are becoming more common, yet their legal characterisation is unsettled. Moreover, other than from anecdotal evidence, it is unclear how charities treat such gifts in practice. This article investigates the potential legal characterisations of restricted gifts and identifies the charitable trust as a commonly preferred construction by the courts. It then examines original empirical interview evidence from charities to show that, contrary to legal expectations, charities do not typically treat restricted gifts as being on charitable trust, but rather as being subject to an agreement or an extra-legal set of agreed norms with donors. This indicates a move away from a publicly regulated arrangement (the charitable trust) to private ordering arrangements, which has implications for the pursuit of public goals and the degree of power afforded to donors over social, cultural and environmental projects.

Interdependence of movement amplitude and tempo during self-paced finger tapping: evaluation of a preferred velocity hypothesis.

This study examined the relation between movement amplitude and tempo during self-paced rhythmic finger tapping to test a preferred velocity account of the preferred tempo construct. Preferred tempo refers to the concept that individuals have preferences for the pace of actions or events in their environment (e.g., the desired pace of walking or tempo of music). The preferred velocity hypothesis proposes that assessments of preferred tempo do not represent a pure time preference independent of spatial movement characteristics, but rather reflects a preference for an average movement velocity, predicting that preferred tempo will depend on movement amplitude. We tested this by having participants first perform a novel spontaneous motor amplitude (SMA) task in which they repetitively tapped their finger at their preferred amplitude without instructions about tapping tempo. Next, participants completed the spontaneous motor tempo (SMT) task in which they tapped their finger at their preferred tempo without instructions about tapping amplitude. Finally, participants completed a target amplitude version of the SMT task where they tapped at their preferred tempo at three target amplitudes (low, medium, and high). Participants (1) produced similar amplitudes and tempi regardless of instructions to produce either their preferred amplitude or preferred tempo, maintaining the same average movement velocity across SMA and SMT tasks and (2) altered their preferred tempo for different target amplitudes in the direction predicted by their estimated preferred velocity from the SMA and SMT tasks. Overall, results show the interdependence of movement amplitude and tempo in tapping assessments of preferred tempo.

Estimation of Soil Moisture Content Based on Fractional Differential and Optimal Spectral Index

Applying hyperspectral remote sensing technology to the prediction of soil moisture content (SMC) during the growth stage of soybean emerges as an effective approach, imperative for advancing the development of modern precision agriculture. This investigation focuses on SMC during the flowering stage under varying nitrogen application levels and film mulching treatments. The soybean canopy’s original hyperspectral data, acquired at the flowering stage, underwent 0–2-order differential transformation (with a step size of 0.5). Five spectral indices exhibiting the highest correlation with SMC were identified as optimal inputs. Three machine learning methods, namely support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and back propagation neural network (BPNN), were employed to formulate the SMC prediction model. The results indicate the following: (1) The correlation between the optimal spectral index of each order, obtained after fractional differential transformation, and SMC significantly improved compared to the original hyperspectral reflectance data. The average correlation coefficient between each spectral index and SMC under the 1.5-order treatment was 0.380% higher than that of the original spectral index, with mNDI showing the highest correlation coefficient at 0.766. (2) In instances of utilizing the same modeling method with different input variables, the SMC prediction model’s accuracy follows the order: 1.5 order > 2.0 order > 1.0 order > 0.5 order > original order. Conversely, with consistent input variables and a change in the modeling method, the accuracy order becomes RF > SVM > BPNN. When comprehensively assessing model evaluation indicators, the 1.5-order differential method and RF method emerge as the preferred order differential method and model construction method, respectively. The R2 for the optimal SMC estimation model in the modeling set and validation set were 0.912 and 0.792, RMSEs were 0.005 and 0.004, and MREs were 2.390% and 2.380%, respectively. This study lays the groundwork for future applications of hyperspectral remote sensing technology in developing soil moisture content estimation models for various crop growth stages and sparks discussions on enhancing the accuracy of these different soil moisture content estimation models.

Regulation of Gender Correct Communication in an Academic Environment – Recommendations and Methodological Documents and their Application

The text examines gender-correct communication in the context of the recommendations of the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic and of Czech universities on the use of gender-neutral language in academic settings. Individual recommendations for the use of preferred words and constructions in order to emphasize the role of women in public and academic life, to express respect for persons with non-binary gender, and to reduce the masculinization of language are considered. The text also presents a contrasting view of the language situation in the Czech Republic and Bul-garia and the specifics of the sociolinguistic situation in the two countries. The potential possibility of linguistic realization of the principles of gender inclusive language in Czech and Bulgarian is observed, and differences are found, although both languages have the same word-formation patterns and are genetically related Slavic languages.

MFM: A Multiple-Features Model for Leisure Event Recommendation in Geotagged Social Networks

Event-based social networks (EBSNs) are rich in information about users and leisure events. The willingness of users to participate in leisure events is influenced by many factors such as event time, location, content, organizer, and social relationship factors of users. Event recommendation systems in EBSNs can help leisure event organizers to accurately find users who want to participate in events. However, to address the existing cold-start problems and improve the accuracy of event recommendations, we propose a multiple-feature-based leisure event recommendation model (MFM). We introduce the user’s social contacts into the user preference features and construct a user feature space by integrating the features of the user preferences for events and organizers and preferences of the user’s closest friends. Moreover, considering the behavioral differences between active and inactive users, we extracted the respective features and trained the feature weight models. Finally, the experimental results showed that in comparison with the baseline models, the precision of the MFM is higher by at least 7.9%.

Can online interfaces enhance learning for public decision-making? Eliciting citizens’ preferences for multicriteria decision analysis

Innovative online interfaces informing and consulting citizens about their preferences for multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) could make public decision-making more participatory. We propose a three-faceted learning for decision-making framework and used it to test newly-designed online weight elicitation interfaces. We investigated two features meant to enhance learning: fully-fledged gamification with a narrative, interaction with nonplayer characters, and ambient music, and learning loops (LL) using consistency checks of elicited weights and the challenge to resolve inconsistencies. We operationalized our framework with a novel systematic set of measure instruments providing complementary data types. We designed a 2 × 2 between-subject experiment with pre- and postquestionnaires. Answers from 769 respondents, representative of the Swiss population in age and gender, indicated that the interfaces successfully raised awareness about wastewater management. Gamification was helpful: respondents performed better in the factual learning test, and unexpected social learning occurred. However, gamification lowered the perception of process understanding. The LL were beneficial: objectively, respondents performed better in the factual learning test. However, respondents perceived the LL as cognitively demanding and their factual learning as lower. Our structured assessment highlighted the need for further research to investigate, for instance, high interpersonal variability and the disparities between tested and perceived learning. Measuring preference construction remains challenging; and social learning should be added to the assessment framework. Applying such structured assessment of learning outcomes to more traditional operational research interventions would provide a baseline for future comparison.

Optimization of the formulation of a cellular concrete for bearing masonry of sustainable housing

Cellular concrete is a preferred construction material due to its low density, cost and environmental benefits. The aim of this study was to find formulation proportions, its impact and implementation conditions on the behaviour of cellular concrete in hardened state. The study showed the importance of good workability to obtain a good quality foamed concrete, and derived the recommended marginal proportions for the target criteria using the design of experiments method. 4 factors (water/cement ratio, amounts of fine sand, superplasticizer and foaming agent) were highlighted to analyse their impact on formulation. A series of different mix designs were prepared in order to assess suitable mixes for the target properties of compressive strength and dry density. By optimizing these proportions, mechanical properties improved due to the good quality of the fresh state, which affected the hardened state. Use of superplasticizer (0,8% by weight of cement) was a major factor in achieving good paste quality. The results showed that the interaction between the w/c ratio and the amount of sand was a determining factor in obtaining good workability. Tested samples in compressive strength at 28 days and measured density were presented, those with 0.5 of w/c ratio and 40% of sand showed an average compressive strength of 7 MPa and are close to target criteria of optimization, significant factors of the experience were defined and conclusion was reached comparing with literature.

Relative Compatibility Analysis of Aggregate-Binder Systems in Arkansas against Stripping

Compatibility holds great importance because it can predict the overall performance of asphalt mixtures. Incompatible aggregate-binder duos can result in a weak and friable mix as well as increase mixtures’ stripping potential. Being unaware, local agencies and contractors often struggle with premature pavement failure, which consequently places unexpected strain on the budget. Thus, this study assessed the compatibility among 18 asphalt binders with a performance grade (PG) of PG 64-22, PG 70-22, and PG 76-22, each collected from six different refineries; and eight different types of aggregates (sandstone, novaculite, limestone, and dolomite, each collected from two different quarries). Viscosity, penetration, pH, and work of cohesion values of binders were used to develop a binder ranking system. Similarly, the aggregates were ranked based on physical (specific gravity and absorption), durability (abrasion resistance and soundness), and chemical (pH and surface free energy) properties. Overall relative rankings of aggregates and binders were also provided by assigning weight factors to different tested parameters. A total of 144 aggregate-binder mixture systems were ranked based on their dry and wet work of adhesion values as well as Texas boiling test results. The compatibility ratio (CR) was also computed, and each of the systems was designated A, B, C, or D based on their relative CR values. Upon analysis, three binders (S2B2, S3B1, and S4B1) and three aggregates (DM2, LS2, and DM1) were designated as the most preferable construction materials. CR values predicted LS2, DM1, and DM2 mixtures as the most compatible mixtures. SS2, LS1, and DM2 mixtures showed the highest stripping resistance in the Texas boiling test. These databases are expected to help the agency and asphalt producers to select compatible binders and aggregates for producing durable asphalt concrete.Practical ApplicationsThis study covered a wide variety of aggregates and asphalt binders prevalent in but not limited to Arkansas. A database developed under this project was based on observed individual aggregates’ and binders’ performances as well as their combined performances. The information provided in this study will help contractors and agencies to choose the most appropriate aggregate-binder system within their reach for producing quality asphalt mixtures. By knowing the rankings, state agencies can adjust project budgets and assign timely rehabilitation due to the usage of less compatible aggregate-binder systems. Contractors can tweak the existing mix design if they must use local but inferior materials. This ranking will also help them to select project-specific materials depending on the project’s significance. The refineries as well will have the opportunity to improve their products to be more compatible with local materials.

PENONJOLAN PERAN SEMANTIS DAN KONSTRUKSI GRAMATIKAL PASANGAN VERBA -I DAN -KAN: KAJIAN GRAMATIKA KONSTRUKSIONAL BERBASIS KORPUS ATAS MENAWARI/MENAWARKAN

This paper presents quantitative corpus analyses of the profiled participant/semantic roles and the preferred grammatical constructions of semantically similar Indonesian verb-pair suffixed with -i and -kan. Menawari/menawarkan ‘to offer’ pair is chosen as a case study. Couched within the Construction Grammar and Frame Semantics theories, the analyses revealed that each verb differs regarding the profiled semantic roles within the preferred grammatical constructions the verb occurs in. Menawari strongly profiles Offerer, Potential_recipient and Theme in Double-Object Construction, while menawarkan only profiles Offerer and Theme in Monotransitive Construction. Although the quantitative findings confirm the theoretical hypothesis of the constructional behaviours for menawari/menawarkan, the study also discovers previously unpredicted constructional variation for menawari. Such variation (i) has a typological implication concerning the grammatical alignments of trivalent verbs and (ii) raises an intriguing question regarding constructional contamination by the constructional profile of the more frequent form (i.e., menawarkan) that is paradigmatically related to menawari.

Development of a Naturalness Preference Scale.

Naturalness preference can influence important health decisions. However, the literature lacks a reliable way to measure individual differences in naturalness preferences. We fill this gap by designing and validating a scale to measure individual differences in naturalness preference. We conducted 3 studies among Amazon Mechanical Turk participants. In study 1 (N = 451), we created scale items through an iterative process that measured naturalness preference in hypothesized domains. We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify items that assess the naturalness preference construct. In study 2 (N = 448), we conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and tests of criterion, discriminant, convergent, and incremental validity. In study 3 (N = 607), we confirmed test-retest reliability of the scale and performed additional validity tests. EFA revealed 3 correlated factors consistent with naturalness preference in medicine, food, and household products. The CFA confirmed the 3-factor structure and led to the decision to drop reverse-coded items. The finalized Naturalness Preference Scale (NPS) consists of 20 items and 3 subscales: NPS-medicine, NPS-food, and NPS-household products. The NPS demonstrated good test-retest reliability, and subscales had good validity in their respective domains. The NPS-medicine subscale was predictive of the uptake of a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine (r = -0.45) and belief in unproven natural COVID remedies and treatments (r = 0.29). The NPS will allow researchers to better assess individual differences in naturalness preference and how they influence decision making and health behaviors. This research created and validated a scale to measure individual differences in naturalness preference in 3 domains: medicine, food, and household products.This study confirms that the strength of the naturalness preference differs in different domains.An important and timely finding is that higher scores in the naturalness preference medical subscale are associated with belief in COVID-19 misinformation and reluctance toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Local Farmers’ Perception towards Eucalyptus Woodlot: Lesson Drawn from the Jamma District, Northeastern Ethiopia

Eucalyptus woodlots are the most economically important and extensively planted exotic tree species in Ethiopia. However, there are different arguments on Eucalyptus’s contribution and its effect on the environment from scholars and communities as a whole. Hence, this study investigates farmers’ perceptions and factors affecting their perception of Eucalyptus woodlot plantation. The sample size of respondents was 150 farmers who were selected randomly, and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. The result revealed that 65.3% of farmers had a positive perception, but they perceived negative effects like Nutrient competition of Eucalyptus on crops, effect on water resources, drying out of other plant species, shading effect, and causing soil infertility. Eucalyptus contributed 41.6% to the total household income, next to agriculture (54.2%). Degraded land, roadsides, and farm boundary were the common niches of Eucalyptus plantations. Furthermore, Eucalyptus wood products are the most preferable construction materials for local communities. The result shows that the majority of the farmers plant Eucalyptus on degraded land. The model result indicated that staying years in the area, farmers’ experience, age, educational status, and distance to market had significant effects on farmers’ perception towards Eucalyptus plantation. The findings recommended that different concerned bodies should work to address different socioeconomic and biophysical factors affecting farmers’ perception towards Eucalyptus woodlot. The findings further suggest that experts and policy-makers should consider the interests and perceptions of farmers to make decisions regarding Eucalyptus woodlot plantations

Cultural reflexivity and the referral problem: A discourse analysis of three initial sessions of intercultural couple therapy

AbstractUsing a combination of macro‐ and micro‐analytic approaches in discourse analysis, this article examines transcripts from three initial sessions of DVD‐recorded conjoint couple therapy with an intercultural couple. We analyse the strategies of power employed by therapy participants to promote their preferred construction of the referral problem. Focusing on the intersections of gender, psychopathology and culture, we explore how wider sociocultural discourses play out in the micro‐context of participants' discursive exchanges. We also consider how the therapist's interventions privilege and marginalise client discourses in both strategic and unintended ways. This article offers some clinical techniques to address the dilemmas and difficulties identified in our analysis. We conclude by underscoring the value of reviewing recordings and transcripts of therapy dialogues to enhance cultural reflexivity.

Development of a Novel Low-Energy Building: Effects of Room Orientation and Wall Materials

The development of low energy buildings in hot subtropical and desert like climates such as Australia and Kuwait, requires strategies that are rather challenging. Five (5) experimental rooms are going to be built to assess these energy saving techniques for a research program jointly between Kuwait and Australia. Before the construction phase, these rooms are simulated in TRNSYS18 for the two sites based on available weather data collected from Kuwait International Airport and Rockhampton Airport. The objectives are to investigate room orientation and walling materials on energy performance of the rooms. It was found that all rooms return identical temperature profiles in each of the eight (8) dominant directions, i.e., N, NE, E, SE, S, SE, E, and NW. Five (5) different commercially available wall materials were employed for the five (5) simulated rooms in Kuwait and Australia. It was found that autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) wall materials and north (N) building face orientation are the preferred construction material and orientation in both sites. The energy performance index (EPI) showed that AAC wall materials for the room faced towards north (N) provides the lowest cooling EPI of 646 and 448.4 kW/m2/year in Kuwait and Rockhampton, Australia, respectively.