Introductory Phase Research Articles

The think aloud method in studying the translation process

This paper presents a theoretical description of the process-oriented research method in translation studies known as the think aloud method and a case study of an experimental application of think-aloud protocols (TAP). The article begins with a brief description of the relevance of its topic, taking into account the state of current researches in the field of translation studies. A literature review of recent publications where the think aloud method and think-aloud protocols as the principal introspective and retrospective method in different translation studies is given. The shortcomings and advantages of applying the think aloud method are discussed and the ways to optimise the use of this method for effective verbal data gathering are suggested. The main body of the paper consists of the detailed description of the think aloud method within the framework of the experimental research on the strategic competence of the Ukrainian students majoring in translation studies at Yurii Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. The author presents the participants of the experiment and briefly explains the choice of the translation tasks used for the experimental research. The analysis of the texts selected for the experimental translation research is discussed. The procedure of gathering verbal reports from the participants of the experimental group is described. The author gives detailed instructions on how to prepare participants of an experimental research at the introductory phase for using the think aloud method, how a researcher should behave during an interview, how to make audio and video recording, how to remind participants of an experimental group to think aloud, etc. The results of the conducted experimental research as well as the analysis of the gathered verbal data are presented. It is shown how verbal data can serve as a means of analysis of Ukrainian-speaking students’ strategic competence. Some practical examples illustrate the unique characteristics of the verbal data inherent to the participants of the experimental group. The paper concludes with the discussion of implications of the research and avenues for further studies devoted to the think aloud method applied with other tools to gain wider understanding of students’ behaviour during translation process.

Competences in Context: Students\u2019 Expectations and Reflections as Guided by the Mobile Application Reflect.UP

Mobile applications are suitable as a structural possibility for students beginning their studies. Using the app Reflect.UP, students are encouraged to reflect on the organization, contents, and objectives of their studies. This article focuses on how students can acquire the academic ability to consider their own actions, which is an intrinsic component of academic professionalization. The work examines how a competency framework is derived through study regulations and module descriptions, and how subsequent questions for students’ reflection are systematically created using this framework. Next, the hybrid mobile application Reflect.UP and its underlying software components are introduced, stimulating students’ reflections on study content and objectives. The data gathered through the practical use of Reflect.UP is evaluated, and then the ensuing conclusions drawn from students’ problems and learning processes for organizing the course of studies are explored. In addition, this paper reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of a mobile application as a sociological and technological compound for structural support of the introductory phase of education.

Investigation of the Impact on Throughput of Connected Autonomous Vehicles with Headway Based on the Leading Vehicle Type

Although the future era of autonomous driving is seen as a solution for many of the current problems in traffic; the introductory phase, with low penetration rates of connected-autonomous vehicles (CAVs), might lead to lower capacities. This forecast is based on certain assumptions that the CAVs can operate more efficiently when communicating and cooperating—already proved in real tests—therefore in practice, they can keep smaller following headways. However, it is envisioned that they might keep larger headways to other conventional vehicles for safety reasons. Lower connected-autonomous vehicle (CAV) penetration rates lead to a reduction in the overall vehicle throughput, then with increasing penetration rates, throughput is recovered and eventually improved. Simulations demonstrate that the impact on vehicle throughput depends on the car following headway and penetration rate. Based on this potential reduction in the maximum throughput for low penetration rates, the aim of this paper is the mitigation of this phenomenon at urban intersections through a possible managing solution to sort CAVs and a pre-set green-time start. A microsimulation model has been calibrated using PTV Vissim to reflect this operating solution, using new possibilities as leading vehicle class dependent headway settings and formula-based routing for sorting vehicles at a two-lane intersection entry. This approach allows the formation of platoons at intersections and uses their effectiveness even at low CAV penetration rates. The tested scenario is simplified to through traffic without turnings maneuvers and the results show that the potential loss in throughput is canceled and reductions in the control delay can reach 17% for oversaturated conditions.

Bodybuilding and Fitness Doping in Transition. Historical Transformations and Contemporary Challenges

This article describes and analyses the historical development of gym and fitness culture in general and doping use in this context in particular. Theoretically, the paper utilises the concept of subculture and explores how a subcultural response can be used analytically in relation to processes of cultural normalisation as well as marginalisation. The focus is on historical and symbolic negotiations that have occurred over time, between perceived expressions of extreme body cultures and sociocultural transformations in society—with a perspective on fitness doping in public discourse. Several distinct phases in the history of fitness doping are identified. First, there is an introductory phase in the mid-1950s, in which there is an optimism connected to modernity and thoughts about scientifically-engineered bodies. Secondly, in the 1960s and 70s, a distinct bodybuilding subculture is developed, cultivating previously unseen muscular male bodies. Thirdly, there is a critical phase in the 1980s and 90s, where drugs gradually become morally objectionable. The fourth phase, the fitness revolution, can be seen as a transformational phase in gym culture. The massive bodybuilding body is replaced with the well-defined and moderately muscular fitness body, but at the same time there are strong commercialised values which contribute to the development of a new doping market. Finally, it is possible to speculate on the development of a fifth phase, in which fitness doping is increasingly being filtered into mainstream gym and fitness culture, influencing the fitness doping demography.

(In)eficácia do Princípio de Precaução no Brasil

RESUMO Este artigo tem por objetivo revisar o Princípio de Precaução no ordenamento nacional ante os acordos internacionais assumidos pelo Brasil. Optamos por uma abordagem constitucional na fase introdutória, pois Princípio de Precaução, que emerge do artigo 225 da Constituição Federal, é considerado como Princípio Geral do Direito Ambiental. O artigo está dividido em três itens. No primeiro deles, como introdução, sugerimos um panorama da sua inserção no direito ambiental brasileiro a partir das convenções internacionais. O segundo item refere-se à sua incorporação pela a doutrina jurídica brasileira. No terceiro, apresentamos alguns exemplos da sua [in]eficácia no contexto nacional. As considerações finais evocam a urgência de uma postura precautória.

Late Acceptance Hill Climbing Algorithm For Solving Patient Facing Problems In Hospitals

The current study is to evaluate the patient facing problems by applying Late Acceptance Hill Climbing Algorithm (LAHC) in hospital settings. The recent proposed procedure of LAHC is based on metaheuristic algorithm which is linked with one-point clarification method. Patient’s satisfaction regarding the performance of the hospital is a composite mechanism. The optimization procedure is connected with NP-hard problems which is practically related to the problems faced by patients. These problems are concerned with assigning the group of patients visiting the hospital for receiving healthcare services. The common issues faced by patients include communication gap, response time to attend patients, early symptomatic relief, getting proper advice for dosage and usage of medicines, clean hospital environment. Moreover, patient education and guidance before discharge from hospital is also the missing element. The suggested algorithm of LAHC to PFP is developed and it has two phases: the first phase includes providing the initial feasible solution using communication-oriented methodology. The second phase uses three neighborhood framework which are implanted inside the segment of PFP based on LAHC to additionally upgrade the underlying feasible solution of the introductory phase.

Circular design: reused materials and the future reuse of building elements in architecture. Process, challenges and case studies

The design process in which existing materials are reused or which aims to enable future reuse of building elements differs significantly from a standard design trajectory. Working with construction waste requires material tests, assessments, and consultations as well as defining available waste sources. Designing for future reuse demands extended research on the layers of buildings, properties of materials, dismountable joints, maintenance techniques, and reuse scenarios. This results in a longer introductory phase and often in a higher cost of the project. Circular design also faces other challenges, which concern environmental (e.g., recycling potential), social (e.g., social perception of reused materials), infrastructural (e.g., lack of processing plants) and legal issues (e.g., non-flexible construction law). These aspects often influence already technically complicated design process. However, there are projects in which reused materials were successfully implemented. Buildings designed for future reuse of their elements are also being built. In this paper selected case studies from Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Denmark present how different types of construction waste (incl. waste from concrete, brick, wooden, metal, plastic and glass elements) can be reused in architecture. Moreover, this article analyses the circular design process, related challenges and investigates the emerging role of the architect.

Business Model Innovation in Declining Markets

While many academics have examined industries in the introductory or growth phase of the industrial lifecycle, the declining phase has been neglected. The literature on declining markets does not c...

Participative Management: A Model for Governance of Territorial Communities

Principles of participative management have been commonly used in the contemporary management. This involves decentralization and democratization of management, various forms of employees’ engagement in the organization’s management. The participative management ideas, if practiced, can offer the key to building an effective management system and motivating business entities to a complex organization, and it can be a feasible model for organization of governance within the local self-governance system. 
 Participative management is based on recognition of mutual interests of all the members of an organization, thus integrating these interests and increasing the employees’ concern with labor results. It can exist in various forms, of which the main ones are income-sharing, profit-sharing, equity-sharing and participation in management. Each form of participative management can be implemented separately, but the highest effect can result from their combination (the synergy effect).
 Participative management has already been widely used by many business organizations in Europe and elsewhere. Participative management, therefore, is one of the advanced management methods involves decentralization and democratization of management, participation of employees in management, effective utilization of human resources for their development and the development of the organization’s system. Participative management can change and reinforce the employee’s motivation system. Yet, the participation does not diminish the rights and responsibilities of managers. 
 Principles of participative management are more and more often used in public governance as a model for governance within the local self-governance system. However, practical use of participative management tools still requires detailed theoretical studies.
 Because participative management principles and tools have only been at introductory phase now, they require theoretical elaborations and practical experiences especially. High effectiveness of participative management can be achieved only in established and capable territorial communities, when the collective intellect and collective interest of all the members of a territorial community is engaged in governance processes.

Klaus Friedrich Roth, 1925-2015

Klaus Friedrich Roth, 1925-2015

Education and Training on Introduction of Geology for Spatial Planning

In 2015 and 2016, the Education and Training Center of Geology, Mineral, and Coal (Pusdiklat Geologi, Mineral dan Batubara) developed training of Introduction to Geology for Spatial Planning based on a new standard curriculum. The objective of this training is to prepare the participants in dealing with basic environmental geology data and its analysis for spatial planning, including data and information management and generation, basic knowledge in the geographic information system (GIS) as well as the data interpretation and obstacles within spatial planning regarding the geological factors. Furthermore, the training is meant to introduce participants to basic methods in spatial planning processes, such as participatory planning, scenario building, and conflict analysis for geologically-induced conflicts in spatial planning. One focus of the training is the issue of disaster prevention via spatial planning. For this topic, the training refers to the Guideline for the Implementation of Geological Hazard Information in Spatial Planning (Pedoman Penyusunan Informasi Bahaya Geologi untuk Penataan Ruang) developed by the Geological Agency of Indonesia in 2015, supported by the German Development Cooperation. The approach of the new training differs from the previous standard curriculum which focused on operational and more technical procedures and scoring of geological analysis. One problem of passed training is the effectiveness of the training due to different knowledge levels of the participants, outsourced training parts and the often-passive didactic method implemented during the training. The new training is using a blended learning system, combining between e-learning in the introductory phase of the training to harmonize the participant's background and a highly interactive approach with practical elements to encourage the participants to apply theoretical knowledge directly. Moreover, the training aims to improve the participants’ capabilities to implement their knowledge to real case studies, from which they are likely to become more competent to fulfill their office tasks for sure. The new curriculum and training setup is adaptive to the current development process, using methods of gap analysis and SWOT analysis, determined contents, didactical needs, and limitations. These methods help to compare the expected performance of the new curriculum, both internally and externally, with the performance of the previous curriculum. Furthermore, the whole process is accompanied by focus group discussions to acquire feedback, reviews, and considerations for the setup and content of the changes applied to the curriculum.

Potential Synergies of β-Hydroxybutyrate and Butyrate on the Modulation of Metabolism, Inflammation, Cognition, and General Health.

The low-carbohydrate high-fat diet (LCHFD), also known as the ketogenic diet, has cycled in and out of popularity for decades as a therapeutic program to treat metabolic syndrome, weight mismanagement, and drug-resistant disorders as complex as epilepsy, cancer, dementia, and depression. Despite the benefits of this diet, health care professionals still question its safety due to the elevated serum ketones it induces and the limited dietary fiber. To compound the controversy, patient compliance with the program is poor due to the restrictive nature of the diet and symptoms related to energy deficit and gastrointestinal adversity during the introductory and energy substrate transition phase of the diet. The studies presented here demonstrate safety and efficacy of the diet including the scientific support and rationale for the administration of exogenous ketone bodies and ketone sources as a complement to the restrictive dietary protocol or as an alternative to the diet. This review also highlights the synergy provided by exogenous ketone, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), accompanied by the short chain fatty acid, butyrate (BA) in the context of cellular and physiological outcomes. More work is needed to unveil the molecular mechanisms by which this program provides health benefits.

СТАЖУВАННЯ ЯК ФОРМА ПРОФЕСІЙНОГО САМОВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ МЕНЕДЖЕРА ОСВІТИ

Internship is a form of advanced training. In the system of advanced training, modern pedagogical technologies are used. Such technologies are based on the trained independent work of the students in the conditions of wide use of the Internet. It is proposed to introduce into the existing curricula for the training of additional special courses (additional module) "Akmeologiya management education institution". The result of mastering this module is the construction of a cadet own progressive trajectory of professional self-improvement (pragmatic result) and readiness for its practical implementation (psychological result). Improvement of the qualifications of the educational staff should be carried out in the form of internship using permanent and distance form. The general internship program for this contingent of employees involves three phases - appointment, work and final. The theoretical material is processed in eyeglass lectures-presentations and seminars. At the same time, it provides significant assistance in business and quasi-professional games. At the end of the introductory phase of the internship, the choice of the theme for an individual-creative task is carried out. During the next working phase, each trainee prepares an individual creative work according to the chosen topic. Such a task may be the social-organizational project of organization development, the author's program of self-development (self-realization), etc. Work on individual and creative tasks is carried out in correspondence mode. It can dial distance and involves coaching. The formation of the ability to personally-professional self-development contributes to the use of acmeological technologies. The possibility of formation of acmeological competence is considered. One of the forms of such technology is acmeological training. The final stage in the formation of the acmeological competence of the educational institution manager is the acme-synergetic accompaniment.

Facing the Facts.

After an initial test and introductory phase characterized by openness and optimism, many new diagnostic and therapeutic methods ultimately result in varying degrees of disappointment. The improvement and quality control of the clinical studies that are needed for the tests by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care and the Federal Joint Committee and for the transition of innovations into reimbursable services in light of limited financial resources have not be able to slow, let alone stop, this trend. The fact that even studies designed and conducted according to strict criteria can yield positive results even though there is actually no positive effect or there are even disadvantages is often because the occurrence of systematic errors, referred to as a bias, is given insufficient consideration.

Main Line Fault Localization Methodology in Smart Grid – Part 1: Extended TM2 Method for the Overhead Medium-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Networks Case

These three papers cover the overall methodology for the identification and localization of faults that occur in main transmission and distribution lines when broadband over power lines (BPL) networks are deployed across the transmission and distribution power grids, respectively. In fact, this fault case is the only one that cannot be handled by the combined operation of Topology Identification Methodology (TIM) and Instability Identification Methodology (FIIM). After the phase of identification of main distribution line faults, which is presented in this paper, the main line fault localization methodology (MLFLM) is applied in order to localize the faults in overhead medium-voltage BPL (OV MV BPL) networks. The main contribution of this paper, which is focused on the identification of the main distribution line faults, is the presentation of TM2 method extension through the adoption of coupling reflection coefficients. Extended TM2 method is analyzed in order to identify a main distribution line fault regardless of its nature (i.e., short- or open-circuit termination). The behavior of the extended TM2 method is assessed in terms of the main line fault nature and, then, its results are compared against the respective ones during the normal operation, which are given by the original TM2 method, when different main distribution line fault scenarios occur. Extended TM2 method acts as the introductory phase (fault identification) of MLFLM.

Main Line Fault Localization Methodology in Smart Grid – Part 2: Extended TM2 Method, Measurement Differences and L1 Piecewise Monotonic Data Approximation for the Overhead Medium-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Networks Case

Enriching the fault identification methodology of the first paper, this second paper investigates the performance of the identification of main distribution line faults when broadband over power lines (BPL) networks are deployed. The main issue that is concerned in this paper is the impact of measurement differences on the fault identification process performance. The main contribution of this paper, which is focused on the identification of the main distribution line faults when measurement differences occur, is the application of the L1 piecewise monotonic data approximation (l1PMA) in order to cope with the measurement differences that influence the reflection coefficients derived from the extended TM2 method. Through the L1PMA application, measurement differences are confronted in order to prevent the trigger of a false alarm about the existence of a main distribution line fault. The combined operation of the extended TM2 method and L1PMA concludes the introductory phase (fault identification) of the main line fault localization methodology (MLFLM).

Interviewing Suspects in Denial: On How Different Evidence Disclosure Modes Affect the Elicitation of New Critical Information.

This study examines how different evidence disclosure modes affect the elicitation of new critical information. Two modes derived from the Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE) framework were compared against an early disclosure mode (i.e., the evidence was disclosed at the outset of the interview). Participants (N = 88) performed a mock crime consisting of several actions before they were interviewed as suspects. In both SUE conditions the interviewer elicited and disclosed statement-evidence inconsistencies in two phases after an introductory phase. For the SUE-Confrontation (SUE-C) condition, the interview was introduced in a business-like manner, and the interviewer confronted the suspects with the in/consistencies without giving them a chance to comment on these. For the SUE-Introduce-Present-Respond (SUE-IPR) condition, the interviewer introduced the interview in a non-guilt-presumptive way, presented the in/consistencies and allowed the suspects to comment on these, and then responded to their comments; at all times in a non-judgmental manner. Both SUE conditions generated comparatively more statement-evidence inconsistencies. The SUE-IPR condition resulted in more new critical information about the phase of the crime for which the interviewer lacked information, compared to the Early disclosure condition. A likely explanation for this was that (for the SUE-IPR condition) the interviewer used the inconsistencies to create a fostering interview atmosphere and made the suspects overestimate the interviewer's knowledge about the critical phase of the crime. In essence, this study shows that in order to win the game (i.e., obtaining new critical information), the interviewer needs to keep the suspect in the game (i.e., by not being too confrontational and judgmental).

Getting Started With PBL—A Reflection

In this paper, we provide insight into the PBL project called PoLiMINT (Problem-oriented Learning in MINT). The project is located at the Bremen University of Applied Sciences and aims to introduce and foster PBL in the introductory phase of a physics study program. Concerning our general conditions, we will present our incremental implementation strategy and address the first elementary steps. In order to demonstrate our Scholarship of Teaching and Learning mode of reflecting the implementation process, we examine selected instructional and pedagogical difficulties and our problem-solving more closely.

Is the Banking Organization Providing IT Enabled Services with Accuracy and Measured Against the Agreed Specifications

The bank system is facing challenges with stiff competition and advancement of technology. Banks are utilizing the technology based self-service delivery channels to provide anywhere, anytime, anyway banking to customers thereby enhancing and enriching their service experiences. The paper is a research, based on the various issues involved in provisioning of banking services through self-service delivery modes such as ATMs, Internet banking and Mobile banking. Methodology applied included questionnaires, unstructured interview, documentary review and simple random sampling techniques were used to get the respondents. The findings of this study reveal that ATMs are widely used; with internet banking and mobile banking used mostly by certain niche bank customers and both are in the introductory phase with limited patronage. This study recommends that, Bank Management should improve employee’s incentives policies regarding customer care from time to time. Also Bank Management should conduct regular research on customers’ needs and wants and how to effectively satisfy them.

Into the Job or Becoming Acquainted with an Academic Institution

As new faculty begin to build an academic career, three dimensions need to be part of the introductory socialization phase: knowledge of intra-organizational structures and processes, knowledge of cultural norms and values and the realization of their role within the institution. This article portrays two practical examples for the professional onboarding and socialization of academic faculty at different career levels. A Training Passport assists all newcomers during orientation. An academic leadership course within a moderated peer learning setting guides newly appointed professors through the introductory phase. Although single ideas and instruments might not be new, the example shows that each institution of higher learning needs to carefully consider an effective method for developing and socializing academic faculty within their respective cultural and environmental conditions.