Do You See What I See? Using ELAN for Self-Analysis and Reflection

This commentary discusses the application of video annotation software (ELAN) in the Auslan–English interpreter-training program at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. It gives an overview of the program’s context and highlights experienced-based learning as one of the key pedagogical approaches being used to foster student self-analysis and reflection. In order for students to analyze their own interpreting performances, they must first be recorded, so the article touches on the rationale and some techniques for the video capture that provides the data for subsequent ELAN analysis. Examples of activities based on the use of ELAN software are then discussed

An exploration of intimate partner violence across the lifespan and the effectiveness of treatment

This thesis aims to further academic understanding of intimate partner violence (IPV) treatment and wider practice issues across the lifespan. Chapter one provides a background to the issues pertinent to IPV interventions among adolescents and adults. A systematic literature review is presented in Chapter two examining the association between attitudes condoning violence and adolescent IPV (AIPV). Significant yet modest associations were found although methodological differences impeded firm conclusions. Implications of the findings pertaining to gender differences, acceptability of AIPV-supportive attitudes, prevention and intervention are discussed. The empirical study in Chapter three investigated the effectiveness of an IPV intervention programme among a community sample of male perpetrators (N=259). Results show positive effect in relation to self-reported psychological change. The behavioural outcome measure of recidivism yielded more complex results relating to risk level, avoidant attachment, jealousy and age. Chapter four provides an in-depth critique of Spielberger’s (1999) STAXI-2; a standardised tool measuring an individual’s assessed experience and expression of anger. A discussion is presented regarding its’ general psychometric properties and utility amongst adolescent and adult IPV offenders. Chapter five draws the thesis together through considering the implications in light of identified limitations and future directions

Review of gas and electricity levies and their impact on low carbon heating uptake

The research aims for the project were to investigate, set-out, and analyse low carbon levies. The report describes the current energy policy levies implemented by the UK government that consumers in Scotland face, sets out the role and value of these levies in supporting Scottish energy policy and forecasts the costs of these levies on domestic and non-domestic bills over the period to 2024-25. Finally the report sets out some potential alternative options for energy levy recovery

Nurse prescribing of medicines in Western European and Anglo-Saxon countries: a systematic review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A growing number of countries are introducing some form of nurse prescribing. However, international reviews concerning nurse prescribing are scarce and lack a systematic and theoretical approach. The aim of this review was twofold: firstly, to gain insight into the scientific and professional literature describing the extent to and the ways in which nurse prescribing has been realised or is being introduced in Western European and Anglo-Saxon countries; secondly, to identify possible mechanisms underlying the introduction and organisation of nurse prescribing on the basis of Abbott's theory on the division of professional labor.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A comprehensive search of six literature databases and seven websites was performed without any limitation as to date of publication, language or country. Additionally, experts in the field of nurse prescribing were consulted. A three stage inclusion process, consisting of initial sifting, more detailed selection and checking full-text publications, was performed independently by pairs of reviewers. Data were synthesized using narrative and tabular methods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>One hundred and twenty-four publications met the inclusion criteria. So far, seven Western European and Anglo-Saxon countries have implemented nurse prescribing of medicines, viz., Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the USA. The Netherlands and Spain are in the process of introducing nurse prescribing. A diversity of external and internal forces has led to the introduction of nurse prescribing internationally. The legal, educational and organizational conditions under which nurses prescribe medicines vary considerably between countries; from situations where nurses prescribe independently to situations in which prescribing by nurses is only allowed under strict conditions and supervision of physicians.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Differences between countries are reflected in the jurisdictional settlements between the nursing and medical professions concerning prescribing. In some countries, nurses share (full) jurisdiction with the medical profession, whereas in other countries nurses prescribe in a subordinate position. In most countries the jurisdiction over prescribing remains predominantly with the medical profession. There seems to be a mechanism linking the jurisdictional settlements between professions with the forces that led to the introduction of nurse prescribing. Forces focussing on efficiency appear to lead to more extensive prescribing rights.</p

Being there : role shift in English to Auslan interpreting

This paper investigates the use of ‘role shift’ by interpreters working from spoken English into Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Role shift is a high-order linguistic skill which students typically find difficult to master. The study looks at possible source text (ST) motivations for its use by four skilled signed language interpreters in an English to Auslan interpreting task, with a view to later pedagogical application. Auslan target texts (TT) rendered by the interpreters were mapped against the English ST using ELAN annotation software. Salient features of the role shift generated by the participants are documented, including: incidence of role shift, native/non-native signer advantage, persona adopted, constructed action versus constructed dialogue, and length and intensity of role shift. Examination of ST segments which trigger role shift in the TT reveals that agent-focused active clause constructions in particular require little manipulation and most readily lead to role shift outcomes. Passive constructions, nominalizations and complex/higher register segments, however, are frequently re-structured into simpler active clauses, with role shift incorporated (or not). The data does not support a strict cause-effect relationship between any particular ST feature and the production of role shift in the TTs; rather, it points to the need for interpreters to recognize ready opportunities for inclusion of role shift, and/or to reconfigure the ST content and form, with role shift as a further layer of depiction.26 page(s