Translation market in Madagascar

This study, titled "The Translation Market in Madagascar," focuses on analyzing the translation sector in the country, highlighting the key market players and the obstacles hindering its development. The primary aim of this research is to identify the challenges faced by the market and propose solutions to enhance its structure and professionalization. The study is based on two main hypotheses: first, that the translation market in Madagascar suffers from insufficient organization; and second, that the key players in the market are translators and clients. Furthermore, the analysis explores issues related to translator training and the lack of market regulation. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data collection involved distributing 25 questionnaires to translators and conducting three semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. The collected data were analyzed using theories related to the translation market, Tseng's model, and the actional theory of translation. The study’s findings confirmed the initial hypotheses. It was established that the translation market in Madagascar indeed lacks proper organization, characterized by excessive openness that allows the entry of unqualified actors, thus hindering the profession’s development. It was also found that the majority of translators are considered "native" professionals, and that most are women, translating primarily between their A and B languages. The absence of standardized pricing and recurring invoicing issues were identified as significant barriers to market regulation. Finally, despite the diversity of texts being translated, the sector’s major challenges remain the lack of specialized training in translation and the urgent need to structure the market to ensure its sustainability and professionalization

Real simple harmonic motion problem solving with high-speed videos

We are presenting research that aims to construct real problems in simple harmonic motion (SHM) for students to enhance their understanding and apply their problem-solving skills. Participants were 59 Grade-10 students at Chiang Mai University Demonstration School. Teaching simple harmonic motion consists of eight 50-minute lectures and one 100-minute laboratory. In this study, we developed high-speed videos of SHM of mass hanging from a spring. Students spent one lecture performing high-speed video analysis of this system with varying masses, maximum displacement, and spring constant. A mass attached to two springs oscillating on the air track was used as a real problem for students to apply both the force approach and the energy approach to solve for position as a function of time. A conceptual survey on simple harmonic motion concepts based on Somroob and Wattanaksiwich (2017) was used as pre-test and post-test to investigate student understanding. Student problem solving skills were examined from a quiz after instruction on this topic. Student responses from pre- and post-test were analyzed using the paired sample t-test, effect size, and average learning gain. Students’ quizzes were analyzed to identify their skills in setting up the equation of motion. REFERENCE Somroob, S & Wattanaksiwich, P. (2017). Investigating student understanding of simple harmonic motion. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 901, 01212371. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/901/1/01212

Mechanical and Thermal Neutron Attenuation Properties of Concrete Reinforced with Low-Dose Gamma Irradiated PETE Fibers and Sodium Borate

This research investigated the mechanical and thermal neutron attenuation properties of concrete reinforced with low-dose gamma irradiated polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) fibers. Low dose (20 – 60 kGy) gamma irradiated PETE fibers of 1.3 and 25 denier size were uniformly mixed with concrete at 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% volume fraction. The results showed that the fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) having 25 denier fibers provided higher compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness than FRC with 1.3 denier fibers. Moreover, addition of PETE fibers in the concrete enhanced thermal neutron attenuation; however, both fibers exhibited no significant difference in thermal neutron attenuation ability. In addition, this study investigated the effects of adding sodium borate, a boron-containing compound, in concrete mixed with PETE at various proportions. It was found that when sodium borate powder was added, the compressive strength of the concrete decreased, whereas the thermal neutron attenuation ability significantly increased with respect to sodium borate content

Enhancing translator employability in the artificial intelligence era

This exploratory study investigates Enhancing Translator Employability in the Artificial Intelligence Era (AI). As AI, particularly through machine learning and neural networks, revolutionizes translation services, concerns have emerged regarding the future demand for human translators.The study sets out to assess perceptions of employability among trainee translators. Translators and employers in the Artificial Intelligence Era (AI) era, identify factors influencing these perceptions, and propose strategies for enhancing their employability. Employing a mixed-methods approach with 60 participants—comprising 40 ASTI trainees, 16 recent graduates, and 4 employers—the study examines perceptions of future career prospects, factors influencing these perceptions, and strategies for enhancing employability. The research draws on Skills-Mismatch Theory, Human Capital Theory, Career Adaptability Theory, and Job-Market Signaling Theory guiding our research and findings. Results highlight significant uncertainty among trainees, largely due to the rapid integration of AI tools in translation. However, the study also reveals opportunities for human translators to adopt AI as a complementary tool, emphasizing the importance of targeted training programs in technological proficiency and adaptive skills.The study provides actionable recommendations, including curriculum reforms to incorporate AI-focused training, industry-academia collaborations, and the promotion of lifelong learning to ensure translators remain competitive. These findings offer insights into the evolving translation market and guide educational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in preparing translators for an AI-enhanced professional landscape

Comparación del diseño por capacidad entre el enfoque global y el enfoque local de una estructura de acero formado por pórticos especiales resistentes a momento

El diseño por capacidad es ampliamente utilizado en el diseño de estructuras resistentes a la fuerza sísmica donde los análisis no lineales no son requeridos. Se realiza un modelo elástico de una estructura formada por pórticos especiales a momento de acero utilizando el software Etabs. Las características geométricas y las cargas aplicadas se tomaron del documento FEMA P-695. El diseño por serviciabilidad se realiza por dos métodos: Fuerza Lateral Equivalente y Análisis Modal Espectral. Analizamos dos enfoques de diseño aplicados al diseño por capacidad. En el enfoque global se utiliza un factor de sobrerresistencia para el diseño de las columnas y las conexiones, las vigas se diseñan sin utilizar el factor de sobrerresistencia con la finalidad de asegurar que la respuesta de la estructura ante las cargas cíclicas del sismo desarrolle el mecanismo de viga, como exige la Norma. En el enfoque local no se utiliza el factor de sobrerresistencia, se diseñan las columnas y conexiones con la máxima capacidad desarrollada en las rótulas plásticas proyectadas en la cara de la columna, con la finalidad de que el mecanismo de viga se desarrolle, en otras palabras, es un diseño de elemento a elemento. Finalmente, se presenta una guía del diseño por capacidad aplicando los enfoques global y local.Capacity design is widely used in seismic forces resistant structures design where nonlinear analyzes are not required. An elastic model of a structure formed by steel special moment frames is made using the Etabs software. Geometric characteristics and applied loads were taken from FEMA P-695. Serviceability design is carried out by two methods: Equivalent Lateral Force and Modal Spectral Analysis. We analyze two design approaches applied to capacity design. In global approach, an overstrength factor is used for columns and connections design, beams are designed without overstrength factor in order to ensure that the structure response to the earthquake cyclical loads develops the beam mechanism, as required by the Standard. In local approach, the overstrength factor is not used, columns and connections are designed with the maximum capacity developed in the plastic hinges projected on the face of the column, in order for the beam mechanism to develop, i.e., is an element-by-element design. Finally, a capacity design guide is presented applying the global and local approaches.Ingeniero CivilCuenc

Experimental study on the behavior of steel-concrete composite decks with different shear span-to-depth ratios

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the mechanical behaviors of steel–concrete composite decks with different shear span-to-depth ratios. Herein, four composite decks categorized into two types with shear span-to-depth ratios of 2.5 and 4.6 are designed for an experimental program. The decks then undergo the four-point bending tests until failure to investigate the structural responses, such as the load, displacement, crack mechanism, and failure mode. Conventional section analysis is used to derive the flexural strength of composite decks in comparison with the test results. Additionally, the ductility of the composite decks is assessed based on the displacement indices. The analysis results demonstrate that the stiffness and capacity of the composite deck increase with the decrease in the shear span length. However, the ductility of the composite slabs increases with the shear span length. The flexural strengths predicted by section analysis overestimate the actual test results. The shear span-to-depth ratio affects the crack mechanism of the composite decks

Performance and clinical implications of machine learning models for detecting cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a systematic review

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a significant spinal condition that can lead to severe neurological deficits. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have led to the development of promising tools for the early detection and diagnosis of OPLL. This systematic review evaluated the diagnostic performance of ML and DL models and clinical implications in OPLL detection. A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 and September 2024. Eligible studies included those utilizing ML or DL models for OPLL detection using imaging data. All studies were assessed for the risk of bias using appropriate tools. The key performance metrics, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC), were analyzed. Eleven studies, comprising a total of 6,031 patients, were included. The ML and DL models demonstrated high diagnostic performance, with accuracy rates ranging from 69.6% to 98.9% and AUC values up to 0.99. Convolutional neural networks and random forest models were the most used approaches. The overall risk of bias was moderate, and concerns were primarily related to participant selection and missing data. In conclusion, ML and DL models show great potential for accurate detection of OPLL, particularly when integrated with imaging techniques. However, to ensure clinical applicability, further research is warranted to validate these findings in more extensive and diverse populations

High-strength steel fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete utilising recycled granite waste and rice husk ash

A limited number of research studies have managed to attain high-strength geopolymer concrete, especially by utilising waste materials. In this study, granite waste (GW) from the mining industry, which contaminates the surrounding environment and causes air pollution, and rice husk ash (RHA) from agricultural waste were used to produce high-strength steel fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete (HSFRGC). To reduce natural sand consumption, GW was utilised as a fine aggregate. RHA was added at 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight of coal fly ash to enhance the properties of HSFRGC. In addition, hooked-end steel fibres were employed as reinforcement at 0%, 0.5%, and 1% by volume of the concrete. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of incorporating GW and RHA into HSFRGC, examining properties such as workability, strength, durability, and microstructure. Additionally, an assessment was conducted on the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of the HSFRGC system with additives to determine its feasibility for practical scenarios. The results showed that the addition of 1% RHA as an additive in the geopolymer system, which led to microstructural homogeneity in the geopolymer matrix, could effectively enhance the mechanical properties and durability. Moreover, the addition of hooked-end steel fibres along with 1% RHA further improved the mechanical performance compared to samples without steel fibres, increasing both compressive strength by 25% and flexural response by 70%. Meanwhile, incorporating 1% RHA in mixtures could assist in mitigating chloride migration by approximately 10% due to the filler effect occurring in the geopolymer matrix. Regarding to environmental impact and cost-effectiveness, the incorporation of 1% RHA and 0.5% steel fibre demonstrated a suitable balance, exhibiting eco-strength efficiency with an increase of 15% compared to plain geopolymer concrete, making it a reasonable choice for both environmental concerns and cost efficiency