Point-by-point inscription of first-order fiber Bragg grating for C-band applications

The influence of the fiber geometry on the point-by-point inscription of fiber Bragg gratings using a femtosecond laser is highlighted. Fiber Bragg gratings with high spectral quality and strong first-order Bragg resonances within the C-band are achieved by optimizing the inscription process. Large birefringence (1.2x10-4) and high degree of polarizationdependent index modulation are observed in these gratings. Potential applications of these gratings in resonators are further illustrated. © 2007 Optical Society of America.

Effects of fourth-order fiber dispersion on ultrashort parabolic optical pulses in the normal dispersion regime

We propose a new method for the generation of both triangular-shaped optical pulses and flat-top, coherent supercontinuum spectra using the effect of fourth-order dispersion on parabolic pulses in a passive, normally dispersive highly nonlinear fiber. The pulse reshaping process is described qualitatively and is compared to numerical simulations.

Team effectiveness: a test of in-put process-output

This research addressed the question: "Which factors predict the effectiveness of healthcare teams?" It was addressed by assessing the psychometric properties of a new measure of team functioning with the use of data collected from 797 team members in 61 healthcare teams. This new measure is the Aston Team Performance Inventory (ATPI) developed by West, Markiewicz and Dawson (2005) and based on the IPO model. The ATPI was pilot tested in order to examine the reliability of this measure in the Jordanian cultural context. A sample of five teams comprising 3-6 members each was randomly selected from the Jordan Red Crescent health centers in Amman. Factors that predict team effectiveness were explored in a Jordanian sample (comprising 1622 members in 277 teams with 255 leaders from healthcare teams in hospitals in Amman) using self-report and Leader Ratings measures adapted from work by West, Borrill et al (2000) to determine team effectiveness and innovation from the leaders' point of view. The results demonstrate the validity and reliability of the measures for use in healthcare settings. Team effort and skills and leader managing had the strongest association with team processes in terms of team objectives, reflexivity, participation, task focus, creativity and innovation. Team inputs in terms of task design, team effort and skills, and organizational support were associated with team effectiveness and innovation whereas team resources were associated only with team innovation. Team objectives had the strongest mediated and direct association with team effectiveness whereas task focus had the strongest mediated and direct association with team innovation. Finally, among leadership variables, leader managing had the strongest association with team effectiveness and innovation. The theoretical and practical implications of this thesis are that: team effectiveness and innovation are influenced by multiple factors that must all be taken into account. The key factors managers need to ensure are in place for effective teams are team effort and skills, organizational support and team objectives. To conclude, the application of these findings to healthcare teams in Jordan will help improve their team effectiveness, and thus the healthcare services that they provide.

Strategic planning as communicative process

This paper examines the construction of a strategic plan as a communicative process. Drawing on Ricoeur’s concepts of decontextualization and recontextualization, we conceptualize strategic planning activities as being constituted through the iterative and recursive relationship of talk and text. Based on an in-depth case study, our findings show how multiple actors engage in a formal strategic planning process which is manifested in a written strategy document. This document is thus central in the iterative talk to text cycles. As individuals express their interpretations of the current strategic plan in talk, they are able to make amendments to the text, which then shape future textual versions of the plan. This cycle is repeated in a recursive process, in which the meanings attributed to talk and text increasingly converge within a final agreed plan. We develop our findings into a process model of the communication process that explains how texts become more authoritative over time and, in doing so, how they inscribe power relationships and social order within organizations. These findings contribute to the literature on strategic planning and on organization as a communication process.

Formulation and process engineering of freeze-dried orally disintegrating tablets

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) which are also referred to as orodispersible and fast disintegrating tablets, are solid oral dosage forms which upon placing on the tongue, disperse/disintegrate rapidly before being swallowed as a suspension or solution. ODTs are therefore easier and more convenient to administer than conventional tablets and are particularly beneficial for paediatric and geriatric patients, who generally have difficulty swallowing their medication. The work presented in this thesis involved the formulation and process development of ODTs, prepared using freeze-drying. Gelatin is one of the principal excipients used in the formulation of freeze-dried ODTs. One of the studies presented in this thesis investigated the potential modification of the properties of this excipient, in order to improve the performance of the tablets. As gelatin is derived from animal sources, a number of ethical issues surround its use as an excipient in pharmaceutical preparations. This was one of the motivations, Methocel™ and Kollicoat® IR were evaluated as binders as alternative materials to gelatin. Polyox™ was also evaluated as a binder together with its potential uses as a viscosity increasing and mucoadhesive agent to increase the retention of tablets in the mouth to encourage pre-gastric absorption of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The in vitro oral retention of freeze-dried ODT formulations was one property which was assessed in a design of experiments – factorial design study, which was carried out to further understand the role that formulation excipients have on the properties of the tablets. Finally, the novel approach of incorporating polymeric nanoparticles in freeze-dried ODTs was investigated, to study if the release profile of APIs could be modified, which could improve their therapeutic effect. The results from these studies demonstrated that the properties of gelatin-based formulations can be modified by adjusting pH and ionic strength. Adjustment of formulation pH has shown to significantly reduce tablet disintegration time. Evaluating Methocel™, in particular low viscosity grades, and Kollicoat® IR as binders has shown that these polymers can form tablets of satisfactory hardness and disintegration time. Investigating Polyox™ as an excipient in freeze-dried ODT formulations revealed that low viscosity grades appear suitable as binders whilst higher viscosity grades could potentially be utilised as viscosity increasing and mucoadhesive agents. The design of experiments – factorial design study revealed the influence of individual excipients in a formulation mix on resultant tablet properties and in vitro oral retention of APIs. Novel methods have been developed, which allows the incorporation of polymeric nanoparticles in situ in freeze-dried ODT formulations, which allows the modification of the release profile of APIs.

Metaphor in translation:possibilities for process research

This paper explores potential benefits of closer interaction between metaphor studies and translation process research. It presents some developments within Translation Studies which make use of conceptual metaphor theory and illustrates some process research methods for investigating metaphors. The paper considers a number of methodological recommendations and argues that of greatest importance is the need to take full account of insights from metaphor studies and associated disciplines. Another important potential innovation is the use of a multilingual approach in respect of both product- and process-oriented studies in order to increase both the amount and generality of data available for analysis. Thirdly, it is important to extend and complement the current ST-oriented approach. The paper concludes by suggesting some options for triangulating data gathered through a combination of methods.

The link between HR practices, psychological contract fulfillment, and organizational performance:the case of the Greek services sector

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of human resource (HR) practices on organizational performance through the mediating role of psychological contract (expressed by the influence of employer on employee promises fulfillment through employee attitudes). The study is based on a national sample of 78 organizations from the public and private services sector in Greece, including education, health, and banking, and on data obtained from 348 employees. The statistical method employed is structural equation modeling, via LISREL and bootstrapping estimation. The findings of the study suggest that employee incentives, performance appraisal, and employee promotion are three major HR practices that must be extensively employed. Furthermore, the study suggests that the organization must primarily keep its promises about a pleasant and safe working environment, respectful treatment, and feedback for performance, in order for employees to largely keep their own promises about showing loyalty to the organization, maintaining high levels of attendance, and upholding company reputation. Additionally, the study argues that the employee attitudes of motivation, satisfaction, and commitment constitute the nested epicenter mediating construct in both the HR practices–performance and employer–employee promise fulfillment relationships, resulting in superior organizational performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The neuroimaging research process from the participants' perspective

The aim of this study was to investigate participants' experiences of taking part in research conducted using fMRI or MEG procedures. Forty-four participants completed a questionnaire after taking part in either fMRI or MEG experiments; the questionnaire asked about experiences of and attitudes toward fMRI/MEG. Ten follow-up interviews were conducted to enable an in-depth analysis of these attitudes and experiences. The findings were generally positive: all participants thought fMRI and MEG were safe procedures, 93% would recommend participating in neuroimaging research to their friends and family, and participants were positive about participating in future neuroimaging research. However, some negative issues were identified. Some participants reported feeling nervous prior to scanning procedures, several participants reported side-effects after taking part, a number of participants were upset at being in a confined space and some participants did not feel confident about exiting the scanner in an emergency. Several recommendations for researchers are made, including a virtual tour of the scanning equipment during the consenting process in order to better prepare potential participants for the scanning experience and to minimize the potential psychological discomfort sometimes experienced in neuroimaging research. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of hydrazine by the fixation process

A critical review of the literature concerning organic derivatives of hydrazine, the ammonia-chlorine reaction and the electrolytic formation of hydrazine has been carried out. Apparatus was constructed to study the electrolysis of liquid ammonia, the formation of chloramine and the fixation of chloramine with a ketone to form an isohydrazone. In the latter case the reaction was carried out in a 3" diameter stirred tank and also in a 1" diameter, 2' high column reactor where the liquid phase was continuously recirculated. Two methods of analysis of azines and isohydrazones in a ketone solution have been developed. One is a colorimetric technique using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and the other involves the hydrolysis of the organic derivative to hydrazine sulphate. Hydrazine was detected in low concentration in some of the electrolytic experiments carried out but it was concluded that this method did not show sufficient promise to warrant further investigation. The gas phase formation of chloramine and acetone isohydrazone has also been studied but in this system difficulties were encountered with the chlorine jet blocking with ammonium chloride. The formation of isohydrazones in a stirred tank reactor has been investigated in some detail and the effect of several parameters was determined. The yield was found to be extremely sensitive to chlorine concentration and in order to obtain yields of more than 90 per cent, the molar concentration of chlorine in the gas phase had to be of the order of 5 per cent. An optimum temperature in the region of 0°C was also detected. These results disagree with those quoted in previous studies but extensive experimental work has confirmed the information presented in this thesis. It has also been shown that at high yields the chloramine formation reaction took place in the gas phase.

Effects of fourth-order fiber dispersion on ultrashort parabolic optical pulses in the normal dispersion regime

We propose a new method for the generation of both triangular-shaped optical pulses and flat-top, coherent supercontinuum spectra using the effect of fourth-order dispersion on parabolic pulses in a passive, normally dispersive highly nonlinear fiber. The pulse reshaping process is described qualitatively and is compared to numerical simulations.

Investigating the process of translation:humour translation norms, strategies and approaches in children's literature

Research in the present thesis is focused on the norms, strategies,and approaches which translators employ when translating humour in Children's Literature from English into Greek. It is based on process-oriented descriptive translation studies, since the focus is on investigating the process of translation. Viewing translation as a cognitive process and a problem soling activity, this thesis Think-aloud protocols (TAPs) in order to investigate translator's minds. As it is not possible to directly observe the human mind at work, an attempt is made to ask the translators themselves to reveal their mental processes in real time by verbalising their thoughts while carrying out a translation task involving humour. In this study, thirty participants at three different levels of expertise in translation competence, i.e. tn beginner, ten competent, and ten experts translators, were requested to translate two humourous extracts from the fictional diary novel The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend (1982) from English into Greek. As they translated, they were asked to verbalise their thoughts and reason them, whenever possible, so that their strategies and approaches could be detected, and that subsequently, the norms that govern these strategies and approaches could be revealed. The thesis consists of four parts: the introduction, the literature review, the study, and the conclusion, and is developed in eleven chapters. the introduction contextualises the study within translation studies (TS) and presents its rationale, research questions, aims, and significance. Chapters 1 to 7 present an extensive and inclusive literature review identifying the principles axioms that guide and inform the study. In these seven chapters the following areas are critically introduced: Children's literature (Chapter 1), Children's Literature Translation (Chapter 2), Norms in Children's Literature (Chapter 3), Strategies in Children's Literature (Chapter 4), Humour in Children's Literature Translation (Chapter 5), Development of Translation Competence (Chapter 6), and Translation Process Research (Chapter 7). In Chapters 8 - 11 the fieldwork is described in detail. the piolot and the man study are described with a reference to he environments and setting, the participants, the research -observer, the data and its analysis, and limitations of the study. The findings of the study are presented and analysed in Chapter 9. Three models are then suggested for systematising translators' norms, strategies, and approaches, thus, filling the existing gap in the field. Pedagogical norms (e.g. appropriateness/correctness, famililarity, simplicity, comprehensibility, and toning down), literary norms (e.g. sound of language and fluency). and source-text norms (e.g. equivalence) were revealed to b the most prominent general and specific norms governing the translators'  strategies and approaches in the process of translating humour in ChL. The data also revealed that monitoring and communication strategies (e.g. additions, omissions, and exoticism) were the prevalent strategies employed by translators. In Chapter 10 the main findings and outcomes of a potential secondary benefit (beneficial outcomes) are discussed on the basis of the research questions and aims of the study, and implications of the study are tackled in Chapter 11. In the conclusion, suggestions for future directions are given and final remarks noted.

Managing project risk using combined analytic hierarchy process and risk map

The main purpose of the study is to develop an integrated framework for managing project risks by analyzing risk across project, work package and activity levels, and developing responses. Design/methodology/approach: The study first reviews the literature of various contemporary risk management frameworks in order to identify gaps in project risk management knowledge. Then it develops a conceptual risk management framework using combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and risk map for managing project risks. The proposed framework has then been applied to a 1500 km oil pipeline construction project in India in order to demonstrate its effectiveness. The concerned project stakeholders were involved through focus group discussions for applying the proposed risk management framework in the project under study. Findings: The combined AHP and risk map approach is very effective to manage project risks across project, work package and activity levels. The risk factors in project level are caused because of external forces such as business environment (e.g. customers, competitors, technological development, politics, socioeconomic environment). The risk factors in work package and activity levels are operational in nature and created due to internal causes such as lack of material and labor productivity, implementation issues, team ineffectiveness, etc. Practical implications: The suggested model can be applied to any complex project and helps manage risk throughout the project life cycle. Originality/value: Both business and operational risks constitute project risks. In one hand, the conventional project risk management frameworks emphasize on managing business risks and often ignore operational risks. On the other hand, the studies that deal with operational risk often do not link them with business risks. However, they need to be addressed in an integrated way as there are a few risks that affect only the specific level. Hence, this study bridges the gaps. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Constructive updating/downdating of oblique projectors:a generalization of the Gram-Schmidt process

A generalization of the Gram-Schmidt procedure is achieved by providing equations for updating and downdating oblique projectors. The work is motivated by the problem of adaptive signal representation outside the orthogonal basis setting. The proposed techniques are shown to be relevant to the problem of discriminating signals produced by different phenomena when the order of the signal model needs to be adjusted. © 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Knowledge-based system for casting process selection

Design of casting entails the knowledge of various interacting factors that are unique to casting process, and, quite often, product designers do not have the required foundry-specific knowledge. Casting designers normally have to liaise with casting experts in order to ensure the product designed is castable and the optimum casting method is selected. This two-way communication results in long design lead times, and lack of it can easily lead to incorrect casting design. A computer-based system at the discretion of a design engineer can, however, alleviate this problem and enhance the prospect of casting design for manufacture. This paper proposes a knowledge-based expert system approach to assist casting product designers in selecting the most suitable casting process for specified casting design requirements, during the design phase of product manufacture. A prototype expert system has been developed, based on production rules knowledge representation technique. The proposed system consists of a number of autonomous but interconnected levels, each dealing with a specific group of factors, namely, casting alloy, shape and complexity parameters, accuracy requirements and comparative costs, based on production quantity. The user interface has been so designed to allow the user to have a clear view of how casting design parameters affect the selection of various casting processes at each level; if necessary, the appropriate design changes can be made to facilitate the castability of the product being designed, or to suit the design to a preferred casting method.