Educating speech-language pathologists for a multicultural world

This paper presents critical elements and current needs in educating speech-language pathologists for a multicultural world. A proposed paradigm shift in clinical teaching using the UK model is also introduced. In addition, a case study on the American Speech Language Hearing Association's efforts in implementing the Multicultural Action Agenda by networking with the Asian Pacific Islander caucus is described. A survey of multicultural elements in programs in Australia and New Zealand is included. finally, suggestions for collaboration with those in established professional bodies to meet the increasing needs of a multicultural world are provided. copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG. Basel.

Subcortical brain mechanisms in speech and language

This paper reviews current research and contemporary theories of subcortical participation in the motor control of speech production and language processing. As a necessary precursor to the discussion of the functional roles of the basal ganglia and thalamus, the neuroanatomy of the basal ganglial-thalamocortical circuitry is described. Contemporary models of hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders based on recent neuroanatomical descriptions of the multi-segmented circuits that characterise basal ganglion anatomy are described. Reported effects of surgically induced lesions in the globus pallidus and thalamus on speech production are reviewed. In addition, contemporary models proposed to explain the possible contribution of various subcortical structures to language processing are described and discussed in the context of evidence gained from observation of the effects of circumscribed surgically induced lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus on language function. The potential of studies based on examination of the speech/language outcomes of patients undergoing pallidotomy and thalamotomy to further inform the debate relating to the role of subcortical structures in speech motor control and language processing is highlighted. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Discrimination of adsorption kinetic models for the description of hydrocarbon adsorption in activated carbon

Five kinetic models for adsorption of hydrocarbons on activated carbon are compared and investigated in this study. These models assume different mass transfer mechanisms within the porous carbon particle. They are: (a) dual pore and surface diffusion (MSD), (b) macropore, surface, and micropore diffusion (MSMD), (c) macropore, surface and finite mass exchange (FK), (d) finite mass exchange (LK), and (e) macropore, micropore diffusion (BM) models. These models are discriminated using the single component kinetic data of ethane and propane as well as the multicomponent kinetics data of their binary mixtures measured on two commercial activated carbon samples (Ajax and Norit) under various conditions. The adsorption energetic heterogeneity is considered for all models to account for the system. It is found that, in general, the models assuming diffusion flux of adsorbed phase along the particle scale give better description of the kinetic data.

The Dubinin-Radushkevich equation and the underlying microscopic adsorption description

The Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR) equation is widely used for description of adsorption in microporous materials, especially those of a carbonaceous origin. The equation has a semi-empirical origin and is based on the assumptions of a change in the potential energy between the gas and adsorbed phases and a characteristic energy of a given solid. This equation yields a macroscopic behaviour of adsorption loading for a given pressure. In this paper, we apply a theory developed in our group to investigate the underlying mechanism of adsorption as an alternative to the macroscopic description using the DR equation. Using this approach, we are able to establish a detailed picture of the adsorption in the whole range of the micropore system. This is different from the DR equation, which provides an overall description of the process. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Curriculum development for professional ethics in Australian human service university programmes

Australian academics and practitioners in the human services are particularly susceptible to social, political and economic influences in respect of their relevance, viability and operations. In fact, it can be argued that the impact of these influences has placed human service practitioners and academics in a perpetual state of vulnerability. Australian universities have been challenged to make their programmes more relevant and viable to the community at large, and practitioners face increasing workloads with limited resources based on restricted fiscal allocation, and the changing relationship between government and service providers. Drawing on interview data from twenty-one (n = 21) practitioners, this article highlights their identified problems regarding the notion of professionalism in the human services with a particular focus on ethical dilemmas in human service practice. Gleaning these details will be a basis for recommending necessary professionalethics curricula content in human services programmes offered in Australian universities. Moreover, while the research data is Australian based, the authors contend that the universal theories and principles underpinning human service practice justify the significance and value of the data as an important source for international consideration in curriculum development of human service academic programmes.

Credibility and staff conduct make or break bank customer service quality

Service quality is assessed by customers along the dimensions of staff conduct, credibility, communication, and access to teller services. Credibility and staff conduct emerge as the highest loading first-order factors. This highlights the significance of rectifying mistakes while keeping customers informed, and employing branch staff that are responsive and civilized in their conduct. Discovery of a valid second-order factor, namely, overall customer service quality, underscores the importance of providing quality service across all its dimensions. For example, if the bank fails to rectify mistakes and keep customers informed but excels in all other dimensions, its overall customer service quality can still be rated poorly.

Equity in regional service provision

Most transportation agencies stipulate that an important planning goal is to provide equitable and just public transport services. However, who is to be served and the type of service that should be provided has been ambiguous. This paper develops a methodology for examining equity in the provision of public transportation services. An approach for identifying areas in need of public transport is developed based upon the use of socio-demographic and economic information. Public transport need is then related to levels of access to service. This approach makes it possible to establish the degree to which public transport services may be considered equitable in relation to need and suitable access. A detailed analysis of the southeast Queensland region of Australia illustrates how this approach may be used to inform public transport decision making.

Service guarantees: A strategic mechanism to minimise customers' perceived risk in service organisations

Service offerings are largely intangible in nature. Customers are thus unable to assess the purchase outcome prior to experience, rendering the risk of possible customer dissatisfaction very high. It is argued that the concept of service guarantees proposed by services management theory can be effectively utilised to reduce the perceived risk of dissatisfaction for the customer in service organisations. Additionally, it is suggested that service guarantees force management to undertake activities which elevate the superiority of the organisation in the eyes of the customer and, thus, the opportunity to transform one-time customers into loyal ones. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to illustrate how customers’ behavioural intentions can be influenced by the use of a service guarantee; and second, to outline a systematic process that can help service business managers to develop and implement an effective service guarantee. This research highlights the numerous benefits available to service organisations by utilising the service guarantee as a strategic tool. Some of the important management implications are also outlined.