Practice-based Qualitative Research: Participant Experiences of Walk-in Counselling and Traditional Counselling

Walk-in single session counselling is becoming a more widely used model for delivering mental health services across Ontario. This paper reports findings from the qualitative phase of a mixed method study, exploring the experiences of those attending walk-in counselling (WIC) model compared to the traditional service delivery model employing a wait list. We used a comparative case study design for the qualitative phase. Findings reveal that participant outcomes of the walk-in counselling model is influenced by accessibility, how a participant makes sense of the service, and the degree to which a participant is motivated and able to engage in counselling. WIC supports the mental health system by reducing wait lists associated with traditional service delivery models, and meeting the needs many people identify for immediate consultation. Other participants still perceive themselves as requiring ongoing counselling over time and involving in-depth exploration. This research supports health systems providing access to both models

Reduced-order modelling of vortex-induced vibration of catenary riser

A new reduced-order model capable of analyzing the vortex-induced vibration of catenary riser in the ocean current has been developed. This semi analytical-numerical approach is versatile and allows for a significant reduction in computational effort for the analysis of fluid-riser interactions. The incoming current flow is assumed to be steady, uniform, unidirectional and perpendicular to the riser plane of initial equilibrium curvatures. The equations of riser 3-D motion are based on a pinned-pinned, tensioned-beam or flexural cable, modelling which accounts for overall effects of riser bending, extensibility, sag, inclination and structural nonlinearities. The unsteady hydrodynamic forces associated with cross-flow and in-line vibrations are modelled as distributed van der Pol wake oscillators. This hydrodynamic model has been modified in order to capture the effect of varying initial curvatures of the inclined flexible cylinder and to describe the space-time fluctuation of lift and drag forces. Depending on the vortex-excited in-plane/out-of-plane modes and system fluid-structure parameters, the parametric studies are carried out to determine the maximum response amplitudes of catenary risers, along with the occurrence of uni-modal lock-in phenomenon. The obtained results highlight the effect of initial curvatures and geometric nonlinearities on the nonlinear dynamics of riser undergoing vortex-induced vibration

Analysis and prediction of vortex-induced vibrations of variable-tension vertical risers in linearly sheared currents

Many studies have tackled the problem of previous termvortex-induced vibrationsnext term (VIV) of a vertical riser with a constant tension and placed in uniform currents. In this study, attention is focused on the cross-flow VIV modelling, time-domain previous termanalysis and predictionnext term of variable-tension vertical risers in linearly sheared currents. The partial-differential equation governing the riser transverse motion is based on a flexural tensioned-beam model with typical pinned–pinned supports. The hydrodynamic excitation model describing the modulation of lift force is based on a distributed van der Pol wake oscillator whose nonlinear equation is also partial-differential due to the implementation of a diffusion term. The variation of empirical wake coefficients with system parameters and the water depth-dependent Reynolds number is introduced. Based on the assumed Fourier mode shape functions obtained by accounting for the effect of non-uniform tension, the Galerkin technique is utilized to construct a low-dimensional multi-mode model governing the coupled fluid-riser interaction system due to VIV. Numerical simulations in the case of varying sheared flow profiles are carried out to systematically evaluate riser nonlinear dynamics and highlight the influence of fluid–structure parameters along with associated VIV aspects. In particular, the effects of shear and tensioned-beam (tension versus bending) parameters are underlined. Some comparisons with published experimental results and observations are qualitatively and quantitatively discussed. Overall parametric previous termanalysis and predictionnext term results may be worthwhile for being a new benchmark against future experimental testing and/or numerical results predicted by an alternative model and methodology

Phosphorylation of eIF4GII and 4E-BP1 in response to nocodazole treatment: a reappraisal of translation initiation during mitosis

Translation mechanisms at different stages of the cell cycle have been studied for many years, resulting in the dogma that translation rates are slowed during mitosis, with cap-independent translation mechanisms favored to give expression of key regulatory proteins. However, such cell culture studies involve synchronization using harsh methods, which may in themselves stress cells and affect protein synthesis rates. One such commonly used chemical is the microtubule de-polymerization agent, nocodazole, which arrests cells in mitosis and has been used to demonstrate that translation rates are strongly reduced (down to 30% of that of asynchronous cells). Using synchronized HeLa cells released from a double thymidine block (G 1/S boundary) or the Cdk1 inhibitor, RO3306 (G 2/M boundary), we have systematically re-addressed this dogma. Using FACS analysis and pulse labeling of proteins with labeled methionine, we now show that translation rates do not slow as cells enter mitosis. This study is complemented by studies employing confocal microscopy, which show enrichment of translation initiation factors at the microtubule organizing centers, mitotic spindle, and midbody structure during the final steps of cytokinesis, suggesting that translation is maintained during mitosis. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of translation in response to extended times of exposure to nocodazole reflects increased eIF2α phosphorylation, disaggregation of polysomes, and hyperphosphorylation of selected initiation factors, including novel Cdk1-dependent N-terminal phosphorylation of eIF4GII. Our work suggests that effects on translation in nocodazole-arrested cells might be related to those of the treatment used to synchronize cells rather than cell cycle status

Comparison of performance of game engines across various platforms

The article presents the results of performance study of two selected game development engines, Unreal Engine and Unity. The comparative analysis of engines was performed based on measuring selected criteria for two identical, in terms of functionality and assets, games made in selected engines

State Public Retirement Systems: An Examination of Factors Affecting the Funded Ratio

Each of the fifty states oversees at least one public retirement system for employees. This study examines which factors affect the funded ratio of these systems. The intent of this paper is not to solve the problems facing public retirement systems, but to give decision makers and policy leaders a better understanding of what affects the funding levels of these systems. Understanding the various factors that affect the funded ratio will help decision makers determine which changes should be made to public retirement systems. The funded ratio is one of the main methods used to determine how well funded these systems are and indicates an ability to pay accruing liabilities (Boston College Public Plans Database). It is defined as actuarial assets divided by actuarial liabilities. Existing literature suggests that investment returns and a consistent lack of employer contributions have driven down the funded ratio of states\u27 public retirement systems. This paper examines these factors, but also looks at the effects of Social Security eligibility, cost of living adjustments, type of retirement plan offered, payroll, number of members, and employee contributions. To determine the effect of these variables on the funded ratio, I created a dataset of state-run public retirement systems from 2001 to 2009. This data was obtained from the Public Plans Database, a product of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. A model was created and a linear regression estimated the effects of the various factors. The linear regression model found six significant explanatory variables: plan type, actuarial assets, annual required contributions (ARC), payroll, the employee contribution rate, and employer contributions. All of the explanatory variables were found to be significant at the 99% confidence interval with the exception of employer contributions. Employer contributions were found to be significant at the 90% confidence interval. Based on the regression results, I recommend states pay toward the existing ARC. Since this impacts the funded ratio, existing statutes prohibiting a certain contribution level or simple failure to make payments, will probably increase the amount that states must pay in the future. Reducing the ARC will lower the system’s actuarial liabilities relative to assets and potentially make future ARC payments lower. Actuarial assets also have a statistically significant impact on the funded ratio in my analysis. Though it is outside the scope of this study to make recommendations regarding specific retirement systems, my analysis indicates that increasing assets relative to liabilities will raise the funded ratio. My results indicate that this could be done through increased employer contributions, a reduction in payroll, and lowering the ARC