Psychotherapy, rhetoric, and hermeneutics: Implications for practice and research.

In that psychotherapists seek to interpret and transform the meanings of patients' communications, psychotherapy resembles rhetoric and hermeneutics. This article identifies some of these resemblances and considers their implications for psychotherapy practice and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A focused two-dimensional air-coupled ultrasonic array for non-contact generation

Air-coupled ultrasonic sources are relatively inefficient because the high impedance mismatch at the air/solid boundary means that most of the input energy (in air) is reflected at this boundary. The objective of this research is to increase efficiency—specifically an increase in ultrasonic signal amplitude—by designing and building a focused, 2D-array of electrostatic transducers (individual diameters of 38 mm). The operating frequency of this array is in the range of 50–100 kHz; this range is selected for civil infrastructure applications. Numerical simulations are used to design an array by modeling the pressure field in air, and then optimizing an array consisting of 20 transducers to create a line-source. An array is then built (following this design) and the emitted pressure field (in air) of the as built array is measured with a microphone and compared to the pressure field predicted by the numerical model. Finally, the as built focused array is used as an ultrasonic source, and its robustness is verified by comparing the numerical simulation of a transient line-load on an elastic half-space with (completely non-contact) experimentally measured values. There is excellent agreement between these two representations, which confirms the possibility of developing a completely non-contact, scanning ultrasonic system in the 50–100 kHz range.     

Witmer, James, and Münsterberg.

Briefly comments on the L. T. Benjamin article (see record 1996-03525-010) regarding the contributions of Lightner Witmer to the field of applied psychology. The present author notes an incident documented in the correspondence between Hugo Münsterberg and William James as having occurred when the APA was to have its meeting at Harvard University in the early part of the 20th century. Witmer's publishing of critical comments about James' work are said to have so incensed Münsterberg, the Philosophy/Psychology Department Chair at Harvard, that he declared that the meetings would not be held at Harvard unless Witmer was expelled from APA. James intervened, and the meetings were held. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Emission Reduction and Capacity Increase in GSM Networks by Single Antenna Interference Cancellation

There is an increasing demand to utilize the frequency spectrum of mobile communication systems most efficiently. This means in particular to GSM networks that the frequency reuse shall be planned as low as possible. In this case the system may become limited by interference rather than coverage. One promising technology for GSM mobiles in interference-limited systems is single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC). This receiver technology allows both for increasing the network capacity and for reducing the base station transmit power. The aim of this paper is to assess the emission reduction as well as the system capacity capabilities when SAIC technology is applied in downlink receivers.     

Testing Laminated Glass for Impact Resistance

Comparative testing of laminated glass made up by different combinations for impact resistance has been performed. The testing corroborates the possibility of using glass subjected to special thermal treatment (STT) in the production of impact-resistant laminated glass. Glasses based on STT glass satisfy the impact resistance requirements of GOST R 51136–98, and their thickness and weight are a factor of 1.5 less.     

Application of an alternative contractor selection model

The results described confirm the thorough assessment implemented by the model and an output mechanism able to highlight key contractor characteristics. The exercise also supports the contention, that examination of contractors should aim to establish project performance potential and rely less on estimated project cost (tender sum).     

Revising a Mechanical Engineering Curriculum: The Implementation Process

In early 1990, motivated largely by concern for the highly structured nature of engineering education, the faculty of Purdue's School of Mechanical Engineering initiated a two-year assessment of its curriculum. A principal conclusion of this assessment was that students should have more exposure to open-ended, cross-functional problems and that design, interpreted broadly, provided the best platform for launching appropriate curriculum changes. Specific plans for curriculum revision included a) early exposure to design and the product realization process, including issues such as marketing, manufacturing and economics, as well as concept generation, evaluation and documentation; b) integration of design and open-ended problem solving experiences across the curriculum, including the core engineering sciences courses; c) development of the softer skills associated with communication and teamwork; and d) greater emphasis on engineering practice through increased linkages with industry. To varying degrees, progress has been made on each of the foregoing objectives, and the purpose of this paper is to describe the nature of the curriculum revisions, as well as the process by which an implementation plan was developed. A retrospective assessment of the revisions and the implementation process is also provided.