scholarly journals Human factors in machine translation and post-editing among institutional translators

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Cadwell ◽  
Sheila Castilho ◽  
Sharon O'Brien ◽  
Linda Mitchell

In September 2015, the ADAPT Centre for Digital Content Technology carried out a focus group study of 70 translators at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation (DGT). The aim was to better understand the factors involved in the translators’ adoption and non-adoption of machine translation (MT) during their translation tasks. Our analysis showed that, while broadly positive attitudes to MT could be observed, MT was not consistently adopted for all tasks. We argue that ergonomic factors related to a human translator’s needs, abilities, limitations, and overall well-being heavily impacted on participants’ decisions to use MT or not in their tasks. We further claim that it is only by taking into account the special institutional circumstances in which the activity of DGT translation is situated that these ergonomic factors can be fully understood and explained.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Vandendriessche ◽  
B Deforche ◽  
M Verloigne

Abstract Background Adolescents' sleep behavior has deteriorated over the last decades. However, little research has been conducted into possible psychosocial factors related to this behavior, which is an important prerequisite to develop effective sleep behavior interventions. In addition, previous research showed that actively involving adolescents in the development of interventions increases the chance of effectivity and sustainability. This study examined psychosocial factors related to sleep behavior in adolescents and investigated adolescents' willingness to participate in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. Methods Nine focus group interviews were conducted with seventy-two students (63,9% girls, 14.8 (±1.0) years) using a standardized interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and thematic content analysis was performed using Nvivo 11. Results Adolescents had adequate knowledge of sleep hygiene and short-term consequences of sleep deficiency, but limited knowledge of sleep norms and long-term consequences. Positive attitudes towards sleep were outweighed by positive attitudes towards other behaviours such as screen time. Leisure activities, smartphones, television, schoolwork, early school time and worrying were mentioned as barriers for healthy sleep. Adolescents showed low self-efficacy towards changing their sleep behaviors and perceived a negative social norm towards sleep. Although some adolescents indicated parental rules to have a positive influence on their sleep, others indicated these sometimes provoked frustration. Finally, adolescents emphasized the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention at school, although adult guiding would be needed. Conclusions Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents could focus on psychosocial factors such as knowledge, attitudes, barriers, self-efficacy and social perceived norm and could involve adolescents in intervention development. Key messages Future interventions promoting heathy sleep in adolescents should in addition to knowledge, also focus on psychosocial factors such as attitudes, self-efficacy and perceived social norms. Adolescents emphasize the importance of their participation in the development of a sleep behavior intervention. This approach could be worth trying in future research.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e278-e283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise H. Hall ◽  
Judith Johnson ◽  
Jane Heyhoe ◽  
Ian Watt ◽  
Kevin Anderson ◽  
...  

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35
Author(s):  
Janet Currie ◽  
Imke Fischer

Five hundred mothers of children under five years participated in a survey to gain perceptions of a community pram walking program designed to promote mental health. Telephone survey (n=450) and focus group (n=50) methods were used. Ninety-two percent of telephone survey respondents (n=416) believed that physical activity could increase mental well-being and 87% (n=390) felt that it could reduce the effects of postnatal depression [PND]. Interestingly, approximately 50% (n=25) of focus group participants felt that mothers experiencing PND would not want to join an exercise group set up for promoting mental well-being and 80% (n=40) stated that marketing messages should not mention mental health in order to avoid labelling or stigmatization. This study has revealed positive attitudes toward the potential of physical activity to improve mental health. However, for promotional purposes, terms such as well-being or reduced stress may be less stigmatizing than mental health.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Bian ◽  
Bing Ye ◽  
Anna Hoonakker ◽  
Alex Mihailidis

Abstract Background The rapid development of technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence in recent years enables monitoring frailty criteria to assess frailty early and accurately from a remote location such as a home. However, research shows technologies being abandoned or rejected by users due to a lack of compatibility and consumer involvement with the technologies. This study aims to understand older adult’s perceptions and preferences of technologies that can be potentially used to assess frailty in home settings. Methods This study is a qualitative study in which data were collected through focus group interviews. We recruited 15 older participants. Questions were asked to achieve the goal of understanding their attitudes on the technologies. These questions include 1) the concerns or barriers of installing and using the presented technology in daily life at home, 2) the reasons participants like or dislike a particular technology, 3) what makes a particular technology more acceptable, and 4) participants’ preferences in choosing technologies. Data were transcribed, coded and categorized, and finally synthesized to understand the attitudes towards presented technologies.Results A total of 15 older adults aged 65 and older were recruited. Three focus group sessions were conducted with five participants in each session. In the findings, the attitudes and perspectives of participants on the technologies for assessing frailty were presented in four areas: A) general attitude towards using the technologies, B) concerns about the technologies, C) existing living habits or patterns related to using the technologies, and D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies.Conclusions This study focuses on understanding the attitudes and perceptions of older adults on several technologies that could potentially be used to assess frailty in home settings. Participants generally have positive attitudes towards allowing the technologies to be installed and used at their home. Some technologies were found to be more acceptable if used under certain conditions. However, questions and concerns still remain. The study also found the living habits or patterns of older adults could affect the design and use of technology. Lastly, many valuable suggestions have been made by participants.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadeel Halaweh ◽  
Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff ◽  
Ulla Svantesson ◽  
Carin Willén

Background. With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual’s subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Methods. A qualitative research design in the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63–81 years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. Results. Three major themes were identified, “sense of well-being,” “having good physical health,” and “preserving good mental health.” The participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and mental health. Conclusion. This study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults’ perspectives on aging well. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Bian ◽  
Bing Ye ◽  
Anna Hoonakker ◽  
Alex Mihailidis

Abstract Background The rapid development of technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence in recent years enables monitoring frailty criteria to assess frailty early and accurately from a remote location such as a home. However, research shows technologies being abandoned or rejected by users due to a lack of compatibility and consumer involvement in selecting their assistive technology devices. This study aims to understand older adults’ perceptions and preferences of technologies that can potentially assess frailty at home. Methods This study collected qualitative data through focus group meetings with 15 participants ages 65 and older. Researchers asked participants questions to achieve the goal of understanding their attitudes on the technologies. These questions include (1) the concerns or barriers of installing and using the presented technology in daily life at home, (2) the reasons participants like or dislike a particular technology, (3) what makes a specific technology more acceptable, and (4) participants’ preferences in choosing technologies. Data were transcribed, coded and categorized, and finally synthesized to understand the attitudes towards presented technologies. Results Three focus group sessions were conducted with five participants in each session. In the findings, the attitudes and perspectives of participants on the technologies for assessing frailty were categorized into four themes: (A) general attitude towards using the technologies, (B) conditions for accepting certain technologies, (C) existing living habits or patterns related to using the technologies, and (D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies. Conclusions Participants generally had positive attitudes towards allowing the technologies to be installed and used at their homes. They would accept some technologies if used under certain conditions. However, questions and concerns remain, such as concerns about privacy, functionality, and aesthetics. The study also found that older adults’ living habits or patterns could affect the design and use of technology. Lastly, many valuable suggestions have been made by participants. These perspectives and insights can help improve the design and adoption of home-based frailty assessment technologies among older adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38
Author(s):  
Sophie Peter ◽  
Anna Maria Volkert ◽  
Holger Pfaff ◽  
Lukas Radbruch ◽  
Roman Rolke ◽  
...  

Background: General practitioners (GPs) are important providers and coordinators of palliative home care (PHC). Through this double role, their perspectives and their treatment decisions influence PHC fundamentally. This study aims to gain deeper insights into GPs’ perspectives regarding PHC in North Rhine, Germany. Methods: An explorative, semistructured focus group was conducted with 7 doctors. The researchers performed content analysis. Main topics were GPs’ role definition in PHC and GPs’ medical activities in PHC. Results: Participating GPs describe their role in PHC, based on high motivation and positive attitudes toward PHC as a hybrid role: coordinator, provider (mostly in general PHC), and referrer (gateway to palliative care [PC] specialists). According to GPs’ medical activity, participants describe moderate expertise, demanding tasks, and elaborate PHC provision for GPs. Participants stressed the importance of PC in GPs’ work. But also PC is a small field in general practice. GPs’ PHC benefits from the deep trust resulting from the often close and long-term GP–patient relationship. Complexity and bureaucracy of PHC structures as well as the lack of resources and multidisciplinary cooperation are named as barriers for providing PHC. The highest level of care is reached in specialized PHC, which only very few, severely impaired patients need. Conclusions: Participating GPs see themselves as important PHC providers as well as referrers and coordinators. Complexity and discontinuity in PC arrangements create challenges for their provision. Therefore, they long for reduced bureaucratic burdens.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise H Hall ◽  
Judith Johnson ◽  
Jane Heyhoe ◽  
Ian Watt ◽  
Kevin Anderson ◽  
...  

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