Investigating post-editing effort

The working environment of translators has changed significantly in recent decades, with post-editing (PE) emerging as a new trend in the human translation workflow, particularly following the advent of neural machine translation (NMT) and the improvement of the quality of the machine translation (MT) raw output especially at the level of fluency. In addition, the directionality axiom is increasingly being questioned with translators working from and into their first language both in the context of translation (Buchweitz and Alves 2006; Pavlović and Jensen 2009; Fonseca and Barbosa 2015; Hunziker Heeb 2015; Ferreira 2013, 2014; Ferreira et al. 2016; Feng 2017) and in the context of PE (Garcia 2011; Sánchez-Gijón and Torres-Hostench 2014; da Silva et al. 2017; Toledo Báez 2018). In this study we employ product- and process-oriented approaches to investigate directionality in PE in the English-Greek language pair. In particular, we compare the cognitive, temporal, and technical effort expended by translators for the full PE of NMT output in L1 (Greek) with the effort required for the full PE of NMT output in L2 (English), while we also analyze the quality of the final translation product. Our findings reveal that PE in L2, i.e., inverse PE, is less demanding than PE in L1, i.e., direct PE, in terms of the time and keystrokes required, and the cognitive load exerted on translators. Finally, our research shows that directionality does not imply differences in quality.

Investigation of Surface Exploration Programs for Hydrological, Hydrogeological and Hydrogeochemical Issues in the Site Selection Procedure

The project “Investigation of Surface Exploration Programmes for Hydrological, Hydrogeological and Hydrogeochemical Issues in the Site Selection Procedure” summarizes the measurement methods that can be used for surface exploration of site regions and compares them with the measurement parameters as given in the Repository Site Selection Act (StandAG). Based on this, an orientation framework was developed that can support the evaluation of actual exploration programs. This project is limited to those measurement parameters that result from §§ 22–24 in conjunction with the Annexes 1–11 of the StandAG for the surface exploration of hydrological, hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical characteristics of site regions. In a first step, definitions of terms which are subject to interpretation were identified in the StandAG and advice was provided on how to deal with them and, in some cases, justified proposals for interpretation within the framework of this project were given. As a result, hydrological, hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical parameters were presented that were derived directly from the StandAG, as well as those that are not explicitly mentioned in the StandAG but are necessary for a detailed characterization of the rock formations in a site region. The next step was to identify measurement methods to be used for surface exploration of hydrological, hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical parameters. In particular, hydrogeologic and (borehole) geophysical methods were considered in the context of field measurements and laboratory investigations as well as field and laboratory tests for the determination of hydrogeochemical parameters. These measuring methods were described with respect to their measuring principle, the respective limits, the technical effort as well as the advantages and disadvantages of their application. Possible combinations with other measuring methods as well as a potential need for additional research and development for use in surface exploration programs were also presented. Considering the boundary conditions and dependencies for different rock types and necessary exploration depths, the measuring methods were assigned to the relevant parameters with respect to their applicability. In most cases, several methods are suitable for the determination of a specific parameter. Combining different physically independent methods can limit the range of variation of the measured variables and significantly increase the reliability of the results. The resulting compilation of measurement methods was used in the last step to establish an orientation framework. This framework contains the essential requirements for a complete documentation and quality assurance of the measurements and sampling and derives fundamental factors influencing the quality and quantity of the parameters. The orientation framework also refers to various factors that may influence the selection of suitable measuring methods for the surface exploration of the parameters as well as the determination of appropriate measuring network densities and measurement intervals. The measurement network densities selected at the beginning of the exploration are usually adjusted based on increasing knowledge of the site-specific geological conditions. This step-by-step procedure, which has proven successful in geological exploration programs, was also emphasized in the orientation framework, as it gradually increases the level of knowledge, the level of detail and thus the reliability of the measurement results.

Technology Focus: Flow Assurance (November 2021)

I sincerely hope that all JPT readers and your families, peers, and employers remain safe and healthy and have work as they read this year’s Flow Assurance feature. Flow-assurance effects from slug-flow engineering, design, maintenance, and operations technical concerns still create and sustain challenging technical issues requiring safe, economical solutions for both onshore unconventional and offshore conventional production facilities. The recurring long-term mitigation of slugging and various flow-assurance phenomena—along with the prevention of wax, erosion, asphaltenes, corrosion, and salt deposition—and gas hydrate prediction and handling still demand attention and considerable project technical effort. Slug-flow assessments present opportunities for significant optimization in work flows to target governing operating scenarios. Paper OTC 30172 describes an integrated iterative approach between the flow-assurance and pipeline-engineering disciplines to streamline the work flow based on the value or cost associated with changes in input parameters that affect pipeline fatigue-assessment outcomes. Case studies on two multiphase pipelines are presented to illustrate this design approach. The results show that early identification of the key pipeline profile features and dominating spans for pipeline slugging fatigue assessments facilitated the optimization of slug-flow modeling and reduced computational time. The second paper, SPE 203448, presents decision trees that are considered as nonparametric machine-learning models. The data sets used in training and testing the predictive model are experimental and were collected from literature. Air/kerosene and air/water mixtures were used in obtaining the experimental data points. Results show that the proposed boosted decision tree regression (BDTR) model outperforms the best empirical correlations and the fuzzy-logic model used in estimating liquid holdup in gas/liquid multiphase flows. For the built model, the most important input feature in estimating liquid holdup is the superficial gas velocity. The empirical correlations developed in the past for identifying liquid holdup in multiphase flow can be applied only under the flow conditions by which they were originally developed. However, this machine-learning model does not suffer from this limitation. The third paper, OTC 31298, describes a slugging-control solution that was rejected because of the use of a pseudovariable as the principal control point. A novel control scheme, therefore, was developed and tested on simulations for both hydrodynamic slugging and severe riser-induced slugging in an Angolan field. The project implemented the novel active slugging control using a topsides control valve and topsides instrumentation. While a pseudovariable, a pseudoflow controller, was used, it was part of a cascade scheme such that the principal control variable was a real top-side pressure measurement. Upon com-missioning, slugging at the facility was found to be more severe than anticipated during design, but the novel active slug-control scheme was effective in controlling incoming slugs. The desire to understand better how to describe and improve flow assurance and multiphase flow for both offshore and onshore facilities drives new production technology research, applications, and approaches. The three papers listed for additional reading focus on developing further new analytical tools while providing safe, cost-effective, and reliable operations for flow assurance. I hope you find them as interesting as I did. In addition, I invite you to join the Flow Assurance Technical Section to augment your learning. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. OTC 30177 - Real-Time Online Hydrate Monitoring and Prevention in Offshore Fields by Syahida Husna Azman, Petronas, et al. SPE 201316 - Modeling Dynamic Loads Induced by Slug Flows Considering Gas Expansion Caused by the Pressure Gradient in a Free Span Horizontal Hanging Pipeline by Gabriel Meneses Santos, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, et al. OTC 31238 - Taylor Bubbles of Viscous Slug Flow in Inclined Pipes by Longtong Abednego Dafyak, University of Nottingham, et al.

Evaluation of totally implantable catheters in healthy horses

Background For horses requiring prolonged daily cephalic intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP), the use of a totally implantable catheter (TIC) could be indicated to reduce complications associated with frequent venipuncture or external catheterization. This study aims to evaluate the implantation technique of the TIC in the cephalic vein of horses for IVRLP, describe the complications associated with the device’s placement and use, and assess its viability up to 60 days after implantation. Totally implantable catheters, cut to 15 cm (n = 5) and 46 cm (n = 5) in length, were implanted into one cephalic vein in ten adult horses (n = 10). Twenty-four hours following placement, IVRLP with contrast was performed via the TIC and evaluated with radiography. Physical examinations, lameness evaluation, hematologic assessment, and the catheter patency tests were performed at scheduled intervals for the duration of catheterization (7–60 days). Results Catheters were implanted without difficulty and allowed for IVRLP 24 h post implantation. Complications resulted in removal of the catheters, with four maintained for 7 days, three in place for 15 days, and three catheters maintained for 60 days. Complications included lameness, limb swelling, catheter kinking, and venous thrombosis. Conclusions The implantation technique of the TIC in the cephalic vein of horses is feasible and requires minimal technical effort. Although TIC allows venous access without the need for repeated venipuncture, its long-term use presents complications. For horses requiring prolonged daily cephalic IVRLP, the use of a TIC could be indicated. However, the high incidence of venous thrombosis may limit clinical application.

Start moving - benefits of an onsite workplace health program in the age of digitalization

Background The process of digitization should simplify our work and improve related processes (i.e. quality, transparency). Moreover, it enables the home office, which is greatly expanded due to the current pandemic. Regarding workplace health, it should be noted that with increasing digitization, physical activity decreases, and as a result, the number of work-related diseases will increase. On the other hand, increasing digitization also offers promising opportunities for new approaches to workplace health promotion. With these positive as well as negative effects in mind, we designed a workshop to increase physical activity at work. This protocol describes our approach to a live workshop concept. Methods We use a randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups: a live workshop with and without additional reminders. The workshop intervention design consists of a baseline measurement, two workshops, and one follow-up measurement. Each workshop takes place in small groups (n < 11). We use a randomized allocation to both groups. To control for health-related effects and the expected behavior change we examine (i) physical activity (i.e. active time, taken steps, etc.) by a tracking device (ii) physical wellbeing, motivation, and volition by an online questionnaire, and (iii) participants also report physical activity by a diary. All measurements are taken one week before the respective workshop and 24 weeks after the initial baseline measures. Discussion A live workshop offers advantages such as very personal interactions and a low technical effort. However, during the current pandemic, there are some limitations (i.e. small groups, pay attention to hygienic guidelines). Based on the upcoming experiences of this workshop, a web-based approach might offer some advantages (i.e. easier daily implementation, independent from a participant’s location) regarding home office workplaces and the increasing digitization. On the other hand, there are also mandatory requirements as a stable internet connection and technical equipment (i.e. webcam, microphone). Overall, a step by step development of a web-based workshop, based on the experience of the live workshop, can be regarded as advantageous. Trial registration Since this article reports a health promotion intervention concept with human participants, we registered it in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS). Number:DRKS00021512, Date:30.10.2020.

Assessing Biomass Removal and Woody Debris in Whole-Tree Harvesting System: Are the Recommended Levels of Residues Ensured?

Forest biomass is a sustainable source of renewable energy and a valuable alternative to finite fossil fuels. However, its overharvesting may lead to soil nutrient depletion and threaten future stand productivity, as well as affect the habitat for biodiversity. This paper provides quantitative data on biomass removal, fine woody debris [d ≤ 7 cm], and coarse woody debris [d > 7 cm] left on the forest floor in whole tree harvesting systems. Using tree allometric equations and inventory field methods for woody debris estimation, we assessed biomass removal on nine fuelwood harvesting sites in Central France, as well as fine and coarse woody debris left on the sites. The aboveground biomass estimates showed a high variability between the studied sites, it varied between 118 and 519 Mg ha−1. However, less variability was found among sites managed as coppice-with-standards 174 ± 56 Mg ha−1. Exported biomass was 107 ± 42 Mg ha−1 on average, including 35 ± 9% of fine wood. The amounts of both fine and coarse woody debris left on sites were generally less than 10% of the total harvested biomass in 2/3 of the studied sites. These amounts are lower than the minimum retention levels recommended by the sustainable forest biomass harvesting guidelines. Therefore, more technical effort and additional management measures should be taken to ensure more woody debris, especially in poor forest soils and thus, to guarantee a sustainable biomass harvesting.

Affecting Casein Micelles by Pulsed Electrical Field (PEF) for Inclusion of Lipophilic Organic Compounds

The increased consumption of reduced-fat or non-fat products leads to a reduced intake of fat-soluble bioactive substances, such as fat-soluble vitamins. Due to their natural role as transport systems for hydrophobic substances, casein micelles (CM) might depict a viable system. The structure of CM is characterized by a lipophilic core stabilized by an electric double layer-like structure. Modification allows accessibility of the core and, therefore, the inclusion of fat-soluble bioactive substances. Well-known modifications are pH reduction and use of rennet enzyme. A completely new procedure to modify CM structure is offered by pulsed electrical fields (PEF). The principle behind PEF is called electroporation and affects the electric double layer of CM so that it is interrupted. In this way, lipophilic substances can be incorporated into CM. In this work, we evaluated integration of β-carotene into native CM by an industry-compatible process to overcome disadvantages associated with the use of Na-caseinate and avoid great technical effort, e.g., due to treatment with high hydrostatic pressure. Our research has shown that PEF can be used for disintegration of CM and that significant amounts of β-carotene can be incorporated in CM. Furthermore, after disintegration using PEF, a combination of another PEF and thermal treatment was applied to restructure CM and trap significant amounts of β-carotene, permanently, ending up with an encapsulation efficiency of 78%.

Textile Finishing Using Polymer Nanocomposites for Radiation Shielding, Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Strength

The uses of nanotechnologies in textiles are strategic and allow textiles to become multifunctional. There is an ever-increasing demand for new functionalities, like flame retardancy, radiation shielding, improved mechanical strength etc., for highly specific applications. There is no industrial supply for the above-mentioned functionalities. Keeping in view of this background, surface treatment becomes one of the most important methods to create new textile properties. Polymer nanocomposites based on coatings for textiles have a huge potential for innovative modifications of surface properties like flame retardancy, radiation shielding and improved mechanical properties, which can be applied with a comparatively low technical effort and at moderate temperatures. This review compiles recent research on polymer nanocomposites for functional finishing of textiles to understand the theoretical and experimental tools on polymer nanocomposites and their applications in textiles.

Distributed Architecture for Unmanned Vehicle Services

The demand for online services is increasing. Services that would require a long time to understand, use and master are becoming as transparent as possible to the users, that tend to focus only on the final goals. Combined with the advantages of the unmanned vehicles (UV), from the unmanned factor to the reduced size and costs, we found an opportunity to bring to users a wide variety of services supported by UV, through the Internet of Unmanned Vehicles (IoUV). Current solutions were analyzed and we discussed scalability and genericity as the principal concerns. Then, we proposed a solution that combines several services and UVs, available from anywhere at any time, from a cloud platform. The solution considers a cloud distributed architecture, composed by users, services, vehicles and a platform, interconnected through the Internet. Each vehicle provides to the platform an abstract and generic interface for the essential commands. Therefore, this modular design makes easier the creation of new services and the reuse of the different vehicles. To confirm the feasibility of the solution we implemented a prototype considering a cloud-hosted platform and the integration of custom-built small-sized cars, a custom-built quadcopter, and a commercial Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. To validate the prototype and the vehicles’ remote control, we created several services accessible via a web browser and controlled through a computer keyboard. We tested the solution in a local network, remote networks and mobile networks (i.e., 3G and Long-Term Evolution (LTE)) and proved the benefits of decentralizing the communications into multiple point-to-point links for the remote control. Consequently, the solution can provide scalable UV-based services, with low technical effort, for anyone at anytime and anywhere.

Developing Computational Thinking Skills Through Modeling in Language Lessons

Technology is rapidly changing the world around us and thus, there is a need to adjust education by teaching children skills that are required in the fast-paced digital life. One problem-solving skillset, which has gained considerable attention in the last couple of years, is computational thinking (CT). Up to now, many countries have already implemented CT as an integral part of their education curricula, however, there is still often the misconception that teaching CT requires high technical effort and profound knowledge of computer science. Whereas CT is useful in any subject, it is not necessarily linked to technology and helps children to tackle problems by applying skills that are used in computer science. One effective hands-on approach to foster CT in every subject is modeling. A model is a simplified and reduced version of the real world and modeling is the process of creating it. In this paper, the authors focus on fostering CT skills with models from the field of computer science (CS) in foreign language teaching. The authors present several CS models, that have proven to be useful in language teaching, demonstrate how this approach can foster CT skills and give an insight into their research.