A Novel Discrete Binary Gaining-Sharing knowledge-based Optimization Algorithm for the Travelling Counselling Problem for Utilization of Solar Energy

This article proposes a novel binary version of recently developed Gaining-Sharing knowledge-based optimization algorithm (GSK) to solve binary optimization problems is proposed. GSK algorithm is based on the concept of how humans acquire and share knowledge during their life span. Discrete Binary version of GSK named novel binary Gaining Sharing knowledge-based optimization algorithm (DBGSK) depends on mainly two binary stages: binary junior gaining sharing stage and binary senior gaining sharing stage with knowledge factor 1. These two stages enable DBGSK for exploring and exploitation of the search space efficiently and effectively to solve problems in binary space.An improved scheduling of the technical counselling process for utilization of the electricity from solar energy power stations is introduced. The scheduling aims at achieving the best utilization of the available day time for the counselling group,n this regard,a new application problem is presented, which is called a Travelling Counselling Problem (TCP).A Nonlinear Binary Model is introduced with a real application

How Online Counselling Is Utilised, Evaluated, and Received

This chapter covers the broad range of online counselling work, using the COVID-19 era as a point of reference. It provides an overview of online applications of counselling and psychotherapy at pre-COVID-19 time and informs the reader of how online counselling provision has been accelerated during the pandemic. A theoretical overview of the key counselling and therapeutic processes as conceptualised in the cyberspace which considers six distinct modes of online communication are provided. An evaluation and the review of the latest efficacy and effectiveness research evidence of online counselling is also provided. The key benefits and challenges of digitalised therapeutic interventions from the clients' and therapists' perspectives covering pre and during COVID-19 are identified. Attention is drawn to existing studies on counselling engagement, adherence, outreach, non-stigmatising counselling practices, power imbalances in the counselling process, and therapy outcomes.

A Novel Discrete Binary Gaining-Sharing knowledge-based Optimization Algorithm for the Travelling Counselling Problem for Utilization of Solar Energy

This article proposes a novel binary version of recently developed Gaining-Sharing knowledge-based optimization algorithm (GSK) to solve binary optimization problems is proposed. GSK algorithm is based on the concept of how humans acquire and share knowledge during their life span. Discrete Binary version of GSK named novel binary Gaining Sharing knowledge-based optimization algorithm (DBGSK) depends on mainly two binary stages: binary junior gaining sharing stage and binary senior gaining sharing stage with knowledge factor 1. These two stages enable DBGSK for exploring and exploitation of the search space efficiently and effectively to solve problems in binary space.An improved scheduling of the technical counselling process for utilization of the electricity from solar energy power stations is introduced. The scheduling aims at achieving the best utilization of the available day time for the counselling group,n this regard,a new application problem is presented, which is called a Travelling Counselling Problem (TCP).A Nonlinear Binary Model is introduced with a real application

Users’ evaluation of Japan’s cancer information services: process, outcomes, satisfaction and independence

BackgroundCancer information service (CIS) programmes are becoming increasingly important because patients need to obtain appropriate information and take an active role in their treatment decisions. Programme evaluation is required to determine the level of satisfaction and quality of experiences of users. The purpose of this study is (1) to identify users’ evaluation of CIS programmes by both satisfaction and outcomes that reflect the quality of experience and impact of using the CIS, (2) to examine the related factors of these evaluation outcomes and (3) to analyse the differences of those relations between patients and families.MethodThe self-reported questionnaire was answered by 447 patients and 216 families of patients who used Cancer Information Support Centres (CISCs) at 16 designated cancer hospitals from January 2016 to April 2016. We developed 12 evaluation items, including satisfaction, experience and the impact of using CISC.ResultsRespondents evaluated the CISC highly, especially in terms of overall satisfaction, followed by the counselling process. Immediate access to CISC was the strongest factor affecting outcomes. Patients who wanted to consult about ‘disease or symptoms’ or ‘had no specific problem’ tended to provide high scores for some outcomes, but those who wanted to consult about a ‘financial problem’ or ‘discharge or care at home’ provided negative scores. These trends were also observed in families but to a more limited extent.ConclusionUsers’ evaluation of CISCs was sufficiently high in terms of overall satisfaction, showing reasonable scores in outcome levels. Immediate access was the strongest factor affecting outcomes and topics of consultation more directly affected evaluation by patients than by families. The distribution of the scores of the measures and related factors was reasonable. The 12-item measurement tool employed in this study seems to be useful for quality monitoring of the CIS.

Contraceptive counselling experiences in Spain in the process of creating a web-based contraceptive decision support tool: a qualitative study

Background The choice of contraceptive method is a complex decision, and professionals should offer counselling based on the preferences, values and personal situation of the user(s). Some users are unsatisfied with the counselling received, which may, among other consequences, adversely affect method use adherence. In view of this situation, we propose exploring the experiences and needs of users and professionals for contraceptive counselling, in the context of creating a web-based contraceptive decision support tool. Methods/design Qualitative research was conducted through focus group discussions (64 users split into eight groups, and 19 professionals in two groups, in Tarragona, Spain) to explore the subjects’ experiences and needs. The data were categorized and the categories were defined and classified based on the three-step protocol or framework for Quality on Contraceptive Counseling (QCC), created by experts, which reviews the quality of interactions between user and professional during the counselling process. Results In counselling, users demand more information about the different methods, in an environment of erroneous knowledge and misinformation, which lead to false beliefs and myths in the population that are not contrasted by the professional in counselling. They complain that the method is imposed on them and that their views regarding the decision are not considered. Professionals are concerned that their lack of training leads to counselling directed towards the methods they know best. They acknowledge that a paternalistic paradigm persists in the healthcare they provide, and decision support tools may help to improve the situation. Conclusions Users feel unsatisfied and/or demand more information and a warmer, more caring approach. Professionals are reluctant to assume a process of shared decision-making. The use of a contraception DST website may solve some shortcomings in counselling detected in our environment.

ENFORCEMENT OF A CREDIT AGREEMENT WHERE THE CONSUMER HAS APPLIED FOR DEBT REVIEW IN TERMS OF THE NATIONAL CREDIT ACT 34 OF 2005 First Rand Bank v Smith (unreported case number 24208/08 (WLD))

Section 86 of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCA) provides for the debt relief mechanism envisaged in section 3(g) of the Act by affording the overindebted consumer the opportunity to apply to a debt counsellor for a review of the credit agreements to which he or she is a party and eventually to be declared over-indebted by the court. The effectiveness of the debt review process obviously depends on a positive working relationship between all role players, namely the over-indebted consumer, credit providers and debt counsellor, but also on the extent in which the legislator has succeeded to regulate all aspects of the said process properly. According to a recent newspaper report more than 58 000 consumers have applied for debt review in terms of section 86. However, hardly any of these cases have managed to proceed through our courts. Apart from the lack of co-operation between the said role players, it iscommonly accepted that legislative gaps contribute to the ineffectiveness of the debt counselling process. In First Rand Bank v Smith (unreported case no 24208/08 (WLD)) the court, however, indicated a lacuna in the Act which, it is submitted, was not in actual factpresent in the Act.

Living as a diakonos of Christ and pastoral care to the narcissistically entitled person

In many research documents, the current age is called the age of entitlement. Closely associated with some forms of entitlement is narcissism. When the church encounters such widespread phenomena, she should consider possibilities and ways to address those in her pastoral care.The theoretical argument of the article is that the church could pastorally care for a Christian who leads a life of narcissistic entitlement, by guiding him to lead the life of a diakonos of Christ according to the New Testament. The relationship between narcissism and entitlement is described, as well as the characteristics of narcissistically entitled persons, and how problems may develop from a narcissistically entitled attitude. A short description is then given of a pastoral process that might be used. Part of the counselling process is to bring someone in the presence of God (coram Deo) to understand what God’s mercy and his prescriptions mean to him or her in his problematic situation.Contribution: Lastly, different passages in which the diakon-words occur in the New Testament were studied and applied to the pastoral care of a narcissistically entitled person in the coram Deo-phase of pastoral care. Based on the results, it can be concluded that in the coram Deo-phase of the pastoral process, the pastoral care of narcissistically entitled persons may be enhanced by leading them to embrace and practise their identity as diakonos of Christ.

Disputing Irrational Belief in Adolescent Using Cognitive Simulation: A Case Study

The adolescent problems discussed in individual counselling sessions vary widely. The approach the counsellor uses has an effect on the way the problem is solved and the follow-up determines the recurrence of the same problem. The use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy focuses on aspects of irrational thinking as the root of individual problems. This article examines the case of a teenager and then determines the existing irrational thought patterns. This study uses a qualitative case study method by analyzing the counselling process. This study concluded that adolescents with emotional maturity tend to be potentially irrational by "demanding" and "awfulizing". This article recommends that educators outside of school and at school improve the rational thinking skills of adolescents through various awareness education.

Perceptions of students’ counselling experience with intern counsellors within a tertiary education setting: A thematic analysis.

Mental health decline and psychological distress is rising among tertiary students’ worldwide andis now recognised internationally as an important public health issue.There is a growing demand for campus-based counselling services as evidence suggests that providing on-campus counselling support can significantly support student mental health and wellbeing. In addition, there is a symbiotic demand for counselling students to have the opportunity to integrate their skills through practice with clients. With the increasing demand for universities and tertiary institutes to provide counselling support, the use of graduate level trainees to deliver counselling services could provide an innovative and effective model to cope with high demand in a cost-efficient way. This qualitative research explores the perceptions of students who have sought counselling, delivered by trainee counsellors within a tertiary education setting. A thematic analysis was used to interpret the data from anonymous, semi-structured survey questions. Three predominate themes were identified; 1) positive experiences of counselling were connected directly to the relationship and positive regard that the counsellor fostered; 2) the counselling process supported the clients’ autonomy, self-determination and resilience and 3) despite nervousness, clients were surprised by the perceived positive benefits of counselling. A fourth theme identified that a minority of clients need a more experienced therapist to support their needs. This study demonstrated that counselling services delivered by trainee counsellors was perceived as helpful by the majority of students and has implications for improving practice and service availability through the use of trainees within university counselling services.