On Common Ground: Evidence for an Association Between Fractions and the Ratios They Represent

This study tested two hypotheses central to the theory that understanding fractions as symbolic representations of magnitude (e.g. ½) may rely on cognitive systems of ratio processing that are common to the perception of ratios (e.g. the length of one line relative to another). Specifically, we tested: 1) whether nonsymbolic ratio stimuli support more efficient magnitude processing than symbolic fractions and 2) whether comparisons between nonsymbolic and symbolic stimuli require significant translation costs relative to within format comparisons. Participants were asked to indicate the larger of two fractions in three different conditions: paired symbolic fractions, paired nonsymbolic line ratios, and mixed symbolic/nonsymbolic cross-notation pairs. We found that adults were consistently faster when comparing nonsymbolic ratios relative to symbolic fractions. Furthermore, adults were neither slower nor less accurate when making cross-notation comparisons than when making symbolic fraction comparisons within format, suggesting a common magnitude code can be accessed without substantial translation costs. Both results contrast with conclusions from previous studies examining whole-number processing and suggest that extracting symbolic fraction magnitudes and perceiving nonsymbolic ratio magnitudes may rely on shared mechanisms of magnitude processing.

Attitudes to CAT Tools: Application on Egyptian Translation Students and Professionals

Computer-aided Translation (CAT) tools have become indispensable in most organizations, with major benefits including increasing productivity, unifying terminology and minimizing translation costs. With both positive and negative feedback being reported about these systems, it is imperative to further explore users’ attitudes to CAT tools. Given the scarcity of research conducted in this field on the English-Arabic language pair, the present study attempts to examine users’ attitudes to CAT tools among 114 translation students and professional translators in Egypt. The main purpose of the research is to examine user attitudes towards these tools with specific reference to their perceived benefits, ease of use and compatibility. The survey instrument was adapted from Moore and Benbasat with some modifications. Drawing upon Dillon and Fraser’s premises, the research investigates the relationship between user attitudes to CAT tools and various factors, including years of experience, computer skills and type of texts translated. Semi-structured interviews were also used to achieve a mixed-method. The study points to an overall favorable attitude among participants towards using CAT tools, despite some mixed and contradicting opinions on some aspects. The findings also confirm that users with better computer skills have more favorable attitudes towards CAT tools unlike those with more experience in translation. The study concludes with some recommendations for future research.

Look Who's Acting!

Digital maker communities democratize manufacturing through hands on learning, trans-disciplinary work and open source knowledge sharing. Little is known how knowledge sharing actually happens. This study applied actor-network-theory as underlying theoretical framework to a co-design project in a digital maker community – the teletransportation project. At the core of this project was a basic digital design for a cup that can be 3D-printed. The study showed that the different network types re-assemble around nodes that result from translations (and therefore transformations) of the initial project idea and the code that allowed to 3D-print a cup. It was able to show translations and the circular movement in the network as well as translation costs, time effects, intermediaries and mediators.

Putting Their Heads Together Virtually

Content management technology provides a flexible environment for virtual collaboration for technical and business writing. Internationally, small and large organizations in various industries are using content management system (CMS) technology to improve their communications while lowering their production and translation costs and enhancing the quality of their writing. The following case studies provide a look at how small and large writing teams are really doing it. These teams have successfully implemented content management technology and improved virtual collaboration in varying environments—within a department, between multiple departments, within a division, and across several divisions of their respective organizations.