Risk and Quantification: A Linguistic Study

In risk analysis and research, the concept of risk is often understood quantitatively. For example, risk is commonly defined as the probability of an unwanted event or as its probability multiplied by its consequences. This article addresses (1) to what extent and (2) how the noun risk is actually used quantitatively. Uses of the noun risk are analyzed in four linguistic corpora, both Swedish and English (mostly American English). In total, over 16,000 uses of the noun risk are studied in 14 random (n = 500) or complete samples (where n ranges from 173 to 5,144) of, for example, news and magazine articles, fiction, and websites of government agencies. In contrast to the widespread definition of risk as a quantity, a main finding is that the noun risk is mostly used nonquantitatively. Furthermore, when used quantitatively, the quantification is seldom numerical, instead relying on less precise expressions of quantification, such as high risk and increased risk. The relatively low frequency of quantification in a wide range of language material suggests a quantification bias in many areas of risk theory, that is, overestimation of the importance of quantification in defining the concept of risk. The findings are also discussed in relation to fuzzy‐trace theory. Findings of this study confirm, as suggested by fuzzy‐trace theory, that vague representations are prominent in quantification of risk. The application of the terminology of fuzzy‐trace theory for explaining the patterns of language use are discussed.     

Emerging adult identity following adolescent experiences with psychotropic medications: A retrospective study

This study examines the perceptions of mental illness identity among a group of emerging adults based on their retrospective experiences with diagnoses and psychotropic medication use during their earlier formative adolescent years. A short questionnaire was administered via online social media platforms to volunteers between the ages of 19 and 30 and who self-identified as having taken psychotropic medication between the ages of 12 and 18 (N = 46). Correlation analysis revealed that several variables were associated with a stronger illness identity, including participant’s happiness with their medication experiences, the belief that medication made them more like their “true” selves, and the belief that their diagnosis was accurate. Content analysis of participant narratives suggested themes related to discontinuation and barriers to adherence. These results contribute to the growing knowledge base around lived experiences of psychiatric medication use and suggest further study on how to advance more informed and compassionate mental health care.     

基于SAO语义分析的潜在技术合作伙伴识别

将SAO语义结构信息引入技术伙伴识别选择过程中，构建基于SAO语义分析的技术合作伙伴识别体系，通过对企业进行技术愿景分析、企业知识库分析确定技术合作网络，对网络内企业重点子技术领域进行相似度分析，从而识别企业潜在的技术合作伙伴，并制定针对性的合作方案。以染敏太阳能电池为案例开展实证研究，验证了该方法体系的可行性。     

语义角色精细化理论下的题元准则研究

在语义角色精细化理论框架下讨论了英语中的题元角色与论元之间的关系。对题元准则存在的问题进行了分析，介绍了佩里尼的语义角色精细化理论，区分了精细化角色和概括性角色。精细化角色和概括性角色之间存在一条精细化轨道，连接下位的精细化题元关系和上位的语义角色的同时，把精细化题元关系和论元的句法功能联系起来。在任何谓词结构内，每个可见论元都必须充当特定的语义角色，每个语义角色都必须指派给一个可见论元。并对角色精细化题元关系为题元准则具体问题的消解方案进行了讨论。     

论《齐民要术》新生复合词中的同义词

《齐民要术》是中古时期口语性较强的一部农业科技著作，书中使用了较多复合词，有的复合词意义相近或相关，彼此聚合成群，形成了不同的同义词词场。这些同义词词场中的复合词在构词上都有相同的特点：即构成复合词的两个语素单用时意义相近或相关，这样的复合词应是当时的语言社团根据已有的并列式构词法创造的新词。在汉语词汇的历时发展中，《齐民要术》中使用的同义复合词呈现出不同的发展结果：由曾经常用的单音词作语素构成的复合词或易于通过隐喻机制形成新义的复合词使用频率相对较高，生命力相对较强，在竞争中也相对较容易发展成汉语中的常用复合词；使用频率低或难以产生隐喻引申义的复合词很容易退出语言交际领域，从而成为汉语词汇历史发展中某阶段的陈迹。     

The Aging Semantic Differential in Mandarin Chinese: Measuring Attitudes toward Older Adults in China

ABSTRACT

The Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) is the most widely used instrument to measure young people’s attitudes towards older adults. This study translated the ASD to Mandarin and examined its psychometric properties. The Mandarin-ASD contains three latent factors (Personality and Mental Health, Societal Participation, and Physical) that have high internal reliability and reasonable discriminate validity. Social work researchers, practitioners and allied professionals may utilize the ASD-Mandarin instrument to measure young people’s attitudes towards older adults in China. We issue a call for a universal-ASD that can be applied across different cultural contexts.     

Do Mission Statements Matter for Nonprofit Performance?

In this exploratory study, we examine whether organizational mission statement attributes make a difference to the performance of nonprofit performing arts organizations. We use text analysis to measure two semantic attributes—activity and commonality—of mission statements. We examine whether these attributes are associated with improved performance for the instrumental and expressive functions of nonprofit performing arts organizations. Our findings indicate that the mission statement attribute activity is associated with improved performance for both instrumental and expressive functions. Our analysis of nonfindings for the mission statement attribute commonality suggests that there is a need to develop and use content analysis tools tailored to nonprofit contexts.     

新时期女性作家对女性身体美学的重构策略及意义

在男权社会中，女性身体美学也是由男性的历史之手制造并且是符合其男权中心主义需要的，这种男性的美学表现出对病弱女体的偏爱。新时期女性作家重构了女性身体的美学范式。这一美学重构是通过女性身体的健美与男性身体的丑弱对比．以新的眼光设置女性身体描写的空间来实现的。当代女性作家通过对女性身体形象的重塑，传达出女性建构新的自我的努力。     

论“化”字词语的英译

通过对“化”字词语进行词源、构词结构、搭配组合进行广泛而深入的探讨，提出并归纳其英译的特点、方法，提高了汉语里大量存在并不断涌现的“化”字词语的翻译质量，实现了“化”字词语翻译的时代同步性和准确性。     

地下空间的软导向识别及主要设计策略

针对软导向设计具有改善用户在特定导向任务中的寻路效率和效果的假设,利用意向尺度法对包含软导向设计的空间和不包含软导向设计的空间进行对比调研。结果证明,软导向设计可以明显提升导识效率,并发现随着用户对空间熟悉程度的增加,一些地标性差异物可以成为用户稳定可靠的定位要素,从而对常规标识系统的依赖度逐渐下降。由此提出应通过色彩和光影变化、立体造型与显著空间标志物的设置、平面造型的图案规划与差异、材料和肌理以及装饰强度的对比等措施完成空间中的软导向设计。并认为软导向设计前期需要在充分调研的基础之上开展,在设计过程中不但要节制规范的使用软导向要素,还应与空间主题语境相呼应。