Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can detrimentally affect human health directly and indirectly. However, the main environmental concern of VOCs involves the formation of smog. In the presence of nitrogen oxides, VOCs are the precursors to the formation of ground level ozone. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and toluene are extensively used in industry as solvents. They are all highly toxic to animals and humans. Accordingly, IPA and toluene are strongly associated with problems of VOCs. Catalytic incinerations and a regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) were adopted to decompose VOCs herein. Various catalysts were prepared and developed in this study. The screening test of catalytic activity and the influences of the operational parameters on VOCs removal efficiencies were widely discussed through catalytic incinerations of VOCs. The more effective and cheaper catalysts through above discussions of catalytic incineration were selected. And they were utilized in an RCO to investigate their performance in VOCs oxidation and RCO operations. Experimental results demonstrate that 10 wt%CuCo/(G) catalyst performed well in an RCO because it has the excellent performance in incineration efficiency and economic efficiency. The achievements of this study are summarized as follows: (1) Treatment of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) using ceramic honeycomb(CH) catalyst The eighteen ceramic honeycomb catalysts we prepared by various methods (co-precipitation, wet impregnation and incipient impregnation), various metal weight loadings (5 ~ 20 wt %), and various metals (Cu and CuCe) were used in the experiment. The results indicate that 20 wt%CuCe/(CH) catalyst prepared by wet impregnation had the best performance in CO2 yield because TC50 and TC95 were 245¢J and 370¢J, respectively, under the following operating conditions; a space velocity of 12000 hr-1, an inlet IPA concentration of 1600 ppm, an oxygen concentration of 21%, and a relative humidity of 25%. Given the operational parameters of IPA oxidation experiments, the CO2 yields increased with higher temperature and oxygen concentration, but decreased with inlet IPA concentration, space velocity and the relative humidity increased. Moreover, the stability test results show that the 20 wt%CuCe/(CH) catalyst had excellent stability. (2) Treatment of toluene using molecular sieve(MS) catalyst Molecular sieve catalysts with various metals (Cu, Co, Mn, CuMn, CuCo, MnCo) and various loadings (5~10 wt %) were produced by wet impregnation to treat toluene. The results indicate that 10 wt%CuCo/(MS) had the best performance in toluene conversion because T50 and T95 were 295¢J and 425¢J, respectively, at an influent concentration of toluene of 900 ppm, an oxygen concentration of 21%, a space velocity of 12000 hr-1, and a relative humidity of 26%. The conversions of toluene increased with the reaction temperature and the influent concentration of oxygen, but decreased as the initial concentration of toluene and the space velocity increased. Moreover, we did not find any decay between the fresh and used catalysts using SEM and EDS. (3) Treatment of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) using Cu/(CH) and CuCo/(CH) catalysts We used the 20 wt% CuCo/(CH) and 20 wt% Cu/(CH) catalysts in a pilot RCO to test IPA oxidation performance under various conditions. The best catalyst was selected, and the economic efficiency of RCO and the phenomenon of RCO operations were more widely discussed. The results demonstrate that 20 wt% CuCo/(CH) catalyst performed well in an RCO because it was effective in treating IPA, with a CO2 yield of up to 95%. It also had the largest tolerance of variations in inlet IPA concentration and gas velocity. The 20 wt% CuCo/(CH) catalyst in an RCO also performed well in terms of TRE, pressure drop and selectivity to CO2. The thermal recovery efficiency (TRE) decreased as gas velocity increased. The temperature difference (Td) and pressure drop increased with gas velocity and heating zone temperature. The TRE range was from 87.8 to 91.2 % and the Td ranged from 22.1~35.1¢Junder various conditions. Finally, the stability test results indicate that the 20 wt% CuCo/(CH) catalyst was very stable at various CO2 yields and temperatures. (4) Treatment of toluene using CuCo/(CH) catalysts with various carriers In this work, three catalysts (10 wt%CuCo/(G)¡B10 wt%CuCo/(MS) and 20 wt% Cu/(CH)) were prepared by wet impregnation, and used in an RCO to test their performance in incineration efficiency and economic efficiency under various operational conditions. Then the best catalyst was selected and the phenomenons of RCO operations were further investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that 10 wt%CuCo/(G) catalyst performed well in an RCO because it is effective in treating toluene with a toluene conversion of up to 95% at the heating zone temperature (Tset) = 400¢J under various conditions. The 10 wt% CuCo/(G) catalyst had the greatest tolerance against the effects of inlet toluene concentration and gas velocity, and exhibited the best performance in terms of TRE , Td and pressure drop. The TRE range was from 90.2 to 92.9 % and Td ranged from 18.2 to 30.9¢J under various conditions at Tset = 300~400¢J. Moreover, when 10 wt% CuCo/(G) catalyst was used in an RCO, the results demonstrate that (1) high selectivity to CO2 ; (2) decrease in TRE and increase in Td as increasing the shifting time; (3) an insignificant effect of shifting time on pressure drop and (4) excellent stability of 10 wt% CuCo/(G) catalyst in a long period test.

The literature review produced for this thesis systematically analysed qualitative studies of cognitive therapy using a methodology checklist and a meta-synthesis technique. Ten papers which used qualitative analysis to look at clients’ experiences of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) met the selection criteria. Seven themes emerged. Three were linked to a therapeutic relationships theme; the trusted listener, power and authority and others like me. Four were linked to the impact of cognitive therapy theme; empowering information, analysing the problem, thinking differently and doing things differently. It was concluded that future research should focus on the components of cognitive therapy and that differences in technique between CBT and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) should be explored via a qualitative study of clients’ experiences of REBT. A qualitative approach was taken to look at clients’ experiences of REBT. Seven participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and the resulting transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three themes emerged: one which looked at what it was like to have mental health problems; a second, which looked at clients’ expectations and experiences of the more technical aspects of therapy, and a third which examined the therapeutic relationship. All of the participants appeared to value therapy. However, the extent to which they knew about and used the theory and philosophy of REBT varied greatly. These results suggest that further research needs to be carried out which looks at how people benefit from therapy as clients views may differ from those of therapists. A critical appraisal of the research process was written using the REBT model to reflect the experience of producing the thesis.

Some seven percent of children in the general population are affected by Specific Language Impairment and/or Pragmatic Language Impairment with numerous cases undiagnosed. It is known that difficulty in communication affects psychosocial functioning and is likely to be a source of mental distress but the data on people’s access to and benefit from psychological intervention are limited. There is also limited understanding of psychologists’ capacity to meet these clients’ needs although their problems continue into adulthood. This research questions the population of counselling and clinical psychologists about their knowledge and experience of these disorders using an electronic questionnaire. Qualitative methods were then adopted with three participants with SLI/PLI and four psychologist practitioners familiar with such clients; this involved semi-structured interviews analysed using IPA and TA respectively. The purpose was to interpret and develop the clients' lived experiences into themes which were then used to look for possible connecting themes in the psychologists’ transcripts. This process was termed "interconnection" and was intended to reveal the coincidence and convergence of the two sides of the client/psychologist dyad. Results showed that whereas findings demonstrated the young men possessed a spectrum of coping and defence strategies as constituent parts of resilience, including self-esteem, self-identity and self-efficacy, the psychologists did not see the client as a congruent whole, addressing either their impairment or their mental health problem. Client resiliencies were not used in therapy and psychosocial difficulties were not recognised as a focus of distress although they did endeavour to modify their therapeutic approaches. Finally, consideration is given to whether the research aim is met, the implications for counselling psychology and possible future research. It is proposed that this methodology of interconnection has the potential to provide a novel approach to inform any future research and service development for this and other client groups in the way it takes patients/clients into account and connects them with professional working.

This study draws from literature on acculturation, acculturative stress and gender roles as they relate to the experiences of Latin American immigrant groups. It focuses on Brazilian immigrant women, a group which has been understudied in psychological literature. This interview-based qualitative research project utilizes a phenomenological approach focusing on the personal lived experiences of Brazilian immigrant women in Texas and Massachusetts. Ten interviews were analyzed and five emergent themes were revealed. Results revealed ways in which women's immigration experiences intersect with their multiple identities, and the ways in which those identities are shaped and negotiated during the transformative immigration experience. The phenomenological approach is particularly suited to study the immigration experience, as this experience inherently involves issues of identity, transition and meaning-making within a particular contextual space. / text

Although Aboriginal people in Canada are subject to marginalization and racism, researchers have devoted limited attention to studying White Canadians’ prejudice toward this group. In addition, little qualitative research has been conducted with individuals known to possess prejudiced attitudes. This study addressed these gaps in the literature. A two-part mixed-methods approach was employed. In Phase 1, a questionnaire was administered to 192 non-Aboriginal undergraduate students. Endorsement of old-fashioned prejudice was somewhat low, though a sizeable minority of participants (29%) scored above the midpoint on this measure. The mean score on the modern prejudice measure was above the scale midpoint, and the majority of the sample (61%) scored above the midpoint, suggesting that modern prejudice toward Aboriginal people was fairly prevalent in this sample. Phase 1 participants who scored above the midpoint on one or both prejudice measures and reported a White ethnicity were invited to participate in an interview. Interviews with 13 of these individuals (nine women and four men) were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The themes that emerged have provided insight into the ways in which old-fashioned and modern prejudiced attitudes toward Aboriginal people are created and maintained. The socialization process emerged as a key contributor to participants’ attitudes toward Aboriginal people (e.g., internalization of stereotypes about Aboriginal people). Modern prejudiced sentiments mainly revolved around the perceived unfairness of the presumed special treatment of Aboriginal people in Canada. Ambivalence toward Aboriginal people, a core feature of modern prejudice, was also observed. Consistent with the conceptualization of old-fashioned prejudice, some participants implied that Aboriginal people possess inherent inferiorities (e.g., poor work ethic) that are responsible for the social problems they encounter. This was often linked to a perception that Aboriginal people have the choice to advance themselves, but many are content with being financially dependent on the government. It is posited that participants’ apparent surface-level evaluations and understandings of Aboriginal people and social issues demonstrate that increased awareness and education may be needed among the Canadian public (e.g., regarding societal factors that serve to maintain inequality). Limitations of this study along with avenues for future research are also discussed.

In December 2004, at the SoDIS® (Software Development Impact Statements) symposium in Auckland, an industry certification as a method of credentialing teachers and analysis of SoDIS was mooted. SoDIS, a process of ethics-based risk assessment and analysis of downstream risk to project and software stakeholders, including the public, is currently in the process of progressing from prototype to commercial product. Certification was proposed to ensure the integrity of the process and the quality of service to stakeholders.Certification sponsored by industry, commercial organisation, or professional association (collectively referred to as industry certification, or certification) has been a form of credentialing for over half a century. Industry certification was adopted by the IT industry when Novell, Inc. began testing and certifying IT industry and IT network professionals in 1986 (Cosgrove, 2004; Novell, 1996). Global certification testing centres were established in 1990 by Drake International (now Thomson Prometric) (Foster, 2005).During the 1990s, industry certification became a veritable juggernaut: a "multi-billion dollar business" (Cosgrove, 2004, p. 486), an industry that has arisen in its own right (Adelman, 2000) and driven by several dynamics (Hitchcock, 2005). In 2000 there were over 300 discrete IT certifications with approximately 1.6 million individuals holding approximately 2.4 million IT certifications (Aldelman, 2000). The total number of available certifications is impossible to quantify (Knapp & Gallery, 2003). Many academic institutions both at tertiary and secondary level are integrating industry certification, especially IT certification, into their curricula.Is industry certification, however, a pedagogically robust form of credentialing? Does it have value to its stakeholders? Is it an appropriate form of credentialing for the SoDIS process? This research, using both Phenomenography and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a joint methodology, focuses on the experiences of actors with the phenomenon of industry certification and extracts both the essence of the understanding and perceptions of the value and validity of industry certification, and the essence of industry certification itself.Due to the vast amount of literature found describing industry actors' perceptions of and experiences within the phenomenon, the research is predominantly literature-based. Further data was collected from interviews with a small, purposive sample of industry certification holders and employers, with the research further informed by my own experiences within the domain which is the focus of the research. The methodology paradigm is interpretive: the research aims to interpret the social construction that is the phenomenon of industry certification.While this research does not attempt to single out specific industry certifications to determine their value or pedagogical robustness, the findings suggest that, in general, well designed and well administered certifications with integrity and rigour of assessment processes, are indeed pedagogically sound, with significant value. The research identifies both benefit and criticism elements of typical certifications, along with elements of the various certification programmes categorised into standard (typical), and more rigorous (less typical) certification programmes.The research develops and presents a paradigm for building an appropriate vendor specific or vendor neutral certification programme that is pedagogically sound with value for its stakeholders. The contrasts and complementary aspects of industry certification and academic qualifications are highlighted. It is therefore concluded, and supported by data from the interviews, that such a credential is indeed appropriate for teachers and analysts of SoDIS.

Although music therapy work with families has been documented for many years, the focus has remained on techniques and client outcomes rather than therapeutic process. The purpose of this study was to gain understanding and knowledge of the lived experience of music therapists who practice family-based music therapy. This research was conducted within the interpretative phenomenological framework. Three subjects who provided family-based music therapy participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences. Three main interpretative themes emerged from the analysis of the data relative to the therapists’ expressed experience of their work with families: perseverance, resilience, and faith in the process. Discussion of the results, strengths and limitations of the study, and implications for training and further research are presented. / February 2016

Aim: Knowledge of the experience of qualified BME clinical psychologists in clinical practice is currently lacking in the research literature. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experience of qualified BME clinical psychologists currently employed in the National Health Service (NHS). By investigating this under-researched topic, the study hopes to shed light on the impact on clinicians' personal and professional identity of practicing within a profession that lacks cultural diversity. It is hoped that the results of this study will contribute to ongoing efforts to diversify the profession, improve our knowledge of the experience of BME groups in the helping profession and also challenge current misconceptions concerning the BME experience. Method: A mixed method qualitative approach was employed for this study. Repertory grids and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female qualified BME clinical psychologists who are currently working in the NHS. They had been qualified between three and sixteen years. Their repertory grids were analysed using Idiogrid and their accounts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Four master themes emerged from the analysis and were supported by the findings from the repertory grids showing that BME clinical psychologists feel that they stand out as different on account of their ethnic difference. The analytic procedure also highlighted how participants have to find a way to negotiate their cultural and professional values whilst also sitting with the uncertainty of their experiences in the profession. The final theme relates to the privilege that participants held in making it as a clinical psychologist. Implications: Initiatives to increase cultural competency and sensitivity need to be addressed by the profession. Efforts to increase ethnic diversity should be followed through to ensure practitioners are not left on the fringes of the profession on account of their minority ethnicity.

Esta pesquisa insere-se no campo da discussão da formação de sujeitos políticos no espaço da universidade, tendo como base as vivências de estudantes através das relações estabelecidas em órgão deliberativo, pelo sistema de representação. O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a intensidade e a qualidade da representação estudantil em órgãos colegiados de curso do Centro Universitário Metodista (IPA), evidenciando assim elementos que indicam fatores que favorecem ou limitam a participação dos estudantes nesses órgãos. Para tanto, partiu-se do seguinte problema: Qual a intensidade e a qualidade da participação política dos estudantes em órgãos colegiados de curso do IPA e que fatores potencializam ou limitam a participação dos mesmos nestes órgãos? A presente dissertação é uma pesquisa sob uma perspectiva qualitativa, utilizando-se da estratégia de estudo de caso, envolvendo estudantes, coordenadores dos cursos de Administração e de Pedagogia e gestores da instituição. Como ferramentas metodológicas foram utilizadas: análise documental, observações, aplicação de questionários e entrevistas semiestruturadas. A partir da análise dos dados coletados, a mesma foi dividida em três eixos reflexivos, assim denominados: Sobre a representação e a participação estudantil nos colegiados de cursos de Administração e de Pedagogia do IPA; Reconhecimento e desejo - responsabilidade de uma cultura cívica; e Qualidade de participação e conceituação de política. Como aporte teórico, destacam-se as obras dos autores Arendt, Leite e Santos, das quais as teorias sobre formação política e formação na universidade foram extraídas. Os resultados da investigação indicam que o espaço de representação estudantil em órgão deliberativo encontra desafios quanto ao papel e existência de representação estudantil e de participação de estudantes, além da motivação destes para firmar espaços de diálogo. / This research is inserted within the discussion of the formation of political subjects within the university, based on the life experiences of students through relationships established in deliberative body, by the representation system. The objective of the research was to analyze the intensity and quality of student representation in collective course organ of Centro Universitário Metodista (IPA), thus demonstrating elements that indicate factors that favor or limit the participation of students in these organs. To do so, it started with the following problem: What is the intensity and quality of political participation of students in IPA’s collegiate course organ and wich factors potentiate or limit their participation in these organs? The present dissertation is a study under a qualitative perspective, using the strategy case study, involving students, coordinators of courses in Management and Pedagogy and management of the institution. As methodological tools were used: document analysis, observations, questionnaires and structured interviews. From the analysis of the data collected, it was divided into three reflective axes, so named: On the representation and student participation in IPA’s collegiate courses Management and Pedagogy; Recognition and desire - the responsibility of a civic culture, and Quality conceptualization of participation and policy. As a theoretical contribution, we highlight the works of authors Arendt, Leite and Santos including theories about political education and training at the university were extracted. Research results indicate evidence that the student representation in space deliberative organ meets challenges existence of student representation and participation of its members, in addition to the motivation of these students to create space for dialogue.

Background and Aims Estimates suggest more than three million children and young people (CYP) live with a parent experiencing mental distress (PEMD). It is suggested that CYP are often left to make sense of the uncertain nature of mental distress on their own. Furthermore, the existence of stigma can silence CYP and their families, as they try and hide from the view of others. CYP have voiced their desire for support. However, there are few services available to them in the UK, despite developments in policy highlighting the need for support. As CYP grow up, greater emphasis gets placed on relationships with friends. Therefore, CYP's peer group may provide a valuable source of support. This research aims to explore how CYP living with a PEMD gaining support from their friends. Methodology This research used a qualitative design to explore CYP's lived experiences. A purposive sample of six CYP who were living with a PEMD were recruited. CYP were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews, which were then transcribed. Analysis and Findings The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The analysis revealed three superordinate themes: 'Fitting the puzzle together', 'Finding the experience of talking risky', and 'Coping with the up and down rollercoaster'. The findings support research recognising the importance of understanding mental distress, but CYP's accounts in this study provide further insight into the intricacies of what is meant by understanding. Furthermore, the research brings to light the challenges that CYP face when trying to build trusting relationships, in order to confide in their friends about their parent's experience of mental distress. Clinical implications, including recommendations for possible interventions are discussed and suggestions for future research are made.