Abstract: The paper deals with the usage of speech acts and
politeness strategies in an EFL classroom in Georgia (Rep of). It
explores the students’ and the teachers’ practice of the politeness
strategies and the speech acts of apology, thanking, request,
compliment / encouragement, command, agreeing / disagreeing,
addressing and code switching. The research method includes
observation as well as a questionnaire. The target group involves the
students from Georgian public schools and two certified, experienced
local English teachers. The analysis is based on Searle’s Speech Act
Theory and Brown and Levinson’s politeness strategies. The findings
show that the students have certain knowledge regarding politeness
yet they fail to apply them in English communication. In addition,
most of the speech acts from the classroom interaction are used by
the teachers and not the students. Thereby, it is suggested that
teachers should cultivate the students’ communicative competence
and attempt to give them opportunities to practise more English
speech acts than they do today.
Abstract: This article is to review and understand the new
generation of students to understand their expectations and attitudes.
There are a group of students on school projects, creative work,
educational software and digital signal source, the use of social
networking tools to communicate with friends and a part in the
competition. Today's students have been described as the new
millennium students. They use information and communication
technology in a more creative and innovative at home than at school,
because the information and communication technologies for
different purposes, in the home, usually occur in school. They
collaborate and communicate more effectively when they are at
home. Most children enter school, they will bring about how to use
information and communication technologies, some basic skills and
some tips on how to use information and communication technology
will provide a more advanced than most of the school's expectations.
Many teachers can help students, however, still a lot of work,
"tradition", without a computer, and did not see the "new social
computing networks describe young people to learn and new ways of
working life in the future", in the education system of the benefits of
using a computer.
Abstract: The adsorption efficiency of fired clayey pellets of 5
and 8 mm diameter size for Cu(II) and Zn(II) ion removal from a
waste printing developer was studied. In order to investigate the
influence of contact time, adsorbent mass and pellet size on the
adsorption efficiency the batch mode was carried out. Faster uptake
of copper ion was obtained with the fired clay pellets of 5 mm
diameter size within 30 minutes. The pellets of 8 mm diameter size
showed the higher equilibrium time (60 to 75 minutes) for copper and
zinc ion. The results pointed out that adsorption efficiency increases
with the increase of adsorbent mass. The maximal efficiency is
different for Cu(II) and Zn(II) ion due to the pellet size. Therefore,
the fired clay pellets of 5 mm diameter size present an effective
adsorbent for Cu(II) ion removal (adsorption efficiency is 63.6%),
whereas the fired clay pellets of 8 mm diameter size are the best
alternative for Zn(II) ion removal (adsorption efficiency is 92.8%)
from a waste printing developer.
Abstract: Background: With the perceived pain and poor
function experienced following knee arthroplasty, patients usually
feel un-satisfied. Yet, a controversy still persists on the appropriate
operative technique that doesn’t affect proprioception much.
Purpose: This study compared the effects of Cruciate Retaining
(CR) and Posterior Stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA on
dynamic balance, pain and functional performance following
rehabilitation.
Methods: Thirty patients with CRTKA (group I), thirty with
PSTKA (group II) and fifteen indicated for arthroplasty but weren’t
operated on yet (group III) participated in the study. The mean age
was 54.53±3.44, 55.13±3.48 and 55.33±2.32 years and BMI
35.7±3.03, 35.7±1.99 and 35.73±1.03 kg/m2 for groups I, II and III
respectively. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), WOMAC pain subscale
and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) and Stair-Climbing (SC) tests were
used for assessment. Assessments were conducted four weeks preand
post-operatively, three, six and twelve months post-operatively
with the control group being assessed at the same time intervals. The
post-operative rehabilitation involved hospitalization (1st week),
home-based (2nd-4th weeks), and outpatient clinic (5th-12th weeks)
programs, follow-up to all groups for twelve months.
Results: The Mixed design MANOVA revealed that group I had
significantly lower pain scores and SC time compared with group II
three, six and twelve months post-operatively. Moreover, the BBS
scores increased significantly and the pain scores and TUG and SC
time decreased significantly six months post-operatively compared
with four weeks pre- and post-operatively and three months postoperatively
in groups I and II with the opposite being true four weeks
post-operatively. But no significant differences in BBS scores, pain
scores and TUG and SC time between six and twelve months postoperatively
in groups I and II.
Interpretation/Conclusion: CRTKA is preferable to PSTKA,
possibly due to the preserved human proprioceptors in the un-excised
PCL.
Abstract: Kazakhstan is currently one of the dynamically
developing states in its region. The stable growth in all sectors of the
economy leads to a corresponding increase in energy consumption.
Thus country consumes significant amount of energy due to the high
level of industrialisation and the presence of energy-intensive
manufacturing such as mining and metallurgy which in turn leads to
low energy efficiency. With allowance for this the Government has
set several priorities to adopt a transition of Republic of Kazakhstan
to a “green economy”. This article provides an overview of
Kazakhstan’s energy efficiency situation in for the period of 1991-
2014. First, the dynamics of production and consumption of
conventional energy resources are given. Second, the potential of
renewable energy sources is summarised followed by the description
of GHG emissions trends in the country. Third, Kazakhstan’ national
initiatives, policies and locally implemented projects in the field of
energy efficiency are described.
Abstract: A parametric study on circular thin-walled pipes
subjected to pure bending is performed. Both straight and curved
pipes are considered. Ratio D/t, initial pipe curvature and internal
pressure are the parameters varying in the analyses. The study is
mainly FEA-based.
It is found that negative curvatures (opposite to bending moment)
considerably increase stiffness and buckling limit of the pipe when no
internal pressure is acting and, similarly, positive curvatures decrease
the stiffness and buckling limit. For internal pressurised pipes the
effects of initial pipe curvature are less relevant. Results show that
this phenomenon is in relationship with the cross-section deformation
due to bending moment, which undergoes relevant ovalisation for no
pressurised pipes and little ovalisation for pressurised pipes.
Abstract: Recent research in neural networks science and
neuroscience for modeling complex time series data and statistical
learning has focused mostly on learning from high input space and
signals. Local linear models are a strong choice for modeling local
nonlinearity in data series. Locally weighted projection regression is
a flexible and powerful algorithm for nonlinear approximation in
high dimensional signal spaces. In this paper, different learning
scenario of one and two dimensional data series with different
distributions are investigated for simulation and further noise is
inputted to data distribution for making different disordered
distribution in time series data and for evaluation of algorithm in
locality prediction of nonlinearity. Then, the performance of this
algorithm is simulated and also when the distribution of data is high
or when the number of data is less the sensitivity of this approach to
data distribution and influence of important parameter of local
validity in this algorithm with different data distribution is explained.
Abstract: In this study, composites were fabricated from oil
palm empty fruit bunch fiber and poly(lactic) acid by extrusion
followed by injection moulding. Surface of the fiber was pre-treated
by ultrasound in an alkali medium and treatment efficiency was
investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and
Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Effect of fiber
treatment on composite was characterized by tensile strength (TS),
tensile modulus (TM) and impact strength (IS). Furthermore,
biostrong impact modifier was incorporated into the treated fiber
composite to improve its impact properties. Mechanical testing
showed an improvement of up to 23.5% and 33.6% respectively for
TS and TM of treated fiber composite above untreated fiber
composite. On the other hand incorporation of impact modifier led to
enhancement of about 20% above the initial IS of the treated fiber
composite.
Abstract: In orthopedic surgery there are various situations in
which the surgeon needs to implement methods of cutting and
drilling the bone. With this type of procedure the generated friction
leads to a localized increase in temperature, which may lead to the
bone necrosis. Recognizing the importance of studying this
phenomenon, an experimental evaluation of the temperatures
developed during the procedure of drilling bone has been done.
Additionally the influence of the use of the procedure with / without
additional lubrication during drilling of bone has also been done. The
obtained results are presented and discussed and suggests an
advantage in using additional lubrication as a way to minimize the
appearance of bone tissue necrosis during bone drilling procedures.
Abstract: Parameters of flow are calculated in vaneless diffusers
with relative width 0,014–0,10. Inlet angles of flow and similarity
criteria were varied. There is information on flow separation,
boundary layer development, configuration of streamlines.
Polytrophic efficiency, loss coefficient and recovery coefficient are
used to compare effectiveness of diffusers. The sample of
optimization of narrow diffuser with conical walls is presented. Three
wide diffusers with narrowing walls are compared. The work is made
in the R&D laboratory “Gas dynamics of turbo machines” of the TU
SPb.
Abstract: In this paper we consider the rule reduct generation
problem. Rule Reduct Generation (RG) and Modified Rule
Generation (MRG) algorithms, that are used to solve this problem,
are well-known. Alternative to these algorithms, we develop Pruning
Rule Generation (PRG) algorithm. We compare the PRG algorithm
with RG and MRG.
Abstract: Universal modeling method well proven for industrial
compressors was applied for design of the high flow rate supersonic
stage. Results were checked by ANSYS CFX and NUMECA Fine
Turbo calculations. The impeller appeared to be very effective at
transonic flow velocities. Stator elements efficiency is acceptable at
design Mach numbers too. Their loss coefficient versus inlet flow
angle performances correlates well with Universal modeling
prediction. The impeller demonstrates ability of satisfactory operation
at design flow rate. Supersonic flow behavior in the impeller inducer
at the shroud blade to blade surface Φ des deserves additional study.
Abstract: There is an evident trend to elevate pressure ratio of a
single stage of a turbo compressors - axial compressors in particular.
Whilst there was an opinion recently that a pressure ratio 1,9 was a
reasonable limit, later appeared information on successful modeling
tested of stages with pressure ratio up to 2,8. The authors recon that
lack of information on high pressure stages makes actual a study of
rational choice of design parameters before high supersonic flow
problems solving. The computer program of an engineering type was
developed. Below is presented a sample of its application to study
possible parameters of the impeller of the stage with pressure ratio
3,0. Influence of two main design parameters on expected efficiency,
periphery blade speed and flow structure is demonstrated. The results
had lead to choose a variant for further analysis and improvement by
CFD methods.
Abstract: The continuous decline of petroleum and natural gas
reserves and non linear rise of oil price has brought about a
realisation of the need for a change in our perpetual dependence on
the fossil fuel. A day to day increased consumption of crude and
petroleum products has made a considerable impact on our foreign
exchange reserves. Hence, an alternate resource for the conversion of
energy (both liquid and gas) is essential for the substitution of
conventional fuels. Biomass is the alternate solution for the present
scenario. Biomass can be converted into both liquid as well as
gaseous fuels and other feedstocks for the industries.
Abstract: Vancron 40, a nitrided powder metallurgical tool
Steel, is used in cold work applications where the predominant failure
mechanisms are adhesive wear or galling. Typical applications of
Vancron 40 are among others fine blanking, cold extrusion, deep
drawing and cold work rolls for cluster mills. Vancron 40 positive
results for cold work rolls for cluster mills and as a tool for some
severe metal forming process makes it competitive compared to other
type of work rolls that require higher precision, among others in cold
rolling of thin stainless steel, which required high surface finish
quality. In this project, three roll materials for cold rolling of stainless
steel strip was examined, Vancron 40, Narva 12B (a high-carbon,
high-chromium tool steel alloyed with tungsten) and Supra 3 (a
Chromium-molybdenum tungsten-vanadium alloyed high speed
steel). The purpose of this project was to study the depth profiles of
the ironed stainless steel strips, emergence of galling and to study the
lubrication performance used by steel industries. Laboratory
experiments were conducted to examine scratch of the strip, galling
and surface roughness of the roll materials under severe tribological
conditions. The critical sliding length for onset of galling was
estimated for stainless steel with four different lubricants. Laboratory
experiments result of performance evaluation of resistance capability
of rolls toward adhesive wear under severe conditions for low and
high reductions. Vancron 40 in combination with cold rolling
lubricant gave good surface quality, prevents galling of
metal surfaces and good bearing capacity.
Abstract: This paper introduces novel approaches to partitioning
and mapping in terms of model-based embedded multicore system
engineering and further discusses benefits, industrial relevance and
features in common with existing approaches. In order to assess
and evaluate results, both approaches have been applied to a real
industrial application as well as to various prototypical demonstrative
applications, that have been developed and implemented for
different purposes. Evaluations show, that such applications improve
significantly according to performance, energy efficiency, meeting
timing constraints and covering maintaining issues by using
the AMALTHEA platform and the implemented approaches.
Furthermore, the model-based design provides an open, expandable,
platform independent and scalable exchange format between
OEMs, suppliers and developers on different levels. Our proposed
mechanisms provide meaningful multicore system utilization since
load balancing by means of partitioning and mapping is effectively
performed with regard to the modeled systems including hardware,
software, operating system, scheduling, constraints, configuration and
more data.
Abstract: Member States shall establish zones and
agglomerations throughout their territory to assess and manage air
quality in order to comply with European directives.
In Italy decree 155/2010, transposing Directive 2008/50/EC on
ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, merged into a single
act the previous provisions on ambient air quality assessment and
management, including those resulting from the implementation of
Directive 2004/107/EC relating to arsenic, cadmium, nickel, mercury
and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air.
Decree 155/2010 introduced stricter rules for identifying zones on
the basis of the characteristics of the territory in spite of considering
pollution levels, as it was in the past. The implementation of such
new criteria has reduced the great variability of the previous zoning,
leading to a significant reduction of the total number of zones and to
a complete and uniform ambient air quality assessment and
management throughout the Country.
The present document is related to the new zones definition in
Italy according to Decree 155/2010. In particular the paper contains
the description and the analysis of the outcome of zoning and
classification.
Abstract: Building loss estimation methodologies which have
been advanced considerably in recent decades are usually used to
estimate socio and economic impacts resulting from seismic structural
damage. In accordance with these methods, this paper presents the
evaluation of an annual loss probability of a reinforced concrete
moment resisting frame designed according to Korean Building Code.
The annual loss probability is defined by (1) a fragility curve obtained
from a capacity spectrum method which is similar to a method adopted
from HAZUS, and (2) a seismic hazard curve derived from annual
frequencies of exceedance per peak ground acceleration. Seismic
fragilities are computed to calculate the annual loss probability of a
certain structure using functions depending on structural capacity,
seismic demand, structural response and the probability of exceeding
damage state thresholds. This study carried out a nonlinear static
analysis to obtain the capacity of a RC moment resisting frame
selected as a prototype building. The analysis results show that the
probability of being extensive structural damage in the prototype
building is expected to 0.01% in a year.
Abstract: Company managers are always looking for more and
more opportunities to succeed in today's fiercely competitive market.
To maintain your place among the successful companies on the
market today or to come up with a revolutionary business idea is
much more difficult than before. Each new or improved method, tool,
or approach that can improve the functioning of business processes or
even of the entire system is worth checking and verification. The use
of simulation in the design of manufacturing systems and their
management in practice is one of the ways without increased risk,
which makes it possible to find the optimal parameters of
manufacturing processes and systems. The paper presents an example
of use of simulation for solution of the bottleneck problem in the
concrete company.
Abstract: Conventional educational practices, do not offer all
the required skills for teachers to successfully survive in today’s
workplace. Due to poor professional training, a big gap exists across
the curriculum plan and the teacher practices in the classroom. As
such, raising the quality of teaching through ICT-enabled training and
professional development of teachers should be an urgent priority.
‘Mobile Learning’, in that vein, is an increasingly growing field of
educational research and practice across schools and work places. In
this paper, we propose a novel Mobile learning system that allows the
users to learn through an intelligent mobile learning in cooperatively
every-time and every-where. The system will reduce the training cost
and increase consistency, efficiency, and data reliability. To establish
that our system will display neither functional nor performance
failure, the evaluation strategy is based on formal observation of
users interacting with system followed by questionnaires and
structured interviews.