Abstract: Background in music analysis: Traditionally, when we
think about a composer’s sketches, the chances are that we are
thinking in terms of the working out of detail, rather than the
evolution of an overall concept. Since music is a “time art,” it follows
that questions of a form cannot be entirely detached from
considerations of time. One could say that composers tend to regard
time either as a place gradually and partially intuitively filled, or they
can look for a specific strategy to occupy it. It seems that the one
thing that sheds light on Stockhausen’s compositional thinking is his
frequent use of “form schemas,” that is often a single-page
representation of the entire structure of a piece.
Background in music technology: Sonic Visualiser is a program
used to study a musical recording. It is an open source application for
viewing, analyzing, and annotating music audio files. It contains a
number of visualisation tools, which are designed with useful default
parameters for musical analysis. Additionally, the Vamp plugin
format of SV supports to provide analysis such as for example
structural segmentation.
Aims: The aim of paper is to show how SV may be used to obtain
a better understanding of the specific musical work, and how the
compositional strategy does impact on musical structures and musical
surfaces. It is known that “traditional” music analytic methods don’t
allow indicating interrelationships between musical surface (which is
perceived) and underlying musical/acoustical structure.
Main Contribution: Stockhausen had dealt with the most diverse
musical problems by the most varied methods. A characteristic which
he had never ceased to be placed at the center of his thought and
works, it was the quest for a new balance founded upon an acute
connection between speculation and intuition. In the case with
Mikrophonie I (1964) for tam-tam and 6 players Stockhausen makes
a distinction between the “connection scheme,” which indicates the
ground rules underlying all versions, and the form scheme, which is
associated with a particular version. The preface to the published
score includes both the connection scheme, and a single instance of a
“form scheme,” which is what one can hear on the CD recording. In
the current study, the insight into the compositional strategy chosen
by Stockhausen was been compared with auditory image, that is, with
the perceived musical surface. Stockhausen’s musical work is
analyzed both in terms of melodic/voice and timbre evolution.
Implications: The current study shows how musical structures
have determined of musical surface. The general assumption is this,
that while listening to music we can extract basic kinds of musical
information from musical surfaces. It is shown that interactive
strategies of musical structure analysis can offer a very fruitful way
of looking directly into certain structural features of music.
Abstract: We report herein the development and preliminary mechanical characterization of fully-dense multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced ceramics and glasses based on a completely new methodology termed High Shear Compaction (HSC). The tubes are introduced and bound to the matrix grains by aid of polymeric binders to form flexible green bodies which are sintered and densified by spark plasma sintering to unprecedentedly high densities of 100% of the pure-matrix value. The strategy was validated across a PyrexTM glass / MWCNT composite while no identifiable factors limit application to other types of matrices. Nondestructive evaluation, based on ultrasonics, of the dynamic mechanical properties of the materials including elastic, shear and bulk modulus as well as Poisson’s ratio showed optimum property improvement at 0.5 %wt tube loading while evidence of nanoscalespecific energy dissipative characteristics acting complementary to nanotube bridging and pull-out indicate a high potential in a wide range of reinforcing and multifunctional applications.
Abstract: This paper focuses on a critical component of the
situational awareness (SA), the control of autonomous vertical flight
for vectored thrust aerial vehicle (VTAV). With the SA strategy, we
proposed a neural network motion control procedure to address the
dynamics variation and performance requirement difference of flight
trajectory for a VTAV. This control strategy with using of NARMAL2
neurocontroller for chosen model of VTAV has been verified by
simulation of take-off and forward maneuvers using software
package Simulink and demonstrated good performance for fast
stabilization of motors, consequently, fast SA with economy in
energy can be asserted during search-and-rescue operations.
Abstract: This research aims to develop an algorithm to
generate a schedule of multiple cranes that will maximize load
throughputs in anodizing operation. The algorithm proposed utilizes
an enumerative strategy to search for constant time between
successive loads and crane covering range over baths. The computer
program developed is able to generate a near-optimal crane schedule
within reasonable times, i.e. within 10 minutes. Its results are
compared with existing solutions from an aluminum extrusion
industry. The program can be used to generate crane schedules for
mixed products, thus allowing mixed-model line balancing to
improve overall cycle times.
Abstract: Hybrid electric vehicles can reduce pollution and
improve fuel economy. Power-split hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
provide two power paths between the internal combustion engine
(ICE) and energy storage system (ESS) through the gears of an
electrically variable transmission (EVT). EVT allows ICE to operate
independently from vehicle speed all the time. Therefore, the ICE can
operate in the efficient region of its characteristic brake specific fuel
consumption (BSFC) map. The two-mode powertrain can operate in
input-split or compound-split EVT modes and in four different fixed
gear configurations. Power-split architecture is advantageous because
it combines conventional series and parallel power paths. This
research focuses on input-split and compound-split modes in the
two-mode power-split powertrain. Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) for an
internal combustion engine (ICE) and PI control for electric machines
(EMs) are derived for the urban driving cycle simulation. These
control algorithms reduce vehicle fuel consumption and improve ICE
efficiency while maintaining the state of charge (SOC) of the energy
storage system in an efficient range.
Abstract: Exploration and exploitation capabilities are both
important within Operations as means for improvement when
managed separately, and for establishing dynamic improvement
capabilities when combined in balance. However, it is unclear what
exploration and exploitation capabilities imply in improvement and
development work within an Operations context. So, in order to
better understand how to develop exploration and exploitation
capabilities within Operations, the main characteristics of these
constructs needs to be identified and further understood. Thus, the
objective of this research is to increase the understanding about
exploitation and exploration characteristics, to concretize what they
translates to within the context of improvement and development
work in an Operations unit, and to identify practical challenges. A
literature review and a case study are presented. In the literature
review, different interpretations of exploration and exploitation are
portrayed, key characteristics have been identified, and a deepened
understanding of exploration and exploitation characteristics is
described. The case in the study is an Operations unit, and the aim is
to explore to what extent and in what ways exploration and
exploitation activities are part of the improvement structures and
processes. The contribution includes an identification of key
characteristics of exploitation and exploration, as well as an
interpretation of the constructs. Further, some practical challenges are
identified. For instance, exploration activities tend to be given low
priority, both in daily work as in the manufacturing strategy. Also,
the overall understanding about the concepts of exploitation and
exploration (or any similar aspect of dynamic improvement
capabilities) is very low.
Abstract: This study is aiming at establishing the relationship
between the optical signal of flame and an equivalent ratio of flame. In
this experiment, flame optical signal in a furnace is measured using
photodiode. The combustion system is composed of metal fiber burner
and vertical furnace, and flame chemiluminescence is measured at
various experimental conditions. In this study, the flame
chemiluminescence of laminar premixed flame is measured using
commercially available photodiode. It is experimentally investigated
the relationship between equivalent ratio and photodiode signal. In
addition, the strategy of combustion control method is proposed using
the optical signal and fuel pressure.
The results showed that certain relationship between optical data of
photodiode and equivalence ratio exists, and this leads to the
successful application of this system for instantaneous measurement of
equivalence ration of the combustion system.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present the process of
change in management accounting in Romania, a former communist
country from Eastern Europe. In order to explain this process, we used
the contingency and institutional theories. We focused on the
following directions: the presentation of the scientific context and
motivation of this research and the case study. We presented the state
of the art in the process of change in the management accounting from
the international and national perspective. We also described the
evolution of management accounting in Romania in the context of
economic and political changes. An important moment was the fall of
communism in 1989. This represents a starting point for a new
economic environment and for new management accounting.
Accordingly, we developed a case study which presented this
evolution. The conclusion of our research was that the changes in the
management accounting system of the company analysed occurred in
the same time with the institutionalisation of some elements (e.g.
degree of competition, training and competencies in management
accounting). The management accounting system was modelled by the
contingencies specific to this company (e.g. environment, industry,
strategy).
Abstract: The substantial development of the construction
industry has forced the cement industry, its major support, to focus
on achieving maximum productivity to meet the growing demand for
this material. This means that the reliability of a cement production
system needs to be at the highest level that can be achieved by good
maintenance. This paper studies the extent to which the
implementation of RCM is needed as a strategy for increasing the
reliability of the production systems component can be increased,
thus ensuring continuous productivity. In a case study of four Libyan
cement factories, 80 employees were surveyed and 12 top and middle
managers interviewed. It is evident that these factories usually
breakdown more often than once per month which has led to a
decline in productivity. In many times they cannot achieve the
minimum level of production amount. This has resulted from the
poor reliability of their production systems as a result of poor or
insufficient maintenance. It has been found that most of the factories’
employees misunderstand maintenance and its importance. The main
cause of this problem is the lack of qualified and trained staff, but in
addition it has been found that most employees are not found to be
motivated as a result of a lack of management support and interest. In
response to these findings, it has been suggested that the RCM
strategy should be implemented in the four factories. The results
show the importance of the development of maintenance strategies
through the implementation of RCM in these factories. The purpose
of it would be to overcome the problems that could secure the
reliability of the production systems. This study could be a useful
source of information for academic researchers and the industrial
organizations which are still experiencing problems in maintenance
practices.
Abstract: This paper describes an optimization tool-based
design strategy for a Current Mode Logic CML divide-by-2 circuit.
Representing a building block for output frequency generation in a
RFID protocol based-frequency synthesizer, the circuit was designed
to minimize the power consumption for driving of multiple loads
with unbalancing (at transceiver level). Implemented with XFAB
XC08 180 nm technology, the circuit was optimized through
MunEDA WiCkeD tool at Cadence Virtuoso Analog Design
Environment ADE.
Abstract: As the trend in automotive technology is fast moving
towards hybridization and electrification to curb emissions as well as
to improve the fuel efficiency, air-conditioning systems in passenger
cars have not caught up with this trend and still remain as the major
energy consumers amongst others. Adsorption based air-conditioning
systems, e.g. with silica-gel water pair, which are already in use for
residential and commercial applications, are now being considered as
a technology leap once proven feasible for the passenger cars. In this
paper we discuss a methodology, challenges and feasibility of
implementing an adsorption based air-conditioning system in a
passenger car utilizing the exhaust waste heat. We also propose an
optimized control strategy with interfaces to the engine control unit
of the vehicle for operating this system with reasonable efficiency
supported by our simulation and validation results in a prototype
vehicle, additionally comparing to existing implementations,
simulation based as well as experimental. Finally we discuss the
influence of start-stop and hybrid systems on the operation strategy of
the adsorption air-conditioning system.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a descriptive
profile of the adapted physical activity research using single subject
experimental designs. All research articles using single subject
experimental designs published in the journal of Adapted Physical
Activity Quarterly from 1984 to 2013 were employed as the data
source. Each of the articles was coded in a subcategory of seven
categories: (a) the size of sample; (b) the age of participants; (c) the
type of disabilities; (d) the type of data analysis; (e) the type of
designs, (f) the independent variable, and (g) the dependent variable.
Frequencies, percentages, and trend inspection were used to analyze
the data and develop a profile. The profile developed characterizes a
small portion of research articles used single subject designs, in
which most researchers used a small sample size, recruited children
as subjects, emphasized learning and behavior impairments, selected
visual inspection with descriptive statistics, preferred a multiple
baseline design, focused on effects of therapy, inclusion, and
strategy, and measured desired behaviors more often, with a
decreasing trend over years.
Abstract: The aim of this exploratory research is to understand
further how organisations can evaluate their activities, which
generate knowledge creation, to meet changing stakeholder
expectations. A Scale of Knowledge (SoK) Framework is proposed
which links knowledge management and organisational activities to
changing stakeholder expectations. The framework was informed by
the knowledge management literature, as well as empirical work
conducted via a single case study of a multi-site hospital organisation
in Saudi Arabia. Eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were
conducted with managers from across the organisation regarding
current and future stakeholder expectations, organisational
strategy/activities and knowledge management. Data were analysed
using thematic analysis and a hierarchical value map technique to
identify activities that can produce further knowledge and
consequently impact on how stakeholder expectations are met.
The SoK Framework developed may be useful to practitioners as
an analytical aid to determine if current organisational activities
produce organisational knowledge which helps them meet
(increasingly higher levels of) stakeholder expectations. The
limitations of the research and avenues for future development of the
proposed framework are discussed.
Abstract: The present paper presents the discussion of scholars
concerning speech impact, peculiarities of its realization, speech
strategies and techniques in particular. Departing from the viewpoints
of many prominent linguists, the paper suggests that manipulative
argumentation be viewed as a most pervasive speech strategy with a
certain set of techniques which are to be found in modern American
political discourse. The precedence of their occurrence allows us to
regard them as pragmatic patterns of speech impact realization in
effective public speaking.
Abstract: A central element of higher education today is the
“core” or “general education” curriculum: that configuration of
courses that often encompasses the essence of liberal arts education.
Ensuring that such offerings reflect the mission and values of the
institution is a challenge faced by most college and universities, often
more than once. This paper presents an action model of program
planning designed to structure the processes of developing,
implementing and revising core curricula in a manner consistent with
key institutional goals and objectives. Through presentation of a case
study from a university in the United States, the elements of needs
assessment, stakeholder investment and collaborative compromise
are shown as key components of a planning strategy that can produce
a general education program that is comprehensive, academically
rigorous, assessable, and mission consistent. The paper concludes
with recommendations for both the implementation and evaluation of
such programs in practice.
Abstract: Indonesian higher education has experienced
significant changes over the last decade. In 1999, the government
published an overall strategy for decentralisation and enhancement of
local autonomy in many sectors, including (higher) education.
Indonesian higher education reforms have forced universities to
restructure their internal university governance to become more
entrepreneurial. These new types of internal university governance
are likely to affect the institutions’ leadership and management. This
paper discusses the approach and findings of a study on the
managerial leadership styles of deans in Indonesian universities. The
study aims to get a better understanding of styles exhibited by deans
manifested in their behaviours. Using the theories of reasoned action
and planned behaviour, in combination with the competing values
framework, a large-scale survey was conducted to gather information
on the deans’ behaviours, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived
behavioural control. Based on the responses of a sample of 218
deans, the study identifies a number of leadership styles: the Master,
the Competitive Consultant, the Consensual Goal-Setter, the Focused
Team Captain, and the Informed Trust-Builder style. The study
demonstrates that attitudes are the primary determinant of the styles
that were found. Perceived behavioural control is a factor that
explains some managerial leadership styles. By understanding the
attitudes of deans in Indonesian universities, and their leadership
styles, universities can strengthen their management and governance,
and thus improve their effectiveness.
Abstract: The paper presents the trends of Georgian hazelnut market development and analyses the competitive advantages which will help Georgia to enter international hazelnut market using modern technologies. The history of hazelnut crop development and hazelnut varieties in Georgia are discussed. For hazelnut supply analysis trends in hazelnut production are considered, trends in export and import development is evaluated, domestic hazelnut market is studied and analysed based on expert interviews and initial accounting materials. In order to achieve and strengthen its position in international market, potential advantages and disadvantages of Georgian hazelnut are revealed, analysis of export and import possibilities of hazelnut is presented. Recommendations are developed based on the conclusions, which are made through identifying the key factors that hinder development of Georgian hazelnut market.
Abstract: The intrinsic contradictions of entrepreneurship
development and self-development strategies complicate the task of
reaching compliance between the state economic policy and the
company entrepreneurship policy: on the one hand, there is a
contradiction between the social and the competitive order within
economic order policy and on the other hand, the contradiction exists
between entrepreneurship strategy and entrepreneurship culture
within entrepreneurship policy.
Abstract: In emerging economies, recycling is an opportunity
for the cities to increase the lifespan of sanitary landfills, reduce the
costs of the solid waste management, decrease the environmental
problems of the waste treatment through reincorporate waste in the
productive cycle and protect and develop people’s livelihoods of
informal waste pickers. However, few studies have analysed the
possibilities and strategies to integrate formal and informal sectors in
the solid waste management for the benefit of both. This study seek
to make a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT)
analysis in three recycling associations of Bogotá with the aim to
understand and determine the situation of recycling from perspective
of informal sector in its transition to enter as authorized waste
providers. Data used in the analysis are derived from multiple
strategies such as literature review, the Bogota’s recycling database,
focus group meetings, governmental reports, national laws and
regulations and specific interviews with key stakeholders. Results of
this study show as the main stakeholders of formal and informal
sector of waste management can identify the internal and internal
conditions of recycling in Bogotá. Several strategies were designed
based on the SWOTs determined, could be useful for Bogotá to
advance and promote recycling as a key strategy for integrated
sustainable waste management in the city.
Abstract: The paper discusses mineral water consumer market
and development policy in Georgia, the tools and measures, which
will contribute to production of mineral waters and increase its
export.
The paper studies and analyses current situation in mineral water
production sector as well as the factors affecting increase and
reduction of its export. It’s noted that in order to gain and maintain
competitive advantage, it’s necessary to provide continuous supply of
high quality goods with modern design, open new distribution
channels to enter new markets, carry out broad promotional activities,
organize e-commerce. Economic policy plays an important role in
protecting markets from counterfeit goods. The state also plays an
important role in attracting foreign direct investments. Stable
business environment and export oriented strategy is the basis for the
country’s economic growth.
Based on the research, the paper suggests the strategy for
improving competitiveness of Georgian mineral waters; relevant
conclusions and recommendations are provided.