Abstract: Age ratings are very helpful in providing parents with
relevant information for the purchase and use of digital technologies
by the children; this is why the non-definition of age ratings for the
use of ICTs by children in schools is a major concern; and this
problem serves as a motivation for this study whose aim is to
examine the factors affecting the perceptions of educators on the
learners’ youngest age for the introduction of ICTs in schools. This
aim is achieved through two types of research objectives: the
identification and design of theories and models on age ratings, and
the empirical testing of such theories and models in a survey of
educators from the Camperdown district of the South African
KwaZulu-Natal province. A questionnaire is used for the collection
of the data of this survey whose validity and reliability is checked in
SPSS prior to its descriptive and correlative quantitative analysis. The
main hypothesis supporting this research is the association between
the demographics of educators, their personality, and their
perceptions on the learners’ youngest age for the introduction of ICTs
in schools; as claimed by existing research; except that the present
study looks at personality from three dimensions: self-actualized
personalities, fully functioning personalities, and healthy
personalities. This hypothesis was fully confirmed by the empirical
study conducted by this research except for the demographic factor
where only the educators’ grade or class was found to be associated
with the personality of educators.
Abstract: In the culture of Thailand, the Yak serve as a mediated
icon representing strength, power, and mystical protection not only
for the Buddha, but for population of worshipers. Originating from
the forests of China, the Yak continues to stand guard at the gates of
Buddhist temples. The Yak represents Thai culture in the hearts of
Thai people. This paper presents a qualitative study regarding the
curious mix of media, culture, and religion that projects the Yak of
Thailand as a larger than life message throughout the political,
cultural, and religious spheres. The gate guardians, or gods as they
are sometimes called, appear throughout the religious temples of
Asian cultures. However, the Asian cultures demonstrate differences
in artistic renditions (or presentations) of such sentinels. Thailand
gate guards (the Yak) stand in front of many Buddhist temples, and
these iconic figures display unique features with varied symbolic
significance. The temple (or wat), plays a vital role in every
community; and, for many people, Thailand’s temples are the
country’s most endearing sights. The authors applied folknography as
a methodology to illustrate the importance of the Thai Yak in serving
as meaningful icons that transcend not only time, but the culture,
religion, and mass media. The Yak represents mythical, religious,
artistic, cultural, and militaristic significance for the Thai people.
Data collection included interviews, focus groups, and natural
observations. This paper summarizes the perceptions of the Thai
people concerning their gate sentries and the relationship,
communication, connection, and the enduring respect that Thai
people hold for their guardians of the gates.
Abstract: In this study, we develop a performance evaluation
model based on a multi-attribute utility approach aiming at reaching
the sustainable banking (SB) status. This model is built accounting
for various banks’ stakeholders in a win-win paradigm. In addition, it
offers the opportunity for adopting a global measure of performance
as an indication of a bank’s sustainability degree. This measure is
referred to as banking sustainability performance index (BSPI). This
index may constitute a basis for ranking banks. Moreover, it may
constitute a bridge between the assessment types of financial and
extra-financial rating agencies. A real application is performed on
three French banks.
Abstract: The research focus on study, analyze and design the
model of the infrastructure and computer networks for distance
education, online learning via new media, e-learning and blended
learning. The collected information from study and analyze process
that information was evaluated by the index of item objective
congruence (IOC) by 9 specialists to design model. The results of
evaluate the model with the mean and standard deviation by the
sample of 9 specialists value is 3.85. The results showed that the
infrastructure and computer networks are designed to be appropriate
to a great extent appropriate to a great extent.
Abstract: Different strategies and tools are available at the oil
and gas industry for detecting and analyzing tension and possible
fractures in borehole walls. Most of these techniques are based on
manual observation of the captured borehole images. While this
strategy may be possible and convenient with small images and few
data, it may become difficult and suitable to errors when big
databases of images must be treated. While the patterns may differ
among the image area, depending on many characteristics (drilling
strategy, rock components, rock strength, etc.). In this work we
propose the inclusion of data-mining classification strategies in order
to create a knowledge database of the segmented curves. These
classifiers allow that, after some time using and manually pointing
parts of borehole images that correspond to tension regions and
breakout areas, the system will indicate and suggest automatically
new candidate regions, with higher accuracy. We suggest the use of
different classifiers methods, in order to achieve different knowledge
dataset configurations.
Abstract: This paper is devoted to the study of a viscous
incompressible flow around a circular cylinder performing harmonic
oscillations, especially the steady streaming phenomenon. The
research methodology is based on the asymptotic explanation method
combined with the computational bifurcation analysis. The research
approach develops Schlichting and Wang decomposition method.
Present studies allow to identify several regimes of the secondary
streaming with different flow structures. The results of the research
are in good agreement with experimental and numerical simulation
data.
Abstract: The use of IT equipment has become a part of every
day. However, each device that is part of cyberspace should be
secured against unauthorized use. It is very important to know the
basics of these security devices, but also the basics of safe conduct
their owners. This information should be part of every curriculum
computer science education in primary and secondary schools.
Therefore, the work focuses on the education of pupils in primary and
secondary schools on the Internet. Analysis of the current state
describes approaches to the education of pupils in security issues on
the Internet. The paper presents a questionnaire-based survey which
was carried out in the Czech Republic, whose task was to ascertain
the level of opinion pupils in primary and secondary schools on the
issue of communication in social networks. The research showed that
awareness of socio-pathological phenomena on the Internet
environment is very low. Based on the results it was proposed
appropriate ways of teaching to this issue and its inclusion a proposal
of curriculum for primary and secondary schools.
Abstract: The paper is focused on the methods to solutions of
the crisis situation in the Czech Republic associated with the mass
methanol poisoning. The emphasis is put on tasks of individual state
bodies and of Integrated Rescue System during the handling of the
crisis.
The theoretical part describes poisonings, ways of intoxication,
types of intoxicants and cases of mass poisoning by dangerous
substances in the world.
The practical part describes the development, causes and solutions
of extraordinary event, mass methanol poisoning in the Czech
Republic. The main emphasis was put on the crisis management of
the Czech Republic in solving this situation.
Abstract: Communication and effective information exchange
within technology has become a crucial part of delivering knowledge
to students during the learning process. It enables better
understanding, builds trust and respect, and increases the sharing of
knowledge between students. This paper examines the
communication between undergraduate students and their lecturers
during the traditional lecture and when using the Interactive
Electronic Lecture System (IELS). The IELS is an application that
offers a set of components which support the effective
communication between students and their peers and between
students and their lecturers. Moreover, this paper highlights
communication skills such as sender, receiver, channel and feedback.
It will show how the IELS creates a rich communication environment
between its users and how they communicate effectively. To examine
and assess the effectiveness of communication, an experiment was
conducted on groups of users; students and lecturers. The first group
communicated in the traditional lecture while the second group
communicated by means of the IELS application. The results show
that there was more effective communication between the second
group than the first.
Abstract: Health analytics (HA) is used in healthcare systems
for effective decision making, management and planning of
healthcare and related activities. However, user resistances, unique
position of medical data content and structure (including
heterogeneous and unstructured data) and impromptu HA projects
have held up the progress in HA applications. Notably, the accuracy
of outcomes depends on the skills and the domain knowledge of the
data analyst working on the healthcare data. Success of HA depends
on having a sound process model, effective project management and
availability of supporting tools. Thus, to overcome these challenges
through an effective process model, we propose a HA process model
with features from rational unified process (RUP) model and agile
methodology.
Abstract: This paper is concerning the issues of behaviour of
lightweight expanded clay aggregates concrete exposed to high
temperature. Lightweight aggregates from expanded clay are
produced by firing of row material up to temperature 1050°C.
Lightweight aggregates have suitable properties in terms of volume
stability, when exposed to temperatures up to 1050°C, which could
indicate their suitability for construction applications with higher risk
of fire. The test samples were exposed to heat by using the standard
temperature-time curve ISO 834. Negative changes in resulting
mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, tensile strength,
and flexural strength were evaluated. Also visual evaluation of the
specimen was performed. On specimen exposed to excessive heat, an
explosive spalling could be observed, due to evaporation of
considerable amount of unbounded water from the inner structure of
the concrete.
Abstract: Web-based Cognitive Writing Instruction (WeCWI) is
a hybrid e-framework for the development of a web-based instruction
(WBI), which contributes towards instructional design and language
development. WeCWI divides its contribution in instructional design
into macro and micro perspectives. In macro perspective, being a 21st
century educator by disseminating knowledge and sharing ideas with
the in-class and global learners is initiated. By leveraging the virtue
of technology, WeCWI aims to transform an educator into an
aggregator, curator, publisher, social networker and ultimately, a
web-based instructor. Since the most notable contribution of
integrating technology is being a tool of teaching as well as a
stimulus for learning, WeCWI focuses on the use of contemporary
web tools based on the multiple roles played by the 21st century
educator. The micro perspective in instructional design draws
attention to the pedagogical approaches focusing on three main
aspects: reading, discussion, and writing. With the effective use of
pedagogical approaches through free reading and enterprises,
technology adds new dimensions and expands the boundaries of
learning capacity. Lastly, WeCWI also imparts the fundamental
theories and models for web-based instructors’ awareness such as
interactionist theory, cognitive information processing (CIP) theory,
computer-mediated communication (CMC), e-learning interactionalbased
model, inquiry models, sensory mind model, and leaning styles
model.
Abstract: This study has been presented which is a detailed
work of seismic microzonation of the city center. For seismic
microzonation area of 225 km2 has been selected as the study area.
MASW (Multichannel analysis of surface wave) and seismic
refraction methods have been used to generate one-dimensional shear
wave velocity profile at 250 locations and two-dimensional profile at
60 locations. These shear wave velocities are used to estimate
equivalent shear wave velocity in the study area at every 2 and 5 m
intervals up to a depth of 60 m. Levels of equivalent shear wave
velocity of soil are used the classified of the study area. After the
results of the study, it must be considered as components of urban
planning and building design of Denizli and the application and use
of these results should be required and enforced by municipal
authorities.
Abstract: The present study debates students’ perceptions of the
use of technology in learning English as a Foreign Language. Its aim
is to explore and understand students’ preparation and presentation of
Posters, PowerPoint and Animated Videos by drawing attention to
visual and oral elements. The data is collected through observations
and semi-structured interviews and analyzed through
phenomenological data analysis steps. The themes emerged from the
data, visual learning satisfaction in using information and
communication technology, providing structure to oral presentation,
learning from peers’ presentations, draw attention to using Posters,
PowerPoint and Animated Videos as each supports visual learning
and organization of thoughts in oral presentations.
Abstract: A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a collection of
sensor nodes organized into a cooperative network. These nodes
communicate through a wireless antenna. Reduction in physical size
and multiband operation is an important requirement of WSN
antenna. Fractal antenna is used for miniaturization and multiband
operation. The self-similar or self-affine and space filling property of
fractal geometry increases the effective electrical length of the
antenna, reduces the size and make them frequency independent. This
paper elaborates on Dual band fractal antenna with Coplanar
Waveguide (CPW) feed for WSN. The proposed antenna is designed
on a FR4 substrate with the dimension of 27mm x 28.5mm x 1.6mm,
resonates at 2.4GHz and 5.2GHz with a return loss less than -10dB.
The design and simulation process is carried out using IE3D
simulation software. The simulated and measured results are found in
good agreement.
Abstract: This article presents a new vibration diagnostic
method designed to (PM) machines with permanent magnets. Those
devices are commonly used in small wind and water systems or
vehicles drives. The author’s method is very innovative and unique.
Specific structural properties of PM machines are used in this method
- electromotive force (EMF) generated due to vibrations. There was
analysed number of publications which describe vibration diagnostic
methods and tests of electrical PM machines and there was no
method found to determine the technical condition of such machine
basing on their own signals. In this article will be discussed: the
method genesis, the similarity of machines with permanent magnet to
vibration sensor and simulation and laboratory tests results. The
method of determination the technical condition of electrical machine
with permanent magnets basing on its own signals is the subject of
patent application and it is the main thesis of author’s doctoral
dissertation.
Abstract: This research focuses on the optimization of glazed
surfaces and the assessment of possible solar gains in industrial
buildings. Existing window rating methods for single windows were
evaluated and a new method for a simple analysis of energy gains and
losses by single windows was introduced. Furthermore extensive
transient building simulations were carried out to appraise the
performance of low cost polycarbonate multi-cell sheets in
interaction with typical buildings for industrial applications. Mainly
energy saving potential was determined by optimizing the orientation
and area of such glazing systems in dependency on their thermal
qualities. Moreover the impact on critical aspects such as summer
overheating and daylight illumination was considered to ensure the
user comfort and avoid additional energy demand for lighting or
cooling. Hereby the simulated heating demand could be reduced by
up to 1/3 compared to traditional architecture of industrial halls using
mainly skylights.
Abstract: The effect of trucks on the level of service is
determined by considering passenger car equivalents (PCE) of trucks.
The current version of Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) uses a
single PCE value for all tucks combined. However, the composition
of truck traffic varies from location to location; therefore, a single
PCE value for all trucks may not correctly represent the impact of
truck traffic at specific locations. Consequently, present study
developed separate PCE values for single-unit and combination
trucks to replace the single value provided in the HCM on different
freeways. Site specific PCE values, were developed using concept of
spatial lagging headways (that is the distance between rear bumpers
of two vehicles in a traffic stream) measured from field traffic data.
The study used data from four locations on a single urban freeway
and three different rural freeways in Indiana. Three-stage-leastsquares
(3SLS) regression techniques were used to generate models
that predicted lagging headways for passenger cars, single unit trucks
(SUT), and combination trucks (CT). The estimated PCE values for
single-unit and combination truck for basic urban freeways (level
terrain) were: 1.35 and 1.60, respectively. For rural freeways the
estimated PCE values for single-unit and combination truck were:
1.30 and 1.45, respectively. As expected, traffic variables such as
vehicle flow rates and speed have significant impacts on vehicle
headways. Study results revealed that the use of separate PCE values
for different truck classes can have significant influence on the LOS
estimation.
Abstract: In the present work, the effects of additives, including
contents of the added antioxidants and type of the selected metallic
stearates (either calcium stearate (CaSt) or zinc stearate (ZnSt)), on
the thermal stabilities of carbon black (CB)/high density polyethylene
(HDPE) compounds were studied. The results showed that the AO
contents played a key role in the thermal stabilities of the CB/HDPE
compounds — the higher the AO content, the higher the thermal
stabilities. Although the CaSt-containing compounds were slightly
superior to those with ZnSt in terms of the thermal stabilities, the
remaining solid residue of CaSt after heated to the temperature of 600
°C (mainly calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as characterized by the X-ray
diffraction (XRD) technique) seemed to catalyze the decomposition
of CB in the HDPE-based compounds. Hence, the quantification of
CB in the CaSt-containing compounds with a muffle furnace gave an
inaccurate CB content — much lower than actual value. However,
this phenomenon was negligible in the ZnSt-containing system.
Abstract: OEE has been used in many industries as measure of
performance. However due to limitations of original OEE, it has been
modified by various researchers. OEE for mining application is
special version of classic equation, carries these limitation over. In
this paper it has been aimed to modify the OEE for mining
application by introducing the weights to the elements of it and
termed as Mine Production index (MPi). As a special application of
new index MPishovel has been developed by authors. This can be used
for evaluating the shovel effectiveness. Based on analysis, utilization
followed by performance and availability were ranked in this order.
To check the applicability of this index, a case study was done on
four electrical and one hydraulic shovel in a Swedish mine. The
results shows that MPishovel can evaluate production effectiveness of
shovels and can determine effectiveness values in optimistic view
compared to OEE. MPi with calculation not only give the
effectiveness but also can predict which elements should be focused
for improving the productivity.