Abstract: Analyzing classroom assessments is one of the responsibilities of the teacher. It aims improving teacher’s instruction and assessment as well as student learning. The present study investigated factors that might explain variation in teachers’ practices regarding analysis of classroom assessments. The factors considered in the investigation included gender, in-service assessment training, teaching load, teaching experience, knowledge in assessment, attitude towards quantitative aspects of assessment, and self-perceived competence in analyzing assessments. Participants were 246 in-service teachers in Oman. Results of a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that self-perceived competence was the only significant factor explaining the variance in teachers’ analysis of assessments. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Abstract: The results of the study on the project evaluation to
develop the competencies, capabilities, and skills in repairing
computers of people in Jompluak Local Municipality, Bang Khonthi
District, Samut Songkram Province showed that the overall result
was good (4.33). When considering on each aspect, it was found that
the highest one was on process evaluation (4.60) followed by product
evaluation (4.50) and the least one was on feeding factor (3.97).
When considering in details, it was found that: 1) the context aspect
was high (4.23) with the highest item on the arrangement of the
training situation (4.67) followed by the appropriateness of the target
(4.30) and the least aspect was on the project cooperation (3.73). 2)
The evaluation of average overall primary factor or feeding factor
showed high value (4.23) while the highest aspect was on the
capability of the trainers (4.47) followed by the suitable venue (4.33)
while the least aspect was on the insufficient budget (3.47). 3) The
average result of process evaluation was very high (4.60). The
highest aspect was on the follow-op supervision (4.70) followed by
responsibility of each project staffs (4.50) while the least aspect was
on the present situation and the problems of the community (4.40). 4)
The overall result of the product evaluation was very high (4.50). The
highest aspect was on the diversity of the activities and the
community integration (4.67) followed by project target achievement
(4.63) while the least aspect was on continuation and regularity of the
activities (4.33). The trainees reported high satisfaction on the project
management at very high level (43.33%) while 40% reported high
level and 16.67% reported moderate level. Suggestions for the project
were on the additional number of the computer sets (37.78%)
followed by longer training period especially on computer skills
(43.48%).
Abstract: Steam reforming is industrially important as it is
incorporated in several major chemical processes including the
production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen and ox alcohols. Due to
the strongly endothermic nature of the process, a large amount of heat
is supplied by fuel burning (commonly natural gas) in the furnace
chamber. Reaction conversions, tube catalyst life, energy
consumption and CO2 emission represent the principal factors
affecting the performance of this unit and are directly influenced by
the high operating temperatures and pressures.
This study presents a simulation of the performance of the
reforming of methane in a primary reformer, through a developed
empirical relation which enables to investigate the effects of
operating parameters such as the pressure, temperature, steam to
carbon ratio on the production of hydrogen, as well as the fraction of
non converted methane.
It appears from this analysis that the exit temperature Te, the
operating pressure as well the steam to carbon ratio has an important
effect on the reforming of methane.
Abstract: The outstanding mechanical properties of Carbon
nanotubes (CNTs) have generated great interest for their potential as
reinforcements in high performance cementitious composites. The
main challenge in research is the proper dispersion of carbon
nanotubes in the cement matrix. The present work discusses the role
of dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the
compressive strength characteristics of hydrated Portland IS 1489
cement paste. Cement-MWCNT composites with different mixing
techniques were prepared by adding 0.2% (by weight) of MWCNTs
to Portland IS 1489 cement. Rectangle specimens of size
approximately 40mm × 40mm ×160mm were prepared and curing of
samples was done for 7, 14, 28 and 35days. An appreciable increase
in compressive strength with both techniques; mixture of MWCNTs
with cement in powder form and mixture of MWCNTs with cement
in hydrated form 7 to 28 days of curing time for all the samples was
observed.
Abstract: The two primary objectives of this research were (1)
to examine the current knowledge and actual circumstance of
agricultural workers about mangosteen product processing; and (2) to
analyze and evaluate ways to develop capacity of mangosteen
product processing. The population of this study was 15,125 people
who work in the agricultural sector, in this context, mangosteen
production, in the eastern part of Thailand that included Chantaburi
Province, Rayong Province, Trad Province and Pracheenburi
Province. The sample size based on Yamane’s calculation with 95%
reliability was therefore 392 samples. Mixed method was employed
included questionnaire and focus group discussion with
Connoisseurship Model used in order to collect quantitative and
qualitative data. Key informants were used in the focus group
including agricultural business owners, academic people in agro food
processing, local academics, local community development staff,
OTOP subcommittee, and representatives of agro processing
industry professional organizations. The study found that the
majority of the respondents agreed with a high level (in five- rating
scale) towards most of variables of knowledge management in agro
food processing. The result of the current knowledge and actual
circumstance of agricultural human resource in an arena of
mangosteen product processing revealed that mostly, the respondents
agreed at a high level to establish 7 variables. The guideline to
developing the body of knowledge in order to enhance the capacity
of the agricultural workers in mangosteen product processing was
delivered in the focus group discussion. The discussion finally
contributed to an idea to produce manuals for mangosteen product
processing methods, with 4 products chosen: (1) mangosteen soap;
(2) mangosteen juice; (3) mangosteen toffee; and (4) mangosteen
preserves or jam.
Abstract: In the age of globalization, higher education
institutions attempt to equip students with global competence. In
response, most universities have been developing and running various
international programs. However, teacher education has been a
neglected area in this trend. Therefore, in this study, we suggest a
program that offers a dual bachelor’s degree from both universities
located on different countries, focusing on teacher education
institutions with different policies and regulations of teacher education
programs that may become obstacles to designing a dual degree
program. We discuss a possible way to get a dual degree including a
teaching certificate at a specialized college, college of secondary
education. To be specific, this research presents a way to attain two
diplomas from Jeju National University (JNU) in Korea and Boise
State University (BSU) in the U.S. It attempts to build an effective
plan for students to declare simultaneous degrees at both universities.
From the study, we find that it takes about 5 years to fulfill
requirements for the dual degree at the undergraduate level.
Abstract: Recently, ‘play of learning’ becomes important and is
emphasized as a useful learning tool. Therefore, interest in
edutainment contents is growing. Storytelling is considered first as a
method that improves the transmission of information and learner's
interest when planning edutainment contents. In this study, we
designed edutainment contents in the form of an adventure game that
applies the storytelling method. This content provides questions and
items constituted dynamically and reorganized learning contents
through analysis of test results. It allows learners to solve various
questions through effective iterative learning. As a result, the learners
can reach mastery learning.
Abstract: Patients under health treatments that involve long
stays at a hospital or health center (e.g. cancer, organ transplants and
severe burns), tend to get bored or depressed because of the lack of
social interaction with family and friends. Such a situation also
affects the evolution and effectiveness of their treatments. In many
cases, the solution to this problem involves extra challenges, since
many patients need to rest quietly (or remain in bed) to their being
contagious. Considering the weak health condition in which usually
are these kinds, keeping them motivated and quiet represents an
important challenge for nurses and caregivers. This article presents a
mobile ubiquitous game called MagicRace, which allows hospitalized
kinds to interact socially with one another without putting to risk
their sensitive health conditions. The game does not require a
communication infrastructure at the hospital, but instead, it uses a
mobile ad hoc network composed of the handheld devices used by
the kids to play. The usability and performance of this application
was tested in two different sessions. The preliminary results show
that users experienced positive feelings from this experience.
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel e-learning model that is
based on a dynamic formative evaluation. On evaluating the existing
format of e-learning, conditions regarding repetitive learning to
achieve mastery, causes issues for learners to lose tension and become
neglectful of learning. The dynamic formative evaluation proposed is
able to supplement limitation of the existing approaches. Since a
repetitive learning method does not provide a perfect feedback, this
paper puts an emphasis on the dynamic formative evaluation that is
able to maximize learning achievement. Through the dynamic
formative evaluation, the instructor is able to refer to the evaluation
result when making an estimation about the learner. To show the flow
chart of learning, based on the dynamic formative evaluation, the
model proves its effectiveness and validity.
Abstract: Industries using conventional fossil fuels have an
interest in better understanding the mechanism of particulate
formation during combustion since such is responsible for emission
of undesired inorganic elements that directly impact the atmospheric
pollution level. Fine and ultrafine particulates have tendency to
escape the flue gas cleaning devices to the atmosphere. They also
preferentially collect on surfaces in power systems resulting in
ascending in corrosion inclination, descending in the heat transfer
thermal unit, and severe impact on human health. This adverseness
manifests particularly in the regions of world where coal is the
dominated source of energy for consumption.
This study highlights the behavior of calcium transformation as
mineral grains verses organically associated inorganic components
during pulverized coal combustion. The influence of existing type of
calcium on the coarse, fine and ultrafine mode formation mechanisms
is also presented. The impact of two sub-bituminous coals on particle
size and calcium composition evolution during combustion is to be
assessed. Three mixed blends named Blends 1, 2, and 3 are selected
according to the ration of coal A to coal B by weight. Calcium
percentage in original coal increases as going from Blend 1 to 3.
A mathematical model and a new approach of describing
constituent distribution are proposed. Analysis of experiments of
calcium distribution in ash is also modeled using Poisson distribution.
A novel parameter, called elemental index λ, is introduced as a
measuring factor of element distribution.
Results show that calcium in ash that originally in coal as mineral
grains has index of 17, whereas organically associated calcium
transformed to fly ash shown to be best described when elemental
index λ is 7.
As an alkaline-earth element, calcium is considered the
fundamental element responsible for boiler deficiency since it is the
major player in the mechanism of ash slagging process. The
mechanism of particle size distribution and mineral species of ash
particles are presented using CCSEM and size-segregated ash
characteristics. Conclusions are drawn from the analysis of
pulverized coal ash generated from a utility-scale boiler.
Abstract: In this work, a method of time delay estimation for
dual-channel acoustic signals (speech, music, etc.) recorded under
reverberant conditions is investigated. Standard methods based on
cross-correlation of the signals show poor results in cases involving
strong reverberation, large distances between microphones and
asynchronous recordings. Under similar conditions, a method based
on cross-correlation of temporal envelopes of the signals delivers a
delay estimation of acceptable quality. This method and its properties
are described and investigated in detail, including its limits of
applicability. The method’s optimal parameter estimation and a
comparison with other known methods of time delay estimation are
also provided.
Abstract: Urban road dust comprises of a range of potentially
toxic metal elements and plays a critical role in degrading urban
receiving water quality. Hence, assessing the metal composition and
concentration in urban road dust is a high priority. This study
investigated the variability of metal composition and concentrations
in road dust in 4 different urban land uses in Gold Coast, Australia.
Samples from 16 road sites were collected and tested for selected 12
metal species. The data set was analyzed using both univariate and
multivariate techniques. Outcomes of the data analysis revealed that
the metal concentrations inroad dust differs considerably within and
between different land uses. Iron, aluminum, magnesium and zinc are
the most abundant in urban land uses. It was also noted that metal
species such as titanium, nickel, copper and zinc have the highest
concentrations in industrial land use. The study outcomes revealed
that soil and traffic related sources as key sources of metals deposited
on road surfaces.
Abstract: Waste of certain process can be the input source of
other sectors in order to reduce environmental pollution. Today there
are more and more solid wastes are generated, but only very small
amount of those are recycled. So, the threatening of environmental
pressure to public health is very serious. The methods considered for
the treatment of solid waste are biogas tanks or processing to make
animal feed and fertilizer, however, they did not perform well. An
alternative approach is growing mushrooms on waste residues. This
is regarded as an environmental friendly solution with potential
economical benefit. The substrate producers do their best to produce
quality substrate at low cost. Apart from other methods, this can be
achieved by employing biologically degradable wastes used as the
resource material component of the substrate. Mushroom growing is
a significant tool for the restoration, replenishment and remediation
of Earth’s overburdened ecosphere. One of the rational methods of
waste utilization involves locally available wastes. The present study
aims to find out the yield of mushroom grown on locally available
waste for free and to conserve our environment by recycling wastes.
Abstract: This paper presents a new control scheme to control a brushless doubly fed induction generator (BDFIG) using back-to-back PWM converters for wind power generation. The proposed control scheme is a New Self-Tuning Fuzzy Proportional-Derivative Controller (NSTFPDC). The goal of BDFIG control is to achieve a similar dynamic performance to the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), exploiting the well-known induction machine vector control philosophy. The performance of NSTFPDC controller has been investigated and compared with the two controllers, called Proportional–Integral (PI) and PD-like Fuzzy Logic controller (PD-like FLC) based BDFIG. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and the robustness of the NSTFPDC controller.
Abstract: In this paper, a numerical algorithm using a coupled Galerkin-Differential Quadrature (DQ) method is proposed for the solution of dam-reservoir interaction problem. The governing differential equation of motion of the dam structure is discretized by the Galerkin method and the DQM is used to discretize the fluid domain. The resulting systems of ordinary differential equations are then solved by the Newmark time integration scheme. The mixed scheme combines the simplicity of the Galerkin method and high accuracy and efficiency of the DQ method. Its accuracy and efficiency are demonstrated by comparing the calculated results with those of the existing literature. It is shown that highly accurate results can be obtained using a small number of Galerkin terms and DQM sampling points. The technique presented in this investigation is general and can be used to solve various fluid-structure interaction problems.
Abstract: This paper explains the results of an investigation on the analysis of flush end plate steel connections by means of finite element method. Flush end plates are a highly indeterminate type of connection, which have a number of parameters that affect their behavior. Because of this, experimental investigations are complicated and very costly. Today, the finite element method provides an ideal method for analyzing complicated structures. Finite element models of these types of connections under monotonic loading have previously been investigated. A numerical model, which can predict the cyclic behavior of these connections, is of critical importance, as dynamic experiments are more costly. This paper summarizes a study to develop a three-dimensional finite element model that can accurately capture the cyclic behavior of flush end plate connections. Comparisons between FEM results and experimental results obtained from full-scale tests have been carried out, which confirms the accuracy of the finite element model. Consequently, design equations for this connection have been investigated and it is shown that these predictions are not precise in all cases. The effect of end plate thickness and bolt diameter on the overall behavior of this connection is discussed. This research demonstrates that using the appropriate configuration, this connection has the potential to form a plastic hinge in the beam--desirable in seismic behavior.
Abstract: Dynamic systems, which in mathematical point of view are those governed by differential equations, are much more difficult to study and to predict their behavior in comparison with static systems which are governed by algebraic equations. Economical systems such as market are among complicated dynamic systems. This paper tries to adopt a very simple mathematical model for market and to study effect of supply and demand function on behavior of the market while the supply side experiences a lag due to production restrictions.
Abstract: Climate considerations are essential dimensions in the assessment of thermal comfort and indoor environments inside Egyptian housing. The primary aim of this paper is to analyze the indoor environment of new housing in the new city of Assiut in the Southern Upper Egypt zone, in order to evaluate its thermal environment and determine the acceptable indoor operative temperatures. The psychrometric charts for ASHRAE Standard 55 and ACS used in this study would facilitate an overall representation of the climate in one of the hottest months in the summer season. This study helps to understand and deal with this problem and work on a passive cooling ventilation strategy in these contexts in future studies. The results that demonstrated the indoor temperature is too high, ranges between 31°C to 40°C in different natural ventilation strategies. This causes the indoor environment to be far from the optimum comfort operative temperature of ACS except when using air conditioners. Finally, this study is considered a base for developing a new system using natural ventilation with passive cooling strategies.
Abstract: We present in this work the performances of a mobile omnidirectional robot through evaluating its management of the redundancy of actuation. Thus we come to the predictive control implemented.
The distribution of the wringer on the robot actions, through the inverse pseudo of Moore-Penrose, corresponds to a « geometric ›› distribution of efforts. We will show that the load on vehicle wheels would not be equi-distributed in terms of wheels configuration and of robot movement.
Thus, the threshold of sliding is not the same for the three wheels of the vehicle. We suggest exploiting the redundancy of actuation to reduce the risk of wheels sliding and to ameliorate, thereby, its accuracy of displacement. This kind of approach was the subject of study for the legged robots.
Abstract: Kumasi is Ghana’s second largest and fastest growing city with an annual population growth rate of 5.4 percent. A major result of this phenomenon is a growing sprawl at the fringes of the city. This paper assesses the nature, extent and impact of sprawl on Kumasi and examines urban planning efforts at addressing this phenomenon. Both secondary and empirical data were collected from decentralized government departments of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and residents of some sprawling communities. The study reveals that sprawl in the metropolis is rapidly consuming fringe rural communities. This situation has weakened effective management of the metropolis causing problems such as congestion and conversion of peri-urban land into residential use without ancillary infrastructure and social services. The paper recommends effective and timely planning and provision of services as well as an overall economic development and spatial integration through regional planning as a way of achieving a long term solution to sprawl.