bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American Folklore Scholarship, Tales of the North American Indians, and Relational Communities
Authors: Rudy Jill Terry
Published: February 2013

This article acknowledges that folklore studies has sometimes overlooked the imperatives of relational communities with the publication of tale collections. By privileging stories as texts and objectifying literacy as a stage of human development, some authors of tale collections have followed long-standing societal norms and ignored the primary imperative of maintaining relations to remain a community. Analyzing the introductions to Tales of the North American Indians (Thompson 1929) and four other collections of American Indian stories published between 1892 and 1929, I show how authors associated literacy, lands, stories, and people to confirm or disrupt assumptions of American Indians as pre-literate, primitive, vanishing, or ongoing peoples. With greater awareness of evolutionary assumptions and relational perspectives at play in a crucial disciplinary genre, folklorists may produce and receive tale collections in ways that better evaluate how stories relate storytellers with lands and communities.
The Case of the National Library of Jamaica in Implementing and Administering the Legal Deposit of Audiovisual and Multimedia Materials
Authors: Francis Valerie , Webster-Prince Maureen
Published: February 2013

The enactment and promulgation of the Legal Deposit Act (2002) provide the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) with the legal framework to execute its mandate to collect, promote, preserve and facilitate access to the nation's recorded documentary heritage. This paper highlights the provisions of the Act, especially as it relates to audiovisual and multimedia documents; the challenges encountered in rallying compliance with the Act; the initiatives taken and the suggestions that have been implemented to counter the non-compliance/no-confidence dichotomy. The paper also discusses the strategies that the NLJ has employed in anticipation of the increased inflow of audiovisual and multimedia materials as a result of its on-going public education campaign.
Indian National Bibliography: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Ghosh Maitrayee
Published: February 2013

This article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the bibliographic coverage of the Indian National Bibliography, with its multiplicity of languages and scripts, and compares INB with a number of prominent bibliographies around the world. The Indian National Bibliography is affected with the disease of sluggishness in publication and incomplete coverage. The author describes the application of ICT and the level of success that INB has achieved with regard to its timeliness and comprehensiveness. The publication's workflow uses a customized version of the library system Libsys, version IV, with transliteration using diacritical marks and GIST (Graphics and Intelligence based Script Technology) to overcome language problems. The Central Reference Library, Kolkata, which compiles the bibliography, is currently working towards implementation of UNICODE and discarding GIST to facilitate international cooperation and data exchange. The author examines a number of aspects of the bibliography's production, with special emphasis on remedial measures to be followed to improve currency and coverage.
The National Library of Latvia, 2001–2008
Authors: Vilks Andris
Published: February 2013

The new millennium witnessed significant changes in the development of the National Library of Latvia (NLL). The last decade of the twentieth century was linked to the restoration of all the basic functions of a national library in independent Latvia, but its development over the following decade was determined by the creation of a new, contemporary library. The twenty-year debate on the necessity of a new library, conforming to Latvia's needs, generated discussion not only on the functions of the library, but also on the broader cultural context. The basic approach was clear – nothing would remain the same in the new library. The size of the library's traditional collection has not changed significantly, but the provision of digitally born information and electronic publications has expanded rapidly. From 2001 to 2008 the NLL developed a national competence-building function in library computerization projects. Deepening cooperation with research libraries and other educational and research institutions, as well as the establishment of the Research and Development group, which brought the vision of a digital future into the Library, have been very important for enshrining the authority of the NLL in the whole library network. The National Library holds an optimistic view of the coming decade, believing that the new building will be completed, that the National Digital Library ‘Letonica’ will be created with resources in TEL, Europeana and the World Digital Library, and that the Library will be a valuable interactive centre of culture, education and research in the state.
The National Library of Serbia: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Injac Vesna
Published: February 2013

In this article, the author presents the National Library of Serbia (NLS), a central, national library and the biggest library in Serbia. A brief historical review and description of the NLS building is followed by a section relating to the basic functions of national libraries – legal deposit and the current national bibliography. The second part of the article gives an overview of collections and user services. The third part describes NLS's new services: the Digital Library, the Virtual Library of Serbia, KoBSON (Consortium of Serbian libraries for coordinated acquisition of foreign databases and full-text services) and SCIndeks (Serbian national citation index). Finally, there is a short overview of Web statistics for 2009, some important aspects of national and international cooperation and a short list of future priorities for development.
Caribbean Digital Library Initiatives in the Twenty-First Century: The Digital Library of the Caribbean (dLOC)
Authors: Renwick Shamin
Published: February 2013

As a result of evolving Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), digital libraries which allow for greater accessibility and preservation of information have been started in earnest in the last decade or two. Several digital initiatives have been implemented recently in the Caribbean, about 40 countries with diverse history, culture, language, religious and socio-cultural backgrounds. Affordable technology and infrastructure, networking and cataloguing expertise, enduring collaboration, workable governance mechanisms, intellectual property/copyright measures, adequate financing and ongoing training are imperative for the sustainability of these projects. One of the more well-known and well-regarded is the trilingual Digital Library of the Caribbean (dLOC) which was established to provide greater visibility of, and accessibility to, Caribbean materials in order to further Caribbean studies. The initial vision for the dLOC was outlined in 2004 at the Association of Caribbean University, Institutional and Research Libraries conference in Trinidad and Tobago. After successfully obtaining US Federal funding, four US Libraries and five Caribbean partners established a unique model of collaborative governance and collection building. With leadership and extensive technological development and preservation activities by several Florida Universities, the dLOC has provided support and training to its Caribbean partners, who together have met successfully many technological, intellectual and ethical challenges to Caribbean digital initiatives to produce a user-friendly interface with extensive search functionality. The dLOC, now a multi-institutional project with international usage, appears to have implemented sustainable practices; has proven to be trustworthy, flexible, responsive, adaptable, proactive and empowering; and has demonstrated goodwill through humanitarian efforts.
A Tutorial on Simulation of Queueing Models
Authors: Sadiku Matthew N. O. , Tofighi Mohammad R.
Published: February 2013

In spite of the important role simulation plays in modern scientific investigation and the books and monographs on simulation, the idea of simulation is intimidating to a beginner. There is a need for a short, simple tutorial for a beginner. This paper meets that need and presents a simple procedure for simulating queuing systems.
A Laboratory Experiment on the Control of Power Flow in Parallel Transmission Lines
Authors: Indulkar C. S.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a laboratory experiment on the control of power flow in parallel transmission lines is described. The computations are first performed on a digital computer as a part of the course work. When the students have gained an understanding of the control of power flows by voltage injection in one of the lines, they perform a laboratory experiment on a model transmission line.
Speeding Decompression of Multimedia Information through Distributed Computing
Authors: Moonian Oveeyen , Bhurtun Chawdhurry
Published: February 2013

Performing real-time multimedia transmissions through existing telecommunications infrastructures can prove to be economical. Such transmissions can be achieved by compression and decompression of multimedia information at a higher rate than that at which the information is generated. This paper describes a method of improving decompression time through distributed computing.
Discrete Wavelet Analysis of Signals
Authors: Asamoah F.
Published: February 2013

A discrete wavelet transform based on Daubechies coefficients is used to decompose a signal into levels. The method discussed is applicable to any signal of length 2 N. Where the length is less than 2 N it is zero-padded to obtain the required length. A program written in MATLAB is used for the computations.
An Undergraduate Low-Level Computer Communications Laboratory Oriented towards Industry
Authors: Fernández-Iglesias M. J. , González-Castaño F. J. , Pousada-Carballo J. M.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes an educational methodology that we have implemented at the Universidad de Vigo which is based on a real competitive environment. It involves developing a communication subsystem, specified by a standard. Intercommunication between subsystems must take place successfully according to that standard. However, students are free to incorporate new features, enhance others, or optimize aspects which are roughly described.
From Delta Function to Oscillator Amplitude Stabilization
Authors: Filanovsky I. M.
Published: February 2013

This paper considers some difficulties of electric circuit analysis when the circuit excitation includes delta functions. Clarification is obtained when the analysis is done for pulses of finite duration and amplitude, and then the limit for duration going to zero is considered. This approach is applied to the analysis of a switching-mode limit cycle resonant oscillator.
Teaching Programmable Logic Controllers Using Multimedia-Based Courseware
Authors: Blakley J. J. , Irvine D. A.
Published: February 2013

In this paper the development and use of multimedia-based courseware to support teaching and undergraduate laboratory sessions in the subject area of programmable logic control are discussed. The multimedia-based courseware described is designed to be used by undergraduate students meeting programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for the first time. Two developed prototype multimedia packages are described.
Fuzzy Logic-Based Voltage Control of a Synchronous Generator
Authors: Arnalte S.
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with the application of fuzzy logic in the voltage control of a synchronous generator. The fuzzy controller has been implemented in a personal computer (PC) and appropriate interfaces between the computer and the generator have been designed and built. Experimental results show that the fuzzy controller always eliminates voltage steady error with a good transient response.
Study of Dynamic Voltage Stability of Power Systems
Authors: Tripathy S. C.
Published: February 2013

A model of a power system with load dynamics is studied to investigate the voltage collapse phenomenon. The reactive power demand at a load bus is slowly increased until the voltage magnitude sharply falls to a very low level. This is caused by saddle node bifurcation. This is also steady state voltage instability or collapse. However, as the reactive power load is increased slowly from a small value, initially the eigenvalues which were in the left half s-plane move to the right half s-plane and again return to the left half plane. This is called Hopf bifurcation which produces node voltage oscillations. This latter phenomenon happens in a dynamic state. If voltage regulator action at the generator bus is considered and hard limits on the exciter voltage are imposed, then this results in sustained oscillations of the bus voltage and chaotic transient response.
An Interactive Framework for Teaching Power System Harmonics
Authors: Lee Cheng Siong , Lin Hsiung Cheng
Published: February 2013

Electrical engineering education textbooks usually restrict the linking between theory and practical work in power system harmonics. This paper presents a comprehensive definition, mathematical description, and practical experiments in power harmonics. To realise the application in a real environment, a simple software package, based on FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) in the MATLAB program, to identify and analyse the power system harmonics, is introduced.
‘On Optimising the Feedback Components in a Voltage-Feedback Amplifier’: A Simpler Derivation of the Final Expression
Authors: Miron Costin , Oltean Gabriel , Gordan Mihaela
Published: February 2013

The open-loop gain of a typical two-stage transistor voltage-feedback amplifier is put in the form of a ratio between its value in the absence of feedback components and the product of two gain-degrading factors. Minimising this product results in maximising the open-loop gain, and the corresponding algebra is much less laborious than the one in the paper referred to in the title.1
Comparative Study of Turbo Codes in AWGN Channel Using MAP and SOVA Decoding
Authors: Soyjaudah K. M. S. , Russool M. T.
Published: February 2013

A final-year undergraduate project in error-control coding is discussed. The project consists of the study, software implementation and computer simulation of turbo codes using two different decoding approaches, the Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) and Soft-Output Viterbi Algorithm (SOVA). It combines theory with computer-aided design and provides hands-on experience in the field of channel coding.
A Low Cost Linear Induction Motor for Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Atencia J. , Rico A. García , Flórez J.
Published: February 2013

In this paper we present a linear induction motor (LIM) prototype for education. LIMs allow easy identification and study of the different concepts and parameters of the electromagnetic circuit that they have in common with other types of electrical machine. Some experiments are presented that highlight the proposed approach.
Engineering Education for Women in Botswana
Authors: Baryeh E. A. , Squire P. J. , Mogotsi M.
Published: February 2013

A study has been conducted on the female engineering students at the University of Botswana. It was found that only 11.1% of the engineering students at the university were female. The engineering non-degree programmes had 9.7% females while the engineering degree programmes had 13.7% females. The majority were influenced in selecting engineering as their field of study by their interest in engineering and job opportunities in the engineering field. Some suggestions have been made for improving female participation in university engineering programmes in the country.
Network Analysis for Today's Classrooms
Authors: Rao V. V. Bapeswara
Published: February 2013

Analysis of an electric circuit in terms of element variables instead of loop currents involves the formulation of more equations, but their formulation is easier. Since calculators used by students in a classroom in recent times can solve a large system of equations with relative ease, one may not be concerned with such an increase.
Theorems of Torque Coefficients on Stability of Induction and Reluctance Machines
Authors: Barsoum N. N. , Harris M. R.
Published: February 2013

Theoretical work has been developed for investigating the performance of the damping and synchronizing torque coefficients for polyphase induction machines and synchronous reluctance machines. Six theorems are analytically formulated and proved. These are used as a new study in machine stability courses and are found to be useful for engineering education.
Large-Scale, Parallel Embedded Applications: A Hardware Design Model for Software Engineers
Authors: Fleury M. , Self R. P. , Downton A. C.
Published: February 2013

Parallel servers are becoming an important sector in the embedded systems marketplace. If software engineers are to implement the multi-algorithm applications that these servers support, then educators should provide clear design routes which inculcate system-level thinking. Pipelined Processor Farms (PPF) is one such top-down design strategy. The contemporary hardware diversity within both processor- and instruction-level parallellism requires incorporation of a coprocessor model at the node or sub-system layer. Two suitable software-based approaches are reviewed: one which maintains the traditional aspects of hardware modeling, SystemC, and the other, Handel-C, which introduces silicon compilation to the CAD laboratory.
A Generalisable Experience of Distance Education in Electronics
Authors: Chirico Marco , Parodi Giancarlo , Scapolla Anna Marina
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the proposal of setting up an environment for a standardized collection of didactic multimedia material that will offer new opportunities for sharing, reusing and distributing courses on the Internet. The proposed approach is based on the EU ARIADNE Project methodology and tools. Starting from an analysis of didactic experiences in analog and digital electronics, we suggest an extension of the approach to the Faculty of Engineering to improve the definition of new courses, the continuous upgrade of documents and the exchange of expertise.
Reverse As-Built Transformer Design Method
Authors: Bodger P. S. , Liew M. C.
Published: February 2013

A reverse approach to designing as-built transformers is presented in this paper. The physical characteristics and dimensions of the windings and core are the specifications. By manipulating the amount and type of material actually to be used in the construction of the transformer, its performance can be determined. Such an approach is essentially the opposite of the conventional transformer design method. The method is applied to two sample high voltage transformers. The measured performance of the transformers verifies the usefulness of using this reverse design approach.
An Approach to Composite Amplifier Analysis
Authors: Calleja Hugo
Published: February 2013

An approach to the analysis of composite amplifiers is presented. It is based on programmes written in MATLAB that take advantage of the plotting and graphic user interfaces capabilities of the software package. This approach provides better results than simulator-based ones, because the behaviour of the circuits is explored iteratively.
Is Your Laboratory a Turn-Off?
Authors: Evans Alun , Davies Timothy , Wilks Stephen
Published: February 2013

Generations of students have discovered, too often, that laboratory experience is the least satisfactory aspect of reading engineering. It is a regular comment from employers of engineering graduates that new employees are deficient in basic laboratory skills, yet the problem persists and unquestionably leaves serious expositors of the subject with a feeling that more should be done in this area. Some three years ago the authors decided a serious effort was needed to address these issues in our own department. The vehicle chosen was the Level 1 circuit design course. This paper will describe the strategy adopted to overcome the perceived weaknesses of our previous laboratory course as measured by a quality audit of student reactions.
Helping Students to Identify and Achieve Appropriate Learning Targets
Authors: Houghton Warren
Published: February 2013

In order to support students with a wide range of attainment expectations, within a common first year of a range of engineering programmes, intending learning outcomes have been set out in detail at different levels and support mechanisms put in place to help them plan their own learning targets.
Digital Communication Technology for Teaching Automatic Control: The Level Control Case
Authors: Beltrán Nicolás H. , Duarte-Mermoud Manuel A. , Kremer Pablo A.
Published: February 2013

A prototype application for a communication network between the controller and the sensors in a laboratory plant for teaching purposes using the controller area network (CAN) standard is discussed in detail in this paper. The basis of the CAN digital communication system is revised and results are presented of the designed experiment, carried out by the students, to control the tank level. It is concluded that the introduction of modern communication technology in teaching process control as part of the electrical engineering curriculum is feasible.
An Efficient Power Flow Algorithm for Distribution Systems with Polynomial Load
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Salama M. M. A. , Mansour R. R.
Published: February 2013

A new, efficient power flow algorithm for complex distribution systems is presented. Voltage ratio is used for convergence control. This method has fast convergence ability for the polynomial load model for which the traditional Newton-Raphson method is usually not adaptable. Test results show the robustness of the proposed method.
Teaching Electrical Power Systems Using Computer Simulations
Authors: Shepstone N. M.
Published: February 2013

A computer program has been developed at the Manukau Institute of Technology that can be used for teaching and researching short, medium and long overhead power lines. The program makes use of interconnected icons rather than differential equations written in computer code (text). By using programs consisting of graphical icons it is far easier for students to visualise the power line that they are studying and in addition it makes it simple for them to modify and update the program. Until recently it has been difficult to teach overhead power lines in a meaningful way because the equations modelling the transient behaviour of lines are systems of differential equations and the equations modelling the steady-state behaviour are a set of hyperbolic (or exponential) equations. Both these sets of equations are difficult for students to visualise and interpret. Furthermore, overhead line laboratory exercises that produce realistic results for students are very difficult to arrange in most university laboratories. The program developed at Manukau Institute of Technology overcomes these problems.
An Interactive Java-Based Educational Module in Electromagnetics
Authors: Chetty M. , Hu S. , Bennett J.
Published: February 2013

This paper explains the design, development and implementation of a web-based educational module for an introductory electromagnetic (EM) course at Monash University. It contains tutorials, interactive simulation and animation. The two most important sections of the module, namely ‘electric dipole’ and ‘experimental field mapping’, are described here. Both these sections are interactive and with the help of visual graphical displays and audio files they ‘stimulate’ the sight and sound senses for understanding. The module can act as an instructional aid and helps not only in understanding the fundamental concepts but also in providing a greater appreciation of the applications of EM theory. The responses from interactive simulation are displayed directly on the client browser. The overall package is developed using Java, HTML, CGI scripts written in Perl and MATLAB.
Many Faces of the Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Authors: Roy S. C. Dutta
Published: February 2013

The celebrated maximum power transfer theorem, which is usually stated for source impedance Zg = Rg + jXg and load impedance ZL = RL + jXL, is revisited, and generalised for other possible situations in which either Zg or ZL or both are parallel combinations of a resistance and a reactance, and for all possible cases of load variability. Many of the results are believed to be new.
An Educational Package for Environmentally Friendly, Economic Operation of Power Systems
Authors: Palanichamy C. , Kumar C. Anil , Babu Sundar
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a Windows™-based educational package developed by the authors to provide power systems students with basic training on the environmentally friendly, economic operation of power systems. The suitability of the package has been demonstrated here with the help of a six-generator thermal power system.
Fundamental Loop-Current Method Using ‘Virtual Voltage Sources’ Technique for Special Cases
Authors: Chatzarakis George E. , Tortoreli Marina D. , Tziolas Anastasios D.
Published: February 2013

A new technique based on the use of virtual voltage sources makes any electric circuit solvable by the fundamental loop-current method in an easy and formulated way for students. Thus, the fundamental loop-current method is systematised (especially for nonplanar circuits) and the difficulties presented up to now for special circuit categories cease to exist.
Teaching ‘Soft’ Skills to Engineers
Authors: Pulko Susan H. , Parikh Samir
Published: February 2013

Engineering departments widely recognise an increasing need to equip students with effective study skills early in their university education and basic professional skills prior to graduation. These, however, are traditionally difficult modules to teach successfully to larger groups through traditional lecturing. Observations suggest a poor absorption rate from the students and thus a lack in their ability to benefit from these skills both personally and professionally. This paper documents the findings of an initiative which aimed to improve the success of study skills teaching by combining academic and commercial leanings into a modified teaching approach. The results and specific techniques described in this paper can be easily integrated into most types of teaching material.
A Student-Friendly Approach to Undergraduate Teaching of Experimental Industrial Control Systems
Authors: Manesis S. , Koutri S.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a computer-based approach applied to a laboratory course in industrial control systems, providing interactive tools for understanding complex concepts. Based on modern hardware and software we at the University of Patras have developed experimental set-ups where the most recent industrial control themes have been included. The experimental equipment and computational tools used are all industrial products that students will meet later in industry. Students can thus acquire experience in the real behaviour of the various industrial-type subsystems.
Weak Form Finite Element Formulation for the Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Tio Lian Yuh , Gibson Andrew A. P. , Dillon Bernice M. , Davis Lionel E.
Published: February 2013

Modern numerical software packages have potential as development tools for research and educational purposes. One such package is FEMLAB®, a finite element based environment with a user-defined, flexible equation solver. This paper describes the implementation and use of a vector Helmholtz solver in FEMLAB® for educational purposes.
Use of Random Variables in Power Transmission Engineering
Authors: Indulkar C. S.
Published: February 2013

The use of random variables and the application of probabilistic techniques for power system analysis has become an important issue due to the increased uncertainties faced by modern power systems. In the techno-economic analysis of an installation, especially at the design stage, several discrete values have to be considered for each variable, such as voltage, power, power angle, etc. Therefore, in handling such problems, it is advisable to use random variable ranges as explained in the paper taking the area of power transmission engineering as an example.
Comparison of Shunt Capacitor, SVC and STATCOM in Static Voltage Stability Margin Enhancement
Authors: Sode-Yome Arthit , Mithulananthan N.
Published: February 2013

This paper compares the shunt capacitor, SVC and STATCOM in static voltage stability improvement. Various performance measures are compared under different operating system conditions for the IEEE 14 bus test system. Important issues related to shunt compensation, namely sizing and installation location, for exclusive load margin improvement are addressed. A methodology is also proposed to alleviate voltage control problems due to shunt capacitor compensation during lightly and heavily loaded conditions.
Developing a Computer-Based Transmission-Pricing Model for Power Market Operation Teaching
Authors: Yu C. W.
Published: February 2013

Given the worldwide concerns of deregulation in the electricity supply industry the introduction of an undergraduate/postgraduate course on electricity market operation is both timely and important, and new teaching materials must be designed. One key issue underlying power market operation is the determination of wheeling rates. An appropriate approach to setting wheeling rates is probably the most important vehicle for encouraging both optimal use of the existing transmission capacity and investment in future expansion of transmission facilities. This paper presents the development of a computer-based model that helps students appreciate the concepts of marginal wheeling costs evaluation for different types of power transactions in a multi-area interconnected power system.
What is Mechatronics and Why Teach it?
Authors: Bradley David
Published: February 2013

Despite a world-wide interest in mechatronics education, there is no clear and consistent understanding of what mechatronics is, nor how, and at what level, it should be taught. The key challenge for mechatronics course designers is seen as that of ensuring an appropriate balance between depth and breadth while providing opportunities to enable students to practise integration. The paper discusses this in relation to a number of mechatronic themes. Factors influencing the design, structure and content of a mechatronics programme are discussed and suggestions made as to the possible core content of such a programme.
Mechatronics and Automotive Systems Design
Authors: James Peter
Published: February 2013

As the complexity of automotive vehicles increases, so does the need for high calibre, multi-disciplined engineers. This paper provides a discussion into the type of control systems found in modern automotive vehicles and the skills required by the engineers working in this mechatronic system environment.
Microelectronic Circuit Test Engineering Laboratories with Programmable Logic
Authors: Grout Ian , Walsh Joseph
Published: February 2013

A use for programmable logic is presented targeting microelectronic circuit test engineering education. These devices offer strengths in cost, time and flexibility in an educational environment. The rationale for this work is to support electronic hardware design, fabrication and test for mixed-signal integrated circuits typically used in mixed-technology systems.
Teaching Digital Controller Design Skills for Embedded Systems and Mechatronics
Authors: Dell Jonathan A.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes the ECAD work undertaken by third-year MEng students in the Department of Electronics at York in support of embedded systems and mechatronics. It describes in detail the digital electronics computer aided design (ECAD) element of the course where the students use Xilinx Foundation CAD to develop and test a simplified microprocessor.
Enhancing Teaching-Learning Environments in Undergraduate Courses in Electronic Engineering: An Introduction to the ETL Project
Authors: Entwistle N. J.
Published: February 2013

This paper introduces earlier research into the effects of teaching on the quality of student learning and describes a large-scale project within the Teaching and Learning Research Programme of the British Economic and Social Research Council, looking at contrasting university subject areas, including electronic engineering. Subsequent papers present preliminary findings.
Teaching and Learning Analogue Electronics in Undergraduate Courses: Preliminary Findings from the ETL Project
Authors: Entwistle N. J. , Hamilton A. , Kelly R. G. , Nisbet J. B. , Chapman R. , Hayward G. , Gachagan A.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes ongoing research into the teaching and learning of analogue electronics in three course units at two research-intensive universities. It draws on students' experiences of teaching and learning in analogue course units to explore the nature of the learning they were undertaking and examines the teaching-learning activities they found most supportive of their studying.
Frission Chips: Perceived Relevance and Microprocessor Systems
Authors: Bromage A. , Whitaker P.
Published: February 2013

This paper comprises part of the work of the Enhancing Teaching-Learning Environments in Undergraduate Courses project (Project web site http://www.ed.ac.uk/etl ). The emphasis is on the content of a course unit, and in particular on the effect of the choice of learning aids deployed on students' attitudes to the course unit.
A Unified Approach to the Bandwidth of Amplifying Stages
Authors: Calleja Hugo
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a unified approach to the bandwidth analysis of amplifying stages, whose transfer function can be a voltage gain, current gain, transconductance or transimpedance. It uses the technique that involves modelling the feedback networks as voltage dividers. It takes advantage of the fact that, if the network between the opamp's output, and the node where the actual output is taken is linear, then the bandwidths at both points are equal. Therefore, calculating the bandwidth at the output of the operational amplifier will yield the desired result.
Power of Balanced Poly-Phase Systems: An Application of the Multi-Terminal Network Power Theorem
Authors: Quintela F. Redondo , Melchor R. C. Redondo , Melchor M. M. Redondo
Published: February 2013

The deduction methods of power formulas of balanced three-phase receivers seem to limit its reach to Y and Δ connections. Easy and general deduction procedures, with no dependence on the internal constitution of the receivers, are revealed here. Thus the complete range of these formulas is shown.
An Educational Software Package for Power Systems Analysis and Operation
Authors: Yalcinoz T.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a software package developed in Matlab for teaching power systems analysis and operation. The software package is used to support and enhance power engineering education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The application programs in this package include fault analysis, load flow analysis, transient stability, economic dispatch, unit commitment and load forecasting. All modules of the package are independent of each other. The students or researchers can make copies of the software to study and can modify any module of the package.
A Very Low-Cost System for Photoresist Coating of Microwave Substrate Boards for Educational Purposes
Authors: Márquez-Segura E. , Otero P. , Camacho-Peñalosa C. , Zürcher J.-F.
Published: February 2013

A simple low-cost system used to coat a microwave substrate with photoresist ink is presented. This system allows engineering students to build their own microwave circuits with simple photolithographic techniques. Masks printed with a general-purpose laser printer are used to make circuits which can operate at frequencies up to the microwave spectrum.
A Unified Matrix Representation for Calculating Entropy Quantities
Authors: Al-Sammak A. J.
Published: February 2013

In this paper a unified framework for presenting various entropy quantities needed in information theory is given. This method allows an easy, elegant and compact presentation and lends itself to easy implementation using standard mathematical/engineering software. Examples illustrating the use of this technique are given together with a general MATLAB program for calculating entropies as well as the channel capacity. The technique was preferred over classical representations by undergraduate students taking a first course on digital communications.
Understanding the Modelling and Analysis of a Shunt Active Power Filter Using MATLAB/Simulink
Authors: Bayindir K. Çağatay , Ermiş Muammer
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with the modelling and analysis of a shunt active power filter by the use of a MATLAB/Simulink program. The modelling approach adopted in the paper is graphical in nature, as opposed to mathematical models embedded in code using a high-level computer language. The model is presented clearly and in a detailed manner, targetted especially at postgraduate students. The performance of the active power filter is illustrated by considering a 400 kV A, six-pulse, fully controlled bridge rectifier supplied from a typical distribution system via a rectifier transformer.
Explaining Hysteresis in Electronic Circuits
Authors: Elwakil A. S.
Published: February 2013

We show how the hysteresis behaviour in electronic circuits can be explained in a robust manner using PSpice transient simulations. Furthermore, we describe a simple circuit for three-segment nonlinear characteristic shaping and show how this circuit can be used to produce hysteresis loops. The realisation of relaxation oscillators is then given as a typical application.
Developing a Distributed Hands-On Course for Teaching Advanced Electrical Engineering Topics
Authors: Deconinck G.
Published: February 2013

Driven by a demand for more practical illustration of advanced electrical engineering topics for Master students in electrical engineering, six institutes of higher engineering education jointly developed a hands-on course on different aspects of intelligent electrical systems (lighting, domotics, power electronics, EMC, etc.). It is based on sharing and pooling specialised knowledge and laboratory equipment at the different sites, and is available for all students via mobility of students and lecturers. The course combines laboratory hands-on sessions with an ICT-based learning environment, according to the concept of guided independent learning. Extensive evaluation during two years of implementation with more than 45 exchanges, yields positive feedback from both students and lecturers and indicates that students have more insight into the topics than without hands-on experience.
Higher Education Structure at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Tuzla: Influence of the Bologna Agreement
Authors: Konjic Tatjana , Sarajlic Nermin
Published: February 2013

The University of Tuzla has in the recent past implemented all its activities in both institutional and legal terms. As a result, all higher education institutions (Faculties) are now integrated in one legal entity — the University. In doing so, the university has been guided by European standards in higher education. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, as a member of the University of Tuzla, began to educate the first generation of undergraduate students in complete accordance with the Bologna Declaration in the academic year 2003/2004. At the same time the educational credit system ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) was established. In the academic year 2005/2006 Electrical Engineering was the first university faculty to establish one-year postgraduate studies with ECTS. Now students obtain a Bachelors degree after four years of study and a Masters degree after at least one additional year. An overview of the undergraduate and postgraduate course structure at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering is presented here.
The Bologna Process and its Potential Influence on Australian Engineering Education
Authors: King Robin W.
Published: February 2013

The paper outlines the current state of the Bologna process discussion in Australia, with an emphasis on its potential influence on engineering programmes and their internationalisation through student and graduate mobility. The paper relates this to the importance of the Washington Accord in providing a strong framework for global professional engineering programme accreditation.
Engineering Education, Accreditation and the Bologna Declaration: A New Zealand View
Authors: Hodgson R. M. , Williams B. R.
Published: February 2013

This paper briefly describes professional engineering education in New Zealand concentrating on four year professional degrees. The role of the Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) in the accreditation of degrees and as the national signatory of the Washington Accord is explained. The Bologna process and its implications for New Zealand are briefly considered in the context of the current situation. This leads to the conclusion that the rapid development of the Bologna process and the consequent need to reconcile and relate this to the Washington Accord standards may afford a timely opportunity for review and reform of engineering education in New Zealand and beyond.
WASP: A Web-Based Simulator for an Educational Pipelined Processor
Authors: Stojkovic A. , Djordjevic J. , Nikolic B.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a web-based simulator for an educational pipelined RISC processor, developed at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade. The architecture and organisation of the processor are devised to include typical features of both the RISC architecture and the pipelined organisation. Its graphical simulator makes it possible to follow parts of the processor organisation at both the global level and the register transfer level. The simulator, also, enables the navigation through all parts of the processor, the customisable notifications of significant events during the execution of an instruction and the tracking of relevant values of signals and contents of registers and memory locations. The execution of instructions can be carried out forward one clock or the whole programme and can be returned one clock backward. The simulator is aimed to be used both for exercises in a laboratory and individual student training via the Internet.
The Finite Element Method as an Effective Control Design Tool
Authors: Santisteban José Andrés , de Noronha Roberto Firmento , Suhett Marcos Riva
Published: February 2013

The finite element method (FEM) has shown its reliability when it deals with electromagnetic design. In this work, it is shown that the FEM can also be effective as a control design tool for nonlinear structures like active magnetic bearings. This work suggests the permanent introduction of the FEM in a regular electrical engineering programme.
On Solving Differential Equations Using the Laplace Transform
Authors: Yeung Kai-Shing , Chung Wei-Der
Published: February 2013

This note reports a difficulty that students in a typical linear systems class would be likely to encounter. It involves an apparent contradiction associated with the use of the Laplace transform to solve a differential equation. The source of the apparent contradiction is identified, and a solution to remedy it is presented.
Benchmark Construction with Application to PID Controller Design and Implementation
Authors: Basilio J. C. , Manhães R. R. , Rolim L. G. B.
Published: February 2013

This paper addresses the issues of modelling, simulation, design, and controller implementation in an Industrial Control course. The motivation for it comes from the fact that, differently from the plants used in first courses on control systems, which usually have fast step response, plants suitable for Industrial Control courses have slow step response. The consequence of this fact is that the experiments necessary to carry out the model parameter identification take a long time to be performed. This problem can be circumvented by using a benchmark plant to resemble the behaviour of the physical system. In this paper a benchmark is constructed from a real system, having as model, a first order system with time delay, where the time delay and the time constant are both varying. Controller implementation is carried out using the PID function of a programmable logic controller (PLC).
An Introduction to the Design of Filters and Sinusoidal Oscillators
Authors: Vosper J. V. , Twigg P.
Published: February 2013

After making a review of existing first-year laboratory work at Manchester Metropolitan University dealing with active filters, the authors describe an alternative set of first-year experiments which cover the three first-order filters whose transfer functions are controlled by a single time constant (first-order STC filters), namely, lowpass, highpass and allpass. The allpass filter can be regarded as an elementary parallel-path circuit with zero-order feedforward and this technique is extended to develop lowpass-to-highpass and highpass-to-lowpass converters which as well as allpass filters can be employed in the design of sinusoidal oscillators whose oscillation frequency can be adjusted using two similar grounded elements. Two approaches to the design of one such oscillator are given and experimental results are provided.
An Arbitrary Load Torque Generator for Studying Electric Drives in a Laboratory Environment
Authors: Molina-García A. , Gómez E. , Fuentes J. A.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents an arbitrary load torque generator for simulating real mechanical loads, such as fans, conveyors, compressors or winders, recently incorporated into the undergraduate electric machine courses at Cartagena Polytechnic University (Spain). The system has been built and tested at the Electric Machines and Drives Laboratory, proving to be a great teaching tool for electric machine laboratory experiments.

In order to obtain a low cost solution and offer a practical point of view, all the system components – variable frequency drives, a.c. brushless servo machine, induction motor and touch screen terminal – have been chosen from industrial manufacturers. The main advantage of this modular design is that it enables monitoring of voltage and current waveforms from any point of interest, extending its educational possibilities towards power electronic areas. Different tests and their results have also been included in this paper.
Learning to Exploit Tolerances: An Undergraduate Laboratory Exercise in System Design of an Instrument
Authors: King C. S. O. , Stupples D. W. , Thomas P. J.
Published: February 2013

A laboratory exercise is described that introduces the engineering student to design to meet a customer specification. The student learns to appreciate the system-engineering nature of design, where multiple objectives need to be satisfied. The design vehicle is one of the most conceptually simple instruments, namely a voltmeter based on a moving-coil movement. The student finds out how to reduce cost by making maximum use of the tolerance-forming part of the customer specification. He or she learns how both deterministic and statistical methods may be brought to bear. The statistical method applied may also be of more general interest to instrument designers working in industry.