bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing The Impact of Microcredit Programs on Participant’s Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Mohamed Isa Zuraidah , Abdul Hakim Roslan , Ismail Russayani
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT 

Microcredit programs may have an impact on participants’ entrepreneurial behavior. Thus, an understanding of personal attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control as suggested by Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) may enhance the understanding of the impact of microcredit on participants’ entrepreneurial behavior. Thus, by taking into account the participants’ personal attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control in ways that leads to the enhancement of participants’ entrepreneurial behavior, microcredit programs have not only made small loans available to the poor but also helped to enhance entrepreneurial behavior.  

Keywords: Microcredit programs, participants’ entrepreneurial intention, participants’ entrepreneurial behavior theory of planned behavior (TPB)
Earnings Management and Sale of Assets
Authors: Mastuki Nor'azam , Abdullah Nihlah
Published: April 2019

The focus of this study is to examine whether firms used income from sale of assets as an instrument to manage earnings. Two aspect of earnings management are examined: earnings smoothing behavior and avoidance of debt covenant activities. A Sample had been taken from firms listed under industrial and consumer product at the main board of Bursa Malaysia from 2000 to 2003. Similar with findings obtained in an environment where current cost are applied in asset reporting, we found that incentive for earnings management is asymmetric.firms with poor economic performances (negative earnings change) have greater incentive to smooth earnings that firm exhibiting good economic performance (positive earning change). This study had also examined whether the asymmetric results holds true for firms selling asset with high impact on net income in comparison with firms selling asset with low impact on net income. an area which had not been explored by previous studies. And within this context we also found asymmetric results. Firms reporting high impact of income from asset sale in relation to net income had shown significant evidence ofearnings smoothing patterns. No evidence is found to associate earnings smoothing activities with firms reporting low impact of income from asset sale in relation to net income. However this research had failed to find evidence to associate income from asset sale with debt-equity hypothesis in all sub samples.
Modelling Malaysian Road Accident Deaths : An Econometric Approach
Authors: Wan Yaacob Wan Fairos , Wan Husin Wan Zakiyatussariroh
Published: April 2019

A number of methods have been proposed for dealing with road accident death model. This paper uses econometric regression models to develop the road accident death model. By using this approach, this paper attempts to establish a statistical model to describe the relationship between the total road accident deaths and a range ofexplanatory macroeconomic variables. The macroeconomic factors used in the model include population, the number of registered vehicles, road length, technique of data coverage, system of data recording and Gross Domestic Product. The results suggest that the POp, ROADL, VEH and DR do not have any impact on road accident deaths. In contrast, the GDP and Technique of data Coverage were found to be highly significant (P < 0.05) in explaining the road accident deaths.
The effect of corporate disclosure level on cost of equity capital
Authors: Sinnasamy Ganisen , Thirumanickam Nagaretham
Published: April 2019

In today s changing business environment, the on going debate is between proponents and opponents of greater disclosure. The Asian financial crisis in 1997 further led to a wider recognition of the importance of quality corporate disclosure. However the benefits of greater disclosure are not well established and have proven difficult to quantify. This study attempts to examine the association between corporate disclosure score and cost of equity capital. While majority ofprior research in this discipline concentrated on the US and UK securities, this paper provides Malaysian evidence on this issue. Contrary to other research findings the results indicate that there is no significant relationship between the disclosure score and cost of equity which could be due to the loss of timeliness of information. As for the disclosure score, all companies showed an improvement over the years indicating the awareness for disclosure. NACRA companies showed good improvement on disclosure score as compared to the Industrial Products companies.
The performance of Bursa Malaysia and its causality effect with South Korea, Taiwan and Japan stock exchanges : 2000 – 2004
Authors: Samat Omar , Ismail Zuraidah , Md Dahlan Jaslin
Published: April 2019

This study examines the effect of returns from South Korea, Taiwan and Japan Stock Exchanges on the Bursa Malaysia in the year 2000 to 2004. The return from an individual stock exchange is no longer exclusive but with effect of globalization, it is also influenced by activities happening in other countries. The sources ofco-movements between stock markets are of great importance both for international investors and academics. A better knowledge of the underlying factors may improve portfolio management and help to assess the degree offinancial integration and efficiency.
Self-directed learning readiness among web-based learners
Authors: Haron Shireen
Published: April 2019

The purpose ofthis research is to explore the practice of self-directed learning in web-based learning environments. The main objectives ofresearch are: (I) to determine whether students following UNITAR and UiTM web-based learning models are ready as self-directed learners, (2) to establish the relationship between level of readiness to students' academic achievement. The research employed the quantitative methodology. Data were collected using the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). SDLRS is developed and designed to measure the level of readiness for self-directed learning among adult learners. The data set comprised of 109 students responding to the SDLRS instrument. From the 109 students, 53 students are from UNITAR and 56 students arefrom UiTM.
An evaluation of business-to-business electronic commerce marketplaces (e-marketplaces) in Malaysia
Authors: Hashim Nor Azzyati , Hashim Mardziah , Abdul Majid Rogayah
Published: April 2019

The development of business-to-business electronic commerce marketplaces (B2B e-marketplaces) has influenced the way businesses are conducted. The emergence of many types of e-marketplaces together with the increase use of e-marketplaces allows many organizations to become e-market makers in the electronic commerce environment. Nonetheless, too many B2B e-marketplaces could become a challenge with e-marketplaces have shown numerous successes and failures since early existence. With this background, this pap er discusses the characteristics and success factors of B2B e-marketplaces offered in Malaysia. A content analysis ofe-marketplace websites using the integrated model from the Extended Model of Internet Commerce Adoption (eMICA) and the Internet-Based B2B Stages of Growth enabled an examination of type, ownership, B2B features and B2B stages of growth. A few e-marketplaces were then selected as case studies to identify the success factors based on the Framework of the Critical Success Factors Analysis fo r E-Marketplaces. Overall, Malaysia B2B public e-marketplaces have shown positive growth development stages across time with high adoption of e-commerce website features. In addition,factors of strategic, functional, technology, build liquidity, create value and others were also essential for t e success of the e-marketplaces. Indeed, good marketing strategies, multiple income streams, value added information services and government initiatives are among keys to success.
E-Government : an exploratory study of online government procurement
Authors: Kaliannan Maniam
Published: April 2019

The quest to improve the government service delivery is becoming an important agenda for most governments. The introduction oflCT in the public sector especially E-Government initiatives opens up a new chapter in the government administration throughout the world. Governments have deployed ICT to serve their citizens in an efficient and effective manner. This paper presents an empirical investigation of Malaysian government's e-Procurement initiative (locally known as e-Perolehan). The aim of the paper is to examine factors that influence the current and future use of the system within the supplier community. These factors are grouped in three perspectives, (i) organizational perspective; (ii) technological perspective; and (Hi) environmental perspective. The general consensus amongst both the buyer and seller communities is that e-procurement will become an important management tool to enhance the performance of supply chain especially in the public sector. However, before this occurs, the findings suggest that several issues must be addressed by the relevant authorities in light of the three perspectives as mentioned above, to improve the procurement process at the federal government level.
A content analysis of gender representation in Malaysian children's literature
Authors: Nair Ramesh
Published: April 2019

Children's literature serves as a powerful medium through which children construct messages about their roles In society and gender Identity is often central to this construction. Although possessing mental schemas about gender differences is helpful when children organize their ideas of the world around them, problems occur when children are exposed to a constant barrage of uncompromising, gender-schematic sources that lead to stereotyping which in turn represses the full development of the child. This paper focuses on how gender is represented in a selection of Malaysian children's books published in the English language. Relying on the type of content analysis employed by previous feminist social science researchers, I explore this selection of Malaysian children's books for young children and highlight some areas of concern with regard to the construction of maleness and femaleness in these texts. The results reveal Imbalances at various levels Including the distribution of main, supporting and minor characters along gendered lines and the positioning of male and female characters In the visual Illustrations. The stereotyping of these characters In terms of their behavioural traits will be discussed with the aim of drawing attention to the need for us to take concerted measures to provide our children with books that will help them realize their potential to the fullest.
Effective instructional design for value dominant education in Malaysian public universities
Authors: MAMAT MOHD NOR , Mokhtar Fattawi
Published: April 2019

Education is an important medium to ensure sustainability of human civilization. Holistic education must contain three main objectives to be achieved; cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains which involve knowledge transfer, skill enhancement and value or attitude inculcation. Our national education today regardless in primary, secondary or tertiary level seems to be more on producing graduates with knowledge and skill, but not much on value as major. This doesn't mean that value-education should be dominant in educational curriculum but it could be dominant within specific value dominant courses. Ethics or moral courses are among value-dominant courses that must prioritize value or attitude effects as main objectives. This needs different and specific instructional design (ID) in which value become major objectives in learning outcomes, activities, evaluation and etc. The study selected environmental ethics course as a case study. The study has recognized unique instructional activities for three different groups in UiTM A, UiTM B and UPSI (n=108). ID also includes learning objectives, learning object and content itself, other than instructional activities. All these have been identified using document review and interviews. The effects of environmental attitude (EA) have been measured using New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) which is endorsed by UNESCO and Behaviour-based Environmental Attitude Test by F J. Kaiser (2007) at the end of the semester to identify the effects of environmental paradigm and attitude. In this study, the result ofEA would be correlated with the different unique objectives, contents and activities to recognize the best ID for producing value effects, which is the environmental attitude. This led to few main findings as the best practices; religious elements, practical contents and environmental-related activities which have affected much on student's paradigm and attitude towards environment.
Inverse proportion : a constructivist view of college students
Authors: Lim Beh Kian , Tong Swee Foong , Noor Che Noorlia
Published: April 2019

From the constructivist paradigm, knowing misconceptions of students regarding a particular concept is deemed vital in designing effective instruction. Ausubel (1968) commented that 'The most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows; ascertain this and teach him accordingly'. The symbiosis between science and mathematics is a profound one. Science views mathematics as a significant branch. Science likes to refer mathematics as the Queen, as mathematics nurtures the growth of science especially in the areas such as scientific prediction and manipulation. On the other hand, many concepts of mathematics are invented for the purpose of science such Proportion and Calculus to name a few. Two major ideas in Proportion are the Direct and the Inverse. A good grasp of these mathematical ideas is paramount for students in understanding the fundamental nature of science in its quantitative form. This paper offers a comprehensive description of seven hundred and fifty nine science based students (385 female and 374 male) from a local university in their developmental understanding of this mathematical idea of Inverse Proportion from the six domains i.e., Definition of Inverse Proportion, Graphical Representation of Inverse Proportion, Mathematical Representation of Inverse Proportion, Data Characteristic of Inverse Proportion, Relational Understanding of Inverse Proportion, and Problem Solving in Inverse Proportion. It discusses these six domains from two perspectives i.e., Academic Ability and Gender. The paper is based on a study by Beh et al (2008) anchoring on Constructivism. Among the major findings are: Students irrespective of high or low academic ability generally performed poorly in domains requiring conceptual understanding but showed relatively higher competency for the domain requiring procedural skills. Students of higher level academic ability demonstrate a significant in dept understanding of Inverse Proportion than students of lower level of academic ability; and Male students overall understanding of Inverse is significantly higher than their female counterparts at the 5% level. Since the study is based on Constructivism, it also highlights students' alternative frameworks. Implications for teaching and learning will be discussed.
The impact of environmental dynamism on knowledge absorptive capacity-innovation performance relationship amongst manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Denan Zarina , Ismail Noraini , Amir Ishak Noormala
Published: April 2019

This study examines the absorptive capacity construct at the organization level: its influence on the innovation performance. The primary question this study sought to answer was: How does absorptive capacity affect innovation performance? More specifically, the study examines the relationships of absorptive capacity dimensions and innovation performance. Also, the role of environmental dynamism, as a moderator on absorptive capacity-innovation performance relationship was also investigated. Absorptive capacity is defined as a firm’s capability to complete the entire process from acquiring, disseminating and exploiting knowledge for commercial ends. This study focuses on three dimensions only; knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination and knowledge exploitation. The innovation performance concentrates on incremental innovation which includes product, service, method of production, market, sources of supply and ways of organizing. The study used a survey research method and regression analysis technique to examine the hypothesized relationships among constructs using data collected from 180 manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia. It was found that absorptive capacity is positively and significantly related to firms’ innovation performance. Nevertheless, none of the dimensions of absorptive capacity was found significant. The environmental dynamism significantly moderates the relationship between absorptive capacity and innovation performance. The results indicated that both researchers and managers need to pay more attention on SMEs capability in acquiring, disseminating and exploiting knowledge and these capabilities must be integrated in order to achieve superior innovation performance. Also Malaysian SMEs are seen to be more absorptive in more stable environment which eventually enhances the innovation performance.
Gender and belief factors on attitude towards Social and Environmental Accounting (SEA)
Authors: Abdullah Salina , Loo Ern Chen
Published: April 2019

Research on social and environmental accounting (SEA) has mainly concentrated on disclosure of SEA by corporate bodies, where investigations on ones attitude towards SEA are rarely discussed. SEA is a medium that develops relationships between business and society, community and nature. In addition, SEA involves a concept of sustain ability; where natural resources need to be sustained for the needs of future generations (Alhabshi et al., 2003). SEA also tries to recognise the role of accounting in sustainable development and the use of environmental resources. There are arguments that the young generations today are not fully aware of preserving these natural resources as well as handling social and environmental issues wisely. This perhaps link closely to their belief and cultural background. Hence, this paper examines the influence of gender and belief factors on the undergraduate students’ attitude towards SEA. Four dimensions of belief (fixed ability, quick learning, simple knowledge and certain knowledge) proposed by Schommer (2005) were adapted to analyse how belief factors have influence on their attitude towards SEA. An independent sample t-test was used to examine the relationship between gender and students’ attitude towards SEA. Spearmen’s correlation was employed to show the relationship between belief and attitude towards SEA. The results revealed that gender differences did not show influences on their attitude towards SEA. It was found that there is a significant relationship between belief and students’ attitude towards SEA. Students who believe on the importance of SEA tend to report positive attitude towards SEA. Perhaps findings of this study may provide some information on the SEA education and further be incorporated in the syllabus.
Measuring website service quality for Malaysian companies
Authors: Voon Boo Ho , Kueh Karen Meng Koon , Mohd Zafian Mohd Zawawi
Published: April 2019

A customer-perceived quality service has been widely used towards enhancing the customers’ satisfaction and loyalty. The same situation is also applicable for the online services; in an increased use of websites as a channel for information presentation and provision of other services. Hence, the website service quality perceptions of users need to be understood so as to be managed more effectively. The key dimension of this study is to identify the website service quality through the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The website quality theories, focus groups and survey results generate numerous dimensions and items for the understanding and measuring the website service quality of various public-listed companies in Malaysia, particularly from the users’ viewpoint. The laboratory-based method obtains data from the external users’ websites whereas mail surveys aims to gather the views from the organizations’ website. These two approaches use to obtain the perceptual data for further quantitative analysis. Based on the Reliability and Factor Analysis as well as Structural Equation Modeling, there are six valid and reliable dimensions of website service quality identified, namely: Assurance, Tangibles, Content Quality, Technical Quality, Organisation Information, and Address. The implications and future research directions will be also discussed in the following sections of this study.
Working capital management performance of firms listed on Bursa Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Nasser Abu Thahir , Samat Omar , Ibrahim Zin , Abdul Wahid Emelin , Amiruddin Othman Ahmad Marzuki
Published: April 2019

This research paper investigated the working capital management (WCM) performance of 252 firms listed on Bursa Malaysia and identifed practices and policiesfor WCM to enhance efficiency in cash flow from operations. It also determined whether the size, profitability, inventory, and the current assets financing policy could enhance the WCM performance. The variables were 'Cash Conversion Efficiency' (CCE), afinancial performance measure, and 'Overall Working Capital Performance Ranking', a non-financial performance indicator. The findings revealed that the inventory, size, and profitability had significantly influenced the WCM performance. It was also identified that there was a mild positive relationship between the aggressive methodofworking capital financing and the CCE; and the ideal WCM practices and working capital (WC)financing policies to be adopted in firms to maximise the wealth ofthe shareholders.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor validation and psychometric properties of the HR roles for HR managers in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd. Yusoff Yusliza , Abdul Halim Hasliza
Published: April 2019

The effectiveness ofthe Human Role Assessment Survey Questionnaire, HRASQ. (Conner and Ulrich. 1996) was investigated with a sample of 108 Human Resource (HR) managers. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that the 3-subscale structure of the HRASQ was valid. In addition, the results verified that the HRASQ had high internal reliability. These results indicated that the HRASQ and its subscales can be used in research related to role ofthe HR in Malaysia.
The moderating effect of service types on the relationship between emotional intelligence and organization role
Authors: Othman Abdul Kadir , Sulaiman Mohamed , Al-Kahtani Ali
Published: April 2019

Emotional intelligence (EI) is claimed to enhance pro-social behavior, however the claim cannot be generalized to the whole service industry, since services vary significantly. Some services require high levels of customization; while others focus on service standardization. In offering customized services, service providers need to use higher levels of discretion and judgment compared to those offering standardized services. Therefore, this study investigates the moderating effect of service types on the relationship between EI factors (self-emotion appraisal, others emotion appraisal, regulation of emotion and use ofemotion) and service providers' organization role effectiveness. Analysis of J67 responses revealed that there is a significant relationship between self emotional appraisal (SEA) and organization role for moderator-based subgroups. The implication of which is that EI is actively implemented by service providers in mass service to engage in effective organization role.
An empirical proposal on power, knowledge and truth of correlations among the minimum wage, foreign direct investment in the industrial sector and export
Authors: Jermsittiparsert Kittisak , Sriyakul Thanaporn , Pamornmast Chayongkan
Published: April 2019

This research showed the correlations among the minimum wage, foreign direct investment in the industrial sector, and export. These entities were criticized severely by the authorities on the Pua Thai Party's policy announcement on the guarantee oflabors' minimum wage of300 baht/day. The present research then employed an advanced quantitative methodology, analyzing time-series data ofthe minimum wage,foreign direct investment in the industrial sector, and export by regression, the Johansen Cointegration Test, and the Pairwise Granger Causality Test.
Corruption in poor and rich nations : a comparative review
Authors: Ojo Ademola Eyitope , Ojo Ayowale Collins
Published: April 2019

Corruption is no doubt endemic in every society. Its prevalence and longevity is a matter of concern and for its damaging public and social consequences undermines the development capacities of nations and distorts priorities. However, reports, incidents of corruption cases and discourse have concentrated on poor developing nations as presumed den of the corrupts. Hence, this paper comparatively reviewed data obtained from World Corruption Perception Index (Transparency International) for the year of2010, 2008, 2006 and 2004. The paper reveals that while poor nations are ranked higher in corruption indices, considerable numbers of rich developed nations are not exempted from corruption, particularly the G8 member nations. It is concluded that the earlier concept of corruption being peculiar amongst developing poor nations is evidentially overtaking by emerging consensus that corruption is a serious global epidemic. Thus it is recommended that national governments and international organizations must examine the roles of both the internal and external actors across nations to intensify policy measures and reforms to curb corruption between and within poor and rich nations.
Avaliação da percepção visual com o Test Of Visual Perceptual SKILLS (TVPS-3) em crianças de 6 a 14 anos com transtornos de aprendizagem
Authors: Haensch Suellen Cristine , Lima Angelita Dutra
Published: April 2019

INTRODUÇÃO: As habilidades perceptuais visuais fornecem a capacidade de organizar e interpretar estímulos visuais, dando sentido ao que é visto. Estes são atributos importantes para todas as situações de aprendizagem e contribuem com o desempenho acadêmico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar através do teste TVPS-3 a percepção visual de alunos com idades entre 6 e 14 anos com transtornos de aprendizagem, tendo como objetivos específicos identificar quais habilidades perceptuais visuais se mostrarão alteradas, além de classificar através dos sinais e sintomas o transtorno específico e correlacionar as alterações das habilidades perceptuais visuais com o transtorno de aprendizagem. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo em 46 crianças com transtornos de aprendizagem. Os alunos foram avaliados com o teste TVPS-3, e os resultados foram apresentados em discriminação visual, memória visual, relação espacial, constância da forma, memória sequencial, figura-fundo, fechamento visual e pontuação global. As variáveis foram comparadas com os valores normais descritos na literatura. Foi realizado o teste de significância estatística utilizando a versão T-Student, bicaudal. A probabilidade de erro estatístico considerado foi igual a 5%. RESULTADOS: A pontuação global em percentil apresentou valores abaixo ou muito abaixo da média em 98% da amostra. Os resultados dos testes de significância encontrados para discriminação visual foi de 0,925, memória visual 0,959, relação espacial 0,880, constância da forma 0,917, memória sequencial 0,698, figura-fundo 0,834 e fechamento visual 0,888. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados estatísticos indicam uma forte relação entre os valores muito baixos encontrados no desempenho de cada habilidade de percepção visual e o transtorno de aprendizagem.

Palavras-Chave: Percepção Visual. Transtorno de Aprendizagem. Optometria.
Mente y cerebro... ¿reduccionismo biológico?
Authors: Jouve de la Barreda Nicolás
Published: April 2019

La neurociencia se ha convertido en un campo de investigación de vanguardia. Se trata de demostrar la existencia de un determinismo biológico de nuestra conciencia y como consecuencia de nuestra conducta… y como consecuencia de nuestra libertad, lo que de llegar a confirmarse conduciría a la negación de la existencia del alma. Este es el argumento central del ensayo sobre los límites de la comprensión naturalista de la mente, con el título “La Conciencia Inexplicada” del Prof. Juan Arana, y la conclusión tras revisar todos los argumentos, hipótesis e intentos que se han hecho hasta ahora para explicar lo inexplicable, es que no hay evidencia empírica ni demostración experimental, sino pura especulación. La conciencia está fuera de los límites de una explicación naturalista. La neurociencia parece discurrir por un derrotero muy parecido al que siguió la genética a principios del siglo XX, cuando la nueva ciencia llevó a una sobreestimación del papel de los genes hasta hacerlos responsables no solo de nuestros rasgos físicos sino también de nuestra conducta. Se trata de corrientes reduccionistas y materialistas. La realidad es que ni los genes lo determinan todo en el ser humano, y menos su comportamiento, ni el sistema nervioso es el único responsable de nuestros actos. Tan solo considerar la mente como una secreción del cerebro es convertir al hombre en pura materia, algo así como una máquina programada. Pensar que eso se puede demostrar experimentalmente es un ejercicio de reduccionismo incompatible con la buena praxis científica.
La alteridad mal explicada: Una visión alternativa sobre el problema de las otras mentes
Authors: Fernández Borsot Gabriel
Published: April 2019

Tomando como punto de partida la tesis de Arana en La conciencia inexplicada (de que la conciencia es inexplicable por métodos naturalistas), la ponencia defiende una visión de la capacidad de alteridad en el ser humano como acoplamiento de dos componentes: la conciencia primordial e inexplicable que Arana analiza, y la capacidad estructural innata del ser humano para la mutualidad. La ponencia critica las explicaciones que la ciencia cognitiva ha dado a la cuestión de la alteridad, para posteriormente proponer una explicación alternativa, proporcionando evidencias empíricas y soporte teórico.
A new species and two new synonyms of Mongolian Nemotelus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Rozkošný Rudolf , Vaňhara Jaromír
Published: April 2019

Nemotelus nartshukae sp. nov. is described from Mongolia and its relationships are discussed.,Lindner, 1973 is proposed as a new synonym of,Pleske, 1937 based on the examination of Lindnerʼs paratype.,Cui, Zhang & Yang, 2009 (=,according to the present emendation) is apparently also conspecific with,based on all the external characters as well as the male terminalia as defined and illustrated in the original description.
Position/Force Control of Manipulator in Contact with Flexible Environment
Authors: Gierlak Piotr
Published: April 2019

The paper presents the issue position/force control of a manipulator in contact with the flexible environment. It consists of the realisation of manipulator end-effector motion on the environment surface with the simultaneous appliance of desired pressure on the surface. The paper considers the case of a flexible environment when its deformation occurs under the pressure, which has a significant influence on the control purpose realisation. The article presents the model of the controlled system and the problem of tracking control with the use of neural networks. The control algorithm includes contact surface flexibility in order to improve control quality. The article presents the results of numerical simulations, which indicate the correctness of the applied control law.
Numerical Solution of Natural Convective Heat Transfer Under Magnetic Field Effect
Authors: Şahin Serpil , Demir Hüseyin
Published: April 2019

In this study, non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid flow equations for 2-D steady, incompressible, the natural convective heat transfer are solved numerically by pseudo time derivative. The stability properties of natural convective heat transfer in an enclosed cavity region heated from below under magnetic field effect are investigated depending on the Rayleigh and Chandrasekhar numbers. Stability properties are studied, in particular, for the Rayleigh number from 104 to 106 and for the Chandrasekhar number 3, 5 and 10. As a result, when Rayleigh number is bigger than 106 and Chandrasekhar number is bigger than 10, the instability occurs in the flow domain. The results obtained for natural convective heat transfer problem are shown in the figures for Newtonian and pseudoplastic fluids. Finally, the local Nusselt number is evaluated along the bottom wall.
Design of The Vibrostabilisation Stand For Reducing Residual Stresses in Discs Used In The Construction of Multi-Plate Clutches and Brakes
Authors: Jaroszewicz Jerzy , Łukaszewicz Krzysztof , Antonyuk Vladimir
Published: April 2019

Heavy-duty, oil-cooled brake discs (MMOTs) are often used in heavy-duty brake systems manufactured by companies such as Caterpilar, Clark, Komatsu and Liebherr. These discs are usually made of special steels, and in most cases, the flatness of the working surfaces should not exceed 0.15–0.30 mm. Although the technological processes of friction disc production include several stages of heat treatment and grinding, the required accuracy is not achieved in some cases. In addition, the remaining residual stresses lead to the deformation of the discs during their lifetime. In production practice, three methods are used to reduce residual stresses: thermo-fixing, dynamic stabilisation and vibratory stabilisation consisting in bringing discs to transverse resonance vibrations and maintaining resonance until significant stress reduction. The article proposes a method of stabilising the discs using the resonance phenomenon at the first few frequencies. In this article, Cauchy’s function method and characteristic series method are used to develop solution value problem for clamped circular plates with discrete inclusions as concentrated masses and springs. Calculation methods for quick estimation of the own frequency of discs with additional ring mass enabling the use of low power vibration inductors are presented. The use of a special membrane and a pneumatic cushion in the construction of the stand allows to induce vibrations of higher frequencies.
The Link Rot Phenomenon and its Influence on the Quality of the Websites of Rural Tourism Facilities in Poland
Authors: Król Karol
Published: April 2019

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of the research were the profiles of links (internal and outbound ones) of websites of rural tourism facilities in Poland. The purpose of the study was to assess the scale of the link rot phenomenon and its impact on the quality of websites of rural tourism facilities in Poland.

Materials and methods: The assessment of the link profile was conducted using the Broken Link Checker application. The websites’ quality assessment (the degree of their optimization for search engines) was conducted using three different applications which automate tests.

Results: A total of 919 websites were examined. Broken links were recorded on 464 sites, where approximately 65% of them had only a few broken links. Broken links that referred to the description of an offer or social media accounts were particularly unfavourable. No linear correlation was recorded between the number of broken links and the website’s optimization for search engines.

Conclusions: The research demonstrated that the scale of the link rot phenomenon was relatively small in the group of the examined sites. It seems, however, that this was not the result of conscious design measures or optimization.
Tourist Areas in the Cyberspace: Netnographic Research of the Northern Kraków-Częstochowa Upland
Authors: Karczewska Anna , Skolik Sebastian , Kukowska Katarzyna
Published: April 2019

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the research study is to identify objects which can potentially create the attractiveness of the region and to analyze the network of hypertext links between selected entities in the tourism industry.

Materials and methods: The ethnographic approach was used in the article, and the main research method was content analysis and the analysis of hypertext links with the use of Semrush, PetScan and Similarweb internet tools.

Results: Over a dozen objects with a large potential for attracting tourists have been identified, that is castles, palaces and sacral objects, which differed in terms of marketing impact on the tourist market.

Conclusions: Although no coherent network of hypertext links has been found, visible efforts to create such a network for some municipalities were noticed. Local government authorities do not fully use Internet tools to promote the values of their own region.
Preceptor Fidelity to the Creation of Precepting-Focused Continuing Professional Development Learning Plans
Authors: Margolis Amanda , Bruskiewitz Ruth , Kieser Mara
Published: April 2019

Objectives: To determine preceptor fidelity to the creation of continuing professional development (CPD) learning plans for improvements in clinical teaching. To determine topics of interest for preceptor development programming with a focus on clinical teaching skills.

Methods: An online CPD program focusing on the reflect and plan stages was launched. The online program introduced preceptors to CPD, encouraged preceptors to review student feedback, and required completion of a CPD precepting plan. Preceptors were provided four guided questions to develop their plans. Preceptor fidelity to the creation of a CPD plan to improve precepting skills was rated as: 1) having a plan for improving a precepting skill, 2) having a plan for improving precepting, but not skill-based, or 3) having a plan lacking a precepting focus. Topics of precepting improvement were identified.

Results: Of the 491 preceptors who completed CPD plans, 46.2% of the plans were skill-based. Of those, 59.5% of the CPD plans included specific learning items. Only 3.9% of preceptors submitted non-precepting focused CPD plans and the remaining 49.9% of CPD plans were non skill-based, but precepting focused. Giving feedback was the most frequently listed topic with 45.8% of preceptors including it in their CPD plans.

Conclusions: This online precepting CPD program successfully guided preceptors in developing CPD plans that have the potential to improve student learning experiences. Future precepting CPD programs will need to provide direction on the use of skill-based objectives. Further investigation is needed to determine the effectiveness of the program in changing precepting behavior.

 

Article Type:  Original Research
El desarrollo cultural comunitario: indicadores para los diagnósticos locales
Authors: Martínez Tena Alicia De la Caridad , Expósito García Elpidio
Published: April 2019

Las rápidas y profundas transformaciones que experimentan nuestras economías y sociedades promovido en las dos últimas décadas un evidente esfuerzo de adaptación al cambio, que se hace patente tanto en las empresas, como en las instituciones sociales y culturales y en los actores locales, sometidos a una rápida transformación del entorno en que viven y actúan de forma cotidiana. La promoción del desarrollo local también cobra pleno sentido en territorios concretos (municipios), entendidos como realidades sociales y culturales construidas en el tiempo, donde se articulan procesos globales y actores locales en una densa red de interacciones compleja y dinámica, lo cual resulta esencial para comprender sus desiguales trayectorias.
Comparación de dos métodos de diseño de implantes basados en tecnologías de ingeniería inversa, diseño e ingeniería, BIOCAD/CAD/CAE
Authors: Lopez Clara I. , Pinillos Julio C. , Moreno Juan C.
Published: April 2019

El principal propósito del presente artículo de investigación, fue comparar dos métodos usados para el diseño y evaluación biomecánica de implantes dentales. El primer método se desarrolló basado en la integración de una técnica imagenológica usada en diagnóstico de imágenes tomográficas, para la reconstrucción de modelos 3D virtuales óseos con herramientas software de ingeniería inversa, articulada al diseño aplicado en ingeniería e ingeniería mecánica aplicada. En el segundo método, la probeta de mandíbula fue modelada en un software CAD (Computer Aided Design) que fue utilizado para el diseño del implante; posteriormente fue realizado la simulación biomecánica estática en un entorno CAE (Computer Aided Engineering), aplicando cargas incrementales de torque de inserción en la interfase hueso implante. Los análisis por simulación en ambos métodos fueron realizados basados en los mismos criterios de evaluación. Se corroboró por simulación los valores de torque de inserción apropiados para mantener una adecuada relación en la interfase hueso implante. Por otra parte los resultados obtenidos por la aplicación de cada método de diseño fueron analizados y comparados para conocer el efecto de la integración de las técnicas imagenológicas apropiadas desde el software Bio CAD y articulado con las tecnologías software CAD CAE.
Enfoque modular para la dinámica de mecanismos planos
Authors: Durango Sebastián , Giraldo Cesar , Calle Gabriel , Mesa Leonardo
Published: April 2019

Este trabajo trata la dinámica directa de mecanismos de un Grado de Libertad (GDL). Se presenta un método de Propósito General (PG) basado en cadenas en el que un mecanismo es desagregado en grupos estructurales de Assur. Los análisis cinemático y de fuerzas de los grupos de Assur se resuelven individualmente para formar una librería de módulos independientes. Esta propiedad es usada para reducir los parámetros inerciales y las fuerzas exteriores en cada grupo (módulo) que forma el mecanismo. La reducción se propaga de módulo a módulo hasta que se alcanza el eslabón conductor, entonces la dinámica directa se resuelve analizando exclusivamente ese eslabón. El método PG presentado tiene una flexibilidad comparable con los métodos PG basados en juntas. El método es usado en la dinámica directa de un mecanismo de seis barras (Watt) con resultados que son comparables con software comercial para dinámica de Sistemas Multicuerpo (MBS).
Diseño e implementación de una estrategia de control para equilibrio estático de un exoesqueleto de miembros inferiores
Authors: González-Mejía Sergey , Ramírez-Scarpetta José M.
Published: April 2019

Este trabajo considera un exoesqueleto de miembros inferiores actuado en cadera y rodilla, con torso y pies de apoyo portando un maniquí; se presenta el diseño e implementación de una estrategia de control para el equilibrio estático del exoesqueleto-maniquí, consistente en un control distribuido de bajo nivel para el posicionamiento angular de las articulaciones y de un control centralizado de alto nivel para el equilibrio. Para el control de posicionamiento angular en las articulaciones actuadas se diseñaron controladores PID; este control permite el seguimiento de trayectorias de posición en las articulaciones, preestablecidas por la estrategia de control de alto nivel. A partir del cálculo de la desviación horizontal del centro de masa del sistema total, el control de equilibrio estático manipula las articulaciones para compensar los disturbios de pequeña señal en la postura del exoesqueleto-maniquí. Se establece un protocolo para obtener los parámetros de la ley de control y la inicialización del sistema. Se presentan resultados experimentales bajo diferentes condiciones de operación y el análisis del desempeño del sistema controlado
Editorial
Authors: Lozano Carlos A.
Published: April 2019

La gestión de la calidad de la investigación: una responsabilidad social de la Facultad de Ingeniería
Una propuesta para la clasificación de la programación reflexiva orientada al desarrollo de sistemas autónomos
Authors: Moreno Francisco , Jiménez Jovani , Castañeda Sebastián
Published: April 2019

El fin de este trabajo es realizar una clasificación de la reflexión en niveles, con un enfoque orientado a alcanzar la programación autónoma. La reflexión es la capacidad de un programa de conocerse, examinarse y razonar para tomar acciones y modificarse a sí mismo en tiempo de compilación o ejecución. En este artículo, se proponen cuatro niveles de reflexión de acuerdo al grado de conocimiento, capacidad de modificación, tipo de modificaciones, tiempo en que se pueden realizar las modificaciones y la capacidad de razonamiento. Luego se analizan diferentes lenguajes de programación y se clasifican sobre dichos niveles, según la capacidad de reflexión que estos soportan. De cada nivel se presenta un ejemplo y finalmente se realizan una serie de experimentos donde se comparan con versiones equivalentes de programas no reflexivos. Los experimentos mostraron que aunque los programas reflexivos fueron más costosos, en cuanto a tiempo de ejecución y codificación, permiten una gran flexibilidad y más posibilidades para el diseño y desarrollo de aplicaciones. Siendo así la reflexividad el primer paso para llegar a desarrollar sistemas autónomos que puedan simular o igualar los sistemas biológicos.
Evaluación técnica de las embarcaciones de pesca de arrastre del Caribe colombiano: recomendaciones para mejorar la eficiencia de la flota
Authors: Altamar Jairo , Zúñiga Harley , Manjarrés-Martínez Luis M.
Published: April 2019

A partir de un análisis crítico de la configuración tecnológica actual de las embarcaciones y los equipos de pesca de la flota industrial de arrastre de camarón que faena en el Mar Caribe de Colombia, se determinó la viabilidad de introducir cambios tecnológicos que tendrían un impacto positivo en la eficiencia de esta flota, actualmente inmersa en una situación de veda económica a la que han contribuido los altos costos de operación. Los resultados indican que las relaciones de transmisión están mal diseñadas, y un funcionamiento ideal se lograría reduciendo el número de dientes de la rueda de estrella conducida. Además hay un sobredimensionamiento en la potencia y las dimensiones de las embarcaciones, con respecto al tamaño de los equipos de pesca actualmente utilizados. La alternativa sería diseñar equipos ajustados a la potencia instalada, construidos con materiales más resistentes y livianos, que disminuyan el consumo de combustible y el impacto sobre la pesca acompañante.
Análisis comparativo del desempeño de técnicas de control conmutado ejecutadas en dispositivos digitales
Authors: Alzate Ricardo , Centeno Diego , Moreno Fabio
Published: April 2019

El presente artículo aborda el diseño y la implementación de estrategias de control híbrido (conmutado) para manipular la dinámica de rotación del eje un motor DC. Se presenta la implementación de técnicas no-convencionales de control por modos deslizantes y control óptimo conmutado, comparando su desempeño con el control PID convencional. Las implementaciones se realizan tanto en una arquitectura computacional configurada (microcontrolador Arduino) como en una arquitectura configurable (FPGA). De los resultados obtenidos se observa que para cualquiera de las dos plataformas de implementación, el desempeño de las técnicas no-convencionales de control es superior respecto al PID clásico, principalmente en cuanto respecta al error en estado estacionario ante la acción de perturbaciones. En términos de implementación, la técnica de control óptimo conmutado resulta ser más simple que el SMC. Análisis complementarios de robustez y optimalidad forman parte del trabajo futuro.