bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on in-plane capacities of composite steel-concrete floor
Authors: Heng Piseth , Somja Hugues , Hjiaj Mohammed
Published: July 2018

In steel frame structures, composite floor is an important element that plays a significant role in contributing to lateral stability. Its working role in the in-plane action is to transfer lateral loads, such as wind loads and seismic loads, to vertical load-resisting members. Such load transferring process depends on the in-plane capacities of the floor, which can be reduced after being subjected to explosion. However, the remaining capacities have not been previously studied yet in the literature. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the initial and residual in-plane capacities of the composite steel-concrete floor after being subjected to explosion, which was made within the RFCS research project BASIS:“Blast Action on Structures In Steel”. Large-scale experimental tests on four composite floor specimens, consisting of a reinforced concrete panel casted on a profile steel sheet Comflor, are performed to determine the in-plane capacities. The initial damaging of the composite floor caused by the explosion is reproduced by a flexural test using a quasi-static loading. In the in-plane shear tests, special connections between the rigid frames of the shear rig and the embedded bolts in the concrete are used to ensure a good transferring of the applied load. The results from this experimental study are the first insights on the behavior of the composite floor with and without initial pre-damaging. They can also be useful for a preliminary recommendation to estimate residual in-plane capacities (stiffness and resistance) of the composite floor after being subjected explosion.
Experimental Comparison Study on Cyclic Behavior of Coupled Shear Walls with Two-Level-Yielding Steel Coupling Beam and RC Coupling Beam
Authors: LI Guoqiang , PANG Mengde , Sun Feifei , LI Liulian , SUN Jianyun
Published: July 2018

Coupled shear walls are widely used in high rise buildings, since they can not only provide efficient lateral stiffness but also behave outstanding energy dissipation ability especially for earthquake-resistance. Traditionally, the coupling beams are made of reinforced concrete, which are prone to shear failure due to low aspect ratio and greatly reduce the efficiency and ability of energy dissipation.  For overcoming the shortcoming of concrete reinforced coupling beams (RCB), an innovative steel coupling beams called two-level-yielding steel coupling beam (TYSCB) is invented to balance the demand of stiffness and energy dissipation for coupled shear walls. TYSCBs are made of two parallel steel beams with yielding at two different levels.  To verify and investigate the aseismic behaviour improvement of TYSCB-coupled shear walls, two 1/3 scale, 10-storey coupled shear wall specimens with TYSCB and RCB were tested under both gravity and lateral displacement reversals. These two specimens were designed with the same bearing capacity, thus to be easier to compare. The experimental TYSCB specimen demonstrated more robust cyclic performance. Both specimens reached 1% lateral drift, however, the TYSCB-coupled shear wall showed minimal strength degradation. Additionally, a larger amount of energy was dissipated during each test of the TYSCB specimen, compared with the RCB specimen. Based on the experimental results, design recommendations are provided.
The influence of vertical shear on the hogging bending moment resistance of ComFlor composite slabs
Authors: Abspoel Roland , Stark Jan W.B. , Prins Henk-Jan
Published: July 2018

Composite slabs are designed to transfer loads in one direction e.g. the longitudinal direction of the ribs. To reduce the deflection, it is useful to realise a continuous slab with at least one intermediate support. At the intermediate support in addition to a hogging bending moment a rather large vertical shear force will act. For the verification of the combination of vertical shear and bending clause 9.7.5 of EN1994-1-1 [1] refers to clause 6.4.4 of EN1992-1-1 [2]. However in EN1992-1-1 there is no requirement related to interaction between vertical shear and a sagging or hogging bending moment. Implicitly this implies that interaction   may be neglected and that bending moment and shear force may be verified separately. In practice checking authorities not always accept this interpretation of the code and require proof that interaction may be neglected. So Tata Steel Panels and Profiles with Dutch Engineering r.i. BV commissioned Stevin II laboratory of Delft University of Technology to carry out a research program to investigate this interaction. A test program was carried out to gain more insight in the interaction and to find out whether design calculations should take into account M-V interaction when applying the ComFlor series. Two series of respectively three and two test specimens were conducted, namely on ComFlor 210 (TS1 up to TS3)  and ComFlor 75 (Tata Steel Panels and Profiles reference ComFlor 60) (TS4 and TS5) produced by Tata Steel Panels and Profiles and supplied by Dutch Engineering r.i. BV in the Benelux. A second point of interest is the contribution of the steel deck to the vertical shear resistance. The reference in clause 9.7.5 of EN1994-1-1 to EN1992-1-1 without mentioning EN1993 causes that in practice only the contribution of the concrete rib is taken into account, the steel deck is neglected completely. This  is, of course, a simplification of the actual behaviour.
Composite column tests - database and comparison with Eurocode 4
Authors: Goode Charles Douglas
Published: July 2018

The database of 1819 tests on concrete-filled steel tube columns was reported in 2008 [1,2] and covered all tests traced by the author up to 2007.  This paper reports on 473 more tests carried out by 26 researchers between 2007 and 2017.  These have been divided into short and long circular section columns, rectangular section columns, and also into those subjected to axial load and those with an eccentric load (causing an end moment), and collected into a new database.  The results are compared with the provisions of Eurocode 4 (EC4) and show the overall average ratio of Test failure load to EC4 prediction for these 473 tests is 1.10.  Eurocode 4 is thus a very reasonable predictor of the failure load and can be used with confidence to design composite columns.  The detailed data can be accessed on the ‘web’, which also contains references to the 51 papers from which the data has been extracted; it will be of use to researchers of composite columns who wish to compare any theoretical analysis they produce with test data.
Horizontal push out tests on a steel-yielding demountable shear connector
Authors: Vasdravellis George , Feidaki Eliza
Published: July 2018

The most common type of a steel concrete composite beam is the one using conventional welded headed studs to connect the top flange of a steel beam to the concrete slab. However, the monolithic structure between the headed studs and the concrete slab prevents the deconstruction of the beam. More sustainable solutions in construction can be achieved by developing demountable connections which allow for fully deconstruction and reuse of all structural systems. This paper presents a novel demountable shear connector for use in steel concrete composite beams in conjunction with precast hollow core slab units. The demountable connection proposed has the advantages of minimal use of in situ concrete required only in specific regions, increased ductility due to the unique shape of the shear connector and since it is not embedded in in situ concrete, it facilitates the deconstruction procedure. Ten horizontal push out tests aiming at investigating the structural performance of the demountable shear connector were carried out. The strength of the connection is predicted  using simple mechanics based on plastic beam analysis. The experimental results showed that the proposed demountable shear connector can achieve increased strength depending on the geometric characteristics of the connector, a ductile slip-load curve and a very high slip capacity.
Improvement of bearing performance on exterior steel beam-reinforced concrete column joints with steel column
Authors: Nakaue Shinya , Nishimura Yasushi
Published: July 2018

To improve the bearing failure behavior of the exterior steel beam-reinforced concrete column joints composed of reinforced concrete columns, joint details using steel column was proposed. Steel column was attached to the lower flanges at right angles to the steel flange. The objective of this study is to clarify the effectiveness of proposed joint details experimentally and theoretically. To clarify the influence of steel column on the bearing failure of the joint, seven T-shaped subassemblages were tested under reversed cyclic loading. All specimens had the same cross sections of the steel beam. The experimental variables were the embedded length of the steel column, whether there is the end plate at the tip of the embedded steel column, and, the arrangement of transverse reinforcement ratio surrounding the steel column. The following remarks can be drawn from the test results. 1) In case of the specimen with a short embedded length of the steel column, the punching shear failure on the upper surface of the steel beam flange was remarkable when the maximum strength was reached. However, in the specimen with long embedded length of steel column, it was not observed the punching shear failure. 2) The maximum strength increased with the embedded length of the steel column. Further, the maximum strength of the specimen with the embedded length of three times of the steel column depths is subjected to bending yield strength of the steel column. 3) It was shown that the transverse reinforcement to surround the steel column and the end plate were necessary to improve the bearing failure of the joint.
Mega columns with several reinforced steel profiles – experimental and numerical investigations
Authors: Bogdan Teodora , Chrzanowski Maciej
Published: July 2018

Steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns are widely used in super high-rise buildings, since they can provide larger load bearing capacity and better ductility than traditional reinforced concrete (RC) columns. Six concrete – encased composite columns were designed based on a typical mega-column of a super high-rise building constructed in China. The specimens are identical in geometrical configurations having as changing parameter the eccentricity ratio of the applied load: every two of the specimens were loaded statically with the eccentricity ratio of 0, 10%, and 15%, respectively. Such columns are however not covered by EN 1994-1-1 [2] (limited to one single encased profile), while AISC 360-16 [8] allows the design of composite sections built-up with two or more encased steel sections, although the way to perform such a design is not detailed. A finite element analysis was conducted as a supplement to the physical tests to provide a deeper insight into the behavior of SRC columns. The experimental campaign has yielded stable test results, suggesting a desirable performance of SRC columns. It is concluded from these experiments that sufficient composite action exists between the concrete and the steel sections for the tested SRC specimens, and that the current code provisions are applicable for the considered configuration, in predicting the flexural capacity of SRC columns when the eccentricity ratio is less than or equal to 15%. The present paper summarizes the principles and an application method for the design of such columns under combined axial compression and bending. The method is based on simplifications provided in EN 1994–1. The validation of the method is made using experimental and numerical results.
Minimum degree of shear connection in composite beams in buildings
Authors: Aggelopoulos Eleftherios , Couchman Graham , Lawson Mark
Published: July 2018

Composite floors are often used in building construction where beams typically span from 6 to 18 m. They are commonly used together with decking of 50 to 80 mm depth that spans 3 to 4.5 m between the beams. Rules for the minimum degree of shear connection in composite beams are presented in Eurocode 4 and other international Codes, and were derived for beams in propped construction.Eurocode 4 defines a minimum limit for the degree of shear connection, primarily to ensure that slip at the steel-concrete interface does not exceed a limiting value. This limit is proportionate to the beam span and also depends on the steel strength and the asymmetry of the flange areas of the section. Currently, many designs cannot achieve the codified degree of shear connection demands, since it is not possible to accommodate a sufficient number of shear connectors on the span as dictated by the spacing of the deck ribs. However, there are special cases which are not explicitly accounted for in Codes. This paper aims to investigate the degree of shear connection requirements in such cases, including beams that are unpropped in construction, beams that are not fully utilised in bending because serviceability criteria govern their design and beams that are predominantly loaded by point loads rather than uniform loading.The results from parametric finite element analyses carried out using ANSYS for beams in the span range of 6 to 18 m are presented. The finite element models have been calibrated against composite beam tests. Comparisons are made with the current Eurocode 4 provisions and modifications are proposed where appropriate.
Investigations on global buckling behaviour of concrete-filled double-skinned steel tubular columns
Authors: Sulthana U. Mashudha , Jayachandran S. Arul
Published: July 2018

Concrete-Filled Double-skinned Steel Tubular columns (CFDST) are proved to possess exceptional structural resistance in case of fire and multi-hazard situations. This superior quality of CFDST makes it preferable in long column applications. However, studies on the long column behaviour of CFDST is very few, and their results are not in line with the behaviour of CFST long columns. Whereas, several researches on stub column CFDST shows that, the axial compression behaviour of CFDST is similar to CFST. In this paper, selected results (4 numbers of circular CFDST specimens) from a large test data is presented. Axial compression behaviour of long column CFDST specimens is studied, with non-dimensional slenderness λ around 1.0, and hollowness ratio as the governing parameter for study. Test results namely, axial load carrying capacity, axial deformation and lateral deflection are presented in this paper. Numerical models are also developed and validated with the experimental results, to carry out more parametric studies. Further, the experimental axial capacity values are compared with modified capacity equations from EC4 and AISC. Results show that extended EC4 and AISC equations gives conservative predictions for CFDST column even in the long column range. Moreover, the initial imperfections in the specimen and their corresponding boundary conditions for load application, are found to be governing parameters in long column buckling study.
Push-out tests on embedded shear connections for hybrid girders with trapezoidal web
Authors: Jáger Bence , Németh G , Kovács Nauzika , Kövesdi Balázs , Kachichian M
Published: July 2018

Hybrid girders with corrugated web are increasingly used in bridge engineering due to its numerous favorable properties. For the web-to-slab connection different layouts have been developed in the past, however, just a few design proposals can be found in the international literature for the determination of the connection’s resistance, especially for the embedded types. In case of these connections the corrugated web is simply embedded into the concrete slab strengthened by transverse rebars through concrete dowels or horizontal headed studs welded to the web. The aim of the current research program is to investigate the structural behavior and the shear capacity of embedded connections by full scale push-out tests. In the current paper the results of 5 push-out tests are introduced having different embedded connection types investigating (i) the effect of the embedding depth, (ii) the existence of the concrete dowels (through cut-outs in the steel web) with transverse rebars and (iii) the influence of the steel flange. These parameters may have significant influence on the behavior and capacity of embedded type connections, which are studied in the research program. During the tests the applied load and the slip between the steel web and concrete slabs are measured in order to study the initial stiffness, the ductility and the shear capacity of the connections.
SIMPLIFIED MODELLING OF CIRCULAR CFST MEMBERS WITH A CONCENTRATED PLASTICITY APPROACH
Authors: Jiang Yadong , Silva António , Macedo Luís , Castro José Miguel , Monteiro Ricardo , Chan Tak-Ming
Published: July 2018

The research reported herein aims to propose an accurate and efficient simplified numerical modelling approach for circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes (CFST) under flexural loading. Experimental tests were carried out to characterize the monotonic and cyclic behaviour of CFST members under bending. To assess the seismic performance of a composite structure with CFST members, both Distributed Plasticity (DP) and Concentrated Plasticity (CP) models were considered as potential simplified models for CFST members. The DP model was developed on the basis of a fibre discretization of the composite cross-section and displacement-based beam-column finite element. It was concluded that one could not accurately capture the development of local buckling of the steel tube and the development of multi-axial stress state effects (e.g. concrete confinement). Thus the DP model was found to be unsuitable for modelling of CFST members under cyclic flexural loading. Regarding the CP modelling, the modified Ibarra-Medina-Krawinkler deterioration model (with peak-oriented hysteretic response) was selected to define the behaviour of the plasticity spring associated with the plastic hinging region of the member. In order to accurately simulate the cyclic behaviour of the CFST section within the response of the spring, the deterioration model was calibrated, within a parameter-optimization framework, on the basis of 3D comprehensive numerical models in ABAQUS. The CP model was found to capture well the deterioration in both strength and stiffness of the hysteretic loops of the CFST members, which may be mostly associated with the development of local buckling phenomena. Furthermore, the elastic stiffness, the ultimate strength and the pinching effects of the hysteretic loops were also well simulated. Thus, the proposed CP model, coupled with the advanced calibration framework, was concluded to have a high level of accuracy in terms of simulating the cyclic flexural response of CFST members.
Semi-continous beam-to-column joints for slim-floor systems in seismic zones
Authors: Ciutina Adrian , Vulcu Cristian , Don Rafaela
Published: July 2018

The slim-floor building system is attractive to constructors and architects due to the integration of steel beam in the overall height of the floor, which leads to additional floor-to-floor space, used mostly in acquiring additional storeys. The concrete slab offers natural fire protection for steel beams, while the use of novel corrugated steel sheeting reduces the concrete volume, and replaces the secondary beams (for usual spans of steel structures). Currently the slim-floor solutions are applied in non-seismic regions, and there are few studies that consider continuous or semi-continuous fixing of slim-floor beams. The present study was performed with the aim to develop reliable end-plate bolted connections for slim-floor beams, capable of being applicable to buildings located in areas with seismic hazard. It is based on numerical finite element analysis, developed in two stages. In a first stage, a finite element numerical model was calibrated based on a four point bending test of a slim-floor beam. Further, a case study was analysed for the investigation of beam-to-column joints with moment resisting connections between slim-floor beams and columns. The response was investigated considering both sagging and hogging bending moment. The results are analysed in terms of moment-rotation curve characteristics and failure mechanism.
Analysis of concrete-filled stainless steel tubular columns under combined fire and loading
Authors: Tan Qinghua , Gardner Leroy , Han Linhai , Song Dianyi
Published: July 2018

In fire scenarios, concrete-filled stainless steel tubular (CFSST) columns undergo initial loading at ambient temperature, loading during the heating phase as the fire develops, loading during the cooling phase as the fire dies out and continual loading after the fire. CFSST columns may fail some points during this process under combined fire and loading. In this paper, the failure modes and corresponding working mechanism of CFSST columns subjected to an entire loading and fire history are investigated. Sequentially coupled thermal-stress analyses in ABAQUS are employed to establish the temperature field and structural response of the CFSST column. To improve the precision of the finite element (FE) model, the influence of moisture on the thermal conductivity and specific heat of concrete during both the heating and cooling phases is considered using subroutines. Existing fire and post-fire test data of CFSST columns are used to validate the FE models. Comparisons between predicted and test results confirm that the accuracy of the FE models is acceptable; the FE models are then extended to simulate a typical CFSST column subjected to the entire loading and fire history. The behaviour of the CFSST column is explained by analysis of the temperature distribution, load versus axial deformation curves and failure response.
Fatigue of steel bridges
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Bove Simon , Breunig Stephanie , Drebenstedt Karl
Published: July 2018

Highway and railway bridges are exposed to cyclic stressing due to traffic loads and, therefore, have to be evaluated concerning fatigue. In most cases the fatigue evaluation is performed according to Eurocode 3 Part 1-9 on nominal stresses. To apply this nominal stress approach a detail catalogue is required classifying all relevant constructional details in terms of fatigue. Unfortunately, the existing detail catalogue of Eurocode 3 Part 1-9 reflects the state of the art of the 1990s and misses constructional details being important for today’s bridge design. As an example the derivation of a new detail, the so-called lamellae joint, is presented. Furthermore, for two new types of innovative steel bridges, where Eurocode 3 Part 1-9 does not yet specify rules able to evaluate the characteristics of these bridges, research results are shown. These are the thick-plate trough bridges and truss bridges made of thick-walled circular hollow sections (CHS). The paper starts with an overview on the recent Eurocode developments, addressing more specific the fatigue verification according to EN 1993-1-9 and the statistical analysis of fatigue test data. In the following, information is given on the outcome of some recent research projects striving to extend the application range of Eurocode 3 Part 1-9. The final conclusion, in spite of all differences, show a common tendency.
A numerical model with varying passive confinement for circular and elliptical concrete-filled steel tubular columns
Authors: Lapuebla-Ferri Andrés , Lacuesta Cesar , Romero Manuel L. , Adam José M.
Published: July 2018

In this work, a non-linear 3D numerical model to study concrete-filled tubular (CFST) columns is presented. The numerical model is capable to consider the passive confinement that occurs in the concrete core of CFST columns, under which an increase in the strength and ductility of the element is expected. Passive confinement is governed by the volumetric deformation of the concrete core and by the increment of concrete strength, so it was necessary to define both aspects in the constitutive model. In the volumetric deformation, the elastic and plastic components were included, the latter by using the Drucker-Prager model. Different values for the angle of dilatancy were defined for normal and high strength concrete. The model was validated by using experimental tests performed on stub columns and eccentrically loaded columns. In addition, different section geometries were tested. According to the results, the model was able to describe the non-uniform confinement that appears in the concrete core of CFST columns.
Direct plastic analysis of steel structures by flexibility-based element with initial imperfection
Authors: Chan Siu Lai , Liu Yaopeng , Shu G. P.
Published: July 2018

Second-order direct analysis has been used in some regions for reliable analysis and design of steel structures. Currently, the stiffness-based element is widely used with accuracy improved by enforcing equilibrium along mid-span or “stations” along the member length in order to achieve equilibrium which is not guaranteed along an element. In this paper, a flexibility-based beam-column element considering member imperfection based on Hellinger-Reissner functional is developed and used for practical second-order direct analysis. This new element is a flexibility-based element with member initial bowing at the element level for direct analysis of three-dimensional frame analysis whereas previous flexibility-based elements assumed perfectly straight geometry for the element. The fiber plastic hinge approach is adopted to account for the distributed plasticity of a section. The new flexibility-based element performs excellently for modeling of members under high stress with material yielded as the conventional stiffness-based element has less accuracy when few elements are used in modeling a plastic member. This will significantly enhance accuracy and computational efficiency for direct plastic analysis which can then be more widely used in practical design. Several examples are employed to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed element along this line of thought.
Deconstructable Flush End Plate Beam-to-Column Composite Joints: Component- Based Modelling
Authors: Bradford Mark Andrew
Published: July 2018

Within a paradigm of designing building structures for their end-of-life deconstruction, thispaper addresses flush end plate beam-to-column composite joints that may be dis-assembledand reused elsewhere. The joints consist of steel beams bolted to steel columns, and these aremade composite over the joint with precast concrete slabs attached to the top flange of thesteel beams with post-tensioned high strength bolted shear connectors installed in clearanceholes. Joints of this type experience partial shear connection, and accordingly their designneeds to incorporate this effect. Experimental work reported elsewhere by the authors showsthat a structural system of this type may indeed be deconstructed, even when loaded beyondthe serviceability limit state, and that the moment-rotation response is both robust andductile. A numerical modelling using ABAQUS software is introduced in the paper, and theresults of this are used identify the parameters most influential in the structural response,and to propose equations for the initial stiffness, moment capacity and rotation capacity of ajoint. These equations are consistent with the component-based representation of theEurocode 4 and draft Australian AS2327 composite structures standard.
Axial behaviour of concrete filled steel tube stub columns: a review
Authors: Güler Soner , Korkut Fuat , Yaltay Namik , Yavuz Demet
Published: July 2018

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns are widely used in construction of high-rise buildings and peers of bridges to increase the lateral stiffness of the buildings, the axial load capacity, ductility, toughness, and resistance of corrosion of the columns. The CFST columns have much superior characteristics compared with traditionally reinforced concrete columns. The position of the concrete and steel tube in the cross-section of the CFST column is the most appropriate solution in terms of the strength and ductility. The steel tube, which is placed outside of the cross-section of the column, withstand the bending moment effectively. The concrete that is placed into the steel tube delay the local buckling of the steel tube and increase the axial load capacity of the column due to continually lateral confining. This paper presents a review on experimental results of the axial behavior of CFST columns performed by various researchers.
Flexural behavior of steel-concrete composite beams with U-shaped steel girders
Authors: Liu Yong , Guo Lanhui , Li Zhiguo
Published: July 2018

This paper focuses on a new type of steel-concrete composite beams consisting of U-shaped steel girders and angle connectors. Compared with conventional composite beams consisting of wide flange girders and headed stud connectors (or short channel connectors), the composite beams considered in this study have favorable flexural performance while reducing the excessive costs and potential construction challenges due to installation of the stud and/or channel shear connectors. Through four-point bending tests on five specimens, this research team experimentally investigated flexural behavior of such new composite beams. The five specimens were varied to have different angle connector intervals and installation locations. Test results showed that composite beams with angle connectors welded to the webs of U-shaped steel girder failed in brittle failure modes while composite beams with angle connectors welded on the top flange of U-shaped steel girder failed in ductile failure mode. Moreover, finite element analysis were performed and the results were verified by the experimental results. According to the parametric analysis results, concrete strength has little effect on flexural behavior of composite beams while increasing yield stress of steel girder could significantly increase the flexural resistance but could not change the initial stiffness. Increasing the height of steel girder, the thickness and width of bottom flange are recommended to improve the flexural behavior of composite beams.
Big data analytics in returns management – Are complex techniques necessary to forecast consumer returns properly?
Authors: Asdecker Björn , Karl David
Published: July 2018

The more people shop online, the more consumer returns e-tailers face. In order to plan the returns management process capacity adequately, it is necessary to forecast the expected amount of returned parcels. Big data analytics provides a vast number of methods to perform such tasks. However, it should be noted that particularly small- and medium-sized e-tailers lack the capabilities and resources to employ such complex techniques. Against this background, this paper analyses the performance of several data analysis methods that differ in application complexitiy using real data from an apparel e-tailer. On the one hand, we find that –as expected– complex methods outperform simple ones. On the other hand, and from a practitioner’s perspective probably even more interesting, we also conclude that a binary logistical regression as the simplest analyzed method may already provide satisfactory results. The findings indicate that the use of big data analytics is of great value to effectively and efficiently manage consumer returns – even if not the most sophisticated state-of-the-art method is used.
Has Robert Parker lost his hegemony as a prescriptor in the wine World? A preliminar inquiry through Twitter
Authors: Font-Julian Cristina I. , Compés-López Raúl , Orduna-Malea Enrique
Published: July 2018

The aim of this work is to determine to what extent Robert Parker has lost his influence as a prescriber in the world of wine through a webometric analysis based on a comparative analysis of Parker’s web influence and that of a competitor who represents an anthitetical vision of the world of wine (Alice Feiring). To do this, we carried out a comparative analysis for Parker’s (@wine_advocate) and Alice Feiring’s (@alicefeiring) official Twitter accounts, including a broad set of metrics (productivity, age, Social Activity, number of followees, etc.), paying special attention to specific followers’ features (age, gender, location, and bios text). The results show that Parker’s twitter profile exhibits an overall higher impact, which denotes not only a different online strategy but also a high level of engagement and popularity. The low level of shared followers by Parker and Feiring (1,898 users) offer prima facie evidence of an online gap between these followers, which can indicate the existence of a divided group of supporters corresponding with the visions that Parker and Feiring represent. Finally, special features are notice for Feiring in gender (more women followers), language (more English-speaking followers) and country (more followers from the United States).
Digital Vapor Trails: Using Website Behavior to Nowcast Entrepreneurial Activity
Authors: Slaper Timothy F. , Bianco Alyssa , Lenz Peter E.
Published: July 2018

Following recent research, we explore virtually contemporaneous, and geographically granular, user online activity related to entrepreneurship. In this paper, we present evidence that data harvested by Dstillery can complement efforts of, and data collected by, government agencies and organizations advocating for entrepreneurship, business formation and economic growth, e.g., the Kauffman Foundation. Our website-based behavior data is close to real time and at a geographically granular level. We find that the concentration of a region’s visits to website resources for entrepreneurship and business development are statistically related to business start-up and, particularly, growth activity. Visits to websites related to entrepreneurship are more strongly associated with growth entrepreneurship, in contrast to start-up entrepreneurship. While data capture and analysis related to entrepreneurship website activity is in its infancy, this analysis points to the potential of this data source to nowcast business formation and growth at a regional level.
Access and analysis of ISTAC data through the use of R and Shiny
Authors: González-Martel Christian , Cazorla-Artiles José M. , Pérez-González Carlos J.
Published: July 2018

The increasing availability of open data resources provides opportunities for research and data science. It is necessary to develope tools that take advantage of the full potential of new information resources. In this work we developed the package for R istacr that provides a collection of eurostat functions to be able to consult and discard the data that Eurostat, including functions to retrieve, download and manipulate the data set available through the ISTAC BASE API of the Canary Institute of Statistics (ISTAC). In addition, A Shiny app was designed for a responsive visulization of the data. This develope is part of the growing demand for open data and ecosystems dedicated to reproducible research in computational social science and digital humanities. With this interest, this package has been included within rOpenSpain, a project that aims to promote transparent research methods mainly through the use of free software and open data in Spain.
Successfully planning and implementing peer-to-peer lecture films – “Making of”
Authors: Pfennig Anja , Maier-Rothe Jörg
Published: July 2018

Videos implemented in higher education are widely used by students and provide an audio and visual stimulus covering different learning methodologies. Lecture videos that are analogous to the desired learning outcomes of the lecture are considered a reinforcement. These videos covering scientific background on short sequences need to be of a certain standard to gain students` interest and become a fully accepted learning material. Since summer 2015 lecture videos are implemented in “inverted classroom” teaching scenarios to teach material science to first year students studying mechanical and automotive engineering at HTW Berlin. These videos were initially inspired by students resulting in the conduction of a set of lecture videos during a one term semester project each semester. The “making-of” is supervised by lecturers and film experts (peer-to-peer approach). The peer-to-peer approach is an important aspect because students` needs and their perspective on teaching material is included directly in the videos. Because we were asked many times: what does it take to prepare successful peer-to-peer lecture films this paper practically contributes to those who are thinking about producing lecture videos and implementing these in face-to-face lectures or online/blended learning scenarios.
Supporting lecturers to demystify learning in a science faculty
Authors: Louw Ina
Published: July 2018

Pedagogical competence is not always part of the skills set of science educators at a research intensive university. The Academic Developer (AD) in this faculty aims at empowering lecturers to obtain such competence by using the Pedagogical Competence Model and support them to even share their work in the public domain through publications. The project is informed by data collected during peer reviews done by the AD. Peer reviews are compulsory for probation candidates (newly appointed) as well as staff applying for promotion. A total of 58 reviews were conducted and followed up by an online questionnaire (n=26) to establish the effect of the feedback they received on their practice. Subsequently interventions were planned aligned to the perceived needs for development. The project is still in progress, but preliminary results indicate greater job satisfaction and improved student learning.
Participation of the students of Riga Technical University in the Olympiad in mathematics
Authors: Cernaveja Sarmite , Volodko Inta
Published: July 2018

There is much discussion recent years about teaching mathematics at school and universities. It is talked about how to interest pupils and students to turn to studying mathematics more. One of the ways to attract the best students to additional studies of mathematics is to invite them to participate in the Olympiads in mathematics. Student Parliament of Riga Technical University in cooperation with the Department of Engineering Mathematics organized the university Olympiad in mathematics for 6 years. There is an international Olympiad of mathematics in Latvia already for 6 years, which is organized by the Department of Mathematics of Latvia University of Agriculture. Students from Baltic universities participate in these Olympiads, and within their scope, students not only compete individually, but also discuss among themselves the content of mathematics and teaching methodology in their universities, evaluate it and express their suggestions for the improvements. Since 2012, students from Riga Technical University also participate in these Olympiads and get award-winning places. Such Olympiads promote interest about mathematics among young people, develops cooperation skills between like-minded people, as well as, give an opportunity for pedagogues to listen to the opinion of the best students about teaching methodology of mathematics and to improve it.
Introducing Geosciences in a blended Education Master degree
Authors: Huguet Carme , Francisco Blanco-Quintero Idael , Henao Mejía Martha Cecilia , Moreno Vela Francy Julieth , Chimbí Sanchez Lizeth Andrea
Published: July 2018

The aim of the project was to introduce the subject of geosciences to a group of teachers without previous knowledge of the subject. Since the students of module presented here work full time, the master was designed in a blended format. While all students had completed their university education, none had done any geoscience studies/courses before making the starting level basic for the whole course. Contents and activities were carefully selected to provide a good introduction to geosciences giving the students the basic concepts and letting them apply them in a problem based strategy. Students reported that besides the blended nature of the course collaborative learning was necessary and key to their learning process. They also reported the contents of the course to be clear, organized sufficient and interesting. We view the module as a success since all students reported enjoying the module and building novel knowledge in the field of geosciences. Additionally since the students are in turn teachers we were very happy to learn some of them will implement geosciences in their activities in the future.
The intercultural competence of preservice teachers: An exploratory study
Authors: Beutel Denise , Tangen Donna
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study that explored the impact that prior intercultural experiences have in shaping preservice teachers as teachers of diversity. An online qualitative questionnaire was used to collect data from preservice teachers (n=40) enrolled in a one year graduate entry teacher education program in eastern Australia. Hammer’s (2009, 2011) Intercultural Development Continuum (IDC) was used as a framework to analyse the data. The IDC is a model of intercultural competence used to explain how people interpret cultural difference (Hammer, Bennett & Wiseman, 2003).  Each of the five positions on the continuum has a distinct set of perceptions and experiences around cultural differences. In presenting the results, we draw on several cases that encompass the breadth of prior intercultural experiences of the preservice teachers.  Overall, the results indicate that sustained intercultural engagement over time provides opportunity for the development of greater intercultural sensitivity. While it is advocated that teacher education is well-positioned to play a key role in developing the intercultural comptetences of future teachers, the paper highlights the challenges in providing learning opportunities that allow preservice teachers to  practice new ideas, challenge old ideas and reflect on the process of becoming inclusive educators.
Why recognising and rewarding excellent teaching in universities matters for students
Authors: Chalmers Denise
Published: July 2018

There is greater focus on the quality of higher education teaching and how we reward and recognize excellent teaching. There are questions from governments about the quality of teaching and a desire to identify excellence. In Australia and beyond, higher education institutions have been working towards clarifying their criteria and expectations of what constitutes excellent teaching. They are reviewing their policies and practices to enable their excellent teachers to access development and support so they might be rewarded through promotion. An inceasing number of universities and higher education institutions are now promoting their excellent teachers through to professor level. This is important not just for the academics and teachers themselves, but for the quality of education that students receive.
Giving Permission to Play in Higher Education
Authors: Walsh Andrew
Published: July 2018

Playing in public, including within education, is a political act, one that is loaded with potential disapproval by others, and hence becomes difficult for potential players to do. Even so, play has many potential benefits within Higher Education. This paper describes some of the benefits to play and describes the social difficulty of playing through the lens of Goffman’s frames. It goes onto describe some ways in which playful learning can be introduced to increase the social acceptability and impact of play within Higher Education. These are steps towards constructing a playful frame in which students and staff can view Higher Education. No absolute guidelines could be produced, as both play and acceptability of it are socially constructed and are so completely contextual, but an overall approach is suggest to increase the understanding, acceptability, and effectiveness of play.
Competence-based learning and societal awareness: Building up experiences within the discipline of interior architecture
Authors: Vallet Nathalie , Somers Inge , Corthaut Michel
Published: July 2018

By means of the bachelor proof, students of interior architecture of the University of Antwerp (Faculty of Design Sciences) are stimulated to design interiors for real-life public libraries in view of particular societal challenges. During three subsequent years the teaching staff elaborated a set of learning objectives and activities that jointly form a competence-based learning process focussed on the development of the societal awareness of design students. In this paper we report on the intermediate experiences of the teachning staff and the students as indicated by a set of mainly qualitative data. In short it concerns four lessons learned relating to the over- and underestimation of (i) disciplinary filters, (ii) comfort-zones, (iii) motivating complexities and (iv) copy-cat behavior.
Identifying the effectiveness of e-learning platforms among students using Eye-Tracking technology
Authors: Chivu Raluca Giorgiana , Turlacu Luiza Maria , Stoica Ivona , Radu Andra Victoria
Published: July 2018

The emergence of computers has led to a rapid evolution of the learning environment. In recent decades, new information and communication technology tools have contributed to major changes in learning. In this way, new forms of learning have emerged, such as learning in the virtual environment (e-learning). To support online education, it was necessary to develop a whole industry. Today there are a lot of products and services on the market from which you can choose the optimal solution. In this article were analyzed two of the elearning platforms within prestigious universities in Romania, in order to identify students' opinions about their existence, the degree of utility and usability they feel, and the possibilities for their improvement for a more good absorption among beneficiary students. The results have shown that elearning platforms are seen as a plus for the student, but there are still possibilities for improvement to catch up on the technologically advanced level
Developing Healthcare Leaders, Fostering Collaboration, and Facilitating Transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Practice-Based Synthesis Projects in a Global Executive Graduate Program
Authors: Celaya Leandra Yvonne , Mueller Daniel K , Hernandez Samuel Robert
Published: July 2018

At the 2015 International Hospital Federation (IHF) World Congress in Chicago, Illinois, USA, the Global Consortium for Healthcare Management Professionalization presented a call to action to professionalize the field of healthcare management. Governments and organizations that seek to realize the benefits of professional healthcare managers may meet this challenge by providing educational opportunities to established executives who are positioned to lead and ultimately mentor future managers. This paper introduces a case example of an executive graduate program in health administration, delivered by a university in the United States in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of developing Saudi healthcare professionals as healthcare leaders. We share challenges, experiences and insights related to adapting a US curriculum for the Saudi working executives during a time of transformation in the Kingdom.  We also provide a detailed description of the Executive Management Study, an applied synthesis activity required for all executive learners in the program. Results of an alumni survey are incorporated to demonstrate graduates’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the learning experience.