bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinodynamic Motion Planning for a Two-Wheel-Drive Mobile Robot
Authors: Motonaka Kimiko
Published: January 2018

Since a nonholonomic system such as a robot with two independent driving wheels includes complicated nonlinear terms generally, it is hard to realize a stable and tractable controller design. However, about a dynamic control method for the motion planning, it is guaranteed that a nonholonomic-controlled object can always be converged to an arbitrary point using a control method based on an invariant manifold. Based on it, the method called “kinodynamic motion planning” was proposed to converge the states of the two-wheeled mobile robot to the arbitrary target position while avoiding obstacles by combining the control based on the invariant manifold and the HPF. In this chapter, how to combine the invariant manifold control and the concept of the HPF is explained in detail, and the usefulness of the proposed approach is verified through some simulations.
Teaching Internationally for Internationalization
Authors: Carson Luke
Published: January 2018

This is a case study of a Western (Irish born and educated) university academic working internationally in a Japanese context where internationalization is prioritized. The case study is framed by intercultural and cross-cultural research and theories illustrating and discussing cultural competencies. While Japanese universities have encouraged internationalization for several decades in various forms, in recent years this focus has become more central to their missions. Vignettes from the author's international working experience are provided to highlight culturally specific understandings of best practice in education and avenues and procedures for progress with recommendations for how international educators can understand and navigate similar experiences. While highlighting the importance of respect for cultural differences, this chapter also argues against cultural relativism.
Developing Global Competencies Through Community-Based Research Workshops in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Peralta Karie Jo , Arps Shahna
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this case study is to illustrate how the planning and implementation of research training facilitated the authors' practice of skills and enactment of values and attitudes that are necessary to be effective global citizens. At the outset of the chapter, the authors introduce the social and cultural context of the research training. Then, they present the processes of creating and executing the research training by identifying the steps they took to adapt a pre-designed research manual and engage participants in workshop activities. Next, the authors explain how certain aspects of the training allowed them to practice and exhibit their commitment to global competencies. In conclusion, the authors use the lessons they learned to offer suggestions for engaging host organizations and community partners in activities before launching a study abroad course and to identify the everyday opportunities for educators to develop their global competencies.
Is It Farcical Defending Corporate Responsibility?
Authors: Iyioke Ike Valentine
Published: January 2018

Who is exempting corporations from social and other responsibilities and why? For sure, CSR is now an old phenomenon; then why the continued fuss about it? Or has the meaning changed over time? The posers are plenty but the grouse for why the debate has endured is hinged on one main recurrent claim: CSR fritters away profits. This cliché has been sustained even as it is built on quicksand. Briefly, corporations are legal persons, not persons in flesh and blood. But despite this differentiation, both types of persons aspire to identify with ethical attributes such as accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, and fidelity. Hence, the author contends that corporations belong to the moral community. As such, corporations are judged on similar moral yardstick as persons with flesh and blood on conduct that they similarly share. This notion forms the core argument for this chapter while emphasizing that CSR is indispensable.
Dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Hotel Industry
Authors: González-Vázquez Encarnación , Blanco-González Alicia , Escamilla-Solano Sandra , Prado-Román Camilo
Published: January 2018

Corporate social responsibility(CSR) has evolved from philanthropic to business strategy. CSR implies acceptance of the benefits it generates in companies where they are implemented such as financial performance, customer satisfaction, or organizational legitimacy. The objective is to test the level of implementation of CSR policies in Melia Hotels International, which is the leader in the Spanish hotel industry. The methodology used is the case study. Strategic plans, CSR reports, web information, and a survey of CSR director of the company have been analysed. The results confirm the concern they have for each interest group, as well as showing a clear commitment to the environment. The managing of its reputation and image is evidenced by its commitment to comply with the principles of the Global Compact and its evolving in Merco corporate reputation ranking. The main conclusion of this chapter has been that Melia Hotels has a correct integration of the policies of CSR in the general strategy of the company.
On the Intersection Between Speaker Installations and Urban Environments
Authors: Cerwén Gunnar
Published: January 2018

This chapter deals with speaker installations and the potential to use such installations for designing soundscapes in cities. Through employment of a designer's perspective, eight intersections between speaker sounds and the environment in which they are installed are brought forward and discussed. The intersections were originally deduced by the author theoretically but have subsequently also been examined in relation to existing speaker installations. This chapter describes and exemplifies each of the eight intersections, which have been denoted as sound sculpture, sound space, atmospheric design, sound and light, sound binocular, sound postcard, interactive event, and retuning of soundscape. Discussions in the chapter cover the role of speaker-induced sound in relation to the notion of acousmatics as well as urban design.
Influence of Soundscapes on Perception of Safety and Social Presence in an Open Public Space
Authors: Astolfi Arianna , Orecchia Paola , Bo Elena , Shtrepi Louena , Calleri Cristina , Aletta Francesco
Published: January 2018

This chapter addresses the effect of different soundscapes on the perception of safety and the feeling of social presence in an urban open space. The investigation was conducted through the virtual reproduction of different scenarios submitted to participants' evaluation through a laboratory test. A subjective assessment test with a three-level factorial design was implemented in which participants had to rate 18 different audio-visual scenarios with respect to their safety and social presence perception. The scenarios presented three different views of a pedestrian passage in which different acoustic conditions were tested, namely the presence of traffic noise barrier and of classical or jazz music background. The results of statistical analyses showed that background music improved the perception of safety and the social presence feeling. In detail, jazz music was the stimulus that reported higher scores in these evaluations, with respect to classical music. Finally, music influence on social presence resulted to be significantly higher for female participants than for male ones.
Thermal-Perception-Driven Adaptive Design for Wellbeing in Outdoor Public Spaces
Authors: Ambrosini Luciano , Bassolino Eduardo , Scarpati Francesco
Published: January 2018

The spread of digital technologies, aiming at improving the effectiveness of the technological and environmental project proposals, has transformed the modus operandi for architects and designers who approach environmental impact assessment, especially about public space designs. Research activities aim at collecting guidelines for the sustainable regeneration of public spaces, focusing on the effectiveness of the performance of individual actions proposed by gradually checking and fixing the convenient benchmark design required by norms and sometimes by technology and building best-practices widely consolidated, even on a scientific basis. Early design optimization process relies on the combined use of appropriate IT tools for environmental control and on the interoperability of these systems with the traditional modeling tools for outdoor and indoor spaces. According to data-design-oriented logic, the core of the research methodology is applied to three case studies concerning public “complex” open spaces within the Neapolitan urban context (Italy).
Smell, Smellscape, and Place-Making
Authors: Xiao Jieling
Published: January 2018

Compared to sensory studies such as soundscape, thermal, and lighting comfort, smellscape is relatively less explored. Reviewing existing studies of smells and smellscapes can help researchers to better understand the field and bring insight for further research. This chapter starts explaining the smellscape concept consisted of four elements: smells and sources, human perceptions, physical environment, and context of places. It then reviews current approaches to investigate smellscapes and derives an integrated smellscape research framework from existing literature. Limitations and debates around designing smells are also addressed in this chapter. Based on the review, this chapter also outlines future research directions of smellscapes.
Investigations on the Influence of Auditory Perception on Urban Space Design Through Virtual Acoustics
Authors: Calleri Cristina , Shtrepi Louena , Armando Alessandro , Astolfi Arianna
Published: January 2018

The study investigates the influence of different façade materials on listeners' space wideness perception on the basis of auditory stimuli, aiming at improving the awareness of how different façade designs can influence the outdoor environment under multiple aspects. The investigation has been conducted through a listening test with a 4-level factorial design in which participants had to rank different sound stimuli with respect to the perceived wideness of the space in which they were produced. The stimuli were obtained through auralisation of an impulsive sound in virtual scenarios in which different scattering and absorption coefficients of the building façades and different source and receiver positions were tested. Results showed that the absorption coefficient of the façades and sound source position significantly affect the perceived wideness of spaces while scattering coefficient and receiver position do not. Moreover, no correlation was found between the above-mentioned factors, and music experience of participants proved not to be an influential factor as well.
Healing Space in High-Density Urban Contexts
Authors: Xue Fei , Gou Zhonghua
Published: January 2018

People in cities are experiencing various kinds of work-life conflict, burnout, and turnover towards mental and physical illness. These challenges are exacerbated by highly dense urban environments, which result in extra environmental stress such as noise and crowding. The research is set in Southeast Asia, where a large population lives and works in cities and suffers physical and psychological pressure due to the high-density environment. The research is to find correlations between the specific site configurations, physical environments, and human perceptions in the high-density urban context. Based on this, the chapter proposes a series of design strategies and implementations for the cities with comparable climate conditions and urban morphology. The output of this research contributes to the reinterpretation of “healing space” from medical and behavioral sciences to environmental studies and then transforms it into buildable design strategies and recommendations.
Software-Defined Networking Paradigm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gupta Govind P.
Published: January 2018

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an emerging network design and management paradigm that offers a flexible way for reducing the complexity of the network management and configuration. SDN-based wireless sensor networks (SDWSNs) consist of a set of software-defined sensor nodes equipped with different types of sensors. In SDWSN, sensor node is able to conduct different sensing tasks according to the programs injected into it and functionalities of these nodes can also be dynamically configured by injecting different application-specific programs. SDWSNs adopt the characteristics of SDN and can provide energy efficient solutions for various problems such as topology management, sleep scheduling, routing, and localization, etc. This chapter discusses how to apply SDN model in the design of an energy-efficient protocol for wireless sensor networks and also presents an overview of SDN model proposed for wireless sensor networks and SDN-based resource management, routing, sleep scheduling algorithm, localization for SDWSNs. Finally, open research challenges are summarized.
A Question of Trust
Authors: Eberwein Tobias
Published: January 2018

Narrative forms of journalistic reporting are traded as a sheet anchor in many newsrooms, as editors hope that they could brave the never-ending storm of the media crisis. But how does journalistic storytelling evolve from analog to digital? What are the potentials of narrative journalism across multiple media types and platforms? And what effects do such transmedia narratives have on media users? These questions are answered based on a multi-method research design, which includes both an explorative communicator study and an experiment with users. The investigation demonstrates that journalists expect narratives in digital media surroundings to invigorate the authenticity and comprehensibility of their coverage. This hope, however, only partly becomes a reality on the side of the recipients. Indeed, users judge multimedia online reportages to be more emotional than monomedia offline pieces, but as far as remembering and comprehending their contents is concerned, print texts are more effective.
Tell Me a Story, but It Should Be Real!
Authors: Ciancia Mariana , Mattei Michele
Published: January 2018

Multi-channel structures within the convergence era, both as crossmedia and transmedia phenomena, have become increasingly important, and have completely changed the role of the audience, undermining the notions of authority and authorship, shaping society, and influencing media habits. This has created a mediascape in which readers can vicariously enter fictional and non-fictional spaces that can be explored through multiple media windows. Starting from the assumption that transmedia design can address not only the entertainment market but also the non-fictional field, this chapter aims at exploring journalism through the design lens. The first part of the work is devoted to a description of the contemporary communication scenario, and the second part aims to suggest guidelines for the application of a transmedia approach within the Italian news business, in the form of a conceptual and operational tool.
The Transmedia Revitalization of Investigative Journalism
Authors: Porlezza Colin , Benecchi Eleonora , Colapinto Cinzia
Published: January 2018

This chapter analyzes the transmediality of the record-breaking podcast Serial with regard to three specific contexts: organizational structures and innovation, journalistic production, and user engagement. This case study shows that the transmedia approach of Serial cannot only revitalize long-form journalism, particularly in the case of investigative journalism, but it can also strengthen forms of slow and networked journalism. This case allows us to look at fan communities not only as an engaged audience, useful for commercial purposes, but also as a source for story development and production—even if both the journalistic production and the user engagement are confronted with specific ethical issues with regard to selective transparency and participation.
Anexact Paths
Authors: Erioli Alessio
Published: January 2018

This chapter attempts to unfold the aspects of a design approach aimed to channel the full potential of complexity-grounded paradigms and self-organization based strategies applied through computation and algorithmic approaches, with a focus on (but not limited to) architecture. Computation is a necessary precondition to the whole discourse, not an inert tool but an integral part of the theoretical/operational apparatus, both vessel and medium of the design exploration, considering algorithms as modes of thought, logic as aesthetic operation and the implications of the inevitable limits of computability. A design process grounded in computation calls for a radical redesign of itself, a paradigm shift encompassing its full gamut, conception to fabrication. This implies an extended definition of tectonics, an intensification and redeployment of the decisional pattern scale at the metabolic level, a consequent remapping of the involved personas and a transcending of the designing- making divide.
Drawing Tensegrity, Discover Trans-Polyhedra
Authors: Bianconi Fabio , Filippucci Marco , Margutti Matteo , Stramaccia Margherita
Published: January 2018

This chapter brings attention to the concept of tensegrity and its applications, situating the design of these structures in the era of parametric architecture. The tensegrity structures present interesting peculiarities, for example, extreme lightness accompanied by surprising structural rigidity. The representation of the algorithm for the tensegrity structures comes both from the polyhedra and from the plane tessellations. Each tessellation or polyhedric form has its specific representation but through a single representative algorithm, it is possible to generate a tensegrity structure. This structure is composed of poles and cables; which are the corners of another polyhedron. The new solid perfectly reflects the description of a trans-polyhedra, that is a solid of transition between the initial solid and its dual. In this way, it is possible to affirm that trans-polyhedra represents the tensegrity, and even in the field of plane tessellation there is the same correspondence between the trans-tessellations and plain tensegrity.
Architectural Morphogenesis Through Topology Optimization
Authors: Naboni Roberto , Paoletti Ingrid
Published: January 2018

This chapter illustrates the main approach for a generative use of structural optimization in architecture. Structural optimization is very typical of sectors like mechanical, automotive engineering, while in architecture it is a less used approach that however could give new possibilities to performative design. Topology Optimization, one of its most developed sub-methods, is based on the idea of optimization of material densities within a given design domain, along with least material used and wasted energy. In the text is provided a description of TO methods and the principles of their utilization. The process of topology optimization of microstructures of cellular materials is represented and illustrated, emphasizing the all-important criteria and parameters for structural design. A specific example is given of the research at ACTLAB, ACB Dept, Politecnico di Milano, of performative design with lattice cellular solid structures for architecture.
Stadium Design in Digital Age
Authors: Sirago Vito
Published: January 2018

The chapter is divided in two sections: the first section provides a general overview of the parametric design and analysis of a bowl while the second shows key study. The chapter explores the genetic sequence of the DNA of the bowl and how it can be identified and ordered in order to build a global definition of its form. The author underlines some formal characteristics that may produce particular emotional aspects and how to control even those. Even the “arena” effect, the feeling of belonging, and at the same time the segmentation of audience categories can be parameterized. The parametric approach has been used to respond to similar needs for performance monitoring of existing stadia. The second section of the chapter describes a key study: the parametric approach used by Arup for the restructuring interventions to the bowl of the Camp Nou Stadium during the competition organized by the Catalan club. The project proposal has been designed together with the architecture studio of Ricardo Bofill.
Employment Protection in South Africa
Authors: Govindjee Avinash
Published: January 2018

This chapter tests the existing (labour and social security-related) legislation against the South African constitutional framework, as well as international and regional standards. The issues to be addressed specifically include the following: 1) Is the existing legislation pertaining to employment protection, unemployment, and work constitutionally compliant? 2) Is it correct to expect legislation (and state policy) to regulate matters such as job-retention and work creation (for example, by activating the work force and through the creation of public works programmes), and if so, does the present statutory and policy framework address this expectation adequately? 3) To what extent is the legislation compliant with international standards and best practices, and are there fresh approaches to address the present malaise, perhaps emanating from regional standards and experiences? 4) Finally, are there any best practices or lessons learned through the South African experience that should influence developments in other emerging economies?
Relationship Between Empowerment and Organizational Commitment
Authors: Priya Bhanu , Singh Vandana
Published: January 2018

This study was done to examine the relationship between empowerment and organizational commitment in the employees of IT sector. Data were collected from 70 employees of IT sector. The study used questionnaire method for the purpose of data collection. Two questionnaires, namely empowerment and organizational commitment, were used to collect the data for the study. SPSS software was used for data operation. The results of correlation showed a significant positive relationship between employees' empowerment and their commitment to organizations. Analyses also revealed a significant positive relationship between the employees' empowerment dimensions (i.e., meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact) and their organization commitment.
Performance Appraisal Techniques Across Various Sectors in India
Authors: Rana Shikha
Published: January 2018

In recent times competitive and outperforming employees are of the utmost requirement for the success and sustenance of any organization. Organizations hire employees to achieve long-term and short-term goals so that they can get an edge over competitors and can meet the challenges posed by the continuously changing environment. Therefore, employees strive hard and give their level best to the organization and prove their worth by showing exemplary performance. At this juncture it becomes really important for the employers to know the exact level of employee performance as every employee differs in skills, abilities, and competence. This chapter discusses the concept, development of performance appraisal, and techniques of performance appraisal that are used across various sectors in India.
Flipped Instruction in CALL
Authors: Egbert Joy , Herman David , Chang AiChia
Published: January 2018

Although the literature on flipped instruction to date appears to be relatively atheoretical, the benefits listed in the flipped literature fit well with theories of optimal learning environments and student engagement. This chapter links flipped instruction to these two models to form a theoretical framework for CALL use. The chapter then briefly describes two CALL contexts in which this framework was implemented. The first is a short Mandarin course for teacher education students, and the second is an intensive ESL course that was part of a summer language and culture camp. Observations, student comments and actions, and course documents form the basis for this discussion. The chapter concludes by suggesting how flipped instruction might work in these and other CALL contexts; related issues are also addressed.
Assessing Willingness to Communicate for Academically, Culturally, and Linguistically Different Language Learners
Authors: Freiermuth Mark R. , Huang Hsin-chou
Published: January 2018

Synchronous electronic communication has provided opportunities for language learners in different locales to have meaningful dialogue with one another and highlighted the importance of English even in the context of EFL settings. In this chapter, the authors designed an intercultural electronic chat task to see if students from different cultural backgrounds, with different English language abilities, with different L1s, and who have different academic interests would be willing to communicate using English. Sixteen Taiwanese university students, who were marine science majors (lower proficiency group), chatted electronically in small groups with 27 Japanese university students, who had been studying English for two years (higher proficiency group). Student commentary to a broad-based questionnaire revealed that all participants were willing to communicate in English and did so. Even the lower proficiency group found the task meaningful, pointing out that chat gave them the opportunity to participate fully in the discussion, learn from their peers, and gain confidence, all of which motivated them.
Chinese Foreign Language Online Course Design to Improve English Monolingual Teachers' Awareness of ELLs
Authors: Wang Congcong
Published: January 2018

To improve English monolingual teachers' awareness of obstacles that English language learners (ELL) may encounter at school, in 2012 the author conducted a study to explore preservice teachers' perceptions of learning a foreign language online. No participant had Chinese learning experience and their interest varied. This study suggested that preservice teachers perceived their initial experiences as online language learners increased their linguistic, cultural and technological awareness, which would further benefit them when working with ELLs. However, it was unclear if teachers perceived they could transfer their awareness into teaching practice. Thus, this follow-up study explores in-service teachers' perceptions of linguistic, cultural, and technological awareness transfer in teaching ELLs by asking them to engage and reflect on their experiences with a Chinese language online course. This chapter proposes a model for language teacher linguistic, cultural, and technological awareness development and transfer, as well as discussing issues related to language teacher awareness transfer.
Smartphone-Assisted Language Learning and Autonomy
Authors: Leis Adrian , Tohei Akihiko Andrew , Cooke Simon
Published: January 2018

This chapter discusses the advantages of using smartphones in an English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom from the perspective of motivation and autonomy among learners. The authors compared two groups of Japanese university students who were either prohibited from using their smartphones in the classroom or encouraged to use them for educational purposes, concentrating on whether those using smartphones in their EFL lessons would show tendencies toward being autonomous in their language studies. The results indicated that students who were encouraged to use their smartphones during class were inclined to study more in their free time as well as show signs of autonomy by taking charge of their learning and consider ways to improve their study habits and English proficiency. The conclusion is that language teachers and learners should be encouraged to use smartphones to create more productive classroom environments and as a means of fueling a desire to learn.
Students' Perspectives on Using Online Sources and Apps for EFL Learning in the Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Context
Authors: Zou Bin , Yan Xinxin , Li Hui
Published: January 2018

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has been developed rapidly and integrated into language learning in various levels in recent years, particularly for the young generation. Many previous studies reveal that young learners have autonomous learning in using online sources or apps in the MALL context. However, not many studies in China have examined Chinese students' use of MALL. Therefore, this chapter investigates how Chinese college students perceived their use of mobile devices for English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. It was based on two small studies and focused on using online sources and mobile apps for EFL learning on learners' mobile devices. Participants were 166 students from 21 universities in China. Research tools consisted of questionnaires and interviews. The findings demonstrate a high motivation among the participants in using online sources and apps for EFL learning on their mobile devices. The results also showed the impact of different regions on students' attitudes toward MALL. Mobile apps that are related to EFL class context could enhance students' EFL learning.
A Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game and Its Effects on Interaction in the Second Language
Authors: Chotipaktanasook Nuttakritta , Reinders Hayo
Published: January 2018

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) have been dramatically used in language education and identified in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research as playing a central role in second language acquisition (SLA). This chapter addresses the integration of a commercially developed MMORPG Ragnarok Online into a language course as a basis for digital game-based language learning and reports on its effects on second language (L2) interaction. Thirty Thai learners of English who enrolled in a 15-week university language course were required to complete 18 face-to-face classroom lessons and six gameplay sessions. Learners' language use in both text and voice chats during gameplay was recorded and analysed to measure the effects of the game. The findings show that participating in MMORPG resulted in a significantly more considerable increase in L2 interaction that used a wider range of discourse functions compared with English interaction in the classroom. The authors discuss some of the theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings.
What Emotional Intelligence Does to Organizational Stress
Authors: Rathore Shubhangini
Published: January 2018

The acknowledgement to develop emotional competencies of the workforce is a focal point of concern for human resource practitioners today. This chapter attempts to explore the relationship between organizational role stress and emotional intelligence in the Indian IT industry. Data was collected from a total of 250 employees, both managers and non-managers working in the Delhi NCR region. Emotional intelligence was measured by developing a scale consisting of 27 items. Stress was measured using the organizational role stress questionnaire comprising of 50 items. The results show a strong correlation between role stress and emotional intelligence. It was seen that by altering and increasing the levels of EI among the employees; workplace stress could be effectively reduced. There was also seen to be a and significant impact of emotional intelligence on organizational stress. Regression was applied to see the result of the EI variables on different factors of stress. It was seen that there is a significant impact of variables on organizational stress.
The Need for Multi-Disciplinary Approaches and Multi-Level Knowledge for Cybersecurity Professionals
Authors: Berki Eleni , Valtanen Juri , Chaudhary Sunil , Li Linfeng
Published: January 2018

Cybersecurity professionals face increased demand to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills required to keep citizens safe from cyberattacks, predict the latter with scientific methods, and advance citizens' social awareness. A proactive multidisciplinary approach against cyberattacks is effective via the combination of multidisciplinary and multi-professional knowledge. Increased public awareness with total quality multi-domain knowledge and social computing skills is likely to decrease cyberattacks' victims and improve cyber systems quality in general. This chapter 1) outlines the basic multidisciplinary research needs and multilevel strategic steps to be taken for timely citizens' protection, and 2) proposes multidisciplinary strategic research approaches and multilevel adult education directions for improving cybersystems' total quality management through collaborative research and by focusing on: a) increasing public awareness, b) predicting cyberattacks, and c) utilising multidisciplinary and multi-professional knowledge in social computing approaches.
Competence E-Assessment Based on Semantic Web
Authors: Ilahi-Amri Mounira , Cheniti-Belcadhi Lilila , Braham Rafik
Published: January 2018

In light of trends toward increased requirements for skilled workers, e-assessment presents many challenges. It should address learners' real performance in life. Recognizing the inadequacy of current traditional knowledge-based assessment systems in higher education to achieve performance visibility, we need to rethink how we design new assessment systems that can respond to the corporate requirements of the twenty-first century and mirror the learners' competences. This concern has not been sufficiently investigated. This chapter considers the competence-based assessment. The authors explore the importance of competency and competence modeling conceptual understanding. The research reviews the benchmark literature on the concepts, models, and approaches of competence and competency and explores the confusion surrounding the pair of concepts. They propose a service-oriented framework for competence-based e-assessment to validate the above proposals. The experimentation results support the research goals and learners received a competence-based assessment, which they appreciated.
Empathy and Mindfulness
Authors: Singh Aishwarya , Sengupta Santoshi , Sharma Swati
Published: January 2018

The upheavals in the current times are driving us toward a purposeful need for more effective and “genuine” leadership skills so as to enhance business sustainability. This chapter empirically investigates the concept of authentic leadership and considers the pathways to develop authentic leadership by exploring and examining empathy and mindfulness as predictors of authentic leadership. An intense literature review reflects that only a few studies have been conducted that focus on the antecedents of authentic leadership. The study attempts to fill this void. A questionnaire was completed by 250 respondents from the IT industry. Regression analysis was applied to study the inter-relationships among the variables. Findings reveal that while empathy of a leader is significantly related to the development of authentic leadership, mindfulness is not. Wider geographical selection and replication of the study in other industry is recommended. The chapter promotes development of OB interventions intended to foster the development of authentic leaders for positive organizational outcomes.
Framing in News Discourse
Authors: Tribastone Miriam , Greco Sara
Published: January 2018

By presenting the case study of the Charlie Hebdo attack in news discourse, this chapter combines a semantic analysis of the most frequent frame-activating words through text linguistics tools with frame analysis, developed according to the model proposed by Entman in the news making context. The linguistic perspective adopted in this chapter combines the works by Fillmore and Congruity Theory. As shown in the present work, both linguistics and news framing benefit from such integration.
Syntactic Semantics and the Proper Treatment of Computationalism
Authors: Rapaport William J.
Published: January 2018

Computationalism should not be the view that (human) cognition is computation; it should be the view that cognition (simpliciter) is computable. It follows that computationalism can be true even if (human) cognition is not the result of computations in the brain. If semiotic systems are systems that interpret signs, then both humans and computers are semiotic systems. Finally, minds can be considered as virtual machines implemented in certain semiotic systems, primarily the brain, but also AI computers.
Math Talk as Discourse Strategy
Authors: Costa Stacy
Published: January 2018

Mathematical understanding goes beyond grasping numerical values and problem solving. By incorporating visual representation, students can be able to grasp how math can be understood in terms of geometry, which is essentially a visual device. It is important that students be able to incorporate visual representations alongside numerical values to gain meaning from their own knowledge. However, it is also vital that students understand mathematical terminology, via a dialogical-rhetorical pedagogy that now comes under the rubric of “Math Talk,” which in turn is part of a system of teaching known as knowledge building, both of which aim to recapture, in a new way, the Socratic method of dialogical interaction. This chapter explores how knowledge building, as a methodology, can assist in furthering student understanding and how math talk leads to a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.
Detection of Urban Areas using Genetic Algorithms and Kohonen Maps on Multispectral images
Authors: Mokadem Djelloul , Amine Abdelmalek , Elberrichi Zakaria , Helbert David
Published: January 2018

In this article, the detection of urban areas on satellite multispectral Landsat images. The goal is to improve the visual interpretations of images from remote sensing experts who often remain subjective. Interpretations depend deeply on the quality of segmentation which itself depends on the quality of samples. A remote sensing expert must actually prepare these samples. To enhance the segmentation process, this article proposes to use genetic algorithms to evolve the initial population of samples picked manually and get the most optimal samples. These samples will be used to train the Kohonen maps for further classification of a multispectral satellite image. Results are obtained by injecting genetic algorithms in sampling phase and this paper proves the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Optimization of Design Parameters for Materials Consumption for Reinforcing Metal Framework of Industrial Buildings
Authors: Zolina Tatyana , Sadchikov Pavel
Published: January 2018

This study investigated optimum design methods for frame buildings with focus on minimization of economic costs. The methods discussed are intended to provide sufficient reserves for reliability of load-bearing steel structures. The analyzed mathematical models enable to assess seismic resistance of a structure and implement optimum design methods according to the selected key criterion. The available mathematical models assessing economic efficiency of metalwork reinforcement need further development. The model based on the principle of balanced risk is considered as the most appropriate for the study of structural reliability for industrial buildings. This model allows to assess the expected damage as compared with the initial spending on seismic protection. The focus is on setting and implementation of the task whose limiting condition provides equality between expenditures for reinforcement of damaged steel structures and those for damage prevention activities. Minimum of economic costs for construction or reconstruction of a structure is taken as the optimality criterion. This takes into account accumulation of damages within the standard life cycle and changes in stiffness of materials. Assessment of damage risk is based on the life cycle of a structure, its seismic resistance class and spending on damage repair. The study suggests a number of structural solutions that enable to reduce deformation of steel parts of the frame.
On the Calculation Model of Fine Dispersed Dust Pollution of Kabul's Atmosphere for Ventilation Design
Authors: Stefanenko I.V. , Solovyeva T.V. , Azarov Valery N. , Nasimi M.H.
Published: January 2018

The paper presents the results of the assessment of atmospheric air pollution with fine dust РМ10studies in the city of Kabul.The investigation was based on concentration of fine dust РМ10measurements that were conducted by the national agency on ecology and environmental protection of Afghanistan and by Russian researchers in summer and autumn of 2015. It is shown that, according to the Chi-square and Kolmogorov-Smirnov criteria, the best law for the distribution of the maximum daily dust concentration is the logarithmic normal law. For the maximum daily concentration (РМ10) a density function and an integrated distribution function have been summarized. A mathematical model of the concentration of fine dust (РМ10) dependence of three factors: wind speed, humidity and temperature have been obtained. On the basis of F–Fisher criterion the quadratic model has been chosen for June and August, and the linear model has been chosen for July, September, October and November.
Research on Lateral Nonlinear Vibration Behavior of Composite Shaft-Disk Rotor System
Authors: Zhang Chun Jin , Ren Yong Sheng , Ji Shu Juan
Published: January 2018

The characteristics of the lateral nonlinear vibration in composite shaft-disk rotor system with nonlinear deformation are studied. Firstly, the equations of the kinetic energy of the composite shaft, the disk and the eccentric mass as well as the equations of the strain energy of the composite shaft are derived. Based on these equations, the nonlinear vibration equations are deduced by using the Lagrange equation. Then, the frequency response curves and time response curves of the system are obtained by using the IHB method and verified by the fourth order Runge-Kutta method. Experimental results show that the external damping coefficient, the size of eccentric mass only influences the nonlinear amplitude. Moreover, the ply-angle, thickness to diameter(T/D) ratio, length to diameter (L/D) ratio, and the position of disk in the shaft not only produce an effect on the nonlinear amplitude, but also influence the nonlinear vibration frequency.
Influence of Pore Structure on Chloride Distribution in Surface Layer of Cement Paste under Cyclic Wet-Dry Condition
Authors: Chang Hong Lei , Mu Song , Du Ya Ya , Yang Li
Published: January 2018

This research focuses on influence of pore structure on chloride distribution in surface layer of cement paste under cyclic wet-dry condition. The results of chloride distribution reveal that drying and wetting cycles can lead to a peak value of chloride content (Cmax) occurring in surface layer of cement paste. Cmax increases with the increase of W/C. While the depth (Δx) at which Cmax appears does not show a regular change. Moreover, Cmax should be used to predict service life of concrete structures when Cmax appears in the chloride profiles. For the influence of pore structure, there exists an obvious hyperbolic relationship between chloride diffusion coefficient (D), Cmax and pore structure parameters. D and Cmax increase with total porosity and the most probable pore diameter, decrease with tortuosity, and stabilize gradually. And the most probable pore diameter has the most significant impact on D and Cmax. In addition, XRD and SEM-EDS results indicate that the deposition of Friedel’s salt results in the formation of more inkbottle shaped pores, which may cause the appearance of Cmax under cyclic drying-wetting conditions due to hysteretic moisture effect.
Research of Air Flows Dynamics at Construction Works in the Condition of Urban Built-Up Areas
Authors: Stefanenko I.V. , Azarov Valery N. , Trokhimchuk Katerina A. , Trokhimchuk Marina V.
Published: January 2018

The paper shows that the fulfillment of construction works influences the level of fine dust content in urban environment. Investigations of fine dust emissions in the zones of earth excavations and soil spoil banks caused by construction works were carried out. The authors conducted an integrated investigation of the physico-chemical processes in the surface layer of the atmosphere in the course of construction works, which was based on the field and computational experiments. With the help of a laboratory wind-tunnel plant, it was revealed that the character of dust emission during the development of dispersive massifs depends on the climatic conditions, in particular on the wind velocity and the physical-and-mechanical properties of the rocks (humidity, porosity, plasticity indices). A specific-purpose GIS application has been designed which allows modelling the dynamics of air flows in the territories with anthropogenic development. The application is based on the methods of mathematical and simulation modelling, the methods of visualization and surface plotting as well as the methods of software applications development.
Modelling and Analysis of Piezolaminated Functionally Graded Polymer Composite Structures Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets under Strong Electroelastic Fields
Authors: Mekala Narasimha Rao , Schmidt Rüdiger , Schröder Kai Uwe
Published: January 2018

This paper focuses on the electromechanical modelling and analysis of piezolaminated functionally graded polymer composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets considering strong electric field nonlinearities. Non-uniform distribution of reinforcement of graphene nanoplatelets is assumed along the thickness direction in multilayer polymer nanocomposites, whereas uniform dispersion GPLs in each layer is assumed. Modified Halpin-Tsai micromechanics is used to determine the effective Young’s modulus of GPLs considering the effects of geometry and dimension changes. Electro-elastic nonlinear constitutive relations are used to model the piezoelectric layers under strong applied electric fields. Through variational formulation, a finite element is derived to model and analyse the layered GPL/polymer composite structures. Various simulations are performed to study the effects of several parameters like distribution pattern and size of GPLs by applying actuation voltages to piezoelectric layers.
Wind Resource Assessment in Cold Regions - A Numerical Case Study
Authors: Jin Jia Yi , Sokolov Pavlo , Virk Muhammad S.
Published: January 2018

This paper describes a case study of wind resource assessment in cold climate region. One-year SCADA data from a wind park has been used to make a comparison with the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based numerical simulations of wind resource assessment and Annual Energy Production (AEP). To better understand the wind turbine wake flow effects on the energy production, ‘Jessen wake model ‘is used for the numerical simulations. Results show wind resource maps at different elevations, where wind turbine wake flow effects the wind turbine performance and resultant power production. CFD simulations provided a good insight of the flow behavior across each wind turbine, which helped to better understand the wind turbine wake flow effects on wind turbine performance and annual energy production. A good agreement is found between numerical simulations and field SCADA data analysis in this study.
Report on 2012-2017 shallow ground thermal investigations on the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road portages, Northwest Territories
Authors: Sladen W E , Morse P D , Wolfe S A
Published: January 2018

A field campaign was conducted in 2012-2017 to collect baseline geoscience data to determine air, surface, and near-surface ground temperature conditions along the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road (TCWR), Great Slave region, Northwest Territories. This field
initiative was conducted in support of Natural Resources Canada's Climate Change Geoscience Program project entitled Transportation Risk in the Arctic to Climatic Sensitivity. Thermal data are presented in a digital format that can be utilized for assessments of permafrost sensitivity to climate
change and for infrastructure planning.