bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OWNER PREFERENCES REGARDING RENOVATION MEASURES – THE DEMONSTRATION OF USING MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING / SAVININKŲ TEIKIAMI PRIORITETAI PASTATŲ ATNAUJINIMO PRIEMONĖMS: DAUGIAKRITERINIŲ SPRENDIMO PRIĖMIMO METODŲ TAIKYMO PAVYZDYS
Authors: Medineckienė Milena , Björk Folke
Published: October 2013

The article describes typical apartment buildings built in Swedish residential areas in the ‘50s, ‘60s and 70's. Each of these buildings included calculations on the effects and investment cost of a number of renovation measures aimed at improving energy efficiency. By applying multi-criteria decision making methods Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Multiplicative Exponential Weighting (MEW) and Complex Proportion Assessment (COPRAS), the preferences of building owners regarding renovation measures were studied. The study highlighted four important criteria, including the use of energy from district heating and electricity, investment cost and payback period. The owner preferences were found to have a major impact on the outcome of the study. These owners gave sufficient weight to renovation measures within a short payback period. Renovation actions falling out to be quite attractive are additional thermal insulation in the attic and heat recovery from exhaust air.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje išnagrinėti trys tipiniai švedų daugiabučiai, pastatyti 6-ajame, 7-ajame ir 8-ajame dešimtmečiais. Buvo atlikti kiekvieno šių pastatų atnaujinimo priemonių skaičiavimai, įvertinantys efektyvumą ir investavimo apimtis, kuriomis siekiama didinti energijos vartojimo efektyvumą. Taikant daugiakriterinius sprendimo priemimo metodus, tokius kaip Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Multiplicative Exponential Weighting (MEW) and COmplex PRoportion Assessment (COPRAS), buvo tiriami savininkų teikiami prioritetai pastatų atnaujinimo priemonėms. Tyrimas buvo atliekamas vertinant keturis pastatų kriterijus: energija, vartojama centralizuotam šildymui, ir elektros energija, investicijų sąnaudos ir atsipirkimo laikotarpis. Atlikus skaičiavimus buvo nustatyta, kad didelę įtaką tyrimo rezultatams daro savininku nuomonė. Šie savininkai daugiausia demesio skyrė trumpam renovacijos priemonių atsipirkimo laikotarpiui. Viena patrauklesnių renovacijos priemonių yra papildoma šilumos izoliacija palėpėje ir šilumos gavimas iš ištraukiamo oro.
3D electrical resistivity tomography to locate DNAPL contamination around a housing estate
Authors: Naudet V. , Gourry J.C. , Girard F. , Mathieu F. , Saada A.
Published: October 2013

A 3D electrical resistivity survey is carried out downstream of a former coal refinery plant in France to determine the spatial extent of a DNAPL contaminant plume and to optimize the implantation of further boreholes. The site, which is located in the north of France, is the subject of an extensive conventional site investigation including the characterization of the contaminant source and natural attenuation monitoring of the plume. Previous geochemical and geophysical studies including 2D electrical resistivity profiles have shown a possible migration of the contaminant plume toward a housing estate, where no geochemical boreholes have been drilled. The purpose of this study was to achieve a real 3D imaging of the subsoil to locate the extent of the contaminant plume above the housing estate and determine the location of new boreholes. As geophysical measurements are difficult to perform in such an urban environment, a new electrical campaign was realized with innovative acquisition geometries and arrangement of surface electrodes in an L‐shape, disposing electrodes in lines around the housing estate. Data were inverted in 3D with ERTLab software from Multi‐Phase Technologies and Geostudi Astier. Results show a conductive plume emanating from old tar ponds and a slag heap that spreads through the housing estate. Based on these results, new boreholes were drilled in the housing estate, which confirm the extent of the contaminant plume estimated from the 3D electrical resistivity survey.
A comparison study of different image appraisal tools for electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Caterina David , Beaujean Jean , Robert Tanguy , Nguyen Frédéric
Published: October 2013

To date, few studies offer a quantitative comparison of the performance of image appraisal tools. Moreover, there is no commonly accepted methodology to handle them even though it is a crucial aspect for reliable interpretation of geophysical images. In this study, we compare quantitatively different image appraisal indicators to detect artefacts, estimate depth of investigation, address parameters resolution and appraise ERT‐derived geometry. Among existing image appraisal tools, we focus on the model resolution matrix (), the cumulative sensitivity matrix () and the depth of investigation index () that are regularly used in the literature. They are first compared with numerical models representing different geological situations in terms of heterogeneity and scale and then used on field data sets. The numerical benchmark shows that indicators based on and are the most appropriate to appraise ERT images in terms of the exactitude of inverted parameters, providing mainly qualitative information. In parallel, we test two different edge detection algorithms – Watershed’s and Canny’s algorithms – on the numerical models to identify the geometry of electrical structures in ERT images. From the results obtained, Canny’s algorithm seems to be the most reliable to help practitioners in the interpretation of buried structures.

On this basis, we propose a methodology to appraise field ERT images. First, numerical benchmark models representing simplified cases of field ERT images are built using available a priori information. Then, ERT images are produced for these benchmark models (all simulated acquisition and inversion parameters being the same). The comparison between the numerical benchmark models and their corresponding ERT images gives the errors on inverted parameters. These discrepancies are then evaluated against the appraisal indicators ( and ) allowing the definition of threshold values. The final step consists in applying the threshold values on the field ERT images and to validate the results with a posteriori knowledge. The developed approach is tested successfully on two field data sets providing important information on the reliability of the location of a contamination source and on the geometry of a fractured zone. However, quantitative use of these indicators remains a difficult task depending mainly on the confidence level desired by the user. Further research is thus needed to develop new appraisal indicators more suited for a quantitative use and to improve the quality of inversion itself.
Soil resistivity monitoring of an irrigation experiment
Authors: Dahlin Torleif , Aronsson Pär , Thörnelöf Mats
Published: October 2013

Resistivity measurements were used for tracing water transport during a three‐year irrigation study. Three different rates of landfill leachate irrigation and one control treatment were applied to two cultivars of short‐rotation willow coppice. Groundwater level measurements and water sampling were carried out in pipes installed in the centre of each plot. Resistivity was measured with permanently installed electrodes along six lines running through the centre of the plots. The resistivity results were inverted to produce vertical sections of ground resistivity at different time steps and as change in resistivity relative to the start of the experiment. Changes in resistivity linked to differences in irrigation quantities and plant growth were observed. The results showed that a repeated soil resistivity measurement has the potential as a tool to monitor changes in soil water and ion contents. Furthermore, expanding zones of increasing soil resistivity immediately under and around the plants indicate that the method may be useful for imaging plant root development.
Mapping of quick clay using geoelectrical imaging and CPTU‐resistivity
Authors: Dahlin Torleif , Löfroth Hjördis , Schälin David , Suer Pascal
Published: October 2013

Quick clay has a major impact on landslide risk and it is therefore of considerable interest to map its presence and extent. In Sweden, quick clay has been involved in most landslides in soft clay with serious consequences. The predominant method for detection of quick clay in Sweden has been to take undisturbed samples and to perform fall‐cone tests on the clay in its undisturbed and remoulded state. Originally deposited in saltwater in a marine environment, the salt maintains the stability of the clay. When the salt is leached out, the clay can become quick. When salt is leached from clay of marine origin the resistivity increases. In this study the intention was to calibrate electrical imaging with cone penetration tests with resistivity measurements (CPTU‐R) and measurement of the total penetration resistance, i.e. the total rod friction, together with both geotechnical and chemical analyses on specimens in the laboratory.

The results show that electrical imaging can be used for separation of leached soil volumes in marine clays that may form quick clay, from those where the salt content remains too high for this. In the dry crust and thin weathered zone at the top, the resistivity is high but the clay is non‐quick. Also soils with less clay content will have higher resistivity without being quick. The technique may thus be used as a screening tool in order to delimit areas where further investigations are needed from areas that do not require more attention. This has a potential of saving significant resources if used in a relatively early stage of the survey process. It can also increase the overall quality and reliability of the survey results.

The induced polarization (IP) results are consistent and seem to be geologically realistic, and appear to contain additional information to the resistivity that is related to material or electrochemical properties, although it is not clear how due to lack of sufficiently detailed reference data.

The electrical imaging gives a general picture of the variation in resistivity along soil sections. The CPTU‐R gives variations at depth with very high vertical resolution in one specific location. There is generally good agreement between the models based on electrical imaging and the CPTU‐R. The CPTU‐R results may be used to calibrate the electrical imaging results with quick clay estimations based on rod friction.
Assessment of aggregate resources: an integrated geophysical approach
Authors: O’Driscoll R. , Stuart G. , Tuckwell G. , Sergeant J.
Published: October 2013

Fluvio‐glacial sand and gravel provide an important resource for the construction industry. The efficient and economic extraction of such geologically complex deposits requires a detailed understanding of their grade distribution. This is typically undertaken as point observations over the resource using a borehole drilling programme. We investigate the viability of using measurements of the elastic and electrical properties of the subsurface, derived from geophysical profiles, to determine the spatial variability of aggregate quality.

A refraction seismic, surface wave seismic and resistivity survey was carried out over a fluvioglacial sand and gravel deposit at Scorton, Yorkshire, UK, on agricultural land adjacent to an active quarry. Two 190 m profiles, with borehole control at their extremes, were acquired with a 2 m source and receiver spacing. The P‐ and S‐wave velocities ( and ), together with resistivity and depth distributions were determined down to c. 20 m. The subsurface was divided into four layers: uncon‐solidated sand and gravel; dry consolidated sand and gravel; saturated sand and gravel; and basal clay.

The work flow initially involved processing and interpreting the three geophysical techniques independently. Crossplots of the elastic and electrical parameters were used to distinguish unconsolidated from consolidated material; the water table; increased silt content; and recognize the basal clay. The Vp/Vs ratio proved very powerful at discriminating fine material () from coarse material (Vp/Vs ~ 1.5). Regression analysis of crossplots produced P‐ and S‐wave relationships for the material, while electro‐acoustic relationships were less successful, especially below the water table. The results of the petrophysical analysis were used to set up guided inversions for the resistivity survey. Careful use of the refraction results as an a priori model for the resistivity survey was found to improve the resistivity inversion, though use of a sharp boundary introduced edge effects at the water table.

The results from the integrated analysis were combined with the guided inversions into a final interpretation that enabled silt content, particle size and clay lenses to be mapped, which were not identified in the separately processed data.
The Digital Information Divide
Authors: McClure Randall
Published: October 2013

This chapter explores the gap in information between digital natives and digital immigrants. Advances in computer technology have transformed information, and resulting changes in information behavior clearly mark the digital information divide. These changes in information behavior have affected information literacy instruction, yet educators have opted for quick fix strategies, ignoring the need to develop a comprehensive information literacy curriculum for the digital age. Partnerships—between primary, secondary, and postsecondary teachers and librarians and curriculum designers working to establish a vertically and horizontally scaffolded K-16 information literacy curriculum—may effectively bridge the divide.
Millennials are Digital Natives?
Authors: DaCosta Boaventura , Kinsell Carolyn , Nasah Angelique
Published: October 2013

The abundance of opinions about Millennials has made it very difficult to separate reality from conjecture, especially with regard to the suppositions made about their propensity towards technology. Labeled as digital natives, Millennials are thought to possess learning traits never before seen as a result of growing up in the digital information age. In this chapter, we present the findings of a study in which postsecondary students (N = 580) were surveyed to quantitatively investigate the differences between digital natives and digital immigrants. Findings revealed that of the ten traits investigated, only two showed significant difference, and of these two traits, only one favored the digital native notion, shedding doubt on the strong digital propensity claims made about today’s Millennials. Although differences were found, we cannot say with any certainty that there is an unambiguous delineation that merits the digital native and digital immigrant labels. The findings raise a variety of implications for institutions training pre-service teachers; educators interested in using digital media, devices, and social networks in their classroom; curriculum developers designing instructional material; educational leaders developing information and communication technology policy for school; and researchers investigating digital propensity with today’s youth.
The Global Digital Divide and Its Impact on E-Governance
Authors: Howell-Moroney Michael
Published: October 2013

As technology has continued to advance, a disparity in the diffusion, adoption, and utilization of technology has become apparent. This chapter explores the digital divide and the scholarly research investigating the factors which have been found to influence it. The major finding from extant research is that the digital divide is largely explained by variations in national wealth. These same variations also explain differing levels of e-government readiness and e-participation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of policy choices and dilemmas posed by the digital divide.
Perusing E-Readiness and Digital Divide
Authors: Hanafizadeh Mohammad Reza , Hanafizadeh Payam , Saghaei Abbas
Published: October 2013

With the advent and evolution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in general, the Internet, in particular, throughout the world, new terms such as “information society,” “digital divide,” and “e-readiness” were added to terminologies. Due to the rapid diffusion of the Internet in different aspects of human life, these concepts have attracted many scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers. In addition to much academic research done in these fields, nearly all countries have assessed their e-readiness and compared their digital divide with that of other countries, at least once. Consequently, there have been numerous e-readiness and digital divide models oriented towards certain objectives in recent years. The findings show (1) tremendous importance of the digital divide and e-readiness and (2) their complex and multi-faceted natures. Thus, effective examination and development of digital divide and e-readiness research requires a foundation in several rich literatures. Examining the e-readiness and digital divide literature in terms of their definitions and methodologies, in the current chapter, their strengths and weaknesses were recognized. Moreover, after an extensive literature survey, an integrated model was proposed for assessing e-readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can be used as the basis and standard for developing comprehensive models and frameworks in these enterprises. Finally, this chapter contributes to scarce literature on e-readiness/digital divide at micro level and creates additional pool of resources that practitioners and theorists could use to further enrich and extend their analysis of this construct.
Children’s Maps in GIS
Authors: Nordin Kerstin , Berglund Ulla
Published: October 2013

Since 2002 the authors have successively developed “Children’s Maps in GIS”, a method for children’s participation in spatial planning. Their studies show that 10-15 year-olds are capable of reading maps and using a GIS-application for communicating their interests in a stable and useful manner. The purpose of this article is to discuss the first stages of implementation in a real world project, in relation to ICT. The authors report experiences from a Swedish municipality using Children’s Maps in GIS in a survey with over 600 children as part of a comprehensive planning process and give examples of how data can be visualized. A significant digital divide between different parts of the administration is noted. In the ongoing development into an Internet version of the method the authors aim to increase the access to the GIS-application and develop standard procedures for categorizing and analyzing data.
Documenting Teachers and Students Experiences with Interactive Whiteboards in Ireland
Authors: Judge Miriam
Published: October 2013

This case study discusses the key findings from a pilot Interactive Whiteboard Project in Ireland which ran from 2005 to 2007. Eight primary and secondary schools were involved. The project exemplifies a bottom-up initiative as it was neither government funded nor supported. Findings indicate that Interactive Whiteboards were well received and utilized by teachers and students whose views on the benefits of IWBs reveal strong correlations. Despite a lack of national policy guidance and funding for this technology in Ireland, IWBs are becoming increasingly popular. However, there is a danger that this policy vacuum will create its own problems as schools increasingly rely on IWB suppliers for advice and direction on how to proceed. It may also have digital divide implications as more affluent schools are better able to fund this technology.
Pervasive Internet via Wireless Infrastructure-Based Mesh Networks
Authors: Das Nabanita
Published: October 2013

With the arrival of Wi-Fi, WiMax, Zigbee, and other wireless network standards, the penetration of Internet in daily life has surged significantly. While the usage of Internet access in urban areas is steadily increasing in recent years, rural people are still suffering from the effect of the digital divide, mainly due to the poor coverage by Internet service providers in remote areas. This chapter aims to provide a cost-effective reliable broadband Internet access solution for rural people in the form of Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) whose coverage can be easily extended in a multi-hop fashion. Starting from a general description of the WMN architecture and protocol developments, this chapter focuses on the primary design issues and challenges for making Internet pervasive through WMN’s that demand innovations in protocols at different layers and perfect integration. The brief discussion on the research works and related experimental testbeds shows that WMN with its unique features seems to be a promising solution to provide next generation Internet access to areas that are too remote to receive it via cable or DSL, or where upgrading the landlines to broadband is highly cost-prohibitive. Finally, this chapter concludes introducing various open issues and research challenges still to be addressed and resolved in coming days to make this solution commercially viable.
The Dynamics of Video Gaming
Authors: Abrams Sandra Schamroth
Published: October 2013

The idea of bridging literacies has been a topic of much research and theory, and educators continue to struggle to help students understand how their learning transcends the classroom walls. Contributing to the discussion, this chapter focuses on factors influencing video game learning, examining the decisions and game play of eight academically struggling eleventh-grade males. Data from two related qualitative studies suggest that direct and peripheral factors influenced students’ game play. Findings from these two studies are important to the discussion of educational gaming because they can inform educators of students’ struggles and successes in learning outside the classroom. Overall, the evaluation of students’ video gaming can provide educators insight into the affordances of this digital literacy and issues affecting student learning outside the classroom.
Swedish Students Online
Authors: Selg Håkan
Published: October 2013

Results from a major survey among Internet users at Swedish universities indicate fundamental differences in patterns of usage. The “Web 2.0 culture” is socially driven and characterised by interactivity and participation. In the “Web 1.0 culture”, the Internet is considered more of a tool for the rationalising of duties and tasks in everyday life. A strong age element can be observed in the sense that a majority of the Web 2.0 culture adherents have grown up in a digital environment with broadband access while those belonging to the Web 1.0 culture generally adopted Internet as adults. However, the findings do not support the claims made by early commentators of a “Net Generation”, or “Digital Natives”, with a set of common characteristics. The considerable variations within the age groups indicate that the process of appropriation of the Internet by the individual is far more complex than what is embedded in the generations approach.
Gender Digital Divide and National ICT Policies in Africa
Authors: Ikolo Violet E.
Published: October 2013

The chapter provides an examination of the concept of the digital divide in Africa and its effect on the women in Africa, how ICTs can be used as tools for gender equality and empowerment and the barriers women face in regards to access to ICT infrastructure. These barriers includes: lack of access to physical infrastructure, illiteracy, social and cultural limitations, lack of finance, decision making ability, segregation in employment issues, etc. Also examined is the historical development of ICT policies in Africa, alongside a gender analysis of African ICT policies and policy oriented strategies for making ICT beneficial to women in Africa.
Collaborative Information Behavior in Completely Online Groups
Authors: Goggins Sean , Erdelez Sanda
Published: October 2013

This chapter situates collaborative information behavior in completely online groups as a phenomenon distinct from prior work understanding collaborative information behavior in face-to-face groups, free and open source software groups and Wikipedia groups. The unexpected diversity of information resources utilized by completely online group members is analyzed through Sonnenwald’s Information Horizons theory. Information practices of completely online group members are described, and the key themes of groups as information resources, the influence of tool change on collaborative information behavior online, and the focusing potential of collaborative information tools for completely online group work are explicated. Future research directions that explore the potential of COGs for distributed innovation; new types of collaborative information behavior and breaking down the digital divide are reviewed.
Authentic Tasks
Authors: Reeves Thomas C. , Herrington Jan
Published: October 2013

Regardless of whether one thinks of today’s higher education students as “digital natives” or members of “Generation Me,” it is obvious that traditional instructional methods are failing to engage them adequately in developing the kinds of higher order learning outcomes necessary in the 21st Century. These outcomes should encompass the conative learning domain as well as the traditional cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. This chapter describes a set of ten authentic tasks learning design principles that can be used to create and support the kind of engaging learning experiences that today’s learners must have if they are to achieve a full range of cognitive, affective, conative, and psychomotor outcomes for the 21st Century. A case study of a graduate level online course that exemplifies these design principles is described. Responding to the needs of Generation Me learners requires far more of a pedagogical revolution than it does the widespread adoption of Web 2.0 technologies.
Social Issues and Web 2.0
Authors: Olaniran Bolanle A. , Burley Hansel , Chang Maiga
Published: October 2013

Developing the foundations for intelligent applications that efficiently manage information is one goal of Web 2.0 technologies and the Semantic Web. As a result, the organization of Web 2.0 and other Semantic Web approaches to learning hold significant implications for learning, especially when one considers the role of cultures in learning and e-learning. Exploring how these technologies impact learning, this chapter focuses on social and cultural issues from potential users’ and learners’ standpoints. Furthermore, the chapter offers dimensions of cultural variability as a framework for its arguments. The chapter draws from existing literature and research to present implications of Semantic Web and Web 2.0, along with the issue of digital divide which is critical when exploring access to Web 2.0 technology platforms. The chapter ends by addressing key implications for Web 2.0 and the Semantic Web regarding usage and general effectiveness in the learning context.
A Human Factors View of the Digital Divide
Authors: Johnson Kayenda T. , Smith-Jackson Tonya L.
Published: October 2013

This chapter addresses a problem that centers on the persistent disparities in computer use and access among citizens of varying cultural backgrounds. The chapter begins with discussion about the digital divide among ethnic minorities, particularly African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans (Latinos), in the United States. This chapter defines “access” as having a computer interface that facilitates user learning. One proposed human factors intervention for this problem of access is in recognizing and accounting for culture’s influence on cognition. This discussion is grounded in the development and employment of computer interface metaphor designs that are culturally valid for target user groups. We also provide examples of challenges that users may encounter when inappropriate interface metaphor are built into a computer interface design. Finally, the chapter highlights various human factors interventions and considerations that will provide a pathway to achieving greater levels of e-inclusivity and for providing citizens with equitable access to information.
The Evolution of the Digital Divide across Developing Countries
Authors: Corrocher Nicoletta , Raineri Anna
Published: October 2013

This chapter aims at investigating the evolution of the digital divide within a set of developing countries between the years 2000 and 2005. In doing so, it moves away from the traditional analysis of the digital divide, which compares developed countries and developing countries, and examines the existing gap within a relatively homogeneous group of countries. On the basis of the theoretical and empirical contributions from scholars in different disciplines, we select a series of socioeconomic and technological indicators and provide an empirical assessment of the digitalization patterns in a set of 51 low income and lower-middle income countries. By means of cluster analysis techniques, we identify three emerging patterns of the digital divide and derive a series of policy implications, related to the implementation of an effective strategy to reduce digital backwardness. The characteristics of each pattern of digitalization can be also usefully employed to understand whether past interventions, especially in the area of competition policy, have been successful in addressing country-specific issues.
Bridging the Political Gap?
Authors: Welp Yanina
Published: October 2013

Given the lack of transparency and the extent to which corruption is endemic to most Latin American countries, it is not surprising to find a high level of citizen distrust in political institutions. Parliaments and political parties are the institutions most affected by this crisis of representative democracy, and receive the lowest levels of public confidence. In recent years, many initiatives, including those based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), have been developed with the aim of revitalizing democracy, increasing transparency in public management, and opening up new spaces for political participation. However, the consequences of such initiatives are still unknown while the potential benefits of e-participation remain controversial: Should parliaments promote e-participation in societies that experience such a huge digital divide? Should participation be a top-down process initiated by governments or parliaments? Or should they increase accountability and leave participation in hands of the people? The aims of this chapter are twofold: (i) to analyze to what extent parliaments are offering more and better information to the public, and are becoming more transparent and accountable through the use of ICTs, and (ii) to examine the spread and scope of participatory initiatives in the law-making process.
The Gloss and the Reality of Teaching Digital Natives
Authors: Muir Star A.
Published: October 2013

Characterizations of youth growing up with the Internet as Digital Natives have begun a revolution in teaching, but have also been problematized in the literature, opening up significant questions about stereotypical assumptions made by teachers about students in the classroom. Research indicates that a continuing gap exists between “power users” and “digital strangers,” which has broad implications for educational priorities and classroom practice. Evidence is also mounting that heavy internet and concurrent media usage impacts both students’ ability to focus and their evolving habits of mind as the brain responds to new sources of positive reinforcement. This chapter explores some of these tensions in characterizing and responding to Digital Natives, and seeks to identify a responsive pedagogy of classroom practices that tap into student passions, offer students some techniques to learn focus, attention, and other important skills for both digital and “analog” environments, and address persistent skill gaps between students.
Investigating Cultural Models of Technology and Literacy Integration in Pre-Service Teacher Education
Authors: Gibbons Damiana , Redmond Theresa A.
Published: October 2013

This chapter reports research from a larger study that investigates the complexities of preparing digital native students to become digital native teachers in a teacher education program at a large, southern university. Specifically, this chapter examines faculty instructors’ beliefs regarding technology and literacy integration in a required pre-service teacher education course. The authors address the challenges of teaching and learning in the twenty-first century with particular attention to issues of multiliteracies and technology integration in pre-service preparation. Using New Literacy Studies and discourse analysis, the authors analyze instructors’ discourse finding a culture of pedagogical beliefs that embodies an expansion of what media, technology, and literacy integration means in pre-service teacher education settings in the twenty-first century.
Transmedia Communication
Authors: Stoerger Sharon
Published: October 2013

Virtual worlds have the potential to foster new forms of educational communication among students and their instructors. These digital exchanges in virtual worlds are facilitated by computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools such as text-based media and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This chapter will investigate the media that were used to support student-instructor interactions in three continuing education courses situated in Second Life (SL). Based on these observations, text chat was more effective than VoIP at supporting educational discussions during these class sessions.
Promoting Global Citizenship through Intercultural Exchange Using Technology
Authors: Henry Laurie A. , Lima Clarisse O.
Published: October 2013

This chapter presents a critical instance case study that describes the implementation of an international, telecollaborative project between elementary level students in rural Kentucky and those located in Rio de Janeiro. Learning activities focused on the development of cultural knowledge and understanding, with the main goal of increasing the students’ global citizenship characteristics by comparing cultural backgrounds with an emphasis on cultural similarities and differences between the two groups. This was accomplished through the Travel Buddy Project, a new pedagogical approach to learning that combines blog exchanges with photographic documentation couched in culturally oriented lessons.
From Myopia to Global Vision via International Collaboration
Authors: Boehm Diane , Aniola-Jedrzejek Lilianna
Published: October 2013

One effective strategy to prepare students to be successful participants in a globalized world is the use of online collaborative projects with students from other countries. New technologies and new opportunities for such collaboration may reshape teaching practices in unexpected ways. Three challenges need to be addressed for such projects to be successful: the specific circumstances of the classes, the structure and patterns of team interactions, and the technologies for collaboration. These challenges can be addressed through careful student preparation, well-designed assignments, monitoring of student progress, and a vision of the workplace of the future.
Normal Forms for Multimedia Databases
Authors: Chang Shi Kuo , Deufemia Vincenzo , Polese Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

In this chapter we present normal forms for the design of multimedia database schemes with reduced manipulation anomalies. To this aim we first discuss how to describe the semantics of multimedia attributes based upon the concept of generalized icons, already used in the modeling of multimedia languages. Then, we introduce new extended dependencies involving different types of multimedia data. Such dependencies are based on domain specific similarity measures that are used to detect semantic relationships between complex data types. Based upon these new dependencies, we have defined five normal forms for multimedia databases, some focusing on the level of segmentation of multimedia attributes, others on the level of fragmentation of tables.
Competitiveness and Creative Cities
Authors: Tok Evren
Published: October 2013

These emerging technologies and applications necessitate an analysis of their place in mobilizing low urban politics. This analysis should be attuned to nuanced articulations of public interests and private initiatives that are enriched by representations of the spatial realities of cities. We are more likely to realize the importance of urban technologies and “street level” everyday urban practices if, rather than treating them as divorced from each other, we ontologically recognize their marriage. Such an approach will help to better diagnose the role that technologies play in moving beyond dualities like public and private.
Modeling and Simulation in Virtual Prototyping Environment of a Photovoltaic Tracking System
Authors: Alexandru Cătălin
Published: October 2013

The paper presents the modeling and simulation of the mechatronic tracking system used for a photovoltaic module. The mechanical model of the sun tracker is developed by using the MBS environment ADAMS, while the DFC software EASY5 is used for the control system design. The study is approached in concurrent engineering concept, integrating the mechanical and control models at the virtual prototype level. The main task of the design refers to the energetic efficiency, by maximizing the energetic gain (i.e. the solar input), and minimizing the energy consumption for performing the tracking. The design of the motion law is focused on determining the optimal actuating times, considering the energetic efficiency as design objective for the optimization.
Elements of Design and Dimensioning of Hydraulic System with Secondary Control
Authors: Topliceanu Liliana , Ghenadi Adrian Stelian , Bibire Luminita
Published: October 2013

The hydraulic systems with secondary control have recently appeared and there are still a lot of possibilities to perfect them. This paper presents a conception of a hydraulic system with secondary adjustment working at a quasi-constant pressure and the necessary dimensional elements to construct the testing stand. Also the simulation of the system using MATLAB is presented.
The Influence of the Cutting Speed and Feed Rate on the Machinability Ratings in Machining of AISI 1045 Carbon Steel and AlSI1MgMn Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Lungu Nicoleta , Croitoru Sorin Mihai , Bîșu Claudiu Florinel , Dumitraşcu Constantin , Borzan Marian
Published: October 2013

The research presented in this paper refers to the study of the influence of feed and cutting speed on the cutting forces, temperatures and chips formation in turning of AISI 1045 carbon steel and AlSi1MgMN aluminium alloy. This work presents both finite element simulation and experimental tests. Parameters have been considered variable in the process are cutting speed and feed, and depth of cut and tool geometrical parameters were kept constant. The purpose of the experimental procedure it was the acquisition data for cutting forces and temperatures by on-line monitoring, with KISTLER dynamometer for cutting forces and Flyr System ThermaCAM SC640 termography camera for temperatures. Both results obtained by finite element simulation and experimental tests show that the feed increasing lead to increased cutting forces and temperatures. Also, are presented the type of the chip obtained in orthogonal cutting of the two materials.
The Determination of Dissolved Oxygen Concentration in Stationary Water
Authors: Căluşaru Ionela Mihaela , Băran Nicolae , Costache Adrian
Published: October 2013

In the paper the differential equation of the transfer speed of the oxygen towards water is numerically integrated, software is written and theoretical results are presented. A setup for experimental tests regarding the functioning of fine bubble generators was designed and built in the frame of the Department of Thermotechnics, Engines, Thermic and Refrigeration Plants laboratory. Measurements regarding the increase of the concentration of oxygen dissolved in water were performed. Theoretical and experimental results were compared.
Comparative Study of Two Different Types of Human Mandible Boundary Conditions Used in Finite Element Calculations
Authors: Valášek Jiří , Jurčenko Maxim , Florian Zdeněk
Published: October 2013

The aim of the presented work is compare a two different way of prescribing muscles and chewing force boundary condition. First variant of boundary condition consider muscle forces and their direction taken from literatures. Second variant of boundary condition consider muscles modeled as finite elements connecting lower jaw and skull together. At second variant a muscles material characteristic of Young ́s modulus was changed in range from 1e4 MPa to 2,1e5 MPa. Models of living tissues were created on base of CT images and modeled in 3D CAD software SolidWorks. Calculations were computed in the finite element software ANSYS. Material models were considered as homogenous, isotropic and linearly elastic for all parts. First, both variants of boundary condition were analyzed separately and after that, selected variables (as muscle forces and muscle direction scale factors) from both variant were compared together.
Study of the Workspace of Hybrid Mechanism Trivariant
Authors: Bulej Vladimir , Uríček Juraj , Poppeova Viera , Zahoranský Robert , Rupikova Monika
Published: October 2013

This paper is focused on studies of selected process parameters of mechanism with hybrid kinematic structure called Trivariant. Small-scale prototype of Trivariant can work as a machining center with 5 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) as well as a robot with 6 DOF. In the paper is circumscribed field of mechanism workspace. All analyses are performed in selected levels of workspace.
Automatic Control System for Gas Turbines Test Rig
Authors: Dediu Gabriel , Crunteanu Daniel Eugeniu
Published: October 2013

The technical evolution of the industrial and aeronautical groups involving gas turbines, determined by the request of increased efficiency and reliability, imposes the control through modern command and control automation systems. The paper describes a system destined to safely monitor, command and control the working conditions through complete automation of all command functions of a gas turbine. The system is suitable for all series of applications involving gas turbines, also providing a decrease in exploitation and maintenance costs.
Automatic Control of the Driving of Loading-Unloading Machines Used for Servicing a Rotary Hearth Furnace
Authors: Mureşan Vlad , Abrudean Mihail
Published: October 2013

In this paper, a solution for the automatic control of the driving mechanisms that load/unload billets in/from a rotary hearth furnace is proposed. This problem is approached because in the actual stage the control of the loading/unloading machines is made manually. The treated solution is based on using, for each machine, a direct-current motor (d.c. motor) supplied through a direct-current converter (d.c. converter) for the forward-backward moving of the two machines to/from the furnace. In this context, the tuning of the controller implemented in the converter is made in order to assure the imposed speed of the motors and implicitly of the machines, respectively an appropriate speed evolution of the motors in the period of their acceleration and deceleration to assure the machines correct positioning.
Semantic Middleware Architecture
Authors: Repta Dragos , Sacala Ioan Stefan , Moisescu Mihnea , Stanescu Aurelian Mihai
Published: October 2013

Some of the most important features of future IT systems will come from the current research of Semantic Web technologies and distributed systems. Following this idea we set out to implement a middleware solution that builds upon the latest developments of research activity into Internet of Things and, more generally, context-aware systems. These directions where selected because they currently are the main drivers of the research into the applications of semantic technologies. Our focus was mainly on the aspects that we considered to be overlooked by other proposed semantic middleware solutions, such as the support of asynchronous, event based communication and ontology management in distributed systems. The developed middleware was used to build a test system in order to prove its advantages over similar systems that rely on currently used technologies.
Optimal Solving of the Contradictory Problem between Hydraulic Cylinder's Precision and Stability with Extenics Theory
Authors: Olaru Adrian
Published: October 2013

In the optimisation stage of the systems one of the more important step is the optimisation of the dynamic behavior of all elements of the system, with priority the elements what have the slow frequency, like motors. The paper try to show how will be possible to optimise very easily the dynamic behavior of elements and systems, using LabVIEW propre instrumentation, the transfer functions theory and the Extenics Theory to solve the contradictory problems. By appling the virtual LabVIEW instrumentation will be possible to choose on-line the optimal values for each constructive and functional parameters of the elements and the systems to obtain one good dynamic answer: maximal acceleration without vibration, minimum answer time and maximal precision. In the paper was defined the optimal area of the precision-stability by imposed the breaking frequency from the Bode characteristics to optain the desired acceleration time. The paper shown the desired constraints and by using the Extenics theory was possible to choose the optimal solution of the precision-stability contradictory problem. In the research were used some different virtual LabVIEW instruments, to simulate the dynamic behavior of the cylinder when the active area, flow loss gradient, force gradient were changed in his desired physical field. By using the assisted research and the Extenics theory was possible to find the optimal values for the dynamic parameters and to be sure that working point will be inside of the desirable field of the hydraulic cylinder precision-stability.
Evaluation of Product Reliability during Warranty
Authors: Vintr Zdenek , Vintr Michal
Published: October 2013

The paper deals with the possibility of assessing product reliability in the case a producer has no data about the behavior of products in service, and the only available thing is the information on warranty claims. The suggested method of reliability assessment utilizes the information on the number of products manufactured, the date when their service started, and the number of claimed products during a warranty period. An example of method practical application is presented too.
Research Regarding the Aspects that Determine Employees to Adopt a Work Performance-Oriented Behavior
Authors: Firescu Violeta
Published: October 2013

The integrated approach of work design involves not only the management but also the employees, the work design within the production system being a responsibility for the management of different levels: human resources management, strategic management, production management, management of health at work. The term integrated work design sustains the fact that the quality of the work result is crucial and is obtained through the reflection of each stakeholder objectives in the work situation, including the employees. The paper presents some results of a study that support the general hypotheses that formed the foundation for the research: the Romanian employees represent a potential that the management has at its disposal to meet the difficulties of differentiation from the competitors (difficulties amplified by Romanias accession to the European Union and by the changes in the external background the global crisis).
Gear Mechanism with Force Differential Constraint
Authors: Ivanov Konstantin Samson , Tultaev Baurjan
Published: October 2013

Force differential constraint in the form of the adapting device (for example, liquid hydro clutch) provides adaptation of the mechanism to variable loading. Force differential constraint can be superimposed on input structural group by connected kinematic chain without the adapting device. It allows to create the simple adaptive mechanism (for example, CVT) and to provide force adaptation of the mechanism lost-free powers.