bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENT OF BEARING FAILURE BEHAVIOR OF T-SHAPED S BEAM – RC COLUMN JOINTS USING PERFOBOND PLATE CONNECTORS
Authors: Yoshida Mikihito , Nishimura Yasushi
Published: July 2018

For the joints composed of steel beams and reinforced concrete columns, shear failure and bearing failure are the key failure modes. The shear failure indicates stable hysteresis loop without the strength degradation. On the other hand, the bearing failure mode indicates large pinching and strength degration after the attainment of the maximum load.Accordingly, bearing failure in the joints should not be caused in RCS system.To improve the bearing failure behavior of S beam - RC column joint, joint details using perfobond plate connectors were proposed. Perfobond plate connectors were attached on the upper and bottom flanges at right angles to the steel flange. The objective of this study is to clarify the effectiveness of proposed joints details experimentally and theoretically.Six specimens were tested. All specimens were T-shaped planar beam - column joints with 350mm square RC column and S beams with the width of 125mm and the depth of 300mm. The beams were all continuous through the column.Perfobond plate connectors were attached on the bottom flanges at right angles to the steel flange.Three holes were set up in the perfobond plate connectors. The experimental variable was the transverse reinforcement ratio of the joints. The transverse reinforcement ratio of the joints was 0.181% and 0.815%. For each transverse reinforcement ratio of the joints, specimen without the perfobond plate connectors, specimen with the perfobond plate connectors and specimen with the reinforcing bar inserted the hole of perfobond plate connectors were planned.For all specimens, the hysteresis loop showed the reversed S-shape. However, energy dissipation for specimens for specimens with perfobond plate connectors was larger than of specimen without perfobond plate connectors. Bearing strength of specimens with perfobond plate connectors was larger than that of specimen without perfobond plate connectors. From the test results, shear strength of concrete connector a hole was 0.7 times compression strength of concrete.On the other hand, shear strength of inserted reinforcing bar was 1.25 times shear strength of reinforcing bar.Based on the stress transferring mechanism and resistance mechanism of joints proposed by authors, the design formulae of joints with perfobond plate connectors were proposed.The predictions were shown to be in good agreement with the test results.
Behavior of concrete-filled double skin steel tubular columns under eccentric compression after fire
Authors: Liu Xiao , Xu Jianye , Wang Bing
Published: July 2018

Abstract: To analysis the behavior of the mechanical properties of concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (CFDST) columns under eccentric loads after fire, the finite element analysis was used. The established FEA modeling was verified by the experimental results which has a good agreement. The FEA modeling was then used to perform the temperature field and the full-range load-deformation relations of the CFDST subject to eccentric compression after exposed to fire. The results indicate that: with the time of fire increasing, the eccentric distance increasing, the steel ratio decreasing, the yield strength decreasing and compressive strength decreasing, the bearing capacity of CFDST in circle section under eccentric loads is showing a decrease trend, and the stiffness of component decreases with the time of fire increasing, the eccentric distance increasing and the steel ratio decreasing. The ductility of CFDST became better with the time of fire increasing and the eccentric distance increasing.
THE SMARTCOCO DESIGN GUIDE FOR HYBRID CONCRETE-STEEL STRUCTURES
Authors: Somja Hugues , Hjiaj Mohammed , Nguyen Quang Huy , Plumier André , Degee Hervé
Published: July 2018

Standard buildings in steel and in reinforced concrete are constructed by two different industrial sectors with little interaction.  Even steel-concrete composite buildings remain designed as steel structures, with a limited benefit of the presence of concrete slabs.  For some years however, a more integrated design between both materials is used, merely in high rise and heavy loaded structures.  This new trend is not supported by actual standards that give little guidance for the specific arrangements that come from this new practice. The RFCS SMARTCOCO research project is intended to fill these gaps in knowledge and provide design guidance for some composite elements covered neither by Eurocode 2 nor by Eurocode 4 : composite columns or walls reinforced by several fully encased steel sections, reinforced concrete columns reinforced by one steel section over the height of one storey and concrete flat slabs or beams connected to columns or walls by means of steel shear keys. Gaps in knowledge are mostly related to force transmission between concrete and embedded steel profiles. A generic design approach has been developed and then used to design test specimens. The results have been used to calibrate the design proposals. The output is a design guide which complements Eurocode 2 and 4.
Experimental study of the force transfer mechanism in transition zone between composite column and reinforced concrete column
Authors: Dragan Dan Alexandru , Plumier Andre , Degee Herve
Published: July 2018

The current EN 1992 provides structured information related to the design of reinforced concrete columns or reinforced concrete column beam connections. On the other hand, EN 1994 gives enough information on the design of composite columns but none of the current codes provide details about a possible transfer zone in the case of usage of RC and composite column solution. The current study tends to fill the gap between these two norms. In the current experimental campaign, carried out in the frame of the European research program SmartCoCo, it is presented as a calibration method for a tentative design method which has been elaborated by one of the authors based on theoretical strut and tie reasoning. The objective of the current paper is to present the results of the experiments and aims to validate the theoretical approach for calculating the force transfer mechanism in the transfer zone. The experimental campaign comprises of 4 columns and 4 column-beam connections, all of them being composed by a RC part and a composite. The tests are performed on vertical column, simply supported with a width of 350mm, length of 380 mm and a height of 3850 mm with a regular concrete quality (C25/30). This contribution describes the test specimens, summarizes their design, presents a selection of the most relevant results from analog and digital measurements and a short interpretation of the obtain results. We concluded from this set of tests that the new design method is able to explain the force transfer mechanism with a good accuracy and can therefore be considered as a suitable solution for designing practical cases.
Experimental behaviour of very high-strength concrete-encased steel composite column subjected to axial compression and end moment
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Huang Xinxiong , Li Weiwen , Zhou Yingwu , Sui Lili , Liew J. Y. Richard
Published: July 2018

A type of cost-effective and very high strength concrete (VHSC) with 28-day compressive strength of 100-150 MPa is developed for applications in concrete-encased steel composite column constructions. This paper experimentally investigates the structural behaviour of VHSC encased steel composite columns based on a series of pure compression and eccentric compression tests. It is found that such high-strength composite column exhibits brittle post peak behaviour and low ductility but with acceptable compressive resistance. Throughout the tests, the main failure of VHSC encased column under compressive load is brittle spalling of concrete followed by local buckling of the reinforcement bars. The splitting and slippage may occur between concrete and steel section due to bending downward action. The confinement effect by the shear stirrups designed based on normal reinforced concrete codes may not be sufficient. Composite column subjected to initial flexural cracking due to end moment load with large eccentricity may experience degradation in the stiffness and ultimate resistance so that plastic design resistance may not be achieved. Analytical studies show that the N-M interaction model based on current design codes may over-predict the combined resistance of the composite columns. Therefore, a modified elastic-plastic design approach based on strain compatibility is developed to evaluate the compressive resistance of concrete encased composite columns. The validation against the test data shows a reasonable and conservative estimation on the combined resistance of VHSC encased composite columns.
Use of bolted shear connectors in composite construction
Authors: Dai Xianghe , Lam Dennis , Sheehan Therese , Yang Jie , Zhou Kan
Published: July 2018

Composite beam incorporated steel profiled decking has been extensively used for multi-storey buildings and is now one of the most efficient and economic form of flooring systems. However, the current composite flooring system is not demountable and would require extensive cutting on site during demolition, and the opportunity to reuse the steel components is lost even though these components could be salvaged and recycled. This paper presents the use of high strength bolts as shear connectors in composite construction, the shear behaviour and failure modes were observed and analysed through a series of push-off tests and numerical simulation. The results highlighted the structural behaviour of three different demountable shear connection forms in which continuous slabs or un-continuous slabs were used. Numerical models were validated against experimental observation. Both experimental and numerical results support the high strength bolts used as demountable shear connectors and lead to a better understanding to the behaviour of this form of shear connectors.
Analysis of Fracture Behavior of Large Steel Beam-Column Connections
Authors: Leon Roberto , Qi Liangjie , Paquette Jonathan , Eatherton Matthew , Bogdan Teodora , Popa Nicoleta , Nunez Edurne
Published: July 2018

Recently completed experimental steel beam-column connection tests on the largest specimens of reduced-beam section specimens ever tested have shown that such connections can meet current seismic design qualification protocols, allowing to further extend the current AISC Seismic Provisions and the AISC Provisions for Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames. However, the results indicate that geometrical and material effects need to be carefully considered when designing welded connections between very heavy shapes. Understanding of this behavior will ease the use of heavier structural shapes in seismic active areas of the United States, extending the use of heavy steel sections beyond their current use in ultra-tall buildings. To better interpret the experimental test results, extensive detailed finite element analyses are being conducted on the entire series of tests, which comprised four specimens with beams of four very different sizes. The analyses intend to clarify what scale effects, at both the material and geometric level, influence the performance of these connections. The emphasis is on modeling of the connection to understand the balance in deformation between the column panel zones and the reduced beam section, the stress concentrations near the welds, the effects of initial imperfections and residual stresses and the validity of several damage accumulation models. The models developed so far for all four specimens have been able to accurately reproduce the overall load-deformation and moment-rotation time histories.
Experimental Study on Behavior of Shear Connectors Embedded in Steel-Reinforced Concrete Joints
Authors: Nakamori Riko , Kageyama Yuki , Baba Nozomu
Published: July 2018

This paper presents an experimental study on the behavior of shear connectors embedded in steel-reinforced concrete joints. In steel-reinforced concrete joints, the shear connectors are commonly used to transfer longitudinal shear forces across the steel-concrete interface. Further, in Japan, some studies in recently have also been undertaken to apply perfobond rib shear connector (PBL), which is a type of shear connectors developed in civil engineering, to the steel-reinforced concrete joints in building structures. To clarify the influence of the arrangement methods of headed studs and PBLs to reinforced concrete member on the joints, T-shaped subassembrages were tested under the monotonic tensil loading.This experiment is constituted of the following; Exp. I: Bond strength across the steel-concrete interface. Exp. II: Arrangement methods of these shear connectors to reinforced concrete member. The following can be drawn from the test results 1) The experimental values of the average maximum and residual bond strength are 0.230-0.280 and 0.15-0.18 N/mm2, respectively. 2) When the distance of between the upper surface of the reinforced concrete member from the first layer for headed studs are small, the failure mode of the specimens is similar to a concrete-cone type failure. 3) In case that the total number of headed studs or the hole provided to PBL is the same, the maximum load of the specimen with the parallel arrangement is larger than that of when shear connecters are vertically arranged. 4) The shear strength of headed studs in the joints embedded the steel member in the reinforced concrete member is estimated by superposing the average residual bond strength across the steel-concrete interface.
Analytical behavior of concrete-filled aluminum tubular stub columns under axial compression
Authors: Wang Fa-Cheng , Zhao Hua-Yang , Han Lin-Hai
Published: July 2018

This paper presents numerical investigation of circular concrete-filled aluminum tubular (CFAT) stub columns under axial compression. The numerical models were developed using the finite element (FE) package ABAQUS. The parameters commonly employed in conventional CFST FE modeling have been discussed in this study. The nonlinearities of concrete and aluminum materials and the interaction between concrete and aluminum tube were considered. Numerical models were validated against collected experimental data. The ultimate loads, load-axial strain relationship and failure modes from numerical simulations were compared with those from experiments. The verified FE model was used to analyze structural behavior of full histories of the corresponding load-deformation N-ε response. Load-deformation N-ε curves for both concrete and aluminum tube were also presented. Upon on validation of the FE models, additional structural performance data over a wide range of diameter-to-thickness ratios, aluminum grades and concrete strengths were generated for parametric studies. The influences of diameter-to-thickness ratios, aluminum grades and concrete strengths on the ultimate strength were presented in this paper.
Performances of moment resisting frames with slender composite sections in low-to-moderate seismic areas
Authors: Degée Hervé , Duchêne Yves , Hoffmeister Benno
Published: July 2018

The aim of the recently completed European research program Meakado is therefore to study design options with requirements proportioned to the actual seismic context of constructions in areas characterized by a low or moderate seismic hazard, contrary to most researches aiming at maximizing the seismic performances. In this general framework, specific investigations have been carried out regarding typical beam profiles commonly used for multi-bay - multi-storey composite frames. In a first stage, experimental tests on class-3 composite beam-to-column connections were performed. The measurement results were evaluated with regard to the development of the hysteretic behavior with particular emphasis on the degradation. These test results have been used as reference for the calibration and validation of numerical model aiming at extending the scope of the experimental outcomes through appropriate parametric variations regarding the behavior of nodal connections as well as towards the global analysis and behavior of structures made of class 3 and 4 profiles. Numerical investigations of the global performance of composite frames with slender cross-sections are then performed resorting to the numerical model previously calibrated with respect to the experimental tests and additional simulations at node level. Results are compared to the performance of an equivalent frame made of compact steel profiles. Attention is paid to the effects of strength and stiffness degradation due to local buckling. The analysis of the results is specifically focusing on the comparison of the rotation capacity of the slender section with the actual rotation demand imposed by a moderate intensity earthquake. Based on the outcomes of these investigations, practical design recommendations are finally derived for multi-storey, multi-bay moment resisting frames with type b (full composite action) beam-to column connections located in low and moderate seismicity regions.
Shear connection requirements for composite cellular beams
Authors: Aggelopoulos Eleftherios , Hanus Francois , Lawson Mark
Published: July 2018

Beams with regular circular web openings (cellular beams) are often used in composite construction. Rules for the minimum degree of shear connection in composite beams are presented in Eurocode 4 but were derived for solid web beams in propped construction. This paper investigates the degree of shear connection requirements for composite cellular beams, focusing on the combined effect of using a steel section with regularly spaced, large circular web openings and unpropped construction conditions. The effect of the diameter and the spacing of the openings is also investigated. In order to provide rules for the minimum degree of shear connection in cellular beams, parametric finite element (FE) analyses were carried out for beams in the span range of 9 to 18 m. The results were calibrated against a 15.3 m span composite cellular beam test with a low degree of shear connection. The proposed minimum degree of shear connection requirements for beams with regular circular web openings are presented for both propped and unpropped construction, and for symmetric and asymmetric steel sections. Comparisons are made with equivalent beams with solid webs (no openings) and it is shown that significant relaxation in the codified minimum degree of shear connection to the current version of Eurocode 4 can be justified for composite cellular beams.
To shear failure of steel and fibre-reinforced concrete circular hollow section composite column at elevated temperature
Authors: WALD Frantisek Emanuel , Arha Tesfamariam , Křístek Vladimir , Tretyakov Alexey , Blesak Lukas , Tkalenko Illia , Stefan Radek , Novak Josef , Kohoutková Alena
Published: July 2018

This study predicts the shear strength of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) members at elevated temperature using numerical modelling. The authors derived the stress-strain relation in the pure shear mode at ambient temperature based on a damage model calibrated at ambient and elevated temperatures. The model was validated on the special experimental arrangement for the pure shear mode of the SFRC in torsion. These results enables to determine the stress-strain diagram at elevated temperature. The shear strength of SFRC is compared with the compressive and tensile strength and used to observe reasons for experimentally observed failure model. The work is a part of comprehensive project focused on development of design models for the steel and SFRC composite columns with circular hollow section (CHS) at elevated temperature. Research includes two levels accuracy/complexity, allowing simplified or advanced approach to design following the coming changes in European standard for composite member design in fire, EN1994-1-2:2021. Experimental studies of the project include mechanical material tests of heated fibre-concrete samples in tension and compression, thermal uniform and non-uniform tests of insulated fragments of CHS and tests of full scale SFRC CHS columns in steady-state and transient-state regimes. Developing advanced FEM simulation of global mechanical behaviour of SFRC CHS columns is a multi-levelled composite mechanical and thermo-model and provide numerous numerical experiments. Together with steel material model in fire, validated FEM model of mechanical behaviour of fibre-reinforce concrete at elevated temperature is performed. Validated simplified and advanced thermal model of SFRC in CHS at elevated temperature gives temperature fields and moisture distribution inside section which depends on direction, heat flux, sizes and gives possibility to model different fire cases of full-scale columns in bending, shear, and buckling at elevated temperature. Proposed analytical and simplified FEM mechanical model of column is taking into account degradation of mechanical properties, analytical models of transfer of heat inside the column section and provides simple solutions for designers.
Experimental investigation of two-bolt connections for high strength steel members
Authors: Wang Yan-Bo , Lyu Yi-Fan , Li Guo-Qiang
Published: July 2018

This paper presents an experimental research on bearing-type bolted connections consisting of two bolts positioned perpendicular to the loading direction. A total of 24 connections in double shear fabricated from high strength steels with yield stresses of 677MPa and 825MPa are tested. Two failure modes as tearout failure and splitting failure are observed in experiments. The effect of end distance, edge distance, bolt spacing and steel grade on the failure mode and bearing behavior are discussed. For connection design with bolts positioned perpendicular to loading direction, it is further found that combination of edge distance and bolt spacing effectively determines the failure mode and ultimate load. The test results are compared with Eurocode3. An optimal combination of edge distance and bolt spacing as well as related design suggestion is thus recommended.
Steel Concrete Composite Systems for Modular Construction of High-rise Buildings
Authors: Liew Richard JY , Dai Z. , Chau Yie Sue
Published: July 2018

Modular construction has gained popularity and attention particularly in low-rise building lately due to its numerous advantages: faster construction speed, better quality control, reduction in work force and construction waste, etc. This innovative technology promotes off-site manufacturing of modular units and on-site assembly, improving the construction efficiency and productivity. However, modular construction is not commonly used in high-rise buildings because of the joints’ flexibility as well as manufacturing and construction tolerance, which have significant impact on the overall stability of the building. This paper highlights the existing challenges of modular construction of high-rise buildings and provide several options to address these challenges. Firstly, the weight of a module is constrained by the transportation and lifting crane capacities. For this reason, lightweight concrete is introduced together with structural steel section to form lightweight steel-concrete composite system to reduce the weight of the module without compromising the strength and stiffness. Secondly, to speed up the site assembly of modular units, special joints are developed to resist the forces due to gravity and horizontal loads. Fast and easy joining techniques with acceptable tolerance control are essential to ensure the structural integrity and stability of the building. Finally, the innovation for productivity can be maximized by implementing automation technologies in the manufacturing and construction of the modular units.
Experimental Analysis of Composite Push Test Integrating Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Singh Balbir , Tan Ee Loon , Pan Zhu , Mirza Olivia , Mamo Youtam
Published: July 2018

This paper primarily focuses on implementing constructions practises that are sustainable, and that can also meet the current demand for infrastructure development around the world.  The cement industry is one of the largest industries in the world, as result current construction practices are causing adverse environmental issues ranging from the excessive utilisation of natural resources, emission of greenhouse gases and producing an excessive amount of waste. Thus, to tackle the problem one encouraging solution is to use alkali activated Geopolymer concrete that utilises waste product such as fly ash and grounded slag as a 100% replacement of Portland cement. Subsequently, this paper presents experimental testing and discusses the behaviour of six (6) steel-concrete composite push test specimens incorporating Geopolymer concrete and OPC concrete. A total of three (3) specimens were fabricated using steel profiled Bondek Sheeting and remaining three (3) specimens had a conventional concrete slab. From the result obtained, it was found that push test specimen with conventional slab outperformed specimens fabricated with Bondek profile sheeting due to the reduced amount of concrete surrounding the shear studs cause by Bondek flanges. Also, the results showed that geopolymer concrete has great potential as it achieved almost identical results as compared to control OPC push test specimens.
Numerical study on the effect of welding and heating treatments on strength of high strength steel column
Authors: Jin Jiang , Bao Wei , Liu J. , Peng Z.Y.
Published: July 2018

High strength steel box columns are usually fabricated from steel slab by applying welding. The welding process can introduce residual stresses and geometric imperfections into the columns and influence the column strength. In this study, a numerical investigation on the behavior of high strength steel thin-walled box columns under the compression force was carried out. The welding processes were firstly simulated with commercial package ABAQUS in this study to find out the residual stress distributions in high strength steel box column. After that, the column behaviors under the compression were modelled with predefined field from the previous step. The effect of the welding process (including flux-core arc welding and submerged arc welding), heating treatment (including preheating and post-weld heat treatment) and geometrical imperfection on the residual stress field and box column strength was investigated and discussed.
A proposal to deal with sampling bias in social network big data
Authors: Siletti Elena , Iacus Stefano Maria , Porro Giuseppe , Salini Silvia
Published: July 2018

Selection bias is the bias introduced by the non random selection of data, it leads to question whether the sample obtained is representative of the target population. Generally there are different types of selection bias, but when one manages web-surveys or data from social network as Twitter or Facebook, one mostly need to focus with sampling and self-selection bias. In this work we propose to use offcial statistics to anchor and remove the sampling bias and unreliability of the estimations, due to the use of social network big data, following a weighting method combined with a small area estimations (SAE) approach.
Limits and virtues of a web survey on political participation and voting intentions. Reflections on a mixed-method search path
Authors: Faggiano Maria Paola
Published: July 2018

The Internet offers new opportunities for the empirical research, especially if we consider that nowadays most citizens are made up of web surfers: on the one hand, we are seeing the transfer of some traditional methodologies on Internet, on the other hand we are witnessing the development of new innovative data collection and analysis tools. The study was conducted through a classical survey tool (the questionnaire), using it as part of a web survey. Secondly, we chose Facebook as an instrument which is particularly suitable for the investigated topic (political participation and voting intentions), because the election campaign for the 2018 Italian general election took place, for all parties and candidate leaders, mainly on this Social Network. Two surveys were carried out, the first one in September 2017 and the second one in February 2018, reaching about 850 and 1,400 cases, with similar percentages over the whole block of variables and with stable connections among them. The aim is to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of a Web survey on the topic of political participation, showing particular attention to strategic choices and decisions that impact positively on the data quality, according to a mixed-method approach.Keywords: web survey; political participation; voting intentions; Social Network;  mixed method approach.
Automated Detection of Customer Experience through Social Platforms
Authors: Bustamante Juan , Kuffo Leonardo , Izquierdo Edgar , Vaca Carmen
Published: July 2018

The emergence and acceptance of social media have become a crucial aspect of daily lives in the worldwide population. As a result of this phenomenon, it is not surprising that customers’ buying patterns exhibit continuous change. For capturing the experience of consumers during their visit to a retail store, previous studies have proposed in-store customer experience (ISCX) scale from data captured through traditional methods like survey research. Accordingly, ISCX is conceived as a subjective internal response to and interaction with the physical retail environment. The present study builds upon prior research and we take the concept of ISCX with the purpose of developing an automated model for capturing ISCX from data collected through a social network like Facebook. This approach offers a low-cost, real-time alternative to traditional elicitation methods. We gathered data from English written contents by Facebook users and collected approximately 1,6 million comments made in public sites belonging to 50 companies worldwide (e.g. Clothing and jewelry retailers, whole Box and electronics Stores), including IKEA, Samsung, Whole Foods, Walmart, Tiffany, Victoria Secret, and Dillards. Five reviewers manually checked the messages filtered by the automated model, resulting in a high accuracy, confirming the high effectiveness of the model in classifying Facebook written messages. Keywords: Customer Experience; Machine Learning; Data Classification; Text Mining.
Digitization of Analog Phonic Archives in a University Lab: A Report on a Young Apprenticeship Initiative
Authors: Ludovico Luca Andrea , Presti Giorgio
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses an initiative of young apprenticeship for Italian secondary school students, carried out in a university lab rather than in a traditional working environment. The practical aim of the proposal was to make participants digitize phonic archives on analog media, such as open-reel tapes and vinyl records. The goal of the paper is to provide a comprehensive review of this experience, highlighting the educational value of young apprenticeship activities in an academic context and critically analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. The work will also discuss the feedback received from students.
The influence of globalisation and massification on public higher education in Malta: assessing the contextual realities
Authors: Borg Colin
Published: July 2018

The main question that this paper seeks to explore is: What contextual factors and conditions are contributing to the present higher education environment in Malta? To address this question, the author conducts a systematic study by examining the changing context of higher education from a legislative, economic and political perspective. The aim of this paper is to outline the determining influences that are shaping Malta’s higher education context.The research methods employed in this paper are mainly two: the first method involves the analysis of documents and data published in international academic journals and local reports. Statistics published by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) and the National Statistics Office (NSO) were the main sources of local Maltese statistics. The second research method involves national and institutional data that was specifically requested by the author and that was never published before. NCFHE, the University of Malta (UM) and Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) were asked to provide data in order to present a comparative analysis by comparing local data with what has been published internationally. UM and MCAST are the two main public Maltese higher education institutions. In all instances headcount data is presented.
Acquisition of general competences using project-based learning
Authors: Castro Paula M. , Laport Francisco , Dapena Adriana , Vazquez-Araujo Francisco J.
Published: July 2018

During years, professors of higher education focused on the outcome of the assimilation of information through learning (i.e., in the acquisition of knowledge).  In a European context, the Bologna Process has accelerated and spread the process of defining explicit learning outcomes for higher education programs, including those in terms of general competences and transferable skills. Our teaching experience in engineering degrees have shown that these students have difficulties for understanding the math basics of some disciplines. For greater effectiveness in knowledge acquisition, we consider as an essential issue the inclusion of laboratory activities based on computer simulations performed using software. For acquiring those general competences and transferable skills, our proposal also includes several projects in which our students must develop skills such as communication, teamwork or problem solving. We have observed that such projects allow students the development of their creativity, an improvement in oral and written communication, and also an optimal training for the B.S. degree project work and even for their future professional life.
Business French and Translation in the Era of Google Translate: Variations on the Action-based Approach in Language Courses
Authors: Sonina Snejina , Mittler Sylvia
Published: July 2018

In this article we outline our practices for the inclusion of electronic translation devices in specialized French language courses and reflect upon the changing landscape of language teaching. We describe how the use of Google Translate can increase students' awareness of linguistic, stylistic, and cultural differences in our culturally and linguistically diverse clasrooms. Although we characterize our didactic approach as action based, we differenciate our use of this approach from its common use in general language courses and point out the usefulness of intellectualizing it based on our use of Google Translate in work-place-oriented courses. Furthermore, we use our experience with action based approaches and translation devices to answer the following questions: why are students still learning languages; what are the language skills that they are interested in; and what is the role of a teacher in this new world of quasi-magic linguistic tools.
Effects of Mobility Programmes on University Students' Academic Performance
Authors: González-Baixauli Cristóbal , Montañes-Brunet Elvira , Pérez-Vázquez Pedro J.
Published: July 2018

The number of students participating in mobility programmes has increased enormously over the years. The reasons are diverse and may range from personal growth to better employability prospects, together with improvement in foreign language skills and intercultural awareness. Mobility programmes receive generous funding from the European Commission, therefore their outcomes should be measured and evaluated. This paper focuses on a specific one: the academic effects of mobility programmes. We analyse whether there is an improvement in the academic performance of the students who participate in mobility programmes and, if this is the case, whether it is sustained over time. We use a broad dataset of students from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Valencia over a period of thirteen academic years. The results indicate that students participating in a mobility programme experiment a marked improvement in their scores at the host university, but this upgrading: a) is not homogeneous across the mobility programs or geographical areas considered; and b) partially vanishes off when the students come back to their home university.
Forced vital capacity & oxygen consumption screening at students
Authors: Mostoflei Florin
Published: July 2018

This work was conducted with the support of 19-20 years old students during physical education classes across the 1st Semester of AY 2017/2018 at the Bucharest University of Economic Study.  The study case starts with the premise that all subjects were under/medium level trained and it focuses on a cross-screening survey which includes body mass index, oxygen consumption, heart rate activity, oximetry, spirometry and caloric consumption rate.  The participation of subjects was voluntary and for this they signed a written agreement which allows the results to be published. The surveillance process was made using approved devices and a previously tested methodology.  The final results revealed that there is no correlation between VO2, BMI and FVC for the subjects of the group.
RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF THE COMMUNITY OF FACULTY MEMBERS IN THE MODERNIZATION OF THE RUSSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Narkhov Dmitry Yur`evich , Narkhova Elena Nikolaevna , Vishnevsky Yury Rudol'fovich
Published: July 2018

In work the theoretical bases and dynamics of processes of modernization of the Russian higher education are studied, conditions and specifics of its last cycle reveal (the end of XX – the beginning of the 21st centuries). The attention to global character, interaction with the international educational space is paid. The professional community of teachers (scientific and pedagogical workers) of the higher education (HE) acts as an object. Research objective – identification of a state, opportunities and conditions of realization of resource potential of teachers of higher education institutions for ensuring modernization of higher education. Studying of problems of resource ensuring modernization was carried out from positions of system, constructivist, resource, activity and structurally functional approaches. The empirical base was made by materials of the all-Russian sociological researches: questionnaire, expert interviews. The new scientific idea that the speed of modernization changes of system of the higher education depends on a state and conditions of updating of resource potential of community of teachers of higher education institutions is developed; their resource potential develops unevenly and depends on inclusiveness degree in an educational vertical and the status of higher education institution. Concepts of resources and resource potential of modernization of education are entered, their substantial characteristics are opened. Recommendations about optimization of this process are submitted.
When the Massive Open Online Courses, MOOC, become Hybrid at the Open University of Mauritius
Authors: Narrainen Gundeea
Published: July 2018

With more and more courses being offered online teachers are constantly being asked to change their teaching style. Online courses have taken another turn with the innovation, which are the MOOCs. MOOCs being non-fee paying courses, delivered mostly by recognised universities, course organisation and management was bound to change. With less than 10% successful completion rate for MOOC courses and keeping in mind the Mauritian context, the Open University of Mauritius decided to offer a hybrid MOOC. By hybrid Daniel Peraya suggests blended courses that is online training and face-to-face sessions. It is more about tutoring and guiding students rather than mere teaching. Our main objective is to show the effectiveness of a Hybrid MOOC in terms of organisation and course structure. The methods used in this paper are: a survey questionnaire and data from a Moodle platform. The fact that this course has been organised in a blended mode has helped the participants to reach the end of the training with a higher completion rate, face to face sessions helped students to interact, the use of Moodle as an additional platform accessssed by a restricted number of participants proved to be helpful to get aquainted to online learning.
Factors Driving University Choice: A Principal Component Analysis on Italian Institutions
Authors: Soncin Mara , Azzone Giovanni
Published: July 2018

When investigating students’ motivations to enroll in university, a wide range of elements related to the overall student experience concerning both the institution and the surrounding context should be taken into account. The current study moves from this point to analyse students’ choice factors from a survey completed by 27,705 students across 23 Italian institutions by means of a logistic Principal Component Analysis. Results confirm the presence of multiple factors jointly influencing students’ choice, with geographical proximity, job opportunities in the region, university reputation and ease of access opposing one another. Aggregating results at institutional level, students’ distribution prove to be highly heterogeneous across universities. From this, a managerial tool is provided to position student population and derive strategic implications.  Finally, policy considerations are reported.
How we have motivated students in sciences
Authors: Uukkivi Anne , Labanova Oksana
Published: July 2018

For improving academic performance teachers must search for possibilities to increase students’ motivation. Teachers must understand that what motivates teachers may not motivate students (Wiesman 2012). The aim of the article is to present what has helped to motivate students in learning sciences. The article is based on the results of qualitative feedback questionnaires. Although the studies took place mostly in face-to-face classes, students liked to have all the materials in e-learning environments. The most preferred were tutorial videos made with software applications that have the ability to turn a digital device into a virtual board using screen zoom and annotation tools in parallel. These encouraged learners to solve their tasks independently. Online calculators helped to solve more difficult exercises as they offer step-by-step solutions. The choice of bonus tests which were made using interactive videos also received a very positive feedback. Full-time students considered game-based learning platforms to be the most effective revision technique. Using some learners as tutors in teaching was also highly appreciated. Most of the above-mentioned methods support self-studying, therefore, learners need effective learning tools and materials, particularly for independent learning.
Cultural competence: a key component for training global citizens
Authors: McHugh-Cole Amy B. , Russell-Mundine Gabrielle Sarah , Simons Rachael Freya
Published: July 2018

As globalization continues to make cross-cultural interactions more of a reality, the need to develop the cultural competence of students and staff is imperative. The University of Sydney has included cultural competence in its 2016-20 strategic plan, necessitating the embedding of cultural competence across all functions of the University. The National Centre for Cultural Competence (NCCC) at The University of Sydney was created to lead the thinking on cultural competence, which includes creating teaching and learning resources to guide University students and staff on their cultural competence journey. In this paper, we discuss a cultural competence seminar developed and delivered by the NCCC to students participating in a broader program designed to educate and prepare them to be global citizens. We will examine the efficacy of our approach to cultural competence training with this particular cohort of students.
Flipped Classroom at the Defence University
Authors: Juhary Jowati , Amir Ahmad Fahimi
Published: July 2018

Flipped classroom is not a new concept in education. Students are expected to be well-prepared before coming to face-to-face sessions since they have to read/watch/listen to the lectures through the learning management system (LMS) or an e-learning portal before coming to the classes. What traditionally was practised is that students were given lectures during face-to-face sessions. Now, the lectures are online, and only activities to enhance students’ understanding will take place during face-to-face sessions. The concept is now being implemented successfully in some higher learning institutions in Malaysia, including Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang; Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah; and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor. In fact, the emphasis is given by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia for all higher learning institutions to incorporate the use of technology in teaching and learning. Given this, the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM) must also be prepared to rise to this challenge. This research becomes the main study on the use of flipped classroom at the NDUM
Theatre teaches
Authors: Banno Mariasole , Albertini Andrea , Bodini Ileana , Trento Sandro , Villa Valerio
Published: July 2018

Theatre teaches is a new experiment carried out at the University of Brescia. The growing importance of transversal competences i.e. those skills that essentially concern attitudes in the workplace and interpersonal relationships such as team work, language and communication skills, gave us the idea to develop an educational innovation to help students bring out these skills. We asked students to wrote a play using topics seen in class. So, they tried to wrap their mind around it and worked in team to write a script and get him to scene. Not to be confused to business theatre, this method is applicable in any framework. The assessment results reveal that students appreciate this method because this work helps them to express theirself better and, in general terms, they could improve their non techniocal skills. In conclusion, we can say that this experiment has been a success and gave the students the opportunity to show transversal competences. The ability to communicate, to teamworking, to manage conflicts, to speak in public, to problem solving, creativity, imagination, the ability to manage unforeseen situations and tolerate pressure and stress, leadership skills, negotiation skills and the ability to motivate are just few of the emergent competences.