bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrôle de Gestion et Performance dans les Organisations Publiques Marocaines: Quelles Spécificités?
Authors: Mjidila Botaina , El Wazani Youssef , Souaf Malika
Published: August 2017

This paper focuses on the practice of Management Control within public organizations. Also, it provides an overview of the various constraints limiting the success of the implementation of this discipline in this type of organization. It also focuses on the impact of the implementation of a performance management system on these structures. Modernization and performance, two notions which is interdependent with the practice of management control, will also be mentioned in a synthetic way. In order to do this, we first present the concepts of modernization and performance. This was done according to different approaches. After then, it analyzed the performance management tool mostly used by private companies: "the management dashboard". Finally, the last part of this study will be devoted to discussing the relevance of the balanced scorecard developed by Norton and Kaplan. Also, they considered the balance scorecard to be the most appropriate tool in the public domain.
Financial Integration, Macroeconomic Volatility And Economic Growth In The East African Community
Authors: Nzioka Onesmus Mutunga , Kaijage Erasmus , Ochieng Duncan Elly
Published: August 2017

This study aimed at determining the moderating effect of macro-economic volatility on the relationship between financial integration and economic growth in the EAC. The study adopted a positivistic research philosophy and casual research design.. Generalized-two stage least squares instrumental variable regression model (G2SLSIV) was then conducted to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study showed that, macro-economic volatility does not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between financial integration and economic growth. Therefore, the study recommends that, the governments of respective member states work on a monetary policy that aims to attain a single digit level of inflation rate (low inflation targeting), in the spirit of macro-economic convergence. The study culminates with acknowledging the limitations encountered and provides suggestions for further research.
Mécanismes de Financement et Performance des IMFs en Contexte Camerounais: Une Application sur les COOPEC (Coopérative d’Epargne et de Crédit) et les IFNB (Institution Financière Non Bancaire)
Authors: Guilaire Dadem Kemgou Edouard , Cabrel Wafo Hilaire , Lord Manetsa Eloge
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study is to identify how the policies of financing influence the performance of Microfinance institutions (MFI). In this study, we used the MIX Market database in order to bring out information relating to the variables of financing and performance structures. The data used was obtained from eight Institutions of Microfinance in Cameroon, and were collected over a period of eight years going from 2006 to 2013. An analysis of the regressions based on a sample of 64 observations collected on 8 Cameroonian MFIs for 8 years, on the one hand, shows that the level of indebtedness also influences financial and social performance negatively
Government Antipoverty Programmes and Small and Medium Enterprises Performance in Nigeria
Authors: Edoko Tonna, D. , Ngige Chigbo D. , Okoli Ikechukwu M.
Published: August 2017

Over the years the Nigerian government has come up with a number of antipoverty programmes aimed at fighting poverty by financing her growth induced sector- SMEs, yet, the country is still witnessing rising levels of poverty, corruption, unemployment, low human capital development, inadequate commercial bank credit, high lending rate and low standard of education, thus, affecting the performance of small scale enterprises. In other to address the conundrum, this study examines the effect of government antipoverty programmes on small and medium enterprises’ performance in Nigeria using econometric regression model of the Ordinary Least Square (OLS). From the regression analysis, the result showed that government antipoverty programmes, corruption, unemployment, human capital development, capital, lending rate and education conformed to the a priori expectations of the study and were statistically significant in explaining the SMEs’ performance in Nigeria. The study recommends that: In order to enhance the success of government antipoverty programmes in Nigeria, the programme should be implemented through the local government on the platform of cooperative societies so that the target population will benefit from it. A blueprint for handling corrupt officials should be embedded in the policy framework of the programme before implementation. The programme should be targeted at unemployed youths with real identity rather than sinking back the funds into the pockets of corrupt officials. Every intending beneficiary should be subjected to training/skill acquisition programme and occasional workshop in the line of trade he/she wants to venture into. Adequate funding at a good lending rate should be provided for any beneficiary of the programme in order to enhance the performance of the business in Nigeria.
Utilization of Mobile Phones for Agricultural Purposes by Farmers in Itu Area, Nigeria
Authors: A. Asa, U. , A. Uwem, C.
Published: August 2017

The study ascertained the agricultural purposes mobile phones are used for by farmers in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 150 farmers using a multi-stage sampling procedure, and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that the mean age of the farmers was 49 years; their average monthly income was N30,133.83; 59.5% of them were females; 97.3% of the respondents were functionally literate; the average years of farming experience of the respondents was 12 years; and their average household size comprised six persons. Majority of the respondents (98.7%) had access to mobile phones in the study area and majority of them (90.5%) actually owned mobile phones. Getting information from fellow farmers, marketing of produce, accessing inputs for farming, getting agricultural information from radio and the internet, and accessing extension services were the major agricultural uses of mobile phones by farmers in the study area. It is recommended that agricultural extension agencies in Akwa Ibom State focus their attention on these identified agricultural uses of mobile phones to ensure increasing the effectiveness oftheir extension efforts.
Comparing Professional Self-Confidence: Opinions of Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Finnish Teachers
Authors: Ponomarenko Tetiana
Published: August 2017

The current study reports findings of quantitative investigation of the opinions of Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Finnish teachers on their perceived professional self-confidence with a sample of 393 practicing teachers. Teachers’ self-esteem, self- and collective efficacy were examined as components of teachers’ professional self-confidence. Collective efficacy beliefs were measured in terms of teachers’ subjective perception of efficacy of school community members, namely, the principal, colleagues, students and their parents. The results indicated that Finnish teachers have a significantly higher level of professional self-esteem, while Lithuanian teachers indicated a lower level, and Ukrainian - the lowest. There is no significant difference between self- and collective efficacy of Lithuanian and Finnish teachers, while Ukrainian teachers scored significantly lower. Consequently, Finnish teachers have the highest level of professional selfconfidence, while Lithuanian teachers have an average level, and Ukrainian teachers have the lowest. Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Finnish teachers indicated different patterns of their perceptions of the extent to which members of the school community meet their obligations.
Social Values Perceptions of Fourth Grade Primary School Students
Authors: Cetin Hakan , Kaf Ozlem
Published: August 2017

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the perceptions of social values of fourth grade primary school students. The research is a descriptive study based on survey model. The study sample group is composed of 451 fourth grade students studying in four different schools in Siirt city center selected via convenience sampling method. The Perception Scale for Social Values developed by Bakaç (2013) was used as data collection instrument. There are a total of 23 five-point likert-type items on The Perception Scale for Social Values, of which 19 items are designed to measure positive perceptions and 4 items are designed to measure negative perceptions. Cronbach-Alpha reliability coefficients of the scale are .88 for the first sub-scale, .72 for the second sub- scale and .86 for the total scale. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-Test and Kruskal Wallis methods were used for data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that the social value perceptions of fourth grade students show no significant difference with regard to gender or education level of mother. Whereas it was concluded that the social value perceptions of fourth grade students show a significant difference with regard to place of residence and education level of father
Perfil De Enojo En Estudiantes De Tres Universidades CUMex. Un Estudio Comparativo
Authors: Andrade Norma Angélica Ortega , Guerrero Ana María Rivera , Valadez María de los Dolores , Rios Claudia Adriana Calvillo
Published: August 2017

The present study aimed to obtain a profile of the anger in students of the degree in psychology of three universities participating in the Consortium of Mexican Universities (CUMex), through a descriptive-comparative study. 300 students participated in the bachelor's degree in psychology. The research design was non-experimental cross-sectional. Descriptive statistical analyzes of the total sample were carried out, as well as the analysis of variance of a single classification to know if there were significant differences in the anger among the students of the three universities. The results show that in general, the participating population of the three universities is within an average range in this emotion. Regarding the results of the descriptive statistical analysis of the total sample and an analysis of variance of a single classification, statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the three universities, and these differences were found between Guadalajara and Zacatecas; although on average, the students of the three universities score within a normal range of anger. It is possible that these results are natural in students of psychology, which favors the profile of training and its future professional practice
Sexual Violence as a Predictor of Unwanted Pregnancy: Evidence from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: A. Titilayo , O.O. Ekundayo , O.J. Olaoye-Oyesola , A.O. Anuodo,
Published: August 2017

Gender-based domestic violence (GBDV) continues to pose a serious threat to woman folk and the society at large. All efforts to reduce the menace have not yielded an impressive result and thus, the prevalence rate is still unacceptably high. Employing analytic nationally representative weighted sample size, 15,941women aged 15-49 years who were currently pregnant or ever had at least one pregnancy experience were interviewed for domestic violence through quantitative instrument (questionnaire). The data were analysed with a chi-squared test and binary logistic regression using STATA 13. Overall, one quarter (24.7%) of the total respondents who ever experienced domestic violence from their spouses or intimate sexual partners reported having experienced unwanted/unintended pregnancy. It was evident in the study that GBDV is significantly related to unwanted pregnancy even after controlling for all other tested independent variables like age, educational attainment, wealth index, religion, place of residence and other fertility related variables such as number of children ever born, contraceptive use and pregnancy termination experience. Spousal abuse in any form is a crucial predictor of unwanted pregnancy in Nigeria. Therefore, addressing gender-based domestic violence is critical to reducing the menace of unwanted pregnancy and taming unnecessary population growth in Nigeria.
Bullies, Victims and Provocative Victims in Context: Discriminant Factors in a Portuguese Adolescent Sample
Authors: Carvalho Marina , Branquinho Catia , De Matos Margarida Gaspar
Published: August 2017

Context: With strong and serious impacts on health and individual well-being, bullying presents itself as one of the most traumatic experiences at school age. Objective: analyse the differences between bullies, victims and provocative-victims for individual, relational, school and contextual factors. Design: cross-sectional study based on the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. Results: Bullies reported consuming more tobacco and drugs, but less alcohol, when compared to victims and provocative-victims. Bullies also reported being more involved and having more security feelings at school, better relationships with their peers, being better accepted by the peers, and more positive attitudes, compared to victims and provocative-victims; which reported more fear, sadness, rejection feelings, and also, more withdrawal at school. Group differences were also found in the time spent with friends in everyday life, nigh outs and well-being, with bullies presenting the higher odds. Provocative-victims reported involving more in fights than victims. Otherwise, bullies reported making friends more easily and spending more time with friends after school. Conclusions: Given the different characteristics and impacts of bullying on victims, bullies and provocative-victims, it is essential to consider the interrelations of groups and focus on a more engaging perspective, based on an ecological intervention model. A strong argument is also made related to the need to include young people participation in the definition of public policies to prevent peer related violence, as well as a need to focus not only in the prevention of peer related violence, but also to focus on violence-free, positive relationships
Role of Legal Practitioners in the Environmental Protection of Anambra State: A Wake up Call
Authors: Okoye Anthony
Published: August 2017

The environmental challenges facing the state are numerous. In terms of the prioritization, erosion and waste management are of high priority, flooding and deforestation have medium priority while industrial pollution and biodiversity loss have low priority. State has environmental laws, but they cannot be meaningfully helpful unless their effective implementation is secured by the efforts of enforcement agencies and lawyers who deliver environmental justice. Unfortunately, lack of exposure to environmental law by members of the judiciary and most legal practitioners in the state hinders its proper implementation. The sample for this study was 121 participants drawn through convenience sampling technique. This consists of 25 legal practitioners, 25 environmentalist and 71 others from different professional areas. The instrument for data collection was a 22-item questionnaire which was made up three parts. While the legal practitioners were of the opinion that they are doing their best, the result revealed that both the environmentalists and other professionals who need the services of the legal practitioners rated their performance to be very low. Appropriate training and awareness programmes are therefore recommended so that lawyers would be better grounded to discharge this onerous duty in the state.
L’interprétation idéologique du concept de “rattrapage ethnique” dans la presse écrite des partis politiques en Côte d’Ivoire (2011 à 2015)
Authors: Niava Landry F. Bogui , Romuald N’drin Dhaibout
Published: August 2017

This paper examines how the press organs of the mainstream political parties in Cote d’Ivoire, namely the Rassemblement des Républicains (the Rally of the Republicans - RDR) and the Front Populaire Ivoirien (the Ivorian Popular Front - FPI) apprehended the concept of rattrapage ethnique (ethnic favoritism)between 2002 and 2015. Specifically, this contribution addresses the ideological underpinnings and the political issues contained in the newspaper articles of the press organs belonging to the aforementioned political parties. Three main trends have emerged from the co-occurrence analysis. Ethnic favoritism is mentioned in the newspapers supporting the FPI in the sense of denouncing social inequalities and bad governance. Whereas le Patriote, a newspaper supporting the ruling party (RDR) relates the issue to positive discrimination aiming at correcting some past inequalities. As for the newspapers closed to PDCI, they hold an ambivalent stance between the FPI’s position and that of the RDR.
Relación Entre Prácticas Parentales Y El Nivel De Asertividad, Agresividad Y Rendimiento Académico En Adolescentes
Authors: Fragoso Claudia González , Benítez Yolanda Guevara , Rodríguez David Jiménez , Olán Raúl J. Alcázar
Published: August 2017

The behaviors that parents use to educate their adolescent children can influence various aspects of their psychosocial performance, either by promoting the development of behavioral skills or by associating with behavioral problems, aggressiveness or depressive and anxious symptoms. The objective of the study was to know the relationship of parental practices with the level of assertiveness, aggressiveness and academic performance in a sample of young Mexican adolescents. Participated 565 students of a Mexican public secondary, with an average age of 13.01 years. Two instruments, the Parental Practice Scale for Adolescents (Andrade & Betancourt, 2008) and the Assertive Behavior Scale (Michelson & Wood, 1982) were applied individually, in addition, the students' average school grades were obtained. Mean scores indicated aggressive behavior patterns throughout the sample, significantly higher in males (p <.05). The maternal practices of Communication, Autonomy, and Behavioral Control correlated with the level of assertiveness in the young, and with their school average; both indicators, significantly higher in adolescent females compared to males. Paternal practices correlated with the level of assertiveness and aggressiveness in males.
Cultural Consensus About Happiness Among the Elderly
Authors: Aguilera-Velasco María de los Ángeles , Acosta-Fernández Martín , Franco-Chávez Sergio Adalberto , Soltero-Avelar Rubén
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to analyze cultural consensus about happiness among the elderly by identifying meanings and conceptual dimensions of the concept. A qualitative study was made with an exploratory descriptive design in two successive phases, with free list and pile sorting by a non-random purposive sampling of 76 elderly adults with an average age of 65.35. The results evidenced cultural consensus in the two conceptual models of happiness, one for men and another for women, with high concordance in individual and group answers. The models consisted of two conceptual dimensions of happiness: economic stability and support. The models show limited happiness due to constant concerns of having employment and money to eat, live and buy medicine, which they can overcome thanks to the family support net. Specifically, men were more concerned about economic support for household expenses and for helping their siblings. On the other hand, women had a vision more focused on themselves and on their religious beliefs. The cultural meaning of happiness for women included children and tranquility while for men it meant health, children, wellbeing and family. The conclusion is that the elderly we studied are aware of the importance of their happiness and how to reach it. The looming limiting factor was being excluded from Social Security benefits and not having money or government support. We recommend the State lend support to these people with medical care and free medicine, offer sufficient stable economic support after their 60th birthday, and promote knowledge and experiences to women beyond religious beliefs as well as the practices of laughter and peace among men for the purpose of widening their expectations by traveling, enjoying themselves and with leisure and recreational activities.
An Evaluation of the Impact of “Learning Design” on the Distance Learning and Teaching Experience
Authors: Clifton Grace
Published: August 2017

This paper evaluates the implementation of Learning Design on the production of a core FHEQ level 6 (QAA, 2008)[1] unit of study at a UK distance learning institution.  By comparing student (n=656) and tutor (n=42) survey data with questionnaire responses (n=9) from the unit of study’s core production team, this paper assesses the impact of incorporating the Open University Learning Design Initiative (OULDI) methodology into curriculum production by looking specifically at barriers and facilitators in the application of Learning Design and its impact on module development, delivery, and the resulting student and tutor learning experience.  With a focus on developing and embedding Learning Design into the curriculum planning and production process, the paper explores how lessons learned from this experience have helped to guide and inform the future implementation of Learning Design into module and qualification level frameworks. 

[1] Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, produced by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2008) – this framework provides a reference point for all Higher Education providers for the setting and assessing of academic standards.
Using Learning Analytics for Preserving Academic Integrity
Authors: Amigud Alexander , Arnedo-Moreno Joan , Daradoumis Thanasis , Guerrero-Roldan Ana-Elena
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the results of integrating learning analytics into the assessment process to enhance academic integrity in the e-learning environment. The goal of this research is to evaluate the computational-based approach to academic integrity. The machine-learning based framework learns students’ patterns of language use from data, providing an accessible and non-invasive validation of student identities and student-produced content. To assess the performance of the proposed approach, we conducted a series of experiments using written assignments of graduate students. The proposed method yielded a mean accuracy of 93%, exceeding the baseline of human performance that yielded a mean accuracy rate of 12%. The results suggest a promising potential for developing automated tools that promote accountability and simplify the provision of academic integrity in the e-learning environment.
Lagrangian Meshfree Particle-based Computational Acoustics for Two-dimensional Sound Propagation and Scattering Problems
Authors: Zhang Yong Ou , Li Xu , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2017

Meshfree particle method, which is always regarded as a pure Lagrangian approach, is easily represented complicated domain topologies, moving boundaries, and multiphase media. Solving acoustic problems with the mesfree particle method forms a branch of the acoustic wave modeling field, namely, particle-based computational acoustics (PCA). The aim of this paper is to improve the accuracy of using the PCA method to solve two-dimensional acoustic problems, and realize the particle representation with a hybrid meshfree and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for acoustic boundary conditions at both the plane and curved surface. As a widely used Lagrangian meshfree method, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) based on the support domain and the kernel function has developed rapidly in recent years. The traditional SPH method is easily implements parallel processing and has been applied in sound wave simulation. As a corrective method with higher accuracy than SPH, the acoustic propagation and scattering in the time domain is simulated with the corrective smoothed particle method (CSPM). Moreover, a hybrid meshfree-FDTD boundary treatment technique is utilized to represent different acoustic boundaries in the Lagrangian approach. In this boundary treatment technique, the parameter value of virtual particles is obtained with the FDTD method, which concerns truncation errors based on the Tayler series expansion. Soft, rigid, and Mur’s absorbing boundary conditions are developed to simulate sound waves in finite and infinite domain. Results of modeling acoustic propagation and scattering show that CSPM is accurate and convergence with exact solutions, and different acoustic boundaries are validated to be effective in the computation.
Impact of Working Conditions on Teacher’s Job Satisfaction and Performance in the Private Primary Schools in Yei Town, South Sudan
Authors: Ohide Alyaha Daniel Felix , Mbogo Rosemary Wahu
Published: August 2017

In South Sudan, teachers have become constant objects of ridicule whenever analysis of examinations is conducted. The poor and deplorable working conditions are among other factors contributing to teachers’ levels of job dissatisfaction. This paper examines the impact of working conditions on teacher’s job satisfaction and performance in the private primary schools in Yei town, South Sudan. The authors employ a survey design in private schools in Yei town, South Sudan to establish how working conditions affect job satisfaction of teachers and performance in private primary schools. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents from ten private schools. The respondents therefore included 10 head teachers, 100 teachers giving a total of 110 respondents. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Data collected was analysed by the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 12.0 was and presented in frequencies and percentages and a regression analysis performed to establish the relationships among the variables. The study concluded that the inadequacy of school facilities led to teachers’ dissatisfaction with their job.
Vermi-Digestion of Municipal Solid Waste by Red Wigglers to Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Dhoke Smita , Srivastava Alka , Dalal Parag , Srivastava J. K.
Published: August 2017

Ujjain is known as one of the most significant cities of the India as Singhastha 2016 just passed by. Singhastha is an event where Billions of devotees come to take a dip in holy river Shipra for whole One month. In Ujjain average total solid waste generation now is about 226 tons per day in the city area only. A huge amount of money is spent by the Local government on the solid waste management transportation to trenching grounds. The trenching grounds are situated at 20 Kms away from the city in different directions. Solid Waste Management also produces various problems which create many issues with wastage of money therefore; a big need for the ecofriendly disposal technique is been posted. In this paper we are proposing a technique known as vermicomposting which is a good solution to treatment of organic solid wastes. In this technique we have found the degradation of organic municipal solid waste by earthworms. In the research work the temperature is been maintained at 25-35°c, moisture content maintained about at 45- 55% and pH between 7.0-7.3. About 100 grams earthworms {Eisenia Fetida} per kilogram of municipal solid waste were taken. The final result shows that the organic municipal solid wasted are been converted to manure in a time period of 35 - 36 days through vermicomposting technique and about 63% volume of municipal solid waste is reduced for transportation.
Dirichlet series and analytical solutions of MHD viscous flow with suction / blowing
Authors: Awati Vishwanath B.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents Dirichlet series and approximate analytical solutions of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow due to a suction / blowing caused by boundary layer of an incompressible viscous flow. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations of momentum equations are reduced into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODE) by using a classical similarity transformation along with appropriate boundary conditions. Both nonlinearity and infinite interval demand novel mathematical tools for their analysis. We use elegant fast converging Dirichlet series and approximate analytical solutions (method of stretching of variables) of these nonlinear differential equations. These methods have advantages over pure numerical methods for obtaining derived quantities accurately for various values of the parameters involved at a stretch and also they are valid in much larger parameter domains as compared with DTM-Padé and classical numerical schemes.
SCREENING OF TOXIC MARINE NITZSCHIA SPECIES (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Su Nyun Pau Suriyanti , Nasir Dzulhelmi Muhammad , Usup Gires
Published: August 2017

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) is a type of intoxication caused by the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA). The diatom genus Nitzschia is capable of producing this toxin. Screening for the presence of toxic Nitzschia spp. was carried out at various estuaries in Malaysia. Nitzschia-like cells were isolated and established into clonal cultures. Late stationary phase of cultures were harvested and tested for toxin production using HPLC. Toxin production and compound was verified by LC-MS. From the analyses, at least three cultures were detected with DA, while the rest of the cultures did not show detectable amounts of DA. The localities of the toxic species are Johor and Sabah. Here we conclude that toxic Nitzschia species are present in Malaysian water.

Keywords: diatom, estuary, intoxication, safety, toxic 
The Effect of Vanadium Oxide on The Catalytic Activity of Titanium Silicalite in Conversion of Benzene to Phenol
Authors: Mulyatun Mulyatun
Published: August 2017

Phenol is one of the most important intermediate for petrochemical, agrochemical, and plastics industries. Almost 95% phenol is produced using cumene method. Cumene method is a multi-stage process with many disadvantages including the difficulties to gain phenol product in maximum quantities and production of co-product such as acetone which has great amount in market nowadays. One of the alternative routes to produce phenol which has more advantages is through benzene hydroxylation reaction using H2O2 as oxidant agent and Titanium Silikalit-1 (TS-1) as catalyst. TS-1 catalyst has high catalytic activity and selectivity in selective oxidation reaction of aromatic compounds with H2O2 which important for commercial industries. However, the reaction rate is tend to be low because TS-1 has hydrophobic nature and as the result H2O2 adsorption which has hydrophilic nature towards active sites of TS-1 is also become slower. Addition of metal oxide V2O5 could enhance hydrophilicity of TS-1 catalyst. Liquid phase catalytic benzene hydroxylation using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant was carried out over vanadium (V) oxide-modified TS-1 catalyst (V2O5/TS-1), that were prepared by impregnation method using vanadium methavanadate as precursor and characterized by pyridine adsorption and hydrophilicity techniques.
Fuzzy sliding mode controller design for semi-active seat suspension with neuro-inverse dynamics approximation for MR damper
Authors: Zhang Na , Zhao Qiang
Published: August 2017

To improve the ride comfort of car, this paper proposed a semi-active seat suspension with magneto-rheological (MR) damper and designed a new fuzzy sliding mode controller with expansion factor (FSMCEF) based on the neuro-inverse dynamics approximation of the MR damper. This FSMCEF combines the advantages of both sliding mode controller (SMC) and fuzzy controller (FC) with expansion factor (EF), and it takes an ideal skyhook model as the reference, and creates a sliding mode control law based on the errors dynamics between the seat suspension and its reference model. Further fuzzy rules are used to suppress the chattering occurred in the above sliding mode control by fuzzifying the sliding mode surface and its derivative. Moreover, in order to compute the required control current for MR damper after solving the desired control force using FSMCEF, this paper presented a BP algorithm based neural network inverse model, located between the FSMCEF and the MR damper, taking the displacement, velocity of the MR damper and the desired control force output by FSMCEF as its input, and predicting the control current required to input MR damper. The predicting error and stability of the neural network inverse model for MR is investigated by sample testing. In addition, the stability analysis of FSMCEF is also completed by under nominal system and non-nominal system with parameter uncertainty and external disturbance. The results of numerical simulations show that the vibration reduction effect of the semi-active seat is obviously improved using FSMCEF compared with using PID controller and SMC.
Hybrid passive control system of TLD and TMD for seismic response mitigation of Tall Buildings
Authors: Samiee Hamid Reza
Published: August 2017

Using Tuned liquid damper is one of the passive control methods in structures. The system consists of some water tanks that are installed at the highest level of structure. The water turbulence created inside them is used to reduce the seismic oscillation of structure. Therefore, the damper characteristics (tank size and depth of water in it) should be selected in such a way that the frequency of water in the reservoir is tuned with the frequency of structural vibrations. The controlling force to reduce the structural vibrations is created by the pressure difference caused by the difference in surface levels of the liquid in the end chambers which acts as a shear force at the bottom of tanks. It is required to obtain the water surface level at different times to calculate the controlling force caused by tuned liquid dampers. In the present study, the parameters of damper have been simultaneously minimized by Genetic Algorithm (GA) method and based on single-purpose function (displacement of the top story) and multi-purpose functions (displacement and acceleration of the top story). Optimal Pareto Front objective functions are utilized to achieve optimal responses. A 20-story building has been investigated as a numerical example to carry out this study. In this study the comparisons between TLD system and TMD system, i.e. integrated TLD-TMD system is made with the application of Genetic Algorithms. The author codes all the numerical solutions and Genetic Algorithm program.
Modeling of a magneto-rheological (MR) damper using genetic programming
Authors: Singru Pravin , Raizada Ayush , Krishnakumar Vishnuvardhan , Garg Akhil , Tai K. , Raj Varun
Published: August 2017

This paper is based on the experimental study for design and control of vibrations in automotive vehicles. The objective of this paper is to develop a model for the highly nonlinear Magneto-Rheological (MR) damper to maximize passenger comfort in an automotive vehicle. The behavior of the MR damper is studied under different loading conditions and current values in the system. The input and output parameters of the system are used as a training data to develop a suitable model using Genetic Algorithm. To generate the training data, a test rig similar to a quarter car model was fabricated to load the MR damper with a mechanical shaker to excite it externally. With the help of the test rig the input and output parameter data points are acquired by measuring the acceleration and force of the system at different points with the help of an impedance head and accelerometers. The model is validated by measuring the error for the testing and validation data points. The output of the model is the optimum current that is supplied to the MR Damper, using a controller, to increase the passenger comfort by minimizing the amplitude of vibrations transmitted to the passenger. Besides using this model for cars, bikes and other automotive vehicles it can also be modified by re-training the algorithm and used for civil structures to make them earthquake resistant.
Study of modal acoustic emission to monitor the impact damage in a composite plate
Authors: Xu Baochun , Wu Jingqiu , Wang Mulan
Published: August 2017

Based on the theory of modal acoustic emission, this paper describes a new method to determine whether a plate made of a composite material has been damaged following external impact. Using modal acoustic emission theory, the relationship between the Lamb-wave mode of acoustic emission and the force direction in the plate was analyzed. This relationship was then verified using a lead-break experiment. The Lamb-wave mode of the acoustic emission signals produced by the damage in the plate was investigated, and the criterion for assessing the impact damage was proposed. During the impact experiments, the proposed criterion was employed to monitor the impact damage of the plate. The results indicate that it is feasible to use acoustic emission signals to directly determine whether an impact had caused damage to the plate.
Simulated identification on dynamic characteristics of large heavy-load bearing
Authors: Ouyang Wu , Peng Lin , Chen Runlin , Yuan Xiaoyang
Published: August 2017

It’s difficult to test repeatedly for large heavy-load bearings (LHLBs) with full-scale and real load due to complexity and costliness, so simulated identification on dynamic characteristics of 1750 MW nuclear generator bearing with diameter 800 mm and specific pressure 3.3 MPa is provided in this paper. The identification model of bearing dynamic characteristic is established, the calculating method of positive and negative dynamic problems is provided, and effects of signal disturbances on identification precision are analyzed. The results show that the LHLBs’ permitted displacement disturbance should not be over 5 μm and the permitted ratio of dynamic load and static load is about 1 %-2 %, which is different from common knowledge of 15 %-20 % for small light-load bearings. If identification error of the main stiffness and main damping coefficients is less than 5 %, the amplitude of periodical disturbance of the dynamic load and displacement signals should be less than 5 %. If identification error of the main damping coefficients is less than 10 %, the phase of these two signals should be less than 1°. The roundness error and rotation error of the large shaft should be eliminated.
Evaluation of an environmentally sustainable UV-assisted water treatment system for the removal of Bacillus globigii spores in water
Authors: Silva R. G. , Szabo J. , Namboodiri V. , Krishnan E. R. , Rodriguez J. , Zeigler A.
Published: August 2017

Development of greener water treatment technologies is important for the production of safe drinking water and water security applications, such as decontamination. Chlorine assisted disinfection is common and economical, but can generate disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that may be of health concern. DBPs are formed due to the reaction of chlorine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic substances in water. Currently, various innovative technologies are being developed as alternative approaches for preventing DBPs during water treatment. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a novel combination of high efficiency flow filtration and UV disinfection treatment system for the removal of Bacillus globigii (B. globigii) spores in water. The filtration system consists of a charged membrane filter (CMF) that not only helps to remove suspended particles but also reduces the impact of other impurities including bio organisms. In order to get most performance details, the CMF was evaluated at clean, half-life, and end of life (EOL) conditions along with 100% UV transmittance (UVT). In addition, the effectiveness of the UV system was evaluated as a stand alone system at 100% and 70% EOL intensity. The study was conducted at the US EPA's Test and Evaluation (T&E) Facility in Cincinnati, OH, using B. globigii, a surrogate for B. anthracis spores. This non-chemical environmentally-friendly CMF/UV combination system and the stand alone UV unit showed greater than 6.0 log removal of B. globigii during the tests.
Constructed wetlands for improving stormwater quality and health of urban lakes
Authors: Natarajan Sai Kiran , Hagare Dharmappa , Maheshwari Basant
Published: August 2017

Urban lakes and wetlands are being more commonly used for the purpose of storing and treating stormwater. In some instances, a combination of both constructed wetlands and lakes are designed to further improve the efficiency of the system. The main aim of this paper is to compare the water quality between two urban stormwater lakes. A standalone lake system and a combined wetland/lake system were monitored for water quality. The results indicate that an integrated wetland and urban lake performs better than the urban lake alone. The improved performance was particularly significant in terms of physical parameters such as turbidity, suspended solids, total solids (TS) and nutrients (particularly nitrogen). The significance of the wetland in the integrated system is highlighted as it helped, on an average, to reduce the concentration of TS, ammonium and phosphate by 50%, 62% and 53%, respectively.
Assessment on inflow and infiltration in sewerage systems of Kuantan, Pahang
Authors: Yap Hiew Thong , Ngien Su Kong
Published: August 2017

Inflow and infiltration are important aspects of sewerage systems that need to be considered during the design stage and constantly monitored once the sewerage system is in operation. The aim of this research is to analyse the relationship of rainfall as well as inflow infiltration with sewage flow patterns through data collected from fieldwork. Three sewer pipelines were selected at the residential areas of Taman Lepar Hilir Saujana, Bandar Putra and Kota Sas for data collection. Sewage flow data were collected in terms of flowrate, velocity and depth of flow using flowmeters with ultrasonic sensors that utilize the continuous Doppler effect in the sewer pipelines, while rainfall intensity data were collected using rain gauges installed at the study locations. Based on the result, the average infiltration rates of Qpeak and Qave for the locations were 17% and 21%, which exceeded the respective values of 5% and 10% stated in Hammer and Hammer. The flowrate of wastewater in the sewer pipelines was found to be directly proportional to rainfall. These findings indicate that the sewer pipelines in the study areas may have been affected by capacity reduction, whereas the sewerage treatment plants receiving the wastewater influent may have been overloaded.
The East Asian Economy Post-rebalancing: Domestic Demand-led Growth, Social Security, and Inequality
Authors: Mizuno Kosuke
Published: August 2017

East Asian, including ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), countries have pursued the export-oriented development strategies, attracting foreign direct investment and promoting export-driven growth. However, after the Lehman shock, these countries adopted rebalancing policies from export-driven growth to domestic demand-driven growth. Chinese measures to promote domestic demand since 2008 had succeeded in boosting the economy until 2011 with domestic investments and increase in consumption. Chinese economic growth until 2011–2012 made possible an international commodity boom that resulted in the economic development of Malaysia and Indonesia. However, since 2012, the Chinese economy has been suffering from excess capacity and bad loans, hence ending the international commodity boom. ASEAN countries promptly started rebalancing by cutting back on their reliance on exports and increasing domestic investment and consumption, with variation among the countries. ASEAN countries pursued inclusive policies such as education, medical care, and social security. These policies promoted consumption and investment, helping grow the middle class. However, technological progress, globalization, and market-oriented reforms have also been the driving inequality in many Asian countries in the last two decades, and these forces have changed income distribution through three channels, namely, capital, skill, and spatial bias. Inequality created by conventional development strategies in this region has become the basis for conflicts among the region’s different economic strata. Inequality has had the effect of depressing investment—and thus growth—by fueling economic, financial, and political instability.
Non-Japanese Asian Female English Teachers Speak Out: Dismantling White Privilege in Japan
Authors: Kim Margaret , Lee Nancy Shzh-chen
Published: August 2017

Issues surrounding white privilege have been in continuous debate. In Japan, the subject of white privilege is also not straightforward. Past research has been conducted about white privileged males in Japanese universities. We decided to take a different standpoint and examine the presence of white privilege in Japan through the alternative voices of non-Japanese Asian female university English teachers. By interviewing and analyzing their experiences and identities, we were able to examine incidences of white privilege that happened and influenced their lives as non-Japanese Asian female English teachers in Japan. We hope that our work generates interest and attention to the current gender and racial imbalance of native-speaker university English teachers in Japan—an issue that directly or indirectly relates to all students, teachers, administrators and policy makers.

 
Gêneros jornalísticos na escola
Authors: Deon Robson
Published: August 2017

Este trabalho objetiva discutir e expor uma experiência realizada através do PIBID de Linguística foi pautada sobre um projeto de estudo, compreensão e produção de textos do gênero jornalístico na escola. Os teóricos usados neste artigo, que fundamentaram a teoria e a prática do projeto na escola, são principalmente Bakhtin (2011), com sua concepção de linguagem e postulações sobre gêneros, Geraldi (1990; 2012), adotado aqui principalmente pela sua metodologia, que se subdivide em três etapas:  a) Leitura e interpretação; b) Produção textual contextualizada; c) Análise Linguística. Como resultado, os alunos interpretaram, apreenderam e produziram novas modalidades de texto de modo eficaz.
Inserção de atividades pedagógicas mediadas pelas TIC na alfabetização
Authors: Santos da Costa Lúcia Margarete
Published: August 2017

Este artigo é recorte de uma pesquisa de dissertação, intitulada “Inserção de Atividades pedagógicas mediadas pelas TIC na alfabetização. Neste estudo objetivou-se implementar tais atividades promovendo a integração das TIC como auxílio no processo da alfabetização em uma escola de Ensino Fundamental (EF) de Santa Maria e tivemos como participantes os alunos do 3º ano. Neste recorte, apresentaremos resultados da inserção de atividades mediadas pela tecnologia e-book. Para tanto buscou-se fundamentação teórica em autores como Ferreira e Teberoscky (1996), Freire (1989,1996), Mendonça e Mendonça (2006) e demais autores que contribuem com o tema. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa-ação que possibilita a construção de conhecimentos por meio da prática, da reflexão-ação e da intervenção na realidade da escola. Este estudo está vinculado à linha de pesquisa “Gestão em Tecnologias Educacionais em Rede” da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Os resultados evidenciaram que a TIC e-book inserida na alfabetização contribuiu de forma significativa com o avanço da aprendizagem da leitura, da escrita e do desenvolvimento de várias habilidades, bem como para a construção da autonomia da colaboração/cooperação entre os estudantes, considerando o professor como importante articulador e mediador das interações.