bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Educational Data Mining Application by Using Multiple Intelligences
Authors: Aksoy Esra , Narli Serkan , Aksoy Mehmet Akif
Published: August 2019

The aim of this chapter is to illustrate both uses of data mining methods and the way of these methods can be applied in education by using students' multiple intelligences. Data mining is a data analysis methodology that has been successfully used in different areas including the educational domain. In this context, in this study, an application of EDM will be illustrated by using multiple intelligence and some other variables (e.g., learning styles and personality types). The decision tree model was implemented using students' learning styles, multiple intelligences, and personality types to identify gifted students. The sample size was 735 middle school students. The constructed decision tree model with 70% validity revealed that examination of mathematically gifted students using data mining techniques may be possible if specific characteristics are included.
Education Research and Scholarship in an Intercultural Context
Authors: Giridharan Beena
Published: August 2019

In this chapter, the research framework for a study that focused on the development of a second language vocabulary acquisition model in a tertiary setting is presented. This study is an investigation of lexical inferencing strategies specifically employed by second language (L2) learners, and focuses on whether the explicit teaching of effective vocabulary strategies benefited learners in developing vocabulary. The framework presented here draws on theories of learning from the fields of education, applied linguistics, vocabulary development, and cognitive psychology. Several theoretical standpoints on vocabulary development, and factors such as lexical representation, theoretical constructs in reading comprehension, and vocabulary processing in tertiary L2 learners, and socio-linguistics were considered in the design and inquiry process of the study, which was set in an intercultural context. The nature of scholarship involved in this exercise is referenced and its relationship to research paradigms is discussed.
Undertaking Commissioned Research and Scholarship in Education
Authors: Livingston Kay
Published: August 2019

The place and challenges of identifying and working with paradigms in the context of commissioned research are addressed in this chapter. The characteristics of commissioned research activities are discussed and considered by drawing on Boyer's view of scholarship as discovery, integration, application, teaching, and engagement. The role of Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents in commissioned research is explored using a conceptual continuum from looser to tighter specification of parameters as an analytical frame. Consequences for the selection of a research paradigm are considered in the context of multiple realities of the researcher and the commissioning body. The chapter concludes with an imperative: Communication to develop understanding of each other's perspectives needs to be better recognized for its value to all parties in meeting their intended purpose in engaging in a commissioned research undertaking.
Paradigm Surfing Across Disciplines in Scholarship and Education Research
Authors: Lang Catherine
Published: August 2019

This chapter presents the experiences of a researcher conducting scholarship and education research in the computing discipline. It provides evidence of a journey through several paradigms, hence the chapter title: “Paradigm Surfing”. This chapter includes a case-by-case retrospective analysis of several influential research projects referring to the categorization of paradigms presented by Ling and Ling in Chapter 1 of this book, and other scholars. The scholarships as distinguished by Boyer are also exemplified. An understanding of paradigm shift influenced by the environment, the research purpose, and perceived maturity of the researcher are presented. The interaction of Boyer's five scholarship areas – discovery, teaching, application, integration, and engagement – constitutes a central thread. The reflexive lens used demonstrates how these developmental scholarship and research experiences have contributed to a rich understanding of the importance of paradigms and the nature of interdisciplinary educational scholarship and research.
Becoming Entangled in SoTL and Research Through Supercomplexity
Authors: Selkrig Mark , Keamy Ron “Kim”
Published: August 2019

In this chapter, the authors map various lines of flight that have informed their growing awareness of supercomplexity as a paradigm appropriate for the current epoch. Rather than concentrating on being researchers, the authors focus on how they are always becoming researchers and scholars of teaching and learning, in between, like a rhizome. Illustrative accounts of the authors' research biographies are provided. They utilize a semi-fictional narrative, with images as a way to overlay fact-oriented research with fiction, in order to “play” with different ways of representing research and scholarship. In the final section of the chapter, a number of emergent concerns, challenges and possibilities are considered in relation to working with supercomplexity. These musings offer the authors, as rhizomatic researchers and scholars of teaching and learning with many conceptual tools and practices, a way to be open to new types of inquiry—a process that could be described as simultaneously knowing but not knowing.
Visuality in Corporate Communication
Authors: Okat Özen , Solak Bahadır Burak
Published: August 2019

One of the most important areas where visual communication is prominent today is marketing. Brands try to adopt to the visual world of today in order to make their communication with their target audience more meaningful and effective. This way, organizations, and therefore brands, take significant steps for differentiation from their competitors by forming their visual identity. Additionally, considering the current advertisements of brands, it is seen that visual narratives are highly abundant. In this context, brands which are starting to use visual communication effectively are gaining a broader place in the memories of their target audience by increasing brand awareness. As a result, it is believed that the significance of visual communication and identity is increasingly higher in terms of influencing existing and potential masses by being integrated into the visual world of today.
How Is a Country Image and Identitiy Construction Reflected via Discourses in Press?
Authors: Özdemir Emel
Published: August 2019

This chapter is aimed to put the matter of how is a country image able to be constructed in hand through the medium of the online press, by evaluating The New York Times (USA), The Daily Express (England), Spiegel Online International (Germany), and Le Monde Diplomatique (France) in terms of “Turkish image and identity” throughout four months (January-April) in 2019. The author uses Van Dijk's discourse analysis approach that is based on two main principles, macro and micro discourse analysis, and the content analysis technique. It is possible with this evaluation to determine how Turkish image and identity is established and what kinds of images, expressions, and representations are used by the foreign press, as well as their approach to Turkish identity.
Who Are You Online?
Authors: Dunn Robert Andrew , Guadagno Rosanna
Published: August 2019

The authors conducted an experiment to determine the effects of gender, race, online video gaming experience, and the experimental context in which participants played the video game (online vs. offline vs. no information control) on avatar selection. The qualities of the avatar compared were based on eight objective differences between avatars and individuals: attractiveness, skin tone, height, girth chest size, waist size, hip size, and height. As predicted, those with online gaming experience selected avatars that were taller, thinner, and more attractive relative to their real selves than did participants with no prior online game experience. Non-white participants selected avatars with lighter skin-tones, whereas white participants selected avatars with darker skin-tones. Surprisingly, male participants selected shorter avatars than female counterparts did.
Online Education
Authors: Galeshi Roofia , Taimoory Hamid Reza
Published: August 2019

Professionalism is an important factor for maintaining the quality of teaching and learning. Despite the large shift in the nature of teaching and learning, due to the rise of digital influences, the perception of professionalism remains a relevant and essential concept in the field of education. This exploratory case study presents the results of a survey aimed at understanding mathematics teachers' perceptions of professionalism and its relationship with self-efficacy and job satisfaction. The results indicate that mathematics teacher perceptions of their interpersonal relationships with the students significantly influences their perception of professionalism in teaching. We argue that in the age of globalization and the increasing influence of technology in the classroom, the interpersonal relationship continues to be at the forefront of the teaching profession. Our findings suggest that positive interpersonal relationships can enhance teachers' daily experiences and create a positive learning environment for the students.
Exploiting the Adoption and Implementation of Electronic Learning in a Technical University in Ghana
Authors: Asabere Nana Yaw , Acakpovi Amevi , Torgby Wisdom , Sackey Jessica Yaa Aba , Kwaikyi Sylvia
Published: August 2019

Although in Accra Technical University (ATU), Ghana, there exists a traditional Face-to-Face (F2F) mode of education already in place, the implementation of electronic learning (e-learning) through ICT in education will increase the number of students admitted yearly. Lack of academic facilities makes e-learning an attractive alternative. Consequently, this article employed a questionnaire as a research instrument with reference to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM-2) as a theoretical framework. In all, questionnaires were administered to 190 students and 14 lecturers in the Faculty of Applied Sciences in Accra Technical University (ATU). Based on the responses received, various types of e-learning systems were exploited and a SWOT (Strength Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats) analysis was conducted to validate the sustainability of proposing and developing a suitable e-learning system for ATU. It is envisaged that successful implementation of the e-learning system proposed in this article will practically increase the use of ICT in education by both lecturers and students in ATU.
Mutation Testing for Evaluating PHP Web Applications
Authors: Saifan Ahmad A. , Ata Mahmoud Bani
Published: August 2019

Web applications provide services to hundreds of billions of people over the world, so they should be tested, to insure their validity. In this article, we are investigating the ability of testing web application based on traditional mutation testing. To perform this test, we have defined 54 mutation operators, classified into six categories: SQL data retrieving, data manipulation; domain name and IP address look up; internet protocol and service information; HTTP; connection to server and to database. The test was applied to websites that are built using PHP programming for two reasons. The majority of websites nowadays are built using ASP.net or PHP and most of the testing efforts that have been applied on web applications were using the Java programming language. We have implemented a prototype tool called μWebPHP for automatically generating mutants for PHP web applications based on the identified mutation operators. We report preliminary results that show that mutation testing is feasible for web applications.
A Comparative Review of Team Emotional Intelligence Measures for IT Teams
Authors: Dunaway Mary Melinda
Published: August 2019

In today's complex information technology (IT) systems, team task work is highly interdependent, dynamic, and multifaceted. Firms seek ways to make their IT teams work better. Team emotional intelligence (TEI) is an emergent collective skill that has been shown to benefit performance in teams; however, measures for TEI are relatively new, and research is scant for applying TEI measures to examine IT team behaviors. This research presents a comparative review of the TEI construct for use in research.
Geometrical Evaluation of a Pair of Elliptical Tubes Subjected to a Flow with Forced Convection Heat Transfer
Authors: Del Aghenese Ana Paula , Heinemann Eliander Manke , Barreto Gabriel de Avila , Teixeira Filipe Branco , Isoldi Liércio André , Rocha Luiz Alberto Oliveira , dos Santos Elizaldo Domingues
Published: August 2019

In the present work it is performed a study on the geometric evaluation of a pair of elliptical tubes subjected to external flow with forced convection by means of numerical approach. The objectives are the maximization of Nusselt number (NuD) and the minimization of drag coefficient (CD). The degrees of freedom for the pair of tubes arrangement are: the ratio between the transverse pitch and characteristic length of tubes (ST/D), where D = (A)1/2, the ratio of the main and secondary axes of the elliptical tube (a/b) and the angle of incidence of the flow on the pair of tubes (α). The simulations were carried out considering two-dimensional forced convective flows, in the laminar regime and incompressible conditions. For all configurations, Reynolds and Prandtl numbers are constant, ReD = 100 and Pr = 0.71. The Finite Volume Method (FVM) is used to solve conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy. The software Gmsh is used for creation of the geometries and generation of the meshes. Results showed that the degrees of freedom affected the fluid dynamic and thermal performance of the forced convective flow. According to the objectives outlined in this study, the best performance for the maximization of heat transfer was obtained when α = 0o, a/b = 1⁄2 and ST/D = 3.5. In the case of the fluid dynamics study, the optimal result for CD minimization occurred when α = 0o, a/b = 2.0 and ST/D = 4.0. Thus, the optimal geometry will depend on the indicator performance where the problem is evaluated.
Wind Estimate by a Mesoscale Model
Authors: Gomes Camila e Silva , Krusche Nisia
Published: August 2019

Wind is an energy source that has been used for a long time to reach many goals, but has recently become very important in electricity generation. In Rio Grande, a city located in Rio Grande do Sul state, in the extreme south of Brazil, wind forecast is important due to several weather phenomena of different time and space scales that act in the region. They make wind energy be one of the most difficult energy sources to be forecasted, since small variations of wind estimates may result in large differences in energy that is effectively generated. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of a mesoscale model to simulate wind intensity and estimating electricity production by aerogenerators, with and without nudging. This method enabled simulations to be carried out for a long time, with no spin-up time. The period of study is from June 9th to 14th, 2017, with two horizontal grids nested, of 3 and1 km. Results showed that the model is more accurate when nudging rather than spin-up is used. Nevertheless, the model still leads to errors in power forecast, by comparison with the wind power measured at the aerogenerator.
Ocean Wave Energy as a Possible Power Source for the Brazilian Energy Matrix
Authors: de Oliveira Daniele Melo , Isoldi Liércio André , dos Santos Elizaldo Domingues , Rocha Luiz Alberto Oliveira , Gomes Mateus das Neves
Published: August 2019

Energy is a fundamental element for the development of societies, with energy transformation from renewable sources a challenging theme throughout the world. In Brazil, the energy matrix is composed mainly of non-renewable sources such as petroleum and its derivatives, but the transformation for electricity supply is carried out mainly by hydroelectric plants. This paper presents data from the National Energy Balance between the years 2011 to 2016, regarding the internal supply of energy, as well as the sectors that use it as their main source of electricity, allowing a better visualization of the national scenario. In view of the problem, the main objective is to present possibilities for the production of energy by ocean waves, a concept already studied in developed countries. For example, three tested converter devices are considered: one in Norway and two in Denmark. Considering this possibility from the power of the ocean waves in the world, as well as the climatic, geographical and wave characteristics of Brazil, this work indicates the possibility of a significant increase in the Brazilian energy matrix through the use of the energy of the ocean waves. However, there is a growing need to foster research and development projects in this area, so that this alternative source of energy will become viable.
An Analytical Methodology to Air Pollution Modelling in Atmosphere
Authors: de Quadros Régis Sperotto , Gonçalves Glênio A. , Buske Daniela , Weymar Guilherme Jahnecke
Published: August 2019

This work presents an analytical solution for the transient three-dimensional advection-diffusion equation to simulate the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere. The solution of the advection-diffusion equation is obtained analytically using a combination of the methods of separation of variables and GILTT. The main advantage is that the presented solution avoids a numerical inversion carried out in previous works of the literature, being by this way a totally analytical solution, less than a summation truncation. Initial numerical simulations and statistical comparisons using data from the Copenhagen experiment are presented and prove the good performance of the model.
Biosynthesised Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Ethanol Chemical Sensor
Authors: Emelda Ochieng Phyllis , Nyambura Michira Immaculate , Masikini Milua , Iwuoha Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

Nanoparticles are considered unique sensing material as they are small and deliver sensitivity as low as parts per billion compared to their bulk counterparts used in the conventional devices. Zinc Oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles are considered one of the promising sensing materials due to their high surface-to-volume ratio compared to other conventional sensing materials. They have been found useful for sensing of hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide, ammonia and ethanol. Ethanol sensing forms a platform for monitoring various processes in medical and food industries. Herein, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Spathodea campanulata plant extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were used to fine tuning a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for ethanol sensing. Ethanol sensing capability of the modified GCE electrode was gauged upon its amperometric responses to different ethanol concentrations. The high surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles greatly enhanced peak currents of the modified electrodes leading to signal towards ethanol detection.
Evaluation of the Dispersion Stability of Nanocarbons Using Zeta Potential in Distilled Water
Authors: Alsharef Jamal M.A. , Taha Mohd Raihan , Al-Mansob Ramez A. , Govindasamy Panbarasi
Published: August 2019

Nanocarbons (NCs) have exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties as compared to conventional carbon fibers. In previous studies, chemical agent has been used to disperse NCs in the colloid. The main objective of this study is to investigate the dispersion stability of NCs in distilled water and measurement the Zeta Potential value after using ultrasonic dispersion method (physics method). Two types of NCs were used in this study, carbon nanotube (CNT), and Carbon nanofiber (CNF) with different amounts and sonication time of 2 to 12 minutes. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is utilised to inspect the efficiency of the dispersion methodology. The result has shown the significate dispersion of NCs. It was found that the Zeta Potential was 57.5 mV, and 50.9 mV for CNT, and CNF respectively after one month of sonication process. Moreover, the result indicates that the solution is in good stability according to ASTM standard D418-82. Thus, this physical method used in this study can be further considered as a potential method for NCs dispersion when mixed with a different application. Keywords: Nanocarbons, Dispersion, Zeta Potential, Sonication, Nanomaterials
Trophic relationships between primary producers and associated fauna in a pristine Cerrado pond
Authors: Alvim Elisa A. C. C. , Kisaka Tiago B. , Nardoto Gabriela B. , De Mendonça-Galvão Luciana , Fonseca Barbara M. , Bustamante Mercedes M.C.
Published: August 2019

Ponds arising from groundwater in Cerrado of Central Brazil are oligotrophic but highly biodiverse environments. In this study, we used stable isotope ratios to test if there are variations in carbon and nitrogen acquisition by different primary food sources and if they are influenced by seasonality in a well-preserved pond. We hypothesized that periphyton is the main food source for macrophyte-associated fauna. We found that δ13C, but not δ15N, can distinguish between primary food sources; however, the isotopic signatures of food sources did not differ significantly between seasons. The δ15N values of macrophyte-associated fauna were significantly higher for predators compared with other trophic groups, but δ13C values did not differ significantly between groups. Emergent macrophytes and periphyton were the main food sources for scrapers (contribution of 42.5%) and collector-gatherers (contribution of 41.6%), respectively. Compared with emergent macrophytes, submerged macrophytes were associated with a greater abundance of fauna and algal biomass but were not a significant food source for associated fauna. Our findings demonstrate that in this small shallow oligotrophic pond in the Cerrado, the stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen of food sources did not vary between seasons but did differ between aquatic macrophyte life forms. We point out the different functional roles of macrophyte life forms, with emergent macrophytes serving as an important food resource, while submerged macrophytes mainly provide physical structure.
Determinants of the quality of academic staff in the process of teaching and learning in private universities in Uganda
Authors: Alemiga Jimmy , Kibukamusoke Martha
Published: August 2019

Background: Private Universities (PUs) have existed in Uganda since the 1990s during the time when higher education was privatised due to the high demand for higher education. However, this undermined the quality of higher education in many ways because issues like enrolling students who do not qualify to join universities and recruiting academic staff that do not qualify among others hinder the quality of the teaching and learning in these PUs. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), an institute established under Act of Parliament No. 15 of 2011 to implement the University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act of Parliament 2001, is the regulator body of higher education in Uganda. The mandate of the NCHE includes among others: to regulate, to accredit and to ensure that higher education institutions effectively deliver quality, relevant and standard education to the society. This is through the drafting of the quality assurance framework composed of two core components: the regulatory component at the NCHE level and the institutional component at each individual university level.Aim: The general objective of the study was to investigate determinants of the quality of the academic staff specifically focusing on the academic staff recruitment, development, promotion and dismissal.Setting: The study used the total quality management theory to explain the quality of teaching and learning processes in PUs in Uganda.Methods: The study adopted descriptive and case study designs where data was collected through interviews and observation methods.Results: The study found that PUs have the academic recruitment, promotion, dismissal and development policies that govern their management.Conclusion: Although the policies exist, their enforcement, monitoring and evaluation are weak thus affecting the quality and output of education.
Job and personal resources as mediators in the relationship between iron-ore mineworkers’ job demands and work engagement
Authors: Kotzé Martina , Nel Petrus
Published: August 2019

Orientation: Mining companies are major sources of employment in South Africa. Withstanding the challenges that the mining industry faces, maintaining work engagement of employees is essential to success in this context.Research purpose: To investigate the mediating effect of job and personal resources (in parallel and serial) in the relationship between the job demands and work engagement of employees at two iron-ore mines in a remote South African locale.Motivation for the study: Most South African research on work engagement in the mining industry focuses on the role of job resources. There is a lack of research investigating the influence of both job and personal resources in the relationship between job demands and mineworkers’ work engagement.Research approach/design and method: Data were collected using questionnaires from 238 employees working for two open-pit iron-ore mines. Three mediating relationships were investigated using variance-based structural equation modelling.Main findings: The results indicate that job and personal resources (in parallel) partially mediated the relationship between job demands and work engagement, with personal resources having a stronger effect than job resources. In addition, job and personal resources (in serial) partially mediated the relationship between job demands and work engagement but not as strongly as personal resources (in parallel).Practical/managerial implications: Despite job demands, mineworkers’ work engagement can be increased by investing in interventions and a work environment that enhances job and personal resources (such as mindfulness and psychological capital).Contribution/value add: The study bridges a specific gap in the literature by exploring the role of both job and personal resources (i.e., mindfulness and psychological capital) in the relationship between mineworkers’ job demands and work engagement. No previous studies explored these variables in combination in the South African mining industry.
Definition and Measurement of Torque Biasing Differentials
Authors:   Drivetrain Standards Committee
Published: August 2019

This SAE Recommended Practice covers passive torque biasing axle and center differentials used in passenger car and light truck applications. Differentials are of the bevel gear, helical gear, and planetary types, although other configurations are possible.
Primeiros jogos mundiais dos povos indígenas: uma análise da percepção dos espectadores
Authors: Peres Juliana De Jesus Pinheiro , Santos Roberto Ferreira dos , Correia Adriana Martins , Silva Carlos Alberto Figueiredo da
Published: August 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os Jogos Mundiais dos Povos Indígenas (JMPI), através do ponto de vista de espectadores que foram ao evento, indígenas e não indígenas, de forma a descrever suas percepções sobre questões políticas e sociais dos jogos. A abordagem é qualitativa e o instrumento utilizado na coleta dos dados foi a entrevista semiestruturada. 15 sujeitos participaram do estudo, escolhidos de forma aleatória. Indícios apontam que os JMPI aproximaram a comunidade global da realidade indígena, mas houve falta de autonomia na formulação do evento por parte das lideranças indígenas, e possibilidade de o evento servir para obscurecer a realidade de violência que os povos indígenas enfrentam no Brasil.
A visão da pessoa com deficiência por crianças sem deficiência entremeada pela dança: um encontro de possibilidades
Authors: Oliveira Fernanda Romano da Silva e , Lopes Keyla Ferrari , Carvalho Camila Lopes de , Araújo Paulo Ferreira de
Published: August 2019

A sociedade brasileira é legalmente inclusiva. Contudo, dificuldades em efetivá-la despontam, principalmente referentes às interações pessoais. Assim, esse estudo objetivou verificar a percepção pelas crianças sem deficiência sobre a performance de pessoas com deficiência por meio da dança. Para isso, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa em três fases: uma inicial com conversa e realização de desenhos por 13 crianças do curso Esporte Criança, do SESC Santana, sobre a pessoa com deficiência e suas possibilidades de dançar; uma intervenção com a vivência, pelas crianças, da Metodologia Contato e Improvisação, com interação com um grupo de dançarinos com deficiência; e uma final construção de um novo desenho sobre o mesmo tema. Com os dados apreciados por análise de conteúdo, foi verificado que o contato entre as crianças e as pessoas com deficiência por meio da dança contribuiu com a superação de preconceitos e com a construção de conhecimento acerca das potencialidades dessa população.
Propagação de ondas de ultrassom na avaliação de tratamento de solos moles através da técnica cement soil mixing realizada em laboratório
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Rogério Cerqueira da , Casanova Bruno Pereira
Published: August 2019

A técnica de tratamento solos por deep soil mixing tem sido utilizado na melhoria de capacidade de carga em solos moles, porém existe dificuldade no acompanhamento da qualidade dos traços utilizados após a realização do tratamento, devido à necessidade de recorrer a ensaios destrutivos em áreas de difícil acesso. Técnicas não destrutivas baseadas em propagação de ondas vêm sendo cada vez mais utilizadas para avaliação de sistemas construtivos e controle tecnológico de materiais. O presente trabalho visa contribuir com a técnica de tratamento de solos moles, analisando correlações entre parâmetros mecânicos com ensaios de ultrassom. Após a coleta de amostras no litoral norte de São Paulo, foram realizados ensaios laboratoriais de caracterização, em seguida preparadas misturas plásticas através da adição de cimento CPII na proporção de 300 kg/m³, além da variação do fator água-cimento na mistura (0,5; 0,7; 0,9 e 1,0). Através dos resultados das amostradas ensaiadas a compressão não confinada, módulo de deformabilidade, velocidades de propagação de ondas e coeficiente de rigidez, as analises de regressões verificaram a existência de modelos estatisticamente significativas, podendo ser utilizadas posteriormente na inferência da qualidade de técnicas para tratamento de solos moles com uso de ultrassom.
Severe winter haze days in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 1985 to 2017 and the roles of anthropogenic emissions and meteorology
Authors: Dang Ruijun , Liao Hong
Published: August 2019

Abstract. We applied a global 3-D chemical transport model
(GEOS-Chem) to examine the variations in the frequency and intensity in
severe winter haze days (SWHDs) in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) from 1985 to 2017 and quantified the
roles of changes in anthropogenic emissions and/or meteorological
parameters. Observed SWHDs were defined as the days with daily mean
PM2.5 concentration exceeding 150 µg m−3, and simulated SWHDs
were identified by using the same threshold but with adjustment on the basis
of simulation biases. Comparisons between the simulated SWHDs and those
obtained from the observed PM2.5 concentrations and atmospheric
visibility showed that the model can capture the spatial and temporal
variations in SWHDs in China; the correlation coefficient between the
simulated and observed SWHDs is 0.98 at 161 grids in China. From 1985 to 2017,
with changes in both anthropogenic emissions and meteorological parameters,
the simulated frequency (total severe haze days in winter) and intensity
(PM2.5 concentration averaged over severe haze days in winter) of SWHDs
in BTH showed increasing trends of 4.5 d per decade and 13.5 µg m−3 per decade, respectively. The simulated frequency exhibited
fluctuations from 1985 to 2017, with a sudden decrease from 1992 to 2001 (29
to 10 d) and a rapid growth from 2003 to 2012 (16 to 47 d). The
sensitivity simulations indicated that variations in meteorological
parameters played a dominant role during 1992–2001, while variations in both
emissions and meteorological parameters were important for the simulated
frequency trend during 2003–2012 (simulated trends were 27.3 and 12.5 d per decade owing to changes in emissions
alone and changes in meteorology alone, respectively). The simulated
intensity showed a steady increase from 1985 to 2017, which was driven by
changes in both emissions and meteorology. Process analysis on all SWHDs
during 1985–2017 indicated that transport was the most important process for
the formation of SWHDs in BTH with a relative contribution of 65.3 %,
followed by chemistry (17.6 %), cloud processes (−7.5 %), dry deposition
(−6.4 %), and planetary boundary layer (PBL) mixing (3.2 %). Further examination showed that SWHDs
exhibited large interannual variations in frequency and intensity, which
were mainly driven by changes in meteorology. The results of this study have
important implications for the control of SWHDs in BTH.
The Vertical City Weather Generator (VCWG v1.0.0)
Authors: Moradi Mohsen , Dyer Benjamin , Nazem Amir , Nambiar Manoj K. , Nahian M. Rafsan , Bueno Bruno , Mackey Chris , Vasanthakumar Saeran , Nazarian Negin , Krayenhoff E. Scott , Norford Leslie K. , Aliabadi Amir A.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The Vertical City Weather Generator (VCWG) is a computationally efficient urban microclimate model developed to predict temporal and vertical variation of temperature, wind speed, and specific humidity. It is composed of various sub models: a rural model, an urban microclimate model, and a building energy model. In a nearby rural site, a rural model is forced with weather data to solve a vertical diffusion equation to calculate vertical potential temperature profiles using a novel parameterization. The rural model also calculates a horizontal pressure gradient. The rural model outputs are then forced on a vertical diffusion urban microclimate model that solves vertical transport equations for momentum, temperature, and specific humidity. The urban microclimate model is also coupled to a building energy model using feedback interaction. The aerodynamic and thermal effects of urban elements and vegetation are considered in VCWG. To evaluate the VCWG model, a microclimate field campaign was held in Guelph, Canada, from 15 July 2018 to 5 September 2018. The meteorological measurements were carried out under a comprehensive set of wind directions, wind speeds, and thermal stability conditions in both the rural and the nearby urban areas. The model evaluation indicated that the VCWG predicted vertical profiles of meteorological variables in reasonable agreement with field measurements for selected days. In comparison to measurements, the overall model biases for potential temperature, wind speed, and specific humidity were within 5 %, 11 %, and 7 %, respectively. The performance of the model was further explored to investigate the effects of urban configurations such as plan and frontal area densities, varying levels of vegetation, seasonal variations, different climate zones, and time series analysis on the model predictions. The results obtained from the explorations were reasonably consistent with previous studies in the literature, justifying the reliability and computational efficiency of VCWG for operational urban development projects.
An improved mechanistic model for ammonia volatilization in Earth system models: Flow of Agricultural Nitrogen, version 2 (FANv2)
Authors: Vira Julius , Hess Peter , Melkonian Jeff , Wieder William R.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Volatilization of ammonia (NH3) from fertilizers and livestock wastes forms a significant pathway of nitrogen losses in agricultural ecosystems, and constitutes the largest source of atmospheric emissions of NH3. This paper describes a major update to the process model FAN (Flow of Agricultural Nitrogen), which evaluates the NH3 emissions interactively within an Earth system model; in this work, the Community Earth System Model (CESM) is used. The updated version (FANv2) includes a more detailed treatment of both physical and agricultural processes, which allows the model to differentiate between the volatilization losses from animal housings, manure storage, grazed pastures, and from application of manure and different types of mineral fertilizers. FANv2 is connected to the interactive crop model within the land component of CESM, which determines the amount and timings of fertilizer applications for major types of crops. The model is first evaluated at local scale against experimental data for various types of fertilizers and manure, and subsequently run globally to evaluate present-day NH3 emissions. Comparison of regional emissions shows that FANv2 agrees with previous inventories for North America and Europe, and is within the range of previous inventories for China. However, due to higher NH3 emissions in Africa, India and Latin America, the global emissions simulated by FANv2 (47 Tg N) are 30–40 % higher than in the existing inventories.
Beam-like models for the analyses of curved, twisted and tapered HAWT blades in large displacements
Authors: Migliaccio Giovanni , Ruta Giuseppe , Bennati Stefano , Barsotti Riccardo
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The continuous effort to better predict the mechanical behavior of wind turbine blades is related to lowering the cost of energy. But new design strategies and the continuous increase in the size and flexibility of modern blades make their aero-elastic modeling ever more challenging. For the structural part, the best compromise between computational efficiency and accuracy can be obtained by schematizing the blades as suitable beam-like elements. This paper addresses the modeling of the mechanical behavior of complex beam-like structures, which are curved, twisted and tapered in their reference state, undergo large displacements, 3D cross-sectional warping and small strains. A suitable model for the problem at hand is proposed. It can be used to analyze large deflections under prescribed loads and allows the 3D strain and stress fields in the structure to be determined. Analytical results obtained by applying the proposed modeling approach are illustrated.
The Effect of Public Share Ownership on Tax Evasion: Study on Companies Listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange Between 2008-2011
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Ikbal , Furqan Andi Chairil , Parwati Ni Made Suwitri , Asmanurhidayani Asmanurhidayani
Published: August 2019

Increasing the concentration of ownership and control of public companies in Indonesia is more likely to increase the likelihood of earnings management practices through tax avoidance. The high percentage of concentrated ownership has encouraged the government and capital market regulators to more broadly promote regulations related to tax incentives and public ownership in order to encourage more transparent practices. This study aims to analyze the policy of public ownership of tax avoidance conducted by Indonesian public companies, specifically after the regulation of Government Regulation No. 81 of 2007 concerning Reduction of Income Tax Rates for Domestic Corporate Taxpayers in the Form of Public Companies, and Minister of Financial Regulation No. 238 / PMK.03 / 2008 concerning Procedures for Implementing and Supervision of Granting Tariff Reductions for Domestic Corporate Taxpayers in the Form of Public Companies. More specifically, this study aims to analyze the impact of public share ownership on tax avoidance by Indonesian public companies. The samples of 320 observations that conducted (firm-years) during 2008-2011. The software that will be used in data analysis is STATA 12. The results showed that the increase in public ownership have a significant effect in improve the practice of corporate tax avoidance, which it is also evidenced by the significant differences in the corporate tax avoidance practices before than after the enactment of these regulations. The findings show that the greater the proportion of public share ownership would result the decreasing number of ETR or ETRC which can be indicated that the greater the practice of corporate tax avoidance. Furthermore, the ROA variable has a negative and significant effect on corporate tax avoidance practices, meaning that the greater the profitability ratio of a company can cause the reported and paid tax burden to decrease.
Implications of cumulated seismic damage on the seismic performance of unreinforced masonry buildings
Authors: Mouyiannou Amaryllis , Penna Andrea , Rota Maria , Graziotti Francesco , Magenes Guido
Published: August 2019

The seismic capacity of a structure is a function of the characteristics of the system as well as of its state, which is mainly affected by previous damage and deterioration. The cumulative damage from repeated shocks (for example during a seismic sequence or due to multiple events affecting an unrepaired building stock) affects the vulnerability of masonry buildings for subsequent events. This paper proposes an analytical methodology for the derivation of state-dependent fragility curves, taking into account cumulated seismic damage, whilst neglecting possible ageing effects. The methodology is based on nonlinear dynamic analyses of an equivalent single degree of freedom system, properly calibrated to reproduce the static and dynamic behaviour of the structure. An application of the proposed methodology to an unreinforced masonry case study building is also presented. The effect of cumulated damage on the seismic response of this prototype masonry building is further studied by means of nonlinear dynamic analyses with the accelerograms recorded during a real earthquake sequence that occurred in Canterbury (New Zealand) between 2010 and 2012.
2D seismic numerical analysis of segmental tunnel lining behaviour
Authors: Do Ngoc Anh , Dias Daniel , Oreste Pierpaolo
Published: August 2019

Segmental tunnel linings are now often used for seismic areas in many countries. Some prescriptions and guidelines specifically address the issue of seismic design. Unfortunately, the behaviour of segmental tunnel lining under seismic loads is still somewhat unclear. The influence of segment joints on tunnel lining behaviour during seismic loading has in fact not been quantitatively estimated in the literature. This paper presents a numerical study in order to investigate the performance of segmental tunnel lining under seismic excitation. Analyses have been carried out using a two-dimensional finite difference element model. The seismic signal obtained from an earthquake in Nice has been adopted as input. The numerical results show that a segmental lining can perform better than a continuous lining during an earthquake. The effect of plasticity of the soil constitutive model on the tunnel lining has also been highlighted. The results have indicated that an elastic analysis is not sufficient to determine the seismic induced response of a soil-tunnel system. Moreover, comparative results have pointed out that equivalent static solutions could result in smaller structural lining forces than those of a true dynamic analysis.
Potential of Building Information Modelling for seismic risk mitigation in buildings
Authors: Welch David P. , Sullivan Timothy J. , Filiatrault Andre
Published: August 2019

The seismic assessment of an existing building is often required, possibly due to a change in use, changes in legislation (as recently occurred in New Zealand), for insurance purposes or to permit continued occupancy following a major earthquake. This discussion paper explores three ways in which Building Information Modelling (BIM) could assist in the assessment and mitigation of seismic risk: (i) BIM could provide valuable data on characteristics of both structural and non-structural elements within a building to permit a reliable and holistic seismic risk assessment to be undertaken; (ii) administer a self-diagnosis process utilising damage information received from structural health monitoring technologies prior to and following an earthquake, thus reducing the need for potentially dangerous and time-consuming physical post-earthquake inspections; and (iii) enabling realisation of an emergency management hub within a building management system for implementing control processes to monitor and eventually shutdown damaged mechanical services (e.g. gas pipes) following an earthquake, thus limiting the negative consequences of earthquake induced damage. By providing a leading-edge discussion of these three subjects, with reference to building damage observed in previous earthquakes, important directions for research in BIM are identified that promise to provide a more effective means of seismic risk assessment and mitigation.
The Effect of Using Mobile Banking Services Applications on Electronic Word of Mouth: The Mediating Role of Perceived Trust
Authors: Zalloum Lama , Alghadeer Hamad , Nusairat Nawras
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study is to examine selected dimensions of mobile banking, (such as Ease of Navigation, Personalization Level, Information Quality, Rewards) on e-wom through the mediating role of perceived trust. Self-structured questionnaire is used to collect data which is then shared via Google forms online and targeted only to the users of mobile banking services application in Jordan. Quantitative and analytical methods were used to analyze the data. 499 questioners were returned, 30 of which were rejected as they were not using mobile banking service applications. 469 of the questionnaires were accepted and analyzed using reliability test analysis, descriptive statistics and regression process.

The findings of the study indicate that there is a statistically significant effect of mobile banking (Ease of Navigation, Personalization Level, Information quality, Rewards) through the mediation role of perceived trust on relationships between using mobile banking services and e-wom. It is recommended that banks pay more attention to mobile banking and build powerful and good E-WOM in order to spread the use of mobile banking rapidly.
Level of Applying the Transformational Leadership by Principals of Secondary Schools and its Impact on Teachers’ Empowerment: an Empirical Study on Public Secondary Schools at Muaqqar & Al-Jeeza Educational Region in Jordan
Authors: Al-Khreisha Saud
Published: August 2019

The study aimed at investigating the level of applying transformational leadership pattern by Secondary School principals at Muaqqar & Al-Jeeza educational region and the effect of this on empowering teachers and enabling them to perform their educational message. A questionnaire was designed and distributed on a simple random sample consisted of (340) of the Secondary school principals or teachers at Al-Muaqqar & Al-Jeeza educational regions. A number of 315 questionnaires have been returned back at a response rate of 92%.64. Statistical analysis was carried out using the program of statistical package for social sciences SPSS. After conducting analysis and testing of hypothesis, the study an accepted level of applying transformational leadership among high school principals in the studied region. The study also revealed a statistically significant effect of this leadership pattern on the empowerment of teachers at these schools.
Het verstrekken van pleitnotities aan media
Authors: Kostrzewski O.E.
Published: August 2019

Het verstrekken van pleitnotities aan media

In een spraakmakende zedenzaak verstrekte de verdediging na afloop van de zitting de pleitnotities in ongeclausuleerde vorm aan de media met als gevolg dat zeer gevoelige informatie aangaande de slachtoffers in Curaçao in de openbaarheid kwam. In deze bijdrage onderzoekt de auteur in hoeverre deze wijze van het verspreiden van pleitnotities in lijn is met de jurisprudentie van het EHRM inzake artikel 8 en 10 EVRM.