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Issue 1, Volume 7,
January 2010
Title of the Paper: New Horizons for
e-Learning and Open Education. A Comparative Transfrontier Project at the
University of Bucharest
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Authors: Brandusa
Prepelita-Raileanu
Abstract: The paper analyses the strategies in a programme concerning the
integration of social software technologies in drawing up literary
translations as instrument of the European integration and cultural
communication. Initiated by prof. dr. Lidia Vianu (English Department of the
Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures - the University of Bucharest) in
cooperation with poetry p f, a growing showcase of poets writing in English,
the project represents a fundamental research in the domain of literary texts
translation. The paper analyses the way in which this project connects the
formative aspect of the research with the institutional aspect, with the
problems of professional conversion, of flexibility, of competence (not only
linguistic competence but also, generally, cultural and social competence), of
the open learning and of the problems risen by the eLearning.
Keywords: Translation,
Internet, globalization, information, communication, eLearning, poetry,
language, knowledge
Title of the Paper:
Inovative Pedagogical Intervention Strategies
and Social Software Technologies in an e-Learning Project Initiated by the
University Politehnica of Bucharest (Faculty of Applied Sciences)
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Authors: Brandusa
Prepelita-Raileanu
Abstract: The paper highlights the links between the educational sector and
the further development of the ICT. It presents an e-learning project
initiated by the mathematicians from the Faculty of Applied Sciences
(University Politehnica of Bucharest) in cooperation with McGraw-Hill. The
paper describes this project that develops practical methodology, approaches
and tools targeted at day-to-day utilization by the teacher trainers and
students. Another issue is also discussed : the importance of a close
cooperation between ICT and universities (with a special reference to the
achievements of the University "Politehnica" of Bucharest) in order to develop
the information society as a society with equal chances for everybody.
Keywords: Learning
project, Internet, Mathematics, Physics, technology, information,
communication, applications, curriculum
Title of the Paper:
A Novel Continuous Function for Approximation
to the Factorial
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Authors: Gianfranco
Chicco
Abstract: Various approximations to the factorial have been proposed in the
literature to formulate continuous functions in which the argument is a
non-negative variable. Most of these approximations are based on the classical
De-Moivre-Stirling's or shortly Stirling's formula. Further approximations
have been provided, either multiplying the Stirling's formula to a correction
function, or introducing some structural modifications to the Stirling's
formula. The characteristics of the various approximations can be pointed out
by investigating how the correction function or the structurally modified
formula can provide a better representation of the factorial for natural
numbers with respect to the classical Stirling's formula. This paper starts
with a tutorial illustration of the characteristics of various approximations
to the factorial, and contains the proposal of a novel continuous function
with relatively simple structure. The proposed function has very low relative
approximation errors with respect to the factorial; furthermore, the relative
approximation error is always positive. These characteristics enable the novel
function to be used as an upper bound to the factorial. Application examples
of the proposed formula in the pattern recognition domain are presented, in
order to obtain factorial-free formulations for the calculation of orthogonal
Fourier-Mellin moments and Pseudo-Zernike moments, with some notes on the
possible computational complexity reduction obtainable by exploiting the
proposed formulation with respect to the computation of the same moments using
the factorials, in analogy to what has been done in the literature by using a
different type of approximation.
Keywords: Factorial,
Stirling's formula, Asymptotic convergence, Correction function, Relative
approximation error, Orthogonal Fourier-Mellin moments, Pseudo-Zernike
moments.
Issue 2, Volume 7,
February 2010
Title of the Paper: A
Bluetooth-based Interactive System to Improve Relationships Between Actors in
Educational Environments
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Authors: Fernando
Ribeiro, Jose Metrolho, Monica Costa
Abstract: Nowadays there are a vast number of devices and technologies
available for the common citizen to improve their communication with others.
This fosters the design and implementation of systems that explore the
available features of these devices. In this paper, we propose a
Bluetooth-based interactive system for delivering personalized information in
high education institutions. The system allows informing, on a personalized
way, the actors of an education institution on a free way using popular
communication standards. The scenario we promote in the paper is mainly
focused on learning environments, however the framework is also applicable in
other shared public and semi-public spaces such as offices, homes, companies
and many others. One of the most important contributions of this work is to
combine public displays and personal mobile devices for delivering
personalized information according to the students’ location. A prototype has
been built and discussed with demonstrative user scenarios. Early results show
that teachers and students found some advantages in this system comparing to
traditional approaches. This system can effectively support a wide range of
activities for students. It provides to each student the possibility to have a
personal interaction with the technology in an authentic and appropriate use
context. Features like the system’s architecture, prototype and system’s
evaluation are explained in the paper. Results show that this system can be an
important complement to other popular systems in education environments (e.g.
e-mail, chats, Wikis, forums, e-learning platforms etc.).
Keywords: E-schools,
e-learning, personalized information, mobile learning, interactive spaces,
Bluetooth, information and communication technologies, mobile devices
Title of the Paper: Higher
Education Decision Making and Decision Support Systems
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Authors: Vasile Paul
Bresfelean, Nicolae Ghisoiu
Abstract: The authors illustrate several issues in decision support and
decision support systems (DSS), state of the art research in these fields, and
also their own studies in designing a higher education DSS. The final section
contains our contribution in outlining the modules of the DSS, involving the
present systems and databases of FSEGA and UBB, results and activities
belonging to FSEGA students, teaching and research staff, to assist decisions
for all the actors implicated in the processes, in various specific
situations.
Keywords: Decision
support, decision support systems (DSS), higher education institutions,
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Title of the Paper: How
we Can Mark the Rhythm of the Daily Work by using a Learning Management System
as Moodle?
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Authors: Angel Mora
Bonilla, Maria Del Pilar Sarmiento Moreno, Enrique Merida Casermeiro
Abstract: In this paper is shown how e-learning can help us to mark the pace
of the daily work of on-site students when they are studying alone. In the
classroom, it is an easy task to orientate the work of the pupils by classical
methods, but these ones have the lack of be inadequates to regulate the
student’s work when they are out of the classroom. E-learning can help us, and
so, here is shown how the use of some tools provided by an LMS (Learning
Management System) such as Moodle allow teachers to schedule activities in
order to students face up to appropriate learning environment when they are
studying alone. Moreover, these e-learning tools permit collaborative learning
as a way of reinforcing their activity and solving problems in real time. We
have focussed our attention to those tools of Moodle that let us direct our
efforts toward the achievement of this goal for in site students making their
daily work in their own time autonomously, and how the use of techniques,
activities and resources of e-learning can help them in real time. Moreover,
schoolteachers always have an updated information of all activities carried
out by students. It allows teachers to become aware of those aspects of the
learning process or topics that students find some difficulties and make the
appropriate corrections in real time, in other words, it enables the early
detection of those obstacles that can produce unsuccessful results.
Keywords: Learning
strategies, collaborative learning Moodle, LMS, e-learning, guidance, blended
learning
Issue 3, Volume 7,
March 2010
Title of the Paper: The
Computer in the Mathematics Teaching
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Authors: Ana Julia
Viamonte
Abstract: The difficulty in learning mathematics is often caused by the prior
fear of mathematics. Besides the necessity of changing the methods of teaching
and teachers training, computer may be a tool that can be used to avoid this
fact and to make learning funnier. The use of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) in schools is still unusual. Several factors contribute to
that: the lack of training of teachers, the lack of material resources and the
excessive number of students per class. Computers should be used as tools to
assist students in the exploration and discovery of concepts, to make the
transition from concrete experiences to abstract mathematical ideas, in
practice routines, and in the process of troubleshooting, but only as
auxiliary and not as the goal of education itself. The use of computer in
solving a problem requires that users of these tools have knowledge of errors
theory; otherwise they can get wrong values that they do not know how to
explain. This work aims to reflect on the occurrence of some of the most
common mistakes when using these tools.
Keywords: Mathematics
Education, Self Regulation, Educational Technologies, Numerical Analysis
Title of the Paper: Introducing
Yoga Practice for Managing New Kind of Pressure in Scientific Engineering
Schools
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Authors: Ph. Dondon, J.
M. Duprat, C. Delesse
Abstract: This paper points out in the first paragraph the general evolution
of scientific curriculum and student’s behaviour in French scientific engineer
schools. Necessary reforms and adaptations to these changes are discussed and
some unexpected consequences are described: Indeed, since a few years, theses
behaviour’s evolutions are a source of new kind of psychological pressures and
stresses for the teachers. As illustration, new pressures’ origins are then
identified and analyzed. We finally suggest, as a possible answer, an approach
based on Cachemire yoga practice in and/or out the work place. Benefits of
yoga practice are discussed and explained. At least, we show how to export
this practice in the daily life.
Keywords: Scientific
education, Pedagogical process, Psychological aspects in scientific
engineering school
Title of the Paper: Advanced
System for Risk Assessment of the Security Expressed in the Complex Labor
System and Strategic Objectives of National Interest
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Authors: Gabriel–Dragos
Vasilescu, Tiberiu–Atila Csaszar, Stela Dinescu, Valeriu Plesea
Abstract: In the present paper, a technical approach on establishing
scientifically based tools for the quantification of threats and
vulnerabilities or potential or apparent specific national security system,
identified at a time, to substantiate of quantitative and qualitative risk and
security establishment, wittingly, the detailed controls to eliminate or
reduce hazardous situations arising from these factors disturbances. Results
obtained from the investigation and diagnosis of national security, based on
the methodology presented, leading to overall assessment of risk associated
security status of specific environmental threats event and/or vulnerabilities
identified in order substantiate and implementation of appropriate programs of
action with maximum emergency/necessity or urgency/need to eliminate or reduce
the dangerous situations that may affect national security.
Keywords: Risk, negligible
event, credibility, national security, probability, strategic objectives,
vulnerabilities
Title of the Paper: Managers,
Teaching Professionals and the Crisis Impact upon the Education System in
Romania – Values, Attitudes, Conduct
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Authors: Ioan Neacsu,
Emil Stan, Catalin Popescu, Mihaela Suditu
Abstract: This research paper examines, based on the data of an empirical
research study, the problems of the new challenges that the education actors
and, especially, school managers have to face under the current global,
financial and moral crisis. There are approached context elements, frequent
queries, substantiations that are present in investigations, solutions and
expectations of social and professional resonance.
Keywords: School
management crisis, community-school relation, global crisis, optimum
managerial conduct
Issue 4, Volume 7,
April 2010
Title of the Paper: Optimal
Team Formation for Practical Software Development Exercise -Evaluating a
Method for Team Formation Based on the Type of Project Manager-
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Authors: Kiyomi
Shirakawa, Shiori Yamamoto, Ryota Chiba, Hiroaki Hashiura, Seiichi Komiya
Abstract: In the software development exercise for the third graders of the
Shibaura Institute of Technology Department of Information Science and
Engineering, students are assigned to each team with the capability to carry
out a role, for optimization of team formation. In the team formation of 2006,
each student who expected to play an active part for the success of exercise
subject played an active part also in the actual exercise lesson in each team.
As a result "all the teams achieved the exercise subject without any halfway
dropouts", which Shirakawa, et al. [1] checked. However in the questionnaire
results after the end of the exercise, it turned out that the low motivation
of some students caused the shortage of communication of the members in the
team. Then, the authors built up the hypothesis that "each student's
motivation is decided by whether the type of Project Manager (Project Manager
is described as PM henceforth) and the PM type each member desire is in
agreement. Each member has a role to play besides PM in the team for software
development. The decision of the role assignment of each member demanded a
substitute characteristic and an expression of relations with each role to
express a role performance by a covariance structure analysis. Based on an
expression of relations, decided assigned members according to the PM type and
performed role assignment and the team formation of each member. As a result,
the team formation of the students without the practice experience confirmed
that high team formation of the cooperativeness between team members was
realizable by considering a PM type.
Keywords: Optimizing
Project Team Formation, Exercises in Units of Groups, Chi-Square test,
Exercise for Software Development, Genetic Algorithm, Factor Analysis,
Covariance Structure Analysis, Path Diagram, Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Title of the Paper: Occupational
Risk Assessment and Management: Challenges and Guidelines for the Romanian
Organization's Practice
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Authors: Lucian-Ionel
Cioca, Gabriel-Bujor Babut, Roland-Iosif Moraru
Abstract: Integrating risk assessment in an organization is a process that
generally follows a sequence of phases. To be effective, the company culture
must be willing to embrace the risk assessment process, and cultural
acceptance stems from management leadership. Emphasizing some of the major
benchmarks in occupational risk assessment approaches, the paper summarizes
and outlines several basic principles directed towards practical risk
assessment process improvement. The article discusses the principles that
underlie a coherent and efficient assessment for occupational health, safety
and well-being: the need of a global approach of these problems not only at
the workplace but for the whole of the living conditions at work; a clear
understanding of the complementary character between the different partners of
this prevention; the role of actor of the workers and therefore the absolute
necessity of a participative approach; the real usefulness of measurements and
of risk quantification in general; the differences between risk assessment and
risk management. The paper demonstrates how a sound risk assessment approach
can lead not only to better risk management, but to the pro-active prediction
of occupational risk accidents and incidents and ultimately its prevention,
considering the need of changing minds in Romania when it comes to
occupational risk assessment and management.
Keywords: Risk,
assessment, management, occupational health and safety, guidance principles
Title of the Paper: Robots
as Learning Tools in a Vocational School
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Authors: Marzia
Pisciotta, Bruno Vello, Claudio Bordo, Giovanna Morgavi
Abstract: Many researchers have commented on the use of technological
resources in education, in particular in the robotic field, but consistent
data that assess how robots affect motivation and learning in the vocational
education programs are missing from the literature. We present an educational
experience over one year in a vocational high school class forming electronic
technicians. Motivation and pressure are considered two factors impacting
vocational high school student learning. The introduction of educational robot
project and then of the robot competition showed to be effective in improving
learning efficiency in different fields as a consequence of enhancing
intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Results are encouraging, and should affirm
the idea that the didactic project "educational robot" is a well facilitated
learning environment of different disciplines, where the motivation to learn
increases, the achievements of both individual and class are positive.
Keywords: Educational
Robots, Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, Parallax Boe-Bot, Vocational
School, Robocup Junior Competition, Learning Motivation
Title of the Paper: Information
and Communication Technologies in the Process of Instruction:
Students/Communication in On-line Courses
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Authors: Ivana Simonova,
Petra Poulova, Martin Bilek
Abstract: The paper describes the process of implementation and building
appropriate competences towards reaching the teaching and learning competence
in the process of instruction supported by modern technologies. The research
is provided focusing on communication between a student and tutor of on-line
distance courses in relation to submitting assignments (individual homework).
The communication is monitored from the point of frequency, extent, content
and academic year. The data were collected from students of the 1st, 2nd and
3rd year in three different subjects, English for IT Students, Management and
Database Systems at the Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of
Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Proposed recommendations and conclusions are
expected to contribute to building closer and warmer relations in the course
of study, and thus contribute to higher effectiveness of the learning process
in general.
Keywords: E-learning, ICT,
English for specific purposes, ESP, Management, communication
Issue 5, Volume 7,
May 2010
Title of the Paper: DigiLab:
A Virtual Lab for IT Students
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Authors: Rosilah Hassan,
Nazlia Omar, Haslina Arshad, Shahnorbanun Sahran, Norul Huda Yusof
Abstract: This paper presents a new experience concerning a practical
laboratory for Digital Logic Design (DLD) that can be accessed from anywhere
via the Internet. Our approach was to design a virtual laboratory, using a
multimedia platform, namely DigiLab which can be access from anywhere via the
Internet. DigiLab run as an online application where a user needs to have
internet connection and user account before access to the application. Virtual
laboratory occasionally replaces traditional classrooms due to rapid advances
in computer technologies. One of the engineering subjects, Digital Logic
course is regarded as an important core requirement in Information Technology
(IT) department. The IT student needs to study about logic for hardware
purpose in IT. The idea of digital logic virtual lab is to allow students in
IT to understand the logic circuit behavior and practice the skills of
designing the circuit board with different techniques and instruments. Due to
costly traditional laboratory, the DigiLab is designed to fulfill the needs of
the knowledge for students.
Keywords: Digital Logic
Design (DLD), DigiLab, Virtual Laboratory, and Information Technology (IT)
Title of the Paper: LabVIEW
based Electrical Machines Laboratory for Engineering Education
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Authors: R. A. Jabbar
Khan, A. Mohammed, M. Junaid, M. A. Masood, A. Iftkhar
Abstract: The Laboratory session in any engineering education particularly in
Electrical Engineering is critical as these Labs are designed for students in
accordance with theoretical course work. Software based Electrical Machines
cost less and have provision of wide ranging change in parameters as compared
to hardware based Lab, which results in better understanding of students in
learning concepts of Electrical Machines course. Software based Laboratory
experiments have become current day need due to its impacts on flexible
learning of students and understanding abilities. This motivation deals with
Simulation of Electrical Machines Laboratory experiments which are part of Lab
session at under-graduate Electrical Engineering level using Laboratory
Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) software. LabVIEW uses
graphical language which allows a natural, vivid and user-friendly
interaction.
Keywords: Electrical
Machines, Simulation, LabVIEW, Engineering Education
Title of the Paper: ACTA
Tools as an Integrated Teaching Assistant for the Design of Automatic Flight
Control Systems
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Authors: Antonios S.
Andreatos, Anastasios D. Zagorianos
Abstract: ACTA I and ACTA II are two user friendly tools for teaching
Automatic Control Systems, based on Matlab. ACTA tools greatly facilitate the
design of Electronic Flight Control Systems. In this paper the ACTA tools and
their functions are initially introduced; then a case study demonstrating how
a typical modern aircraft control system may be analyzed and redesigned using
the ACTA tools is presented. The paper concludes by summarizing the ACTA tools
advantages, as well as, our future plans. The ACTA tools are available for
free downloading through our wiki.
Keywords: Control systems,
aircraft control, Electronic Flight Control systems, EFCS, ACTA tools, GUI,
ACTA tools tutorial, Bloom’s taxonomy
Issue 6, Volume 7,
June 2010
Title of the Paper: The
Study of Electrical Resistance Measurement Methods using Virtual Instruments
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Authors: Valentin Dogaru
Ulieru, Savu-Cristescu Maria, Draghicescu Luminita, Eugenia Dogaru Ulieru,
Stancescu Ioana, Petrescu Ana-Maria
Abstract: Measurement and automation technology were changed once the National
Instruments company introduced the concept of virtual instruments, using the
graphical programming LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering
Workbench). LabVIEW, originally developed for the measurement and automation
technology, has been advancing more and more as an alternative to conventional
programming languages. This graphical programming represents crucial reading
and work for instructors, scientists, students, hardware and software
developers, and decision-makers in research, academia and industry [10,12].
This article presents theoretical considerations regarding electrical
resistance measurement in D.C. circuits and applications for their study and
analysis using the LabVIEW graphical programming. By combining the
meta-cognitive strategies with interactive work procedures, by the efficient
use of the computer in the simulation of certain phenomena specific for the
diverse scientific disciplines, the academic staff builds increasingly
motivating learning experiences, stimulating the students to progress
increasingly faster in their learning, providing them with the necessary
framework for an authentic, sequential learning, resulting in flexible
acquisitions, able to be transferred and valorized in different theoretical
and practical contexts.
Keywords: LabVIEW, virtual
instruments, competences, academic learning, computer-assisted training
Title of the Paper: Advanced
Prediction Procedure for the Underground Stress Manifested in the Undermined
Coal Bed Works
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Authors: Valeriu Plesea,
Gheorghe Manolea, Sergiu Ghinia, Radu Sorin, Daniela Stochiloiu, Gabriel
Vasilescu, Doru Cioclea
Abstract: In nowadays coal exploitation conditions from Jiu Valley coal
undergrounds taking into account the safety requests for adequate support and
for assuring the stability for coal face due to extending the coal fields
necessary to be uncover and undermined to coal bed method impose to forecast
the manifestation and estimation intensity mode of mining prevention state is
considered more important for knowing the actual situation and to apply the
imposed measurements. Within the context of assessing retain safety in
exploitation, the evaluation system which is presented in the paper assumes
that monitoring the pressure from hydraulic pillars using individual timber
from undermined coal bed is necessary for estimate the exploitation safety.
Keywords: Coal
exploitation, undermined coal bed, monitoring, hydraulic pillars, mining
pressure, exploitation safety, data aquizition, front mining works, electronic
wiring, serial adaptor, program PC
Title of the Paper: Equipment
and Technology for Assessing the Safety Parameters by the Remote Control of
the Mine Underground Atmosphere
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Authors: Valeriu Plesea,
Sergiu Ghinia, Ioan Dumitrescu, Dragos Vasilescu, Artur Gaman, Stela Dinescu
Abstract: The OH&S standards in force valid for mine closure (i.e. during the
conservation and proper closing and for temporary or permanent closing of the
mine areas adversely affected during the operating period) state the
monitoring of the safety parameters that define the underground atmosphere,
mainly temperature and gases. The idea shown below is part of the group for
warning against underground fire hazards and gas and powders hazards. It
comprises an early automatic sampling and processing of information related to
the history of temperature and gases inside gobs and closed underground areas.
Keywords: Underground
atmosphere, spontaneous combustion, underground fire, coal mine, safety
parameters, automatic control, monitoring, evaluation system, voltage
converter, receiving catches, process interface
Issue 7, Volume 7,
July 2010
Title of the Paper: Development
of a Study Scale Model for Energy and Daylight Analysis
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Authors: Hendrik Voll,
Kaarel Paasuke
Abstract: Starting from July 1st in 2009 became into force the regulation
number 258 („The Minimum Requirements for Energy Efficiency“) of Government of
The Republic of Estonia. The regulation states, that every new and
significantly renovated building has to correspond to the minimum requirements
of energy efficiency. In case the building does not meet the requirements
stated in the regulation, the building has to be redesigned. The energy
consumption of a dwelling derives mostly from heating the building, and which
is affected by insulation and ventilation-system. As in offices considerable
amount of energy consumption is derived from cooling, the situation is more
complex. To educate Estonian architects and engineers and explain one of the
key-factors – the design of the facade –direct solar radiation table named
Heliodon and diffuse daylight artificial skybox were established and a model
of a building was manufactured. The model has different types of facade
layouts in different sides to visualize their influence of heating/cooling
loads and energy demand. The present paper focuses on the introduction of
Tallinn University of Technologies daylighting lab, developing process of the
exemplary model from conceptual idea to real physical model and in the end
gives an example how the designed scale model will be used for educational
purposes.
Keywords: Cooling demand,
Energy efficiency, Daylight, Rapid Prototyping, Selective Laser Sintering
Title of the Paper: University
Stakeholder Management and University Social Responsibility
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Authors: Libena
Tetrevova, Veronika Sabolova
Abstract: The article further develops the theoretical resources of
stakeholder theory, stakeholder management and corporate social
responsibility, created for the needs of enterprises. It deals with the
possibility of using them for the needs of universities. The theory is
interconnected with the outcomes of the survey in the areas of university
stakeholder management and university social responsibility. The paper defines
university stakeholders, suggests their classification and gives some
recommendations on selection and application of the strategy for negotiation
with individual university stakeholders. Attention is also paid to
relationships between stakeholders and social responsibility concept. The
basic resources of the university social responsibility are described and its
key areas and problems are identified on the example of Czech universities.
Keywords: University,
Stakeholder, Stakeholder Theory, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder
Management Strategies, Corporate Social Responsibility, University Social
Responsibility
Title of the Paper: Preparing
Advanced Matlab Users
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Authors: Michal Blaho,
Martin Foltin, Peter Fodrek, Michal Poliacik
Abstract: This paper is about preparing advanced Matlab users mostly at the
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology in Bratislava. We
described how is our basic course organized and what methodology we use on the
course. We show how to improve student’s results by focusing on individual
work of the students and proper motivation by evaluating finished tasks on
practices. We also compare other type of evaluating task. By using modern
communication possibilities we show how to interact students to improve the
course. Finally we show you student’s opinion on our system of teaching, how
we interact with others institutes by providing more courses outside the
faculty and how we extending our knowledge by participating on Matlab
conferences.
Keywords: Teaching,
Matlab, Week tasks, Web materials, Forum, Social network, Colaboration, Open
source
Issue 8, Volume 7,
August 2010
Title of the Paper: Use
of Educational Technology in Engineering Education – A Computer Assisted
Instruction (Multimedia) Package for Engineering Students
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Authors: Anjali
Venkatesh Deshpande
Abstract: Computer based instructional materials offer great potential for
engineering education. The author( designer and developer ) has experienced
that the development of Multimedia package is a sequential programme which
needs deep concentration and consistency to give a proper shape to the
product.This paper presents the author?s( designer and developer ) experience
in designing and developing a computer assisted instruction package for
teaching multiple integrals to engineering students . The paper describes a
systematic approach which has been used to design and develop the Multimedia (
Computer Assisted Instruction ) Package. Understanding the needs of the target
audience and implementing this need the CAI is indeed a challenging task.
Keywords: Multimedia,
Engineering, Mathematics, Computer assisted instruction, Design, Development,
Education
Title of the Paper: Enhancing
Calculus Learning Engineering Students Through Problem-Based Learning
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Authors: Mohd Zin
Mokhtar, Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Ayub, Mohd Ariff Ahmad Tarmizi
Abstract: Calculus is most important subject for science and engineering
students but phenomenally it is abstract, difficult and highly boring.
Underpinning with in constructivism theories, problem-based learning (PBL) is
one of student centred and active learning strategies or approach which can be
used to improve students’ interests and often lead to deep level understand
hence acquiring the learning outcomes of a course This approach can be used to
improve students’ participation, interests and performance in learning of
calculus. This study is designed to investigate student’s perception about PBL
approach in calculus; student’s engagement during the acquisition of
understanding of calculus and; student’s performance as a result of PBL
learning experience. A group of 48 Foundation Year engineering students was
randomly selected to undergo the PBL approach in Basic Calculus course. A
rubric-scoring assessment was used to evaluate students engagement level, a
questionnaire with open ended question was used to assess students’ perception
of PBL learning, and a post-test to measure students’ performance after
undergoing PBL approach. This pedagogical approach has made the teaching and
learning of calculus more interesting and effective. PBL in calculus offer the
advantages as it promotes collaborative and distributed learning; development
of learners' critical thinking, evaluative and judgment/ decision making
skills and enables new and inexperienced learners to access and learn from
captured solutions of expert problem solvers. It is also able to develop the
potential of individuals to be more creative, critical in their thinking and
effective in problem solving.
Keywords: Problem Based
Learning, Calculus, Engagement in learning, Mathematics Education,
Performance, Engineering Education
Title of the Paper: The
Students' Mentality from the Petroleum-Gas University – Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering and Electronics Regarding the Status and the Importance of
Physical Activities in the Education for a Healthy Life
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Authors: Lupu Elena,
Suditu Mihaela, Safta Cristina
Abstract: In the process of mental education for a healthy life, a
particularly important role is played by body activities and the extend to
which we are able to implement these activities in the academic programme of
students in order to raise their interest. It is widely acknowledged that body
activities go beyond P.E. domain, but they are connected with it because P.E.
is a component of general education and it has as a main purpose the
development of physical, psychical, sociocultural qualities of a person.
Therefore, P.E. represents an important part of general education, being an
act of culture over years and an emancipation method with a pedagogical
content.
Keywords: Mentality ,
Student, Higher education, Mechanical Engineering and Electronics, Body
activities, Education, Games, Healthy life, Competition, Psychomotor
activities, Engineers.
Issue 9, Volume 7,
September 2010
Title of the Paper: An
Intercultural Perspective on Technological Education
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Authors: Stan Panturu,
Cornelia Cocan
Abstract: The present study focuses on the intercultural education’s
objectives accomplished by and through technological education. This research
has two premises as starting points: a) intercultural education is not a
distinguished/ independent form of education, but it is integrated in
education regarded as a whole process, in all of its dimensions, forms and
levels; b) technological education is one of the education’s dimensions with
the most intercultural potential. This research emphasizes on the present
limitations of the curriculum and of the methodology of the technological
education from the objectives of the intercultural education’s points of view.
The research proposes solutions as re-thinking and re-construction of the
curriculum and of improving the didactical methodology.
Keywords: Globalization,
multiculturality, intercultural education, intercultural school, technological
education, technology of the intercultural education, intercultural
curriculum, intercultural competences
Title of the Paper: Redefining
Critique Session as an Assessment Tool In Architecture Design Studio Class
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Authors: Badiossadat
Hassanpour, Nangkula Utaberta, Azami Zaharim
Abstract: The architectural curriculum has been based on the design studio
class model which focuses on learning by doing and all processes and
procedures of problem solving are transmitting trough lectures and critique
sessions. The tutorial system in design studio classes is same as master-
Apprentice. So students learn during a communication between students and
teachers and also between students. By this way each student will have a
chance to express his/her own perceptions and ideas and make a dialogue with
experts (teacher) and peers and expose him/her self to their judgments.
According to John Dewey, a 20th century American philosopher, criticism is
judgment and also Criticism is a very useful tool in the communication of
ideas and evaluation of designs.The current model in studio classes is based
on ancient model. In some cases the traditional design studio class in a
school of architecture consists of a teacher telling students what to do and
student doing what they are told.This traditional model must be redefined and
be made clearer in order to improve both learning and teaching methods. This
paper tries to analyze studio class types and implemented methods of critique
in them in order to find their weak and strength points and also to identify
procedures and tools that can be used to support the studio based pedagogy in
architecture.
Keywords: Critique (crit),
design studio class (studio), Architecture, assessment tool, evaluation
Title of the Paper: Spanish
Universities Shaping to European Higher Education Area (EHEA) by Means New
Teaching Methodologies. A Case Study
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Authors: M.
Martinez-Gomez, M. Mari-Benlloch
Abstract: This paper describes briefly the transformation of the obligatory
subject Introduction to Statistics (IS), in the first year of degree in the
Faculty of Business Administration and Management (Administracion y Direccion
de Empresas FADE) at the Universidad Politecnica of Valencia (UPV) during the
academic course 2009-2010. That course which a pilot European Credit Transfer
System (ETCS) credit program was initiated, previous to its obligatory
implantation in 2010, in the context of the European Higher Education Area
(EHEA). The purpose of this research is to provide an overview of changes on
the didactic model of this subject regarding previous academic years. Our work
describes the new methodologies followed by teaching staff, the main problems
troubled and the solutions adopted to solve them. Finally, a questionnaire was
developed to evaluate the students’ perceptions about new active methodologies
and teamwork that let us to know how these aspects influence in the
development of competences and abilities, especially the interpersonal and
systemic ones. In spite of the need for a larger study, the results draw that
students have been fitted well to the new active methodologies and cooperative
work.
Keywords: European Higher
Education Area, Educational Innovation, ECTS credits, pilot project, student
opinion, analysis of questionnaires
Issue 10, Volume 7,
October 2010
Title of the Paper: The
Development of Engineering Education in Haryana
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Authors: Vijay Nehra,
Sandeep Dahiya, Kiran Nehra
Abstract: Haryana is one of the constituent states of Indian republic which
came into existence in 1966. The state has made remarkable progress in
engineering education over the last two decades. Engineering education is
adapted to the general needs of modern economy and society, dominated by
globalization aimed to meet the growing demand for technical manpower in
several technological areas. The present paper discusses chronological
developments in the engineering education system including the various
milestones, academic programme overview, courses offered & enrolment, state
initiatives, issues & challenges and the future prospects. The paper
specifically addresses a case study in the development of engineering
education in Haryana. The paper may be useful for policy planners,
academicians, researchers and people who are involved in the issues of
engineering education.
Keywords: Engineering
Education, Haryana, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral Studies,
Initiatives, Issues
Title of the Paper: An
Example of ADDIE Application on Industry Demand-Driven ELearning Curriculums
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Authors: Kai-Wen Cheng
Abstract: While previous studies have focused on the theories and use of
e-learning, little is known about the practical design of e-learning
curriculums step by step. This study applied ADDIE model to develop an example
for industry demand-driven e-learning curriculums in one international
accounting firm. In other words, building an innovative example for the
industry-oriented e-learning curriculums is the most important contribution in
this study.
Keywords: Accounting firm,
ADDIE, Auditor, E-learning
Title of the Paper: New
Skills for New Jobs. Lifelong Learning Initiatives in the Romanian Higher
Education
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Authors: Brandusa
Prepelita-Raileanu
Abstract: In a complex world, characterized by diversity and change, the
lifelong-oriented education answers the challenges of the open society. The
paper describes the Romanian government's strategy for revitalizing the
lifelong learning in higher education system. Attention is drawn to the
technical universities in terms of the access to higher education and the
transition to an educational system appropriate for a society based on
individual freedom, political pluralism, and market economy. It is emphasized
that in the context that is specific to Romania, where fighting
marginalization and social and cultural discriminations is a process that has
recently started, this orientation could offer compensatory solutions.
Keywords: Training, labour
market, reform, lifelong learning, communication, qualification, knowledge
society, curriculum, infrastructure
Issue 11, Volume 7,
November 2010
Title of the Paper: Modern
Teaching Instruments for the Establishment of the Thermodynamic Values of Real
Gases in the Training of Engineer Students
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Authors: Sorin Neacsu,
Silvian Suditu, Catalin Popescu
Abstract: In the hereby study, we describe and present analytically several
software applications – designed as an effective complex teaching-learning
means but attractive and useful friendly at the same time – developed by us
for the students – future engineers – in the oil industry. Our preoccupation
is directed towards the building-up and adopting of a modern strategy that
should favour the students’ active and participative learning, as it is
well-known the high level of difficulty and abstractness of this scientific
domain. What we are trying to achieve by means of this endeavour is to shift
the focus from “to know” to “to know how to do”. In this respect, our research
study presents the “Real Gases” software, a learning tool used for the
calculation of thermodynamic values of gases and gas mixtures, both
hydrocarbons and other gases.
Keywords: Educational
software, thermodynamic values, gases, gas mixtures, teaching-learning
instruments
Title of the Paper: University
Autonomy - the Current Trend in Educational Reform. The Romanian Higher
Education System in Line with the Bologna Agreement
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Authors: Brandusa
Prepelita-Raileanu
Abstract: The paper emphasizes that decentralization is not an end in itself.
It is part of the national strategy of decentralization and is intended to
create an educational system organized, administered and financed by European
rigors regarding the quality assurance in educational training process. The
paper also refers to the fact that Education Act and other legal provisions
insist on the components that define university autonomy: the deciding on the
internal structure of the institution, the planning, organizing, improving of
the educational process. The issue of decentralization is discussed in light
of the fact that a real reform of academic education has as a major aim the
development of the free and creative personality, its social function being
integration in social order and change. The paper highlights many aspects of
the fact that such a reform starts from reality and from traditions, secures
equal chances of access to and success in education, answers the challenges of
contemporary world.
Keywords: Globalization,
European integration, decentralization, reform of education, lifelong
education, quality of education, equality of chances, management
Title of the Paper: Teaching
Strategy for Algorithmic Problem-Solving
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Authors: Soojin Jun,
Seungbum Kim, Wongyu Lee
Abstract: Many instructors claim that the teaching process of programming
education improves problem-solving abilities. However, if the instructor
focuses on teaching programming grammar (syntax) or on memorizing well-known
algorithms’ process maps, such as sorting and searching, students’ cognitive
loads could increase and this does not enhance their problem-solving
abilities. Therefore, this paper proposes a sample curriculum and problems
that students should solve in each theme to learn programming skills and
algorithmic problem solving. The programming course was based on methods, such
as storytelling, simulations, and games to motivate students. We also present
a teaching strategy to design a programming teaching course. The teaching
strategy process is founded on basic steps of algorithm creation. Then, the
Class-Responsibility-Collaborator card model was used as a hands-on activity
for program design. We used an educational programming environment in our
experiment in which the students can easily implement their programs. Our
experiment ran for elementary school students for 12 hours. We demonstrate the
examples of students’ problem-solving activities that were discovered and
solved by teacher or learner during the programming scenario. Learners’
interests, satisfactions, and achievements in learning programming with the
teaching strategy had considerable positive results.
Keywords: Algorithmic
problem-solving, Teaching strategy, Squeak etoys, Elementary school students,
Novice
Issue 12, Volume 7,
December 2010
Title of the Paper: The
Influence of the Wind Shears and Sensor Errors upon Aircrafts Landing Process
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Authors: Mihai Lungu
Abstract: The paper presents a new system (automatic pilot) for the automatic
control of the aircrafts flight altitude in the landing process. The system
has two subsystems: the first one controls the altitude of the aircrafts in
the glide slope phase of the landing process, while the second subsystem
controls the altitude too, but in the flare phase (the second phase of the
landing process). The paper author validated the obtained automatic pilot by
numerical simulations in Matlab neglecting or taking into consideration the
wind shears and sensor errors. He obtained complex Matlab/Simulink models and
time characteristics (time variations of the variables involved in the landing
process). The wind shears and the sensor errors do not affect the landing
process. The most important graphic characteristic is the dependence between
the flight altitude and the horizontal displacement.
Keywords: Landing process,
Dynamic inversion, Sensor errors, Wind shears
Title of the Paper: Correlation
and Frequency of Use of the NetspeAK ELEMENts in Asynchronous Discussion
within the Same Generation of Students in the 1st and in the 7th Semester
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Authors: Karmela
Aleksic-Maslac, Jagoda Poropat Darrer, Tihana Djuras
Abstract: Spread of new communication technology is producing long term
effects not only on important aspects of communication, but also on languages.
Netspeak elements are very common among young people even in formal ways of
communication. In this paper the authors tend to discover whether the ratio of
those elements is growing or falling by increasing the level of students’
education. The authors analyze the presence of Netspeak elements (such as
emoticons, acronyms and abbreviations, salutation, complementary closing and
nonstandard use of punctuation, slang, prolonged graphemes, omission of
diacritics and the use of words in English) in asynchronous discussions within
the ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) course taught in 1st
semester and within the MIS (Management Information Systems) taught in 7th
semester at Zagreb School of Economics and Management. The methodology the
authors use is the analysis of the posts in asynchronous discussion within the
1st and 7th semester using Pearson product moment coefficient of correlation,
One Sample Statistics and Paired Samples Statistics. The results confirmed the
hypothesis that the freshmen are more subjected to Netspeak even in formal
discussions than the senior students, especially when it comes to the
emoticons.
Keywords: Asynchronous
discussion, Netspeak elements, spoken language, e-learning, Information and
Communication Technologies
Title of the Paper: A
Low Complexity MIMO Channel Estimation Design and FPGA Implementation Using
Orthogonal Matrix Triangularization
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Authors: Mohammad
Tariqul Islam, Mostafa Wasiuddin Numan, Norbahiah Misran, Mohd. Alauddin Mohd.
Ali, M. B. I. Reaz, J. S. Mandeep
Abstract: The paper presents a low complexity channel estimation technique for
multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless system that involves orthogonal
matrix triangularization on training based least squares (LS) estimation to
reduce a full rank matrix into a simpler form in order to eliminate matrix
inversion. Complexity evaluation of the proposed approach is validated through
MATLAB simulations in terms of mathematical operations, which shows that the
method appreciably outperforms LS estimation at lower complexity and
represents a good solution of MIMO channel estimation. The paper also provides
design and implementation of a MIMO receiver on Xilinx VirtexTM-4 XC4VLX60
FPGA that provides reconfigurability, resources by adopting the technique of
parallelism. The system is developed based on modular structure which is
simplifies system design, eases hardware update and facilitates testing the
various modules in an independent manner.
Keywords: MIMO, Channel
estimation, Orthogonal matrix, FPGA, Least square
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