Appropriate Technology Research Articles

Research Progress on High‐Intermediate Frequency Extension Methods of SEA

Statistical energy analysis (SEA) can accurately describe the average vibration characteristics through system energy flow and transmission feedback. It is a powerful tool to solve the problem of high‐frequency acoustics‐vibration. SEA is widely used in vehicles, ships, aviation, and other transportation engineering fields. However, the expansion of SEA, based on the assumption of modal equipartition and weak coupling, is limited to the intermediate frequency. Although the SEA basic theory can be extended by relaxing the hypothesis conditions or the analysis of the medium‐frequency acoustics‐vibration can be carried out using the finite element method (FEM) and SEA mixing method, there are still many challenges associated with these options. To improve the basic theory of SEA and knowledge of intermediate frequency extension methods, as well as attract the attention of domestic scholars, this paper describes classical SEA and intermediate frequency extension methods. First, coupling loss factor (CLF) error propagation and parameter acquisition in classical SEA are introduced, and the three relative error calculation methods of CLF are compared. Then, the method of obtaining parameters is described from three aspects of energy transfer, input load, and modal density. Second, SEA intermediate frequency extension technology (experimental statistical energy analysis (ESEA), finite element statistical energy analysis (FE‐SEA), statistical modal energy distribution analysis (SMEDA), and waveguide analysis (WGA)) are introduced. Neutron structure assembly and modeling, interval and mixed interval analysis, interval variable and mixed interval variable response are also described, so as to justify the development of a hybrid, large‐scale interval algorithm. Finally, the engineering application of the above method is introduced, the limitations and shortcomings of SEA and intermediate frequency extension methods are reviewed, and unsolved problems are further discussed.

Technical Trends in Cottage Ceramic Industries in Southwestern Nigeria

The establishment of modern cottage ceramic industry in Nigeria was the result of changes in taste and demand related to ceramic products influenced by contact with the West. Strategies adopted in transforming Nigerian indigenous pottery to modern ceramics with a mass-production orientation have been featured in several academic publications. However, there has been inadequate academic attention for technical trends in the ceramic industries in Nigeria. This study examined technical trends in cottage ceramic industries in Southwestern Nigeria. Its objectives were to observe styles, techniques and factors that affect the development of these industries. The study adopted studio-practice participant observation and descriptive methodologies. It was observed that most of the cottage ceramic industries in Southwestern Nigeria are using appropriate and intermediate technologies by sourcing their materials, tools and equipment locally. Throwing is the major technique of production used, while painted decorative wares are the dominant products as the cost of producing glaze wares is high. The inability to produce cheaper ceramic wares compared to imported wares leads to low patronage of their products. Improving technical capacities of these industries through various research findings and technological breakthroughs will go a long way to increase the productivity and sustainability of these industries.

Demonstration of Transitional Locally Made Beehive Around Protected Areas in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha and Arsi Negele districts of Oromia regional state of Ethiopia with the objective of enhancing the production and productivity of beekeeping in the area through demonstration of transitional locally made beehive around protected areas. Beekeepers around protected areas were purposively selected based on their interest in beekeeping, experience in traditional beekeeping, proximity of residence to protected areas and non-addressed areas with technology dissemination activity and two farmers research groups (FRG) consisting a total of 20 members were established to conduct the demonstration of beekeeping technology. Theoretical and practical training sessions about seasonal bee management practices, intermediate beekeeping construction, implementation and honey harvesting techniques integrated to natural resources rehabilitation was given to a total of 50 beekeepers,4 district honey experts and 6 development agents. After training, twenty four transitional locally made beehives were constructed and honeybee colonies were transferred and inspected regularly undertaken to follow up the progress of the bee colonies in partnership with FRG members, experts and development agents. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, systematically analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statics such as percentage, mean and presented in table. Accordingly, an average of 15.4kg and 12.1kg of honey was harvested per harvesting season from transitional beehive at Adami Tulu and Arsi Negele, respectively. Therefore integration of intermediate beekeeping technology with protected areas can enhance the income of household and encourages planting of bee forages which directly contributes for sustainable forest managements. Thus government and other stakeholders at all levels should provide technical services for beekeeping to align improved beekeeping to protected areas and all best practices should be scaled up so that honey production is increased and sustained.

A technology education teaching framework: factors that support and hinder intermediate technology education teachers

There is a lack of clarity concerning the capability and capacity of intermediate technology education teachers within the Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada context. This article presents the technology education teaching framework (TETF) which was developed from the analysis of data related to factors that are helping and hindering the teaching of technology education at the intermediate level in Newfoundland and Labrador. A qualitative exploratory case study utilizing an online teacher questionnaire, semi-structured teacher and administrator interviews, and classroom observations allowed the development of the thick rich descriptions necessary to formulate the framework. The TETF focuses on the relationship between classroom teachers, their experiences, professional development opportunities, and leadership perspectives within the context of teaching intermediate technology education. The role of professionalism and systemic marginalization are also highlighted in the framework in relation to what is helping and hindering the teaching of intermediate technology in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Conceptual process design and optimization of refrigeration cycles for the liquefaction of boil-off gas

Improving thermodynamic efficiency for refrigeration cycles is one of the key elements in conceptual process design activities for achieving cost-effective and sustainable production of liquefied natural gas. Various structural and heat recovery options are available for the design of refrigeration cycles, with which shaft power required to drive compressors is attempted to be minimized. Choice of refrigerants to be employed is another important degree of freedoms in a process design of refrigeration cycles. Hence, systematic investigation in a holistic manner is required to screen different liquefaction technologies and evaluate their techno-economic impacts. In this study, the focus is made to gain conceptual understanding in the design of liquefaction processes for boil-off gas. The current study aims to provide guidelines for the selection of the most appropriate technologies for the application of boil-off gas liquefaction as well as for determining optimal design and operating conditions of refrigeration cycles. A heat-integrated design framework is adopted in this work to evaluate energy efficiency in a systematic manner, while optimization methods are applied to systematically determine the most appropriate operating conditions for the liquefaction cycles. From the case study with 1 ton/day of liquefaction capacity, it was found that the power consumption for a single mixed refrigerant cycle is about 12 % less than that of an N2 expander cycle.

Status analysis of the emergency ability of the pediatrics in township hospitals

Objective To understand the present situation of the emergency ability of the pediatrics in township hospital of Hunan province, and to provide the basis for improving the treatment of critical diseases and strengthening the medical quality in basic hospital. Methods Status survey, expert consultation, on-spot examination, and questionnaire were conducted.One representative of the 1 217 township hospitals participating in the appropriate health technologies for pediatric emergency was sent to a face-to-face survey by investigators. Results In 1 217 township hospitals, only 965 pediatricians had been certified.Among them, 58 township hospitals did not purchase the first aid equipment in the scope of the survey, and 211 township hospitals were not equipped with first aid drug.Less than 30% of township hospitals had tracheotomy kits, cardiac defibrillator and first aid equipment such as neonatal incubator, newborn radiation table and infusion pump.Among the trained 1 095 general practitioners, only 305(27.85%) understood the basic first-aid knowledge of this training in pediatrics; 258(258/1 217, 21.20%) township hospitals could not carry out 7 pediatric emergency projects of this survey.The proportion of the capable of carrying out rescue treatment including acute respiratory failure (191/1 217, 15.69%), heart failure (201/1 217, 16.52%) and shock(227/1 217, 18.65%) in township hospitals were less than 30%. Conclusion The primary hospital is the basis for the treatment of critical diseases in pediatrics, but the level of diagnosis and treatment and basic equipment need to be further strengthened.The urgent task is to strengthen the training of medical and nursing staff in the treatment of critical diseases in pediatrics. Key words: Township hospitals; Pediatric critical disease; Status quo of treatment

Brecha digital en alumnos del sistema de educación primaria en Tamaulipas, México: un panorama del futuro capital humano del estado

En los últimos años, la brecha digital ha recibido especial atención de investigadores y organismos internacionales, ya que genera desigualdades digitales que impactan el desarrollo social y la educación. El modelo de la accesibilidad en etapas a la tecnología (AET), propuesto por Van Dijk, ha venido consolidándose en un marco teórico evolutivo, encaminado a explicar la penetración social de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC). Además, define una parte importante del segmento de la teoría de los recursos y la apropiación tecnológica (TRA). El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el nivel de infraestructura digital en las primarias del estado de Tamaulipas, el grado de conocimiento y el uso que le dan a las TIC los alumnos de este sector, a través del modelo de (AET). Esta investigación fue empírica y descriptiva, con diseño no experimental. La información analizada proviene de una muestra de 213 estudiantes de 167 instituciones del estado, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario utilizado por la Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe y la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (CEPAL-ONU). En las pruebas estadísticas de regresión, se evidenciaron enlaces causales significativos (P < 0.05), entre las variables motivación, acceso, capacidades y uso de las TIC. El nivel de capacidades fue una influencia significativa en el nivel de uso de estas tecnologías; la relación causal Motivación x Acceso reveló una beta negativa, dado que la falta de acceso, por carecer de infraestructura de las TIC o por subemplearla en un proceso de capacitación discontinuo o inexistente, afecta la apropiación de estas tecnologías por los alumnos.

Acceptance Factors of Appropriate Technology: Case of Water Purification Systems in Binh Dinh, Vietnam

This study selects a case involving water purification systems in Binh Dinh, Vietnam, as an appropriate example to examine appropriate technology (AT) acceptance factors and derive possible insights into the stable settlement and development processes whereby to diffuse AT. This analysis administered questionnaires to users of water purification systems installed in five elementary and middle schools in Binh Dinh, from which 296 samples were collected for the final analysis. The original unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was modified by incorporating the factors of physical support and educational support, and empirically studied using structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that all constructs significantly affect the behavioral intentions toward AT, of which performance expectancy and physical support have the most significant impact. Thus, understanding local needs and improving the quality of life by spreading AT are key in its acceptance and diffusion. Furthermore, sustainable technology is guaranteed only if human and economic support is accompanied by AT development that fits the local context and environment. Finally, the analysis results, that moderating effects differ by role, imply that educational support’s influence varies between manager and student groups.

Гаражники: дым промежуточной техники и зеркала социологических концепций

Дмитрий Сергеевич Хаустов – кандидат экономических наук, доцент, кафедра «Финансы и бухгалтерский учет», ФГБОУ ВО «Иркутский государственный университет путей сообщения». Адрес: 664074, Иркутск, ул. Чернышевского, д. 15. E-mail: dmitry.khaustov1982@mail.ru
 Цитирование: Хаустов Д.С. (2018) Гаражники: дым промежуточной техники и зеркала социологических концепций // Мир России. Т. 27. № 3. С. 198–210. DOI: 10.17323/1811-038X-2018-27-3-198-210
 
 В последнее время в фокусе государственного, общественного и научного внимания оказались так называемые неформальная экономика и неформальная занятость. И если интерес государства объясняется фискальными соображениями, то широкая публика и научное сообщество пытаются ответить на вопрос «Какова Россия за пределами МКАД?». Один из возможных вариантов ответа дает монография С.С. Селеева и А.Б. Павлова «Гаражники», посвященная неформальным хозяйственным отношениям в гаражно-строительных кооперативах. Авторы книги проводили многочисленные полевые исследования гаражной экономики в ряде городов европейской части России, применяя по преимуществу методы социальной антропологии. В небольшой по объему книге А.Б. Павлова «Демон перемен» в публицистическом ключе рассмотрены проблемы неформализованного знания о том, как на самом деле функционируют низовые хозяйственные практики, демонстрирующие тенденцию к самодостаточности, к которым вплотную примыкает, сливаясь с ней, гаражная экономика. «Демон», вынесенный в заголовок, – это процесс воздействия государства на общество в попытке создать подходящую виртуальную социальную реальность, взаимодействовать с которой комфортнее, чем с гаражной экономикой.
 В рецензии автор сфокусировал свое внимание на параллельном анализе концепций «гаражная экономика» и «промежуточная (подходящая) техника». Сделан вывод, что гаражная экономика является источником автохтонного аналога промежуточной техники Э. Шумахера. В целом можно сказать, что в российской экономике на протяжении достаточно продолжительного времени устойчиво функционирует ремесленно-промысловый уклад, примером которого является гаражная экономика.

E. F. Schumacher and Intermediate Technology

E. F. Schumacher and Intermediate Technology

The Role of Universities in Research and Technology Transfer to Improve Livelihoods in Southern Africa

Every country in Southern Africa has well-regarded universities where expert researchers work in a wide array of disciplines. Yet, not far from these campuses rural poor might be living whose lives could be dramatically transformed if the universities used some of its expertise to develop and transfer appropriate technology to such communities. Since the gap in knowledge of modern science and technology between experts in universities and the poor communities is so vast, a programme of developing and transferring appropriate technology could be a game changer for rural communities. Areas of need could be identified by forming multidisciplinary teams comprising specialists in adult education, social scientists, engineers, architects, agriculturists, community medicine specialists, environmental scientists and public health experts among others. Some areas where appropriate technology transfer may be relevant depending on the community and the available expertise are solar energy, biogas, water harvesting and conservation, communications, animal husbandry, arid agriculture and horticulture, tourism, housing and cottage industry. Some of this work is already taking place, but we emphasize a multi-disciplinary approach where social scientists, educationists, financial experts and marketing specialists (for cottage industry) work side by side with scientists and technologists. Key words: Multidisciplinary, technology transfer, research, livelihoods, rural communities, extension.

GUEST EDITORIAL: Small is Still Beautiful - Appropriate Technology and Humanitarian Engineering

Small is Still Beautiful - Appropriate Technology and Humanitarian Engineering

Ergonomic Study on Padang-Padang Beach Workers in Bali

Objectives: Padang-Padang Beach is a potential tourism destination. Every human interaction with tools and environments can cause problems if not handled properly. Ergonomic study is needed to identify those problem potentially harm the workers. Method: The method used in this study is the observation and interviews. Observation was done by observing the Padang-Padang Beach directly using 8 aspect of ergonomic study. Interviews were conducted with lifeguard, merchant, and the few visitors. Findings: Of the eight aspects of ergonomics, the main problem and need a solution urgently are the environmental aspects and aspects of information. On environmental aspects we found that management of the garbage is still lacking, the lack of public toilets on the beach, and the way that cross the cliff to the beach does not have sufficient safety. Management of information on this place also felt not optimal. Furthermore it also needs to improve the knowledge of workers for an ergonomic working position. From those eight aspects of ergonomic we need the right solution to the problem at the Padang-Padang Beach. One of the solution is using the Total Ergonomic Approach. Total Ergonomic Approach is a combination of SHIP (systemic, holistic, interdisciplinary, and Participatory) and AT (Appropriate Technology). We hope that approach can provide the right solution for solving problems and will not create new problems in the future. Novelty: This is original data of ergonomic study on Padang-Padang Beach Worker. This data can be use for further study.

How Much Money Can an Equation Really Save? Standard Test Method for Calculating Cetane Index via Four Variable Equation

The life of the people of a nation is not only affected by the availability and non-availability of petroleum product but also by the quality of the product made available. The purity and impurity of the available petroleum product impacts the physical health of people by affecting the environment in which they live in. To improve the testing procedures and enhance fuel quality standard, immediate attention should be paid to regulating some key parameters that are not in practice nowadays; in the measurement of PAH in diesel, only density and KV test is used in Nepal which is not sufficient methods to identify diesel adulteration. The Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation is not a discretionary method for articulating ASTM cetane number. Sample of diesel fuel were collected from different zone of Nepal and the collected sample were tested in the laboratory of Intermediate Technology Development Group, Nepal, Environment Assessment and Material Testing Division, Nepal, Nepal Bureau Standard and Metrology, Nepal Oil Corporation and produced the data of CI. The results show recovery at 10%, 50% and 90% volume at a given temperature. The calculation of minimum CI value is 32, then the recovery % is at 170, 205 and 269 which indicates lower density type, e.g., kerosene is added in diesel fuel. Lower the CI, higher the strength of kerosene and vice versa. The result shows the cetane index of diesel fuel in Birgunj (BRJ) group is maximum 42, minimum 30 and average was 38. Whereas Raxual (RXL) delivered diesel has an average 48 cetane value. In the view of cetane value, average 10 cetane value is decreasing in diesel fuel in BRJ group sample. In the Kathmandu valley, results were maximum 43, minimum 32 and the average 38. Applying the law of altitude, the calculated value of cetane index strength is at an average of 34. The value of calculated cetane index is lower in the Kathmandu valley than RXL by 14. This lower calculated value of cetane index indicates that there is about 50% adulteration in diesel fuel in Nepali fuel market. The equation is an accompanying tool for assessing cetane number when a result by Test Method D613 is not available and if cetane improver is not used. As a supplementary tool, the Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable equation should be used with due regard for its limitations. Four-variable equation really saves the cost to calculate cetane index of diesel (ASTM D 4737). Therefore, the study recommends for the use of the equation rather than cetane engine to estimate to CN for diesel supplied in Nepal.Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol. 19 & 20 No. 1-2 (2015) Combined Issue, Page: 60-76

Diseño de una Incubadora de Tecnología Intermedia Agrícola, Forestal y Turismo Rural

La Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas y Forestales -Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua tiene un Centro de Negocios, donde se atiende a emprendedores y empresas, involucrando a profesores y alumnos. No obstante, es necesario que este tenga reconocimiento oficial por la Secretaria de Economía Federal. Es por eso que se propone que este centro sea una Incubadora de tecnología intermedia agrícola, forestal y turismo rural. En nuestro país, el 80% de las empresas que no tienen un adecuado acompañamiento durante su formación, fracasan en el primer año de puesta en marcha, en tanto cuando hay un buen acompañamiento la cifra de éxito se eleva hasta un 93% de permanencia. Factores como, la inseguridad, pobreza, desigualdad, falta de oportunidades educativas, rezagos en el campo, son limitantes que frenan la actividad emprendedora. Para alcanzar este objetivo se desarrolló la metodología establecida por la Secretaría de Economía Federal, que comprende desde la organización en aspectos administrativos, características del proceso de incubación hasta la orientación a emprendedores. Los principales resultados fueron los manuales: Manual de la organización, estructura de la organización, de procedimientos e inducción a emprendedores. Se identificaron los servicios que se ofrecen de acuerdo a la planta de maestros y la infraestructura con que se cuenta. Entre ellos la elaboración de proyectos de inversión, estudios de mercado, corridas financieras, recursos humanos, elaboración de planes estratégicos y mercadotecnia. La conclusión final es que este tipo de Incubadoras promueven el emprendimiento de jóvenes estudiantes, profesores y productores agrícolas, forestales y turismo rural.

Appropriate forest harvesting technology: an overview

No abstract available

Weaving connections between feminism and sociotechnical alternatives

Neste artigo fazemos uma releitura, com lentes feministas, de duas infl uências históricas do pensamento latino-americano sobre a tecnologia social. Em um primeiro momento, olhamos para o movimento independentista da Índia, na primeira metade do século xx, que incorpora à sua causa uma política de disseminação da charkha, uma espécie de roca de fi ar. Difundida no período em que Gandhi liderou o movimento, a fi ação passou a ser símbolo da luta nacionalista, e é tida como exemplo emblemático de alternativa sociotécnica. Em um segundo momento, analisamos o “movimento de tecnologia apropriada”, como um conjunto de refl exões e iniciativas que se popularizam nos anos 1970 para a disseminação de tecnologias supostamente adequadas à realidade das regiões empobrecidas do sul. Ocupando-nos de preencher as lacunas analíticas de gênero, destacamos as contribuições de autoras que desvelaram o caráter androcêntrico de tais políticas, explicando como se produzem tecnologias inadequadas a partir da oclusão do trabalho das mulheres e das demandas comunitárias de cuidados no meio rural africano e asiático. Por fi m, tecemos conexões entre o gênero e a construção de alternativas sociotécnicas e argumentamos que é na invisibilidade do caráter feminizado do cuidar e na incorporação acrítica da lógica produtivista que a tecnologia social encarna o androcentrismo

Intermediate Technology for Food Security and Sustainable Development in the Central Rain Lands of Sudan: The Need and Justification

Animal traction technology has been introduced by various rural development projects in different areas of the Sudan, as an alternative to the purely traditional, and modern agricultural technologies. The idea is aimed at introducing simple, efficient, and appropriate agricultural techniques to increase agricultural productivity and the cultivated area, as well as to promote off-farm activities in the rural areas. It is clearly noticed that the rural development projects based on animal traction in Western Sudan has achieved considerable socio-economic and environmental impacts there. These consequences range from upgrading of traditional agricultural hand tools, increasing the cultivated area to productivity per feddan, improving of local skills, and provision of jobs for some marginal groups such as black smiths, landless groups, and others.

Upaya Meningkatkan Kualitas Sumber Daya Manusia Desa Cibaliung Melalui KUM-ITT Universitas Trisakti di Pandeglang Banten

Cibaliung village has been chosed as one of the pioneer of ‘Kuliah Usaha Mandiri’ – Ilmu Teknologi Terapan (KUM-ITT) Trisakti University. The reason is because this village has an economic potential, that is the transit track to tourism object from Labuan to Ujung Kulon and Umang island. In addition, Cibaliung village has a variety of potential natural resources that could be evolved to support the needs the progressing of coast tourism object along Umang Island and Ujung Kulon. However, the aspect of human resources potential has several weakness, it is caused by limited technology and knowledge in managing and developing the natural resources which supports for coastal tourism. The results of field survey show that the limitations of technology and knowledge in Cibaliung village covers areas including: 1). Health, 2). Law, 3). Economy, 4). Physical and environment, 5). Appropriate technology, 6). Social and cultural. Community Service activities include ‘KUM-ITT’ activity to train students of Trisakti University in order to perceive the various matters in society and determine the solution, as well as efforts to improve the quality of human resources in Cibaliung village, Pandeglang. The ‘KUM-ITT’ implements survey methods, extension, and demonstration in the form of a pilot. The results show that the activities of human resources improvement in Cibaliung village was not arduous to apply as motivation of society and potential environment can still be managed for further explored. The improvement can be seen through economy society through domestic industry, marketing, and the area of health especially in public awareness in maintaining healthy families and environments

Grassroots health demonstration base construction for full-coverage promotion practice and achievement at the county level, based on the experiences in Haiyan County Emergency Base

Objective To expand the influence and promotion effect of the grassroots health demonstration base of appropriate technology at county level, explore the practice model for full coverage. Methods Four consortium and eight units in the county were engaged into the whole process, the whole cycle, synchronous implementation; the promotion practices were divided into different stages with different focuses based on priority setting; Stratified training, classified promotion strategies were involved to carry out the appropriate technology for all 11 items covered. Results The technical promotion training, technical promotion applications were completed with full coverage in the county, gained high satisfaction from both medical staff and public. Enhanced the technology radiation ability, also the base’s annual development was increasing year by year. Conclusions The base construction full coverage promotion experiences can be shared and learned by other areas which aims for the promotion of fit health techniques. Key words: County level; Grassroots health demonstration base construction; Full coverage; Promotion practice