Cornerstone Project Research Articles

Key Success Factors for the e-Governance Initiatives Through Common Service Centres in India: An Empirical Study with Special Reference to Akshaya e-Kendras in Kerala

The National e-Governance Plan formulated by the Government of India lays out the foundation for the long-term growth of e-governance in the country. The Common Service Centre (CSC) scheme is a cornerstone project under National e-Governance Plan, approved in the year 2006, and acts as the delivery point for government, private and social sector services such as G2C, B2C and G2B to the rural citizens of India at their doorsteps. In Kerala, the Kerala State IT Mission is the nodal agency to create and run a CSC network through Akshaya e-kendras. This study aims to provide empirical evidence about the major success factors for e-governance services through Akshaya e-kendras. Infrastructure, accessibility, transparency, system quality, service quality, convenience, trust, e-participation and interoperability were the variables used for the study. SPSS Amos 22 was used for developing confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling for the study. The study found that the key success factors for the success of CSCs are service quality followed by transparency and convenience. Other important factors are accessibility, system quality and interoperability. The least contributing factors are trust and infrastructure.

Developing an Exercise on Design and Production using 3D CAD and LEGO Car Assembly Robot

Future design and production engineers will need to acquire digital technology and systems thinking in addition to production science. In our laboratory, we are conducting an exercise for undergraduate students as a cornerstone project to experience the basics of digital manufacturing. Specifically, this exercise incorporates design by 3D CAD, modeling by 3D printer, and offline teaching of LEGO car assembly robot. The exercise consists of two sessions. In the first session, students were free to design the roof parts of the LEGO car using 3D CAD (FUSION360) under the restrictions of the dimension. In the second session, an offline teaching exercise was conducted using the robot simulation software WinCapsⅢ(DENSO WAVE) on the robot movement to attach the roof to the base of the LEGO car. In the exercise, we motivated the students by giving them the task of attaching the roof to the base in the shortest possible time, avoiding obstacles installed along the route. By transferring the data created by offline teaching to the actual robot controller, each taught operation is reproduced on the actual machine, and the roof assembly time is competed. It was found that the exercise is useful for engineer education because positive opinions, such as the fun and meaningful class, were obtained from the students who took the class.

Use of a Cornerstone Project to Teach Ill-Structured Software Design in First Year

Contribution: A first-year programming course was redesigned with a large, open-ended robotics project. The course design aligns with best practices for promoting development of students' self-efficacy in solving ill-structured software design problems. Background: From Jonassen's theory, problem-solving outcomes are dependent on the problem structure, complexity, and representation; and the characteristics of the solver. These characteristics are diverse, including knowledge, familiarity, and psychometric qualities of the solver (e.g., self-efficacy and motivation). Thus, better problem-solving outcomes are dependent on the development of these traits, and on the problem characteristics. Intended Outcomes: Pre-2010, course learning activities and assessments overly focused on syntax. The course was redesigned with a focus on ill-structured problem solving and design in high-fidelity problem domains. Application Design: Complex and ill-structured lecture examples, assignments, and exams were redesigned to reinforce the importance of software design and problem solving. An open-ended cornerstone project using robotics was added as a structured means of providing students practice with solving ill-structured and open-ended problems. The assignment and exam questions, with the course cornerstone project, achieve instructional alignment in the course. Findings: The results show that students' self-efficacy improved from start to end of term. The course design achieves several objectives: 1) students learned the requisite programming skills; 2) students developed their self-efficacy in programming and design; and 3) students demonstrated strong problem-solving outcomes.

A Cornerstone Design Module in First Year Engineering

This paper describes a new five-week cornerstone design module at the conclusion of first year engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC).The objective of this cornerstone module is to bringtogether the multiple course themes—developed over the preceding six modules and 18 academic weeks—into a single, integrative and culminating experience. The module builds on the previous course topics, andspecifically emphasizes design, stakeholder consultation, prototyping, sustainability, and communication in a unified project experience. Through a mix of analytical and physical prototyping, teams design a pilot rainwater harvester system for small, remote communities. Teams specify the system components in their design, and submit those through an online form. All systems are then simulated off-line in a detailed MATLAB model that tracks weather, physical performance, cost, maintenance, healthand safety risks, and more. The culminating event for the module is a formal oral presentation followed by a timelapse video of the simulations of the different teams’ rainwater harvester system designs.The outcomes to the module have been very positive.The module has successfully run for three years with over 400 teams. Feedback through surveys shows students find the cornerstone project meaningful and helpful in developing their ability to use simulation and numerical modelling in design. Students have also rated the module highly in terms of the relevance to their degree, and the importance of the learning outcomes to engineers.Primary challenges noted to date include inequities instudent workload within a team, due to shifting priorities as final exams approach, and ability to update the project each year to maintain a new challenge for each cohort.

Increasing resolution in the North Sea

Recent step changes in seismic processing and imaging technology have delivered dramatic improvements in resolution, velocity model building and multiple attenuation. This article will explore improvements in resolution that have been demonstrated on two multi-client surveys in the North Sea: Cornerstone and Northern Viking Graben (NVG). Extending full-waveform inversion (FWI) to include absorption effects as well as velocity has delivered improved imaging, higher resolution and more reliable AVO products for the NVG survey, and this will now be applied to the reprocessed Cornerstone data. Both surveys cover more than 35,000 km2 each, so application of high-resolution processing sequences to these two data sets will deliver advanced high-resolution data over two large areas of the North Sea. The NVG survey was acquired using BroadSeis variable-depth streamers in conjunction with a broadband source to maximize the bandwidth. However, new developments in broadband processing, including ghost wavefield elimination (GWE) and bandwidth extension, can be extended to the reprocessing of conventionally-acquired data sets, which can now be uplifted to deliver data of almost similar quality to modern broadband data by mitigating many of the limitations of traditional acquisition. This is demonstrated by the reprocessing of the Cornerstone project in the Central North Sea. Although this survey was recently reprocessed in depth using multi-layer tomography, the rapid improvements in GWE, multiple and noise attenuation, velocity modelling and imaging in the last few years mean that it can still benefit from being reprocessed again. Modern processing techniques ensure compliance with amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis, and AVO attributes are used for QC purposes during the processing flow to ensure that the final data sets can be used directly for reservoir characterization. The AVO attribute maps for Cornerstone shown later in this article have already delivered impressive high-resolution images of the Forties field

한국연구재단과 한국환경산업기술원 간 Eco-Bridge 구축방안에 관한 연구 - 우수 연구성과 연계 활용으로 부처간 벽 허물기 -

한국연구재단과 한국환경산업기술원 간 Eco-Bridge 구축방안에 관한 연구 - 우수 연구성과 연계 활용으로 부처간 벽 허물기 -

The Effectiveness of basic Design Project (Cornerstone) in Students’ Competency Development

Students’ lack of ability to relate basic knowledge such as science and mathematics with engineering problems has often been discussed at various levels. As a solution to this problem, a basic design project (cornerstone project) was introduced at the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Competency measurements have been conducted to determine not only students’ ability to apply basic knowledge but also other competencies such as ability to work in groups, communication skills, critical thinking skills and also engineering skills. The study presents the findings of those measurements as well as the intervention done in order to overcome students’ weaknesses.

FIRST-YEAR ENGINEERING BICYCLE DISSECTION AS AN INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Introductory design in a common first year engineering programme requires a balance between prescribed demonstration and open ended design. As a method of motivating and engaging students, McMaster’s first year design and graphics course has had success running a product dissection project; referred to as the Cornerstone Project. The Cornerstone project’s goal is to create a base for an engineer’s design education and technical communications. While the course domain is traditionally considered mechanical in nature, the concepts apply across all engineering disciplines. With greater public concern about the environment and sustainability, the Cornerstone project will introduce these considerations in design. The summer offering of the Engineering Design and Graphics course will run a pilot course to examine the dissection, modelling, and sustainability of a commuter bicycle. This paper will describe the project, discuss its results, and present examples of student submissions.

She is an Astronomer

Helen Walker, Chair of the IYA2009 Cornerstone Project task group, describes the problems facing female astronomers and the steps being taken towards a solution.

The universe: yours to discover

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2007. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, together with the International Astronomical Union, are leading the celebrations under the theme ‘The universe, yours to discover’. IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first astronomical observation through a telescope. It will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contribution to society and culture, with a strong emphasis on education, public engagement and the involvement of young people. IYA2009 is supported by 11 cornerstone projects—global programmes of activities centred on specific themes. Whether it is the support and promotion of women in astronomy, the preservation of dark-sky sites around the world, or educating and explaining the workings of the universe to the public, these projects will be the key components of the programme. In recognition of the role that this event has to play in developing nations, especially those that have neither observatories nor astronomy departments in their universities, the 11th cornerstone project is entitled ‘Developing Astronomy Globally’. In South Africa celebrations kicked off with a six-day star party at Sutherland, which culminated in the dawn of the new year 2009 at midnight on 1 January. Later in the year several other local activities will be offered by our observatories, planetaria and science centres, which will be listed on the IYA2009 website www. astronomy2009.org.za South Africa has also taken a leading role on the African continent to ensure that IYA2009 benefits as many people across Africa as possible, an objective in line with the vision of facilities such as the Southern African Large Telescope. Through programmes such as the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme and those offered by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Cape Town, South Africa already hosts research training for students from across Africa. IYA2009 is an opportunity to significantly advance collaboration in Africa in the astronomy field. IYA2009 is not just an opportunity to promote astronomy, but also to stimulate the imagination of young and old alike across the continent. We recognise that the most sustainable form of development is education, and celebrating a year of astronomy is an opportunity to stimulate curiosity in people’s minds, and to inspire them towards adopting a learning culture. The theme adopted by the numerous African countries involved in IYA2009 is thus ‘Astronomy for Education’. The year is not just going to be about appreciating the beautiful sky, but rather about what we in Africa can do with it, and how we can use this sky—this subject of astronomy—for the development of our people.

Astronomers without borders

Abstract“Astronomers Without Borders” is a new global organisational dedicated to furthering understanding and goodwill across national and cultural boundaries using the universal appeal of astronomy and space science. A growing network of affiliate organisations brings together clubs, magazines and other organizations involved in astronomy and space science. Forums, galleries, video conferences and other interactive technologies are used to connect participants around the world. Sharing of resources and direct connections through travel programs are also planned. One project, “The World at Night” (TWAN), has become an Special Project of IYA2009. TWAN creates wide-angle images of the night sky in important natural and historic settings around the world, dramatically demonstrating the universal nature and appeal of the night sky. “Astronomers Without Borders” is also a leader of the 100 Hours of Astronomy IYA2009 Global Cornerstone Project.

Astronomy for African development

AbstractIn recent years there have been a number of efforts across Africa to develop the field of astronomy as well as to reap benefit from astronomy for African people. This presentation will discuss the case of the SALT (Southern African Large Telescope) Collateral Benefits Programme (SCBP) which was set up to ensure societal benefit from astronomy. With African society as the target, the SCBP has embarked on various projects from school level education to public understanding of science to socio-economic development, the latter mainly being felt in the rural communities surrounding the South African Astronomical Observatory (home to SALT). A development plan for “Astronomy in Africa” will also be discussed. This plan has been drawn up with input from all over Africa and themed “Astronomy for Education”. The Africa case stands as a good example for the IYA cornerstone project “Developing Astronomy Globally” which focuses on developing regions.

Digitizing a gap: a state‐wide institutional repository project

PurposeThis study aims to illustrate how one medium‐sized academic library was able to use a web‐based digitization and repository project to increase and promote communication and relationships between the library and the university community. This case study traces the history and development of the Cornerstone Project – the Network of Alabama Academic Library's (NAAL) state‐wide digital repository project.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the steps taken by a medium‐sized academic library to participate in a state‐wide institutional repository project to improve on liaison activities, and form new relationships with departments across the campus.FindingsUsing the digital repository project to help bridge gaps between departments that had limited or no involvement with the library and its services, one medium‐sized academic library found that its involvement in the repository project resulted in a new and improved interdepartmental relationship.Originality/valueThe results have encouraged the library to open the door for new and different relationships to be formed with other departments. The implications and value for other libraries to become involved in such repositories are also discussed.

AlabamaMosaic: sharing Alabama history online

PurposeThis paper aims to summarize a three‐year federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to create a statewide digital collection.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the Cornerstone Project: its background, the processes used to determine appropriate standards, guidelines, and best practices for digital collections, the technology selected for the digital production centers and the web portal, and its plans for the future. The project is a collaborative statewide initiative to make unique historical treasures from Alabama's archives, libraries, museums, and other repositories electronically accessible to Alabama residents as well as students and scholars around the world.FindingsThe project has demonstrated a successful model for statewide collaboration among all types of repositories. NAAL member institutions are helping other repositories create digital collections of unique Alabama historical resources.Practical implicationsThe Cornerstone Project offers practical procedures that can be replicated by any consortia considering distributed digital collection building.Originality/valueThe project offers training to help librarians, archivists, and other staff successfully plan, implement, and complete digitization projects. Three shared digital production facilities at the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), Auburn University, and The University of Alabama serve as training centers and assist with local digitization efforts.

<i>Introduction</i>The Cluster mission

Abstract. The Cluster mission, ESA’s first cornerstone project, together with the SOHO mission, dating back to the first proposals in 1982, was finally launched in the summer of 2000. On 16 July and 9 August, respectively, two Russian Soyuz rockets blasted off from the Russian cosmodrome in Baikonour to deliver two Cluster spacecraft, each into their proper orbit. By the end of August 2000, the four Cluster satellites had reached their final tetrahedral constellation. The commissioning of 44 instruments, both individually and as an ensemble of complementary tools, was completed five months later to ensure the optimal use of their combined observational potential. On 1 February 2001, the mission was declared operational. The main goal of the Cluster mission is to study the small-scale plasma structures in three dimensions in key plasma regions, such as the solar wind, bow shock, magnetopause, polar cusps, magnetotail and the auroral zones. With its unique capabilities of three-dimensional spatial resolution, Cluster plays a major role in the International Solar Terrestrial Program (ISTP), where Cluster and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) are the European contributions. Cluster’s payload consists of state-of-the-art plasma instrumentation to measure electric and magnetic fields from the quasi-static up to high frequencies, and electron and ion distribution functions from energies of nearly 0 eV to a few MeV. The science operations are coordinated by the Joint Science Operations Centre (JSOC), at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK), and implemented by the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), in Darmstadt, Germany. A network of eight national data centres has been set up for raw data processing, for the production of physical parameters, and their distribution to end users all over the world. The latest information on the Cluster mission can be found at http://sci.esa.int/cluster/.

Gravitational-wave sources

The sources of gravitational radiation that seem to be most likely to be detected by planned ground- and space-based gravitational-wave detectors are reviewed, with particular attention to the likely information that observations of them will reveal. A particular emphasis is placed on observations by LISA, the fundamental-physics Cornerstone project of the European Space Agency's Horizon 2000+ programme.

On-board event processing algorithms for a CCD-based space borne X-ray spectrometer

This paper describes two alternative algorithms which are applied to reduce the telemetry requirements for a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) based, space-borne, X-ray spectrometer by on-board reconstruction of the X-ray events split over two or more adjacent pixels. The algorithms have been developed for the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) on the X-ray Multi-Mirror (XMM) mission, the second cornerstone project in the European Space Agency's Horizon 2000 programme. The overall instrument and some criteria which provide the background of the development of the algorithms, implemented in Tartan ADA on an MA31750 microprocessor, are described. The on-board processing constraints and requirements are discussed, and the performances of the algorithms are compared. Test results are presented which show that the recursive implementation is faster and has a smaller executable file although it uses more memory because of its stack requirements.