Current Requirements Research Articles

Assessment of the Renovation Need, Material Authenticity, and the Cultural and Environmental Value of Historic Apartment Building Neighbourhoods

Preserving the built heritage, maintaining the original exteriors of historic apartment buildings, and achieving today’s living standards and ambitious environmental objectives require a multidisciplinary approach encompassing cultural, economic, legal, social, environmental and historical factors. This study aims to assess the need for renovation and the cultural and environmental value of historic apartment buildings. Architects, conservators and civil engineers have been involved to evaluate the authenticity of materials and forms, their technical condition and suitability to the historic urban milieu across 19 building components. Our findings reveal significant replacement activities in various elements such as roof coverings, roof eaves, façades, stairwell windows, stairwells, exterior doors, and window and frame distribution, with a particular focus on materials rather than geometry. Notably, there is often a lack of original materials of the windows. When comparing materials and geometries, we observed a higher frequency of material replacement. While the immediate need for intervention may not be urgent, many historic apartment buildings are at risk of imminent material deterioration, necessitating timely renovation. The deep renovation approach, which extends the service life, enhances energy efficiency and indoor climate and restores the exterior aesthetics, offers a threefold benefit. However, aligning the current reconstruction requirements with the preservation of milieu values may remain ambiguous, leading homeowners to resist or overlook these obligations. Consequently, a culture of step-by-step (staged) renovation emerges, contributing to an eclectic appearance of the historically valuable area and promoting the use of inappropriate materials. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to building renovation, which yields architecturally superior and technically sustainable outcomes. The current study underscores the necessity for a shift in the authorized heritage discourse in Estonia. Rather than primarily imposing restrictive measures on construction and renovation projects, the focus should pivot towards effective communication of historical values. It is crucial to provide support and guidance (not restrictions) to building owners, designers and builders in this regard.

Land-Use Composition, Distribution Patterns, and Influencing Factors of Villages in the Hehuang Valley, Qinghai, China, Based on UAV Photogrammetry

Rapid changes in land use have rendered existing data for land-use classification insufficient to meet the current data requirements for rural revitalization and improvements in the living environment. Therefore, we used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing imagery and an object-based human-assisted approach to obtain ultra-high-resolution land-use data for 55 villages and accurately analyzed village land-use composition and distribution patterns. The highest proportion of land use in the villages is built-up land (33.01% ± 8.89%), and the proportion of road land is 17.76% ± 6.92%. The proportions for forest land and grassland are 16.41% ± 7.80% and 6.51% ± 4.93%, respectively. The average size of the villages is 25.85 ± 17.93 hm2, which is below the national average. The villages have a relatively scattered distribution, mostly concentrated on both sides of the main roads. The correlation analysis indicates that mean annual temperature (MAT) and annual precipitation (AP) are the primary factors influencing the land-use composition of villages, with contribution rates of 50.56% and 12.51%, respectively. The use of UAV remote sensing imagery to acquire ultra-high-resolution land-use data will provide a scientific basis for the planning of the living environment in the villages of the Hehuang Valley.

Influence of didactic strategies in the learning of biochemistry in students of a university in the Mexican Southeast

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the teaching strategies used by teachers in teaching biochemistry and the level of learning achieved by students. The teaching-learning process in higher education institutions must adapt to the current demands and requirements of a constantly changing society. University students who study biochemistry need to develop skills that encourage self-learning. The research was carried out with 115 students from a university in the southeast of Mexico, (USoM), to observe and describe a phenomenon. Since there was no control or manipulation of variables, we classify this study as descriptive and "ex post facto," given that the phenomenon had already occurred. Students primarily developed their competencies in comprehension (37%) and analysis (33%). However, when applying for a pilot exam, the majority of responses focused on the aspects of knowledge (36%) and understanding (32%). The present study was carried out under the ethical conditions of informed consent of the participants, promulgated in the Declaration of Helsinki. The participation was voluntary, it was developed with an attitude of empathy, and respect, emotional support, and understanding. The confidentiality and privacy of participants were protected at all times. According to the results observed, a transformation in the didactic strategies employed in the teaching of Biochemistry in the Health Science courses in Mexican universities is suggested.

CPD: Navigating the current CPD requirements

As we approach the last stage of this CPD cycle Michelle Mehta explains registrant responsibilities including the new reflective exercise

A novel high‐impedance neutral grounding method for medium‐ or large‐size hydroelectric generators

AbstractAs the capacity of medium or large hydroelectric generators increases, conventional grounding methods face challenges in effectively limiting single‐phase to earth fault current and neutral displacement voltage within acceptable range. Excessive fault current and neutral displacement voltage pose threats to the stability and safety of power generation and transmission systems. Inherent design deficiencies in conventional grounding methods lead to failures in meeting fault current and voltage requirements. To address this, this paper proposes a novel grounding method utilizing high impedance to restrict excessive fault current and neutral displacement voltage. The method minimizes both fault current and neutral displacement voltage by optimally selecting device parameters through minimal iterative trials. Additionally, a novel indicator is introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of grounding method by monitoring changes in neutral displacement voltage. The method is tested through theoretical calculation and field experiments, successfully implemented in large‐size hydroelectric generator.

A needs analysis of ESP courses in colleges of art and design: Consensus and divergence.

This study presents a comprehensive needs analysis of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses in colleges of art and design in China. By examining the perspectives of undergraduate students, graduate students, art teachers, and English teachers, the research identifies consensus and divergence in ESP needs and implementation challenges. The analysis reveals a strong demand among students for specialized English learning, with a particular emphasis on receptive and interactive skills. However, there is a widespread acknowledgement of students' difficulties across ESP skills, indicating a gap between student competencies and the professional demands, thus highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions to effectively address the difficulties. Notably, reading and writing abilities emerge as the most lacking skills. While there is unanimous recognition of the positive impact of ESP on students' professional abilities and international competitiveness, a significant disparity exists in the enthusiasm for implementing ESP courses, paticularly with resistence from English teachers. The study highlights the critical challenges in ESP teaching, with teacher qualifications identified as the most prominent issue. Interestingly, English teachers attribute difficulties primarily to teaching materials, indicating a potential lack of readiness for ESP course delivery. A gap is also observed between teachers' evaluations of student abilities and students' self-assessment, especially among undergraduate freshmen, suggesting an overestimation of their English proficiency in professional contexts. The paper concludes with the implication that for effective ESP course implementation in colleges of art and design in China, targeted faculty development programs and a collaborative approach involving English teachers, art teachers, and professionals are essential. The collaboration should aim to develop materials that integrate specific professional knowledge with linguistic expertise. Additionally, a balanced approach combining general English proficiency and specialized English training is recommended to address both foundational and specialized language skills. Overall, the study underscores the need for targeted ESP courses in art and design education, tailored to bridge the gap between current proficiency levels and professional language requirements.

Improving Soft Subgrade Stability Using a Novel Sustainable Activated Binder Derived from By-Products

Soft soil concerns, due to high compressibility and low bearing capacity, prompted an investigation into stabilizing clay soil. Traditionally, binder including cement or lime has been used as stabilizers though a current requirement of alternatives is stem from environmental concerns. The study focused on the viability of using a novel binary activated blended binder composed of environmentally friendly materials, namely ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) activated by cement kiln dust (CKD). The experimental work included investigating the impact of the developed binders on the Atterberg limits, standard Proctor compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. CBR tests were conducted after 7 days of curing or soaking, while UCS and SEM analyses were conducted after 7 and 28 days of curing. A fixed binder ratio of 9% was maintained, with GGBS blended at 25%, 50%, and 75% with CKD. For comparison, samples of untreated and treated soils with unary binders from GGBS and CKD were also prepared. Results indicated that activated binders notably decreased soil plasticity and maximum dry density, while elevating optimum moisture content, CBR, and UCS, especially in later stages of treated soil and unary GGBS binder. Unary CKD binder exhibited a similar trend to activated binders. The activating of 25% GGBS with 75% CKD provided the optimum binder which increased the mechanical strengths by about 6 times than untreated soil. SEM revealed substantial formations of C-S-H and C-A-H gel, along with ettringite, intensifying with time. This research provides viable outcomes for stabilizing clay soil using environmentally friendly binders, demonstrating significant improvements in soil properties, particularly when using the binary activated blended binder consisting of GGBS and CKD.Graphical

Non-Linear Phenomena in Voltage and Frequency Converters Supplying Non-Thermal Plasma Reactors

Atmospheric pressure cold plasmas have recently been the subject of intense research and applications for solving problems in the fields of energy, environmental engineering, and biomedicine. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma sources, with dielectric barrier discharges, plasma jets, and arc discharges, are non-linear power loads. They require special power systems, which are usually designed separately for each type of plasma reactor, depending on the requirements of the plasma-chemical process, the power of the receiver, the type of process gas, the current, voltage and frequency requirements, and the efficiency of the power source. This paper presents non-linear phenomena accompanying plasma generation in the power supply plasma reactor system, such as harmonic generation, resonance, and ferroresonance of currents and voltages, and the switching of overvoltages and pulse generation. When properly applied, this can support the operation of the above-mentioned reactors by providing improved discharge ignition depending on the working gas, thus increasing the efficiency of the plasma process and improving the cooperation of the plasma-generation system with the power supply.

Icing Wind Tunnel and Erosion Field Tests of Superhydrophobic Surfaces Caused by Femtosecond Laser Processing

Ice accumulation on lift-generating surfaces, such as rotor blades or wings, degrades aerodynamic performance and increases various risks. Active measures to counteract surface icing are energy-consuming and should be replaced by passive anti-icing surfaces. Two major categories of surface treatments—coating and structuring—already show promising results in the laboratory, but none fulfill the current industry requirements for performance and durability. In this paper, we show how femtosecond laser structuring of stainless steel (1.4301) combined with a hydrocarbon surface treatment or a vacuum treatment leads to superhydrophobic properties. The anti-ice performance was investigated in an icing wind tunnel under glaze ice conditions. Therefore, flexible steel foils were laser-structured, wettability treated and attached to NACA 0012 air foil sections. In the icing wind tunnel, hydrocarbon treated surfaces showed a 50 s ice build-up delay on the leading edge as well as a smoother ice surface compared to the reference. To demonstrate the erosion resistance of these surfaces, long-term field tests on a small-scale wind turbine were performed under alpine operating conditions. The results showed only minor erosion wear of micro- and nano-structures after a period of six winter months.

Next-Generation Performance Measures for Pavement Management Decision Support

Since 2012, federal legislation has promoted the use of performance-based decisions for managing the nation’s highway system. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act established seven national goal areas and required establishment of national performance measures for pavements. Fulfillment of these requirements has strengthened highway agencies’ data-driven investment decisions, maximizing returns on public investment and maintaining highway infrastructure assets in a state of good repair. While condition-based performance measures meet the current legislative requirement, there is a need to identify “next-generation” measures that can be integrated into pavement investment decisions to drive sustainable, long-term performance management of pavements. This paper discusses lifecycle and financial performance measures that can be used in concert with existing condition-based measures to better inform pavement management decision-making. Lifecycle performance measures characterize and monetize the long-term investment strategies associated with providing the desired level of service for a highway asset. These measures proactively encourage activities that reduce the long-term cost of managing the system. Financial performance measures indicate whether an adequate level of investment is being made to offset the asset value depreciation or satisfy treatment needs to not only meet condition targets today, but to sustain those into the future. The performance measures were validated through pilot implementations at three state highway agencies and the lessons learned from the validation efforts are documented in this paper. The paper also highlights considerations for implementing next-generation pavement performance measures, as well as the potential benefits to agencies from their implementation.

Defining Sustainable Priorities and Actions for Storage of a Public Archive: A UK Case Study

ABSTRACT Storage facilities often comprise the most energy-intensive burden within archives. One green solution is a passive building with high thermal inertia and airtightness, to create stable environmental conditions without mechanical intervention, and provide appropriate temperature and RH ranges and good air quality for preservation. However, where airtightness is concerned, there is potential for accumulation of pollutants within densely occupied repositories such as library and archive stores. This risk is not addressed by current requirements for greener operation, because operational conflicts arise when balancing these three environmental parameters. This article discusses air quality and its effects on archive materials. It contributes to better understanding of green operation for archives. It presents a preliminary study carried out at Norfolk Record Office in the UK on options to increase archives storage capacity whilst improving both public access and preservation. This concluded that an initial programme to replace low-quality packaging which is a generator of VOCs, and the building of on-site passive storage, were the most sustainable solutions.

Diagnostyka stanu technologicznego gazociągów na podstawie składu transportowanych mieszanin gazowych

The efficiency of natural gas transportation hinges largely on the quality of technological processes involved. Imperfect separation process can lead to the liquid particles remaining in the gas and entering the transport systems, causing various technological issues with gas pipelines (clogging, hydrate formation, corrosion wear, etc.). The presence of mechanical particles in gas mixtures accelerates the degradation of metallic components of the transport system due to erosion. Additionally, the multiphase nature of gases contributes to complications during transportation, altering the quality indicators when different gas qualities are mixed. Consequently, the composition of gas mixtures, their mechanical particles, moisture, and other indicators, deviate non-linearly from their initial values. The technological condition of the main gas pipelines significantly impacts their discharge capacity and hydraulic characteristics. Failure to clean natural gas to current standards and requirements at production stations can result in condensation of water and hydrocarbon vapours in pipelines, leading to the accumulation of the liquid phase in the cavities of the pipeline and the formation of blockages due to hydrate compounds formation, the reduction of the cross-section of the gas pipeline or its complete blockage. Sediment accumulation on the inner surfaces of gas pipelines installed in complex geographical conditions adversely affects transportation system, increasing maintenance, energy, and transportation costs. Utilizing gas composition as an auxiliary tool (indicator) for diagnosing various technological processes and predicting transport parameters has been investigated in numerous research works in the oil and gas production industry.

Leisure Culture of Urban Residents in Khakassia in the 1930s.

The main types of leisure activities in the region are considered. Leisure culture was based on upbringing a “new Soviet man” and was aimed at acquainting residents with cultural events. The organization of leisure time, based on the ideas of socialism, has affected all segments of the population without age restrictions. The reconstruction of leisure culture in the era of industrialization is an urgent research for further study of the history of Soviet culture and its consequences in the post-Soviet period. The purpose of the article is to consider the process of introducing the Soviet model of leisure culture among the citizens of Khakassia in the 1930s. The principles of historicism, objectivity and consistency, as well as historical-systemic and retrospective methods were used in the work. The primary objectives of successful industrialization were to increase the educational and professional level of the local population. In non-production activities, great importance was attached to political education and indoctrination of citizens. Local authorities have managed to make some progress in organizing and conducting events aimed at the cultural, intellectual and physical development of urban residents. With regard to the younger generation, emphasis was placed on education based on the collectivist principles. Education and physical development became one of the priority forms of youth leisure. For the first time in the region, local authorities began to organize measures to improve the population’s health. Along with the obvious successes, shortcomings in the urban leisure culture were identified. The main difficulties in organizing and conducting cultural events were insufficient funding and lack of material resources. The poor condition of leisure facilities and the quality of their work prevented the successful improvement of urban residents’ cultural level. Initially, cultural events, organized by local authorities took into account the national specifics of the region, but gradually, facing current requirements, collectivist principles and ideas of upbringing a “new Soviet man” began to dominate in urban residents’ leisure culture. Learning from past experience is necessary for the successful implementation of modern state policy in the field of culture.

Electroless deposition of nickel microbumps for fine-pith flip-chip bonding

Abstract The reliability of micro-light-emitting diode (Micro-LED) is closely associated with the uniformity of microbumps arrays. With continual decreases in pixel pitch in recent years, it is a challenge to guarantee the uniformity of bump arrays. To satisfy current requirements for ultra-high-density interconnections, this study proposes an electroless plating method for fabricating highly uniform nickel microbumps. This technique differs from electroplating, in which the morphology and consistency of microbumps can be easily controlled. Furthermore, it is a high-selectivity and cost-effective method of microbumps fabrication that eliminates solder wastage and avoids metal lift-off in traditional evaporation. To minimize the non-uniformity of the bumps, we aim to optimize the oxygen plasma treatment parameters and deposition intervals to eliminate the issues of skip plating, hydrogen bubble entrapment, and nodules. Under the combined effect of plasma treatment and intermittent deposition method, microbump arrays with less than 5% uniformity were successfully prepared, achieving the demands of high-density bonding. In addition, the preparation process is highly reproducible, extending the application range of this technique.

STRATEGIC PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT MODELS AND THE IMPORTANCE AND NECESSITY OF THEIR REDESIGN TODAY

In the article - "Strategic personnel management models and the importance and necessity of their redesign today" - strategic management models are listed and discussed. Among them are: D. Guest model, Michigan and Harvard models, Armstrong model, Fottler model, Cheveldry model, Shuler and Jackson model. These models were developed in previous centuries. The authors of the article have compared them with their current requirements, in particular with the current needs of companies in this field. Today's needs are to provide managers not with general models of strategic personnel management, but with specific ways of achieving the characteristics that are fixed in these models. In the article, the authors have performed exactly this work on the model of scientist Fottler and have also shown it graphically. Keywords: personnel; strategic management; Models of strategic personnel management.

Проблемы современной сферы образования и ее влияние на экономику страны

The field of education is undergoing significant transformations in response to the evolving needs of society and the economy. In the face of rapid technological advancements and changes in the socio-economic environment, there is a need for updating the content of education to provide the younger generation with the opportunity to successfully adapt and compete in the labor market. The flexibility and responsiveness of the educational system to the changing demands of the modern world are crucial aspects of successfully addressing issues related to the field of education. It is important to create a flexible system capable of tracking current market requirements and offering new knowledge and skills for the future. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the individual characteristics of each learner to create comfortable conditions for their development. This article conducts an analysis of the aforementioned topic, examines changes in the modern educational system, and proposes solutions to the problematic issues in the field of education. In conclusion, the challenges facing modern education are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to address. By fostering flexibility, responsiveness, and inclusivity within the education system, countries can better prepare their citizens for the demands of the 21st-century economy. Strategic investments in education, coupled with ongoing research and innovation, are essential for ensuring the continued prosperity and competitiveness of nations in the global marketplace.

A Mimic Fusion Algorithm for Dual Channel Video Based on Possibility Distribution Synthesis Theory

In response to the current practical fusion requirements for infrared and visible videos, which often involve collaborative fusion of difference feature information, and model cannot dynamically adjust the fusion strategy according to the difference between videos, resulting in poor fusion performance, a mimic fusion algorithm for infrared and visible videos based on the possibility distribution synthesis theory is proposed. Firstly, quantitatively describe the various difference features and their attributes of the region of interest in each frame of the dual channel video sequence, and select the main difference features corresponding to each frame. Secondly, the pearson correlation coefficient is used to measure the correlation between any two features and obtain the feature correlation matrix. Then, based on the similarity measure, the fusion effective degree distribution of each layer variables for different difference features is constructed, and the difference feature distribution is correlated and synthesized based on the possibility distribution synthesis theory. Finally, optimize the select of mimic variables to achieve mimic fusion of infrared and visible videos. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieve significant fusion results in preserving targets and details, and was significantly superior to other single fusion methods in subjective evaluation and objective analysis.

Fenomena Pengalaman Pengasuh Anak Korban Kekerasan Fisik di Kota Banda Aceh: Studi Kualitatif

Background: Violence against children is a global phenomenon that poses significant challenges to the health care system because it has serious consequences for victims. Purpose: To examine the experiences of caregivers in Banda Aceh who provide assistance to children who have been physically abused. The event under consideration involves perception, adaption reaction, physiological delivery, supporting the child's adaptation process concerning interdependence, and assisting the child's adaptation process concerning self-concept, role, and function. Methods: This study used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to its investigation. The caregiver serves as the major informant for this study, providing care and meeting the needs of children who are physically abused. Key informants have traits including providing for the everyday needs of the children they live with, living at home with child victims of violence, and effectively communicating their experiences. Interviews and pertinent literature reviews were used to gather research data, which was subsequently analyzed using the Colaizzi. Results: The study's findings are as follows: 1) The caregiver is aware that the child's perception of physical violence is a result of their wrongdoings, 2) The principal caregiver observes the detrimental effects of physical abuse on the kid, 3) The violent child receives physical assistance from the primary caregiver. current physiological requirements by obtaining resources, 4) By offering moral support, the caregiver assists children who experience physical abuse in their self-concept. 5) Using techniques to enhance the child's role function, the caregiver supports children who have experienced physical abuse in this area, and 6) The caregiver seeks counseling support in order to assist children who are physically abused in the area of interdependence. Conclusion: caregivers are capable of improving perception, adaptation reactions, physiological delivery, supporting the child's adaptation process based on interdependence, and helping the child adapt to self-conceptions, roles, and functions.

An asymmetric road lighting concept: Probeam

An asymmetric road lighting concept known as Probeam is investigated in this study for energy efficiency, contrast and visibility of vertical objects and road markings in highway lighting. Calculations based on road lighting standards, road surface and markings reflection characteristics and typical Dutch highway geometry, reveal that Probeam lighting improves the average visibility of objects and road markings over symmetrical lighting, however, with a 14% increase in luminous flux as per current road lighting standards. This increase in luminous flux is attributed to the symmetrical lighting’s advantage in specular road surface reflection, leading to a reduction in the Counterbeam lobe size in the light intensity distribution when designed to meet the current road luminance requirement. Notably, by designing the Probeam luminaire to match symmetrical lighting’s average visibility of vertical objects, for removing the road luminance requirement and dimming the luminaire, energy consumption is reduced by 52%. Halving the Probeam luminaire’s mounting height leads to an impressive 82% energy savings. The study highlights the possibility of a balance in energy use and road safety using the Probeam concept, considering advancements in road luminaires and retroreflective materials. Due to glare, the relevance of the proposed Probeam concept is restricted to one-directional traffic on highways.

Digital space for payroll and remuneration

The study identifies the features of wage systems that directly affect their implementation in automated programs. The complexity of salary calculation, and sometimes the inability to implement a particular system in an automated program, is the main reason for the rejection of more modern wage systems. A comparative analysis of automated programs has been carried out, which makes it possible for an organization to choose a remuneration system not from the point of view of what the existing automation system offers, but from the point of view of necessity and compliance with the business processes of the organization. This will make it possible to apply more efficient and fair payment systems that will meet current trends and requirements of the labor market. The functional capabilities of the programs in terms of calculation and remuneration are defined. The directions of development and application of digital technologies for calculation and payment of labor are highlighted. The development of new technologies makes it possible to create a digital environment for payment.