Abstract

The need for visual landscape assessment in large-scale projects for the evaluation of the effects of a particular project on the surrounding landscape has grown in recent years. Augmented reality (AR) has been considered for use as a landscape simulation system in which a landscape assessment object created by 3D models is included in the present surroundings. With the use of this system, the time and the cost needed to perform a 3DCG modeling of present surroundings, which is a major issue in virtual reality, are drastically reduced. This research presents the development of a 3D map-oriented handheld AR system that achieves geometric consistency using a 3D map to obtain position data instead of GPS, which has low position information accuracy, particularly in urban areas. The new system also features a gyroscope sensor to obtain posture data and a video camera to capture live video of the present surroundings. All these components are mounted in a smartphone and can be used for urban landscape assessment. Registration accuracy is evaluated to simulate an urban landscape from a short- to a long-range scale. The latter involves a distance of approximately 2000 m. The developed AR system enables users to simulate a landscape from multiple and long-distance viewpoints simultaneously and to walk around the viewpoint fields using only a smartphone. This result is the tolerance level of landscape assessment. In conclusion, the proposed method is evaluated as feasible and effective.

Abstract

This paper focuses on a subset of the practices that have created the powerful learning technology developed and disseminated by Morningside Academy in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. We briefly describe this technology, known as the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction, and tell how it builds on the selectionist approach of B. F. Skinner and the pragmatic approach of John Dewey. We also describe the critical role Precision Teaching plays at Morningside Academy and its dependence on findings from the science of learning and the science of instruction, including placement of learners, task analysis, content analysis, instructional protocols, and principles of instructional design. Last, we acknowledge the symbiotic relation between effective Direct Instruction programs that teach skills to accuracy levels and Precision Teaching, which takes these accurate repertoires and systematically turns them into high frequency performances that take on the character of fluent repertoires. Over time, using Precision Teaching across multiple and successive repertoires also creates more agile learners.

Abstract

This paper aims at granting to evaluation a high priority character to guarantee the quality of the communication processes. Conceived as a systematic, deliberate group process, the text which is presented contributes a series of functional elements used in the assessment of the communicative action, as well as a series of techniques, quantitative as much as qualitative, appropiate for the achievement of the required excellence obiectives.

Abstract

This paper has as its starting point the premise that it is useful for the Spanish research ecosystem to have consolidated, open journals with international influence. Evaluation of journals is important because of the role of publications in establishing research credentials. Features required to achieve a balanced and fair evaluation system are described. The tools currently available to this purpose in Spain have major limitations. A proposal based on the ISOC database is presented, providing new assessment criteria that combine the trajectory or track record, openness and internationality of the Spanish humanities and social sciences academic journals.

Abstract

University libraries make web tutorials on a variety of topics. Often they are efforts to improve user’s information literacy and to show them technological improvements on interactive interfaces. A methodology with a total of 34 indicators to be taken into account in the development, evaluation and improvement of library tutorials created in any area and specialty is presented, together with examples of best practices that illustrate the indicators and that can be a guideline for library services wishing to make their own tutorials.

Abstract

In 2011, the research programmes for Support and accreditation of Severo Ochoa Centers of Excellence and Units of Excellence María de Maeztu were launched for the first time. Since then, these accreditations have become one of the axes of the Spanish scientific policy. In these years, € 186 million have been distributed and 26 centers and 16 units have been accredited. At the bibliometric level, one of the most relevant evaluation criteria is the need for guarantor researchers to have a Normalized Impact of, at least, 1.5. In this work, we critically analyze the origin of this bibliometric indicator in the eighties, the variants that have been proposed and the limitations of its use in this national call. Finally we offer a series of practical recommendations for a more accurate use of the Normalized Impact indicator for evaluative purposes.

Abstract

Web games provide a platform for creative instructional activities that can capture the studentsâ attention towards the course. These games can be used to emulate the realistic situations which can be used as effective lab experiments that could give the students a hands-on experience using real world scenarios. This thesis presents an innovative web-based game developed for the demonstration of the driver-behavior at signalized intersections that can be used as a supplementary tool for the Transportation Engineering course. The game format is carefully designed to supplement the understanding of the class learning material through a fun environment. It was designed to be widely accessible through the internet and have an attractive user interface and was improved from the feedback obtained from the pilot study. The game is programmed on the .NET Framework using the Microsoft Visual C# as a core programming language, ASP to develop the web interface, and Microsoft Access as the databases for the program. The thesis also provides a methodological framework for collecting data about student engagement in a course and in particular presents the data collection procedure used in Transportation Engineering Course (CEE 4609). The collected data was analyzed to find the student engagement in the course after the introduction of the game. The thesis gives the conclusions drawn from the research with insights into possible drawbacks and scope for future improvements. Master of Science

Abstract

The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi is located in the central eastern part of Turkey, in Divrigi, Sivas. The historical facility consists of a monumental mosque and a two-story hospital, which are adjacent to each other. The structure dates back to 13th century Mengujekids period and has been listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage since 1985. Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi is particularly notable for its monumental stone portals that are decorated with three-dimensional ornaments carved from stone. The structural system of the monument consists of multi-leaf stone masonry walls and stone piers that support the roof structure which consists of stone and brick arches and vaults. The structure is located about 90 km away from the North Anatolian Fault Line, that has been causing several destructive earthquakes. Consequently, the structure is prone to destructive seismic activities. In this study, after a brief introduction on the structural system and current condition of the structure, the structural performance of the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi is investigated through site observations and structural analyses. For this purpose, linear and nonlinear 3D finite element models of the structure are developed and the structure is examined under the effects of vertical loads and seismic actions. In the light of the analyses results, recommendations for potential interventions are outlined for further preservation of the structure.

Abstract

Scientific research in the communication field has experienced great growth in recent years. Recent technological changes, as well as the emergence of Web 2.0 and 3.0 and new forms of communication, such as social networks, have led to new and varied studies in the discipline. This paper analyzes the scientific production of the 27 countries with the greatest scientific production in the communication field in the period from 2003 to 2018. The results indicate that: the most productive countries are the USA, UK, and Spain; there is less international collaboration than in other disciplines, but there is a network of European collaboration that is quite dense and has great impact, and another network in Pacific countries (Asia + Oceania), albeit with lower density and impact.