Portability and networked learning environments

Abstract The portability of educational software is defined as the likelihood of software usage, with or without adaptation, in an educational environment different from that for which it was originally designed and produced. Barriers and research relevant to the portability of electronic learning resources are discussed and organised into a portability-limiting factors model. With the increase in number and scope of networked learning environments, portability issues take on a new dimension. Using electronic (study) books as an example, the portability problem space of networked learning environments is explored

Mathematical modelling of the fibre laser surface processing of a zirconia engineering ceramic by means of three-dimensional finite element analysis

The thermal effects of fibre laser surface treatment on a ZrO2 engineering ceramic were studied using a computational finite element model (FEM). Temperature increases on the surface and the bulk of the ZrO2 during the fibre laser processing were measured using an infra-red thermometer and specifically located thermocouples. The results showed an error of 5% with the surface and 18% within the bulk of the ZrO2 when comparing the experimental readings with those of the FEM. The FEM revealed a relationship between the traverse speed; power density; time; depth and the temperature during various stages of the fibre laser surface treatment of the ZrO2. By utilizing data obtained from a thermo, gravimetry- differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), the FEM predictions of the temperature distribution were used to map phase transformations and significant events occurring during the fibre laser surface treatment of the ZrO2. The mapping revealed that the fibre laser surface treatment generally resulted in a phase transformation of the ZrO2 at various temperatures changes as further shown in the paper

Scientific support activity in the field of structural stability of civil engineering works – snow loads” Final Report for phase I

The European Snow Loads Research Programme was carried out under contracts to the European Commission DG III – D3 in the period 1996-1999. The main scope of the research programme was “providing the scientific basis for harmonised definition of models for determining the actions of snow applied to the structural parts of construction works”. The research group, co-ordinated by Prof. Sanpaolesi - University of Pisa (IT), comprised 16 researchers from the following institutions: 1. building research establishment ltd, construction division (united kingdom) 2. cstb, centre de recherche de nantes (france) 3. ecole polytechnique fédérale de lausanne, (switzerland) 4. ismes structure engineering department (italy) 5. joint research centre, isis (eu) 6. sintef, civil and environmental engineering (norway) 7. university of leipzig, institute of concrete design (germany) 8. university of pisa, department of structural engineering ( italy) The research work was divided into two consecutive phases. Each phase dealt with two specific items and technical co-ordination of the research activity for each item was carried out by a member of the research group: Phase I task Ia: “Development of models for the determination of snow loads on the ground” Co-ordinator Dr. Gränzer (University of Leipzig - DE); task Ib: “Development of models for exceptional snow loads” Co-ordinator Mr. Sims (BRE- UK); Phase II task IIc: “Definition of criteria to be adopted for serviceability loads” Co-ordinator Prof. Holand (SINTEF - N); task IId: “Analytical study for the definition of shape coefficients” Co-ordinator Mr. Stiefel (EPFL - CH); The deliverables of the research work are the following two final reports and their relative annexes

Scientific support activity in the field of structural stability of civil engineering works – snow loads” Final Report for phase II

The European Snow Loads Research Programme was carried out under contracts to the European Commission DG III – D3 in the period 1996-1999. The main scope of the research programme was “providing the scientific basis for harmonised definition of models for determining the actions of snow applied to the structural parts of construction works”. The research group, co-ordinated by Prof. Sanpaolesi - University of Pisa (IT), comprised 16 researchers from the following institutions: 1. building research establishment ltd, construction division (united kingdom) 2. cstb, centre de recherche de nantes (france) 3. ecole polytechnique fédérale de lausanne, (switzerland) 4. ismes structure engineering department (italy) 5. joint research centre, isis (eu) 6. sintef, civil and environmental engineering (norway) 7. university of leipzig, institute of concrete design (germany) 8. university of pisa, department of structural engineering ( italy) The research work was divided into two consecutive phases. Each phase dealt with two specific items and technical co-ordination of the research activity for each item was carried out by a member of the research group: Phase I task Ia: “Development of models for the determination of snow loads on the ground” Co-ordinator Dr. Gränzer (University of Leipzig - DE); task Ib: “Development of models for exceptional snow loads” Co-ordinator Mr. Sims (BRE- UK); Phase II task IIc: “Definition of criteria to be adopted for serviceability loads” Co-ordinator Prof. Holand (SINTEF - N); task IId: “Analytical study for the definition of shape coefficients” Co-ordinator Mr. Stiefel (EPFL - CH); The deliverables of the research work are the following two final reports and their relative annexes