Learning Module on Electric Motors Modeling, Control, and Testing (LM-EMMCT)

The objective of this paper is to develop and integrate a learning module on Electric Motors Modeling, Control and Testing (EMMCT) into the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) programs. Preparing future engineers to work in highly automated production requires proper education and training in mechatronics theory and applications. Although Engineering Technology programs at various universities offer various courses related to the controls, electrical motors, and automation, they are not including the same methods when it comes to the selection of appropriate electrical motor for a specific application in mechatronic system. MET student do have exposure to the electrical systems in the various courses that are offered at their lower division level courses. However, these methods have to be further emphasized and applied in the upper level courses as well. This paper will present one such application and a learning module that is focused on the Electric Motors Modeling, Control and Testing (EMMCT). This module can be integrated in various controls, mechatronics, robotics, senior design and capstone courses

Delivery of Hands-On Technical Courses Through Real-Time Distance Learning

It is generally believed that it is too challenging to deliver technical laboratory courses using distance learning technologies. The focus of this research was to develop strategies that may be used to address these challenges. A research team composed of faculty from several universities and community colleges explored what might be needed to make these types of technical laboratory course instruction possible using distance learning technologies. The team explored delivering a microcontroller embedded systems design course through audio-visual distance learning technologies. The team\u27s research and development activities are discussed. These include focuses on the technical training equipment that had to be designed to support the course\u27s microcontroller technologies curriculum and laboratory modules, instructional support videos, and the design of an electronic server system to support this instruction. Also discussed will be the findings from the faculty of other colleges and universities who received professional development training from the research team on teaching microcontroller technology courses using distance learning technologies

Bioinspired Asymmetric-Anisotropic (Directional) Fog Harvesting Based on the Arid Climate Plant Eremopyrum orientale

Asymmetric-anisotropic (directional) fog collection behaviour is observed for leaves of the arid climate plant species Eremopyrum orientale. This is underpinned by a hierarchical surface structure comprising macroscale grooves, microscale tilted cones (in the direction of water flow), and nanoscale platelets. Soft lithography combined with either nanocoating deposition or functional nanoimprinting has been used to replicate this highly-efficient directional water collection mechanism

The Moral Bases of Consumer Ethnocentrism and Consumer Cosmopolitanism as Purchase Dispositions

Purpose This paper aims to develop a model that explains the moral bases of consumer ethnocentrism and consumer cosmopolitanism as purchase dispositions. The authors build their work on moral foundations theory and the social theories of Emile Durkheim. Design/methodology/approach Theory-building from general theories of motivation is grounded in cultural norms, and empirical research is conducted to test theoretical propositions. Findings The focus is on the theoretical implications of binding or individualism morals of consumers within social groups. Consequently, variables in the model relate to ethical themes of community, autonomy and divinity. This theory posits that, for a variety of considerations, loyalty has a direct and positive effect on consumer ethnocentrism and on consumer cosmopolitanism. Serendipitously, other moral foundations have negative effects. The authors theorize that negative relationships exist between authority and consumer cosmopolitanism, and between sanctity and consumer ethnocentrism. This model also illustrates that consumer ethnocentrism positively predisposes favorable domestic product judgments. Research limitations/implications New ethical factors in consumer dispositions affecting product purchase decisions are explored. Hypotheses can be empirically replicated and moderated in future research. Practical implications Marketers can use the variables of personal values, moral foundations and gender role identity to fashion marketing communications and to target selective consumer segments. Social implications The persuasion process of social marketing will be enhanced by understanding relevant motives. Originality/value The use of the fine-grained moral foundation antecedents to predict consumer predispositions of ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism is without precedent

Dissemination of Microprocessor Courses Through Classroom and Interactive Cyber-Enabled Technologies

The project is in the middle stages of the implementation. There seems to be a positive attitude of learning and using of the training system and curriculum package by all project staffs. Microchip, Inc. and microEngineering Labs, Inc. have donated supplies to support the hardware and software development for this project. The next objectives are team training, recruitment of interested trainees/teachers to participate in training for summers 2014, and assess the effectiveness of the implementations with teachers and students. Photo 2 is the project logo that describes all the concepts of this project

On compact holomorphically pseudosymmetric K\"ahlerian manifolds

For compact K\"ahlerian manifolds, the holomorphic pseudosymmetry reduces to the local symmetry if additionally the scalar curvature is constant and the structure function is non-negative. Similarly, the holomorphic Ricci-pseudosymmetry reduces to the Ricci-symmetry under these additional assumptions. We construct examples of non-compact essentially holomorphically pseudosymmetric K\"ahlerian manifolds. These examples show that the compactness assumption cannot be omitted in the above stated theorem. Recently, the first examples of compact, simply connected essentially holomorphically pseudosymmetric K\"ahlerian manifolds are discovered by W. Jelonek. In his examples, the structure functions change their signs on the manifold

Measurement of melatonin in body fluids: Standards, protocols and procedures

Abstract: The circadian rhythm of melatonin in saliva or plasma, or of the melatonin metabolite 6‐ sulphatoxymelatonin in urine, is a defining feature of suprachiasmatic nucleus function, the endogenous oscillatory pacemaker. These measurements are useful to evaluate problems related to the onset or offset of sleep and for assessing phase delays or advances of rhythms in entrained individuals. Additionally, they have become an important tool for psychiatric diagnosis, its use being recommended for phase typing in patients suffering from sleep and mood disorders. Thus, the development of sensitive and selective methods for the precise detection of melatonin in tissues and fluids of animals emerges as necessary. Due to its low concentration and the co‐existence of many other endogenous compounds in blood, the determination of melatonin has been an analytical challenge. This review discusses current methodologies employed for detection and quantification of melatonin in biological fluids and tissues

How Global are Global Brands? An Empirical Brand Equity Analysis

The term 'global brand' has become widely used by the media and by consumers. Business week publishes annually its widely known ranking of the 'Best Global Brands' (with Coca-Cola as number 1 in the past years) and consumers on summer vacations purchase brands such as Heineken or Marlboro they are familiar with from their home country. Although media and consumers call these brands 'global' and centralized marketing departments manage these brands globally - are these 'global brands' really global? Are they really perceived everywhere in the same way by the customers? Can we talk about truly global brand equity? And if there were brand image differences between countries, which factors causes them? The authors conducted an empirical research during May and June 2009 with similarly aged University students (bachelor students at business school) in Germany (n=426) and Mexico (n=296). The goal was to identify if brand awareness rates differ between Germans and Mexicans, if the brand image of Apple iPod is perceived in the same way in Germany and in Mexico and what influencing factors might have an impact on any brand image discrepancy between the countries. Results prove that brand recall rates differ between the two countries (with higher rates in Mexico) as well as brand image attributes vary significantly (28 out of 34 brand image attributes are significantly different between Germany and Mexico), with Mexico showing higher levels of favorable brand image attributes. Key influencing factors on the different brand image perceptions are perceived quality, satisfaction and the influence of reference groups (such as friends and family). The results suggest that so-called 'global brands' are not perceived the same way in Germany and Mexico. As a consequence, brand management using standardized marketing instruments for its presumable 'global brands' might be better off with a more differentiated approach that takes account a specific local brand image