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The EFQM excellence model is a famous quality management tool. We have translated it to be useful in e-learning quality management. EFQM will be used as a framework for self-evaluation. We developed the e-learning stakeholder model. We identified the main criterion and positioned them in the stakeholder model.We present short the Kirkpatrick evaluation model of e-learning.We developed a Kirkpatrick-EFQM self-assessment framework. We propose the limited learner-centric self-assessment framework. A preliminary set of quality criteria have been identified for self-assessment by the learners.

Comparative analysis of three stabilization mechanisms of unstable states of physical systems is presented in this review. These mechanisms are: the quantum Zeno effect, the stabilization of unstable states in an external fast oscillating field (at the example of Kapitza pendulum), and the algorithm called as the principle of whirligig. The common features of these mechanisms, as well as the differences between them, are defined in the paper. In particular, it is shown that the stabilization of quantum systems is possible without involvement of such a notion as the collapse of the wave function. For stabilization there is enough to have such a stabilizing radiation flow when the Rabi frequency of transitions does exceed some frequency. This particular frequency is a magnitude inverse-ly proportional to the lifetime of the state under stabilization. It is shown that stabilization of unstable states by impact of rapidly oscillating forces occurs by non-self-consistent exposure, i.e. the dynamics of stabilizing field is independent of the dynamics of the stabilized state. Stabilization with the principle of whirligig does occur by self-consistent forces, and thus, in many cases stabilization by the use of the principle of whirligig can be more effective.

Chaos and self-similarity are the state-of-the-art problems in various areas of modern science and technology, thus network systems are not exception from this rule. Increasing number of various network protocols, applications and services leads to the fact that network traffic becomes more complex and unpredictable. It has been shown that phenomenon of self-similarity is caused by the properties of network traffic whose origin is the behavior of ТСР protocol. And all this properties became more significant with appearing of the high-speed data transmission technologies. Finally this behavior leads to congestion in network and packet losses as the result of it. But even modern congestion control mechanisms handle such kind of situations quite unfair. For example, as shown by W. Feng et al., TCP Reno loss rate exceeds 5% in a heavily congested network. So it’s easy to calculate that over a Gigabit Ethernet link such loss rate translates into a loss of over 50 Mb/s. Obviously this level of loss rate is unacceptable. However models that describe behavior of information systems sufficiently and give a possibility for scientists to apply all set of classical methods of chaos theory and analyze particular nonlinear dynamical system have not been offered so far. Phase portraits of the studied system were built and Lyapunov exponents for different values of the basic system parameters were calculated. In the present paper a new approach in analysis of the packet switching networks behavior with ТСР protocol is proposed. These networks are analyzed as nonlinear dynamical systems that show chaotic properties at a certain value of parameters.

This issue of Catalysis Today presents a selection of contributions to the 11th International Symposium on the Scientific Bases for the Preparation of Heterogeneous Catalysts (PREPA11), held on the campus of the “Université catholique de Louvain” (UCL) in Louvain- la-Neuve, Belgium, on July 6–10,2014. This series of symposia was initiated in 1975 on a regular 4-year interval basis. Previous proceedings of these symposia have been published in Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis. As for previous editions, this 11th symposium was made possible thanks to the organizational skills of the members of the research groups active in heterogeneous catalysis of the “Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences” of the UCL and the “Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis” of the University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium. Only the oral communications and some selected posters were invited to contribute to the present publication. The submitted full manuscripts then followed a systematic and strict peer-reviewing procedure carried out by recognized experts in the field. In order to maintain a high scientific level,3 referees, and sometimes more, were invited to evaluate the manuscripts. In the end, the issue gathers 28 contributions.

Comparison results for absorbed dose mapping of the Co60 industrial radiation facility BULGAMMA of Sopharma PLC, Bulgaria using a practical and computational dosimetry are presented in the paper. The gamma radiation facility is based on JS-8500 Co60 irradiator produced by MDS Nordian, Canada. The absorbed dose distributions of gamma rays in an irradiated product on JS-8500 Co60 irradiator have been calculated using the ModeGR Monte Carlo software. The software ModeGR was designed specially for simulation of the absorbed dose distribution within multi-layer packages irradiated with gamma ray from flat panoramic Co60 source rack using a Monte Carlo method. Absorbed dose measurements into containers filled with material using Ethanol Chlorobenzene chemical dosimeters were carried out to validate the software ModeGR. The comparison results show that software ModeGR can be used as a predictive tool for detailed dose mapping in gamma irradiated product.

Energy performance regulations for buildings are continuously updated. Projections within the future are being made, fixing now what will be the standards for new buildings for the following decades. The construction sector itself is also evolving, trying not only to follow those new rules, but often trying to look ahead, developing, testing and launching today the prototypes of tomorrow’s buildings and components. To optimise public and private decision making, one has to analyse both the current status as well as the ongoing evolutions and the interactions between the market and the regulatory framework. Within this scope, analyses are conducted in Flanders on the EPBD-database, which contains detailed data on all new residential buildings since 2006. The analysis presented in this paper shows the impact and importance of specific regulations and incentives. In spite of the tightening regulations, huge discrepancies remain visible between a small yet increasing group of low energy, and passive house ‘pioneers’ and premium hunters, as opposed to a trailing group, flirting with the legally imposed limits. The analysis of the data therefore proves the role of as well as some challenges for future decision making, while quantifying the real status and evolutions of the building sector.

Office buildings in Chile show higher cooling than heating energy demand. The climate of the country show important differences between cities by the ocean and those of interior regions, located between the coastal and the Andes range. Main cities of Central Chile, where more than 40% of buildings are constructed every year are Santiago and Valparaíso, both located at around 33° S. Santiago presents a Mediterranean climate, with a high temperature oscillation between day and night during cooling period. Valparaíso, by the coast, shows lower temperature fluctuation compared with Santiago during identical period. In order to define design strategies for energy efficiency of office buildings in mentioned cities, a sensitivity study has been made, considering variables like size of windows (window to wall ratio), type of windows (clear and selective glazing, including low e, single and double glazing), use and type of solar protection and use of nocturnal or diurnal ventilation. In opaque facades (walls and roofs), thermal insulation is considered. In case of walls, in order to increase thermal inertia external insulation is assumed. The sensitivity analysis is developed considering a square building containing office rooms on all four orientations. This10 story building has been specially proposed and designed for this analysis. Methodology considers an evaluation of heating and cooling demand of the building in both cities. For this purpose, a simulation software under dynamic conditions has been used (TAS of Environmental Design Solutions Limited). The lowest cooling energy demand is reached when using the lowest window to wall ratio (20%), with solar protection in east, west and north oriented glazed areas. In fact, fully glazed facades in both cities are not recommended. Nocturnal ventilation was highly effective for decreasing cooling demand in both cities. In the case of Valparaíso, due to relatively low temperature during cooling period (maximum lower than 26°C), diurnal ventilation for cooling purposes is also effective.

El aprendizaje de los métodos de diseño biomimético puede resul tar difícil e implicar un largo periodo de tiempo. Experiencias previas han demostrado que la aplicación de la biomimética en proyectos de diseño industrial y desarrollo de producto necesita de una adaptación a los métodos tradicionales por medio de un modelo más sencillo y a través de un sistema de aprendizaje. Existen diversos proc esos de diseño biomimético, su adaptación, integración y aplicación se corresponde con objetivos propios de cada proyecto. Se presenta un modelo de aprendizaje de la biomimética para apl icación en proyectos de diseño, de sus partes y de manera globa l. El conocimiento de los principios biológicos y su traducción a los principios de ingeniería son la base de cada método, increment ando el aprendizaje con aquellos que se basan en técnicas creativas y d e análisis funcional para conseguir innovación funcional de pro ductos gracias al enfoque biomimético.

Module efficiency depends of the irradiance level and its temperature. Module temperature depends of ambient temperature, irradiance, thermal characteristic of the module, surrounding of the module, and the direction and wind speed. A silicon photovoltaic module improves its efficiency when decreasing its temperature about 0,5%/K. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the possibilities of using phase change materials PCM, to limit the temperature of photovoltaic modules without concentration and with concentration up to 2X and thus increase its performance. We carry out a theoretical study that discusses this potential improvement in different climatic zones characterized by 12 sites. The results show that the use of PCM is a technically feasible alternative to limit the temperature of a photovoltaic module in some climates. 26th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 634-639