External Support Structure Research Articles

Deformation Evolution and Perceptual Prediction for Additive Manufacturing of Lightweight Composite Driven by Hybrid Digital Twins

This paper proposes a deformation evolution and perceptual prediction methodology for additive manufacturing of lightweight composite driven by hybrid digital twins (HDT). In order to improve manufacturing quality of irregular lightweight composite through boosting conceptual design in aeronautic and aerospace engineering, the HDT meaning hybridization of physical and digital domains, including deformation and energy efficiency can be built, where the essential parameters can be perceptually predicted in advance, by virtue of the fusion of physical sensors and digital information. The long short term memory (LSTM) can be employed to void vanishing gradient problem and improve predicting precision via Recurrent Neural Networks, thereby laying a foundation for the HDT. The diverse manufacturing requirements of different regions are integrated into the parameters designing phase by attaching region weights confirmed via empiricism and in-service simulation. The effects of slicing strategy and external support structures on manufacturing quality are considered from the perspective of improving dimensional accuracy. The manufacturing efficiency and comprehensive costs are accounted as consideration factors, which are perceptually predicted via LSTM. The designed manufacturing parameters through HDT were virtually examined by evaluating the deformation and equivalent stress distributions of fabricated lightweight component with composite material through AM process simulation. The physical experiments were conducted to verify the HDT-based pre-designing and optimization method of manufacturing parameters via fused deposition modeling (FDM). The energy consumption of actual manufacturing process was measured via digital power meter and applied to evaluate accuracy of perceptual prediction outcomes. The dimensional accuracy and distortion distribution of the manufactured lightweight prototype made with composite material were measured through the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and 3D optical scanner. The proposed method demonstrates effectiveness in improving manufacturing quality and accurately predicting energy consumption, which have been verified with a three-way solenoid valve element, in which the maximum deformation was reduced by 39.78% and the mean absolute percentage error for perceptual prediction was 3.76%.

Reflections: Putting Theory into Practice

This reflection includes my transformative educational journey as a graduate student. The journey includes early professional experience at a startup then shifts to the pivotal role of teachers in the learning process. These early experiences led to my decisions to pursue graduate studies in adult learning and human resource development. Reflecting on transformative learning experiences, I explore the often-overlooked realm of teacher support and development, delving into an integrative literature review on sociocultural factors contributing to teacher burnout and strategies for mitigation. The reflection highlights the findings from the integrative literature review including the interconnectedness of internal and external factors impacting teacher wellness, emphasizing self-efficacy and external support structures as crucial elements which were also personal and evident in my own life. I presented at the AAACE conference where these findings were also evident in the lives of attendees. I now lead a diverse team of teachers where I apply these lessons learned daily, advocating for structural supports to safeguard teacher commitment and combat burnout. The reflection underscores the intrinsic value of teachers as the “secret ingredient” in education and the ongoing quest to sustain their passion and well-being.

Fabrication of engineered dopant profiles in Er/Lu:YAG transparent laser ceramics via additive manufacturing

Transparent ceramic Er:YAG laser rods were fabricated via the direct ink write (DIW) method with engineered doping profiles featuring an Er-doped core with endcaps and core-clad structures. Laser rods up to 11 cm in length were produced which required development of a scalable process. To achieve this, multiple improvements were implemented, including printing the rods horizontally on a substrate, rather than vertically, eliminating the need for an external support structure and using a sacrificial drying layer to mitigate warping and defects. Highly transparent rods were achieved with optical scatter levels as low as 0.5%/cm (at 543 nm). A small refractive index difference of 5.7 ppm was measured at the interface between the Er-doped core and the Lu-doped endcaps and cladding. These results demonstrate DIW as a straightforward method for making good optical quality laser rods with engineered doping profiles to improve laser performance.

Social Entrepreneurial Intention: Examining the Impacts of Social and Institutional Support

This study explores the relationship between perceptions of support for social venturing activities and social entrepreneurial intention. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior, we theorize that perceptions of various external support structures will influence social entrepreneurial intention. More specifically, we expect that perceived social support and perceived institutional support will be positive influences on an individual’s social entrepreneurial intention. To test our assertions, we surveyed 291 working adults in the United States. In contrast with prior research on social entrepreneurial intention, the results did not support a direct effect between either measure of support and social entrepreneurial intention. However, results did support a clear interactive effect, which suggests that social entrepreneurial intention is contingent on the presence of high levels of both types of support. We discuss the implications of the results for theory and practice before concluding with the study limitations and avenues for future research.

Primary to secondary school transition of learners with traumatic brain injuries in the Cape metropolitan area: A learner perspective

AIM: This study explores the lived experiences of adolescent learners with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from a low to middle-income context when they transition from primary to secondary school. An understanding of the insider perspective of this school transition process sought to illuminate the factors that facilitate or hinder learners' primary to secondary school transition. METHOD: An interpretive phenomenological research design was used. Four participants were purposively selected. The data collection method included semi-structured face to face interviews. Data were analysed inductively using Burnard's Framework. Four themes emanated from the data including: changes in functioning; personal resources; enabling external support structures and gaps in support structures. RESULTS: For learners with TBI, there are factors that facilitate a positive primary to secondary school transition including them drawing on personal resources and the support that they receive from enabling external support structures. Barriers to the school transition following a TBI, include the changes in physical, mental, and social functions that impact on adolescents' ability to fulfil their learner role as well as gaps in the provision of support within the multi systems within the learners' environment. CONCLUSION: Members of the multidisciplinary team, should adopt a learner-centred approach for interventions that seeks to prepare and support learners with TBI for their primary to secondary school transition. Planning the primary to secondary school transition should seek to prepare the learner, and those in the learner's context.

Maximising the hydrodynamic performance of offshore oscillating water column wave energy converters

This paper provides a thorough examination and discussion of a design process developed to improve the hydrodynamic performance of an asymmetrical offshore Oscillating Water Column (OWC) Wave Energy Converter (WEC). The resulting WEC geometry was based on a column-stabilised semi-submersible platform where an asymmetrical OWC chamber was integrated into the moonpool of the platform, resembling both, a purpose built WEC, or an existing offshore structure retrofitted for wave energy conversion. The performance of a 1:36 scale model of the OWC WEC was designed using a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and experimentally tested to evaluate the effect of the external support structure on the hydrodynamic performance of the device. Detailed analysis included physical and numerical decay tests to quantify the natural period of the OWC moonpool, wave and OWC-structure interactions, turbine damping coefficients and hydrodynamic capture width ratios. The obtained results revealed that the addition of the external support structure improved the OWC Capture Width Ratio (CWR) from 0.849 at kd ∼ 2.53 to 1.541 at kd ∼ 2.99 (81.5% increase). It was also observed that the external support structure shifted the peak performance towards higher frequency waves.

Professional Preparation: Faculty Practices for NCLEX-RN® Success.

Davis proposed that there are three overlapping phases of a caring relationship to NCLEX-RN® preparation, grounded in Peplau's theory. Faculty members' perspectives on successful strategies related to NCLEX-RN® results were explored using semistructured phone interviews. Faculty perspectives were categorized under external support structures and internal collaborative processes. The results indicate that a multifaceted collaborative approach using commercial testing products and program evaluation is the best approach.

Design and Performance of an Acoustic Levitator System Coupled with a Tunable Monochromatic Light Source and a Raman Spectrometer for In Situ Reaction Monitoring.

The design and performance of a custom-built reaction chamber combined with an acoustic levitator, a tunable monochromatic light source, and a Raman spectrometer are reported. The pressure-compatible reaction chamber was vacuum-tested and coupled with the acoustic levitator that allows contactless sample handling, free of contingent sample requirements such as charge and refractive index. The calibration and performance of the Raman spectrometer was studied utilizing gated detection and three different gratings that can be interchanged within seconds for a desired resolution and photon collection range. A wide range of 186–5000 cm–1 Raman shift, with a small uncertainty of ±2 cm–1, can be recorded covering a complete vibrational range in chemical reaction monitoring. The gating of the detector allowed operation under the room light and filtration of unwanted sample fluorescence. The in situ reaction perturbation and monitoring of physical and chemical changes of samples by the Raman system were demonstrated by degradation of polystyrene by monochromatic UV light and photobleaching of a potato slice by visible light. This instrument provides a versatile platform for in situ investigation of surface reactions, without external support structures and under controlled pressure and radiation conditions, relevant to various disciplines such as materials science, astrochemistry, and molecular biology.

What Do We Know About the Nexus Between Culture, Age, Gender and Health Literacy? Implications for Improving the Health and Well-being of Young Indigenous Males

Health literacy, although diversely defined, refers to the abilities, relationships and external environments required for people to successfully promote health. Existing research suggests that health literacy is related to health inequities, including individual and community capacity to navigate health. A diverse range of factors shape health literacy abilities and environments, especially culture, gender and age. However, the nexus between these variables and their cumulative impact on health literacy development remains largely unexplored. Commentary that explores these dynamics among young Indigenous males is particularly scant. In turn, strategies to bridge health equity gaps have been obscured. This article brings together disparate research on health literacy, masculinities, youth studies and men’s health in order to address this oversight. By outlining the collective conceptual contribution of these strands of scholarship, we show that young Indigenous males navigate health literacy through a complex cultural interface that balances both Western and Indigenous understandings of health. Alternative masculine identities, which simultaneously embrace and resist components of hegemonic masculinity, also shape this health literacy lens. We explain that the development of health literacy is important for young people, particularly young Indigenous males, and that this is negotiated in tandem with external support structures, including family and friends. By describing these intersections, we explore the implications for researchers, policymakers and practitioners seeking to achieve the dual goal of improving health literacy and reducing health inequities among this highly marginalised population.

Caring alone: The boundaries of teachers' ethics of care for newly arrived immigrant and refugee learners in Denmark

Many teachers find themselves working with immigrant and refugee learners who have complex psychosocial needs. This study examines qualitatively how 11 teachers of preparatory classes in Danish public schools approach and respond to the care needs of newcomers. Through an ethics of care lens, we show, one, how teachers care for newcomers, and two, how external support structures and individual dispositions to go beyond their teaching duty determine their care responses. We find that some teachers feel ill-equipped to address the psychosocial needs of newcomers, which, in the absence of external support, translate into feelings of stress and guilt.

'Dudes Are Meant to be Tough as Nails': The Complex Nexus Between Masculinities, Culture and Health Literacy From the Perspective of Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Males - Implications for Policy and Practice.

Health literacy is generally conceptualized as skills related to successfully navigating health – ultimately linked to well-being and improved health outcomes. Culture, gender and age are considered to be influential determinants of health literacy. The nexus between these determinants, and their collective relationship with health literacy, remains understudied, especially with respect to Indigenous people globally. This article presents findings from a recent study that examined the intersections between masculinities, culture, age and health literacy among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, aged 14–25 years in the Northern Territory, Australia. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to engage young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. The qualitative components included Yarning Sessions and Photovoice using Facebook, which are used in this article. Thematic Analysis and Framework Analysis were used to group and analyse the data. Ethics approval was granted by Charles Darwin University Human Research Ethics Committee (H18043). This cohort constructs a complex interface comprising Western and Aboriginal cultural paradigms, through which they navigate health. Alternative Indigenous masculinities, which embrace and resist hegemonic masculine norms simultaneously shaped this interface. External support structures – including family, friends and community engagement programs – were critical in fostering health literacy abilities among this cohort. Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males possess health literacy abilities that enable them to support the well-being of themselves and others. Health policymakers, researchers and practitioners can help strengthen and expand existing support structures for this population by listening more attentively to their unique perspectives.

Uso, mantenimiento y éxito de la movilización legal en torno a la presa El Zapotillo

<p><span class="fontstyle0">El objetivo central de este trabajo es aportar evidencia empírica y teórica en el estudio de la movilización legal a través del análisis de un conflicto social acaecido en México, en el que una de las partes ha recurrido a diversos recursos jurídicos en conjunto con otras tácticas de movilización política y de acción directa. La metodología consistió en la aplicación de entrevistas semiestructuradas a actores clave y el análisis cualitativo de la información recabada. Este artículo estuvo guiado por dos preguntas centrales: </span><span class="fontstyle2">1) </span><span class="fontstyle0">¿por qué se recurrió a la movilización legal? y </span><span class="fontstyle2">2) </span><span class="fontstyle0">¿qué explica que hayan logrado tener éxito al obtener una resolución jurídica favorable en torno a sus demandas? Algunas conclusiones apuntan a que, si bien el uso y éxito de la movilización legal estuvo precedido por una importante estructura de apoyo interna y externa, también se encontraron otros elementos igualmente relevantes como el sentimiento de injusticia, el cual desató el proyecto, las alianzas estratégicas establecidas por los opositores, el contexto político, la conjunción de diferentes tácticas de movilización, entre otros.</span></p>

Electro-mechanical modelling of the iron force distribution with superconducting magnets

This paper shows the influence of the local magnetic forces on the mechanical analysis of a superconducting dipole magnet employing Nb3Sn technology. On high field magnets, the iron yoke has several functions: (1) magnetically, it increases the magnetic field in the bore and it has a shielding function; (2) mechanically, iron helps on the coil pre-load, transferring the mechanical forces provided by the external support structure. In many Nb3Sn magnets for particle accelerators, the cable is wound around an iron piece. As a consequence, the magnetic force on the iron can play an important role on the coil stress. The magnetic forces on the iron components can be computed using several different methods and the goal of this paper is to compare three expressions for the Maxwell stress tensor to compute local magnetic forces on iron considering a B-H curve. The influence of these forces on the mechanical behavior of the magnets is then analyzed, taking into account the uncertainties in determining their correct distribution. To achieve this goal, a numerical tool to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was developed using vector potential formulation with first order nodal elements. The solution obtained from the magneto-static problem was used to calculate and compare the magnetic force distribution. The contributions from the Lorentz forces on coils are also taken into account in the mechanical analysis and are compared to the ones computed by using the Maxwell stress tensor on coils.

3D printing build orientation optimization for flexible support platform

PurposeDuring the 3D printing process, the model needs to add a support structure to ensure structural stability. Excessive support structure reduces printing efficiency and results in material cost. A flexible support platform for 3 D printing has been designed. It can form an external support structure to replace the original support structure. This paper aims to study the influence of a model’s build orientation on properties when the model is printed on the platform, aiming to provide users with suitable solutions.Design/methodology/approachA fitness function for estimating the support structure with a support length is constructed. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is modified and applied to find the build orientation that minimizes the support structure. However, when the model is printed on the platform, the build orientation of the minimum support structure enhances the complexity of the working path, resulting in an increase of printing time, which needs to be avoided. This paper applies a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm to minimize the support structure while minimizing printing time. The Pareto solution is obtained by the algorithm.FindingsIt is found that the model that has the cantilever structure can reduce more support structure after optimization on the platform, when there is surface quality requirement. When there is no limit, the modified algorithm can minimize the support structure of each model. Considering support structure and printing time, the MOPSO algorithm can easily get optimization results to guide the practical work.Originality/valueThis paper optimizes the model’s build orientation on the flexible support platform by PSO, thereby reducing material cost and improving work efficiency.

The relevance of the use of industrial exoskeletons to reduce the number of occupational diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the upper body

In various sectors of the economy, heavy physical labor remains a leading risk factor for injury, the development of occupational and occupational diseases, including musculoskeletal system. A signif cant proportion of pathologies are diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the shoulder girdle, leading to temporary disability, loss of working time and increased economic costs. T e use of industrial exoskeletons will increase the level of automation of production operations and is relevant in industries where the employee is an integral part of the labor process. T e introduction of industrial exoskeletons will reduce the burden of labor by optimal redistribution of load on various parts of the musculoskeletal system. T e industrial exoskeleton is an external mechanical support structure that at aches to the human body by means of cuf s and is designed to assist in performing production movements. T e most ef ective for unloading the muscles of the upper body of the employee are industrial exoskeletons aimed at holding a heavy tool and maintaining an optimal working posture. Most of the available industrial exoskeletons tested at the enterprises are passive, in the future it is necessary to develop light mobile active exoskeletons with dimensions optimal for the working space. T e actual direction of research is the substantiation and development of requirements for the design of industrial exoskeletons, standardized criteria and methods for assessing their safety and ef iiency of protecting the employee from the ef ects of physical overload, which is a harmful production factor.

An integrated academic community of practice model (ACoPM)

ABSTRACTAcademic communities of practice (ACoPs) are formed in collaboration with professionals from industry and the community with the aim of providing innovative solutions to real-world problems. There are no adequate frameworks and clear support structures for managing academic communities of practice (ACoP). The main aim of this paper is to develop an integrated ACoP model and elaborate on external and internal support structures to endow innovation through academic communities of practice. In the first stage of this study, a preliminary ACoP model was developed and deployed at an institution of higher education. The model was further elaborated in stage two of this study. The main elements of the model were discussed, highlighting external and internal support mechanisms. The key findings indicate the crucial role of the ACoP core group management and fundraising as well as overcoming multiple barriers to innovation.

Ventilated rainscreen cladding system subframe contribution to annual source energy use in mid-size office buildings

Commercial panelized rainscreen façade systems have gained in popularity in the United States and Europe over the last 10 years. These systems are characterized by external subframe support structures which exist within the ventilated cavity of the assembly and utilized various bracketed or girted frames with multiple point support fastenings through the building envelope. Given the popularity of these systems and the increasing mandates for higher performing envelopes – subframe applications and products which increase thermal resistance and decrease thermal bridging are becoming more prevalent. This research will compare four common subframe assemblies based on annual source energy output for a mid-size office building. The assemblies will be simulated in all eight ASHRAE climate zones to provide comparative analysis per assembly and exterior environment.Accurate assessment of a wall assemblies thermal performance requires its cumulative Y-value contribution based on the total envelope area, detailed transitions, and material construction. The inclusion of specific value inputs for non-repeating linear and repeating point thermal bridging conditions provide a more accurate perspective into building energy efficiency and its relationship to envelope performance for all wall types analyzed. This method of thermal simulation and evaluation is necessary for accurate envelope and building performance analysis.

Analysis of Rail Dynamic Deformation During Electromagnetic Launch

During the process of launching electromagnetic railguns, armatures move along rails under thrust when current pass rails; in the meantime, certain deformation will take place on the rails, which armatures pass as they are under the action of the Lorentz force and armature pressure. Since the external support structure of rail gun provides flexible support for the rails, they can be simplified into elastic foundation beams. Based on the theories of electromagnetic field and heat transfer, the forces on rails can be derived. The dynamic response equation is developed according to the theory of elastic mechanics to evaluate the rail deflection during the launch, and thus to obtain the dynamic deformation of the rails. Based on the specific parameters and characteristics of launchers, a deflection calculation formula is derived. Related experimental data obtained are substituted into the formula to calculate the rail deflection of the rails during the process of launch. By doing so, the dynamic response of the rails under moving load is captured. A laser vibrometer is utilized to measure the deformation of rails during the process of launch. The measured data of rail deformation at the measuring points are obtained and compared with theoretical calculation results.

The legacy of foreign patrons

Why do some armed conflicts that have ended experience renewed fighting while others do not? Previous research on conflict recurrence has approached this question by looking at domestic factors such as how the war was fought, how it ended or factors associated with its aftermath. With the exception of the literature on third-party security guarantees, the influence of outside actors has often been overlooked. This article explores the role of external states and suggests when and how their involvement is likely to affect the probability of renewed warfare. The main argument is that the legacy of outside support creates an external support structure that affects the previous combatants’ willingness as well as their opportunities to remobilize. This means that armed conflicts with external state support will experience a greater likelihood of recurrence compared to other conflicts which did not see external support. The theory is tested using Cox proportional hazards models on global data of intrastate armed conflicts 1975–2009. The findings suggest that external support to rebels increases the risk of conflict recurrence in the short term as groups receive or anticipate renewed assistance. The results also indicate that it is more important for rebel groups to have had enduring support over the years in the previous conflict rather than access to multiple state sponsors. External support provided to governments is not associated with conflict recurrence.

Hollow microcoils made possible with external support structures manufactured with a two-solvent process

We present a process to manufacture solenoidal microcoils with external support structures, which leaves the space within the coil windings free. The manufacturing procedure is based on a two solvent approach (water and acetone), for selectively etching polyvinyl alcohol and polymethyl methacrylate. Two sets of microcoils were manufactured with an inner diameter of 1.5 mm, an interwinding pitch of 100 μm and five or eight coil windings respectively. The coils were designed for application in magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, and characterised in a 9.4 T MR scanner. An NMR spectrum of water and MR images in receive only and transceive mode were acquired as proof of concept.