Joining Forces Research Articles

Arm and Xilinx Join Forces

Arm and Xilinx Join Forces

After a Sharp Decline in HPV Vaccine Rates From 87% to 50%, Irish Health Experts, Politicians and NGOs Joined Forces To Turn The Tide, Helping to Increase Vaccination by 11%. This Is How We Did It

Background and context: Just three years ago, in 2015, HPV vaccination uptake in Ireland was running at 87%. The school-based program was going well, and thousands of girls had completed a two-dose vaccination course which will significantly reduce their risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. This was achieved with limited public health messaging. Then an online campaign to undermine the vaccine began to gather momentum. A small number of stories surfaced on social media claiming links between the timing of the vaccination campaigns and the subsequent development of illnesses. The campaign against the vaccine went viral on social media, local radio - and, in November 2015, on a commercial television station - fear began to trump science. In the summer of 2016, when preliminary figures showed uptake had hit 50%, the Irish Cancer Society commenced a campaign to take decisive action. Aim: To reverse the decline in HPV vaccine and restore uptake to previous levels above 80%. Strategy/Tactics: For health campaigners, such as the Irish Cancer Society, the problem of falling HPV vaccine uptake was a perplexing one. The society had pushed hard for the introduction of the HPV vaccine which commenced in 2011. To address the problem the Irish Cancer Society developed an advocacy campaign which eventually led to the establishment of the HPV Vaccination Alliance, a large group of leading health, children and women's groups, with the aim of ensuring that the public saw a broad coalition standing up for the vaccine. The Alliance has simple and consistent messages - including the fact that 40 women will die each year as a result of parents opting out of the vaccination program. Work was done to ensure that politicians were strongly supportive of the vaccine including political briefings with politicians who had previously sought to question its effectiveness. Young women with cervical cancer endorsed the campaign. The Minister for Health strongly endorsed the vaccine. The credibility of support groups for those with reported side effects of the vaccine was undermined by highlighting their links with national and international antivaccine activists as well as highlighting their repeated refusal to answer questions about where they spent money raised from the general public. Outcomes: Figures show uptake of the vaccine has increased to 61% in 2017 - up from 50% in 2016. What was learned: Not enough was done to support the initial implementation of the vaccine which created an information vacuum and under informed vaccination teams. The answer was a classic example of good public health advocacy in action demonstrating the power of alliances delivering consistent, clear and simple messaging.

Joining Aluminum with Titanium alloy sheets by mechanical clinching

The feasibility of titanium aluminum hybrid joints is investigated. Titanium grade 2 was coupled with different aluminum alloys of 5xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx series. The joining process was performed by means of a clinching machine at room temperature using extensible dies. Different joining forces and tools configurations were adopted. The material flow was investigated by means of experimental observations of cross sections. A numerical model of the joining process was also developed to study how the material flow develops. Single lap shear tests were performed to determine the mechanical behavior of the joints. The results highlighted a narrow join-ability window. Only aluminum AA7075 was capable to be joined to titanium sheets. The other alloys were susceptible of different material flow issues e.g. fracture development or no interlock formation that yielded to unsuccessful joining conditions.

Functionalized Compounds for Micro‐Injection Molded Piezo Modules (μIMP‐Modules) and Their Electrical Contacting

Multi‐component micro‐injection molding enables the manufacturing of active elements as well as electrical contacting in situ and in a single process by using piezo active and electroconductive plastic compounds. Each compound is functionalized with filler materials according to its special demands. To this end, polypropylene (PP) with an electromechanical active filler based on piezoceramic powder (PZT: Lead zirconate titanate) for sensor functionality as well as PP with electroconductive properties based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB) for electrical contacting are investigated. Therefore, different compound compositions are analyzed with regard to their mechanical and electrical properties as well as their mechanical compatibility. For the analyses, micro injection molded samples of the different compounds are used. Furthermore, investigations on composite strength are conducted by measuring interlaminar shear strength between the functionalized compounds. Based on the material characterization, a simulation of the thermomechanical behavior is done and the process‐related residual stresses are analyzed. To achieve the prerequisites for fabricating sensor modules in mass production, the functionalized compounds should be processed by means of the two‐component micro‐injection molding technology. According to this, the objective target is a large‐scale integration of these piezo modules into multifunctional lightweight structures. Therefore, the modules are combined with electrically functionalized textile substrates creating semi‐finished products with sensor functionalities. The mechanical and electrical connections are created by ultrasonic welding. Applying this technology requires a manufacturing study with varying process parameters of joining force, amplitude and welding time with the aim of achieving minimal electrical contact resistance.

When jobs are ""spoiled"" in the workplace: the internal taint of CSR work

The central assumption of dirty work literature is that society at large hold exclusive accountability in initiating and publicly fostering occupational stigma. This, in turn, has exempted the organizational workplace from critical scrutiny. This article problematizes this chief tenet by providing an in-depth and critical examination of corporate social responsibility’s (CSR) occupation in the workplace. The findings, substantiated by an inductive and empirically grounded analysis of 34 CSR workers’ discursive accounts in Japan, help conceptualize and consolidate “internal taint”. This defines those occupations that are not recognized as dirty by society at large, but are assigned a spoiled image in the organizational workplace. Concomitantly, this causes workers to endure stigmatizing implications that strain their social relations and well-being at work, ultimately seeking support and joining forces with each other outside their organization. In sum, this paper contributes to dirty work and CSR literatu...

The (new) role of public forest administration in Western Balkans: examples from Serbia, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, and Republika Srpska

Public forest administrations in the Western Balkans were challenged when facing novel forest policies following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. To answer (i) what (formal) goals lead public forest administrations nowadays and (ii) how do public forest administrations fulfil these goals, we evaluated the implementation of forest policy goals in Serbia, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, and Republika Srpska by using existing criteria and indicators and the 3L model as a theoretical basis. Survey and document analyses focused on the effects observable in state and private forests. In state forests, all public or state forest enterprises were able to reach goals of multifunctionality and profitablity by prioritizing marketable goods. Sustaining forest stands is important, but it is met differently in practice. Performance in private forests is much weaker and the influence of ministry departments or sectors is weak. In conclusion, the potential for a new, stronger role of public forest administration exists: (i) the supply of marketable and nonmarketable goods could be increased, whereas securing sustained forest stands remains a permanent challenge; (ii) efficiency and profits could be improved if internal and external pressures grow; and (iii) joining forces of forestry actors could strengthen the currently weak political role and enable a strong forestry representative to emerge in the future.

AGU and AAS Join Forces to Foster Understanding of Exoplanets

Enhanced cooperation between organizations representing astronomers and Earth and space scientists will build upon interdisplinary work already bridging geophysics and astronomy.

Charting a Pathway: Philips, Dana-Farber Join Forces for Cancer Treatment Decision Support

Charting a Pathway: Philips, Dana-Farber Join Forces for Cancer Treatment Decision Support

Overcoming the Matthew Effect in Status Dominated Environments – a Configurational Analysis of Venture Capital Investments

Abstract Entering status dominated environments as new entrant is a difficult endeavor. Accumulated advantages go along with the tendency of incumbents to succeed, whereas entrants are likely to lose (Matthew effect). This study examines what combination of deal resources accumulated by venture capital partners lead to high deal performance in order to analyze if new entrants can nonetheless overcome the burden of being new, i. e. having a low status position and only weak ties with current actors in status dominated environments. Our configurational analysis of 333 venture capital investments reveals opportunities for entrants to succeed that go beyond joining forces with established actors. Our findings contribute to research on interorganizational network formation and the strategic actions new entrants on the VC market may take to be successful. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the effect of syndicated opposed to single venture capitalist deals and suggests that successful syndicates require a ce...

COMPASS-Medicine and psychiatry joining forces to improve care delivery for the medically ill depressed patient

We aimed to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 12 months after transient ischemic attack (TIA).TIA patients of our previous investigation (examined 3 months after the event) were again examined 12 months after the diagnosis. PTSD and associated variables were assessed via self-rating instruments.Eighty-four patients were included in the analyses. Twelve months after TIA the prevalence of probable PTSD was reduced (8.3%) compared to that found 3 months after TIA (29.6%). Coping assessed 3 months after TIA predicted long-term PTSD severity.Although the prevalence of probable PTSD decreased 12 months after experiencing a TIA compared to 3 months after TIA, prevalence of probable PTSD is still increased relative to that in the general population.

Three-dimensionally printed designable joint for carbon fibre reinforced plastics

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components shows promise for building light-weight strong components for industry. Many structures require multiple components to be joined to form the completed parts. However, tightening of metal bolts used to join CFRP can damage the composite and the bonding strength of adhesive bonding is variable. Here, we propose a new joint system, based on all-3D printed parts. Snap-in joints and Ajax-pins induce a mechanical joining force at the interface between parts, together with a bearing force. This joint system offers comparable strength to that of adhesive and metal bolt joints, while adding negligible weight to the parts. Furthermore, 3D printing of the surface structures, holes and pins enables unprecedented control over the joint design, enabling strength optimization through the thickness and in-place directions as required. The Snap-in joint system shows great potential for the fabrication of strong light-weight 3D printed structures.

Influence of Hub Parameters on Joining Forces and Torque Transmission Output of Plastically-Joined Shaft-Hub-Connections with a Knurled Contact Surface

A knurled interference fit is a machine part connection made by a plastic joining, which includes the advantages of commonly-used shaft-hub-connections. The combination of the friction and form fit, which are responsible for torque transmission, results in a higher power density than conventional connections. In this paper, parameter gaps are bridged with the aim of enhance the design calculation of the knurled interference fit. Experimental investigations on the shaft chamfer angle (100Cr6) and hub-diameter-ratio (AlSi1MgMn) were performed. The analytical approaches are developed for calculating the joining force and maximal torque capacity by accounting for experimentally investigated loss of load transmission at high hub-diameter-ratios and high shaft chamfer angles. The presented calculation approach is an accurate tool for the assessment of early machine designs of the knurled interference fit and helps to save from having to perform time-extensive tests.

Clinching process for aluminum alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheets

This research work used a preheated clinching process for joining aluminum alloy 5052-H32 (Al) and carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) sheets. The preheated and softened CFRTP sheets successfully undergo the excessive compression and bending in the process. Al and CFRTP sheets with a thickness of 1.6 mm thick were used to make Al/CFRTP clinch joints in lap-shear (LS) specimens. Effects of joining force, punch design, and die design on mechanical properties of Al/CFRTP clinch joints were investigated by quasi-static tensile tests and metallographic micrographs. An appropriate setup for the Al/CFRTP clinching process was obtained. Then, a complete fatigue test for Al/CFRTP dissimilar clinching joints was conducted to investigate the fatigue properties of Al/CFRTP clinch joints. The fatigue data were recorded, and the failure modes were analyzed and discussed.

The North Star initiatives

A National Imperative: Joining Forces to Strengthen Human Services in America identify five “North Star” initiatives designed to put human services community‐based organizations on the path toward financial stability while improving population health and well‐being, increasing economic productivity and lowering social costs over time. They are.

The complexity of partnering across sectors and community, a case example of Logan Together

Background : Before they draw their first breath, the life chances of children living in poverty and vulnerable communities are often being shaped by inequities (UNICEF, 2017). Disadvantage will help determine whether they are healthy or unhealthy, whether they have a chance to learn effectively and later earn a decent living. But it need not be so. Logan Together (LT) is a great example of an innovative and effective solution to giving children in Logan the best chance at thriving in life. LT is a 10-year community campaign to ensure Logan kids grow up as healthy and full of potential as any other group of Australian children. There are currently 45,000 children aged 0-8 in Logan out of a total city population of 316,000. 30 per cent or approximately 14,000 of these children have developmental vulnerability at school entry. LT is marshalling resources across the health, education and social services sectors, and the community, to create a coordinated movement capable of meaningfully improving rates of healthy development. Improvement towards the Queensland and Australian benchmarks are the goal – meaning an improvement in the trajectories of about 5,000 children. For the most part, constraints on reaching vulnerable children are not technical. They are a matter of political commitment, resources and collective will – joining forces for collective action to tackle inequity and inequality by focusing on a greater investment on long term solutions, and reaching children who are being left behind (UNICEF, 2017). There is an imperative to work in an integrated way as the only effective way to impact on the determinats of health, health inequity and ‘wicked’ health conditions.Developing meaningful cross sector partnerships is a highly complex yet rewarding process. Relating specifically to LT partnering with Hosanna Logan City (a key community leader and partner), and Children’s Health Queensland’s Centre for Children’s Health and Wellbeing (a government body), we seek to outline a way to do this most effectively whilst highlighting our challenges and successes along the way. Aims and Objectives : The theory of change is simple: take a universal and preventative approach to supporting all children through each developmental stage across the early life course. Putting the community in a co-leadership role, working in an integrated manner, and using a collective impact methodology to drive aligned effort are key features. The workshop will consider the elements of this process. Format : Speakers will be a combination of the above highlighted key agencies.The workshop presentation will work through each of these components in small group work format: - Collective Impact and co design - Culture - Communication - Partnering skillset Target : Organisations, communities and individuals (clinicians, project workers, policy makers, leaders) keen to increase their understanding of working in an integrated way to effect change at community and population levels. Learnings : The workshop will strive to increase understanding through practice examples and small group work. Learnings will include: how to work in an integrated way across sectors and institutions, contexts and environments to influence children's health and wellbeing, how to develop a partnering skillset, and what is collective impact.

Join Forces With Another Member Organization

Join Forces With Another Member Organization

The HepHIV 2017 Conference in Malta: joining forces for the earlier diagnosis of HIV and viral hepatitis.

The objective of the article is to provide an overview of the results of the HepHIV 2017 Conference organized by the HIV in Europe initiative under the Maltese EU Presidency in January 2017. A thourough review of all conference presentations (oral and poster presentations) was performed to retrieve the key outcomes of the conference. The key result from the conference was a call to action summarising key priorities in HIV and viral hepatitis testing and linkage to care. This included improving monitoring of viral hepatitis and HIV, mixing testing strategies and ensuring policy support. The important contribution and outcomes of EU funded projects OptTEST and EuroHIVEdat was highlighted. An integrated approach to earlier testing and linkage to care across diseases is needed in Europe and the HepHIV conferences create an important forum to reach this aim.

Investigation of Caulking

Research works on the joining of shaft and plate are summarized and the features of the conventional caulking process are discussed. Maximum caulking force is limited by the occurrence of shaft buckling and plate warping. The joining force in upset caulking mainly results from press fit force between the hole wall of the plate and the enlarged shaft diameter, while the joining force in shear caulking mainly results from press fit force at the flange portion of the caulked head. To improve joint efficiency, a two-step process in which upset caulking is combined with shear caulking, is newly proposed. Optimum working conditions are examined and experimental results show considerable improvement of joining efficiency, especially in rotational resistance. Some ideas for the practical application of this process are proposed here.

Experimental Investigations On Friction Stir Spot Welding Process Of Dissimilar Metals

Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is derived from friction stir welding process, which is an unconventional joining process. This process exhibits great capability to continue substitute of distinct tip joining process similar to riveting and impeding post welding process. The joining of dissimilar AA2524 –T3 and AA7051-T7451 aluminum plates of 3 mm thickness was carried out using friction stir spot welding (FSSW) technique. Current study considers the tool geometry; rotational speed and joining force as main performance parameters. Three types of tools with various designs have been utilized to analyze the process. An impact of process parameters on mechanical strength and micro structural analysis of lap joints were investigated. The most significant parameter such as tool shoulder diameter to pin diameter ratio shows the greatest influences the joint shear resistance followed by tool rotational speed. The results show that the temperature obtained during processing performs a weighty role in finding the microstructure and features of the processed plates. Failure modes are observed under different load conditions. The welded surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron micrographs.

Friction-assisted clinching of Aluminum and CFRP sheets

The employment of a rotating tool when joining thin aluminum sheets with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates by means of clinching is investigated. This new process, named friction-assisted clinching, was aimed at increasing the aluminum formability and at the same time reducing the joining forces. An instrumented servo-drilled machine was employed to measure the plunging force and torque during the joining process. The influence of the main process parameters (hole diameter in the CFRP sheet, die anvil depth, tool fillet radius and residual sheet thickness) on quality of the joints and strength was determined. Morphological analysis and mechanical characterization based on single lap shear tests were performed to evaluate the difference among the joints. According to the achieved results, the employment of friction clinching allowed increasing dramatically the material formability and enabled the production of joints without fractures even with sharp pin tools. The advantages of this advanced joining process can be potentially applied to conventional clinching of materials with poor ductility either friction clinching allows increasing the undercut dimension by using sharper tools, which produces higher material flow and leads to an increase in the joint strength.