Support Structure Research Articles

Why do some government support structures fail to aid the growth of SMEs in the Gauteng Province of South Africa?

Why do some government support structures fail to aid the growth of SMEs in the Gauteng Province of South Africa?

An open-source analysis workflow for geometrically imperfect bolted ring-flanges in wind turbine support structures

Bolted ring-flanges connect structures via two circular flanges, secured with pre-loaded bolts. In offshore wind turbine support structures the flanges connect the monopile and transition piece, the transition piece and tower, and adjacent tower sections. Fatigue analysis of the bolted ring-flanges in offshore wind turbine support structures is a critical step during design. The consideration of geometric imperfections of the flanges can be an influential factor in assessed fatigue damage over some given Fatigue Limit State load case. Schemes to analyse the effect of geometric imperfections using Finite Element Method simulations are available in literature. These schemes rely on the use of proprietary tools for the analysis. In this paper we introduce an open-source workflow to assess load transfer through geometrically imperfect bolted ring-flanges. The workflow relies on four open-source toolsets: the FreeCAD 3D parametric modelling package, the Code Aster / Salome-Meca Finite Element Method simulation environment, the ParaView post-processing and visualisation package, and the Python programming language. We present a case study of load transfer assessment in a monopile to transition piece bolted ring-flange typical of modern offshore wind turbine support structures. We decompose the load transfer across the flange under a number of geometric imperfection scenarios to determine the expected stress ranges for fatigue analysis. The results are compared with analytical methods specified in engineering standards. The workflow is configurable as per user needs, and is maintained as a GitHub repository at https://github.com/jhjorg/OpenBoltRF.

How do technological choices affect the economic and environmental performance of offshore wind farms?

The ongoing energy transition towards fully sustainable energy systems requires designing wind farms looking beyond the sole levelized cost of energy, in order to concurrently ensure not only the economic profitability but also the environmental friendliness of future plants. Within this new approach to design, it becomes necessary to understand the effects that various possible technological choices have on both the economic and the environmental performance of wind farms. This study presents a framework designed to support these coupled economic-environmental assessments. The capabilities of the code are showcased by analysing the impact of different choices in terms of support structure type, specific power, tower height, powertrain type, and array and export voltage level for an exemplary offshore farm, chosen here as the IEA Wind 740-10-MW Reference Offshore Wind Plant with irregular layout. While the effects of many technological choices on the cost of energy are already well understood by industry, the present analysis shows that — at least in this specific case — climate change impacts are mainly driven by steel production, due to the massive amount of required material, but also, interestingly, by vessel activities. A low specific power, tall towers, and a high export cable voltage appear to offer the greatest potential for the concurrent improvement of the environmental and economic performance of the plant.

Exploring Entrepreneurial Intention for Sustainable Development: a Study of University Students in Kolea, Algeria

Abstract Research purpose Entrepreneurship's evolving role now extends beyond economic realms to encompass broader societal and environmental imperatives. Sustainable entrepreneurship emerges as a linchpin in addressing contemporary challenges, offering innovative solutions that harmonize economic resilience with environmental and social objectives. Yet, the determinants underpinning individuals' intentions towards sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly within the Algerian context, remain underexplored. Keeping this into consideration, our research endeavours to identify the motivational factors influencing the decision to engage in sustainable entrepreneurial activities among students at the Kolea University Pole. Design / Methodology / Approach Drawing on a quantitative approach, data from 370 student responses were analysed using linear regression analysis. Findings The findings reveal the significant influence of both internal and external determinants on entrepreneurial intention for sustainable development among students. Internally, factors such as perceived entrepreneurial feasibility, perceived behavioural control, and attitudes towards sustainability emerged as key drivers of entrepreneurial intention towards sustainability. Students with a strong inclination towards sustainability exhibited a heightened intention to engage in entrepreneurial activities aligned with sustainable development goals. Externally, sociological factors and social networks were found to exert a significant positive influence on sustainable entrepreneurship intention. This underscores the importance of familial, educational, and societal support structures in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, shedding light on the role of information and communication technologies in shaping this intention. Yet, the study also highlights a concerning lack of awareness among students regarding the role of entrepreneurship in addressing environmental challenges underscoring the need for educational interventions aimed at cultivating an environmental ethos among students. Originality/Value/Practical Implications This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable entrepreneurship in developing countries, particularly in Algeria, by elucidating the factors influencing entrepreneurial intention among students. The findings underscore the importance of both internal and external determinants in shaping students' entrepreneurial aspirations, with implications for educational policy and practice.

Challenges of E-Teaching During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda Universities

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a quick transition to online learning, which has presented teachers with many difficulties when delivering instruction from a distance. In the context of e-teaching, this study investigated the difficulties faced by academic staff members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted as part of a qualitative research strategy with faculty members with e-teaching experience during the pandemic. The research identified several challenges related to technology, pedagogical adaptation, student engagement, assessment and feedback, workload management, and the effect on faculty members' emotions and psychological health. These difficulties highlighted the requirement for technological competence, pedagogical training, support structures, and resources to improve the experience of e-teaching. Comprehensive faculty development programs, inclusive instructional design, a variety of evaluation techniques, assistance with workload management, and attempts to enhance faculty well-being are among the recommendations. By addressing these issues, educational institutions can manage the difficulties of e-teaching in emergencies and ensure that students receive high-quality instruction in virtual classrooms.

The Blue Ribbon Committee II Report and Recommendations on Surgical Education and Training in the United States: 2024.

An expert panel made recommendations to optimize surgical education and training based on the effects of contemporary challenges. The inaugural Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC I) proposed sweeping recommendations for surgical education and training in 2004. In light of those findings, a second BRC (BRC II) was convened to make recommendations to optimize surgical training considering the current landscape in medical education. BRC II was a panel of 67 experts selected on the basis of experience and leadership in surgical education and training. It was organized into subcommittees which met virtually over the course of a year. They developed recommendations, along with the Steering Committee, based on areas of focus and then presented them to the entire BRC II. The Delphi Method was chosen to obtain consensus, defined as>80% agreement amongst the panel. Cronbach alpha was computed to assess the internal consistency of three Delphi rounds. Of 50 recommendations, 31 obtained consensus in the following aspects of surgical training (# consensus recommendation /# proposed): Workforce (1/5), Medical Student Education (3/8), Work Life Integration (4/6), Resident Education (5/7), Goals, Structure and Financing of Training (5/8), Education Support and Faculty Development (5/6), Research Training (7/9), and Educational Technology and Assessment (1/1). The internal consistency was good in Rounds 1 and 2 and acceptable in Round 3. BRC II used the Delphi approach to identify and recommend 31 priorities for surgical education in 2024. We advise establishing a multidisciplinary surgical educational group to oversee, monitor and facilitate implementation of these recommendations.

Strengthening ADR System in Indonesia: Learning from ADR Practices in Hungary

Integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) into legal systems is essential for improving access to justice, decreasing litigation expenses, and promoting enforced outcomes. This article examines the ADR practices in Hungary, a country that has successfully integrated ADR into its legal system, to gain significant insights for Indonesia, as both countries share the same sociocultural practices for communal dispute resolution. This normative legal research examines Hungary's extensive legal framework, the roles of institutional support structures, and the enforcement of ADR awards. The study employs comparative analysis that systematically evaluates pertinent legal documents, institutional reports, and scholarly literature from Hungary and Indonesia. The study found fundamental factors that contribute to the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Hungary including the existence of a clearly established legislative framework, sufficient institutional infrastructure, and effective regulation to enforce ADR decisions. Indonesia can adopt these techniques to improve its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system, resulting in more streamlined, cost-efficient, and fair processes for resolving disputes and to establish a more unified and efficient ADR system.

Hearing in the elderly: Employees' perspectives on hearing care in long-term care facilities. A qualitative study

Hearing in the elderly: Employees' perspectives on hearing care in long-term care facilities. A qualitative study Abstract: Background: Hearing impairment is common among the elderly. More than half of individuals 80 years and older exhibit severe hearing loss, and few retain good hearing performance. This impairment significantly affects both community participation and nursing care. Aim: This study aimed to examine the impact of hearing impairment on everyday life of employees and residents at long-term care facilities. We further sought to identify how employees perceive hearing care in order to identify potential for improvement. Methods: This sub-project of a larger study comprised guided focus groups with employees of long-term care facilities. The sample included six focus groups of nurses and nursing care assistants from long-term care facilities (n = 42). Collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Hearing impairment hinders elderly resident participation in the nursing process and complicates daily communication between residents and nursing staff. Hearing impaired residents are less able to take part in group activities and tend to withdraw from the community. Lack of an effective hearing support structure renders hearing care services inaccessible to some residents. Conclusions: Optimized service structures, targeted assistance and training opportunities for employees specific to hearing impairment can provide sustainable hearing care for the elderly.

Advanced Support Structures in Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Comparative Analysis of Porous Media for Enhanced Part Quality and Removal Efficiency

In laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing support, structures are crucial for constructing overhang features and maintaining dimensional accuracy. However, traditional support structures exhibit inherent drawbacks, including compromised surface quality, prolonged post‐processing times, and other challenging requirements. This study investigates innovative approaches to address these issues by analyzing two types of specimens—cuboid and lap shear. The cuboid samples explore the manipulation of process parameters to adjust energy densities, transitioning from powder to porous support structures, with porosity measurement assessment. Subsequently, a shear test specimen objectively evaluates porous support parameters alongside traditional block‐type support, analyzing their impact on removal force, distortion, and surface quality. Results reveal that optimized porous support structures surpass traditional counterparts, showcasing superior surface quality, reduced removal forces, and minimized part distortion. Specifically, the shear test demonstrates a 94.25% reduction in removal forces and a 33.67% decrease in upper part distortion. Moreover, the maximum surface roughness (Rz) improves by 22.8% with the implementation of porous supports. By introducing a methodology for comparative analyses of measurable performance indicators, this research enhances understanding of support structure dynamics in additive manufacturing, facilitating advancements in efficiency and quality within the field.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Adhesion Systems in New Supports for Mural Paintings: Reversibility Tests

ABSTRACT This article presents a study that investigates the utilization of diverse adhesives and intervention layers for affixing new supports to archaeological mural paintings that cannot be preserved in their original state. Depending on artwork characteristics (materiality, dimensions, state of conservation, location), various materials can be employed for attaching new supports, encompassing adhesives and intervention layers. Evaluating and assessing these materials is vital to ensure the stability, reversibility, and notably, the retreatability of the artwork. To this end, we have evaluated three commonly used adhesives and three intervention layers applied to new mural painting supports. We prepared test samples of mural paintings affixed to a new support structure, utilizing an aluminum honeycomb core sandwich panel (Aerolam). Through bibliographic analysis, we identified frequently used adhesives and intervention layers, and conducted an initial assessment of their behavior. Subsequently, following an aging process, we conducted color evaluations and reversibility tests to comprehensively study these materials and facilitate an objective comparison of their properties.

Development of IPMC actuators with high bending uniformity and orientation

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators have attracted considerable scientific interest in the field of robotics and artificial muscles due to their low operating voltage, high strain capacity, and lightweight. However, the non-uniform bending of IPMC actuators affects their control accuracy and limits their potential applications. In this work, the surface voltage of IPMC actuators was measured and the internal electric field distribution was numerically computed. It was concluded that the non-uniform bending is mainly due to the non-uniform distribution of hydrated cations inside the IPMC as a result of the inhomogeneous electric field. The bending uniformity is improved by sputtering a gold layer on the surface of the IPMC actuator, and a support strip is introduced to limit the bending of the IPMC in the width direction, resulting in an improvement of its pointing characteristics. It is found that the bending uniformity of IPMC improved by 35.27% and 119.48% by sputtering at an input voltage of 2.5 V and 5 V respectively. When the input voltage is fixed at 2.5 V and 5 V, the bending in the width direction is reduced by 75.68% and 93.12% with the support structure, respectively.

Study on the critical stable height of vertical excavation in rocky foundation pit within layered structural plane

The structural plane characteristic was the most critical factor for determining the self-stability ability of deep foundation pit vertical-rock-wall in layered rock stratum. Multiple methods such as model testing, numerical calculation, and theoretical calculation were utilized comprehensively in this paper. The self-stabilizing control effect on the deep foundation pits vertical-rock-wall that under the different structural plane inclination angle (α) and under the different structural plane strength was systematically studied. The results indicated that the overall variation trend of "Sharp decrease ~ Slow decrease ~ Slow increase ~ Sharp increase" in the symmetrical distribution for the self-stability critical height (Hcr) varied with the gradually increasing of α was presented. Meanwhile, the variation trend of "continuously decreasing and rapidly decreasing first, and then slowly decreasing and tending to stabilize" with the structural plane strength reduction coefficient (k). The key factor to control the self-stability of the deep foundation pit vertical-rock-walls lied in fully grasping and utilizing the basic characteristics of rock structural planes. The research results of this paper provided the theoretical basis for scientifically determining the safety level and designing reasonable support structures of the deep foundation pit vertical-rock-walls in layered rock stratum.

Optimizing dimension selection for rain flow counting in fatigue assessment of large-scale lattice wind turbine support structures: A comprehensive study and design guidance

The selection of dimension (d) for the rain flow counting matrix significantly influences the reliable prediction of fatigue life in wind turbine support structures. However, there are limited public reports on the impact of dimensions on the fatigue assessment of wind turbine structures. This study explores the influence of dimensions on the fatigue assessment process and outcomes, focusing on a large-scale ultra-high lattice wind turbine support structure from an engineering project. Through integrated load simulation, fatigue load time series for different design load cases (DLCs) are obtained for the overall structure. The rain flow counting method is utilized to derive the overall rain flow counting matrix (Markov_n) with varying dimensions. Subsequently, employing a multi-scale fatigue assessment method, the damage matrix (Markov_D), cumulative fatigue damage (D), and fatigue life are computed. A detailed exploration examines the impact of rain flow counting matrix dimensions on Markov_n, Markov_D, D, fatigue life, and calculation time (t). Furthermore, guidance is provided for selecting the optimal dimension for engineering design. The findings indicate that selecting dimensions that are too small results in the loss and merging of smaller mean and amplitude load values, thereby failing to accurately represent the load history. Moreover, a small dimension yields an excessively cautious estimation of cumulative fatigue damage (D) and underestimates the fatigue life, consequently inflating construction expenses.

Torus Hull Articulated Tower for offshore wind turbines

Recent years have witnessed significant advancement in offshore wind energy production. In order to achieve cost-effective solutions for intermediate water depths, there is a growing demand for wind turbine support structures with less steel compared to the existing ones. This study introduces a novel articulated tower concept termed “Torus Hull Articulated Tower” (THAT) for supporting an offshore wind turbine at a water depth of 75 m. The proposed concept incorporates a torus hull connected to a centrally located column with a system of pre-tensioned tethers. The preliminary technical feasibility of the concept has been checked by numerical analysis considering operating and parked conditions. A fully coupled analysis approach has been adopted for solving the associated aero-hydrodynamics-multibody mooring system problem. Acceptance criteria in terms of the maximum acceleration at the nacelle level and the platform pitch angle have been considered. The results show that the current concept can satisfy the required acceptance criteria. It has been concluded that the proposed structure could considerably reduce structural steel consumption compared to the existing concepts available in the literature. A sensitivity study on the structure's performance with respect to its major parameters is also included.

A Policy Brief towards Improving Mental Health Support Structures for Teachers in Shengli Middle School

Teachers are particularly susceptible to job burnout, ranking third in a survey of occupational burnout across 15 industries. Teacher burnout is an extreme reaction when teachers are unable to cope with work pressures, directly linked to factors such as age, teaching experience, personality, social support, and personal achievements. This study employs a qualitative research approach, conducting interviews with middle school teachers to understand their mental health and needs, and explore potential solutions. The findings emphasize the need for policy support, salary improvement, establishment of home-school communication mechanisms, and a better understanding of teachers' challenges and work conditions.

Dynamic failure assessment analysis of 15MnTi steel supporting structure with a circumferential surface crack under impact loads

Supporting structures, whose strength have great influence on the safe operation of the whole equipment, are widely used in various ship equipment. In this paper, dynamic failure assessment analysis is carried out to discuss the structural integrity of the cracked supporting structure under impact loads. Considering the dynamic response characteristics of structures, the dynamic fracture toughness determined by the loading rate of dynamic J-integrals is used to calculate the failure assessment point (FAP). Due to the widespread uncertainties in practical engineering, such as crack size and mechanical properties of materials, the failure assessment results will also have uncertainty. To analyze the structural integrity affected by uncertain variables, the polygonal convex set (PCS) model is introduced to the failure assessment diagram (FAD) to propose a non-probabilistic failure assessment method. The FAP is extended to a failure assessment region, and structural integrity can be analyzed by the non-probabilistic reliability degree. Compared with the traditional interval model, the non-probabilistic reliability degree calculated by PCS model is closer to the probabilistic reliability degree, which avoids premature judgement of structural failure. For the 15MnTi supporting structure with a circumferential semi-elliptical surface crack under impact loads, the critical depth obtained by non-probabilistic methods decrease by 10% compared with deterministic results, and the failure mechanism is summarized as plastic collapse resulting from the excessive net section stress. In the absence of statistical data on crack size or mechanical properties, the non-probabilistic failure assessment method can be used as an effective alternative to the probabilistic method.

Manganese-substituted strontium ferrite catalyst on honeycomb structured cordierite support for oxidation of diesel particulate matter

Perovskite-based catalysts have been explored as low-cost substitutes for platinum (Pt)- based catalysts for diesel particulate matter (DPM) oxidation. In this work, manganese (Mn)-substituted strontium ferrite (SrFeMnO3-δ) (SFM) as a catalyst was coated on the honeycomb structure of cordierite support and tested for its catalytic performance for DPM oxidation using a real-world engine. The characteristic diffraction peaks due to the presence of the perovskite structure of SFM were observed for the cordierite-supported SFM. Mn was substituted in the lattice of un-substituted strontium ferrite and no other impurities were formed upon the Mn-substitution. Highly agglomerated SFM particles were formed solely due to the perovskite phase formation temperature (900 °C). The SFM catalyst enhanced catalytic Printex-V oxidation performance compared to its oxidation without the catalyst, where Printex V was used as the model DPM. The SFM catalyst showed high CO2 selectivity upon the oxidation of DPM. These results infer that the SFM catalyst possesses promise as an alternative to commercially available DOC catalysts based on PGM for DPM oxidation. SFM-coated cordierite support performed much better in terms of particle number, mass and surface area than commercial diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) or without DOC at no engine load. The performance is substantially higher even at moderate engine loads of up to 40% and comparable at very high engine loads of 100%. Detailed investigations on a real engine exhaust and measurement of crucial parameters like particle number, mass and surface area suggest convincing and relatively rare evidence for its potential as a catalyst for diesel exhaust emission control catalyst.

Electrospinning Approach for Preparing Nanostructured Scaffolds for Stem Cell Seeding and/or Implantation in Neurotrauma.

Preparation of highly porous biocompatible and bioresorbable nerve conduit or scaffold by electrospinning based on synthetic polycaprolactone with a molecular weight of 80kDa (PCL 80kDa) has significance in the context of regenerative medicine with special emphasis on their application in neurotrauma. PCL conduits/scaffolds serving as a support structure for seeded stem cells show promising regenerative potential to promote functional recovery and tissue regeneration in models of neurotrauma. Here we describe a standard protocol for the production of conduits by electrospinning at high field-forming voltages (24kB) using a 6% solution of PCL 80kDa in a chloroform/methanol mixture.

Supported Ionic Liquid-Phase Materials (SILP) as a Multifunctional Group of Highly Stable Modifiers and Hardeners for Carbon and Flax Epoxy Composites.

This paper introduces a novel approach to enhance epoxy resin formulations by using SILP materials as multifunctional hardeners and fillers in composite structures reinforced with carbon and flax fibers. This study explores the integration of ionic liquids (ILs) onto a silica support structure, presenting various permutations involving silica selection, ionic liquid choice, and concentration. The focus of this study was to elucidate the influence of SILP on resin curing ability and the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. Detailed research was conducted, including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET) for SILP materials and curing characterization for epoxy resin formulations with different SILP materials. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the obtained composites were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis (SEM) (the force at break, the maximum elongation at break, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity). Through SILP incorporation, the mechanical properties of composites, including the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, are substantially improved, a phenomenon akin to traditional filler effects. The findings highlight SILP materials as prospective candidates for concurrent hardening and filling roles within composites (through a single-step procedure, with prolonged storage stability and controlled processing conditions), particularly pertinent as the composite industry veers toward epoxy bioresins necessitating liquefaction via temperature application.

The gustatory stalk of the Remo flounder exemplifies how complex evolutionary novelties may arise

The appearance of evolutionary novelties is a central issue in biology. Since Darwin’s theory, difficulties in explaining how novel intricate body parts arose have often been used by creationists and other deniers to challenge evolution. Here, we describe the gustatory stalk of the Remo flounder (Oncopterus darwinii), an anatomically and functionally complex organ presumably used as a chemoreceptor probe to detect prey buried in the substrate. We demonstrate that the gustatory stalk is derived from the first dorsal-fin ray, which acquired remarkable modifications in its external morphology, integument, skeleton, muscles, and nerves. Such structural innovations are echoed in both functional and ecological specializations. We reveal that the gustatory stalk arose through the gradual accumulation of changes that evolved at different levels of the phylogenetic tree of ray-finned fishes. At least five preconditions arose in nodes preceding Oncopterus darwinii. This finding constitutes an interesting example of how evolution can deeply remodel body parts to perform entirely new functions. In this case, a trivial support structure primitively used for swimming became a sophisticated sensory tool to uncover hidden prey.