Structural Support System Research Articles

Entrepreneurial orientation and the franchise system

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the franchisor's perception of the role of entrepreneurial strategic orientation (EO) – innovative, risk‐taking, and proactive actions – within the special case of franchised firms, given the opposing forces for standardisation/uniformity and system innovation/adaptation.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional research design, involving a mail questionnaire survey, was employed to collect data from a sample of franchisors operating in the UK. The hypotheses specified in the study were tested using a path model.FindingsThe results show that for franchise organisations, EO is positively related to performance. The recent meta‐analysis conducted by Rauch et al. also demonstrated that the correlation of EO with performance is fairly large (r=0.242). This correlation is consistent with the significant value reported in the study of 0.234. In addition, franchise system support structures were found to be important in fostering EO within the organisation.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies may consider including other dimensions of EO, notably competitive aggressiveness and autonomy, in exploring the relevance of EO to the franchise system. It would be interesting to also use a longitudinal analysis to examine the long‐term effect of EO on the performance of franchised firms.Originality/valueThe study extends knowledge of the EO‐performance outcomes relationship to the franchising context where the role of EO is presently under‐explored. This could be attributed to the fact that the franchise concept is built on standardisation and uniformity, notions that run counter to the flexible strategies involved in fostering EO.

Capacity and Stability Analysis for Construction Support System of the Upper Cantilevered Structure in a Performing Arts Center

The main structure of a performing arts center is in a bowl shape, formed by cantilever frames. When constructing, a temporary steel support system is designed to withstand the construction loads. The structural support system which is 30 meters high, is divided into five layers. In order to ensure the overall stability of the steel frame, scissors are set every three cross along the ring to the medial and lateral column. Since the loads are very big, bearing capacity and stability analysis of the support system are carried out. According to the site construction schedule, the loading processing is divided into 4 working conditions. Under each load condition, static and linear buckling analysis is conducted. For economic consideration, member sizes are optimized by pursuing the similar stress ratio based on the results of static and linear buckling. Structural software SAP2000 is employed as the analysis software. The results showed that: the working conditions 4 is the most dangerous working condition. The main stresses of beams and columns on the axis position are larger than other positions. The bucking analysis indicates that working conditions 1 to 4 the buckling factors of first-order buckling modes are greater than 1.0 under working conditions 1 to 4, which explaining that under the current loads, the steel support system is reached the required overall stability.

Discussion on Anchor Structures’ Deterioration Analysis Parameter Caused by Reinforcement Corrosion under Erosion Environment Condition

Because of long-term chloride erosion and alternate drying-wetting effect, anchorage support structure of underground engineering is liable to reinforced corrosion and its strength is decreased. According to previous research theory and test results, reinforced corrosion to deteriorate load-bearing role of anchorage support structure system is studied by means of numerical analysis FLAC3D and idea of finite element strength reduction. The results are as follows: (1) losses in the anchor structural performance in underground engineering with corroded reinforcements are caused by three factors: losses in the effective cross-sectional area of anchoring body, losses in the mechanical performance of reinforcing bars and losses in the bond performance of anchoring body. (2) Based on reinforcement mechanical model in FLAC3D, deterioration of mechanical performance of anchor structures caused in underground engineering was analyzed due to reinforcement corrosion. And according to idea of finite element strength reduction and results of laboratory test, deterioration analysis parameter caused by corrosion can be reduced accordingly. The research results can provide the theory support to analyze corrosion deterioration of anchor structure in underground engineering using numerical simulation.

Study on the System Optimization Method for Supporting Structure of Urban Tunnel

The tunnel project is a systems engineering problem. And it is very necessary to study on the system optimization method for supporting structure in order to promote the research about intelligent optimization of safety control for tunnel project. In this paper, the analytic hierarchy process is used to establish system model of supporting structure for urban tunnel and the SCORE function test method for non-linear drift (i.e., non-linear impact of factors) is also applied to simplify the model. This idea and method for the optimization of retaining structural system have important significance for optimization theory building of the tunnel support structure system.

The effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the franchise relationship

This article aims to understand how the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of the franchise system may impact franchisor–franchisee relationship quality, given the conflicting forces for standardization/uniformity and franchisee desire for autonomy. A cross-sectional research design, involving a mail questionnaire survey, was employed to collect data from a sample of franchisors operating in the UK. The hypotheses specified in the study were tested using regression (including moderated regression) analyses. The results revealed that EO was significantly and positively related to relationship quality (as perceived by the franchisor). In addition, the recruitment of entrepreneurial franchisees was found to have a positively significant impact on relationship quality. The structural support systems used by franchisors to encourage franchisee entrepreneurial activities were not found to moderate the relationship between EO and relationship quality. The results suggest that systems with EO and entrepreneurial franchisees may enjoy better relations.

A Comparative Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment of Mid-Rise Office Building Construction Alternatives: Laminated Timber or Reinforced Concrete

The objective of this project was to quantify and compare the environmental impacts associated with alternative designs for a typical North American mid-rise office building. Two scenarios were considered; a traditional cast-in-place, reinforced concrete frame and a laminated timber hybrid design, which utilized engineered wood products (cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam). The boundary of the quantitative analysis was cradle-to-construction site gate and encompassed the structural support system and the building enclosure. Floor plans, elevations, material quantities, and structural loads associated with a five-storey concrete-framed building design were obtained from issued-for-construction drawings. A functionally equivalent, laminated timber hybrid design was conceived, based on Canadian Building Code requirements. Design values for locally produced CLT panels were established from in-house material testing. Primary data collected from a pilot-scale manufacturing facility was used to develop the life cycle inventory for CLT, whereas secondary sources were referenced for other construction materials. The TRACI characterization methodology was employed to translate inventory flows into impact indicators. The results indicated that the laminated timber building design offered a lower environmental impact in 10 of 11 assessment categories. The cradle-to-gate process energy was found to be nearly identical in both design scenarios (3.5 GJ/m2), whereas the cumulative embodied energy (feedstock plus process) of construction materials was estimated to be 8.2 and 4.6 GJ/m2 for the timber and concrete designs, respectively; which indicated an increased availability of readily accessible potential energy stored within the building materials of the timber alternative.

The Effect of Additional Mooring Chains on the Motion Performance of a Floating Wind Turbine with a Tension Leg Platform

In this study, two types of floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) systems were proposed: a traditional tension leg platform (TLP) type and a new TLP type with additional mooring chains. They were both based on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory 5 MW offshore wind turbine model. Taking the coupled effect of dynamic response of the top wind turbine, tower support structure and lower mooring system into consideration, not only were the 1/60 scale model tests for the two floating wind turbine systems done in HIT’s wind-wave tunnel according to the typical design conditions in IEC61400-3 code, but also the numerical simulations corresponding to the scaled model tests were performed by advanced numerical tools. As a result, the numerical results displayed good agreement with the test data. Moreover, the additional mooring chains could play an active role in reducing the surge displacement, surge acceleration and typical tension leg force responses of the FOWT system, which is very beneficial for ensuring the good operational performance and the safety of the FOWT system.

간호대학생의 자아탄력성, 스트레스 대처방식, 교수효율성, 가족지지가 임상실습만족도에 미치는 효과: 구조방정식 모형구축

Purpose: This study aimedto develop a structural equation model on the relationship among ego-resilience, and teaching effectiveness on clinical education, stress coping style, perceived family support, and satisfaction of clinical practice in nursing students in order to increase the satisfaction of clinical practice. Methods: The subjects were 399 undergraduate nursing students enrolled in 7 universities and participating in 10 clinical practice setting areas in 5 cities in South Korea. The research was conducted from December 5th, 2009 to February 20th, 2010. The structural equation model was used to perform the analysis with the statistics program of SPSS win 17.0 and AMOS 5.0. Results: Teaching effectiveness and family support showed a direct effect on satisfaction of clinical practice, while ego-resilience and stress coping styles showed an indirect effect. The biggest total effect on satisfaction of clinical practice was teaching effectiveness followed by family support, ego-resilience, and stress coping styles respectively, which accounted for 50.9%. Conclusion: Based on outcomes of this study, the proposed model allows better understanding of the satisfaction of clinical practice. This result implies that strategies or intervention programs enhancing extrinsic protection factors, motivation factors, and intrinsic protection factors should be considered. In addition, a structural support system for increasing the satisfaction level of clinical practice in nursing students should also be considered.

An initial study of demountable high-temperature superconducting toroidal field magnets for the Vulcan tokamak conceptual design

Recent developments have made it possible to consider high-temperature superconductor (HTS) for the design of tokamak toroidal field (TF) magnet systems, potentially influencing the overall design and maintenance scheme of magnetic fusion energy devices. Initial assessments of the engineering challenges and cryogenic-dependent cost and parameters of a demountable, HTS TF magnet system have been carried out using the Vulcan tokamak conceptual design (R=1.2m, a=0.3m, B0=7T) as a baseline. Jointed at the midplane to allow vertical removal of the primary vacuum vessel and routine maintenance of core components, structural D-shaped steel support cases provide cryogenic cooling for internally routed YBCO superconducting cables. The cables are constructed by layering ∼50μm thick commercially available YBCO tape, and the interlocking steel support cases self align during assembly to form internal resistive joints between YBCO cables. It is found that designing the TF magnet system for operation between 10K and 20K minimizes the total capital and operating cost. Since YBCO is radiation-sensitive, Monte Carlo simulation is used to study advanced shielding materials compatible with the small size of Vulcan. An adequate shield is determined to be 10cm of zirconium borohydride, which reduces the nuclear heating of the TF coils by a factor of 11.5 and increases the YBCO tape lifetime from two calendar years in the unshielded case to 42 calendar years in the shielded case. Although this initial study presents a plausible conceptual design, future engineering work will be required to develop realistic design solutions for the TF joints, support structure, and cryogenic system.

The Stability Control Technology of Crosscut while Mining without Coal Pillar in Steep Seam

In order to improve the mining benefit of coal resources, Chang Gouyu Coal Mine carried out the technology of mining without coal pillar in steep seam. The key of the technology was to ensure a long-term stability of the cross-entry roadway across the seam. Through the analysis of the nature of steep seam roof and floor rock, and based on the stability analysis and loose circle measured of surrounding rock of crosscut roadway, we brought forward adopting shotcrete rockbolt mesh and U-shaped steel complex support structure system. This complex support system could flex lengthways and compress in radial direction. The entirety integrated with the surrounding rock, and they formed into a whole. Application of the complex support system could effectively control the deformation of the surrounding rock collapse, and maintain the stability of the crosscut.

Duality theory and the management of the change–stability paradox

AbstractThis article proposes that duality theory plays a role in obtaining more nuanced and textured insights into the complex, paradoxical stability–change nexus by illustrating how tensions are managed not through definitive resolution toward one pole or the other, but through improvised boundary heuristics that establish a broad conforming imperative while opening up enabling mechanisms. Duality thinking also reinforces the need to discard assumptions about opposing values, instead replacing them with an appreciation of complementary concepts. The article explores the characteristics of dualities to allow managers to chart what they are seeking from their management interventions and subsequent choices in structural support systems. A key benefit of identifying and explaining duality characteristics comes in attempting to understand how to mediate between two contradictory dimensions of organizing, such as continuity and change. Our argument is that both need to be encouraged, but this requires a particular mindset where the problem of mediation viewed as the need to work towards simultaneity and synergistic mutuality rather than resolution of action between the two opposing dimensions.

Duality theory and the management of the change–stability paradox

AbstractThis article proposes that duality theory plays a role in obtaining more nuanced and textured insights into the complex, paradoxical stability–change nexus by illustrating how tensions are managed not through definitive resolution toward one pole or the other, but through improvised boundary heuristics that establish a broad conforming imperative while opening up enabling mechanisms. Duality thinking also reinforces the need to discard assumptions about opposing values, instead replacing them with an appreciation of complementary concepts. The article explores the characteristics of dualities to allow managers to chart what they are seeking from their management interventions and subsequent choices in structural support systems. A key benefit of identifying and explaining duality characteristics comes in attempting to understand how to mediate between two contradictory dimensions of organizing, such as continuity and change. Our argument is that both need to be encouraged, but this requires a particular mindset where the problem of mediation viewed as the need to work towards simultaneity and synergistic mutuality rather than resolution of action between the two opposing dimensions.

INTERACTIVE SECTION DETERMINATION METHOD OF STEEL STRUCTURES WITH MEMBER GROUPING PROCESSES

Firstly, a nonlinear optimization problem is formulated taking only representative dimensions of steel sections as independent design variables. The other dimensions are determined using proportions, prepared from a list of standard profiles, to the design variables. In the optimization, the members are divided into groups having identical sectional dimensions. Then a method is presented for re-grouping of members to further reduce the optimal cost once obtained for a given set of groups. An indicator is proposed to estimate the probable reduction to be brought by splitting a group. Using the indicator, the group and the split that likely bring the most effective reduction are identified. Finally, a flowchart for structural design support system with the above automatic grouping is proposed. This system also contains interactive processes enabling the structural engineer to modify the grouping for a synthetically better design. Examples are shown to verify the validity of the indicator and to demonstrate the advantages of the support system.

Job burnout and coping strategies among extension officers in North west province, South Africa.

A simple random sampling technique was used to select 40 extension officers to examine the incidence of job burnout and coping strategies in North West Province, South Africa. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regression analysis. The results show that majority of the extension officers were male (52.5%) with the mean age of 42.5 years, married (72.5%) and 82.5% were Christians. Eighty-five percent of the extension officer had Diploma as their educational qualification and a mean of 14 years as working experience. The result revealed that extension officers experiences 29 out of the listed 44 job burnout symptoms, which include cynicism/negativism (1.87) agitation (1.85) accident proneness (1.75) and loss of patience (1.72). The most prominent coping strategies as indicated by extension officers were maintaining an active personal social life outside of work (2.50), maintaining healthy relationship with co-workers (2.47), development of structural and personal support system (2.45) and maintaining healthy relationship with superior officers (2.47). Significant determinants of job burnout were gender (t = 2.46), educational level (t = -3.02), studying for higher degree (t = -2.30) and number of farmers covered (t = -2.20). The study recommends that extension officers should be exposed to training and techniques to cope with job burnout. Key words: South Africa, extension officers, stress, job burnout, coping strategies.

Employer-based support for registered nurses undertaking postgraduate study via distance education

Previous literature has focused on the need for support of undergraduate nursing students during clinical placements. Little is known about the support provided by employers for registered nurses (RNs) who pursue further education. This study sought to identify and describe the types, levels and perceived need for support in the workplace for RNs as they undertake further postgraduate nursing study by distance education (DE). Using an exploratory descriptive design a self-report questionnaire was distributed to a convenient sample of 270 RNs working in one acute care public hospital in Tasmania, Australia. 92 questionnaires (response rate 34%) were returned with 26 (28%) reporting being currently enrolled in further study by DE and a further 50 (54)% of RNs planning future study. Results revealed that 100% of participants with a Masters degree completed this by DE. There were differences between the support sought by RNs to that offered by employers, and 16 (34%) who had done or were currently doing DE study, received no support to undertake DE. There was an overwhelming desire by RNs for support; 87 (94%), with a majority believing some support should be mandatory 76 (83%). This study may encourage employers to introduce structured support systems that will actively assist nurses to pursue further study.

Preliminary Design of a Floating Wind Turbine Support Structure and Relevant System Cost Assessment

This paper describes the preliminary design of a floating support structure for offshore wind turbines that has been developed by ERSE (former CESI RICERCA). It considered the prospects that this kind of structure could hold for exploiting wind resources in the windiest sea areas along the coasts of Italy (Sardinia, Sicily, Apulia). A review of the various types of floating structure that have been devised worldwide for wind turbines has made it possible to single out the floating structure that looks most interesting from the technical and economic standpoint. Specifically, the selected structure is of the Tension Leg Platform (TLP) type. It consists of a nearly fully submerged hexagonal platform, which carries a 6 MW wind turbine and is linked to the sea bottom by 6 ties, which assure stability and limited tilting, even under the worst loads induced by wind and sea. The construction and installation phases for this structure have been analysed, and the most effective and economically viable techniques chosen. With a view for avoiding the use of expensive sea craft, the floating structure has been designed in such a way that it can be towed to its site with the wind turbine already standing on it. A preliminary dimensioning of the floating structure has been carried out, along with technical verification of the main structural members. This work has been performed in cooperation with the engineering company TECON, which used, among others, the MOSES computation code by Ultramarine. Attention has also been devoted to the most suitable options for mooring the floating structure to the sea bottom. To assess the behaviour of the floating system under the action of wind and waves, the computational code (BM) has been developed by ERSE. This code takes into account the whole “wind turbine + floating platform” system, represented by a scheme featuring 8 degrees of freedom. Using this code no anomalous or unexpected behaviours were observed. The costs of building and installing this floating system have been calculated, drawing on experience gained with similar offshore structures in the oil and gas fields. The unique conditions of Italy as regards shipyards, harbours, electrical grid layout etc. have been taken into account. Along with estimates of operation and maintenance costs, and annual energy yields, these results have allowed the calculation of the probable unit energy production costs of floating wind farms in deep-water coastal areas of Italy.

Preparatory Study for Constructing FAST, the World's Largest Single Dish

A 500-m aperture spherical telescope (FAST) was funded by the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) in July 2007 and will be located in the unique Karst region, a sinkhole-like landform, in Guizhou province. FAST can be seen as a modified ldquoArecibordquo type radio telescope using many innovative techniques, with as much as twice the collecting area and a wider sky coverage. FAST has, first, an active reflector, conforming to a paraboloid of revolution from a sphere in real time through actuated control, which enables the realization of wide bandwidth and full polarization capability by using standard feed design. Secondly, it has a light focus cabin suspension system, integrating optical, mechanical, and electronic technologies, reducing effectively the cost of the support structure and control system. With such a huge collecting area of more than 30 football fields, FAST will become the largest single dish ever built. Here we will summarize the FAST concept and the milestones achieved in experiments on its key technologies, i.e., site exploration, active reflector prototyping, focus cabin driving mechanism, measurement and control techniques, and the receiver layout. The Miyun FAST demonstrator also will be presented.

Developing SASSA: a Soil Analysis Support System for Archaeologists

There is constant pressure on field archaeologists to be familiar with the core concepts of a diverse range of specialist disciplines. Soils and sediments are an integral part of archaeological sites, and soil and sedimentary analyses applied to archaeological questions are now recognised as an important branch of geoarchaeology. However, the teaching of soils in archaeology degrees is variable and many archaeologists complain they lack the confidence and skills to describe and interpret properly the deposits they excavate. SASSA (Soil Analysis Support System for Archaeologists) is a free-to-use, internet-based system designed to familiarise archaeologists with the concepts and possibilities offered by the scientific study of soils and sediments associated with archaeological sites. The aims of SASSA are: To provide soils training specifically for archaeologists, suitable for either a university or workplace setting. To provide a freely accessible soils and archaeology knowledge base for archaeologists working in either the office or the field. To support archaeologists describing and interpreting soils in the field. To enhance understanding of the types of archaeological questions that soil analysis can help to address. To initiate dialogue between archaeologists, geoarchaeologists, and soil scientists in order to encourage the thoughtful application of soil analyses to archaeological questions. SASSA consists of two core components: a knowledge base and a field tool. The 'front-end' of the website is the knowledge base; this uses wiki technology to allow users to add their own content and encourage dialogue between archaeologists and geoarchaeologists. The field tool uses an XML data structure and decision-tree support system to guide the user through the process of describing and interpreting soils and sediments. SASSA is designed for use on both 'static' (PC) and 'mobile' (PDA and laptop) hardware in order to provide in situ field support as well as office-based 'reference book style' help. This article presents SASSA as a user might experience it, and discusses the computing technology used to construct the system.

A longitudinal, qualitative analysis of the context of substance use and sexual behavior among 18- to 29-year-old men after their release from prison

Substance use, sexual behavior, and reincarceration among 89 men from 5 state prisons across the USA, aged 18–29 years, were examined in relation to individual patterns of coping with community reintegration after their release from prison. Analyses of a series of qualitative interviews conducted over a 6-month period post-release revealed three global reintegration coping patterns: moving toward successful reintegration, resuming behavioral patterns that preceded incarceration, and reintegrating through withdrawal or isolation. Four key contextual factors that differentiated these three coping patterns were the consistency and extensiveness of social relationships, the nature of social support, and the degree of structural stability (e.g., stable employment and housing). Participants were assigned a Likert scale score (1 for poor rating to 3 for better rating) for their pattern of global reintegration and for their rating on each of the four contextual factors across the longitudinal qualitative interviews. Collectively, these five factors differentiated the prevalence and frequency of substance use, patterns of sexual behavior, and incidence of reincarceration as assessed by a quantitative survey administered 6 months post-release. Poorer ratings on all five contextual indices were related to the use of substances other than marijuana and alcohol. Men with less consistent social relationships reported more sexual partners. However, vaginal or anal sex without a condom was associated with greater social consistency and greater structural stability, possibly due to the presence of a steady main partner. Reincarceration was significantly associated with poorer global reintegration ratings, more negative social support, and less structural stability. These findings highlight the need to consider the role of social and structural support systems in HIV and sexually transmitted infection risk reduction interventions for men after their release from prison.

The perceptions and experiences of nurses undertaking research in the clinical setting

Nursing research activity by clinicians has increased in volume in the last few years, due to an increased awareness of the importance of evidence-based practice, the shift of nurse education into higher education establishments and the emergence of new nursing roles which demand research activity as a central domain of the role. This paper will report on the results of a study examining nursing research activity in the UK National Health Service and will present data examining the perceptions and experiences of nurses undertaking research. Forty-eight research-active nurses in five NHS organisations were interviewed. Data were analysed using the Framework approach. Four main themes emerged: perceptions of nursing research, NHS influences, support systems and individual influences. Many factors were identified by nurses that influenced their experiences and perceptions, and nurses frequently reported difficulties in being able to conduct research in the clinical area. Dissemination via publication was rare. Personal sacrifices were common and nurses felt that these were not recognised by managers. Nurses undertaking research need more structured support systems and recognition of the value of nursing research. Individualised help from more experienced researchers for support and to disseminate findings is recommended.