Support Structure Research Articles

Shelves under siege: School librarians as (temporary?) risk workers

Book-banning and censorship attempts are becoming increasingly prominent within UK school libraries. Creating legal and financial risk for school librarians, attempts to ban books also generate risks for young people by pushing reading into unregulated online spaces as well as denying access to representative reading material. This paper uses the theoretical framework of risk work, which has been used to conceptualise how health and social care professionals make decisions or act upon risk as part of their daily practice, to examine how risks related to intellectual freedom are (re)shaping the work of UK school librarians. Ten UK based school librarians who had previously faced book ban attempts were interviewed about their experiences. Analysis demonstrates that these school librarians are engaged in distinctive forms of risk work within their workplaces, including interpreting, communicating and sharing knowledge about the risks of book bans with their professional communities. Introducing and drawing attention to new relational and emotional demands upon school librarians, the identification of risk work has important implications for educational and professional support structures as heightened tensions and demands become part of everyday working practice.

Psychometric properties of the social isolation scale for older adults in geriatric long-term care facilities.

Psychometric properties of the social isolation scale for older adults in geriatric long-term care facilities.

Educators’ perceptions of generative AI: Investigating attitudes, barriers and learning needs in higher education

ABSTRACT This study explores university educators’ attitudes, barriers, and learning needs regarding the adoption of generative AI in higher education. Using a mixed-methods approach, surveys from 70 educators and interviews with five programme directors at a university in the Netherlands reveal generally positive attitudes, especially towards content creation and personalised learning. However, actual use remains limited due to concerns about the reliability and ethics of AI-generated content, lack of pedagogical strategies, and insufficient training. Educators identified the need for professional development focused on evaluating AI outputs, addressing ethical concerns, and building adaptive expertise. These findings inform the design of university-level training programmes that prioritise transferable competencies such as digital (AI) literacy and critical thinking. The study also underscores the need for institutional support structures to enable responsible, effective generative AI use. Ultimately, generative AI should enhance rather than replace human-centred teaching, supporting creativity, critical engagement, and ethical learning in higher education.

Memory deformation and safety characteristics of hydrated coal rock assemblages under cyclic loading

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the memory deformation characteristics of water-bearing coal-rock assemblages under cyclic loading and its impact on mine safety. With the continuous growth of global coal demand, especially in China, mining activities increasingly involve water-rich environment mines. This trend requires a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanical properties of coal-rock systems and water-insulating coal pillars under water-rock action and their stability. In this study, we conducted cyclic loading and unloading tests under different water saturation rates by constructing specimens of “rock-coal-rock” with different top and bottom lithologies, aiming to analyze the specimens’ deformation memory effect, mechanical damage characteristics, and degradation mechanism. The experimental results show that. With the increase in water saturation rate, the peak strength of the coal-rock assemblage gradually decreased, showing a noticeable deterioration effect. In addition, the specimens under cyclic loading and unloading conditions exhibited a more significant deterioration magnitude than those under uniaxial compression conditions. It was also found that N20 (mudstone-coal-mudstone), S20 (sandstone-coal-sandstone), and SH20 (limestone-coal-limestone) assemblages exhibited different patterns of mechanical strength degradation under water-rock action, with N20 showing the most severe degradation. The damage accumulation of the coal-rock assemblage was monitored by acoustic emission (AE) technology, and an AE damage model based on different water saturation rates was established to quantitatively analyze the damage evolution law of the water-bearing coal-rock assemblage. The findings establish a scientific foundation for predicting coal pillar behavior under cyclic loading, optimizing pillar and support structure design, and highlighting the necessity of drainage, drying, and enhanced reinforcement in long-term water-rich rock systems.

Job satisfaction among people with disabilities in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Job satisfaction among people with disabilities (PWDs) is a significant concern because of its impact on productivity, job retention and well-being in the workplace. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the job satisfaction of employees with disabilities in Ethiopia and to identify key factors influencing job satisfaction. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 784 Ethiopian government employees with various disabilities. All interviews were conducted in 2021.The survey was designed to collect key socio-demographic information, and factors related to job satisfaction. Results: The majority of respondents had motor difficulties (59%), followed by visual impairments (36.7%). The mean age was 33 years, and 67% were male. Over half of the study participants were first-degree holders, and 80.6% had experienced integrated education. The mean time to secure a job was 15.41 months, with over 18% unemployed for 6–12 months. Job dissatisfaction was influenced by factors such as low salary, gender, service years and lack of personal assistance. Vision impairment correlated with higher dissatisfaction. Overall, around 32.5% reported satisfaction in their job, 44.1% were neutral and 23.4% were dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction rose to 29% when measured using supplementary questions. Conclusion: The study was the first to examine factors leading to job satisfaction of employees with disabilities in the Ethiopian public sector. Recommendations include social policy adjustments for better working conditions, considering central factors associated with dissatisfaction. The government should explore measures such as employment quotas or wage supplementation to address disparities and ensure reasonable accommodation. Inclusive research methods will assist in leading change. Contribution: This research contributes nuanced insights into the factors affecting job satisfaction and its complexities among employees with disabilities in the Ethiopian context, emphasising the need for ongoing research to improve worker support structures and inclusive practices in job acquisition and employment.

Current Practice Patterns and Educational Needs of the ESCMID Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hots

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe ESCMID Study Group for Infection in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH) conducted a survey to assess its members' demographics, clinical focus, training pathways, research activities, and educational needs. The primary objective was identifying the current expertise and challenges professionals face in immunocompromised host infectious diseases (ICH‐ID) and determining how ESGICH can better support their clinical and research endeavors.MethodsA structured questionnaire was distributed to ESGICH members by email and was posted on X to collect information on work settings, patient populations, training, collaborative networks, research involvement, and educational experiences. The survey also assessed interest in future educational initiatives, including certification programs and targeted training opportunities.ResultsOverall, 119 colleagues participated in the survey, with the majority being members of ESGICH, which had approximately 230 participants, yielding a response rate of 52%. Most of the respondents were from Europe and noted significant involvement in ICH‐ID clinical care and research. Many respondents provide care for transplant recipients and haemato‐oncology patients, with varying levels of institutional support, and often had clinical responsibility beyond the ICH‐ID population. Training in ICH‐ID is inconsistent, with many participants expressing a need for more structured training pathways. Research engagement was high, though support structures varied. Participants identified key educational gaps and expressed interest in webinars, in‐person meetings, and certification programs.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need for ESGICH to enhance educational opportunities, strengthen research networks, and advocate for standardized ICH‐ID training. Addressing these gaps will improve professional development and ultimately enhance patient care for ICHs.

Spatiotemporal Stability Responses of Tunnel Excavation Under Cyclical Footage Impact: A FLAC3D-Based Numerical Study

Cyclical footage, a fundamental parameter in tunnel construction, has received limited attention despite its critical role in ensuring excavation stability and safety. To investigate the underlying mechanisms by which different cyclical footage values influence the stability of deeply buried tunnels, the Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in Three Dimensions (FLAC3D) was employed to simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of tunnel responses during excavation. The simulation results reveal that each cyclical footage scenario produces a “segmental decline” pattern in tunnel displacement. Unlike shallow tunnels, where peak displacement typically occurs near the tunnel face, in deep tunnels the maximum Y-direction displacement appears at the center of the excavation face. Furthermore, as cyclical footage increases, the displacement extent first expands and then contracts. The stress release process is found to be minimally affected by cyclical footage, with vertical strain in the tunnel roof nearly fully released within 1 m ahead of the excavation face. Therefore, deploying tunnel support structures beyond this 1 m zone may enhance their effectiveness. This study provides a theoretical reference for optimizing excavation parameters in deep tunnels and contributes to reducing the likelihood of support failure during underground construction.

The Racial Reckoning of a Chinese American Teacher During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anti-Asian hate crimes increased while research and attention highlighting experiences of teachers of Color, particularly Asian Americans, remained low. Informed by Critical Race Theory and Asian Critical Theory, this self-study used autoethnography and artifacts from current events, elementary school teaching, and graduate school to examine the lived experience of a Chinese American teacher in predominantly White institutions during COVID-19. Analyses revealed intertwined patterns within these lived experiences. Three overall themes emerged: the nuanced interaction of the importance of validation, the internalization of the Model Minority Myth, and a delayed racial identity development due to Asianization. Insights from this work highlight important notions for teachers of Color: their continuously developing racial identity, the role of allies and support structures, and the idea that teaching is a ‘whole person’ job. Findings may provide insight into experiences of teachers of Color during times of racial reckoning and increased visibility; they may also contribute to literature on teachers of Color, particularly Asian American teachers.

Sedentary Behavior and Self-Efficacy: Its Relationships to Teachers’ Physical Wellbeing

This research paper aimed to explore the complex interconnections among sedentary behavior, self- efficacy, and physical well-being in educators. This study seeks to investigate the impact of extended inactivity on teachers' self-efficacy concerning their physical health and overall well-being, in light of the escalating expectations on educators and the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles. The research used a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys that evaluate sedentary behavior patterns and self-efficacy levels with qualitative interviews to obtain a more profound understanding of personal experiences and attitudes. The results indicate a substantial relationship among sedentary behavior, self-efficacy, and the physical well-being of the participants. Furthermore, qualitative results underscore the significance of school culture and support structures in promoting healthy habits. This study highlights the necessity of mitigating sedentary behavior in educational environments and the prospective advantages of improving self-efficacy to foster teachers' physical health, hence developing a healthier and more efficient teaching workforce. Interventions designed to diminish sedentary behavior and enhance self-efficacy among educators are examined.

Cadaveric Anatomic Study of Pituitary Stalk Mobilization: Implications for Neurosurgery

Abstract Surgical intervention in the subchiasmal region is complex due to the presence of critical neurovascular structures. This study aimed to elucidate the detailed anatomy of this region and identify safe surgical mobilization techniques.Eight cadaveric specimens underwent anatomical dissection to examine the subchiasmal region, its neurovascular components, and skull base structures. The supportive structures of the pituitary stalk were meticulously exposed to assess its mobility.During dissection of the arachnoid membranes surrounding the pituitary stalk, two distinct, thick arachnoid bands were identified enveloping the stalk and superior hypophyseal arteries. These bands were situated within the inner layer of the arachnoid membranes, forming a funnel-like structure that enclosed and protected the pituitary stalk. These bands originated from the inferior aspects of the bilateral optic nerves and extended medially from both internal carotid arteries.The internal arachnoid bands identified in our study encase and protected the superior hypophyseal arteries. By stabilizing the pituitary stalk and preserving pituitary gland perfusion, these bands may act as a protective mechanism against neuroendocrine complications, such as diabetes insipidus, particularly in mild to moderate head trauma.

Leading Multicultural Schools: Strategies For Cultural Identity, Language Diversity, and Inclusive Policy Reform

Educational leadership in multicultural settings demands strategies that foster inclusivity, equity, and responsiveness to cultural diversity. This qualitative phenomenological study examines leadership practices in multicultural schools in Lambayong, Philippines, focusing on how school leaders navigate cultural complexities while promoting equitable learning opportunities. Grounded in Culturally Responsive Leadership Theory, the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, and Transformational Leadership Theory, this study explores leadership approaches that support culturally inclusive policies, bilingual education strategies, and student-centered learning. Employing Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis, this study analyzes the lived experiences of five school leaders, each possessing a minimum of three years of leadership experience in multicultural rural schools. The thematic analysis reveals six interconnected themes: (1) Cultural Conflict Management and Inclusivity, (2) Multicultural Education and Language Sensitivity, (3) Integration of Cultural Heritage in Academic Learning, (4) Policy Adjustments for Religious and Cultural Inclusion, (5) Teacher Training and Leadership Development, and (6) Student-Centered Learning and Engagement Strategies. Findings highlight both challenges and opportunities in fostering equitable education in multicultural schools. While institutional barriers—such as limited support for bilingual education and rigid policy structures—persist, the study underscores how culturally responsive and transformational leadership drives meaningful reforms. Recommendations advocate for enhanced conflict resolution mechanisms, institutionalized bilingual education, cultural heritage integration in curricula, comprehensive teacher development programs, and inclusive policy frameworks to advance educational equity. This study offers practical insights into leadership complexities within multicultural schools, contributing to discussions on inclusive and culturally affirming learning environments.

Stress-Deformation Mechanisms of Tunnel Support in Neogene Red-Bed Soft Rock: Insights from Wireless Remote Monitoring and Spatiotemporal Analysis

Red-layer soft rock has characteristics such as softening when encountering water, loose structure, and significant rheological properties. In tunnel engineering, it is necessary to sort out and analyze the stress characteristics of its support structure. This paper focuses on the mechanical behavior and support effect during the construction of Neogene red-layer soft rock tunnels. Through field monitoring, it explores the mechanical characteristics of Huizhou Tunnel under complex geological conditions in depth. This study adopted a remote wireless monitoring system to conduct real-time monitoring of key indicators including tunnel surrounding rock pressure, support structure stress, and deformation, obtaining a large amount of detailed data. An analysis revealed that the stress experienced by rock bolts is complex and varies widely, with stress values between 105 and 330.5 MPa. The peak axial force at a depth of 2.5 m reflects that the thickness of the loosened zone in the surrounding rock is approximately 2.5 m. The compressive stress in the steel arches of the primary support does not exceed 305.3 MPa. Shotcrete effectively controls the surrounding rock deformation, but the timing of support installation needs careful selection. The stress in the secondary lining is closely related to the primary support. The research findings provide an important theoretical basis and practical guidance for optimizing the support design of red-bed soft rock tunnels and enhancing construction safety and reliability.

Machine learning-driven design of support structures and process parameters in additive manufacturing

ABSTRACT Support structure design is a critical aspect of additive manufacturing (AM), particularly for parts with overhanging features, as it influences both part quality and material efficiency. However, the combined effects of support geometry and process parameters on key qualities such as residual stress (RS) and geometric accuracy remain insufficiently explored. This study presents a hybrid framework integrating experiments, finite element method (FEM) simulations, and machine learning (ML) to simultaneously analyse process parameters and support geometries in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Results show that increasing support contact area and reducing support spacing enhance structural stability and heat dissipation, thereby lowering RS and residual displacement (Disp). Additionally, higher laser power and lower scan speed further reduce RS and Disp by improving melting quality in unsupported regions. Several ML models – including K-nearest neighbours, support vector regression, decision trees, AdaBoost, and random forest – were trained to predict RS and Disp, with random forest achieving the highest accuracy (R² = 0.947 for RS, R² = 0.965 for Disp). Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) provided interpretable insights into the influence of each factor. This integrated approach offers a comprehensive strategy for optimising LPBF process parameters and support structures, contributing to improved part quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Encouraging Teacher Readiness for Designing Student Voice Practices

Background: Student voice practices (SVPs) are processes through which students can participate in and influence educational decisions affecting their own lives and the lives of their peers. This article examines teacher readiness for implementing SVPs. Focus of Study: Previous research has conceptualized readiness by considering the what of the change, the how of the change process, and the individuals involved. Using a framework of mindsets, heartsets, and skillsets, this study investigates the question, What conditions contribute to teacher readiness to engage in SVPs? Research Design: Employing an embedded case study design, this article analyzes qualitative data from four schools to explore teacher readiness. Cognitive mindsets encompass beliefs that students have a right to express their views and can provide unique insights, and that involving students as partners makes organizational and classroom change more effective. Emotive heartsets involve prioritizing the development of trust, and safe relationships and environments. Intention-building skillsets include the necessity of training for both adults and students, as well as the creation of supportive classroom structures. Conclusions: Our findings suggest directions for enhancing training and preparation for SVPs. Additionally, they contribute to organizational theory and educational leadership research by exploring factors that may facilitate or hinder the development and sustainability of change initiatives.

Inclusive Education Practices for Physically Disabled Learners in Northern Samar Elementary Schools, Philippines

Inclusive education is an avenue of putting diverse learners in one classroom to learn alongside and nurture each other’s uniqueness for self-growth and development. This study determined the extent of support for physically disabled learners in selected elementary schools in the Central Area of the Division of Northern Samar, Philippines. Specifically, it examined the profiles of teachers and school heads in terms of educational attainment, specialisation, length of service, and training attended related to inclusive education, and teachers’ number of learners handled with physical disabilities. The study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The population of this study was taken from all elementary school teachers and school heads of the five (5) Central Schools and one (1) non-central school identified in the central area of Northern Samar who experienced handling learners with physical disabilities. Data were collected using validated modified questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Findings revealed that support for physically disabled learners was found to be limited across all domains, particularly, availability and adequacy of resources, training and preparedness of teachers, and institutional and administrative support. It was found out that most schools lacked assistive devices, accessible infrastructure, and specialised learning materials. Additionally, a significant number of teachers with no formal training in inclusive education, and administrative support structures were perceived as inadequate. For instance, 84 or 57.50% of the teachers have no training at all. Moreover, there were 22 or 15.10% of the teachers have attended training for more than thirty-two (32) hours, 20 or 13.70% were able to attend 9 to 24 hours of training, 13 or 8.90% of teachers were able to attend 8 hours and below, and 7 or 4.8% of the were able to attend 25 to 32 hours of training related to inclusive education. These gaps highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve resource provision, capacity building, and policy implementation to ensure equitable and inclusive education for all learners. The study recommended that the Department of Education – Northern Samar Division should conduct inclusive education training and workshops to enhance teachers' and school heads’ knowledge and skills in addressing learners with physical disabilities.

Study on the probabilistic characteristics of forces in the support structure of heliostat array based on the DBO-BP algorithm

Heliostats in tower solar plants, typically mounted on columnar supports in open terrains. During operation, the mirror panel is subject to significant wind pressure, resulting in considerable forces on the support structure. This paper explores the probabilistic characteristics of forces in the heliostat support structure under various conditions. Through time history curves, histograms of probability density distributions, skewness coefficients, and kurtosis coefficients, it assesses whether the forces in the heliostat support structure follow a Gaussian distribution model across all conditions and summarizes corresponding criteria. Neural network models trained using the DBO and BP algorithm are employed to calculate force coefficients. Dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm is a metaheuristic algorithm mimicking dung beetle ball-rolling behavior, while Back propagation (BP) neural network is a feedforward artificial neural network trained via error backpropagation to adjust parameters. Relevant indicators are used to compare the models’ performance. Based on the calculation results and summarized criteria, the conditions are classified as either following Gaussian or non-Gaussian distributions. The main reasons for the Gaussian and non-Gaussian characteristics of forces in the heliostat support structure under certain conditions are explained, providing a reference for the wind-resistant design of heliostat structures.

An OpenCV-Driven Smart Parking Framework

The rapid rise in urban vehicle ownership has created major parking challenges, including congestion, time loss, and pollution. Traditional systems often rely on costly, non-scalable sensors and lack real-time monitoring. This paper presents a Smart Parking System (SPS) that uses computer vision, machine learning, and IoT to provide a scalable, accurate, and cost-effective solution. Leveraging cameras and a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), the system detects parking occupancy with over 95% accuracy and guides drivers to the nearest available spot using an optimized distance algorithm. The architecture includes image capture, real-time processing via OpenCV, cloud storage, a mobile app, and an admin dashboard. Results show improved efficiency, reduced search time, and lower emissions, making SPS a strong candidate for smart city applications. Future enhancements include demand prediction and support for multi-level parking structures.

Engaging Student Thinking in Real Analysis: One Problem at a Time

With the availability of online resources to find solutions for common mathematics textbook problems, finding assignments that support student learning has become more challenging. It is even more important to help all students develop productive learning strategies and to value the productive struggle they are engaging in. In addition, they should be valued for the progress they are making and not just for the end result. In this article, we describe a collection of problems with support structures for an undergraduate real analysis course designed to better support our students as they productively engage with the course material inside and outside of class. While the included examples are from a specific course, the ways they were constructed are applicable for many content areas.

Hollow-Core Bragg Fiber with Discontinuous Helically Structure for Low-Loss Terahertz Waveguides

ABSTRACT A hollow-core Bragg terahertz waveguide with a discontinuous helical support structure is investigated. Finite element analysis is employed to analyze its mechanical and optical properties, revealing that discontinuous support structure can still effectively maintain its mechanical performance, and reducing the support length can effectively decrease the transmission loss of the fiber. A hollow-core fiber with a discontinuous helical support structure is fabricated using 3D printing technology, and its transmission performance is tested. It shows low-loss transmission of approximately 0.517 dB/m in the frequency range of 0.65–0.8 THz, and the transmission loss at 0.796 THz is as low as 0.127 dB/m.

Citizens' Participation in Local Governance in Ghana: A Myth or Reality?

Local governance is often lauded as a pivotal channel for nurturing rural development, given its potential to engage citizens in planning and executing development endeavours. Despite this acknowledgement, there has been a paucity of attention directed towards identifying specific areas within the development spectrum where citizen participation can be optimised. Consequently, this research aims to bridge this gap by examining the dynamics of citizen participation in local governance in Ghana, utilising a case study approach. The findings revealed that citizens actively engage in the development process through various avenues, including the election of representatives, active involvement in problem identification and needs assessment, and the initiation of self-help development projects. Remarkably, these participatory endeavours persist despite the presence of limited supportive structures. District assemblies are urged to establish effective systems for disseminating comprehensive information to citizens, enhancing and fostering sustained citizen engagement within the local governance framework.