A hierarchical coupled multi-scale model for short fiber reinforced composites

Short Fiber Reinforced Composites (SFRCs) are being increasingly used\ua0in\ua0a variety of applications due to their interesting mechanical properties and ease of processing. For SFRCs, different micro-structural parameters (in\ua0addition to the constitutive behaviour of the matrix and reinforcement fibers), such as fiber orientation distribution, fiber aspect ratio and fiber/matrix interface strength play important roles\ua0in\ua0the macroscopic mechanical behaviour. Hence, to have an accurate and reliable modelling approach, using multi-scale models is a natural choice.\ua0In\ua0this study, a coupled multi-scale model is proposed using a recently developed micromechanical model and the Finite Element Method. The proposed model enables analysis of macroscopic specimens considering micro-structural properties

High volume versus low volume balance training on postural sway in adults with previous ankle inversion injury

Balance training is commonly used in the rehabilitation process of ankle injuries; however, the exercise prescription guidelines for prescribing balance training are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine if high or low volume balance training is more effective in improving postural sway after an 8 week balance training program utilising the same exercises. Seventeen subjects (14 male, 3 female) with a mean age of 24.06 &plusmn; 5.6 years were randomly allocated into a control group (CG), low volume training (LVT) or high volume training (HVT). All subjects had sustained at least two inversion ankle injuries within the last 18 months. Subjects completed 8 weeks of balance training of up to 30 mins duration, 3 times per week. LVT consisted of 40 repetitions for week 1, progressing to 90 repetitions by week 8. HVT consisted of 60 repetitions for week 1, progressing to 130 repetitions by week 8. The maximum centre of pressure (COP) excursion was obtained from the porce plate in the medial-lateral (ML) direction and subsequently used for pre-test and post-test analysis. After the 8 week training intervention, there was a significant (P&lt;0.001) difference in postural sway between pre and post testing for both the LVT (pre = 88.69mm &plusmn; 25.08mm, post = 72.17mm &plusmn; 27.53mm) and HVT (pre = 77.47mm &plusmn;10.57mm, post = 58.54mm &plusmn; 7.01mm) groups. There was no significant (P&gt;0.01) difference detected for improvements between the LVT and HVT, however reported effect sizes (ES) showed large effect size chances in the high volume training (ES = 1.7) whereas low volume training showed medium effect sizes changes (ES = 0.6). This preliminary study demonstrates the importance of training volume in the rehabilitation of ankle injuries, with the HVT being superior to LVT.<br /

Use of the Base of the Pyramid model to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development goals: a study of the B4MD Papua New Guinea Southern Highlands Produce poverty project

Within the framework of a qualitative case study of Business for Millennium Development (B4MD), an Australian-based non-governmental organisation, this thesis examines how the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) acts as an overarching framework for a new market-based approach to achieving social development. This series of case studies was undertaken in the context of B4MD&amp;rsquo;s Highlands Fresh Produce (HFP) Base of the Pyramid (BoP) project, based in the Sothern Highlands province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Seven B4MD executive board members were interviewed, resulting in three interrelated case studies, leading to the development of a BoP Poverty MDG conceptual model of a Social Business Enterprise (SBE). This market-based co-creative model provides multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in developing countries with a framework to alleviate poverty. The success of a BoP project is dependent upon organizations such as B4MD to assemble and lead a consortium of MNCs that leverage each company&amp;rsquo;s core business skills (e.g., VISY as experts in packaging; Agility Logistics Australia in logistics; and Goodman Fielder in food manufacturing). Similarly, a consortium needs to build upon the existing resources (e.g., rich farming land) and infrastructure (e.g., road access) available in the host country. In addition, collaboration with community elders (e.g., who represent 20,000 women farmers in PNG) to understand local practices and cultures is crucial to achieving social development and poverty mitigation. The value outcomes not only positively impact developing nations, but also help MNCs expand into new markets. Moreover, MNC employees experience a sense of self-reward as an outcome of supporting local communities. This thesis spawns a number of critical insights pertinent to the development of a BoP poverty MDG conceptual model of a Social Business Enterprise. For example, highlighted was the need for NGOs, such as B4MD, to pipeline the core skill of all stakeholders required for a BoP poverty MDG venture. By acting as an infrastructure for discourse, this NGO is well-appointed to foster and channel a triad of stakeholders&amp;rsquo; (NGO, MNC consortia, and the economically disadvantaged) core business skills to frame a BoP poverty MDG venture. Other key insights include the formation of foreign MNC consortia in developing nations is pivotal to mitigating poverty and achieving the UN MDG 8; by tapping into a developing country&amp;rsquo;s extant resources and infrastructure, foreign MNCs can develop a platform for continued business growth; and co-creation is key to successful BoP ventures. Highlighted in this case is the critical role of including the Southern Highlands communities in the design of the BoP project, thereby ensuring that the poverty MDG could be achieved in a culturally and sensitive manner

A study of milling of pure polymers and a structural transformation of polyethylene

We investigated possible physical and chemical changes in inert polymers by means of mechanical milling. No chemical changes were observed. However, in polystyrene we found two glass temperatures after milling, in contrast to one glass temperature in the original material. Under certain conditions crystalline polyethylene transformed almost completely from the orthorhombic to the monoclinic structure

The effects of individual, organizational and environmental factors on the adoptions of e-commerce by SMEs in the Netherlands. An examination of factors influencing managerial beliefs, attitudes and the use of an e-commerce system using the technology acceptance model.

Since the 1990s the use of the Internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) has exploded, yet few SMEs seem to benefit from its potential. The lack of personal involvement and low level of use are an indication that managers still have not committed themselves to e-commerce. Consequently they are not reaping the full benefits first hand. The objectives of the study are to identify key factors and relationships likely to influence e-commerce use by SME managers in the Netherlands and to investigate whether relevant and significant factors can be combined in a new model to predict how SME managers will use new technology. To achieve these objectives, a well-established model of IT usage behaviour, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), was used. Building upon TAM, a theoretical research model was developed to investigate a large number of external variables that are possible antecedents of managerial beliefs, attitudes, and the use of IT. E-commerce systems were chosen as the IT tool under review. A cross-sectional field survey was conducted to investigate the theoretical research model. The results are based on the analysis of questionnaire data from 114 managers from Dutch SMEs. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) the results show significant support for external variables, mostly of an individual nature, in the categories of demographics, managerial and IT knowledge, individual characteristics, and company characteristics. Contrary to expectations, two categories - social factors and environmental characteristics - had few or no variables with a significant relationship. This study further presents empirical evidence to suggest a limited number of antecedents under managerial control influencing beliefs, attitudes, and use. A better understanding of the various factors that may impede or increase effective utilization of IT can facilitate the design of organizational or managerial interventions that address these issues. Building on the core TAM model a new model, the e-Tam Model, has been developed based on the results of the theoretical research model. In this model, it is hypothesized that IT usage is directly and indirectly influenced by seven external variables divided into three categories: demographics, personality, and company characteristics. Using the e-Tam Model, effective and increased use of managerial IT tools can be promoted. This will enable managers to have a better use of e-commerce systems leading in turn to better margins and opportunities

Maatskaplike problematiek van sorgsentrums

M.A. (Social Work)This study was based on qualitative research methodology and was basically exploratory, seeing as though it was aimed at the gathering of knowledge and insight. The study can also be defined as a self-initiated research as a result of the researcher's interest in the phenomenon of homelessness. As a result of the extensiveness of the problem, the study was limited to the homeless that stay in care centres in the Genniston area, of which there were four, during April 1994, when the study was undertaken. A thorough literal study was conducted, which brought to light that other countries, especially America, have already undertaken various studies to research the phenomenon of homelessness. The cross-sectional survey was chosen as the research design, which also generated hypotheses. Interview schedules were used in the collection of data and respondents were selected through systematic sampling from the target group which consisted of the total number of inhabitants of the four care centres

Training for Special Populations: How to tailor training for populations with disabilities and training for the technophobic staff member or user

Slides from a presentation delivered at the 2006 LLNE Fall Meeting, held at Boston College\u27s Connors Center in Dover, MA on November 3, 2006