FDTD modeling of heatsink RF characteristics for EMC mitigation

Due to their size and complex geometry, large heatsinks such as those used in the power electronics industry may enhance the radiated emissions produced by the circuits employing them. Such enhancement of the radio frequency (rf) radiation could cause the equipment to malfunction or to contravene current EMC regulations. In this paper, the electromagnetic resonant effects of heatsinks are examined using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and recommendations are made concerning the optimum geometry of heatsinks and the placement of components so as to mitigate potential EMC effects

Dexterity: An Indicator of Future Performance in Beginning Welders?

This study examined the use of dexterity to indicate future performance of beginning welders to select participants for welding training programs. With a high demand for welders, it is imperative that welding training programs be efficient, which can be time consuming (Stone, Watts, & Zhong, 2011). The time required to train certified welders is one of the obstacles training programs face. Many occupational fields have tried to predict a student’s future performance before admitting them into a training program by analyzing their dexterous ability. This study utilized the Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test (CMDT) to examine participants’ dexterity during a welding training program. At the end of the training program, participants performed tests welds that were overseen by a certified welding instructor (CWI) who visually inspected each weld. The data from the dexterity tests and the pass/fail rate of the test welds were analyzed using Predictive Analytics SoftWare (PASW) Statistics 18 software package. All three dexterity tests were found to have statistically significant relationships with the visual pass/fail rates of the participants for basic shielded metal arc welds (SMAW). It can be concluded that dexterity can predict future performance of beginning welders completing basic SMAW welds

Reducing Beginning Welders’ Anxiety by Integrating Virtual Reality Simulations

This study examined the use of virtual reality to reduce the anxiety of individuals in a welding training program. Byrd and Anderson (2012) posited that with the need for welders finding a more efficient way of training has become a necessity. With the multiple safety concerns related to the welding profession numerous triggers of anxiety are present. This study utilized the VRTEX® 360 virtual reality welding simulator to examine if virtual reality could reduce anxiety in welders. Several training programs were utilized that integrated the virtual reality welding simulator. Researchers recorded anxiety related measures by utilizing a BioHarness® data logger system. Live readings were recorded via the BioHarness® and a laptop. The measures that were collected related to anxiety included heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, and pulse. Participants were also video recorded during the completion of test welds to help aid in identifying triggers of anxiety during the welding process. It can be concluded that all participants experienced anxiety during the completion of test welds and it affected the ability to produce a passing weldment. This implies that if industry can reduce the amount of anxiety trainees would experience it may lead to a higher percentage of welding certifications

Competition Climbing as Serious Leisure

Serious Leisure has received considerable attention in the leisure research for the past forty years. Building on recent efforts to operationalize serious leisure constructs, this study examined the relationship between serious leisure characteristics and rewards in the context of indoor competition climbing, a sport recognized as a potential serious leisure pursuit. The purposes of the study were to validate the 18-item Serious Leisure Inventory Measure (SLIM) as well as the three-factor model of serious leisure proposed by previous researchers. A national sample of 646 indoor competition climbers completed a 59-item survey. Results suggest partial validation of the 18-Item SLIM and a three factor model of serious leisure characteristics and rewards. Serious leisure characteristics significantly, positively contributed to personal and social rewards in the structural model, confirming the relationships and distinctions between these constructs. Further replication and validation of the 18-Item SLIM with different populations is recommended

Measuring Self-Reported Fidelity in Experiential Education: Exploring the Effectiveness of the Facilitator Characteristics and Program Contributions Scale

Social science researchers have called for evidenced based practices when implementing, delivering, and evaluating programs. One important component of these practices is to monitor program implementation. However, in experiential education and more broadly the social sciences this process is rarely assessed or evaluated; when it is assessed it is frequently resource intensive. As such, program providers have needed an implementation measurement approach more conducive to low-resource organizations. This paper introduces a self-report mechanism to measure facilitator characteristics that contribute to delivering a program as designed. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of 121 program facilitator responses to the Facilitator Characteristics and Program Contributions Scale (FCPC) indicated that the FCPC is a valid and reliable measure of facilitator characteristics and their pro-fidelity beliefs, and thus may be a promising alternative to other resource intensive approaches to implementation assessment