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1 – 10 of over 2000L. Ebrahimnejad, K.D. Janoyan, D.T. Valentine and P. Marzocca
The application of reduced order models (ROMs) in the aerodynamic/aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges, unlike the aeronautical structures, has not been extensively studied…
Abstract
Purpose
The application of reduced order models (ROMs) in the aerodynamic/aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges, unlike the aeronautical structures, has not been extensively studied. ROMs are computationally efficient techniques, which have been widely used for predicting unsteady aerodynamic response of airfoils and wings. This paper aims to discuss the application of a reduced order computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) in the aeroelastic analysis of the Great Belt Bridge (GBB).
Design/methodology/approach
The aerodynamic impulse response of the GBB section is used to construct the aerodynamic ROM, and then the aerodynamic ROM is coupled with the reduced DOF model of the system to construct the aeroelastic ROM. Aerodynamic coefficients and flutter derivatives are evaluated and compared to those of the advanced discrete vortex method-based CFD code.
Findings
Results demonstrate reasonable prediction power and high computational efficiency of the technique that can serve for preliminary aeroelastic analysis and design of long-span bridges, optimization and control purposes.
Originality/value
The application of a system identification tool like ERA into the aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges is performed for the first time in this work. Authors have developed their earlier work on the aerodynamic analysis of long-span bridges, published in the Journal of Bridge Engineering, by coupling the aerodynamic forces with reduced DOF of structural system. The high computational efficiency of the technique enables bridge designers to perform preliminary aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges in less than a minute.
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Cecelia A. Gloski, Adrienne D. Woods, Yangyang Wang and Paul L. Morgan
We evaluated the best-available evidence for the effects of receiving business-as-usual or naturally delivered special education services in K-12 US schools. Our best-evidence…
Abstract
We evaluated the best-available evidence for the effects of receiving business-as-usual or naturally delivered special education services in K-12 US schools. Our best-evidence synthesis of 44 empirical studies evaluated which outcome domains and disability types have been investigated and whether findings varied by the rigor of the study design and methods. Regression-based studies comparing students with educational disabilities (SWED) to students without disabilities (SWOD) yielded mostly negative associations of receiving special education with academic achievement, behavior, and long-term or other outcomes. In contrast, regression-based studies that contrasted SWED receiving special education to other SWED not receiving special education produced a pattern of estimates similar to quasi-experimental designs that contrast SWED to SWOD. The most rigorous designs utilized quasi-experimental methods that compared SWED receiving special education services with SWED not receiving special education services, and generally reported more positive than negative evidence of receiving special education services across most outcome domains. Future research that utilizes rigorous quasi-experimental methodology and appropriate comparison groups to investigate the effectiveness of special education is needed, particularly for nonachievement outcome domains.
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Michal Kulak, Maciej Karczewski, Pawel Lesniewicz, Krzysztof Olasek, Bas Hoogterp, Guillaume Spolaore and Krzysztof Józwik
This paper aims to provide the results of investigations concerning an influence of the tyre with longitudinal grooves on the car body aerodynamics. It is considered as an…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide the results of investigations concerning an influence of the tyre with longitudinal grooves on the car body aerodynamics. It is considered as an important aspect affecting the vehicle aerodynamic drag.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate a contribution of grooved tyres to the overall vehicle drag, three wind tunnel experimental campaigns were performed (two by Peugeot Société Anonyme Peugeot Citroen, one at the Lodz University of Technology). In parallel, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted with the ANSYS CFX software to enable formulation of wider conclusions.
Findings
The research shows that optimised tread patterns can be derived on a single tyre via a CFD study in combination with a controlled experiment to deliver designs actively lowering the overall vehicle aerodynamic drag.
Practical implications
A reduction in the aerodynamic drag is one of ways to decrease vehicle fuel consumption. Alternatively, it can be translated into an increase in the maximum travel velocity and the maximum distance driven (key factor in electric vehicles), as well as in a reduction of CO2 emissions. Finally, it can improve the vehicle driving and steering stability.
Originality/value
The tyre tread pattern analysis on isolated wheels provides an opportunity to cut costs of R&D and could be a step towards isolating aerodynamic properties of tyres, irrespective of the car body on which they are applied.
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James F. Nielsen, Chris Terry and Rowan M. Trayler
Addresses the question of how well the banking industry in Australia understands the needs of their business customers. It is based on a nationwide survey of chief executive…
Abstract
Addresses the question of how well the banking industry in Australia understands the needs of their business customers. It is based on a nationwide survey of chief executive officers of 2,500 business firms and 25 banks conducted during 1996. In the survey, both groups were asked to rank those factors they consider most important in the bank selection process. Overall, significant differences were found in six out of 15 factors. When the responses were analyzed on the basis of market segment served, we found that Australian bankers have missed the mark when it comes to the issues of competitive prices and service delivery. These results will no doubt have an impact on the marketing efforts of Australian banks as they move into the twentieth century. They should also be useful to firms currently operating in Australia or firms interested in doing so in the future.
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Mohammad Farhan Shaikh and Nallasivam K
In this study, a finite element model of a box-girder bridge along with the railway sub-track system is developed to predict the static behavior due to different combinations of…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, a finite element model of a box-girder bridge along with the railway sub-track system is developed to predict the static behavior due to different combinations of the Indian railway system and free vibration responses resulting in different natural frequencies and their corresponding mode shapes.
Design/methodology/approach
The modeling and evaluation of the bridge and sub-track system were performed using non-closed form finite element method (FEM)-based ANSYS software.
Findings
From the analysis, the worst possible cases of deformation and stress due to different static load combinations were determined in the static analysis, while different natural frequencies were determined in the free vibrational analysis that can be used for further analysis because of the dynamic effect of the train vehicle.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of the current investigation is confined to the structure's static and free vibration analysis. However, this study will help the designers obtain relevant information for further analysis of the dynamic behavior of the bridge model.
Originality/value
In static analysis, the maximum deformation of the bridge deck was found to be 10.70E-03m due to load combination 5, whereas the maximum natural frequency for free vibration analysis is found to be 4.7626 Hz.
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Terence Tai-Leung Chong and Siqi Hou
This study is a pioneer in the academic literature to investigate the relationship between Valentine’s Day and stock market returns of major economies around the world.
Abstract
Purpose
This study is a pioneer in the academic literature to investigate the relationship between Valentine’s Day and stock market returns of major economies around the world.
Design/methodology/approach
Specific control variables for Valentine's Day are introduced to eliminate the potential influence of other effects.
Findings
The findings indicate that stock returns are higher on the days when Valentine's Day is approaching than on other days for most cases, showing “the Valentine Effect” in the stock market.
Originality/value
Unlike other holiday effects in the previous literature, the Valentine's Day effect cannot be explained by many conventional theories, such as tax-loss selling and the inventory adjustment hypothesis.
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The purpose of this article is to contribute to an understanding of how diverse groups of employees perceive their workplaces as learning environments, and to cast light on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to contribute to an understanding of how diverse groups of employees perceive their workplaces as learning environments, and to cast light on the learning processes of these diverse groups of employees.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was designed to examine employee perceptions of: the extent to which their managers create conditions in the work environments favourable to learning and enact behaviours in one‐on‐one settings that are likely to foster learning; and their sources and methods of learning. Data were gathered from 464 employees in 31 small manufacturing firms through self‐completion questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and t‐tests.
Findings
Results for six demographic groups are presented to provide a comparative view of employee perceptions. The research found that the two comparison groups within three demographic variables (tenure, age, education) differed markedly in how they perceived their workplaces as learning environments. However, the various comparison groups seemed to agree that workmates and observational processes were central to learning.
Research limitations/implications
The research reveals demographic variables that appear to be important in studies of employee learning in small firms. These variables are: tenure, education, and age. Future research should examine owner‐managers' perceptions of the workplace learning environments and employee learning processes.
Practical implications
Managers may need practical help in managing the learning of diverse groups of employees, and in understanding the potential differences in employee learning processes.
Originality/value
Departs from small business research practice by providing an employee perspective and examining informal learning processes, as opposed to training practices.
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Darko Belavic, Marko Hrovat, Marko Pavlin and Janez Holc
Diffusion patterning is a dielectric patterning technology, which is used in the screen printed thick film technology for higher density multilayer circuits. This technology is…
Abstract
Diffusion patterning is a dielectric patterning technology, which is used in the screen printed thick film technology for higher density multilayer circuits. This technology is suitable for producing lower cost multichip modules and requires a low additional investment in conventional thick film technology production lines. Comparisons of via resolution capability of diffusion patterning versus conventional thick film technology are described and discussed. Preliminary experimental results obtained with a test circuit showed that 200μm lines and 200μm vias could be achieved with acceptable yield and with minimal modification to standard production lines. The electronic circuit for the pressure sensor was designed and realised with the verified technology as a low‐cost ceramic multichip module. A few results of an investigation of some thick film materials, which comprise the “set” of pastes for diffusion patterning technology, are presented.
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Ana Campos-Holland, Brooke Dinsmore, Gina Pol and Kevin Zevallos
Rooted in adult fear, adult authority aims to protect and control youth (Gannon, 2008; Valentine, 1997). Continuously negotiating for freedom, youth search for adult-free public…
Abstract
Purpose
Rooted in adult fear, adult authority aims to protect and control youth (Gannon, 2008; Valentine, 1997). Continuously negotiating for freedom, youth search for adult-free public spaces and are therefore extremely attracted to social networking sites (boyd, 2007, 2014). However, a significant portion of youth now includes adult authorities within their Facebook networks (Madden et al., 2013). Thus, this study explores how youth navigate familial- and educational-adult authorities across social networking sites in relation to their local peer culture.
Methodology/approach
Through semi-structured interviews, including youth-centered and participant-driven social media tours, 82 youth from the Northeast region of the United States of America (9–17 years of age; 43 females and 39 males) shared their lived experiences and perspectives about social media during the summer of 2013.
Findings
In their everyday lives, youth are subjected to the normative expectations emerging from peer culture, school, and family life. Within these different and at times conflicting normative schemas, youth’s social media use is subject to adult authority. In response, youth develop intricate ways to navigate adult authority across social networking sites.
Originality/value
Adult fear is powerful, but fragile to youth’s interpretation; networked publics are now regulated and youth’s ability to navigate then is based on their social location; and youth’s social media use must be contextualized to be holistically understood.
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Karen Pierce, Ted D. Englebrecht and Wei-Chih Chiang
This study examines whether Revenue Procedure 2003-61 is an improvement over Revenue Procedure 2000-15, in the areas of taxpayers’ expectations for IRS equitable relief decisions…
Abstract
This study examines whether Revenue Procedure 2003-61 is an improvement over Revenue Procedure 2000-15, in the areas of taxpayers’ expectations for IRS equitable relief decisions and gender-related in-group bias. The survey instrument includes a vignette adapted from a judicial decision. The results show that Rev. Proc. 2003-61 does improve upon Rev. Proc. 2000-15. Furthermore, taxpayers perceive different expectations of what the IRS should do and what the IRS would do in equitable relief decision making. Also, gender-related in-group biases are found to be present for both genders. Tax policy implications regarding equitable relief are discussed.
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