An Improved C0 FE Model for the Sandwich Lattice Composite Panel

Combining the improved C0 plate element using high-order zigzag theories and the beam element degenerated from the plate element, a type of analysis model for the sandwich lattice composite panel was developed. Compared with the actual test results including the mid-span deflections and the surface sheet normal stresses, the outstanding of that method was presented through numeric calculation. The results showed that the model has great potential to become an excellent and highly efficient analysis and design tool for sandwich lattice composite panel to avoid the conventional three-dimension hybrid element model, which usually may lead to the complex program establishment, and the coupling degrees of freedom among the different types of elements.

The profile of the Portuguese regarding the perception of financial literacy

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the profile of the Portuguese regarding the perception of financial literacy.Design/methodology/approachThe utilized methodology is based on a questionnaire survey that assesses the perception of financial literacy. The sample is composed of 830 Portuguese individuals over 18 years old.FindingsThe results show that the financial literacy scale presents a tri-factor structure with adequate validity and reliability levels. The three obtained factors are designated 1-2-year financial planning and goals, long-term saving and taste for numeric calculations.Originality/valueThe originality in this study is shown in the application of the cluster analysis, which demonstrates the formation of three clusters that present different perceptions of financial literacy, classifying the Portuguese into a cluster of high financial literacy and taste for numeric calculation, a cluster of low financial literacy and a cluster of financial planning and saving but without the taste for numeric calculation.

Design and Analysis of a Light-Operated Microgripper Using an Opto-Electrostatic Repulsive Combined Actuator

The microgripper plays a critical role in micromanipulation systems; however, the handling accuracy of traditional driving microgrippers suffers from external vibration due to requiring connecting wires for an external power supply. By contrast, light driving has many advantages of remote non-contact manipulation, wireless energy transfer and no induced electromagnetic noise. In this study, an opto-electrostatic repulsive combined driving mechanism was proposed, and then a novel light-operated microgripper that used an opto-electrostatic repulsive actuator was designed and simulated. The static performance of the light-operated microgripper was investigated via simulation and numeric calculation results. The overall size of the microgripper was 1.3 mm × 0.7 mm × 1.027 mm, and the micro-objects ranging from 0 to 1000 μm in size could be manipulated and held using light. The proposed microgripper had many outstanding characteristics, such as a larger stroke, high response speed, remote non-contact manipulation, easy to integrate with an integrated circuit (IC) process and free from external interference. In addition, the dynamic control experiments of the photo-induced voltage of the PbLaZrTi (PLZT) ceramic were carried out, which shows that a stable electrical field could be obtained using the effective control methods that were developed.

Identification of Biomechanical Properties of Temporomandibular Discs

Purpose of the Paper. The study was aimed at identifying the biomechanical properties of the temporomandibular disc. Material. Experimental and model tests were conducted on ten fresh porcine temporomandibular joint discs. The average thickness of disc tissue was, accordingly, 2.77 mm for the anterior zone, 3.98 mm for the posterior, and 1.54 mm for the intermediate. The selection of research material in the form of porcine discs was due to the similarity to human discs. Methods. Discs were loaded in cycles, a temporary course with the amplitude 3 N and frequency 0.07 Hz, and growth in the load was 1 N/s. The selection of load frequency was due to real conditions of temporomandibular joint functioning during mastication. The necessary experimental research was conducted on a testing machine with a measurement range of 2.5 kN. Results. The obtained numeric calculation results indicate that the number of load cycles has a decisive impact on the limitation of energy dispersion capacity through disc tissue. This phenomenon was observed in all the studies on the disc areas. Along with the growth in load cycles, discs are stiffened, and the most significant stiffness was observed in the intermediate area. Conclusions. Based on the conducted research, it should be concluded that excessive load affecting temporomandibular joints caused by the act of mastication and occlusal forces generated during parafunction and in people with defined long-term bruxism has crucial importance on biomechanical disc properties and hence the course of temporomandibular joint conditions.

Comparative Study on Numerical Calculation of 2-D Random Sea Surface Based on Fractal Method and Monte Carlo Method

Based on fifty one groups of data on direction distribution measured from buoy sites, several important spectrum parameters including distribution characteristics of the measured data’s spectrum, the Wen’s direction spectrum and the Donelan function are analyzed from the perspectives of standard deviation of directional distribution function and statistical results. Then, a numeric calculation model based on the Monte Carlo method is proposed in this work. At the same time—based on Weierstrass self-affine fractal function—numeric simulation of random sea surface is conducted by modifying the bilateral power law. The analysis of the numeric calculation results under different wind directions, speeds and fetches proves that both methods can be adopted for different water directional distributions and target spectrum models. In addition, this study compares the characteristic wave within different distribution frequency domains in the main wave direction and in its orthogonal direction. It is proved that the fractal method cannot fully reflect the anisotropy of gravity wave and tension wave in the superposition direction, however, it can maintain the similarity of overall energy part with the rough length of the waves. Moreover, there are still limitations of the fractal method in the numeric modeling of undeveloped sea surface.

CONTRASTIVE APPROACH TO NUMERIC USAGE IN JAPAN AND IN THE ABAJADUN METHOD

Purpose: The article presents both numeric implementation in Japan and the Arabic gematrical calculation (hisababajadun) in Indonesia. It is common for the people in Japan and Indonesia to believe in the power of numerals and to assume whether or not certain digits induce bad luck. Methodology: The research applies a qualitative descriptive method through a contrastive approach. Main Findings: Data analysis is based on both Koizumi's approach (1995) to the meaning of numbers in the Japanese language and Al Bani's view on hisababajadun. Our study shows that the numeric calculation in Japan uses luckiness as its ground while the hisababajadun builds its mechanism on birth date calculation according to Quranic Neuro-Hypnosis. Implications/ Applications: The research may enrich existing theoretical references on the belief toward numbers in both Japan and Indonesia. While in practice, it may as well be a reference for the application of numeric calculation methods in both cultures. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is unique and novel as it enhances the understanding of the importance of numerals in two distinct cultures i.e., Japan and Indonesia. Moreover, this study sheds light on some crucial aspects of numeral calculation including how these numerals are used, what beliefs are attached to them and how and where these numerals are used for solving life problems.

Despite high objective numeracy, lower numeric confidence relates to worse financial and medical outcomes

People often laugh about being “no good at math.” Unrecognized, however, is that about one-third of American adults are likely too innumerate to operate effectively in financial and health environments. Two numeric competencies conceivably matter—objective numeracy (ability to “run the numbers” correctly; like literacy but with numbers) and numeric self-efficacy (confidence that provides engagement and persistence in numeric tasks). We reasoned, however, that attaining objective numeracy’s benefits should depend on numeric confidence. Specifically, among the more objectively numerate, having more numeric confidence (vs. less) should lead to better outcomes because they persist in numeric tasks and have the skills to support numeric success. Among the less objectively numerate, however, having more (vs. less) numeric confidence should hurt outcomes, as they also persist, but make unrecognized mistakes. Two studies were designed to test the generalizability of this hypothesized interaction. We report secondary analysis of financial outcomes in a diverse US dataset and primary analysis of disease activity among systemic lupus erythematosus patients. In both domains, best outcomes appeared to require numeric calculation skills and the persistence of numeric confidence. “Mismatched” individuals (high ability/low confidence or low ability/high confidence) experienced the worst outcomes. For example, among the most numerate patients, only 7% of the more numerically confident had predicted disease activity indicative of needing further treatment compared with 31% of high-numeracy/low-confidence patients and 44% of low-numeracy/high-confidence patients. Our work underscores that having 1 of these competencies (objective numeracy or numeric self-efficacy) does not guarantee superior outcomes.

O papel da planilha na mudança de registros em uma atividade de Cálculo NuméricoThe role of the spreadsheet in changing records in a Numeric Calculation activity

O artigo apresenta um estudo envolvendo a planilha na promoção da Literacia Computacional e de conceitos de cálculo numérico. O propósito foi analisar sua relevância na mudança de registros na resolução de uma atividade por acadêmicos da disciplina de Cálculo Numérico de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior do Vale do Paranhana, RS. A pesquisa de caráter qualitativo utilizou os Registros de Representação Semiótica de Duval e os conceitos de Literacia Computacional de Cano. Perceberam-se avanços na compreensão dos conceitos matemáticos para além do aspecto superficial. A planilha permitiu um processo de conversão mais amplo, explorando uma situação-problema, interpolando-a e tomando decisões com base em estimativas, apesar das dificuldades iniciais enfrentadas na sua utilização.

Pengembangan Alat Ukur Berbasis Loadcell Untuk Pengujian Tahanan Model Kendaraan Tempur Amphibi

Pengujian tahanan kapal yang biasa dilakukan di laboratorium hidrodinamika pada umumnya menggunakan dinamometer pengukur tahanan yang sudah terintegrasi dalam sistem peralatan di kolam uji (Towing Tank). Terkait dengan pengujian tahanan model yang khusus seperti model kendaraan tempur amphibi, dilakukan perancangan dan pengembangan alat ukur tahanan model berbasis loadcelluntuk memenuhi situasi dan kondisi model tersebut. Validasi dan verifikasi alat ukur tahanan dilakukan dengan langsung melakukan pengujian terhadap model fisik kendaraan tempur amphibi yang mempunyai skala 1:3, data hasil pengukuran dibandingkan dengan data yang diperoleh dari simulasi atau perhitungan secara numerik. Adanya perbedaan data hasil pengujian model fisik sebesar 1,71% dengan data perhitungan numerik menunjukkan bahwa alat uji tahanan yang dikembangkan dapat diandalkan dan digunakan untuk pengujian-pengujian tahanan model berikutnya.Keywords : Ship Resistance testing, Measuring Resistance, loadcell, numeric Calculation.