A Numerical Study of the effect of Bolt Thread Geometry on the Load Distribution of Continuous Threads

Load distribution has been studied extensively for ISO thread, but the load distribution on power screw threads, specifically ACME and Square threads, has not been studied yet. In this article, axisymmetric two-dimensional and three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis have been conducted on bolts with different sizes and thread geometries to examine the effect of the thread geometry on the load distribution. The thread geometries were studied with ISO, ACME, and Square threads attention. The sizes used are from the ISO coarse series. In order to investigate on the effect of bolt thread geometry, several simulations have been performed. The two-dimensional simulation results have shown reliable performance in determining the load distribution behaviour when the thread geometry is modified. Moreover, the results agreed with the three-dimensional simulation outcomes regarding the load distribution behaviour when the size is varied.

Propagation Properties of an Astigmatic Cos-Gaussian Beam through Turbulent Atmosphere

We use the extended Huygens-Fresnel integral to investigate the propagation properties of a cos-Gaussian beam (cosGB) with astigmatism in atmospheric turbulence. The intensity distribution behaviour along the propagation distance for an astigmatic cosGB in atmospheric turbulence are analytically and numerically demonstrated. Some novel phenomena are presented graphically, indicating that the intensity distribution and the on-axial intensity closely depend on the astigmatic parameter and the turbulent structure constant of the cosGBs in the atmospheric turbulence.

Foreword to the third special issue on small wild cats

We are delighted to present the third special issue on small wild cats. The authors of this special issue worked on seven small wild cats in eight countries and provide important updates on their distribution, behaviour and their plights.

Travel Arrangements and the Distribution Behaviour of New Zealand Outbound Travelers

This paper contributes to the literature on tourism distribution by examining the distribution behavior of 547 New Zealand outbound travelers segmented by the way in which they have made their travel arrangements: package tourists, independent travelers, and an intermediate group, package plus. The results reveal differences among the three segments in terms of travel characteristics, information search, booking, and purchase, but not profile attributes or the influence of distribution on destination or product choice. Variations are also found in channel behavior across the four different sectors examined: transport to and at the destination, accommodation, and attractions, and activities.

Travel Arrangements and the Distribution Behaviour of New Zealand Outbound Travelers

This paper contributes to the literature on tourism distribution by examining the distribution behavior of 547 New Zealand outbound travelers segmented by the way in which they have made their travel arrangements: package tourists, independent travelers, and an intermediate group, package plus. The results reveal differences among the three segments in terms of travel characteristics, information search, booking, and purchase, but not profile attributes or the influence of distribution on destination or product choice. Variations are also found in channel behavior across the four different sectors examined: transport to and at the destination, accommodation, and attractions, and activities.

A pilot study of the effect of improved hygiene kits on handwashing with soap among internally displaced persons in Ethiopia.

Background Internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to flee from their homes due to conflict and drought are at particular risk of morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases. Regular handwashing with soap could substantially reduce the risk of these infections, but the behaviour is challenging to practice routinely while living in resource-poor, informal settlements. To mitigate these challenges, humanitarian aid organisations distribute hygiene kits including soap and handwashing infrastructure. Our study aimed to assess the effect of improved kits on handwashing behaviours among IDPs in Moyale, Ethiopia. Methods The pilot study evaluated three interventions separately; liquid soap, a good quality scented bar soap and a mirror as additions to a regular hygiene kit. The kit was distributed to all study groups, with 3 of the study groups receiving one of the interventions each. Three to six weeks after distribution, behaviour change was assessed through structured observations, surveys and focus group discussions. Results Handwashing with soap was rare at key times both in all study groups. In the group that received liquid soap, handwashing with soap was seen at 20% of key times. In the control arm this was 17%, while in the two other intervention arms prevalence was <11%. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection indicated that liquid soap encourages handwashing with soap at key times. The good quality scented bar soap and mirror were not found to have an observed effect on behaviour but were viewed as desirable by participants who also reported that the standard bar soap distributed in hygiene kits was not nice to use. Conclusion This study was to our knowledge the first randomised intervention study on handwashing among IDPs living in a non-camp setting. The study shows that improved kits have potential to make handwashing more desirable and easier to practice, and further research including formative assessments prior to the design of hygiene kits should be conducted to ensure maximal uptake. The challenges of doing research in conflict-affected regions had considerable implications on the design and implementation of this study.Trial registration The trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov 6 September 2019 (reg no: NCT04078633)