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Article
Publication date: 19 September 2008

Darrell W. Pepper and Xiuling Wang

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and employment of an hp‐adaptive finite element method (FEM) algorithm for solving heat transfer problems in partitioned…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and employment of an hp‐adaptive finite element method (FEM) algorithm for solving heat transfer problems in partitioned enclosures, which has attracted the attention of both experimental and theoretical researchers in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

In the hp‐adaptive FEM algorithm presented here, both the element size and the shape function order are dynamically controlled by an a posteriori error estimator based on the L2 norm; a three‐step adaptation strategy is used with a projection algorithm for the flow solver.

Findings

Simulation results are obtained for 2D and 3D natural convection within partitioned enclosures. Results show refined and enriched elements that develop near the partition edges and side walls of the enclosure, as expected. The heat transfer between the heated and cooled side walls is reduced in the presence of a partial partition.

Research limitations/implications

The Rayleigh numbers were set to 105 in the 2D case and 103 in the 3D case. Efforts are underway to apply the hp‐adaptive algorithm to partitioned enclosures at much higher Rayleigh numbers, including comparison with available experimental data.

Practical implications

Heat transfer within partitioned enclosures occurs in many engineering situations: heat transfer across thermo pane windows, solar collectors, fire spread and energy transfer in rooms and buildings, cooling of nuclear reactors and heat exchanger design.

Originality/value

The hp‐adaptive FEM algorithm is one of the best mesh‐based algorithms for improving solution quality, whilst maintaining computational efficiency. The method shows considerable promise in solving a wide range of heat transfer problems including fluid flow.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 18 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 26 June 2019

Hsiao-Ching Huang, Tsai-Fu Tsai, Ya-Ching Wang and Yi-Maun Subeq

The preservation and disappearance of indigenous people’s traditional knowledge system, under mainstream social culture immersion and fusion, have presented a dynamic and changing…

295

Abstract

Purpose

The preservation and disappearance of indigenous people’s traditional knowledge system, under mainstream social culture immersion and fusion, have presented a dynamic and changing acculturation interactive relationship impacting Truku women’s health concepts. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore how the traditional Gaya knowledge system and mainstream culture confinement care model affect the beliefs and behaviours of postpartum self-care amongst contemporary Truku women.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic semi-structured method, based on cultural care factors and the Leininger Sunrise Model, was conducted to interview 17 Truku women with childbearning experience in eastern Taiwan. As data were collected, UDIST Vivo 11.0 software was applied for analysis.

Findings

Amongst the three knowledge system categories, namely, traditional, mainstream and reconstruction, the traditional knowledge system, including Gaya norms, provides the overall cultural value of a Truku family. While taboo is inherited through the experience of the elders, the mainstream knowledge system favours the Han. However, the reconstruction knowledge system highlights the “functional” response strategies based on Truku women’s comfort and conveniences.

Originality/value

Limited relevant studies have focused on the health and postpartum self-care knowledge of ethnic Truku women in Taiwan. The results are expected to provide clinical medical personnel with a reference and strengthen cultural sensitivity and the ability to implement the cultural congruency care of postpartum indigenous women in Taiwan.

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Article
Publication date: 21 August 2009

Fei Wang, Chengdong Wu, Xinthe Xu and Yunzhou Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to present a coordinated control strategy for stable walking of biped robot with heterogeneous legs (BRHL), which consists of artificial leg (AL) and…

611

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a coordinated control strategy for stable walking of biped robot with heterogeneous legs (BRHL), which consists of artificial leg (AL) and intelligent bionic leg (IBL).

Design/methodology/approach

The original concentrated control in common biped robot system is replaced by a master‐slave dual‐leg coordinated control. P‐type open/closed‐loop iterative learning control is used to realize the time‐varying gait tracking for IBL to AL.

Findings

The new control architecture can simplify gait planning scheme of BRHL system with complicated closed‐chain mechanism and mixed driving mode.

Research limitations/implications

Designing and constructing a suitable magneto‐rheological damper can greatly improve the control performance of IBL.

Practical implications

Master‐slave coordination strategy is suitable for BRHL stable walking control.

Originality/value

The concepts and methods of dual‐leg coordination have not been explicitly proposed in single biped robot control research before. Master‐slave coordinated control strategy is suitable for complicated BRHL.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2019

Cathrine A. Oladoyinbo, Adenike Mercy Abiodun, Mariam Oluwatoyin Oyalowo, Irene Obaji, Abisola Margaret Oyelere, Olufunke Opeyemi Akinbule and Abimbola Abosede Sobo

This study was designed to assess the risk factors associated with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes among artisans in Ogun State, Nigeria. Evidences suggest increasing prevalence…

220

Abstract

Purpose

This study was designed to assess the risk factors associated with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes among artisans in Ogun State, Nigeria. Evidences suggest increasing prevalence, incidences and morbidity of diabetes and HTN in Nigeria. However, the purpose of this study is to plan and prioritize effective intervention programs, there is need to provide data on the prevalence and risk factors for HTN and diabetes among local groups.

Design/methodology/approach

In total 300 apparently healthy artisans who have never been diagnosed of diabetes or HTN were randomly selected from five communities. A structured questionnaire was used in obtaining information on the personal characteristics of the respondents. An adapted dietary habit and lifestyle questionnaire were used to assess the dietary habits and lifestyle of the respondents. The WHO global activity questionnaire was adapted and used to gather information on the physical activity level of the respondents. Random blood glucose, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard instruments. Chi-square (χ2), correlations and multinomial logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant determinants of diabetes and HTN.

Findings

Mean age was 34.8 ± 9.9 and prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes were 1 and 4.7 per cent, respectively, while HTN and pre-HTN were 48.0 and 30.3 per cent, respectively. About half (55.7 per cent) of the respondents skip at least a meal daily and 31 per cent snack daily. Most (61.4 per cent) consume alcohol and 65.7 per cent engage in high physical activity. Abdominal obesity was significantly higher among women (p = 0.004). Using the chi-square analysis, age, abdominal obesity and educational status were factors found to be significantly associated with diabetes (p = 0.002; p = 0.007; p = 0.004) while age, gender, abdominal obesity and alcohol consumption had significant association with HTN. Although not statistically significant, respondents were 0.8, 1.0 and 1.1 times more likely to be diabetic with increasing body mass index, waist circumference (WC) and age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.78; confidence intervals (CI): 0.51-1.18; OR = 1.04; CI: 0.89-1.21; OR = 1.06; CI: 0.96-1.18, respectively). Abdominal obesity was significantly associated with HTN (OR = 1.08; CI: 1.03-1.13; p = 0.001). Also, older respondents were 1.1 times more likely of becoming hypertensive (OR = 1.07; CI: 1.02-1.11; p = 0.003). Increased risk of diabetes and HTN was found among respondents with increasing age and WC.

Research limitations/implications

This study was cross-sectional in design; it cannot be used to establish a cause-effect relationship between diabetes, HTN and the observed variables (anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits and lifestyle risk factors). Because of the few numbers (1 per cent) of respondents identified to be diabetic several important risk factors could not be included in the model.

Practical implications

An understanding of the risk factors associated with diabetes and HTN among sub-groups in the population will help to plan effective interventions targeted at specific groups.

Originality/value

The findings of this study show the associated risk factors for diabetes and HTN among artisans in Ogun State.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

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