Application of radial return mapping algorithm for finite strain elastoplasticity in a hybrid finite element and particle-in-cell model

The radial return mapping algorithm within the computational context of a hybrid Finite Element and Particle-In-Cell (FE/PIC) method is constructed to allow a fluid flow FE/PIC code to be applied solid mechanic problems with large displacements and large deformations. The FE/PIC method retains the robustness of an Eulerian mesh and enables tracking of material deformation by a set of Lagrangian particles or material points. In the FE/PIC approach the particle velocities are interpolated from nodal velocities and then the particle position is updated using a suitable integration scheme, such as the 4th order Runge-Kutta scheme[1]. The strain increments are obtained from gradients of the nodal velocities at the material point positions, which are then used to evaluate the stress increment and update history variables. To obtain the stress increment from the strain increment, the nonlinear constitutive equations are solved in an incremental iterative integration scheme based on a radial return mapping algorithm[2]. A plane stress extension of a rectangular shape J2 elastoplastic material with isotropic, kinematic and combined hardening is performed as an example and for validation of the enhanced FE/PIC method. It is shown that the method is suitable for analysis of problems in crystal plasticity and metal forming. The method is specifically suitable for simulation of neighbouring microstructural phases with different constitutive equations in a multiscale material modelling framework.

Migrant acculturation and consumption motivations : an empirical study of the Vietnamese

The study examines differences in cultural values and travel motivations between Vietnamese migrants (Viet Kieu) and Vietnamese in Vietnam. The study finds that Viet Kieu have acculturated and moved away from traditional cultural values and towards “Western” cultural Values. They are less motivated to travel by a desire to maintain home links than was anticipated by “home” Vietnamese. In promoting travel marketers may be able to use the level of acculturation to appeal to migrants links with both countries and thus complex messages may be required.

Trading activities and cross-sectional variation in stock expected return : evidence from Kuala Lumpur stock exchange

Trading activity has been considered as one of the possible factor that explains the cross-sectional variation in stock returns. In this study I use trading volume as a possible measure to proxy for liquidity as part of the trading activity. Monthly observations were used over a period 1995 to 2005 to examine the liquidity effect on stock expected returns. Based on findings it is appeared that level of liquidity does matter in explaining the expected stock returns in Malaysian capital market. While Fama-french factors also provide important explanation for stock returns. But none of the second moment variables proxying liquidity appeared to be statistically significant. However, momentum effect apprearently explain ing the cross-sectional variation in stock returns. 

Maintenance of traditional cultural orientation is associated with lower rates of obesity and sedentary behaviours among African migrant children to Australia

Background: Migrants from developing to developed countries rapidly develop more obesity than the host population. While the effects of socio-economic status on obesity are well established, the influence of cultural factors, including acculturation, is not known.

Objective: To examine the association between acculturation and obesity and its risk factors among African migrant children in Australia.

Design and participants: A cross-sectional study using a non-probability sample of 3- to 12-year-old sub-Saharan African migrant children. A bidimensional model of strength of affiliation with African and Australian cultures was used to divide the sample into four cultural orientations: traditional (African), assimilated (Australian), integrated (both) and marginalized (neither).

Main outcome measures: Body mass index (BMI), leisure-time physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SBs) and energy density of food.

Results: In all, 18.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14–23%) were overweight and 8.6% (95% CI: 6–12%) were obese. After adjustment for confounders, integrated (ß=1.1; P<0.05) and marginalized ß(=1.4; P<0.01) children had higher BMI than traditional children. However, integrated children had significantly higher time engaged in both PA (ß=46.9, P<0.01) and SBs (ß=43.0, P<0.05) than their traditional counterparts. In comparison with traditional children, assimilated children were more sedentary (ß=57.5, P<0.01) while marginalization was associated with increased consumption of energy-dense foods (ß=42.0, P<0.05).

Conclusions: Maintenance of traditional orientation was associated with lower rates of obesity and SBs. Health promotion programs and frameworks need to be rooted in traditional values and habits to maintain and reinforce traditional dietary and PA habits, as well as identify the marginalized clusters and address their needs.

Resisting assimilation : the mild aesthetics and wild perceptions of the migrant house

The physical adaptation, remaking and maintenance, or building of the house plays a significant role in immigrants’ sense of belonging to a community, especially in contexts of first generation elderly immigrants with minimal English language skills. Psychoanalytic theories propose that objects are integral to a subject’s identity, but that the path of effect between the subject and object is not causal or direct, rather it goes via the unconscious. This paper seeks to examine the relationship between immigrants and their houses through these theories adapting them to an analysis of the houses. It draws its data from field research of three elderly immigrant households. The iconography of the house has always been perceived as central to the analysis of dreams, here the thesis is that the house is the most significant object of the immigrant because it mediates the many worlds inherent to the migrant’s imaginary landscapes. The analysis will seek to understand this role of the house.

Secondly, while many houses in which migrants live can barely be differentiated in clear physical ways from the typology of houses built in Australia, the perception that they are different is a strong myth. At the least it has resulted in very little, if any, study of this vernacular of new Australian houses. It would be easy to argue that to build a house in Australia is the most important mode of assimilation because a way of life is intrinsically set by this suburban paradigm. But for the reason of this perception of difference I will explore an idea about ethnic aesthetics as a mode of resisting assimilation. In writing on taste in his seminal book, Distinction, the sociologist, Pierre Bourdieu, has argued that taste is a way of classifying people into classes, race, culture, but it is also a way for dominant and ruling classes to resist challenges from other parties, and maintain a particular hierarchy of society. In this case those other parties are ethnic communities in Australia whose tastes are not always the same as that of the dominant Anglo-Celtic community.

The migrant house as a site of conflicting cultural identity

This paper amis to explore how migrants attempt to maintain cultural identity while creating a feeling of being at home in the houses of their adopted counrties.  It draws on data collected through a visual study of suburban streetscapes with large proportions of south-east Asian born residents in Melbourne's western suburbs.

Challenges of negotiating obesity-related findings with African migrants in Australia : lessons learnt from the African migrant capacity building and performance appraisal project

Aim: To document sub-Saharan African migrants' and teachers' reaction to and acceptance of findings from African Migrant Capacity Building and Performance Appraisal initiative, and to examine the implications for any community-based obesity prevention program.

Methods: Two community forums were organised to discuss the research findings: one with 45 African community leaders from various African communities in Melbourne; and the other with 17 primary and secondary teachers from English Language Schools and Centres across Victoria. The dissemination focused on highlighting the rapid weight gain and obesity risks observed among African migrant children.

Results: Sub-Saharan African migrants' reaction to the findings was that of pride and satisfaction with large body size, seeing it as a job well done, reflecting their perceptions that obesity is not a disease. In addition, they highlighted the intergenerational conflict related to body size ideals between parents and teenage offspring, with the latter preferring model-like Australian body sizes.

Conclusion: Further research is required to examine the association between shifting preferences in body ideals and obesity among traditional communities, such as sub-Saharan African migrants. The understanding of how changes in body image perceptions may influence eating and exercise behaviours among sub-Saharan African migrants would assist in the development of obesity-related preventive interventional programs for this at-risk population.