Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The joining of metals is often associated to metallurgical problems. Specifically, metallurgical transformations in the HAZ (Heat Affected Zone) can occur, what lead to undesirable microestructural changes. The HAZ is a difficult region for studying due to its small dimensions and high thermal gradientes. Thus, in order to overcome this limitation of the HAZ study, there are in the literature different proposes of HAZ-simulator machines (physical simulation), which uses the Joule effect for heating specific coupons that cool down by conduction and convection. This approach intends to simulate the thermal cycle in a real HAZ obtained in a real welding. However, the use of traditional coupons with cylindrical geometry presents restrictions of portraying the real case, i.e., the welding. In the cylindrical geometry option, the obtained thermal cycles do not present temperature gradients closer to the ones in real weldments. Hence, to overcome this limitation, finite elements modeling was carried out and different coupon geometries were simulated. The objective is to reach thermal cycles as close as possible to the ones obtained in a real situation, for a subsequent physical simulation. This approach showed proper and the physical and numerical present coherent results. The next step is the physical simulation validation by comparing to real weldments. This would be the most intuitive way. However, it was proposed to conduct this validation by determining CCT (Continuous Cooling Transformation) diagrams. This approach has the advantage of reaching important technological results at the same time of validating the physical simulation, since CCD diagrams dedicated to welding are very difficult to find in literature. It is possible to concluded that the physical simulation does represent the HAZ and can be used to build up CCT diagrams / Freqüentemente a união de materiais metálicos está associada a problemas metalúrgicos. Especificamente, podem ocorrer modificações metalúrgicas na ZAC (zona afetada pelo calor), levando a alterações microestruturais não adequadas. Contudo esta é uma região de difícil estudo devido a sua pequena dimensão e grandes gradientes térmicos. Assim, a fim de superar esta limitação com relação ao estudo da ZAC, existem na literatura proposições de máquinas de simulação física, que fazem uso do Efeito Joule para o aquecimento de determinados corpos de prova, que se resfriam por condução e convecção, de forma a simular o ciclo térmico obtido por soldagem real. Entretanto, o uso de corpos de provas cilíndricos apresenta restrições em retratar o caso real. Nesta opção de geometria cilíndrica, os ciclos térmicos não apresentam gradientes de temperatura que sejam fiéis àqueles encontrados em uma soldagem. Desta forma, foram realizadas simulações numéricas em elementos finitos, variando-se a geometria dos corpos de prova, de forma a obter ciclos térmicos o mais próximos da realidade para uma posterior simulação física. Esta abordagem de variação da geometria do corpo de prova calculada via simulação numérica mostrou-se adequada, onde os resultados obtidos pela simulação física e numérica mostraram-se coerentes. Como forma de validar os resultados finais obtidos via simulação física, ao invés de se conduzir soldagens reais, o que seria mais intuitivo, optou-se pelo levantamento de Diagramas CCT (Transformação em Resfriamento Contínuo) dedicados à soldagem. Este direcionamento tem a vantagem de se, concomitantemente à validação da simulação física, atingir resultados tecnologicamente muito importantes que são as curvas CCT de difícil acesso na literatura. Conclui-se pela viabilidade da simulação física em retratar a ZAC e pela viabilidade em se conseguir Diagramas CCT para soldagem. / Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

Implantadas sob a prerrogativa do desenvolvimento e da produção de energia limpa, as hidrelétricas têm se apropriado de vastos territórios rurais e indígenas, em que as comunidades atingidas são tidas como empecilhos do progresso. Diante disso e tomando-se como foco a hidrelétrica de Itá, localizada no sul do Brasil, o objetivo central desta investigação foi analisar a construção social da banalização da injustiça e do sofrimento vivenciado pelas populações atingidas pela construção de hidrelétricas e as interfaces deste processo com os modos de vida e de trabalho desses sujeitos. O estudo, de cunho qualitativo, fundamentou-se na pesquisa participante. A coleta de dados iniciou em fevereiro de 2016 e foi concluída em dezembro do mesmo ano. Foram entrevistadas 43 pessoas atingidas pela construção da barragem de Itá e realizadas análises documentais da legislação vigente, dos estudos ambientais e dos materiais publicitários da hidrelétrica investigada. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise temática. No decorrer da pesquisa, foi desenvolvido o documentário Atingidos Somos Nós, que se apresentou como importante estratégia de intervenção e sensibilização política e social frente à temática investigada. Os resultados da pesquisa apontaram que, no caso da hidrelétrica de Itá, após 17 anos do enchimento do reservatório, a população investigada encontra-se abandonada e não tem minimamente seus direitos básicos garantidos. Aspectos como a morte do rio, a extinção do trabalho rural, os prejuízos no acesso à água potável, à energia, aos meios de transporte, à infraestrutura, à saúde, à educação, ao lazer e ao trabalho, a falta de apoio, de reconhecimento e de visibilidade política e social geram um intenso processo de sofrimento, que se apresenta através do desânimo coletivo, da tristeza, da solidão, do medo, da insegurança e da perda da identidade. Essas vivências mostraram-se diretamente atreladas à depressão, ao suicídio e ao estabelecimento de mortes súbitas. Concluiu-se que, sob a égide do capital, o processo de banalização da injustiça na construção de hidrelétricas está atrelado ao modelo de desenvolvimento vigente, no qual imperam a omissão da legislação, a fragilidade dos estudos ambientais e a construção de uma história oficial que exclui a perspectiva dos atingidos. Esse processo gera o sofrimento social e ambiental, levando à destituição dos modos de vida tradicionais e à própria morte dos atingidos. Diante disso, o Estado apresenta-se, historicamente, como cúmplice e legitimador da degradação e do descarte dessas populações, a partir da permissividade legal e da intensificação de programas e de políticas desenvolvimentistas que priorizam o fator econômico em detrimento da proteção social e ambiental tornados estratégias encobridoras da injustiça e da banalização desse processo. / While being built under the prerogative of development and clean energy production, the hydroelectric plants have been appropriating vast rural and indigenous areas, in which the affected communities are considered as obstacles to progress. Taking this into account and focusing on the hydroelectric plant of Ita, located in southern Brazil, the main objective of this research was to analyze the social construction of the banalization of injustice and suffering experienced by the people who are affected by the construction of hydroelectric plants and the relation between this process and the way of living and working of these individuals. The study, which had a qualitative approach, was based on participant research. Data collection began in February 2016 and was completed in December 2016. Forty-three people affected by the construction of the hydroelectric plant of Ita were interviewed and documents about current laws, environmental studies and advertising materials of the investigated hydroelectric plant were analysed. Data were submitted to thematic analysis. While the research was being performed, a documentary called “Atingidos Somos Nós” was developed, which turned out to be an important strategy of political and social intervention and awareness considering the researched topic. The results indicate that, in the case of the hydroelectric plant of Itá, even after 17 years of reservoir filling, the researched population is still abandoned and has no minimum guaranteed of their basic rights. Aspects such as the death of the river, the extinction of rural labor, the impairment on the access to potable water, energy, means of transportation, infrastructure, health, education, leisure and work, the lack of support, recognition and political and social visibility lead to an intense suffering process, which can be seen through the collective discouragement, sadness, loneliness, fear, insecurity and identity loss. These experiences were directly linked to depression, suicide and sudden deaths. It is noticed, under the aegis of capital, that the process of trivializing injustice in order to build hydroelectric plants is related to the current model of development, in which the omission of legislation, the fragility of studies about the environment, and the creation of an official story that excludes the perspective of those affected dominates. This process causes social and environmental suffering, leading to the destruction of traditional ways of life and death of those who are affected. On the situation, the State historically presents itself as an accomplice and legitimator of the degradation and rejection of these populations, through legal permissiveness and intensification of development programs and policies that prioritize the economic factor to the detriment of social and environmental protection which have become strategies to hide the injustice and the trivialization of this process. / Implantadas bajo la prerrogativa del desarrollo y de la producción de energía limpia, las hidroeléctricas se han apropiado de amplios territorios rurales e indígenas, en los cuales las comunidades afectadas son vistas como un obstáculo al progreso. Con esto y teniendo como eje central la hidroeléctrica de Itá, ubicada en el sur de Brasil, el propósito de esta investigación ha sido analizar la construcción social de la banalización de la injusticia y del sufrimiento vivenciado por las poblaciones afectadas por la construcción de hidroeléctricas y las relaciones de este proceso con las formas de vida y de trabajo de dichas personas. El estudio, de tipo cualitativo, se ha fundamentado en la investigación participativa. La recolección de datos empezó en febrero de 2016 y finalizó en diciembre del mismo año. Se han entrevistado a 43 personas afectadas por la construcción de la represa de Itá y se han realizado los análisis documentales de la legislación vigente, de los estudios ambientales y de los materiales publicitarios de la hidroeléctrica investigada. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a un análisis temático. En el desarrollo de la investigación, ha sido producido el documental “Atingidos Somos Nós”, que se ha presentado como una importante estrategia de intervención y sensibilización política y social frente a la temática investigada. Los resultados de la investigación han demostrado que, en el caso de la hidroeléctrica de Itá, tras 12 años de existencia, la población investigada se encuentra abandonada y no tiene sus derechos básicos garantizados. Aspectos como la muerte del río, la extinción del trabajo rural, los perjuicios en el acceso al agua potable, a la energía, a los medios de transporte, a la infraestructura, a la salud, a la educación, al ocio y al trabajo, la falta de apoyo, de reconocimiento y de visibilidad política y social han producido un intenso proceso de sufrimiento, que se presenta a través del desánimo colectivo, de la tristeza, de la soledad, del miedo, de la inseguridad y de la pérdida de identidad. Esas vivencias se han mostrado directamente relacionadas a la depresión, al suicidio y al surgimiento de muertes súbitas. Se concluye que, bajo la protección del capital, el proceso de banalización de la injusticia en la construcción de hidroeléctricas está subordinado al modelo de desarrollo vigente, en el cual imperan la omisión de la legislación, la fragilidad de los estudios ambientales y la construcción de una historia oficial que excluye la perspectiva de los afectados. Ese proceso genera el sufrimiento social y ambiental, ocasionando la destitución de las formas de vida tradicionales e, incluso, la propia muerte de los afectados. En definitiva, el Estado se presenta, históricamente, como cómplice y legitimador de la degradación y de la desconsideración de estas poblaciones, a partir de la permisividad legal y de la intensificación de programas y de políticas desarrollistas que priorizan el factor económico en detrimento de la protección social y ambiental transformado en estrategia encubridora de la injusticia y de la banalización de ese proceso.

Este estudo longitudinal investigou a influência de tratamentos de superfície com o laser de Er:YAG com 50?s de largura de pulso sobre a adesão de dois sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes (SA) em dentina hígida (DH) e dentina afetada por cárie (DAC) através dos teste de resistência de união (RU) de microcisalhamento (?SBS), teste de ultramicrodureza da camada de adesivo (NdA) e da camada híbrida (NdCH), além de análise da interface adesiva com microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). A análise qualitativa dos tratamentos de superfície realizados foi executada através de MEV e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). A dentina oclusal planificada de 215 molares humanos foi protegida com verniz ácido resistente, exceto em janela de 4x5mm para produção de DAC artificial após 7 dias de desafio cariogênico com biofilme de S. mutans, permitindo dados pareados por substrato. Os espécimes foram divididos nos grupos experimentais de acordo com: tratamento de superfície [controle-sem tratamento-(G1); Laser 80-80mJ, 2 Hz, 12.58J/cm2-(G2); Laser 50-50mJ, 10 Hz, 9.4J/cm2-(G3)]; sistema adesivo [Clearfil SE Bond(CF) e Single Bond Universal(SB)]; substrato [DH(h) ou DAC(a)] e tempo de armazenamento em saliva artificial [24 horas (24) ou 1 ano (1)], compondo 24 grupos experimentais: CFG1h24; CFG1h1; CFG1a24; CFG1a1; CFG2h24; CFG2h1; CFG2a24; CFG2a1; CFG3h24; CFG3h1; CFG3a24; CFG3a1; SBG1h24; SBG1h1; SBG1a24; SBG1a1; SBG2h24; SBG2h1; SBG2a24; SBG2a1; SBG3h24; SBG3h1; SBG3a24; SBG3a1. Nos grupos tratados com laser a largura temporal de pulso foi ajustada em 50?s. A resina composta Z350XT foi utilizada para a confecção dos corpos de prova. Os sistemas adesivos foram aplicados de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. As análises de MEV e MET de superfície avaliaram somente o efeito dos tratamentos em ambos os substratos testados. Os valores de RU e de nanodureza foram analisados através do teste de ANOVA (três fatores) e do teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey (?=0,05). Para o teste de ?SBS, para ambos os SA, e todos tratamentos de superfície, a DAC apresentou valores de RU menores comparados à DH; a influência do armazenamento em saliva artificial foi substrato dependente: corpos de prova obtidos com DAC apresentaram queda nos valores de RU após 1 ano de armazenamento, enquanto nenhuma diferença entre os grupos experimentais foi observada em dentina hígida. NdA revelou que apenas os corpos de prova construídos com CF apresentaram redução dos valores após 1 ano. A NdCH obtida com CF e SB, resultou em menores valores em DAC comparada à DH, após 1 ano de armazenamento ambos os substratos apresentaram redução da NdCH, para todos tratamentos de superfície. A MEV revelou que todas as interfaces adesivas, especialmente aquelas obtidas em DAC, sofreram degradação intensa após 1 ano. Os tratamentos com Laser 80 e Laser 50 promovem alteração superficial característica de ablação em DAC e DH, conforme observado em MEV de superfície, e alterações de fibrilas colágenas observadas em MET. Independentemente dos SA, a adesão e nanodureza em DAC é menor que em DH. Todas as interfaces adesivas obtidas foram sensíveis ao armazenamento em saliva artificial por 1 ano. A adesão não foi influenciada pelo tratamento com o laser Er:YAG com 50?s de largura de pulso. / This longitudinal study investigated the influence of super short pulse Er:YAG laser treatment on microshear bond strength (?SBS), adhesive and hybrid layer nanohardness test and qualitative interface scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of two self-etch adhesive systems to sound (SD) and caries-affected like dentin (CAD). Additionally, qualitative investigation of surface treatments by SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed. CAD lesions (4x5mm) were produced by 7 days S. mutans biofilm cariogenic challenge in 215 human ground flat human dentin specimens, enabling paired data by substrate. Specimen were divided in groups according to surface treatment [control-no treatment-(G1); Laser 80-80mJ, 2Hz, 12.58J/cm2-(G2); Laser 50-50mJ, 10Hz, 9.4J/cm2-(G3)]; self-etching adhesive system [Clearfil SE Bond(CF) and Single Bond Universal(SB)]; substrate [SD(h) or CAD(a)] and artificial saliva storage [24 hours(24) or 1 year(1)]: CFG1h24; CFG1h1; CFG1a24; CFG1a1; CFG2h24; CFG2h1; CFG2a24; CFG2a1; CFG3h24; CFG3h1; CFG3a24; CFG3a1; SBG1h24; SBG1h1; SBG1a24; SBG1a1; SBG2h24; SBG2h1; SBG2a24; SBG2a1; SBG3h24; SBG3h1; SBG3a24; SBG3a1. Pulse duration was set in 50?s for laser groups. ?SBS, nanohardness and interface SEM specimen preparation was constructed with Z350XT composite resin. Adhesive systems were applied according to manufacturer\'s instructions. Surface SEM and TEM specimen only evaluated treatment effects on distinct substrates. The ?SBS and nanohardness means were analysed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey´s multiples comparisons test (?=0.05). For ?SBS test, for both adhesive systems, and all surface treatments, CAD revealed lower ?SBS values compared to SD; the influence of artificial saliva storage was substrate dependent. CAD specimens resulted in lower ?SBS values after 1 year, while no difference among experimental groups was observed in SD. The adhesive layer (AL) nanohardness statistical evaluation revealed that only CF specimens decreased the AL nanohardness after 1 year of storage. The hybrid layer (HL) produced with CF and SB, resulted in lower nanohardness values for CAD than SD, which reduces after 1 year storage, for all surface treatments. Interface SEM analysis revealed that all adhesive interfaces, especially those in CAD, have experienced degradation after 1 year of storage. Laser 80 and Laser 50 promotes surface ablation characteristics in CAD and SD, as noted in surface SEM and collagen fibrils alterations observed in TEM. Despite of adhesive systems, bonding and nanohardness to CAD is lower than to SD. All tested adhesive interfaces were sensitive to saliva storage. Surface treatment with 50?s Er:YAG laser did not influence on bonding.

The purpose of this study was to empower educators to mobilise assets and resources within their community in order to enable the community to cope better with the daily difficulties associated with HIV/AIDS. The study was conducted to explore and describe the process of mobilising assets in a HIV/AIDS infected and affected rural community. The working assumption was that the mobilisation of community assets could support and enhance community-based coping with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A qualitative approach was followed. Purposeful sampling was applied to select an information-rich case for in-depth study (instrumental case study design). The case was a primary school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Ten educators participated in the study. The study was theoretically founded on an asset-based approach, with the focus on community-based coping. An interpretavist approach was used to describe and interpret the process of asset mobilisation in coping with HIV/AIDS. A number of data selection strategies were implemented: focus groups in combination with workshops, visual data, observation and a reflective field journal. The ten educators who participated in the study were empowered to identify and mobilise assets and resources within their community and to continue with the facilitation process on their own. The educators identified three priority areas and succeeded in establishing a vegetable garden on the school premises, a support group and an information centre at school, for HIV/AIDS infected and affected members of the community. These initiatives resulted in the wider community being better equipped and empowered to cope with the daily difficulties associated with HIV/AIDS that are being experienced on emotional, spiritual, materialistic, social and knowledge levels. It is concluded that the community, the school and individuals were empowered with regard to effective coping strategies, more specifically in dealing with the challenges associated with HIV/AIDS. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Children living in the Mamelodi Township of Tshwane and affected by HIV and AIDS have their own unique challenges they face everyday. These challenges include the poverty context of the township and the stigmatising effect of the community towards these children, compounded by very difficult extended family circumstances and also the struggle with their own identity crisis in the specific developmental phases in which these children find themselves. The focus of this study was to listen to the stories of children affected by HIV and AIDS in the midst of the bereavement process. The emotional responses of children affected by HIV and AIDS within child-headed households experiencing difficulties were identified and explored. A narrative research design was used to capture a chapter in the life stories of three (3) children affected by HIV and AIDS as well as a caregiver who died of AIDS before I completed this study. Data was collected by means of individual interviews, group sessions, and letters which the children wrote to God and the field notes in the form of journal entries written by the researcher, as well as individual feedback and collaboration sessions with the specific caregivers. Data was analysed by means of several phases of theme analysis after which - through a final analysis - psycho-social, emotional and economic response themes were identified. This study found that children affected by HIV/AIDS experience complex emotions in response to their plight. The strongest emotional response themes that emerged, which were reported by all the children were frustration, happiness and love. The more negative emotional responses were mentioned in relation to the feeling that they were being stigmatised in school as well as in their community. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe themes of resilience in the expressions and behaviours of six-year-old children with regard to the mother-child relationship, where the mothers are infected with HIV&AIDS. Themes of resilience were investigated within the framework of positive psychology. A study of limited scope was conducted from a phenomenological paradigm. I followed a mixed method methodological paradigm based on a case study design. I purposefully selected eleven six-year-old participants whose mothers are infected with HIV&AIDS from a five-year randomised control trail study (Kgolo Mmogo). Qualitative data collection methods included the transcriptions of structured baseline interviews relating to the Kinaesthetic Family Drawing (KFD), as well as the KFD per se. I utilised the scores from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (Vineland) as uantitative data collection strategy. The transcriptions were analysed by means of an inductive thematic analysis. For the analysis of the KFD I developed and piloted a framework of analysis. The raw scores from the Vineland were compared with the appropriate age norms and compared with themes of resilience identified from the KFD as well as the transcripts of the interviews. I identified both internal and external resources of resilience. The findings of my study illustrate the presence of themes of resilience as well as non-resilience within the participants and the mother-child relationships. More factors of resilience (protective factors) than non-resilience (risk factors) were identified. Secondly, it seems possible to use the KFD with the Vineland when exploring resilience as insights from both mother and child participants are measured. The integrated results from the different data sources indicate that although the results of the KFD and the transcriptions did not correlate with the results obtained from the Vineland, the results from the different data sources supplement one another. The use of the KFD as a measure to generate data related to resilience made it possible to evaluate adaptation and resilience in a specific cultural context unlike the Vineland. The results from the data sources indicate resilience and/or non-resilience in the mother-child relationship in terms of three categories namely, protective factors (Expressive Language Skills, Interpersonal Relationships and Play and Leisure Time), risk factors (Coping Skills and Gross Motor Skills) and a balance between protective and risk factors (Receptive Language, Daily Living Skills, personal and domestic, as well as Fine Motor Skills). It is feasible to use the KFD as a measure to identify themes of resilience and non-resilience when the drawing is accompanied by an interview. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

The Al-Zn-Mg-Cu (7XXX series) alloys are amongst the strongest aluminum available. However, they are considered unweldable with conventional fusion techniques due to the negative effects that arise with conventional welding, including hydrogen porosity, hot cracking, and stress corrosion cracking. For this reason, friction stir welding has emerged as the preferred technique to weld 7XXX series alloys. Aluminum 7449 is one of the highest strength 7XXX series aluminum alloy. This is due to its higher zinc content, which leads to a higher volume fraction of eta' precipitates. It is typically used in a slight overaged condition since it exhibits better corrosion resistance. In this work, the welds of friction stir welded aluminum 7449 were studied extensively. Specific focus was placed in the heat affected zone (HAZ) and nugget. Thermocouples were used in the heat affected zone for three different depths to obtain thermal profiles as well as cooling/heating profiles. Vicker microhardness testing, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) were used to characterize the welds. Two different tempers of the alloy were used, a low overaged temper and a high overaged temper. A thorough comparison of the two different tempers was done. It was found that highly overaged aluminum 7449 tempers show better properties for friction stir welding. A heat gradient along with a high conducting plate (Cu) used at the bottom of the run, resulted in welds with two separate microstructures in the nugget. Due to the microstructure at the bottom of the nugget, higher strength than the base metal is observed. Furthermore, the effects of natural aging and artificial aging were studied to understand re-precipitation. Large improvements in strength are observed after natural aging throughout the welds, including improvements in the HAZ.

No description available.

One of prominent issues related to failures in nuclear power components is attributed to material degradation due the aggressive environment conditions, and mechanical stresses. For instance, reactor core support components, such as fuel claddings, are under prolonged exposure to an intense neutron field from the fission of fuel and operate at elevated temperature under fatigue loadings caused by start up, shut down, and unscheduled emergency shut down. Additionally, exposure to highluence neutron radiation can lead to microscopic defects that result in material hardening and embrittlement, which significantly affects the physical and mechanical properties of the materials, resulting in further reduction in fatigue life of reactor structural components. The effects of fatigue damage on material deterioration can be further exacerbated by the presence of thermal loading, hold-time, and high-temperature water coolant environments. In this study, uniaxial fatigue models were used to predict fatigue behavior based only on simple monotonic properties including ultimate tensile strength and Brinell hardness. Two existing models, the Bäumel Seeger uniform material law and the Roessle Fatemi hardness method, were employed and extended to include the effects of test temperature, neutron irradiation fluence, irradiation induced helium and irradiation induced swellings on fatigue life of austenitic stainless steels. Furthermore, a methodology to estimate fatigue crack length using a strip-yield based model is presented. This methodology is also extended to address the effect of creep deformation in a presence of hold- times, and expanded to include the effects of irradiation and water environment. Reasonable fatigue life predictions and crack growth estimations are obtained for irradiated austenitic stainless steels types 304, 304L, and 316, when compared to the experimental data available in the literature. Lastly, a failure analysis methodology of a mixer unit shaft made of AISI 304 stainless steel is also presented using a conventional 14-step failure analysis approach. The primary mode of failure is identified to be intergranular stress cracking at the heat affected zones. A means of circumventing this type of failure in the future is presented.

The number of children living in a conflict zone in 2021 reached a staggering 449 million, which represents more than one out of every six children (Save the Children, 2022). When children are exposed to armed conflict the experiences can impair cognitive and social and emotional function. These functions can in return challenge and impair the child's learning processes. Through a comparative multiple-case study, using the lens of the Ecological Systems Theory, two humanitarian interventions; BLP in Gaza by NRC and HCT in Lebanon by IRC, the research aims at shining light on the opportunities and challenges with PSS educational interventions targeting children's trauma recovery and academic achievement. The research questions seek to create an understanding about how the interventions are designed and implemented and which strategies are the most impactful and less impactful, and lastly, what recommendations can be derived from the findings to guide similar NGOs in their design and implementation process. The main results showed that both BTP and HCT interventions effectively reduced traumatic stress and improved academic achievement among the beneficiaries. BLP demonstrated strengths in its multi-leveled design, parent involvement, and comprehensive materials for teachers. HCT demonstrated strengths in creating a supportive environment and structured teacher training but had low parent involvement. The findings emphasize the importance of a multi-leveled approach to enrich the child's social ecosystem.