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Structural performance of construction and demolition waste-based geopolymer concrete columns under combined axial and lateral cyclic loading
Get PDFYesConstruction and demolition waste (CDW) has reached severe environmental and economic dimensions due to its
large volume among all solid waste, highlighting the importance of local actions to manage, recycle, and reuse
CDW. Ductile demountable connections are necessary to disassemble and reuse the concrete structural members
and fast assembly of precast structures in seismic regions without generating waste. In this study, the seismic
performance of CDW-based reinforced geopolymer concrete columns has been investigated. Six ½ scaled columns
(half of which were demountable and the other half monolithic) were experimentally tested under reversed
cyclic lateral displacement excursions, considering three different levels of constant axial loading to determine
failure mechanisms, load-displacement responses, ductilities, energy dissipation capacities, stiffness degradation
relations, and curvature distributions. The obtained test results were used to determine the performance of CDWbased geopolymer concrete columns and compare the performances of the demountable connection with the
monolithic connection. The test results showed that the novel demountable connection for precast concrete
frames exhibited better seismic performance in terms of maximum lateral load capacity, initial stiffness, energy
dissipation capacity, and maximum curvature than their monolithic counterparts. Besides, increasing the axial
compression ratio on the columns caused an increase in lateral load capacity, energy dissipation capacity, energy
dissipation ratio, and initial curvature stiffness; however, it decreased the ductility. Finally, the capacity predictions of current codes, i.e., TS500 and ACI318, were conservative when compared with experimental results.European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No: 869336, ICEBERG; Newton Prize 2020; European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie SkłodowskaCurie grant agreement No 894100
Carbon dioxide sequestration methodothologies - A review
Get PDFYesThe process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CCS) was previously considered a crucial and time-sensitive approach for diminishing CO2 emissions originating from coal, oil, and gas sectors. Its implementation was seen necessary to address the detrimental effects of CO2 on the atmosphere and the ecosystem. This recognition was achieved by previous substantial study efforts. The carbon capture and storage (CCS) cycle concludes with the final stage of CO2 storage. This stage involves primarily the adsorption of CO2 in the ocean and the injection of CO2 into subsurface reservoir formations. Additionally, the process of CO2 reactivity with minerals in the reservoir formations leads to the formation of limestone through injectivities. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the final phase in the CCS cycle, mostly achieved by the use of marine and underground geological sequestration methods, along with mineral carbonation techniques. The introduction of supercritical CO2 into geological formations has the potential to alter the prevailing physical and chemical characteristics of the subsurface environment. This process can lead to modifications in the pore fluid pressure, temperature conditions, chemical reactivity, and stress distribution within the reservoir rock. The objective of this study is to enhance our existing understanding of CO2 injection and storage systems, with a specific focus on CO2 storage techniques and the associated issues faced during their implementation. Additionally, this research examines strategies for mitigating important uncertainties in carbon capture and storage (CCS) practises. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities can be considered as integrated systems. However, in scientific research, these storage systems are often divided based on the physical and spatial scales relevant to the investigations. Utilising the chosen system as a boundary condition is a highly effective method for segregating the physics in a diverse range of physical applications. Regrettably, the used separation technique fails to effectively depict the behaviour of the broader significant system in the context of water and gas movement within porous media. The limited efficacy of the technique in capturing the behaviour of the broader relevant system can be attributed to the intricate nature of geological subsurface systems. As a result, various carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have emerged, each with distinct applications, associated prices, and social and environmental implications. The results of this study have the potential to enhance comprehension regarding the selection of an appropriate carbon capture and storage (CCS) application method. Moreover, these findings can contribute to the optimisation of greenhouse gas emissions and their associated environmental consequences. By promoting process sustainability, this research can address critical challenges related to global climate change, which are currently of utmost importance to humanity. Despite the significant advancements in this technology over the past decade, various concerns and ambiguities have been highlighted. Considerable emphasis was placed on the fundamental discoveries made in practical programmes related to the storage of CO2 thus far. The study has provided evidence that despite the extensive research and implementation of several CCS technologies thus far, the process of selecting an appropriate and widely accepted CCS technology remains challenging due to considerations related to its technological feasibility, economic viability, and societal and environmental acceptance.The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CCS) was previously considered a crucial and time-sensitive approach for diminishing CO2 emissions originating from coal, oil, and gas sectors. Its implementation was seen necessary to address the detrimental effects of CO2 on the atmosphere and the ecosystem. This recognition was achieved by previous substantial study efforts. The carbon capture and storage (CCS) cycle concludes with the final stage of CO2 storage. This stage involves primarily the adsorption of CO2 in the ocean and the injection of CO2 into subsurface reservoir formations. Additionally, the process of CO2 reactivity with minerals in the reservoir formations leads to the formation of limestone through injectivities. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the final phase in the CCS cycle, mostly achieved by the use of marine and underground geological sequestration methods, along with mineral carbonation techniques. The introduction of supercritical CO2 into geological formations has the potential to alter the prevailing physical and chemical characteristics of the subsurface environment. This process can lead to modifications in the pore fluid pressure, temperature conditions, chemical reactivity, and stress distribution within the reservoir rock. The objective of this study is to enhance our existing understanding of CO2 injection and storage systems, with a specific focus on CO2 storage techniques and the associated issues faced during their implementation. Additionally, this research examines strategies for mitigating important uncertainties in carbon capture and storage (CCS) practises. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities can be considered as integrated systems. However, in scientific research, these storage systems are often divided based on the physical and spatial scales relevant to the investigations. Utilising the chosen system as a boundary condition is a highly effective method for segregating the physics in a diverse range of physical applications. Regrettably, the used separation technique fails to effectively depict the behaviour of the broader significant system in the context of water and gas movement within porous media. The limited efficacy of the technique in capturing the behaviour of the broader relevant system can be attributed to the intricate nature of geological subsurface systems. As a result, various carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have emerged, each with distinct applications, associated prices, and social and environmental implications. The results of this study have the potential to enhance comprehension regarding the selection of an appropriate carbon capture and storage (CCS) application method. Moreover, these findings can contribute to the optimisation of greenhouse gas emissions and their associated environmental consequences. By promoting process sustainability, this research can address critical challenges related to global climate change, which are currently of utmost importance to humanity. Despite the significant advancements in this technology over the past decade, various concerns and ambiguities have been highlighted. Considerable emphasis was placed on the fundamental discoveries made in practical programmes related to the storage of CO2 thus far. The study has provided evidence that despite the extensive research and implementation of several CCS technologies thus far, the process of selecting an appropriate and widely accepted CCS technology remains challenging due to considerations related to its technological feasibility, economic viability, and societal and environmental acceptance
From Classroom to Clinic: Bridging the Gap in Nursing Anatomy and Physiology Education
Get PDFYesSince the 1980's, changes in nursing education have inadvertently led to diminishing anatomy and physiology content in curricula (Taylor et al., 2015). The need for nurses to have a thorough grounding in these subjects is undisputed; however, the pedagogical principles for anatomy and physiology education have been under scrutiny (Perkins, 2019). Anatomy and physiology are typically incorporated as part of bioscience, which also encompasses genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology (Horiuchi-Hirose et al., 2023). Registered nurses and nursing students often express anxiety about studying bioscience and its perceived difficulty, largely due to difficulties in applying theory to practice (Craft et al., 2013, Craft et al., 2017, Meedya et al., 2019). Despite this, there remains a recognition that bioscience knowledge is important for effective nursing practice (Danielson and Berntsson, 2007, Horiuchi-Hirose et al., 2023)
A compact filtering antenna with step and continuous tuning modes for WiMAX cognitive radio communication
Get PDFYesThis work presents a combination of a cup-shaped monopole antenna and an E-shaped Multi-Mode Resonator (MMR) with the presence of a pair of PIN diodes and a varactor diode to form a compact reconfigurable communication filtering antenna for interweave Cognitive Radio (CR) systems. The proposed filtering antenna operates in the WiMAX band, and it is fabricated on an FR4 substrate with overall dimensions normalized to the wavelength ( λ o ) of the first resonant frequency (0.413λ o × 0.516λ o × 0.0165λ o ). The step and continuous tuning serve the secondary user of the WiMAX CR system to communicate in the absence of the primary users at modifiable resonant frequencies and data rates.When the PIN diodes are OFF, the filtering antenna operates with a fixed odd mode resonant frequency and tunable even mode resonant frequency. This state results in a tunable antenna bandwidth covering a maximum measured frequency range of 3.25-4.02~ GHz and a minimum measured range equal to 3.25-3.58~ GHz. The ON state of the PIN diodes eliminates the antenna matching at the even mode resonant frequency while keeping a strong matching at the odd mode resonant frequency. The resulted operational measured frequency range of the antenna in this state is fixed at 2.9-3.28~ GHz. The filtering antenna has acceptable gain values at the pass band of the E-shaped MMR with a maximum simulated gain value equal to 2.5~ dB and a measured maximum gain equal to 2.48~ dB. The simulated and measured power patterns of the antenna for all diodes states are omnidirectional, which are convenient for portable CR gadgets.Innovation Programme under Grant H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424 and UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under Grant EP/E022936/1
The impacts of innovation and trade openness on bank market power: the proposal of a minimum distance cost function approach and a causal structure analysis
No full textYesThis study estimates output market power in the Chinese banking industry using the multi-output Lerner index. We propose a minimum distance cost function approach, which allows us to determine not only the level of market power but also the non-profit maximizers and efficiency level of Chinese banks. Following the first-stage analysis, we employ the generalized method of moment system estimator to evaluate the impacts of bank innovation and trade openness on market power in a multi-output banking context. In particular, we innovatively propose a causal structure analysis based on Wang and Blei (2019) to validate and verify the robustness of our results. We also assess this relationship for different types of bank ownership in China. The findings suggest that Chinese banks exhibit high market power in loans. Furthermore, the results show that bank innovation and trade openness have a significant negative impact on market power in loans, but a significant positive impact on market power in securities. The results also indicate a significantly negative impact of trade openness on overall market power. We find that higher levels of innovation among state-owned and joint-stock commercial banks improve the overall level of market power. The results suggest that, for all bank ownership types, trade openness has a significant negative impact on market power in loans but a significant positive impact on market power in securities. The impact on the overall level of market power is consistently significant and negative
The benefits and complexities of integrating mixed method findings using the Pillar Integration Process: A workplace health intervention case study
Get PDFYesThe Pillar Integration Process was developed to facilitate integration of mixed method data, but there is limited historical application of this approach in complex intervention evaluation. To test the applicability of the technique, this paper presents two case studies examining the efficacy of a workplace intervention. The research included a pilot RCT and process evaluation. The case studies illustrate the benefits of applying the Pillar Integration Process to elicit a comprehensive understanding of intervention efficacy and to design better interventions. This paper contributes to the mixed methods research by advancing the technique through considering inherent philosophical assumptions, and evidencing the value of integrating methods within, as well as across, “qualitative” and “quantitative” categories.Macmillan cancer support part-funded this research and were one of the participating organizations. Ergotron Inc. provided 25 sit-stand desks for use within this research. The research formed part of the lead author’s PhD study, which was funded by a School of Sport and Education, Brunel University London, PhD bursary
Etiquette in the context of death and dying: Communication and conversation
Get PDFYesDeath, bereavement, and grief are experiences suffused with conflict and disenfranchisement. Intricately connected is ‘etiquette’ – the sense of ‘should’ ‘must’ ‘right’ ‘wrong’ ‘appropriate’ and ‘inappropriate’ individuals feel in death and bereavement situations. This paper is the first of two answering the question, ‘where does etiquette arise in death and bereavement situations and what does this ‘look like?’’ The theme The etiquette of communication and conversation is described, highlighting the importance of early communication for resolving conflict, what is considered ‘appropriate’ communication and support, and the social values underpinning these. Data highlighted how the CBT concept of ‘shoulding and musting’ manifests in death and bereavement situations, gave insight into etiquette’s role in disenfranchising grief through shaping conversations, and offered suggestions for bereavement support. Though the term ‘etiquette’ may be misleading out of context, the concept resonated with the bereaved community and provided language to discuss the nuances of their experiences.Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC
Actioning sustainability through tourism entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurs as change agents navigating through the field of stakeholders
Get PDFYesPurpose: Sustainability is viewed as an encompassing perspective, as endorsed by the international policy context, driven by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We aim to examine how women entrepreneurs transform capitals to pursue sustainability, and to generate policy insights for sustainability actions through tourism entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach: Applying qualitative approach, we have generated empirical evidence drawing on 37 qualitative interviews carried out in Turkey, whereby boundaries between traditional patriarchal forces and progressive movements in gender relations are blurred.
Findings: We have generated insights into how women entrepreneurs develop their sustainability practice by transforming their available economic, cultural, social and symbolic capitals in interpreting the macro-field and by developing navigation strategies to pursue sustainability. This transformative process demonstrates how gender roles were performed and negotiated in serving for sustainability pillars.
Research limitations/implications: In this paper, we demonstrate the nature and instrumentality of sustainable tourism entrepreneurship through a gender lens in addressing some of these SDG-driven challenges.
Originality/value: We advance the scholarly and policy debates by bringing gender issues to the forefront, discussing sustainable tourism initiatives from the viewpoint of entrepreneurs and various members of local community and stakeholder in a developing country context where women’s solidarity becomes crucial.This study is supported by the British Council Newton Institutional Links fund (ID number: 216411249)
Machine Learning for Malware Detection in Network Traffic
No full textNoDeveloping advanced and efficient malware detection systems is
becoming significant in light of the growing threat landscape in cybersecurity. This work aims to tackle the enduring problem of identifying malware and protecting digital assets from cyber-attacks.
Conventional methods frequently prove ineffective in adjusting
to the ever-evolving field of harmful activity. As such, novel approaches that improve precision while simultaneously taking into
account the ever-changing landscape of modern cybersecurity problems are needed. To address this problem this research focuses on
the detection of malware in network traffic. This work proposes
a machine-learning-based approach for malware detection, with
particular attention to the Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Adaboost algorithms. In this paper, the model's
performance was evaluated using an assessment matrix. Included
the Accuracy (AC) for overall performance, Precision (PC) for positive predicted values, Recall Score (RS) for genuine positives, and
the F1 Score (SC) for a balanced viewpoint. A performance comparison has been performed and the results reveal that the built model
utilizing Adaboost has the best performance. The TPR for the three
classifiers performs over 97% and the FPR performs < 4% for each of
the classifiers. The created model in this paper has the potential to
help organizations or experts anticipate and handle malware. The
proposed model can be used to make forecasts and provide management solutions in the network's everyday operational activities
A participatory approach to understand what might be most meaningful to people living with dementia in a positive psychology intervention
Get PDFYesThis study aimed to understand which character strengths are most important for people living with dementia and therefore which strengths-based psychological interventions could be most meaningful and acceptable.
A participatory design, utilising Delphi methodology, was incorporated into an iterative three stage framework: (1) literature reviewed for Positive Psychology (PP) interventions and patient public involvement to define the character strengths; (2) modified Delphi (N = 10) identified which character strengths are most important for living with dementia; (3) focus groups (N = 14) explored which PP interventions are most acceptable and meaningful. Qualitative data from the focus groups was analysed using thematic analysis.
Love, kindness and humour were deemed the most important character strengths for living with dementia. Qualitative data from the focus groups was captured in three superordinate themes: (1) lack of opportunity not capacity; (2) key considerations of PP interventions for people living with dementia; and (3) potential benefits of PP interventions.
Love, kindness and humour come naturally to people with dementia, but people may lack social opportunities to use these strengths. Therefore, a PP intervention promoting positive emotion, social relationships and connection to one's values appears most meaningful and acceptable as this may provide a social context to use and maintain these strengths