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Influence of Cement Type on the Performance and Durability of Cement Paste and Concrete with Wastewater.
Full text linkRecycling wastewater from washing concrete trucks in concrete production addresses both economic and sustainability needs. In the present article, wastewater from washing concrete trucks was added to cement pastes made with two different types of cement for comparison. OPC type CEM I 42.5 was compared to pozzolanic cement type CEM IV/B (P-W) 32.5 in terms of hydration behavior and compressive strength development. The hydration of ordinary Portland cement (CEM I 42.5) was accelerated, while the hydration of pozzolanic cement (CEM IV 32.5) showed a relatively lower total normalized heat. Cement pastes were produced from both cement types, and compressive strength, thermal analysis, and setting time tests were performed for their characterization. The early-age kinetics and compressive strength development of CEM I 42.5 pastes indicate that hydration with wastewater leads to a slight increase in compressive strength. Test concrete prepared with pozzolanic cement (CEM IV 32.5) exhibited increased capillary voids, which contributed to less favorable mechanical and durability performance. Compared to the reference concrete, compressive strength was reduced by 7% at 28 days. Wastewater utilization increased the initial absorption rate by approximately 20%, but the calculated chloride content at the exposed concrete surface decreased after the addition of wastewater compared to the control mix. The carbonation depth of concrete with wastewater increased by 1-2 mm, with an uneven penetration zone, but the compressive strength after carbonation increased. Overall, the type of cement used appears to significantly influence the performance of concrete prepared with wastewater. For wastewater collected from sedimentation tanks, replacing fresh water at a 100% rate and using it with pozzolanic cement to produce concrete, it seems that the mechanical properties and durability are only slightly affected
Description of Bartonella bennetti sp. nov., a novel rodent-associated species, with comparative genomics of the Bartonella genus
Full text linkThe genus Bartonella comprises over 40 species, most of which are haemoparasites of mammals. Herein, we describe Bartonella bennetti sp. nov., a novel member of the genus, isolated from field voles ( Microtus agrestis ) in Kielder Forest, UK. Polyphasic characterization of three strains (C271 T , D105 and J117) of the proposed species indicated that they were closely related to members of phylogenetic lineage 3 (L3) of the genus. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) between C271 T and other L3 species ranged between 88.8 and 90.6%, supporting the proposal of a new species. C271 T shared ANIs approaching 96% with other members of L3 that are yet to be validly published but exhibited marked genomic, ecological and biogeographical differences from them, further justifying the creation of a new taxon. All three B. bennetti sp. nov. strains were found to possess genes encoding three VirB/D4 type IV secretion systems and associated effector proteins and to harbour a chromosomally integrated F-type conjugative plasmid, which forms an Hfr-like configuration not previously observed in the Bartonella genus. This integration could facilitate large-scale chromosomal gene transfer during conjugation, with potential consequences for adaptation, recombination and niche differentiation. The phylogenetic structure of L3, coupled with the ecological partitioning of its members, suggests that covert host specificity, not generalism, is the dominant mode of diversification. The absence of the Trw system, which facilitates host switching in lineage 4 (L4), may constrain ecological breadth in L3, thought to be undergoing a parallel adaptive radiation with L4. The discovery of B. bennetti sp. nov. underscores the importance of combining genomic, ecological and evolutionary evidence when delimiting species boundaries in Bartonella and raises new hypotheses about the role of Hfr-mediated recombination in the evolutionary dynamics of host-adapted pathogens. The type strain of B. bennetti sp. nov. is C271 T (CSUR B1113 T , NCTC 15117 T )
WABAD: A world annotated bird acoustic dataset for passive acoustic monitoring
Full text linkUnder the current global biodiversity crisis, there is a need for automated and noninvasive monitoring techniques that can gather large amounts of data cost‐effectively at various ecological scales, from local to large spatial scales. These data can then be analyzed to inform stakeholders and decision‐makers. One such technique is passive acoustic monitoring, which is commonly coupled with automatic identification of animal species based on their sound. Automated sound analyses usually require the training of sound detection and identification algorithms. These algorithms are based on annotated acoustic datasets which mark the occurrence of sounds of species inside sound recordings. However, compiling large annotated acoustic datasets is time‐consuming and requires experts, and therefore, they normally cover reduced spatial, temporal, and taxonomic scales. This data paper presents WABAD, the World Annotated Bird Acoustic Dataset for passive acoustic monitoring. WABAD is designed to provide the public, the research community, and conservation managers with a novel and globally representative annotated acoustic dataset. This database includes 5047 min of audio files annotated to species‐level by local experts with the start and end time and the upper and lower frequencies of each identified bird vocalization in the recordings. The database has a wide taxonomic and spatial coverage, including information on 91,931 vocalizations from 1192 bird species recorded at 72 recording sites in 29 recording locations (mainly countries) and distributed across 13 biomes. WABAD can be used, for example, for developing and/or validating automatic species detection algorithms, answering ecological questions, such as assessing geographical variations on bird vocalizations, or comparing acoustic diversity indices with species‐based diversity indices. The dataset is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license that permits redistribution and reuse on the condition that the original work is properly credited
Written Evidence submitted by Professor Gabe Mythen, Dr Laura Naegler and Mr Jacob Astley (COM0055)
No full textSustainable Fashion in the UAE: Does it Stand a Chance? A qualitative study investigating the awareness, perceptions, attitudes and behaviours of sustainable fashion among expatriate female consumers in the United Arab Emirates
Full text linkFashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world; it is a flagbearer for unsustainable environmental practices. Fashion and sustainability are oxymorons as the industry is in denial of resource scarcity and encourages excessive consumption. The volume of fashion consumption has more than doubled in the last 15 years, clearly highlighting the scale of the impact. The situation is problematic in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Dubai, one of its largest Emirates produces 2.8 million tons of waste annually out of which only twenty-five percent gets recycled. As a result of the UAE's well-developed fashion retail sector and high consumption rates, urgent changes in consumption behaviour are needed to alleviate the ecological impact. This study examined whether female consumers in the UAE were likely to adopt sustainable fashion (SF) options based on their awareness, intentions and perceived barriers. According to this research, sustainable fashion relates to the circularity aspect of fashion and included all clothes that already existed in the value chain (clothes in second-hand stores, clothes in fashion rentals and fashion libraries, clothes being exchanged on swapping platforms, clothes being upcycled and mended). This study employed a qualitative exploratory approach to interpret participants' experiential insights, offering a deeper understanding of the complex decision-making processes involved in sustainable fashion consumption (SFC).Using a purposive quota sampling method, 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with female fashion consumers in the UAE. Using NVivo 12 software, data was coded and analysed using thematic analysis.The research identified the unique needs and preferences of consumers in relation to sustainable fashion. It applied three theories; Social Identity Theory (SIT), Self-Concept Theory (SCT) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as theoretical lenses to examine attitudes and behaviours related to Sustainable Fashion Consumption (SFC). The research revealed that cultural and religious expectations, income levels, and accessibility limitations shaped intentions and behaviours. By examining the influence of reference groups on consumer behaviour towards SFC, this study highlighted unique barriers that pertain to SFC. Such barriers include a lack of awareness, unfamiliarity, shame, social stigma, unstructured markets, connotations with frugality, mistrust, pandemic induced fear, and social pressures were identified. Furthermore, it also highlighted consumer emotions and external interventions as playing an important role in influencing consumer behaviour in relation to SFC.The outcome of this research has practical implications for designers, retailers, policy makers and consumers. The findings will help in formulating targeted retail strategies and in implementing sustainable development policies with a potential to change consumer behaviour
Flexible work in the UK media and communication sector: the interplay between demographics, culture and adaptation
Full text linkPurpose This study investigates the challenges and professional culture of flexible workers in the United Kingdom (UK) media and communication industries, addressing a gap in existing research and the interplay between demographics, culture and adaptation. While previous studies have focused on freelance journalists and others on public relations practitioners, this research examines the broader category of flexible media and communication workers. Design/methodology/approach This study uses an online survey approach to examine the professional cultures of flexible workers in the UK media and communication sector. A total of 308 participants were recruited through the Prolific survey platform using online purposive sampling to gather insights into their professional culture, motivations, challenges and industry impact. Findings The findings reveal that the transition to flexible work has led to significant challenges for organisations, as collaborations now often occur in virtual environments. Additionally, it was found that flexible workers are no longer committed to a single employer; instead, they are dedicated to building and maintaining their own brands. These workers have become vital in shaping industry trends, continuously adapting to technological advancements, changing trends, and the demands for lifelong learning and adaptability. Research limitations/implications While the sample of 308 respondents provides insights, it may not fully represent the diversity across the UK media sector, particularly among underrepresented groups or regions. The study relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to response bias in participants' perceptions. Although using a mixed-methods approach, the qualitative component could be enhanced through follow-up interviews to deepen interpretation. The cross-sectional design limits conclusions about long-term impacts of flexible work on career development and outcomes. Practical implications To support flexible workers, organisations should establish career development paths, invest in online networking tools and offer mental health resources to reduce isolation. HR policies need to tackle gender-related stigma by fostering inclusive norms around flexibility. Policymakers should encourage fair access to flexible work across regions and industries, preventing unstable employment. Leadership training should focus on building trust and managing dispersed teams. Professionals must remain visible, sustain networks and balance autonomy with connectedness. Flexible working can be valuable for talent retention and attraction among mid-career professionals when supported by intentional structures. Originality/value This research contributes a unique perspective by exploring flexible working arrangements in the UK's media and communication industry through empirical evidence on adoption patterns, perceived work-life balance and career impact, interpreted through Boundary Theory. The study also reflects both cultural and organisational viewpoints, rather than concentrating exclusively on remote working. By merging demographic analysis with boundary theory and blending quantitative data with qualitative nuancing, it provides a detailed understanding of how flexibility transforms organisational norms and career paths. These findings contribute to theoretical discussions and offer practical advice for policy and practice in a workforce shaped by the post-pandemic era
A mixed admittance/transfer matrix substructuring approach
Full text linkSubstructuring is an important step in the analysis of complex built-up structures. It is the process by which individual components are mathematically assembled to build a model of a coupled system. In the frequency domain, admittance or FRF-based substructuring has become the preferred approach, especially when considering experimental components for which FRFs are easily obtained from test data. However, FRFs are not the only way to represent a component in the frequency domain. Often, particularly for layered systems, the so-called transfer matrix (TM) representation becomes more convenient; component coupling is achieved by simply multiplying together their respective TMs. In the present paper we develop a hybrid substructuring scheme that allows the coupling of FRF-based components using a TM representation of the interconnecting junction. Such an approach might be beneficial for structures with complex layered connections (well suited to TM-based coupling), and has the potential to provide additional insight into structural transmission through multiple interconnected elements
Scoping Report: Future Challenges to Democracy
Full text linkThe report identifies 10 key challenges and emerging trends impacting European democratic systems and suggests future policy options. These challenges are structured across three interconnected levels: citizens and societal dynamics, the information and knowledge environment, and institutions and the democratic system. This framework aimsto provide a comprehensive and integrated view of democracy as a connected ecosystem, emphasising how challenges in one area can affect the entire system. Recognising this interconnectivity is crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring democraticresilience.From the citizens’ perspective, a shift towards latent support for non-democratic governance has been seen, partly due to representation gaps affecting social groups like young people. This can diminish institutional trust and weaken democratic support, evident in declining voter turnout, rising populism and increased polarisation. The weakening of democratic norms could lead to confrontation-focused political culture, increasinginstability. Addressing democratic disillusionment is vital to prevent drastic changes in political attitudes, and deliberative processes offer potential for revitalisation, although they must emphasise diversity and inclusivity.The information landscape has been transformed by social media, challenging citizens’ ability to access accurate information and exacerbating divisions. Technological advancements, particularly AI, could further amplify these issues, potentially decreasing trust in experts and institutions. Democratic institutions themselves are facing declines in quality, including in respect of electoral integrity and the rule of law, while facing risks from coordinated efforts of global autocracies to undermine EU democracies. To build resilience, institutions must earn citizens’ trust, as it underpins political agency and democratic effectiveness. Countering the erosion of this trust is crucial, as it is a key target for democracy’s adversaries
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Optimising Non-pharmaceutical Interventions in Epidemics: A Systematic Review
Full text linkAims: This review aims to evaluate the application of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) for optimizingnon-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as lockdowns and mobility restrictions, during epidemic outbreaks. The focus is on understanding how DRL addresses uncertainty and balances health-economic trade-offs compared to traditional static approaches.Study Design: Systematic literature review. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA-S and Kitchenham guidelines. Literature research was performed across five major databases (Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection,PubMed/MEDLINE, IEEE Xplore, and arXiv) to identify studies published between January 2020 and MarchSystematic Review Article Ibraimoh and Saraee; J. Adv. Math. Com. Sci., vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 72-95, 2026; Article no.JAMCS.15133673 2025. Inclusion criteria required that studies applied DRL to NPI strategies (lockdowns and/or travel restrictions) and reported quantitative outcomes. In total, 30 eligible studies were analyzed for algorithmic design, reward structures, and performance metrics.Results: The review found that DRL consistently outperformed static heuristic-based policies in simulation environments. DRL-driven strategies recommended earlier, adaptive, and layered interventions, leading to improved epidemic control. Multi-objective DRL frameworks demonstrated superior trade-offs betweeninfection suppression and economic impact compared to single-objective models. However, key limitations were identified, including data scarcity, inconsistent reward engineering, and limited integration of socioeconomic factors.Conclusion: DRL offers a principled and adaptive approach for dynamic epidemic policy optimization, outperforming static strategies in simulation studies. Nevertheless, real-world implementation remains challenging due to data limitations and the complexity of integrating socio-economic and behavioral dimensions. Future research should prioritize safety-aware DRL, transparent reward design, and multidomain integration to ensure practical applicability and public trust
Quench rate dependence of the center formation in Er-implanted Si
No full textEr-implanted Si (Er:Si) is a promising candidate for scalable planar quantum memory (QM) applications. In Er:Si, Er has a preference to coordinate with O impurities, and multiple types of Er center are typically formed after a post-implant anneal. Intrinsic Si was implanted with cm Er, then annealed using a rapid quench annealing technique at 950°C for 10 min with quench rates of 5°C, 23°C, 46°C, 93°C, 185°C, and 400°C/s. The evolution of photoluminescence (PL) peaks and their associated Er centers was tracked as a function of quench rate. Across all samples, five distinct Er centers were identified. Two centers, one with mixed Si/O coordination and one with Si-only coordination, exhibited fully resolved crystal-field splitting of the I ground state together with 2–3 hot lines from the I excited state; fitting crystal-field parameters for both was consistent with C symmetry. The mixed Si/O coordinated center was suppressed at quench rates above 185°C/s, while the Si-only coordinated center was progressively enhanced with increasing quench rate up to the maximum of 400°C/s. These results indicate that rapid quench annealing can favor the formation of Si-coordinated Er centers in Er:Si, which is required for QM applications
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