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Application of bacillus subtilis as a self-healing agent for alkali-activated slag (AAS)
No full textRecently, new techniques of smart innovative technology have been introduced to overcome one of the most critical challenges, the shrinkage-cracking behavior of the alkali-activated slag (AAS) systems. This new technology, named “self-healing” in specific bacterial mechanisms, was introduced as an alternative solution rather than other additives such as fibers, chemical additives, etc. Despite the abundant research on the bacteria-based self-healing of Ordinary Portland concrete (OPC), limited studies were devoted to its application in the AAS composite. This study examined three cell concentrations (103, 105, and 107 cells/ml) of Bacillus subtilis in AAS and their influence on mechanical characteristics, durability, and cracking behavior. Four mixes of AAS were poured to attain the three-cell concentrations of Bacillus subtilis, including the control mix (no Bacteria). Compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption, and chloride permeability were examined. Further X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray, was explored. The findings revealed remarkable crack healing development when applying the bacteria-based technique to AAS composites. The viability of Bacillus Subtilis to decompose urea in the AAS harsh alkaline conditions was significantly proven. Further, an enhancement in the strength of the AAS composites reaching up to 50 % was reported. The observed healing crack widths reached 350 µm
Building a Human-Centric SOC: A New Framework for Success
Full text linkThe Security Operation Centre is a hub where the Information Security Team monitors, detects, analyses, and prioritizes events from critical digital assets on an ongoing basis. The objective is to ensure that any malicious activities, indicators of attack are stopped and contained before having a major impact to an organization. Early detection is very important when trying to combat cyber threats. The Security Operation Centre is equipped with intelligent tools and skilled analysts that help detect such events. With a focus to constantly improve Security Operation Centre effectiveness, a thorough understanding of human factors and human errors that may lead to potential security breaches need to be investigated. Incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies has gone a long way to compensate for human error in the Security Operation Centre, through automation of routine tasks and incorporation within Security, Orchestration, Automation and Response. This has led to better rapid threat anomaly detection, incident response and a reduction of Security Analysts’ cognitive load. That said, the existing literature suggests a lack of a systematic approach, for example in assessing Security Analysts’ performance. There is a gap in the research regarding human factors and the limitations of human error within the Security Operation Centre, particularly given that it operates as a socio-technical environment where social interactions and technological systems are closely integrated. Effective collaboration, communication, and teamwork are essential in such a setting, and this research looks to further bridge that gap.
Through a case study, current practices within the Security Operation Centre will be explored from the personnel perspective. In addition, investigating transferable skills from other domains such as medical, aviation, and other sectors that manage complex environments under high stress are reviewed to determine if they offer valuable in- formation. This paper utilizes Secure Tropos to produce the Security Operation Centre meta model. This novel approach forms the basis of a new proposed framework that looks to identify relationships and security requirements within the Security Operation Centre entity. Human centric design that accounts for human factors and human errors within the Security Operation Centre is crucial for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture. By better understanding current practices within the Security Operation Centre, this research intends to contribute to- wards a more human centric approach
Human operators in air transport: A decade of systematic reviews.
Full text linkThis meta-review synthesises the literature on air transport research. It focuses on human operators as portrayed in systematic reviews. It aims to identify key trends and suggest future research. Most air transport research has focused on passengers, the environment, and economics. Yet, research on human operators, particularly pilots and air traffic controllers, has lagged. This study fills this gap. It is the first meta-review of human operators in air transport. A comprehensive search, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, was done across databases, including Scopus and Google Scholar. The search revealed 588 records, with 41 systematic reviews meeting the inclusion criteria. We synthesised data along three dimensions: context, methods and themes. The review found a growing body of research, especially post-2019. It had significant contributions from Australia, the USA, and the UK. The studies focused on pilots and cabin crew. They addressed mental health, fatigue, and job risks. Methodological rigour was high, with PRISMA guidelines being followed consistently. The findings show a growing interest in human operators in air transport. We propose future reviews to focus on airport ground operators and workforce diversity. Integrating human operators into systems theories could optimise air transport systems. It would make better use of both human and technological resources
Robustness of human vs. AI measurements under progressive image degradation
No full textEchocardiography is widely used in cardiac imaging for real-time, non-invasive assessment of heart anatomy and function. However, image interpretation can be challenging due to inherent noise, particularly speckle. This study compares artificial intelligence (AI) and human experts in interpreting parasternal long-axis (PLAX) echocardiographic images under increasing noise levels. While both AI and human performance declined with image quality, AI consistently outperformed humans, indicating its potential to enhance clinical decision-making in challenging imaging scenarios
Advancing energy and indoor environmental quality through integrated co-simulation and multi-objective optimisation for SARS-COV-2 risk mitigation a UK case study
Full text linkIn today's modern world, people spend most of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) a critical concern, particularly in educational buildings, where densely occupied classrooms demand clean and healthy environments. This study enhances the IAQ of an existing college building in West London by aiming to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, while maintaining or improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort, assessed using the predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD). A multi-objective optimisation was conducted using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). A novel approach combining optimisation with EnergyPlus and CONTAM co-simulation was proposed to obtain the final results. Various scenarios were developed, reflecting different priorities. Energy-saving scenarios increased PPD by 15.3% to 17.9%, while IAQ- and comfort-focused scenarios raised energy consumption by 26.95% to 53.91% but maintained or improved comfort. EC45 as a mixed-priority scenario, along with IAQ-priority scenarios, achieved the lowest average SARS-CoV-2 infection risks (9.6%–10.7%). Meanwhile, other mixed-priority (EP45-ECP33) scenarios reduced PPD by 13.9% and maintained a 17% infection risk with only a 29% increase in energy use. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the potential for achieving healthier indoor environments in educational buildings without excessively compromising energy efficiency or occupant comfort
Design of pre-trained shape memory alloy actuators for finger rehabilitation
No full textSoft robotic hand exoskeletons have become a prominent and reliable tool for assisting in rehabilitation training to restore hand motor function. While many soft exoskeletons have been developed in recent decades, there remains a clear need for compact, flexible, and portable solutions suitable for both daily living activities and rehabilitation. The objective of this research is to develop a novel structural design for a soft rehabilitation glove using pre-trained SMA wires to aid in regaining hand and finger motion. We explore various actuator design patterns, including rectangular, outward coil, inward coil, small sinusoidal, large sinusoidal, and butterfly models. The selected actuator design is applied to a prototype glove and experimentally validated on human fingers. The resulting pre-trained SMA-based glove is lightweight, weighing only 15 g, and can produce a maximum force of 15 N
A systematic review of the needs of children and young people of a parent diagnosed with young-onset-dementia: informing a nursing intervention
Full text linkAim: The aim of this study was to understand the needs of children and young people of a parent with young-onset dementia, to inform the development of a nursing model.
Background: Children and young people of a parent diagnosed with young onset dementia have a range of needs that are subject to change and aligned to their stage of development and growth.
Design: Systematic review.
Data Sources: Searches were conducted in PsycInfo (1806–Jan 2025), Medline (1996–Jan 2025) and CINAHL (1961–Jan 2025); search terms were developed in consultation with an academic librarian.
Review Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses was used to assess the trustworthiness and applicability of the findings and the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool to assess quality. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024534104). Needs identified from the literature were matched with the activities and interventions of a specialist nursing model.
Results: Searches yielded 223 records of which 17 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the majority of which used qualitative methods (N = 16). A thematic synthesis approach was used to analyse data to reveal four emergent themes: (1) finding a way, (2) social connection and peer support, (3) preserving childhood and adolescence and (4) practical support, including the needs relating to education. Identified needs: knowledge and information, emotional support, consistency in education and development, maintaining social connections, physical and psychological well-being, and grief and loss were mapped against a specialist nurse role.
Conclusion: Children and young people with a parent diagnosed with young-onset dementia face unique challenges compared to older carers. Despite growing awareness of their needs, this population is often overlooked in national dementia strategies. Developing a specialist nurse role is a positive step, but broader systemic support is essential to safeguard their well-being and future opportunities.
Reporting Method: This study adheres to the PRISMA reporting guidelines.
Patient or Public Contribution: A bespoke Research Advisory Group, consisting of people with young onset dementia, young family carers, clinicians and academics, guided the review
Spiritual support for people affected by dementia: a scoping review
Full text linkAs a life-limiting illness, dementia requires a holistic approach to care, where spiritual support plays a crucial role in helping individuals and their caregivers find meaning and solace. Our aim was to systematically map the research conducted on psychosocial interventions developed to provide spiritual support for people living with dementia and their caregivers from diagnosis and across the disease trajectory. A scoping review was conducted to explore the breadth of research on ‘spiritual support’ in dementia care, encompassing interventions, service delivery models, programs, toolkits, approaches, and activities. Electronic databases (MEDLINE (Pubmed), CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library) from inception until February 2025. References of included papers were hand searched. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The findings were interpreted jointly with seven people with dementia and six family caregivers. Twelve papers met the eligibility criteria, reporting on interventions for people with dementia, caregivers, staff skills, care environments, and inclusive worship. Most studies were exploratory, with only one RCT. Studies originated from the USA (n = 4), Europe (n = 4), Australia (n = 2), Taiwan (n = 1), and Canada (n = 1). Eight focused on community settings, three on residential care, and one included both. Six studies involved people with dementia: four with mild to moderate, one with moderate to advanced, and one with mixed severity. Outcomes were inconsistent and there was a lack of longitudinal observational studies to track changes over time. Spiritual support should be personalised and multifaceted, incorporating creative activities and tailored interventions that reflect individual preferences and diverse backgrounds. Future research should employ longitudinal observational and intervention designs
Epilogue: joining hands
No full textHow to round off the book? A book that features and celebrates diversity and plurality. Diversity and plurality of discipline. Diversity and plurality of geography and nationality. Diversity and plurality of career stage and profession. Diversity and plurality of approaches to autoethnography. Diversity and plurality of ways of inquiring into and intervening with the being of human