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Preparation of Green Sustainable Cement Paste Mixture Based on Inorganic Additives: An Experimental and Modelling Approach
Get PDFUsing waste materials in the mixture of building materials is an approach aligned with the circular economy, a viewpoint that creates sustainable building industries, especially in developed countries. This study concentrated on the application of laponite (LAP), fly ash (FA), and bentonite (BENT) materials in the mixture of cement pastes. The first step used experimental practices to
examine the metrics of toughness, three-point bending, and compressive strength with different percentages of added LAP, FA, and BENT after the characterization of samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The next step entailed assessment
of cement paste specifications through some regressive equations obtained by the application of 2D
curve fitting and sensitive analysis of additive (FA, LAP, and BENT) fluctuations in the structure of cement paste. The results show that linear polynomial equations are the best for the evaluation of cement paste terms as per different percentages of the additives. The environmental impact
assessment (EIA) of nine prepared samples demonstrated that LAP created the safest condition in comparison to others. However, the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) computations applied for the sustainability assessment (SA) of the samples showed that the LAP is the most appropriate option
for use in the structure of cement paste. Using experimental analysis and mathematical modeling, the behavior of cement paste interacting with mineral additives is evaluated. Sustainable mixtures are then presented based on EIA
Variability and driving effect of aquatic gross primary productivity across long-distance inter-basin water diversion project
No full textLong-distance water diversion projects significantly affect the water resource cycle and allocation of regions. However, many unknowns still exist in water ecosystem functionality and energy flow in large-scale inter-basin water diversion projects. This study focused on the gross primary production (GPP) in the Middle-Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project of China (MRSNWDPC), i.e., the world's longest inter-basin water diversion project. The spatiotemporal distribution, driving factors, and pathways of GPP were comprehensively analyzed based on four years of high-frequency water quality monitoring and satellite re-analysis data from 11 national stations, coupling the Bayesian hierarchical models and multivariate statistical methods. The results showed that the daily average GPP in the main canal of the MRSNWDPC over the years was 2.650 g O2 m−2 d−1, with seasonal peak GPP occurring in summer and generally increasing with the distance along the canal. Five structural equation modeling (SEM) were built to analyze the variations of GPP, revealing the surface pressure (PS) and surface carbon dioxide concentrations (CO2) and pH value were the main driving factors in the main canal. The surface pressure showed significant negative impacts on GPP changes in the canal, while the CO2 and pH showed different direction effects in different sections. The daily average carbon equivalent GPPs in the MRSNWDPC is 0.828 g C m−2 d−1, ranging from 0.600 to 1.028 g C m−2 d−1, and close to the Yangtze River and the East Sea of China. This study provides a scientific basis for a deeper understanding and analysis of the energy flow mechanisms in water ecosystems of mega inter-basin water diversion projects
An innovative integrated framework for multi-level production planning and control systems in construction
No full textThe construction industry is plagued by chronic inefficiencies, such as low productivity, significant waste, cost overruns, and schedule delays. One of the most critical contributors to these issues is fragmented and ineffective planning and control methods. This research aims to address these challenges by developing an innovative integrated multi-level framework for production planning and control that harmonizes various planning methods and control metrics across different schedule levels. Employing the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, this study systematically develops and evaluates an innovative framework that integrates internal and external project characteristics, utilizing the concept of "functionality" as a primary key for coherent integration. Furthermore, a multi-objective mathematical model is incorporated to clarify the framework's components and optimize the number of suggested planning methods and control metrics at each scheduling level, aiming to balance the functional requirements of project teams with the practicality of implementation.
The application of the framework to a renovation case study demonstrates its practicality and strategic value, effectively addressing real-world project management challenges. Moreover, industry and academic evaluations highlight its potential to significantly improve construction project management practices
Sound matching using synthesizer ensembles
Get PDFSound matching allows users to automatically approximate existing sounds using a synthesizer. Previous work has mostly focused on algorithms for automatically programming an existing synthesizer. This paper proposes a system for selecting between different synthesizer designs, each one with a corresponding automatic programmer. An implementation that allows designing ensembles based on a template is demonstrated. Several experiments are presented using a simple subtractive synthesis design. Using an ensemble of synthesizer-programmer pairs is shown to provide better matching than a single programmer trained for an equivalent integrated synthesizer. Scaling to hundreds of synthesizers is shown to improve match quality
Preventing urinary tract infection in older people living in care homes: the ‘StOP UTI’ realist synthesis
Get PDFABSTRACT
Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most
diagnosed infection in older people living in care homes.
Objective To identify interventions for recognising and
preventing UTI in older people living in care homes in the
UK and explain the mechanisms by which they work, for
whom and under what circumstances.
Methods A realist synthesis of evidence was
undertaken to develop programme theory underlying
strategies to recognise and prevent UTI. A generic topic�based search of bibliographic databases was completed
with further purposive searches to test and refine the
programme theory in consultation with stakeholders.
Results 56 articles were included in the review. Nine
context–mechanism–outcome configurations were
developed and arranged across three theory areas:
(1) Strategies to support accurate recognition of UTI,
(2) care strategies for residents to prevent UTI and (3)
making best practice happen. Our programme theory
explains how care staff can be enabled to recognise and
prevent UTI when this is incorporated into care routines
and activities that meet the fundamental care needs
and preferences of residents. This is facilitated through
active and visible leadership by care home managers and
education that is contextualised to the work and role of
care staff.
Conclusions Care home staff have a vital role in
preventing and recognising UTI in care home residents.
Incorporating this into the fundamental care they
provide can help them to adopt a proactive approach to
preventing infection and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic
use. This requires a context of care with a culture of
personalisation and safety, promoted by commissioners,
regulators and providers, where leadership and resources
are committed to support preventative action by
knowledgeable care staff
Innovation in Music: Innovation Pathways
No full textInnovation in Music: Innovation Pathways brings together cutting-edge research on new innovations in the field of music production, technology, performance, and business. With contributions from a host of well-respected researchers and practitioners, this volume provides crucial coverage on the relationship between innovation and rebellion.
Including chapters on mixing desks, digital ethics, soundscapes, immersive audio, and computer-assisted music, this book is recommended reading for music industry researchers working in a range of fields, as well as professionals interested in industry innovations
The gendered behaviors displayed by Disney protagonists
Get PDFPrevious research suggests that the portrayal of male and female protagonists in Disney animations may be changing over time. The current study examined the portrayal of gendered behaviors displayed within some of Disney's most successful animated feature length films, including those beyond the Disney princess franchise. Extending the scope of the Disney animated films analyzed was important because both young girls and young boys report little personal interest in male characters within the Disney princess animations. This suggests that it is important to look beyond the Disney princess franchise to understand the gendered behaviors displayed by potentially influential male Disney protagonists. The current study also considered a greater number of masculine and feminine behaviors as well as some gender-neutral traits which had yet to be incorporated. A quantitative content analysis of 39 Disney protagonists from films released between 1937 and 2021 was conducted. The results revealed that male and female protagonists were statistically higher in feminine than masculine traits. Female protagonists from the earliest animations were the most feminine. However, there was no statistical difference in the gendered portrayals of females in the animations released in the 1990s and those released from 2009 to 2021 suggesting some continued stereotyping in females' profiles. Alternatively, male characters were more feminine relatively consistently across time-points. This study concludes that Disney is persistently portraying stereotyped female protagonists, and this could have implications on young females' behavioral profiles. However, the extent to which feminine traits are being celebrated when displayed by male protagonists needs to be examined, as well as the potential relationship between such messages and boys' behaviors and children's conceptualizations of gender more broadly
Messy Connections: Creating Atmospheres of Addiction Recovery Through Performance Practice
No full textThis book examines performance practices that involve people in recovery from addiction, theorising such practices as recovery-engaged.
Focusing on examples of practice from a growing movement of UK-based recovery arts practitioners and performers, it highlights a unique approach to performance that infuses an understanding of lived experiences of addiction and recovery with creative practice. It offers a philosophy of being in recovery that understands lived experience, and performance practice, as a dynamic system of interrelations with the human and nonhuman elements that make up the societal settings in which recovery communities struggle to exist. It thereby frames the process of recovery, and recovery-engaged performance, as an affective ecology – a system of messy connections. Building upon ideas from posthumanist research on addiction, cultural theory on identity and new materialist interpretations of performance practice, it considers how such contemporary theory might offer additional ways of thinking and doing arts practice with people affected by addiction. The discussion highlights the distinct aesthetics, ethics and politics of this area of performance practice.
This study will be of great interest to students and scholars in Applied Theatre and Critical Arts and Mental Health studies
Discrimination of older peers is associated with workplace age discrimination: moderation by occupational health literacy
Get PDFAbstract
Background Workplace Age Discrimination Experienced (WADE) can be disorientating and detrimental to wellbeing.
Hence, older employees would like to avoid it, but those who experience it may discriminate against their
older peers. WADE may be associated with Age Discrimination of Peers (ADP), and this relationship can be moderated
by Occupational Health Literacy (OHL).
Aim This study aimed to assess the association of WADE with ADP and to ascertain whether this relationship is moderated
by OHL.
Methods A cross-sectional design based on a research-reporting checklist was adopted. Measures against confounding
and common methods bias were utlised to avoid or minimise bias. The participants were 1025 middle-aged
and older employees (average age = 58 years) who were permanent residents of Accra, Ghana. Hierarchical Linear
Regression (HLR) analysis was utilised to analyse the data. Curve estimation was among the methods used to assess
assumptions governing HLR analysis.
Results WADE and OHL were positively associated with ADP, but OHL was negatively associated with WADE
in the ultimate models incorporating the covariates. WADE was more positively associated with ADP at moderate
and higher OHL, which signified positive moderation of the WADE-ADP relationship by OHL.
Conclusion Older employees who experience higher age discrimination at work are more likely to discriminate
against peers. OHL can be associated with lower WADE but higher ADP. Qualitative studies are needed to understand
why OHL may be related to higher ADP
Real-time operation of municipal anaerobic digestion using an ensemble data mining framework
Get PDFThis study presents a novel approach for real-time operation of anaerobic digestion using an ensemble decision-making
framework composed of weak learner data mining models. The framework utilises simple but practical features such as
waste composition, added water and feeding volume to predict biogas yield and to generate an optimised weekly operation pattern to maximise biogas production and minimise operational costs. The effectiveness of this framework is
validated through a real-world case study conducted in the UK. Comparative analysis with benchmark models demonstrates
a significant improvement in prediction accuracy, increasing from the range of 50–80% with benchmark models to 91% with the proposed framework. The results also show the efficacy of the weekly operation pattern, which leads to a substantial 78% increase in biogas generation during the testing period. Moreover, the pattern contributes to a reduction of 71% in total days required for feeding and 30% in total days required for pre-feeding