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Disability, Human Rights, and Contract Law
No full textAn initial glance at the intricate web of the English legal system may perceive human rights and private law as paths leading to different realms. In this vision, contract law, shaped by economic concerns, is confined to a role of enforcing agreements. Yet, given ageing population trends and the increase in the number of people with mental health conditions, such as dementia, entering into grossly asymmetrical contracts, we must re-assess the lens through which we perceive contract law. This book calls for a re-examination of the role of contract law in light of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), insisting on an approach that responds to both economic and social concerns. The book aims to contribute towards bridging the areas of disability equality and contract law, questioning the compatibility of key principles and doctrines in contract law with UNCRPD values, including autonomy and human dignity
Toward Faster Adsorbent Screening via the Multisite-Whittaker Approximation
Get PDFMeasurement of adsorption isotherms is a time-consuming process, which is required for screening adsorbents for various applications. We present a simple method for accurately predicting isotherms for temperatures within 50 K of a single measured isotherm, indeed making it possible to determine an entire adsorption surface, that is, loading as a function of both temperature and pressure. The methodology is an expansion of the Tóth potential approach applied by Whittaker [Whittaker, P. B.; Wang, X.; Regenauer-Lieb, K.; and Chua, H. T. Predicting isosteric heats for gas adsorption. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2013, 15, 473–482.] The implementation of such a theory has been deployed in the open-source adsorption processing software pyGAPS in order to improve reproducibility
Mechanics insights into particle ejection during laser cutting of metal alloys
No full textUnderstanding the mechanism of the particle formation and ejection during laser cutting of metal alloys is crucial. It can not only ensure workpiece’s surface quality but also reduce the formation of micro-particles, a typical hazard to the operators. However, the existing studies rely on experiments, lacking reliable numerical models that can effectively reveal the flow behavior of molten metal at the cutting kerf and the metallic particle formation. Therefore, we presented a numerical model that can simulate the formation and deposition of metallic particles under different processing conditions. This model can help the user better understand the interaction between processing parameters and particle formation, and therefore minimizing the need of experiments during process optimization. An incompressible Newtonian laminar non-isothermal multiphase fluid flow was modelled for the laser-metal interaction process by implementing the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. The dynamic mesh strategy was employed to capture the metal-gas interface and resolve the free surface of the ejected particles. The formation of particles at the kerf front was illustrated through the temperature/morphology evolution history. The particle shape, size, and velocity distribution over time were revealed by using the Volume of Fluid-to-Discrete Phase Model (VOF-to-DPM) technique. The impact of laser power and the assist gas speed were assessed where the laser power from 500 to 1500 W and assist gas speed from 20 to 60 m/s were chosen, demonstrating that our numerical model offered an in-depth understanding of the mechanics at the kerf regions and assisting the development of subsequent exhaustion systems for secondary emissions
Continuous Hairpin Winding Technology for Electric Machines Enabling Net Zero Transportation: A Comprehensive Review
Get PDFFeatured by low power losses and strong heat dissipation capability, hairpin winding has been widely accepted as a key enabler of boosting performance for traction/propulsion electrical machines in automotive and aerospace sectors. Continuous hairpin winding (CHW), distinguished by its further improvement brought to machines’ key performance indicators, being power density, efficiency, and reliability, is emerging as a more promising winding solution. This paper will provide a critical technology review on CHW, with focus on highlighting its different features compared with those of other typical winding types, manufacturing/assembly process, layout design rules, as well as current and future development trends. Based on illustration of the unique winding process, the so-called “radial shift” feature that inherently exists in CHW will be introduced. The key elements in winding layout development, including transposition, terminal and jumper connections, parallel branch number, will be summarised for CHW. Moreover, new technology bricks and research ideas that strive to tackle manufacturing challenges, enhance design flexibility, as well as improve overall performance have been highlighted. Finally, the paper concludes by proposing future research directions, with the vision of increasing its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for future net-zero transportation
Designing fly ash-based engineered geopolymer composites: Mechanical properties, chloride ion resistance, and microstructure
No full textTo promote the application of fly ash-based engineered geopolymer composites (EGC), this article systematically investigated the effects of activator modulus (1.0–2.0), concentration (30–40%), and liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio (0.40–0.50) on workability, mechanical properties, toughness, chloride ion resistance, and microstructure. Results showed that the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength were positively correlated with concentration and negatively correlated with modulus and the L/S ratio. But the workability of EGCs had the opposite correlations with concentration (negative), modulus (positive), and L/S ratio (positive). All mixes exhibited strain-hardening behavior (PSH > 3), with the optimal mix achieving a 28-day compressive strength of 51.04 MPa, tensile strength of 4.71 MPa, and tensile strain of 3.65%. Additionally, chloride binding increased by 36.9%, and penetration decreased by 56% with higher activator concentration. This work provides new insight into designing durable, high-performance, and low-carbon EGCs
Extremal black hole weather
Get PDFWe consider weakly nonlinear gravitational perturbations of a near-extremal Kerr black hole governed by the second-order vacuum Einstein equation. Using the GHZ [for S. R. Green et al., Classical Quantum Gravity 7, 075001 (2020)], these are parametrized by a Hertz potential. We make an ansatz for the Hertz potential as a series of zero-damped quasinormal modes (QNMs) with time-dependent amplitudes, and derive a nonlinear dynamical system for them. We find that our dynamical system has a time-independent solution within the near-horizon scaling limit. This equilibrium solution is supported on axisymmetric modes, with amplitudes scaling as cl ∼ Clow2−l 2l−7 2 for large polar angular momentum mode number l, where Clow is a cumulative amplitude of the low l modes. We interpret our result as evidence that the dynamical evolution will approach, for a parametrically long time as extremality is approached, a distribution of mode amplitudes exponentially suppressed in l, hence as the end point of an inverse cascade. It is reminiscent of weatherlike phenomena in certain models of atmospheric dynamics of rotating bodies. During the timescale considered, the decay of the QNMs themselves plays no role given their parametrically long half-life. Hence, our result is due entirely to weakly nonlinear effects
Understanding particulate matter emissions from cooking meals, health impacts and policy path in Ecuador
Get PDFCooking is a major source of indoor air pollution, but little is known about its emissions or health impacts in Ecuadorian households. This study quantified PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ emissions from six common menus (three fried, three stewed) cooked in a real-life kitchen in Guayaquil lacking natural or mechanical ventilation. Each menu was replicated 30 times, yielding 180 PM concentration profiles. After quality control, 120 profiles were retained for analysis. Median PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ 24 h concentrations were 16 μg/m3 and 21 μg/m3, respectively—exceeding WHO 24-hour guidelines 16 % for PM₂.₅. Using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), the harm from exposure was estimated at 990 DALYs per 100,000 person-years for the analyzed cooking scenarios. These levels indicate quantifiable chronic health risks despite emissions being lower than in other Low Middle Income Countries studies. Findings support the need for indoor air quality guidelines, ventilation strategies, and public health policies tailored to urban Latin American households
The hidden barriers to cyber security adoption amongst Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Get PDFPurposeSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) share many of the same cyber security needs and challenges as larger organisations but often have significantly less knowledge and capability to deal with them. A fundamental initial issue can be locating relevant information, with the natural route for SMEs seeking and referring to related guidance found online. This can be challenging considering the volume and variety of sources that can consequently be located. This paper aims to explore the barriers to cyber security adoption faced by SMEs potentially stemming from the coverage, completeness and clarity of online guidance documents. Design/methodology/approach An assessment of over 30 UK-based guidance sources with two subsequent semi-structured interview-based studies with 24 participants (12 providers and 12 SMEs). FindingsResults from the assessment reveal that there is significant diversity in the materials that SMEs may be presented with, potentially leading to inconsistent and ill-informed decision-making and confusion. Findings from subsequent interviews highlight the impact of guidance-related vectors when implementing advice. These aspects are exacerbated by SMEs’ reactive needs, internal limitations and awareness of cyber security – hindering their ability to act competently in the context of cyber security. Originality/valueThis contributes to a limited amount of research of how SMEs seek support for cyber security and the effectiveness and impact of online guidance. It also explores this theme from the viewpoint of SMEs and providers in tandem to offer a deeper understanding of security adoption through their lived experiences
Lived experiences of caregivers with a family member living with a severe mental health condition in South Africa
Get PDFBackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as South Africa, people with severe mental health conditions (SMHC) typically reside with family members, who serve as their primary caregivers. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences, needs and coping strategies of caregivers with a family member with SMHC in a low-resource setting in South Africa, and their perspectives on the provision of a support group programme.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted, which included 22 in-depth individual interviews, 15 of them being females and 7 males ranging from 26 to 72 years of age. These caregivers were recruited through the service user presenting at the health facility. The interview guide covered caregiving experiences, coping strategies, perceptions on recovery, and acceptability of peer-led mutual support groups. Written informed consent was obtained before conducting interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, translated from isiXhosa to English and transcribed. Thematic analysis using NVivo 12 was used to analyze findings.ResultsCaregivers reported being socially excluded from family and community gatherings, as well as experiencing financial and emotional hardship because of their responsibilities. This influenced their overall well-being and ability to cope. Inadequate time for their own social activities and fulfilment were frequently described, and this was linked to their level of responsibility for the needs of others in their homes, as caregiving obligations were rarely shared among family members. Although some caregivers had developed ways to cope, such as hobbies and spiritual endeavours, some nevertheless reported less healthy coping strategies, including alcohol use. Whilst most caregivers indicated they would be interested in a peer-led mutual support programme, some said they would not be able to participate because of work or other responsibilities.ConclusionCaregivers of people with SMHC in South Africa face considerable challenges, and supportive interventions are needed. Peer-led mutual support groups may hold the potential for providing this support
Electrogenetic depolymerization of poly-gamma glutamic acid in Bacillus subtilis biofilms
No full textGene expression in electroactive bacteria (EAB), which sense electrochemical stimuli and elicit genetic response, can be regulated through electrogenetic methods. Although differential gene expression patterns have been observed in biofilms grown on polarized electrodes, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that sense electrochemical potential and bring about the genetic regulation in response to this potential. Here, we observe that the molecular weight of poly gamma glutamic acid (γ-PGA) produced in Bacillus subtilis PB5760 biofilms changed with the applied electrochemical potential. The application of 0.2 and 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl reduced the molecular weight of γ-PGA in the biofilm from 3800 to 4070 kDa at open circuit potential (OCP) to 1040–1590 kDa and 2170–2730 kDa, respectively. Under the same conditions, the relative levels of expression of pgdS, a gene that codes for a γ-PGA-specific endo-hydrolase in cells growing at OCP, 0.2 and 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl were 1.12 ± 0.57, 2.74 ± 0.54, 1.61 ± 0.57, respectively, which correlates with the molecular weight reduction. This is the first biotechnological application of electrogenetics for producing γ-PGA with a tunable molecular weight. Results show the feasibility of electrogenetics approach for gene regulation in EAB
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