Search Results (755)

To reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete industry and promote a circular economy, this study explores the reuse of waste materials such as glass powder (GP) and nitrile rubber (NR) fibres in concrete. However, the inclusion of these waste materials results in lower compressive strength compared to conventional concrete, limiting their application to non-structural elements. To overcome this limitation, this study adopts the concept of confined concrete by developing concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) stub columns. In total, twelve concrete mix variations were developed, with and without steel tube confinement. GP was utilised at replacement levels of 10–30% by weight of cement, while NR fibres were introduced at 0.5% and 1% by volume of concrete. The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of GP and NR fibres leads to a reduction in compressive strength, with a compounded effect observed when both materials are combined. Steel confinement within CFST columns effectively mitigated the strength reductions, restoring up to 17% of the lost capacity and significantly improving ductility and energy absorption capacity. All CFST columns exhibited consistent local outward buckling failure mode, irrespective of the concrete mix variations. A comparison with predictions from existing design codes and empirical models revealed discrepancies, underscoring the need for refined design approaches for CFST columns incorporating sustainable concrete infill. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of eco-friendly, high-performance structural systems, highlighting the potential of CFST technology in facilitating the adoption of waste materials in the construction sector. Full article

Based on recent work outlining the transformation of professional communicator roles and the desperate search for “curators” or “agents of change” in neighboring disciplines such as management, business and economics, sustainability studies and education, we present a systematic reflection of concepts in higher education for sustainability and their (missing) fit to professional communication education in a world in crisis. The blind spots and challenges identified, especially from a communication perspective, will be filled with concepts from environmental communication pedagogy, pointing to the need for more participatory strategies and radicality in professional communication education. Concrete modalities of instruction will be discussed and supported by eight reconstruction interviews with pedagogues, educators and students from diverse cultural contexts involved in sustainability communication education. The findings show the need for more radical pedagogy and unorthodoxy. The paper finishes with suggestions for practices that materialize sustainability in co-created sites of change. Full article

Modern heritage (MH) is a key component of our built environment; however, it currently lacks widespread recognition and a clear, universally accepted definition, placing it in an emerging phase. This category of heritage, understood within the context of modernisation processes and the changes characteristic of the late modern period, remains underrepresented and warrants further study. The objective of this article is to fill the identified research gap, thereby fostering awareness of MH, improving its accessibility and enhancing its visibility and appreciation. It offers a diagnostic analysis of the corpus on MH through the design and development of a concrete methodology, which is transferable to the other heritage categories. This study reveals insights into the present understanding of the term ‘Modern Heritage’ and its relevance within an international framework. This understanding prompts a reflection on the terminology used to describe this concept, which serves not only as a significant result in itself but also as a foundation for future research. Despite the close association of modern heritage with the 20th century, this research identifies a cross-cutting nature that needs to be recognised, encompassing a wide range of periods, themes and typologies in this category. Full article

This paper introduces and investigates the fundamental properties of L-primals, a generalization of the primal concept within the framework of L-fuzzy sets and complete lattices. Building upon the established theories of L-topological spaces and L-pre-proximity spaces, this research explores the interrelations among these three generalized topological structures. The study establishes novel categorical links, demonstrating the existence of concrete functors between categories of L-primal spaces and L-pre-proximity spaces, as well as between categories of L-pre-proximity spaces and stratified L-primal spaces. Furthermore, the paper clarifies the existence of a concrete functor between the category of stratified L-primal spaces and the category of L-topological spaces, and vice versa, thereby establishing Galois correspondences between these categories. Theoretical findings are supported by illustrative examples, including applications within the contexts of information systems and medicine, demonstrating the practical aspects of the developed theory. Full article

Stylistic neutrality is the basis for the stylistic evaluation of maps. Furthermore, the stylistic neutrality of a map as a cartographic text may be related to objectivity. However, what constitutes stylistic neutrality is not clearly stated in the field of cartography. The problem is complicated by the fact that the stylistically neutral image is a hypothetical image. The aim of this research is to investigate stylistic neutrality by exploring the peculiarities of cartographic language functioning in different fields of social activity. The research combines descriptive analysis, stylistic analysis, cartographic and interpretative methods. Firstly, the research reveals the concept of cartographic stylistic neutrality, in line with the cartographic linguistic paradigm. Secondly, an analysis of the characteristics of cartographic language in different fields of social activity from the point of view of stylistic neutrality is carried out. Thirdly, an example is developed to illustrate stylistic cartographic neutrality. Stylistic neutrality is characterised by the stylistic features of cartographic language: clarity, accuracy, conciseness, calmness, abstractness, temperance, neutrality and moderateness. The style of cartographic production for inventory and research activities is closest to stylistic neutrality, while the style of reflective activity is the most expressive and acts as a source of concreteness for stylistic neutrality. Full article

The shear strength of rock discontinuities is a critical parameter in rock engineering projects for assessing the safety conditions of rock slopes or concrete dam foundations. It is primarily controlled by the frictional contribution of rock texture (basic friction angle), the roughness of discontinuities, and the applied normal stress. While proper testing is essential for accurately quantifying shear strength, engineering geologists and engineers often rely on published historical databases during early design stages or when test results show significant variability. This paper serves two main objectives. First, it intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the basic friction angle concept from early years until its emergence in the Barton criterion, along with insights into distinctions and misunderstandings between basic and residual friction angles. The other, given the influence of the basic friction angle for the entire rock joint shear strength, the manuscript offers an extended database of basic friction angle values. Full article

In the context of the rapid digital transformation of the catering industry, the design of ordering interfaces—key hubs of human–computer interaction—has become critical to user service quality and brand competitiveness, especially in terms of usability, visual appeal, and emotional resonance. Based on a human–computer interaction design framework, this study proposes a dual-path optimization model integrating user demand mapping and conflict resolution to synergize explicit need translation with innovative design problem solving. The model employs KE to capture implicit user needs, applies AHP to construct a weighted design element system, and uses QFD to establish a matrix linking user needs with technical attributes. To address contradictions among design elements, TRIZ is introduced to resolve conflicts between functional redundancy and interaction efficiency. Additionally, generative AI tools such as MidJourney are incorporated to accelerate concept generation and improve innovation. Based on user evaluations and controlled experiments, the optimized design demonstrates measurable improvements in task efficiency and visual appeal. Overall, the dual-path approach effectively bridges the gap between vague user needs and concrete design solutions, achieving a balanced integration of functionality, aesthetics, and interactivity. The proposed model overcomes the limitations of experience-driven design by offering a systematic methodology encompassing demand analysis, technological transformation, conflict resolution, and intelligent generation, with practical value for enhancing the user experience of digital service touchpoints in the catering sector. Full article

A new concept of a 3D volumetric module, made up of six plane stiffened self-compacting fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) panels, is here studied. Experimental campaigns are carried out on SFRC material and on the thin-slab structures used for this modular concept. The high volume of steel fibers (80 kg/m³) used in the formulation of this concrete allow a positive strain hardening to be obtained in the post-cracking regime observed on the bending characterization tests. The high mechanical material characteristics, obtained both in tension and compression, allow a significant decrease in the module slabs’ thickness. The tests carried out on the 7 cm thick slab demonstrate a high load-bearing capacity and ductility under bending loading; this is also the case for shear loading configuration, although without any shear reinforcements. Numerical simulations of the material mechanical tests were conducted using Abaqus code; the results corroborate the experimental findings. Then, simulations were also conducted at the structural level, mainly to evaluate the behavior and the bearing capacity of the thin 3D module stiffened slabs. Finally, knowing that the concrete module truck transport can be a weak point, the decelerations induced during transportation were characterized and the integrity of the largest 3D module was demonstrated. Full article

An involutive m-semilattice is a kind of algebraic structure with symmetry. Symmetry is reflected from partial-order relations to algebraic operations and even categorical properties. In this study, firstly, the concepts of the nucleus and congruence in involutive m-semilattices are introduced, and their interrelationships are discussed. On this basis, the concrete structure of a coequalizer in the category of involutive m-semilattices is obtained. We introduce the definition of free involutive m-semilattices, and the concrete structure of involutive m-semilattices is discussed. In addition, It is shown that the category of involutive m-semilattices is algebraic. Secondly, the colimit in the category of involutive m-semilattices is shown to be a very difficult problem. We obtain the concrete structure of the colimit for a full subcategory of the category of involutive m-semilattices. Thirdly, we introduce the definition of an inverse system in the category of involutive m-semilattices and give the concrete structure of the inverse limit of an inverse system. We establish the concept of a mapping between two inverse systems. The properties of inverse limits are discussed. Finally, we study the direct limit of the category of involutive m-semilattices and give its concrete structure. Full article

This study aims to explore a new concept for a Power to Heat (P2H) device and demonstrate its effectiveness compared to a thermal heating method. The proposed concept is a medium-temperature system where electro-thermal conversion occurs via the Joule effect in a metallic tube (resistive element). This tube also serves as a heat exchange surface between the heat transfer fluid and the thermal storage medium. The heat storage material here proposed consists of base concrete formulated on purpose to ensure its operation at high temperatures, good performance and prolongated thermal stability. The addition of 10%_wt phase change material (i.e., solar salts) stabilized in shape through a diatomite porous matrix allows the energy density stored in the medium itself to increase (hybrid sensible/latent system). Testing of the heat storage module has been conducted within a temperature range of 220–280 °C. An experimental comparison of charging times has demonstrated that electric heating exhibits faster dynamics compared to thermal heating. In both electrical and thermal heating methods, the concrete module has achieved 86% of its theoretical storage capacity, limited by thermal losses. In conclusion, this study successfully demonstrates the viability and efficiency of the proposed hybrid sensible/latent P2H system, highlighting the faster charging dynamics of direct electrical heating compared to conventional thermal methods, while achieving a comparable storage capacity despite thermal losses. Full article

In order to address a challenging issue in the recycling of construction debris, the impact of carbonization treatment on the characteristics of recycled aggregates (RCAs) was experimentally examined in this work. Both direct carbonization and carbonization following calcium hydroxide pretreatment were used in the study to assess the impact of carbonization on the physical characteristics of recycled aggregates. According to the findings, carbonization raised the recycled aggregates’ apparent density while drastically lowering their porosity and water absorption (by as much as 20–30%). Although the recycled aggregate’s crushing index marginally increased with age, its overall physical qualities remained excellent. Pretreatment with calcium hydroxide can improve the physical characteristics of recycled aggregates, further optimize their pore structure, and efficiently encourage the carbonation process. Furthermore, recycled aggregate’s crushing index can be considerably decreased and its quality much enhanced by the ultrasonic cavitation treatment. According to the study, the carbonation-treated recycled aggregate’s microstructure was denser in the interfacial transition zone and had a stronger link with the cement paste, improving the recycled aggregate concrete’s overall performance. XRD, infrared spectral analysis, and SEM scanning were used to determine the increased calcium carbonate content in the recycled aggregate following carbonation treatment as well as its microstructure improvement process. The findings offer fresh concepts for achieving resource efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of recycled aggregates in concrete, as well as theoretical backing for their use. Full article

This paper explores the concept of evolutionary urban resilience by framing cities as complex, open, and adaptive Social-Ecological-Technological Systems (SETS), shaped by multi-scalar dynamics, systemic uncertainty, and interdependent crises. It challenges the reductionist view of resilience as a fixed capacity or linear sequence of risk management phases, and instead proposes a process-based paradigm rooted in learning, creativity, and the ability to navigate disequilibrium. The framework defines urban resilience as a continuous and iterative transformation process, supported by: (i) a combination of tangible and intangible qualities activated according to problem typology; (ii) cross-domain processes involving infrastructures, flows, governance, networks, and community dynamics; and (iii) the engagement of diverse agents in shared decision-making and coordinated action. These dimensions unfold across three incremental and interdependent scenarios—baseline, critical, and chronic crisis—forming a ladder of resilience that guides communities through escalating challenges. Special emphasis is placed on the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as relational and adaptive tools enabling distributed intelligence and inclusive governance. The framework also outlines concrete operational and policy implications for cities aiming to build anticipatory and transformative resilience capacities. Applied to the case of Taranto, the approach offers insights into how structurally fragile communities facing conflicting adaptive trajectories can unlock transformative potential. Ultimately, the paper calls for a shift from government to governance, from control to co-creation, and from reactive adaptation to chaos generativity, recasting urban resilience as an evolving project of collective agency, systemic reconfiguration, and co-production of emergent urban futures. Full article

In Proclus’ Commentary on the First Alcibiades, we encounter a conception of dialectic that can be interpreted in terms of the philosopher’s reception of Socratic and Platonic ideas while at the same time being compatible with the relevant Aristotelian conception. We will try to show that this is the case to the extent that dialectic is ascribed a propaedeutic function, aimed both at promoting the search for truth and at practicing and developing persuasive skills that could prove beneficial in theoretical disputes. On this basis, it can become clear that dialectic is related to Proclus’ conception of the soul because it necessarily integrates specific characteristics of partial philosophical disciplines, while, on the other hand, it requires the active participation of the soul as a whole. This means concretely that through the practice of dialectic, the inner differentiation of the soul emerges as a necessary dimension of its coherent unity. Full article

Motivated to create a children’s VR game for the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision (NISV), this research asks how might we design an immersive game for children to meaningfully interact with media and metadata in cultural heritage contexts? First, during a ‘design salon,’ 13 data and heritage experts challenged children’s ability to interact with metadata. In response, we ran workshops with 19 children focused on understanding abstract media and data. We found that while (1) metadata has many challenges, (2) children understand abstract data when it is grounded in concrete experiences, are (3) motivated to interact with archival media through in immersive and collaborative contexts, and (4) are interested in exploring media diversity through categorisation games with high-level narrative goals. These findings inform our game concept and three core insights for designing immersive experiences for cultural heritage: Considering the Contextual Complexity of Data and Audience Needs, Connecting Data Abstractions to Embodied Narratives Through Categorisation Mechanics, and Supporting Abstract Meaning Making Using the Immersive Affordances of VR. Full article

Flotation tailings (FT), as a product of the exploitation and processing of copper ore, represent a significant environmental and health risk due to the high content of heavy metals and sulfide compounds. Contemporary concepts of sustainable development and circular economy increasingly emphasize the need for rational use of resources and minimization of all types of waste, including mining waste. In this context, the reuse of flotation tailings in the construction industry represents a significant step towards closing the material flow in the mining and construction sectors. In order to reduce the negative impact of FT on the environment, the possibility of its application as a substitute for a portion of cement in the production of concrete was investigated. The main challenge is to reduce the negative impact of sulfides, originating from sulfide compounds, in order to achieve the desired concrete quality. Limestone aggregates of different size fractions (0/4, 4/8, 8/16 mm) were used for sulfide neutralization. Pyrite concentrate was used as a sulfide source, which together with FT provides the mixtures FT-7, FT-14, FT-25, and FT-40, with sulfur contents of 7.56, 13.84, 25.02, and 39.82%, respectively. FT mixtures were used as a substitute for Portland cement (PC) in the preparation of concrete. Test methods included XRD (X-ray diffraction), XRF (X-ray fluorescence), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), LP (leaching procedure), TCLP (toxicity characterization leaching procedure), assessment of acid eluate generation potential (AP—acid potential, NP—neutralization potential, and NNP—net neutralization potential), NEN (determination of heavy metals in cured concrete eluate), and UCS (uniaxial compressive strength of cured concrete). The results showed that the chemical characteristics of FT, as well as the chemical and mechanical properties of hardened concrete, allow the efficient use of these tailings in concrete mixes, which significantly utilizes FT, reduces the generation of mining waste, and contributes to the reduction of the negative impact on the environment and achieving sustainable development in mining. Full article