The transformation of kaolinite was examined at 175°C for 24 h in the CaO-Al2O3- SiO2-H2O (CASH) system, which is important in cement science and especially in, cement chemistry and is closely related to the pozzolanic reaction, the CaO-aggregate reaction and the glass fibre reinforcement of hardened cement. The hydration products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and thermogravimetric analysis in order to elucidate their mineral chemistry and microstructure. Results reveal that several poorly crystalline phases were formed, with un-reacted Ca(OH)2 appearing at shorter reaction times. Hydrogarnet tends to form more rapidly than tobermorite. It was transformed into aluminium-substituted tobermorite with curing time. A batch experimental study confirmed that kaolinitebased calcium silicate hydrates are effective for the treatment of acid mine drainage, particularly in removing metal ions and ammonium

The novel copolymers composed of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) and oligoesters have been developed. The structures of the obtained copolymers including variety of end groups were determined at the molecular level with the aid of electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (ESI-MSn). The fragmentation experiment performed for the selected sodium adducts of the copolymers confirmed that the developed methods lead to the formation of graft copolymers composed of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) backbone and oligoesters pendant chains. Moreover, it was established that fragmentation of selected sodium adducts of graft copolymers proceeded via random breakage of amide bonds along the backbone and ester bonds of the oligoesters pendant chains. Considering potential applications of the synthesized copolymers in the area of biomaterials, the hydrolytic degradation under laboratory conditions and in vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed. The ESI-MSn technique applied in this study has been proven to be a useful tool in structural studies of novel graft copolymers as well as their degradation products.

Geophysical Research Abstracts (GRA) is the conference series publishing the abstracts accepted for the General Assemblies of the European Geosciences Union (EGU). It links the annual conference programmes listing programme groups, included sessions, and their contributions. The abstracts underwent an access review by the session conveners.

Service Oriented Computing (SOC) provides a framework for the realization of loosely coupled service oriented applications. Web services are central to the concept of SOC. Currently, research into how web services can be composed to yield QoS optimal composite service has gathered significant attention. However, the number and spread of web services across the cloud data centers has increased, thereby increasing the impact of the network on composite service performance experienced by the user. Recently, QoS-based web service composition techniques focus on optimizing web service QoS attributes such as cost, response time, execution time, etc. In doing so, existing approaches do not separate QoS of the network from web service QoS during service composition. In this paper, we propose a network-aware service composition approach which separates QoS of the network from QoS of web services in the Cloud. Consequently, our approach searches for composite services that are not only QoS-optimal but also have optimal QoS of the network. Our approach consists of a network model which estimates the QoS of the network in the form of network latency between services on the cloud. It also consists of a service composition technique based on fruit fly optimization algorithm which leverages the network model to search for low latency compositions without compromising service QoS levels. The approach is discussed and the results of evaluation are presented. The results indicate that the proposed approach is competitive in finding QoS optimal and low latency solutions when compared to recent techniques.

Human aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the primary water channel protein in brain astrocytes. Hypothermia is known to cause astrocyte swelling in culture, but the precise role of AQP4 in this process is unknown. Primary human cortical astrocytes were cultured under hypothermic (32 °C) or normothermic (37 °C) conditions. AQP4 transcript, total protein and surface-localized protein were quantified using RT-qPCR, sandwich ELISA with whole cell lysates or cell surface biotinylation, followed by ELISA analysis of the surface-localized protein, respectively. Four-hour mild hypothermic treatment increased the surface localization of AQP4 in human astrocytes to 155 4% of normothermic controls, despite no change in total protein expression levels. The hypothermiamediated increase in AQP4 surface abundance on human astrocytes was blocked using either calmodulin antagonist (trifluoperazine, TFP); TRPV4 antagonist, HC-067047 or calcium chelation using EGTA-AM. The TRPV4 agonist (GSK1016790A) mimicked the effect of hypothermia compared with untreated normothermic astrocytes. Hypothermia led to an increase in surface localization of AQP4 in human astrocytes through a mechanism likely dependent on the TRPV4 calcium channel and calmodulin activation. Understanding the effects of hypothermia on astrocytic AQP4 cell surface expression may help develop new treatments for brain swelling based on an in-depth mechanistic understanding of AQP4 translocation.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in construction sector are vulnerable and face exposure to risks whilst operating without risk management system in place. Evidence from market research and industry surveys confirm that SMEs underperform due to inability to manage operational risk challenges facing them. The objective of this study is to develop risk management software enabling SMEs in the construction sector to proactively identify, analyse and manage risks facing them to enhance business performance. Performance in the construction sector is assessed in terms of completion time, project execution cost and overall quality of delivery. Research framework based on balanced score card highlights risk indicators affecting performance. The risk software guides operator to avoid, minimise, mitigate or manage the relevant risks to enable successful performance outcome. The system will enable systematic risk management to achieve minimum cost and time overrun while optimising quality of delivery in a project management environment.

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is an established tool to facilitate animal husbandry, care and research in modern zoos, with potential positive implications for captive animal welfare. The study explored the role of an isolation PRT training programme on the well-being of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Eleven subjects were observed during an isolation training protocol to induce the animals to enter an area (training area) calmly and retrieve rewards separated from group members. Duration of individual and social behaviours were collected over two different periods: the baseline period, before the beginning of the isolation training protocol and the training period, in which the collection of the data started at the end of the isolation training sessions. Additionally, behavioural data within the isolation training sessions (latency to enter the training area and retrieve the reward, display of stress-related behaviours) were recorded. Outside the training sessions, lemurs were out of sight significantly more in the baseline (Mean ± SD: 15.46 ± 5.20) than in the training (Mean ± SD: 4.36 ± 2.89) period. Social behaviour was performed significantly more in the training (Mean ± SD: 31.80 ± 12.34) than in the baseline (Mean ± SD: 12.52 ± 5.14) period; particularly, lemurs were in social contact significantly more in the training (Mean ± SD: 14.09 ± 6.00) than in the baseline period (Mean ± SD: 4.58 ± 2.73). Agonistic behaviours were performed significantly more in the baseline (Mean ± SD: 0.23 ± 0.15) than in the training (Mean ± SD: 0.07 ± 0.07) period. Within the training sessions, all the individuals entered the training area, were isolated from conspecifics, and retrieved the reward in 6 out of 9 sessions. Our findings show that, during the PRT period, lemurs displayed their natural behaviour in their everyday social life with significant increase of their affiliative behaviours and decrease of aggressive behaviours with benefits for their welfare status. Thus, lemurs were able to cope with the use of PRT to isolate each individual from its social group − a situation which, without training, might be very stressful. In conclusion, PRT may play a crucial role for the captive management of ring-tailed lemurs in captive facilities, including zoos.

Accidents on construction sites in Nigeria have caused and still cause devastating effects on properties and the lives of workers, as well as affecting the delivery of projects on time and within budget. However, little has been done to address this critical issue. A study was thus carried out on the perceptions of professionals on the current health and safety (H&S) practices on Nigerian construction sites. A quantitative method was used where a survey questionnaire was administered to potential respondents. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were administered and 100 responses were ultimately collected, representing a response rate of 66.6%. The data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics to reveal that poor H&S practices are evident on Nigerian construction sites, particularly: the lack of commitment to safety by stakeholders, lack of governmental support, little or no diligence while enforcing safety regulations on site and lack of safety education programmes on site. Also, accidents can be attributed to many sources, chiefly non-compliance with safety regulations, carelessness of workers, weak coordination of workers on site and ineffective safety culture. The safety performance of many projects in Nigeria is still below par. As the causes of accidents in Nigerian construction are many, likewise efforts by many stakeholders are needed to address the issue. Government, professional bodies and contractors can play leading roles in bringing improvements.

Metallic-based bipolar plates exhibit several advantages over graphite-based plates, including higher strength, lower manufacturing cost and better electrical conductivity. However, poor corrosion resistance and high interfacial contact resistance (ICR) are major challenges for metallic bipolar plates used in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Corrosion of metallic parts in PEM fuel cells not only increases the interfacial contact resistance but it can also decrease the proton conductivity of the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), due to catalyst poisoning phenomena caused by corrosive products. In this paper, a composite coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was deposited on stainless steel alloys (SS304, SS316L) and Titanium (G-T2) via a CoBlast™ process. Corrosion resistance of the coated and uncoated metals in a simulated PEM fuel cell environment of 0.5 M H2SO4 + 2 ppm HF at 70 °C was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarisation. ICR between the selected metals and carbon paper was measured and used as an indicator of surface conductivity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), 3D microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and contact angle measurements were used to characterise the samples. The results showed that the PTFE coating improved the hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance but increased the ICR of the coated metals due to the unconductive nature of such coating. Thus, it was concluded that it is not fully feasible to use the PTFE alone for coating metals for fuel cell applications and a hybrid coating consisting of PTFE and a conductive material is needed to improve surface conductivity.

Augmented Reality (AR) represents a viable and efficient approach for combining Virtual Reality with the real world. It also augments user’s perception of a real‐world entity by inserting relevant digital information into the real environment and creating an environment where computer generated information is superimposed onto the user’s view of a real‐world scene. The idea of Pervasive AR (PAR) adds context‐awareness and continuity to the typical AR technology, thus providing continued assistance to the users. This paper is aimed at main drivers and barriers for the implementation of PAR within the field of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC). A review of the literature was performed highlighting the main barriers and drivers for the implementation of PAR in the AEC sector, as well as possible applications of this technology. The literature review showed cost of technology, hardware issues and development of applications as the main barriers for implementing PAR. Whereas, error and cost reduction; and continued assistance were the main drivers of implementation. Although there are some barriers to overcome, the future implementation of PAR in the construction sector looks promising with possible applications of this technology in the AEC sector such as visualisation of spatial, drawing or technical information for designers, the jobsite workforce or marketing purposes.