Construction Of Consciousness Research Articles

Stress-Strain Behavior of Soft Soil Stabilized with Nickel Slag, Limestone, and Aluminum Hydroxide

Soil stabilization by combining several minerals is a form of material engineering aimed at increasing the bearing capacity of the soil to a higher level. The development of waste-based materials and the utilization of local potential are part of environmentally conscious construction. This study aims to analyses the mechanical behaviour of soil stabilized with several pozzolanic materials derived from nickel processing waste and limestone, which are local materials with very large deposits. ASTM standards were used in this study for both physical and mechanical testing. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted to compare the mechanical behaviour of stabilized soil with that of natural soil. The test samples used were cylindrical with a diameter of 35 mm and a height of 70 mm. The binding materials consisted of nickel slag, aluminium hydroxide, and limestone, with the amount of each material based on the dry soil weight (γdry). The addition of lime in this study was varied at 2%, 4%, and 6%. The test results generally show that lime variations and curing time affect the increase in unconfined compressive strength (qu), with the highest value of 30.91 kg/cm² observed at 6% lime content after 28 days of curing.

Episodic memory without autonoetic consciousness.

Ever since Tulving's influential 1985 article 'Memory and consciousness', it has become traditional to think of autonoetic consciousness as necessary for episodic memory. This paper questions this claim. Specifically, it argues that the construct of autonoetic consciousness lacks validity and that, even if it was valid, it would still not be necessary for episodic memory. The paper ends with a proposal to go back to a functional/computational characterization of episodic memory in which its characteristic phenomenology is a contingent feature of the retrieval process and, as a result, open to empirical scrutiny. The proposal also dovetails with recent taxonomies of memory that are independent of conscious awareness and suggests strategies to evaluate within- and between-individual variability in the conscious experience of episodic memories in human and non-human agents. This article is part of the theme issue 'Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research'.

Технология проектирования индивидуальной образовательной траектории для студентов с инвалидностью

<p>Students with disabilities represent a highly heterogeneous group. The study was based on the hypothesis that creating variable special conditions for students with disabilities as part of the design of individual educational trajectories (IETs) will ensure the success of higher education for disabled people. The article describes the logic and stages of research on the creation and implementation of technology for designing an individual educational trajectory for students with disabilities. The materials were formed as a result of the implementation of the practice at Cherepovets State University over 5 years. Four IET options are described in detail, with each option concentrically increasing the conditions to account for the needs and capabilities of the student. The study involved 873 disabled people (765 applicants and 108 students). The study included assessing the requests of applicants with disabilities, designing and implementing individual educational trajectories, monitoring the adaptation and satisfaction of students, and evaluating the effectiveness of students with disabilities in mastering the educational program. The results obtained show an insufficient starting level of applicants' readiness for the conscious construction of an individual educational trajectory. Additionally, data were obtained on the difficulties related to emotional and interpersonal adaptation for students with disabilities. Continuous dynamic monitoring of the requests from disabled individuals for special conditions and productive interaction among all participants in the design of IETs ensures improved adaptation indicators (statistically confirmed by the use of φ angular Fisher transformation), stability of the contingent of students with disabilities, and academic success.</p>

Relationship Between Green Finance Availability and Purchase Intentions in Generation Z and Millennials: Moderating Role of Consciousness

This study examines how the availability of green finance influences the purchasing intentions of Generation Z and Millennials, with consciousness as a moderating factor. A structured questionnaire was deployed to collect the data to measure five reflective constructs: purchase intention, Gen Z and Millennials’ green finance, environmental consciousness, future consciousness and status consciousness. The valid responses of 500 participants working at various levels in the information technology industry were subjected to normality tests, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling analysis. The data were normally distributed (Shapiro‒Wilk statistic p>0.05), and the survey instrument maintained internal consistency and reliability, as revealed by the Cronbach’s alpha values (>0.70). The structural equation modeling results revealed an excellent model fit, and the Gen Z and Millennials’ financial availability, future consciousness and status consciousness constructs were statistically significant and impacted the purchasing intentions of Gen Z and Millennials. Slope analysis reveals that consciousness is statistically significant and moderates the relationship between Gen Z and Millennial financing availability and purchase intentions. Consciousness strengthens the positive relationship between Gen Z and millennial finance availability and purchase intentions. The article reports novel findings that affect the purchase intentions of customers regarding the availability of green financing to Generation Z and Millennials. This is a new empirical study in which Generation Z and Millennials. This empirical study highlighted the environmental, social and managerial implications for green finance providers. Green finance opportunities need to be provided to Gen Z and Millennials so that they can make a habit of engaging in green finance practices. This will promote environmental protection, increase greener consumption options, and ensure social equity and sustainable economic development. If the green financing opportunities promoted to Gen Z and Millennials, more businesses can opt for greener options, greener products and greener marketing.

Consciousness and education: contributions by Piaget, Vygotsky and Steiner.

The objective of this study is to gain an understanding of the development of consciousness and its relationship with education based on different theoretical models-namely those by Piaget, Vygotsky and Steiner. All three of them focus on different subcomponents of the educational process and there is hence a need for integrative discussion. Piaget and Vygotsky are fundamental references in the understanding of developmental and learning processes. Steiner was a pioneer in proposing a pedagogy that progresses by integrating feeling and wanting alongside thinking in the educational process. Their theories have important similarities but also differences and these will be essential for broadening the understanding of the construction of consciousness and its relationships with education.

Collective consciousness and consumer behavior

AbstractWe build on the construct of collective consciousness, which reflects a view that a person can see the self as the subject that is attending, experiencing, or acting as a unitary collective agent, that is, from the perspective of “we” as opposed to “I.” Shteynberg (Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2024) proposes that collective consciousness can foster mutual trust and cooperation, thus having positive implications for both individuals and society. In this commentary, we discuss what the construct of collective consciousness might have to offer consumer researchers by considering when collective consciousness could be relevant in consumer contexts, its key psychological consequences, and how this theory could potentially build upon and interact with existing frameworks in consumer psychology. In addition, we consider some potential negative consequences of collective consciousness and point to potentially fruitful directions for future consumer research.

Quantifying environmental impact: carbon emissions analysis of cut and fill work in construction

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in global development, but it also significantly contributes to carbon emissions, necessitating urgent measures to mitigate its environmental impact. The main objective of this research is to analyse and estimate the carbon emissions resulting from cut and fill work in construction projects. This research conducted three comprehensive case studies focusing on heavy equipment excavation, material transport, material spreading, and compaction stages in the construction industry to analyse carbon emissions. The findings reveal that material transport emerges as a prominent source of CO2 emissions within the construction life cycle. This underscores the urgent need for transformative measures to optimize transportation logistics and adopt eco-friendly alternatives, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, for material transport. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of integrating intermodal transportation options to maximize efficiency while minimizing emissions during material movement. The research emphasizes that mitigating carbon emissions in the construction industry requires a comprehensive approach encompassing technological advancements, logistical optimization, and the adoption of sustainable practices. By embracing the strategies highlighted in this study, construction projects can significantly contribute to the global fight against climate change and align with international efforts to achieve a more sustainable future. The insights provided by this research underscore the imperative for collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change and foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction industry.

A Study on the Construction of Ecological Consciousness in The Old Man and the Sea from the Perspective of Conceptual Metaphor

A Study on the Construction of Ecological Consciousness in <i>The Old Man and the Sea</i> from the Perspective of Conceptual Metaphor

Comparative analysis of various machine learning algorithms to predict strength properties of sustainable green concrete containing waste foundry sand

The use of waste foundry sand (WFS) in concrete production has gained attention as an eco-friendly approach to waste reduction and enhancing cementitious materials. However, testing the impact of WFS in concrete through experiments is costly and time-consuming. Therefore, this study employs machine learning (ML) models, including support vector regression (SVR), decision tree (DT), and AdaBoost regressor (AR) ensemble model to predict concrete properties accurately. Moreover, SVR was employed in conjunction with three robust optimization algorithms: the firefly algorithm (FFA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and grey wolf optimization (GWO), to construct hybrid models. Using 397 experimental data points for compressive strength (CS), 146 for elastic modulus (E), and 242 for split tensile strength (STS), the models were evaluated with statistical metrics and interpreted using the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) technique. The SVR-GWO hybrid model demonstrated exceptional accuracy in predicting waste foundry sand concrete (WFSC) strength characteristics. The SVR-GWO hybrid model exhibited correlation coefficient values (R) of 0.999 for CS and E, and 0.998 for STS. Age was found to be a significant factor influencing WFSC properties. The ensemble model (AR) also exhibited comparable prediction accuracy to the SVR-GWO model. In addition, SHAP analysis revealed an optimal content of input variables in the concrete mix. Overall, the hybrid and ensemble models showed exceptional prediction accuracy compared to individual models. The application of these sophisticated soft computing prediction techniques holds the potential to stimulate the widespread adoption of WFS in sustainable concrete production, thereby fostering waste reduction and bolstering the adoption of environmentally conscious construction practices.

Tell me more: examining consumer perception and behavior toward animal welfare certification labels in Japan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence Japanese consumer purchase intention toward products bearing animal welfare (AW) certification labels.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model was developed with the constructs of informativeness, trust, consumer perception, health consciousness, moral norms and purchase intention and tested using a sample of 513 Japanese consumers. Data were collected using an online panel with the direct effects analyzed using regression while the mediation analysis was performed using Hayes PROCESS macro.FindingsThe findings have confirmed that informativeness, consumer perception and trust contribute to consumer purchase intention of products with AW certification labels. Moral norm has a significant indirect effect on the relationship between consumer perception and intention to purchase. However, health consciousness did not demonstrate any indirect effect on the relationship between consumer perception and intention to purchase.Originality/valueThis study contributes significantly to our understanding of Japanese consumers' perception toward AW certification labels, especially considering the limited discussion surrounding this topic in Japan. By highlighting the importance of informativeness, it sheds light on how enhancing consumer knowledge can potentially boost the demand for AW foods. Moreover, it challenges the conventional belief in the impact of health consciousness and consumer behavioral intention, thereby expanding the discourse on the role of health consciousness in consumer choices. Through this exploration, the study not only enhances consistency in discussing consumer behavior but also strengthens the coherence and argumentation of the research findings.

Perdebatan Realisme-Antirealisme dalam Filsafat Agama Kontemporer

This article starts from the ontological problem in the discourse on the philosophy of religion, namely between the realist and anti-realist poles. The two are differentiated from the way of understanding the world, where realists believe that there is a world that is independent of mind and consciousness (mind-independent world) while anti-realists believe that the world, including perspectives on it, is completely dependent on the intentionality of the subject, so it is only a construction of mind and consciousness. Regarding religion, for realists, religion and its substance truly refer to objective reality, while anti-realists believe that religion is fictitious because it is only a construction of the mind and consciousness, not referring to objective reality. This debate also implies a disagreement between theism and atheism, especially in the context of the ontological status of religion and the epistemic status of religion. This article wants to explain that a believer is definitely a realist. This realist attitude is confirmed through an ontological commitment to the existence of God. However, the semantic construction of divinity is in the domain of mind and consciousness. The object of representation exists in a world independent of the mind, while the content of the representation exists within the influence and determination of the mind. This has consequences for the subject's plurality of meanings of the world. Regarding the theism-atheism dialogue pattern, this article offers a more analytical dialogue pattern, namely dialogue that is not theologically centric. This means that the debate is more directed at how to talk about God, not just about God's existence.

A Review on Utilization of Plastic Waste as Aggregate in Construction Materials

In a construction material in a modern construction if we look the major component includes concrete and steel reinforcement. However, in recent studies it showed the replacement of steel bars by the different material like bamboo etc. and in concrete there is fiber, red mud and fly ash is been deployed as the replacement for the binding material say cement.In today’s scenario the utilization of plastic in day-to-day life is showed the substantial growth but the associated problem with the plastic is their environmental impact as they cannot get easily decomposed. So, if we utilize this plastic waste in a construction works as a construction materialmay lead to the significant reduction in its waste foot print. In recent literature, significant strides have been made in the development of concrete mixtures that integrate plastic waste as a partial substitute for traditional aggregates during the concrete manufacturing process. Some recent studies show that it can be used construction industry due to some of its properties like inert behaviour, resistance to degradation etc. Also, use of waste plastic can help in reducing plastic waste. This emerging trend reflects a broader commitment to sustainability, aiming to mitigate plastic pollution while fostering environmentally conscious construction practices.

Recycling lithium slag into eco-friendly ultra-high performance concrete: Hydration process, microstructure development, and environmental benefits

To ascertain the viability of utilizing lithium slag (LS) in the development of eco-friendly ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), this paper provides a detailed analysis of the effects of LS on UHPC. Specifically, the hydration and microstructural changes in UHPC containing LS (LS-UHPC) were comprehensively examined. Based on the results of isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), LS primarily acts as a filler, promotes nucleation, provides internal curing, and participates in the pozzolanic reaction. Significantly, the internal curing effect and the pozzolanic reaction enhanced the strength development of LS-UHPC. UHPC with 20 % LS exhibited the highest 28 d compressive strength at 134.48 MPa and presented the densest microstructure. However, approximately 4 % of the calcium hydroxide in LS-UHPC would not be involved in the pozzolanic reaction. The presence of gypsum in LS led to increased ettringite formation in LS-UHPC. Although LS extended the induction period of UHPC, it intensified the hydration degree of cement. In LS-UHPC, the molar ratio of Ca/Si of C-(A)-S-H decreased, whereas the molar ratio of Al/Si increased, implying that the dissolved aluminum from LS was incorporated into the C–S–H chains. The integration of LS not only considerably reduced the carbon emissions and energy consumption of UHPC but also optimized LS recycling. Overall, the development of a sustainable UHPC by incorporating LS is both practicable and advantageous for environmentally conscious construction practices.

The Conscious Experience of Being Hypnotized with a Metaphorical Story Script: A Case Study

&lt;p&gt;背景與目的：催眠為一經驗現象，但研究者一直無法獲得完整的第一人稱經驗描述，也就無從對其進行研究分析，這阻礙了催眠研究的進展。本研究的目的即在於獲得催眠經驗之意識過程的精細且精確描述，並分析其中的意識經驗現象。方法：本研究採取以催眠現象為標的的案例研究，設計由隱喻故事構成之催眠腳本所進行的催眠歷程，訪談參與者經驗，最後以現象學方法分析之。結果：本研究結果揭示了催眠意識經驗歷程的形式結構與內容結構。催眠意識經驗的歷程形式結構是由本研究所得之催眠經驗描述與意識三重構作理論對話後所得到的理解。催眠意識經驗的意義內容歷程則是可以用經驗生成為主題來提顯其核心意涵。本研究也從催眠過程中的無意義視覺現象獲得意識與生理作用之間關係的假設性理解。結論與建議：本研究不但揭露了催眠過程的形式結構與內容結構，也推進了對意識性質與特徵的討論，可作為意識研究的一項基礎。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Context and Objective: Hypnosis refers to a state of deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility that either occurs spontaneously or is induced through guidance by others. Hypnosis is a topic of academic interest because it could help researchers understand the composition and operation of human consciousness. A major question in the study of hypnotic experience is how to obtain first-person reports and how to determine the relationship between its experiential content and external processes, that is, the relationship between hypnotic experience and hypnotic methods. This question arises because hypnosis is characterized by dissociation, and subjects are often unable to clearly describe what they experienced when under hypnosis; even if there are fragmentary content reports, it is not easy to determine their temporal sequence. This lack of first-person description has hindered the progress of hypnosis research. In an attempt to reduce this research gap, this study aimed to obtain a detailed and accurate description of the conscious process of hypnotic experience and to analyze the consciousness phenomena therein. Method: A case-study framework was adopted. The study implementation relied on three research maneuvers: a research design that can obtain first-person reports of hypnotic experiences, a phenomenological method for analyzing first-person experiences, and a theoretical model of consciousness operation obtained from Taiwan’s indigenous psychological healing phenomena, the tripartite theory of consciousness. The research design was as follows. Before conducting the hypnosis session and experiential interviews, the researcher and the research participant co-wrote a hypnosis script with three parts: guidance into a hypnotic state, metaphorical stories, and guidance out of a hypnotic state. It was read word-for-word to the research participant during the hypnosis session, and the entire session was videotaped. An experiential interview was conducted immediately after hypnosis. Through the hypnosis script and video playback, the research participant could identify the correspondence between the hypnotic guidance and her experience and report her experiential process in sequence. Thus, by transcribing the interview recording into a verbatim transcript, this study obtained a first-person report of hypnotic experience that could be matched with the content and sequence of the script. Second, after obtaining the first person report of the hypnotic experience, a phenomenological method was used to analyze the data. Third, the analysis results were examined based on the tripartite theory of consciousness to gain a structural understanding of the hypnotic consciousness process. The function of the tripartite theory of consciousness in this study was to serve as an aid to expand understanding rather than as theoretical conceptualization prior to research analysis. Result: The results can be presented in two parts: the formal structural process of hypnotic consciousness experience and the meaning content process. The formal structural process of hypnosis is the understanding obtained after the participant’s description of the hypnosis experience and the analysis through the lens of the tripartite theory of consciousness. The function of the utterance of hypnotic guidance was significantly demonstrated. Through the three dimensions of content, speaking speed, and rhythm, hypnotic guidance can make different connections and influences on the conscious acts toward the significative, the imaginal, and the somatic. The meaning content process of hypnosis can be described by the theme of experience generation. This study describes the characteristic of openness of consciousness, the phenomenon and function of experiential adhesion and saturation, and the conscious operation structure that can change the texture of the hypnotized person’s experience through experiential interweaving and experiential rewriting. In this way, the hypnotic consciousness experience process carried out with a metaphorical story script is presented as a process of generating meaningful experiences, and the tripartite construction of consciousness is the basic structure for generating experiences. Finally, this study also obtained a hypothetical understanding of the relationship between consciousness and physiological effects during hypnosis. Conclusion and Suggestion: The present study does not just disclose the structure of the processes of conscious experience in hypnosis, but also provides a discussion on the features and qualities of consciousness, which can serve as a basis for future exploration.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Green building future: algal application technology

In the context of rising global energy demands driven by population growth and urbanization, the construction industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions during the construction phase and subsequent energy consumption. Fossil fuel dependency for heating and energy needs exacerbates climate change, necessitating urgent solutions. Algal technology emerges as a promising strategy for green building practices, addressing energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Algae's unique ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis is harnessed by deploying photobioreactors on building exteriors. Studies indicate that each kilogram of dry algae consumes 1.83 kg of CO2 while offering applications as organic fertilizer, oil, and protein sources. This technology not only diminishes CO2 emissions but also transforms wastewater and generates bioenergy, catering to building energy requirements. Algal technology's economic and environmental significance becomes evident through carbon capture, energy generation, and circular waste management, aligning with sustainability principles. This study highlights the potential of algal technology to shape the future of eco-friendly conscious construction practices, providing avenues for reduced emissions, efficient energy utilization, and sustainable development.

Effectiveness of areca fiber and cement on the engineering characteristics of compressed stabilized earth blocks

This study investigates the potential of integrating areca fiber as a reinforcement agent in Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs), used in combination with cement. Traditional earth-based construction methods, once prevalent, have seen a decline in industrialized nations with the advent of modern building materials. However, there is a growing resurgence in the use of earth-based materials, motivated by their economic, social, and environmental sustainability benefits. This renewed interest in CSEBs is primarily due to their superior energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially when compared to conventional materials like fired clay bricks or concrete blocks. Areca catechu, widely recognized as the areca palm, thrives in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Asia, and East Africa. The fibers derived from areca nutshells, often regarded as agricultural waste, present an intriguing material for study. While the application of areca fiber in soil reinforcement has been previously acknowledged in scholarly literature, its specific role in enhancing the engineering properties of CSEBs represents a novel area of exploration, which this research aims to address comprehensively. In this research endeavor, CSEBs were manufactured with varying proportions of areca fibers, spanning from 0 % to 3 %, based on the dry mass of soil. Subsequently, these blocks underwent comprehensive testing to assess their strength and durability characteristics. Strength properties were evaluated through unconfined compression, split tensile strength, and flexural strength tests, while durability was meticulously examined using wet strength, water absorption, submersion, and efflorescence tests. Here, CSEBs displayed increases in compressive strength (107.04–436.38 %), split tensile strength (208.66–358.08 %), and flexural strength (16.49–82.47 %). Durability tests revealed enhanced wet compressive strength (up to 100.42 % increase) and optimized water absorption rates. A notable finding is identifying 2 % areca fiber content as optimal, yielding significant improvements in strength and durability parameters. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) further confirmed the benefits of 2 % fiber content, showing a compact and cohesive internal structure with reduced voids and fissures. This microstructural integrity underlines the enhanced bonding and stability imparted by the areca fibers. Another essential aspect of the study was evaluating the compliance of CSEBs with various international standards on earthen construction. The fiber-reinforced blocks met or exceeded several standards, demonstrating their suitability for broader construction applications. Finally, this study underscores the promise of areca fiber as a valuable reinforcement material in CSEBs stabilized with cement. This innovative approach offers a sustainable and eco-friendly building material option, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious construction practices.

Some necessary constructs of consciousness as defined in the dynamic organicity theory

The Dynamic Organicity Theory (DOT) explains consciousness as a process that cannot be reduced to a thing or a structure. This process, called the Polanyian process, involves the evolving diachronic boundary conditions of our experienceability. These boundary conditions are ontologically intertwined with higher-level boundary conditions, which lead to physiological nonlocal cause-and-effect relationships. Thus, adaptive changes occur when self-referential causal closure transforms syntactic structures into experienceable forms. Self-referential causal closure is a causal agent for diachronic boundary conditions that majorly structure intrinsic information in ways that experienceabilities are across time, suggesting that consciousness is not driven by an “internal clock” or regular biological rhythm but rather by intrinsic intentionality preceding path selection through a non-mechanical force of hidden thermodynamic energy that cascades to form a volitional agency of information-based action due to the gain of hidden intrinsic information. The process of transforming syntactical structures to experienceable forms in intrinsic informational pathways is conflated with nonlinear time, and its structuring defines the functionality of the brain. Consciousness-in-the-moment is an “averaging out” between different informational pathways involved across such nonlinear time. The transduction of quantum potential information as negentropic action is a motif for “potential complexity” to decrease the maximum complexity (derived from the brain structure, dynamics, and function) due to the reduction of uncertainty. Given that the functionality of maximum complexity lacks the self-referential causal closure to be a volitional agent needed for precognitive consciousness, it is proposed that negentropic entanglement unifies experienceabilities so that the functionality of multiscale complexity is greater than the functionality of maximum complexity. This may be enough to produce consciousness in organic systems.

Missed opportunities and implementational spaces for developing critical consciousness: Three case studies in secondary Mandarin Chinese dual language bilingual education

ABSTRACT In response to the call for centering critical consciousness as a foundational goal in dual language bilingual education (DLBE), this article explores secondary Chinese teachers’ instructional practices in Utah Mandarin Chinese DLBE programs and how their instructional practices reflect the missed opportunities and implementational spaces for developing critical consciousness in the backdrop of anti-Asian sentiment. Drawing on theoretical constructs of critical consciousness and using a narrative inquiry approach with ethnographic methods, this study focused on three secondary Chinese DLBE teachers’ reported and observed classroom practices concerning the development of critical consciousness. Findings reveal the different ways in which three Chinese DLBE teachers addressed critical topics in classrooms shaped by their attitudes toward the importance of promoting critical consciousness. Their classroom practices demonstrate the missed opportunities as well as implementational spaces to cultivate critical consciousness within the Mandarin Chinese DLBE curriculum. This study provides examples for DLBE teachers to implement critical pedagogies toward the critical consciousness goal and has implications for teachers, educators, families, and communities to support critical consciousness actions in and out of the classroom.

Investigation on the potential of Eulaliopsis binata (babiyo) as a sustainable fiber reinforcement for mortar and concrete

The production of synthetic materials emits harmful gases, driving researchers to seek eco-friendly alternatives, leading to increased demand for natural fiber-based composites in various industries. With advantages like cost-effectiveness, renewability, and biodegradability, natural fiber reinforced composites gain popularity in concrete applications. Their use in concrete has gained global acceptance for its smaller carbon footprint, reduced energy consumption, and minimized wastage. This research aims to evaluate the suitability of Eulaliopsis binata (EB) fiber in mortar and concrete applications. Mortar samples were prepared using different proportions of alkaline-treated EB fibers (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1% and 1.25% by total weight of mortar) in a cement-sand-water mixture with a 1:1:0.35 ratio. Additionally, concrete with a mix proportion of 1:2.15:3.13 (cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate) and a water-cement ratio of 0.618 was prepared. The flexural strength test was conducted using plain concrete as well as concrete with untreated and epoxy-treated EB fiber bars of varying diameters. The results revealed that EB fiber-reinforced mortar exhibited a notable increase in flexural and splitting tensile strength, with a 10.85% and 6.23% improvement compared to plain mortar at 0.75% EB fiber content, while compressive strength decreased. Similarly, concrete reinforced with untreated and epoxy-coated EB fiber bars of 14 mm diameter demonstrated 12.32% and 13.27% higher flexural strength, respectively, than that of unreinforced concrete. These results highlight the potential for affordable green concrete production, supporting sustainable infrastructure development. The EB fiber usage presents an encouraging pathway for environmentally conscious construction practices with reduced environmental impact.

Extrapolating animal consciousness

I argue that the question of animal consciousness is an extrapolation problem and, as such, is best tackled by deploying currently accepted methodology for validating experimental models of a phenomenon of interest. This methodology relies on an assessment of similarities and dissimilarities between experimental models, the partial replication of findings across complementary models, and evidence from the successes and failures of explanations, technologies and medical applications developed by extrapolating and aggregating findings from multiple models. Crucially important, this methodology does not require a commitment to any particular theory or construct of consciousness, thus avoiding theory-biased reinterpretations of empirical findings rampant in the literature.