Soil salinity is a major abiotic stressor limiting agricultural productivity. Many salt stress studies rely solely on sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions, despite not accurately representing natural saline conditions. This study investigated the stress response of Vicia faba to NaCl and marine aquarium salt (MAS) solutions to assess the impact of a more complex ionic composition on plant physiology. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse and treated with either NaCl, MAS, or rainwater (control) for up to 55 days. Growth parameters, water status, proline accumulation, chlorophyll content, and root nodule weight were measured to evaluate stress responses. The results indicate that the NaCl-treated plants experienced greater stress than both the control and MAS-treated plants, with reduced shoot growth, lower relative water content, and increased proline accumulation. The MAS-treated plants better maintained their water content and exhibited higher root nodule weight and chlorophyll content, suggesting enhanced nitrogen fixation and photosynthetic capacity. However, a miscalculation in treatment concentrations resulted in the MAS solution containing slightly less NaCl than intended, which may have influenced the results. Despite this, the findings still highlight the potential role of additional ions in mitigating salt stress and emphasis the need for more realistic salt stress methodologies in plant research. Understanding the influence of ions responsible for salinisation on nitrogen fixation and plant resilience could lead to improved strategies for crop stress tolerance. Future studies should expand this approach to field conditions and diverse crop species to develop more sustainable agricultural practices that reduce reliance on nitrogen fertilisers and improve yields in saline soils.
The feedback concealed information test (fCIT) incorporates feedback on memory concealment performance within the classical CIT. Providing feedback facilitates the analysis of feedback related ERPs in addition to initial recognition related ERPs within each trial. Combining multiple ERPs aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of the test. The present study investigated the efficiency of combining recognition and feedback related P300 ERPs in detecting concealed birthdates in a personal item fCIT. Feedback proportions were altered to improve believability in feedback. Detection efficiencies using combined P300 amplitudes within this altered paradigm and the impacts of social pressures on feedback P300s were explored. Results indicated that with altered feedback proportions, both P300s could be used to categorise innocent and guilty participants with AUCs = 0.79-0.91. Across both measures, trials in which information had been concealed evoked the largest P300 potentials. Social pressure introduced via witness observation during the test impacted feedback P300 amplitudes differently for different stimulus types and warrant further investigation into social motivational factors in the fCIT. The study has theoretical implications, with feedback P300s being manipulated by increased social pressure during the test, independently of recognition P300s, providing support for theories that they may reflect separate mechanisms.
This research aims to explore the Wind Farm Layout Optimisation Problem (WFLOP) through both single- and multi-objective optimisation, to show that it can be used to create farm layouts that provide enough power for all homes in the UK. We highlight the intricacies of the problem, including the application of different algorithms and models, and the challenges of scaling the models to achieve optimal results. We employ both a Hill Climbing Algorithm (HCA) and an evolutionary algorithm (NSGA-II) to obtain wind farm layouts, and compare these to the well-known results proposed by Mosetti et al. Moreover, we present a novel multi-objective optimisation that aims to minimise the farm size whilst maximising power, with scaling farm boundaries and number of turbines. We conclude that the layout optimisation can be scaled to meet UK demands. However, further improvement to the calculations presented in this paper would be required.
Freshwater ecosystems cover only three percent of the Earth’s surface yet support approximately ten percent of global biodiversity. These systems play a crucial role in maintaining native biodiversity across spatial and temporal scales but are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic stressors, including habitat modification, pollution, and biological invasions. The introduction of non-native macrophytes can fundamentally alter community structure by modifying habitat complexity, resource availability, and competitive interactions. This study assesses the impact of the invasive macrophyte Crassula helmsii on macroinvertebrate assemblages at small spatial scales within partially invaded ponds in Dartmoor National Park, southwest England. Three ponds with varying degrees of invasion were selected, macroinvertebrate samples were collected along with percentage macrophyte coverage. Whilst overall macroinvertebrate species richness did not differ significantly between areas dominated by Crassula helmsii and those containing only native macrophytes, multivariate analyses revealed that differences in assemblage structure were driven by a subset of taxa, notably the invasive gastropod, Physella acuta, and Hydroporus diving beetles. PERMANOVA analysis indicated subtle shifts in community composition, suggesting that the degree of Crassula helmsii invasion influences macroinvertebrate distribution patterns at small spatial scales. The displacement of native macrophytes by Crassula helmsii may have long-term implications for ecosystem functioning, with potential cascading effects on higher trophic levels. Given the challenges associated with Crassula helmsii management and eradication, further research is needed to assess its ecological role across multiple spatial and temporal scales, particularly in relation to habitat structure and ecosystem resilience in lentic freshwater systems.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners produce noise levels between 65 and 130 decibels. This noise, alongside the broader sensory environment of the MRI, poses challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Noise exposure has been shown to impair task performance, increase errors, and affect brain activity. ASD traits are associated with decreased sound tolerance, including hyperacusis, misophonia, and phonophobia. In ASD, noisy environments disrupt inferior frontal gyrus function, impairing task response and brain connectivity. Given this, it’s crucial to understand how these sensory challenges specifically affect ASD experience and performance during MRI procedures. This study assesses cognitive performance and comfort under simulated MRI noise and its association with autistic-like traits. Participants completed the AQ questionnaire before performing a computerised 3-back task under three noise conditions of MRI noise in a within-subjects design. Accuracy, hit rates, false alarm rates and comfort ratings were collected after each condition. A univariate ANOVA was conducted to analyse the effects of noise across different levels on task performance, correlated against AQ scores. The results suggest that individuals with more autistic traits may be less negatively affected by auditory distractions. While this study did not find statistical significance for the hypothesis, it does emphasise the differences in those with high ASD-like traits. These findings challenge assumptions about sensory sensitivity in ASD traits and suggest that cognitive adaptation mechanisms may influence noise tolerance, highlighting the need for individualised accommodations in MRI settings
Seafarer retention is a growing concern amid increasing global demand for skilled maritime officers. This study investigates the generational differences in psychological motivators influencing seafarer retention, where ‘psychological motivators’ encompass the cognitive factors, including mental and physical wellbeing, work-life balance, compensation, working conditions, and external factors, that shape retention intentions. A cross-sectional survey (n=214) combined quantitative and qualitative analyses to systematically assess how the perceived importance and experience of these factors vary across Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. The findings reveal that significant generational differences exist across most factors, particularly in work-life balance and mental wellbeing, in which younger generations reported negative perceptions based on their experience working at sea, while compensation and physical wellbeing dissatisfaction was widespread but not generationally distinct. Younger cohorts, especially Generation Z, prioritise work-life balance and mental wellbeing substantially more than their older counterparts, suggesting an evolution in career values and psychological needs across seafaring generations. Conversely, Baby Boomers demonstrated greater resilience towards occupational stressors and placed comparatively lower on wellbeing-focused factors. This generational shift challenges the effectiveness of traditional retention and recruitment strategies, which have historically prioritised financial incentives and job security. To remain competitive in attracting and retaining seafaring talent, the industry must transition towards approaches that emphasise holistic wellbeing, and sustainable work-life balance. The study makes three principal contributions to existing research: first, it quantitatively demonstrates the shifting psychological landscape influencing retention across generations; second, it emphasises the growing centrality of intrinsic motivators over extrinsic incentives for younger seafarers; and third, it reinforces the applicability of psychological frameworks such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Self-Determination Theory within maritime human resources discourse. Nevertheless, limitations are acknowledged. The sample, while substantial, fell short of the target needed for full generalisability and disproportionately underrepresented older seafarers, likely due to the online distribution method. Furthermore, the cross-sectional design limits the ability to distinguish age effects from generation effects.
In Qingdao, China, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a known hazard to coastal communities. Aerosolization is a mechanism by which HAB toxins can be transported from the sea surface into the air when wind speeds exceed 5 m/s. Previous studies have analysed the composition of aerosolized marine biotoxins (AMBs) in the breathable air surrounding Qingdao, but the role of the onshore winds in transporting them there would benefit from further research. Ciguatoxin is one such AMB, and this study analyses the role of onshore winds in aerosolizing and transporting toxins inland from a ciguatoxin bloom in Aoshan Bay, Qingdao during the winter of 2019. It also considers the resulting potential exposure for coastal communities. Ciguatoxin is widely understood for causing ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), yet the effects on human health when inhaled remain mostly unknown. Using satellite derived data, chlorophyll concentrations were assessed throughout 2019 to locate the winter HAB, as chlorophyll is a strong indicator of phytoplankton biomass. Wind speed and direction data were analysed from satellite radar to determine the frequency and strength of onshore winds throughout the bloom. Additionally, chlorophyll levels in Aoshan Bay were analysed over a 20-year period to assess if and how HAB occurrences were changing over time. The ciguatoxin bloom was captured by a peak in chlorophyll levels during January and February 2019. Winds in the area were onshore and at speeds capable of aerosolization 75% of this time, suggesting that onshore winds played a large role in transporting ciguatoxin into the air. Interestingly, a significant decline in chlorophyll levels was observed across the 20-year dataset, likely attributable to an increase in macroalgal invasions around China. This study highlights the potential relationship between onshore winds and harmful algal bloom occurrences in Aoshan Bay in 2019, and the associated risk of exposure to coastal communities.
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects 2-3 million people worldwide, with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) accounting for 75% of new cases. Exercise has been proposed to alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of exercise on dynamic balance and walking endurance in RRMS patients. Methodology: A comprehensive PubMed search identified exercise interventions that specifically measured walking endurance via the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and dynamic balance through the timed up-and-go (TUG) test. Mean and standard deviation values at baseline and post-intervention were extracted for analysis. For subgroup comparisons, interventions were classified as either lower or higher intensity. Results: Thirteen intervention groups were analysed. The 6MWT results showed a statistically significant improvement in distance covered post-intervention (MD, 29.11; 95% CI, 8.36–49.86; p = 0.006). In subgroup analysis, lower-intensity interventions produced a significant benefit (MD, 29.35; 95% CI, 5.21–53.49; p = 0.02), whereas higher-intensity interventions exhibited a trend (MD, 28.44; 95% CI, -12.18–69.05; p = 0.17). The TUG test demonstrated a significant reduction in test completion time (MD, -1.4; 95% CI, -1.69 to -1.10; p < 0.00001), with both lower- (MD, -2.00; 95% CI, -2.60 to -1.40; p < 0.00001) and higher intensity (MD, -1.20; 95% CI, -1.54 to -0.87; p < 0.00001) subgroups showing statistically significant improvements. Conclusions: The results of this research reinforce the existing evidence that exercise significantly improves walking endurance and dynamic balance in RRMS patients. These findings support the recommendation for early, regular exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention.
Microplastic pollution is a major threat to UK seagrass habitats, which provide essential ecosystem services by supporting biodiversity and economically valuable fish species. Seagrass beds, acting as long-term ‘sinks’ for microplastics due to their dense canopies face a high risk of degradation. This study investigated microplastic accumulation in the sediment of a mixed species (Zostera marina and Nanozostera noltei) seagrass bed in the Tamar Estuary, Southwest England, considering the effect of sediment particle size. Microplastics were extracted by density separation using Sodium Bromide (NaBr) and sediment particle size analysis was used to investigate the seagrass bed sediment. FT-IR analysis was used to identify polymers, and microscopy was used to quantify plastic particles. Microplastics were found in all samples ranging from 33.34kg-1 to 1033kg-1 of dry sediment, with blue fibres (45%) proving the most common. ANCOVA revealed a positive relationship between seagrass bed density and microplastic accumulation (p<0.005). FT-IR results indicate microplastic particles originate from a range of anthropogenic sources mostly associated with land, which highlight the need to investigate the transport routes of microplastics into water bodies. These findings highlight the urgency to assess microplastic pollution in the Tamar Estuary’s seagrass habitats to inform conservation strategies and protect at-risk organisms from habitat degradation and bioaccumulation, this includes identifying potential sources of microplastic pollution and the need for ongoing monitoring and research.
With rising sea levels and increasingly frequent and intense storms due to climate change, coastal communities and structures are at an increasing risk of overtopping occurring. This study investigates the coastal metocean conditions responsible for overtopping at coastal defences, using Delft3D to model these processes with Dawlish as the case study site. Wave propagation models were employed to simulate metocean conditions from December 2021 to March 2022 to compare inshore wave conditions, alongside water level and wind parameters, with observed overtopping data from the WireWall system installed on top of the seawall, next to the railway line. The results indicate that wave direction (117-173°), wind direction (120-180°), and significant wave heights (>1.2m) are key contributors to overtopping, with wind speeds above 12m/s and elevated water levels further increasing the risk, while peak period exhibited little influence. These results provide insights for local authorities and Network Rail to inform management strategies in Dawlish and can provide the basis for an early warning system that can identify when there is an increased risk of overtopping. Importantly, the findings highlight the influence of wind conditions on overtopping, suggesting the need for the inclusion of these parameters in future studies and updating the formulae used to calculate overtopping, such as EurOtop, to increase the accuracy and reliability of future overtopping forecasting models.
A mandatory target for 30% of plastic packaging to be recycled has been proposed by 2030, in order to mitigate the problem of plastic waste being incinerated or deposited in landfills. However, during the recycling process additives are added and with polypropylene being used for plastic packaging and surgical masks, these additives need to be analysed for the presence of contaminants. Examples include VOCs, PAHs, phthalates, and brominated diphenyl’s, all of which have health issues. Two samples of recycled polypropylene pellets were obtained from a national recycling company, along with a reference pellet purchased through Sigma-Aldrich. All pellets underwent ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with three solvents; methanol (MeOH), acetonitrile:methanol (ACN:MeOH 2:1 v/v) and hexane (Hx). The methods used included multiphase (MPE), where all solvents were added to the same vial, and sequential (SE) involved each solvent in separate vials. The analytes were reconstituted with dichloromethane (DCM) before being analysed via gas chromatography-flame ionisation and mass spectrometry (GC-FID/MS) in full scan mode alongside 11 known plastic contaminants, e.g. diethyl phthalate and naphthalene. All three pellets were also analysed via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), to determine the chemical and physical properties. This confirmed that the pellets were polypropylene due to similar characteristic peaks to the reference pellet. All GC-FID data underwent retention time matching to the standards and confirmed through the GC-MS analysis. The results contained matches from C18-C20 n-alkanes, whilst Hx extracted from C14 onwards. This showed that by using hexane as a sequential solvent it removed all available analytes, whilst MPE did not due to hexane being immiscible in ACN. Main peak differences between all pellets were analysed through the NIST database to find many differences, e.g. 2,6,10,15-tetra-methyl-heptadecane was only present in the recycled pellets and not the reference pellet, meaning it is a by-product of the recycling process. All pellets also underwent analysis through pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC-MS), the thermal degradation of the solid pellet samples resulted in small chain polymer fragments. All differences were analysed through the NIST database to show that VOCs and phthalates were abundant in all, and through statistical analysis of three known peaks present in all, it was found that the reference pellet was significantly different, thus proving the formation of by-products through the recycling process. Only VOCs and dibutyl phthalate was found throughout, therefore, further analysis is needed to obtain the inorganic contaminants present through ICP-MS analysis, to analyse whether or not recycled plastics can be used as packaging for pharmaceutical products.
The pressures of modern society have been proven to have widespread negative effects on worldwide seagrass meadows, thus necessitating an increased need for the accurate and long-term monitoring of sites of special interest. These monitoring programs have typically relied on the in-situ measurement of individual seagrass plants. However, technological advancements have increased the prevalence of new surveying techniques, including satellite imagery, aerial photography and bathymetric measurement. With the advent of machine learning, the processing of these methods has increased in efficiency and become more objective in nature, transforming the way surveys are being undertaken. This study focuses on the unique habitat of Higher Town Bay (St Martins) in the Isles of Scilly and provides a comprehensive evaluation of how the seagrass meadows have changed over a 16-year period. A combined dataset of bathymetric and remote sensing data is analysed to map these changes, and two machine learning (ML) methods are suggested to automate this process. A sensitivity analysis of both the ML algorithms and processing methods is undertaken. The resulting trend shows the damage inflicted on the meadow by the 2013/14 winter storms, demonstrating the impact of extreme wave events on the archipelago and the subsequent recovery of the meadow in the following years. This study provides guidance into how to combine bathymetric and remote sensing data types for more comprehensive seagrass surveys and gives suggestions for ML techniques to be used in the broader scope of seagrass detection and management.
Jasmonic acid (JA) is a key phytohormone involved in plant defence, offering a potential sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. While JA seed priming has been explored as a strategy to enhance herbivore resistance in certain plant families, its potential fitness trade-offs remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of JA seed priming on Brassica napus (oilseed rape), a key agricultural crop, focusing on seedling fitness and resistance to Brevicoryne brassicae (mealy cabbage aphid), a major agricultural pest. To assess potential fitness trade-offs, seeds were primed with 75 µM JA, and multiple seedling fitness parameters were measured. Germination monitoring revealed no significant difference in time to 50% germination (T50) or final germination percentage between the control and treatment group, though the later was only marginally non-significant. Similarly, plant height at day 19 of growth, root-to-shoot allocation and total biomass at day 30 revealed no clear trade-offs associated with JA seed priming. Aphid preference trials revealed no clear effect of JA seed priming, but aphid fecundity experiments over 84 hours demonstrated that JA seed priming reduced nymph production at all time points with a particularly strong effect at hour 84 (p=0.0007). These findings suggest that JA seed priming effectively enhances herbivore resistance without imposing substantial fitness costs on B.napus seedlings, supporting its potential use in sustainable agriculture.
Transitioning from secondary school to university is a high-risk period for managing type 1 diabetes among UK students. Canadian research identified limited systemic support during this period. However, there is a lack of qualitative insight into how students navigate this transition in the UK, where healthcare and education systems differ. This study addressed that gap through semi-structured interviews to understand what makes this transition particularly challenging and what support students would find most helpful. A purposive sample comprised seven participants aged 19–29 from four UK universities. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s (2022) six-phase framework, identified three superordinate themes: management, lifestyle, and support. Participants described increased independence at university, which had mixed effects on their diabetes management. Many reported poorer blood sugar control and health complications, influenced by disrupted routines, alcohol use, and irregular eating habits. The absence of parents, friends, familiar school staff, and proactive paediatric care also contributed to difficulties. Students suggested that designated advisors and private medical spaces on campus could better support their diabetes self-care when they first start university. These findings suggest that tailored support packages from healthcare providers and education institutions are essential to help students mitigate transitional challenges. Future research should evaluate whether such initiatives improve health outcomes for this at-risk population.
Freshwater quality is critical to the health of aquatic ecosystems and human water security, yet anthropogenic activities, such as historic mining, continue to degrade aquatic systems. While extensive research has examined metal contamination in major rivers like the River Tamar, smaller tributaries affected by legacy mining remain understudied. This study investigates trace metal contamination and its controlling factors in the River Seaton, Cornwall, a small river influenced by historic mining from the South Caradon Mine. Water samples collected from four study sites along the river gradient and a reference site at Siblyback Lake were subjected to ICP-MS analysis and physico-chemical characterisation to identify potential correlations between trace metal(loids) concentrations (Metals: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Tl, Pb and Zn; Metalloids: Ge, As, Se, Sb) and environmental factors such as pH, redox potential, temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). These samples were quantified and analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Physico-chemical factors were taken in situ in the River Seaton, Cornwall, and ecological risk was calculated using the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). Pearson's Correlation Coefficient analysis identified pH and redox potential as the dominant geochemical controls on trace metal speciation and mobility. Results revealed severely elevated metal concentrations, particularly at site two directly below the South Caradon Mine, which alone accounted for 87% of the cumulative PERI score across all four study sites. Copper (Cu) had the highest average concentration across all sites, at 177 µg/L in site 2, with metal concentrations decreasing substantially toward the river mouth (site 5) due to spatial and temporal distribution patterns driven by river flow. Zinc (Zn) was exceedingly significant in all sites, with a concentration of 400 µg/L at site 3. Both Cu and Zn exceed the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) and the Dutch Maximum Permissible Concentration (MPC), with an average PERI score of 491, indicating "high" ecological risk across the study sites. Although not surpassing the EQS, high concentrations of Arsenic (As) (12.3 µg/L) under the formation of arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) were sampled in site 2. The presence of As confirms the release of AMD into the river, resulting from the oxidative dissolution of arsenic-bearing sulphide minerals in the catchment's historic mining areas. These findings indicate a significant anthropogenic imprint on the River Seaton, confirming that legacy mining activities continue to influence water chemistry, degrade ecological status, and pose risks to downstream aquatic systems. This was confirmed by comparing the River Seaton water samples with those from the reference site in Siblyback Lake. These findings provide crucial baseline data for the River Seaton; however, further investigation incorporating temporal variability and biological assessments will be necessary to comprehensively classify the river health index.
This paper explores Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRPs) as a composite repair method to restore and enhance mechanical properties of timber marine civil structures within the context of His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport. To support this, timber composite specimens were manufactured and subjected to flexural and compressive strength tests. Comparisons are made to literature sources for initial predictions, in addition to hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models on SolidWorks. Data demonstrates that FRPs can be used as a cost-effective and beneficial method of repairing timber marine structures. Experimental data demonstrates an ability to restore compressive strength parallel to the grain to the original values, enhancing flexural strength by up to 18%, and improving compressive strength perpendicular to the grain threefold. This provides an opportunity to both enhance mechanical properties and consider strengthening marine structures built from timber, where required to meet operational demands.
Heating costs and pressure to reduce carbon emissions are rapidly increasing. A possible solution is the implementation of efficient energy storage systems for UK residential buildings. Paraffin wax-based thermal energy storage offers a promising solution due to its low-cost, high-energy density, and long-term stability. However, its low thermal conductivity significantly reduces its practicality. Multiple upgrades, such as implementing highly conductive particles and nanotubes, have been previously studied but lack the inclusion of cost-effectiveness and real-world feasibility. This paper reviews current research and develops a numerical model using the Enthalpy method and a 2D finite difference approach, utilised in Python. It was calculated that 293 kg of paraffin wax is required to store a full day’s heating demand for an average residential building. A validation study was conducted by comparing simulation results to real-world experimental data. However, natural convection was not fully captured in the model, causing a possible slower melting process. The results showed that it would take 1,106 hours for the energy to fully disperse through the paraffin wax, causing it to melt completely. For the enhancements, finned-tubed heat exchanger (£3.65/% melting time improvement) and expanded graphite (£6.85/% melting time improvement) were the most cost-effective. While aluminium foam saw the greatest improvement (reducing the melting time to 63 hours), it came with an unrealistic additional cost of £175,000. From these results it was deemed unreasonable to use paraffin wax to store enough heat for a day. Instead, a smaller system to eliminate boiler short cycling and to assist in smoothing out the heating demand is a more reasonable design. This could save the UK £1 billion and 3 million tons of carbon emissions a year.
Amplitudes of the early Bereitschaftspotential (BP) and deceptive behaviour have been theorised to be modulated by moral conflict experienced when making deceptive decisions, as the decision to lie can depend upon our moral perceptions of what is right and wrong (Panasiti et al., 2014). However, most Electroencephalography (EEG) deception paradigms lack ecological validity by utilising instructed lying and failing to incorporate genuine social interaction (Ganis & Keenan, 2009) and therefore may fail to elicit genuine moral conflict. The present study combined hyperscanning EEG with a competitive two-player social game, where participants freely chose to respond accurately or deceptively for self-gain. The paradigm incorporated a condition of social risk and a measure of impression management (IM; Paulhus, 1988) to investigate their effects on deceptive behaviour and early BP amplitudes. Social risk heightened moral conflict, reflected in reduced lie rates under conditions of social risk. Early BP amplitudes were not modulated by deception or social risk, suggesting that the early BP may not be a reliable measure of moral conflict in deceptive contexts. Deceptive behaviour and early BP amplitudes did not have a relationship with impression management scores, suggesting that level of concern over one’s reputation does not modulate moral conflict and deceptive behaviour. These findings shed light upon the effects of social risk on deceptive behaviour. In order to draw reliable conclusions from the results of the present study, more research is required using larger sample sizes. Future research should aim to maximise ecological validity to increase our understanding of deception in real-life.
This study investigated the potential of ultrasonic vibration (28 kHz) to optimize the Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM) process. The aim was to assess whether introducing ultrasonic vibration during the resin infusion phase could reduce fill time, improve mechanical properties, and minimize void formation in glass fibre-reinforced polyester composites. Two flexible tooling systems were compared: a reusable silicone membrane and a traditional vacuum bag. Composite plates were manufactured with and without ultrasonic vibration for both systems. Fill time was observed, and post-cured samples were subjected to mechanical testing for flexural modulus, flexural strength, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Void content and morphology were analysed using X-ray micro-CT scanning. Results showed that ultrasonic vibration reduced fill time by approximately 15% when using the silicone membrane, but inconsistent resin flow patterns hindered precise measurement. In contrast, no significant change in fill time was observed with the vacuum bag. Mechanical testing revealed a consistent decrease in all key properties for samples manufactured with the silicone membrane under vibration, with reductions in modulus, flexural strength, and ILSS. Void content remained similar across all samples; however, void morphology worsened in silicone membrane samples, with increased clustering, larger void sizes, and decreased sphericity. For vacuum bagged samples, ultrasonic vibration improved mechanical properties for tri-axial composites, with increases of 4.2% in modulus, 200-240% in flexural strength, and 4-9% in ILSS. Void morphology also improved, with smaller and more evenly distributed voids. The study concludes that while the silicone membrane offers environmental benefits due to its reusability, it is unsuitable for vibration-assisted VARTM due to its inability to effectively transmit ultrasonic vibrations. The vacuum bag demonstrated significant potential for vibration-enhanced composite manufacturing but requires further testing with larger sample sets to achieve statistical significance.
