Study on improving interface bonding performance of magnesium potassium phosphate cement mortar

To enhance the interfacial bonding performance between magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) repair mortar and matrix concrete, in this study, MKPC modified mortar was used as the repair material to splice long prismatic test pieces. The four-point bending test was used to determine the flexural bearing capacity of the long prism, and the influence of changing the interface conditions and the modifying the MKPC repair mortar on the improvement of the basic performance of the splicing component is investigated.The research results show that, when the matrix concrete section is in a natural state, applying silica-fume modified MKPC interface agents on the interface with a repair thickness of 3 cm can improve the interface bonding performance. Furthermore, the working performance and mechanical properties of the MKPC repair mortar modified using nickel-iron slag and steel fibers have been significantly improved.

The contribution of Somali diaspora in Denmark to Peacebuilding in Somalia through Multi-Track Diplomacy

The paper assesses the ways the Somali diaspora in Denmark is contributing to peacebuilding in their home country through what is known in peace studies as Multi-Track Diplomacy. It starts by defining the concepts of peacebuilding and Multi-track Diplomacy, showing how the latter works as an instrument for the former. The paper then describes and analyzes how, through a varied array of activities that include all tracks of diplomacy as classified by the Diamond&McDonald model, members of Danish diaspora function as interface agents between their home and host societies helping to build the conditions for a stable peace. The article also analyzes how the diplomacy tracks carried out by the Somali-Danish diaspora, as well as the extent of their reach, are shaped by the particular characteristics of this group vis-à-vis other Somali diasporic communities: namely, its small size and relatively high levels of integration and acculturation into the Danish host society.

Honesty, Social Presence and Self-Service in Retail

Retail self-service checkouts (SCOs) can benefit consumers and retailers, providing control and autonomy to shoppers independent from staff. Recent research indicates that the lack of presence of staff may provide the opportunity for consumers to behave dishonestly. This study examined whether a social presence in the form of visual, humanlike SCO interface agents had an effect on dishonest user behaviour. Using a simulated SCO scenario, participants experienced various dilemmas in which they could financially benefit themselves undeservedly. We hypothesized that a humanlike social presence integrated within the checkout screen would receive more attention and result in fewer instances of dishonesty compared to a less humanlike agent. Our hypotheses were partially supported by the results. We conclude that companies adopting self-service technology may consider the implementation of social presence to support ethical consumer behaviour, but that more research is required to explore the mixed findings in the current study. Research Highlights A method by Vohs and Schooler (2008) was adapted for investigating dishonesty. Social presence is proposed as a mediator for dishonest behaviour. There is scope for social presence to influence user behaviour in a world that increasingly relies on self-service transactions. The effectiveness of measures of dishonesty needs to be researched further.

Hybrid Representation

This chapter discusses the design of embodied pedagogical interface agents. The ultimate aim of the discussion is to suggest categorical or thematic design guidelines for pedagogical agents. The intent of the guidelines is to encourage multimedia designers to go beyond the current “one size fits all” mentality and encompass issues of race and gender in a way that provides meaningful learning experiences for a greater number of persons. The discussion will consider 43 participants’ self-construction of embodied pedagogical interface agents to identify issues of race, gender, and other design characteristics. Grounded theory methodology was employed to provide additional insight into the design and creation of each participant’s pedagogical interface agent. Four agent designs are included as appendices for reference.

Assessing the impact of virtual educational interface agents on adults with little or no computer skills

Which characteristics should an interface agent have to ensure it being helpful? An interface agent must make a system effective, efficient and easy to use. The system being developed will help to accomplish this. We consider the most effective ways to present interface agents.