This paper describes new insights on the influence of aggregate size on drying shrinkage of concrete through numerical simulation. Using a two-dimensional finite element method, it is demonstrated that it is impossible to reproduce the impact of aggregate size on concrete drying shrinkage by simply considering crack opening in the mortar matrix. From this result, it is deduced that the effect of aggregate size on concrete shrinkage is influenced by aggregate surface area. The application of a constitutive law that considers the characteristics of ITZ to coarse aggregate elements successfully reproduced the damage and shrinkage strain of concretes with different aggregate sizes. A certain range of virtual ITZ pore thickness in the model was found to allow simulation of the real phenomenon. It is concluded that ITZ characteristics should be taken into account when considering aggregate behavior in drying concrete.

Hydrated hardened cement paste samples using white cement were cured under different relative humidity conditions. After 180-day drying, Adsorption and desorption isotherms as well as chemically bound water of cured hardened cement paste were measured. Based on the adsorption data, it was concluded that drying process has two different effects on a sorption property. One effect was seen in drying process over 70%RH. Capillary pore with more than 2nm size was collapsed and amount of capillary condensation is decreased as it is dried in the lower relative humidity. The second effect was seen in drying process under below 60%RH. The vapor BET surface area was dramatically decreased as cement paste cured in lower relative humidity. From the change of chemically bound water and vapor BET surface area, it was deduced that a reaction of silanol to siloxane bond in C-S-H poses decrease in vapor adsorption sites.

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Solidarity economy theory has challenged the ideology and agenda of neoliberalism since the 1980s. However, are the two theories always opposed? For example, microcredit is often assessed positively as a practice of solidarity economy because it targets beneficiaries who are generally excluded or marginalised from a traditional financial infrastructure and enhances solidarity and reciprocity between people. However, other researchers have criticised it as an instrument for promoting and sustaining neoliberal politico-economic restructuring. This paper examines whether microcredit is part of solidarity economy or neoliberalism, using concrete examples of microcredit operations in rural Bangladesh. The following two questions will be addressed, as the tenets and effects of microcredit are judged, as supporting solidarity economy or neoliberalism. (i) Are microcredit services largely provided to economically or/and socially disadvantaged people? (ii) What relationships are built in local society, including microfinance institutions, through microcredit? This paper addresses these questions in field-based micro-level case studies and field data. In this examination, the paper will demonstrate and discuss articulation of the solidarity economy and neoliberalism, as well as how the effects of microcredit can be enhanced as a part of the solidarity economy instead of being an item on the neoliberal agenda.

, over 670,000 Rohingya refugees have flooded into Bangladesh fleeing the tyranny of the Myanmar military. The government of Bangladesh, various agencies of the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations have provided emergency humanitarian support for them. This study explores the current circumstances of the support for Rohingya refugees by conducting fieldwork in some camps in Bangladesh and examines the issue of disparity in support among camps and households. The field data show that the disparity is caused by problems in the support system and geographic conditions of the camps. The present support system coordinates aid organizations and their work through inter/intrasector cooperation. Open-access information on the needs and populations in all camps is updated frequently and meant to be fed back to the coordination centers. However, there are some hard-to-reach camps located in disadvantaged areas because site selection by each aid organization takes priority over the coordination based on gap analysis of support and relief. In addition, this paper points out other problems in the relief distribution process and methods and maintenance of common facilities.