Favourable pseudo-ductile behaviour under compressive loading with a knee-point was achieved for unidirectional (UD) interlayer hybrids made of thin-ply high modulus carbon/epoxy (CF/EP) layers sandwiched between standard thickness glass/epoxy (GF/EP). The UD thin-ply hybrids were tested under two loading scenarios: 1. Direct compressive loading, 2. Four-point bending loading. In both cases, the damage mechanisms responsible for the pseudo-ductile behaviour are fragmentation of the carbon layer and localised delamination, which later propagates unstably. The final failure of the UD thin-ply hybrid composites examined in four-point bending loading occurs at a higher strain than that under direct compressive loading. This is due to the strain gradient in bending, which results in a lower energy release rate than in direct compression. An increasing carbon layer thickness reduces the final delamination failure strain of the UD thin-ply hybrid composites in compression, but the knee-point strain is not affected.

This study examines the paradoxical relationship between policy learning and capacity: governments need certain capacities to learn effectively, yet these same capacities often emerge from previous learning experiences. Through a comparative analysis of Hong Kong and Singapore's responses to SARS and COVID-19, we demonstrate how policy learning requires and manifests as enhanced analytical, operational, and political capacities. Our research reveals three key findings. First, learning outcomes materialize as enhanced capacities rather than just cognitive shifts and accumulated knowledge, as evidenced by both cities' institutional developments following SARS. Second, the effectiveness of learning processes depends heavily on existing capacities, particularly political capacity, which enables or constrains the deployment of analytical capacities. Third, capacity development is not linear—while both cities addressed many capacity gaps identified during SARS, COVID-19 exposed new vulnerabilities in areas like cross-border coordination and inclusive crisis management. These findings advance theoretical understanding of policy learning by showing how it manifests through changes in capacities. They also highlight the interdependence of different capacity types, particularly how political capacity enables or constrains the effectiveness of analytical and operational capabilities. For practitioners, our analysis emphasizes the importance of balanced capacity development and maintaining strong political trust alongside technical capabilities for effective crisis management.

China has emerged as one of the world’s most active markets for public–private partnerships (PPP) in the water sector, while the pace of such development globally has slowed in recent years. This article investigates the dynamics of the development of PPP projects in the Chinese water sector through comparative case studies. Our findings suggest that the unwavering pursuit of PPPs as a policy instrument by the central government, water sector reforms and the effective implementation of local governments are among key factors driving the impressive growth of PPP projects in China.