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The present article proposes a new approach for the detailed analysis of lithic raw material sources and their use by various human groups during the period from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Early Upper Palaeolithic in Transcarpathia, western Ukraine. The approach is based upon the study of particular outcrops and sources of basic raw material types in Transcarpathia, examining their role in supplying various human groups across different Palaeolithic epochs and periods, both within and outside of the outcrop/source areas. Our analysis identified three localized volcanic-associated lithic raw material regions that demonstrate a ve ry limited ‘micro-region/source’ pattern of lithic exploitation. In contrast, more widely dispersed sedimentary regions with rock types that intermittently appear on the landscape show continuous use across most Transcarpathian areas and archaeological sites, including those located both at and far from outcrops/sources.

The presented research program is focused on harnessing lunar regolith as raw material for the production of aggregates and concrete-like composites on the Moon. The proposed complex technological solution covers technology of lunar aggregate production, lunar concrete-like composites, shape of a lunar habitat, a type of its structure and erection technique. Each element of the proposed solution is supported by tests or calculations. In authors’ opinion magnetic separation seems to be the most promising technology of lunar aggregate production, habitats should be in egg-shaped form and the structure should be 3D printed as a Voronoi mesh. The research program was conducted using scientifically proven lunar soil simulants which were thoroughly tested by the authors. Production of lunar aggregate and subsequently concrete-like composite based on it is inevitable. The authors’ proposed approach to the erection of lunar habitats is fully based on in-situ resource utilization philosophy increasing its feasibility. Necessary future research areas were pointed out.

Tea or tea shrub is a plant of the Camellia sinensis species, the leaves of which, previously prepared in a special way, are the traditional raw material for the production of tea products. Varietal gene identification of tea allows us to increase the level of assessment of the authenticity of tea raw materials and tea products. It is predominantly based on DNA technologies for the detection and interpretation of SNP markers (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism), represented by a wide arsenal of both expensive high-tech methods and publicly available laboratory approaches. Species gene identification of the raw material composition of tea-based soft drinks is an equally important area of research due to the risk of falsification of this type of product. The purpose of this study was to find methodological approaches to the varietal gene identification of tea raw materials and to the species gene identification of the raw material composition of tea-based soft drinks. As a result of a bioinformatics study to identify polymorphic restriction sites in the nucleotide sequences of Camellia sinensis genome loci, diagnostically significant restriction enzymes were selected that were capable of detecting SNPs and identifying tea genotypes using the analyzed markers. At the same time, 16 loci had potential for practical application, of which 11 belonged to the group of the most informative SNP markers. A post-analytical assessment of tea varieties was carried out with them regarding their genotypic affiliation and identifiability as part of solving the first task of the study. To achieve the second task, a molecular genetic approach to the species identification of the raw composition of soft drinks based on green tea was tested. The study included the analysis of experimental drinks (with natural flavoring “Lemon” and synthetic flavoring “Peach 716”), as well as commercial concentrates “TIAKVA” (based on extracts from the coarse stems of green or black tea). The methods used in the work were PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) and direct sequencing of the amplified chloroplast DNA locus. The combination of two methods (PCR and sequencing) showed its effectiveness in establishing the belonging of the analyzed nucleic acid samples to the Camellia sinensis species, the raw material base of the studied drinks and concentrates. However, to unlock the authentication potential of PCR with primers #1 and #2 combined with RFLP analysis, it will be necessary to select diagnostically significant restriction enzymes suitable for generating species-specific combinations of PCR-RFLP profiles of marker sequence.

The economic feasibility of producing structural-grade hardwood lumber (SGHL) that qualifies as a raw material for structurally rated cross-laminated timber (CLT) was examined. 126 yellow poplar logs from diameters 12 to 15 inches were selected and divided into test and control samples. A log yield study was then conducted of the yield and revenue generated when producing lumber graded with National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) rules, SGHL rules, and a mix of both rules (NHLA and SGHL-graded lumber). Producing mix-grade lumber added approximately 27% more revenue than producing NHLA-grade lumber on average if sawmills adopt a cant sawing method. Mix-grade lumber production resulted in 32% of the total volume produced as SGHL and the remaining 68% as NHLA lumber. As a result, 2 Common and lower-grade lumber board footage was reduced to only 29% in test samples and remained converted into SGHL compared to more than 85% of 2 Common and lower-grade lumber boards for control samples. 95% of the SGHL produced as mixed-graded lumber with NHLA-grade lumber met the specifications required to produce structural CLT, and the remaining 5% can be utilized to produce non-structural grade CLTs if they meet the minimum requirement of the materials for CLT production.

This study promotes the utilization of novel substances for repurposing orange peel waste as a component in vegan leather production. The results indicate that the test specimen that utilizes Pomelo dressing as reinforcement has the most pronounced influence. The tensile test value for grapefruit with dressing as reinforcement is around 472 N/cm2. It exhibits an elongation value of approximately 67.28 %, the greatest among sweet oranges using dressing as reinforcement. Additionally, the tear resistance of grapefruit with dressing as reinforcement is approximately 14.28 N/cm2. These findings show that recycling organic orange peel waste as vegan leather material has the potential for further development. This article could be the basis for creating environmentally friendly materials and advancing the fake leather industry.

License plates to uniquely identify vehicles mainly use aluminum as the base material. Currently, there is no distinction of different use cases of license plates, such as short-time usage for test drive and transportation purposes that do not need such long-lasting materials not only from cost but also from sustainability perspectives. This paper presents a methodology to select the best material for different use cases under the holistic consideration of specifically defined criteria as to material properties, sustainability aspects, and supply chain implications. We show that there are several candidate materials for different use cases that stick out by changing the importance of these numerous criteria. In addition, the paper delves deeper into the sustainability aspect by means of a comprehensive System Dynamics model. We show that a scenario in which the company picks up used license plates by relying on a logistics service provider to get them delivered to an external recycling service provider yields the best results.

The study investigated the influence of flexural properties of bamboo spoon raw materials of different ages, parts, and moisture contents on the processing of bamboo spoon. By using the three-point bending test method, the flexural properties and fracture mechanisms of bamboo spoon made from different raw materials under different moisture conditions were analyzed, and the changes in bending performance of raw materials before and after processing into bamboo ladles were compared. The results showed that bamboo spoon had the same bending strength change pattern before and after processing, with better bending after, especially when processed at a moisture content of 10%. In terms of raw materials, bamboo spoon made from bamboo with a age of 7 years in the middle part exhibited the best bending strength. Observation of its fracture mechanism revealed that cracks extended outward when fracture occurred, dissipating energy, thus exhibiting a certain bending toughness during the bending process, while possessing good bending strength and bending toughness at the same time.

This article provides a concise insight into the thermoforming of airlaid CTMP pulp. First, the airlaid process was studied, showing that fiber fractionation and the retention of fines occurred in the forming head. Then, the effect of temperature and pressure during thermoforming was investigated. Harsher conditions, i.e. higher temperature and pressure, yielded greater densification of the substrate and higher tensile strength. The maximum strength was found at the highest settings tested, that is, 100 MPa and 200°C. The screening of thermoforming conditions was also compared to previously published results on wetforming. Next, the effect of softwood CTMP pulp was delineated, which on average showed the best mechanical properties at elevated freeness and high degrees of bleaching. At last, a comparison between dry forming and wetforming was made for one selected pulp quality. Here, the dryformed substrates were stiffer at low elongation, yet the wetformed substrates yielded a greater extensibility and higher tensile strength. In conclusion, dryformed pulp mostly relies on temperature and pressure for bond formation during thermoforming, which produces materials that are distinctly different from wetformed molded pulp.

The cement industry is considered one of the strategic industries, because it is directly related to construction work and cement is used as a hydraulic binder. However, it is a simple industry compared to major industries and depends on the availability of the necessary raw materials. This study focuses on optimizing and coordinating the location of raw materials needed for the cement manufacturing in Wasit Governorate in Iraq. Field works include detailed reconnaissance, topographic work, and description and sampling of 24 lithological sections that represent the carbonate deposits, which crop out in the area. The investigated area has the following specifications: The weighted averages of chemical components in the industrial bed are as follows: CaO = 47.83%, MgO = 1.12%, SiO2 = 7.28%, SO3 = 0.34%, Fe2O3 = 1.85%, Al2O3 = 1.85%, L.O.I = 39.26%, Na2O = 0.29%, and K2O = 0.38%. The average thickness of the investigated raw materials is 15.68 m. The average bulk density of the investigated raw materials is 2.32 g/cm3. The compressive strength of the investigated raw materials ranges from 6.182 to 55.21 MN/m2. The positive area is 922,552 m2. The volume of the industrial bed is 14,466,242 m3. The economic reserve of the industrial bed is 33,561,682 tons.

Kerupuk Pangsit Adem Ayem is one of the manufacturing companies engaged in snacks. To meet the inventory, the company must make purchases of raw materials. Purchasing is a continuous activity for the company and is the main proposal in production. The design of an accounting information system for purchasing raw materials on Kerupuk Pangsit Adem Ayem can facilitate the process of purchasing raw materials via the web and can produce financial report information easily and quickly. The system design method used in this study used survey methods and descriptive methods. The data collected in conducting this study is in the form of qualitative data. The raw material purchase accounting information system can be used as a means of facilitating the determination of raw material purchases for production and financial reporting in the form of reports on cost of goods produced, so that the information produced is more precise and accurate.

The paper presents the results of experimental research into the recovery of Fe-Al coagulant from iron ore tailings (IOTs). The variables investigated in the laboratory tests included sulphuric acid concentration, temperature, leaching time, solid/liquid phase ratio (S:L) and the presence of stirring. The experiment determined the composition of the coagulant and the solid residue after leaching. The maximum iron content in the solution after leaching was obtained using 40 % H2SO4 at a temperature of 100 °C (or with stirring at 75 °C) and a contact time of 60 minutes. In this case, the iron yield was at the level of 25 % of the total content in the iron ore tailings. Chemical analysis of the solution obtained after leaching showed Fe and Al sulphate contents of 11 and 2 % respectively. In the next step, the efficiency of the coagulant was evaluated on model solutions of colour. The experimental results showed that the coagulant obtained from the iron ore tailings can be used for wastewater treatment in a wide pH range from 4 to 12 pH units. The solid residue after leaching is a fine-grained powder rich in silica, which can potentially be used as an artificial raw material in the construction industry. The research carried out in this thesis has shown that the extraction of coagulants from iron ore tailings can be considered as a way to extend the production chain of iron ore mining and to minimise the amount of tailings to be stored in tailing ponds. The technical solution presented in this work allows to comprehensively solve the problem of environmental protection by creating new target products for wastewater treatment from IOTs.

Among the raw material production industries that use a large amount of limestone, the effectiveness of limestone usage in the steel production industry has been evaluated and the optimization of limestone addition ratio has been investigated. Based on the past research and development results concerning the CaO added basic sinter production technology, the phenomena of permeability deterioration caused by the excessive CaO addition and the actual operation tests, the multi-component calcium ferrites (SFCA) in sinter that have been currently intensively researched and developed have been evaluated. The reducibility of sinter in blast furnace has so far focused on the lumpy zone up to 1000 °C, but in the future research, it will be necessary focused on the reducibility and permeability in the cohesive zone up to 1000~1500 °C. The current chemical compositions of SFCA has the good reducibility and permeability in the cohesive zone, but the research and development are needed to maintain the appropriate range of CaO (CaO/SiO2 = 1.5~2.0) and further to improve the reducibility and permeability. The future progress of the research and development has been presented.