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In the twentieth century, exploration geophysics and digital vocal processing each underwent key technical transformations based on formally similar signal processing techniques derived from prior work in statistics and information theory. Engineers at Texas Instruments (TI) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed deconvolution filtering as a way to model geological strata from seismograph recordings in order to facilitate oil exploration. Meanwhile, engineers at Bell Laboratories and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) used similar techniques to digitally encode and transmit speech signals more efficiently – a method known as linear predictive coding (LPC). These cognate approaches to modeling geophysical and vocal signals provided a practical basis for subsequent forays by oil industry figures into the world of digital audio. Tracing the histories of four technologies – LPC secure voice transmission terminals, the TI Speak & Spell educational toy, automatic speech recognition, and the vocal pitch correction software Auto-Tune – I analyze the role of security interests in facilitating spillovers between technologies of oil and the voice. I argue that, by approaching both geophysical and vocal signals as matters of national security, the United States’ defense and intelligence services furnished the bulk of socio-economic connective tissue between petroleum geophysics and vocal processing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban pluvial floods can be produced or exacerbated by an insufficient density of inlets or by their poor hydraulic efficiency. Therefore, proper consideration of the hydraulic performance of inlets is essential to guarantee the correct functioning of urban drainage systems during heavy storm events. Recent advances in computational analysis in the field of hydrodynamics modelling allow the use of the well-known concept of dual drainage for design and planning purposes by simulating flow transfers between the surface layer (streets) and underground layers (sewers) through a proper hydraulic characterisation of inlet efficiency. Powerful commercial software packages allow simulations of flow transfer and use different approaches and formulas. Many of these approaches include the possibility of treating a sewer inlet as an orifice. In this context, this paper presents a methodology to obtain orifice discharge coefficients for three inlets previously tested at the hydraulics laboratory of the Technical University of Catalonia. Discharge coefficients of 0.18–0.58 were obtained for Froude numbers of 1.12–4.40, quite far from the usual recommended values. The proposed procedure can also be applied to non-tested grates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the potential for direct major component analysis of lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide variants in solid samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-GF AAS) was critically evaluated, always with the aim of developing a simple and rapid method that relies only on the use of aqueous standards for calibration. The accuracy of the developed method was evaluated against an established wet chemical acid digestion method using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The most challenging aspect was the selection and use of suitable standards, whereby the analytical performance criteria of liquid standards, single oxide solid standards and multielement solid standards had to be determined. With the result that multi-element liquid standards can be used for calibration, very good agreement with the certified reference values and with the values obtained by ICP-OES was achieved in all cases. The precision of the method was better than 12% with an optimum sample mass of 0.2-0.4 mg. The results show that not only the major components in pure NMC compounds (e.g. starting materials) can be reliably analysed, but also the cathode coatings made from recycled battery materials. This demonstrates the range of applications of the methods and their suitability under industrial conditions, for example in the analysis of recyclates. The technology is almost predestined for use in industrial laboratories in order to quickly and accurately determine the stoichiometric composition of cathode coatings from aged lithium batteries and to ensure battery shredding by type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginate is a brown seaweed-based linear polysaccharide of D – mannuronic acid and L – guluronic acid residues. Hydrolysis products of the polysaccharide, specifically oligosaccharides, have been receiving increasing interest, due to their significant bioactivity and potential utilisation routes. The bioactivity of alginate oligosaccharides is closely linked to structural characteristics, namely: molecular weight, degree of polymerisation, and ratio of the monomers (the M/G ratio). Hence, potential applications (such as utilisation as a biostimulant fertilizer) depend on these parameters. This review focuses on recent advances in producing alginate oligosaccharides using chemical or enzymatic methods. The literature survey includes utilisation of these methods at both laboratory and industrial scale. For the chemical methods, we assessed the standard laboratory scale procedures of alginate oligosaccharide production, the potential of scaling up to an industrial level, and the subsequent challenges. For the enzymatic route, we provide an overview of alginate lyases and the application perspectives of enzymatic hydrolysis of alginate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confluent, a company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has announced a partnership with ATI to invest over $50 million in expanding ATI's Nitinol melt and materials conversion infrastructure. This investment aims to meet the growing demand for medical Nitinol in various device markets. Furukawa Electric in Japan has announced the reorganization of its metal wire business to maximize synergy effects and increase corporate value. Liebherr-Aerospace in Germany has inaugurated a new building for surface treatment, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for coating processes. NEOTech, a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services, has acquired advanced 3D Computed Tomography equipment to enhance its process validation and failure analysis capabilities. Finally, Oerlikon has established an advanced coating technology center in New York to accelerate the development of high-temperature materials and coatings for the aerospace and gas turbine industries. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Science & Engineering / Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Fen Ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Science & Literature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rock bursts are among the most severe and unpredictable hazards encountered in deep rock engineering, posing substantial threats to both construction safety and project progress. This study provides a comprehensive investigation into how moisture infiltration influences the propensity for rock bursts, aiming to establish new theoretical foundations and practical methods for their prevention. Through the analysis of meticulous laboratory mechanical experiments and sophisticated numerical simulations, we analyzed the variations in the physical and mechanical properties of rocks under different moisture conditions, with a particular focus on strength, brittleness, and energy release characteristics. The findings reveal that moisture infiltration significantly diminishes rock strength and reduces the likelihood of brittle fractures, thereby effectively mitigating the risk of rock bursts. Additionally, further research indicates that in high-moisture environments, the marked reduction in rock burst tendency is attributed to increased rock toughness and the suppression of crack propagation. This study advocates for the implementation of moisture control measures as a pre-treatment strategy for deep rock masses. This innovative approach presents a viable and effective solution to enhance engineering safety and improve construction efficiency, offering a practical method for managing rock burst risks in challenging environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What follows may be regarded as a part of the unfolding story of the proliferation of statistical engineering and statistical thinking in human endeavors, generally broad but specifically here in industry. Narrated is a case study importantly of organizational culture change, confessedly in microcosm, but nonetheless informative to many who are weary of various degrees of passivity toward the immense potential offered by universal absorbing and acting upon statistical engineering principles. In three short years and in the face of the pandemic, not-invented-here attitudes, and deeply embedded dislikes for matters statistical, the practice of research and development at one R&D organization went from instar to adult. It won't return. To be sure, there is and always will be room for improvement and further expansion, a statistical engineering characteristic that is both inspiring and challenging. Procedural matters such as initial contacts, some plant trials and quasi-successful training efforts, and eventually design of experiment successes breeding other successes are discussed. More important, however, is the way knowledge of and action on statistical engineering changed the way people work, think, and interact. The statistical engineering problem-solving process was followed throughout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the structural health monitoring of vibration systems, varying excitation always affects the accuracy of damage identification. The proposed symbolic three-order square matrix damage detection method with the matrix norm as a damage indicator can solve the difficult problem of damage identification under ambient excitation. The new sampling pattern extracts data from signals in the time domain at specific intervals based on the structural properties with the help of the autocorrelation coefficient. Then, the data extracted are converted into symbols and arranged into a three-order square matrix, and the Frobenius norm of the matrix is used for structural damage identification as a reliable damage indicator. In this process, the transmissibility function is employed to eliminate the effects of varying excitation. First, the method was verified by a cracked simply supported beam—a simulated Abaqus model. Then, a wooden truss bridge in the laboratory and an actual engineering scenario under ambient excitation together demonstrated the effectiveness and accuracy of the damage identification method and proved the proposed method to be robust to different types of damage under ambient excitation. Compared with other related methods, this method is more intuitive and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high‐performance organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with thick film active layers is key to moving this technology from laboratory preparation to industrial production. Design and synthesis of active layer materials to achieve a bi‐continuous interpenetrating morphology with appropriate nanoscale phase separation has been demonstrated as an effective method to realize high‐efficiency thick film devices. Here, two non‐fullerene acceptors are developed to compare the effect of symmetric (diDT‐BO) and asymmetric (DTC11‐BO) substituted alkyl chains on active layer morphology and device performance by introducing asymmetric side chains to the central core pyrrole ring. Based on the solubility and crystallinity differences of DTC11‐BO and diDT‐BO, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 19.0% and 18.1% are realized with D18 as the donor. Importantly, D18:DTC11‐BO devices with 300 and 500 nm active layers achieve excellent PCEs of 17.7% and 16.1%, which are among the top‐class values for thick film OPVs reported to date. The work demonstrates that tunning the crystallinity by optimizing the asymmetric alkyl chains is an effective material design strategy to achieve high‐efficiency thick film OPVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of aquatic ecosystems with printing industry wastewater is a serious concern because of the toxicity associated with the effluent components and a tendency to create cascading ecological effects. The influence of printing-press effluent on the freshwater microalga Chlorella sorokiniana strain UTEX2714 was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. The microalga was subjected to various effluent concentrations prepared by diluting printing-press effluent with bold basal medium (BBM) in the following ratios (effluent:medium): 1:149, 1:119, 1:99, 5:95 and 10:90, reflecting greater concentrations of the effluent. The control BBM had no effluent added. Higher effluent concentrations had a negative impact on the cell density of C. sorokiniana; at low effluent concentrations the algae displayed a high growth rate and high chlorophyll a production (p < 0.05), although total chlorophyll content did not differ significantly among treatments (p ≥ 0.05). This study also discovered an increase in peroxidase activity in this microalga in response to higher concentrations of printing-press effluent, which indicated an increase in oxidative stress that prompted antioxidant defence mechanisms. We conclude that printing-press effluent adversely affects the physiology of C. sorokiniana, indicating the potential of printing wastewater to harm phytoplankton in freshwater environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the mechanical performance of patient‐specific prefabricated temporary shell versus laboratory‐fabricated CAD/CAM provisional restorations on titanium temporary abutments, with and without thermo‐mechanical ageing. Materials and Methods: Implants with a conical connection were divided into four groups (n = 24) and restored with temporary shell or laboratory‐fabricated central or lateral incisor PMMA restorations that were relined or bonded on titanium temporary abutments. The diameter of the central and lateral incisor groups' implants was regular (ϕ 4.3 mm) or narrow (ϕ 3.5 mm), respectively. Half of each group's specimens were subjected to ageing, simultaneous thermocycling (5–55°C) and chewing simulation (120,000 cycles, 50 N, 1.7 Hz) resulting in eight groups in total (n = 12). The aged specimens were evaluated with optical microscopy, and survival and complication rates were determined according to modified USPHS criteria. The non‐aged specimens and those that had survived ageing were loaded until failure, whereupon bending moments were calculated. Results: Survival rates after ageing were 100% for all groups. Apart from wear facets (ϕ 2–3 mm) on the palatal restoration surface, no complications were observed. The mean fracture load and bending moments ranged between 597.6–847.1 N and 433.3–550.6 Ncm, respectively, with no significant differences between the eight groups (p =.25; p =.20). Conclusions: As patient‐specific temporary shell central and lateral incisor provisional implant‐supported restorations are mechanically stable enough to withstand clinical bite forces, even after thermo‐mechanical ageing, they may serve as an alternative to laboratory‐fabricated provisional restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cogeneration helps to optimise the energy consumption in modern greenhouse systems. A cogeneration plant produces electrical and thermal energy close to the greenhouse. Thermal energy is used for heating the plants, while electric energy powers the lights. A patent from the University of Genoa proposes to use part of the electricity produced by the cogeneration system to power a low-power microwave heating system that provides additional thermal energy input to the plants. This innovative approach showcases the integration of diverse energy sources for enhanced efficiency. The project aims to create a cost-effective dielectric heating system with feasible installation expenses, underpinned by a comprehensive analysis of power requirements and electric field dynamics that are essential for optimal plant heating. Four microstrip antennas for microwave generation have been designed. Their performance has been compared. A laboratory and an industrial prototype of microwave heaters have been created. The results are discussed. The successful testing of a prototype heater in a small greenhouse environment is a significant step towards the feasibility of this heating solution. The modular heater proposed makes the product suitable for different greenhouse sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory automation with robot-assisted processes enhances synthetic biology, but its economic impact on projects is uncertain. We have proposed an experiment price index (EPI) for a quantitative comparison of factors in time, cost, and sample numbers, helping measure the efficiency of laboratory automation in synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antagonistic coevolution, arising from genetic conflict, can drive rapid evolution and biological innovation. Conflict can arise both between organisms and within genomes. This review focuses on budding yeasts as a model system for exploring intra- and inter-genomic genetic conflict, highlighting in particular the 2-micron (2μ) plasmid as a model selfish element. The 2μ is found widely in laboratory strains and industrial isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and has long been known to cause host fitness defects. Nevertheless, the plasmid is frequently ignored in the context of genetic, fitness, and evolution studies. Here, I make a case for further exploring the evolutionary impact of the 2μ plasmid as well as other selfish elements of budding yeasts, discuss recent advances, and, finally, future directions for the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The successful scale‐up of biotechnological processes from laboratory to industrial scale is crucial for translating innovation to practice. Scale‐down simulators have emerged as indispensable tools in this endeavor, enabling the evaluation of potential hosts’ adaptability to the dynamic conditions encountered in large‐scale fermenters. By simulating these real‐world scenarios, scale‐down simulators facilitate more accurate estimations of host productivity, thereby improving the process of selecting optimal strains for industrial production. Conventional scale‐down systems for detailed intracellular analysis necessitate an elaborate setup comprising interconnected lab‐scale reactors such as stirred tank reactors (STRs) and plug‐flow reactors (PFRs), often proving time‐consuming and resource‐intensive. This work introduces a miniaturized bubble column reactor setup (60 mL working volume), enabling individual and parallel carbon‐limited chemostat fermentations, offering a more efficient and streamlined approach. The industrially relevant organism Escherichia coli, chosen as a model organism, is continuously grown and subjected to carbon starvation for 150 s, followed by a return to carbon excess for another 150 s. The cellular response is characterized by the accumulation of the alarmone guanosine pentaphosphate (ppGpp) accompanied by a significant reduction in energy charge, from 0.8 to 0.7, which is rapidly replenished upon reintroduction of carbon availability. Transcriptomic analysis reveals a two‐phase response pattern, with over 200 genes upregulated and downregulated. The initial phase is dominated by the CRP–cAMP‐ and ppGpp‐mediated response to carbon limitation, followed by a shift to stationary phase‐inducing gene expression under the control of stress sigma factors. The system's validity is confirmed through a thorough comparison with a conventional STR/PFR setup. The analysis reveals the potential of the system to effectively reproduce data gathered from conventional STR/PFR setups, showcasing its potential use as a scale‐down simulator integrated in the process of strain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After conventional oil recovery operations, more than half of the crude oil still remains in a form, which is difficult to extract. Therefore, exploring and developing new enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies have always been priority research in oilfield development. Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is a promising tertiary oil recovery technology that has received widespread attention from the global oil industry in recent years due to its environmental friendliness, simplicity of operation, and cost-effectiveness. This review presents the: principle, characteristics, classification, recent development, and applications of MEOR technology. Based on hundreds of field trials conducted worldwide, the microbial strains, nutrient systems, and actual effects used in these technologies are summarized, with an emphasis on the achievements made in the development and application of MEOR in China in recent years. These technical classifications involve: microbial huff and puff recovery (MHPR), microbial flooding recovery (MFR), microbial selective plugging recovery (MSPR), and microbial wax removal and control (MWRC). Most of them have achieved good results, with a success rate of approximately 80%. These successful cases have accumulated into rich experiential indications for the popularization and application of MEOR technology, but there are still important yet uncertain factors that hinder the industrialization of this technology. Finally, based on the extensive research and development of MEOR by the authors, especially in both laboratory and industrial large scales, the main challenges and future perspectives of the industrial application for MEOR are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the stabilization of hazardous tin mine tailings (TMT) using a metakaolin-based geopolymer binder for their potential reuse as geomaterials in geotechnical works. The extensive laboratory testing evaluated the mechanical properties, such as unconfined compressive strength, and the durability properties, including mass loss during freezing–thawing and wetting–drying cycles. Environmental assessment included the analysis of leached heavy metal concentration using Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was conducted to investigate the microstructure of the stabilized TMT. Satisfactory results show that improvements in mechanical and durability properties depend on variations in metakaolin content, NaOH molarity, and compaction density. The novel porosity/binder index (η/Biv) has proven to be effective in predicting the behavior of mixtures. Additionally, it demonstrated that freezing–thawing cycles have a more adverse impact on the durability of the examined mixtures. Laboratory results for mechanical strength, durability, and immobilization of hazardous heavy metals demonstrate the potential performance of TMTs for safe reuse in geotechnical works, specifically as a geomaterial for subbase and base layers of pavement exposure to severe environment and climate of the Andean highlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In order to solve the problem of the high cost of backfill and eliminate the use of Gobi aggregate for backfill in the Kalatongke copper-nickel mine. Method; The feasibility of slag for backfill is demonstrated by conducting laboratory and industrial tests. The pumpability and strength characteristics of two types of backfill slurry were studied by slump and uniaxial compressive strength(L/CS) tests respectively. The two types of backfill slurry were using different aggregates. One was only using unclassified tailings backfill as aggregates,and the other was using unclassified tailings and slag as aggregates. Result; The results show that the suitable transporting solid concentrations of unclassified tailings backfill slurry are 66% -- 68%and that the suitable transporting solid concentrations of unclassified tailings and slag filling slurry backfill slurry are 70% -- 72% with 20% -- 30%of slag aggregate. The 28 d UCS of unclassified tailings backfill is lower than 3 MPa,and the addition of slag as coarse aggregate can improve the strength of the backfill. When the amount of slag added is less than 30%, the strength of backfill will increase with the increased addition of slag. Conclusion: The bottom layer backfill of stope should use the composite aggregate of unclassified tailings and slag. When the proportion of slag aggregate is 20% -- 30%,there is no slag segregation inside the backfill test block. Significance; In this paper, high-density slag is innovatively applied to mine backfill. The research results can help guide the backfill process of Kalatongke copper-nickel mine and provide a reference for the bulk utilization of slag in Xinjiang area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wellbore stability analysis is a critical component of petroleum engineering, evaluating the risks of sanding, reservoir compaction, and casing failures. Laboratory rock mechanical measurements must be scaled up to reservoir scales to achieve accurate results. One challenge lies in upscaling dynamic measurements from petrophysical logs to pseudo-static elastic properties, which has significant implications for oil and gas operations. We present a novel approach that combines laboratory rock mechanical measurements with well-log data to develop a mechanical earth model (MEM) for an Iranian oilfield with over 350 wells. We conducted static elastic property measurements on 40 core samples from various layers and depths of carbonate and sandstone rocks, demonstrating the practical application of our approach. By integrating these measurements with dynamic log data and static-dynamic correlations, we established a framework for evaluating the mechanical properties of different layers. Our findings indicate that the safe mud weight window ranges from 41.5 to 118.59 pcf, while the stable mud weight window ranges from 41.5 to 156 pcf. We demonstrate the importance of conducting parallel rock mechanical studies on cores and logs to reduce uncertainties, costs, and risks during oil and gas operations. We also propose a novel methodology combining lithological characteristics, abnormally high pressure, and borehole instability mechanisms to evaluate the stability of borehole walls. This framework provides a fresh perspective on wellbore stability analysis and offers practical solutions for the industry. Essential novel techniques include developing a geomechanical model that integrates laboratory rock mechanical measurements with well-log data to evaluate mechanical properties and calculate safe and stable mud-weight windows. Our study advances wellbore stability analysis by providing a new method for addressing this long-standing challenge. It offers valuable insights for petroleum engineers working in the oil and gas industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, indoor air quality monitoring has become an issue of great importance, especially in industrial spaces and laboratories where materials are handled that may release particles into the air that are harmful to health. This study focuses on the monitoring of air quality and particle concentration using low-cost sensors (LCSs). To carry out this work, particulate matter (PM) monitoring sensors were used, in controlled conditions, specifically focusing on particle classifications with PM2.5 and PM10 diameters: the Nova SDS011, the Sensirion SEN54, the DFRobot SEN0460, and the Sensirion SPS30, for which an adapted environmental chamber was built, and gaged using the Temtop M2000 2nd as a reference sensor (SRef). The main objective was to preliminarily assess the performance of the sensors, to select the most suitable ones for future research and their possible use in different work environments. The monitoring of PM2.5 and PM10 particles is essential to ensure the health of workers and avoid possible illnesses. This study is based on the comparison of the selected LCS with the SRef and the results of the comparison based on statistics. The results showed variations in the precision and accuracy of the LCS as opposed to the SRef. Additionally, it was found that the Sensirion SEN54 was the most suitable and valuable tool to be used to maintain a safe working environment and would contribute significantly to the protection of the workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of two‐dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials, many non‐van der Waals (nvdW) materials have been synthesized and are being exploited for novel applications. Bismuth oxychalcogenides (Bi2O2X; X is S, Se, Te), a nvdW series with moderate band gap semiconductors, possess high carrier mobility and air stability. The layers in Bi2O2X stay with a formal bond, giving rise to distinct structural, optical, thermal, and electronic properties different from conventional vdW materials. Herein, these properties, their synthesis, and transfer methods of 2D Bi2O2X are examined. The photodetector application of Bi2O2X and their heterostructure (HS) is surveyed with special attention to Bi2O2Se. Beyond the photodetector, the other emerging application fields, such as gas‐bio sensors, optoelectronic imaging, integrated memory, solar cells, and photothermal technology of Bi2O2X are looked over. Based on the ongoing research and challenges, the strategies for future innovations are presented from basics to miniaturized applications. In view of the band offsets of vdW and nvdW semiconductors, the type of HS of a series of 94 vdW‐nvdW sets is proposed. This review will guide future studies on Bi2O2X and their HS to meet the increasing demands in multifunctional applications from the laboratory to the industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mars is the next destination for further exploration and the hypothetical establishment of humanity's frontier. However, the planet offers very harsh environmental conditions particularly the very cold temperature in the Martian environment. Knowing that the sulphur-based construction material is perceived as one of the ideal Martian construction materials based on the identified abundant source of sulphur on Mars, its behaviour when subjected to the very cold Martian temperature is yet to be fully clarified. Therefore, this study intends to investigate the behaviour of the Martian sulphur-based construction material subjected to the simulated very cold Martian temperature whilst being compared with the simulated hot Martian temperature. Two mixture compositions of 50/50 and 60/40 comprising of sulphur and Mojave Mars simulant 1 (MMS-1) respectively were fabricated in this study characterising the simulated Martian temperature. The workability at 50 % and 60 % sulphur content was initially investigated. Subsequently, the overall mechanical properties characterising the sulphur content and simulated Martian temperature were investigated via unconfined compression, three-point bending and tensile splitting tests. Necessary factors that influence the overall mechanical properties including the internal structure and microstructural characteristics were also performed via ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was also conducted to identify the chemical composition of the end product. The comparisons between this study and other previous related studies within the state-of-the-art Martian sulphur-based construction materials were also outlined. Prospects for future construction on Mars are also presented. It was found that the 60 % sulphur content exhibited higher workability due to the high amount of unreactive sulphur. The 50 % sulphur content recorded the optimal overall mechanical properties under the simulated hot and very cold Martian temperatures. The simulated very cold Martian temperature triggered non-uniform interparticle distribution and larger cavities thus dramatically reducing its overall strength and triggering higher volumetric inconsistency. The very brittle nature of unreactive crystallised sulphur binder at excessive thickness particularly at 60 % sulphur content in between filler particles also triggered volumetric inconsistency which further worsened at the simulated very cold Martian temperature. The iron sulphate hydrate found was almost in agreement with the related works and another new compound, potassium calcium magnesium sulphate was identified as well. The overall mechanical properties are comparable with the other previous related studies and the residual strength when subjected to the simulated very cold Martian temperature remains adequate in the Martian environment of low gravity. The 60 % sulphur content is suggested for structural elements built internally whereas the 50 % sulphur content demonstrated a high potential in adapting to the harsh Martian environmental conditions. The findings of this study hoped to act as the initial outlook on how such Martian sulphur-based construction material would react upon fabrication on Mars. • The mechanical properties at distinct Martian temperatures are presented. • The chemical composition of Martian sulphur-based construction material is defined. • The microstructure is altered at the very cold Martian temperature. • The optimal sulphur content of 50 % is recorded for both Martian temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Mining Magazine is the property of China Mining Magazine Co., Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Diamond & Abrasives Engineering is the property of Zhengzhou Research Institute for Abrasives & Grinding and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Traditionally, engineering labs are expected to reinforce fundamental science, technology, engineering, and mathematical concepts that students need to demonstrate learning in the discipline. The emergence of online degrees, the COVID pandemic, and the development of virtual lab technologies have advanced how educators design lab courses. As these new laboratory environments and practices emerge, the need for tools to evaluate how students experience and value these labs are needed. The Student Perceived Value of an Engineering Laboratory (SPVEL) assessment instrument was designed to address this need. SPVEL is framed on the Technology Acceptance Model, Inputs-Environment-Outcome Conceptual Model, and Engineering Role Identity model. In this work, the SPVEL is validated for in-person engineering laboratories. An Exploratory Load Factor analysis was conducted on the responses to twenty-five questionnaire items using a dataset of 208 participants. The Principal Components Method was employed to extract five factors. Cronbach’s alphas for data reliability for each factor ranged from 0.65 to 0.93, indicating high internal consistency. SPVEL provides a mechanism for elucidating students’ perception of their laboratory experiences, how these experiences influence their engineering role identities, and how students value laboratory experiences as preparatory and reflective of the skills needed for their careers in engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the transcriptional responses of yeast cells to a variety of individual stress conditions have been extensively studied, their responses to sequential stress conditions are less well understood. In this study, we present a comparative analysis of the transcriptome of an industrial strain and a laboratory strain exposed to different sequential stresses to establish a common response profile and also to identify genes whose expression is strain-dependent. Both strains induce pathways related to oxidative stress and osmotic stress response including those involved in glycerol synthesis, glutathione metabolism, and NADPH regeneration. Other genes that may also play an important role in this response include the transcription factor ADR1, SYM1, and most of the heat shock proteins. Induction of genes related to autophagy of mitochondria occurred only in the laboratory strain while possible stress tolerance factors, such as additional genes involved in glutathione production and detoxification, were uniformly enhanced only in the industrial strain. The analysis of the stress response to sequential stresses of two different strains allowed more precise identification of the response of yeast to complex environments. Identification of genes uniquely induced in the industrial strain can also be used to develop strategies to optimize various fermentation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Beijing University of Civil Engineering & Architecture is the property of Journal of Beijing University of Civil Engineering & Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To adapt to changes in digital transformation and related Learning and Working 4.0, laboratories in engineering education must leap forward and employ well‐thought‐out pedagogical designs. This includes digital laboratories that in return change social dynamics and interaction patterns of students. This contribution takes the first step of examining gender‐specific teamwork and leadership of groups conducting a digital laboratory in fluid mechanics. Self and external evaluation of perceived teamwork of team members (TMs) and leaders (TLs) was analyzed. Furthermore, possibilities for improvements were evaluated. A mixed‐methods analysis was performed with respect to gender and role to assess whether differences occur. Conclusions show considerable homogeneity between genders and roles and identify communication as most important point of improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparinases, including heparinases I–III (HepI, HepII, and HepIII, respectively), are important tools for producing low‐molecular‐weight heparin, an improved anticoagulant. The poor thermostability of heparinases significantly hinders their industrial and laboratory applications. To improve the thermostability of heparinases, we applied a rigid linker (EAAAK)5 (R) and a flexible linker (GGGGS)5 (F) to fuse maltose‐binding protein (MBP) and HepI, HepII, and HepIII from Pedobacter heparinus, replacing the original linker from the plasmid pMAL‐c2X. Compared with their parental fusion protein, MBP‐fused HepIs, HepIIs, and HepIIIs with linkers (EAAAK)5 or (GGGGS)5 all displayed enhanced thermostability (half‐lives at 30°C: 242%–464%). MBP‐fused HepIs and HepIIs exhibited higher specific activity (127%–324%), whereas MBP‐fused HepIIIs displayed activity similar to that of their parental fusion protein. Kinetics analysis revealed that MBP‐fused HepIIs showed a significantly decreased affinity toward heparin with increased Km values (397%–480%) after the linker replacement, whereas the substrate affinity did not change significantly for MBP‐fused HepIs and HepIIIs. Furthermore, it preliminarily appeared that the depolymerization mechanism of these fusion proteins may not change after linker replacement. These findings suggest the superior enzymatic properties of MBP‐fused heparinases with suitable linker designs and their potential for the bioproduction of low‐molecular‐weight heparin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy is an important carrier for global energy transformation and development due to its advantages of rich sources, green and carbon‐free, and wide application. The generation of clean hydrogen can be achieved through electrochemical water splitting driven by renewable energy, which has gained wide attention, but its large‐scale industrial application still faces challenges. This review summarizes the research status and bottleneck of industrial hydrogen production via electrolysis in developing electrocatalysts and optimizing electrolytic systems. It highlights that the deviation of electrocatalysts developed in the laboratory and their industrial application in the working environment and evaluation indicators should be corrected. Combining material recycling from solid waste with the recyclable design of electrocatalysts is necessary to achieve low‐cost and sustainable production of high‐performance electrocatalysts. In addition, the future design of hybrid water electrolysis with low energy consumption and the ecological cycle issues that should be addressed in the industrial water electrolysis system are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐scale multiaxial testing facilities mainly serve to experimentally examine the horizontal behavior of full‐scale critical structural members, such as columns and seismic isolation bearings, on which a large vertical compression load is exerted as they simultaneously undergo horizontal deformation. The system friction and inertia force play an important role in obtaining sufficiently reliable test results, and it is not easy to comprehensively grasp all the issues involved. To understand the system friction and inertia force of the Bi‐Axial Dynamic Testing System (BATS) at the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering Tainan laboratory and to avoid complexity caused by specimens as much as possible, a lubricated flat sliding bearing is chosen as the specimen to be tested under horizontal triangular and sinusoidal reversed loading together with a constant vertical compression load. When no specimens are installed, that is, without vertical compression loading, the system friction of BATS generated by the various sliding surfaces can be identified and mathematically characterized using the horizontal triangular reversed loading test results; then, the effective mass of BATS can be estimated using the horizontal sinusoidal reversal loading test results to solve the inertia force problem. When applying a vertical compression load, it is assumed that the system friction of BATS and the shear force of the specimen are simply related to the applied total normal force (or vertical compression load) and horizontal excitation rate. An iteration methodology is proposed to identify and mathematically describe the dependency of the friction performance of BATS and the specimen on total normal forces (or vertical compression loads) and horizontal excitation rates by iterating the horizontal triangular and sinusoidal reversed loading test results. Finally, a lead‐rubber bearing and a direct force measurement system are connected in series such that the measurement system precludes the system friction and inertia force and a series of tests are conducted. The reliability of the proposed mathematical model for BATS and the feasibility of the proposed direct force measurement strategy are further demonstrated by comparing the calibrated force response with the directly measured response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer filament fabrication and its printability are influenced significantly by rheological behavior. This influence can pose a significant obstacle when attempting to transition fused deposition modeling (FDM) from the laboratory to industrial or clinical settings. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how machine learning (ML) approaches can speed up the development of polymer filaments for FDM. Four types of ML methods: artificial neural network, support vector regression, polynomial chaos expansion (PCE), and response surface model, were used to predict the rheological behaivior of polybutylene succinate. In general, all four approaches presented significantly high correlation values with respect to the training and testing data stages. Remarkably, the PCE algorithm repeatedly provided the highest correlation for each response variable in both the training and testing stages. Noteworthy, variation differs between response variables rather than between algorithms. Taken together, these modeling approaches could be used to optimize filament extrusion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is undergoing a significant shift, steering buildings away from resource‐intensive processes toward becoming instruments for climate mitigation. In this transformative landscape, integrating circular bio‐based alternatives and reducing emissions through biotechnological and enzymatic processes have significant potential. Specifically, mycelium‐bound composites have emerged as renewable alternatives for new materials and added‐value wood products. Despite their numerous advantages, integrating these materials into current engineering practices presents challenges deriving from the complex nature of the material´s production process and the transfer from the laboratory to the industrial scale. In this regard, the design and engineering of novel controlled environments are fundamental in maintaining optimal growth conditions during material production. This, in turn, influences the overall material performance and potential use in construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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With advancements in hardware and software, non-destructive radiometric analytical methods have become popular in a wide range of applications. A typical case is the study of the leaching process of metals from mineral ores and mine tailings. The objective of the current study was to develop a radiometric method based on neutron activation analysis (NAA), in particular, delayed gamma neutron activation analysis (DGNAA), to monitor the process of Mn and Zn leaching from Ti ore, Cu mine tailings, and Zn-Pb mine tailings. The DGNAA method was performed using a neutron source: a deuterium-tritium (D-T) neutron generator for Mn and a MARIA research nuclear reactor for Zn. Laboratory-scale Mn leaching from Ti ores, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings was investigated using delayed gamma-rays of 56Mn (half-life of 2.6 h). The dissolution efficiencies of Mn were found to increase with interaction time and HCl concentration (1 to 5 M) and to vary with the leaching temperature (22.5 to 110 °C). Such results were found to agree with those obtained by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry for the same samples. 65Zn (half-life of 244 days) was chosen to investigate real-time/online leaching of Zn in Ti ore, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings. During online monitoring, Zn recovery was also reported to increase with increased leaching time. After approximately 300 min of leaching, 80%, 79%, and 53% recovery of Zn in Zn-Pb tailings, Ti ore, and Cu tailings, respectively, were reported. Theoretically, developed mathematical prediction models for 65Zn radiotracer analysis showed that the spherical diffusion model requires much less time to attain saturation compared to the linear diffusion model. The results of NAA for Zn were compared with those obtained by handheld X-ray fluorescence (handheld-XRF) and TXRF analysis. The analyzed samples encompassed leached Ti ore, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings which were subjected to different conditions of leaching time, temperature, and HCl concentrations. The XRF analysis confirmed that the leaching efficiencies of Zn rise with the increase in leaching time and HCl concentration and fluctuate with leaching temperature. The developed approach is important and can be applied in laboratories and industrial setups for online monitoring of the recovery of any element whose isotopes can be activated using neutrons. The efficiency of the metal-recovery process has a direct impact on the normal operation and economic advantages of hydrometallurgy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) is mostly used as an oxidizing agent in a variety of industrial and laboratory. It poses both immediate and long-term health risks, just like any other compound containing hexavalent chromium. Therefore, its adsorption process on the surface of a different metal oxides of PbO and MgO nanoparticles is thoroughly investigated in this work. Both structural and optical properties have been investigated for these metal oxides using XRD, HRTEM and UV vis spectroscopy. The XRD diffraction peaks confirmed the phases of both PbO and MgO NPs. Moreover, the crystallinity of PbO and MgO is 93,63 % and 95.25 %, respectively. The present metal oxides showed irregular shape such as spherical like shape and Quasi-spherical or rod- like shapes for PbO and MgO NPs. According to the results of the adsorption studies, The PbO NPs shows a high adsorption efficiency of 70 % towards potassium dichromate. The present results illustrated that both metal oxides may be used as an adsorbent to break down Potassium dichromate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surveys suggest a low level of implementation of clinical guidelines, although they are intended to improve the quality of treatment and patient safety. Which guideline recommendations are not followed and why has yet to be analysed. In this study, we investigate the proportion of European and national guidelines followed in the area of pre-operative anaesthetic evaluation prior to non-cardiac surgery. Methods: We conducted this monocentric retrospective observational study at a German university hospital with the help of software that logically links guidelines in such a way that individualised recommendations can be derived from a patient's data. We included routine logs of 2003 patients who visited our pre-anaesthesia outpatient clinic between June 2018 and June 2020 and compared the actual conducted pre-operative examinations with the recommendations issued by the software. We descriptively analysed the data for examinations not performed that would have been recommended by the guidelines and examinations that were performed even though they were not covered by a guideline recommendation. The guidelines examined in this study are the 2018 ESAIC guidelines for pre-operative evaluation of adults undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery, the 2014 ESC/ESA guidelines on non-cardiac surgery and the German recommendations on pre-operative evaluation on non-cardiothoracic surgery from the year 2017. Results: Performed ECG (78.1%) and cardiac stress imaging tests (86.1%) indicated the highest guideline adherence. Greater adherence rates were associated with a higher ASA score (ASA I: 23.7%, ASA II: 41.1%, ASA III: 51.8%, ASA IV: 65.8%, P < 0.001), lower BMI and age > 65 years. Adherence rates in high-risk surgery (60.5%) were greater than in intermediate (46.5%) or low-risk (44.6%) surgery (P < 0.001). 67.2% of technical and laboratory tests performed preoperatively were not covered by a guideline recommendation. Conclusions: Guideline adherence in pre-operative evaluation leaves room for improvement. Many performed pre-operative examinations, especially laboratory tests, are not recommended by the guidelines and may cause unnecessary costs. The reasons for guidelines not being followed may be the complexity of guidelines and organisational issues. A software-based decision support tool may be helpful. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04843202. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology has recently achieved remarkable progress in academia, attaining power conversion efficiencies exceeding 19%, a breakthrough previously unimaginable. Despite these advancements, the translation of high‐efficiency OPV cells into the commercialization of OPV modules has been limited, impeding the market penetration of OPV technology. Upon careful examination, various challenges emerge, including disparities between laboratory research and industrial production in device architecture, influenced by considerations of cost and manufacturability. Additionally, the incorporation of high‐efficiency materials requires careful consideration not only of the compatibility between the photoactive layer and interface layers or transparent electrodes but also of the associated synthetic complexity of chemical structures and cost implications. While these issues are crucial, they may not be widely discussed in current mainstream research. In this article, the purpose is to identify bottlenecks from a material techniques perspective, with the aim of promoting increased resources in the research of pertinent module technologies. This effort is intended to propel OPV technology toward greater success and bring it into closer alignment with the goals of commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During industrial and laboratory processes involving material grinding, the grinding media endure prolonged high-collision and friction environments, resulting in substantial wear. Consequently, this study adopts the hot-pressing sintering technique in powder metallurgy to prepare SiC-reinforced Fe-based wear-resistant composite grinding media, aiming to increase wear performance. For this purpose, Fe with 10 wt% SiC powders were milled for the fabrication of the composite. Then, sintering was performed by hot press at 1100 °C in a furnace. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction were employed to investigate the microstructures and phase of SiC-reinforced Fe-based matrix composite. Subsequently, comparative performance evaluations of the newly developed grinding media and traditional chromium-based media were conducted in terms of wear rate and grinding efficiency. The wear resistance tests revealed that the SiC-reinforced composite media displayed significantly superior wear resistance across various abrasives compared to the chromium-containing alternatives. Specifically, the composite media achieved a wear rate reduction of 2.9 times against standard sand over 1 h, and 2.3 and 2.4 times against sandstone and iron slag, respectively. Moreover, extended grinding for 3 hours further enhanced these reductions to 3.1, 2.4, and 2.7 times, respectively. Additionally, efficiency assessments indicated that at a 1:1 material ratio, the composite media outperformed the chromium-containing media in grinding efficiency by 7.5%, 12.5%, and 10.3% for standard sand, sandstone, and iron slag, respectively. Further increasing the material ratio to 3:1 resulted in efficiency improvements of 7.4%, 17.5%, and 11.3%, correspondingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable biopolymers such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate are sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. However, the factors affecting their degradation must be characterized in detail to enable successful utilization. Here we compared the extruder dwell time at three different melt-spinning scales and its influence on the degradation of both polymers. The melt temperature was the same for all three processes, but the shear stress and dwell time were key differences, with the latter being the easiest to measure. Accelerated degradation tests, including quick weathering and disintegration, were used to evaluate the influence of dwell time on the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting fibers. We found that longer dwell times accelerated degradation. Quick weathering by UV pre-exposure before the disintegration trial, however, had a more significant effect than dwell time, indicating that degradation studies with virgin material in a laboratory-scale setting only show the theoretical behavior of a product in the laboratory. A weathered fiber from an industrial-scale spinning line more accurately predicts the behavior of a product placed on the market before ending up in the environment. This highlights the importance of optimizing process parameters such as the dwell time to adapt the degradability of biopolymers for specific applications and environmental requirements. By gaining a deeper insight into the relationship between manufacturing processes and fiber degradability, products can be adapted to meet suitable performance criteria for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses issues related to the design of a hydrodynamic throttle type heater. The maximum angular velocities for cylindrical and conical shapes are determined from the condition of non-spilling of liquid from a rotating vessel. Theoretical studies have shown that the conical shape of the skirt is more optimal, since with an increase in the liquid level in the vessel within 0.02–0.09 m, the angular velocity decreases from 37.566 rad/s to 17.709 rad/s, respectively. In addition, with a taper of the vessel walls of 5° and a liquid level height of 0.02 m, the volume of the liquid is 11.0·10–5 m0.³. If to increase the liquid level to 0.09 m, then the volume of liquid will increase to 55.0·10–5 m³. At a taper of 10°, respectively, there is also an increase in the volume of liquid from 6.0·10–5 m³ to 42.0·10–5 m³. To establish a small increase in the temperature of the liquid when it is forced through the throttle holes, a transparent mockup was made. Experimental studies have shown the locking of air during the formation of a ring of liquid in the rotor cavity. In addition, it was found that the smaller the inner radius of the liquid ring, the higher the temperature of the pressed liquid through the throttle openings. For this purpose, a system for removing air from its rotor was provided in the hydrodynamic heater. When the rotor is running, the lateral outer walls of the conical skirt interact with the liquid, forcing it to rotate. The rotating liquid, rising along the walls of the housing, begins to interact with the lower part of the rotor, which negatively affects the operation of the hydrodynamic heater as a whole. For this purpose, a special flow directing cylinder was provided in the housing. When the liquid is forced through the throttle opening, there is a decrease in pressure and an increase in the velocity of the liquid. This leads to an increase in its kinetic energy, which is then converted into thermal energy due to friction between the liquid molecules. This principle is used in various systems such as heating systems, industrial processes or laboratory research. However, creating pressure in front of the throttle openings using the inertial forces of a rotating mass of liquid is a promising direction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pleasant working environment starts with a smooth adjustment of the graduate to the workplace. For this reason, preparing students in line with companies' work requirements must be in the focus during faculty. Since many of the subjects currently taught do not take this into account, this paper aims to contribute validated ideas and techniques to the creation of industry-oriented teaching activities. Therefore, this paper presents how practical work at a laboratory in an IT faculty has been adapted to accommodate some important aspects encountered in companies and required from future employees: teamwork where each member has well-defined tasks, creativity, taking on the task at hand, using cloud-hosted tools, tracking tasks within a team using dedicated platforms, and logging and solving a bug in a professional way. Actively helping the students in acquiring the necessary skills to design and verify a part of a chip, several didactic methods (e.g. brainstorming, explanation, discussion, "jigsaw" method) were also used to lead the students, step by step, to a good understanding of the working environment in a corporation. As results, it is shown that the students managed to learn how to approach the specific tools and methods of a company, and the good quality of the products obtained was confirmed by representatives of several companies in the field. The students' views on the teaching process, collected through an anonymous questionnaire, are also deeply analysed and discussed. Finally, the paper highlights the main aspects that positively influenced the students' professional development during teaching activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ball mills are widely used for size reduction in mineral processing, but effective scaling from laboratory to industrial scale remains challenging. This study introduces a novel scaling constant approach to replicate energy transfer to ore during milling across different scales by adjusting rotational speed and grinding medium size distribution. The scaling constant encapsulates parameters like the number of balls per working area, rotational speed, and an average ball's maximum potential and kinetic energies. Experiments were conducted using a laboratory ball mill with interchangeable drum sizes (300, 400, and 500 mm) and a Design of Experiments methodology. Statistical analysis revealed that the scaling constant was more effective at maintaining consistent specific energy and energy per rotation across scales than size reduction, especially in dry milling. Wet milling results showed no significant differences in all metrics across scales. The dominant charge motion shifted from centrifuging to cascading as the mill diameter increased, highlighting the complex scaling dynamics. While the scaling constant shows promise for maintaining energy utilization, additional factors like charge motion and particle breakage mechanisms should be considered. The findings provide insights for improving ball mill design and optimization in mineral processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to gather the current state of the art on the encapsulation methods using alginate as the main polymeric material in order to produce hydrogels ranging from the microscopic to macroscopic sizes. The use of alginates as an encapsulation material is of growing interest, as it is fully bio-based, bio-compatible and bio-degradable. The field of application of alginate encapsulation is also extremely broad, and there is no doubt it will become even broader in the near future considering the societal demand for sustainable materials in technological applications. In this review, alginate's main properties and gelification mechanisms, as well as some factors influencing this mechanism, such as the nature of the reticulation cations, are first investigated. Then, the capacity of alginate gels to release matter in a controlled way, from small molecules to micrometric compounds, is reported and discussed. The existing techniques used to produce alginates beads, from the laboratory scale to the industrial one, are further described, with a consideration of the pros and cons with each techniques. Finally, two examples of applications of alginate materials are highlighted as representative case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using existing resources more efficiently and effectively becomes important currently. The question of how to make the best use of resources arises in the choice between constructing new roads and improving deteriorated existing roads. It is also important to reduce the amount of consumption and cost of materials. This has emerged the need to use waste materials by recycling and reusing. In this study, a new hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixture was developed using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), which was obtained by excavating the surface of a road at the end of its service life, together with a waste material namely natural pozzolan (NP). The final obtained mixture was used as a wear layer on an active highway. Core specimens were extracted from the paved layer for one year and subjected to dynamic and mechanical laboratory tests. Adding NP improved the resistance of the HMA mixture under heavy seasonal effects and traffic loads. In addition, NP increased the tensile strength, making the HMA mixture more resistant to deformation than control and RAP HMA mixtures. Dynamic creep test results showed that the control asphalt mixture had the most deformation and that the RAP mixture with NP had the least. According to the laboratory results, NP addition increased the stability value of the control mixture by 40%. Especially in cold seasons, the role of NP was more evident. In the performance tests that were applied on core samples taken from the field, ITS values for September increased by 98%, and the deformation values obtained as a result of the dynamic creep test decreased by 12%. In summary, adding NP to RAP HMA improves the performance of the pavement and the cost-effectiveness of the environmentally friendly use of RAP in HMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A weir is a structure consisting of an obstruction such as a dam that built across the open channel to change its flow characteristics. In the present study, a total 12 experiments were done in the laboratory of civil engineering department inside an open channel with 20 cm width and installing full width rectangular sharp crested weirs. Then the numerical runs were validated with experimental findings and additional runs were done. The implementation of Numerical Methods A volume of fluid (VOF) model was created for the situation when water and air are in direct contact with one another. Three distinct k-epsilon turbulence models were examined [standard, RNG, and realizable]. According to mass balance data, the greatest error in experimental measurements between the main channel's input and outlet discharges does not exceed 9.542%. Furthermore, average percentage of error between numerical and experimental outlet discharges for standard, RNG and realizable k-epsilon method was 7.235, 5.489 and 7.301 respectively. Cd increased with increasing the ratio of (H1/P). The water surface will be stable along 2 m of upstream channel length upstream of the sharp crested weir, and the longitudinal water levels will decrease slightly over the weir with a curved profile, as determined experimentally and numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]