Industrial Materials Research Articles

Numerical assessment of thermal bridging effects in 3D-printed foam concrete walls

Abstract Integrating smart technology and advanced materials in the construction industry has revolutionized traditional building practices, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance. Researchers and professionals in the construction sector have shown significant interest in three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) for automating structural engineering tasks. Despite its potential as a sustainable solution to modern construction issues, there is a lack of research on the thermal insulation performance of three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) building envelopes, and the potential for integrating foam concrete (FC) to enhance energy efficiency has not yet been studied. This paper presents a numerical analysis examining how different infill geometries affect the thermal performance of 3D-printed foam concrete (3DPFC) lattice envelopes. Six lattice structures were designed with identical thickness, height, length, and comparable insulation areas. The effects of the contact (intersection) area of webs with the interior face shell, webs, and infill rows on the thermal performance of granularly insulated envelopes were studied. The effectiveness of insulation was also established. The findings indicate that the thermal transmittance of 3DPC envelopes correlates directly with the contact area of the webs and the interior surface, with U-values ranging from 0.151 W m2·K to 0.652 W/m2·K. Notably, the absence of direct connections between exterior and interior surfaces enhances insulation efficiency, with double-row structures achieving up to 94% insulation efficiency. However, when there is a direct connection between the two surfaces, the thermal performance of these envelopes is mainly affected by the contact (intersection) area of the webs with the interior face rather than the number of webs. By integrating foam concrete and double-row walls, this study demonstrates an innovative approach to reducing thermal bridging and improving energy performance in 3D-printed construction. The results offer novel insight into optimizing the thermal behavior of 3DPC systems for sustainable building practices.

Phase change materials as hydrogen explosion suppressants: An experimental and kinetic investigation

To investigate the potential application of phase change materials as H2 explosion suppressants, in the present work, the inhibition effect of Na2HPO4·12H2O, K2HPO4·3H2O, and Na2CO3·10H2O on H2 explosion were experimentally studied. The corresponding explosion suppression mechanism was calculated by using a comprehensive combustion model. Results showed that the selected phase change materials inhibited the H2 explosion, and Na2CO3·10H2O has the most significant effect for fuel-lean H2-air mixtures when 12 g was added. Of which the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) and maximum rate of pressure rise (dp/dt)max were reduced by 26.6 % and 28.1 %, and maximum pressure increase time (tb) and peak pressure time(tc) were increased by 112.2 % and 120.3 %. The inhibition mechanism of Na2CO3·10H2O on H2 was revealed by numerical simulation. The adiabatic flame temperature (AFT) and laminar burning velocity (LBV) of H2-air mixture decrease with increasing hydrated salt addition, the free radicals H, O and OH have a decisive influence on the explosion process during which H decreases by 86.4 % at most. The chain initial reaction O + H2 ⇌ H + OH and the sodium-containing primitive reaction NaO + H + M ⇌ NaOH + M have the most significant influence on the combustion processes. The results of present work give a theoretical foundation for application the phase change materials in H2 explosion safety industry.

Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF) from Dates by-Product via Citric Acid Hydrolysis

Industrial residues that are not optimally utilized are removed by burning, landfilling, or dumping, which can threaten the environment and health. In fact, part of this agro-industrial waste still has content that has the potential to become raw material for value-added other industries. Dates by-product as residue of the fiber-rich fruit industry have the potential to be a source of nanocellulose. This study aims to obtain nanofibril cellulose (CNF) isolates from dates by-product via citric acid hydrolysis, and investigate the effect of acid concentration on the unknown dates by-product CNF isolate characteristics. Pretreatment such as delignification and bleaching is needed to obtain cellulose isolate with high purity. Furthermore, acid hydrolysis, centrifugation, and sonication are performed to obtain CNF. CNF isolates are characterized by the analysis of particle size distribution, morphology, and crystallinity. Analysis of functional groups and lignocellulose content test confirm that lignin and hemicellulose are degraded during isolation. The particle size distribution measurement shows that the greater the acid concentration, the smaller the CNF size and the better the size uniformity. The morphology of the CNF obtained is net-like fibers. The degree of crystallinity shown decreases with increasing acid concentration. This study revealed that different citric acid concentrations can result in different characteristics of CNF isolates.

Investigating the performance and durability of high mechanical milling nano pulverised refused SCMs

This study investigated the performance and durability of high-mechanical-milling nano-pulverized industrial reject supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The research utilized industrial reject (IR-1), specifically Ground Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS), as the SCM. As-received IR-1 GBFS was milled for 90 minutes to achieve nano-sized particles, and its properties were compared with the un-milled, or before-milled (BM) material. Three pozzolanicity tests were conducted to compare the before milled (BM) and after-milled (AM) materials. Additionally, M30 grade concrete mixes were developed with cement partially replaced by 30 %, 35 %, and 40 % using both BM and AM IR-1 materials. Mechanical performance, including compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength, along with durability tests such as water absorption, sorptivity, and rapid chloride penetration, were conducted for the BM and AM IR-1 blended concretes. The results showed that AM IR-1 blended concrete achieved the required design strength at a 30 % cement replacement level. Furthermore, the AM IR-1 blended concrete exhibited 40 % higher compressive strength, 39 % higher flexural strength, and 29 % higher split tensile strength compared to the control concrete. Durability testing also revealed significant improvements in AM IR-1 blended concrete, with reductions of 19.65 % in water absorption, 24.71 % in sorptivity, and 38 % in chloride penetration. This study demonstrates that industrial waste, such as GBFS, can be effectively utilized as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in the construction industry. Additionally, nano-pulverization treatment significantly enhances the pozzolanicity and overall performance of materials that may not meet the physicochemical standards specified in IS 3812-(Part 1):2017 and ASTM C618–19.

Crafting Superior Dress Shoes

This study explores the utilization of African ostrich leg skins, sourced from South Africa, in the production of high-quality leather footwear in Ethiopia. It begins with a thorough analysis of the raw materials, particularly their fat and protein contents, while also evaluating the most effective tanning methods. The research focuses on the impact of chrome and semi-chrome tanning on the leather’s physical and structural qualities, highlighting its unique texture and durability. Through comprehensive trials conducted in Ethiopia, the study examines the leather’s thermal stability, fiber structure, and performance metrics. The results reveal that chrome tanning is better suited for producing footwear, as it enhances leather strength and yields leather with minimal stretch, making it ideal for crafting durable upper shoe components. On the other hand, semi-chrome tanning, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy, yields softer leather with better fiber separation, suitable for luxury leather bags’ decorative features. The findings demonstrate that specialized tanning techniques can enhance both the aesthetic and functional attributes of ostrich leg leather, promoting its inclusion in high-end leather products. This approach not only broadens the variety of materials for the Ethiopian leather industry but also supports economic growth and market expansion through sustainable practices and product innovation.

Theory and Experiment on Rock-Cutter Interfacial Friction and Rock Mohr-Coulomb Parameter Estimations

Summary The Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) failure criteria is by far the most widely used model for granular materials (including rocks and soils) in many geotechnical industries due to its simplicity. Its parameters are conventionally obtained by performing a series of pressurized triaxial compression tests (TCTs). The peak stress from each confining pressure is plotted at a single point as the maximum vs. the minimum principal stresses. The M-C parameters are obtained by the best linear fitting through the failure envelope formed by the peak stress points of interest. The TCT is time-consuming, costly, and destructive. Is there an experiment that can provide the failure envelope with one single test, even at the atmospheric pressure? This seems impossible, at least has never been rigorously reported. In this work, we present our finding of such a test. The paper first provides the experimental setup and the theoretical solution for a hemispherical scratch test of a polycrystalline diamond cutter (PDC) at low rate of cut (ROC) and low depth of cut (DOC); the theoretical characteristic response of the test is identified and validated. Next, the formula for the rock-cutter interfacial coefficient of friction (COF) is derived, which provides a theoretical guide for the friction measurement for shaped cutters. Then, the nominal average drag and thrust stresses are evaluated, which are observed experimentally and then proved theoretically to behave in a linear relation, analogous to the M-C envelope from the TCTs. We also provide a first method that can self-consistently evaluate the M-C parameters for the crushed zone, which plays a very important role in rock cutting. By comparing the M-C results for three rocks at different loading conditions, good agreements under different scratch conditions are made against the M-C parameters for several rocks from the TCTs.

Biostability assessment of ultrapure water piping materials in the semiconductor industry and their susceptibility to Ralstonia growth

The pipes used for ultrapure water (UPW) distribution are constructed using high-quality materials to ensure purity. However, there remains a risk of contamination based on the pipe type. This study is the first to comprehensively evaluate the biological implications of various UPW pipe materials used in the semiconductor industry. The results showed that Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) exhibited lower organic carbon leaching (0.08 mg/L) and a reduced biomass formation potential (BFP) (approximately 5 × 105 cells/cm2) compared to chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes. In particular, Ralstonia, an oligotrophic bacterium commonly found in UPW systems, formed a significant biofilm on pipe surfaces, notably in stainless steel (SUS) and CPVC pipes. Furthermore, particle contamination, a critical concern in semiconductor manufacturing, was investigated, focusing on potential contamination sources generated by pipe leaching and the presence of bacteria. The bacterial composition of the selected UPW was investigated, revealing Herbaspirillum, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, as the dominant species, account for 66.15 %. Notably, the composition of the feedwater was different from that of the UPW. This study also highlights the limitations of culture-based methods, particularly in detecting bacteria under oligotrophic conditions, which are often unculturable. Flow cytometry (FCM) shows promise for the quick detection of bacterial contamination by providing total cell counts. Moreover, cytometric fingerprinting analysis revealed phenotypic differences between the communities. Nevertheless, further development of a simplified and widely applicable cell counting protocol is required for its effective integration into UPW production.

Important Practical Conditions for Getting the High-Quality Foam Concretes

Introduction. The most important reasons justifying the relevance of the research on the practical methods of reducing the consumption of materials in construction industry have been distinguished. The priorities of the Russian Federation referring to the foam concrete technology have been outlined. The level of reliability of the Internet resources describing properties of the dispersedly reinforced foam concretes has been briefly evaluated. The aim of the study is to establish the relationships between the individual properties of fiber, its quantity to the mass of cement ratio, and the most important operational properties of foam concrete manufactured using a single-stage technology.Materials and methods. The types and properties of raw materials used in the experimental research, the methods for controlling the properties of mixes and hardened foam concretes have been defined.Results. The relationship between the speed of phase transition of the viscoplastic properties of the foam concrete mixes into the elastic ones and the possibility of getting a high-quality structure of the hardened foam concrete have been briefly theoretically justified. The physical reasons influencing the direction and speed of forming the raw material dispersed particle clusters in the structure of the interpore partitions of foam concrete mixes have been revealed, which are the important factors to be considered in practice to get the high-strength foam concretes. Depending on the fiber concentration in the concrete mixture composition, the specifics of the fiber physical nature influence on the speed of phase transition from viscoplastic to elastic state have been established. It has been proved that the synergetic effect of dispersed reinforcement is achieved when fiber concentration is enough to provide the significant acceleration of the phase transition. New experimental data on the influence of the individual properties of fiber on the rheological and physico-mechanical properties of D500 foam concrete has been obtained.Discussion and Conclusion. The scientific explanation of the reasons for emergence of the electret effect on the surface of synthetic fiber has been given. It has been revealed that the discovered effect is induced by the specifics of the foam concrete mixture preparation using a single-stage technology. The most important practical conditions due to be met to get the high-strength foam concrete have been determined.

Innovative hybrid machine learning models for estimating the compressive strength of copper mine tailings concrete

The growing demand for copper and related materials in various industries is driving increased copper mining globally. This surge presents a substantial challenge in managing and responsibly disposing of large volumes of copper mine tailings (CMT). Incorporating CMT as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete addresses two significant environmental challenges simultaneously: reducing the accumulation of CMT waste in landfills and lowering the carbon footprint by reducing cement usage. The investigation into recycling CMT as a cement substitute involves a thorough assessment of its impact on the compressive strength (CS) of concrete. This research introduces innovative hybrid machine learning (ML) models for estimating the CS of CMT concrete, aiming to streamline strength assessment processes and save valuable resources. The method involves integrating features from large public datasets with the limited available data on the CS of CMT concrete. Support vector regression (SVR) was combined with advanced optimization techniques: firefly algorithm (FFA), grey wolf optimization (GWO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to create new hybrid models for forecasting the CS of CMT concrete. Additionally, traditional ML techniques like decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF) were used to compare with these SVR-based hybrids. All three hybrid models demonstrated strong performance, with SVR-FFA emerging as the most effective among them. Notably, SVR-FFA achieved the greatest R² score of 0.96, indicating superior predictive accuracy compared to SVR-PSO (0.92) and SVR-GWO (0.90). Additionally, the DT model attained an R² score of 0.88, while the RF model achieved an R² score of 0.84. Moreover, the SHapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) and partial dependence plots (PDP) analyses underscore the positive effects of curing age, cement, blast furnace slag, and superplasticizer on the CS of CMT concrete. A graphical user interface was developed for predicting the CS of CMT concrete, allowing for instant predictions without the need for conducting experiments.

A naphthimide based fluorescent probe for the detection of thiophenols and its application in actual water and food

Thiophenol (PhSH) and its derivatives are widely employed as common industrial raw materials, while they also pose high toxicity for animals and aquatic organisms. Herein, a novel fluorescent probe P1 was constructed, based on photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism, using naphthimide as the fluorophore and 7-nitrobenzoxadiazole as the recognizing group. Probe P1 exhibited an “Off-On” fluorescence recognition response to PhSH by nucleophilic substitution reaction. The probe displayed advantageous properties for the recognition of PhSH, including a chromogenic response, high selectivity, fast response (< 90 s), and a large Stokes shift (150 nm). In addition, probe P1 exhibited a good linear response to PhSH within the range of 0-9 μM, and the limit of detection (LOD) is 21 nM. Furthermore, probe P1 has been successfully applied for the efficient and rapid PhSH detection in environmental water and actual food samples.

The influence of myrcene on anionic copolymerization of 1,3-pentadiene and styrene

C5-dienes including 1,3-pentadiene (PD) and isoprene (IP) as by-products of naphtha cracking are important industrial raw materials for the production of thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic rubber and resins. The research on living anionic polymerization (LAP) of myrcene (MY) is also of great significance for the development of new bio-based materials and products. Focusing on the optimal utilization of C5 resources and the high-value utilization of biomass resources and the realization of green chemical production, this article reports the synthesizing of a novel terpolymer by LAP of PD, styrene (ST) and the biomass monomer MY. The discovery of the alternating sequence structure of ST and PD inspires us to further explore the development of copolymers containing this unique sequence structure. The special long branched side chain of MY and its low glass transition temperature are also conducive to the synthesis of new integrated rubbers. The 1H NMR tracking analysis indicates that the polymerization pattern changes from alternating sequence to gradient block sequence with the increase of MY content. Combined with FTIR analysis, the PD monomeric units are mainly trans-1,4 structure and MY monomeric units are predominant cis-1,4 structure. Considering the extremely high polymerization activity of MY compared to ST and PD, the copolymerization rate is significantly dependent on the concentration of the PD monomer. Despite this, due to the interactions between ST and PD ([ST¦PD] intermediate), ST still tends to form alternating segments with PD. The ternary copolymerization can be viewed as a “binary gradient copolymerization” of [ST¦PD] and MY (rMY > r[ST¦PD]).

THE BENEFITS OF MUSA PARADISIACA L. (SABA BANANA) AS A SUNNAH–BASED HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ALTERNATIVE

One of the plants that can be used as the main ingredient of medicine is the banana plant. Basically, the saba banana plant is not only to fulfill daily needs, but can be used as an alternative sunnah-style treatment for physical and spiritual health. Every part of the banana can be used as a source of traditional medicine with easy processing to be practiced daily. Almost all parts of saba banana, starting from the fruit, skin, heart, stem, to the leaves, have different properties such as traditional medicine and industrial raw materials. That way, saba banana can be used as evidence of how blessed Allah SWT's creation has a variety of benefits for humans. Utilizing saba banana as a sunnah-based health improvement alternative is an environmentally friendly step. In addition, saba bananas are also easy to find and affordable and can be consumed every day and are also recommended by scholars as in HR. Tirmidzi.

Synergistic removal of malachite green and Cr(Ⅵ) using ethylenediamine disuccinic acid functionalized silica gel

As common industrial raw materials, malachite green (MG) and Cr(Ⅵ) generally coexist in waste liquids discharged from the paper printing, leather, and textile industries, causing serious harm to humans and the environment. Therefore, developing an effective method for the synergistic removal of MG and Cr(Ⅵ) from aquatic environments is of great research value. In this work, the non-homogeneous Fenton-like catalysts, namely, EDDS-Silica and EDDS-Co2+-Silica were successfully prepared using ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) and silica gel (Silica) as raw materials, and a non-homogeneous Fenton-like catalytic method was developed for the efficient and synergistic removal of MG and Cr(Ⅵ) from wastewater. EDDS-Silica and EDDS-Co2+-Silica were analyzed using Fourier infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine their structural composition and elemental contents. The catalytic degradation and removal effects of these materials in an MG single-waste system were also investigated. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of both materials can overcome the limitation of the conventional Fenton reaction, which is its applicability to acidic environments only. Moreover, EDDS-Co2+-Silica showed better degradation effects on MG than EDDS-Silica. Quantitative calculations based on density functional theory were used to predict the optimal coordination forms between Co2+and EDDS-Silica as well as the MG structure. The lowest unoccupied and highest occupied molecular orbitals of the catalysts were then used to predict the active sites on which MG tends to capture or release electrons during the degradation reaction. The optimal conditions for the synergistic removal of MG and Cr(Ⅵ) from a binary system using EDDS-Co2+-Silica were further investigated under different influencing factors. The results showed that EDDS-Co2+-Silica still had excellent catalytic effect on the degradation rate of MG in the range of pH 3-7, and the optimal conditions were as follows: solution pH, 7; degradation time, 1 h; temperature, 25 ℃; H2O2 concentration, 20 mmol/L; and the initial mass concentration of Cr(Ⅵ), 25 mg/L. Under the above conditions, the degradation rate was increased from 87.25% to 96.67% compared with that in the MG monosystem. Obvious enhancements in degradation effect and efficiency confirmed that the incorporation of EDDS-Co2+-Silica was favorable for the synergistic removal of MG and Cr(Ⅵ) in the binary system. Strongly oxidizing Cr(Ⅵ) can participate in the Fenton reaction, thus promoting MG degradation over a wide pH range. Thus, a positive synergistic effect exists between MG and Cr(Ⅵ). Considering that a large number of metal ions remained in the solution after the degradation reaction, EDDS-Silica was added to the degradation solution, and adsorption experiments were performed for 4 h at 30 ℃to adsorb and remove Cr and Fe via the strong chelating property of EDDS. The total residual mass concentrations of Cr and Fe were 4.96 and 1.02 mg/L, respectively, which meet national emission standards. These findings indicate that EDDS-Silica has good effects on the removal of residual metal ions after the nonhomogeneous Fenton reaction. As heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts, the aminopolycarboxylic acid-modified materials proposed in this study can simultaneously promote the Fenton reaction and remove residual metal ions, thereby effectively removing MG and Cr(Ⅵ) from the binary system while ensuring that the content of residual metal ions in the system meets environmental emission standards. This study has broad application prospects in dye degradation and heavy-metal-ion wastewater treatment, and provides a reference value and theoretical basis for the development of other similar ligand-modified materials.

Self-removing salt crystals

A newly discovered mechanism by which salt crystals leap off nanoengineered surfaces may lead to the development of industrial materials that resist the buildup of minerals from fresh and salt water.

A review of cognitive aids and their application to emergency management in Australia

Decision-making in disasters and major crises faced by emergency services globally is a difficult combination of science and art to master. To assist decision-makers in these environments, a number of cognitive aids have been developed and subsequently adopted by individuals and organisations alike. However, these aids vary according to their intent and the context in which they are intended to be applied. This review explores the use of cognitive aids in the context of emergency management and explores how existing knowledge regarding the use of cognitive aids from other industries may be translated to emergency management. An iterative literature review of academic and industry material related to cognitive aids during incident and crisis response across a broad range of international emergency service and other industries within the last 20 years was completed. Ultimately, cognitive aids are not a silver bullet when it comes to decision-making in the emergency management context. The correct tool (that is correctly designed) must be correctly applied by trained and competent end users. The Australian emergency management sector may benefit from future research exploring how these existing tools adhere to the good practice principles identified in this study.

Analysis of Pyrophyllite Quality as a Potential Industrial Raw Material in Argotirto Area, Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia

The Argotirto area, Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang Regency, East Java is one of area which had industrial mineral, namely pyrophyllite. Pyrophyllite minerals in this area were generally found in rocks that have been altered by hydrothermal alteration. Pyrophyllite is an industrial mineral that can be used as a raw material in various industries. This research aims to determine the geological conditions, physical properties, mineralogical and geochemical properties of pyrophyllite in the research area and to determine the quality of pyrophyllite as a potential industrial raw material. The methods used in this research were megascopic analysis, petrographic analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, and X-Ray Fluorescene (XRF), and the quality assessment of pyrophyllite using the standard of PT Gunung Bale, SNI No. 15-1023-1989, and SNI No. 15-1325-1989. The lithology in the study area consists of basaltic lava, andesite breccia, dacitic tuff breccia, dacite intrusion, and limestone. Pyrophyllite in the study area has a quality ranging from low grade to high grade. The EIP sample is classified as high grade quality and can be used as raw materials for the refractory industry, class I refractory materials, and materials for making fine ceramics. The WSP sample is classified as medium grade quality, and can be used as class III refractory materials. The DSP sample is classified as low grade quality, and can be used as a class III refractory material.

An Experimental Investigation on Nano-Enhanced Tertiary Blended Concrete Incorporating Industrial Wastes

Concrete is a crucial material in the construction industry; however, its production process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Undoubtedly, the building sector's increasing global interest unveils a challenge to its ability to withstand cement alternatives and manage the resulting outflows. Fly ash, GGBS (ground granulated blast furnace slag), Zeolite, rice husk, silica fume, metakaolin, and various industry by-products can typically replace cement. This research study aims to replace cement with multiple cementitious materials, individually and in combination, to evaluate the strength characteristics of blended concrete. The replacement percentages ranged from 0 to 30% for each substitute material, such as fly ash, GGBS, and Zeolite, and strength tests were done to assess the performance of the modified concrete after 7 and 28 days of water curing. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is used to create M30 and M50 grades of concrete. Similarly, cement was replaced with fly ash, GGBS, and Zeolite in amounts ranging from 10 to 30% for M30 and M50 grades, and their strength was evaluated after 7 and 28 days of curing. The most efficient percentage of substitution for both the concrete grades is determined, and the corresponding replacement ratio is used to produce the blended concrete, which incorporates cement, fly ash, GGBS, and Zeolite. The overall findings reveal that the composite concrete, comprising four binding materials, demonstrated superior strength for the concrete grade compared to alternative substitutes. The optimal mixture ratios for M30 concrete after 28 days consist of 20% fly ash, 20% GGBS, and 10% zeolite. Moreover, different ratios of Zeolite-10%, Fly-Ash-30%, and GGBS-20% were used to produce M50 concrete.

Radiation shielding and spectroscopic features of replacement materials: Reusing of agricultural and industrial wastes

Environmental pollution increases due to the large amounts of waste production and raw material consumption depending on the increasing population. Agricultural and industrial wastes which are some of the sources of the pollution need to be reuse to reduce the negative impact on the environment and also contribute positive effect to the economy. In this context, industrial wastes such as clay types (red and green) and agricultural wastes such as egg shell, walnut shell and banana shell were used to prepare materials which can be used as replacement materials for construction industry. Radiation attenuation parameters (mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, linear attenuation coefficients, mean free path, half-value layer, exposure and energy absorption build up factors, fast neutron removal cross-section) were acquired by Phy-X/PSD code. Spectroscopic techniques (XRD, EPR, SEM-EDS) were performed for the structural analysis. The existence of calcite main phase peaks (≈29.7) as well as SiO2 (≈20° and 26°) and cellulose phases (≈16° and 34.7°) were observed by XRD. Mn+2 sextet lines with five weak doublets attributed to the forbidden transition lines of Mn+2 and a singlet with a g value of ≈2.00 and linewidth of ≈10 G were recorded by EPR. Among the samples, it was found that K1 (Red clay (20%)-eggshell waste (60%)-Bayburt stone waste (20%)), K3 (Red clay (60%)-eggshell waste (20%)-Bayburt stone waste (20%)), C3 (Red clay (60%)-eggshell waste (20%)-walnut shell waste (20%)) and Z3 (Green clay (60%)-egg shell waste (20%)-Bayburt stone waste (20%)) have the highest shielding potentials. All samples examined with good protection performances can be used as substitute materials instead of cement or aggregate for the aim of reusing the wastes and supporting the environmental and economic benefits.

Effect of Climate Change on Alpine Flowers

Global warming results in climate change that increases the intensity of rainfall, drought, dry spell, heat waves. This condition have profound impact on alpine plant ecology and induce migration or range shifts of spe¬cies in search for their optimal growth conditions. These shifts subsequently lead to change in local species composition, often resulting in a relative increase of warm demanding species and a decreasing number of cold demanding species. The result of this change may cause habitat loss and disastrous extinction in those alpine environments. An alpine flower has been serving as source of genetic material for ornamental flower industry. Improvement of commercial cultivars through interspecific hybridization with wild relatives has also been the major way forward for transfer of important traits such as disease resistance. However, as a result of global warming, heat stress has become the major challenge for alpine ecosystem that is estimated to be 3% of terrestrial habitats. Here, I review literature regarding impacts of climate change on alpine flowers by using specific commercially important flowers as an example: &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Dianthus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Primula&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Rhododendron&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Then, I discuss ways to enhance &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Rhododendron&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; breeding efficiency for heat stress using invitro growth conditions. Finally, I summarize with indicating future areas of research that should be undertaken.

Evaluation of Cretaceous-Tertiary Limestones and Clay for Portland Cement in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Due to the high demand for construction in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, it is economically natural resources used to minimize importing from other countries, and to increase working hands. Since, limestone is one of the basic raw materials in the cement industry, for this purpose, in the Harir anticline limestone of the Shiranish Formation was mixed with clay of Fatha Formation, in the Shakrok anticline limestone of the Shiranish Formation mixed with clay of Injana Formation, and in the Binabawi anticline limestone of the Shiranish Formation in mixed with clay of the Mukdadiya Formation, dependent on their suitable nearby site locations for factories from each other. The chemical analysis observed by XRF for specifying the major oxides content of CaO, MgO, SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3. three theoretical mixtures of the cement raw materials showed that they have lower liquid content and higher minimum burning temperature in the burning zone, this problem was solved by adding 0.5% iron ore. The Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy-Dispersive by X-Ray spectroscopy carried out for better observation of clinker phase formation showed that the major phases are alite and belite, which indicates suitable burning conditions. Presence of free lime after burning as shown in SEM is due to high CaO content in the limestone raw material.