Low Specific Gravity Research Articles

The Substitution Effect of the Fine Aggregate in Concrete with Oyster Shell.

The construction industry contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 27% of total emissions. With the increasing demand for concrete, there is a growing need to explore alternative materials that can reduce environmental impact. This study investigates the potential of using oyster shell powder, a waste material, as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in concrete. The methodology involves replacing fine aggregates with oyster shell powder in varying proportions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) and testing the compressive strength of the resulting concrete after 56 days. The concrete mix used in this study consists of 16.67% cement, 33.33% fine aggregates, and 50% coarse aggregates (10-20 mm). The findings show that increasing oyster shell content reduces the concrete's compressive strength; however, at 40% replacement, the concrete still achieves a compressive strength of 30 MPa, which meets the required building strength standards. Additionally, the use of oyster shell powder reduces the unit weight of concrete by approximately 10% at the 40% substitution rate, due to the lower specific gravity of oyster shells compared to sand. This research highlights the potential of using oyster shell powder as a viable solution for mitigating oyster shell waste while providing an alternative material for fine aggregates in concrete.

Predicting the fracture forming limit of 5754-O aluminum alloy by finite element simulation

Abstract Aluminum alloy has the advantages of low specific gravity, easy processing and good welding performance, so it is widely used on automobile to achieve lightweighting. Forming limit diagram (FLD) is the most intuitive method for evaluating and analyzing the forming performance of aluminum alloys. Standard forming limit tests are complex and costly. To simplify test procedures of the formability of 5754-O aluminum alloys, three tests including uniaxial tensile, deep drawn cup and dome stretching tests are established through ABAQUS finite element software. The principal and secondary strain values at the time of fracture were extracted to construct the forming limit curve at fracture (FLCF). In order to verify the accuracy of the simulation results, corresponding experiments are conducted. The experimental results match the finite element simulation results, verifying the accuracy of the finite element simulation. The method presented in this paper can predict the formability of aluminum alloy quickly.

Micro-Injection Molding of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)/Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Composite Components.

CFRP exhibits a low specific gravity, good rigidity, and high strength and is widely used in the automobile, aerospace, and biomedical fields. Against this background, the demand for composite components prepared using CFRP and polymers has increased. The service life of composite components is closely related to the bonding strength between the CFRP and the polymer. Here, using CFRP and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as raw materials, composite components were prepared via injection molding. First, micro-grooves were produced on the CFRP surface using the hot-pressing technique. Subsequently, the melted PMMA was filled in these micro-grooves using injection molding, thereby forming the bonding interface of the composite components. These micro-grooves can increase the contact area between CFRP and PMMA, thereby enhancing the bonding strength of the CRFP and PMMA interface. In this study, a single-factor experiment was used to explore the influence of each process parameter on the tensile strength of the composite components. Finally, after optimizing process parameters, the composite components with tensile strength of 10.72 MPa were obtained.

Linear Ether-Based Molten Li Salt Solvate Electrolytes for Li-Metal Batteries

Li metal batteries have attracted much attention as the next-generation rechargeable batteries owing to the exceptionally high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g⁻¹) and the lowest electrode potential of Li metal electrode. Molten Li salt solvate electrolytes or highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) are an emerging class of electrolytes having a similarity to ionic liquids (ILs) in high ionic nature, and indeed some of which are found to behave like an IL.1 This type of the electrolytes have attracted considerable attention as prospective candidates for electrolyte materials in future Li metal batteries owing to their favorable properties both in the bulk and at the electrochemical interface. In this study, linear ether-based molten Li salt solvates were investigated for potential effects of weakly coordinating linear ethers on transport properties and battery performance. We focused on the electrolytes using lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (LiTFSA) or lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (LiFSA) as the salt and linear chain monoethers such as methylpropyl ether (MPE), n-butylmethyl ether (BME), and ethyl propyl ether (EPE) as the solvent for lithium-sulfur and lithium metal batteries. Owing to the low lithium polysulfide solubility, low viscosity, relatively high ionic conductivity, high Li ion transference number, high reductive stability, and low specific gravity, all of which are favorable for achieving high-energy density batteries, linear ether-based molten Li salt solvates were found to be effective electrolytes. The correlation between Li ion solvation and ionic transport properties of the linear ethers with different alkyl chain length were further studied to optimize the electrolyte compositions. The chemical structure of the ethers had a strong impact on the Li ion coordination structure and ionic conductivity: the monomethyl ether such as MPE and BME showed more-pronounced Li ion coordination and higher ionic conductivity whereas steric hinderance of longer alkyl chains in ethers with longer alkyl chain length such as ethyl propyl ether (EPE) resulted in lower solvation number, enhanced ion pairing and lower ionic conductivity. The improved Li ion transport property of the linear ether-based electrolytes led to the better rate performance. Furthermore, a pouch-type cell demonstrated an energy density exceeding 300 Wh kg-1 under lean electrolyte conditions.2 Shigenobu, T. Sudoh, J. Murai, K. Dokko, M. Watanabe, K. Ueno, Chem. Rec., 2023, 23, e202200301.Ishikawa, S. Haga, K. Shigenobu, T. Sudoh, S. Tsuzuki, W. Shinoda, K. Dokko, M. Watanabe, K. Ueno, Faraday Discuss., 2024, Accepted Manuscript. DOI: 10.1039/D4FD00024B

Extreme hypernatremia after a laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: a case report and literature review.

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) primarily arises from an X-linked recessive inheritance caused by mutations in the AVPR2 gene, which is responsible for approximately 90% of cases. This condition has an incidence rate of 4-8 per million male live births, with females being much less frequently affected. Symptoms typically manifest shortly after birth, predominantly in males. The key clinical features of NDI include excessive urination (polyuria), compensatory excessive thirst (polydipsia), cognitive impairment, consistently low urine specific gravity, dehydration, and imbalances in electrolyte levels. This case study highlights an unusual occurrence of NDI in a 50-year-old Chinese woman attributed to a mutation in the AVPR2 gene. For more than a year, she had been suffering from excessive urination and severe thirst. The patient, who had undergone surgery for cervical cancer, developed polyuria and hypernatremia postoperatively. Initial laboratory analyses revealed normal blood sodium and chloride levels but reduced urine osmolality and specific gravity. Imaging assessments revealed no irregularities. To validate the diagnosis of NDI, she participated in a water deprivation and vasopressin test. Subsequent genetic tests revealed a thymine (T) to adenine (A) mutation, leading to a missense mutation in the AVPR2 gene. As part of her treatment, she was placed on a low-sodium diet and prescribed oral hydrochlorothiazide and indomethacin for 1 month, resulting in a marked improvement in her symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of NDI diagnosed postoperatively in an older female patient with AVPR2 heterozygosity. This case highlights an unusual instance of an X-linked recessive clinical presentation of NDI in an elderly female patient. This study also underscores the importance of conducting water deprivation, vasopressin tests, and genetic testing in establishing the underlying cause for individuals diagnosed with NDI.

8301 A Rare Case of IgG4-Related Hypophysitis

Abstract Disclosure: P. Kesavan Chary: None. J.M. Silverstein: None. Background: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated condition that presents as systemic inflammation and fibrosis of tissues, often affecting multiple organs. Isolated IgG4-related Hypophysitis is rare and characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the pituitary gland by IgG4-positive plasma cells. A combination of clinical, serologic, radiologic, and histopathologic findings is used for diagnosis of IgG4-RD and approximately two-thirds of all patients have elevated serum IgG4 levels. We report a case of isolated IgG4-related Hypophysitis in a middle-aged woman serologically negative for IgG4-related disease. Case Report: A 52 year old female with history of steroid dependent severe persistent asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis presented with one month of headache, polyuria, and polydipsia. MRI Brain demonstrated an enlarged, rounded pituitary gland 16 x 11 x 9 mm, with homogeneous enhancement, extension into the suprasellar cistern, and mild thickening of the infundibulum suspected to represent a pituitary adenoma. Lab evaluation revealed mild hyperprolactinemia (prolactin 83.2, normal 4.8-23.3 ng/mL) and secondary adrenal insufficiency based on an abnormal high-dose cosyntropin stimulation test in the setting of a low adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) level (<2.0 pg/mL). Remaining pituitary hormone levels were normal. Inpatient work-up for polyuria and polydipsia showed a low urine specific gravity of 1.003. An overnight water deprivation test was performed. Baseline urine osmolality (UOsm) was 95 mOsm/kg and serum sodium was 144 mmol/L; after 3 hours of water deprivation, serum Osm increased to 301 mOsm/kg (275-300 mOsm/kg) and UOsm only to 215 mOsm/kg, while her sodium increased to 145 mmol/L. Results were felt to be consistent with AVP deficiency (Central Diabetes Insipidus) and the patient was started on desmopressin. Because of the presence of AVP deficiency, further work-up was done to evaluate for an infiltrative process or malignancy. ANA, RPR, ESR, CRP, CBC, ACE level, T-SPOT, and IgG subclasses were unremarkable. Further imaging studies yielded a negative nuclear bone scan and PET/CT scan. For diagnostic purposes, the patient underwent biopsy via an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Pathology showed the presence of >10 IgG4+ plasma cells in a single high-power field, consistent with a diagnosis of IgG4-related Hypophysitis. Conclusion: Isolated IgG4-related Hypophysitis is the least common clinical presentation of IgG4-RD, which is itself a rare and relatively newly recognized condition. IgG4-related Hypophysitis should be suspected in patients presenting with AVP deficiency and pituitary stalk enlargement with an otherwise negative work up. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Physical and mechanical characterization of solid waste collected from rural areas of China: Experimental study

To support the landfill design and waste management in rural areas of China, solid waste covering eight provisional regions was collected and tested in the laboratory to characterize its physical properties (composition, moisture content, specific gravity, dry unit weight) and mechanical properties (compressibility and shear strength). The results show that, compared with solid wastes from urban areas (MSW), solid waste from rural areas (RSW) comprised a much lower content of soil-like, gravel, and inert waste and a significantly higher content of combustible waste, thereby yielding a much lower specific gravity and dry unit weight. Similar to MSW, the compression index of RSW correlated well with its physical properties. However, its strength properties displayed divergence. Notably, the friction angle φ' of RSW remained relatively consistent, ranging from 28.4° to 30.9°. This narrow range is attributed to RSW's higher combustible-to-inert (CI) ratio compared to MSW. The cohesion intercept c' of RSW ranged from 13.5 to 24.9 kPa, showing a positive correlation with the fiber content without considering contribution from paper waste. This finding combined with data from the literature further revealed that the trend of increasing cohesion intercept with increasing fiber content became weakened over time. Relationships between φ' and c' versus C/I for RSW observed in this study will serve as an extension to the existing finding reported for MSW in the literature, i.e., for predominately combustible waste with C/I exceeding 10, constant values of strength parameters (i.e., moderate values φ' = 30°, c' = 20 kPa) are recommended. The results of this study are useful for the capacity design and slope stability analysis of landfills as well as waste recycle and reuse, ensuring a sustainable development of environment in China.

Novel Recycling, Defibrillation, and Delignification Methods for Isolating α-Cellulose from Different Lignocellulosic Precursors for the Eco-Friendly Fiber Industry.

Alpha-cellulose, a unique, natural, and essential polymer for the fiber industry, was isolated in an ecofriendly manner using eleven novel systems comprising recycling, defibrillation, and delignification of prosenchyma cells (vessels and fibers) of ten lignocellulosic resources. Seven hardwood species were selected, namely Conocorpus erectus, Leucaena leucocephala, Simmondsia chinensis, Azadirachta indica, Moringa perigrina, Calotropis procera, and Ceiba pentandra. Moreover, three recycled cellulosic wastes were chosen due to their high levels of accumulation annually in the fibrous wastes of Saudi Arabia, namely recycled writing papers (RWPs), recycled newspapers (RNPs), and recycled cardboard (RC). Each of the parent samples and the resultant alpha-cellulose was characterized physically, chemically, and anatomically. The properties examined differed significantly among the ten resources studied, and their mean values lies within the cited ranges. Among the seven tree species, L. leucocephala was the best cellulosic precursor due to its higher fiber yield (55.46%) and holocellulose content (70.82%) with the lowest content of Klasson lignin (18.86%). Moreover, RWP was the best α-cellulose precursor, exhibiting the highest holocellulose (87%) and the lowest lignin (2%) content. Despite the high content of ash and other additives accompanied with the three lignocellulosic wastes that were added upon fabrication to enhance their quality (10%, 11%, and 14.52% for RWP, RNP, and RC, respectively), they can be considered as an inexhaustible treasure source for cellulose production due to the ease and efficiency of discarding their ash minerals using the novel CaCO3-elimination process along with the other innovative techniques. Besides its main role for adjusting the pH of the delignification process, citric acid serves as an effective and environmentally friendly additive enhancing lignin breakdown while preserving cellulose integrity. Comparing the thermal behavior of the ten cellulosic resources, C. procera and C. pentandra exhibited the highest moisture content and void volume as well as having the lowest specific gravity, crystallinity index, and holocellulose content and were found to yield the highest mass loss during their thermal degradation based on thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis in an inert atmosphere. However, the other resources used were found to yield lower mass losses. The obtained results indicate that using the innovative procedures of recycling, defibrillation, and delignification did not alter or distort either the yield or structure of the isolated α-cellulose. This is a clear indicator of their high efficiency for isolating cellulose from lignocellulosic precursors.

Genotype and dietary supplementation of ginger (Zingibar officinale) rhizome powder affect egg quality traits of layer chickens

This study evaluated the effects of ginger (Z. officinale) rhizome powder on egg qualities of aged commercial and native hens using 160 Shaver Brown (SB) and Nigerian heavy ecotype native hens (HEN). Experimental groups per genotype were control group or basal diet group, and ginger rhizome powder supplemented group (20 g/kg, ginger group). For each genotype, forty (40) hens were assigned to the control group and 120 hens to the ginger group. Each experimental group had four (4) replicates containing 10 hens each for the control groups, and 30 hens each for the ginger groups. The hens were housed individually in laying cages and fed the experimental diets at 125 g/bird/day. Water was given ad libitum and photoperiod was 12 h light and darkness. 80 eggs from SB and 40 eggs from HEN control groups, and 80 eggs/genotype from the ginger groups were used to evaluate egg qualities while 10 shell samples were used to evaluate shell mineral contents for each group. In addition, within genotypes, eggs belonging to the ginger groups were grouped into egg weight and egg shape index grades and assessed for egg qualities. SB eggs had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher weight (EW), length (EL), diameter (ED), surface area (ESA), volume (EV), and shape index (ESI); yolk, albumen, and shell weights (YW, AW and SW); albumen height, diameter, and ratio (AH, AD, and AR); shell volume (SV), compression fracture force (SCFF), and calcium content but lower egg specific gravity (ESG), yolk ratio (YR), yolk/albumen ratio (Y/A ratio), shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents compared to HEN eggs. Ginger groups had higher EW, EL, ESA, EV, YW, YD, YR, AH, AI, Y/A ratio, and shell Zn but lower ESG, YH and YI compared to control groups. SB-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.000) AD while HEN-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.05) shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents. EW grades differed significantly in EW, ESA, ESG, ESI and SCFF in the two genotypes while ESI grades differed significantly in ESI and Y/A ratio in SB but in ESI, YI and Haugh unit in HEN. In conclusion, genotype, diet, genotype x diet, EW and ESI grades influenced egg quality traits. These factors are important for egg quality evaluation and genetic improvement.

Physico-chemical characterization of cupola slag: Enhancing its utility in construction

Cupola slag is a waste material of the steel and iron industries. Its composition is determined by the cupola furnace and other elements used in steel and iron manufacturing. This paper investigates the characterization behavior of various cupola slag materials. As a result, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used to characterize three cupola slag samples from distinct origins. In addition, various physical properties were used to compare different cupola slags. The specific gravity values of CS-1 (cupola slag-1 sample), CS-2 (cupola slag-2 sample), and CS-3 (cupola slag-3 sample) are 1.36, 2.5, and 2.917, respectively. The density and water absorption for CS-1, CS-2, and CS-3 are 1414.86, 1477.71, and 1796 kg/m3, and 0.37%, 0.32%, and 0.26%, respectively. Cupola slag also includes a larger percentage of lime, according to XRF data, which contributes to its improved binding characteristics. A higher calcium oxide content in CS-3 could facilitate the pozzolanic process. The presence of angular particles that aid in material binding is seen in the SEM image. Compounds with a nanostructure are then flawlessly blended into the mixture and grouped with calcium alumina silicates formed by cement hydration. The XRD pattern of cupola slag exhibits high peaks, indicating that the material is crystalline in character and can be utilized as sand. It also shows the presence of other chemical compounds, such as silica, which ranges from 30% to 45%. CS-1 and CS-2 have comparable XRD patterns. However, CS-3 has a somewhat different pattern because of the greater CaO content. Weight loss begins at higher temperatures, which shows that the material is stable at higher temperatures, according to a thermo-gravimetric study. The differential thermal analysis curve of CS-3 indicates that the material remains stable up to a temperature of 600 °C. The physical characteristics of all cupola slag samples show that cupola slag may be utilized to make sustainable building materials because of its lower specific gravity, density, and water absorption.

Characterization of problematic subsurface soils in Eha-Amufu using integrated investigation approach: implications for earth works

Mapping of the subsurface is a vital procedure during construction. It enhances hazard zonation, planning and protection of engineering structures. The present study centres on an area susceptible to foundation instability and building collapse in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria. The study followed an integrated research method by employing a geotechnical approach and geophysical surveys such as electrical resistivity and remote sensing performed using Landsat, Aeromagnetic and shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) images. Geotechnical data revealed that the subsurface comprised soils with higher fines (69%) than coarse (31%) grain sizes, high liquid limit (27–76%), plasticity index (9–46%), natural moisture content (6.0–14.8%) as well as low specific gravity (2.49–2.67) and coefficient of permeability (2.27 × 10–8–1.81 × 10–4 cm/s). Shear strength parameters- cohesion (13–35 kPa) and internal friction angle (9–21°) were low to moderate as well as the coefficient of consolidation (0.04–3.84 m2/mN) and coefficient of volume compressibility (0.05–0.29 m2/year). These properties are reminiscent of silty-clay soil of high plasticity and compressibility. The low soil resistivity with values ranging between 10 and 170 Ωm and aeromagnetic signal strength of 8.74 × 10–5 nT/km confirmed the silty-clay classification. The moderate to high lineament density determined from the remote sensing methods indicates the influx of moisture from higher surrounding grounds into the area to initiate high groundwater regime and flooding as observed in the fieldwork, which consequently triggers the activity of clay minerals present in the clay.

Application of industrial by-product waste as soil stabilising backfill material using a multi-layering method

Peat soil presents significant challenges for construction due to its inherent weak properties, including high water content, limited permeability, low shear Strength, low specific gravity, and acidity. Despite the potential of Mg-rich synthetic gypsum (MRSG) to improve soil properties, research on its use for stabilising severely poor peat soils is limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating the efficacy of MRSG in peat soil stabilisation using a novel multi-layering backfill approach. The methodology includes soil classification of peat soil. And, to understand the mechanical and chemical changes of stabilized peat soil, the unconfined compressive Strength (UCS) testing and microstructural analysis using SEM, EDX, and XRD before and after stabilisation are studied. Peat samples were treated with MRSG through backfilling method in 5, 7, and 9 layers and evaluated the strength increment after curing periods of 7, 28, and 60 days. Results demonstrate that MRSG significantly enhanced the compressive strength, increasing it to 210.33 kPa as early as 7 days for 9 layers of backfill incomparable with the untreated soil strength of 51.87 kPa. The new cementitious product in the soil known as ettringite was observed from SEM analysis and confirmed by the EDX and XRD analysis. By recycling industrial byproducts, this environmentally friendly method encourages sustainability and lessens dependency on raw resources, which is important for infrastructure construction and other projects in areas rich in peat.

Internal Erosion Induced Instability of Coal Ash Ponds: Forensic Analysis using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)

Coal-based power generation will continue to be the backbone of energy supply until renewable energy sources become mainstream. Hence, management of large quantities of coal ash generated as a by-product is a global concern. Coal ash is commonly disposed in ash ponds and is prone to internal erosion because of low specific gravity. The consequent breach of an ash pond may result in severe socioeconomic impacts. Thus, design and analysis techniques incorporating internal erosion are essential for constructing resilient ash ponds. This study investigates the effect of internal erosion on the stability of ash ponds using a five-phase SPH model. The approach is utilised for analysing an operational ash pond from India, where instability due to internal erosion was observed. The results indicate that the amount of erodible fly ash significantly influences the initiation of instability and the subsequent mass flow, with close to 100 % reduction in mass flow as the fly ash content is reduced from 80 % to 20 % by weight. The study also highlights the significance of appropriate coal ash slurry disposal practices and field monitoring for averting such failures. Further, replacing the erodible coal ash with a non-erodible material is validated as a feasible failure mitigation measure.

Predictive Value of C-reactive Protein in the Spontaneous Passage of Lower Ureteric Stones: A Prospective Single-Centre Study.

Ureteric stones, characterised by their presence in the ureter, present a common yet often painful urological condition requiring timely intervention. As C-reactive protein (CRP) emerges as a potential biomarker, its correlation with the spontaneous stone passage(SSP) offers valuable insights into patient management and treatment strategies. The present study aimed to assess if CRP levels can predict SSP in symptomatic lower ureteric calculi of size 5 mm-10 mm. This prospective observational study, conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna, India, from July 2022 to June 2023, focused on individuals aged 13 to 60 years presenting with ureteric colic and single distal ureteral stones (5 mm-10 mm). Patients underwent comprehensive initial assessment and monitoring, including diagnostic procedures such as a complete blood count, urinalysis, CRP levels, and renal function evaluations. Treatment consisted of hydration encouragement, tamsulosin (0.4 mg) daily administration, and diclofenac (50 mg) as needed. Follow-up assessments at one-month post-treatment involved clinical examination and imaging studies to evaluate treatment efficacy. This study analysed 157 patients with ureteric stones, finding that 76% experienced SSP. Lower CRP levels (≤6 mg/L), along with other laboratory parameters like low white blood cell counts, low neutrophil levels, absence of leukocyturia, absence of hematuria, and lower urine specific gravity, were associated with higher SSP rates. C-reactive protein levels ≤6 mg/L emerged as a strong predictor of SSP in multiple regression analysis. The findings underscore the potential utility of CRP as a predictive biomarker in guiding the management and treatment strategies for ureteric stones.

A STUDY OF PROPERTIES OF AUSTENITIC STEEL IN THE INITIAL STATE

High-manganese steel is used in the rocket, space, and defense industries due to its low specific gravity, stable austenitic structure over a wide temperature range, and ability to strengthen under mechanical deformation. However, the wider application of this steel is hindered by such factors as: instability of mechanical properties in the initial state, tendency to thermal embrittlement and very poor machinability. Therefore, the work is aimed at solving the problems of eliminating the above-mentioned negative factors. Conducted studies of the effect of temperature-time parameters on the structure and properties of steel made it possible to establish the mechanism of thermal embrittlement of 9Г28Ю9МВБ steel. During slow cooling from hot deformation temperatures with speeds of the order of 0.03 º/s in steel, a large number of gray-blue coarse phase particles are released, which are located on the grain boundaries, which causes a sharp decrease in impact viscosity. It was established that in the temperature range of 500-800 ºС, the solid solution disintegrates with the release of particles of the strengthening K-phase - (Fe, Mn)3 AL, Cx. It was determined that the simultaneous decrease in hardness and impact strength in the temperature range of 750-950ºС provides a significant improvement in machinability. The lowest values of mechanical properties are achieved during aging at 700 ºС, the improvement of machinability in this case is maximal compared to exposure to other temperatures. So, for example, with an increase in the temperature of isothermal holding at 650ºС for 35 hours. machinability improves by almost 1.7 times, and for the same time at 700 ºС – by 2.4 times. When the holding temperature is increased to 950ºС for 35 hours. the machinability of steel increases only 1.6 times, which is due to the less intense decomposition of the saturated solid solution. Significant anisotropy of mechanical properties is formed as a result of the development of liquid chemical heterogeneity and its imitation during further thermomechanical processing. The value of the coefficient of anisotropy in sample bars of different grades of initial steel reaches values from 1.5 for a bar with a cross section of 105x105 mm to 3.9 units for a bar with a diameter of 120 mm. The study of the influence of the annealing temperature on the homogeneity of austenitic steel made it possible to develop a mode of heat treatment of austenitic steel 9Г28Ю9МВБ, which consists of heating to 1250°С, holding for 2 hours. at this temperature and subsequent cooling in water, in order to fix a homogeneous supersaturated solid solution. After such heat treatment, the striated microchemical heterogeneity is significantly reduced, the anisotropy coefficient does not exceed 1.1 units for all types of steel assortment.

Physical property improvement of fluid shortening using peanut oil-based diacylglycerols and their applications in sponge cake

Fluid shortening is an important ingredient in the production of sponge cake. Peanut oil with 0, 43% and 85% of diacylglycerol content was used as the base oil. Different emulsifiers, such as glycerol monostearate, soy lecithin and sucrose ester, and their respective amounts, were investigated. It was found that the addition of emulsifiers had a positive effect on water-absorbing capacity, air-absorbing capacity and viscosity of the oils. Glycerol monostearate was the preferred emulsifier for fluid shortening with a recommended addition of 1.5%. The effects of different diacylglycerol content on fluid shortening and their impact on sponge cake production was also investigated. The onset oxidation temperature of the oil could be increased from 253.21 °C for PO-TAG-based fluid shortening to 263.70 °C for PO-DAG85-based fluid shortening. And the increase in diacylglycerol content leading to a lower specific gravity of the batter, which was 1.06 g/mL, 1.02 g/mL and 0.98 g/mL prepared by PO-DAG, PO-DAG43 and PO-DAG85 shortening, respectively. The results showed that diacylglycerols can be used as base oils in fluid shortening to improve the crystal network and stability of fluid shortenings, thereby reducing the specific gravity of the batter and improving the structural properties of the cake. This will extend the potential applications of diacylglycerols and increase the variety of base oils available for fluid shortening preparation.

An Experimental Study on Floating Concrete

Archimedes Principle (Law of Buoyancy) to support the structure at a moderate andconvenient depth. The solid body of a floating concrete construction is composed of lightweight components. Due to its low density and moderate range of compressive strengths, concrete is suitable for a variety of tests, including water buoyancy, spilt tensile strength, slump test, flow properties, and others. This project focuses on the creation of mix design for these tests; it is applicable to non- structural application. Applications of floating concrete are Marine construction, Infrastructure, Architectural. In this work, components with lower specific gravities than traditional concrete were used to create floating concrete in varying quantities. On the seventh, fourteenth, and twenty-eighth days after casting, testing is conducted.

Enhancement of the Corrosion Properties of Al-10%Si-2%Cu Alloys with La Addition.

Al-10%Si-2%Cu alloys have been widely used in high-value industries (e.g., aerospace and automobiles) because of their lower specific gravity; however, galvanic corrosion rendered these alloys to have poor corrosion resistance. Therefore, the microstructure and corrosion properties of Al-10%Si-2%Cu alloys were investigated with respect to the lanthanum (La) content. All Al alloy samples were synthesized using gravity casting, with added La contents of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 wt%, and were characterized using microstructural characteristics analysis and electrochemical tests. Adding 0.5 wt% La (xLa-0.5) indicated the finest structure, which had a 4% lower α-Al area fraction than the La-free alloy (xLa-0). However, the area fraction of a 1 wt% La-added (xLa-1) alloy was 2.4% higher than that of xLa-0. The corrosion current density (Icorr) of the xLa-0.5 was 1.09 μA/cm2, representing a 68% decrease as compared to that of xLa-0, and xLa-0.5 reached the highest polarization resistance value (7.32 × 103 Ω·cm2). The improvement in corrosion resistance of xLa-0.5 was due to the rapid and dense formation of a passivation layer induced by its fine structure, as well as the precipitated phase by enhancing the dispersibility of Cu.

Assessment of the usability of four molecular markers to ıdentify potato genotypes suitable for processing

The development of processing potato cultivars through a conventional breeding program requires a detailed analysis of post-harvest traits, which is a process that demands high labor and is often time-consuming. Visual selection by breeders is biased and difficult in the field, particularly for quality traits, which shows the importance of marker-assisted selection over conventional techniques. In this study, four allele-specific markers, AGPsS-9a, Stp23-8b, StpL-3e, and Pain1-8c, developed from tuber quality-related genes, were used to screen a breeding population of the NOHU for processing traits to check the efficiency of these markers in processing trait selection. Marker association with tuber quality trait results showed that AGPsS-9a (0, absent) and StpL-3e (0) individually were associated with increased chips quality, yet their individual presence improved the reducing sugar content. Further, Pain1-8c presence was associated with high levels of reducing sugar accumulation and lower dry matter content, specific gravity, and starch content. The marker combination Stp23-8b (0) and StpL-3e (0) reached statistical significance (P≤0.05) for better chips quality in the NOHU population. However, the markers (individual and combination) showed poor selection efficiency as a diagnostic marker, possibly reasoning from the multigenic inheritance of tuber quality traits, population structure, and environment.

Impact of Industrial Solid Waste on Soil Geotechnical Properties

In this study, the issue of industrial solid waste-contaminated soil and its consequences on various geotechnical parameters is examined. Soil health and geotechnical properties are affected by the global discharge of pollutants from chemical industries, including water, air, oil, and solids. Herein, the specific issue of soil contamination in Peshawar, Pakistan, is discussed. The goals of this study included examining variations in the Atterberg limits, direct shear strength, sieving analysis, consolidation behavior, and unconfined compression strength in contaminated soil samples. The process entailed analyzing soil samples taken from polluted sites in a laboratory. In contrast to uncontaminated soil, the results showed that contaminated soil deviated from the standard grading and exhibited lower liquid and plastic limits, higher moisture content, and lower specific gravity. Interestingly, the unconfined compression strength of the polluted soil was higher, indicating complicated interactions between the contaminants. Overall, this study highlights the need to understand and efficiently mitigate such human impacts by highlighting the extensive alterations in soil properties caused by industrial waste pollution.