Utilization Of Materials Research Articles

AI-Driven Examination Hall Monitoring System Using Deep Learning for Real-Time Malpractice Detection

Ensuring the integrity of examinations remains a salient concern in modern educational contexts despite the advancement of technology in most other areas. Traditional human proctoring has drawbacks such as time lapses that promote fatigue, inconsistency, and the inability to monitor persistently. This is an innovative solution: an AI-powered examination hall monitoring system utilizing the YOLOv8 deep learning algorithm for real-time malpractice detection. The system is designed to detect the variability of examination malpractices such as mobile usage, looking at other people's paper, suspicious hand movements, and utilization of unauthorized materials during an examination. Our implementation uses live video feed processing by techniques like computer vision and employs a custom-trained YOLOv8 model to identify suspicious behaviors. The system incorporates an automated alert mechanism that instantly notifies examination authorities via email when potential malpractices are detected. Through rigorous testing with a diverse dataset of examination scenarios, our model achieved significant accuracy in detecting multiple categories of malpractice behaviors. Our results show the ability of the system to discern normal examination behavior from suspicious activities with real-time processing capability and minimal false positives. This study contributes to the advancement of automated examination supervision technologies as well as presents a scalable solution to support academic integrity in modern educational settings.

Effect of sandblasting and MDP based primer application on the surface topography and shear bond strength of zirconia: An in vitro study

Background Recently, prosthodontic utilization of zirconia-based materials has increased. There is insufficient research on the impact of MDP primers on zirconia bonding. This research was conceptualized to understand the impact of various surface preparation techniques, utilizing different abrasive powders and MDP primers, on the adhesive strength offered by zirconia copings. Methods Discs composed of 3Y-TZP zirconia measuring 18 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness were fabricated by milling fully sintered zirconia blanks that had been isostatically pressed. The samples were then classified into three categories. Group A, MDP primer; Group B, sandblasting with aluminum oxide; Group C, MDP priming and sandblasting with aluminum oxide. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, shear bond strength tests, and mode of failure analyses were performed. Results Thirty samples were analyzed. The shear bond strength test results showed that Group A had an average score of 8.62 ± 3.18 Group B had a lower value of 5.50 ± 1.78, and Group C had the highest value of 16.05 ± 8.91. The mode of failure among the three groups was found to have no statistically significant changes. Conclusion The application of MDP primers after air abrasion markedly enhanced the shear bond strength and surface roughness of zirconia, as opposed to the effects of each isolated method.

Resource utilization of hazardous materials: Highly efficient separation and recovery of tin and copper of the tin refining sulfur slag

Resource utilization of hazardous materials: Highly efficient separation and recovery of tin and copper of the tin refining sulfur slag

Research note: Compound-specific isotopic analysis in 34S-labelled chicken tissues using high resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Research note: Compound-specific isotopic analysis in 34S-labelled chicken tissues using high resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Advancements in Phase Change Materials for Nearly Zero Energy Building Design: A Review

Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) leverage passive architectural design and active energy-saving technologies to create comfortable indoor environments while minimising energy use. This study aims to explore the utilisation of Phase Change Materials (PCM) to enhance the thermal inertia of building envelopes, reduce indoor temperature fluctuations, and decrease the capacity requirements of heating and cooling systems. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of the categorisation and properties of PCM, examining their integration with solar, air, and other renewable energy sources. The findings indicate that phase change materials applications in walls, windows, roofs, and floors can significantly enhance thermal inertia, reduce indoor temperature fluctuations, and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, incorporating nanoparticles such as Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and ZnO into PCM has been shown to enhance thermal conductivity, further optimising heat storage performance. The use of PCM presents an efficient and sustainable strategy for improving the energy performance of NZEBs. This study provides a valuable reference for the study and design of nearly zero energy buildings, emphasising sustainability and energy efficiency.

Impact of anti-solvents on the characteristics of hemicellulose fractionated from bleached bamboo pulp using lithium bromide hydrates.

Impact of anti-solvents on the characteristics of hemicellulose fractionated from bleached bamboo pulp using lithium bromide hydrates.

Investigation on the influence of date palm fiber on the strength and durability of concrete with rice husk ash as partial replacement of cement

The utilization of waste materials in concrete production has gained significant attention in recent years as a sustainable approach to mitigate environmental concerns and enhance the performance of construction materials. This research presents the results of laboratory work carried out to determine the strength of concrete reinforced with date palm fiber while replacing cement partially with rice husk ash (RHA). The effect of the use of Date palm fiber was investigated on grade 15 concrete (1:2:4) with water cement ratio of 0.5 with an addition of date palm fiber at 0.5% and replacement of cement with rice husk ash at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of concrete composite. A total of 45 cubes and 45 cylinders were cast to evaluate the workability of freshly mixed concrete, the compressive strength and split tensile strength after 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. Preliminary tests were also carried out to determine some physical/mechanical properties of the materials used, these tests include; Specific Gravity Tests, Sieve Analysis, Crushing Value Tests, Impact Value Tests, Normal Consistency Tests, Setting Time Tests, and Soundness Tests. The results indicate that the optimal compressive strength was achieved with a 10% RHA replacement with the following values; 9.3N/mm2, 11.1N/mm2, 16.9N/mm2, 11.8N/mm2 and 11.7N/mm2 after 28 days of curing. Conversely, the optimum split tensile strength was observed at 5% RHA replacement, measuring; 7.6N/mm2, 7.0N/mm2, 6.4 N/mm2, 5.7N/mm2 and 5.2N/mm2 over the same period.

An Evaluation of Carbon Emissions Based on the Hidden Markov Model

To address the challenge of assessing carbon emissions in the iron ore sintering process, characterized by dynamic complexity, strong temporal correlations, and multi-stage coupling, this study innovatively introduces the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) into the field of carbon emission analysis. We propose a method for process stage identification and carbon emission modeling based on a Gaussian Hidden Markov Model (Gaussian HMM). The model defines the four stages of the sintering process as hidden states and uses six-dimensional flue gas monitoring data (temperature, SO2 concentration, NO concentration, NOx concentration, O2 content, CO concentration) as the observation sequence, with Gaussian distributions describing the emission characteristics of each stage. The research employs the Random Forest algorithm to impute missing values and correct outliers in the raw data, followed by standardization to eliminate scale differences. Model parameters are initialized using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and iteratively optimized via the Forward-Backward and Baum-Welch algorithms to enhance the model's fitting capability for complex temporal data. The Viterbi algorithm dynamically decodes the hidden state sequence, enabling an online "predict-until-cooling" monitoring strategy. This strategy accurately determines the optimal cooling timing to balance combustion efficiency with the reaction endpoint. This approach prevents incomplete iron ore combustion and low raw material utilization, while simultaneously reducing emissions of harmful gases and greenhouse gases, thereby achieving the goal of lowering carbon emissions. It provides technical support for the refined management of carbon emissions.

Configuration Selection of Metallic Combined Damper Based on Retrofitting Criteria of RC Frame Buildings

ABSTRACT The present study focuses on a comparative experimental investigation of pipe and plate-integrated-dampers that dissipate energy through combined shear-and-flexure-yielding of metal with low yield strength. Pipe-integrated-dampers utilize various configurations of pipes as flexure-yielding components, whereas plate-integrated-dampers use plates of different shapes in various orientations. The cyclic performance of both types of integrated-dampers is evaluated based on the hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation potential, and optimum material utilization of the dampers. The digital-image-correlation (DIC) technique is used to observe the strain and deformation pattern of dampers. The effectiveness of the dampers is evaluated numerically with a control RC frame using the OpenSees platform.

Preliminary Investigation of the Usability of Brown Meagre Otoliths as an Alternative Material in Bone Tissue Engineering

The need for biomaterials is increasing daily due to the increasing number of health problems and the doubling of the population. Especially bone structures are among the most important tissues in terms of human quality of life. In this study, Brown Meagre (BM) fish skull otoliths, which are organic-based calcite structures, were examined and a preliminary investigation of their usability for bone structures was carried out. For this purpose, otoliths taken from BMs speared from the Ordu coast of the Black Sea were cleaned with H2O2 and SEM, SEM EDX, XRD, FTIR and ICP MS analyses were performed, and the results were compared with bone structures. In the light of these data, it was determined by analyses that the calcite structure is in the aragonite phase and allows the accumulation of oligoelements. Otolith structures, which have the potential to be alternative raw materials for biomaterial production, also provide the utilisation of organic-based waste materials. It is aimed that otoliths, like coral structures studied in the literature, will contribute to bone tissue engineering studies, which are seen in calcite structures and whose biochemical interactions with enzyme structures are still not completely solved.

WDNET-YOLO: Enhanced Deep Learning for Structural Timber Defect Detection to Improve Building Safety and Reliability

Structural timber is an important building material, but surface defects such as cracks and knots seriously affect its load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, and long-term durability, posing a significant risk to structural safety. Conventional inspection methods are unable to address the issues of multi-scale defect characterization, inter-class confusion, and morphological diversity, thus limiting reliable construction quality assurance. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes WDNET-YOLO: an enhanced deep learning model based on YOLOv8n for high-precision defect detection in structural wood. First, the RepVGG reparameterized backbone utilizes multi-branch training to capture critical defect features (e.g., distributed cracks and dense clusters of knots) across scales. Second, the ECA attention mechanism dynamically suppresses complex wood grain interference and enhances the discriminative feature representation between high-risk defect classes (e.g., cracks vs. knots). Finally, CARAFE up-sampling with adaptive contextual reorganization improves the sensitivity to morphologically variable defects (e.g., fine cracks and resin irregularities). The analysis results show that the mAP50 and mAP50-95 of WDNET-YOLO are improved by 3.7% and 3.5%, respectively, compared to YOLOv8n, while the parameters are increased by only 4.4%. The model provides a powerful solution for automated structural timber inspection, which directly improves building safety and reliability by preventing failures caused by defects, optimizing material utilization, and supporting compliance with building quality standards.

Exploring electrolyte effects in the upcycling of aluminum beverage cans as functional anodes for air fuel cells.

Exploring electrolyte effects in the upcycling of aluminum beverage cans as functional anodes for air fuel cells.

Structure and properties of C92900 antifriction bronze produced by upward continuous casting

Antifriction tin bronzes are used in the aerospace industry to manufacture components that operate in friction assemblies at elevated temperatures. This is due to the alloy’s favorable combination of antifriction, mechanical, and corrosion properties. In particular, tin bronze C92900 (alloy Cu–10Sn–3Ni–2Pb (wt. %)) is widely used in such applications. It is employed in the production of braking system components and plunger pump parts. Currently, these parts are manufactured by machining ingots produced through casting with directional solidification. However, this method has a low material utilization rate, typically between 5 % and 15 %. The most promising method for producing C92900 ingots is upward continuous casting technology, which allows the ingot dimensions to closely match those of the finished part. This significantly reduces machining effort and increases metal utilization to 95 %. This study presents the results of process development for the upward continuous casting technology of 15 mm diameter C92900 ingots. The structure and properties of the castings were also investigated. It was shown that as the casting speed increased from 90 to 360 mm/min, the volume fraction of the γ-Cu3Sn intermetallic phase increased, while the amount of tin-based solid solution remained nearly unchanged. At the same time, the phase distribution became more refined. The macrostructure consisted of columnar and equiaxed grains. As the casting speed increased, the columnar grains became more tilted relative to the direction of heat removal. The hardness increased from 127 ± 2.73 to 136 ± 4.25 HB, and the tensile strength and elongation slightly increased up to 250 mm/min, then decreased at 360 mm/min, which was associated with the macrostructure approaching a transcrystalline form. The study also examined shrinkage cavities and segregation defects in ingots cast at 150 mm/min and analyzed their causes. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for optimal casting parameters for 15 mm diameter ingots produced by upward continuous casting technology

Alternative Wood Raw Material Sources in Particleboard and OSB Production—Challenges and Perspectives

This review examines the potential use of alternative wood raw materials, including fast-growing plantation species, juvenile wood, non-plantation species, and recycled wood, in the production of particleboard (PB) and oriented strand board (OSB). In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the wood-based industry in securing a stable and sustainable supply of raw materials, these alternatives present several advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, greater availability, and reduced reliance on natural forest resources. Fast-growing plantation species and juvenile wood are particularly suited for lightweight applications, while non-plantation species and recycled wood contribute to sustainability goals by lowering environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency. Nonetheless, the successful integration of these materials requires overcoming certain challenges, including variability in their physical and mechanical properties, as well as the need for tailored adhesive systems and processing parameters. This review examines strategies to optimize production processes and enhance the utilization of waste materials while emphasizing the role of alternative raw materials in advancing circular economy principles. The findings highlight the importance of future research to improve material knowledge, technological solutions, and industry practices, thereby supporting the sustainable development of the wood-based materials sector.

Regulating a Co3O4/ZnO heterojunction aerogel with a built-in electric field for enhanced CO2 photoreduction to solar fuels from DFT insights.

P-N-type heterojunctions have the potential to serve as highly efficient photocatalysts for CO2 reduction, owing to their remarkable carrier separation efficiency, high stability, and strong redox capacity. In this study, a novel P-N Co3O4/ZnO heterojunction aerogel photocatalyst was fabricated through a process starting with the propylene oxide ring-opening-induced gelation technique. The resulting Co3O4/ZnO aerogel exhibits an interconnected, hierarchical porous structure, which endows it with a particle diameter size at around several tens of nanometers and a large BET-specific surface area, thereby providing abundant exposed active sites. Under simulated solar spectral conditions, the yields of CH4 and CO can attain 18 μmol g-1 h-1 and 14.4 μmol g-1 h-1, respectively, in the absence of any sacrificial agent and photosensitizer. These values are 12.0 times and 5.8 times higher than those of the pristine Co3O4 aerogel. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the activation mechanism of CO2 on the catalyst surface is illustrated. This is confirmed by the elongated CO bond length of the CO2 molecule from 1.174 and 1.175 Å to 1.376 and 1.259 Å, respectively, after forming the Co3O4/ZnO heterojunction, which is further confirmed by the more negative CO2 adsorption energy. Further research demonstrates that the built-in electric field formed at the heterojunction interface effectively promotes the recombination of electrons in the conduction band of Co3O4 with holes in the valence band of ZnO, significantly enhancing the carrier separation efficiency and thereby boosting the photocatalytic reduction activity of CO2. This work goes beyond providing new strategies for designing efficient CO2 reduction photocatalysts, extending its impact to advancing the utilization of aerogel materials in the field of photocatalysis.

Recognizing the value of municipal solid waste resource utilization in delivering carbon dioxide removal.

Recognizing the value of municipal solid waste resource utilization in delivering carbon dioxide removal.

Use of Clay Tile Waste as an Internal Curing Aggregate to Replace Fine Aggregates in Roller Compacted Concrete

The construction industry actively seeks sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, leading to growing interest in integrating waste materials into concrete production. In addition, proper concrete curing is crucial, prompting the industry to explore alternative methods to address the limitations of conventional curing techniques. The use of internal curing agents, particularly in concrete with a low water/cement ratio, has become widespread. Attention has been directed toward the utilization of waste materials as internal curing agents based on their water absorption and desorption capacities. This study aims to fill a gap in sustainable construction practices by assessing the feasibility of employing clay tile waste as an internal curing aggregate (ICA) to replace fine aggregates in roller-compacted concrete (RCC). This research involves a series of laboratory experiments to evaluate the suitability of clay tile waste as an ICA. Furthermore, the study evaluates the mechanical properties of RCC samples containing clay tile aggregates (CTA) at varying percentages of replacement: 5%, 10%, and 15%. The findings indicate that the 10% replacement yields 18% more 3-day compressive strength than conventionally cured RCC. However, the tensile and flexural strengths of the RCC samples with CTA are lower compared with conventionally cured RCC, highlighting areas for further optimizations.

Enhancing Concrete Efficiency Through Sustainable Materials for Waste Management

The rising cost of construction materials, particularly cement and reinforcement bars, has significantly increased construction expenses. Additionally, the environmental concerns associated with cement production and the disposal of agricultural waste necessitate sustainable solutions. This study explores the potential of Coconut Fiber Ash (CFA) in combination with micro silica (MS) as an admixture to enhance concrete performance. While coconut fiber has traditionally been used to improve the tensile strength of concrete, this research investigates the impact of CFA on strength and durability. Experimental results indicate that incorporating 5%, 10%, and 15% CFA-MS leads to an increase in compressive and flexural strength at 28 days by 17.5%, 22.78%, 11.4% and 57.5%, 62.2%, 50.24%, respectively. Furthermore, tensile strength improved by 7.54%, 14.04%, and 24.96% for the same proportions. However, as the CFA-MS content increased, a slight reduction in compressive and flexural strength was observed, while split tensile strength showed significant enhancement. Additionally, flexural behaviour studies on CFA-MS concrete beams demonstrated their structural efficiency. This study highlights the potential of CFA-MS-modified concrete as a sustainable alternative in construction, contributing to improved mechanical performance and eco-friendly material utilization

Research on High-Temperature Resistance of Iron Tailings Concrete

Iron tailings, as industrial solid waste generated during the mineral processing operations, are experiencing a continuous increase in their reserves due to ongoing mining activities. The massive accumulation of iron tailings not only occupies valuable land resources but also causes severe ecological damage to mining areas. The utilization of solid waste materials for the production of recycled aggregate concrete is of crucial importance for the sustainable development of the construction industry. In recent years, research on solid waste-based concrete, particularly focusing on the durability and high-temperature resistance of iron tailings concrete, has advanced rapidly, yielding a series of notable achievements. This paper analyzes multiple articles on iron tailings concrete research, summarizing the existing outcomes and identifying the gaps in the current knowledge base. The objective is to provide a reference for future research endeavors in this domain.

Assessment of Quality Parameters of Finger-Jointed Timber Products: A Review

Wood is a renewable natural resource used in diverse sectors. Wood processing operations generate a substantial quantity of residues which possess higher potential of alternative uses. Finger-jointing, a method which connects two small pieces of timber together, is identified as a sound technique to minimize wastage. In the present context, where deforestation continues to threaten the existing timber resources, the finger-joint technique has gained higher recognition as a viable tool for the sustainable utilization of wood. With the increasing demand and decreasing volume of high-grade timber material, finger-jointing has become an industry with great economic benefits, and finger-joint technology will boost the increased utilization of timber materials. The outcomes of this review paper will therefore improve the quality of finger-jointed products through the generated technical information and thereby enhance the finger-jointing industry in practice.