Natural Admixture Research Articles

Recent increase in species-wide diversity after interspecies introgression in the highly endangered Iberian lynx.

Genetic diversity is lost in small and isolated populations, affecting many globally declining species. Interspecific admixture events can increase genetic variation in the recipient species' gene pool, but empirical examples of species-wide restoration of genetic diversity by admixture are lacking. Here we present multi-fold coverage genomic data from three ancient Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) approximately 2,000-4,000 years old and show a continuous or recurrent process of interspecies admixture with the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) that increased modern Iberian lynx genetic diversity above that occurring millennia ago despite its recent demographic decline. Our results add to the accumulating evidence for natural admixture and introgression among closely related species and show that this can result in an increase of species-wide genetic diversity in highly genetically eroded species. The strict avoidance of interspecific sources in current genetic restoration measures needs to be carefully reconsidered, particularly in cases where no conspecific source population exists.

Banana Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Abstract: Over the years because of the expanding natural concerns, bio composite produced out of regular fiber and is one of the latest progress in the business and constitutes the present extent of experimental work. Fiber reinforced composites has numerous preferences, for example, generally minimal effort in creation, simple to create and better quality contrast than perfect polymer tars due with this reason fiber strengthened composite utilized within an assortment of provision as class of structure material. These natural fibers have excellent physical and mechanical properties and can be used more effectively. They are economical, with no chemicals. The addition of and banana fibres significantly improved many of the engineering properties of the concrete notably compressive strength, tensile strength. The ability to resist cracking and spalling were also enhanced. Thus it acts as a natural admixture giving additional properties to the ordinary cement concrete. In this context four different percentages of banana fibres (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) having 50mm length were used. M30 concrete and Ordinary Portland cement of grade 43 was used. The and banana fiber reinforced concrete are tested for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength at different ages (7days 14days and 28 days). This work describe the mechanical behavior of banana fiber reinforced polymer composite with the good references to the impact of fiber loading and on the properties of composites.

Exploring coffee extract as a renewable admixture to prepare mortars with better performance

Intending to decarbonize the chemical admixtures and promote the sustainable development of the construction industry, this paper investigated the feasibility of coffee extract as a renewable natural admixture to adjust the performance of cementitious materials. The influences of coffee extract with various concentrations on the compressive strength, setting time, hydration properties and microstructure development of cementitious materials were studied. Results showed that both hydration promoting and hydration retarding effects were brought about when using the coffee extract as the mixing water in preparing cementitious materials. The hydration promotion was attributed to the polyphenols in the coffee extract, which functioned as a Ca2+ captor in the pore solution of pastes through a complexation mechanism. The complex of polyphenols-Ca may form the initial seeds for the promoted hydration of cementitious materials. A low concentration of the coffee extract (≤0.05%) exerted a prominent hydration promoting effect on the hydration of cement, while the hydration retarding effect gradually became apparent for a coffee extract with high concentrations. Overall, the compressive strength of cementitious mortars with 0.05% coffee extract was increased by 18.6% at 28d owing to the formation of more hydration products, a 25.1% reduction in porosity, and the thick Ca(OH)2 crystals. As a result, a 5% optimum concentration of coffee extract achieved the best economic and environmental benefits for cementitious mortars. This study contributes a new solution for sustainable development in the construction industry, as the coffee extract is low carbon, natural, non-toxic, renewable and can be a superior alternative to chemical admixtures.

Acoustical and heat characterization of recycled fibre reinforced bricks

The present paper reports the acoustical and heat characterization of sheep wool in building units (bricks). In this paper, an attempt is made to rebuild traditional bricks by using wool as a natural admixture to improve heat and sound absorption attributes while also increasing structural strength. Recycling these leftovers creates long lasting building materials while also helping to safeguard the environment. Different specimens of bricks with varying proportions of wool had been prepared and were tested against disparate mechanical properties to highlight the difference between the traditional and adobe (predominantly derived from waste materials) bricks. The processes for specimen preparation and testing are described. Engineers and designers looking for eco- friendly methods should be interested in the utilization of waste materials in the construction sector. It is very crucial to experimentally determine the acoustic properties of building materials due to demand for materials suitable for constructions located in places with high level of noise, typically in urban areas and places close to the areas with heavy traffic researchers who are working to create methodical techniques to assessing, regulating, and analyzing the performance of waste material additives will find it useful. With the increase in quantity of wool, increase in density was observed. The 3.2WB specimen with 3.2% wool had a maximum compressive strength of 70 N/mm2. The property of water absorption gave 13.86% as minimum value of 1WB brick with 1% wool in it. When it comes down to initial rate of absorption of these kind of fiber bricks, it lies between 0.25 to 1.5 kg/m2/min. It drops around 15% of noise coming inside the room. Last, the conclusion part of this review gives an outlook regarding the utilization of the wool fiber by means of theoretical study, efficient and environmentally friendly experiments.

Retardation and compressive strength enhancement effect of upcycling waste carrot as bio-admixture for cement mortars

The use of bio-admixtures instead of traditional chemical admixtures to prepare green concrete has attracted immense attention. In this study, a new and clean method to upcycle waste carrot into a novel natural admixture for cement mortars was proposed, and the effect of carrot extract (CS) on the properties of cement-based materials was systematically studied at the macro and micro levels through multiple means of detection. The results revealed that CS effectively inhibited the early hydration of cement and prolonged its setting time. The setting time of the pastes containing CS was 1.1–2.7 times that recorded for the control group (without CS) (CON), and the retarding effect was positively correlated with CS concentration. The compressive strength of the mortar of the M-CS1 (the value of CS to water was 1:100) group was increased by 12.5%, 11.6%, and 4.5% at 3-, 7-, and 28 d, respectively,which was due to the fact that CS accelerated the generation of calcium hydroxide (CH) and calcium silicate hydrate(C–S–H). In summary, CS can be used as a retarder and compressive strength enhancer in concrete simultaneously, and the experimental results in this study can provide experimental data and a basis for the preparation of green concrete. • The setting time of the pastes containing CS was 1.1–2.7 times that recorded for CON, and the addition of CS with appropriate concentration can also improve the compressive strength of the mortar. • CS contains a large number of hydrophilic group - hydroxyl, which has good water retention performance in cement. • The CS solution did not lead to the formation of new hydration products but promoted the formation of CH and CSH in the system, which has a positive effect on the compressive strength of mortars. • CS can improve the micro pore structure of mortar. • The use of low dose CS exhibited better sustainability and higher cost-effectiveness as confirmed by the economic and environmental analysis.

Innovative natural admixture of calcined clay to improve strength and durability characteristics of expansive soil

Innovative natural admixture of calcined clay to improve strength and durability characteristics of expansive soil

Role of Sugarcane Juice as a Natural Admixture on Setting Time and Hardened Properties of Cementitious Materials

Admixtures are an integral part of modern cementitious materials, as they significantly enhance the rheological, mechanical, and durability properties of the material. Though manufactured admixtures are mainly used in concrete production, they are expensive. Therefore, this research investigated the effect of sugarcane juice (SCJ), as a natural admixture, on the properties of concrete. Various percentages of SCJs were used to investigate the initial and final setting time, workability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength of concrete. Furthermore, the effect of different cement-sand ratios (c/s) and water-cement ratios (w/c) on the setting time of different cement mortar mixes was studied. Experimental results have shown that the setting time measured by the Vicat’s apparatus reduces significantly, up to a certain percentage of SCJ in the mortar mixes. Setting time is also reduced as the c/s and w/c ratios are reduced in the mortar mix. From the results, it was found that, based on the c/s ratio, with the addition of 20% SCJ in the mix, the initial setting time of mortar can be reduced to 10% from 79%. In the case of mechanical strength, compared to the control mix (0% SCJ), more than 29% higher compressive strength in concrete was achieved by adding 10% SCJ to the mix. For the splitting strength, this increment was more than 4%. The ANOVA analysis also proved that the higher percentages of SCJ produced a compressive strength that was not statistically different from the control concrete mix. Finally, the research outcome showed that the dosages of SCJ can greatly alter the setting time and mechanical strength of cementitious materials.

Genomic divergence, local adaptation, and complex demographic history may inform management of a popular sportfish species complex.

The Neosho Bass (Micropterus velox), a former subspecies of the keystone top‐predator and globally popular Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu), is endemic and narrowly restricted to small, clear streams of the Arkansas River Basin in the Central Interior Highlands (CIH) ecoregion, USA. Previous studies have detected some morphological, genetic, and genomic differentiation between the Neosho and Smallmouth Basses; however, the extent of neutral and adaptive divergence and patterns of intraspecific diversity are poorly understood. Furthermore, lineage diversification has likely been impacted by gene flow in some Neosho populations, which may be due to a combination of natural biogeographic processes and anthropogenic introductions. We assessed: (1) lineage divergence, (2) local directional selection (adaptive divergence), and (3) demographic history among Smallmouth Bass populations in the CIH using population genomic analyses of 50,828 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained through ddRAD‐seq. Neosho and Smallmouth Bass formed monophyletic clades with 100% bootstrap support. We identified two major lineages within each species. We discovered six Neosho Bass populations (two nonadmixed and four admixed) and three nonadmixed Smallmouth Bass populations. We detected 29 SNPs putatively under directional selection in the Neosho range, suggesting populations may be locally adapted. Two populations were admixed via recent asymmetric secondary contact, perhaps after anthropogenic introduction. Two other populations were likely admixed via combinations of ancient and recent processes. These species comprise independently evolving lineages, some having experienced historical and natural admixture. These results may be critical for management of Neosho Bass as a distinct species and may aid in the conservation of other species with complex biogeographic histories.

Некоторые результаты технико-морфологического анализа керамики среднего неолита юго-западного побережья Байкала (по материалам стоянки Падь Долгая II)

This article presents the results of a technical and morphological analysis of Middle Neolithic pottery from the multilayered site Pad Dolgaya 2 that located on the southwestern coast of Lake Baikal. The pottery collection includes 574 fragments from at least 13 vessels. It has been established that the raw material for all the pottery of the layer was heavily sandy, ferruginous clay with a natural admixture of sand and fine quartz. The composition of the molding mass is mainly free of artificial additives. In 5 cases, inclusions were recorded, presumably being fireclay. Different traditions were noted in the processing of the outer surface of the vessels (knocking out with a smooth, corded or ribbed spatula). The basis of the complex is the Posolskaya pottery with an external thickening of the rim. Vessels are mostly of complex, closed shape. Probably their bottom is pointed. Corolla diameters vary from 22 to 28 cm; in one case - 10 cm. The shards are dense and thin. There is evidence that the vessels were made using patchwork molding, probably on base molds (string prints are noted on the inner surface of one of the vessels). All units are ornamented; the pattern was located along the rim and in the upper part of the vessel. Vessels with a relief thickening of the rim, decorated in the classic embassy tradition, predominate in the findings. On a number of vessels (while retaining the main features characteristic of the Posolskaya type), there are tendencies towards simplification of the ornamental scheme and leveling of the thickening of the rim. Together with the Posolskaya ceramic type, fragments from a vessel with imprints of a braided net were found. The combination of the Posolskaya and reticulated types of pottery in one complex is noted at all stratified objects of the Middle Neolithic of the Baikal region. The studied pottery complex is similar in composition and main technical and morphological features to materials from stratified Middle Neolithic sites in the Upper Angara region. The dating of complex of the cultural layer II of the Pad Dolgaya 2 site (Posolskaya ceramic type) is based on stratigraphic observations, analogies with the materials of reference objects in the Baikal region, and radiocarbon AMS dating. As a result, it was found that the studied complex belongs to the Middle Neolithic and is dated within 6750– 6310 cal BP.

Experimental studies on the effect of neem seed powder (NSP) as a natural admixture in concrete

Many materials are utilised in building to partially substitute cement, such as fibre glass, ash, and so on. Concrete's consumption of cement might be reduced if NSP is utilised instead of Portland cement. Thus, CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing are kept to a minimum. The purpose of this research is to establish the suitability of NSP concrete M25 grade. The experimental research was divided into the following categories. The characteristics of the concrete components utilised in the mix design were determined through preliminary testing. The workability of NSP concrete, which was utilised in place of conventional concrete as a partial replacement, was tested using fresh concrete. Hardened concrete cubes, cylinders and prisms were used in experiments to assess the strength of the concrete when Neem seed powder was partially replaced, as required in IS 10262.The impact of varying proportioning’s of NSP (0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 25 %) on concrete performance has been investigated. Compressive strength properties of hardened concrete have been achieved after 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days. The findings of 5% and 10% NSP were steadily increasing the strength at 28 days in this investigation.

The Influence of Casein Protein Admixture on Pore Size Distribution and Mechanical Properties of Lime-Metakaolin Paste

Biopolymers based on proteins are applied in the building materials technology to modify and improve their selected properties. These polymers are designed as natural admixtures that improve the workability of materials. Casein is an example of a protein-based organic polymer. It is a protein obtained from cow’s milk. The paper aimed at investigating the prospects of enhancing the strength properties of a binder prepared on a basis of metakaolin and hydrated lime. The mix was modified with powdered technical casein at 0.5%, 1%, 3%, and 5% as a partial replacement for the binder mix by mass. The study involved investigating the effect of the applied natural admixture on the flexural and compressive strengths, as well as pore size distribution. The average pore diameter decreased in the recipes with casein in the amount of 0.5% and 1%, while it increased when the amount of casein equaled 3% and 5%. Only the 0.5% casein admixture caused a decrease in the total porosity. The results show a clear dependence of the strength parameters on porosity. The admixture of casein significantly increased the flexural strength of the pastes, and decreased the compressive strength. The highest increase in flexural strength (by 205.7%) was caused by the admixture of 0.5% casein, while the greatest decrease in compressive strength (by 28%) was caused by the 3% casein admixture. The flexural strength was enhanced, i.a., due to the improved adhesion and mutual bonding of lime particles, resulting from the application of a sticky admixture. No notable difference was indicated during carbonation by the phenolphthalein test. The lime binder is characterized by a slow setting process and low mechanical strength. The results of the research showed the possibility of improving the flexural strength using small amounts of natural admixture, which may broaden the scope of application of this binder.

Comparative study on using chemical and natural admixtures (grape and mulberry extracts) for concrete

There is a general belief that admixture can improve some important properties of concrete, and different kinds of admixtures are in use worldwide. In the current investigation, a comparative experimental study has been performed on using grape and mulberry extracts as a natural admixture and chemical admixture for concrete. Increasing of workability and reduction in water absorption were observed due to the addition of natural admixtures to concrete. There was an enhancement of concrete compressive strength tested at 3, 7, and 28 days and the 28 days modulus of elasticity as a result of using different admixtures, but reduction of splitting tensile strength was observed. In general, using the two natural admixtures has a beneficial effect to improve both fresh and hardened properties of concrete and they have a superiority on the chemical admixture with regard the cost and producing environmental-friendly construction material.

Особенности керамики кулайской культуры (сургутский вариант) городища Барсов городок I/32 (Сургутское Приобье)

Purpose. Barsova Gora is a unique archaeological and landscape site located in the Tyumen Region of the Russian Federation. The archaeological site Barsov gorodok I/32 is located on the edge of the bank of Utoplaya river. A visual comparison of the ceramics of the early Iron Age from the Barsov gorodok I/31–32 sites and the ceramics of the Barsov gorodok I/4 site from the east showed their great similarity, if not their identical nature. For a correct comparison and identification of similarities and differences in the ceramics of these sites, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study of the products of each settlement using a unified technique. The study is devoted to the analysis of ceramics of the Barsov gorodok I/32 site. Results. The most common motifs are rows of ‘ducks’. Other common patterns are: short wavy horizontal and vertical prints (‘birds’ and ‘snakes’), rows of stamp prints, notches and ‘pearls’. There are no non-ornamented dividing zones on the vessels. There are no ornaments in the form of a series of hemotheric figures and meanders. The upper edges of the vessels are flat (28 %) or beveled inward (72%). In 33% of cases, a cornice is present. The ceramics are made from low-sand ferruginous clays with a natural admixture of sand, mica, brown iron ore, and scraps of vegetation. Artificial impurities are represented by chamotte, broken stone and organic matter. Four recipes of clay paste have been revealed: clay + broken stone; clay + broken stone + chamotte; clay + chamotte; clay + chamotte + organic matter. The ceramics are made with ribbons. The shape of the vessels is cauldron-like. Conclusion. The absence of non-ornamented dividing zones, the presence of rows of short wavy horizontal and vertical impressions (‘birds’ and ‘snakes’), the presence of inwardly beveled upper edges of the vessels with ornamented cornices testify to the late existence of this pottery. The ceramics of the Barsov gorodok I/32 site can be attributed to the late stage of the Kulai culture (Surgut variant).

Natural Admixture As An Alternative for Chemical Admixture in Concrete Technology: A Review

Natural Admixture As An Alternative for Chemical Admixture in Concrete Technology: A Review

An Experimental Investigation of Natural Admixture Effect on Durability Studies of High Silica Fly Ash

The research work focused on durability studies of high silica fly ash i.e. class f fly ash (fa) replaced concrete with natural admixture (nad) incorporation with binder. broiler hen egg selected as natural admixture in this experimental investigation. fa was replaced to cement at different replacement levels from 0 to 35% of replacement by its weight and nad was used as supplementary material admixture in fa replaced concrete at different replacement dosages from 0% to 1.00% by its weight of water content and 0.5 was maintained as liquid to binder ratio. the durability studies (i.e. water absorption and acid attack) of fa replaced concrete mix were examined at different ages of curing for all fa replaced mixes with nad. the research revealed that the optimal dosage of nad was considered as 0.25% for all fa replaced concrete, witnessed from the compressive strength, unit weight, water absorption and acid resistance studies. the studies evidenced that 35% high silica fa replaced concrete mix with optimal nad dosage having lower water absorption and also it shown that the % of loss in compressive strength reduced when soaked in HCL and H2SO4 water sample.

Reporting the ancient green construction technology of limecrete slabs adopted in Udaipur, Rajasthan

The characterization of limecrete slabs made of plant extract and hemp fibers of an old monument, Bichili haveli, located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India was carried out to understand the traditional materials used and its production. Limecrete of ratio 1: 1: 3 (Lime: brickbats: sand) were produced with hemp fibers to acts as flexural members. The hardened limecrete shows the predominate phases of calcium carbonate such as calcite with other polymorphs (vaterite & aragonite), tobermorite and Calcium alumina-silica hydrates (CASH). The organic analysis has confirmed the presence of biomolecules which are originated by the addition of fermented plant extracts that acts as a natural admixture during the preparation of limecrete slabs. With the help of organic additives, limecrete also acts as a Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) unit and sequester 15–20% of atmospheric carbon di oxide (CO2). The current study reclaims the lost old technology which uses low energy-intensive materials like lime, brick powder & bats, plants extracts and hemp fibers at the same time 20% lesser cost than cement concrete. The experimental evidence from the present research proves that the limecrete slabs have enough strength and durability, also acts as CO2 capture materials in mitigating global emissions. Limecrete can be used for the restoration of the heritage building as well as in modern construction for low rise buildings.

Natural admixture in blended mortar- mechanical properties study

In this paper a detailed review about the utilization Natural admixture Egg as an admixture and cement is partially replaced by Fly ash and Silica fume. Since Egg is rich in its calcium content the mechanical properties of mortar can be influenced to great extent. By fixing the water to binder ratio as 0.45 and also by varying the percentages of an admixture with respect to the water to binder ratio and similarly by changing the proportions of Fly ash and Silica fume commencing from 5% to end with 20% of that of cement, the different mortar specimens were casted. Acid curing is done on the mortar samplings and then the results were competed with the water cured samplings. The mechanical and durability properties of the mortar were carried out and their corresponding results were assessed.

Experimental study on effects of natural admixture on blended mortar

The present study deals with the incorporation of the Natural admixture Egg as an admixture to the mortar and also the Silica fume and Fly ash as partial replacement materials for cement. Construction industries are the paramount key to find alternatives for the industrial byproducts. Since they possess the pozzolanic property they are used in this study for the replacement of cement. The study aims at heat curing of mortar at specified temperature to compare the results that of normal mortar. The natural admixture with 3 different percentages respect to water to bind ratio are chosen and the respective results were found. The mechanical and durability properties of mortar were done to analyze the conclusion for this project. The mortar with 15% of partial replacement for cement with Silica fume and Fly ash were found to be optimum with 0.50% of Natural admixture Egg.

Untangling the Evolution of American Wild Grapes: Admixed Species and How to Find Them.

Natural hybridization and introgression are central evolutionary processes in grape genus (Vitis). On the other hand, the interspecific relationships among grapes, the directionality of the inferred admixture events and the parents of hybrids are not yet completely clarified. The grapes are economically important crops characterized by tendrils used to climb on the trees and the fruits harvested by humans especially for the consumption or to produce wines and liquors. The American grapes (ca. 30 species) are recognized as an important resource because they show biotic and abiotic resistances. We analyzed 3,885 genome-wide SNPs from 31 American Vitis species using the TreeMix software combined with the f3 and f4 tests. This approach allowed us to infer phylogenetic relationships and to explore the natural admixture among taxa. Our results confirmed the existence of all hybrid species recognized in literature (V. x champinii, V. x doaniana, V. x novae-angliae, and V. x slavinii), identifying their most likely parent species and provided evidence of additional gene flows between distantly related species. We discuss our results to elucidate the origin of American wild grapes, demonstrating that admixture events have ancient origins. We observe that gene flows have involved taxa currently spread through the southern regions of North America. Consequently, we propose that glacial cycles could have triggered the contact between interfertile taxa promoting local hybridization events. We conclude by discussing the phylogenetic implications of our findings and showing that TreeMix can provide novel insights into the evolutionary history of grapes.

Керамика саргаринско-алексеевского могильника Каратугай

The article considers the results of studying the technology of pottery manufacturing at the Sargarinsko-Alekseevsky burial ground of Karatugay (Central Kazakhstan). By the method of A.A. Bobrinsky using a MBS-10 binocular microscope, 10 archaeologically intact and fragmented vessels have been studied. The information has been obtained on the characteristics of the material, the preparation of molding compound recipes, the methods of constructing the beginning and hollow body, surface treatment, and firing conditions. A set of basic pottery traditions has been defined (selection of raw materials – medium-iron plastic clay with a natural admixture of oolitic brown iron ore; molding mass recipe – medium / large wood pulp at a concentration of 1:5 + small medium-iron chamotte at a concentration of 1:5 + manure; capacitive program; constructing a hollow body in a patchwork-lumpy way), imported vessels have been identified, the sequence of burials has been established. It is shown that the population who left the site lived together with representatives of the Irmen culture.