Raw Stones Research Articles

The Impact of Transformational Leadership, Career Development, and Work Environment on Organizational Commitment (Survey on CV. Bunda Devina)

This research analyzes the impact of transformational leadership, career development, and work environment on organizational commitment at CV. Bunda Devina, a company engaged in the andesite natural stone sector, producing a number of raw stones ready for processing and finished natural stones according to demand. This study is a quantitative research using data collection techniques through questionnaires with a survey method. The sampling technique used is saturated sampling with 116 respondents. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. The findings indicate that transformational leadership positively and significantly impacts organizational commitment. Additionally, career development and the work environment both have significantly positive effects on organizational commitment.

The Natural Stone Market in the Context of Rapid Construction Development and Protection Areas of Major Groundwater Reservoirs (GZWP)

Over the last few years, the demand for stone raw materials has increased significantly. The stone industry is an unusual sector that combines domestic stone extraction with the global market. The stone market supported by the achievements of new technologies provides a processed product, which in consequence create great potential for development of this sector. What is more an intensification of the demand effect on raw stones can be initiated by the construction industry, which is one of the basic drivers of the country's economy. In this paper there are presented conclusions from an analysis of the local and global stone market. What is more, authors present the results of analysis the mining potential of dimension and crushed stones deposits occurring in Poland in the context of limited exploitation possibilities due to selected protection areas such as areas of Major Groundwater Reservoirs (hereinafter: GZWP).

Automated construction of multi-leaf walls with natural stones

This paper introduces an innovative strategy for the construction of multi-leaf walls utilizing raw stones, a significant step forward in sustainable building practices. Our approach leverages advanced computational algorithms and image processing techniques to automatically build walls with irregular stones. By focusing on the physical assembly of these materials, the objective is to optimize their use in creating structurally robust walls. The core of our methodology lies in the efficient arrangement of irregular objects based on image-convolution techniques. The proposed packing algorithm is proven to be efficient and versatile in stacking stones without restriction in the shape and size of units. Evaluations of constructed walls based on geometric indices show that the stone layout meets masons’ rules-of-art. This work presents a scalable wall construction solution that could revolutionize the use of natural stones in construction.

Gendering Transnational Business Spaces: Cross-Border Burmese Women Jadeite Traders in Yunnan, China

As the world’s primary source of top-grade jadeite, Myanmar is the home to a thriving black market in which raw stones are smuggled from the Kachin State across the border into China. Among the people of different nationalities and ethnicities facilitating the cross-border trade and networks, Burmese women are increasingly highlighted through popular short videos on a video-focused Chinese social media application, Douyin. These scripted popular short videos show bargains and negotiations between Chinese businessmen and Burmese women jadeite traders, while highlighting Burmese women’s sexuality. In order to understand their representations in these short videos, this paper adopts digital ethnography approaches to capture the cultural expectations placed on Burmese women jadeite traders in China. I argue that these videos (re)produce gendered expectations of these women traders by amplifying their femininity, physicality, romantic availability, and representation as ‘Third World subjects’ to affirm Chinese masculinity and nationalism.

Shungite (Mineralized Carbon) as a Promising Electrode Material for Electroanalysis.

In this study, two different types of amorphous carbonaceous Precambrian rock, classified as noble elite shungite and black raw shungite, were tested as possible electrode materials of natural origin. Both types were machined into cylindrical shapes to form the corresponding solid electrodes and their physicochemical and electrochemical properties were compared with the standard glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The raw stones were first subjected to microscopic imaging by using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, both of which indicated significant differences in their morphology and in the content of impurities. An electrode prototype manufactured from noble elite shungite (EShE) with a carbon content of about 94% (w/w) has offered a very satisfactory electrochemical performance with a nearly identical heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant of 7.8 × 10-3 cm s-1 for ferro/ferricyanide redox couple, a slightly narrower potential range (~2.1 V) and a relatively low double-layer capacitance (of ca. 50 μF), resulting in low background currents comparable to those at the GCE. In contrast, the second electrode based on black raw shungite (BShE) with a carbon content of ca. 63% (w/w) exhibited markedly worse electrochemical properties and more than four times higher double-layer capacitance, both of which were probably due to the presence of poorly conductive impurities. The whole study has been completed with three different examples of electroanalytical applications, revealing that the first type, EShE, is a more suitable material for the preparation of electrodes and may represent a cheap alternative to commercially marketed products.

나주읍성 동점문 성벽부재에 대한 암석학적 연구 및 산지 추정

This study is based on the mentorship course in CNU Science Education Institute For the Gifted. The Naju Eupseong Dongjeommun Gate, which was built in the Goryeo Dynasty, was restored in 2002, but a heterogeneous stone material that showed a significant difference from the original stone of the fortress wall, was used as the restoration stone. This study aims to clarify the difference between raw stones and restored stones by the investigation of the petrological features of the stone materials for the Naju Eupseong Dongjeommun Gate, and to estimate the provenances of the raw stones through the geologic survey. In addition, replacement stones that can be used for when the Naju Eupseong Dongdaemun Gate is renovated are presented. As a result of measured magnetic susceptibility and visual observation, the stone materials of the Naju Eupseong Dongjeommun Gate consist of granodiorite, and granite gneiss. Compared to the original stone, the restored stone is judged to be a granite, which shows a clear difference in the petrographical features such as the results of visual observation and the magnetic susceptibility. As a result of the geologic survey around Naju Eupseong Walled Town, the area of Geumseongsan Mountain in Naju is presumed to be the source of the original stones. Granite diorite is considered appropriate as a substitute stone if the restoration of Naju Eupseong Dongjeommun Gate is carried out.

Spatiality of Obsidian Stone tools Viewed by stratigraphy and site

1980년대 후반부터 시작된 흑요석 연구를 통해 흑요석은 주로 좀돌날 제작을 위해 효율적으로 이용되었다는 인식이 확산되었다. 그러나 기존의 연구는 흑요석제 석기의 시·공간적 변화상을 규명하는 데 미흡하였다. 따라서 이 글에서는 층위를 기준으로 한 시간적 차원에서 흑요석 원석의 획득에서부터 석기 제작과 폐기에 이르는 과정의 공간성을 밝히고자 하였다. 석기군 구성의 차이는 층위라는 시간적 요소에 따른 제작 기술적 발전에 어느 정도 영향을 받았다고 생각된다. 그러나 흑요석은 최소한 남한 지역 내에서는 충분히 공급될 수 없는 돌감이었으므로 유적으로 반입된 흑요석의 양, 석기 형식, 제작 유무 등이 각 유적의 흑요석제 석기군을 상이하게 만드는 또다른 요소로 작용하였다. 유적별 석기 수량과 총 무게를 기준으로 공간적 차원을 이해하였을 때, 각 유적의 흑요석은 단발적으로 이용되었다는 공통점이 확인된다. 원석이 반입된 유적을 중심으로 다양한 석기군 유형이 혼재되어 있다. 그러나 늦은 시기로 갈수록 더욱 넓은 범위에서 흑요석제 석기가 확인된다. 결국 단발적으로 이용된 흑요석을 토대로 구성된 석기군은 각 유적으로 반입된 돌감의 양에 영향을 받았다고 판단된다. 그러나 희소한 돌감인 만큼 시간이 지나며 점차 제작 기술의 진전과 공간적 이용 범위의 확장이 이루어졌던 것으로 볼 수 있다.A series of researches on obsidian which began in the late 1980s have spread the knowledge that obsidian was efficiently used mainly for the production of microblade. But, previous researches were insufficient to clarify the spatio-temporal changing aspects of stone tool. Therefore, this study on the basis of stratigraphy intends to reveal the spatiality over time in Chaîne opératoire ranging from the acquisition of raw obsidian to the fabrication and disposal of stone tool. Differences in the composition of stone tools are thought to have been influenced to some extent by the technical development of the production according to the temporal element of the stratigraphy. But, since obsidian was a raw material that could not be supplied enough in the South Korea at least, the amount of it brought to each site, the type of stone tools and whether or not they were manufactured were other factors that made the obsidian’s lithic assemblages of each site different. In terms of spatiality, there is a common fact that all kinds of obsidian were used momentarily, given the quantity and total weight of stone tools by sites compared to the period of use. Various lithic assemblage types are mixed around the sites where the raw stones were brought. But, the patterns of obsidian’s in-and-outcoming were diversified and scope of its use was expanded as moving on to the secondary obsidian layer. In conclusion, lithic assemblage made on the basis of one-time obsidian can be judged to be affected by the amount and type of the stone tools introduced into each site. However, as time has passed, the progress of debitage strategy and the expansion of the range of spatial use were made since obsidian was a rare material.

Interventions for Ensuring the Sustainability of the Small Scale Mining Sector in Namibia

Many reports have been written about the issues surrounding small scale miners’ challenges in Namibia; yet little has been done to address these challenges. There has been a fragmented approach to address these challenges. Various government arms and donor organizations have utilized piece meal methods in the past in trying to make improvements on the productivities across the sector, but with no meaningful success. This has led to the design and implementation of inappropriate technologies and support services for the sector. The structures of many of the semi-precious stones mining businesses are informal, with very little royalties received by the government. Miners often work informally or illegally and they fear government interference and they distrust outsiders, resulting in them withholding production information. The presence of small scale miners is quite often associated with major challenges, including poor safety and environmental management standards, the spread of communicable diseases and poor working conditions. The majority of the miners employ uncontrolled extraction techniques which damage the crystals and mineral specimens, resulting in intermediate and final products of low quality along with high wastage at the extraction stage. The vision of the Namibian government is to expand the range and value of semi-precious stones and jewelry products processed within Namibia, while curbing illicit flows of raw stones. This will simultaneously secure maximum benefit for the country. This study investigated the interventions aimed at making the small scale mining sector in Namibia sustainable. A baseline study was conducted to analyze the current situation and characterize the industry, including a SWOT analysis. Information was collected through questionnaires, interviews, consultative meetings, field visits and workshops in order to profile the sector. The baseline study results were used in developing interventions for improving artisanal and small scale mining operations. The main challenges for the Namibian semi-precious sector were identified as: factual information about raw material resources and its beneficiation are insufficient or not available, lack of skills, lack of education and access to finances, rudimentary exploration and mining practices, trading and logistics that are not functioning effectively and inadequate sector governance. One key finding of this study was that Namibia is not benefiting through value addition due partly to illicit flows of the uncut stones and to the fact that lapidary is not much pronounced to a greater extent. The following strategic interventions were identified as key in ensuring the sustainability of the small mining sector in Namibia: conducting geological assessment to identify new deposits and quantify the existing ones, improving exploration and mining practices, investing in education and training, creating an enabling environment and improving the sector governance and strengthening the sector organization and supporting the infrastructure.

Measuring and evaluating bitumen coverage of stones using two different digital image analysis methods

The most used pavement for paved roads in the world is asphalt. It is therefore important that the asphalt is as durable as possible to avoid expensive repairs of the roads. One important factor of the durability of the road is the adherence between the stones and the bitumen that holds the stones together. The affinity is tested by the so called rolling bottle test, where one put stones covered in bitumen in a bottle with water and let it roll on a bottle rolling machine. After a while the degree of bitumen coverage is estimated. In this paper, a method to estimate the degree of bitumen coverage using image analysis has been developed instead of the manual estimation that is used today. The presented method works for all colors of the stones and is based on the fact that bitumen reflects light much better than raw stones. A turntable that is rotated somewhat between images is used together with a light source in shape of a quarter of a circle to get as much specular reflections as possible. Then the amount of detected reflections is used to estimate the degree of bitumen coverage. To be able to compare the result with something close to ground truth, the method has been evaluated on lighter stones and compared with a second image analysis method that works well for lighter stones, and the results are promising.

Review of environmental aspects and waste management of stone cutting and fabrication industries

Iran is the second largest stockholder of construction stones with 10 % of world production ;and there are more than 4000 stone cutting and fabrication industries (SCFIs). In the processing of raw stones, a considerable part of stone is turned into waste. Generated wastes include excess parts of different stones and sludge. The present paper reviews the state of SCFIs waste management using multiple data sources including site, analysis of effluent and sludge samples, and conducting interviews with people who are involved in 286 SCFIs in Qom and Tabriz. The results revealed that currently almost 35 to 52.5 % of raw stones were converted to solid wastes depending on stone cutting and processing methods, type of stones and their quality, which seemed a high percentage. Also, the effluents between 0.8 and 2.8 m3 were generated per ton of processed stone. Based on the analysis of heavy metals with atomic absorption spectroscopy, sludge samples contained a considerable amount of Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd. It was also found that the lack of specific recycling, reuse and disposal programs and suitable supervision has led to uncontrolled disposal of stone wastes and sludge in different areas. However, there are good opportunities for reuse and recycling of the SCFIs wastes.

Wear of tools during the pregrinding of beads from mineral raw materials

We investigate wear of the abrasive disk end face during the grinding of raw stones into beads. The disk wear was measured after grinding of beads by different techniques: grinding in a vertical drum, in a disk separator, with an inclined abrasive disk, and by placing stones into a segment-like container. The factors are determined that relieve impact loads when beads are preground from brittle materials. The results of studies of pregrinding of beads from cube-shaped gems with an inclined abrasive disk are shown.

粒形・粒度の優れたコンクリート用細骨材の製造に関する研究

Scarcity of natural concrete aggregate is one of the common problems that concrete engineers are facing today. This paper presents the results of a study on a new manufacturing machine of artificial concrete aggregate which excels in grain shape and grading. In the crusher, raw stones are crushed by many chains rotating around a center rod. The number of the rotations is monitored and the mass of raw stones crushed every one minute is changed as experimental factors. A distance between a tip of the chain and an inner wall of the crusher is also changed. Finally, a total of 27 specimens are made and tested. The results show that the crusher can produce fine aggregate with excellent grain shape.

Injuries and injury care among child labourers in gem polishing industries in Jaipur, India.

Athough life had been made comfortable due to technological development, it also brought some disadvantages. These include fatal and non-fatal injuries. These injuries can be afflicted at any place of which the workplace is one. At the workplace, injuries, if they occur can either lead to permanent or temporary disability or mortality and account for a significant proportion of deaths and disabilities. These types of injuries are mostly recorded as the victims of these types of grave injuries are often provided with monetary compensation through legislation enacted for the welfare of the workers. But, in many industries, such serious injuries are not common but trivial injuries are frequent and usually remain unnoticed and unreported. These trivial injuries if not properly cared for can lead to wound contamination and sepsis that can be life threatening. The gem polishing industry at Jaipur is one such industry which exposes the workers to such frequent minor injuries. In Jaipur, approximately 200,000 people are employed in this industry, of whom about 20,000 are children. This industry is an unorganized sector and the workers are not protected by the legislation made for the welfare of workers applicable to the organized sectors. The workers are also not covered by any health service schemes. Secondly, these industries employ a considerable proportion of child workers, even though it is prohibited under the Constitution of India. In the gem polishing industry of Jaipur the raw semiprecious stones are mostly imported from African nations. These raw stones are then cut with the help of a rotating saw to remove those parts that contain some impurities. This is followed by separating the raw stones on the basis of their colours. After sorting, the stones are preshaped with the help of a rotating wheel into the desired shape and then to the desired size and measured with calipers. This is followed by faceting the stone so that the multiple facets using the principle of refraction give a shine to the stone. Finally, these stones are polished with chromic oxide powder and quartz powder to increase the shine and lustre. Some of these finished materials are used for preparing neck jewelleries and are converted into beads with a drill. The schematic flow chart of the process is shown in Fig. 1. The processes which are likely to result in injuries include the cutting process which causes cuts, the faceting process that causes abrasions and the drilling process which causes piercing type of injuries (Fig. 1). Except for the making of jewellery, sorting and marketing, the children work in almost all the processes and therefore are prone to injury. The occurrence of injuries at the workplace depends upon a number of factors including the age of workers, familiarity with the hazardous processes, amount of precision required, daily working duration, etc. Similarly, the complication of the wound in the form of contamination and sepsis will depend upon the knowledge regarding first aid and proper wound care, but neither this sector of unorganized child labour nor this issue of minor injuries and knowledge regarding wound care has been studied. Therefore we have carried out the present study to find out the prevalence of injuries, factors associated with the occurrence of injuries and knowledge regarding wound care and first aid.