bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of an underutilized fruit crop sumac berry from the north-eastern region of India: A Review
Authors: Sonia Devi Kshetrimayum , Jamir Satemmenla , Serena Elangbam , Verma Anamika
Published: May 2024

Sumac, a native wild fruit crop with over 250 varieties, grows 12-25 feet in sub-tropical to tropical climates with well-drained soil, creamy white blooms, and waxy-coated seeds. R. chinensis Mill. is a promising natural medicine with health benefits, anti-cancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antidiarrheal properties. Its methanolic extract has reduced kidney stone risk, suppresses bone resorption, and inhibits HIV-1 activity. Evidence suggests that R. chinensis contains flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenoids because of its excellent nutritional profile, and distinctive tangy flavor, Rhus chinensis has enormous potential as a niche fruit crop. Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits are notably rich in carbohydrates(15.49 ± 1.60%), ascorbic acid (840.45 ± 86.44 μg/g), and minerals like potassium and phosphorus. While the fruit pulp is naturally acidic, processing it into tablets and candies reduces its acidity by 3.70% and 3.68%, enhancing its palatability and potential health benefits. Sumac processing typically adheres to traditional methods, with the berries sun-dried for approximately one week. Additionally, dried fruits, jams, juices, and tea can be made from Rhus chinensis. Some difficulties are raising customer awareness, conquering ignorance about cultivation, and adjusting its flavor to Western palates. Breeding programs, post-harvest technology, marketing, and sustainable farming methods are needed to overcome these obstacles.
Development of nutrition rich mixed fruit leather from Apple and Papaya: A review
Authors: Riram Kenjum , Maibam Prasanta Singh , Kumari Khushi , Srikanth Perumalla
Published: May 2024

Apple and papaya are renowned for its nutritional properties, being a rich source of vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin K and E and minerals. Post Harvest loss would be very high, to address this issue in the present review developing of fruit leather with different fruits such as apple and papaya. Processing apple and papaya into alternative products become essential to address these issues. One such product is papaya and apple leather, which aids in better utilization and preservation of the fruit’s qualities. In the present review with different combinations of apple and papaya would check the physiochemical properties and organoleptic acceptability. The present review revels the different enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are present in different combinates of fruit leather. In the present review novel development of fruit leathers prepared from apple and papaya, further research focusing on fruit leather and latest combinations and technologies used in fruit leather development would revel.
Assessing the efficacy of essential oil fumigation in mitigating Botrytis cinerea infection in cherry tomato
Authors: Antuhu Yingmien L. , Muanpuii Christina V.L. , Maisnam Reshmi , Kumari Asha , López-Menchero Jorge Rojas , Coloma Azucena González , Andrés Maria Fe , Kaushik Nutan
Published: May 2024

Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) believed to be the progenitor of modern cultivated tomatoes, is one of the world’s most cultivated and widely consumed vegetables. However, it is very susceptible to fungal (Botrytis cinerea) infection, which decreases shelf life, and increases post-harvest loss. Postharvest loss and lower quality of fruit decrease the economic value of the crop or may make it unsuitable for human consumption and affect farmer profit. Therefore, an effective method is needed to reduce tomato’s post-harvest loss. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Zingiber officinale oil and Piper nigrum oil in controlling fungal disease in tomato fruit. The antifungal activity of essential oil was evaluated using the essential oil fumigation method. The result showed that essential oil significantly inhibits Botrytis cinerea growth as compared to the control. Therefore, essential oil can effectively control the fungal diseases of cherry tomatoes against Botrytis cinerea fruit rot and reduce the post-harvest loss of tomatoes.
Effect of different bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Kangjam Doreen , Maisnam Guneshori , Devi Takhellambam Diparani , Adison Rajkumar
Published: May 2024

A field trial was conducted with the aim to study the effect of different bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Spinach stands as a significant leafy vegetable in global agriculture, prized for its nutritional richness and versatile culinary applications. With an increasing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, the investigation of alternative fertilization methods has garnered attention, particularly bio-fertilizers known for their eco-friendly attributes and potential multifaceted benefits. This study delves into the effects of diverse biofertilizers on the growth and yield of spinach crops. During the rabi season of 2023-2024, the field experiment was carried out at AlOA Amity University Noida U.P. Agricultural Research Farm. The experiment was organized in a randomized complete block design to assess the efficacy of different bio-fertilizer treatments. Key growth parameters including plant height, leaf area were meticulously monitored throughout the crop cycle. Additionally, yield metrics such as fresh weight and marketable yield were recorded to evaluate the productivity of spinach plants under various bio-fertilizer regimes with six treatments consisting of a single or combination of bio-fertilizers in three replications. T6 (Vermicompost + azotobacter +poultry manure) exhibited the highest values for maximum plant height, no. of leaves per plant, length and width of leaves, leaf area, followed by T5 and T4 at 30, 45, and 60 DAS. The minimum plant height and other morphological parameters were observed in the treatment T1 (control) at 30, 45, and 60 DAT. T6 (Vermicompost + azotobacter + poultry manure), T5 (Azotobacter + Vermicompost), and T4 (FYM and poultry manure) had the highest fresh weight whereas the control treatment had the lowest. When compared to all other treatments, the treatment T6 (Vermicompost + Azotobacter + poultry manure) produced the highest growth and yield.
Effect of rate of biofertilizers on growth and development of spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.)
Authors: Aadesh  , Sharma Ravi , Jadoun Samrat Singh , Tomar Ajay , Parmar Kshitij
Published: May 2024

This research delves into the utilization of biofertilizers as a sustainable substitute for conventional chemical fertilizers, offering multifaceted advantages for soil fertility, plant vitality, and ecological equilibrium. The study investigates the effects of different application rates of biofertilizers on various growth parameters, nutrient assimilation efficiency, yield components, and physiological responses in spinach cultivation. A series of experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the impacts of biofertilizer treatments, comprising vermicompost, Azotobacter, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), on spinach plants. The results indicate that combined application of biofertilizers significantly enhances key parameters including plant height, leaf area, shoot biomass, root biomass, nutrient assimilation efficiency, yield components, and physiological responses compared to conventional fertilizer practices and control groups. Correlation and regression analyses reveal strong positive relationships between levels of biofertilizer application and various growth metrics, nutrient assimilation efficiency, yield components, and physiological responses. Furthermore, ANOVA results confirm the statistical significance of differences among treatment groups, highlighting the efficacy of biofertilizers in promoting spinach growth and productivity. Economic evaluations suggest that despite higher initial costs, the use of biofertilizers results in increased spinach yields, making it a financially viable and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional fertilization methods.
Evolution of Global Climate Change Related Research: Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: El Omari Alaoui Larbi , El Hammoudani Yahya , Haboubi Khadija , Dimane Fouad
Published: May 2024

The burgeoning interest in addressing climate change has catalyzed a significant increase in related research, necessitating a comprehensive review to understand the evolution of the field, emergent research areas, and geographical contributions. By employing a bibliometric methodology to analyze a wide array of scientific publications, this study aims to map out the dynamics of global research on climate change, focusing on publication growth, international collaborations, thematic trends, and citation impact. Our findings reveal not only a substantial rise in the volume of research and international collaborations, reflecting the global consensus on climate change challenges, but also a diversification of topics, indicating a shift towards more integrative and interdisciplinary approaches. The citation analysis further highlights the growing influence and importance of climate change research in scientific discourse and policy-making. Overall, this work underscores the dynamic evolution of climate change research, offering valuable insights into its progress, changing priorities, and the future challenges and opportunities, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the scientific landscape and informing future studies and policy development.
Legal frameworks for sustainable urban development: Analysing the efficacy of zoning regulations in promoting environmental conservation
Authors: Bansal Sapna , Pandey Smita
Published: May 2024

Urbanization poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability, necessitating effective legal frameworks to balance developmental needs with resource conservation. This research aims to investigate the impact of zoning regulations on sustainable urban development, focusing on their effectiveness in promoting environmental conservation. The study will analyze case studies from different urban centers, examining the legal mechanisms in place, their enforcement, and their outcomes in terms of environmental protection. Key aspects to be explored include land use planning, waste management, and green space preservation and use of renewable energy within urban areas. The research will assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing legal frameworks and propose recommendations for enhancing the integration of environmental considerations into urban development policies.
Urban planning characterization based on earthquake parameters for development: Case of the city of Al Hoceima, Morocco
Authors: Azour Hanane , Mansoum Mohamed , Benmakhlouf Mohamed , El Yousfi Yassine , Chaaraoui Aboubakr , Benyoussef Said
Published: May 2024

This article presents an analysis of the earthquake in Al Hoceima City through the combination of land use and seismic hazards. This study is based on a probabilistic analysis of the seismic hazard performed following an attenuation to predict the maximum ground acceleration at each square kilometer. The land use of the area was estimated using GIS tools with the Gaussian maximum likelihood integrated supervised analysis method on remote sensing data processed from Landsat images 8, and the distribution of the values of PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration) in Al Hoceima. The numerical values ranging from this latter are around between 0.268g and 0.275g within the city, The maximum values indicate that the acceleration towards the north is approaching the seismic source of the Alboran Sea, which is regarded as a principal source generating several seismic events. The main global objective of this paper is to assess seismic hazard risk by combining seismic hazards (PGA) and land use maps, is to identify the most susceptible areas, especially those that have had expanding populations.
Optimization of micropollutant removal from wastewaters using the PROMETHEE multicriteria decision method
Authors: El Hammoudani Yahya , Haboubi Khadija , Benaabidate Lahcen , Bourjila Abdelhak , Achoukhi Iliass , El Boudammoussi Mustapha , Benaissa Chaimae , Moudou Mohamed , Faiz Hatim , El Omari Alaoui Larbi , Esskifati Maryam , Touzani Abdelaziz , Dimane Fouad
Published: May 2024

This article explores the use of multicriteria decision methods (MCDMs) to identify the optimum treatment for removing micropollutants from wastewater. With the increasing complexity of industrial and urban wastewater, which contains a wide range of micropollutants, it is becoming crucial to develop effective and sustainable treatment strategies. MCDMs provide a framework for evaluating a variety of treatments, considering several criteria, such as efficiency, cost, energy consumption, environmental impact and technical feasibility. This article examines different processing technologies and compares those using MCDM methods such as the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE). Using this approach, this study proposes a systematic and objective method for identifying the most appropriate treatment options, facilitating more efficient wastewater management and protection of the aquatic environment.
Water quality indices (WQIs): An in-depth analysis and overview
Authors: Moudou Mohamed , El Hammoudani Yahya , Haboubi Khadija , Achoukhi Iliass , El Boudammoussi Mustapha , Faiz Hatim , Touzani Abdelaziz , Dimane Fouad
Published: May 2024

A wide range of variables, both human and natural in origin, can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems, especially when they accumulate excessively. While some of these elements are vital for aquatic life, their high concentration poses a risk. Consequently, a monitoring and analysing water resource to assess the impact of these elements becomes essential. Commonly, water quality indices (WQIs) are used for this purpose. The continuous improvement, simplification, and adaptation of WQIs are necessary to meet the evolving needs of water management. This work focuses on developing a comprehensive model for assessing water quality in North of Moroccan watersheds. It aims to review and define the goals of water quality monitoring, classify the tools used for this purpose, and describe the process of developing WQIs.
Epidemiological investigation of a foodborne collective infection (FBCI) episode at the Institute for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Trade (IFMEREE-Oujda)
Authors: Mouloudi Ibrahim , Zitouni Naoual , Zerhouni Redouane , Rahhou Ilyesse , Legssyer Bouchra , Harnafi Khadija
Published: May 2024

Foodborne outbreaks (FBOs) are common and sometimes severe, posing a public health emergency, especially in closed communities (cafeterias, hostels, schools), requiring prompt investigation and mandatory reporting. This retrospective cohort study involving 80 students was conducted in February 2017 following an FBO episode at IFMEREE in Oujda. A clinical and epidemiological definition of cases was developed. A questionnaire was designed to collect information on the implicated foods. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to study the food-related factors associated with this epidemic. In total, 57 respondents, aged 17 to 29 years, with an average of 20 years and a mode of 18 years, participated. The male sex predominated, with a sex ratio (M/F) of 2.16. There were 30 cases, resulting in an attack rate of 52.6%, with a female predominance (72.2% female vs. 43.4% male), and no deaths were reported. Among the foods served during lunch, buttermilk (LBEN) was the only food significantly associated with FBO, with a relative risk (RR) of 2.45, a confidence interval (CI95%: [1.61-3.74], p 0.0012), and an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 17.05 (CI95%: [2.0-145.1], p 0.0096). Following our investigation of the FBO, a new hygiene control and monitoring system involving a new subcontracting company was implemented. This system aims to ensure compliance with the cold chain and update the medical records of kitchen and service staff. It also ensures improved traceability of foods, especially implicated dairy products (LBEN), from production to consumption, encompassing the entire distribution chain, including the requirement for a control meal.
Impact assessment of the effects of the former uncontrolled landfill of Sidi Yahya Oujda (Morocco) on groundwater using physicochemical, geological and electrical triple approaches
Authors: Arabi Mourad , Chaïeb Amine , Khattach Driss , Hritta Driss , Gamgami Oumaima
Published: May 2024

This study is part of the geophysical mapping of the former site of the uncontrolled Sidi Yahya Oujda landfill. It also aims to show the contribution of the integrated interpretation of geological and geophysical data in the diagnosis of illegal dump sites. The application was made on the rehabilitated site of the former uncontrolled Oujda landfill located in Sidi-Yahya, which was closed in 2005. Geological and geophysical studies by electrical resistivity tomography (TRE) were carried out at the site level. Nine 475 m long TRE profiles with an investigation depth of up to 110 m were generated to image the subsoil. Analysis of the physicochemical and metallic composition of the leachate from this site and the groundwater taken from 3 nearby wells revealed significant pollution of the leachate with a COD of 12780 mg. O2/L and a BOD5 of 525.34 mg. O2/L. The groundwater had high electrical conductivity (average of 3.9 mS/cm), chloride content (710 mg/L average) and nitrate content (74.62 mg/L average). The metal concentrations in the leachate and groundwater far exceeded the Moroccan standards, with high average values for zinc (619.22 μg/L), copper (318.12 μg/L), nickel (233.76 μg/L), chromium (169.16 μg/L), L) and iron (12940 μg/L). Geologically, a context was highlighted with lateral lithological variations and the presence of faults. The waste/leachate layer has low resistivity values (<10 Ω m) and a thickness of up to 25 m. It rests on terrains of different geological natures. In the southern part of the site, there is a layer of red clay with a thickness of up to 50 m and low resistivities (<10 Ω m), which overlies a layer of limestone with high resistivity values (>100 Ω m). In the northern part, we encounter a discontinuous and thin layer of fractured dolomites with resistivities greater than 50 Ω m. This layer of dolomite rests on a layer of clays.
Enhancing Potato Late Blight Control: Triffa Plain Model Assessment (Eastern Morocco)
Authors: Alaoui Karima , Arabi Mourad , Chafik Zouheir , Hannoune Hamza , Mechkirrou Latifa , Slamini Maryam , Bidi Hanane , Hassani Yacine , Kharmach Ez-zahra
Published: May 2024

Potato late blight Phytophthora infestans is a serious potato disease. In eastern Morocco and more precisely in the Triffa plain, late blight ravages potato fields, causing severe losses of up to 80%. Chemical control remains the most effective, easiest and most commonly used means of control by farmers in the region. However, abusive use and the high frequency of treatments pose real problems for consumers and the environment. The objective of this work was to test certain downy mildew monitoring models for better optimization of fungicide use. A study was carried out in the Triffa plain to test potato late blight monitoring models on three potato varieties, Mondial, Désirée and Spunta. Two models have made it possible to save up to 50% of the costs linked to chemical treatments against mildew and, among other things, help to preserve the environment.
REVIEW: Green Morocco Plan and Moroccan legislation for the socioeconomic and sustainable development of agricultural cooperatives: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Benjaafar Hasnae , Berrichi Abdelbasset , El Jai Fadwa , Arabi Mourad
Published: May 2024

Since its inception, the Green Morocco Plan (MGP) has set as its overriding objective a strong territorial anchoring to enhance agricultural potential and make agriculture an engine of modern, competitive and inclusive economic and social development. The MGP has been designed according to the principles of sustainable agriculture and affects the plural form of all players, particularly professional agricultural organizations of all kinds. It is a national strategy that, among other things, targets socioeconomic development through several mechanisms to accompany and support the cooperative fabric. During the first years of implementation of the Green Morocco Plan, Law 112-12 governing cooperatives were enacted. Against this backdrop, we present the challenges and prospects of the government's strategy to boost agricultural cooperatives and the impact of Moroccan legislation on the development of this promising sector.
A review of recent trends in the removal of emerging contaminants from wastewater using green adsorbents
Authors: Esskifati Maryam , El Hammoudani Yahya , Haboubi Khadija , Dimane Fouad
Published: May 2024

Water pollution caused by emerging contaminants (ECs) is perceived with deep concern nowadays due to their considerable impact and their persistence in wastewater treated using conventional methods. Pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and nanoparticles are examples of ECs that are increasingly utilized. Given that ECs pose a significant risk to human health and the environment, many wastewater treatment techniques have been developed in order to remove them. For instance, advanced wastewater treatments are highly effective at removing ECs but are expensive. Adsorption utilizing green adsorbents is a possible approach for finding a long-term, effective, and affordable solution to this issue. This review explores the efficiency of different green adsorbents applied in order to remove ECs from wastewater.
Learning from data to improve asphalt road construction processes
Authors: Wörner Christian , Stöckert Ulrike
Published: May 2024

Asphalt road construction projects pose a lot of challenges in different disciplines, from the choice of construction methods, type and quantity of machines and personnel, pre-planning of all processes, ordering material from asphalt mixing plants, real-time logistics of handling material transport, and the asphalt paving and compaction process itself. Depending on the complexity and size of the construction site, preparation and execution can be influenced by a lot of unknown variables, like weather impact, material properties of the delivered asphalt or delays in the deliveries themselves. These circumstances might lead to irregularities in the asphalt material temperatures and thus suboptimal conditions for compaction or even construction stoppage - in any case, they lead to a reduction in quality of the built asphalt road. In recent years, a lot of mobile devices, sensors and software have been emerging as viable solutions in the construction industry to digitize and support these processes. Those real-time applications allow deeper insight into logistics or material properties on site and acquire data for downstream analysis. These endeavours in process optimization now benefit construction companies to increase efficiency, and for work safety and environmental aspects, it is crucial to optimize energy and CO2 consumption. Improved logistics and building roads with low-temperature asphalt will have to become a standard in road construction. The present study gives an overview of the digitalized processes in asphalt road construction with market-available solutions focusing on logistics data of the material delivery chain from mixing plant to paver, thermal imaging data of the built asphalt to validate asphalt temperatures, as well as machine and location data from asphalt paver and compaction rollers.
Detection of movement resistance and friction coefficient in the transport of building materials and construction materials
Authors: Hrabovský Leopold
Published: May 2024

In the production of building materials and construction materials, continuously operating conveying equipment is commonly used, including roller conveyors. Roller conveyors are devices designed for horizontal, slightly ascending or descending transport of piece products moving on a system of rotating rollers of different shapes (cylindrical, conical, disc, pulley or according to the profile of the conveyed object). The rotating rollers are placed in the track frame (supporting structure), which can be either stable, relocatable or adjustable (height and length adjustable, so-called scissor conveyors). An analogue of the roller conveyor is the pulley conveyor, where instead of rollers, discs - pulleys are mounted on a non-rotating axis. Several discs are installed on the axis with gaps. The pulleys on adjacent axes overlap so that there is no continuous gap. The track is used for handling flat building parts and objects such as metal sheets, glass panes, furniture parts, etc. When transporting item building materials or bulk building materials placed in storage boxes which are transported on a powered roller track on pallets, a driving force is required depending on the angle of inclination of the roller track, the weight of the load, the number of rollers on which the load rests and the coefficient of shear friction during movement. The paper presents a laboratory device that has been designed to detect the adhesion force during the transport of piece loads by a roller conveyor. On the implemented device, it is possible to determine in laboratory conditions the amount of resistance to the movement of the load on the driven roller conveyor depending on the weight of the load. The paper presents measured values of the shear friction coefficient during the movement of a steel storage box on a driven roller track. In this paper, a driven roller track is used for laboratory tests, where the drive of the rollers is implemented by so-called short chains. In addition to horizontal tracks, this chain drive allows you to drive rising tracks with variable gradients or even rising curved tracks.
Analysis of the cold recycling asphalt pavements method from Romania
Authors: Forton Andrei , Stirb Adelin , Marc Paul
Published: May 2024

The present paper presents a documentation on the realization of the dosages from recycled mixtures, highlighting the change in the test methods regarding the composition and the determination of the physical-mechanical characteristics according to the latest technical regulations. Practically, the structure of the new norm for cold recycled road materials aligns with the new European requirements in accordance with the provisions that the mixtures must meet, but still the problem remains on how to prepare the samples in the laboratory and determine the value of the stiffness modulus of the considered mixture, value which practically in the norm is considered based on good practice. Determining the real value of the stiffness modulus is a decisive factor in the dimensioning of the road structure reinforcement because it can considerably influence the thickness of the layers that make up the resistance structure. Therefore, the paper presents a study on the new methods of making samples in the laboratory and values of the stiffness modulus taken into account when dimensioning the reinforcement of road structures according to the composition of the considered materials.
Artificial neural network approach to predict asphalt mixtures’ stiffness modulus based on testing frequency and temperature
Authors: Baldo Nicola , Rondinella Fabio , Valentin Jan , Król Jan B. , Gajewski Marcin D.
Published: May 2024

To successfully guarantee the proper durability and serviceability of asphalt pavements, it is crucial to investigate asphalt mixtures’ performance and to design an accurate model to predict their mechanical behaviour. In Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) consist of a set of layered and interconnected artificial neurons capable of learning a complex function that maps the input to the target output. This study is specifically aimed at their implementation within the field of pavement engineering. The paper thoroughly discusses the development of an ANN-based methodology capable of predicting the stiffness modulus of an asphalt mixture (AM). The AM under investigation was prepared with spilite aggregate, a 50/70 penetration grade bitumen, and limestone filler. The volumetric properties of each specimen were first determined, and then the sequence of a 4-Point Bending Test was carried out under different conditions. Four testing temperatures (0, 10, 20, 30 °C) and eleven loading frequencies (0.1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50 Hz) were selected to investigate the asphalt mixture's mechanical behaviour. The resulting stiffness moduli represented the output of the designed neural model. Prediction accuracy was evaluated utilizing several goodness-of-fit metrics, and the results of this feasibility study proved to be very encouraging. They are certainly limited to the asphalt mixture under investigation. However, the high level of accuracy suggests that trained on a larger dataset, the developed methodology could allow the AMs’ mechanical behaviour to be predicted without the need to carry out the conventional tests that are usually expensive and time-consuming.
Physicochemical properties of activated sludge ash as an additive in mortars
Authors: Seal Christian , Mery Patrica
Published: May 2024

Wasted activated sludge is a by-product of the treatment of wastewater, that historically been considered a waste and disposed in landfill. This has resulted in the search for alternatives in its disposal and possible reuses of these wastes. This study focuses on the use of activated sludge ashes from wastewater treatment plants as an additive in mortars and the impact on its mechanical resistance. For this purpose, it was determined the physical and chemical properties of the ashes and the mechanical properties of different percentage of ash content used in the fabrication of mortar prisms. The physical-chemical properties were centred in the percentage of ash versus temperature and the pozzolanic characteristics of the ash generated. Therefore, the determination of the ash percentage by thermogravimetric analysis was performed. Two temperatures were employed in the generation of ash (550 ºC and 750 ºC) and measured its pozzolanic characteristics by a rapid determination of pozzolanic activity of materials method. As a result, the ash generated at a higher temperature had a stronger pozzolanic characteristics, than the ash generated at the temperature used for determining volatile content of the sludge. Afterwards, sludge was calcinated in presence of oxygen at 750 ºC, and the ash was used in the manufacture of mortar prisms. Due to the variation in the size of the particles generated in the calcination processed, it was proceeded to separate them into two sizes (mesh sieve Nº 4 and Nº 100). The percentage by weight of the ash employed in the fabrication of the prism were 0%, 5, 10 and 15%. The prisms were tested for flexure and compression at 10, 21 and 28 days, and compared with a standard mortar. With regards of the consistency of the mortar, it was observed that the addition of ash had an impact on this property. The greatest loss of consistency was observed with the 15% of ash content and mesh sieve Nº 4, decreasing by 26%, while the consistency of the mortar with 15% of ash content and mesh sieve Nº 100 decreased up to 16.6%. With regards of the mechanical properties, it was observed that the addition of ash as an additive for mortar, observing an increase in flexural strength of up to 11% at 28 days for the mixture of 10% ash content and mesh sieve Nº 4. In the case of compression, the resistance after 21 days of curing, increased by 82% for additions of 10% and 15% of ashes content for the mesh sieve Nº 100. Therefore, it is possible to use ashes from wasted sludge of activated sludge wastewater treatment plant as an additive in mortars, and this can be employed as an alternative to disposal in landfills.
Seismic analysis of buildings with basements
Authors: Verdugo Julio , Dávila Danilo
Published: May 2024

This research work analyzes how seismic waves affect buildings with basements that are usually studied independently: In surface structures the inertial forces originated by the movement of their base and in subway structures the deformations due to ground motion are considered. The building located in the city of Quito with twelve elevated floors and five subfloors is studied using nonlinear finite element modeling, considering that the subsoil depends on seismic excitations in a dynamic soil-basement-structure set, for which it is modeled together with its geotechnical components. The superstructure is integrated to the infrastructure and a time-history analysis is included with the most representative earthquakes can affect the building. The present investigation has three basic components: seismic, geotechnical, and structural, which are merged by means of specialized 3D structural engineering programs. In the seismic component, local and regional information about tectonic faults within Ecuador is collected; the building is then located on a seismic risk map and the magnitudes, types, and other parameters of the site where the building is located are determined. Using the results of the Earthquake Risk Assessment Project for the city of Quito (TREQ) and the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) database, three relevant seismic events are chosen for the time-history analysis that meet the seismic risk data for the building. For the geotechnical soil component, the geotechnical parameters of the original design of the building foundation, stratigraphy, and characteristics of soil solids, among others, are used. The structural component considers the type of material, geometry, dimensions, joints between elements and others of the original design for both basements and superstructure. The connection of these three components is carried out using Midas Gen and Midas GTS NX. The results of deformations as a function of time are compared with similar standards, studies, and investigations.
Evaluation of the shear strength of residual limestabilized soils from the Antioquian batholith
Authors: Velásquez Germán , Rivera Natalia , Hidalgo Cesar
Published: May 2024

In general, the construction of roads demands the exploitation of high amounts of granular materials, and this generates important economic and environmental impacts. The use of materials from excavations for the construction of fills and embankments is an ideal solution to reduce the exploitation of virgin materials. However, the use of excavation materials may be limited when these materials are fine-grained or have low mechanical specifications. In this sense, soils stabilized with quicklime have become a viable alternative for road construction, reducing the use of quarry materials. Although there are standards and techniques for the use of soils improved with quicklime for pavements, today the process for evaluating these materials for the construction of embankments and fills is not well established. This research presents the evaluation of the resistance behaviour of residual soils resulting from the weathering of the Antioquian Batolito (Antioquia-Colombia) when are subjected to quicklime stabilization. The optimal percentage of quicklime was determined by means of unconfined compression tests for dosages of 1%, 2% and 3%. Direct shear tests were used to study the influence of quicklime in soil properties like cohesion and friction angle in both natural and stabilized soils. The soil studied corresponds to a silty sand (SM). A factorial 2 x 3 experiment design was made to determine the number of tests with density, quicklime percentage and curing temperature as independent variables and unconfined compressive strength (qu) as response variable. A total of 54 unconfined compression tests and 27-seven direct shear tests were conducted. The results showed a significant increase in the strength of the materials treated with quicklime in relation to the natural state. There were increases greater than 100%, 50% and 15% in cohesion, unconfined compression, and friction angle respectively. The larger increment was calculated with 2% and 3% of quicklime dosage. However, due to cost benefits the optimum percentage of quicklime considered was set to 2%.
Laboratory tests of the stability of disinfectants for different quality of water
Authors: Ilavský Ján , Barloková Danka , Munka Karol , Vajíčeková Anna , Matis Alena
Published: May 2024

The last water treatment process is disinfection and it has two purposes. The main purpose of disinfection is to kill or inactivate pathogens. A secondary purpose is to provide a residual disinfectant concentration in drinking water and to prevent microbial growth in water distribution systems. Although most pathogens (99 to 99.9%) are removed by coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration, disinfection is a critical process for protecting the public from waterborne infections. Common disinfectants include chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, chloramines, chlorine dioxide, ozone and ultraviolet radiation. Each disinfection method has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the disadvantages of using sodium hypochlorite, in addition to the formation of disinfection by-products, the stability of the used agent is also important. Laboratory tests of the stability of disinfectants were carried out in drinking water of different quality depending on the pH value, water temperature and total water mineralization at different contact time in water (from 0 to 48 hours). To monitor the stability of disinfectants, chlorine-based disinfectants were selected, namely sodium hypochlorite prepared in the classic way and by electrolysis of brine. The stability of these disinfectants was verified in low-mineralized surface water from the Turček water reservoir, medium mineralized groundwater from the Sihot’ water source and groundwater from a private well in village of Ol’dza with highly mineralized water. Active chlorine doses in the range of 0.28-0.35 mg/L were used to verify the stability of sodium hypochlorite prepared in the classic way in selected drinking waters. When verifying the stability of sodium hypochlorite prepared by electrolysis of brine, doses of active chlorine in the range of 0.25-0.30 mg/L were applied. When verifying the stability of sodium hypochlorite produced by two different methods (chemical process, brine electrolysis), the dependence of the increasing stability of these disinfectants with a decrease in pH value and water temperature was demonstrated. The dependence of chlorine stability is significantly influenced by the water temperature, less so by the pH value of the water. Reaction kinetics of 0th, 1st and 2nd order was studied for better understanding of this process.
Finite element analysis of concrete slab exposed to high velocity pressure wave – simplified vs. smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method
Authors: Jindra Daniel , Hradil Petr , Kala Jiří
Published: May 2024

Many structures are required to sustain the structural resistance also under extreme loading conditions, for example impacts of high-velocity objects (airplane crash into nuclear power plant), impacts of projectiles (defence structures), or while exposed to high velocity pressure wave caused e.g. by explosion of various chemicals in industry, nature gas, or also conventional weapons. Numerical analyses of these phenomena are feasible while utilizing explicit approach of the finite element method (FEM), available in commercially accessible software LS-Dyna. In order to predict the behaviour of the structure properly, advanced nonlinear material models are required to be considered, which are often mathematically described by numerous input parameters. Several approaches to model the exposure to blast load exist, from simplified, where the blast wave is considered as timedependent pressure based on empirical equations, to more advanced ones, where the propagation of the pressure wave itself through the surrounding environment is being modelled Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian, (ALE method), or so called smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, which might be used to model the blast itself. In this paper, FEM analyses of a simply supported concrete slab with basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars exposed to close range explosion of TNT charge are presented. 3D numerical models are analysed utilizing explicit solver of LS-Dyna. Karagozian and Case (K&C) nonlinear material model for concrete is used, which is suitable when high strain rates are present in the quasi brittle materials. Two variants of the blast loads modelling are compared. The simplified empirical approach, which is less demanding on computational power, and feasible for utilization in case of simple structure geometry, and more demanding method using SPH method to model the TNT detonation and interaction with the exposed concrete slab. The results of these numerical analyses are compared with experimental data based on available literature, and properly discussed.
Algorithmic analysis and application of structural tessellation in design and optimization
Authors: Chun Junho , Shi Zai
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the application of structural tessellation in architectural and structural design, where surfaces or spaces are divided into smaller repeating shapes or units to create aesthetic and functional structures. Structural tessellation offers various advantages, including improved stability, increased load-bearing capacity, and enhanced aesthetic appeal. The growing use of digital tools and advanced numerical algorithms has facilitated the creation of complex and intricate tessellations that can be tailored to suit specific project requirements. This research focuses on algorithmic methods for generating tessellations and their utilization in structural engineering and design optimization. Diverse patterns and configurations of tessellation are investigated through mesh generation algorithms, parametric approaches, and pattern gradation and repetitions, with data visualization accomplished using computing scripts and Grasshopper. The tessellation elements are employed to discretize the design domain in structural optimization and create initial patterns. The paper demonstrates the feasibility of proposed frameworks for structural design and application through the examination of various numerical examples. In conclusion, the strategic use of structural tessellation proves to be effective in producing unique and functional structures that seamlessly combine visual appeal with material and resource efficiency.
Functional assessment of longitudinal road evenness by the weighted longitudinal profile (WLP)
Authors: Braun Nora , Ueckermann Andreas , Stöckert Ulrike , Otto Frédéric , Steinauer Bernhard , Schulze Christian
Published: May 2024

Longitudinal evenness is one of the most important quality criteria of roads. Vehicles can be regarded as dynamic systems consisting of masses, springs, hydraulic dampers, anti-roll bar etc. They are governed by mechanical laws, i.e. when passing the road, the systems respond to the unevenness with vertical excitation. The impacts are multifaceted. In addition to effects on road safety, driving comfort and pavement loading, the dynamic forces enhance the vehicle’s resistance to movement and consequently the vehicle’s energy demand. This in turn leads to a higher energy consumption and subsequently to an increase in CO2 emissions in road traffic. Against this background, the quality criteria for longitudinal evenness need to be defined by the mechanical impact on drivers and road construction in order to meet the concerns of road users and public authorities. For the assessment of longitudinal evenness, several indicators are in practice. In many countries, the IRI (International Roughness Index) is used for assessment purposes as well as for acceptance of construction works. However, the IRI depends on the velocity and, strictly speaking, on the mechanical system it represents. In order to overcome these shortcomings, the WLP (Weighted Longitudinal Profile) has been developed. Irregular, periodic and transient manifestations of unevenness can be individually addressed, safely detected and precisely located. It takes into account the entire range of speeds and dynamic properties relevant to road traffic. The paper covers the explanation of the indicator, the relationship to vertical dynamics, the deduction of limiting values and the application to road evenness data. The results are visualized and compared to the conventional approach.
Estimation of the fundamental period of vibration of the dental clinics and the dental classroom of the Catholic University of Cuenca using environmental vibration recordings
Authors: Flores Raúl Salazar , Noboa Juan Maldonado , Noboa Cesar Maldonado
Published: May 2024

In the Faculty of Dentistry of the Catholic University of Cuenca, located in the city of Cuenca, province of Azuay. The lecture hall and the clinics of the faculty are built. These structures were built during 2018 and 2019. Due to the seismic events occurred in recent years, monitoring was carried out to obtain the characterization of the dynamic behaviour. The two structures are formed by a structural system based on structural steel frames (beam-column), the structure for laboratory use has metal columns filled with concrete, while the structure for classroom use has metal columns without concrete filling. The main objective was to obtain the vibration periods experimentally from the recording of environmental vibrations and also to obtain them analytically with mathematical models elaborated in structural analysis programs and environmental vibration tests were performed. The results show that building 1, composed by the dentistry clinic, obtained a vibration period of 0.41 s in X and 0.33 s in Y (Analytical Model); and, in the environmental vibration test it showed a period of 0.46 s in X and, 0.30 in Y. Building 2, composed of the dental faculty classroom, obtained periods of 0.53 s in X and 0.29 s in Y (Analytical Model). While in the environmental vibration studies they gave values of 0.52 s in X and 0.26 in Y.
Schengen railway border of European community and connection points
Authors: Nica Flaviu Ioan
Published: May 2024

The paper aims to study and present the actual railway connections along the West and South Romanian border, being also the East European Community border and Eastern European Community Schengen border, with neighbours Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria. In the introduction of the paper, are presented the two corridors designed in Strategy for Mobility and Transport of European Community: Orient/East – Mediterranean Corridor and Rhine – Danube Corridor, that are passing thru Romania. The second part of the paper is allocated to the punctual railway connections that existed and exists along the western and southern border that are active, can be activated and used as gates and passing points for freight and passengers trains using a high capacity of transport on a green transport infrastructure that is more and more used for all medium long and long routes. Finally, the campaign that Romanian Railway Administrator (CFR S.A) is developing on border points is taken into account.