bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of deep sub-barrier heavy-ion fusion hindrance phenomenon for positive and negative Q-value systems using the proximity-type potential
Authors: Gharaei R. , Fuji A. , Azadegan B.
Published: September 2021

A systematic survey of the accurate measurements of heavy-ion fusion cross sections at extreme sub-barrier energies is performed using the coupled-channels (CC) theory that is based on the proximity formalism. This work theoretically explores the role of the surface energy coefficient and energy-dependent nucleus-nucleus proximity potential in the mechanism of the fusion hindrance of 14 typical colliding systems with negative

-values, including 11B+197Au, 12C+198Pt, 16O+208Pb, 28Si+94Mo, 48Ca+96Zr, 28Si+64Ni, 58Ni+58Ni, 60Ni+89Y, 12C+204Pb, 36S+64Ni, 36S+90Zr, 40Ca+90Zr, 40Ca+40Ca, and 48Ca+48Ca, as well as five typical colliding systems with positive

-values, including 12C+30Si, 24Mg+30Si, 28Si+30Si, 36S+48Ca, and 40Ca+48Ca. It is shown that the outcomes based on the proximity potential along with the above-mentioned physical effects achieve reasonable agreement with the experimentally observed data of the fusion cross sections

, astrophysical

factors, and logarithmic derivatives

in the energy region far below the Coulomb barrier. A discussion is also presented on the performance of the present theoretical approach in reproducing the experimental fusion barrier distributions for different colliding systems.
Bubble dynamics in Liquid Hole Multipliers
Authors: Tesi A. , Segre E. , Leardini S. , Breskin A. , Kapishnikov S. , Moleri L. , Vartsky D. , Bressler S.
Published: September 2021

In bubble-assisted Liquid Hole Multipliers (LHM), developed for noble-liquid radiation detectors, the stability of the bubble and the electro-mechanical properties of the liquid-to-gas interface play a dominant role in the detector performance. A model is proposed to evaluate the static equilibrium configurations of a bubble sustained underneath a perforated electrode immersed in a liquid.
For the first time bubbles were optically observed in LAr; their properties were studied in contact with different material surfaces. This permitted investigating the bubble-electrodynamics via numerical simulations; it was shown that the electric field acts as an additional pressure term on the bubble meniscus.
The predictions for the liquid-to-gas interface were successfully validated using X-ray micro-CT in water and in silicone oil at STP. The proposed model and the results of this study are an important milestone towards understanding and optimizing the parameters of LHM-based noble-liquid detectors.
Considerations on failure mechanisms of rock slopes involving toppling
Authors: Alejano L R
Published: September 2021

Probably, the most relevant issue in stability analysis of rock slopes is the correct identification of the potentially occurring failure mechanism, which should be mechanically analyzed to assess stability, later on. Traditional rock slope stability approaches consider planar, wedge, rotational and toppling failure as potential instability mechanisms. Whereas the three first types involve sliding associated to different geometries of the unstable element or mass, toppling often involves also sliding and very complex geometries of multiple elements. In this sense, toppling should be contemplated more like a group of mechanisms than like a simple mechanism such as planar or wedge failure. Toppling could involve moreover one or many blocks. Initial studies classified toppling failure mechanisms in three groups: block, flexural and block-flexural toppling. The stability analysis of rock slopes prone to toppling involves the mechanical analysis of individual slab like blocks, which are considered to present perfect rectangular cross-section. However, the actual shape of these rock elements may not be so regular, so the influence of more realistic irregular shapes is usually not accounted for. In this article, the author will address how some geometry variations may be included in this analysis based on analytical considerations and physical models. Additionally, failure mechanisms observed in rock cuts and open pits often combine toppling with other sliding phenomena in different more or less complex manners. These combined mechanisms involving toppling will be reviewed and some case studies worked out by the author will be presented. Moreover, all along this document, considerations will be put forward regarding the nature of toppling related phenomena where small equilibrium variations may produce a release of a large mechanical energy, which can ultimately produce the destabilization of large slopes or groups of blocks. This suggests that it is wise in these cases to analyze not only the factor of safety, but also the evolution of the potential failure mechanism to understand what is happening and eventually provide sensible and reliable designs or appropriate remedial measures.
Microscopic observations and interpretations of the progressive fracture in Kuru granite under uniaxial compression
Authors: Wan W , Li C C
Published: September 2021

Kuru granite is strong and brittle so that it is prone to strain burst. A series of laboratory tests were carried out to investigate the fracturing process in both pre- and post-peak stages under uniaxial compression. The progressive fracturing in the cylindrical specimens was monitored by acoustic emission (AE) technique. The specimens were loaded to different levels both in pre-peak and post-peak stages. After that, the load was removed and two thin sections, one parallel and the other perpendicular to the loading direction, were prepared from each specimen. The fractures in the specimens were microscopically observed. The geometry of each fracture was quantified by its length, opening and orientation. The results show that noticeable fracture propagation occurs mainly at the stress level above 80% of the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS). In general, intergranular cracks dominate in the whole loading process, but after the peak stress the density of intragranular cracks becomes comparable to the intergranular cracks. The percentage of the intergranular first rises and then drops with an increase in the damage of the material. The variation in the number of intragranular cracks is opposite. The intergranular cracks dominate in the beginning of fracture initiation and during the stage of stable fracture propagation, but the intragranular cracks begin to flourish during the stage of unstable fracture propagation. The propagation of intragranular cracks consumes more energy than intergranular cracks. The fracture propagation in the loading direction becomes dominant with an increase in the damage of the rock and finally the specimen fails in splitting. The microscopic observations reveal the fracturing pattern of the burst-prone rock, which are useful data for the study of the physics of strain burst in rock.
Effect of sloppy sample preparation on results from uniaxial compressive strength tests
Authors: Koelen K , Alber M , Duda M , Backers T
Published: September 2021

The requirements on sample geometry for strength tests are specified in standards and recommendations such as those provided by ASTM, ISRM and DGGT. Various circumstances may lead to deviations from these specifications, e.g., the nature of the rock material, lack of time, economic reasons, underestimation of the importance of precise preparation and inaccurate tools. We investigated the effect of sloppy sample preparation on the experimentally determined Young’s modulus and uniaxial compressive strength in conventional uniaxial compressive strength tests of two rocks, Ruhr sandstone and Solnhofen limestone. Both are known for their high uniaxial compressive strength > 100 MPa and Young’s modulus > 30 GPa. Six end face geometry categories were tested on cylindrical samples with a diameter of 30 mm and a nominal length of 65 mm: (1) two standard end faces with tolerances ± 0.01 mm and ± 0.005 mm, (2) one standard, one inclined end face with inclinations of 0.04°, 0.1°, 0.6° and 1.2°, (3) two inclined end faces with inclinations of 0.04° and 0.6° and three azimuth combinations, (4) two rough end faces, (5) two wedged end faces with wedge angles of 5° and 10°, and (6) two spherical end faces with radii of 35 mm, 40 mm, and 45 mm. At least two samples were tested for one geometry. The strength for standard end face geometries based on seven tests was 171±9 MPa for Ruhr sandstone and 232±38 MPa for Solnhofen limestone. Low tolerance standard end faces showed a slightly better reproducibility than high tolerance standard end faces. The strength of Ruhr sandstone reduced significantly by 61% from 181±20 MPa to 70±7 MPa when the inclination of one end face was increased. For the same geometries, the strength of Solnhofen limestone reduced by 71%. The full ranges of strength and Young’s modulus (excluding spherical geometries which were determined only for Ruhr sandstone) were 27 MPa to 266 MPa and 2 GPa to 48 GPa for Solnhofen limestone, and 70 MPa to 351 MPa and 3 GPa to 41 GPa for Ruhr sandstone. Our results show that low tolerance preparation increases reproducibility, and slight deviations from standard end face geometries and impurities significantly affect experimentally determined Young’s modulus and strength.
A review of the testing approaches in swelling rock conditions at three different institutions
Authors: Selen L. , Panthi K. K.
Published: September 2021

The swelling potential of weak rocks is crucial to assess in stability determinations of tunnels constructed for both infrastructure and hydropower. Among the institutions that are involved with extensive research on swelling rock material, the methodologies applied at three different European institutions are reviewed in this manuscript. XRD analysis and oedometer swelling tests are included as index tests at all three institutions whereby the adopted swelling test methodologies at all three institutions are grounded in the ISRM standards. Different mindsets in how to forecast the challenges related to swelling are, however, reflected in the boundary conditions of test procedures and the internal modifications on the test apparatus, the preparation procedure, and in the choice of specimen size/mass. This manuscript reviews the adopted methodologies and highlights the advantages and drawbacks on the testing approaches used. Two of the institutions rely on a general approach which is standardized, and the results are compared. It is highlighted that, both institutions have modified the ISRM standard and the methodologies represents two unique approaches. Institution 3 have a case-specific approach and no test data were available. However, the described methodology differs from the procedures at Institution 1 and 2. Important differences between the testing procedures are both discussed and exemplified by comparing the test results obtained from duplicate samples at two of the institutions.
Mineralogical control on the intact strength of schist in Central Otago, New Zealand
Authors: Ridl R N , Villenueve M C , Bell D H , Macfarlane D F
Published: September 2021

Schist is highly variable in terms of intact strength, mineralogical composition and structure due to the provenance of parent rock and metamorphic conditions during formation. This paper explores the mineralogical and structural control on the intact strength properties of schist. The analysis is initially based on laboratory tests (compressional and petrographic analysis) carried out on quartz-mica schist specimens taken from Central Otago in New Zealand, and is subsequently compared to international experimental studies on schist. The results show that the foliated fabric produces directionally dependent strength anisotropy which shifts with compressional confinement exceeding 10 MPa. Furthermore, the significant variability of intact strength data of up to 48 MPa for the same loading orientation can be constrained if the mineralogical composition and degree of mineral segregation are considered. Review of the petrography of the schist shows that the relative melanocratic (mica, biotite) and leucocratic (quartz, feldspar, calcite, epidote) content of the schist strongly controls its strength due to failure mechanisms associated with the crystal lattice structure. The study results highlight the importance of detailed mineralogical estimates and descriptions of mineralogical segregation during mapping and borehole profiling.
Hydromechanical rock mass characterization using discrete fracture network models – a case study based on terrestrial laser scanning and rock mechanical testing
Authors: Gottron D , Henk A
Published: September 2021

Understanding the anisotropic hydraulic and mechanical properties of fractured rock masses is of great importance for a safe and optimal utilisation of the subsurface. Two sandstone quarries are utilized to obtain fracture network characteristics by Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) producing 3d point cloud data. Semiautomatic analysis of the point clouds provides the probability density functions for each of the fracture parameters used as stochastic input for a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model. Rock mechanical laboratory tests are carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the intact rock and fractures. These parameters are then combined in the DFN model to calculate spatially variable tensors for permeability, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Thereby, the spatial resolution of the tensor description is adapted to the grid size which can be used in further hydromechanical models. The approach allows to populate these models with more realistic parameters which incorporate also the effect of fractures on the rock mass behaviour. Obtained results are subsequently compared with conventional engineering rock mass classifications. The applied workflow allows for upscaling of rock properties determined in the laboratory to the anisotropic rock mass properties required for further hydromechanical modelling on larger scales, e.g., the reservoir scale.
Classification of natural and engineered rock slopes using UAV photogrammetry for assessing stability
Authors: Bar N , Borgatti L , Donati D , Francioni M , Salvini R , Ghirotti M
Published: September 2021

Ground failure on natural and engineered rock slopes is a geological hazard with potentially fatal consequences to the public or personnel in the mining industry. Aerial reconnaissance with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is rapidly becoming standard practice for geotechnical and engineering geological site investigations, enabling faster and safer data collection on slopes, which are often difficult to access on foot. Data obtained from aerial reconnaissance alongside conventional field investigations assist in the development of an engineering geological model that can form the basis of various stability analyses including kinematic, limit equilibrium and finite element analyses, and even rock fall simulations. This paper presents two case studies in which remote reconnaissance is used as an initial method of site investigation to classify natural and engineered rock slopes. The case studies from San Leo in Italy and an open pit mine in the Caribbean are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques for developing a preliminary engineering geological model from which stability analyses can be derived to predict future ground behaviour to assist in managing risks associated with the geological hazard.
Assessment of kinematic rock slope failures in Mudurnu Valley, Turkey
Authors: Arslan Kelam A , Akgun H , Bobet A , Kockar MK
Published: September 2021

Slope instabilities are one of the most frequent natural hazards capable of causing severe failures both at regional and large scales. Mudurnu, which is settled on a steep valley, is affected by regional rock slope instabilities. These instabilities constitute a hazard and create an important risk to the community since they threaten human lives, settlement areas, and historically-important structures. In order to minimize the hazard and risk associated with slope instabilities, rock masses along the valley were characterized and the potential failure mechanisms were defined. The west side of the valley, which is the focus of the research, is characterized by Cretaceous pelagic discontinuous limestone, and is prone to complex failures. The aim of the study is to characterize the rock mass along the valley, divide the area into geomechanically-uniform sectors, define possible modes of failure (kinematics) and ultimately quantify the potential failure (kinetics) and the associated risk. For the study, in addition to the field work and scan-line survey measurements, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was utilized to collect high-resolution images from problematic locations that were not accessible. Then, a point cloud of the area was generated. The images were interpreted and the resulting structural representation of the rock mass was compared with information gathered from the scan-line survey in the field. Afterwards, it was used to identify the possible modes of failure along the valley. Since seismic activity in the area is significant due to the proximity of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ), which is the most active fault system in Turkey, dynamic loading was also considered for the stability analyses.
3D Numerical Analysis for Rock Support Design of an Underground Powerhouse Cavern in Complex Geological Conditions
Authors: Yildiz E , Thermann K , Kamuf I
Published: September 2021

A new underground powerhouse that combines a run-of river scheme with a pumped storage scheme is planned in course of the Renewal of Forbach HPP in Germany. The powerhouse cavern is designed to have a maximum span and height of 18.9 and 42 m, and a total length of 123 m. The rock mass conditions were found favourable in general. However, comprehensive investigations revealed weakness planes crossing the cavern. The support system was determined by joint evaluation of empirical methods, wedge analysis and the 2-D finite element analyses. Due to the complicated geometry of the cavern and the orientation of the weakness planes, the effect of weakness zones on the stability and deformations could not be evaluated by only 2-D analyses. Implementing an additional 3-D analysis and comparison of the results with the common 2-D approach allowed a more realistic assessment of the rock behaviour, especially under the existence of the weakness zones through the cavern. A very detailed 3-D finite element model for the whole cavern is still not practical, so a relatively larger mesh was adopted. Nevertheless, a reduced model for a limited part of the cavern was also analysed by using a finer mesh. Obtained results were similar indicating the suitability of the adopted numerical models for the rock support assessment. The deformations and the size of the plastic zones were identified as significantly larger for weakness zones passing through the cavern. For these intersection areas additional rock support measures including pre-stressed anchors were therefore planned.
A simple tool for forecasting the mechanical response of anchored wire mesh panels
Authors: Pol Antonio , Gabrieli Fabio , Bost Marion
Published: September 2021

Anchored wire meshes are applied worldwide as protective structures against rockfall. The mechanical performance of a wire mesh is evaluated through laboratory tests, but these are generally not representative of the field conditions. This paper presents a simple tool to predict the force-displacement response of an anchored mesh panel to an out-of-plane load, extending the experimental standard punch test characteristic values (ISO 17745, ISO 17746, UNI 11437) to field conditions. Discrete element simulations are used to provide analytical relations that account for the effect of the different problem’s variables on the ultimate resistance and maximum deflection of a mesh panel. The numerical results are subsequently used to define a master curve permitting the force-displacement response of a generic anchored mesh panel to be forecasted. Finally, the master curve is validated against ex-post simulations, and practical implications are discussed.
A consistent framework for coupling modern reservoir flow simulator with mechanics
Authors: Ferrari A. , Pizzolato A. , Petroselli S. , Monaco S. , Ottaviani D.
Published: September 2021

This work presents a numerical framework, for the analysis of coupled fluid and geomechanical processes related to subsurface operations, built upon ABAQUS of SIMULIA, an industrial-standard software for mechanical analysis, and Echelon, a GPU-based reservoir simulator. By using porosity updates, the proposed framework can address both the impact of pore pressure changes on rock compaction as well as the the feedback of skeleton deformations on multiphase flow. Our solution is validated by means of various test cases. The results agree with analytical and reference solutions, showing that the proposed implementation of the iterative algorithm correctly accounts for strong coupling between mechanics and flow in porous media.
The stress distribution around the mining excavations under different tectonic loads
Authors: Semenova IE , Kulkova M S
Published: September 2021

The article studies the fatures of stress distribution around the mining excavations under different tectonic loads on the case study of the Zhdanovskoe copper-nickel ore deposit, Murmansk region, Russia. The deposit is located in the Arctic zone on the Russia-Norway state boundary and is excavated by the Severny underground mine using simultaneously the sublevel caving and the open stoping methods. The combination of these mining methods in the same area affects the geomechanical conditions; moreover, the highest level of stresses is identified between the opposing excavation fronts. The deepening of mining increases the geodynamic risks caused by the stress state in the rock mass. In this regard, the study of the Zhdanovskoe deposit rock mass stress state and its transformation due to the mining progress is urgent. To address the issues a numerical geomechanical 3D model was created. To specify the correct boundary conditions, the results of the in-situ measurements were compared to visual observation results. To achieve the most accurate result, the direction and ratio of the tectonic loads were varied and the results were analyzed. The authors have analysed the modelling results in the form of the stresses and deformations distribution in the area around the excavations under different directions of tectonic loads. Based on this analysis, the authors have substantiated a relevant variant of direction of tectonic forces relatively the ore body strike. The results have been applied to forecast the changes in perspective stress-strain state during the mining progress.
Empirical Models for Estimating Performance and Operational Parameters of Raise Boring Machine in Mining Applications
Authors: Yagiz S , Shaterpour-Mamaghani A , Yazitova A , Yermukhanbetov K , Dogan E , Erdogan T , Copur H
Published: September 2021

Raise boring machines (RBMs) are commonly utilized for drilling of shaft and other inclined structures in mining and civil applications. This paper aim to introduce several empirical equations to estimate the performance and operational parameters of RBMs. For the aim, datasets having rock properties including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), brittleness (BI), rock quality designation (RQD), elastic modules (E) and Poisson ratio (v); and also RBMs operational parameters including Instantaneous penetration rate (IPR), Specific Energy (SE), Pushing Force (Fpush), reamerhead power (Pw) and rotational speed (RPM), were established from published case studies. After that, re-established dataset was utilized to develop multiple regression models to predict the performance and operational parameters of RBM. It is found that IPR, SE, Fpush, Pw and RPM could be estimated using several alternative rock properties with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.77 to 0.95. Based on utilized dataset, it is also concluded that RQD and BI are the most common rock properties for estimating the performance and operational parameters of RBMs.
The role of numerical analysis in the study of the behaviour of hard-rock pillars
Authors: Elmo D. , Cammarata G. , Brasile S.
Published: September 2021

Rock pillars can be defined as the in-situ rock between two or more underground openings. However, one aspect that is seldom considered in analysis of hard rock pillars, and indirectly in synthetic rock mass models to determine rock mass strength, is the actual stress level and stress path imposed on the pillar due to the excavation sequence and the location of the pillars within the mine lay out. In this paper we propose to use numerical stress analysis to determine how stresses vary across the excavated pillars in a typical room-and-pillar mine lay out, and thus generate a spatially variable determination of pillar stability. Because of the computational difficulty associated with hybrid modelling of realistic discrete fracture networks, synthetic rock mass modelling is commonly carried out using a 2D approach. By comparing 3D and 2D results for selected cross-sections across, we believe the results of the analysis will provide the opportunity to better constrain the stability implications of a 2D approach to pillar design and synthetic rock mass modelling.
Monitoring slope stability based on factor of safety estimated by back analysis of measured displacements
Authors: Shoji Y. , Takabatake M. , Suzuki H. , Shimizu N.
Published: September 2021

Field monitoring is essential for assessing the stability of natural as well as well-designed slopes to confirm the validity of the design. Many instruments and systems are available for monitoring the slope behavior. Interpretation of the monitoring results for assessing the stability of slopes is an important task. Displacements are usually plotted versus time, and their transition and rate of increase are observed and compared with the criteria. This is a common and useful practice, but it is based on an empirical method. Therefore, a method for assessing the stability of slopes on the basis of rock mechanics is required. This paper outlines a back analysis method originally proposed by Sakurai in 1987 to estimate the factor of safety from the measured displacements. Two case studies are demonstrated to confirm the validity of the method. By applying the back analysis method to natural and well-designed slopes, the time transition of the factor of safety can be estimated from the measured displacements. The applicability and limitations of the method are also discussed.
Digital terrestrial photogrammetry for a dense monitoring of the surficial displacements of a landslide
Authors: Brezzi L , Vallisari D , Carraro E , Teza G , Pol A , Liang Z , Zhou K , Gabrieli F , Cola S , Galgaro A
Published: September 2021

A new method for measuring spatially dense surface displacements of a landslide at daily intervals and over a long period of time is here presented. The method allows the evaluation of displacements based on a digital image correlation technique applied to a temporal sequence of photos, daily captured by one or more fixed cameras. In comparison to other topographical method this new procedure has a lower accuracy, but provides distributed daily measurements, spatially very dense over the entire landslide area. The multi-view configuration also allows the reconstruction and the update of the 3D surface of the landslide. This work presents some preliminary results obtained by applying this innovative technique to a complex landslide located in the municipality of Perarolo di Cadore (NE Italy), also known as Sant’Andrea landslide. The landslide is characterized by active slow movements involving detrital deposits, about 30 m thick, overlying gypsum-anhydrite rocks. Its activity is strongly correlated to both heavy and long-lasting rain events and to its particular geological conditions. Recently, the alternating phases characterized by slow movements and significant accelerations led to a progressive enlargement of the affected area. Three cameras installed on a stable slope facing the landslide allow to record the intermittent activity and the peculiar behaviour of different parts of the slope. The displacements thus obtained are also compared with those deriving from conventional techniques. Finally, the accuracy of this new method is discussed.
InSARTrac: a novel approach for remote acquisition of 3D slope displacement vectors
Authors: Zambanini C , Kieffer D S , Lienhart W , Woschitz H
Published: September 2021

The recent advent of terrestrial interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) has greatly enhanced the ability of monitoring slope deformation. However, the displacements obtained are one-dimensional, offering little insight into the underlying deformation mechanism. This study summarizes an approach for obtaining three-dimensional slope displacement vectors through the integration of InSAR and two-dimensional image feature tracking (FT) technologies. The method, referred to as InSARTrac, uses a single digital camera oriented in the InSAR line of sight (LOS) generating time-lapse imagery, from which FT extracts (sub-) pixel shifts of pixel clusters. The 1D LOS InSAR measurements are vectorially combined with the 2D normal to the LOS FT measurements to obtain the 3D displacement vector. Bench-scale target displacement tests using a high precision translation for displacement and reference gave a 3D accuracy of 0.05 mm at a distance of 13 m, which corresponds to 1.3 mm at 500 m, assuming linear behaviour. These initial results indicate that InSARTrac can provide a reliable means for obtaining accurate 3D slope displacement vectors remotely and without the use of reflectors. Current studies are focused on implementing InSARTrac in a number of different field environments to investigate outdoor measurement accuracy and the range of potential applications.
Preventing failure of the anchoring system in underground coal mines
Authors: Chen H , Ramandi H.L , Crosky A , Saydam S
Published: September 2021

Cable bolts are commonly used as anchoring element in many underground mines. Reports on the premature failure of cable bolts in underground coal mines due to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) have been increasing in the past two decades. The previous studies found that the diffusion of atomic hydrogen into steel causes the SCC in cable bolts, which is known as hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking (HISCC). While the research on the mechanism of the HISCC in underground mines needs to be continued, it is essential to develop prevention measures to avoid such a failure. In this study, a variety of prevention measures that claim to prevent corrosion of steel were examined. Specifically, barrier coating, i.e., polymer, epoxy coating, as well as the sacrificial coating, i.e., hot-dip galvanising, methods were tested. Testing specimens were made by inserting loading pins between locked cable bolt king wires (coated) to simulate the in-situ stress condition. Cable bolt specimens were then fully immersed into a hydrogen sulphide solution to determine their resistance against HISCC. The test results showed that all the coatings had delayed the failure in varying degrees, but very few have significantly extended the time to fracturing. The polymer and epoxy coatings have become breached during the testing, and the failure occurred shortly after. The galvanised coating was dissolved in the testing solution and again allowed access of the solution to the steel surface, and subsequently resulted in failure. This indicates that these coatings can be potentially applied to prevent SCC failure; however, their impacts on the performance of bolts, such as their bonding with grout and bolt, still need to be considered.
Assessment of Kelantan River water quality using water quality index (WQI)
Authors: Radin Nizar F S , Mohd Ghazi R , Awang N R , Muhammad M
Published: September 2021

Kelantan River is the main river in Kelantan, and it has been used for water sources for irrigation, small-scale fishing industries, transportation, and sand mining. WQI is a comprehensive method for displaying water quality status and achieving good water quality. This study is aims to identify the significant difference in water quality index (WQI) parameters and the correlation between WQI parameters in urban, suburban, and residential area along the Kelantan River from 2015 until 2019. Water quality stations in urban, suburban, and residential areas were selected with facilitation of ArcMap 10.0 software. In this study, Kota Bharu represented urban area, Kuala Krai represented suburban area and Tanah Merah represented residential area. The significant difference between WQI value with different stations were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Meanwhile the correlation between WQI parameters were determined using Pearson correlation. From this research, there is no significant difference in water quality between urban, suburban, and residential areas along Kelantan River. The correlation of water quality parameters varies between locations which indicates different water pollution contributors except correlation between biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH and ammoniacal nitrogen (AN), and total suspended solid (TSS) and WQI. WQI in urban, suburban, and residential areas were classified in Class II from 2015 until 2019 except WQI in residential area in 2019 which was classified in Class III. This study will provide scientific reference for future use to protect local aquatic environment in Kelantan River and can be used to manage the river basin development in future.
Optimizations and artificial neural network validation studies for naphthalene and phenanthrene adsorption onto NH2-UiO-66(Zr) metal-organic framework
Authors: Zango Z U , Jumbri K , Zaid H F M , Sambudi N S , Matmin J
Published: September 2021

Adsorptive removal of naphthalene (NAP) and phenanthrene (PHE) was reported using NH2-UiO-66(Zr) metal-organic frameworks. The process was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD). The fitting of the model was described by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significant Fischer test (F-value) of 85.46 and 30.56 for NAP and PHE, respectively. Validation of the adsorption process was performed by artificial neural network (ANN), achieving good prediction performance at node 6 for both NAP and PHE with good agreement between the actual and predicted ANN adsorption efficiencies. The good reusability of the MOF was discovered for 7 consecutive cycles and achieving adsorption efficiency of 89.1 and 87.2% for the NAP and PHE, respectively. The performance of the MOF in a binary adsorption system was also analyzed and the adsorption efficiency achieved was 97.7 and 96.9% for the NAP and PHE, respectively.
Geoheritage Values Assessment in Aring, Gua Musang, Kelantan
Authors: Sulaiman N , Udin W S , Shafiee N S , Ismail R
Published: September 2021

The study conducted in the Aring area, with the latitude of 4° 51’ 00” N to 4° 58’ 17” N and longitude of 102° 19’ 24” E to 102° 24’ 40” E. Three geological formations existed in this area, namely the Aring Formation, Telong Formation and Koh Formation. The lithology of the Aring Formation includes volcanic rocks such as lapilli tuff, andesite, autobreccia. Other than volcanic, the Aring Formation also consists of limestone, sandstone, and shale. Roughly similar to Aring Formation, the Telong Formation in this area is comprised of Mudstone Unit I, which consists of mudstone, carbonaceous shale, sandstone and tuffaceous mudstone. Koh Formation, however, has quite distinguished lithology and only comprised of sedimentary rocks. The lithology includes conglomerate, sandstone, shale, chert and Mudstone Unit II; carbonaceous lime mudstone and mudstone. Six fossil phyla, namely Echinodermata, Brachiopoda, Cnidaria, Antropoda, Porifera, Mollusca and unidentified trace fossils, were observed in the study as strong evidence of the paleoenvironment of the Aring area. In terms of geoheritage, the fossil occurrences in Aring were determined as regionally significant and essential for that area’s regional geology. Fossil is not significant and rare or unique occurrences to classify the fossil occurrences as high rank for geoheritage value. The development of fossil sites over this area can be considered only for educational and scientific purposes. Although fossils were found to be diversely distributed in several locations at Aring, Gua Musang, Kelantan, the levels of significance and value of Total Heritage Value were not high enough to acknowledge the fossils in Aring as a geoheritage potential site.
Monitoring physiological and chemical response of lichen in free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) station
Authors: Abas A
Published: September 2021

The elevation of CO2 will bring forth several effects on the plant’s growth especially the physiological traits and chemical responses. However, there is lacking knowledge on how the elevation on CO2 will affect lichen physiology and chemical response. Therefore, this study aims to study the physiological changes in lichen in FACE Station and to analyze the chemical profile changes of lichen in FACE Station. This study has been conducted in FACE Station at Jengka, Pahang. A total of 20 sampling trees have been selected and epiphytic lichen have been collected from the selected trees. In this study, there are three (3) sampling and experimental approaches;’) Sample collection from control and FACE station; 2) Analyzing sample in the laboratory (physiological and chemical response) and 3) statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney U test) will be used for testing the relationship between parameters and sampling areas. This study has found only three species of foliicolous lichen from both stations namely a) Byssoloma subdiscordans, b) Eugeniella micrommata and c) Sporopodium flavescens. For the photosynthetic cell efficiency test, the FV/FM ratio shows a significant difference for both stations where all of the three species from FACE Station have lower cell efficiency compare to the Control Station. At the other hand, for the membrane cell integrity analysis, no significant changes were found for the three species from both stations. In term of chemical response, there is no any significant difference on the secondary metabolite from any sample taken from both stations. This study urges that there is slight difference in term of lichen physiology from Face Station and Control Station. This proves that lichen responded towards CO2 elevation and effect their growth simultaneously. In bigger perspective, climate change and global warming will be affecting lichen diversity and growth.
Pondok community participation in sustainable solid waste management practices
Authors: Barudin N A , Abas M A , Hassin N H , Hambali K A , Karim M F A , Fitriani N , Yusoof M R M , Wee S T
Published: September 2021

This study is focusing on Pondok community participation in a sustainable solid waste management programme. Besides that, the factors that influence Pondok community participation, such as knowledge and awareness, were explored. This study adopted a stratified sampling technique with 99 respondents from Pondok Pasir Tumboh, Kota Bharu, Kelantan were participating in this study. The data was processed SPSS software with descriptive and inferential analysis. This study revealed that Pondok community has excellent knowledge and awareness regarding sustainable solid waste management practices. However, the exercise of Pondok community in sustainable solid waste management is still moderate. Besides that, this study also found out that the different groups of age, marital status, and education level significantly influence Pondok community’s participation in sustainable solid waste management practices. The findings of this study are crucial in providing the preliminary data of Pondok community readiness and willingness to practice sustainable solid waste management like recycling and composting.
Society 5.0: Green Logistics Consciousness in Enlightening Environmental and Social Sustainability
Authors: Sidek S , Khadri N A M , Hasbolah H , Yaziz M F A , Rosli M M. , Husain N M
Published: September 2021

Currently, there is growing attention towards improving sustainability, including the worldwide agenda in moving towards Society 5.0. Since the formulation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the green logistics issue has been widely recognized as one crucial element to reducing environmental and social impact. Nevertheless, only a few studies in this area were established since the ignorance regarding this issue was immense globally, including in the Malaysian context. This paper intends to examine the relationship of organizational performance consciousness, economic performance consciousness, and environmental performance consciousness towards green logistics consciousness in enlightening environmental and social sustainability in the Malaysian situation. The data of 387 respondents throughout Malaysia were collected using a convenience survey sampling technique. This data was initially analyzed via descriptive, validity, reliability, and normality test using IBM SPSS Statistics. All hypotheses were analysed using the hierarchical regression analysis, which confirmed that organizational performance consciousness, economic performance consciousness, and environmental performance consciousness directly influence green logistics consciousness in Malaysia. This study is significant and crucial for business strategies formulation, predicting and assessing the potential environmental and social impacts of a proposed project, including evaluating alternatives, designing appropriate mitigation, management and monitoring measures via several entities such as government and policymakers.
Water usage for hygiene practices among Tanjong Malim, Perak community during Movement Control Order (MCO) due to Covid-19
Authors: Aweng E R , Siti Maryam M H , Sharifah Aisyah S O , Mohamad Zamzani I , Shukree HS
Published: September 2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Malaysia, via the Ministry of Health and National Safety Council, has imposed the Movement Control Order (MCO). In that order, the Ministry of Health and National Safety Council has given best practices for personal hygiene during the outbreaks to ensure public health precaution among Malaysians. Thus, the objective of this study is to survey the personal hygiene practices among Tanjong Malim, Perak Community During Movement Control Order (MCO) Due to Covid-19. A survey technique with a set of questionnaires was used to collect the required data on 383 respondents. The data were collected using a cross-sectional descriptive study, and percentage were utilised to determine the level of association. The results show that most of Tanjong Malim community practice a good hand washing technique with a mean value of 4.36 and SD = 0.66. They are also practising good personal hygiene by taking a shower immediately after returning home from public places with a mean value of 4.05 and SD = 0.82. They also wash their clothes immediately after returning home from public places (mean value of 3.90, SD = 0.87). On the other hand, the practice of separating clothes during washing is also high, with a mean value of 3.95, SD = 0.93. The personal hygiene attitude, namely washing their hand before and after touching something inside and outside the house, is also high with a mean value of 4.55, SD = 0.7 and 4.67, SD = 0.5, respectively. It is found that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, most of the respondents wash their hands at least twice a day, with a majority of 5 to 7 times a day (51.2%), followed by twice to 4 times a day (21.1%) and more than ten times a day ( 9.9%). However, the practising shower for more than 15 minutes and more than three times per day was low, with a mean value of 2.44, SD = 1.32, and 2.48, SD = 0.98, respectively. Hopefully, the findings of this study can be used by authorities as a basis to craft new guidelines for hygienic practices during the virus pandemic outbreak.
Spatial and temporal changes of urban forest in Jeli, Kelantan
Authors: Baharudin N Z , Nor A N M , Nawawi S A , Aziz H A , Jamil R M , Ibrahim N , Rafaai N H
Published: September 2021

The rapid growth of urban development in a country affects vegetation and ecosystem area. Nowadays, Jeli was facing the fact of losing its forest cover that had been a substitute with other purposes such as plantation and development. Therefore, this study was conducted to classify the land use change of Jeli and analyze the urban forest changes of Jeli in year 1994, 2006 and 2018. In this study, three satellite images of the study area in year 1994, 2006 and 2018 were processed and analyzed using Remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS). The landscape patterns were analyzed using landscape metrics that were calculated by FRAGSTATS software. The analysis showed that the largest patch index (LPI) of Jeli in 2006 is higher, with 66.32% compared to the year 1994 (60.86%) and 2018 (65.44%). The mean patch area (MPA) decreases throughout the year with 5.96 ha, 4.27 ha and 3.97 ha, respectively. The higher of LPI and increase of MPS indicating that the patches is become fragmented. Moreover, the Euclidean nearest neighbor (ENN) value increased from year 2006 to year 2018, from 93.91 m to 109.42 m indicating that the distance patches is increased. The ANOVA test conducted within ENN and AREA’s value shows that the ENN value of year 1994 is more significant (p < 0.05) compared to year 2006 and 2018. Oppositely, the AREA’s value was found significant for year 2006 and 2018. The results show that the green cover class was increased through years due to the changes of land use purpose where the land use such as vegetation and cleared land classes were replaced with green cover. The outcomes from this study can be used to construct and improve a new and existing landscape planning by the decision-makers, stakeholders and sustainable planners.
Cellulose triacetate Polymer Inclusion Membrane (PIM) for dye removal
Authors: Abdul-Halim N S , Idris N S U , Tou Y G
Published: September 2021

In this study, polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) made from cellulose triacetate (CTA) and Aliquat 336 is used to extract congo red from aqueous solution. Important parameters such as Aliquat 336 concentration (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt. %), pH of extraction solution (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10), concentration of congo red (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ppm), temperature (27, 30, 40, 50 and 60°C) and stirring speed (150, 200, 250,300 and 350 rpm) were studied in order to optimize the extraction capacity. The CTA-PIMs was also characterized by Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in order to determine the functional group and the morphological structure of the PIMs respectively. From this study, 87% of Congo red was successfully removed after 24 hours by using CTA-PIM with 50 wt.% Aliquat 336. The optimum condition was found to be at pH 2, with temperature and stirring speed of 30 °C and 150 rpm respectively.
Notes on Araceae in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Zulhazman H , Abas M A , Norhazlini M Z , Norzielawati S , Boyce P C
Published: September 2021

Araceae is recognized as keladi hutan or ubi keladi to the local community in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to provide an update checklist and description on ecology of Araceae in Lojing Highlands, Gua Musang, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. The survey was applied the random sampling technique. The result shows that a total of 25 species from 15 genera of Araceae were revealed from the area. This figure constitutes about 17.9% out of 140 species and 53.6% of the 28 genera of Araceae documented in Peninsular Malaysia. Most of them, 23 species or 92.0% are common in tropical rainforest. However, two species which considered as rare, these are Alocasia inornata Hallier f and Arisaema anomalum Hemsl.