scholarly journals Novel Applications of Nanoparticles in Nature and Building Materials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juyoung Ha
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Weathering ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Bulk Material ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Weathering Processes ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Novel Applications

Nanoparticles are assemblies of atoms in the size range less than 100 nanometers. At these length scales, the properties of particles may deviate significantly from those of the equivalent bulk material indicating that changes in physical and chemical properties of materials depend on the dimensions of the particle. The presence of mineral nanoparticles has been reported in a range of natural environments. Such nanoparticles can arise from a variety of mechanisms, including chemical weathering processes, precipitation from relatively saturated solutions in hydothermal and acid mine drainage environments, evaporation of aqueous solutions in soils, and biological formation by a variety of different microorganisms. Furthermore, recent increased applications of nanoparticles in different types of industries, including construction and building material manufacturing, have caused prevalent occurrences of different types of synthetic nanoparticles in the environment. In this chapter, a comprehensive reviews on occurrences and observations of naturally and anthropogeniccally generated nanoparticles in the environment and their characterization techniques will be discussed along with directions and suggestions for the future research topics and areas for nanomaterials.

Trace Metal Cycling

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas S. Bianchi
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Trace Metals ◽  
Chemical Weathering ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Plant Root ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Igneous Rocks ◽  
Weathering Processes ◽  
Anthropogenic Loading

Like many other elements, natural background levels of trace elements exist in crustal rocks, such as shales, sandstones, and metamorphic and igneous rocks (Benjamin and Honeyman, 2000). In particular, the majority of trace metals are derived from igneous rocks, simply based on the relative fraction of igneous rocks in comparison with sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in the Earth’s crust. The release of trace metals from crustal sources is largely controlled by the natural forces of physical and chemical weathering of rocks, notwithstanding large-scale anthropogenic disturbances such as mining, construction, and coal burning (release of fly ash). As discussed later in the chapter, adjustments can be made for anthropogenic loading to different ecosystems based on an enrichment factor which compares metal concentrations in the ecosphere to average crustal composition. Biological effects of weathering, such as plant root growth and organic acid release associated with respiration also contribute to these weathering processes. As some trace metals are more volatile than others, release due to volcanic activity represents another source of metals with such properties (e.g., Pb, Cd, As, and Hg). Just as Goldschmidt (1954) grouped elements (e.g., siderophiles, chalcophiles, lithophiles, andatomophiles) based on similarities in geochemical properties, trace metals also represent a group of elements with similar chemical properties. One particularly important distinguishing feature of these elements is their ability to bond reversibly to a broad spectrum of compounds (Benjamin and Honeyman, 2000). Thus, the major inputs of trace metals to estuaries are derived from riverine, atmospheric, and anthropogenic sources. Although trace elements typically occur at concentrations of less than 1 ppb (part per billion) (or μg L−1, also reported in molar units), these elements are important in estuaries because of their toxic effects, as well as their importance as micronutrients for many organisms. The fate and transport of trace elements in estuaries are controlled by a variety of factors ranging from redox, ionic strength, abundance of adsorbing surfaces, and pH, just to name a few (Wen et al., 1999).

scholarly journals Application of modified red mud in environmentally-benign applications: A review paper

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 795-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collin G. Joseph ◽  
Yun Hin Taufiq-Yap ◽  
Vigneswar Krishnan ◽  
Gianluca Li Puma
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Red Mud ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Waste Product ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Glass Ceramics ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Environmentally Benign ◽  
Novel Applications

Red mud (RM) is a waste product that results from bauxite refining via the Bayer process. Its disposal remains an issue which raises significant environmental concerns, particularly if disposed on land or water bodies. Much research has been done on the use of red mud for environmentally-benign applications such as wastewater treatment, catalysis, the production of construction materials and glass ceramics, and for the recovery of metals. This paper reviews the current efforts made in the utilization of red mud as a valuable industrial by-product, which in turn should minimize its harmful impact on the environment. This detailed review compiles and highlights a variety of novel applications of modified red mud as a coagulant, an adsorbent for wastewater treatment, as well as, its use in catalytic processes and in building materials. The physico-chemical properties of red mud can be tuned by a range of treatment methods include acidification, neutralization and heat treatment. As revealed from the literature reviewed, modifications on red mud for the removal of various types of contaminants have shown promising results. However, further amendment and modifications on red mud are needed to utilize this industrial waste in many other industrial applications.

Scanning electron microscopy of asbestos-containing material where the asbestos fibers are considered locked in a binder

1993 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 472-473
Author(s):  
J. R. Millette ◽  
R. S. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
The United States ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Asbestos Fibers ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Binder Material ◽  
Scanning Electron

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled as “friable” those building materials that are likely to readily release fibers. Friable materials when dry, can easily be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder using hand pressure. Other asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) where the asbestos fibers are in a matrix of cement or bituminous or resinous binders are considered non-friable. However, when subjected to sanding, grinding, cutting or other forms of abrasion, these non-friable materials are to be treated as friable asbestos material. There has been a hypothesis that all raw asbestos fibers are encapsulated in solvents and binders and are not released as individual fibers if the material is cut or abraded. Examination of a number of different types of non-friable materials under the SEM show that after cutting or abrasion, tuffs or bundles of fibers are evident on the surfaces of the materials. When these tuffs or bundles are examined, they are shown to contain asbestos fibers which are free from binder material. These free fibers may be released into the air upon further cutting or abrasion.

Overview of Subsynchronous Oscillation in Grid-connected Wind Farm

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 969-979
Author(s):  
Xu Pei-Zhen ◽  
Lu Yong-Geng ◽  
Cao Xi-Min
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Induction Generator ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Subsynchronous Oscillation ◽  
Different Types

Background: Over the past few years, the subsynchronous oscillation (SSO) caused by the grid-connected wind farm had a bad influence on the stable operation of the system and has now become a bottleneck factor restricting the efficient utilization of wind power. How to mitigate and suppress the phenomenon of SSO of wind farms has become the focus of power system research. Methods: This paper first analyzes the SSO of different types of wind turbines, including squirrelcage induction generator based wind turbine (SCIG-WT), permanent magnet synchronous generator- based wind turbine (PMSG-WT), and doubly-fed induction generator based wind turbine (DFIG-WT). Then, the mechanisms of different types of SSO are proposed with the aim to better understand SSO in large-scale wind integrated power systems, and the main analytical methods suitable for studying the SSO of wind farms are summarized. Results: On the basis of results, using additional damping control suppression methods to solve SSO caused by the flexible power transmission devices and the wind turbine converter is recommended. Conclusion: The current development direction of the SSO of large-scale wind farm grid-connected systems is summarized and the current challenges and recommendations for future research and development are discussed.

Antecedents and Consequences of Gossip in Work Groups

2019 ◽  
pp. 416-434
Author(s):  
Bianca Beersma ◽  
Gerben A. van Kleef ◽  
Maria T. M. Dijkstra
Keyword(s):  
Social Order ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Work Groups ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Group Norms ◽  
Group Effectiveness ◽  
Interpersonal Aggression ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences

This chapter provides an overview of the antecedents and consequences of gossip in work groups. First, the chapter reviews the different motives for gossip in work groups (i.e., bonding, entertainment, emotional venting, information exchange, maintenance of group norms/social order, and interpersonal aggression) and links each motive to psychological theory. Second, the chapter reviews the different types of influence that gossip can have on various indicators of group effectiveness. Reflecting on the motives underlying gossip in work groups, as well as on its outcomes, it argues that future research should start integrating the diverse insights provided by earlier research on both gossip motives and outcomes, and it provides a number of suggestions for doing so.

scholarly journals Advantages and potential challenges of data management in e-maintenance

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arian Razmi-Farooji ◽  
Hanna Kropsu-Vehkaperä ◽  
Janne Härkönen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Maintenance Systems ◽  
Industry Leader ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to understand data management challenges in e-maintenance systems from a holistically viewpoint through summarizing the earlier scattered research in the field, and second, to present a conceptual approach for addressing these challenges in practice. Design/methodology/approach The study is realized as a combination of a literature review and by the means of analyzing the practices on an industry leader in manufacturing and maintenance services. Findings This research provides a general understanding over data management challenges in e-maintenance and summarizes their associated proposed solutions. In addition, this paper lists and exemplifies different types and sources of data which can be collected in e-maintenance, across different organizational levels. Analyzing the data management practices of an e-maintenance industry leader provides a conceptual approach to address identified challenges in practice. Research limitations/implications Since this paper is based on studying the practices of a single company, it might be limited to generalize the results. Future research topics can focus on each of mentioned data management challenges and also validate the applicability of presented model in other companies and industries. Practical implications Understanding the e-maintenance-related challenges helps maintenance managers and other involved stakeholders in e-maintenance systems to better solve the challenges. Originality/value The so-far literature on e-maintenance has been studied with narrow focus to data and data management in e-maintenance appears as one of the less studied topics in the literature. This research paper contributes to e-maintenance by highlighting the deficiencies of the discussion surrounding the perspectives of data management in e-maintenance by studying all common data management challenges and listing different types of data which need to be acquired in e-maintenance systems.

scholarly journals The Socioeconomic Welfare of Urban Green Areas and Parks; A Literature Review of Available Evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7863
Author(s):  
Antonios Kolimenakis ◽  
Alexandra D. Solomou ◽  
Nikolaos Proutsos ◽  
Evangelia V. Avramidou ◽  
Evangelia Korakaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Urban Policy ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Urban Green Areas ◽  
Green Areas

Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and natural environments best illustrated by their interdependence and interconnection in urban spaces. Urban green areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of citizens. The present study aimed to investigate those multiple benefits for citizens that arise through the existence of urban green areas, as well as important policy dimensions that should be considered when designing the expansion of urban green spaces in urban development. The study was based on a literature review to examine for available evidence on the benefit levels derived by the existence of urban green areas. An extended literature review was followed by a structured review, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which partly followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted in two databases, and a total of 1674 articles and abstracts were identified through the database searches. After removing 114 duplicates, 1560 records were initially screened based on title and abstract. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were incorporated in the structured review and a total of 47 in the extended review. The extended literature review identified 33 additional articles examining aspects of benefits that did not fall under the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the structured review, such as health benefits and other social parameters associated with urban green spaces. The selected studies were allocated in five principal groups according to study types: three of the them consisted of studies employing “willingness to pay” (WTP) methods, five were based on property values, two studies assigned monetary values, while another two assigned CO2 values, and, finally, two studies were based on qualitative criteria. The results indicated benefits to citizens and increased welfare levels gained by the existence of urban green areas. The conducted review revealed a number of findings and recommendations that could direct future research and urban policy. Those hints could assist local authorities as well as stakeholders in order to measure and assess the benefits of green spaces and urban parks and promote measures and programs to assist their further deployment.

scholarly journals Advances in Forest Robotics: A State-of-the-Art Survey

Robotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Luiz F. P. Oliveira ◽  
António P. Moreira ◽  
Manuel F. Silva
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Navigation Systems ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Environmental Preservation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Forest Exploitation ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Great Relevance ◽  
Robotic Applications

The development of robotic systems to operate in forest environments is of great relevance for the public and private sectors. In this sense, this article reviews several scientific papers, research projects and commercial products related to robotic applications for environmental preservation, monitoring, wildfire firefighting, inventory operations, planting, pruning and harvesting. After conducting critical analysis, the main characteristics observed were: (a) the locomotion system is directly affected by the type of environmental monitoring to be performed; (b) different reasons for pruning result in different locomotion and cutting systems; (c) each type of forest, in each season and each type of soil can directly interfere with the navigation technique used; and (d) the integration of the concept of swarm of robots with robots of different types of locomotion systems (land, air or sea) can compensate for the time of executing tasks in unstructured environments. Two major areas are proposed for future research works: Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart forest and navigation systems. It is expected that, with the various characteristics exposed in this paper, the current robotic forest systems will be improved, so that forest exploitation becomes more efficient and sustainable.

scholarly journals The Effects of Urban Natural Environments on Preference and Self-Reported Psychological Restoration of the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 509
Author(s):  
Ling Qiu ◽  
Qujing Chen ◽  
Tian Gao
Keyword(s):  
Green Space ◽  
Environmental Design ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
The World ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Aging Populations

The world is facing the challenge of aging populations. Urban natural environments, including green spaces and blue spaces, have been demonstrated to have great benefits to the mental restoration of the elderly. However, the study of the specific characteristics of urban environments that are popular and the most restorative for the elderly is still lacking. Photo elicitation as visual stimuli was utilized to explore the differences in preference and psychological restoration of the elderly through the perception of the eight perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) in different types of urban environments. The results showed that: (1) The respondents had different perceptions of the eight PSDs in the different urban natural environments. Blue space and partly-closed green space were more preferred by the elderly, and also had more psychological restorative effects on the elderly. (2) There was no significant correlation between the number of highly perceived PSDs and preference, as well as between the number of highly perceived PSDs and psychological restoration. However, there was a significant correlation between preference and psychological restoration. (3) Partly-closed green space with more Serene and Refuge qualities, and blue space with more Serene, Refuge and Prospect properties were optimal characteristics for psychological restoration of the elderly. In addition, open green space with more Prospect, Serene and Social qualities, and closed green space with more Space, Refuge and less Nature properties could also increase psychological restoration of older adults. These findings can provide useful guidelines for restorative environmental design for the elderly in the future.

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