Improving the technology of rolling rail steels by a comprehensive optimization parameter

The authors have developed a technique for improving the rolling modes of rail steels based on a complex optimization parameter. The technology of rolling rail profiles in the roughing stands of rail-and-structural steel mills and the technology of rolling ball blanks and grinding balls from the rejection of continuously cast blanks of rail steels are selected as the methodology objects. The generalized optimization parameter is the generalized Harrington desirability function, which depends on the partial desirability indicators according to the criteria of energy efficiency, quality of rolled products, material conservation and mill productivity. The share of influence of the listed partial optimization criteria on the generalized desirability function is taken into account by using weighting coefficients. Justification of the coefficient values is based on the results of a comparative analysis of reserves for reducing costs or losses in value terms. An algorithm for applying the technique has been developed. The analysis and generalization of the available initial data and additional research were carried out as a part of the first block. These studies are aimed at obtaining justified analytical dependencies of particular optimization criteria and measured rolling parameters. The second block is justification of the specific direction of rolling modes, the choice of which is carried out on the basis of checking the compliance of boundary conditions. The third block includes development of the parameters of the new rolling mode and assessment of its applicability and effectiveness. The fourth block involves pilot testing of a new rolling mode in the conditions of an existing rolling mill and if it is necessary, adjusting the methodology for determining the forecast values of the measured indicators. With the use of the developed methodology, the modes of rolling of railway and sharp rails in the roughing stands of universal rail-and-structural steel mill of JSC “EVRAZ ZSMK” were improved, and the mode of rolling grinding balls from the rejection of rail blanks at the cross-screw rolling mill of JSC “GMZ” was changed. There is a significant improvement in the quality, technical and economic indicators, which indicates the effectiveness of the developed methodology.

Frugal manufacturing in smart factories for widespread sustainable development

Manufacturing is a crucial activity of product development that feeds into and is also influenced by the design process. Any material conservation gained during manufacturing directly affects the green credentials of a product. Manufacturing waste can be contrived to approach zero through a recently developed frugal design approach that quantifies resource conservation at all stages of development of a product engineered for frugality. Accordingly, this effort presents frugal manufacturing (FM), integral to the frugal design approach , for utmost reduction of waste while aiming for good surface integrity, better properties, minimal number of processes and low cost. Other than saving on energy and hence emissions, the new concept of FM also goes beyond current near net shape technologies, which advocate mainly for zero wastage and suitable properties while using a narrow range of manufacturing processes. Case studies involving high-speed machining , superplastic forming and additive manufacturing of aerospace alloys have been presented that bring out the features and benefits of FM. As such the multipronged objectives of FM should be dovetailed with those of smart factories for creating novel technologies that abet widespread sustainable development. Such enhancement of the smart factories concept has been argued to support unusual applications such as the fight against pandemics including the current one involving COVID-19.

Material management practices and factors influencing material conservation on construction sites in Nigeria

Purpose The purpose of this study is to enhance material conservation and further the knowledge of efficient material management practices on construction sites. This study investigated contractors’ material management practices on construction sites in Nigeria. The factors influencing material conservation on construction sites were also examined. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey of 125 contractors who were administered with structured questionnaire, which resulted in 82 valid returned questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using frequency, importance, utility and severity indexes. Findings This study found checking materials delivered to a site for specification, use of security personnel to safeguard materials and analysis of materials as key material management practices used on construction sites. Critical factors influencing material management are materials double-handling, management of surplus materials, subsequent design changes, excessive paperwork and not receiving materials at the expected time. Practical implications The implementation of the material management practices identified in this study will support contractors to efficiently manage materials on construction sites. The factors influencing material conservation reported in this study will also help contractors understand the critical factors that may affect material management in their construction sites and make better plans for future projects. Originality/value This study has reported key issues confronting contractors on the conservation of materials on construction site and various material management practices suitable for application in a wide range of infrastructure projects. This is significant because the construction industry is recording outrageous cost and time overruns of infrastructure projects, which are vital to economic prosperity of nations. The issues and panaceas presented in this study had received scant consideration in construction literature in the sub-Sahara Africa. This study represents a novel synthesis and adds value to knowledge in a manner that has not been reported in previous studies.

Teaching Sustainable Responsibility through Informal Undergraduate Design Education

Recent reports, initiatives, and activities around higher education institutions revealed the relevance and value of sustainability education through both formal curriculum and informal curriculum activities. While the significance of sustainability education has continuously improved by raising awareness among new generations of students, it has not adequately promoted pro-environmental behaviors or attitude changes. This research study used a linear pretest–posttest experimental approach to understand whether two codesigned interventions; a trash and recycling bin system, and a Materials Exchange program, could improve sustainability literacy and material conservation behaviors across the School of Design. Additionally, a mid-experiment focus group study was conducted to provide text-rich data for analysis of 3R behaviors. Analysis of the data collected revealed that these interventions were reasonably successful in improving responsible material management. To have a greater impact on sustainable behavior, it is suggested that a formal educational experience should supplement the informal interventions described in this paper to onboard students as they enter the design studio culture. Additionally, the expansion of the trash and recycling bin station system into the university dormitories is discussed. This work has successfully catalyzed a collaboration between all School of Design stakeholders to address studio waste in a tangible way.

Conservation of Living Heritage: Elements in Conserving Portuguese Community’ Cultural Heritage

Rapid urban development in today’s cities poses significant threats to heritage site with deterioration and destruction to the heritage by introduced pollution, political war, growing tourism activities, and natural disaster. The concern for the safeguarding of heritage materials and intangible assets has begun with a series of conservation practice that begins with material conservation, values conservation and living conservation approaches. Conservation of living heritage is by emphasizing the role of core community living in traditional settlement inside heritage area. The city of Melaka was declared as World Heritage Site in 2008 and the living heritage in the traditional village of Portuguese Settlement risking with the extinction of cultural heritage in the future due to insufficient cultural heritage conservation management. The purpose of this article is to highlight the conservation elements being used to conserve living heritage particularly for living heritage community. This article was conducted using qualitative research, by using literature and document analysis on relevant literatures, reports and standards. The result revealed the main factors contributed in conserving the living heritage came from elements of community participation, awareness, good communication, capacity building, and stakeholders’ involvement. The findings indicated that strong relationship among the elements will build a sustainable community within the heritage site particularly for the core community and at the same time conserving its heritage value.

Digitization in Archival Material Conservation Processes

The purpose of this paper is the digitization process and the techniques used, in cases of archival material preservation. Digitization as a process, whether it involves old documents and old maps, or audio and video clips, is the most appropriate process not only for the protection, but also for the reuse, upgrading and highlighting of cultural heritage elements. In this paper, the main problems are presented divided into the main categories of archival material (photographic material, printed material, audio, and video material) while at the same time the equipment and means used are presented.

Effect of rehydration with whey and inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici on the chemical composition, microbiological dynamics, and fermentative losses of corn grain silage

The objective of this study was to compare rehydrated corn grain silages using water or whey and inoculated (Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici) or not. We also verified whether rehydration with whey associated with the bacterial inoculant improves material conservation. The treatments were as follows: silages rehydrated with water without inoculant (SWa); silages rehydrated with water and inoculated (SWaI); silages rehydrated with whey without inoculant (SWe); silages rehydrated with whey and inoculated (SWeI). A completely randomized design was used, with three replications, treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (RE: rehydration with water or whey, and IN: inoculation or addition of water without chlorine), during the following storage periods (T): 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 days. There was an RE x IN x T interaction (P < 0.001) for dry matter (DM), with lower values over time for SWe and higher values in SWeI. An interaction between RE x IN (P < 0.001) and IN x T (P < 0.001) was observed for pH, with higher values for SWe at 64 days of storage and a reduction from the first days of ensiling for SWaI and SWeI. The microbiological variables showed an RE x IN x T interaction (P < 0.001), with the highest counts of lactic acid bacteria for SWaI and SWeI up to 8 days of storage and subsequent higher counts in SWa and SWe. Higher counts were obtained in SWe. For the variables of fermentative losses, there was an RE x IN x T interaction (P < 0.001), with SWeI showing lower losses. The inoculation associated with whey for rehydration of corn grain improved the fermentation profile of the silage, with lower pH values and reduced losses.

An ecological settlement design for refugees in Kocaeli

After the civil war in Syria, many refugees sought refuge to Turkey. It brought along many environmental problems such as sudden population growth and resource shortage. It is thought to design an ecological settlement that can produce its own energy and be self-sufficient as a solution due to the limited natural resources, in order to meet the need for shelter quickly in emergency situations. With this in mind, in order to create an ecological settlement, a sample and literature search was conducted and sustainable ecological settlement criteria were determined. As a place operation, the position is preferred in Turkey and that provides employment and by day increasing the number of refugees residing Kocaeli been selected. In line with the ecological settlement criteria, a survey was conducted to understand the accommodation problems and environmental awareness of Syrian refugees living in Kocaeli. Ecological living units are designed in line with the environmental, climatic and sociological data obtained. The units are placed in accordance with the physical environmental conditions of the plot chosen for ecological settlement. In the conclusion part, the applicability of the designed project has been evaluated in line with economic, sociological and ecological criteria and its positive and negative aspects have been discussed. In the sample area selected in this study, it is aimed to create an ecological residential area that provides energy, water and raw material conservation in accordance with environmental data, protects the ecosystem, and provides adequate comfort conditions for the users indoors. This study is intended to be a source for ecological settlement projects in order to create livelihoods for low-income groups and to stimulate agriculture, except in emergencies.

The question of material conservation in vernacular architecture: theory, authenticity and contradictions

As a result of the lack of theoretical interest regarding vernacular architecture, there is a contradiction between the traditional way of understanding it and the criteria that are applied for its conservation. This paper approaches this issue through the question of material conservation and its different treatment on the historical and modern vernacular architecture. On the basis of the importance of Theory and authenticity concept, the different types of vernacular architecture are conceptually defined and the criteria or positions that could accordingly lead their material conservation are analysed. From a cultural approach, a more consistent operative with the abovementioned theory is presented, which involves considering the current vernacular architecture and the industrial materials that may be part of it.