Search Results (31)

This paper describes the development of a new hybrid composite for the metal joints of aluminium and glass fibre composite adherents. The aluminium adherend is manufactured using friction stir-formed studs that are inserted into the composite adherend in the through-thickness direction during the composite manufacturing process, where the dry fibres are displaced to accommodate the studs before the resin infusion process. The materials used were AA6082-T6 aluminium and plain-woven E-glass fabric reinforced epoxy, with primary applications in naval vessels. This joining approach offers a cost-effective solution that does not require complicated onsite welding. The joint design was developed based on a simulation test program with finite element analysis, followed by experimental characterisation and validation. The design solution was analysed in terms of the force displacement response, sequence of load transfer, and characterisation of the joint failure modes. Full article

The possibility of collecting new archaeological elements useful in reconstructing the dynamics of population, production and commercial activities in the Bronze Age at the edge of the central-southern Venice Lagoon was provided between 2023 and 2024 thanks to an intervention of rescue archaeology planned during some water restoration works in the Giare–Mira area. Three small excavations revealed, approximately one meter below the current surface and covered by alluvial sediments, a rather complex palimpsest dated to the late Recent and the early Final Bronze Age. Three large circular pits containing exclusively purified grey/blue clay and very rare inclusions of vegetable fibres, and many large, fired clay vessels’ bases, walls and rims clustered in concentrated assemblages and random deposits point to potential on-site production. Two pyro-technological structures, one characterised by a sub-circular combustion chamber and a long inlet channel/praefurnium, and the second one with a sub-rectangular shape with arched niches along its southern side, complete the exceptional context here discovered. To analyse the relationship between the site and the natural sedimentary succession and to evaluate the possible extension of this site, three electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and low-frequency electromagnetic (FDEM) measurements were collected. Several manual core drillings associated with remote sensing integrated the geophysical data in the analysis of the geomorphological evolution of this area, clearly related to different phases of fluvial activity, in a framework of continuous relative sea level rise. The typology and chronology of the archaeological structures and materials, currently undergoing further analyses, support the interpretation of the site as a late Recent/early Final Bronze Age productive site. Geophysical and geomorphological data provide information on the palaeoenvironmental setting, suggesting that the site was located on a fine-grained, stable alluvial plain at a distance of a few kilometres from the lagoon shore to the south-east and the course of the Brenta River to the north. The archaeological site was buried by fine-grained floodplain deposits attributed to the Brenta River. The good preservation of the archaeological structures buried by fluvial sediments suggests that the site was abandoned soon before sedimentation started. Full article

The optimisation of road construction planning and design prioritises safety, comfort, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability by aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and integrating life cycle assessment (LCA)-based criteria. Asphalt mixture compaction is a critical construction-phase process that requires careful monitoring due to its significant impact on fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and pavement performance. However, characterising the compaction process during the design stage is challenging due to the unavailability of primary data, such as the compaction energy applied by the roller on-site. This study addresses this gap by developing a methodology for deriving compaction-energy-related data at the laboratory stage. An algorithm is proposed to estimate key compaction parameters, specifically the locking point and compaction curves, based on aggregate grading. Equations to improve the design of bituminous mixtures based on compaction targets were derived. The findings support more sustainable planning, the optimised selection of construction equipment, and improved competitive equilibria between different pavement technologies by promoting low-carbon and energy-efficient strategies aligned with SDGS. Full article

Men have a higher risk of suicide compared to women, with those in male-dominated industries such as construction being particularly vulnerable. These industries are typically characterised as ‘macho’ environments, endorsing traditional masculine norms that reinforce mental health stigma and delay help-seeking. The workplace is a promising setting for engaging men with issues around their mental health. Although managers can play a key role by connecting workers in distress with mental health supports, research exploring their experiences of this is limited. This study sought to address this gap by exploring the barriers to and the facilitators of help-offering behaviour among managers in the construction industry in Ireland. Five focus groups were conducted with construction industry managers (n = 33) to explore their perspectives on supporting and offering help to workers in distress. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated three key themes: (1) creating the right environment with sub-themes focused on fostering an open culture around mental health on-site and overcoming systemic challenges; (2) navigating the practice of help-offering; and (3) using the right tools for the job. The findings highlight the need for manager training tailored to the construction industry as part of a multi-faceted approach to help-offering within the industry. Full article

The plastic profile of construction waste is varied and complex, particularly when compared to other waste streams such as timber, concrete, metals, and plasterboard. There are fewer incentives for recycling this low-density, low-value waste stream. Plastic waste generated by construction activities remains poorly characterised, obstructing efforts to optimise reduction, reuse, and recycling practices. To understand its types and sources, and better address plastic waste management, this study audited plastic waste produced across six new-build construction sites in Auckland, New Zealand. A total of 7.2 tonnes of plastic construction waste was collected on-site and audited. Plastics were separated, weighed, and categorised by function and construction stage. Polymer type was determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In total, 62% of plastic waste was diverted from landfill through reuse or recycling. On average, 0.61 kg of plastic was generated per m² of construction. Soft plastics were the most generated by mass (33%), followed by PVC and HDPE pipes (22%), shrink wrap (12%), and expanded polystyrene (5%). The majority of plastic waste was generated in the final stages of the projects. The authors recommend the separation of soft plastic, pipes, shrink wrap, and polystyrene on construction sites, particularly towards the finishing stages of construction. Full article

A class of hybrid molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) comprising the in situ formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) immobilised in a molecularly imprinted D-gluconate polymer has been designed with the objective of attempting the electrochemical quantification of gluconic acid (GA) in a wine setting. The imprinted polymers were synthesised in the presence of AuNP precursors in a pre-polymerisation mixture, which were confined to one another during the polymerisation of the chains. This allowed the formation of hybrid electroactive responsive imprinted nanoparticles (hybrid AuNPs@GA-nanoMIP), which exhibited enhanced electron conductivity. The morphological characterisation of the produced nanoMIPs revealed a fully decorated Au spherical surface of 200 nm in diameter. This resulted in a large active surface area distribution, as well a pronounced electrochemical peak response at the commercial screen-printed platinum electrode (SPPtE), accompanied by enhanced electron kinetics. The AuNPs@GA-nanoMIP sensor demonstrated the ability to detect a broad range of GA concentrations (0.025–5 mg/mL) with exceptional selectivity and reproducibility. The calibration curves were fitted with different isotherm models, such as the Langmuir, Freundlich and Langmuir–Freundlich functions. Moreover, the efficacy of the detection method was demonstrated by the recovery rates observed in real samples of Italian red wine. This research contributes to the development of a robust and reliable electrochemical sensor for the on-site determination of gluconic acid in food analysis. Full article

The mechanical properties of faecal sludge (FS) influence its moisture retention characteristics to a greater extent than other properties. A comprehensive fundamental characterisation of the mechanical properties is scarcely discussed in the literature. This research focused on bulk and true densities, porosity, particle size distribution and zeta-potential, extracellular polymeric substances, rheology and dilatancy, microstructure analysis, and compactibility in the context of using the FS as a substitute for soil in land reclamation and bioremediation processes. FSs from different on-site sanitation systems were collected from around Durban, South Africa. The porosity of the FSs varied between 42% and 63%, with the zeta-potential being negative, below 10 mV. Over 95% of the particles were <1000 µm. With its presence in the inner part of the solid particles, tightly bound extra-cellular polymeric substances (TB-EPSs) influenced the stability of the sludge by tightly attaching to the cell walls, with the highest being in the septic tank with the greywater sample. More proteins than carbohydrates also confirmed characterised the anaerobic nature of the sludge. The results of the textural properties using a penetrometer showed that the initial slope of the positive part of the penetration curve was related to the stiffness of the sludge sample and similar to that of sewage sludge. The dynamic oscillatory measurements exhibited a firm gel-like behaviour with a linear viscoelastic behaviour of the sludges due to the change in EPSs because of anaerobicity. The high-TS samples exhibited the role of moisture as a lubricating agent on the motion of solid particles, leading to dilatancy with reduced moisture, where the yield stress was no longer associated with the viscous forces but with the frictional contacts of solid–solid particle interactions. The filtration–compression cell test showed good compactibility, but the presence of unbound moisture even at a high pressure of 300 kPa meant that not all unbound moisture was easily removable. The moisture retention behaviour of FS was influenced by its mechanical properties, and any interventional changes to these properties can result in the release of the bound moisture of FS. Full article

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is crucial for modern diagnostics of endoscopic procedures and thus an efficient and reliable method for increasing biopsy yields is urgently needed. In our study, we address the limited availability and high price of the rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) technique by introducing the technique of near-infrared on-site evaluation (NOSE) consisting of spectral measurement of near-infrared radiation (NIR) transmitted through the evaluated material. For this purpose, we designed a special optical probe consisting of two fibres, of which one is a source fibre and the second is a detector fibre. The distal ends of both fibres are brought together into one bundle which is, with the help of a special extension, applied to a cuvette with an analysed sample at a defined distance from the cuvette bottom and fixed in place. A portion of the NIR radiation received by the detector fibre after it propagates through the sample then depends on the optical and therefore morphological characteristics of the sample. Based on the measured spectral curve, we can calculate the attenuation coefficient curve and subsequently the parameter of the sample richness and the parameter characterising the autofluorescence peak as well. We found that the value of our introduced parameters is in significant relation to sample richness as well as to sample malignity. NOSE evaluation of EBUS/EUSb (endobronchial/oesophageal ultrasound bronchoscopy) specimens can be considered an easy new technique aiming to improve sampling diagnostic accuracy and to diminish costs related to the presence of a cytopathologist and related instrumentation in the endoscopy suite. Full article

Testing on physical equivalents of mining blocks under controlled conditions offers reduced research costs and improved experiment repeatability. In this study, specimens consisting of ore, waste aggregates, and cement as binder are fabricated to resemble the mineralogical composition and physical properties of real mining blocks of a ferro-nickel lateritic deposit. These specimens were measured using sensors on robotic scanners for onsite characterisation, including pLIBS, pXRF, a magnetic susceptibility sensor, and a laser profilometer. Results showed that these analogue rocks could retain the properties of the source rocks, but also that the intensity of the recorded signal is strongly affected by specimens’ water content, porosity, and surface roughness. Full article

This article presents the results of petrophysical analyses of limestones and sandstones used for the construction of the wall structures of a Roman rural settlement located in Podšilo Bay on Rab Island (Croatia). An on-site analysis of the walls indicated the use of different lithotypes, which is an uncommon case in the area. So far, no petrophysical properties of the applied materials have been tested, and their provenance has not been specified. The aim of this research was to determine their usability as construction materials in an attempt to determine the possible reasons behind the usage of multiple lithotypes and their suitability as building materials. The following procedure was used to address these issues: (1) determination of the petrographic characteristics of the rocks, (2) performance of tests to characterise the mechanical properties in a complex stress state of uniaxial tension followed by uniaxial and triaxial compression, and, finally, (3) determination of the internal structure of the rocks using methods based on X-ray imaging. Multi-proxy characteristics of the materials including numerous observations and methods were performed: optical microscopy used to characterise rock petrography and mineralogy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDS, as well as grinding tests; furthermore, mechanical properties were determined on cylindrical samples in accordance with European standards. X-ray microtomography using the XμCT method enabled microscopic observations and determination of the orientation of discontinuities and the rock structure. The performed analyses allowed us to distinguish three lithological types of sandstone and two types of limestone among the examined stone blocks. Stone blocks of fine- and medium-grained sandstone with carbonate binders, as well as sparitic limestone and mudstone with calcite veins, were used to build the studied structures. The analysed blocks showed traces of partial edge processing. Despite the defects in the material structure identified using XμCT, all the types of rock were characterised by high or very high strength. High values of longitudinal wave velocity confirmed the good quality of the material. These results contribute to a better understanding of the construction process and the related technological choices, and they provide the first dataset which can be used for the reconstruction of the building’s original appearance in the future. Full article

The characterisation of aluminium scrap plays a crucial role in its recycling, and hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysers offer a portable and efficient solution for on-site analysis. This study focuses on assessing the performance of a hand-held XRF analyser for the characterisation of aluminium scrap using the gage repeatability and reproducibility (Gage R&R) method. Full article

Small fishing harbours substantially contribute to coastal economies as they support not only fishing but also tourism activities. They are located at the land–sea interface and are considered vulnerable infrastructure affected by the increased human activities but also by the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. In this paper, the 16 existing fishing shelters of Cyprus are used as a case study to develop a complex vulnerability index for assessing the shelters’ vulnerability. The index incorporates physical, environmental, technical and socioeconomic variables, which are quantified and scored to denote the current state of vulnerability. The results are validated through on-site visits, questionnaires answered by local fishermen and targeted interviews with representatives of the port authorities. Furthermore, climate change projections are taken into account for the physical variables to evaluate the impact of climate change on vulnerability changes. The study highlights the complex interactions between a variety of factors characterising the fishing shelters and driving vulnerability. The proposed index can assist decisionmakers with prioritising interventions, allocating funding and designing adaptation pathways that reduce the shelters’ vulnerability while increasing their resilience. Full article

Dinko Kovačić is a prominent Croatian architect and university professor. His design approach is characterised by exceptional empathy that results in architectural works of intense connection with the environment as well as with that of their future users. Although many of Kovačić’s works have been published in the daily press and professional publications, the complete oeuvre of this architect has so far not been the subject of scientific research. The aim of this scientific work is to look at his specific design approach based on the analysis of representative examples. Research methods in this paper include the analysis of primary and secondary sources and on-site observation. The article gives a systematic presentation of Dinko Kovačić’s work as related to his specific approach, which integrates the modernism of the second half of the 20th century and the Mediterranean tradition. Full article

In this paper, the feasibility of satellite remote sensing in detecting and predicting locations of buried objects in the archaeological site of Saruq Al-Hadid, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was investigated. Satellite-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is proposed as the main technology for this initial investigation. In fact, SAR is the only satellite-based technology able to detect buried artefacts from space, and it is expected that fine-resolution images of ALOS/PALSAR-2 (L-band SAR) would be able to detect large features (>1 m) that might be buried in the subsurface (<2 m) under optimum conditions, i.e., dry and bare soil. SAR data were complemented with very high-resolution Worldview-3 multispectral images (0.31 m panchromatic, 1.24 m VNIR) to obtain a visual assessment of the study area and its land cover features. An integrated approach, featuring the application of advanced image processing techniques and geospatial analysis using machine learning, was adopted to characterise the site while automating the process and investigating its applicability. Results from SAR feature extraction and geospatial analyses showed detection of the areas on the site that were already under excavation and predicted new, hitherto unexplored archaeological areas. The validation of these results was performed using previous archaeological works as well as geological and geomorphological field surveys. The modelling and prediction accuracies are expected to improve with the insertion of a neural network and backpropagation algorithms based on the performed cluster groups following more recent field surveys. The validated results can provide guidance for future on-site archaeological work. The pilot process developed in this work can therefore be applied to similar arid environments for the detection of archaeological features and guidance of on-site investigations. Full article

Methods based on nucleic acid detection are currently the most commonly used technique in COVID-19 diagnostics. Although generally considered adequate, these methods are characterised by quite a long time-to-result and the necessity to prepare the material taken from the examined person—RNA isolation. For this reason, new detection methods are being sought, especially those characterised by the high speed of the analysis process from the moment of sampling to the result. Currently, serological methods of detecting antibodies against the virus in the patient’s blood plasma have attracted much attention. Although they are less precise in determining the current infection, such methods shorten the analysis time to several minutes, making it possible to consider them a promising method for screening tests in people with suspected infection. The described study investigated the feasibility of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based detection system for on-site COVID-19 diagnostics. A simple-to-use portable device was proposed for the fast detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in human plasma. SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative patient blood plasma samples were investigated and compared with the ELISA test. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 was selected as a binding molecule for the study. Then, the process of antibody detection using this peptide was examined under laboratory conditions on a commercially available SPR device. The portable device was prepared and tested on plasma samples from humans. The results were compared with those obtained in the same patients using the reference diagnostic method. The detection system is effective in the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 with the detection limit of 40 ng/mL. It was shown that it is a portable device that can correctly examine human plasma samples within a 10 min timeframe. Full article