Bilingual Publishing Co. (BPC): E-Journals
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Experimental Study and Fragility Analysis of Effective-Length Factors in Column Buckling
No full textThe design of columns relies heavily on the basis of Leonhard Euler's Theory of Elastic Buckling. However, to increase the accuracy in determining the maximum critical load a column can withstand before buckling, a constant was introduced. This dimensionless coefficient is K, also known as the effective-length factor. This constant is often found in building design codes and varies in value depending on the type of column support that is applied. This paper presents experimental and analytical studies on the determination of the effective-length factor in the buckling stability of columns with partially-fixed support conditions. To this end, the accurate K value of the columns tested by the Instron Testing Machine (ITM) at California State University, Northridge’s (CSUN’s) Mechanics Laboratory is determined. The ITM is used in studying the buckling of columns where the supports are neither pinned nor fixed, and the material cross-section rather rests upon the machine while loading is applied axially. Several column specimens were tested and the experimental data were analyzed in order to estimation of the accurate effective-length factor. The calculations from the tested results as well as the conducted probabilistic analysis shed light on how a fragility curve may aid in predicting the effective-length value of future tests
Former Botanical Garden of ORSTOM (Côte d’Ivoire): What Remain after Thirty Years of Abandonment and Forest Restoration
No full textBotanical gardens represent important places for ex situ conservation. One of these botanical gardens has been abandoned in Côte d’Ivoire for 30 years. This is the former botanical garden of ORSTOM. This study was conducted to determine the level of diversity of this former garden in order to assess the opportunity for its rehabilitation. The authors carried out inventories in 18 quadrats of 500 m2 through the vegetation to collect woody species. Dendrometric measurements (height, diameter) were also recorded to assess the structure of the site. A total of 190 species have been identified. They belong to 141 genera and 47 families. This former botanical garden contains important species because of their origin, status or particularity (threatened, endemic, rarity, etc.). A total of 19 threatened species including 2 endangered and west African endemic (Chrysophyllum azaguieanum J. Miège, Placodiscus pseudostipularis) were found at the site. Also, Chrysophyllum azaguieanum is declared extinct from Côte d’Ivoire. Four species are rare in the flora of Côte d’Ivoire: Balanites wilsoniana, Chrysophyllum azaguieanum, Gilletiodendron kisantuense and Loesenera kalantha. The most abundant species is Hopea odorata. Although this introduced species is considered globally vulnerable, it presents a risk of invasion in the forest of Côte d’Ivoire. The diameter and height structures show that all the stages of development are presented indicating a good regeneration on the site. Ultimately, this botanical garden deserves to be rehabilitated and especially urgent management of Hopea odorata is needed to prevent an invasion of this species
The question of "Mind-sets" and AI: Cultural origins and limits of the current AI Ethical AIs and Cultural Pluralism
No full textThe current process of scientific and technological development is the outcome of the epochal Cultural Revolution in the West: i.e. the emergence of the Age of Enlightenment and its pursuit of "rationality". Today, "rationality" combined with "logic" has mutated into a "strong belief" in the power of rationality and "computational processes" as a 'safer' and only way to acquire knowledge. This is the main driving force behind the emergence of AI. At the core of this mind-set is the fundamental duality of the observer and the observed. After the imperial expansion of Western Europe – in alliance with religion, its previous foe (“Christianity”) – this world-view became the globally dominant mind-set. The paper explores the dominant narrative of rationality and reason of Western science, and seeks an alternative world of cultural diversity
Barriers and Drivers of Sustainable Business Model Innovation: Present and Future Research Perspectives
No full textSustainable business model innovation (SBMI) introduced a unique frontier in current business operations and innovation management. Despite the numerous advantages of SBMI to contemporary business strategy, most established firms face challenges in its successful implementation. Through a systematic review process (SRP), the paper attempted to critically evaluate and analyze the previous outcome on the barriers and drivers to SBMI. The research explored 42 prior studies to identify the thematic study areas, highlight the research gaps, and outline future propositions and agendas. The research thoroughly evaluates the state-of-the-art regarding barriers and drivers to implement SBMI. The SRP approach utilized in the study sheds light on the intricacies of SBMI by highlighting six critical barriers: institutional, organizational, strategic, resource allocation, technological, and financial barriers that hinder the successful deployment of SBMI. In addition, the study’s findings indicated that organizational learning, knowledge management, dynamic capabilities resource mobilization, innovative business activities, and human resource development could be a catalyst to the successful implementation of SBMI. Furthermore, the study highlighted some critical gaps and agendas for future research on SBMI. This study contributes to the literature on business model innovation and offers a practical outlook that can facilitate firms and policymakers in developing strategies to improve their business model
The Effect of Jet Grouting on Enhancing the Lateral Behavior of Piled Raft Foundation in Soft Clay (Numerical Investigation)
No full textSoft clay soils cannot usually support large lateral loads, so clay soils must be improved to increase lateral resistance. The jet grouting method is one of the methods used to improve weak soils. In this paper, a series of 3D finite element studies were conducted using Plaxis 3D software to investigate the lateral behavior of piled rafts in improved soft clay utilizing the jet grouting method. Parametric models were analyzed to explore the influence of the width, depth, and location of the grouted clay on the lateral resistance. Additionally, the effect of vertical loads on the lateral behavior of piled rafts in grouted clay was also investigated. The numerical results indicate that the lateral resistance increases by increasing the dimensions of the jet grouting beneath and around the piled raft. Typical increases in lateral resistance are 11.2%, 65%, 177%, and 35% for applying jet grouting beside the raft, below the raft, below and around the raft, and grouted strips parallel to lateral loads, respectively. It was also found that increasing the depth of grouted clay enhances lateral resistance up to a certain depth, about 6 to 10 times the pile diameter (6 to 10D). In contrast, the improvement ratio is limited beyond 10D. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the presence of vertical loads has a significant impact on sideward resistance
Significant Difficulties in Achieving Equal Channel Angular Pressing in Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites
No full textThe technique known as Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) has gained prominence as a transformational method for improving the mechanical characteristics of metals and alloys by subjecting them to intense plastic deformation. This study explores the significant difficulties that arise when using Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) on Aluminium 2024-Beryl Metal Matrix Composites (2024-BMMCs), providing a detailed analysis of the complex interaction between the reinforcement particles and the aluminium matrix. This work aims to provide a thorough examination of the challenges, root causes, and possible approaches to address the issue of producing consistent deformation in 2024-BMMCs using ECAP. By doing so, this research contributes to a better understanding of the intricate nature of this process
Maximizing Oil Palm Yield: Innovative Replanting Strategies for Sustainable Productivity
No full textThis paper examines the significance of innovative replanting strategies in maximizing oil palm yield while ensuring sustainable productivity. Through a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of current practices, the major findings of this research highlighted the importance of advanced breeding and clonal selection in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant oil palm varieties. Precision agriculture technologies, including IoT devices, drones, and sensors, were identified as critical tools for data-driven decision making, optimizing resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Sustainable land use planning and agroforestry integration emerged as key strategies to balance productivity with environmental conservation. The broader impacts of this work extend to other agricultural sectors and land use planning, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to promote responsible and resilient agricultural practices. By embracing innovative replanting strategies, the oil palm industry can contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. Continued research and collaboration are essential to achieve these goals and foster a harmonious coexistence between productivity and sustainability, integrating precision agriculture technologies for resource optimization and reduced environmental impact, promoting sustainable land use planning and agroforestry integration to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services. Strengthening collaborations between governments, industry players, and research institutions for innovation and knowledge exchange is essential
Hydrogeological Investigations of Groundwater and Surface Water Interactions in the Berg River Catchment, Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThe Berg River Catchment based in the Western Cape Province, South Africa services the greater Cape Town area with water, subsequent to supplying the vast agricultural activities that exist in the middle and the lower reaches. This study thus investigates the hydrogeochemical interactions between surface and groundwater in the Berg River Catchment with the aim of establishing trends and transfer of constituents between the surface and groundwater systems, investigates the role that geology plays in water chemistry as well as identifies the geochemical processes controlling surface and groundwater chemistry in the catchment. This study was carried out using three types of research designs namely i) experimental research design; ii) field research design and meta-analysis research design. Furthermore, the study made use of hydrochemical data ranging from 2003 to 2013 obtained from the National Water Monitoring Database owned and maintained by the Department of Water and Sanitation and data that were sampled in 2016 by authors and analyzed using the ICP-MS Technique Ground Water Chart, Arc-GIS and Geosoft (Oasis Montaj) were further employed to model the data. The results indicated that: i) in the Upper Berg there is not much interaction and transfer of constituents between surface and groundwater; ii) the Middle Berg, however, indicated a degree of interaction with the sharing of constituents between the two water systems and iii) the Lower Berg indicated only NaCl water type also noting that the area situated near the river mouth whereby there is the mixing of river and seawater
Diversity and Abundance of Amenity Trees in the Premises of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
No full textAmenity trees are an essential element of most urban communities, contributing significantly to human well-being and improving environmental quality. Good knowledge of the diversity and abundance of trees in our environment and their importance can help promote conservation, which is essential for sustainability. This study aimed at assessing the diversity and abundance of amenity trees on the premises of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan Nigeria. The institute was divided into working and residential areas. The trees in the study area were identified using a walking and windshield survey. A total population of 2626 trees from 126 species and 42 families were identified on the premises of IITA. The highest tree population of 523 trees was recorded in the Tropical Crescent residential area with 321 trees of Lagerstroemia speciosa being the most frequent species. Across working and residential areas, Elaeis guineensis was the most frequent species accounting for 19.92% of the total tree population. A Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’) of 3.383 and species evenness of 0.43 was obtained from the study area. The high values of diversity indices obtained indicate that IITA premises are rich in diverse tree species both indigenous and exotic hence should be referenced as a good urban landscape. The current management practices can be recommended for other institutions
Vibration Damper Design and Additive Manufacturing for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Additive Manufacturing for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
No full textThe main focus of this study revolves around the problem of vibrations in unmanned aerial vehicles and aims to propose solutions using different designs of vibration dampers. Specifically, the study identifies the sources of vibrations in a Single Rotor Rotary Wing (Monocopter) type UAV. To assess the damping performance of the designed dampers, vibration tests were conducted in a controlled setup. Based on the measurement results obtained at three different speed stages, a particular damper, referred to as G2S2, exhibited the highest damping performance. At the first speed stage, it achieved damping percentages of 66% for the X-axis, 77% for the Y-axis, and 84% for the Z-axis. At the second speed stage, the percentages increased to 81% for the X-axis, 84% for the Y-axis, and 97% for the Z-axis. Finally, at the third speed stage, the damper demonstrated damping percentages of 85% for the X-axis, 84% for the Y-axis, and 98% for the Z-axis. This study successfully developed an experimental setup for measuring vibrations during UAV flight, particularly focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, among the vibration dampers produced using additive manufacturing techniques, the damper with the highest performance, namely G2S2, was selected. Considering the measurement results, G2S2 emerged as the most effective vibration damper. It is worth mentioning that this damper can also be tested in real flight scenarios in the future, building upon the outcomes achieved through the experimental setup