The mechanosynthesis route is a physical top–down strategy to produce different nanomaterials. Here, we report the formation of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) through this route using carbon bars recovered from discarded alkaline batteries as raw material. The mechanosynthesis time (milling time) is shown to have an influence on different features of the GNRs such as their width and edges features. TEM revealed the presence of GNRs with widths of 15.26, 8.8, and 23.55 nm for the milling times of 6, 12, and 18 h, respectively. Additionally, the carbon bars evolved from poorly shaped GNRs for the shortest milling time (6 h) to well-shaped GNRs of oriented sheets forming for the longest milling time. Besides GNRs, graphene sheets (GNS) of different sizes were also observed. The Raman analysis of the 2D bands identified the GNS signal and confirmed the GNRs nature. ID/IG values of 0.21, 0.32, and 0.40 revealed the degree of disorder for each sample. The in-plane sp2 crystallite sizes ( La) of graphite decreased to 91, 60, and 48 nm with increasing peeling time. The RBLM band at 288 cm− 1 confirmed the formation of the GNRs. Mechanosynthesis is a complex process and the formation of the GNRs is discussed in terms of a mechanical exfoliation, formation of graphene sheets and its fragmentation to reach GNR-like shapes. It is shown that the synthesis of GNRs through the mechanosynthesis route, besides the use of recycled materials, is an alternative for obtaining self-sustaining materials.

Legacy waste from the decommissioned A-1 nuclear power plant in the Slovak Republic is scheduled for immobilisation within a tailored alkali borosilicate glass formulation, as part of ongoing site cleanup. The aqueous durability and characterisation of a simulant glass wasteform for Chrompik III legacy waste, was investigated, including dissolution experiments up to 112 days (90°C, ASTM Type 1 water). The wasteform was an amorphous, light green glassy product, with no observed phase separation or crystalline inclusions. Aqueous leach testing revealed a suitably durable product over the timescale investigated, comparing positively to other simulant nuclear waste glasses and vitreous products tested under similar conditions. Iron and titanium rich precipitates were observed to form at the surface of monolithic samples during leaching, with the formation of an alkali deficient alteration layer behind these at later ages. Overall this glass appears to perform well, and in line with expectations for this chemistry, although longer-term testing would be required to predict overall durability. This work will contribute to developing confidence in the disposability of vitrified Chrompik legacy wastes.

The use of recycled materials, such as the fine recycled aggregate made from concrete waste and carbon fiber (CF) product of industrial waste, for the manufacture of conductive recycled mortars (CRM), transforms the mortar base cement normally made with cement:sand in a sustainable multifunctional material, conferring satisfactory mechanical and electrical properties for non-structural uses. This action provides ecological benefits, reducing the use of natural fine aggregates from rivers and the amount of concrete waste deposited in landfills resulting from construction waste. In this investigation the effect of the addition of CF on electrical properties in hardened, wet and dry state, electric percolation in dry state and fluidity of the wet mixture of a cement based CRM was evaluated: fine recycled aggregate: graphite powder, CRM specimens with dimensions of 4 × 4 × 16 cm. were manufactured for 3, 7 and 28 days of age and sand/cement ratios = 1.00, graphite/cement = 1.00, water/cement = 0.60 and CF = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0% compared to the weight of cement. The results demonstrated the effect of the addition of CF in CRM, reducing fluidity of the mixtures due to the opposition generated by its physical interaction of CF with recycled sand or recycled fine aggregate and graphite powder (GP), in its case, placing the electric percolation percolation at 0.30% and 0.45% of CF for CRM with and without GP, respectively. Increases in electrical conductivity (EC) without the presence of GP are defined by the contact between the CF and the conductive paths formed. In contrast, with the presence of GP, the EC is defined by the contact between the CF and the GP simultaneously, forming conductive routes with greater performance in its EC.

Even in an era where 8-meter class telescopes are common, small telescopes are considered very valuable research facilities since they are available for rapid follow-up or long term monitoring observations. To maximize the usefulness of small telescopes in Korea, we established the SomangNet, a network of 0.4{1.0 m class optical telescopes operated by Korean institutions, in 2020. Here, we give an overview of the project, describing the current participating telescopes, its scientic scope and operation mode, and the prospects for future activities. SomangNet currently includes 10 telescopes that are located in Australia, USA, and Chile as well as in Korea. The operation of many of these telescopes currently relies on operators, and we plan to upgrade them for remote or robotic operation. The latest SomangNet science projects include monitoring and follow-up observational studies of galaxies, supernovae, active galactic nuclei, symbiotic stars, solar system objects, neutrino/gravitational-wave sources, and exoplanets.

We report a simple procedure to fabricate single crystals 3D C60 having an FCC structure on silicon substrates using a vapour–solid set-up in vacuum conditions. The morphology of the deposited film can be tuned by controlling the temperature and position of the substrate. The as-fabricated samples are extensively characterised by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nanoindentation, which allow us to shed light on the recrystallization process of the C60. In addition, the growth mechanism of the formation of crystalline 3D structure of the C60 film is discussed in detail. Based on the newly gained knowledge of mechanism and its unique properties, fullerene has shown huge potential as a solid lubricant on various kinds of substrates.

Fatigue is not a trivial issue and needs much attention. On the other hand, fatigue among seafarers could lead to accidents at sea due to their inability and ineffectiveness in carrying out their work. Some were caused by sleepiness and lack of vigour, which, could not only affect their safety but compromising on other seafarers as well. In this study, factors that cause fatigue among seafarers were examined analytically and their quantitative priorities were determined using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Additionally, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to identify the best alternatives in minimizing fatigue among seafarers. For this, data is collected through interview involving those working in academic and maritime industry with more than 5 years of experiences in dealing with seafarers. The AHP result shows that fitness is the main cause that could affect fatigue on seafarers’ reliability. Besides, TOPSIS result shows that a well-maintained shipboard is the best way in sustaining seafarers’ energy. In sum, fatigue among seafarers could influence on safety and may lead towards precarious health issue over a long-term.

Halal transportations will ensure that the Halal status of the products will be preserved. Halal certification is believed to increase the operation cost for the transport providers, which reflect the price paid by customers who choose to buy products transported by Halal transportation. Hence, it is worthwhile to investigate the willingness of Muslim consumers to pay extra for the Halal transportation cost. The study aims to identify factors influencing Muslim consumers’ attitude towards their willingness to pay for Halal transportation. Using the stimulus-organism-response model, attitude which represents the organism factor will be treated as a mediator for variables representing the stimulus factors and the variable for the response. On the other hand, the study will also examine the effect of knowledge as a moderating factor. The data was collected from Muslim consumers in Kuala Lumpur. Applying the purposive sampling method with a self-administered survey, 202 respondents agreed to participate in the study. The findings revealed that awareness and perceived behavioural control are a stimulus towards attitude, and attitude is a significant organism on willingness to pay. The study also found that attitude mediates the relationship between awareness and perceived behavioural control towards the willingness to pay for Halal transportation. Additionally, the knowledge has a moderating effect of the relationship between attitude and the willingness to pay. The findings of the study are not only beneficial for the Muslim community in Malaysia, but also the Muslims around the world.

The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) has been established purposely to enhance the greater safety of vessel’s navigation by standardizing the language used among seafarers. However, accidents are still occurred due to communication failures among onboard merchant vessels’ crews. It is worth mentioning that the major cause of marine accidents is human error (80%) where one-third from it was due to communication failures. Ineffective communication, different culture and language among seafarers onboard are some instigators of human error that lead to accidents in marine operations. Therefore, the primary aim of this paper is to investigate and evaluate the causal factors that contributes to communication failures onboard merchant vessels. Then, this paper recommends possible solutions for minimizing the communication failures among seafarers. To achieve this research objectives, two decision-making tools which are the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Evidential Reasoning (ER) was applied. Data and judgments are obtained from domains experts from four marine training providers and eight shipowners in Malaysia. The result has shown that lack of SMCP knowledge, prejudice and dialect varieties are the most significant factors that contribute to the communication failures onboard merchant vessels. Few suggestions and opinions from the experts are proposed in this paper. This research can assist marine training providers and shipowners to identify and evaluate the causal factors of communication failures thus corrective action can be taken.

By analyzing the status of Korean tire labeling regulation and comparing the performance indicators of tire labeling in different countries, this paper expounds the serious impact of tire noise on traffic noise pollution, and puts forward that in order to improve the comfort of car ride, control traffic noise pollution and build a green tire industry, the tire labeling system should be improved, and the corresponding requirements for tire rolling noise should be put forward according to the road conditions in Korea.