Journal of Applied Research and Technology

Aggressive Environments’ Effect on HPC Reinforced with Building Waste Steel Fibers.

Rekia Zouini, Abdelkadir Makani, Ahmed Tafraoui — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Durability refers to concrete’s ability to withstand deterioration from its surrounding environment. It is important to note that concrete durability encompasses not only its mechanical resistance but also its resistance to aggressive environments. This research paper investigates the chemical and mechanical durability of high-performance concrete reinforced with waste steel fibers. Concrete pecimens were immersed in 5% HCl and MgSO₄ solutions for 90 days, while control samples were stored in water for comparison. The esults show that specimens immersed in water exhibited very low mass loss, ranging between 0.1% and 0.8%, indicating minimal deterioration. In contrast, fiber-reinforced specimens exposed to MgSO₄ and HCl showed slightly higher mass loss, ranging from 0.2% to 0.3%, especially in the fiber-reinforced specimens. Despite minor material loss, a corresponding reduction in compressive strength was observed after immersion. Overall, the findings demonstrate that incorporating waste steel fibers significantly enhances the durability and resistance of high-performance concrete in harsh chemical environments.

Simultaneous Optimization of Investment in Technology Implementation and Regulatory Compliance: A Supply Chain Decision Model

M. Monsreal, S. Ozkul, R. B. Carmona-Benítez, O. Cruz-Mejia — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A mathematical optimization model is proposed for strategic decision-making in supply chain management (SCM). The proposed model simultaneously optimizes investments to comply with government regulations and investments in technology to improve efficiency across three performance dimensions: ordering, just-in-time (JIT), and operating efficiency. Real company data is used to test the model. This data comes from a German company. The behavior of the proposed model is analyzed by solving four scenarios under different investment strategies. Results reveal counterintuitive findings, for example, JIT efficiency does not necessarily increase when technology investment increases; in comparison compliance with government regulations can improve companies’ operational efficiencies. These results demonstrate the sensitivity of companies’ operations to the allocation of technology investment and highlight the importance of simultaneously optimizing investments in government regulations compliance, and in the implementation of new technology. The optimization model informs the decision-making process that companies follow when investing in new technology while ensuring compliance with government regulations. Therefore, the model offers practical insights and utility for both private companies and government policymakers.

A K-NN-Driven Multilateration Approach for Improved Aircraft Positioning

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

For safe and efficient air traffic management, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) should know the precise location of aircraft. Aircraft usually report their positions to ATC using an advanced location-based service known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B). The location of aircraft without position-reporting capabilities is determined using complementary localization methods. A key challenge with traditional positioning techniques, such as multilateration using Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), is that they involve solving non-linear equations, which require a precise initial position estimate. In this paper, we propose a novel method for aircraft localization that integrates a traditional positioning technique (multilateration) with data-driven learning using the K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) algorithm. The K-NN regression model provides a more realistic initial guess of the aircraft’s position. The results were validated against the actual aircraft positions provided by the OpenSky Network, and the proposed technique demonstrated a 2D root-mean-square error of 39.4 m. This work has significant potential for real-world applications in air traffic management, contributing to safer and more precise aircraft positioning.

Estimation of the elastic modulus of Au nanofilms by subtracting the polymeric substrate influence

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The elastic modulus of Au nanofilms deposited onto a polymeric substrate was estimated by subtracting the substrate mechanical influence from the Au/polymer system under axial tensile test. To select the most appropriate substrate between polyethylene- terephthalate (PET) and Kapton (polyimide), the crystallinity and structural isotropic conditions were previously examined by X-ray diffraction. Kapton shows a lower % of crystallinity and enhanced isotropic conditions than PET. The elastic modulus of 60 nm-thick Au films deposited onto Kapton was measured, resulting in an average value of 37 GPa, which is lower than the Au bulk value. Crystalline structure and elastic properties of polymeric substrates are found to be of great relevance to be considered for the determination of the mechanical properties of metallic films.

Assessing Privacy Benefits in the Digital Age: A Study of Tor and the Dark Web

Gabriel Alejandro Silva-Atencio — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The onset of the fifth industrial revolution presents significant challenges in the interaction between organizations and people, positioning cybersecurity as a strategic pillar to safeguard infrastructure, data, and collaborators. This study aimed to identify the positive factors that the dark web can contribute to a corporate cybersecurity strategy, focusing on the supervision, monitoring, and evaluation processes. Using a qualitative-exploratory approach, a survey applied to cybersecurity experts was used to gather key perspectives and feedback. The findings revealed the absence of robust policies, processes, and procedures to ensure business continuity, highlighting critical risks associated with the lack of mitigation and contingency plans in the face of potential cyberattacks. In conclusion, the strategic use of tools and approaches derived from the dark web can contribute to strengthening business cybersecurity, provided that clear policies are implemented and aligned with business continuity objectives.

Influence of the Use of Recycled Material on the Properties of Concrete as a Partial Substitute for Natural Coarse Aggregate

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The valorization of construction and demolition waste is a fundamental strategy for sustainability in the concrete industry. This study evaluated the effect of incorporating recycled concrete coarse aggregate (RCGA) and recycled porcelain coarse aggregate (RPGA), both individually and in combination, as partial substitutes for natural aggregate. Twelve formulations were analyzed using standardized physical and mechanical tests after 28 days of curing. The combined mixture M₂ (7.5% RCGA + 5% RPGA) exhibited optimal physical properties, reducing absorption by 68.81% and void volume by 68.49%. The individual formulations M₆ (7.5% RCGA) and M₁₀ (5% RPGA) achieved superior increases in compressive strength (9.17% and 9.34%) and flexural strength (10.84% and 10.06%). Abrasion resistance was significantly improved in all optimized mixes. The study concludes that both individual and combined substitutions, in appropriate
proportions, significantly enhance concrete properties, contributing to sustainable construction through waste valorization.

A Python-based web tool to simulate atomic optical emission spectra

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is an experimental technique for analyzing, diagnosing, and characterizing atomic and molecular species in physics and chemistry. In this work, an interactive web tool is designed to simulate atomic OES from which users can generate synthetic data from optical emission spectra at a wavelength range from 390 to 700 nm with any reported energy level. The reference data for eighty-three elements was retrieved from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) using web scraping techniques. The web tool incorporates key parameters such as wavelength step size (λ), full width at half maximum (FWHM), and emission source temperature (T). The proposed method for generating spectra consists of preprocessing, calculation, and plotting of the data using Python, Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib, respectively. Finally, the interactive user interface, built with the open-source Python framework Streamlit, displays changes in spectral plots generated from input data and updates live, supporting zoom, serving as a valuable resource for researchers and students in the field of OES.

Performance Optimization for Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Mg-Al Rolled Alloy with Zn Nano-Coating

F. Q. Mohammed, A. S. Hasan, M. A. A. Musafir — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Magnesium alloy castings and wrought products have many applications in the transportation industry due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately, the highly reactive magnesium materials are susceptible to natural deterioration; thus, the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys must be enhanced to meet the requirements of many applications, as must their chemical behavior. To solve this problem, the Mg-Al alloy was hardened mechanically by cold and warm rolling before Zn nanocoating. The rolled alloy showed a different morphology where the microstructure has deformed and refined with the fragmentation in the β-phase from 50μm for the as-received samples to about 20μm. A Zn coating layer with a thickness of approximately 23 micrometers was successfully achieved after a sputtering interval of 20 minutes, due to a longer deposition time for the zinc coating layer. The hardness has improved as deformation increased, as evidenced by a reduction in the thickness of the rolled samples. X-ray diffraction patterns show that twinning has been significantly activated in the rolled alloy compared with the as-received alloy. Geometric designs of the alloy have improved the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg alloys.

A comprehensive model to support investment decisions based on deep learning and evolutionary algorithms

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

This paper presents and assesses a comprehensive approach to stock price forecasting and portfolio selection that integrates advanced computational intelligence techniques with fundamental and technical analyses. Several outstanding forecasting methods are compared to identify the most accurate model. Subsequently, differential evolution is used to optimize a stock portfolio, leveraging the results of the selected forecasting method along with key technical and fundamental indicators. Experiments show that the proposed method consistently yields higher returns and better risk management than several benchmarks. Statistical validation confirms the model’s superior performance, highlighting its potential as a robust tool for optimizing investment portfolios.

Current Trends in Ergonomic Innovations for Continuous Improvement in Different Work Fields

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Due to the constant technological evolution and social changes in industry, it is indispensable for ergonomics to adapt and effectively integrate new technologies. This review article aims to provide a detailed analysis of the latest developments in ergonomics, examining how the field is responding to the evolving needs of various industry sectors. For instance, in the medical field, 3D scanning and modeling technologies have been used to create prostheses; in design, pictograms have been developed to help agricultural workers in Africa work more efficiently; and in the workplace, artificial vision has been employed to study and reduce musculoskeletal disorders
and fatigue among construction company employees. Additionally, areas of opportunity are identified where ergonomics could have a significant impact, such as its application in studies of e-sports players. A total of 50 articles were reviewed and categorized in terms of ergonomics evolution, innovations in design, technology, work, health, and areas of opportunity. This literature review will serve as a guide for researchers in planning future projects.