The Annals of “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati. Fascicle IX, Metallurgy and Materials Science

Research on the Influence of Floods on the Physical Characteristics of Soil

Beatrice Daniela TUDOR — 2024-12-15

The paper presents research on the influence of floods in the hydrographic basin of Siret River, on the soil. Soil moisture and porosity were determined to observe the influence of excess water in the floodplain area, where the soil is marshy, on the possible deterioration of soil properties, and possible landslides in the Siret riverbank area.

On the Dispersion of Gases Discharged to the Chimney of a Thermal Power Plant

Adrian LEOPA — 2024-12-15

This paper presents a theoretical study on the dispersion of gaseous pollutants from a natural gas thermal power plant in the event of a malfunction. Using the Gaussian model, the dispersion of nitrogen oxides generated by such a thermal power plant was evaluated across different atmospheric stability classes. This allowed for an assessment of whether the concentration of this pollutant meets the maximum permissible limits established by Romanian laws, as well as an identification of the affected areas.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Soil Samples from Bârlad Municipality

Gina Genoveva ISTRATE — 2024-12-15

Soil quality is now thought of in a way that emphasises functionality in a broad context, involving soil not only as an environment for crop production but also as an important reservoir for water storage, as a buffer for filtering, transforming, and neutralising pollutants, and as a habitat for plants and animals. Some attributes (pH, soil conductivity, etc.) can be associated with several easily identified threats to soil quality, some of which are interrelated in the same way. For the present work, laboratory analyses were carried out to determine the physico-chemical parameters of soil from different areas. For soil quality analysis, the following parameters were determined: pH, conductivity, acidity, alkalinity, total nitrogen, aluminium, phosphates, iron, heavy metals, calcium, and magnesium content in the soil.

Research on Nanostructured Hybrid Materials for Sensing Dopamine by Cyclic Voltammetry

Elena Emanuela HERBEI — 2024-12-15

In this research, we present chemical method of obtaining hybrid nanostructured particles used to modify the screen-printed carbon electrode to detect the redox activity of dopamine. Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter that plays a very important role in the functioning of mammalian systems (central nervous, hormonal, renal, and cardiovascular), and its deficiency results in the development of diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, restless legs syndrome, or schizophrenia). Magnetite and titanium oxide nanoparticles were functionalized by chemical reaction to be used to modify SPCE. The chemical method used to modify the nanoparticles was a sol-gel chemical reaction. The hybrid materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) and by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The alcoholic solution based on magnetite-Fe₃O₄ (F1) and magnetite/titania-TiO₂ (F2) was used is order to be dropped cast onto SPCE surface. The modified SPCE was measured at 0.1 V/s by cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammetry was conducted using a Potentiostat/galvanostat multichannel electrochemical device from OrigaLys, France, OrigaFlex model OGF+01A. Optical microscopy (OM) analyzed the modified surface of screen-printed electrodes. The TiO₂ was characterized through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with EDX elemental analysis.The modified carbon electrode shows the different waveforms of the voltage applied to the working electrode depending on chemical composition of modified electrodes. The constructed sensor exhibited acceptable selectivity, but not good stability and needs more improvements of chemical composition to provide selectivity, reproducibility, and stability for repeated measurements. The CV curves show very low oxidation and reduction activity due to the unstable contact between the electrode and nanoparticles.

Research on the Influence of Cleaning Products on the Quality of Optical Lens Surfaces

Beatrice Daniela TUDOR — 2024-12-15

The paper presents research on the evaluation of the influence of maintenance products, such as cleaning solutions, on the quality of lenses. The research analysed the effects of these products on scratch resistance and image clarity. The eyeglass lenses were cleaned repeatedly with cleaning products, namely eyeglass wipes, liquid soap and dishwashing detergent. The results of this study are essential for knowing how to maintain these lenses, in order to preserve the properties and quality of the surfaces.

Enhanced Retinal Vessel Detection Using Gradient Pyramid Fusion Algorithm

Cristian-Dragoș OBREJA — 2024-12-15

The main goal of this study is to create an innovative approach to retinal vessel detection using the gradient pyramid fusion algorithm to improve edge continuity and measurement precision in retinal images. Traditional methods, like wavelet transform and guided filter, face challenges with background noise, artifacts and uneven illumination, which can distort vessel measurement. The proposed fusion method manages to overcome these limitations by combining the strengths of traditional techniques, which creates more continuous edges through gradient fusion across multiple scales, thus managing to also limit the number of image artifacts. We used images from the DRIVE database, to evaluate the fusion algorithm’s precision, with results showing improved vascular tree detection and continuous edges, a reduction in the number of artifacts and improved measurement accuracy. The results show that this image fusion method improves the retinal image analysis, thus helping in early disease diagnosis.

Remediation of Soil Contaminated with Hydrocarbon Using the Succesive Extraction Method with Solvents

Maria POPA — 2024-12-15

Soils can be accidentally polluted with liquid hydrocarbons. The penetration of the pollutant into the soil structure will always be both vertical and horizontal. It is very important to act immediately to stop this migration. The choice of the depollution method is the most difficult action to be chosen by specialists.
The paper deals with the method of successive solvent extraction, the solvents used being, in order of use: petroleum ether, benzene and toluene. Two soil types were chosen: garden soil from Romania and red soil from Greece. The degree of depollution (%) is calculated for each of the two soil types.

Developing a Non-Invasive Intelligent System for Blood Glucose Level Estimation Using Reflective Optical Sensors

Mihaela MARIN — 2024-12-15

This paper introduces a non-invasive system for blood glucose monitoring using a reflective optical sensor (TCRT5000) integrated with an Arduino platform. The system integrates a detection unit equipped with an infrared LED, phototransistor, microcontroller, OLED display, and Bluetooth module-with realtime data visualization and wireless transmission to mobile devices. The TCRT5000 sensor detects light reflectivity changes caused by blood flow, indirectly estimating glucose levels without the discomfort of invasive techniques. Validation was conducted by comparing system readings with a standard glucometer under varied conditions. The system achieved high performance metrics, including 97.14% accuracy, 97.9% precision, 98.59% sensitivity, and 90.91% specificity. Minor variations were observed, attributable to environmental and individual differences. Despite this, the results confirm the device’s reliability and usability, making it a promising alternative for frequent and accessible glucose monitoring. Advantages include affordability, ease of use, and adaptability, which are integral to encouraging patient compliance and improving health outcomes. Future developments may incorporate advanced optical sensors such as NIR spectroscopy or Raman technologies, alongside machine learning algorithms, to improve accuracy and extend functionality. The proposed system highlights the potential for non-invasive methods to revolutionize diabetes care in both personal and clinical settings.

Simulation of the Forging Process of a Bearing Ring Using MATLAB Software

Marian-Iulian NEACȘU — 2024-12-15

In the current work, entitled "Simulation of the forging process of a bearing ring using MATLAB", we created a graphical interface (GUI) using MATLAB software, based on the mathematical relationships specific to the forging process of metallic materials.
By simulating the technological process of obtaining the bearing rings, the material and energy consumption conditions are precisely calculated and highlighted, for the realization of the different profiles of the bearing ring generator.

The Influence of Thermomechanical Treatments on the Mechanical Properties of Some Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloys

Marian-Iulian NEACȘU — 2024-12-15

In this paper, the variation of some mechanical properties was studied according to the values of the thermomechanical processing parameters to which an aluminium alloy of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu series was subjected.
Thermomechanical processing consisted of a cold plastic deformation followed by an artificial aging performed at various treatment temperature values and various maintenance time values.
Following the application of this thermomechanical processing variant, it can be concluded that the values obtained for the studied mechanical characteristics are closely related to the values of the thermomechanical processing parameters.

Scrap Metal from Classes E1 and E3 Used for Steel Manufacturing in Connection with European Legislation and Climate Policies

Mariana BUȘILĂ — 2024-12-15

To meet the challenges of the steel industry in the European Union related to natural resources and carbon resources, scrap recycling is crucial. Grade E1 (heavy iron) and E3 (mixed iron) are two of the scrap categories used in electric arc furnaces (EAF), a process that uses up to 70% recycled material. This significantly reduces the dependence on minerals and lowers CO₂ emissions compared to traditional blast furnace (BOF) processes.
In the European Union, scrap recycling accounts for around 40% of steel production, and most of the recycled material is used internally in the industry, with a recycling rate of up to 90%. Advanced sorting technologies, including artificial intelligence and hyperspectral imaging, improve the quality of scrap and reduce impurities, which can affect the final properties of the steel. This process also contributes to the circular economy, reducing waste and promoting the sustainable use of resources.
European climate policies, such as the Green Deal and circular economy regulations, support the use of scrap to decarbonise the steel industry. For example, EAF, which uses recycled iron, has a much lower environmental impact compared to traditional processes, saving up to 75% of carbon emissions, a key element of the transition to a greener and more sustainable steel industry in Europe. Thus, recycling scrap, mainly E1 and E3 grades, not only supports local economies and reduces costs, but also contributes significantly to achieving the European Union's climate goals, playing a role in the transition to a circular economy and reducing carbon emissions.

An Intelligent System Based on Arduino for Blood Leakage Detection

Mihaela MARIN — 2024-12-15

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue, requiring renal replacement therapies like haemodialysis for patient survival. However, the procedure carries risks, particularly blood leakage, which can lead to severe complications. This study presents the design and implementation of an intelligent system that continuously monitors blood leakage during haemodialysis using an Arduino Nano-based platform. The main components include: a photoelectric sensor, HC-05 Bluetooth module, and piezoelectric buzzer, all integrated to detect blood loss and trigger alarms. The photoelectric sensor identifies blood leakage by sensing interruptions in an infrared beam, with data transmitted wirelessly to a mobile application. When leakage is detected, visual and auditory alerts are generated, allowing for immediate intervention. This system highlights the potential for IoT-enabled medical monitoring to improve the quality of life for haemodialysis patients through real-time data transmission and remote supervision.

The Effect of Natural Ageing Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of the AlZn4.5Mg1 Alloy

Marian-Iulian NEACȘU — 2024-12-15

In this paper, the influence of the time of artificial aging on the variation of the values of the mechanical properties of AlZn4.5Mg1 alloy was studied.
By applying the thermal processing variant described in the paper, an increase in the values of the resistance properties was obtained as the natural aging time increases to the value of 1080 hours. Above this value of the natural aging duration the values of the properties of mechanical strength record a decrease.