Sediment yield and erosion–deposition distribution characteristics in ephemeral gullies in black soil areas under geocell protection

Investigating the effect of geocells on the erosion and deposition distribution of ephemeral gullies in the black soil area of Northeast China can provide a scientific basis for the allocation of soil and water conservation measures in ephemeral gullies.In this study,an artificial simulated confluence test and stereoscopic photogrammetry were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of erosion and deposition in ephemeral gullies protected by geocells and the effect of different confluence flows on the erosion process of ephemeral gullies.Results showed that when the confluence flow was larger,the effect of geocell was more evident,and the protection against ephemeral gully erosion was stronger.When the confluence flow rates were 0.6,1.8,2.4,and 3.0 m^(3)/h,ephemeral gully erosion decreased by 37.84%,26.09%,21.40%,and 35.45%.When the confluence flow rates were 2.4 and 3.0 m^(3)/h,the average sediment yield rate of the ephemeral gully was close to 2.14 kg/(m^(2)•min),and the protective effect of ephemeral gully erosion was enhanced.When the flow rate was higher,the surface fracture of the ephemeral gully was more serious.With an increase in confluence flow rate,the ratio of erosion to deposition increased gradually,the erosion area of ephemeral gullies was expanded,and erosion depth changed minimally.In conclusion,geocell measures changed erosion patterns by altering the rill erosion/deposition ratio,converting erosion from rill erosion to sheet erosion.

Distribution, residence time, autotrophic production, and heterotrophic removal of DOP in the Mirs Bay, northern South China Sea

The importance of dissolved organic phosphorus(DOP) as a potential nutrient source for primary producers in marine systems has been recognized for up to eight decades, but currently, the understanding of the biogeochemistry of DOP is in its infancy. In the present study, monthly data between 2000 and 2014 were used to analyze the temporal and spatial distributions of DOP in the Mir Bay, the northern South China Sea. The DOP residence time(TDOP) was also investigated using a simple regression analysis in combination with chlorophyll a(Chl a) measurements while excess DOP(ΔDOP), produced by the biogeochemical processes of autotrophic production and heterotrophic removal, was determined using a two-component mixing mass-balance model in combination with salinity measurements. The results showed that the DOP concentration was(0.017±0.010) mg/L higher in the surface-water compared with the bottom-water and higher in the inner Tolo Harbour and waters adjacent to Shatoujiao compared with the main zone of the bay. Although seasonal changes and annual variability in the DOP were small, the surface DOP concentration was higher in the wet season(April–September)than in the dry season(October–March) due to the impacts of seaward discharges and atmospheric deposition into the bay. Measurement and regression results showed that the DOP release rate from phytoplankton production was about 1.83(gP)/(gChl a) and the TDOP was about 7 d, which implied that the DOP cycle in the bay was rapid. The ΔDOP was calculated from the model to be about 0.000 mg/L in the main zone of the bay and about 0.002 mg/L in the inner Tolo Harbour and waters adjacent to Shaotoujiao, suggesting that the autotrophic production of DOP was almost balanced by the heterotrophic removal in the main zone of the bay and dominated in the inner Tolo Harbour and waters adjacent to Shaotoujiao. In conclusion, the Mirs Bay is very productive and fairly heterotrophic.

Continuous Production of Biodiesel from Soybean Oil Using Supercritical Methanol in a Vertical Tubular Reactor：I.Phase Holdup and Distribution of Intermediate Product along the Axial Direction

Production of biodiesel with supercritical methanol is a green synthesis process.A study was carried out in a vertical tubular reactor with a length of 3700 mm and a diameter of 20 mm at 275-375°C,15 MPa,and molar ratio of methanol to soybean oil of 40︰1.The phase holdup,intermediate product,yield and axial distribution of methyl ester(ME) were investigated.Methanol and oil were mixed non-uniformly due to the formation of biodiesel and difference in their densities,even when the reaction system was in the supercritical state.From top to bottom,the phase holdup of methanol increased and that of oil decreased.As temperature increased,the concentrations of monoglyceride and diglyceride decreased gradually and the ME yield increased.When the temperature reached 300°C,the critical temperature of the system,the ME yield was 50%.Further increase in temperature led to a sharp in-crease of ME yield.However,at 375°C after 1200 s of reaction time,the decomposition rate of ME was greater than its formation rate,reducing the ME yield.

Appropriateness of Reduced Modified Three-Parameter Weibull Distribution Function for Predicting Gold Production in Ghana

Forecasting mine production is pertinent to gold mining as it serves as production goals for investors. It is therefore important to identify the exact distribution that gold production as a response variable naturally follows. It is even more appropriate to have a model(s) with few predictor variables. This paper seeks to identify appropriate statistical distribution functions for fitting gold production in Ghana. The empirical paper relied mainly on quarterly secondary datasets on gold production between the years 2009 and 2022 secured from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, Accra. Several known statistical distributions including Weibull, Log-Normal, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) were explored with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and evaluated using model selection criteria as AIC, AICc and BIC. Goodness of Fits were evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test (K-S), Cramer-Von Mises Statistic and Anderson-Darling Statistic. Based on the analysis conducted, the reduced modified 3-parameter Weibull distribution provided the best fit for gold production in Ghana. Though the reduced modified Weibull function is proposed, it is important however to recognize that other external factors can influence production levels. Also, the average quarterly fitted gold production is 1000334.8918 ± 75,327.080 (±7.5%) [i.e., 925,007.812 – 1,075,661.972]. This indicates that the average annually fitted gold production lies between 3700031.248 and 4302647.888 ounces at 99.9% confidence level. Therefore, the predicted gold production for the year 2022 is 3.7million ounces at 99.9% confidence level.

Appropriateness of Reduced Modified Three-Parameter Weibull Distribution Function for Predicting Gold Production in Ghana

Forecasting mine production is pertinent to gold mining as it serves as production goals for investors. It is therefore important to identify the exact distribution that gold production as a response variable naturally follows. It is even more appropriate to have a model(s) with few predictor variables. This paper seeks to identify appropriate statistical distribution functions for fitting gold production in Ghana. The empirical paper relied mainly on quarterly secondary datasets on gold production between the years 2009 and 2022 secured from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, Accra. Several known statistical distributions including Weibull, Log-Normal, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) were explored with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and evaluated using model selection criteria as AIC, AICc and BIC. Goodness of Fits were evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test (K-S), Cramer-Von Mises Statistic and Anderson-Darling Statistic. Based on the analysis conducted, the reduced modified 3-parameter Weibull distribution provided the best fit for gold production in Ghana. Though the reduced modified Weibull function is proposed, it is important however to recognize that other external factors can influence production levels. Also, the average quarterly fitted gold production is 1000334.8918 ± 75,327.080 (±7.5%) [i.e., 925,007.812 – 1,075,661.972]. This indicates that the average annually fitted gold production lies between 3700031.248 and 4302647.888 ounces at 99.9% confidence level. Therefore, the predicted gold production for the year 2022 is 3.7million ounces at 99.9% confidence level.

Production Scheduling and Distribution in Downstream Sector Using Block-Structured Linear Programming Solution Technique ： A Comparative Analysis

The aim of this paper is to compare block-structured linear programming （LP） models against other practical optimization methods for solving downstream product refinery problems using a solution method different from the existing ones （like mixed integer linear programming （MILP） method）. The work X-rays the Nigerian petroleum refining industries and their channel of distribution in the local setting and identifies the critical features of scheduling and allocation of refined crude products; either for distribution within the country or for exportation to the international market. Applying our model to the distribution model, the computational results reveal a better route with lowest transportation cost for the scheduling problem and the best optimal blend with higher revenue for the production problem.

Mixed Integer Robust Programming Model for Multimodal Fresh Agricultural Products Terminal Distribution Network Design

The low efficiency and high cost of fresh agricultural product terminal distribution directly restrict the operation of the entire supply network.To reduce costs and optimize the distribution network,we construct a mixed integer programmingmodel that comprehensively considers tominimize fixed,transportation,fresh-keeping,time,carbon emissions,and performance incentive costs.We analyzed the performance of traditional rider distribution and robot distribution modes in detail.In addition,the uncertainty of the actual market demand poses a huge threat to the stability of the terminal distribution network.In order to resist uncertain interference,we further extend the model to a robust counterpart form.The results of the simulation show that the instability of random parameters will lead to an increase in the cost.Compared with the traditional rider distribution mode,the robot distribution mode can save 12.7%on logistics costs,and the distribution efficiency is higher.Our research can provide support for the design of planning schemes for transportation enterprise managers.

Fruit Production Distribution and Adjustment Strategies under the Constraint of Grain Security

Grain security is the foundation of national security,and guaranteeing the grain security by every possible means is a development priority for the whole country.Rapid development of the fruit industry satisfies increasing demands of people for fruits,but also presents certain competition for grain production.From the perspective of limited resources and comparative income,this paper analyzed potential threats of fruit production distribution to grain production in farmland and labor resources,and came up with pertinent adjustment strategies.

Challenges and Access to Production and Distribution of News in the Era of Big Data

With the strategy of media integration,transformation and upgrading of media has become an important issue.In the era of big data,due to the dual impact of data and technology,the media brings both challenges and opportunities.The paper traces the characteristics of the era of big data,focuses on analyzing the challenges and opportunities in the media industry,and analyzes the transformation and upgrading of the media from the dimensions of news production and distribution to better realize the social functions of media in the era of big data.Some strategic suggestions are put forward to improve the propagation effect.

Nuclear Effect on Gluon Distribution Function and Associate Production of J/Ψ and y with Large P_T in High Energy p-Fe Collision

With three theoretical models of nuclear effects on gluon distribution functions,the differentialcross sections and the total cross sections for associate production of J/ψ and γ with large P_T in high energyp-Fe collisions are calculated.

Spatio-temporal distribution of net primary productivity along the northeast China transect and its response to climatic change

An improved Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach model （CASA model） was used to estimate the net primary productivity （NPP） of the Northeast China Transect （NECT） every month from 1982 to 2000. The spatial-temporal distribution of NPP along NECT and its response to climatic change were also analyzed. Results showed that the change tendency of NPP spatial distribution in NECT is quite similar to that of precipitation and their spatial correlation coefficient is up to 0.84 （P 〈 0.01）. The inter-annual variation of NPP in NECT is mainly affected by the change of the aestival NPP every year, which accounts for 67.6% of the inter-annual increase in NPP and their spatial correlation coefficient is 0.95 （P 〈 0.01）. The NPP in NECT is mainly cumulated between May and September, which accounts for 89.8% of the annual NPP. The NPP in summer （June to August） accounts for 65.9% of the annual NPP and is the lowest in winter. Recent climate changes have enhanced plant growth in NECT. The mean NPP increased 14.3% from 1980s to 1990s. The inter-annual linear trend of NPP is 4.6 gC·m^-2·a^-1, and the relative trend is 1.17%, which owns mainly to the increasing temperature.

Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Rice Potential Productivity and Potential Yield Increment in Main Production Regions of China

The vast area and marked variation of China make it difficult to predict the impact of climate changes on rice productivity in different regions.Therefore,analyzing the spatial and temporal characteristics of rice potential productivity and predicting the possible yield increment in main rice production regions of China is important for guiding rice production and ensuring food security.Using meteorological data of main rice production regions from 1961 to 1970（the 1960s） and from 1996 to 2005（the 2000s） provided by 333 stations,the potential photosynthetic,photo-thermal and climatic productivities in rice crop of the 1960s and 2000s in main rice production regions of China were predicted,and differences in the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics between two decades were analyzed.Additionally,the potential yield increment based on the high yield target and actual yield of rice in the 2000s were predicted.Compared with the 1960s,the potential photosynthetic productivity of the 2000s was seen to have decreased by 5.40%,with rates in northeastern and southwestern China found to be lower than those in central and southern China.The potential photo-thermal productivity was generally seen to decrease（2.56%） throughout main rice production regions,decreasing most in central and southern China.However,an increase was seen in northeastern and southwestern China.The potential climatic productivity was observed to be lower（7.44%） in the 2000s compared to the 1960s,but increased in parts of central and southern China.The potential yield increment from the actual yield to high yield target in the 2000s were no more than 6×103 kg ha-1 and ranged from 6×103 to 12×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.The yield increasing potential from the high yield target to the potential photo-thermal productivity in 2000s were less than 10×103 kg ha-1 and ranged from 10×103 to 30×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.The potential yield increment contributed by irrigation was between 5×103 and 20×103 kg ha-1,and between 20×103 and 40×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.These findings suggested that the high yield could be optimized by making full use of climatic resources and through a reasonable management plan in rice crop.

1-Butene isomerization and metathesis over Mo/mordenite-alumina: Factors influencing product distribution and induction period

Effects of space velocity, reaction temperature and support acidity on product distribution and induction period in 1-butene isomerization and metathesis over Mo/mordenite-alumina were investigated. As revealed by the catalytic performance results, induction period and objective product were closely related to the reaction conditions. Lower space velocity led to longer induction period and higher propene yield. The optimal reaction temperature for propene production is around 150 ~C and it shifted to 100 ~C for ethene production. 1-Butene auto-metathesis predominated in the reaction network if the support with lower degree of sodium exchanged. And propene gradually became the dominant product upon increasing the support sodium exchange degree. 6Mo/H100Na0M-30A1 catalyst with a support of full sodium exchange degree exhibited the highest propene yield.

Kinetics and product distribution studies on ruthenium-promoted cobalt/alumina Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst

Hydrocarbon production rates and distributions on ruthenium promoted alumina supported cobalt Fischer-Tropsch synthesis （FTS） catalyst were studied by the concept of two superimposed Anderson-Schulz-Flory （ASF） distributions.The results indicated that the characterizing growth probabilities α1 and α2 were strongly dependent on reaction conditions.By increasing the H2 /CO partial pressure ratios and reaction temperatures,deviation from normal ASF distribution decreases and the double-α-ASF distribution changes into a straight line.Based on the concept of double-α-ASF distribution,a useful rate equation for the production of hydrocarbons under industrial reaction conditions is obtained.

Numerical Simulation of Coupled Molten Steel Flow and Temperature Fields in Compact Strip Production Casting

Based on the casting manufacture practice of steel slabs by CSP technology, the flow and the temperature fields of the funnel mould and the secondary cooling segment were simulated using the commercial code, CFX4. Compared with other physical investigations, the correlative data of the present simulation results are in good agreement with them. Therefore, a more comprehensive survey for metallurgy characteristic of the flow and the temperature fields in CSP continuous casting process can be achieved.

Chemical looping gasification of maceral from low-rank coal: Products distribution and kinetic analysis on vitrinite

The product distribution and kinetic analysis of low-rank coal vitrinite were investigated during the chemical looping gasification(CLG)process.The acid washing method was used to treat low-rank coal,and the density gradient centrifugation method was adopted to obtain the coal macerals.By combining thermogravimetric analysis and online mass spectrometry,the influence of the heating rate and oxygen carrier(Fe2O3)blending ratio on product distribution was discussed.The macroscopic kinetic parameters were solved by the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose(KAS)method,and the main gaseous product formation kinetic parameters were solved by the iso-conversion method.The results of vitrinite during slow heating chemical looping gasification showed that the main weight loss interval was 400–600℃,and the solid yield of sample vitrinite-Fe-10 at different heating rates was 64.30%–69.67%.When b=20℃·min^(-1),the maximum decomposition rate of vitrinite-Fe-10 was 0.312%min1.The addition of Fe2O_(3)reduced the maximum decomposition rate,but by comparing the chemical looping conversion characteristic index,it could be inferred that the chemical looping gasification of vitrinite might produce volatile substances higher than the pyrolysis process of vitrinite alone.The average activation energy of the reaction was significantly reduced during chemical looping gasification of vitrinite,which was lower than the average activation energy of 448.69 kJ·mol^(-1) during the pyrolysis process of vitrinite alone.The gaseous products were mainly CO and CO_(2).When the heating rate was 10℃·min^(-1),the highest activation energy for CH4 formation was 21.353 kJ·mol^(-1),and the lowest activation energy for CO formation was 9.7333 kJ·mol^(-1).This study provides basic data for exploring coal chemical looping gasification mechanism and reactor design by studying the chemical looping gasification process of coal macerals。

Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Specialized Villages in Guangdong Province,China

China is vigorously implementing a rural revitalization strategy with the prosperity of rural industries as the primary goal.The characteristic economy of’One Village One Product’(OVOP)is particularly significant in promoting rural revitalization and increasing farmers’income.Accurately identifying the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of agricultural specialized villages(ASVs)under OVOP provides a preliminary research basis for constructing the theoretical framework of specialization and clustering of rural industrial development.This study takes Guangdong Province,China as an example,using kernel density estimation,Ripley’s K function,geometric fractals,principal component regression and other methods to identify the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of ASVs.It was found that the ASVs in Guangdong Province are dominated by the planting industry,with an uneven number in space and a multi patch distribution.Specifically,ASVs are mainly distributed in the Chaoshan Plain in the eastern Guangdong,the northern mountainous area of Guangzhou,and the eastern part of Maoming City.Its spatial distribution mode obeys the aggregation distribution pattern at the scale of province,region and municipality(prefecture-level city).In addition,the formation and development of ASVs are affected by multiple internal and external factors.The influence of basic factors such as natural environmental conditions is gradually weakening,while the influence of social and economic factors such as market demand is gradually increasing.This study can enrich the research results of ASVs and provide guidance and reference for the long-term and high-quality development of rural industry revitalization.

Population distribution and threats to sustainable management of selected non-timber forest products in tropical lowland rainforests of south western Nigeria

Uncontrolled harvesting of non-timber forest products （NTFPs） poses a serious risk of extermination to several of these species in Nigeria. Yet, there is a paucity of information on the distribution, population status and sustainable management of NTFPs in most of the tropical lowland rainforests. We, therefore, assessed the population, distribution and threats to sustainable management of NTFPs within the tropical lowland rainforests of Omo and Shasha Forest Reserves, south western Nigeria. Data were obtained through inventory surveys on five top priority species including： bush mango （Irvingia gabonensis （Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke） Baill）, African walnut （Tetracarpidium conophorum （Mull. Arg.） Hutch. ＆ Dalziel syn. Plukenetia conophora）, chew-stick （Massularia acuminata （G. Don） Bullock）, fever bark （Annickia chlorantha Setten ＆ P.J.Maas syn. Enantia chloranta） and bush pepper （Piper guineense Schumach. ＆ Thonn.）. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used for the inventory. Each forest reserve was stratified into three, viz： less disturbed natural forest （for areas that have been rested for at least ten years）, recently disturbed natural forest （for areas that have suffered one form of human perturbation or the other in the last five years）, and plantation forest （for areas carrying forest plantation）. Data were collected from eighteen 10 m × 500 m belt transects located in the above strata. The species were generally fewer in both plantation and recently disturbed natural forest than the less disturbed natural forest, suggesting that forest disturbances （habitat modification） for other uses may have an effect on the occurrence and densities of the NTFPs. Exceptions to this trend were found for P. guineense and T. conophorum, which were fairly common in both plantation and recently disturbed natural forest. Among three tree NTFP species （i.e. I. gabonensis, M. acuminata and A. chlorantha）, only I. gabonensis showed a significant difference in overall DBH size classes for both reserves （t=？2.404; df =21; p=0.026）. Three tree NTFP species in both reserves further showed differences from the regular patterns of distribution of trees. The fairly regular reverse J-shaped size class distribution observed for M. acuminata in the study sites, however, suggests a recuperating population. In general, destructive harvesting of species, logging operations, low population size, narrow distribution ranges and habitat degradation are the major threats to the population of NTFPs in the study area. The implications of our findings for sustainable management of NTFPs in the study area are discussed and recommendations are made for a feasible approach towards enhancing the status of the species.

Catalyst-free and solvent-free oxidation of cycloalkanes(C5-C8) with molecular oxygen:Determination of autoxidation temperature and product distribution

Autoxidation of cycloalkanes （C5-C8） with molecular oxygen under catalyst-free and solvent-free conditions was conducted systematically for the first time, focusing on the autoxidation temperature and product distribution. The autoxidation of cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane and cyclooctane occurs at 120 ℃, 130 ℃, 120 ℃, and 105 ℃ respectively, with obvious oxidized products formation. At 140 ℃, 145 ℃, 130 ℃ and 125 ℃, acceptable yields of the oxidized products could be obtained for them, and the oxidized product distributions were investigated in detail. The autoxidation of cycloalkanes follows the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the apparent activation energies （Ea） for the autoxidation of cyclopentane and cyclohexane are 159.76 kJ. tool-1 and 86.75 kJ. mol-1 respectively. This study can act as an important reference in screen of suitable reaction temperature and comparison of the performance of various catalysts in the catalytic oxidation of cycloalkanes in the attempt to enhance the oxidized product selectivity.

Assessment of Environmental Sources, Levels and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons within Nzoia Catchment Area in Kenya

Continuous concerns about Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) presence in the environment have raised concern because of their toxic effects to various organisms. Sugarcane farming and cane processing industries are major economic activities within River Nzoia catchment area in Kenya. For instance, the sugar industries produce wastes and by products which can cause PAHs emission and environmental contamination in addition to activities related to rapid urbanization that is being observed within the catchment. This study presents a report on sources and distribution of PAHs levels in sugarcane by products waste, sediments, water and soils within the River Nzoia catchment area. Soil and sediment samples were extracted by soxhlet extraction using dichloro-methane and with C-18 catridges. Analyte separation and identification was done by GC-MS. Fourteen PAHs were detected with concentration ranges of;0.6 μg/L - 80 μg/L for water, 0.01 μg/kg - 1200 μg/kg for soils and 0.13 μg/kg - 19.6 μg/kg for sediments. Bagasse waste had PAHs concentrations in the range of 0.4 - 14 μg/kg, and filter cake in the range of 1.7 - 30 μg/kg. Boiler waters reported the presence of 8 PAHs. The ratio of concentrations of PAHs in boiler water, filter cake and bagasse waste to the soils and water samples within the vicinity to the sugar processing companies did not indicate a point source of contamination;rather it pointed to diffuse sources. The same results were observed for water and sediment samples obtained in the vicinity of waste dumpsite. Variation of PAHs concentrations from sugar manufacturing processes corresponded to the kind and conditions of the processes. Lower molecular weight PAHs dominated in water sample. The presense of benz: 1) pyrene, benz 2) flourancene and Indeno(123,cd)pyrene in both water and sludge soils are of concern since this water is abstracted for domestic use, while sludge soil is used as fertilizer in agricultural farms. Although the levels of PAHs obtained in this study were below the established environment and human health safefty limits, the results underscore the need for mornitoring levels and determining potential sources for PAHs in the environment.