Deep seabed mining:Frontiers in engineering geology and environment

Ocean mining activities have been ongoing for nearly 70 years,making great contributions to industrialization.Given the increasing demand for energy,along with the restructuring of the energy supply catalyzed by efforts to achieve a low-carbon economy,deep seabed mining will play an important role in addressing energy-and resource-related problems in the future.However,deep seabed mining remains in the exploratory stage,with many challenges presented by the high-pressure,low-temperature,and complex geologic and hydrodynamic environments in deep-sea mining areas,which are inaccessible to human activities.Thus,considerable efforts are required to ensure sustainable,economic,reliable,and safe deep seabed mining.This study reviews the latest advances in marine engineering geology and the environment related to deep-sea min-ing activities,presents a bibliometric analysis of the development of ocean mineral resources since the 1950s,summarizes the development,theory,and issues related to techniques for the three stages of ocean mining(i.e.,exploration,extraction,and closure),and discusses the engineering geology environment,geological disasters,in-situ monitoring techniques,envi-ronmental protection requirements,and environmental effects in detail.Finally,this paper gives some key conclusions and future perspectives to provide insights for subsequent studies and commercial mining operations.

Marine Ranching Engineering Collaborative Innovation from the Perspective of Ecological Environment

As a resource development model with both economic and ecological functions,the environmental friendliness of marine ranching products meets the environmental needs of consumers.However,the lack of technological innovation ability limits the development of marine ranching.Therefore,this research builds a marine ranching collaborative innovation system with multi-agent participation.Evolutionary game theory is used to analyze strategic choices of all parties and the conditions of system equilibrium,and numerical simulation is used to analyze the effect of relevant factors.This paper integrates the benefits from the improvement of environmental friendliness into the payoff matrix,and explains the significance of collaborative innovation to the development of marine ranching from the perspective of ecological environment.The results showed:the participation willingness of marine ranching enterprises is positively related to open innovation subject,while the participation willingness of the other two parties is negatively related to the government;The incentive effect of collaboration is negatively correlated with the government’s will,positively correlated with the other two parties;The incentive effect of government subsidies positively affects the willingness of the three parties to participate.Finally,suggestions are provided for each participant to maintain the strategic choice of marine ranching collaborative innovation system.

Design and Sizing of an Ecological Wastewater Treatment System in a School Environment: A Case Study of Ndiebene Gandiol 1 School

The primary objective of this study was to design and size a sustainable sanitation solution for the Ndiebene Gandiol 1 school located in the eponymous commune in northern Senegal. Field investigations led to the collection of wastewater samples. Their analysis revealed specific pollutant loads, including loads of BOD5 3.6966 kgO2/day and COD of 12.8775 kgO2/day, which were central to the design phase. Following a rigorous assessment of the existing sanitation infrastructure, constructed wetland (CWs) emerged as the most appropriate ecological solution. This system, valued for its ability to effectively remove contaminants, was tailored to the specific needs of the site. Consequently, the final design of the filter extends over 217.16 m2, divided into two cells of 108.58 m2 each, with dimensions of 12.77 m in length and 8.5 m in width. The depth of the filtering medium is approximately 0.60 m, meeting the standards while ensuring maximized purification. Typha, an indigenous and prolific plant known for its purification abilities, was selected as the filtering agent. Concurrently, non-crushed gravel was chosen for its proven filtration capacity. This study is the result of a combination of scientific rigor and design expertise. It provides a holistic view of sanitation for Ndiebene Gandiol. The technical specifications and dimensions of the constructed wetland filter embody an approach that marries indepth analysis and practical application, all aimed at delivering an effective and long-lasting solution to the local sanitation challenges. By integrating precise scientific data with sanitation design expertise, this study delivers a holistic solution for Ndiebene Gandiol. The detailed dimensions and specifications of the constructed wetland filter reflect a methodology that combines meticulous analysis with practical adaptation, aiming to provide an effective and sustainable response to the challenges of rural and school sanitation in the northern region of Senegal.

Ecological Wastewater Treatment System in a School Environment Using a Horizontal Flow Biological Reactor: The Case of Typha

The overarching goal of this study is to offer an effective and sustainable solution to the challenges of sanitation in rural and school settings in the northern region of Senegal. The study explores a wastewater treatment approach based on phytoremediation, with a particular focus on the use of horizontally-flowing reed bed filters. Furthermore, it aims to adapt and optimize these systems for the specific needs of Senegal, focusing on wastewater in school environments. Thus, we constructed a horizontally-flowing reed bed filter, planted with Typha, at the Ndiébène Gandiol school in Senegal. We will investigate the efficiency of wastewater treatment by this horizontally-flowing reed bed filter, emphasizing the role of the plant used: Typha. The filter is described in detail, specifying its dimensions, its composition of flint gravel, and the choice of plants, namely Typha. The experimental protocol is detailed, describing the sampling at the entrance and exit of the filter to evaluate water quality. The parameters analyzed include Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days (BOD5), suspended solids, ammonium, nitrates, phosphates, pH, conductivity, and fecal coliforms. The results indicate a significant improvement in water quality after treatment. COD, BOD5, suspended solids, and fecal coliforms are greatly reduced, thus demonstrating the efficacy of the Typha filter. However, nitrate concentrations remain relatively stable, suggesting room for improvement in their elimination. A perspective of reuse of the treated water is considered, showing that the effluents from the planted filter meet Senegalese and international standards for irrigation. The findings suggest that these waters could be used for a variety of crops, thereby reducing the pressure on freshwater resources. In conclusion, the Typha-based filtration system shows promising results for improving water quality in this region of Senegal. However, adjustments are necessary for more effective nitrate removal. This study paves the way for sustainable use of treated wastewater for irrigation, thus contributing to food security and the preservation of water resources.

Current developments of research on permafrost engineering and cold region environment:a report of the 8^(th) International Symposium on Permafrost Engineering

The Eighth International Symposium on Permafrost Engineering was held in Xi’an,China,October 2009.The major topics discussed in the symposium included:permafrost engineering (involving design,construction and evaluation);mitigation of frost hazards in the regions affected by seasonally frozen ground;properties of frozen soils,model development and their applications;frost hazards and periglacial environments in mountain and plateau regions;climatic,environmental and cryospheric changes;and permafrost hydrology,cold regions water resources and land uses.The papers submitted to the symposium and lectures during the meeting represented some new developments of research on cold region engineering and environment.Here we summarized the works of the symposium in topics including:Permafrost engineering;General geocryology;Properties of frozen soils:model development and their applications;And climatic,environmental and cryospheric changes.During the symposium,the attendees pointed out that future studies should pay more attention to theoretical study and engineering mechanism study,and also on interaction between climate change and cold region environments and their engineering affects.

Ecological environment response of benthic foraminifera to heavy metals and human engineering: A case study from Jiaozhou Bay, China

The estuary and coastal zone are the key areas for socio-economic development,and they are also the important channels for pollutants transported to the sea.The construction of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge changed the hydrodynamic condition of the bay,which made the self-purification capacity of the bay weakened and the pollution in the estuary and adjacent coastal zone become more serious.In this study,55 surface sediment samples were collected from the three seriously polluted estuaries and the adjacent coastal zone of Jiaozhou Bay to comprehensively study how the benthic foraminifera response to heavy metal pollution and human engineering,and to assess the ecological risks of the bay.A total of 80 species,belonging to 42 genera,were identified in this study.The results showed that Cu,Pb,Cr,Hg,Zn,and As had low to median ecological risks in the study area which would definitely affect the ecological system.The construction of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge has resulted in pollutants accumulated at the river mouth of Loushan River,which has adverse effects on the survival and growth of benthic foraminifera.The lowest population density and diversity as well as the highest FAI(Foraminiferal Abnormality Index)and FMI(Foraminiferal Monitoring Index)occurred at Loushan River Estuary which indicated that the ecological environment of the northeastern part of Jiaozhou Bay(Loushan River Estuary)had been seriously damaged.Licun River and Haipo River estuaries and the adjacent coastal zone were slightly polluted and had low ecological risk.As a consequence,it suggested that the supervision of industrial and domestic waste discharge and the protection of the ecological environment in northeast Jiaozhou Bay should be paid more attention.

Study of Fussy Clustering of Engineering Geological Environment with GIS

Based on previous evaluating methods, a new method which combines GIS with Fussy Clustering algorithm is proposed and applied in evaluating the engineering geological environment of the research area of XuZHou City in this paper. By analyzing the characteristics and formation of engineering geological environment,the major problems are discussed, including stability of basement rock, sandy soil liquefaction and cultural stratum.According to effecting factors of these problems, the stability of every engineering geological problem in the worked area is classified into different classes. Then, the Fussy Clustering method is used in assessing all conditions of engineering geological environment. Finally, the evaluation is fulfilled in the whole studied area. The calculating result shows the method is feasible.

Education Training Improvement of Built Environment and Energy Application Engineering in Line with the ABET Criteria

Built Environment and Energy Application Engineering(BEEAE),namely Heating,Ventilating,Air Conditioning and Refrigerating(HVAC&R),is one of the international accreditation programs.Its knowledge system of professional theory and professional education in accredited engineering academic programs must meet the requirements of the relevant international engineering certification.In view of professional engineers and technicians training of BEEAE,the professional training programs and the knowledge system are compared and explored in line with the international certification criteria.This study compares the items and requirements of different international certification criteria,and summarizes the experienced methods of education training.The undergraduate education and training programs are then improved in accordance with the requirements from international certification criteria.The BEEAE education training schemes should combine the knowledge system of the national professional guidance standards with the items from international certification criteria.

Engineering the Local Coordination Environment of Single-Atom Catalysts and Their Applications in Photocatalytic Water Splitting:A Review

Single-atom catalysts(SACs),with atomically dispersed metal atoms anchored on a typical support,representing the utmost utilization effi ciency of the atoms,have recently emerged as promising catalysts for a variety of catalytic applications.The electronic properties of the active center of SACs are highly dependent on the local environment constituted by the single metal atom and its surrounding coordination elements.Therefore,engineering the coordination environment near single metal sites,from the fi rst coordination shell to the second shell or higher,would be a rational way to design effi cient SACs with optimized electronic structure for catalytic applications.The wide range of coordination confi gurations,guaranteed by the multiple choices of the type and heterogeneity of the coordination element(N,O,P,S,etc.),further off er a large opportunity to rationally design SACs for satisfactory activities and investigate the structure-performance relationship.In this review,the coordination engineering of SACs by varying the type of coordination element was elaborated and the photocatalytic water splitting of SACs was highlighted.Finally,challenging issues related to the coordination engineering of SACs and their photocatalytic applications were discussed to call for more eff orts devoted to the further development of single-atom catalysis.

Students’Feedback on Integrating Engineering Practice Cases into Lecture Task in Course of Built Environment

The improvement of students’abilities is of great significance to discover the relevant scientific problems in daily life,to analyze and solve practical problems,to trigger scientific inspiration,and to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.Taken the course entitled Built Environment(BE)as an example,this study introduces five lecture cases combining with engineering practices,and examines the evaluation of teaching and learning effect on student outcomes.The cases consider various problems to be solved urgently in an actual project,and evaluate the student outcomes by statistically analyzing the questionnaires.Most of the students actively participate in five cases and cheerfully share their achievements.More than 85%of students are satisfied with the engineering practice and the learning proposal,and convey a little or even significantly change in their understanding of the employment prospects.

MA RONG JUN—AN EXPERT IN HYDROMETALLURGY AND ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING

Professor Ma Rongjun was bron in 1931 at Dacheng County of Hebei Province. He graduated from Northeast University of Technology in 1955 and studied as a postgraduate at Kosice

International Conference on Environment and Human Health Systems Engineering 2017 Held in Xi＇an

The first International Conference on Environment and Human Health Systems Engineering was held on July 8,2017 in Northwestern Polytechnical University（NPU）,Xi’an.This conference was jointly held by the School of Life Sciences of NPU,the Office of International Cooperation of NPU and the China Aerospace Academy of Systems Science and Engineering（CAASSE）.

Benefits of Genetic Engineering to the Environment and Human Health

The purpose of this essay is to argue that the genetic engineering may bring about benefits to human health and the environment.By means of research of secondary source collection,relevant evidence is selected,evaluated and organized into three main parts:improving agricultural environment,providing effective medical therapy and supplying safe and nutrition food to human body.In order to explain the benefits that created by genetic engineering technologies,examples based on opinions of experts and results of experts' experiments are used.The research results strongly suggest that the genetic engineering has positive effects on environment and mankind.Base on those finds,the argument is justified that genetic engineering is certainly beneficial to the environment and human health.In the future,more attention and researches should be focus on the genetic engineering with the purpose of benefiting human beings and the natural worlds.

Green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality

The concept of“carbon neutrality”poses a huge challenge for chemical engineering and brings great opportunities for boosting the development of novel technologies to realize carbon offsetting and reduce carbon emissions.Developing high-efficient,low-cost,energy-efficient and eco-friendly microfluidicbased microchemical engineering is of great significance.Such kind of“green microfluidics”can reduce carbon emissions from the source of raw materials and facilitate controllable and intensified microchemical engineering processes,which represents the new power for the transformation and upgrading of chemical engineering industry.Here,a brief review of green microfluidics for achieving carbon neutral microchemical engineering is presented,with specific discussions about the characteristics and feasibility of applying green microfluidics in realizing carbon neutrality.Development of green microfluidic systems are categorized and reviewed,including the construction of microfluidic devices by bio-based substrate materials and by low carbon fabrication methods,and the use of more biocompatible and nondestructive fluidic systems such as aqueous two-phase systems(ATPSs).Moreover,low carbon applications benefit from green microfluidics are summarized,ranging from separation and purification of biomolecules,high-throughput screening of chemicals and drugs,rapid and cost-effective detections,to synthesis of fine chemicals and novel materials.Finally,challenges and perspectives for further advancing green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality are proposed and discussed.

Relationship between spatio-temporal evolution of soil pH and geological environment/surface cover in the eastern Nenjiang River Basin of Northeast China during the past 30 years

To illuminate the spatio-temporal variation characteristics and geochemical driving mechanism of soil pH in the Nenjiang River Basin,the National Multi-objective Regional Geochemical Survey data of topsoil,the Second National Soil Survey data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)were analyzed.The areas of neutral and alkaline soil decreased by 21100 km^(2)and 30500 km^(2),respectively,while that of strongly alkaline,extremely alkaline,and strongly acidic soil increased by 19600 km^(2),18200 km^(2),and 15500 km^(2),respectively,during the past 30 years.NDVI decreased with the increase of soil pH when soil pH>8.0,and it was reversed when soil pH<5.0.There were significant differences in soil pH with various surface cover types,which showed an ascending order:Arbor<reed<maize<rice<high and medium-covered meadow<low-covered meadow<Puccinellia.The weathering products of minerals rich in K_(2)O,Na_(2)O,CaO,and MgO entered into the low plain and were enriched in different parts by water transportation and lake deposition,while Fe and Al remained in the low hilly areas,which was the geochemical driving mechanism.The results of this study will provide scientific basis for making scientific and rational decisions on soil acidification and salinization.

Development of a building information model-guided post-earthquake building inspection framework using 3D synthetic environments

Computer vision-based inspection methods show promise for automating post-earthquake building inspections.These methods survey a building with unmanned aerial vehicles and automatically detect damage in the collected images.Nevertheless,assessing the damage′s impact on structural safety requires localizing damage to specific building components with known design and function.This paper proposes a BIM-based automated inspection framework to provide context for visual surveys.A deep learning-based semantic segmentation algorithm is trained to automatically identify damage in images.The BIM automatically associates any identified damage with specific building components.Then,components are classified into damage states consistent with component fragility models for integration with a structural analysis.To demonstrate the framework,methods are developed to photorealistically simulate severe structural damage in a synthetic computer graphics environment.A graphics model of a real building in Urbana,Illinois,is generated to test the framework;the model is integrated with a structural analysis to apply earthquake damage in a physically realistic manner.A simulated UAV survey is flown of the graphics model and the framework is applied.The method achieves high accuracy in assigning damage states to visible structural components.This assignment enables integration with a performance-based earthquake assessment to classify building safety.

Stereoscopic Camera-Sensor Model for the Development of Highly Automated Driving Functions within a Virtual Test Environment

The need for efficient and reproducible development processes for sensor and perception systems is growing with their increased use in modern vehicles. Such processes can be achieved by using virtual test environments and virtual sensor models. In the context of this, the present paper documents the development of a sensor model for depth estimation of virtual three-dimensional scenarios. For this purpose, the geometric and algorithmic principles of stereoscopic camera systems are recreated in a virtual form. The model is implemented as a subroutine in the Epic Games Unreal Engine, which is one of the most common Game Engines. Its architecture consists of several independent procedures that enable a local depth estimation, but also a reconstruction of a whole three-dimensional scenery. In addition, a separate programme for calibrating the model is presented. In addition to the basic principles, the architecture and the implementation, this work also documents the evaluation of the model created. It is shown that the model meets specifically defined requirements for real-time capability and the accuracy of the evaluation. Thus, it is suitable for the virtual testing of common algorithms and highly automated driving functions.

Linking a Game Engine Environment to Architectural Information on the Semantic Web

Because of the importance of graphics and information within the domain of architecture, engineering and construction （AEC）, an appropriate combination of visualization technology and information management technology is of utter importance in the development of appropriately supporting design and construction applications. Virtual environments, however, tend not to make this information available. The sparse number of applications that present additional information furthermore tend to limit their scope to pure construction information and do not incorporate information from loosely related knowledge domains, such as cultural heritage or architectural history information. We therefore started an investigation of two of the newest developments in these domains, namely game engine technology and semantic web technology. This paper documents part of this research, containing a review and comparison of the most prominent game engines and documenting our architectural semantic web. A short test-case illustrates how both can be combined to enhance information visualization for architectural design and construction.

Water Environmental Impact Assessment and Analysis of Foshan Brewery Project

In recent years, the beer industry is a biological food industry that consumes a lot of water, and it has developed rapidly in China. The sewage discharged from the mass production of beer poses a huge threat to the environment. In order to evaluate and better solve the possible environmental impacts of beer treatment engineering projects, a brewery project in Foshan City is taken as an example to investigate the water pollution generation links of the engineering process including surface water and groundwater. According to the relevant technical methods and standards, water pollution factors are screened, and concentration and discharge are monitored. Through comprehensive analysis, predictive evaluation is obtained. It is confirmed that the project meets the requirements of national laws and regulations and environmental protection standards.

Generating Kerr nonlinearity with an engineered non-Markovian environment

Kerr nonlinearity is an important resource for creating squeezing and entanglement in quantum technology.Here we propose a scheme for generating Kerr nonlinearity originated from an engineered non-Markovian environment,which is different from the previous efforts using nonlinear media or quantum systems with special energy structures.In the present work,the generation of Kerr nonlinearity depends on the system-environment interaction time,the energy spectrum of the environment,and the system-environment coupling strength,regardless of the environmental initial state.The scheme can be realized in systems originally containing no Kerr interaction,such as superconducting circuit systems,optomechanical systems,and cavity arrays connected by transmission lines.