The States-of-arts and Key Scientific Issues on Durability Research of Concrete Structures

Concrete has traditionally been regarded as a durable material requiring little or no maintenance. However, over the past several decades, a number of durability related problems have emerged and stimulated research into the factors relating to concrete durability globally. The challenge now facing practicing engineers is how to design and build structures that not only satisfy the specified structural requirements, but also achieve the performance levels required from a durability standpoint. Research works on concrete structural durability have been widely reported in the literature over the last several decades. In this paper, reviews of four stages of research work on durability, i e, environments, materials, components, and structures, were presented. Afterwards, the key scientific issues in this field were also pointed out.

Key Scientific Issues for Regional Sustainable Development in Northeast Asia

Within the context of global climate change, achieving sustainable development in Northeast Asia will require in-depth research into the key scientific issues from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. This paper assesses that the main issues to be addressed are：（i） researches on the structure, function and differentiation disciplines of the vast and complex regional resources-environment-socio-economic system that is Northeast Asia and on how the region can respond and evolve. （ii） Failing to find a mode for sustainable development is one of the most serious restrictive factors to development in Northeast Asia. （iii） Development of cross-border regional socio-economic models for sustainable development is essential. And （iv） the strategies above require cross-border technical support platforms to guarantee a consistent approach to regional sustainability in Northeast Asia.

Review of the Metallogenic Regularity of Magnesite Deposits in China

China has abundant reserves of magnesite, making it the world’s leading source of this strategic mineral.Sparry magnesite is the main type of magnesite deposit, and is easy to exploit.It occurs mainly as the sedimentary-metamorphic type.Production is centred on eastern Liaoning Province, where a world-class large to super large magnesite ore processing and production facility has been developed.Hydrothermal metasomatic deposits, associated with ultramafic complexes and eluvial deposits produced by weathering, are two other important types found in China.The Western section of the Bangonghu-Nujiang metallogenic belt is an important target region for prospecting lake-sedimentary magnesite deposits.Based on a systematic analysis of material from 62 magnesite production areas, this study investigated the metallogeny of magnesite and delineated 13 magnesite metallogenic belts.Maps were produced showing metallogenic regularities in magnesite deposits, the metallogenic system of the magnesite deposits, and the distribution of the metallogenic belts of Chinese magnesite deposits.It provides a theoretical basis for forecasting the location of potential magnesite resources in China.Finally, it explores some key scientific issues, including the formation processes of ultra magnesite ore-concentrated areas, and their sources of magnesium.

P recision L ivestock F arming: A n international review of scientific and commercial aspects

Precision Livestock Farming(PLF)is potentially one of the most powerful developments amongst a number of interesting new and upcoming technologies that have the potential to revolutionise the livestock farming industries.If properly implemented,PLF or Smart Farming could(1)improve or at least objectively document animal welfare on farms;(2)reduce greenhouse gas(GHG)emission and improve environmental performance of farms;(3)facilitate product segmentation and better marketing of livestock products;(4)reduce illegal trading of livestock products;and(5)improve the economic stability of rural areas.However,there are only a few examples of successful commercialisation of PLF technologies introduced by a small number of commercial companies which are actively involved in the PLF commercialisation process.To ensure that the potential of PLF is taken to the industry,it is recommended to:(1)establish a new service industry;(2)verify,demonstrate and publicise the benefits of PLF;(3)better coordinate the efforts of different industry and academic organisations interested in the development and implementation of PLF technologies on farms;and(4)encourage the commercial sectors to assist with professionally managed product development.