Thermo-Physical Potential of Recycled Banana Fibers for Improving the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Biosourced Gypsum-Based Materials

The development of bio-sourced materials is essential to ensuring sustainable construction;it is considered a locomotive of the green economy.Furthermore,it is an abundant material in our country,to which very little attention is being given.This work aims to valorize the waste of the trunks of banana trees to be used in construction.Firstly,the physicochemical properties of the fiber,such as the percentage of crystallization and its morphology,have been determined by X-ray diffraction tests and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the potential and the impact of the mode of drying on the quality of the banana fibers,with the purpose to promote the use of this material in construction.Secondly,the results obtained with the gypsum matrix allowed us to note a preponderant improvement in the composite’s thermal properties thanks to the variation of the banana fiber additive.Thirdly,the impact of the nature of the banana fiber distribution(either fiber mixed in matrix or fiber series model)on the flexural and compressive strengths of the composites was studied.The results obtained indicate that the insulation gain reaches up to 40%.It depends on the volume fraction and type of distribution of the banana fibers.However,the thermal inertia of the composites developed,represented by thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity,was studied.Results indicate a gain of 40%and 25%,respectively,in terms of thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the developed composites compared to plaster alone.Concerning the mechanical properties,the flexural strength depends on the percentage of the volume fraction of banana fibers used,and it can reach 20%more than the flexural strength of plaster;nevertheless,there is a significant loss in terms of the compressive strength of the studied composites.The results obtained are confirmed by the microstructure of the fiber banana.In fact,the morphology of the banana fibers was improved by the drying process.It reduces the amorphous area and improves the cellulosic crystalline surfaces,which assures good adhesion between the fiber and the matrix plaster.Finally,the dimensionless coefficient analysis was done to judge the optimal proportion of the banana fiber additive and to recommend its use even on false ceilings or walls.

Mechanical and thermo-physical properties of rapidly solidified Al-50Si-Cu(Mg) alloys for thermal management application

Al-high Si alloys were designed by the addition of Cu or Mg alloying elements to improve the mechanical properties. It is found that the addition of 1 wt.% Cu or 1 wt.% Mg as strengthening elements significantly improves the tensile strength by 27.2% and 24.5%, respectively. This phenomenon is attributed to the formation of uniformly dispersed fine particles(Al2Cu and Mg2Si secondary phases) in the Al matrix during hot press sintering of the rapidly solidified(gas atomization) powder. The thermal conductivity of the Al-50 Si alloys is reduced with the addition of Cu or Mg, by only 7.3% and 6.8%, respectively. Therefore, the strength of the Al-50 Si alloys is enhanced while maintaining their excellent thermo-physical properties by adding 1% Cu(Mg).

The Innovation and Plights of Farmland Property Rights System Reform in Chongqing Municipality

Based on the background of national urban and rural comprehensive reform pilot area and the introduction of the profiles of research region and the data obtained by on-the-spot interview survey,the innovative models of farmland property rights system reform in Chongqing are introduced by applying participatory rural appraisal methods and examples. The innovative models cover buying shares of contract management rights,transforming from farmers to townspeople and mortgaging contract management rights. The plights exist in the reform are analyzed,among which the plights of buying shares of contract management rights are introduced from the following five aspects:the conflict with the present land contract laws,the possible new round of massive scale land loses,the confounded functions of government and enterprise caused by risk transference and the difficulties of handling assets when the contract management rights expired. Besides,the plights of the transforming from rural residents to urban residents are analyzed from four aspects,which include the particularity of reform,high financial pressure,emergence of interbedded people and difficulties of payoff of village-based companies. From the facets of limited mortgage area,risks of reimbursing the loan,legal risks of mortgage. The results show that the stock purchasing model of contractual management rights reveals the capital value of land and the model is of theoretical and practical significance in law and economics. However,the social security system is not perfect,so the stock purchasing model of contractual management rights can not be expanded. In addition,the participation of more famers and the expansion of enterprises are limited as well. The land comprehensive reform model of transforming from rural residents to urban residents is of positive significance to the comprehensive exploration of farmland property system reform,but this kind of model should be supported by strong economy. The stock purchasing model of contractual management rights is of significance to perfect the contractual management rights,but it conflicts with the existing laws and financial systems.

Effects of long-term fencing on soil microbial community structure and function in the desert steppe,China

One of the goals of grazing management in the desert steppe is to improve its ecosystem.However,relatively little is known about soil microbe communities in the desert steppe ecosystem under grazing management.In this study,we investigated the diversity and aboveground biomass of Caragana korshinskii Kom.shrub communities in long-term fencing and grazing areas,combined with an analysis of soil physical-chemical properties and genomics,with the aim of understanding how fence management affects plant-soil-microbial inter-relationships in the desert steppe,China.The results showed that fence management(exclosure)increased plant diversity and aboveground biomass in C.korshinskii shrub area and effectively enhanced soil organic carbon(233.94%),available nitrogen(87.77%),and available phosphorus(53.67%)contents.As well,the Shannon indices of soil bacteria and fungi were greater in the fenced plot.Plant-soil changes profoundly affected the alpha-and beta-diversity of soil bacteria.Fence management also altered the soil microbial community structure,significantly increasing the relative abundances of Acidobacteriota(5.31%-8.99%),Chloroflexi(3.99%-5.58%),and Glomeromycota(1.37%-3.28%).The soil bacterial-fungal co-occurrence networks under fence management had higher complexity and connectivity.Based on functional predictions,fence management significantly increased the relative abundance of bacteria with nitrification and nitrate reduction functions and decreased the relative abundance of bacteria with nitrate and nitrite respiration functions.The relative abundances of ecologically functional fungi with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,ectomycorrhizal fungi,and saprotrophs also significantly increased under fence management.In addition,the differential functional groups of bacteria and fungi were closely related to plant-soil changes.The results of this study have significant positive implications for the ecological restoration and reconstruction of dry desert steppe and similar areas.

Functional thermal fluids and their applications in battery thermal management:A comprehensive review

With the increasing requirements for fast charging and discharging,higher requirements have been put forward for the thermal management of power batteries.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop efficient heat transfer fluids.As a new type of heat transfer fluids,functional thermal fluids mainly includ-ing nanofluids(NFs)and phase change fluids(PCFs),have the advantages of high heat carrying density,high heat transfer rate,and broad operational temperature range.However,challenges that hinder their practical applications remain.In this paper,we firstly overview the classification,thermophysical prop-erties,drawbacks,and corresponding modifications of functional thermal fluids.For NFs,the high ther-mal conductivity and high convective heat transfer performance were mainly elaborated,while the stability and viscosity issues were also analyzed.And then for PCFs,the high heat carrying density was mainly elaborated,while the problems of supercooling,stability,and viscosity were also analyzed.On this basis,the composite fluids combined NFs and PCFs technology,has been summarized.Furthermore,the thermal properties of traditional fluids,NFs,PCFs,and composite fluids are compared,which proves that functional thermal fluids are a good choice to replace traditional fluids as coolants.Then,battery thermal management system(BTMS)based on functional thermal fluids is summarized in detail,and the thermal management effects and pump consumption are compared with that of water-based BTMS.Finally,the current technical challenges that parameters optimization of functional thermal fluids and structures optimization of BTMS systematically are presented.In the future,it is necessary to pay more attention to using machine learning to predict thermophysical properties of functional thermal fluids and their applications for BTMS under actual vehicle conditions.

The effect of total carbon on microscopic soil properties and implications for crop production

Soil structure is a dynamic property affected by physical, chemical, and microbiological processes. Addition of organic matter to soils and the use of different management practices have been reported to impact soil structure and crop production. Moderation in soil temperature and increases in microbial activity and soil water retention are often suggested as reasons for the rise in crop yield when organic matter is added to the soil. Less is known about the direct effect of changes in soil structure on crop production. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of summer cover crop and in-season management system on soil structure. The experiment was a nested design with summer cover crop as the main plot and management system as the subplot. Summer cover crop treatments included cowpea （Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.） incorporated into the soil in the fall （CI）, cowpea used as mulch in the fall （CM）, sudangrass （Sorghum vulgare） incorporated into the soil in the fall （S）, and dry fallow or bare ground （B）. Management systems were organic （ORG） and conventional （CNV） systems. Lettuce （Lactuca sativa L.） and cantaloupes （Cucumis melo L.） were cultivated in rotation in the plots for three consecutive years using the same cover crops and management systems for each plot. Disturbed and undisturbed soil cores were collected at the end of the third year and used for laboratory experiments to measure physical, chemical, and hy- draulic properties. Image analysis was used to quantify soil structure properties using a scanning electron micro- scope on thin sections prepared from the undisturbed soil cores. We found that total soil carbon was correlated with porosity, saturation percentage, and pore roughness. Pore roughness was correlated with crop production in gen- eral and with marketable production in particular. We found that the higher the complexity of the pore space, the more water retained in the soil, which may increase soil water residence and reduce plant water stress.

Protection and Management of Intellectual Properties in the Networked Manufacturing

Networked manufacturing is a primary management mod e of virtual enterprise. It takes advantage of advanced network technology to pass information and devise and assemble necessary components so as to reach a certa in specific purpose. The characteristics of it are dynamic, international and pr ompt. In contrast with traditional manufacturing, networked manufacturing utilizes external predominant resources, and breaks through tangible limits of enterpris e, so it can optimize the combination of social resources and improve the enterp rise′capability of adapting to the constantly changing market. Networked manufacturing produces some problems while bringing enterprise infin ite commercial chance. Compared with traditional manufacturing, stealing intelle ctual achievements and encroaching the related property rights not only becomes easier and quicker, but also leaves no traces when enterprises transfer informat ion through network. It′s well known that competition among corporations in the future is the on e of intellectual property in the final analysis. Therefore, recently, the statu s of intellectual property protection is promoted grandly. In the following parts, several proposals on protecting intellectual property ar e put forward in detail. We can protect the intellectual property by the ways of strengthening the consci ousness of protection. We can protect the intellectual property by perfecting the law. We will know which behaviors on the network are legitimate and which one are illegitimate. As a result, it can decrease and resolve the conflicts partially. Besides, the article puts forward that the conflicts can be resolved through a m edi-institution, an authoritative governmental organization. Moreover, we should strengthen the education on ethics. At last, the paper presents that we can protect our intellectual property throug h international cooperation.

Reflection on the Development of Real Estate in the Context of Block System Reform

Last year, the State Council issued the Several Opinions on Further Strengthening the Management of Urban Planning. The guideline on urban planning has sparked heated debate among Internet users over opening up gated residential communities to public road system. This paper, based on the analysis of the background and contents of block system reform, explored the problems of the implementation of the block system reform and the impact of the block system reform on the real estate in China from 3 aspects, the selling points of the high-end communities, future property management and the community elderly care model.

Determining the spatial distribution of soil properties using the environmental covariates and multivariate statistical analysis: a case study in semi-arid regions of Iran

Natural soil-forming factors such as landforms, parent materials or biota lead to high variability in soil properties. However, there is not enough research quantifying which environmental factor(s) can be the most relevant to predicting soil properties at the catchment scale in semi-arid areas. Thus, this research aims to investigate the ability of multivariate statistical analyses to distinguish which soil properties follow a clear spatial pattern conditioned by specific environmental characteristics in a semi-arid region of Iran. To achieve this goal, we digitized parent materials and landforms by recent orthophotography. Also, we extracted ten topographical attributes and five remote sensing variables from a digital elevation model(DEM) and the Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper(ETM), respectively. These factors were contrasted for 334 soil samples(depth of 0–30 cm). Cluster analysis and soil maps reveal that Cluster 1 comprises of limestones, massive limestones and mixed deposits of conglomerates with low soil organic carbon(SOC) and clay contents, and Cluster 2 is composed of soils that originated from quaternary and early quaternary parent materials such as terraces, alluvial fans, lake deposits, and marls or conglomerates that register the highest SOC content and the lowest sand and silt contents. Further, it is confirmed that soils with the highest SOC and clay contents are located in wetlands, lagoons, alluvial fans and piedmonts, while soils with the lowest SOC and clay contents are located in dissected alluvial fans, eroded hills, rock outcrops and steep hills. The results of principal component analysis using the remote sensing data and topographical attributes identify five main components, which explain 73.3% of the total variability of soil properties. Environmental factors such as hillslope morphology and all of the remote sensing variables can largely explain SOC variability, but no significant correlation is found for soil texture and calcium carbonate equivalent contents. Therefore, we conclude that SOC can be considered as the best-predicted soil property in semi-arid regions.

Avalanche activity and characteristics of its triggering factors in the western Tianshan Mountains,China

Snow avalanche is a serious threat to the safety of roads in alpine mountains. In the western Tianshan Mountains, large scale avalanches occur every year and affect road safety. There is an urgent need to identify the characteristics of triggering factors for avalanche activity in this region to improve road safety and the management of natural hazards. Based on the observation of avalanche activity along the national road G218 in the western Tianshan Mountains, avalanche event data in combination with meteorological, snowpack and earthquake data were collected and analyzed. The snow climate of the mountain range was examined using a recently developed snow climate classification scheme, and triggering conditions of snow avalanche in different snow climate regions were compared. The results show that snowfall is the most common triggering factor for a natural avalanche and there is high probability of avalanche release with snowfall exceeding 20.4 mm during a snowfall period. Consecutive rise in temperature within three days and daily mean temperature reaching 0.5℃ in the following day imply a high probability of temperaturerise-triggered avalanche release. Earthquakes have a significant impact on the formation of large size avalanches in the area. For the period 2011-2017, five cases were identified as a consequence of earthquake with magnitudes of 3.3≤M_L≤5.1 and source-to-site distances of 19~139 km. The Tianshan Mountains are characterized by a continental snow climate with lower snow density, lower snow shear strength and high proportion depth hoar, which explains that both the snowfall and temperature for triggering avalanche release in the continental snow climate of the Tianshan Mountains are lower than that in maritime snow climate and transitional snow climate regions. The findings help forecast avalanche release for mitigating avalanche disaster and assessing the risk of avalanche disaster.

Interaction between climate and management on beta diversity components of vegetation in relation to soil properties in arid and semi-arid oak forests, Iran

This study aimed to investigate the interaction between regions with different climatic conditions(arid vs. semi-arid) and management(protected vs. unprotected) on the turnover and nestedness of vegetation in relation to physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in the Ilam Province of Iran. In each of the two regions, we sampled 8 sites(4 managed and 4 unmanaged sites) within each of which we established 4 circular plots(1000 m^2) that were used to investigate woody species, while two micro-plots(1 m×1 m) were established in each 1000-m^2 plot to analyze herbaceous species. In each sample unit, we also extracted three soil samples(0–20 cm depth) for measuring soil properties. The results indicated that the interaction between region and conservational management significantly affected the percent of canopy cover of Persian oak(Quercus brantii Linddl), soil respiration, substrate-induced respiration, as well as beta and gamma diversities and turnover of plant species. The percent of oak canopy cover was positively correlated with soil silt, electrical conductivity, available potassium, and alpha diversity, whereas it was negatively correlated with plant turnover. In addition, plant turnover was positively related to available phosphorus, while nestedness of species was positively related to organic carbon and total nitrogen. According to these results, we concluded that physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of limited ecological niche generally influenced plant diversity. Also, this study demonstrated the major contribution of the beta diversity on gamma diversity, especially in semi-arid region, because of the higher heterogeneity of vegetation in this area.

Effects of tillage, fallow and burning on selected properties and fertility status of Andosols in the Mounts Bambouto, West Cameroon

To assess the impact of land use on the Andosol fertility, changes in chemical and physical properties affecting soil quality were monitored on Andosols from Mount Bambouto submitted to four different land use and management systems: natural cover, tillage, burning and fallow. In comparison with the natural cover, tillage reduces Andosol OC (6.5 to 4.8%), total N (4.51 to 2.95‰), CEC (22.0 to 20.9 cmol.kg–1) and the abundance of soil macro-aggregates expressed by the water stable aggregates (WSA) varies from 53.8 to 12.0%;and increases the bulk density (0.69 to 1.09 g.cm–3) and the sum of exchangeable cations (3.58 to 4.84 cmol.kg–1). Burning also reduces Andosol OC (6.5 to 0.8%), total N (4.51 to 0.95‰) and CEC (22.0 to 10.2 cmol.kg–1), but increases soil pH (4.62 to 6.54), the sum of exchangeable cations (3.58 to 5.74 cmol.kg–1) and the abundance of soil macroaggregates (WSA: 38.2 to 57.0%). In comparison with tillage, fallow increases Andosol OC (4.8 to 6.5%), total N (2.95 to 5.04‰), CEC (18.0 to 21.6 cmol.kg–1), the sum of exchangeable cations (3.58 to 5.05 cmol.kg–1) and the abundance of soil macroaggregates (WSA: 12.0 to 48.8%). Globally, the tillage management deteriorates Andosol chemical and physical properties affecting fertility, whereas the fallow management restores them. The burning management also improves some Andosol chemical and physical properties affecting quality, but it won’t last long.

Influence of ginseng cultivation under larch plantations on plant diversity and soil properties in Liaoning Province,Northeast China

Currently, transforming the mode of forest management and developing multiple forest management practices are actively encouraged in China. As one forest management type, ginseng cultivation under larch plantations has been developed significantly in the east of Liaoning Province. However, research on the influence of the ecological environment for this mode of production is still deficient. Based on this, our study compares the plant diversity and soil properties in the ginseng cultivation under larch plantations(LG) with larch plantations(LP) and natural secondary forests(SF). First, we randomly selected three plots for each of the three stand types which have similar stand characteristics; then, we carried out a plant diversity survey and soil sampling in each of the nine plots. The results show that no significant difference was found in plant diversity between LG and LP, but theevenness of herbs was significantly lower in LG than LP. No obvious changes in soil physical properties were found in LG, but a significant decrease in most of the soil nutrient content was presented in LG. Furthermore, we found a correlation between plant diversity(H') and soil properties in the three kinds of stand types, especially between herbaceous plant diversity and soil properties. We conclude that ginseng cultivation under larch plantations has no obvious effect on plant diversity, except the herbaceous evenness. Soil fertility can be depleted significantly in LG, but physical structures are not affected. Moreover, maintaining the diversity of herbaceous plants and controlling the density of ginseng cultivation in LG by farmers are important for the ecological environment. Based on this study and its good comprehensive benefits and with the support of policy, we think this forest management type should be promoted moderately in the region.

Tamanu Oil in Acne Management: Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Properties for Scar Reduction

Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of tamanu oil in acne treatment with a specific focus on its impact on inflammation and scar reduction. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of tamanu oil’s dual mechanism of action: reducing acne-related inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars. Clinical trials and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess the oil’s effectiveness in diminishing erythema, swelling, and post-acne scarring compared to conventional treatments. Preliminary findings demonstrate that tamanu oil significantly reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, potentially offering a promising adjunct or alternative to standard acne therapies. Future research should aim to optimize formulation and application protocols, long-term effects, and comparative therapeutic efficacy with other anti-inflammatory agents. Tamanu oil offers a novel and effective approach to acne management, with potential advantages that go beyond inflammation reduction to include enhanced scar reduction, making it a subject that warrants further investigation.

COMPUTERIZED PREDICTION SYSTEM FOR THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

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Study on spatial temporal model in property management information system

Time is an important dimension for information in the geographical information system. Data, such as the historical state of target property space and related events causing the state to be changed, should be saved as important files. This should be applied to property management. This paper designs and constructs a spatial temporal model, which is suitable to the property data changing management and spatial temporal query by analyzing the basic types and characteristics of property management spatial changing time and date. This model uses current and historical situational layers to organize and set up the relationship between current situation data and historical dates according to spatial temporal topological relations in property entities. By using Map Basic, housing property management and spatial query is realized.

Property Rights, Institutions and Forest Resources Management in Developing Countries

The objective of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework stimulating the sustainable management of natural resources in Central Africa. Based on the forest resources, we show how good identification and allocation of property rights strengthen the joint management of forest resources. Cameroon is selected as an example, since the country represents one of the most forest-intense areas in Africa. In doing so, we first evaluate the performance of institutions in fostering sustainable forest management. Second we show how good elaboration and allocation of property rights may contribute to improving efficiency in forest management. Using the New Institutional Economic (NIE) theory we provide an outline of the potential relationships between forest management and property rights allocated to stakeholders involved in forest exploitation. Finally we provide two forms of institutional structures that could improve forest management efficiency: public-private partnership and multi-stakeholder management approaches. Public-private partnerships are joint project management processes operated by both private businesses and public entities in order to combine public prescriptive mechanisms with private operational roles. Multi-stakeholder management approach is also a co-management initiative combining public entities, private actors and local population to increase the involvement of local dwellers living in forest areas in the decision process.

Management of University Intellectual Property Problems and Countermeasures

university intellectual property management mechanism is a planned university intellectual property organization, coordination, planning and use of standardized management system. Sound intellectual property management mechanism is the key to the implementation of university intellectual property strategy, and working intellectual property smoothly, also it is a vital part to establish a modem university management system. This article discussed and analyzed about intellectual property rights managements mechanism universities setting the organization, regulations, incentives and policies to protect five aspects of education which combined with domestic and foreign universities intellectual property management practices.

Research on Readjustments of Land Property Rights in Comprehensive land management A Case Study in Project Area of Fan zhen comprehensive land management in Tai＇ anCity

Research purpose： The paper studies readjustments of land property rights which practice in the project area of Fan Zhen comprehensive land management in Tai＇ an City. According to the study make reasonable suggestions, for the similar areas of readjuslments of land property rights provide experience. Research Methods： Investigating method and contrastive analysis method. Results： The right of the project a^ea to an adjustment measures properly, and has achieved good economic benefits, social benefits and ecological benefits. Research Conclusions： Developing the new rural consu＇uction the problem from the social, economic and environmental field, effectively protect the fundamental interests of farmers to get sustainable development.

On Detecting and Enforcing the Non-Relational Constraints Associated to Dyadic Relations in MatBase

MatBase is a prototype data and knowledge base management expert intelligent system based on the Relational,Entity-Relationship,and(Elementary)Mathematical Data Models.Dyadic relationships are quite common in data modeling.Besides their relational-type constraints,they often exhibit mathematical properties that are not covered by the Relational Data Model.This paper presents and discusses the MatBase algorithm that assists database designers in discovering all non-relational constraints associated to them,as well as its algorithm for enforcing them,thus providing a significantly higher degree of data quality.