In order to incorporate the decision maker's preference into multiobjective optimization a preference-based multiobjective artificial bee colony algorithm PMABCA is proposed.In the proposed algorithm a novel referenc...In order to incorporate the decision maker's preference into multiobjective optimization a preference-based multiobjective artificial bee colony algorithm PMABCA is proposed.In the proposed algorithm a novel reference point based preference expression method is addressed.The fitness assignment function is defined based on the nondominated rank and the newly defined preference distance.An archive set is introduced for saving the nondominated solutions and an improved crowding-distance operator is addressed to remove the extra solutions in the archive.The experimental results of two benchmark test functions show that a preferred set of solutions and some other non-preference solutions are achieved simultaneously.The simulation results of the proportional-integral-derivative PID parameter optimization for superheated steam temperature verify that the PMABCA is efficient in aiding to making a reasonable decision.展开更多
To gain superior computational efficiency, it might be necessary to change the underlying philosophy of the simplex method. In this paper, we propose a Phase-1 method along this line. We relax not only the conventiona...To gain superior computational efficiency, it might be necessary to change the underlying philosophy of the simplex method. In this paper, we propose a Phase-1 method along this line. We relax not only the conventional condition that some function value increases monotonically, but also the condition that all feasible variables remain feasible after basis change in Phase-1. That is, taking a purely combinatorial approach to achieving feasibility. This enables us to get rid of ratio test in pivoting, reducing computational cost per iteration to a large extent. Numerical results on a group of problems are encouraging.展开更多
Multi-objective optimization of a purified terephthalic acid (PTA) oxidation unit is carried out in this paper by using a process modei that has been proved to describe industrial process quite well. The modei is a se...Multi-objective optimization of a purified terephthalic acid (PTA) oxidation unit is carried out in this paper by using a process modei that has been proved to describe industrial process quite well. The modei is a semi-empirical structured into two series ideal continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) models. The optimal objectives include maximizing the yield or inlet rate and minimizing the concentration of 4-carboxy-benzaldhyde, which is the main undesirable intermediate product in the reaction process. The multi-objective optimization algorithra applied in this study is non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm Ⅱ (NSGA-Ⅱ). The performance of NSGA-Ⅱ is further illustrated by application to the title process.展开更多
Beacuse the practical mathematic model of rolling process can't be built accurately,this paper established an expert system to control the rolling steels' gauge by adjusting the setup roll open, which combined...Beacuse the practical mathematic model of rolling process can't be built accurately,this paper established an expert system to control the rolling steels' gauge by adjusting the setup roll open, which combined the experience of theoreticians and operators. The system applied the expression method of rule-skeleton+rule-body', and selected an appropriate non-exact reference model and self-study algorithm. The whole system, including auxiliary routes, is designed in Borland C++. Some experiments on this system have been done, and a good result has been achieved.展开更多
This paper proposes a novel microphone array speech denoising scheme based on tensor filtering methods including truncated HOSVD(High-Order Singular Value Decomposition), low rank tensor approximation and multi-mode W...This paper proposes a novel microphone array speech denoising scheme based on tensor filtering methods including truncated HOSVD(High-Order Singular Value Decomposition), low rank tensor approximation and multi-mode Wiener filtering. Microphone array speech signal is represented in three-order tensor space with channel, time, and spectrum modes and then tensor filtering model can be designed to process the multiway array data. As to the first method, noise can be reduced through the truncated HOSVD which is a simple scheme in tensor processing. It is more accurate to find the lower-rank approximation of the three-order tensor with Tucker model. Then MDL(Minimum Description Length) criterion is used to estimate the optimal tensor rank in the second method. Further, multimode Wiener filtering approach upon tensor analysis can be considered as the spanning of one-mode wiener filtering. How to take advantages of tensor model to obtain a set of filters is the heart of the novel scheme. The performances of the proposed three approaches are evaluated with objective indexes and listening quality test. The experimental results indicate that the proposed tenor filtering methods have potential ability of retrieving the target signal from noisy microphone array signal and the multi-mode Wiener filtering method provides the best denoising results among the three ones.展开更多
In many circumstances, chemical process design can be formulated as a multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem. Examples include bi-objective optimization problems, where the economic objective is maximized and en...In many circumstances, chemical process design can be formulated as a multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem. Examples include bi-objective optimization problems, where the economic objective is maximized and environmental impact is minimized simultaneously. Moreover, the random behavior in the process,property, market fluctuation, errors in model prediction and so on would affect the performance of a process. Therefore, it is essential to develop a MOO methodology under uncertainty. In this article, the authors propose a generic and systematic optimization methodology for chemical process design under uncertainty. It aims at identifying the optimal design from a number of candidates. The utility of this methodology is demonstrated by a case study based on the design of a condensate treatment unit in an ammonia plant.展开更多
How projects should be organized and managed are two important aspects of the role that Project Managers perform and the processes involved can be linked to the measurement of the project management outcome. Recent st...How projects should be organized and managed are two important aspects of the role that Project Managers perform and the processes involved can be linked to the measurement of the project management outcome. Recent studies indicate that these processes are not implemented and concerns have been raised. The authors present an investigation into the current practices of the three soft project management subject matters of selecting project team members, structuring the teams and the management style followed in the construction industry in UK and their reflection upon the project management outcome. The results confirm the concerns raised and indicate that the current levels of implementation by practitioners delivers only acceptable as opposed to successful level of project management outcome. The findings call for a reconsideration of the approach taken when deciding how to organize and manage project teams and a redress towards improving project management outcome.展开更多
Besides economics and controllability, waste minimization has now become an objective in designing chemical processes, and usually leads to high costs of investment and operation. An attempt was made to minimize waste...Besides economics and controllability, waste minimization has now become an objective in designing chemical processes, and usually leads to high costs of investment and operation. An attempt was made to minimize waste discharged from chemical reaction processes during the design and modification process while the operation conditions were also optimized to meet the requirements of technology and economics. Multiobjectives decision nonlinear programming (NLP) was employed to optimize the operation conditions of a chemical reaction process and reduce waste. A modeling language package-SPEEDUP was used to simulate the process. This paper presents a case study of the benzene production process. The flowsheet factors affecting the economics and waste generation were examined. Constraints were imposed to reduce the number of objectives and carry out optimal calculations easily. After comparisons of all possible solutions, best-compromise approach was applied to meet technological requirements and minimize waste.展开更多
Regarding construction projects, no project is implemented exactly as planned. Changes in construction projects are common due to the dynamic nature of the construction process. It is necessary to use effective and ap...Regarding construction projects, no project is implemented exactly as planned. Changes in construction projects are common due to the dynamic nature of the construction process. It is necessary to use effective and appropriate tools by project management to support decision-making and control changes during all stages of project implementation. This study examined the effects of change orders through technical programs on construction projects in Jordan and focused on how to overcome these effects by making usual orders that can be handled by each of the contracting parties. Also, this study added an advantage by not addressing the negative effects of change orders, but it provided many positive effects of change orders by using technical programs method, which has not been yet researched in Jordanian studies in particular, and in global studies in general. The researcher used descriptive analytical method by interviews to collect data through nine questions to a random sample of 30 engineers selected form constructions projects in Jordan. The results related to the study questions on the effect of change orders through technical programs on construction projects in Jordan showed that, most of the study samples confirm that change orders through technical programs decrease the cost of the projects, cause no need for more materials, cause no delay in the completion schedule, enhances the quality of work, and increase the productivity of the work force. The study recommended applying integrated change management system with technical supports form different technologies, developing effective innovative and practical solution to manage change orders and increase training programs to qualify and increase engineering skills in dealing with ICT (information and communication technologies) program.展开更多
In order to elucidate the state of diseases, especially viral diseases, and to prevent viral diseases from occurring in olive flounder hatcheries, a range of studies, including epidemiological study, were performed fr...In order to elucidate the state of diseases, especially viral diseases, and to prevent viral diseases from occurring in olive flounder hatcheries, a range of studies, including epidemiological study, were performed from 1997 to 2003. The location of the hatcheries investigated includes several representative sites in the east (Kangnung, Uljin, Pohang, Yangsan, Ulsan, Pusan), south (Wando, Changheung, Goheung, Yeosu, Namhae, Tongyeong, Geoje, Jeju) and west (Seosan, Kunsan, Gochang, Yeongkwang, Mokpo, Chindo) costal areas of the Korea Peninsula. A total of 2000 cases have been examined in 7 years, in which mortality caused by viral agents accounts for 22%, or 446 cases. Mortalities associated with viral infection considerably increased from 14% in 1997 to 27% in 2003. A variety of viral diseases were observed, and the occurrences of viral epidermal hyperplasia, viral ascites and viral deformity, viral nervous necrosis, and hirame rhabdoviral disease are 14%, 51%, 25%, and 8% respectively. By investigating the viral infection of broodstock flounder, the infection rate of marine birnavirus (MABV) in hatcheries was identified to be approximately 30%, therefore, it is highly necessary to acquire and keep non-infected broodstock fishes.展开更多
By avoiding or reducing the production of waste, waste minimization is an effective approach to solve the pollution problem in chemical industry. Process integration supported by multi-objective optimization provides ...By avoiding or reducing the production of waste, waste minimization is an effective approach to solve the pollution problem in chemical industry. Process integration supported by multi-objective optimization provides a framework for process design or process retrofit by simultaneously optimizing on the aspects of environment and economics. Multi-objective genetic algorithm is applied in this area as the solution approach for the multi-objective optimization problem.展开更多
in recent years, as the project of our country is increasing, investment growth, put forward new challenges to investment in construction projects. Research from the research status of investment in construction, the ...in recent years, as the project of our country is increasing, investment growth, put forward new challenges to investment in construction projects. Research from the research status of investment in construction, the implementation process in accordance with the construction project, followed by analysis of the construction project investment the currently existing problems, and puts forward the implementation of the project the whole process as the main line, to scientific decision-making, rational design, bidding, construction control standard and completion of review strategies as the core.展开更多
An empirical study is conducted to examine the effect of constructing sense relations in vocabulary teaching. Fifty subjects are divided into two groups: the controlled group which was taught with traditional method,...An empirical study is conducted to examine the effect of constructing sense relations in vocabulary teaching. Fifty subjects are divided into two groups: the controlled group which was taught with traditional method, and the experimental group to which sense relation strategy was applied in vocabulary instruction. At the end of the experiment instruction, a test (depth of vocabulary knowledge measure) was given to examine the teaching effects of the two vocabulary teaching strategies. The target words in the tests were selected from the word list that had been taught during the experiment time. A delayed vocabulary posttest was given to the subjects two weeks after examining the long-term retention effect. The third test was administered with different targets words which were selected from a different intensive reading material which wass new to the subjects. The experiment proves that constructing sense relations in vocabulary teaching could produce satisfactory results by enhancing students' lexical capacity and long-term retention.展开更多
The true freshwater crabs(Crustacea,Decapoda,Brachyura) are highly adapted to life in freshwater and complete their life cycle entirely independently of sea water.All true freshwater crabs exhibit direct development a...The true freshwater crabs(Crustacea,Decapoda,Brachyura) are highly adapted to life in freshwater and complete their life cycle entirely independently of sea water.All true freshwater crabs exhibit direct development and lack the free-living larval forms(zoea and megalopa) typical of most other brachyurans.After a prolonged embryonic period(during which they pass through the typical brachyuran larval forms embryologically) the eggs of true freshwater crabs hatch to produce juvenile(hatchling) crabs.We provide here the first report and description of the continuous record of embryonic development from egg-laying up to hatching in the Chinese true freshwater crab Sinopotamon yangtsekiense Bott,1967(Potamoidea,Potamidae).Direct development(complete secondary embryonization) in S.yangtsekiense was observed to take 77 days and to include an additional embryonic phase(termed here the egg-juvenile-crab) that occurs in the embryo between the imprisoned megalopa and the newly-emerged juvenile(hatchling) crab.This is significant because the only other freshwater crab whose embryonic development has been studied in detail is Potamon fluviatilis(Potamidae) which takes 45-47 days and involves only nine embryonic stages.展开更多
Approximately 331 million ha, one-third of China's total land, is prone to desertification processes, leading to natural disasters and economic losses. In this study, the situation, tendency, their influences and the...Approximately 331 million ha, one-third of China's total land, is prone to desertification processes, leading to natural disasters and economic losses. In this study, the situation, tendency, their influences and their risk governance of desertification and blown sand disaster in China were examined using satellite images, field photographs, field data and a literature review. The desiccated areas in Lop Nor and the lower Heihe River fluvial plain covered about 50,000 km2 and 40,000 km2, respectively. In Ejina, about 100 species of vegetation became extinct. The rate of wind erosion in China was between 1,000 tons/km2/year and 2,000 tons/km2/year. There were 12 sand deserts and sandy lands, occupying a total of 710,000 km2. Salinized soils occurred across 99.1 million ha. The two main sand and dust storm-prone areas in China were the Tarim Basin and its surroundings, and the Alxa Plateau and its surroundings. From 1981 to 2007, the annual average frequency of sand and dust storms varied from 1 d to 37 d with a general increase from southeast to northwest. Since 1978, China has implemented a number of ecological construction projects that have reduced desertification from 1999 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2009, and the number of dust and sand storm days from 9.3 d between 1954 and 1959 to 4.4 d between 2000 and 2007. The results could improve understanding of desertification and blown sand disasters in China and provide valuable experiences for global desertification control.展开更多
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51306082,51476027)
文摘In order to incorporate the decision maker's preference into multiobjective optimization a preference-based multiobjective artificial bee colony algorithm PMABCA is proposed.In the proposed algorithm a novel reference point based preference expression method is addressed.The fitness assignment function is defined based on the nondominated rank and the newly defined preference distance.An archive set is introduced for saving the nondominated solutions and an improved crowding-distance operator is addressed to remove the extra solutions in the archive.The experimental results of two benchmark test functions show that a preferred set of solutions and some other non-preference solutions are achieved simultaneously.The simulation results of the proportional-integral-derivative PID parameter optimization for superheated steam temperature verify that the PMABCA is efficient in aiding to making a reasonable decision.
文摘To gain superior computational efficiency, it might be necessary to change the underlying philosophy of the simplex method. In this paper, we propose a Phase-1 method along this line. We relax not only the conventional condition that some function value increases monotonically, but also the condition that all feasible variables remain feasible after basis change in Phase-1. That is, taking a purely combinatorial approach to achieving feasibility. This enables us to get rid of ratio test in pivoting, reducing computational cost per iteration to a large extent. Numerical results on a group of problems are encouraging.
基金National Key Technologies Research and Development Program in the 10th Five-year Phan(No.2001BA204B01)National Outstanding Youth Science Foundation of China(No.60025308)
文摘Multi-objective optimization of a purified terephthalic acid (PTA) oxidation unit is carried out in this paper by using a process modei that has been proved to describe industrial process quite well. The modei is a semi-empirical structured into two series ideal continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) models. The optimal objectives include maximizing the yield or inlet rate and minimizing the concentration of 4-carboxy-benzaldhyde, which is the main undesirable intermediate product in the reaction process. The multi-objective optimization algorithra applied in this study is non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm Ⅱ (NSGA-Ⅱ). The performance of NSGA-Ⅱ is further illustrated by application to the title process.
文摘Beacuse the practical mathematic model of rolling process can't be built accurately,this paper established an expert system to control the rolling steels' gauge by adjusting the setup roll open, which combined the experience of theoreticians and operators. The system applied the expression method of rule-skeleton+rule-body', and selected an appropriate non-exact reference model and self-study algorithm. The whole system, including auxiliary routes, is designed in Borland C++. Some experiments on this system have been done, and a good result has been achieved.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.61571044,No.11590772,No.61473041 and No.61620106002)
文摘This paper proposes a novel microphone array speech denoising scheme based on tensor filtering methods including truncated HOSVD(High-Order Singular Value Decomposition), low rank tensor approximation and multi-mode Wiener filtering. Microphone array speech signal is represented in three-order tensor space with channel, time, and spectrum modes and then tensor filtering model can be designed to process the multiway array data. As to the first method, noise can be reduced through the truncated HOSVD which is a simple scheme in tensor processing. It is more accurate to find the lower-rank approximation of the three-order tensor with Tucker model. Then MDL(Minimum Description Length) criterion is used to estimate the optimal tensor rank in the second method. Further, multimode Wiener filtering approach upon tensor analysis can be considered as the spanning of one-mode wiener filtering. How to take advantages of tensor model to obtain a set of filters is the heart of the novel scheme. The performances of the proposed three approaches are evaluated with objective indexes and listening quality test. The experimental results indicate that the proposed tenor filtering methods have potential ability of retrieving the target signal from noisy microphone array signal and the multi-mode Wiener filtering method provides the best denoising results among the three ones.
基金Supported by Dalian University of Technology, the US National Science Foundation (No.CTS-0407494) and the Texas Advanced Technology program (No.003581-0044-2003)
文摘In many circumstances, chemical process design can be formulated as a multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem. Examples include bi-objective optimization problems, where the economic objective is maximized and environmental impact is minimized simultaneously. Moreover, the random behavior in the process,property, market fluctuation, errors in model prediction and so on would affect the performance of a process. Therefore, it is essential to develop a MOO methodology under uncertainty. In this article, the authors propose a generic and systematic optimization methodology for chemical process design under uncertainty. It aims at identifying the optimal design from a number of candidates. The utility of this methodology is demonstrated by a case study based on the design of a condensate treatment unit in an ammonia plant.
文摘How projects should be organized and managed are two important aspects of the role that Project Managers perform and the processes involved can be linked to the measurement of the project management outcome. Recent studies indicate that these processes are not implemented and concerns have been raised. The authors present an investigation into the current practices of the three soft project management subject matters of selecting project team members, structuring the teams and the management style followed in the construction industry in UK and their reflection upon the project management outcome. The results confirm the concerns raised and indicate that the current levels of implementation by practitioners delivers only acceptable as opposed to successful level of project management outcome. The findings call for a reconsideration of the approach taken when deciding how to organize and manage project teams and a redress towards improving project management outcome.
文摘Besides economics and controllability, waste minimization has now become an objective in designing chemical processes, and usually leads to high costs of investment and operation. An attempt was made to minimize waste discharged from chemical reaction processes during the design and modification process while the operation conditions were also optimized to meet the requirements of technology and economics. Multiobjectives decision nonlinear programming (NLP) was employed to optimize the operation conditions of a chemical reaction process and reduce waste. A modeling language package-SPEEDUP was used to simulate the process. This paper presents a case study of the benzene production process. The flowsheet factors affecting the economics and waste generation were examined. Constraints were imposed to reduce the number of objectives and carry out optimal calculations easily. After comparisons of all possible solutions, best-compromise approach was applied to meet technological requirements and minimize waste.
文摘Regarding construction projects, no project is implemented exactly as planned. Changes in construction projects are common due to the dynamic nature of the construction process. It is necessary to use effective and appropriate tools by project management to support decision-making and control changes during all stages of project implementation. This study examined the effects of change orders through technical programs on construction projects in Jordan and focused on how to overcome these effects by making usual orders that can be handled by each of the contracting parties. Also, this study added an advantage by not addressing the negative effects of change orders, but it provided many positive effects of change orders by using technical programs method, which has not been yet researched in Jordanian studies in particular, and in global studies in general. The researcher used descriptive analytical method by interviews to collect data through nine questions to a random sample of 30 engineers selected form constructions projects in Jordan. The results related to the study questions on the effect of change orders through technical programs on construction projects in Jordan showed that, most of the study samples confirm that change orders through technical programs decrease the cost of the projects, cause no need for more materials, cause no delay in the completion schedule, enhances the quality of work, and increase the productivity of the work force. The study recommended applying integrated change management system with technical supports form different technologies, developing effective innovative and practical solution to manage change orders and increase training programs to qualify and increase engineering skills in dealing with ICT (information and communication technologies) program.
文摘In order to elucidate the state of diseases, especially viral diseases, and to prevent viral diseases from occurring in olive flounder hatcheries, a range of studies, including epidemiological study, were performed from 1997 to 2003. The location of the hatcheries investigated includes several representative sites in the east (Kangnung, Uljin, Pohang, Yangsan, Ulsan, Pusan), south (Wando, Changheung, Goheung, Yeosu, Namhae, Tongyeong, Geoje, Jeju) and west (Seosan, Kunsan, Gochang, Yeongkwang, Mokpo, Chindo) costal areas of the Korea Peninsula. A total of 2000 cases have been examined in 7 years, in which mortality caused by viral agents accounts for 22%, or 446 cases. Mortalities associated with viral infection considerably increased from 14% in 1997 to 27% in 2003. A variety of viral diseases were observed, and the occurrences of viral epidermal hyperplasia, viral ascites and viral deformity, viral nervous necrosis, and hirame rhabdoviral disease are 14%, 51%, 25%, and 8% respectively. By investigating the viral infection of broodstock flounder, the infection rate of marine birnavirus (MABV) in hatcheries was identified to be approximately 30%, therefore, it is highly necessary to acquire and keep non-infected broodstock fishes.
文摘By avoiding or reducing the production of waste, waste minimization is an effective approach to solve the pollution problem in chemical industry. Process integration supported by multi-objective optimization provides a framework for process design or process retrofit by simultaneously optimizing on the aspects of environment and economics. Multi-objective genetic algorithm is applied in this area as the solution approach for the multi-objective optimization problem.
文摘in recent years, as the project of our country is increasing, investment growth, put forward new challenges to investment in construction projects. Research from the research status of investment in construction, the implementation process in accordance with the construction project, followed by analysis of the construction project investment the currently existing problems, and puts forward the implementation of the project the whole process as the main line, to scientific decision-making, rational design, bidding, construction control standard and completion of review strategies as the core.
文摘An empirical study is conducted to examine the effect of constructing sense relations in vocabulary teaching. Fifty subjects are divided into two groups: the controlled group which was taught with traditional method, and the experimental group to which sense relation strategy was applied in vocabulary instruction. At the end of the experiment instruction, a test (depth of vocabulary knowledge measure) was given to examine the teaching effects of the two vocabulary teaching strategies. The target words in the tests were selected from the word list that had been taught during the experiment time. A delayed vocabulary posttest was given to the subjects two weeks after examining the long-term retention effect. The third test was administered with different targets words which were selected from a different intensive reading material which wass new to the subjects. The experiment proves that constructing sense relations in vocabulary teaching could produce satisfactory results by enhancing students' lexical capacity and long-term retention.
基金Supported by the Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project(No.S30701)the Leading Academic Discipline Project of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(No.J50701)
文摘The true freshwater crabs(Crustacea,Decapoda,Brachyura) are highly adapted to life in freshwater and complete their life cycle entirely independently of sea water.All true freshwater crabs exhibit direct development and lack the free-living larval forms(zoea and megalopa) typical of most other brachyurans.After a prolonged embryonic period(during which they pass through the typical brachyuran larval forms embryologically) the eggs of true freshwater crabs hatch to produce juvenile(hatchling) crabs.We provide here the first report and description of the continuous record of embryonic development from egg-laying up to hatching in the Chinese true freshwater crab Sinopotamon yangtsekiense Bott,1967(Potamoidea,Potamidae).Direct development(complete secondary embryonization) in S.yangtsekiense was observed to take 77 days and to include an additional embryonic phase(termed here the egg-juvenile-crab) that occurs in the embryo between the imprisoned megalopa and the newly-emerged juvenile(hatchling) crab.This is significant because the only other freshwater crab whose embryonic development has been studied in detail is Potamon fluviatilis(Potamidae) which takes 45-47 days and involves only nine embryonic stages.
文摘Approximately 331 million ha, one-third of China's total land, is prone to desertification processes, leading to natural disasters and economic losses. In this study, the situation, tendency, their influences and their risk governance of desertification and blown sand disaster in China were examined using satellite images, field photographs, field data and a literature review. The desiccated areas in Lop Nor and the lower Heihe River fluvial plain covered about 50,000 km2 and 40,000 km2, respectively. In Ejina, about 100 species of vegetation became extinct. The rate of wind erosion in China was between 1,000 tons/km2/year and 2,000 tons/km2/year. There were 12 sand deserts and sandy lands, occupying a total of 710,000 km2. Salinized soils occurred across 99.1 million ha. The two main sand and dust storm-prone areas in China were the Tarim Basin and its surroundings, and the Alxa Plateau and its surroundings. From 1981 to 2007, the annual average frequency of sand and dust storms varied from 1 d to 37 d with a general increase from southeast to northwest. Since 1978, China has implemented a number of ecological construction projects that have reduced desertification from 1999 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2009, and the number of dust and sand storm days from 9.3 d between 1954 and 1959 to 4.4 d between 2000 and 2007. The results could improve understanding of desertification and blown sand disasters in China and provide valuable experiences for global desertification control.