Algorithmic Design for the Examination Arrangement System on a Large Scale for Universities

It is a multifactor optimization problem to arrange examinations on a large scale for universities. In this paper, a kind of grouped optimization algorithm was proposed. A principle about related degree, which plays a core role in realization, was introduced in the algorithm. According to the algorithm, we worked out a set of software correspondingly and applied it to a certain university in Shanghai to arrange examinations. It shows that the algorithm is very effective.

Effects of Spatial Row Arrangement and Time of Planting Intercrops on Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Maize (Zea mays L.)—Groundnut Intercropping System in Ejura

In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a whole have not received much attention. There is a dearth of knowledge on the productivity of maize-groundnut intercrops in Ghana regarding the relative timing of planting and spatial arrangement of component crops. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and the time of planting intercrops on the productivity of groundnut under maize-groundnut intercropping. The 5 × 3 factorial field experiment was undertaken at the Miminaso community in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons. Treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The levels of row arrangement of intercrops were: one row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize and sole groundnut (M/G). The levels of time of introducing groundnut included simultaneous planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP). There were significant (P 0.05) treatment interactions for pod and seed yields of groundnut throughout the study. The highest groundnut pod yields of 1815.00 kg/ha and 2359.00 kg/ha were recorded by the 0WAP × 1M2G treatment in the major and minor seasons of 2020, respectively, while the highest groundnut seed yields of 741.00 kg/ha and 726.00 kg/ha were recorded in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020 by 1WAP × G and 0WAP × G treatments, respectively. The highest seed yields of groundnut (404 kg/ha and 637 kg/ha for major and minor rainy seasons, respectively) were produced by 1WAP × 2M2G.

Experimental Study on Vortex-Induced Vibration of Rough Risers with Coupling Interference Effect Under Side-by-Side Arrangement

A vortex-induced vibration(VIV)experiment of rough risers with coupling interference effect under a side-by-side arrangement was carried out in a wave-current combined flume.The roughness of the riser was characterized by arranging different specifications of surface attachments on the surface of the riser.Rough risers with three different roughnesses were arranged side by side with smooth risers to explore the VIV response of the riser under the combined action of roughness and interference effect,and to reveal the coupling mechanism between roughness and interference effect.The experimental results show that,compared with that of a smooth riser,the VIV of a rough riser under the coupling interference effect has a wider"lock-in"region,and the displacement decreases more significantly at a high reduced velocity,which is more likely to excite higher-order modes and frequency responses.In addition,the displacement response and frequency response of the smooth riser are not significantly affected by wake interference from the rough riser,which is caused by the decrease of the wake region due to the delay of the boundary layer separation point of the rough riser.

Experimental Study on Vortex-Induced Vibration of Rough Risers Coupling with Interference Effect in Tandem Arrangement

In order to study the response law of vortex-induced vibration(VIV)of marine risers under the combined action of roughness and interference effects,and to reveal the coupling mechanism of roughness and interference effects on the riser,a VIV experiment of rough risers in tandem arrangement was conducted in a wave−current combined flume.The experiment characterized the risers’roughness by arranging different specifications of attachments on the surface of the risers.Three rough risers with different roughness and smooth risers were arranged in tandem arrangement,with the rough risers arranged downstream.The experimental results indicate that the suppression of the attachments on the downstream risers’vibration are more significant both in the CF and IL directions as the reduced velocity increases.For the downstream riser,the amplitude response of rough riser is more significantly weakened compared with the smooth one at high reduced velocity.For the upstream risers,changes in the roughness and spacing ratio have an impact on their‘lock-in’region.When the roughness of downstream risers is relatively large(0.1300)and the spacing between risers is small(S/D=4.0),the reduced velocity range of‘lock-in’region in the CF direction of upstream risers is obviously expanded,and the displacement in the‘lock-in’region is severer.

Interaction Mechanisms between Natural Debris Flow and Rigid Barrier Deflectors:A New Perspective for Rational Design and Optimal Arrangement

Rigid barrier deflectors can effectively prevent overspilling landslides,and can satisfy disaster prevention requirements.However,the mechanisms of interaction between natural granular flow and rigid barrier deflectors require further investigation.To date,few studies have investigated the impact of deflectors on controlling viscous debris flows for geological disaster prevention.To investigate the effect of rigid barrier deflectors on impact mechanisms,a numerical model using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics(SPH)method with the Herschel–Bulkley model is proposed to simulate the interaction between natural viscous flow and single/dual barriers with and without deflectors.This model was validated using laboratory flume test data from the literature.Then,the model was used to investigate the influence of the deflector angle and multi-barrier arrangements.The optimal configuration of multi-barriers was analyzed with consideration to the barrier height and distance between the barriers,because these metrics have a significant impact on the viscous flow pile-up,run-up,and overflow mechanisms.The investigation considered the energy dissipation process,retention efficiency,and dead-zone formation.Compared with bare barriers with similar geometric characteristics and spatial distribution,rigid barriers with deflectors exhibit superior effectiveness in preventing the overflow and overspilling of viscous debris flow.Recommendations for the rational design of deflectors and the optimal arrangement of multi-barriers are provided to mitigate geological disasters.

Smart Parking Management System “MOTAH”

With a surge in the university’s student and staff population, parking problems and congestion have rapidly intensified. The recent inclusion of women drivers, particularly during official working hours, has exacerbated these challenges. This pressing issue underscores the critical necessity for a structured approach to managing university entries and overseeing parking at the gates. The proposed smart parking management system aims to address these concerns by introducing a design concept that restricts unauthorized access and provides exclusive parking privileges to authorized users. Through image processing, the system identifies available parking spaces, relaying real-time information to users via a mobile application. This comprehensive solution also generates detailed reports (daily, weekly, and monthly), aiding university safety authorities in future gate management decisions.

Generation of irregular particle packing with prescribed statistical distribution, spatial arrangement, and volume fraction

A method for packing irregular particles with a prescribed volume fraction is proposed.Furthermore,the generated granular material adheres to the prescribed statistical distribution and satisfies the desired complex spatial arrangement.First,the irregular geometries of the realistic particles were obtained from the original particle images.Second,the Minkowski sum was used to check the overlap between irregular particles and place an irregular particle in contact with other particles.Third,the optimised advance front method(OAFM)generated irregular particle packing with the prescribed statistical dis-tribution and volume fraction based on the Minkowski sum.Moreover,the signed distance function was introduced to pack the particles in accordance with the desired spatial arrangement.Finally,seven biaxial tests were performed using the UDEC software,which demonstrated the accuracy and potential usefulness of the proposed method.It can model granular material efficiently and reflect the meso-structural characteristics of complex granular materials.This method has a wide range of applications where discrete modelling of granular media is necessary.

Conductor Arrangement and Phase Sequence Optimization Scheme for 500 kV Four-Circuit Transmission Lines on Same Tower

The four-circuit parallel line on the same tower effectively solves the problems faced by the line reconstruction and construction under the condition of the increasing shortage of transmission corridors.Optimizing the conductor and phase sequence arrangement of multiple transmission lines is conducive to improving electromagnetic and electrostatic coupling caused by electromagnetic problems.This paper uses the ATP-EMTP simulation software to build a 500 kV multi-circuit transmission line on the same tower.It stimulates the induced voltage and current values of different line lengths,tower spacing,vertical and horizontal spacing between different circuits,phase sequence arrangement,and nominal tower height.Moreover,use the BP neural network optimized by a genetic algorithm to predict the induced voltage and current under the unknown conductor and phase sequence arrangement.Finally,based on multi-objective particle swarm algorithm to construct the optimization model of conductor arrangement scheme of overhead transmission line,combined with electromagnetic environment control index,determine the optimal conductor arrangement scheme by the size of particle fitness function,a significant reduction in induced voltages and currents between transmission lines and the four-circuit conductor layout scheme meeting the requirements of the electromagnetic environment is obtained,which provides a reference for the tower design of the transmission station project.

Tooth arrangement design of retractable DTH hammer bit used for drilling while casing

Down-the-hole(DTH)hammer with casing while drilling(CWD)is a technology that has been proven to be able to alleviate many of the problems faced by complex formations.However,the drill bit is suffered from rapid wear,low drilling efficiency,and high energy consumption due to the unreasonable tooth arrangement and impact energy selection in drilling process,which affect the application effect of this technology.ABAQUS software was used for numerical simulation of rock breaking behavior under impact load with the single,three,and five teeth arrangement drill bit respectively,to improve the application effect and solve the aforementioned technical problems.Based on the calculated parameters of tooth arrangement,we designed a novel drill bit for hard rocks and provided a theoretical basis for the tooth arrangement of largediameter drill bits.

Critical Success Factors Influencing the Implementation of Sustainable Energy System in Uganda: A Case of Inter-University Council of East Africa Energy Project at the Head Quarters in Kampala, Uganda

The widespread usage of clean and sustainable energy sources is leading to a significant transformation of the world’s energy systems. Over-reliance on only the national grid energy system has made institutions fail to sustain energy systems. The council is only connected to the national grid electricity supply system, with diesel generators as the only alternative, which is unhealthy and unsafe. Surprisingly, even with such alternatives, power shortages have persisted despite government efforts to provide a solution to the shortages by installing numerous off-grid systems. Due to such a situation, the council would construct a sustainable energy system as a remedy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to establish critical success factors influencing the implementation of a sustainable energy system at the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) Head Quarters, Kampala-Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was used;a sample size of 84 participants was selected. Questionnaire survey and interview methods were utilized. The study found that the most significant (p < 0.05) critical factors in the implementation of sustainable energy in institutions are;the use of innovative technologies and infrastructure, the use of efficient zero emissions for heating and cooling, integration of renewable energy use in the existing buildings, building and renovating in an energy-efficient way, integrating regional energy systems, improving energy efficiency in the buildings, enhanced zero emission power technologies, energy efficient equipment in place and stakeholder empowerment in energy management. This study concludes that institutions like;the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) need to clearly state policies and actions of energy management. The roles and responsibilities of each member have to be clearly stated while capturing the activities involved in energy conservation, energy security and energy efficiency.

Soybean maize strip intercropping:A solution for maintaining food security in China

The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,promoting conventional intercropping strategies in modern agriculture can prove challenging.The innovative technology of soybean maize strip intercropping(SMSI)has been proposed as a solution.This system has produced remarkable results in improving domestic soybean and maize production for both food security and sustainable agriculture.In this article,we provide an overview of SMSI and explain how it differs from traditional intercropping.We also discuss the core principles that foster higher yields and the prospects for its future development.

Multi-Material magnetic field-assisted additive manufacturing system for flexible actuators with programmable magnetic arrangements

Manufacturing flexible magnetic-driven actuators with complex structures and magnetic arrangements to achieve diverse functionalities is becoming a popular trend.Among various manufacturing technologies,magnetic-assisted digital light processing(DLP)stands out because it enables precise manufacturing of macro-scale structures and micro-scale distributions with the assistance of an external magnetic field.Current research on manufacturing magnetic flexible actuators mostly employs single materials,which limits the magnetic driving performance to some extent.Based on these characterizations,we propose a multi-material magnetic field-assisted DLP technology to produce flexible actuators with an accuracy of 200μm.The flexible actuators are printed using two materials with different mechanical and magnetic properties.Considering the interface connectivity of multi-material printing,the effect of interfaces on mechanical properties is also explored.Experimental results indicate good chemical affinity between the two materials we selected.The overlap or connection length of the interface moderately improves the tensile strength of multi-material structures.In addition,we investigate the influence of the volume fraction of the magnetic part on deformation.Simulation and experimental results indicate that increasing the volume ratio(20%to 50%)of the magnetic structure can enhance the responsiveness of the actuator(more than 50%).Finally,we successfully manufacture two multi-material flexible actuators with specific magnetic arrangements:a multi-legged crawling robot and a flexible gripper capable of crawling and grasping actions.These results confirm that this method will pave the way for further research on the precise fabrication of magnetic flexible actuators with diverse functionalities.

世界政治变革向纵深演进

The year 2023 marked an important year of change, in which multiple old orders have given way to new arrangements. “The end of the post-Cold War era,” “the beginning of the post-pandemic era,” “the ebb of the era of economic globalization,” “the return of the era of geopolitical conflict.”

全国标准化工作会议在京召开

The National Standardization Work Conference was held in Beijing on January 11 to summarize the standardization work in 2023 and arrange the key standardization tasks in 2024. Luo Wen, Minister of SAMR, Wang Jingtao, Vice Administrator of the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission.

Easy Paying Optimizing payment options for international visitors to China

As of January 31,2024,China had concluded mutual visa exemption agreements covering different types of passports with 157 countries,reached agreements or arrangements on simplified visa procedures with 44 countries,and enjoyed comprehensive mutual visa exemptions with 23 countries including Thailand,Singapore,Maldives,and the United Arab Emirates.

THE SUMMIT OF U.S.,JAPAN AND PHILIPPINES:A STEP CLOSER TO NEW COLD WAR

The leaders’summit of the United States,Japan,and the Philippines held in Washington,D.C.is billed as“historic.”Manila will join the Washington-led new arrangements targeted at China.

"Investing in China is to Invest in the Future"

This year's government work report proposed to strengthen the service guarantee for foreign investment and build a brand of"Invest in China".Recently,the General Office of the State Council issued the Action Plan for Steadily Prom oting High-level Opening-up and Making Greater Efforts to Attract and Utilize Foreign Investment,which made specific arrangements for building the brand of"Invest in China"."Invest in China"has become one of the key words for stabilizing foreign investment in 2024.

Evaluation of the Living Conditions and Health Perceptions of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Handlers in the Informal Sector in Dakar

Electrical and electronic devices are becoming an increasingly important part of our society. In Africa, and in Senegal in particular, the handling and management of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) that has reached the end of its life is mainly informal. This professional environment is characterized by the disintegration of the sector and the social heterogeneity that can be found there. The objective of this study is to assess the standard of living of electrical and electronic equipment waste handlers in the Dakar region, as well as their perception of their health. A survey was used to obtain information on sociodemographic background, living arrangements, perception of health status, and good practices to be implemented in case of work-related health problems. Life style, perception of general health and health problems were ranged as excellent, very good, good, average and poor. Informal recyclers in the Dakar region lived mainly in rooms and buildings as tenants (49.1%), or in family homes (48.4%) before starting this activity, and 51.2% continue to live in rooms and buildings as tenants compared to 41.4% who still live in a family home. The perception of health status ranged from poor to excellent, and 4.9% believe that they are limited in work due to a disability or health problem. Informal work is a heterogeneous phenomenon that makes research and policymaking particularly complex. There are several external factors within informal WEEE re-cyclers that can cause health problems or functional disability. However, the living conditions and the perception they have of their state of health are contradictory to the working conditions and the social environment to which they belong. A biomedical approach would consolidate these achievements by confirming or invalidating them.

Electricity Generation from Heatwaves

We chose a definition of heatwaves (HWs) that has ~4-year recurrence frequency at world hot spots. We first examined the 1940-2022 HWs climatology and trends in lifespan, severity, spatial extent, and recurrence frequency. HWs are becoming more frequent and more severe for extratropical mid- and low-latitudes. To euphemize HWs, we here propose a novel clean energy-tapping concept that utilizes the available nano-technology, micro-meteorology knowledge of temperature distribution within/without buildings, and radiative properties of earth atmosphere. The key points for a practical electricity generation scheme from HWs are defogging, insulation, and minimizing the absorption of infrared downward radiation at the cold legs of the thermoelectric generators. One sample realization is presented which, through relay with existing photovoltaic devices, provides all-day electricity supply sufficient for providing air conditioning requirement for a residence (~2000-watt throughput). The provision of power to air conditioning systems, usually imposes a significant stress on traditional city power grids during heatwaves.

Effects of Irrigation Water Quality and Drip Tape Arrangement on Soil Salinity,Soil Moisture Distribution,and Cotton Yield (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Under Mulched Drip Irrigation in Xinjiang,China

More and more attention is being focused on saline water utilization in irrigation due to the shortage of fresh water to agriculture in many regions. For purpose of reducing the risks of using of saline water for irrigation, the mechanism of soil moisture and salinity distribution and transport should be well understood for developing optimum management strategies. In this paper, field experiments were carried out at Junggar Basin, China, to study the effects of drip irrigation water quality and drip tape arrangement on distribution of soil salinity and soil moisture. Six treatments were designed, including two drip tape arrangement modes and three irrigation water concentration levels （0.24, 4.68, and 7.42 dS m^-l）. Results showed that, soil moisture content （SMC） directly beneath the drip tape in all treatments kept a relatively high value about 18% before boll opening stage; the SMC in the narrow strip in single tape arrangement （Ms） plot was obviously lower than that in the double tapes arrangement （Md） plot, indicating that less sufficient water was supplied under the same condition of irrigation depth, but there was no significant reduction in yield. Mulching had not significant influence on salt accumulation but the drip tape arrangement, under the same condition of irrigation water depth and quality, compared with Md, Ms reduced salt accumulation in root zone and brought about relatively high cotton yield.