Enhancing rock fragmentation prediction in mining operations:A hybrid GWO-RF model with SHAP interpretability

In the mining industry,precise forecasting of rock fragmentation is critical for optimising blasting processes.In this study,we address the challenge of enhancing rock fragmentation assessment by developing a novel hybrid predictive model named GWO-RF.This model combines the grey wolf optimization(GWO)algorithm with the random forest(RF)technique to predict the D_(80)value,a critical parameter in evaluating rock fragmentation quality.The study is conducted using a dataset from Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine,employing six different swarm sizes for the GWO-RF hybrid model construction.The GWO-RF model’s hyperparameters are systematically optimized within established bounds,and its performance is rigorously evaluated using multiple evaluation metrics.The results show that the GWO-RF hybrid model has higher predictive skills,exceeding traditional models in terms of accuracy.Furthermore,the interpretability of the GWO-RF model is enhanced through the utilization of SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)values.The insights gained from this research contribute to optimizing blasting operations and rock fragmentation outcomes in the mining industry.

Numerical and experimental investigation on hydraulic-electric rock fragmentation of heterogeneous granite

Hydraulic-electric rock fragmentation(HERF)plays a significant role in improving the efficiency of high voltage pulse rock breaking.However,the underlying mechanism of HERF remains unclear.In this study,considering the heterogeneity of the rock,microscopic thermodynamic properties,and shockwave time domain waveforms,based on the shockwave model,digital imaging technology and the discrete element method,the cyclic loading numerical simulations of HERF is achieved by coupling electrical,thermal,and solid mechanics under different formation temperatures,confining pressure,initial peak voltage,electrode bit diameter,and loading times.Meanwhile,the HERF discharge system is conducive to the laboratory experiments with various electrical parameters and the resulting broken pits are numerically reconstructed to obtain the geometric parameters.The results show that,the completely broken area consists of powdery rock debris.In the pre-broken zone,the mineral cementation of the rock determines the transition of type CⅠcracks to type CⅡand type CⅢcracks.Furthermore,the peak pressure of the shockwave increased with initial peak voltage but decreased with electrode bit diameter,while the wave front time reduced.Moreover,increasing well depth,formation temperature and confining pressure augment and inhibit HERF,but once confining pressure surpassed the threshold of 60 MPa for 152.40,215.90,and 228.60 mm electrode bits,and 40 MPa for 309.88 mm electrode bits,HERF is promoted.Additionally,for the same kind of rock,the volume and width of the broken pit increase with higher initial peak voltage and rock fissures will promote HERF.Eventually,the electrode drill bit with a 215.90 mm diameter is more suitable for drilling pink granite.This research contributes to a better microscopic understanding of HERF and provides valuable insights for electrode bit selection,as well as the optimization of circuit parameters for HERF technology.

Assessing forest cover changes and fragmentation in the Himalayan temperate region: implications for forest conservation and management

This study comprehensively assessed long-term vegetation changes and forest fragmentation dynamics in the Himalayan temperate region of Pakistan from 1989 to 2019.Four satellite images,including Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager(OLI),were chosen for subsequent assessments in October 1989,2001,2011 and 2019.The classified maps of 1989,2001,2011 and 2019 were created using the maximum likelihood classifier.Post-classification comparison showed an overall accuracy of 82.5%and a Kappa coefficient of 0.79 for the 2019 map.Results revealed a drastic decrease in closed-canopy and open-canopy forests by 117.4 and 271.6 km^(2),respectively,and an increase in agriculture/farm cultivation by 1512.8 km^(2).The two-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant differences in the area of various cover classes.Forest fragmentation was evaluated using the Landscape Fragmentation Tool(LFT v2.0)between 1989 and 2019.The large forest core(>2.00 km^(2))decreased from 149.4 to 296.7 km^(2),and a similar pattern was observed in medium forest core(1.00-2.00 km^(2))forests.On the contrary,the small core(<1.00 km^(2))forest increased from 124.8 to 145.3 km^(2) in 2019.The perforation area increased by 296.9 km^(2),and the edge effect decreased from 458.9 to 431.7 km^(2).The frequency of patches also increased by 119.1 km^(2).The closed and open canopy classes showed a decreasing trend with an annual rate of 0.58%and 1.35%,respectively.The broad implications of these findings can be seen in the studied region as well as other global ecological areas.They serve as an imperative baseline for afforestation and reforestation operations,highlighting the urgent need for efficient management,conservation,and restoration efforts.Based on these findings,sustainable land-use policies may be put into place that support local livelihoods,protect ecosystem services,and conserve biodiversity.

Comparison of microwave- and thermal-assisted rock fragmentation methods at different temperatures and loading rates

Understanding the effects of microwave irradiation and thermal treatment on the dynamic compression and fragmentation properties of rocks is essential to quantify energy consumption in rock engineering.In this study,Fangshan granite(FG)specimens were exposed to microwave irradiation and heat treatment.The damage of FG specimens induced by these two methods was compared using X-ray CT scanning and ultrasonic wave method.The temperatures of FG after microwave irradiation and thermal treatment were effectively evaluated using a newly proposed technique.A novelty method for precisely determining the geometric features of fragments is developed to estimate the fragmentation energy.Thus,the dynamic uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),the dynamic fragmentation characteristics,and the fragmentation energy of FG after these two pretreatment methods can be reasonably compared.The noticeable distinction of loading rate effect on the dynamic UCS of FG between these two pretreatment methods is first observed.A relationship is established between the dynamic UCS and the damage induced by microwave irradiation and heat treatment.Moreover,fragmentation energy fan analysis is introduced to accurately compare the fragmentation properties of FG after two pretreatment methods in dynamic compression tests.

Progressive fragmentation of granular assemblies within rockslides: Insights from discrete-continuous numerical modeling

Rock fragmentation plays a critical role in rock avalanches,yet conventional approaches such as classical granular flow models or the bonded particle model have limitations in accurately characterizing the progressive disintegration and kinematics of multi-deformable rock blocks during rockslides.The present study proposes a discrete-continuous numerical model,based on a cohesive zone model,to explicitly incorporate the progressive fragmentation and intricate interparticle interactions inherent in rockslides.Breakable rock granular assemblies are released along an inclined plane and flow onto a horizontal plane.The numerical scenarios are established to incorporate variations in slope angle,initial height,friction coefficient,and particle number.The evolutions of fragmentation,kinematic,runout and depositional characteristics are quantitatively analyzed and compared with experimental and field data.A positive linear relationship between the equivalent friction coefficient and the apparent friction coefficient is identified.In general,the granular mass predominantly exhibits characteristics of a dense granular flow,with the Savage number exhibiting a decreasing trend as the volume of mass increases.The process of particle breakage gradually occurs in a bottom-up manner,leading to a significant increase in the angular velocities of the rock blocks with increasing depth.The simulation results reproduce the field observations of inverse grading and source stratigraphy preservation in the deposit.We propose a disintegration index that incorporates factors such as drop height,rock mass volume,and rock strength.Our findings demonstrate a consistent linear relationship between this index and the fragmentation degree in all tested scenarios.

Effects of landscape fragmentation of plantation forests on carbon storage in the Loess Plateau,China

Tree plantation and forest restoration are the major strategies for enhancing terrestrial carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.The Grain for Green Project in China has positively impacted global carbon sequestration and the trend towards fragmentation of plantation forests.Limited studies have been conducted on changes in plantation biomass and stand structure caused by fragmentation,and the effect of fragmentation on the carbon storage of plantation forests remains unclear.This study evaluated the differences between carbon storage and stand structure in black locust forests in fragmented and continuous landscape in the Ansai District,China and discussed the effects of ecological significance of four landscape indices on carbon storage and tree density.We used structural equation modelling to explore the direct and indirect effects of fragmentation,edge,abiotic factors,and stand structure on above-ground carbon storage.Diameter at breast height(DBH)in fragmented forests was 53.3%thicker,tree density was 40.9%lower,and carbon storage was 49.8%higher than those in continuous forests;for all given DBH>10 cm,the trees in fragmented forests were shorter than those in continuous forests.The patch area had a negative impact on carbon storage,i.e.,the higher the degree of fragmentation,the lower the density of the tree;and fragmentation and distance to edge(DTE)directly increased canopy coverage.However,canopy coverage directly decreased carbon storage,and fragmentation directly increased carbon storage and tree density.In non-commercial forests,fragmentation reduces the carbon storage potential of plantation,and the influence of patch area,edge,and patchy connection on plantation should be considered when follow-up trees are planted and for the plantation management.Thus,expanding the area of plantation patches,repairing the edges of complex-shaped patches,enhancing the connectivity of similar patches,and applying nutrients to plantation forests at regular intervals are recommended in fragmented areas of the Loess Plateau.

Research on Risk Identification and Industrial Governance of Digital Education Products Based on Data Annotation Technology

The social transformation brought aboutby digital technology is deeply impacting various industries.Digital education products, with core technologiessuch as 5G, AI, IoT (Internet of Things),etc., are continuously penetrating areas such as teaching,management, and evaluation. Apps, miniprograms,and emerging large-scale models are providingexcellent knowledge performance and flexiblecross-media output. However, they also exposerisks such as content discrimination and algorithmcommercialization. This paper conducts anevidence-based analysis of digital education productrisks from four dimensions: “digital resourcesinformationdissemination-algorithm design-cognitiveassessment”. It breaks through corresponding identificationtechnologies and, relying on the diverse characteristicsof governance systems, explores governancestrategies for digital education products from the threedomains of “regulators-developers-users”.

The Impacts and Causes of Land Fragmentation on Farm Productivity: Case Review of East African Countries

This report provides an overall assessment of land fragmentation problems in East Africa. Many parts of East Africa have become highly fragmented, putting development systems and activities in these areas at risk of complete collapse. Land fragmentation occurs when land gets converted for agriculture, industrialization, or urbanization, invaded by non-local plants, or enclosed for individual use and by subdividing farmlands into subsequent smaller units called parcels with varying average farm sizes. Fragmentation results from inappropriate agricultural development processes and ineffective land use planning that fails to recognize how farmland is used, and the importance of its interconnected areas. Insecurity of tenure and resource rights are key factors in making this possible. Land fragmentation is one of the key reasons why the ability of most resources in East Africa becomes scarcer, and those remaining become “privatized” by more powerful community members—keen to maintain their access to them. Such individualistic attitudes are new and disadvantage the poorest even further by affecting the traditional customary safety nets and agricultural outputs. Neither the government nor customary governance systems effectively protect resource access for the poorest. This review summary report identifies the key causes, measures, and implications, government interventions, and the common remedies to land fragmentation problems in the East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania including neighboring Ethiopia, and the Sudan. The findings indicated from 2005 to 2015, the population kept increasing for all the named countries in East Africa with Rwanda and Uganda having a substantial increase in population density. The study review further explores the trend in the performance of agriculture by average farm sizes within the intervals of five years by highlighting their strong linkages and found that the average farm size has declined drastically, especially for Kenya. This can only mean that small farms kept becoming smaller and smaller and that there were more small-scale farmers. The results further depicted that the major and commonly cultivated food crops among the East African countries include maize, sorghum, rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, Irish potatoes, beans, peas, etc., with maize yields (Mt/ha) in 2003 for Uganda being the highest (1.79 Mt/ha) and the lowest in Rwanda (0.77 Mt/ha) respectively. Therefore, from the review results, recommendations are being made as to how the negative impacts of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity can be reduced or mitigated. One way is by community sensitization and awareness about the importance of land consolidation and its proposition on farm productivity.

A possible probe to neutron-skin thickness by fragment parallel momentum distribution in projectile fragmentation reactions

Neutron-skin thickness is a key parameter for a neutron-rich nucleus;however,it is difficult to determine.In the framework of the Lanzhou Quantum Molecular Dynamics(LQMD)model,a possible probe for the neutron-skin thickness(δ_(np))of neutron-rich ^(48)Ca was studied in the 140A MeV ^(48)Ca+^(9)Be projectile fragmentation reaction based on the parallel momentum distribution(p∥)of the residual fragments.A Fermi-type density distribution was employed to initiate the neutron density distributions in the LQMD simulations.A combined Gaussian function with different width parameters for the left side(Γ_(L))and the right side(Γ_(R))in the distribution was used to describe the p∥of the residual fragments.Taking neutron-rich sulfur isotopes as examples,Γ_(L) shows a sensitive correlation withδ_(np) of ^(48)Ca,and is proposed as a probe for determining the neutron skin thickness of the projectile nucleus.

China's Maritime Governance:Practical Evolution and Theoretical Construction

Increasingly engaged in maritime governance,China has developed its distinct vision and gradually established a complete theoretical system surrounding it.In terms of discourse,China has proposed a collection of concepts and ideas including a maritime community with a shared future,the 2lst Century Maritime Silk Road,Blue Partnerships,and marine ecological civilization.In terms of connotations,China champions such values as lasting peace,common prosperity,openness and inclusiveness,and cleanness and beautifulness.Exteriorly and interiorly,we can observe the unique character of China's vision concerning maritime governance,which will continue to upgrade and bear fruit in future practices,boosting the development of Chinese maritime governance theories,multilateral maritime cooperation,and ocean-related international legislation.Guided by its vision,China is expected to contribute more to global maritime security and marine ecological civilization.

The relationship between DNA fragmentation and the intensity of morphologically abnormal human spermatozoa

Objective:To determine the relationship between teratozoospermia and sperm DNA fragmentation(SDF)in the human ejaculate.Methods:This retrospective study included 100 normozoospermic men as a control cohort(abnormal forms>14%),210 patients with a high level of abnormal forms(≤4%)and 65 patients presenting with a moderate level of abnormal forms(>4%to≤14%)based on the World Health Organization definitions.Sperm morphology was assessed using bright field microscopy.Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay.Non-parametric analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between abnormal sperm morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analyses were conducted to assess sensitivity and specificity of this relationship.Results:A correlation analysis revealed that the higher the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa in the ejaculate,the higher the level of SDF(Spearman's Rho=-0.230;P<0.001).Significant differences in the proportion of SDF were found when all cohorts were compared(P<0.001);these significant differences were also retained when the different cohorts were compared pairwise.ROC analysis showed a moderate but significant predictive value for SDF to differentiate patients with different levels of teratozoospemia.Conclusions:Although analysis of a more continuous range of values for teratozoospermia would help further clarify any causal relationship with SDF,there is clearly a synergistic or coincident affiliation between these variables that needs to be acknowledged by the clinician when interpreting the spermiogram.

Numerical modeling of blast-induced rock fragmentation in deep mining with 3D and 2D FEM method approaches

To optimize the excavation of rock using underground blasting techniques,a reliable and simplified approach for modeling rock fragmentation is desired.This paper presents a multistep experimentalnumerical methodology for simplifying the three-dimensional(3D)to two-dimensional(2D)quasiplane-strain problem and reducing computational costs by more than 100-fold.First,in situ tests were conducted involving single-hole and free-face blasting of a dolomite rock mass in a 1050-m-deep mine.The results were validated by laser scanning.The craters were then compared with four analytical models to calculate the radius of the crushing zone.Next,a full 3D model for single-hole blasting was prepared and validated by simulating the crack length and the radius of the crushing zone.Based on the stable crack propagation zones observed in the 3D model and experiments,a 2D model was prepared.The properties of the high explosive(HE)were slightly reduced to match the shape and number of radial cracks and crushing zone radius between the 3D and 2D models.The final methodology was used to reproduce various cut-hole blasting scenarios and observe the effects of residual cracks in the rock mass on further fragmentation.The presence of preexisting cracks was found to be crucial for fragmentation,particularly when the borehole was situated near a free rock face.Finally,an optimization study was performed to determine the possibility of losing rock continuity at different positions within the well in relation to the free rock face.

Goals and Challenges of Global AI Governance and Chinese Solutions

In July 2023,United Nations(UN)Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the establishment of an entity agency responsible for artificial intelligence(AI)security governance,and organized an“AI High-level Advisory Committee”to explore pertinent issues,opening the prelude to global AI governance.In October 2023,Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation,elaborating China’s policy positions on AI governance to the international community.

Scale dependence of forest fragmentation and its climate sensitivity in a semi-arid mountain:Comparing Landsat,Sentinel and Google Earth data

Landscape fragmentation is generally viewed as an indicator of environmental stresses or risks,but the fragmentation intensity assessment also depends on the scale of data and the definition of spatial unit.This study aimed to explore the scale-dependence of forest fragmentation intensity along a moisture gradient in Yinshan Mountain of North China,and to estimate environmental sensitivity of forest fragmentation in this semi-arid landscape.We developed an automatic classification algorithm using simple linear iterative clustering(SLIC)and Gaussian mixture model(GMM),and extracted tree canopy patches from Google Earth images(GEI),with an accuracy of 89.2%in the study area.Then we convert the tree canopy patches to forest category according to definition of forest that tree density greater than 10%,and compared it with forest categories from global land use datasets,FROM-GLC10 and GlobeLand30,with spatial resolutions of 10 m and 30 m,respectively.We found that the FROM-GLC10 and GlobeLand30 datasets underestimated the forest area in Yinshan Mountain by 16.88%and 21.06%,respectively;and the ratio of open forest(OF,10%<tree coverage<40%)to closed forest(CF,tree coverage>40%)areas in the underestimated part was 2:1.The underestimations concentrated in warmer and drier areas occupied mostly by large coverage of OFs with severely fragmented canopies.Fragmentation intensity of canopies positively correlated with spring temperature while negatively correlated with summer precipitation and terrain slope.When summer precipitation was less than 300 mm or spring temperature higher than 4℃,canopy fragmentation intensity rose drastically,while the forest area percentage kept stable.Our study suggested that the spatial configuration,e.g.,sparseness,is more sensitive to drought stress than area percentage.This highlights the importance of data resolution and proper fragmentation measurements for forest patterns and environmental interpretation,which is the base of reliable ecosystem predictions with regard to the future climate scenarios.

Research on the Collaborative Governance of Social Responsibility in Online Audiovisual Enterprises

This paper aims to analyze the present conditions of the social responsibility ecosystem in online audiovisual enterprises in the digital age. It focuses on the governance of social responsibility in these enterprises and conducts an in-depth analysis of the problems and influencing factors related to the social responsibility aberrations of online audiovisual enterprises. Drawing upon social responsibility theory and collaborative governance theory, this research constructs a social responsibility guidance and governance system guided by the public, supported by the voluntary fulfillment of responsibilities by online audiovisual enterprises, and based on the collaborative participation of diverse stakeholders. It explores and optimizes the implementation pathways of this system, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for promoting the sustainable development of online audiovisual enterprises. Furthermore, it aims to contribute to the creation of a harmonious Internet ecosystem.

Do companies influenced by smart cities pay more attention to green governance?Mechanism and optimal spatial correlation

Smart cities are a way for China to construct an innovative and environmentally conscious nation.The paper examines the impact of smart cities on corporate green governance and provides a theoretical foundation for formulating and executing smart city policy in China.Based on panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2008 to 2020,this study constructs a multiperiod double-difference model to examine the influence of smart cities on corporate green governance.Additionally,it uses a spatial double-difference model to investigate the spatial spillover effect of smart cities on neighboring areas.The findings indicate that smart cities effectively enhance corporate green governance.Analyzing the influencing mechanisms reveals that resource allocation efficiency,technological innovation,management environmental awareness,and regional environmental enforcement efforts act as mediators.Furthermore,the study reveals that the impact of smart cities on promoting corporate green governance is more pronounced in regions with lower levels of marketization and resource-based cities.Moreover,the research explores the spatial spillover effects of smart cities,with an effective radius of approximately 350 km.The optimal spatial correlation zone for green governance of businesses in neighboring areas in relation to smart cities is within a range of 250-350 km.This is manifested by the significant promotion of green governance in neighboring area businesses facilitated by smart cities.

Enhancing transboundary natural tourism resources governance:unveiling the spatial pattern and its influencing factors

Tourism resources that span provincial boundaries in China play a pivotal role in regional development,yet effective governance poses persistent challenges.This study addresses this issue by constructing a comprehensive database of transboundary natural tourism resources(TNTR)through amalgamation of diverse data sources.Utilizing the Getis-Ord Gi^(*),kernel density estimation,and geographical detectors,we scrutinize the spatial patterns of TNTR,focusing on both named and unnamed entities,while exploring the influencing factors.Our findings reveal 7883 identified TNTR in China,with mountain tourism resources emerging as the predominant type.Among provinces,Hunan boasts the highest count,while Shanghai exhibits the lowest.Southern China demonstrates a pronounced clustering trend in TNTR distribution,with the spatial arrangement of biological landscapes appearing more random compared to geological and water landscapes.Western China,characterized by intricate terrain,exhibits fewer TNTR,concurrently unveiling a significant presence of unnamed natural tourism resources.Crucially,administrative segmentation influences TNTR development,generating disparities in regional goals,developmental stages and intensities,and management approaches.In response to these variations,we advocate for strengthening the naming of the unnamed transboundary tourism resources,constructing a geographic database of TNTR for government and establishing a collaborative management mechanism based on TNTR database.Our research contributes to elucidating the intricate landscape of TNTR,offering insights for tailored governance strategies in the realm of cross-provincial tourism resource management.

Edge computing oriented virtual optical network mapping scheme based on fragmentation prediction

As edge computing services soar,the problem of resource fragmentation situation is greatly worsened in elastic optical networks(EON).Aimed to solve this problem,this article proposes the fragmentation prediction model that makes full use of the gate recurrent unit(GRU)algorithm.Based on the fragmentation prediction model,one virtual optical network mapping scheme is presented for edge computing driven EON.With the minimum of fragmentation degree all over the whole EON,the virtual network mapping can be successively conducted.Test results show that the proposed approach can reduce blocking rate,and the supporting ability for virtual optical network services is greatly improved.

Transformation of French Governance Model for Oceanian Overseas Territories

The governance of France's overseas territories in Oceania has undergone a significant model transformation since the end of World War Ⅱ. In recent years, it has further highlighted its determination to pursue strategic autonomy. Through strict governance and legal mechanisms, France has promoted local autonomy and economic transformation, and has shifted the governance of these territories from colonial control to political cooperation and from predatory development to localized sustainable development. France's overseas territories in Oceania have increasingly become the fulcrum of its foreign strategy, serving the overall interests of its country and its overseas security. In recent years, France's governance policies in the region have become increasingly diversified, such as promoting economic diversification, strengthening regional security cooperation, weakening its independence tendencies, and promoting changes in the regional situation and relevant national policies.

Researching the Impact of the Quality of Village Governance on Farmers’Well-Being:From the Perspectives of Income and Occupational Differentiation

The goal of village governance is to improve the well-being of farmers,so this study aims to measure the impact the quality of village governance on the well-being of farmers.It also examines the heterogeneity of this impact across different farmer groups from the perspectives of income levels and occupational differentiation.To this end,this study developed an indicator system based on survey data collected from 1,442 farmers in the Sichuan,Shaanxi,and Gansu provinces,as well as the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.Multiple linear regression models were then used to analyze this data,and the findings revealed that improvements in the quality of village governance significantly increased the well-being of farmers.Specifically,primary-level empowerment and capacity building were shown to contribute the most to the enhancement of the farmers’well-being,followed by social inclusion,and social cohesion was found to have only a minimal effect.In terms of income levels,improving the quality of village governance benefited middle-income farmers the most,followed by low-income farmers,and it had the least effect on high-income farmers.In terms of occupations,full-time farmers gained the most from improvements in the quality of village governance,followed by off-farm farmers,with part-time farmers benefiting the least.Based on these findings,this study suggests that policymakers should improve the quality of village governance to enhance the well-being of farmers,focusing on the impact that level of income and occupational differentiation have on village governance.