Although metal oxide-zeolite hybrid materials have long been known to achieve enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity in NO_(x)removal reactions through the inter-particle diffusion of intermediate species,their s...Although metal oxide-zeolite hybrid materials have long been known to achieve enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity in NO_(x)removal reactions through the inter-particle diffusion of intermediate species,their subsequent reaction mechanism on acid sites is still unclear and requires investigation.In this study,the distribution of Brønsted/Lewis acid sites in the hybrid materials was precisely adjusted by introducing potassium ions,which not only selectively bind to Brønsted acid sites but also potentially affect the formation and diffusion of activated NO species.Systematic in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analyses coupled with selective catalytic reduction of NO_(x)with NH_(3)(NH_(3)-SCR)reaction demonstrate that the Lewis acid sites over MnO_(x)are more active for NO reduction but have lower selectivity to N_(2)than Brønsted acids sites.Brønsted acid sites primarily produce N_(2),whereas Lewis acid sites primarily produce N_(2)O,contributing to unfavorable N_(2)selectivity.The Brønsted acid sites present in Y zeolite,which are stronger than those on MnO_(x),accelerate the NH_(3)-SCR reaction in which the nitrite/nitrate species diffused from the MnO_(x)particles rapidly convert into the N_(2).Therefore,it is important to design the catalyst so that the activated NO species formed in MnO_(x)diffuse to and are selectively decomposed on the Brønsted acid sites of H-Y zeolite rather than that of MnO_(x)particle.For the physically mixed H-MnO_(x)+H-Y sample,the abundant Brønsted/Lewis acid sites in H-MnO_(x)give rise to significant consumption of activated NO species before their inter-particle diffusion,thereby hindering the enhancement of the synergistic effects.Furthermore,we found that the intercalated K+in K-MnO_(x)has an unexpected favorable role in the NO reduction rate,probably owing to faster diffusion of the activated NO species on K-MnO_(x)than H-MnO_(x).This study will help to design promising metal oxide-zeolite hybrid catalysts by identifying the role of the acid sites in two different constituents.展开更多
As buildings evolve to meet the challenges of energy efficiency and indoor comfort,phase change materials(PCM)emerge as a promising solution due to their ability to store and release latent heat.This paper explores th...As buildings evolve to meet the challenges of energy efficiency and indoor comfort,phase change materials(PCM)emerge as a promising solution due to their ability to store and release latent heat.This paper explores the transformative impact of incorporating PCMon the hygrothermal dynamics of multi-zone constructions.The study focuses on analyzing heat transfer,particularly through thermal conduction,in a wall containing PCM.A novel approach was proposed,wherein the studied system(sensitive balance)interacts directly with a latent balance to realistically define the behavior of specific humidity and mass flow rates.In addition,a numerical model implemented in MATLAB software has been developed to investigate the effect of integrating PCM on the hygrothermal balances inside the building.The obtained results indicate a consistent response in internal temperatures,specific humidity,and mass flow rates,with temperature differences ranging from 5℃to 13℃and a maximum phase shift of 13 h.In addition,the findings provided valuable insights into optimizing the design and performance of multi-zone constructions,offering a sustainable pathway for enhancing building resilience and occupant well-being.展开更多
Faced with the proliferation of quarries extracting silty sand and river sand used in the building and public works sector in Togo, recognition of the granular properties of these materials remains a major challenge f...Faced with the proliferation of quarries extracting silty sand and river sand used in the building and public works sector in Togo, recognition of the granular properties of these materials remains a major challenge for builders. This study aims to take stock of the use of sand in construction in Togo. One hundred and eighteen (118) sand quarries in operation, including thirty-eight (38) silty sand quarries and eighty (80) river sand quarries, were identified following surveys carried out among stakeholders involved in the chain of construction on 40% of the national territory. It appears from these surveys that river sands (59.43% to 84.68%) are prioritized over silty sands (15.32% to 40.57%). Three (3) main reasons are behind the choice of sand type;namely, proximity (28%), cleanliness (25%), good appearance (25%). These three (03) reasons partly explain the strong dependence of users on the sands located in their vicinity as well as the related expenses. Thus, making data available on the characteristics of sand, the materials most used in construction in Togo, would contribute to improving the housing conditions of the Togolese population. .展开更多
The Mbouda alluvial deposit is located at the foot of the Bamboutos mountains (West Cameroon) where three types of clayey materials are widespread. The populations collect these clays in their natural state in view of...The Mbouda alluvial deposit is located at the foot of the Bamboutos mountains (West Cameroon) where three types of clayey materials are widespread. The populations collect these clays in their natural state in view of constructions using fired bricks or compressed blocks. Unfortunately, these buildings are not strong. This study investigates the causes of the strengthlessness of buildings and suggests solutions to overcome the difficulty. The research content includes field and laboratory studies. The methodology consists of sampling black (AN), white (AB) and red (AR) clays specimens identified in the study area and analysing them simultaneously at MIPROMALO (Cameroon) and at ACME LAB in Vancouver (Canada). The results obtained show a high sand content in the samples AN (64%), AB (55.2%), AR (30.9%). The compressive strength of the built specimens is low at 900˚C considered as the traditional firing temperature AN (0.94 MPa), AB (5.25 MPa), AR (2.18 MPa). The mineralogical series are identically made by kaolinite, chlorite, gibbsite, quartz, muscovite, biotite, goethite, magnetite and hematite. Silica (SiO2) presents higher contents AN (52.87%), AB (48.02%), AR (47.68%) followed by alumina (Al2O3) AN (29.96%), AB (28.13%), AR (24.72%). The other elements are poorly represented.展开更多
The role of university English instructors has evolved significantly over the years,encompassing various aspects.This paper explores the evolution of the role of university English instructors and examines the current...The role of university English instructors has evolved significantly over the years,encompassing various aspects.This paper explores the evolution of the role of university English instructors and examines the current challenges and opportunities they face in today’s educational landscape.It delves into the multifaceted nature of their responsibilities and discusses the importance of continuous professional development to meet the evolving needs of students and the demands of the profession.展开更多
Three-dimensional(3D)printing is a highly automated platform that facilitates material deposition in a layer-by-layer approach to fabricate pre-defined 3D complex structures on demand.It is a highly promising techniqu...Three-dimensional(3D)printing is a highly automated platform that facilitates material deposition in a layer-by-layer approach to fabricate pre-defined 3D complex structures on demand.It is a highly promising technique for the fabrication of personalized medical devices or even patient-specific tissue constructs.Each type of 3D printing technique has its unique advantages and limitations,and the selection of a suitable 3D printing technique is highly dependent on its intended application.In this review paper,we present and highlight some of the critical processes(printing parameters,build orientation,build location,and support structures),material(batch-to-batch consistency,recycling,protein adsorption,biocompatibility,and degradation properties),and regulatory considerations(sterility and mechanical properties)for 3D printing of personalized medical devices.The goal of this review paper is to provide the readers with a good understanding of the various key considerations(process,material,and regulatory)in 3D printing,which are critical for the fabrication of improved patient-specific 3D printed medical devices and tissue constructs.展开更多
Constructed wetlands(CwW)are well known nature-based systems for water treatment.This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of seven domestic wastewater treatment systems based on horizontal flow CWs in Jar...Constructed wetlands(CwW)are well known nature-based systems for water treatment.This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of seven domestic wastewater treatment systems based on horizontal flow CWs in Jarabacoa,the Dominican Republic.The results showed that the CWs were efficient in reducing the degree of contamination of wastewater to levels below the Dominican wastewater discharge standards for parameters such as the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand(BOD5)and chemical oxygen demand,but not for the removal of phosphorus and fecal coliforms.In addition,a horizontal flow subsurface wetland in the peri-urban area El Dorado was evaluated in terms of the performance of wastewater treatment in tropical climatic conditions.The concentrations of heavy metals,such as zinc,copper,chromium,and iron,were found to decrease in the effluent of the wetland,and the concentrations for nickel and manganese tended to increase.The levels of heavy metals in the effluent were lower than the limit values of the Dominican wastewater discharge standards.The construction cost of these facilities was around 200 USD per population equivalent,similar to the cost in other countries in the same region.This study suggested some solutions to the improved performance of CWs:selection of a microbial flora that guarantees the reduction of nitrates and nitrites to molecular nitrogen,use of endemic plants that bioaccumulate heavy metals,combination of constructed wetlands with filtration on activated carbon,and inclusion of water purification processes that allow to evaluate the reuse of treated water.展开更多
Knowledge of the mechanical behavior of planetary rocks is indispensable for space explorations.The scarcity of pristine samples and the irregular shapes of planetary meteorites make it difficult to obtain representat...Knowledge of the mechanical behavior of planetary rocks is indispensable for space explorations.The scarcity of pristine samples and the irregular shapes of planetary meteorites make it difficult to obtain representative samples for conventional macroscale rock mechanics experiments(macro-RMEs).This critical review discusses recent advances in microscale RMEs(micro-RMEs)techniques and the upscaling methods for extracting mechanical parameters.Methods of mineralogical and microstructural analyses,along with non-destructive mechanical techniques,have provided new opportunities for studying planetary rocks with unprecedented precision and capabilities.First,we summarize several mainstream methods for obtaining the mineralogy and microstructure of planetary rocks.Then,nondestructive micromechanical testing methods,nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy(AFM),are detailed reviewed,illustrating the principles,advantages,influencing factors,and available testing results from literature.Subsequently,several feasible upscaling methods that bridge the micro-measurements of meteorite pieces to the strength of the intact body are introduced.Finally,the potential applications of planetary rock mechanics research to guiding the design and execution of space missions are environed,ranging from sample return missions and planetary defense to extraterrestrial construction.These discussions are expected to broaden the understanding of the microscale mechanical properties of planetary rocks and their significant role in deep space exploration.展开更多
Mountain excavation and city construction(MECC)projects being launched in the Loess Plateau in China involve the creation of large-scale artificial land.Understanding the subsurface evolution characteristics of the ar...Mountain excavation and city construction(MECC)projects being launched in the Loess Plateau in China involve the creation of large-scale artificial land.Understanding the subsurface evolution characteristics of the artificial land is essential,yet challenging.Here,we use an improved fiber-optic monitoring system for its subsurface multi-physical characterization.The system enables us to gather spatiotemporal distribution of various parameters,including strata deformation,temperature,and moisture.Yan’an New District was selected as a case study to conduct refined in-situ monitoring through a 77 m-deep borehole and a 30 m-long trench.Findings reveal that the ground settlement involves both the deformation of the filling loess and the underlying intact loess.Notably,the filling loess exhibits a stronger creep capability compared to underlying intact loess.The deformation along the profile is unevenly distributed,with a positive correlation with soil moisture.Water accumulation has been observed at the interface between the filling loess and the underlying intact loess,leading to a significant deformation.Moreover,the temperature and moisture in the filling loess have reached a new equilibrium state,with their depths influenced by atmospheric conditions measuring at 31 m and 26 m,respectively.The refined investigation allows us to identify critical layers that matter the sustainable development of newly created urban areas,and provide improved insights into the evolution mechanisms of land creation.展开更多
The high-quality development of the construction industry fundamentally stems from the significant improvement of total factor productivity.Therefore,it is of crucial significance for promoting the development of the ...The high-quality development of the construction industry fundamentally stems from the significant improvement of total factor productivity.Therefore,it is of crucial significance for promoting the development of the construction industry to a higher level by scientifically and accurately measuring the total factor productivity of the construction industry and deeply analyzing the influencing factors behind it.Based on a comprehensive consideration of research methods and influencing factors,this paper systematically reviews the existing relevant literature on total factor productivity in the construction industry,aiming to reveal the current research development trend in this field and point out potential problems.This effort aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation and valuable reference for further in-depth research,and jointly promote the continuous progress and development of total factor productivity research in the construction industry.展开更多
The Tibetan Plateau is characterized by complex geological conditions and a relatively fragile ecological environment.In recent years,there has been continuous development and increased human activity in the Tibetan P...The Tibetan Plateau is characterized by complex geological conditions and a relatively fragile ecological environment.In recent years,there has been continuous development and increased human activity in the Tibetan Plateau region,leading to a rising risk of landslides.The landslide in Banbar County,Xizang(Tibet),have been perturbed by ongoing disturbances from human engineering activities,making it susceptible to instability and displaying distinct features.In this study,small baseline subset synthetic aperture radar interferometry(SBAS-InSAR)technology is used to obtain the Line of Sight(LOS)deformation velocity field in the study area,and then the slope-orientation deformation field of the landslide is obtained according to the spatial geometric relationship between the satellite’s LOS direction and the landslide.Subsequently,the landslide thickness is inverted by applying the mass conservation criterion.The results show that the movement area of the landslide is about 6.57×10^(4)m^(2),and the landslide volume is about 1.45×10^(6)m^(3).The maximum estimated thickness and average thickness of the landslide are 39 m and 22 m,respectively.The thickness estimation results align with the findings from on-site investigation,indicating the applicability of this method to large-scale earth slides.The deformation rate of the landslide exhibits a notable correlation with temperature variations,with rainfall playing a supportive role in the deformation process and displaying a certain lag.Human activities exert the most substantial influence on the spatial heterogeneity of landslide deformation,leading to the direct impact of several prominent deformation areas due to human interventions.Simultaneously,utilizing the long short-term memory(LSTM)model to predict landslide displacement,and the forecast results demonstrate the effectiveness of the LSTM model in predicting landslides that are in a continuous development and movement phase.The landslide is still active,and based on the spatial heterogeneity of landslide deformation,new recommendations have been proposed for the future management of the landslide in order to mitigate potential hazards associated with landslide instability.展开更多
The problem with earth constructions is their low resistance to water. Step by step, the water degrades the exterior facings of the structures and ends up creating zones of weakness through the structures, making them...The problem with earth constructions is their low resistance to water. Step by step, the water degrades the exterior facings of the structures and ends up creating zones of weakness through the structures, making them collapse and creating enormous socio-economic problems, especially in rural areas. The solutions proposed to date, like the use of straw, cow dung, boiled skins, banana leaves, tar, cement soil, have shown their limits. Generally, the poor adhesion between the protected material and the protective layer means that the latter always ends up peeling off. This work, which is inspired by the traditional practice where plant tannins are used to brush the earthen walls to waterproof them, proposes a tri-layer coating composed of soil, powder and hydrolysable tannins extracted from the stem bark of Bridelia. This work focuses on the geotechnical characterization of the soil, the extraction of hydrolysable tannin, the manufacture of the micro-coating, the resistance tests carried out on the micro-coating, the technique of implementation and the test of evaluation of the performance of the tri-layer coating. The results obtained show that not only does the tri-layer coating adhere perfectly to the layer to protect, but it also waterproofs it and protects it against shocks.展开更多
In view of the problem of lacking peer coaching among college teachers,taking teachers in local universities in Hangzhou as the research subject,the paper analyzes the relationship between peer coaching and teachers’...In view of the problem of lacking peer coaching among college teachers,taking teachers in local universities in Hangzhou as the research subject,the paper analyzes the relationship between peer coaching and teachers’professional development.The paper then proposes to establish teaching practice communities in higher education,which is of great significance to improve the teaching quality and promote the professional development of university teachers.Strategies for constructing teaching practice communities are also discussed.展开更多
Second harmonic generation(SHG)in optical materials serves as important techniques for laser source generations in awkward spectral ranges,physical identities of materials in crystalline symmetry and interfacial confi...Second harmonic generation(SHG)in optical materials serves as important techniques for laser source generations in awkward spectral ranges,physical identities of materials in crystalline symmetry and interfacial configuration.Here,we present a comprehensive review on SHGs in nanowires(NWs),which have been recognized as an important element in constructing photonic and optoelectronic devices with compact footprint and high quantum yield.Relying on NW’s one-dimensional geometry,its SHG could be employed as a sophisticated spectroscopy to determine the crystal phase and orientation,as well as the internal strain.The enhancements of SHG efficiency in NWs are discussed then,which were realized by hybrid integrating them with two-dimensional materials,nanophotonic and plasmonic structures.Finally,the potential applications of NW SHGs are concluded,including the areas of optical correlators and constructions of on-chip nano-laser sources.展开更多
A real-time adaptive roles allocation method based on reinforcement learning is proposed to improve humanrobot cooperation performance for a curtain wall installation task.This method breaks the traditional idea that ...A real-time adaptive roles allocation method based on reinforcement learning is proposed to improve humanrobot cooperation performance for a curtain wall installation task.This method breaks the traditional idea that the robot is regarded as the follower or only adjusts the leader and the follower in cooperation.In this paper,a self-learning method is proposed which can dynamically adapt and continuously adjust the initiative weight of the robot according to the change of the task.Firstly,the physical human-robot cooperation model,including the role factor is built.Then,a reinforcement learningmodel that can adjust the role factor in real time is established,and a reward and actionmodel is designed.The role factor can be adjusted continuously according to the comprehensive performance of the human-robot interaction force and the robot’s Jerk during the repeated installation.Finally,the roles adjustment rule established above continuously improves the comprehensive performance.Experiments of the dynamic roles allocation and the effect of the performance weighting coefficient on the result have been verified.The results show that the proposed method can realize the role adaptation and achieve the dual optimization goal of reducing the sum of the cooperator force and the robot’s Jerk.展开更多
This article delves into the intricate landscape of gender roles within China,employing a historical lens to dissect the evolution of these roles throughout key periods of Chinese societal transformation.The study cen...This article delves into the intricate landscape of gender roles within China,employing a historical lens to dissect the evolution of these roles throughout key periods of Chinese societal transformation.The study centres on three pivotal epochs in contemporary China:the pre-liberation era(prior to 1949),the era of socialist construction(1949-1978),and the phase of economic reform(post-1978).Despite the undeniably persistent underpinning of traditional gender roles throughout history,this analysis offers insight into the essence of feminist movements-an ongoing struggle against the subjugation of women.While notable strides have been made in enhancing the status and rights of women in recent decades,it becomes evident that achieving genuine gender equality necessitates a more nuanced approach beyond the mere expansion of educational and occupational opportunities for women.True transformation mandates heightened awareness of gender inequality across all societal domains,catalysing collective participation in social initiatives by both genders.This article underscores the imperative of multifaceted engagement to drive meaningful and lasting shifts in gender dynamics.展开更多
The Faleme River, a West Africa long transboundary stream (625 km) and abundant flow (>1100 million m<sup>3</sup>) is affected by severe erosion because of mining activities that takes place throughout ...The Faleme River, a West Africa long transboundary stream (625 km) and abundant flow (>1100 million m<sup>3</sup>) is affected by severe erosion because of mining activities that takes place throughout the riverbed. To preserve this important watercourse and ensure the sustainability of its services, selecting and implementing appropriates restorations techniques is vital. In this context, the purpose of this paper was to present an overview of the actions and techniques that can be implemented for the restoration/rehabilitation of the Faleme. The methodological approach includes field investigation, water sampling, literature review with cases studies and SWOT analysis of the four methods presented: river dredging, constructed wetlands, floating treatment wetlands and chemical precipitation (coagulation and flocculation). The study confirmed the pollution of the river by suspended solids (TSS > 1100 mg/L) and heavy metals such as iron, zinc, aluminium, and arsenic. For the restoration methods, it was illustrated through description of their mode of operation and through some case studies presented, that all the four methods have proven their effectiveness in treating rivers but have differences in their costs, their sustainability (detrimental to living organisms or causing a second pollution) and social acceptance. They also have weaknesses and issues that must be addressed to ensure success of rehabilitation. For the case of the Faleme river, after analysis, floating treatment wetlands are highly recommended for their low cost, good removal efficiency if the vulnerability of the raft and buoyancy to strong waves and flow is under control.展开更多
Automatic control technology is the basis of road robot improvement,according to the characteristics of construction equipment and functions,the research will be input type perception from positioning acquisition,real...Automatic control technology is the basis of road robot improvement,according to the characteristics of construction equipment and functions,the research will be input type perception from positioning acquisition,real-world monitoring,the process will use RTK-GNSS positional perception technology,by projecting the left side of the earth from Gauss-Krueger projection method,and then carry out the Cartesian conversion based on the characteristics of drawing;steering control system is the core of the electric drive unmanned module,on the basis of the analysis of the composition of the steering system of unmanned engineering vehicles,the steering system key components such as direction,torque sensor,drive motor and other models are established,the joint simulation model of unmanned engineering vehicles is established,the steering controller is designed using the PID method,the simulation results show that the control method can meet the construction path demand for automatic steering.The path planning will first formulate the construction area with preset values and realize the steering angle correction during driving by PID algorithm,and never realize the construction-based path planning,and the results show that the method can control the straight path within the error of 10 cm and the curve error within 20 cm.With the collaboration of various modules,the automatic construction simulation results of this robot show that the design path and control method is effective.展开更多
文摘Although metal oxide-zeolite hybrid materials have long been known to achieve enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity in NO_(x)removal reactions through the inter-particle diffusion of intermediate species,their subsequent reaction mechanism on acid sites is still unclear and requires investigation.In this study,the distribution of Brønsted/Lewis acid sites in the hybrid materials was precisely adjusted by introducing potassium ions,which not only selectively bind to Brønsted acid sites but also potentially affect the formation and diffusion of activated NO species.Systematic in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analyses coupled with selective catalytic reduction of NO_(x)with NH_(3)(NH_(3)-SCR)reaction demonstrate that the Lewis acid sites over MnO_(x)are more active for NO reduction but have lower selectivity to N_(2)than Brønsted acids sites.Brønsted acid sites primarily produce N_(2),whereas Lewis acid sites primarily produce N_(2)O,contributing to unfavorable N_(2)selectivity.The Brønsted acid sites present in Y zeolite,which are stronger than those on MnO_(x),accelerate the NH_(3)-SCR reaction in which the nitrite/nitrate species diffused from the MnO_(x)particles rapidly convert into the N_(2).Therefore,it is important to design the catalyst so that the activated NO species formed in MnO_(x)diffuse to and are selectively decomposed on the Brønsted acid sites of H-Y zeolite rather than that of MnO_(x)particle.For the physically mixed H-MnO_(x)+H-Y sample,the abundant Brønsted/Lewis acid sites in H-MnO_(x)give rise to significant consumption of activated NO species before their inter-particle diffusion,thereby hindering the enhancement of the synergistic effects.Furthermore,we found that the intercalated K+in K-MnO_(x)has an unexpected favorable role in the NO reduction rate,probably owing to faster diffusion of the activated NO species on K-MnO_(x)than H-MnO_(x).This study will help to design promising metal oxide-zeolite hybrid catalysts by identifying the role of the acid sites in two different constituents.
基金supported in entire part by the Biomaterials and Transport Phenomena LaboratoryAgreementNo.30303-12-2003,at theUniversity of Medea.
文摘As buildings evolve to meet the challenges of energy efficiency and indoor comfort,phase change materials(PCM)emerge as a promising solution due to their ability to store and release latent heat.This paper explores the transformative impact of incorporating PCMon the hygrothermal dynamics of multi-zone constructions.The study focuses on analyzing heat transfer,particularly through thermal conduction,in a wall containing PCM.A novel approach was proposed,wherein the studied system(sensitive balance)interacts directly with a latent balance to realistically define the behavior of specific humidity and mass flow rates.In addition,a numerical model implemented in MATLAB software has been developed to investigate the effect of integrating PCM on the hygrothermal balances inside the building.The obtained results indicate a consistent response in internal temperatures,specific humidity,and mass flow rates,with temperature differences ranging from 5℃to 13℃and a maximum phase shift of 13 h.In addition,the findings provided valuable insights into optimizing the design and performance of multi-zone constructions,offering a sustainable pathway for enhancing building resilience and occupant well-being.
文摘Faced with the proliferation of quarries extracting silty sand and river sand used in the building and public works sector in Togo, recognition of the granular properties of these materials remains a major challenge for builders. This study aims to take stock of the use of sand in construction in Togo. One hundred and eighteen (118) sand quarries in operation, including thirty-eight (38) silty sand quarries and eighty (80) river sand quarries, were identified following surveys carried out among stakeholders involved in the chain of construction on 40% of the national territory. It appears from these surveys that river sands (59.43% to 84.68%) are prioritized over silty sands (15.32% to 40.57%). Three (3) main reasons are behind the choice of sand type;namely, proximity (28%), cleanliness (25%), good appearance (25%). These three (03) reasons partly explain the strong dependence of users on the sands located in their vicinity as well as the related expenses. Thus, making data available on the characteristics of sand, the materials most used in construction in Togo, would contribute to improving the housing conditions of the Togolese population. .
文摘The Mbouda alluvial deposit is located at the foot of the Bamboutos mountains (West Cameroon) where three types of clayey materials are widespread. The populations collect these clays in their natural state in view of constructions using fired bricks or compressed blocks. Unfortunately, these buildings are not strong. This study investigates the causes of the strengthlessness of buildings and suggests solutions to overcome the difficulty. The research content includes field and laboratory studies. The methodology consists of sampling black (AN), white (AB) and red (AR) clays specimens identified in the study area and analysing them simultaneously at MIPROMALO (Cameroon) and at ACME LAB in Vancouver (Canada). The results obtained show a high sand content in the samples AN (64%), AB (55.2%), AR (30.9%). The compressive strength of the built specimens is low at 900˚C considered as the traditional firing temperature AN (0.94 MPa), AB (5.25 MPa), AR (2.18 MPa). The mineralogical series are identically made by kaolinite, chlorite, gibbsite, quartz, muscovite, biotite, goethite, magnetite and hematite. Silica (SiO2) presents higher contents AN (52.87%), AB (48.02%), AR (47.68%) followed by alumina (Al2O3) AN (29.96%), AB (28.13%), AR (24.72%). The other elements are poorly represented.
文摘The role of university English instructors has evolved significantly over the years,encompassing various aspects.This paper explores the evolution of the role of university English instructors and examines the current challenges and opportunities they face in today’s educational landscape.It delves into the multifaceted nature of their responsibilities and discusses the importance of continuous professional development to meet the evolving needs of students and the demands of the profession.
文摘Three-dimensional(3D)printing is a highly automated platform that facilitates material deposition in a layer-by-layer approach to fabricate pre-defined 3D complex structures on demand.It is a highly promising technique for the fabrication of personalized medical devices or even patient-specific tissue constructs.Each type of 3D printing technique has its unique advantages and limitations,and the selection of a suitable 3D printing technique is highly dependent on its intended application.In this review paper,we present and highlight some of the critical processes(printing parameters,build orientation,build location,and support structures),material(batch-to-batch consistency,recycling,protein adsorption,biocompatibility,and degradation properties),and regulatory considerations(sterility and mechanical properties)for 3D printing of personalized medical devices.The goal of this review paper is to provide the readers with a good understanding of the various key considerations(process,material,and regulatory)in 3D printing,which are critical for the fabrication of improved patient-specific 3D printed medical devices and tissue constructs.
基金support of the Yaque del Norte Water Fund(FAYN),INTEC(Grant No.CBA-330810-2020-P-1)Fondo Dominicano de Ciencia y Tecnologia(FONDOCYT)(Grant No.2022-2B2-161)。
文摘Constructed wetlands(CwW)are well known nature-based systems for water treatment.This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of seven domestic wastewater treatment systems based on horizontal flow CWs in Jarabacoa,the Dominican Republic.The results showed that the CWs were efficient in reducing the degree of contamination of wastewater to levels below the Dominican wastewater discharge standards for parameters such as the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand(BOD5)and chemical oxygen demand,but not for the removal of phosphorus and fecal coliforms.In addition,a horizontal flow subsurface wetland in the peri-urban area El Dorado was evaluated in terms of the performance of wastewater treatment in tropical climatic conditions.The concentrations of heavy metals,such as zinc,copper,chromium,and iron,were found to decrease in the effluent of the wetland,and the concentrations for nickel and manganese tended to increase.The levels of heavy metals in the effluent were lower than the limit values of the Dominican wastewater discharge standards.The construction cost of these facilities was around 200 USD per population equivalent,similar to the cost in other countries in the same region.This study suggested some solutions to the improved performance of CWs:selection of a microbial flora that guarantees the reduction of nitrates and nitrites to molecular nitrogen,use of endemic plants that bioaccumulate heavy metals,combination of constructed wetlands with filtration on activated carbon,and inclusion of water purification processes that allow to evaluate the reuse of treated water.
基金supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2023TQ0247)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(No.JCYJ20220530140602005)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2042023kfyq03)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2023A1515111071)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program(Grade B)of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.GZB20230544).
文摘Knowledge of the mechanical behavior of planetary rocks is indispensable for space explorations.The scarcity of pristine samples and the irregular shapes of planetary meteorites make it difficult to obtain representative samples for conventional macroscale rock mechanics experiments(macro-RMEs).This critical review discusses recent advances in microscale RMEs(micro-RMEs)techniques and the upscaling methods for extracting mechanical parameters.Methods of mineralogical and microstructural analyses,along with non-destructive mechanical techniques,have provided new opportunities for studying planetary rocks with unprecedented precision and capabilities.First,we summarize several mainstream methods for obtaining the mineralogy and microstructure of planetary rocks.Then,nondestructive micromechanical testing methods,nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy(AFM),are detailed reviewed,illustrating the principles,advantages,influencing factors,and available testing results from literature.Subsequently,several feasible upscaling methods that bridge the micro-measurements of meteorite pieces to the strength of the intact body are introduced.Finally,the potential applications of planetary rock mechanics research to guiding the design and execution of space missions are environed,ranging from sample return missions and planetary defense to extraterrestrial construction.These discussions are expected to broaden the understanding of the microscale mechanical properties of planetary rocks and their significant role in deep space exploration.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.4203070 and 41977217)the Key Research&Development Program of Shaanxi Province(Grant No.2020ZDLSF06-03).
文摘Mountain excavation and city construction(MECC)projects being launched in the Loess Plateau in China involve the creation of large-scale artificial land.Understanding the subsurface evolution characteristics of the artificial land is essential,yet challenging.Here,we use an improved fiber-optic monitoring system for its subsurface multi-physical characterization.The system enables us to gather spatiotemporal distribution of various parameters,including strata deformation,temperature,and moisture.Yan’an New District was selected as a case study to conduct refined in-situ monitoring through a 77 m-deep borehole and a 30 m-long trench.Findings reveal that the ground settlement involves both the deformation of the filling loess and the underlying intact loess.Notably,the filling loess exhibits a stronger creep capability compared to underlying intact loess.The deformation along the profile is unevenly distributed,with a positive correlation with soil moisture.Water accumulation has been observed at the interface between the filling loess and the underlying intact loess,leading to a significant deformation.Moreover,the temperature and moisture in the filling loess have reached a new equilibrium state,with their depths influenced by atmospheric conditions measuring at 31 m and 26 m,respectively.The refined investigation allows us to identify critical layers that matter the sustainable development of newly created urban areas,and provide improved insights into the evolution mechanisms of land creation.
基金Supported by School-level Natural Science Project of Jiangxi University of Technology(232ZRYB02).
文摘The high-quality development of the construction industry fundamentally stems from the significant improvement of total factor productivity.Therefore,it is of crucial significance for promoting the development of the construction industry to a higher level by scientifically and accurately measuring the total factor productivity of the construction industry and deeply analyzing the influencing factors behind it.Based on a comprehensive consideration of research methods and influencing factors,this paper systematically reviews the existing relevant literature on total factor productivity in the construction industry,aiming to reveal the current research development trend in this field and point out potential problems.This effort aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation and valuable reference for further in-depth research,and jointly promote the continuous progress and development of total factor productivity research in the construction industry.
基金supported by the second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(STEP)program(Grant NO.2019QZKK0904)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41941019)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant NO.42307217)。
文摘The Tibetan Plateau is characterized by complex geological conditions and a relatively fragile ecological environment.In recent years,there has been continuous development and increased human activity in the Tibetan Plateau region,leading to a rising risk of landslides.The landslide in Banbar County,Xizang(Tibet),have been perturbed by ongoing disturbances from human engineering activities,making it susceptible to instability and displaying distinct features.In this study,small baseline subset synthetic aperture radar interferometry(SBAS-InSAR)technology is used to obtain the Line of Sight(LOS)deformation velocity field in the study area,and then the slope-orientation deformation field of the landslide is obtained according to the spatial geometric relationship between the satellite’s LOS direction and the landslide.Subsequently,the landslide thickness is inverted by applying the mass conservation criterion.The results show that the movement area of the landslide is about 6.57×10^(4)m^(2),and the landslide volume is about 1.45×10^(6)m^(3).The maximum estimated thickness and average thickness of the landslide are 39 m and 22 m,respectively.The thickness estimation results align with the findings from on-site investigation,indicating the applicability of this method to large-scale earth slides.The deformation rate of the landslide exhibits a notable correlation with temperature variations,with rainfall playing a supportive role in the deformation process and displaying a certain lag.Human activities exert the most substantial influence on the spatial heterogeneity of landslide deformation,leading to the direct impact of several prominent deformation areas due to human interventions.Simultaneously,utilizing the long short-term memory(LSTM)model to predict landslide displacement,and the forecast results demonstrate the effectiveness of the LSTM model in predicting landslides that are in a continuous development and movement phase.The landslide is still active,and based on the spatial heterogeneity of landslide deformation,new recommendations have been proposed for the future management of the landslide in order to mitigate potential hazards associated with landslide instability.
文摘The problem with earth constructions is their low resistance to water. Step by step, the water degrades the exterior facings of the structures and ends up creating zones of weakness through the structures, making them collapse and creating enormous socio-economic problems, especially in rural areas. The solutions proposed to date, like the use of straw, cow dung, boiled skins, banana leaves, tar, cement soil, have shown their limits. Generally, the poor adhesion between the protected material and the protective layer means that the latter always ends up peeling off. This work, which is inspired by the traditional practice where plant tannins are used to brush the earthen walls to waterproof them, proposes a tri-layer coating composed of soil, powder and hydrolysable tannins extracted from the stem bark of Bridelia. This work focuses on the geotechnical characterization of the soil, the extraction of hydrolysable tannin, the manufacture of the micro-coating, the resistance tests carried out on the micro-coating, the technique of implementation and the test of evaluation of the performance of the tri-layer coating. The results obtained show that not only does the tri-layer coating adhere perfectly to the layer to protect, but it also waterproofs it and protects it against shocks.
基金This paper is part of the research results of the 2022 Curriculum Ideological and Political Teaching Research Project of Hangzhou College of Commerce(Project No.:2122252).
文摘In view of the problem of lacking peer coaching among college teachers,taking teachers in local universities in Hangzhou as the research subject,the paper analyzes the relationship between peer coaching and teachers’professional development.The paper then proposes to establish teaching practice communities in higher education,which is of great significance to improve the teaching quality and promote the professional development of university teachers.Strategies for constructing teaching practice communities are also discussed.
基金supported by the Key Research and Development Program(Grant No.2022YFA1404800)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62105267 and 62375225)+1 种基金the Shaanxi Fundamental Science Research Project for Mathematics and Physics(Grant No.22JSY004)Xi’an Science and Technology Plan Project(Grant No.2023JH-ZCGJ-0023)。
文摘Second harmonic generation(SHG)in optical materials serves as important techniques for laser source generations in awkward spectral ranges,physical identities of materials in crystalline symmetry and interfacial configuration.Here,we present a comprehensive review on SHGs in nanowires(NWs),which have been recognized as an important element in constructing photonic and optoelectronic devices with compact footprint and high quantum yield.Relying on NW’s one-dimensional geometry,its SHG could be employed as a sophisticated spectroscopy to determine the crystal phase and orientation,as well as the internal strain.The enhancements of SHG efficiency in NWs are discussed then,which were realized by hybrid integrating them with two-dimensional materials,nanophotonic and plasmonic structures.Finally,the potential applications of NW SHGs are concluded,including the areas of optical correlators and constructions of on-chip nano-laser sources.
基金The research has been generously supported by Tianjin Education Commission Scientific Research Program(2020KJ056),ChinaTianjin Science and Technology Planning Project(22YDTPJC00970),China.The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation for all support provided.
文摘A real-time adaptive roles allocation method based on reinforcement learning is proposed to improve humanrobot cooperation performance for a curtain wall installation task.This method breaks the traditional idea that the robot is regarded as the follower or only adjusts the leader and the follower in cooperation.In this paper,a self-learning method is proposed which can dynamically adapt and continuously adjust the initiative weight of the robot according to the change of the task.Firstly,the physical human-robot cooperation model,including the role factor is built.Then,a reinforcement learningmodel that can adjust the role factor in real time is established,and a reward and actionmodel is designed.The role factor can be adjusted continuously according to the comprehensive performance of the human-robot interaction force and the robot’s Jerk during the repeated installation.Finally,the roles adjustment rule established above continuously improves the comprehensive performance.Experiments of the dynamic roles allocation and the effect of the performance weighting coefficient on the result have been verified.The results show that the proposed method can realize the role adaptation and achieve the dual optimization goal of reducing the sum of the cooperator force and the robot’s Jerk.
文摘This article delves into the intricate landscape of gender roles within China,employing a historical lens to dissect the evolution of these roles throughout key periods of Chinese societal transformation.The study centres on three pivotal epochs in contemporary China:the pre-liberation era(prior to 1949),the era of socialist construction(1949-1978),and the phase of economic reform(post-1978).Despite the undeniably persistent underpinning of traditional gender roles throughout history,this analysis offers insight into the essence of feminist movements-an ongoing struggle against the subjugation of women.While notable strides have been made in enhancing the status and rights of women in recent decades,it becomes evident that achieving genuine gender equality necessitates a more nuanced approach beyond the mere expansion of educational and occupational opportunities for women.True transformation mandates heightened awareness of gender inequality across all societal domains,catalysing collective participation in social initiatives by both genders.This article underscores the imperative of multifaceted engagement to drive meaningful and lasting shifts in gender dynamics.
文摘The Faleme River, a West Africa long transboundary stream (625 km) and abundant flow (>1100 million m<sup>3</sup>) is affected by severe erosion because of mining activities that takes place throughout the riverbed. To preserve this important watercourse and ensure the sustainability of its services, selecting and implementing appropriates restorations techniques is vital. In this context, the purpose of this paper was to present an overview of the actions and techniques that can be implemented for the restoration/rehabilitation of the Faleme. The methodological approach includes field investigation, water sampling, literature review with cases studies and SWOT analysis of the four methods presented: river dredging, constructed wetlands, floating treatment wetlands and chemical precipitation (coagulation and flocculation). The study confirmed the pollution of the river by suspended solids (TSS > 1100 mg/L) and heavy metals such as iron, zinc, aluminium, and arsenic. For the restoration methods, it was illustrated through description of their mode of operation and through some case studies presented, that all the four methods have proven their effectiveness in treating rivers but have differences in their costs, their sustainability (detrimental to living organisms or causing a second pollution) and social acceptance. They also have weaknesses and issues that must be addressed to ensure success of rehabilitation. For the case of the Faleme river, after analysis, floating treatment wetlands are highly recommended for their low cost, good removal efficiency if the vulnerability of the raft and buoyancy to strong waves and flow is under control.
文摘Automatic control technology is the basis of road robot improvement,according to the characteristics of construction equipment and functions,the research will be input type perception from positioning acquisition,real-world monitoring,the process will use RTK-GNSS positional perception technology,by projecting the left side of the earth from Gauss-Krueger projection method,and then carry out the Cartesian conversion based on the characteristics of drawing;steering control system is the core of the electric drive unmanned module,on the basis of the analysis of the composition of the steering system of unmanned engineering vehicles,the steering system key components such as direction,torque sensor,drive motor and other models are established,the joint simulation model of unmanned engineering vehicles is established,the steering controller is designed using the PID method,the simulation results show that the control method can meet the construction path demand for automatic steering.The path planning will first formulate the construction area with preset values and realize the steering angle correction during driving by PID algorithm,and never realize the construction-based path planning,and the results show that the method can control the straight path within the error of 10 cm and the curve error within 20 cm.With the collaboration of various modules,the automatic construction simulation results of this robot show that the design path and control method is effective.