Land use change of Kitakyushu based on landscape ecology and Markov model

Based on four phases of TM images acquired in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005, this paper took Kitakyushu in Japan as a case study to analyze spatial change of land use landscape and corresponding effects on environmental issues guided by landscape ecology theory in virtue of combining technology of Remote Sensing with GIS. Firstly, land use types were divided into 6 classes （farmland, mountain, forestland, water body, urban land and unused land） according to national classification standard of land use, comprehensible ability of TM image and purpose of this study. Secondly, following the theory of landscape ecology analysis, 11 typical landscape indices were abstracted to evaluate the environmental effects and spatial feature changes of land use. Research results indicated that land use has grown more and more diversified and unbalanced, human activities have disturbed the landscape more seriously. Finally, transfer matrix of Markov was applied to forecast change process of land use in the future different periods, and then potential land use changes were also simulated from 2010 to 2050. Results showed that conversion tendency for all types of land use in Kitakyushu into urban construction land were enhanced. The study was anticipated to help local authorities better understand and address a complex land use system, and develop improved land use management strategies that could better balance urban expansion and ecological conservation.

Phosphorus Release from Sediments in a Riparian <i>Phragmites australis</i>Community at the Estuary of the Chikugogawa River, Western Japan

In order to determine the contribution of aquatic macrophyte communities on nutrition to sustain the high primary productivity of an estuary aquatic community, we analyzed the process of phosphorus release from sediments in aquatic macrophyte community in the estuary of the Chikugogawa River, South-Western Japan. Vertical profile of PD3-4 concentration and redox potential (Eh) of pore water in sediments were investigated within and outside the Phragmites australis community. Sediment horizon lower than 23 cm layer from the surface showed anaerobic (Eh australis community, whereas sediment was constantly oxic (Eh > 0 mV) up to 50 cm depth outside the P. australis community without organic matter accumulation. Non-vegetated sediment with organic matter accumulation showed anoxic profile as vegetated site. PD3-4 concentration in anaerobic parts of sediment showed higher than oxic parts, and higher PD3-4 concentration in sediment pore water corresponded to sulfur deposition in sediment. Sulfate ion supplied from the sea water is reduced under the anoxic condition and S2- reacts with water-insoluble phosphorus salts e.g. Fe3(PO4)2 or AlPO4 and Fe2S3 or Al2S3 precipitates. Thus PD3-4 was mobilized and released under anoxic sediments. P. australis supply organic litter to sediment and the sediment within the P. australis community showed anoxic after aerobic decomposition of organic substances in sediment. Incubation of sediments under N2 atmosphere accumulated PD3-4 in the medium corresponding to low Eh (3-4 was released under anaerobic condition. Estuary P. australis community has function for supplying PD3-4 to river water.

The Evaluation Method of Gully Village’s Ecological Sustainable Development in the Gully Regions of Loess Plateau

The gully region of Loess Plateau is one of the earliest human settlement areas and the most ecologically sensitive areas in China. It has been facing challenges for future development. Gully village is the smallest social units on Loess Plateau that owns large amount of agricultural population. However, due to inappropriate development planning and lack of developing directions, they are gradually disappearing. Based on the practical investigations of the Gully Regions of Loess Plateau, this paper aims to explore a new way for the future development of gully villages. Firstly, it classifies the gully villages by the distribution of location. Secondly, selecting ecological construction evaluation factors of gully village and completing the quantitative evaluation are applied on the suitability and sensitivity of ecological sustainable development classification. Thirdly, according to the comprehensive evaluation, the developing condition of each gully village is divided into “Good”, “General” and “Poor”. Finally, this paper figures out the future developing direction for gully villages in different developing conditions.

Unexpected/contrary behavior of aerosol mass concentration in response to the individual components'concentration reduction in Kitakyushu,Japan

In the suburbs of Kitakyushu,Japan,the inorganic aerosol mass concentration(IAM)was about 32.7μg/m^(3),with the aerosol pH of 3.3.To study the thermodynamics of aerosol when its individual components'concentration is reduced,sensitive tests were performed using the ISORROPIAⅡmodel,in which the seven control species—TNaCl,TNH_(4)^(+),TSO_(4)^(2-),TNO_(3)^(-),TMg^(2+),TK^(+),and TCa^(2+)—were taken into account.IAM and inorganic aerosol pH after reducing TNaCl,TNO_(3)^(-),TMg^(2+),TK^(+),and TCa^(2+)responded linearly(0%≤concentration reduction ratio(CRR)≤100%,with the exception of 100%in TNaCl);the nonlinear variations of these two parameters could be observed by controlling TNH_(4)^(+)and TSO_(4)^(2-).Unexpected aerosol behavior occurred at 100%reduction of TNaCl,which was caused by the sudden increase of NO_(3)^(-),NH_(4)^(+),and aerosol liquid water content(ALWC);the increase of IAM was also observed after controlling TSO_(4)^(2-)(60%≤CRR≤100%)and TCa^(2+)(0%≤CRR≤100%),which was mainly related to the variation of ALWC driven by the response of CaSO_(4).Multiple regression analysis showed that ALWC was statistically and strongly related to the variations of NO_(3)^(-),Cl-,SO_(4)^(2-),HSO_(4)^(-),HNO_(3),and NH_(3)(P<0.05),with regression coefficients of 1.68,5.23,1.83,2.81,0.34,and 0.57,respectively.The highest coefficient(5.23)was found for Cl^(-),revealing that sea salts significantly influenced particle responses.Overall,this study comprehensively investigated aerosol characteristics and inner responses for the reduction of components,which is of great significance for a better understanding of atmospheric chemistry in Kitakyushu,Japan.

Stem flow chemistry of Picea glehnii,Abies sachalinensis and Alnus japonica and its effect on the peat pore water chemistry in an ombrogenous mire in Ochiishi,eastern Hokkaido,Japan

We investigated the chemical properties of stemflow of Picea glehnii,Abies sachalinensis and Alnus japonica as well as peat pore water chemistry,including the distance and depth profiles of pore water chemistry,in an ombrogenous mire.The effect of stemflow on the peat pore water chemistry was clear at the stem base in the peat forest in the mire,and the peat pore water around the stem base of a tree had its own chemical properties specific to each species.P.glehnii showed the highest concentration of salts both in stemflow and peat-pore water,whereas A.japonica showed the lowest concentrations;however,the gradient of the chemical environment from the stem base to outside of the canopy is formed.The peat pore water chemistry under the canopy was mainly controlled by the chemical processes diluted by the abundant peat pore water;the stemflow movement in the high water content of the peat was more slowly because of the flat topography（〈 1o）.This would be due to the fact that the chemicals in stemflow would be diluted by the abundant peat pore water.The spatial heterogeneity of chemical environment between microsites within forested peatland would be also contributed indirectly through the control of microorganism activity,and nutrient regeneration mediated the surface water and the stemflow of the dominant canopy trees.

Catalytic Cracking of Polyolefins in the Molten Phase——Basic Study for the Process Development of Waste Plastics Liquefaction

The cracking of polyolefins, especially polyethylene in the molten state was effectively catalyzed by the powdery spent FCC （Fluid Catalytic Cracking） catalyst which was dispersed in it. The activation energy of the catalytic cracking of polyethylene was about 74 kJ/mol. The cracked product was naphtha and middle distillate as the major product and gaseous hydrocarbon （C1-C4） as the minor product while little heavy oil was produced. The chemical compositions of the product were： aromatic hydrocarbons, isoparaffins and branched olefins, whereas that of the non-catalyzed products were： n-olefins and n-paraffins with minor amount of dienes with increasing the process time. Additionally, the product pattern shifted from naphtha rich product to kerosene and gas-oil rich product. However, any catalytic product showed low fluid point （〈 -10 ℃）, while that of the non-catalyzed product was as high as 40 ℃. Catalyst could process, more than 100 times by weight of polyethylene with fairly small amount （- 30 wt%） of coke deposition. Spent catalyst gave higher hydrocarbons while fresh catalyst gave gaseous product as the major product. Other polyolefins such as polypropylene and polystyrene were tested on same catalyst to show that their reactivity is higher than that of polyethylene and gave the aliphatic products, alkyl benzenes and C6-C9 iso-paraffins as the major product. Product pattern of the cracked product suggested that the reaction proceeded via the primary reactions making paraffins and olefins which were followed by the isomerization, secondary cracking, aromatization and hydrogen transfer which based on the carbenium ion mechanism.

Study and Proposal to Build the Maintenance Systematization for Preservation of Buildings Aiming at Long-Lived Buildings

Systematization for the maintenance of buildings enables their supporting system to be more practical than before. This study aims to make the maintenance and the long-term repairs for the buildings to be easier. In Japan, 30-40-year-old buildings seem to have been planned and built with little thought about their future maintenances, which have made them very difficult to be repaired on a large scale. This is why effective management systems about dealing with the data should be strongly suggested. Since the Building Standard Law was amended on April 1, 2008, in Japan, the regular investigation and report for particular buildings are legally obligated every three years, thus a variety of useful data can be obtained through Kitakyushu City cases as well as former data personally obtained. With those data used usefully, systematization for the maintenance of the buildings will produce satisfactory results by building up a connection between those data and the long-term repair planning.

Present Assessment of Public Traffic System Based on GIS in Kitakyushu

With increasing of serious environment problems and the coming of the aging society, new traffic systems should be urgently rebuilt. It is necessary to evaluate the traffic service level by utilizing new technique and tool. This paper takes Kitakyushu city as case study to carry out an evaluation of urban traffic system. The concept of accessibility and mobility is used to evaluate the present condition of existing public traffic system based on GIS technology, and then establishment of new route is discussed according to the evaluation results. Additionally, this paper established GIS database and illustrated the relationship between the public traffic and population density. The regions without enough existing traffic were identified. Moreover, the essential terms and considerations were put forward to simulate a new route of public traffic line.

Influence of the PCM Layer Location on the Multilayer Wall Thermal Performance

PCMs (Phase Change Materials) can be integrated into building envelopes to decrease the building energy consumption, refine the indoor thermal comfort, shift and reduce the peak electricity load due to its relatively large latent heat. In this study, influence of the PCM layer location on the multilayer wall thermal performance is numerically researched in four walls under the climate conditions of Chengdu, China. The results only shows when the phase change of PCM occurs;its latent thermal storage performance can be played and have the significant influence on wall thermal performance. Due to phase change of PCM occurs, the fluctuation amplitudes of inner surface temperature and heat flow are reduced obviously;the temperature peak value is delayed in the phase-change occurred periods. In addition, the PCM layer can reduce inner surface heat flow, especially in summer and transition season, which is in the phase-change occurred periods. The average annual heat flow can be reduced by 8.5% - 11.8%. And when the PCM layer is closer to the wall internal side, the influence of the PCM layer location on the multilayer wall thermal performance is more significantly.

Variation characteristics of acid rain in Zhuzhou,Central China over the period 2011-2020

Zhuzhou was one of the most polluted cities in China with the serious acid rain.Due to the implementation of air pollution control measures from 2016 to 2018,the acid rain pollution in this city has reduced.In order to understand the recent situation,a comprehensive study on the acid rain was carried out from January 2011 to December 2020.The pH values during the study period varied from 3.3 to 7.5,with a volume-weighted mean value of 4.7.The predominant acidic components of the precipitation were SO_(4)^(2-)and NO_(3)^(-),accounting for 89.3% of the total anions.The ratio of non-sea-salt SO_(4)^(2-)to NO_(3)^(-)showed a decreasing trend,revealing that the pollution type of acid rain changed from sulfuric acid type to sulfuric acid and nitric acid compound type.The correlation analysis(p<0.05)showed that SO_(4)^(2-)was positively correlated with NH_(4)^(+),Ca^(2+),and Mg^(2+);hence,it predominated in precipitation as(NH_(4))_(2)SO_(4),NH_(4)HSO_(4),CaSO_(4),and MgSO_(4).Significant positive correlation of Ca^(2+)with Mg^(2+)shows that they may originated mainly from crust.Significant positive correlation between SO_(4)^(2-)and F^(-)and Cl^(-)indicate that their source may be related to the non-ferrous metal smelting industry in Zhuzhou.Further correlation analysis shows that emissions from the non-ferrous metal smelting industry in the area have a large significant on SO_(4)^(2-)and F^(-)in precipitation,while Cl^(-)may still be emitted from other anthropogenic sources.

Maintenance of an abrupt boundary between needle-leaved and broad-leaved forests in a wetland near coast

There is an abrupt boundary between two well-developed wetland forests, a stand consisting of a broad-leaved, nitrogen-fixer Alnusjaponica and a stand of the needle-leaved Picea glehnii Masters, in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. To clarify maintenance mechanisms, we studied the forest profile, water level, groundwater and precipitation chemistry, seedling establishment patterns in relation to microhabitats, and seed migration. The profile of groundwater level insufficiently explained the abrupt boundary formation, while the groundwater chemistry differed significantly between the two forests ; i.e., EC, Na^＋, K^＋, Mg^2＋, Ca^2＋ and Cl^- were higher in P. glehnii forest and pH was lower. Precipitation in P. glehnii forest contained richer Na＋, Ca^2＋ and Cl^-, indicating that the differences in surface-water chemistry were mostly derived from precipitation. Solar radiation was less than 2.2 MJ.m^-2.d^-1 on P. glehnii forest in late June, while that was patchily distributed in A.japonica forest with a range from 1.0 to 3.7 MJ＇m^-2＇d^-1. Moss cover on the soil surface, most of which were made of Sphagnum spp., was 60% in P. glehnii forest, but was 10% in A. japonica forest. Surface water chemistry represented by pH was considered to determine the development of Sphagnum moss. About 70% of P. glehnii seedlings 〈 1.3 m in height established on moss cover. Seed-sowing experiments suggested that seed germination and seedling survival for both species were significantly higher in P. glehnii forest. Therefore, the regeneration of P. glehnii in A. japonica forest was negligible, owing to the paucity of favorable microhabitats and low seedling establishment. A. japonica regenerated only by resprouting, and the seedlings were few in both forests. In addition, A. japonica seed migration into the P. glehnii forests was greatly restricted, and low solar radiation in the P. glehnii forest contributed to low seedling survival. Based on those results, we concluded that Picea glehnii and Alnusjaponica could develop distinct and selfish environments being unsuitable for the other species and inhibit natural afforestation of another species each other by excluding invasion.

Experimental Study of Condensation Heat Transfer on Tube Bundles in Large Power Plant Condensers

In order to clarify the effect of condensate inundation on steam condensation in a large tube bundle, condensation heat transfer and the condensate flow pattern in the tube bundle have been experimentally investigated. Test tube bundle consists of 36 cooling tubes, 12 condensate supply tubes and 24 un-cooled dummy tubes. Cooling test tubes are made of copper and have an outer diameter of 19.1 mm and condensing length of 150 mm, Steam flows horizontally through the test tube bundle at gap velocities 15-27 m/s at pressures of 8.8 kPa. In this study, experimental data about condensate flow pattern and condensation heat transfer in a tube bundle were collected for the optimization of tube arrangement in large power plant condensers.

Maintenance of an abrupt boundary between needle-leaved and broad-leaved forests in a wetland near coast

There is an abrupt boundary between two well-developed wetland forests, a stand consisting of a broad-leaved, nitrogen-fixer Alnus japonica and a stand of the needle-leaved Picea glehnii Masters, in eastern Hokkaido, Japan.To clarify maintenance mechanisms, we studied the forest profile, water level, groundwater and precipitation chemistry, seedling establishment patterns in relation to microhabitats, and seed migration.The profile of groundwater level insufficiently explained the abrupt boundary formation, while the groundwater che-mistry differed significantly between the two forests;i.e., EC, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Cl-were higher in P.glehnii forest and pH was lower.Precipitation in P.glehnii forest contained richer Na+, Ca2+ and Cl-, indicating that the differences in surface-water chemistry were mostly derived from precipitation.Solar radiation was less than 2.2 MJ·m-2·d-1 on P.glehnii forest in late June, while that was patchily distributed in A.japonica forest with a range from 1.0 to 3.7 MJ·m-2·d-1.Moss cover on the soil surface, most of which were made of Sphagnum spp., was 60% in P.glehnii forest, but was 10% in A.japonica forest.Surface water chemistry represented by pH was considered to determine the development of Sphagnum moss.About 70% of P.glehnii seedlings < 1.3 m in height established on moss cover.Seed-sowing experiments suggested that seed germination and seedling survival for both species were significantly higher in P.glehnii forest.Therefore, the regeneration of P.glehnii in A.japonica forest was negligible, owing to the paucity of favorable microhabitats and low seedling establishment.A.japonica regenerated only by resprouting, and the seedlings were few in both forests.In addition, A.japonica seed migration into the P.glehnii forests was greatly restricted, and low solar radiation in the P.glehnii forest contributed to low seedling survival.Based on those results, we concluded that Picea glehnii and Alnus japonica could develop distinct and selfish environments being unsuitable for the other species and inhibit natural afforestation of another species each other by excluding invasion.

Feasibility Study of Optimal Sizing of Micro-Cogeneration System for Convenience Stores in Bangkok

In this paper, the optimization of micro-cogeneration (μ-CHP) system sizing for convenience stores in Thailand is conducted under the present condition of fuel prices and tariff rates. The assessment of (μ-CHP) system performance is analyzed by using Primary Energy Saving (PES) Ratio for evaluating the energy performance. Also, the Annual Cost Saving Ratio (CSR) and Payback Period (PBP) are used for evaluating the economic performance of μ-CHP system. The analysis results show the optimal size of μ-CHP system under possible conditions including the operating schedule and system’s efficiency were conducted.

Optical Measurements of Shock Waves in Critical Nozzles at Low Reynolds Numbers

Two-dimensional critical nozzle flows at low Reynolds numbers are visualized by the rainbow schlieren deflectometry. Experiments have been performed in a region of overexpanded nozzle flow. The variation of the shock structure against the back pressure ratio can be clearly visible with color gradation. Static pressure rises due to the shock-induced flow separation are compared with the previous theories. The unsteady characteristics of overexpanded critical nozzle flows at low Reynolds numbers are quantitatively and qualitatively visualized using laser schlieren and Mach-Zehnder interferometer systems combined with a high-speed digital camera. It was found that an oscillating normal shock wave appears inside the nozzle, and that the shock wave has a specified dominant frequency. Also the time-history of the oscillating shock wave is obtained from both the systems and compared with each other.

Field Investigation and Comparison Analysis of Low-Grade Heat Pump Technologies in Building Space Heating Projects

The building sector contributes a large ratio of final energy consumption,and improving building energy efficiency is expected to play a significant role in mitigating its carbon dioxide emission.Herein,we collected the on-site measurement data to investigate the techno-economic performances of different heat pump types that exist in building space heating projects in Qingdao,China.An in-depth analysis revealed the temperature variations of measured low-grade heat sources over the whole heating supply period,and urban sewage water shows high stable heat energy quality compared with seawater and geothermal heat resources.Operational behaviors including cycling inlet and outlet temperature of the selected heat pumps were illustrated,and analysis evaluated detailed effects of operational parameters on energy efficiency performances.Then the relationship between COPs distributions of heat pumps and operational conditions was examined further,and the positive effect of the rising temperature of heat sources on energy efficiency improvement of heat pump is highlighted when the heating supply temperature is higher.Furthermore,we analyzed the economic and carbon emission performance of the heat pump system,and results show that electricity price plays a vital role in the lifespan energy cost saving potential,and the heat pump could serve as a promising approach in reducing CO_(2) related to the building space heating.Finally,we recommended suggestions for improving the overall energy efficiency and cost competitiveness of decentralized heat pump systems for building space heating.

Research on Passive Design Optimization about an Experimental Rural Residence in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Region of China

In China, rural residential environment under the poor construction measures has not been satisfactory due to the backward infrastructure of countryside and the lacking of professional planning, which will result in considerable amount of energy consumption in the future. The economy of rural residences in the hot summer and cold winter region of China is relative developed, but the indoor thermal environmental quality is not so good. In this paper, the design strategies directed by passive design ideas for a small experimental rural residential building located in Hangzhou city was introduced and researched in response to hot summer and cold winter climate. Through modeling solution undertaken by Ecotect software, the building performance was simulated and analyzed for the optimization of design factors, such as shape, roof angle, insulation system, shading devices, as well as day-lighting system. Based on the above study, a set of appropriate energy-saving technologies were provided for improving the new rural residences construction in Hangzhou, which should also be recommended to other projects constructed in the same climate region.

Study on the challenge and influence of the built thermal environment on elderly health in rural areas:Evidence from Shandong,China

Elderly health is increasingly recognized as a worldwide challenge with the continuous social aging trend.This study aimed to investigate the thermal conditions of the elderly in rural areas of Shandong,China.The thermal sensation and physiological response performances of elderly participants were examined in their own houses.Results show a clear seasonal pattern in cardiovascular disease mortality,cold stress increases the cardiovascular disease risk.The coal-based stoves serve as the main source of home heating and their limited coverage of the room area gave rise to poor quality of thermal comfort.The analysis of skin temperature for those under 65 and above did not reveal any significant difference in response to different indoor temperatures.The regression results confirm that a colder home leads to a rising value of the elderly’s systolic blood pressure,rising by more than 1 mmHg for every 1℃decrease in indoor temperature and thus posing a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases.The systolic blood pressure value of older subjects rise more when they are exposed to decreasing indoor temperatures,possibly due to an age-related decline in their ability to maintain stability of blood pressure.It is noteworthy that the average blood velocity of older subjects reduces less in response to decreasing indoor temperatures,indicating a weakened capacity to resist cold stress and its associated high risk of hypertension.This investigation provides evidence in favor of improving the thermal environment of the elderly and reducing their risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Relationship between Mire Vegetation and Volcanic Activity： A Case Study in Tadewara Mire, a Volcanic Mire in the South-Western Japan

Relationship between volcanic activity and vegetation change with special reference to chemical environmental change in soil by volcanic activity has been investigated in Tadewara mire in the Aso-Kujyu volcano area, south western Japan. A core of 420.0 cm depth was collected for peat forming plants analysis and chemical analysis. A distinct peak of sulfur content in peat core was found at the depth of 105.0-115.0 cm. Chronological changes of dominant species within the peat forming plants community showed both progressive and retrogressive successions. Vegetation change of Tadewara mire within recent 1000 years showed retrogressive succession from Sphagnum community to Moliniopsis and Phragmites communities after the sulfur compound deposition, whereas vegetation showed progressive succession after the deposition of sulfur became smaller. Enrichment of sulfur in sediment core appeared over the water impermeable layer with clay texture on volcanic ash horizon, and then vegetation change could be induced by the paludification caused by the clay layer. Deposition of volcanic ash layer and the following formation of water impermeable layer were dated at 970 ＋ 40 yBP by 14C dating data, and it corresponded to the eruption of Mount Kurotake recorded at 980 ＋ 30 yBP. Retrogressive succession can be the result of hydrological change rather than direct chemical changes in soil.

Modeling and management performances of distributed energy resource for demand flexibility in Japanese zero energy house

Zero-energy buildings(ZEBs)can contribute to decarbonizing building energy systems,while the energy mismatch between energy demand and on-site stochastic generation in ZEBs increases the need for energy flexibility.This study proposed mixed-integer linear programming energy management schemes for optimizing the flexible scheduling of distributed energy resources,including battery energy storage,heat pump,and building thermal mass as a passive thermal energy storage system.With optimally designed objectives,this study used case studies to evaluate the flexibility potential provided by the demand-side management,considering dynamic characteristics of the process.The results showed that the proposed demand-side management for battery storage offers significant potential in increasing photovoltaic(PV)self-consumption and reducing operational costs.Cost reduction ratios of flexible dispatch of combined PV and battery storage systems exceed 15%.Flexible coupling of PV and heat pump systems for meeting hot water demand can reduce energy cost by more than 20%.The flexible coupling of the heat pump and PV system also had a significant impact on the power consumption pattern of domestic heat pumps,the load-shifting potential highly depends on the available PV generation and hot water demand.The optimal trade-off between thermal energy use and thermal comfort violation may not reduce the total energy used for space heating,the increased PV consumption helped reduce grid imports.The study provides insights into the energy flexibility behavior and efficiency of the proposed demand-side management for ZEBs,which is expected to provide guidelines for exploring demand-side flexibility.