Building 3D CityGML models of mining industrial structures using integrated UAV and TLS point clouds

Mining industrial areas with anthropogenic engineering structures are one of the most distinctive features of the real world.3D models of the real world have been increasingly popular with numerous applications,such as digital twins and smart factory management.In this study,3D models of mining engineering structures were built based on the CityGML standard.For collecting spatial data,the two most popular geospatial technologies,namely UAV-SfM and TLS were employed.The accuracy of the UAV survey was at the centimeter level,and it satisfied the absolute positional accuracy requirement of creat-ing all levels of detail(LoD)according to the CityGML standard.Therefore,the UAV-SfM point cloud dataset was used to build LoD 2 models.In addition,the comparison between the UAV-SfM and TLS sub-clouds of facades and roofs indicates that the UAV-SfM and TLS point clouds of these objects are highly consistent,therefore,point clouds with a higher level of detail and accuracy provided by the integration of UAV-SfM and TLS were used to build LoD 3 models.The resulting 3D CityGML models include 39 buildings at LoD 2,and two mine shafts with hoistrooms,headframes,and sheave wheels at LoD3.

Novel Soft ComputingModel for Predicting Blast-Induced Ground Vibration in Open-Pit Mines Based on the Bagging and Sibling of Extra Trees Models

This study considered and predicted blast-induced ground vibration(PPV)in open-pit mines using bagging and sibling techniques under the rigorous combination of machine learning algorithms.Accordingly,four machine learning algorithms,including support vector regression(SVR),extra trees(ExTree),K-nearest neighbors(KNN),and decision tree regression(DTR),were used as the base models for the purposes of combination and PPV initial prediction.The bagging regressor(BA)was then applied to combine these base models with the efforts of variance reduction,overfitting elimination,and generating more robust predictive models,abbreviated as BA-ExTree,BAKNN,BA-SVR,and BA-DTR.It is emphasized that the ExTree model has not been considered for predicting blastinduced ground vibration before,and the bagging of ExTree is an innovation aiming to improve the accuracy of the inherently ExTree model,as well.In addition,two empirical models(i.e.,USBM and Ambraseys)were also treated and compared with the bagging models to gain a comprehensive assessment.With this aim,we collected 300 blasting events with different parameters at the Sin Quyen copper mine(Vietnam),and the produced PPV values were also measured.They were then compiled as the dataset to develop the PPV predictive models.The results revealed that the bagging models provided better performance than the empirical models,except for the BA-DTR model.Of those,the BA-ExTree is the best model with the highest accuracy(i.e.,88.8%).Whereas,the empirical models only provided the accuracy from 73.6%–76%.The details of comparisons and assessments were also presented in this study.

Tuning the particle size,physical properties,and photocatalytic activity of Ag_(3)PO_(4)materials by changing the Ag^(+)/PO_(4)^(3-)ratio

This study demonstrates the influence of the Ag^(+)/PO_(4)^(3-)ratio in precursor solution on the crystal structural formation,morphology,physical properties,and photocatalytic performance of a Ag_(3)PO_(4)photocatalyst that is fabricated,using a facile precipitation method,from AgNO_(3)and Na2HPO_(4)·12H_(2)O.The material characterizations were carried out using x-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy(EDX),Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET)surface area,Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)absorption,Raman scattering,x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),UV-vis absorption,and photoluminescence(PL).The results show that Ag_(3)PO_(4)crystallizes better when the excess PO_(4)^(3-)content increases,and the lattice parameters decrease slightly,while the crystal diameter and the particle size increase.This change is also observed in the Raman scattering and FTIR spectra with the increase in the vibration frequency of the[PO_(4)]group.The compression of the[PO_(4)]unit was also confirmed in the XPS spectra with the shift of P 2p peaks toward higher binding energy.The photocatalytic results showed that the samples synthesized from excess PO_(4)^(3-)solution exhibited higher photocatalytic performance compared to the sample with a Ag^(+)/PO_(4)^(3-)ratio of 3:1.A sample prepared from the precursor solution with a Ag^(+)/PO_(4)^(3-)ratio of 3:1.5 was optimal for RhB decomposition under both visible light and natural sunlight,completely decomposing 10 ppm RhB after 15 minutes of xenon lamp irradiation and after 60 minutes under solar light irradiation.This is attributed to the high crystallinity,small particle size and low electron–hole recombination rate of the sample.

Introduction to the Special Issue on Soft Computing Techniques in Materials Science and Engineering

Soft computing(SC)refers to the ability of a digital computer or robot to perform functions that are normally associated with intelligent individuals,such as reasoning and problem-solving.An example of this would be a project aimed at creating systems capable of reasoning,discovering meaning,generalising,or learning from past experience.Science and engineering problems that are both non-linear and complex can be solved using these methodologies.It has been proven that these algorithms can be used to solve numerous real-world problems.The techniques outlined can be used to increase the accuracy of existing models/equations,or they can be used to propose a newmodel that can address the problem.

Floor heave characteristics and control technology of the roadway driven in deep inclined-strata

Based on in-mine instrumentation and theoretical analysis of the unsymmetrical large-deformation that occurred in the roadway after excavation,Differential Floor Heave(DFH)was found to be the main reason for roadway failure.It needs to be pointed out that the specific roadway was driven in inclined rock strata.In addition,the factors that contribute to the occurrence of DFH are discussed in detail.It is believed that DFH is triggered by the unsymmetrical stress distribution in the floor and the different rock types encountered near the two floor corners.Hence,DFH control should be focused on the left floor corner where shearing failure occurs initially and the left floor surface where tensile failure is more severe.The proposed DFH control strategies include unsymmetrical grouting for the whole roadway,re-design of the roof and ribs support,reinforcement of the weak zones,and release of the concentrated stress in the earlier stage.Meanwhile,it is recommended that in the later stage,both bolts and cable bolts with higher strength and the backfilling technique using the coal measure rocks and concrete should be employed in the reversed-arch floor.The field instrumentation results,after using the proposed control strategies,indicate that large deformation in a DFH roadway has been successfully controlled.

Predicting rock size distribution in mine blasting using various novel soft computing models based on meta-heuristics and machine learning algorithms

Blasting is well-known as an effective method for fragmenting or moving rock in open-pit mines.To evaluate the quality of blasting,the size of rock distribution is used as a critical criterion in blasting operations.A high percentage of oversized rocks generated by blasting operations can lead to economic and environmental damage.Therefore,this study proposed four novel intelligent models to predict the size of rock distribution in mine blasting in order to optimize blasting parameters,as well as the efficiency of blasting operation in open mines.Accordingly,a nature-inspired algorithm(i.e.,firefly algorithm-FFA)and different machine learning algorithms(i.e.,gradient boosting machine(GBM),support vector machine(SVM),Gaussian process(GP),and artificial neural network(ANN))were combined for this aim,abbreviated as FFA-GBM,FFA-SVM,FFA-GP,and FFA-ANN,respectively.Subsequently,predicted results from the abovementioned models were compared with each other using three statistical indicators(e.g.,mean absolute error,root-mean-squared error,and correlation coefficient)and color intensity method.For developing and simulating the size of rock in blasting operations,136 blasting events with their images were collected and analyzed by the Split-Desktop software.In which,111 events were randomly selected for the development and optimization of the models.Subsequently,the remaining 25 blasting events were applied to confirm the accuracy of the proposed models.Herein,blast design parameters were regarded as input variables to predict the size of rock in blasting operations.Finally,the obtained results revealed that the FFA is a robust optimization algorithm for estimating rock fragmentation in bench blasting.Among the models developed in this study,FFA-GBM provided the highest accuracy in predicting the size of fragmented rocks.The other techniques(i.e.,FFA-SVM,FFA-GP,and FFA-ANN)yielded lower computational stability and efficiency.Hence,the FFA-GBM model can be used as a powerful and precise soft computing tool that can be applied to practical engineering cases aiming to improve the quality of blasting and rock fragmentation.

A method for computing unsupported roof distance in roadway advancement and its in-situ application

A reasonable unsupported roof distance(URD) when advancing underground coal mine roadways can contribute greatly to safe and rapid roadway development.A mechanical model of the roof,using the relationship between the roof stress distribution and URD,obtained by the difference method,and roof stability according to the in-situ roof stress and rock mass strength was developed.We subsequently designed a proper range of URD,developed a testing method of URD with the function of mining protection,evaluated roof stability through analyzing the test data and then determined a reasonable URD.Considering the factors of the geological conditions,the immediate roof stability and the efficiency of the labor arrangement system,the URD of the advancing roadway of 9802 working face in Zhangshuanglou coal mine was determined to be 6 m using the proposed method.The results show that,when a 2 m length of roadway was reinforced by temporary support and high pre-stressed bolt support after the roadway advancement of 6 m per cycle,the speed and the security of the roadway development can be achieved and the advance rate can reach more than 400 m per month.

Buckling analysis of functionally graded material(FGM) sandwich truncated conical shells reinforced by FGM stiffeners filled inside by elastic foundations

An analytical solution for buckling of an eccentrically stiffened sandwich truncated conical shell is investigated. The shell consists of two functionally graded material(FGM) coating layers and a core layer which are metal or ceramic subjected to an axial compressive load and an external uniform pressure. Shells are reinforced by stringers and rings, in which the material properties of shells and stiffeners are graded in the thickness direction following a general sigmoid law distribution. Two models of coated shell-stiffener arrangements are investigated. The change of the spacing between stringers in the meridional direction is taken into account. A couple set of three-variablecoefficient partial differential equations in terms of displacement components are solved by the Galerkin method. A closed-form expression for determining the buckling load is obtained. The numerical examples are presented and compared with previous works.

Archaeological Mineralogy and the Dawn of Gemmology:Prehistoric(7th-5th Millennium BC)Gem Minerals and Gold from the Balkans（South-East Europe）

The territory of the Balkan Peninsula in SE Europe is reviewed, from the point of gemmology, as the cradle of gem and decorative minerals and metals in European prehistory. During the local Neolithic period (end of 7 th -6 th millennium BC), as material for tools or for beads, nephrite (with the earliest known Balkan nephrite culture), jadeite-omphacite and quartz (different varieties) were introduced to make pendants and idols. Large quantities of copper and gold artifacts are known since the Chalcolithic period (5 th millennium BC)(unique for the region;the largest in number of gold artifacts is the Varna I Chalcolithic necropolis in Bulgaria). The gemmological materials in the Balkans are known for malachite, antigorite serpentinite, turquoise, rock crystal, carnelian, jasper, jet and obsidian. In the Varna I necropolis (mid 5 th millennium BC) are recorded the first known complex faceted carnelian beads with 32 facets, as well as some of the most important gemmological techniques and procedures such as faceting, tumbling, annealing, miniaturization and standardization. As pigments for pottery, cinnabar, graphite and gold were used in different prehistoric sites. The earliest salt production in the Balkans is known from sites in Romania and Bulgaria, and because of its trade, salt is positively linked to a population rich with prestigious goods. The introduced possible Chalcolithic weight unit “van”(2 carats) is supposed to be the earliest known in prehistoric times.

Some problems on the research and development of the application of methane draining boring technology to prevent hazards in underground coal mines in Vietnam

Underground coal mining activities in the Quangninh coal basin (in the North ofVietnam) have been carried out at a depth of-130 m to-150 m,and in the near future thismining depth will become-300 m and-500 m.Together with the increasing coal output,the quantity of methane and other mine gases emitted from coal beds during mining activitieswill grow bigger and bigger.According to the forecast of the coal mining industry,ifmines go deeper downward,all underground coal mines in the Quangninh basin will beclassified into the mine group with the dangerous level of methane bearings.Mine gascontrol and management operations with conventional ventilation are less effective andentail high expenses.One of the main solutions is to carry out short,medium and longboreholes for controlling and recovering methane and other mine gases from coal bedsbefore mining activities.Efficiency of drilling activities for methane gas recovery from coalseams with horizontal bore holes at underground coal mines depends on many factors includingthe mine gas draining borehole layout at the roadways,gas content in the coalbeds,technologies for mine gas draining boring activities,and so on.Methane gas existsin the coal beds under the adhesive state with stable physical and chemical bonds.In orderto recover these gases,it is necessary to carry out boreholes and create artificial joints(collecting pits) in coal beds with the impulse method (hydraulic separation method).

Source and Formation of the Arsenic in Ground Water in Hanoi, Vietnam

The problem of Arsenic source in groundwater has yet been addressed thoroughly. From the results of the analysis of samples, this article gives the statement that the Arsenic in groundwater of Quaternary sediments in Hanoi has mainly natural source, with the impact of man-made factors(industrial waste water, use of crop protection products, etc.). The article also explains the formation of Arsenic in groundwater in Hanoi area is closely related to the reduction by two main mechanisms, reducing mechanism of oxyhydroxit(Fe^3 + OHAs) As liberation by microorganisms and reducing mechanism of As adsorbed on iron oxide or oxyhydroxit replaced by bicarbonate. The process of oxidation of minerals containing As is needed to be researched more.

Effect of heating time on structural,morphology,optical,and photocatalytic properties of g-C3N4 nanosheets

Effect of heating time on the structural,morphology,optical,and photocatalytic properties of graphitic carbon nitride(g-C3N4)nanosheets prepared at 550℃in Ar atmosphere is studied.The investigations are carried out by using x-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),UV-vis absorption,and photoluminescence(PL).At a heating temperature of 550℃,g-C3N4 nanocrystals are formed after 0.5 h and become more orderly as the heating time increases.The surface area of the g-C3N4 nanosheets significantly increases as the preparation time increases.The g-C3N4 prepared in 2.5 h shows the highest photocatalytic performance,decomposing completely 10 ppm RhB solution under xenon lamp irradiation for 2.0 h.

Trace Element and Sulfur Isotope Compositions of Gold-bearing Pyrite from the Zhangjiawa Iron Skarn Deposit,Laiwu District:Implications for Sources of Early Cretaceous Gold Mineralization in the North China Craton

Objective The Zhangjiawa iron deposit is the largest-tonnage and representative iron skarn deposit,with proven reserves of 290 Mt at an average of 46%Fe(up to>65%),in the Laiwu district,eastern North China Craton(NCC)(Figs.1 a,b;Duan and Li,2017).Iron mineralization at Zhangjiawa is mainly hosted along a northern contact zone between the Kuangshan dioritic intrusion and Middle Ordovician carbonate rocks that host numerous evaporite intercalations(Figs.1b,c).

Integration of Geological, Geophysical and Seismological Data for Seismic Hazard Assessment Using Spatial Matching Index

Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) takes into account as much data as possible for defining the initial seismic source zone model. In response to this, an algorithm has been developed for integration of geological, geophysical and seismological data through a spatial index showing the presence or absence of a potential seismic source feature in the input data. The spatial matching index (SMI) is calculated to define the coincidence of independent data showing any indications for existence of a fault structure. It is applied for hazard assessment of Bulgaria through quantification of the seismic potential of 416 square blocks, 20 × 20 km in size covering the entire territory of Bulgaria and extended by 20 km outside of the country borders. All operations are carried out in GIS environment using its capabilities to work with different types of georeferenced spatial data. Results show that the highest seismic potential (largest SMI) is observed in 56 block elements (13% of the territory) clearly delineating cores of the source zones. Partial match is registered in 98 block elements when one of the features is missing. Not any evidence for earthquake occurrence is predicted by our calculation in 117 elements, comprising 28% of the examined area. The quantitative parameter for spatial data integration which is obtained in the present research may be used to analyze information regardless of its type and purpose.

Mobilization of Arsenic in Groundwater in the Southern Hanoi City (Vietnam) as Studied by Isotopic and Related Techniques

Sixteen samples of surface and groundwater from the most southern part of the Hanoi city (Vietnam) has been taken and analyzed for the soluble major ions, namely Na+, K+, , Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, , and arsenic as well as molybdenum content along with isotopic composition of deuterium and oxygen (δ2H and δ18O), tritium activity, and δ13C in DIC. The stable isotopic composition of groundwater indicates the water in that area is recharged from the local meteoric and theRed River’s water sources. The mean residence time of the groundwater should be before 60-ies of the past century as its 3H activity ranged from LOD of the analytical technique (0.4 TU) to 2.1 TU only implying that As would not be related to its recent application. The concentrations of As in the water samples is weakly correlated with those of Fe2+ (R2 = 0.08) but it strongly did with the concentrations of bicarbonate (R2 = 0.80). Thus, bicarbonate seems to liberate As adsorbed on hydrous ferric oxides (Hfo) into water through the displacement mechanism. The surface adsorption-desorption of As could be proven by a strong correlation between As and Mo concentrations (R2 = 0.77). The bicarbonate formation in groundwater was thought to be, partly, due to the bio-mineralization of natural organic matter (NOM) by bacteria followed by the dissolution of calcite and/or dolomite present in the sediments. Evidence for the NOM bio-mineralization was found in the close relationship between δ13C and the concentration of bicarbonate in water. Therefore, the mobilization of As in groundwater of bicarbonate type in the southern part of Hanoi city seems to be not only due to the reductive dissolution of the Hfo but the bicarbonate displacement also should be considered.

Research and Design of Inverter Applied in Solar PV Systems Connected to Distribution Grid

This paper presents the results of research on the application of inverter in the grid connected solar photovoltaics (PV) system. The main content of the article is to control the three-phase grid connected inverter to meet the requirement of controlling the reactive power to zero at a node of the distribution network while maximizing the active power transmitted to the grid. The control circuits are synthesized on the dq coordinate system and verified on the simulation model by Matlab/Simulink. Both simulation and experimental prototype on 5 kW inverter, being connected to low voltage grid, have been built to show the good results and the practical readiness for implementation.

IoT for Streetlighting-Requirements for Modelling of Management Services-Part I

Energy conservation is the effort to reduce the overconsumption of energy by the usage of less energy services.Energy conservation could be user oriented or industry sector oriented.One of these sectors is the streetlighting-major energy consumer in the town-forming nearly 30%of each country’s consumption.Intelligent designed management of streetlighting not only reduces the energy consumption of the town,but also increases the public safety and the wellbeing.The article focuses the management of IoT for streetlighting in smart city.This is the first stage of project“Service management for IoT in streetlighting”.While the basic management principles are efficiency and fairness,the requirements of all actors must be defined.On the base of requirements,the authors synthesize the management functions with selected granularity.The chosen methodology is unified modelling language(UML):use case diagrams.The models are intended to business developers,university professors,and students.