The study describes the improvements of the participants in ESP course incorporating Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol(SIOP) instruction in China. It aims to investigate whether or not it is effective to inco...The study describes the improvements of the participants in ESP course incorporating Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol(SIOP) instruction in China. It aims to investigate whether or not it is effective to incorporate the sheltered instruction into ESP course and whether or not the participants will be motivated to improve their English skills for professional purposes. Quantitative and qualitative data sources were employed, including English language tests, questionnaires, and interviews.Findings reveal that the sheltered instruction was helpful to ESP course and produced significant achievements in participants' English vocabulary and skills. The most interesting result is that the participants' confidence and interest in learning professional English for future jobs has been improved much.展开更多
Generally one dimensional （l-D） empirical salinity intrusion model is limited to natural alluvial estuary. However, this study attempts to investigate its ability to model a sheltered alluvial estuary of the Terengg...Generally one dimensional （l-D） empirical salinity intrusion model is limited to natural alluvial estuary. However, this study attempts to investigate its ability to model a sheltered alluvial estuary of the Terengganu River in Malaysia. The constructed breakwater at the mouth of the river shelters the estuary from direct influence of the open sea. The salinity density along the estuary was collected during the wet and dry seasons for scenarios before and after the constructed breakwater. Moreover, the freshwater discharges, tidal elevations and bathymetry data were also measured as model inputs. A good fit was demonstrated between simulated and observed variables, namely salinity distribution and intrusion length for both scenarios. Thus, the results show that 1-D empirical salinity model can be utilized for sheltered estuarine condition at the Terengganu Estuary, but with an appropriate determination of an initial point. Furthermore, it was observed that the salinity intrusion in the study area is largely dependent on the freshwater discharge rather than tidal elevation fluctuations. The scale of the salinity intrusion length in the study area is proportional to the river discharge of the -1/2 power. It was appeared that the two lines of the 1-D empirical salinity model and discharge power based equation fitted well to each other, with the average predicted minimum freshwater discharge of 150 m^3/s is going to be required to maintain acceptable salinity levels during high water slack （HWS） near the water intake station, which is located at 10.63 km from river mouth.展开更多
By using evacuation simulation technology and taking North China University of Technology as an example,the barrier-free evacuation design scheme for groups with different needs in campus environment was deeply discus...By using evacuation simulation technology and taking North China University of Technology as an example,the barrier-free evacuation design scheme for groups with different needs in campus environment was deeply discussed.Based on the data of building layout,population composition,road system and distribution of shelters in the school,a detailed evacuation model was constructed in the Pathfinder emergency evacuation simulation system.By the simulation during the daytime and at night,the total evacuation time of the whole school,evacuation completion time of each building,selection of evacuation paths and shelter utilization were analyzed in detail.The simulation results show that the distribution of shelters on campus is uneven,and their capacity is limited.As a result,the evacuation paths of the disabled,the elderly and children need to be adjusted frequently,which affects the overall evacuation efficiency.In view of this,the optimization strategies of road renovation and entrances of shelters and buildings were put forward from the perspective of space planning.From the perspective of emergency management,it is suggested to improve the campus evacuation infrastructure and strengthen the evacuation drill for teachers and students.These results provide a solid theoretical support for enhancing the construction of campus barrier-free environment and improving the level of emergency management.展开更多
The international research project,developed through the collaboration between the University of Chieti and Pescara“G.d'Annunzio”and theÉcole Nationale d'Architecture of Marrakech,aims to explore new st...The international research project,developed through the collaboration between the University of Chieti and Pescara“G.d'Annunzio”and theÉcole Nationale d'Architecture of Marrakech,aims to explore new strategies for emergency housing,with a focus on technological innovation and the resilience of temporary shelters.The main goal of the research is to define a more efficient housing module for post-earthquake scenarios,based on the analysis of the most advanced international solutions for first-response shelters.This study has made it possible to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of existing proposals,leading to the development of a housing model capable of improving living conditions during emergency phases.The objective is to propose an innovative housing module that not only addresses immediate post-disaster needs but is also adaptable to the specific socio-cultural characteristics of the affected populations.As a result of this work,the“DIVA-Variable Dimension Emergency Shelter”project was developed.This housing model stands out for its ability to adapt to the needs of different emergency phases,offering a versatile and customizable solution that effectively addresses post-earthquake challenges while ensuring respect for cultural specificities and improving quality of life.展开更多
Bangladesh, due to its unique location and geography, is one of the country’s most at risk from natural disasters, particularly cyclones. The coastal region, especially the Noakhali area, faces constant threats from ...Bangladesh, due to its unique location and geography, is one of the country’s most at risk from natural disasters, particularly cyclones. The coastal region, especially the Noakhali area, faces constant threats from these powerful storms, with climate change making the situation even worse by increasing both their frequency and intensity. This paper explores how climate change is impacting cyclone shelter management in the Noakhali region, which includes the districts of Noakhali, Feni, and Lakshmipur. While these shelters have saved countless lives, many are now in poor condition, suffering from lack of maintenance and infrastructure that isn’t built to withstand the evolving risks brought by climate change. The study identifies key challenges, such as the need for better upkeep, stronger infrastructure, and new designs that can handle the demands of a changing climate. It also highlights the importance of adapting our disaster management strategies to ensure that shelters remain a safe haven for vulnerable communities during future cyclones.展开更多
A tracking algorithm based on improved Camshift and UKF is proposed in this paper to deal with the problems which exist in traditional Camshift algorithm, such as artificial orientation and tracking failure under colo...A tracking algorithm based on improved Camshift and UKF is proposed in this paper to deal with the problems which exist in traditional Camshift algorithm, such as artificial orientation and tracking failure under color interference as well as object’s changed illumination occlusion. Meanwhile, in order to solve the sheltered problem, the UKF is combined with improved Camshift algorithm to predict the position of the target effectively. Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm can avoid the interference of the background color and solve the sheltered problem of the object, so that achieving a precise and timely tracking of moving objects. Also it has better robustness to color noises and occlusion when the object’s scale changes and deformation occurs.展开更多
The need for reforestation in cork oak （Quercus suber L.） areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings....The need for reforestation in cork oak （Quercus suber L.） areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings. We evaluated the early development of cork oak seedlings treated using tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia. We tested three tree shelter treatments （non-vented, vented, and control） to shield seedlings from animal damage and five mulch types to control competing vegetation （Italian Stone Pine, Lentisk, combination of Italian Stone Pine and Lentisk （organic mulches）, gravel （inorganic mulch） and no mulch）. At the end of the two-year experiment, sheltered seedlings were 89-99% taller than unshelteredseedlings and had higher numbers and lengths of shoot growth flushes. In contrast, both stem diameter growth and dry weight biomass （from samples extracted after two years） were significantly reduced inside tree shelters. Root-to-shoot ratio was not significantly different in sheltered vs. unsheltered seedlings, suggesting that tree shelters do not adversely affect this parameter. Mulching alone did not favour growth, but could be beneficial when combined with tree shelters. The combination of vented tree shelters and gravel mulch was the most effective treatment for promoting diameter, height and stem volume growth.展开更多
Ecological shelter zones reconstruction is an ecosystem restoration and conservation project aimed to the ecological safety of nations, regions and basins. Reconstruction of ecological shelter zones of the upper reach...Ecological shelter zones reconstruction is an ecosystem restoration and conservation project aimed to the ecological safety of nations, regions and basins. Reconstruction of ecological shelter zones of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River became one of the most important tasks of Western Development strategy. This article, taking Zhaotong as an example, studies the functional regionalization of ecological shelter zones. The study supplies a case for functional regionalization of small and medium regions whose main tasks are environment reservation. With the guidance of theories of functional regionalization, and based on the analysis of Zhaotong＇s natural, ecological and socioeconomic factors, the paper suggests five principles for factors selection. These principles include： （1） reversing order evaluation; （2） selecting main factors; （3） keeping the integrality of administrative regions of towns; and （4） making the products acceptable by local government. To analyze spatial status of selected factors, LUCC data in 2002, 1：50,000 relief maps and town-unit socioeconomic statistical data in 2004 are used. RS and GIS tools are also applied to melt traditional and modern geographical methods. This would be useful to functional regionalization research in mountainous areas. As a conclusion, the leading functional regions of ecological conservation or economic development are suggested, respectively. Zhaotong city is divided into two-level functional regions. The first-level includes three leading functional regions and they will lead developing direction of sub-regions. The second-level includes eight sub-regions, which are policy implemented regions, and will supply guidance to Zhaotong＇s ecological shelter zones reconstruction.展开更多
Following the Chichi Earthquake （ML=7.3） in 1999, sediment-related disasters, such as landslides and debris flows, have become more frequent in Taiwan. Because engineering structures cannot be fully and rapidly empl...Following the Chichi Earthquake （ML=7.3） in 1999, sediment-related disasters, such as landslides and debris flows, have become more frequent in Taiwan. Because engineering structures cannot be fully and rapidly emplaeed, the government has initiated non-structural hazard mitigation programs. Initially, community debris flow evacuation drills were promoted in 2000. Typhoon Toraji caused numerous debris flow events in July 2001, and some communities evacuated according to the drills, significantly reducing the numbers of possible casualties. Based on that result, the government expanded the program for evacuation drills. Secondly, the early warning system created after the Chichi Earthquake will prevent many potential future casualties. Rainfall threshold values for debris flow warnings in different areas are determined from information received from local weather stations and modified for local geomorphologic situations. Real- time information is gradually being integrated to create a debris flow disaster warning system, the goal of which is to provide warnings to zones in which debris flows are likely. The warning system was launched in 2005 and has two levels of alarms： yellow and red. The final, red alarm triggers enforced evacuation. Overall, the decrease in casualties from debris flows during the decade after the Chichi Earthquake is not the result of a decrease in number or severity of sediment related disasters, but is more directly related to the gradually improved early warning and evacuation system. However, the compound hazards resulting from Typhoon Morakotin 2009 remind us of the ongoing need for improving the existing mitigation system.展开更多
Sphere packing is an attractive way to generate high quality mesh. Several algorithms have been proposed in this topic, however these algorithms are not sufficiently fast for large scale problems. The paper presents a...Sphere packing is an attractive way to generate high quality mesh. Several algorithms have been proposed in this topic, however these algorithms are not sufficiently fast for large scale problems. The paper presents an efficient sphere packing algorithm which is much faster and appears to be the most practical among all sphere packing methods presented so far for mesh generation. The algorithm packs spheres inside a domain using advancing front method. High efficiency has resulted from a concept of 4R measure, which localizes all the computations involved in the whole sphere packing process.展开更多
Sand fences made of punched steel plate(PSP)have recently been applied to control wind-blown sand in desertified and Gobi areas due to their strong wind resistance and convenient in situ construction.However,few studi...Sand fences made of punched steel plate(PSP)have recently been applied to control wind-blown sand in desertified and Gobi areas due to their strong wind resistance and convenient in situ construction.However,few studies have assessed the protective effect of PSP sand fences,especially through field observations.This study analyzes the effects of double-row PSP sand fences on wind and sand resistance using field observations and a computational fluid dynamics(CFD)numerical simulation.The results of field observations showed that the average windproof efficiencies of the first-row and second-row sand fences were 79.8%and 70.8%,respectively.Moreover,the average windproof efficiencies of the numerical simulation behind the first-row and second-row sand fences were 89.8%and 81.1%,respectively.The sand-resistance efficiency of the double-row PSP sand fences was 65.4%.Sand deposition occurred close to the first-row sand fence;however,there was relatively little sand on the leeward side of the second-row sand fence.The length of sand accumulation near PSP sand fences obtained by numerical simulation was basically consistent with that through field observations,indicating that field observations combined with numerical simulation can provide insight into the complex wind-blown sand field over PSP sand fences.This study indicates that the protection efficiency of the double-row PSP sand fences is sufficient for effective control of sand hazards associated with extremely strong wind in the Gobi areas.The output of this work is expected to improve the future application of PSP sand fences.展开更多
Sustainable livelihood theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interactions between livelihoods of peasant households and regional environment change in low-income areas. Based on field survey ...Sustainable livelihood theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interactions between livelihoods of peasant households and regional environment change in low-income areas. Based on field survey and 946 questionnaires from peasant household conducted in the case study area of Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, the paper has analyzed the basic characteristics of the rural livelihoods, including the asset base status, the income-generating activities, the energy consumption pattern, and the fertility behavior, in the upper reaches of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River. The micro-level findings show the conflicts among extensive agricultural development models, rural energy consumption structures heavily relying on biomass and the environment protection. The conversion of cropland to forest and grass program(CCFGP) has exerted an important influence on the livelihoods of the peasant households, but its design has given little considerations to their long-term livelihood sources, which will affect its sustainability to a great extent. From the perspective of sustainable livelihoods framework, the objectives that must be addressed in the ecological shelter construction in the upper reaches of the Changjiang River should include, first, facilitating access of peasant households to credit, technology and public services, second, encouraging the peasant households to adopt agricultural technology with environmental benefits and strengthen resources-conserving investments, and third, paying close attention to the rural energy problems and the long-term livelihood sources of the households with CCFGP. Given the weak asset base and difficulties of livelihood strategies shift, ecological shelter construction in the upper reaches of the Changjiang River will take a long time.展开更多
Deserts are ideal places to develop ground-mounted large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) powerstation. Unfortunately, solar energy production, operation, and maintenance are affected bygeomorphological changes caused by...Deserts are ideal places to develop ground-mounted large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) powerstation. Unfortunately, solar energy production, operation, and maintenance are affected bygeomorphological changes caused by surface erosion that may occur after the construction of the solar PVpower station. In order to avoid damage to a solar PV power station in sandy areas, it is necessary toinvestigate the characteristics of wind-sand movement under the interference of solar PV array. The studywas undertaken by measuring sediment transport of different wind directions above shifting dunes andthree observation sites around the PV panels in the Hobq Desert, China. The results showed that the twoparameterexponential function provides better fit for the measured flux density profiles to the near-surfaceof solar PV array. However, the saltation height of sand particles changes with the intersection anglebetween the solar PV array and wind direction exceed 45°. The sediment transport rate above shifting duneswas always the greatest, while that around the test PV panels varied accordingly to the wind direction.Moreover, the aeolian sediment transport on the solar PV array was significantly affected by wind direction.The value of sand inhibition rate ranged from 35.46% to 88.51% at different wind directions. When theintersection angle exceeds 45°, the mean value of sediment transport rate above the solar PV array reducesto 82.58% compared with the shifting dunes. The results of our study expand our understanding of theformation and evolution of aeolian geomorphology at the solar PV footprint. This will facilitate the designand control engineering plans for solar PV array in sandy areas that operate according to the wind regime.展开更多
Porosity is the most important parameter determining the shelter efficiency of fences. Wind measurements were made around fence models with different porosities in a wind tunnel. The optimal fence porosity is evaluate...Porosity is the most important parameter determining the shelter efficiency of fences. Wind measurements were made around fence models with different porosities in a wind tunnel. The optimal fence porosity is evaluated by means of Gandemer＇s method that combines the effects of wind reduction and turbulence fields on the shelter efficiency for abating wind erosion. Defining the optimal porosity must take into account of its own purposes, required shelter degree and area to be sheltered. Turbulence has profound impacts on the shelter efficiency of high degree. Two concepts： absolute optimal porosity and practical optimal porosity concerning optimal porosity are proposed. Choosing the practical optimal porosity means reducing cost without significant expense of shelter efficiency. According to the evaluation in present study, the absolute optimal porosity for providing high degree of shelter to abate wind erosion is 0.20 while the practical optimal porosity is around 0.40. Ifa less shelter degree but over wider area is required, the absolute optimal porosity ranges from 0.05 to 0.10 and the practical optimal porosity is 0.10. For any degree of shelter for abating wind erosion effectively, the fence porosity must be less than or equal 0.40.展开更多
Rock crevices are important retreat sites for many reptiles.Unlike lizards and snakes,crevicedwelling turtles have rigid shells which severely limit the size and shape of crevices they are able to use.Few studies have...Rock crevices are important retreat sites for many reptiles.Unlike lizards and snakes,crevicedwelling turtles have rigid shells which severely limit the size and shape of crevices they are able to use.Few studies have addressed the relationship between turtle's shell morphology,behavior,and crevice size.Here,we investigate the relationship between morphology and crevice size selection in the Keeled box turtle(Cuora mouhotii).We radio tracked turtles in the field to document crevice dimensions and turtle behavior associated with crevices,and we conducted a controlled experiment in the lab to understand how a turtle's morphology influences its decision to select crevices with different dimensions.Both laboratory and field experiments demonstrate that turtles select deep and moderately wide crevices that are low enough to barely accommodate the carapace.Crevices used by turtles tend to be about 2 times as wide,1.2 times as high,and 3 times longer than the turtle's shell.Moreover,turtles tended to prefer crevices with horizontal openings in the field and position themselves head first in the crevice.We conclude that morphology,especially carapace height,influences the Keeled box turtles' decision to select specific sizes of crevice.We argue that the tendency for turtles to select crevices that come into contact with their carapace contributes to successful defense against predators,as it would be more difficult for a predator to remove a turtle when the crevice is nearly touching the turtles shell.展开更多
In the semiarid sandy region of Northeast China,Mongolian pine(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)suffers dieback after the age of 35,while Japanese red pine(Pinus densiflora)and Chinese pine(Pinus tabuliformis)stay healt...In the semiarid sandy region of Northeast China,Mongolian pine(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)suffers dieback after the age of 35,while Japanese red pine(Pinus densiflora)and Chinese pine(Pinus tabuliformis)stay healthy.Foliar nutrient retranslocation reflects the nutrient conservation and utilization mechanism of plants in response to their habitats.However,the nutrient retranslocation strategies employed by three Pinus tree species to cope with nutrient limitations remain largely unknown.For this study,we investigated the seasonal variations in nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)concentrations of Mongolian pine,Japanese red pine,and Chinese pine plantations in terms of the green needles of all ages,senesced needles,and soil.Further,the N retranslocation efficiency(NRE),and P retranslocation efficiency(PRE),and correlations between the N:P ratios of needles and soil were analyzed.The results showed that,except for the spring NRE in 1-year-old needles of Mongolian pine,the spring NRE and PRE in 1-and 2-year-old needles of the three tree species were greater than zero.The autumn PRE was higher than zero for Mongolian pine,but lower than zero for Japanese red pine and Chinese pine.Among the three Pinus species,Mongolian pine showed greater spring PRE in 2-year-old needles,and PRE from 1-to 2-yearold needles,and from 2-year-old needles to litter.However,Japanese red pine had higher P concentrations and lower N:P ratios in senesced needles,while greater PRE was found in Chinese pine litter.Significant relationships between the N:P ratios were found in the current year and 1-year-old needles and soil in the Mongolian pine plantation,while there was an insignificant relationship between the N:P ratios of the needles and soil in the Chinese pine plantation.Thus,for Mongolian pine,the removal of P from needles in autumn,and higher P translocation from older needles under P-deficient soil may have contributed to the tree dieback.In contrast,Japanese red pine and Chinese pine stored P in their needles during autumn.Japanese red pine returned more P to the soil via litter,while Chinese pine maintained N:P homeostasis and increased P withdrawal prior to needle abscission.展开更多
Carbon monoxide （CO） is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbonbased compounds. Exposure to CO can cause various adverse health effects ranging from headache and fatigue to coma and de...Carbon monoxide （CO） is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbonbased compounds. Exposure to CO can cause various adverse health effects ranging from headache and fatigue to coma and death. Thousands of illnesses and deaths have been documented through CO poisoning surveillance systems and accident investigations each year.展开更多
Most studies of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)progression have focused on the transfer of patients within secondary or tertiary care hospitals from regular wards to intensive care units.Little is known about the r...Most studies of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)progression have focused on the transfer of patients within secondary or tertiary care hospitals from regular wards to intensive care units.Little is known about the risk factors predicting the progression to severe COVID-19 among patients in community iso-lation,who are either asymptomatic or suffer from only mild to moderate symptoms.Using a multivari-able competing risk survival analysis,we identify several important predictors of progression to severe COVID-19—rather than to recovery—among patients in the largest community isolation center in Wuhan,China from 6 February 2020(when the center opened)to 9 March 2020(when it closed).All patients in community isolation in Wuhan were either asymptomatic or suffered from mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.We performed competing risk survival analysis on time-to-event data from a cohort study of all COVID-19 patients(n=1753)in the isolation center.The potential predictors we inves-tigated were the routine patient data collected upon admission to the isolation center:age,sex,respira-tory symptoms,gastrointestinal symptoms,general symptoms,and computed tomography(CT)scan signs.The main outcomes were time to severe COVID-19 or recovery.The factors predicting progression to severe COVID-19 were:male sex(hazard ratio(HR)=1.29,95%confidence interval(CI)1.04–1.58,p=0.018),young and old age,dyspnea(HR=1.58,95%CI 1.24–2.01,p<0.001),and CT signs of ground-glass opacity(HR=1.39,95%CI 1.04–1.86,p=0.024)and infiltrating shadows(HR=1.84,95%CI 1.22–2.78,p=0.004).The risk of progression was found to be lower among patients with nausea or vomiting(HR=0.53,95%CI 0.30–0.96,p=0.036)and headaches(HR=0.54,95%CI 0.29–0.99,p=0.046).Our results suggest that several factors that can be easily measured even in resource-poor set-tings(dyspnea,sex,and age)can be used to identify mild COVID-19 patients who are at increased risk of disease progression.Looking for CT signs of ground-glass opacity and infiltrating shadows may be an affordable option to support triage decisions in resource-rich settings.Common and unspecific symptoms(headaches,nausea,and vomiting)are likely to have led to the identification and subsequent community isolation of COVID-19 patients who were relatively unlikely to deteriorate.Future public health and clinical guidelines should build on this evidence to improve the screening,triage,and monitoring of COVID-19 patients who are asymtomatic or suffer from mild to moderate symptoms.展开更多
At the end of 2019,the novel coronavirus infection outbroke in Wuhan,Hubei Province.On Feb.2,2020,Wuhan,as the worst-hit region,began to build“shelter hospital”rapidly to treat patients with mild ilness.The shelter ...At the end of 2019,the novel coronavirus infection outbroke in Wuhan,Hubei Province.On Feb.2,2020,Wuhan,as the worst-hit region,began to build“shelter hospital”rapidly to treat patients with mild ilness.The shelter hospital has multiple functions such as emergency treatment,surgical treatment and clinical test,which can adapt to emergency medical rescue tasks.Based on the characteristics that shelter hospital only treats patients with mild ilness,tests of shelter laboratory,including coronavirus nucleic acid detection,IgM/IgG antibody serology detection,monitoring and auxiliary diagnosis and/or a required blood routine,urine routine,C-reactive protein,calcitonin original,biochemical indicators(liver enzymes,myocardial enzymes,renal function,etc.)and blood coagulation function test etc,were used to provide important basis for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.In order to ensure laboratory biosafety,it is necessary to first evaluate the harm level of various specimens.In the laboratory biosafety management,the harm level assessment of microorganisms is the core work of biosafety,which is of great significance to guarantee biosafety.As an emergency deployment afcted by the environment,shelter laboratory must possess strong mobility.This paper will explore how to combine the biosafety model of traditional laboratory with the particularity of shelter laboratory to carry out effective work in response to the current epidemic.展开更多
文摘The study describes the improvements of the participants in ESP course incorporating Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol(SIOP) instruction in China. It aims to investigate whether or not it is effective to incorporate the sheltered instruction into ESP course and whether or not the participants will be motivated to improve their English skills for professional purposes. Quantitative and qualitative data sources were employed, including English language tests, questionnaires, and interviews.Findings reveal that the sheltered instruction was helpful to ESP course and produced significant achievements in participants' English vocabulary and skills. The most interesting result is that the participants' confidence and interest in learning professional English for future jobs has been improved much.
文摘Generally one dimensional （l-D） empirical salinity intrusion model is limited to natural alluvial estuary. However, this study attempts to investigate its ability to model a sheltered alluvial estuary of the Terengganu River in Malaysia. The constructed breakwater at the mouth of the river shelters the estuary from direct influence of the open sea. The salinity density along the estuary was collected during the wet and dry seasons for scenarios before and after the constructed breakwater. Moreover, the freshwater discharges, tidal elevations and bathymetry data were also measured as model inputs. A good fit was demonstrated between simulated and observed variables, namely salinity distribution and intrusion length for both scenarios. Thus, the results show that 1-D empirical salinity model can be utilized for sheltered estuarine condition at the Terengganu Estuary, but with an appropriate determination of an initial point. Furthermore, it was observed that the salinity intrusion in the study area is largely dependent on the freshwater discharge rather than tidal elevation fluctuations. The scale of the salinity intrusion length in the study area is proportional to the river discharge of the -1/2 power. It was appeared that the two lines of the 1-D empirical salinity model and discharge power based equation fitted well to each other, with the average predicted minimum freshwater discharge of 150 m^3/s is going to be required to maintain acceptable salinity levels during high water slack （HWS） near the water intake station, which is located at 10.63 km from river mouth.
基金Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Project for College Students in Beijing(10805136024-XN139-100)Scientific Research Foundation of North China University of Technology(11005136024XN147-56)Yuxiu Innovation Project of North China University of Technology(2024NCUTYXCX214).
文摘By using evacuation simulation technology and taking North China University of Technology as an example,the barrier-free evacuation design scheme for groups with different needs in campus environment was deeply discussed.Based on the data of building layout,population composition,road system and distribution of shelters in the school,a detailed evacuation model was constructed in the Pathfinder emergency evacuation simulation system.By the simulation during the daytime and at night,the total evacuation time of the whole school,evacuation completion time of each building,selection of evacuation paths and shelter utilization were analyzed in detail.The simulation results show that the distribution of shelters on campus is uneven,and their capacity is limited.As a result,the evacuation paths of the disabled,the elderly and children need to be adjusted frequently,which affects the overall evacuation efficiency.In view of this,the optimization strategies of road renovation and entrances of shelters and buildings were put forward from the perspective of space planning.From the perspective of emergency management,it is suggested to improve the campus evacuation infrastructure and strengthen the evacuation drill for teachers and students.These results provide a solid theoretical support for enhancing the construction of campus barrier-free environment and improving the level of emergency management.
文摘The international research project,developed through the collaboration between the University of Chieti and Pescara“G.d'Annunzio”and theÉcole Nationale d'Architecture of Marrakech,aims to explore new strategies for emergency housing,with a focus on technological innovation and the resilience of temporary shelters.The main goal of the research is to define a more efficient housing module for post-earthquake scenarios,based on the analysis of the most advanced international solutions for first-response shelters.This study has made it possible to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of existing proposals,leading to the development of a housing model capable of improving living conditions during emergency phases.The objective is to propose an innovative housing module that not only addresses immediate post-disaster needs but is also adaptable to the specific socio-cultural characteristics of the affected populations.As a result of this work,the“DIVA-Variable Dimension Emergency Shelter”project was developed.This housing model stands out for its ability to adapt to the needs of different emergency phases,offering a versatile and customizable solution that effectively addresses post-earthquake challenges while ensuring respect for cultural specificities and improving quality of life.
文摘Bangladesh, due to its unique location and geography, is one of the country’s most at risk from natural disasters, particularly cyclones. The coastal region, especially the Noakhali area, faces constant threats from these powerful storms, with climate change making the situation even worse by increasing both their frequency and intensity. This paper explores how climate change is impacting cyclone shelter management in the Noakhali region, which includes the districts of Noakhali, Feni, and Lakshmipur. While these shelters have saved countless lives, many are now in poor condition, suffering from lack of maintenance and infrastructure that isn’t built to withstand the evolving risks brought by climate change. The study identifies key challenges, such as the need for better upkeep, stronger infrastructure, and new designs that can handle the demands of a changing climate. It also highlights the importance of adapting our disaster management strategies to ensure that shelters remain a safe haven for vulnerable communities during future cyclones.
文摘A tracking algorithm based on improved Camshift and UKF is proposed in this paper to deal with the problems which exist in traditional Camshift algorithm, such as artificial orientation and tracking failure under color interference as well as object’s changed illumination occlusion. Meanwhile, in order to solve the sheltered problem, the UKF is combined with improved Camshift algorithm to predict the position of the target effectively. Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm can avoid the interference of the background color and solve the sheltered problem of the object, so that achieving a precise and timely tracking of moving objects. Also it has better robustness to color noises and occlusion when the object’s scale changes and deformation occurs.
基金supported by the laboratory of silvopastoral resources (Silvopastoral Institute-Tabarka)
文摘The need for reforestation in cork oak （Quercus suber L.） areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings. We evaluated the early development of cork oak seedlings treated using tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia. We tested three tree shelter treatments （non-vented, vented, and control） to shield seedlings from animal damage and five mulch types to control competing vegetation （Italian Stone Pine, Lentisk, combination of Italian Stone Pine and Lentisk （organic mulches）, gravel （inorganic mulch） and no mulch）. At the end of the two-year experiment, sheltered seedlings were 89-99% taller than unshelteredseedlings and had higher numbers and lengths of shoot growth flushes. In contrast, both stem diameter growth and dry weight biomass （from samples extracted after two years） were significantly reduced inside tree shelters. Root-to-shoot ratio was not significantly different in sheltered vs. unsheltered seedlings, suggesting that tree shelters do not adversely affect this parameter. Mulching alone did not favour growth, but could be beneficial when combined with tree shelters. The combination of vented tree shelters and gravel mulch was the most effective treatment for promoting diameter, height and stem volume growth.
基金National Natural＇Science Foundation of China, No.40401016
文摘Ecological shelter zones reconstruction is an ecosystem restoration and conservation project aimed to the ecological safety of nations, regions and basins. Reconstruction of ecological shelter zones of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River became one of the most important tasks of Western Development strategy. This article, taking Zhaotong as an example, studies the functional regionalization of ecological shelter zones. The study supplies a case for functional regionalization of small and medium regions whose main tasks are environment reservation. With the guidance of theories of functional regionalization, and based on the analysis of Zhaotong＇s natural, ecological and socioeconomic factors, the paper suggests five principles for factors selection. These principles include： （1） reversing order evaluation; （2） selecting main factors; （3） keeping the integrality of administrative regions of towns; and （4） making the products acceptable by local government. To analyze spatial status of selected factors, LUCC data in 2002, 1：50,000 relief maps and town-unit socioeconomic statistical data in 2004 are used. RS and GIS tools are also applied to melt traditional and modern geographical methods. This would be useful to functional regionalization research in mountainous areas. As a conclusion, the leading functional regions of ecological conservation or economic development are suggested, respectively. Zhaotong city is divided into two-level functional regions. The first-level includes three leading functional regions and they will lead developing direction of sub-regions. The second-level includes eight sub-regions, which are policy implemented regions, and will supply guidance to Zhaotong＇s ecological shelter zones reconstruction.
基金supported by the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau,Council of Agriculture,and National Basic Research Program of China (2008CB425802)
文摘Following the Chichi Earthquake （ML=7.3） in 1999, sediment-related disasters, such as landslides and debris flows, have become more frequent in Taiwan. Because engineering structures cannot be fully and rapidly emplaeed, the government has initiated non-structural hazard mitigation programs. Initially, community debris flow evacuation drills were promoted in 2000. Typhoon Toraji caused numerous debris flow events in July 2001, and some communities evacuated according to the drills, significantly reducing the numbers of possible casualties. Based on that result, the government expanded the program for evacuation drills. Secondly, the early warning system created after the Chichi Earthquake will prevent many potential future casualties. Rainfall threshold values for debris flow warnings in different areas are determined from information received from local weather stations and modified for local geomorphologic situations. Real- time information is gradually being integrated to create a debris flow disaster warning system, the goal of which is to provide warnings to zones in which debris flows are likely. The warning system was launched in 2005 and has two levels of alarms： yellow and red. The final, red alarm triggers enforced evacuation. Overall, the decrease in casualties from debris flows during the decade after the Chichi Earthquake is not the result of a decrease in number or severity of sediment related disasters, but is more directly related to the gradually improved early warning and evacuation system. However, the compound hazards resulting from Typhoon Morakotin 2009 remind us of the ongoing need for improving the existing mitigation system.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10602002 and 10772005)
文摘Sphere packing is an attractive way to generate high quality mesh. Several algorithms have been proposed in this topic, however these algorithms are not sufficiently fast for large scale problems. The paper presents an efficient sphere packing algorithm which is much faster and appears to be the most practical among all sphere packing methods presented so far for mesh generation. The algorithm packs spheres inside a domain using advancing front method. High efficiency has resulted from a concept of 4R measure, which localizes all the computations involved in the whole sphere packing process.
基金This research was funded by the Fellowship of the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2021M703466)the Basic Research Innovation Group Project of Gansu Province,China(21JR7RA347)the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province,China(20JR10RA231).
文摘Sand fences made of punched steel plate(PSP)have recently been applied to control wind-blown sand in desertified and Gobi areas due to their strong wind resistance and convenient in situ construction.However,few studies have assessed the protective effect of PSP sand fences,especially through field observations.This study analyzes the effects of double-row PSP sand fences on wind and sand resistance using field observations and a computational fluid dynamics(CFD)numerical simulation.The results of field observations showed that the average windproof efficiencies of the first-row and second-row sand fences were 79.8%and 70.8%,respectively.Moreover,the average windproof efficiencies of the numerical simulation behind the first-row and second-row sand fences were 89.8%and 81.1%,respectively.The sand-resistance efficiency of the double-row PSP sand fences was 65.4%.Sand deposition occurred close to the first-row sand fence;however,there was relatively little sand on the leeward side of the second-row sand fence.The length of sand accumulation near PSP sand fences obtained by numerical simulation was basically consistent with that through field observations,indicating that field observations combined with numerical simulation can provide insight into the complex wind-blown sand field over PSP sand fences.This study indicates that the protection efficiency of the double-row PSP sand fences is sufficient for effective control of sand hazards associated with extremely strong wind in the Gobi areas.The output of this work is expected to improve the future application of PSP sand fences.
基金Under the auspices of the Fund Project of Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (No.2005BA807B05)
文摘Sustainable livelihood theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interactions between livelihoods of peasant households and regional environment change in low-income areas. Based on field survey and 946 questionnaires from peasant household conducted in the case study area of Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, the paper has analyzed the basic characteristics of the rural livelihoods, including the asset base status, the income-generating activities, the energy consumption pattern, and the fertility behavior, in the upper reaches of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River. The micro-level findings show the conflicts among extensive agricultural development models, rural energy consumption structures heavily relying on biomass and the environment protection. The conversion of cropland to forest and grass program(CCFGP) has exerted an important influence on the livelihoods of the peasant households, but its design has given little considerations to their long-term livelihood sources, which will affect its sustainability to a great extent. From the perspective of sustainable livelihoods framework, the objectives that must be addressed in the ecological shelter construction in the upper reaches of the Changjiang River should include, first, facilitating access of peasant households to credit, technology and public services, second, encouraging the peasant households to adopt agricultural technology with environmental benefits and strengthen resources-conserving investments, and third, paying close attention to the rural energy problems and the long-term livelihood sources of the households with CCFGP. Given the weak asset base and difficulties of livelihood strategies shift, ecological shelter construction in the upper reaches of the Changjiang River will take a long time.
基金This research was supported by the Major Science and Technology Projects of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(zdzx2018058-3)the National Key Research and Development Project of China(2016YFC0500906-3)the Scientific and Technological Innovation Guiding Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(R&D and Demonstration of Ecological Deserticulture Technology of Solar Photovoltaic Power Station in Sand Area)and the Scientific Research Project of Universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(NJZY19052).
文摘Deserts are ideal places to develop ground-mounted large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) powerstation. Unfortunately, solar energy production, operation, and maintenance are affected bygeomorphological changes caused by surface erosion that may occur after the construction of the solar PVpower station. In order to avoid damage to a solar PV power station in sandy areas, it is necessary toinvestigate the characteristics of wind-sand movement under the interference of solar PV array. The studywas undertaken by measuring sediment transport of different wind directions above shifting dunes andthree observation sites around the PV panels in the Hobq Desert, China. The results showed that the twoparameterexponential function provides better fit for the measured flux density profiles to the near-surfaceof solar PV array. However, the saltation height of sand particles changes with the intersection anglebetween the solar PV array and wind direction exceed 45°. The sediment transport rate above shifting duneswas always the greatest, while that around the test PV panels varied accordingly to the wind direction.Moreover, the aeolian sediment transport on the solar PV array was significantly affected by wind direction.The value of sand inhibition rate ranged from 35.46% to 88.51% at different wind directions. When theintersection angle exceeds 45°, the mean value of sediment transport rate above the solar PV array reducesto 82.58% compared with the shifting dunes. The results of our study expand our understanding of theformation and evolution of aeolian geomorphology at the solar PV footprint. This will facilitate the designand control engineering plans for solar PV array in sandy areas that operate according to the wind regime.
基金funding from the Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Science(KZCX2-YW-329)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (40638038)
文摘Porosity is the most important parameter determining the shelter efficiency of fences. Wind measurements were made around fence models with different porosities in a wind tunnel. The optimal fence porosity is evaluated by means of Gandemer＇s method that combines the effects of wind reduction and turbulence fields on the shelter efficiency for abating wind erosion. Defining the optimal porosity must take into account of its own purposes, required shelter degree and area to be sheltered. Turbulence has profound impacts on the shelter efficiency of high degree. Two concepts： absolute optimal porosity and practical optimal porosity concerning optimal porosity are proposed. Choosing the practical optimal porosity means reducing cost without significant expense of shelter efficiency. According to the evaluation in present study, the absolute optimal porosity for providing high degree of shelter to abate wind erosion is 0.20 while the practical optimal porosity is around 0.40. Ifa less shelter degree but over wider area is required, the absolute optimal porosity ranges from 0.05 to 0.10 and the practical optimal porosity is 0.10. For any degree of shelter for abating wind erosion effectively, the fence porosity must be less than or equal 0.40.
基金provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31772486)the Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No.319MS047)。
文摘Rock crevices are important retreat sites for many reptiles.Unlike lizards and snakes,crevicedwelling turtles have rigid shells which severely limit the size and shape of crevices they are able to use.Few studies have addressed the relationship between turtle's shell morphology,behavior,and crevice size.Here,we investigate the relationship between morphology and crevice size selection in the Keeled box turtle(Cuora mouhotii).We radio tracked turtles in the field to document crevice dimensions and turtle behavior associated with crevices,and we conducted a controlled experiment in the lab to understand how a turtle's morphology influences its decision to select crevices with different dimensions.Both laboratory and field experiments demonstrate that turtles select deep and moderately wide crevices that are low enough to barely accommodate the carapace.Crevices used by turtles tend to be about 2 times as wide,1.2 times as high,and 3 times longer than the turtle's shell.Moreover,turtles tended to prefer crevices with horizontal openings in the field and position themselves head first in the crevice.We conclude that morphology,especially carapace height,influences the Keeled box turtles' decision to select specific sizes of crevice.We argue that the tendency for turtles to select crevices that come into contact with their carapace contributes to successful defense against predators,as it would be more difficult for a predator to remove a turtle when the crevice is nearly touching the turtles shell.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32271846,31400613)the Key Program of Education Department of Liaoning Province(No.LJKZZ20220050).
文摘In the semiarid sandy region of Northeast China,Mongolian pine(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)suffers dieback after the age of 35,while Japanese red pine(Pinus densiflora)and Chinese pine(Pinus tabuliformis)stay healthy.Foliar nutrient retranslocation reflects the nutrient conservation and utilization mechanism of plants in response to their habitats.However,the nutrient retranslocation strategies employed by three Pinus tree species to cope with nutrient limitations remain largely unknown.For this study,we investigated the seasonal variations in nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)concentrations of Mongolian pine,Japanese red pine,and Chinese pine plantations in terms of the green needles of all ages,senesced needles,and soil.Further,the N retranslocation efficiency(NRE),and P retranslocation efficiency(PRE),and correlations between the N:P ratios of needles and soil were analyzed.The results showed that,except for the spring NRE in 1-year-old needles of Mongolian pine,the spring NRE and PRE in 1-and 2-year-old needles of the three tree species were greater than zero.The autumn PRE was higher than zero for Mongolian pine,but lower than zero for Japanese red pine and Chinese pine.Among the three Pinus species,Mongolian pine showed greater spring PRE in 2-year-old needles,and PRE from 1-to 2-yearold needles,and from 2-year-old needles to litter.However,Japanese red pine had higher P concentrations and lower N:P ratios in senesced needles,while greater PRE was found in Chinese pine litter.Significant relationships between the N:P ratios were found in the current year and 1-year-old needles and soil in the Mongolian pine plantation,while there was an insignificant relationship between the N:P ratios of the needles and soil in the Chinese pine plantation.Thus,for Mongolian pine,the removal of P from needles in autumn,and higher P translocation from older needles under P-deficient soil may have contributed to the tree dieback.In contrast,Japanese red pine and Chinese pine stored P in their needles during autumn.Japanese red pine returned more P to the soil via litter,while Chinese pine maintained N:P homeostasis and increased P withdrawal prior to needle abscission.
基金supported by the Medicine and Technology Development Plan Project of Shandong Province(2016WS0119)
文摘Carbon monoxide （CO） is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbonbased compounds. Exposure to CO can cause various adverse health effects ranging from headache and fatigue to coma and death. Thousands of illnesses and deaths have been documented through CO poisoning surveillance systems and accident investigations each year.
基金supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Project INV-006261)supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (KL2TR003143)+4 种基金supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through the Alexander von Humboldt Professor awardfunded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the European Union’s Research and Innovation Programme Horizon 2020the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP)supported by the Sino-German Center for Research Promotion (Project C-0048), which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
文摘Most studies of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)progression have focused on the transfer of patients within secondary or tertiary care hospitals from regular wards to intensive care units.Little is known about the risk factors predicting the progression to severe COVID-19 among patients in community iso-lation,who are either asymptomatic or suffer from only mild to moderate symptoms.Using a multivari-able competing risk survival analysis,we identify several important predictors of progression to severe COVID-19—rather than to recovery—among patients in the largest community isolation center in Wuhan,China from 6 February 2020(when the center opened)to 9 March 2020(when it closed).All patients in community isolation in Wuhan were either asymptomatic or suffered from mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.We performed competing risk survival analysis on time-to-event data from a cohort study of all COVID-19 patients(n=1753)in the isolation center.The potential predictors we inves-tigated were the routine patient data collected upon admission to the isolation center:age,sex,respira-tory symptoms,gastrointestinal symptoms,general symptoms,and computed tomography(CT)scan signs.The main outcomes were time to severe COVID-19 or recovery.The factors predicting progression to severe COVID-19 were:male sex(hazard ratio(HR)=1.29,95%confidence interval(CI)1.04–1.58,p=0.018),young and old age,dyspnea(HR=1.58,95%CI 1.24–2.01,p<0.001),and CT signs of ground-glass opacity(HR=1.39,95%CI 1.04–1.86,p=0.024)and infiltrating shadows(HR=1.84,95%CI 1.22–2.78,p=0.004).The risk of progression was found to be lower among patients with nausea or vomiting(HR=0.53,95%CI 0.30–0.96,p=0.036)and headaches(HR=0.54,95%CI 0.29–0.99,p=0.046).Our results suggest that several factors that can be easily measured even in resource-poor set-tings(dyspnea,sex,and age)can be used to identify mild COVID-19 patients who are at increased risk of disease progression.Looking for CT signs of ground-glass opacity and infiltrating shadows may be an affordable option to support triage decisions in resource-rich settings.Common and unspecific symptoms(headaches,nausea,and vomiting)are likely to have led to the identification and subsequent community isolation of COVID-19 patients who were relatively unlikely to deteriorate.Future public health and clinical guidelines should build on this evidence to improve the screening,triage,and monitoring of COVID-19 patients who are asymtomatic or suffer from mild to moderate symptoms.
基金This project was supported by Major Research Projects of Sichuan Health Commission(No.16ZD026).
文摘At the end of 2019,the novel coronavirus infection outbroke in Wuhan,Hubei Province.On Feb.2,2020,Wuhan,as the worst-hit region,began to build“shelter hospital”rapidly to treat patients with mild ilness.The shelter hospital has multiple functions such as emergency treatment,surgical treatment and clinical test,which can adapt to emergency medical rescue tasks.Based on the characteristics that shelter hospital only treats patients with mild ilness,tests of shelter laboratory,including coronavirus nucleic acid detection,IgM/IgG antibody serology detection,monitoring and auxiliary diagnosis and/or a required blood routine,urine routine,C-reactive protein,calcitonin original,biochemical indicators(liver enzymes,myocardial enzymes,renal function,etc.)and blood coagulation function test etc,were used to provide important basis for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.In order to ensure laboratory biosafety,it is necessary to first evaluate the harm level of various specimens.In the laboratory biosafety management,the harm level assessment of microorganisms is the core work of biosafety,which is of great significance to guarantee biosafety.As an emergency deployment afcted by the environment,shelter laboratory must possess strong mobility.This paper will explore how to combine the biosafety model of traditional laboratory with the particularity of shelter laboratory to carry out effective work in response to the current epidemic.
