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A carbon reduction labelling scheme is an effective policy tool for motivating enterprises or organizations to reduce their life-cycle-based carbon emissions to benefit the environment. This paper uses system dynamics to model enterprises' compliance with a combined government policy instrument for a carbon reduction labelling scheme, that is, government subsidies and economic sanctions. A case study of paper enterprises in China is provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed model in which two optional technological plans to reduce the enterprises' carbon emissions are examined. The technological plans are categorized as a low-cost and high-cost plan. The simulation results show that both the technological plans are vulnerable to the combined policy making, and the high-cost plan shows superior environmental performance for carbon emissions reduction. However, the enterprises are more inclined to choose the low-cost plan because of superior economic performance. The study offers insights to help enterprises select optimal actions on carbon emissions reduction and to inform government of possible sustainable policy design to promote low-carbon development. The model limitations are discussed as a basis for further improvements in low-carbon development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On account of the numerous discontinuities and multiple physics involved, the numerical evaluation of pollution propagation is computationally sophisticated and time-consuming. This paper proposes a new approach based on the unified pipe-network method to simulate nuclide migration in highly fractured rock masses. This method explicitly represents fracture networks with interconnected nodes and pipes in a spatial domain and applies a set of universal constitutive models to both fractures and rock matrices. Whether fractures or rock matrix are the dominators of mass transport depends on the connectivity of fracture networks. Minor changes in connectivity may trigger significant percolation threshold effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper introduces the development of a dynamic parallel algorithm for conducting hydrological model simulations. This new algorithm consists of a river network decomposition method and an enhanced master–slave paradigm. The decomposition method is used to divide a basin river network into a large number of subbasins, and the enhanced master–slave paradigm is adopted to realize the function of this new dynamic basin decomposition method through using the Message-Passing Interface (MPI) and C++ language. This new algorithm aims to balance computation load and then to achieve a higher speedup and efficiency of parallel computing in hydrological simulation for the river basins which are delineated by high-resolution drainage networks. This paper uses a modified binary-tree codification method developed by to code drainage networks, and the basin width function to estimate the possible maximum parallel speedup and the associated efficiency. As a case study, with a hydrological model, the Digital Yellow River Model, this new dynamic parallel algorithm is applied to the Chabagou basin in northern China. The application results reveal that the new algorithm is efficient in the dynamic dispatching of simulation tasks to computing processes, and that the parallel speedup and efficiency are comparable with the estimations made by using the basin width function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract The sustainability of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is a significant challenge faced by developing countries, especially China. Evaluating the sustainability status of China's water-energy-food, and improving its sustainable use, may provide good physical conditions to support China's future development. This paper applied the Pressure, State, and Response (PSR) model to select evaluation indexes. A combination weighting method was used to combine two objective weighting methods to determine index weights. The study constructed the classical field, the limited field, and the matter-element to be evaluated. This allowed the establishment of an improved matter-element extension model to evaluate the sustainability of the water-energy-food nexus; the model was then used to quantitatively evaluate the sustainability of China's water-energy-food nexus. The simulation results indicated that in 2005, the sustainability of China's water-energy-food was at a relatively low efficiency rank. By 2015, the sustainability of China's water-energy-food had reached a general efficiency rank. The results suggested that the sustainability of China's water-energy-food system significantly improved between 2005 and 2015; however, the improved sustainability remained at a general status (The general status means that the sustainability of water-energy-food nexus in China can meet the basic development needs, but it is far from the optimal state and needs further adjustment and improvement). Thus, China should improve its current utilization patterns for the three resources and consider them as a whole. This would help realize synergistic resource use and enhance their sustainability. Highlights • The sustainability of WEF nexus is a severe challenge faced by developing country. • An improved matter-element extension model to evaluate sustainability of WEF nexus. • The sustainability of China's WEF system significantly improved from 2005 to 2015. • China should improve its utilization patterns for the WEF and consider it as whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertically integrated operation system of natural gas transmission has led to lagging pipeline network construction, low transmission network utilization rates, and high consumer prices in China. This paper proposes a combination of multi-agent and input-output models to outline natural gas transmission regime programs and examines the effects of mandatory separation of transmission networks from production and services, based on available data from 2014 to 2016. Three scenarios are set up including the basic condition (BAU) and two types of reforms, namely ownership unbundling (STRIP) and internal reform at company level (INTREF). Then a set of evaluation indicators are established, namely profit changes of three large oil companies, investment in pipeline networks, and user prices, as well as total output, added value, and price changes in related industries. The results show that, by 2030, the relative change rate of investment for STRIP will increase by 93.45% while the change in INTREF is −33.49%. Moreover, natural gas price under STRIP will decrease 27.12%, which is a decrease almost three times that under INTREF. It can be concluded that STRIP is more conducive to promoting the efficiency of natural gas transmission compared with INTREF. However, it may be time consuming for natural gas companies to introduce competitive social capital and gradually diversify their investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a nonlinear piecewise smooth dynamical system of the trajectory of deviated wells according to engineering background. An optimal control model is established and the necessary conditions for optimality are proved via maximum principle. The optimal control problem is solved by a revised Hooke–Jeeves algorithm. The uniform design technique has been incorporated into the revised Hooke–Jeeves algorithm to handle the multimodal function. Computer simulation is used for this paper, and the numerical example illustrates the validity and efficiency of the algorithm. The procedure demonstrates its advantages in practical applications in Liaohe Oil Field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper aims to test the ability of the WRF-Chem model to simulate sand storms in Northwest China and improve the simulation results by introducing remote sensing soil moisture data into WRF-Chem. We conducted sensitivity tests, including parameterization scheme tests and soil moisture tests using WRF-Chem. By comparing various combinations of parameterization schemes, which have considerable impacts on sand emissions, the most suitable parameterization scheme for WRF-Chem to simulate sand storms in Northwest China was selected for establishing models in future research. Based on the optimal combination of parameterization schemes, the sensitivity of sand emissions to soil moisture was tested, indicating that soil moisture has a substantial influence on sand emissions and revealing a nonlinear relationship between sand emissions and soil moisture. Although sand simulations are sensitive to soil moisture, the sand emission volume does not always increase with decreasing soil moisture content. Moreover, the soil moisture content simulated by WRF-Chem is quite different from that observed by satellites. Therefore, we selected ten sand storms that occurred in Northwest China in 2009–2018, including weak, moderate and strong sand storms, to explore the responses of sand storms of different intensities to soil moisture. Some experiments were conducted in two scenarios: scenario A was simulated only by WRF-Chem, and scenario B was designed by replacing the initial soil moisture field in WRF-Chem with soil moisture satellite data from AMSR2 and AMSR-E. Comparing the simulation results with in-situ ground-based and satellite-based measurements indicates that WRF-Chem can capture strong sand storms and some moderate sand storms, but the ability to simulate weak sand storms needs to be greatly improved. After introducing remote sensing soil moisture data into WRF-Chem, the simulation of sand emissions becomes more accurate, substantially improving the simulation results. Among the ten simulated sand storms, the AOD (aerosol optical depth) and PM10 simulation accuracies are improved for five and seven sand storms, respectively. After this improvement, the AOD correlation coefficient can reach 0.63, and the PM10 correlation coefficient can reach 0.60. • The paper screened out the best parameterization scheme of sand storm simulation that is suitable for northwestern China. • Improved the simulation results of the WRF-Chem model using soil moisture remote sensing data. • WRF-Chem can better capture strong and some moderate sand storms, but need to improve weak sand storm simulation ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry in Hong Kong has been exposed to serious housing production issues such as insufficient manpower, safety, environmental concerns and inefficient housing supply. Prefabrication housing production has shown as efficient construction model which enables to overcome these issues and it is applied in construction industry in Hong Kong. In this paper, hybrid modeling techniques that combine system dynamics and discrete event simulation are used to analyze the interrelationships of schedule risks within the six-day cycle assembly of prefabrication housing production. Moreover, a hybrid dynamic model is developed to simulate and evaluate the impact of schedule risks on the schedule performance of the six-day cycle assembly of PHP via the Anylogic software package. The resulting model is validated by data which is collected from a PHP project in Hong Kong. Based on the simulation results, the first most influential level contains five schedule risks, namely, inefficient verification of precast components because of ambiguous labels, misplacement on the storage site because of carelessness, owner crane breakdown and maintenance, slow quality inspection procedures, and inefficient design data transition that cause average schedule delays of more than 300 min. The second most influential level includes delay of the delivery of precast element to site, design information gap between designer and manufacturer, installation error of precast elements, and logistics information inconsistency because of human errors, with average schedule delays less than 300 min and greater than 200 min. Design change, low information interoperability between different enterprise resource planning systems, and inefficiency of design approval belong to the third level that imposes the least influence on the schedule delay of the assembly. This research contributes to the current knowledge of the management of prefabrication construction by developing an effective model that offers an in-depth understanding of how schedule performance of PHP is dynamically influenced by interrelationships of various risk variables. Also, it provides an experimental platform for simulating and analyzing schedule risks that significantly affect the schedule performance of the six-day cycle assembly of prefabrication housing production. Such critical schedule risks could be identified and managed prior to the implement of prefabrication housing production projects. Compared with traditional techniques, the hybrid dynamic model simultaneously considers macro and micro levels, thereby enabling project managers to gain a deeper insight into schedule management and acquire a multidimensional understanding of schedule delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to map and discriminate variations of vegetation net primary production (NPP) from the effects of precipitation variability and thereby identify the effects of grazing on NPP variations in the Xilingol Grassland. Satellite-based simulations of NPP collected over 14-year period and residuals method were used to normalize the effects of interannual precipitation on NPP. A fixed-size moving-window method was developed in this paper to quantify the annual grazing pressure (defined as grazing pressure index, GPI) on the regional scale, using vegetation cover images from 2001 to 2014. Temporal and spatial analysis methods were conducted to show patterns and trends of GPI and NPP residuals (NPP res ), and further to examine the effects of grazing pressure changes on variations of NPP res . Our results showed 80.7% of the study area experienced increasing NPP res and 18.5% with significantly increasing trends ( p  < 0.05). 76.7% of the study area showed decreasing grazing pressure, and 11.8% of areas experienced significantly decreasing trends ( p  < 0.05), with a small patches scattered distribution pattern. The negative correlations between NPP res and GPI were found in 94.6% of the study area, and 41.9% with significant correlation ( p  < 0.05); and long-term decreasing grazing pressure had positive impacts on vegetation NPP. They indicate grazing is a main driving factor of variations in vegetation NPP other than precipitation in Xilingol Grassland. The spatial patterns and temporal trends of NPP res , grazing pressure and responses of NPP res to grazing pressure changes varied among three main grassland types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper selected typical flat and tower residential buildings in Beijing, China, to assess comfortable outdoor wind environments in summertime. Numerical analysis was carried out to evaluate design parameters that could influence the outdoor pedestrian-level wind environment during the summer. A total of twenty-seven valid cases using an orthogonal array, L 27 (3 13 ) orthogonal experimental design (OED) were selected. OED analysis showed significant probability and, therefore, the design parameters’ effects on the outdoor wind environment were quantitatively characterized at the pedestrian level. The conclusions were as follows: 1) design factors affecting the outdoor wind environment were found to be floor area ratio, façade direction, and greening rate; 2) the significance probability of design factors ranked highest to lowest in the order of greening rate > floor area ratio > façade direction > building arrangement. The results of such an evaluation can be used as an index for the planning and design process and for feedback of green building projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the micro-climate of waterfront landscape in Lingnan area is analyzed by numerical simulation. The water scale in the waterfront landscape of Lingnan area are studied. The quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis are used to analyze the relationship between water scale and climate factors like wind speed and air temperature, and the influence of water scale on the micro-climate in waterfront landscape are studied furtherly. The results show that water scale has a significant effect on the micro-climate of the waterfront environment in, which is beneficial to adjust temperature and humidity in micro-climate. The thermal environment effect of water area including cooling and moistening is more obvious than that of water depth changing. The area and depth of the water have a regulating function of regional climate in a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on sustainable development theory and the method of system dynamics and multi-agent simulation, the environment-economy-society relationship model of Liaohe River Basin is constructed by coupling the system dynamics model with the multi-agent model in the software-NetLogo. This paper selects the Qinghe, Fanhe and Puhe River of Liaohe River Basin which are located in Shenyang and Tieling City as the study boundary, then the overall situation of environment, economy and society development is analyzed. At the same time, in order to simulate and predict the overall operation of the model under different policies, three kinds of development scenarios are established by changing some key variables including pollution abatement investment, fixed assets investment and industrial waste water production of ten thousand yuan industrial output value. The results show that the development under different policies can be simulated and predicted by this model, which will provide support for macroeconomic regulation and control the sustainable development strategy of Liaohe River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, premature failure of the O-ring gaskets for the electric hydraulic system in a nuclear power plant in China was investigated. A series of macroscopic and microscopic analysis methods were conducted to identify the root causes of this unexpected failure, and the results showed that mismatch of the sizes between the O-ring gaskets and the groove of metal union was the primary reason, which gave rise to the permanent distortion and surface damage of the O-ring gaskets, and consequently leading to fracture under service conditions. Countermeasures were then proposed to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, and were proved effective on site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geological and ecological (geo-ecological) environment of the coastal coal-mining city is a basic element for human subsistence, and it connects the regional economy with social sustainable development. Using Longkou, a coastal mining city, as an example, a geological and ecological environmental quality assessment was conducted based on spatiotemporal big data. Remote sensing images, a digital elevation model (DEM), and precipitation and interpolation processing were used to generate factor layers. A synthetic evaluation index system was set up, including physical geography, geological conditions, mining intensity, ecological environmental recovery and geological hazards associated with mining. Moreover, an analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the factor weight of each evaluation factor, and a consistency check was performed to build an assessment model of the geo-ecological environment of Longkou. The results indicate that multi-factor spatiotemporal big data provide a scientific assessment of the geo-ecological environmental quality with indispensable data and methods. The spatial distribution of geo-ecological environmental quality presented clear specialization of zonality, showing poor quality in the coastal coal mine ore concentration area and good quality in the inland and mountainous areas of Nanshan Mountain. The geo-ecological environmental quality of Longkou was divided into 5 levels as worst, poor, middle, good and better districts. The good and better districts accounted for 76.763% of the total area of the assessment region, indicating that the geo-ecological environmental quality of the study area was in good condition. The mining intensity and ecological environment recovery were major factors in determining the regional variation of the geo-ecological environment of Longkou. The possible causes inducing uncertainties and limitations in evaluation of the geo-ecological environmental quality were discussed. The model combining AHP with GIS proposed in this paper is an effective means of evaluating regional geo-ecological environmental quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bed entrainment plays an important role in the run-out process of a flow-like landslide. A limited number of studies have investigated the influence of entraining loose materials on the mechanical properties of a landslide, and some of them have considered bed entrainment either by mechanical or empirical methods. In this paper, a modified finite difference model was used to analyze the propagation process of a typical flow-like landslide with bed entrainment that occurred in the Jingyang loess tableland, China. In this model, the mechanical parameters of the sliding mass were modified according to the local entrainment depth. Triaxial Consolidated Undrained (CU) tests and ring shear tests were conducted to obtain the mechanical parameters needed in the numerical simulation. The triaxial CU tests were conducted on three intact loess samples taken at the back scarp of the landslide, and the ring tests were conducted on gravelly sand samples taken from the first terrace of the Jinghe River, which includes the landslide deposit. The results show that both the simulated run-out distance and final covering area agreed well with the field data. The modified model revealed the propagation process of this landslide. A major contribution of this study is that entraining the saturated gravelly sand contributed to the flow-like movement of the landslide. The case study investigated here is helpful for better an understanding of the flow-like transformation mechanism. In addition, the numerical model adopted in this paper can be effectively used to assess or predict the propagation processes of similar landslides. • The propagation process of a loess flow-like landslide with bed entrainment is analyzed. • The significant shear strength loss of loess contributes to the rapid acceleration of this landslide. • Entraining saturated terrace material contributes to the flow-like transformation of this landslide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Grey theory is one approach that can be used to construct a model with limited samples to provide better forecasting advantage for short-term problems. Generally, the GM (1,1) and Discrete GM (1,1) models are two typical grey forecasting models in grey theory. However, there are two shortcomings in the above grey models respectively, i.e., the homogeneous-exponent simulative deviation in GM (1,1) model, and the unequal conversion between the original and white equations in DGM (1,1) model. In this paper, we firstly propose a novel Generalized GM (1,1) model termed GGM (1,1) model, based on GM (1,1) and DGM (1,1) models, to overcome the above shortcomings. Then, we detailedly study four important properties in this new grey model. Four estimative approaches of stepwise ratio in GGM (1,1) model context is also covered. In the end, we simulate and forecast the fuel production in China during the period 2003–2010 using three GM (1,1) models. The empirical results show that GGM (1,1) model has higher simulative and predictive accuracy than GM (1,1) and DGM (1,1) models. This work contributes significantly to improve grey forecasting theory and proposes a optimized GM (1,1) model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Research on earthquake-induced collapse simulation has a great practical significance for super-tall buildings. Although mega-braced frame-core tube buildings are one of the common high-rise structural systems in high seismic intensity regions, the failure mode and collapse mechanism of such a building under earthquake events are rarely studied. This paper thus aims to investigate the collapse behavior of a super-tall mega-braced frame-core tube building (H =550m) to be built in China in the high risk seismic zone with the maximum spectral acceleration of 0.9g (g represents the gravity acceleration). A finite element (FE) model of this building is constructed based on the fiber-beam and multi-layer shell models. The dynamic characteristics of the building are analyzed and the earthquake-induced collapse simulation is performed. Finally, the failure mode and mechanism of earthquake-induced collapse are discussed in some detail. This study will serve as a reference for the collapse-resistance design of super-tall buildings of similar type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solving China's severe energy problems relies on the efficient implementation of energy-related policies at the provincial level. On the context of 12th Five-Year Plan, most provinces’ energy developments are faced with the double pressures, that is, the rapid economy development and energy conservation. Thus, it is necessary to explore the scenarios of energy, economic and social development on the provincial level, especially in western developing provinces. This paper proposes a framework of economy and energy system including three major components: economy growth, population and energy intensity, to identify the regional energy balance and CO2 emission by 2015. With an application to Qinghai Province, policies related to energy development can be classified into three subcategories: economic and social development, energy development, and energy saving policies. Then, five scenarios are set and simulated to explore the energy balance and CO2 emission under the constraints of economic growth and energy intensity. Results show that in Qinghai, energy demands will increase by 90.37% in 2015 with a significant adjustment in industrial structure; and the implementation of the energy saving policies in Qinghai province is necessary. Besides, increasing production of clean energy can significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and the environmental impact. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Closed unlined landfills can found in many cities in China, as a side product of economic and urban development in last century. The degradation velocity of municipal solid waste (MSW) in such landfills can be very slow due to lack of moisture and its stabilization time can reach twenty years or more if no measure is enforced from outside. Recently aerobic bioreactor landfill technology has been applied to accelerate MSW decomposition by introducing water and air into the landfill. However, excessive water could also result in secondary pollution to ground water. In order to apply the aerobic bioreactor landfill technology for unlined landfills treatment without leachate across the site boundary, an appropriate water injection volume has to be determined. In this paper, a 3D mathematical model is established from mass balance and Darcy''s law in a cylindrical coordinate system for the simulation of moisture distribution in an unlined aerobic bioreactor landfill. Moisture profile in landfills is obtained by coupling the aerobic bio-reaction with the water generation term at different scales. The aerobic bio-reaction rate is considered as the function of moisture content, temperature, matrix concentration, oxygen concentration and microorganism concentration. Two water injection styles, surface ponding and vertical well, were investigated. To avoid ground water contamination, moisture filtration rate is assumed to be zero at the site bottom. A feasible water injection volume is determined under quasi-steady- state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the statistical methods of corpus and the 124 love-songs of Tshang yang Gya tsho as the studying object, this paper have set up the principles of vocabulary segmentation and built the love-songs corpus of Tibetan and Tibetan-Chinese grammar separation lexicon corpus. Then it did quantitative research on the achievement of “love-songs” in the language arts from three aspects: the length of the vocabularie''s, the frequency rate of the vocabularies, and the distribution of the term''s number in the verses and the songs. In addition it also introduced a new kind of researching idea and method for the study of Tibetan literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The development of China''s animation should take some excellent artistic forms of our nation into consideration, only those animation works with national characteristics are precious. The designer should comprehend the essence of traditional cultures, combine the traditional artistic elements on modeling and can recreate. This paper creates animation images with Chinese culture characteristics through analyzing the Chu art characteristics and taking them as artistic reference of animation modeling. Its application in the FLASH software and some noticeable problems are considered; and the animation modeling has unique artistic charms and values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The engineering background of this paper is the upper protecting seams exploitation of Huangsha Mine, By use of CFD software to analyze the methane delivery law in U type ventilation work face gob. By analyzing the density distribution, pressure distribution, velocity field and mash methane concentration of air-methane mixed gas, obtained the locations of gas drainage hole, and summed up the methane delivery law in U type ventilation work face gob. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years a large number of floods occurred in the Dongting Lake region, China, and flood prevention and control have become a focus in the middle Yangtze River. How to use the dispersed sub-fast-flood storage area in Dongting basin rationally and control water level and flow process will improve flood prevention ability. In this paper an improved systematic flood simulation method coupling one and two-dimensional hydraulic model is established aiming at special area. The flood evolution process, different flood discharge scale, flood storage and embanking effect are simulated according to the changing spatial gate position and extra flood magnanimity for the typical hydrologic years. An optimized scheduling scheme by using the parallel algorithm and numerical computing method is preferred in different flood periods. The research results indicate the optimized flood diversion gate and operation scheme in three shunts river system will directly control the water level in the whole lake region. The research results provide practical basis for systematic floods control and is helpful to assess flood disaster in Yangtze River basin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hydrodynamic conditions play an important role in formation and disappearance of spring algal blooms in the Xiangxi Bay (XXB), a typical tributary water body of the Three Georges Reservoir. As it is difficult to obtain sufficient hydrodynamic information through expensive field monitoring, in this paper, a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model is developed to simulate the flow field of XXB in spring. In order to study the influence of thermal density flow on the hydrodynamics of this tributary, two typical scenarios for the spring of 2005 are considered here: with and without the temperature sources. Our modeling results show that the flow around the mouth of XXB is mainly controlled by the mainstream of the Yangtze River, and: if the temperature effect is considered, the computed maximum influence range of the Yangtze River can reach up to about 12km upstream from the mouth of XXB. However, if the temperature effect is ignored, the influence range is only about 1km. In reality, due to the vertical temperature difference, the stratified flow is formed and the mainstream flow can reach up to 12km upstream from the mouth. The modeled results show that, the flow of Yangtze River enters into XXB in the upper layer, while the water of XXB flows out through the bottom layer. A huge vertical circulation was formed in the XXB, which enhances the exchange capacity between the Yangtze River and the XXB. The field survey also found that. It is included that the water temperature must be included in hydrodynamic numerical simulation for XXB in spring. The study is a useful supplement to field survey, and can provide technical support for eutrophication control in other tributary of Three Gorges Reservoir. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the use of pragmatic markers by college learners of English in China. It compares the use of pragmatic markers in different contexts by students at different proficiency levels. An audio-video instrument called the Video Oral Communication Instrument was conducted to elicit ratable speech samples. inventory of the most common lexical items in spoken interaction was adopted as the analytical model. Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that advanced students were more active and involved than intermediate students in the use of pragmatic markers, and showed a greater sensitivity to different types of simulated interactive context. The findings suggest that the proficiency level relates to the way pragmatic markers are used both generally and across contextual variations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It becomes popular to use computer simulation technique to evaluate the performance of energy utilizations in buildings. The hourly weather data as simulation input is a crucial factor for the successful energy system simulation, and obtaining an accurate set of weather data is necessary to represent the long-term typical weather conditions throughout a year. This paper introduces a stochastic approach, which is called the first order multivariate Markov chain model, to generate the annual weather data for better evaluating and sizing different energy systems. The process for generating the weather data time series from the multivariate Markov transition probability matrices is described using 15-years actual hourly weather data of Hong Kong. The ability of this new model for retaining the statistical properties of the generated weather data series is examined and compared with the current existing TMY and TRY data. The main statistical properties used for this purpose are mean value, standard deviation, maximum value, minimum value, frequency distribution probability and persistency probability of the weather data sequence. The comparison between the observed weather data and the synthetically generated ones shows that the statistical characteristics of the developed set of weather data are satisfactorily preserved and the developed set of weather data can predict and evaluate different energy systems more accurately. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is widely accepted as one of main solutions to mitigate global warming in the world. However, the still-high cost of CCS is one of the major concerns, in particular in developing China. In the other hand, emission control of H2S and SO2 has already become the urgent need, and the reduction target has been set in the 11th Five-Year Plan of China. Therefore, co-storage of CO2+SO2 or CO2+H2S may be an effective way to reduce CCS cost, e.g. due to saving the de-sulphur device, and enable CCS to has an earlier deployment opportunity. In this paper, we try to, at first, reveal some key problems, i.e., trapping mechanism, injectivity and leakage risk, for co-injection and co-storage of CO2 and the strong acid SO2 into subsurface spaces in a certain gas field in China. The output of this gas field includes about 6.8% H2S and 4.6% CO2. Then, we want to insight into the possibilities and potentials of co-storage of CO2+SO2 by numerical studies. After widely referring all opened and published scientifical and technical literature, we develop a model to study a porous media system associated with the thermo-hydro-chemical coupling interactions. The hydrogeology and mineralogy of the injected formation are extracted from the historical materials of the gas field. We have performed several numerical simulations with consideration of a sandstone-clay sequence under acid-gas injection conditions. The clay formation is supposed as a sealed cap rock for the co-storage disposal system. The study examines the impact of SO2 co-injection on the pH of formation brine. Co-injection of CO2 with SO2 results in a larger and more strongly acidified zone, and alteration differs substantially from that caused by the injection of CO2 alone. The mineral alteration induced by injection of CO2 with SO2 leads to corresponding changes in porosity. Significant increases in porosity occur in the acidified zones where mineral dissolution dominates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A traditional Chinese heating system, the Chinese Kang, is used by 175 million people in detached houses in the rural regions of China, especially in Northeast China. This system utilizes biomass such as corn stalks, straw, corncob and energy plants as the heat sources. The objective of this paper is to establish a set of models to simulate the energy performance of the Kang heating system in one Chinese detached house. An experimental field study was carried out to collect practical parameters in a newly constructed Chinese detached house. The dynamic performance of the Kang heating system was simulated by using IDA-ICE 4.0 embedded with an empirical model built in the field study. The results show that the simulation can obtain good overall agreement with the field measurement results. It was confirmed that the Kang model created by IDA-ICE 4.0 is capable of simulating the performance of the Kang system and of calculating energy consumption in the detached house. Moreover, the result reveals that the thermal environment in the present Chinese detached house is still poor during the severe cold season if only the Kang system is used to heat the whole house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Research into partnering performance measures for building and construction projects becomes crucial because a growing trend of client organizations has been observed to adopt partnering approach to procure their projects worldwide over the past decade. Although there are some related research studies and papers documented on this research area, few, if any, comprehensive and systematic research studies focus on developing a comprehensive, objective, reliable and practical performance evaluation model for partnering projects in construction. A Partnering Performance Index (PPI), which is composed of seven weighted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), has been developed to measure, monitor, improve, and benchmark the partnering performance of construction projects in Hong Kong. A set of Quantitative Indicators (QIs) and well-defined ranges of Quantitative Requirements (QRs) for each QI have been further established using the Delphi survey technique and Fuzzy Set Theory. Evaluation of partnering success can now be based on quantitative evidences, thus tackling the subjectivity of performance evaluation. By making use of the Internet and database technology, PPI can be monitored on-line, thus saving much time, cost and efforts on data collection and retrieval than if they are done manually. As such, an Internet-based computerized partnering monitoring and benchmarking tool, namely the Computerized Partnering Performance Index System (CPPIS) has been developed. The Internet-based CPPIS enables project participants to input data at any time and location and the project administrators could perform data analysis via the Internet. The CPPIS also enables project managers to measure, monitor, improve and benchmark their partnering performances against those already stored in the database. Graphical presentations of data and various performance measures are also built in to assist various end-users to identify problematic areas and critical success factors for achieving partnering excellence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Water footprint is an indicator showing the consumption impact on environment with water equivalent, which allows a detailed quantification of water use directly and indirectly in sectors for the domestic and abroad final consumption. This paper presents a framework of calculating national water footprint (NWF) with input–output method on China 2002. The results indicated that the NWF of China was 381m3/capyr in 2002. A new indicator termed as national water footprint intensity (NWFI) is also derived from NWF to evaluate the water consumption intensities of different sectors. Then the evaluation of virtual water trade in sectors is followed, the results of which give a detailed quantification of net virtual water import of sectors, verifying that China is a net virtual water exporter concerning the whole national sectors, which is different from the previous studies. Finally, it is suggested that the sectors with high NWFI and volume of net virtual water export should be regarded as the priority of Chinese water-saving strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The mathematical model of multiple thermal inertia is established. • The multiple thermal inertia is quantified by finite element software. • An improved robust optimal model of multi-energy system is established. • Thermal inertia uncertainty affect the heat storage capacity of HN and BD. • Making full use of thermal inertia uncertainty can reduce the operating cost. The heat system has the larger inertia in the multi-energy system (MES) integrated electricity, heat and gas, and its uncertainty caused by the heating parameters variation of the practical project, which will make the scheduling and operation of the MES more difficult and complicated. In order to improve the energy efficiency and flexibility of MES, it is essential to explore the quantitative impact of thermal inertia on the regulation capacity of the MES. To tackle this problem, this paper proposes a robust coordinated optimization method for MES considering thermal inertia uncertainty (TIU). First, the multiple thermal inertia (MTI) of solid thermal storage electric boiler (STSEB), heating network (HN) and buildings (BD) are modeled, and the thermal inertia of physical models are simulated based on ANSYS finite element software. The quantitative method of the difference between the monitoring data of the heating network operation status and the thermal energy flow model is studied, and the TIU model is established. By discretizing the uncertainty domain, an improved two-stage robust optimal scheduling model for MES considering TIU is constructed. Finally, part of real MES in the Northeastern China is used in the case study. Simulation results show that the operating cost of the MES considering the uncertainty of wind power will increase by 26.9%. On this basis, the operating cost considering TIU is reduced by 16.3%. It can be seen that considering the TIU will enhance heat storage capacity of heating network and has positive benefits for MES regulation, which can balance the operating cost and robustness of the system, and promote wind power integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accidents caused by the instability of bedding rock slope are often encountered in the expressway construction and operation in China. The shear strength parameters of the structural plane play a major role in controlling the stability of the bedding rock slope. In this paper, in-situ direct shear tests were performed on the structural planes containing the thick muddy interlayer, which were widely distributed between the layers of muddy slate in Guizhou Expressway. A numerical model considering the thickness of the muddy interlayer and the shape of the structural plane is established using the UDEC program. Numerical analysis has been performed to reveal the shear mechanical behaviors and the progressive failure mechanism of the muddy structural plane from a mesoscopic perspective. The thickness of the muddy interlayer has a great influence on the shear mechanical behaviors of the structural planes containing the weak layer. With the increase of the thickness of the interlayer, the peak shear strength of the structural plane decreases, and the stress-displacement curve presents a strong nonlinear characteristic. Due to the uneven spatial distribution of the thickness and morphology of the muddy interlayers in actual engineering practices, it should not only adopt the results from in-situ direct shear tests, but also consider the interlayer thickness for the stability analysis of the bedding rock slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Numerical simulation for CN HCCB TBS helium cooling system has been completed. • Preliminarily demonstrated the operation of HCS and verifies the rationality of operational states. • The results provide foundation for further design and optimization of HCS. Understanding the thermal hydraulic behaviors of switching processes between operational states is one of key issues in the design and optimization of the helium cooling system (HCS) of China helium cooled ceramic breeder test blanket system (CN HCCB TBS). The thermal hydraulic model of HCS considering the influence of heat structural and thermal insulation layer was established, and the main switching processes for the main operational states of HCS were simulated. The results present the dynamic changes of the thermal hydraulic parameters, including temperature, pressure, helium mass, power of heater, etc. The results indicate that the operation states and relative switching processes are reasonable: the designed operational states can be achieved by controlling the heater power and circulator mass flow rate; the time consumptions for state switching processes are far less than the reserved time according to the operation campaign schedule of international thermal-nuclear fusion reactor (ITER). The work presented in this paper demonstrates the operation of HCS, which provides an important foundation for further design and optimization of the HCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of titanium-bearing blast furnace slag have been dumped in China, resulting in serious environmental contamination and a waste of precious titanium resource. At present, a process for recovering titanium from titanium-bearing blast furnace slag has been developed. Unfortunately, current size reduction techniques fail to meet the material size requirements. In this paper, a particle size controllable jet milling technology was proposed based on the idea of one-time collision between the particle and the target. To better control the breakage size, computational fluid dynamics was used to model the new jet mill giving a detailed understanding of the mechanisms. Simulated results showed that the acceleration region of the low velocity fluid was located inside the ejected stream. The velocity at which the fluid hits the target was relatively uniform. It indicated that the new jet mill was advantageous for obtaining a pulverized product having a narrower particle size distribution. Experimental results showed that the excessive size reduction was effectively reduced. The average mass fraction of the particles with the particle size of <30 μm was 19.0%, 30–150 μm was 72.8%, and >150 μm was 8.2%, meeting the requirement for titanium recycling from titanium-bearing blast furnace slag in industry. This study provides a feasible method for reducing particle size to a desired distribution to promote resource sustainable utilization and pollution reduction in an environmentally friendly way. Image 1069 • Particle size control is first identified as the key to Ti-BFS recycling. • One-time collision concept is put forward to control particle size of fracture. • Particle size controllable jet milling system is proposed and established. • Ti-BFS is crushed to the desired particle size distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]