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Technical challenges associated with the treatment of silt subgrades frequently arise in coastal and river delta areas. Given the importance of environmental sustainability, the selection of efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly techniques for silt subgrade stabilization is paramount. While recycled polyester fibers primarily sourced from discarded polyester bottles have not yet been systematically employed in silt subgrade reinforcement, their potential is considerable. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the microstructural, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of silt, summarizing prior advancements in silt stabilization methodologies. Building upon this foundation, we introduce a novel approach utilizing recycled polyester fibers for silt subgrade improvement, outlining both its application prospects and challenges, which require further investigation. The findings of this study serve as a robust scientific foundation for the broader adoption and engineering implementation of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under certain conditions, impulses, delays, and nonlocal conditions are known to be negligible in comparison with the duration of the process. From the practical (engineering) point of view, delays and nonlocal conditions are intrinsic phenomena of a system that do not violate certain properties of it, such as the controllability. In other words, as a rule, the controllability is robust under the influence of impulses, delays and nonlocal conditions. In this paper, we apply Rothe's fixed-point theorem to prove the interior approximate controllability of the semilinear heat equation with impulses, delays and nonlocal conditions. Also we obtain conditions under which the system considered is approximately controllable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a study related to the learning of decision-making heuristics such as preference matrix, break-even point and decision tree from the perspective of using a computational tool. With their respective algorithms, a virtual learning environment through a mobile application (app) aimed at Engineering students was developed. To answer the research questions posed in this report, an empirical study was conducted to assess the effectiveness, efficiency and cost in solving decision-making problems with and without the use of the app. The results in this study suggest that the use of the app in learning decision-making skills facilitates the mathematical process for students, and that by using critical thinking competence, they can make assertive and accurate decisions considering different alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the service quality (SQ) of higher education institutes (HEI), offering professional courses from the perspective of faculty as they are the service providers as well as a major stakeholder in the educational arena. PHEISQUAL (Professional higher education institute service quality) scale has been developed to measure the service quality of HEI offering professional course using mixed methodology. Four factors namely—Training & Placement, Faculty Resource, Learning Infrastructure, and Assessment & Evaluation have been extracted. The scale has been subjected to rigorous analysis of scale development process and has complied with same. Thus this study accrues a new instrument to measure service quality of professional institutes offering higher education by taking into account the technical as well as operational factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the interaction of Nitrogen Vacancies in Diamond (NVD) with quantized cavity field. The system is explored analytically and the effect of the system parameters is analyzed. The stability of a quantum system with influencing factors is investigated using the Mandal Parameter. The generated correlation between the NVD and the quantized cavity field is quantified using the negativity. This study also investigates geometric phase and its dependence on the system parameters. The results show that this system holds great potential applications in quantum computation and quantum memory. Additionally, the features of the system can be controlled by the system parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the dynamics of quantum correlations in an isolated physical quantum under the influence of intrinsic coherence. We characterize the quantum correlations in the hybrid system using the granular model to investigate the amount of coherent-chaotic fractions, and we particularly use the spherical droplets to measure the specific correlations. Likewise, we examine the effect of coherence on the source evolution of these quantifiers within engineering applications. In particular, the behavior of the multiparticle correlations in terms of the system parameters and the coherence rate is investigated and analyzed in detail to explore the source intrinsic dimensions. We found that the correlations with genuine interferences behave slightly unsymmetrical for identical parameters characterizing the considered complex system and that the genuine correlations are more meaningful than primary interference which probed the chaotic peculiarities against the coherence phenomena. Our results also show that the robustness of quantum correlations can be modulated by adjusting the coherent rate, source physical properties and the initial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of a complex circuit with hardware components in a conventional way seems to be quite difficult for the students. Resultant wave-shapes may not be accurate and determined values of different parameters may not be exact. Due to inaccurate outcomes and time-consuming process in a conventional way, researchers despond to continue their approach. In this paper, a trainer kit has been developed which is just like a laboratory with necessary components and aims to implement multivibrators (Bistable, Monostable, and Astable) and RC phase shift oscillators in the laboratory. A variable power supply is constructed in the trainer kit that provides 9 V dc to the multivibrators and 15 V dc to the oscillator. Potentiometer, voltage regulator, different active and passive components such as resistors, capacitor, op-amp, transistor, and numerous jumper wires are introduced in this kit. The trainer kit ascertains an easy implementation by eliminating complexity and assures accurate wave-shapes at the oscilloscope within a short time. To validate the proposed system, a survey program has been introduced among many students and faculty members. The outcome of the survey is the demonstration of student and instructor views and opinions which acknowledges the trainer kit as an efficient and compatible working platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their highly influential paper, Yarkoni, Tal, and Jacob Westfall. 2017. "Choosing Prediction over Explanation in Psychology: Lessons from Machine Learning." Perspectives on Psychological Science 12 (6):1100–1122. the authors highlight difficulties in traditional explanatory research in the field of psychology and argue in favour of novel data-driven science. By applying machine-learning methods to large data sets, predictive power has been shown to increase significantly. Geological engineers are responsible for a wide range of applications, including the design of tunnels, dams, foundations, and mines. While the field of geological engineering stands on solid mechanistic grounds, we argue that its predictive aspect aligns more closely with psychology than other mechanistic sciences. We therefore propose a paradigm shift in geological engineering research towards a prediction-centric approach. Potentially, this could enhance cost-effectiveness in structural design and lead to substantial societal savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of operation system capability testing and evaluation, this paper studies the data resource system of operation system capability testing and evaluation from operation, business and engineering aspects. A 3-View Data resource framework is presented. And some suggestions on data resource construction are given. The research can help to clarify the data needs, improve the consistent understanding of joint operation system capability evaluation data, and promote the development of the data resource and data integrated service platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of bypassing detection methods for DNS covert channel（DCC） traffic deformation strategies, this paper proposed a DCC detection method based on traffic slice. In this method, the traffic of the experimental environment was firstly divided into batches based on the sliding window, and then obtained the traffic slice based on the aggregation of each host-end IP. Each slice contains DNS packets and Web packets belonging to the same host in a short time span. Then, for the DNS data volume, DNS request behavior, DNS response behavior, and association behavior correlation behavior with WEB of DNS in the slice, it implement DCC-detection-oriented feature engineering and create detection models on this basis. Comparative experiments show that the detection accuracy of the constructed DCC detection model on the conventional DCC traffic datasets is 99.83%,and the false positive rate is only 0.08%.On the deformed DCC traffic datasets with six types of different traffic deformation strategies, the detection ability of the DCC detection model is more than 95% on average, which is better than the other detection schemes. It proves that the proposed method is effective in dealing with DCC traffic deformation. Moreover, the proposed method, which can effectively detect DCC communication within a single traffic slice, is a detection method with good real-time performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the ethical and professional responsibilities of engineering Graduate Students (GSs) and Faculty Members (FMs) in relation to Graduate Recruitment Offers (GROs). The authors developed an academic survey for data collection and subsequently evaluated the collected data based on common ethical theories and principles, as well as relevant professional codes of conduct. Based on the survey responses, this study identified the most common driving and preventive reasons for FMs and GSs not to honor a signed GRO. Further, the perception of GSs and FMs in relation to GROs was investigated using statistical methods. Finally, the authors provided an educational framework in the form of a checklist aimed at promoting ethical and professional decision-making as related to GROs. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research can be incorporated into senior seminar courses to enhance engineering undergraduate students' ethical education and promote their ethical thinking as they grow into professional roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learnability in Automated Driving (LiAD) is a neglected research topic, especially when considering the unpredictable and intricate ways humans learn to interact and use automated driving systems (ADS) over the sequence of time. Moreover, there is a scarcity of publications dedicated to LiAD (specifically extended learnability methods) to guide the scientific paradigm. As a result, this generates scientific discord and, thus, leaves many facets of long-term learning effects associated with automated driving in dire need of significant research courtesy. This, we believe, is a constraint to knowledge discovery on quality interaction design phenomena. In a sense, it is imperative to abstract knowledge on how long-term effects and learning effects may affect (negatively and positively) users' learning and mental models. As well as induce changeable behavioural configurations and performances. In view of that, it may be imperative to examine operational concepts that may help researchers envision future scenarios with automation by assessing users' learning ability, how they learn and what they learn over the sequence of time. As well as constructing a theory of effects (from micro, meso and macro perspectives), which may help profile ergonomic quality design aspects that stand the test of time. As a result, we reviewed the literature on learnability, which we mined for LiAD knowledge discovery from the experience perspective of long-term learning effects. Therefore, the paper offers the reader the resulting discussion points formulated under the Learnability Engineering Life Cycle. For instance, firstly, contextualisation of LiAD with emphasis on extended LiAD. Secondly, conceptualisation and operationalisation of the operational mechanics of LiAD as a concept in ergonomic quality engineering (with an introduction of Concepts for Applying Learnability Engineering (CALE) research based on LiAD knowledge discovery). Thirdly, the systemisation of implementable long-term research strategies towards comprehending behaviour modification associated with extended LiAD. As the vehicle industry revolutionises at a rapid pace towards automation and artificially intelligent (AI) systems, this knowledge is useful for illuminating and instructing quality interaction strategies and Quality Automated Driving (QAD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employs an innovative investigation approach to study pore evolution in Al-Si-Mg-Cu alloy within aluminum foam sandwiches (AFS) by integrating data from heating–expansion ratio curves, in situ observation of synchronous radiation, and microscopic analysis of the matrix's microstructure at different stages. Additionally, the cavity design and plate type control for large-scale AFS production are explored. Findings categorize the precursor heating into three stages: rapid heating, solid–liquid transition, and stable foaming. During solid–liquid transition, the expansion rate experiences a sudden drop, associated with pore nucleation and edge cracking of precursors. Pores nucleate as elongated crack-like structures along the rolling direction, guided by the Mg-enriched regions. In stable foaming, these pores evolve, become spherical, and the matrix rapidly expands. Using square tubes for sealing on the preform cavity sides creates a dense edge zone during rolling, halting crack propagation into the powder core. Adopting edge sealing during foaming mitigates boundary effects, thereby improving AFS panel flatness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based lateral flow assays (LFAs) have achieved grand success in point-of-care diagnostics; nevertheless, they are still facing challenges. This review outlines current major challenges in LFAs addressing particularly sensitivity, specificity, selectivity, reproducibility and multiplex capability. Potential solutions to meet these challenges are proposed in the areas of chemistry, nanobiotechnology, and engineering. Specifically, approaches for enhancement of sensitivity through introducing alternative nanomaterials and new signal amplification strategies, improvement of specificity through seeking for more efficient recognition molecules, optimization of selectivity by treatment of the paper surface to achieve anti-fouling sensing interface, and development of improved controls on environment, raw materials and device engineering for better reproducibility, are reviewed and discussed. The success in these perspectives will help to pave the way for the development of more efficient LFAs for future research and applications in clinical settings, food safety and quality, environment monitoring, biosecurity, etc. • Paper lateral flow assays (LFAs) with different formats and signal readout. • Address challenges in sensitivity, specificity, selectivity, reproducibility, multiplexing. • Sensitivity enhancement by nanotechnology and biotechnology. • Chemical and engineering strategies to improve the analytical performance of LFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new evaluation of the half-life of 241Pu has been made by combining previous results from earlier methods and techniques with further measurements of the isotopic ratio of an initially enriched 241Pu material. A correction to the previous published value has had to be made. The half-life of 241Pu is an important parameter for the measurement and control of amounts of plutonium as the decay of this isotope is usually the largest contributor to the uncertainty of estimations of the amount of total plutonium after storage. The value of the half-life together with its associated uncertainty needs to be known with a high degree of confidence. However, the half-life value of ca.14.3 a (years) means the decay of the isotope is difficult to measure over one or more half-lives using a single method or instrument. The method employed in this evaluation is designed to conform to the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurements (GUM) (International Organisation for Standardisation, Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, ©ISO, ISBN 92-67-10188-9, Geneva, Switzerland, 1993)1and care was taken to ensure that all measured values over the 30 year measurement time-span have been included. The value recommended from this set of measurements is 14.325 a ± 0.024 a (k= 2). This agrees with the value from the first measurements of the same material in 1983 of 14.33 a ± 0.02 a (P. De Bièvre, P. Gallet and M. Wertz, Int. J. Mass Spectrom., Ion Phys., 51, 1983, 111).2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IEEE Transactions on Reliability is the premiere technical journal for reliability and related disciplines. We strive to continue this reputation, so we continue to discover what makes journals great. We have discovered that IEEE journals work to have the qualities readers and authors would like to expect. Correctness and technical merit are important features of accepted manuscripts, with correctness rating as most important to the responding editors. Writing and solving real problems seem to be the least important features. The relative unimportance of these last two categories may be a concern, except that relative importance is not an indicator of absolute importance. However, a recent IEEE survey suggests that members place most value on more practical articles, which suggests that the relative importance of solving real problems should be high if we are to meet the needs of our members through our journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a calendar of forthcoming congresses and conventions. The 13th International Congress on Sound and Vibration will be held on July 2-6, 2006 at Vienna University of Technology in Vienna, Austria. The 16th European Conference of Fracture will be held on July 3-7, 2006 in Alexandroupolis, Greece. The 8th Biennial ASME Conference on Engineering Systems Design and Analysis is scheduled on July 4-7, 2006 in Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy.

Abstract: The international FORUM of Fire research directors periodically takes positions on issues dealing with the direction and implementation of fire research with the potential for significant impact on safety and/or global practices, standards and test methods. This short communication represents the FORUM''s position on the validation of numerical fire models. These models are increasingly being used on the fire protection engineering community, and have the potential for a significant impact with the increasing acceptance of performance based fire codes. The FORUM position is to require verification and validation of these models. Activities should include; code verification to identify and reduce coding errors, calculation verification to establish appropriate model usage, and model validation to provide a quantitative assessment of the predictive capabilities of a model. Peer-reviewed documentation of these activities should be published in the open literature. The importance of verification of models for fire phenomenon, and an overview of these activities, are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a bibliography of process capability books, manuals and articles, in relation to the engineering sector. "Process Capability Indices in Theory and Practice," by C. Lovelace and S. Kotz; "Measuring Process Capability," by D. R. Bothe; "Process Capability Indices," by N. L. Johnson and S. Kotz.

Reliability analysts are often faced with the challenge of characterizing the behaviour of system components based on limited data. The purpose of this study is to provide insight into which availability model input data are most significant and how many data are necessary to achieve desired accuracy requirements. The overall goal is to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the data collection and data characterization processes. A 25-1V factorial designed experiment was conducted to determine which of five input data characterization factors (for a simple series–parallel structure) may significantly affect availability model accuracy. The results from this experiment show that in this instance the factors under study do not have a significant effect on model output accuracy. Additional research is planned to more closely scrutinize the effects of these factors. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This paper was produced under the auspices of the US Government and is therefore not subject to copyright in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the author of the article "Feather structure, biomechanics and biomimetics: the incredible lightness of being" that was published in the 2014, volume 155 issue, is presented.

As the increasingly serious water pollution problem affects the sustainable development of the ecological environment, the research of water pollution treatment engineering cannot be delayed. Among them, the performance evaluation of water pollution treatment engineering is a major focus. After reading the existing studies, it is found that most of the existing performance evaluation indicators of water pollution treatment engineering have qualitative indicators and there is an unbalanced preference representation. Intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic sets can be a good representation of the qualitative preference and non-preference of decision-makers in the context of decision-making containing unbalanced phenomena. Therefore, to better solve the problem of water pollution treatment engineering, this paper introduces intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic sets to the problem of water pollution treatment engineering and proposes an effective theory for it. First, considering the multiplicative nature of the intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic set, a new score function and accuracy function are defined, and on this basis, the priority rules of intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic set are given to prepare for the subsequent water pollution treatment engineering performance ranking. And the distance measure of intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic set is introduced and a CRITIC attribute weight determination model under intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic set is obtained on this basis. Secondly, the Choquet integral operator is applied to better represent the correlation between elements. However, the nature of membership degree and non-membership degree shows that it is not reasonable to aggregate the information of intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic sets with a single increasing and decreasing transformation. Therefore, in this paper, we propose the IMLS bi-direction exponent Choquet integral operator, which is inspired by the bi-direction Choquet integral. Lastly, we improve the original preference function of the classical PROMETHEE II method to obtain the bi-directional PROMETHEE II method in intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic information. Finally, a numerical case is also provided to illustrate the scientific and rational application of the bi-directional PROMETHEE II method in intuitionistic multiplicative linguistic information for the performance evaluation of water pollution treatment engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using critical race methodology as a methodological framework, this paper explores how 16 Black men PhD scientists and engineers describe their undergraduate and graduate school choices and how race and racism influenced these processes. Our analysis yielded two descriptive themes focused on counterspaces for Black men in science and engineering (S&E). Implications for higher education researchers and practitioners, and S&E faculty interested in supporting the persistence of Black men pursuing and completing S&E postsecondary degrees are offered within. This paper contributes to the literature by investigating the connections between racism, counterspaces, and undergraduate and graduate choices of Black men pursuing S&E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-industrial cities often find themselves at a crossroads as to whether to find a new identity or embrace their industrial past. In late 2017, after the closure of major manufacturing plants in the region, the Australian city of Geelong was designated a UNESCO City of Design and embraced a "Clever and Creative" strategy which acknowledged Geelong's industrial and design past in responding to contemporary technological, demographic, and economic challenges. However, questions remain as to which versions of the past are valued by the local community and how these stories can be shared. To better understand the social value of design and manufacturing heritage in Geelong as well as to get initial feedback on how to interpret this type of heritage through novel immersive extended reality (XR) experiences, the researchers took a community-led approach. This paper reports on the results of the initial online community surveys (N = 55–137) and in-person stakeholder interviews (N = 5) with carefully selected representatives of the local government, education, heritage, tourism, and engineering sectors. The study's outcome demonstrates the importance of design and manufacturing heritage for the local community's identity. Moreover, this type of heritage provides a source of inspiration, learning opportunities for future creative problem-solvers, and economic opportunities through tourism. By engaging with the social value of design and manufacturing heritage, this paper argues that more effective and targeted storytelling, game-like applications, and other digital immersive experiences such as extended reality (XR) can be used to better engage with audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the local mining and global search ability of quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization algorithm ( QPSO), this paper proposed an improved QPSO algorithm( DSQPSO). DSQPSO algorithm introduced the double strategies co-evolution to adjust the particle position update formula. Firstly, in order to fully reflect the advantage of individual exploration and the characteristic of collective guidance, this paper put forward two kinds of ideas of attraction points to achieve better integration of individuals and the swarm as well as information exchange. Secondly, it redefined the search scope of the particle through considering the relationship between the optimal average position and the global optimum and individual's historical optimum respectively. Moreover, in the iterative process, DSQPSO used the random perturbation mechanism to adjust the global optimal position in order to help the diversity of the swarm to be preserved. Based on 18 test functions, this paper compared DSQPSO with PSO, QPSO, RQPSO and LQPSO in convergence accuracy and robustness. Furthermore, in terms of the optimization results, it compared the improved algorithm with eight intelligent algorithms on two practical engineering optimization problems. Experiments indicate that whether in benchmarking or in engineering application, DSQPSO has obvious advantages in calculation precision and convergence effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of the architectural design of deep learning models in combination with a feature engineering approach considering the temporal variation in the features in the case of tropospheric ozone forecasting. Although deep neural network models have shown successful results by extracting features automatically from raw data, their performance in the domain of air quality forecasting is influenced by different feature analysis approaches and model architectures. This paper proposes a simple but effective analysis of tropospheric ozone time series data that can reveal temporal phases of the ozone evolution process and assist neural network models to reflect these temporal variations. We demonstrate that addressing the ozone evolution phases when developing the model architecture improves the performance of deep neural network models. As a result, we evaluated our approach on the CNN model and showed that not only does it improve the performance of the CNN model, but also that the CNN model in combination with our approach boosts the performance of the other deep neural network models such as LSTM. The development of the CNN, LSTM-CNN, and CNN-LSTM models using the proposed approach improved the prediction performance of the models by 3.58%, 1.68%, and 3.37%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Password alone is currently not trusted for user online authentication and security as threats from hackers continue to grow, requiring highly efficient defense safeguard protection against unauthorized users. Therefore, CAPTCHA techniques came into the picture as an automated assistance to distinguish between humans and robots. The CAPTCHA has several applications in the online security domain requiring to be merged with encrypted hash function benefitting from the facility of the graphical password schemes. This paper proposes engineering an authentication technique using graphical CAPTCHA with an AES encrypted hash password to maintain applicable security accessing systems. We propose three layered security system that joins highly efficient security mechanisms to avoid users’ stress of entering password many times or different other hectic routines in order to save account accessing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer nanocomposites have been a topic of intensive research regarding High Voltage Engineering since the nineties of the last century. They present an alternative to conventional polymers since the latter were diagnosed with certain drawbacks. In this paper, a short review is given as to the basic characteristics of the polymer nanocomposites and some comments are offered as to the possible applications of the said materials in High Voltage Engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematics modelling is a vital competency for students of all ages. In this study, we aim to fill the research gap about valid and reliable tools for assessing and grading mathematical modeling problems, particularly those reflecting multiple steps of the modelling cycle. We present in this paper the design of a reliable and valid assessment tool aimed at gauging the level of mathematical modelling associated with real-world modeling problems in a scientific-engineering context. The study defines and bases the central modelling processes on the proficiency levels identified in PISA Mathematics. A two-dimensional rubric was developed, reflecting the combined assessment of the type and level of a modelling process. We identified criteria that enable a clear comparison and differentiation among the different levels across each of the modelling processes. These criteria allow for concrete theoretical definitions for the various modelling processes, introducing a well-defined mathematical modelling framework from a didactical viewpoint, which can potentially contribute to promoting modelling competencies or the understanding of modelling by teachers and students. Theoretical, methodological and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA) is widely used due to its simple structure and efficient search ability. However, SSA exhibits relatively slow convergence speed and imbalanced exploration and exploitation. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a fuzzy squirrel search algorithm based on a wide-area search mechanism named FSSSA. The fuzzy inference system and sine cosine mutation are employed to enhance the convergence speed. The wide-area search mechanism is introduced to achieve a better balance between exploration and exploitation, as well as improve the convergence accuracy. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed strategies, FSSSA is compared with SSA on 24 diverse benchmark functions, using four evaluation indexes: convergence speed, convergence accuracy, balance and diversity, and non-parametric test. The experimental results demonstrate that FSSSA outperforms SSA in all four indexes. Furthermore, a comparison with eight metaheuristic algorithms is conducted to illustrate the optimization performance of FSSSA. The results indicate that FSSSA exhibits excellent convergence speed and overall performance. Additionally, FSSSA is applied to four engineering problems, and experimental verification confirms that it maintains superior performance in realistic optimization problems, thus demonstrating its practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further promote the research and application of BIM technology in caisson gravity wharf project, this paper takes the No. 9 and No. 10 berths project of Dalanping South Operation Area, Dalanping Port Area, Qinzhou Port as an example, applies BIM technology to the construction management of traditional hydraulic wharf, introduces BIM technology in the construction process, and establishes a three-dimensional information model. On this basis, the comprehensive application of BIM technology was carried out for the project, and the effective combination of BIM technology and site construction was realized. With the advantages of visualization and informationization of BIM technology, engineering quantity statistics, construction progress simulation, design optimization, project results display and other work can be realized. BIM technology can empower traditional hydraulic projects, improve management level, enhance performance ability, and obtain good economic and social benefits, which provides a reference for similar projects and has certain promotion and reference significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the technical level of wharf construction, solve the problems of large tidal height difference, underfill caisson packing, irregular fender groove and different positions, and improve the quality of the project entity, this paper analyzes the fender groove construction in No.9 and No.10 berths project in Dalanping South Operation Area of Qinzhou Port, discusses the construction methods and key points of operation and formwork technology, and puts forward specific technical measures, such as mixed adjustable formwork, prefabricated bottom formwork, water -stop steel box, etc. It has accumulated the field construction experience of the fender groove of gravity wharf, ensured that the concrete at the fender groove meets the design and specification requirements, and effectively improved the quality of engineering entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of increasing environmental challenges, the transition to a low-carbon economy is an essential step for the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The quality of business processes plays a key role in the transition to a zero-carbon economy. The objective of the paper was, thus, to analyze the break-even point in core and supporting business processes using the proposed linear model based on regression analysis. The aim was to identify the impact of qualitative processes in the pre-production, production, and post-production phases on reaching the break-even point and how these processes affect profits in engineering companies operating in low-carbon sectors. The results suggest that supporting quality processes would generate the highest profit. Investing in improving the quality of core and supporting business processes has a twofold impact, as it improves the bottom line of enterprises through enhancing their reputation as socially responsible businesses. Corporate reputation based on corporate social responsibility in a low-carbon economy represents a valuable intangible asset that helps industrial companies to develop a sustainable and thriving low-carbon business ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forum papers are thought-provoking opinion pieces or essays founded in fact, sometimes containing speculation, on a civil engineering topic of general interest and relevance to the readership of the journal. The views expressed in this Forum article do not necessarily reflect the views of ASCE or the Editorial Board of the journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How safe are our structures? – Conceptual paper of the DGGT Working Group 2.15 "Reliability‐Based Methods in Geotechnical Engineering" The future Eurocode 7 will explicitly allow the use of reliability‐based methods in geotechnical planning and design. In Germany, there is hardly any experience in the practical application of such methods so far and thus the reservations towards these methods are plenty. The new DGGT Working Group (WG) 2.15 "Reliability‐Based Methods in Geotechnical Engineering" has set itself the goal of providing a practical access to those methods by means of practice‐oriented instructions and recommendations as well as accompanying training and further education courses. The aim is to clarify the possibilities and limitations and, above all, to exploit their potential. This article presents the general principles as well as the future fields of work of the WG 2.15. Starting with the introduction of relevant technical terms, the implementation of reliability‐based methods within the current codes of practice and regulations is shown. Using the life cycle of a geotechnical structure, the uncertainties in geotechnical designs and assessments are described. Subsequently it is outlined, in which situations and to what extend reliability‐based methods can aid engineers, clients and inspectors in verification and decision‐making processes. In the future, WG 2.15 will develop recommendations on individual topics and publish them successively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since improvement of ultra-soft soil ground encounters the shortage of sand resources in Tianjin coastal area, non-sand blanket vacuum preloading method becomes an important substitute approach to solve the dilemma. Under such a background, DB/T 29-263—2019 Technical Standard of Non-sand Blanket Vacuum Preloading Method for Soft Soil Improvement in Tianjin was issued and implemented on July 1st in 2019. This paper compares the standard DB/T 29-263—2019 with the industrial standards, JTS 147—2017 Code for Foundation Design on Port and Waterway Engineering and JTS206—2017 Code for Foundation construction on Port and Waterway Engineering, and further analyzes the main differences in the design and construction with the conventional vacuum preloading method and the non-sand blanket vacuum preloading method for a purpose to help engineering practitioners better understand DB/T 29-263—2019 in the promotion of application of non-sand blanket vacuum preloading method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a novel intelligent algorithm, fireworks algorithm (FWA) is applied to deal with different types of optimization problems. Since FWA's search processes are relatively simple, it is inefficient. In this paper, a dynamic multi-swarm competitive fireworks algorithm (DMCFWA) is developed to enhance the search capability of FWA. Firstly, based on the scaling coefficient updated by utilizing the fitness value of the optimal firework, the dynamic explosion amplitude strategy is proposed to improve the search capability of the best firework. Secondly, utilizing the location information of the fireworks, an improved search method is designed to enhance the local search capability of firework swarms. Thirdly, a multi-swarm independent selection technique and a restart operation are adopted to boost its abilities of global exploration and local exploitation. Finally, to reduce the computational cost of FWA, a new initialization method is used and a new model for calculating the spark number is embedded in DMCFWA. By adopting these strategies, DMCFWA easily implements and does well in exploitation and exploration. CEC2017 test suite and four engineering constraint problems are used to demonstrate the performance of DMCFWA. Experimental results show that DMCFWA performs more effectively and stably than its competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel virtual method to conduct continuous distillation experiment in an undergraduate unit operation laboratory with the help of SPM 700 Distillation Column, one of the modules available in Simtronics, a commercial process operation simulator. Simtronics simulator is a powerful tool to teach process industry skills and it is recognized in both industry and educational institutions. It also provides a virtual environment, which is clear and engaging, with navigational signs to guide a user through a process operation consisting of several unit operations. Hence, SPM 700 Distillation Column was utilized to conduct the continuous distillation experiment and acquire the experimental results virtually. The results were further validated by employing the McCabe–Thiele graphical method, which is considered the most instructive method for the analysis of binary distillation. Similarly, several other educational objectives of an undergraduate unit operation laboratory can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Online learning has recently surged due to the COVID‐19 global pandemic. Because of the pandemic, many universities were forced to move to online learning, and various online teaching and learning environments emerged, both asynchronous and synchronous. Objective: This study explores how a large university in the Southeastern United States of America converted an in‐person Lean Manufacturing professional course into synchronous online learning for industry participants. Method: The study analysed the performance of 212 in‐person and 43 online industry participants and examined the views of online participants about the training. Paired t‐tests, one‐way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were utilized to evaluate the performance of the in‐person and online groups on the three competencies (Lean culture, problem‐solving and Lean systems). Results and Conclusion: Both online and in‐person programs performed equally well in two Lean Manufacturing competencies: Lean systems and problem solving. The online program outperformed the in‐person program in the third competency, Lean culture. Overall, the participants had a positive experience with the structure and organization of the online program, and their impression of the online learning environment for the program was positive. The study findings indicated that Lean Manufacturing could be trained effectively online and in person. Best practices are suggested for the conversion of in‐person to synchronous online engineering continuing education programs. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: During the COVID‐19 pandemic, many in‐person lectures were converted to online lectures for undergraduate students, and some online lectures satisfied the students.Many researchers reported that the online participants yielded positive results, and the performance of online participants was comparable to that of in‐person participants.However, the participants mentioned that some of the challenges of online learning include poor concentration, internet losses and poor understanding of the use of technology. What this paper adds: A description of how in‐person training can be converted to online training for adult learners is a unique context since they bring experience to the learning process.A comparison of the performance of adult learners trained using in‐person performed compared to those trained in‐person. The implications of study findings for practitioners: The study's results indicated that both the online and the traditional in‐person programs yield almost similar results; thus, online education programs can be used when in‐person is impossible.Online education programs can be used when in‐person is impossible, and the best practice guidelines drawn from the study can benefit similar engineering continuing education programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree–seed algorithm is a stochastic search algorithm with superior performance suitable for solving continuous optimization problems. However, it is also prone to fall into local optimum and slow in convergence. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved tree–seed algorithm based on pattern search, dimension permutation, and elimination update mechanism (PDSTSA). Firstly, a global optimization strategy based on pattern search is used to promote detection ability. Secondly, in order to maintain the diversity of the population, a random mutation strategy of individual dimension replacement is introduced. Finally, the elimination and update mechanism based on inferior trees is introduced in the middle and later stages of the iteration. Subsequently, PDSTSA is compared with seven representative algorithms on the IEEE CEC2015 test function for simulation experiments and convergence curve analysis. The experimental results indicate that PDSTSA has better optimization accuracy and convergence speed than other comparison algorithms. Then, the Wilcoxon rank sum test demonstrates that there is a significant difference between the optimization results of PDSTSA and each comparison algorithm. In addition, the results of eight algorithms for solving engineering constrained optimization problems further prove the feasibility, practicability, and superiority of PDSTSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of knowledge obtained by connecting various scientific areas provides new opportunities for developing multidisciplinary branches to improve processes, procedures, technologies, and products. The present paper is devoted to the description of new approaches to material engineering and its possibilities in the process of the selection of materials intended for the production of dental implants. To ensure the conciseness of the article, a selection of state-of-the-art of scientific contributions is created in the introductory part in the form of a summary table, based on which the following parts of the article are elaborated. The first view of new ways of materials engineering is provided through the elaboration of the categorization of the setting of biological materials used in the production of dental implants, while taking into account current trends, technologies and findings. The second view of new ways of materials engineering is an extended complex process of selection and implementation of biomaterials intended for the production of dental implants originally created and adopted by the American Dental Association. Future studies should investigate the comprehensive analysis of technologies for the production of dental implant materials and also analysis of ways of digitization in the production of dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of our research is to show the point of view of the members of the Board concerning advantages, disadvantages and effectiveness of open ended questions used as a complement to closed response questionnaires. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, we will describe a pilot experience carried out at a Spanish public university where a short questionnaire with open ended questions was launched, and students were invited to comment on their perception of the teaching received. Findings: The response return rate (about 35%) was relatively high compared to other online closed response questionnaires delivered. Moreover, the students' comments provided valuable information which made the members of the Board of the Engineering Degree chosen reflect. Their reflection was evidence based and led to initiatives and actions to improve the quality of teaching, as well as to get an extensive view of the Degree. Practical implications: Findings reveal that the information retrieved can also be used in multiple ways such as formative feedback or even for improvement of courses and instruction. Originality/value: Student evaluation of teaching is a powerful tool for continuous teaching improvement but the information provided by conventional closed response questionnaires may not be sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the problem of identifying the parameters and the payloads of a 2-DOF robotic manipulator. The methodology proposed for our research was the algebraic identification method conducted in two stages: First, identifying the parameters of the manipulator and second, identifying the tip payload. Two different numerical simulation cases were used to validate the proposed identification methodology. In both cases, fast convergence was achieved with a low error percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a knowledge of design and construction technology and engineering is often overlooked in favour of 'digital' technology such as tablets and computers. By taking children outdoors into nature, removing tablets and computers as well as artificial and synthetic materials and replacing them with only what nature provides, children become attuned to developing STEM knowledge through play with natural materials. This knowledge often develops through teacher support and at times by default, as children experience the constantly changing landscape of the natural environment. The development of children's understandings of 'nature's' technology and engineering provides an opportunity for further investigation of nature-based early childhood education and care settings. Through research conducted at four Australian bush kindergartens, this paper presents data from photographs, interviews and observations undertaken of twelve teachers and over one hundred and twenty children. It responds to the research question, how do early years learners develop their understanding of technology and engineering by engaging in nature-based learning? The research was undertaken using ethnography, a useful method in nature settings as the approach enables a deep understanding of how children develop their understandings of applying technology and engineering over time. The data demonstrate the benefits preschool children can gain from learning and being 'in' and 'with' nature and the important role bush kinders play in supporting children's technological and engineering literacy. Findings reveal that through their participation in bush kinder, children can develop technological and engineering knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]