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Abstract Background With the demand for more effective and engaging teaching strategies in higher education, there is an imperative to blend traditional and innovative methods to optimize student learning outcomes. To address this educational need, this study sets out to design and evaluate a hybrid learning approach that integrates a flipped classroom based on working process systematization (termed “W + flipped classroom”) teaching design with blended online and offline methods based on the BOPPPS (bridge-in, objective/outcome, preassessment, participatory learning, post assessment, summary, termed “B + BOPPPS”) teaching model and explore its application effects in the field of biological separation engineering. Methods The undergraduate class of 2020 majoring in biomedical engineering from Huanghuai University was designated the control group (n = 74), while the undergraduate class of 2021 was chosen as the experimental group (n = 79). The control group received traditional teaching methods. The experimental group adopted the integrated “W + flipped classroom” and B + BOPPPS teaching models. After the conclusion of the teaching period, comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of course objective achievement, academic performance, and critical thinking skills. A survey was distributed to assess learning effectiveness. Semistructured interviews were conducted with teachers and students from the experimental group to evaluate teaching effectiveness. Results The integrated “W + flipped classroom” and B + BOPPPS teaching models significantly improved the academic performance and critical thinking skills of the experimental group. The teaching evaluation revealed high levels of acceptance among both teachers and students, along with improved satisfaction with the teaching methodology. Conclusion The integration of the “W + flipped classroom” teaching design with the “B + BOPPPS” teaching model provides a scientific foundation for future teaching reforms. This study serves as a valuable reference for implementing the OBE philosophy, enhancing learning outcomes, achieving engineering education accreditation, and cultivating high-quality applied talents in the field of bioengineering at applied universities.

The current talent training system for the environmental engineering major (EEM) at local colleges faces significant challenges, including undefined training objectives, an incomplete curriculum, inconsistent practical teaching platforms, and homogeneous teaching teams. To address these issues, this study introduces the 'Four Styles' cultivation system implemented at the EEM of Hubei Polytechnic University. This system integrates advanced environmental remediation technologies into environmental engineering education through the development of a '1 + multiple' curriculum, the establishment of 'cloud + field' practical platforms, and the formation of a diverse '1 + 2' teaching team. The effectiveness of this system was evaluated using self-assessment scores from graduates and employer satisfaction ratings. Results showed that graduates rated their application ability with an average score of 3.96 ± 0.11, with the highest scores in work ethics (4.14), lifelong self-learning (4.11), and teamwork (4.09). Employer satisfaction with graduates' abilities averaged 81.6 ± 2.33%, with the highest ratings for work ethics (86.0%), teamwork (85.5%), and lifelong self-learning (84.7%) Despite these successes, areas for improvement were identified, including better training in analyzing engineering problems (3.79) and mastering modern tools (3.79). These findings suggest that the 'Four Styles' cultivation system effectively enhances the practical skills of EEM students while identifying areas for future curriculum development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels yields a variety of chemically distinct pyrolysis residues collectively referred to as black carbon (BC). Among these residues, dissolved black carbon (DBC) constitutes the water-soluble fraction, making it a significant component of the global dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool. Consequently, it exerts an impact on the aquatic carbon cycle and global climate change. Owing to its unique molecular structure, DBC exhibits reduced reactivity in aquatic environments, thereby influencing the toxicity and environmental geochemical behavior of organic pollutants and heavy metals. While recent years have seen a surge in studies on DBC, yielding valuable insights, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the fate and cycling of DBC. This review consolidates the advancements in analytical and determination methods for DBC and offers a critical assessment of the advantages and limitations associated with various analytical techniques. Furthermore, it comprehensively surveys our current understanding of DBC, encompassing its molecular composition, spatial distribution, sources, and biogeochemical processes. The review also underscores prevailing challenges related to quantitative and qualitative methods and underscores research gaps concerning the physio-chemical transformation of DBC. The overarching aim is to advance our comprehension of the biogeochemical cycle of DBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for energy is leading to global depletion of fossil fuels and growing environmental pressures, which are issues that need to be addressed. Machine tools are basic energy-consuming equipment in manufacturing systems. However, existing theoretical models ignore tool wear as well as workpiece material properties. This makes it difficult to further improve the accuracy of the model. Therefore, this study begins with the point of view of energy dissipation in the metal material removal process. A milling power model for computer numerical control (CNC) machines, considering tool wear and workpiece material properties during machining, is established. At the same time, milling is taken as the research object. A multi-objective cutting parameter optimization model is established to ensure the surface quality of the workpiece. In addition, the cutting energy consumption is taken into account in the developed models. Based on the multi-objective manta ray foraging optimization algorithm (MOMRFO), the Pareto-optimal solution set under multiple cutting conditions is solved. Finally, the experimental results of optimized parameters are compared with empirical parameters. The average prediction accuracy of the proposed energy consumption prediction model is above 91%. The experiments show that machining quality improves by optimizing the cutting parameters, with SEC, MRR, and Ra increasing by more than 44%, 53%, and 38%, respectively. The goals of reducing energy consumption and increasing productivity are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor nanoholes have garnered significant interest due to their unique nanotopological structures, which can result in distinct physicochemical characteristics. This study delves into the properties of crystal vibrations in nanohole structures. The analytic Fröhlich phonon state and dispersion relationship in wurtzite nanoholes, with circular and square cross sections (CS), are derived using the macroscopic dielectric continuum model. It is found that two types of phonon modes, surface optical (SO) and half‐space (HS) modes, coexist in wurtzite nitride nanohole structures. These phonon modes and their dispersive behaviors in nanoholes significantly differ from those in nanowires due to the different nanotopological structures. Furthermore, the Fröhlich electron–phonon interaction Hamiltonians for SO and HS phonon modes in nanoholes are obtained based on a field quantization scheme. Numerical calculations on wurtzite AlN nanoholes reveal that the shape of the CS has a remarkable influence on the dispersive spectra of SO and HS phonon modes. Additionally, it is found that the dielectric medium significantly affects the dispersive features of SO modes, while its influence on the dispersive behavior of HS modes is negligible. The profound physical mechanisms behind these observations are deeply analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]