mlsa-iai-msu-lab/ru_sci_bench_zho_cite_reranking huggingface dataset:
Stand development patterns of forest cover types in the natural forests of northern Baekdudaegan in South Korea

The purpose of this study was to classify current forest cover types, and to investigate stand development patterns for natural forests in six areas in northern Baekdudaegan, South Korea. Twenty-eight independent forest communities were aggregated into eight forest cover types by species composition in the overstory of each forest community. The forest cover types were of mixed mesophytic, “others” deciduous, Quercus mongolica dominant, Q. mongolica pure, Pinus densiflora–Q. mongolica, P. densiflora, Betula ermanii, and Q. mongolica–P. koraiensis. The ecological information was organized by importance value and species diversity for each forest type. Based on the correlation between species diversity index and the abundance of Q. mongolica plus P. densiflora for corresponding forest cover types, we compared the developmental process and approximate successional pathway between each cover type. The P. densiflora forest cover type changes into the P. densiflora–Q. mongolica cover type, followed by the Q. mongolica dominant cover type through continuous invasion of the oak trees. Furthermore, the Q. mongolica pure cover type would spread toward the Q. mongolica dominant cover type with a mixture of various deciduous tree species. The Q. mongolica dominant cover type progresses through the other deciduous cover types to the mixed mesophytic cover type with diversified composition and structure. On the mid to lower slopes, with loamy soils and good moisture conditions, various deciduous forest types should progress, by ecological succession, toward the mixed mesophytic cover type without any further disturbance.
Diversity of filamentous fungi in leaf litter and aerial litter in semi-deciduous forest, Bahia, Brazil

The fungi have wide distribution in ecosystems and can be found colonizing various substrates, where they act as efficient decomposers, participating in cycling of nutrients. The present study aimed to assess the diversity, richness and composition of filamentous fungi in leaf litter and aerial litter in a semi-deciduous forest in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. Samples of leaf litter and aerial litter were collected monthly from October/2009 to September/ 2010 in eight installments in the studied area. Those samples were washed, placed in moist chambers and incubated. 47 taxa were identified, 37 in leaf litter and 35 in aerial litter, with 25 species common to both. A similarity of 69 % according to Sorensen index. The similarity was considered low when the sample points were compared to the same litter. Most fungi showed sporadic intervals.
Forest soil conservation based on eco-service provision unit method and its value in Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China

We propose an eco-service provision unit method for estimating the benefit and spatial differences of forests in controlling soil erosion. A total of 197 eco-service provision units were grouped on 1424.43 km~2 of forest according to differences in vegetation, slope, soil, and rainfall. The amount of soil conservation and its economic value were estimated. The forests in Anji County prevent 4.08 × 10~5 tons of soil from eroding annually, thereby avoiding 1.36 × 10~4 tons of nutrient loss (on-site cost) and preventing 149 tons of nutritive elements from entering water systems (off-site cost). From an economic perspective, the soil nutrient conservation in the forests of Anji County generated an annual benefit of 43.37 million RMB (Chinese Currency, 6.20 RMB = US$1). On average, each hectare of ecological forest contributed up to 436 RMB annually because of soil conservation. Ecological complexes with higher rainfall intensity, such as broadleaf forest and red soil on slope gradients >25°, contributed the highest soil conservation benefits. This study identified and quantified the dominant contributors and magnitudes of soil conservation provided by forests. This information can benefit decision making regarding differentiated ecological compensation policies.
Major constraints on shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) plantations and pathological debate on dieback disease in Punjab, Pakistan

Today, shisham plantations in Punjab, Pakistan face major constraints, especially dieback disease. This article reviews the multidisciplinary team work by forest and plant pathologists and economists to resolve the confusions in the pathology of dieback disease. It is intended to be of practical use to the foresters and plant pathologists reporting on this issue.
Flow of Burgers’ fluid over an inclined stretching sheet with heat and mass transfer

Effects of heat and mass transfer in the flow of Burgers fluid over an inclined sheet are discussed. Problems formulation and relevant analysis are given in the presence of thermal radiation and non-uniform heat source/sink. Thermal conductivity is taken temperature dependent. The nonlinear partial differential equations are simplified using boundary layer approximations. The resultant nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved for the series solutions. The convergence of series solutions is obtained by plotting the h -curves for the velocity, temperature and concentration fields. Results of this work describe the role of different physical parameters involved in the problem. The Deborah numbers corresponding to relaxation time (β_1 and β_2) and angle of inclination (α) decrease the fluid velocity and concentration field. Concentration field decays as Deborah numbers corresponding to retardation time (β_3) and mixed convection parameter (G) increase. Large values of heat generation/absorption parameters A/B, and the temperature distribution across the boundary layer increase. Numerical values of local Nusselt number, –θ′(0), and local Sherwood number, –?′(0), are computed and analyzed. It is found that θ′(0) increases with an increase in β_3.
Energy analysis of face stability of deep rock tunnels using nonlinear Hoek-Brown failure criterion

The nonlinear Hoek-Brown failure criterion was introduced to limit analysis by applying the tangent method. Based on the failure mechanism of double-logarithmic spiral curves on the face of deep rock tunnels, the analytical solutions of collapse pressure were derived through utilizing the virtual power principle in the case of pore water, and the optimal solutions of collapse pressure were obtained by using the optimization programs of mathematical model with regard of a maximum problem. In comparison with existing research with the same parameters, the consistency of change rule shows the validity of the proposed method. Moreover, parametric study indicates that nonlinear Hoek-Brown failure criterion and pore water pressure have great influence on collapse pressure and failure shape of tunnel faces in deep rock masses, particularly when the surrounding rock is too weak or under the condition of great disturbance and abundant ground water, and in this case, supporting measures should be intensified so as to prevent the occurrence of collapse.
Macro and meso characteristics evolution on shear behavior of rock joints

Direct shear tests were conducted on the rock joints under constant normal load (CNL), while the acoustic emission (AE) signals generated during shear tests were monitored with PAC Micro-II system. Before and after shearing, the surfaces of rock joints were measured by the Talysurf CLI 2000. By correlating the AE events with the shear stress–shear displacement curve, one can observe four periods of the whole course of shearing of rock joints. By the contrast of AE location and actual damage zone, it is elucidated that the AE event is related to the morphology of the joint. With the increase of shearing times, the shear behavior of rock joints gradually presents from the response of brittle behavior to that of ductile behavior. By combining the results of topography measurement, four morphological parameters of joint surface, Sp (the maximum height of joint surface), N (number of islands), A (projection area) and V (volume of joint) were introduced, which decrease with shearing. Both the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) and joint matching coefficient (JMC) drop with shearing, and the shear strength of rock joints can be predicted by the JRC-JMC model. It establishes the relationship between micro-topography and macroscopic strength, which have the same change rule with shearing.
Fabrication of micro-flow channels on graphite composite bipolar plates using microplaning

A new method of manufacturing micro-flow channels on graphite composite bipolar plate (GCBPP) microplaning using specially designed multi-tooth tool is proposed. In this method, several or even dozens of parallel micro-flow channels ranging from 100 μm to 500 μm in width can be produced simultaneously. But, edge chippings easily occur on the rib surface of GCBPP during microplaning due to brittleness of graphite composites. Experimental results show that edge chippings result in the increase of contact resistance between bipolar plate and carbon paper at low compaction force. While the edge chippings scarcely exert influence on the contact resistance at high compaction force. Contrary to conventional view, the edge chippings can significantly improve performance of microfuel cell and big edge chippings outperform small edge chippings. In addition, the influence of technical parameters on edge chippings was investigated in order to obtain big, but not oversized edge chippings.
Elastodynamic modeling and joint reaction prediction for 3-PRS PKM

To gain a thorough understanding of the load state of parallel kinematic machines (PKMs), a methodology of elastodynamic modeling and joint reaction prediction is proposed. For this purpose, a Sprint Z3 model is used as a case study to illustrate the process of joint reaction analysis. The substructure synthesis method is applied to deriving an analytical elastodynamic model for the 3-PRS PKM device, in which the compliances of limbs and joints are considered. Each limb assembly is modeled as a spatial beam with non-uniform cross-section supported by lumped virtual springs at the centers of revolute and spherical joints. By introducing the deformation compatibility conditions between the limbs and the platform, the governing equations of motion of the system are obtained. After degenerating the governing equations into quasi-static equations, the effects of the gravity on system deflections and joint reactions are investigated with the purpose of providing useful information for the kinematic calibration and component strength calculations as well as structural optimizations of the 3-PRS PKM module. The simulation results indicate that the elastic deformation of the moving platform in the direction of gravity caused by gravity is quite large and cannot be ignored. Meanwhile, the distributions of joint reactions are axisymmetric and position-dependent. It is worthy to note that the proposed elastodynamic modeling method combines the benefits of accuracy of finite element method and concision of analytical method so that it can be used to predict the stiffness characteristics and joint reactions of a PKM throughout its entire workspace in a quick and accurate manner. Moreover, the present model can also be easily applied to evaluating the overall rigidity performance as well as statics of other PKMs with high efficiency after minor modifications.
Geochip-based analysis of microbial functional genes diversity in rutile bio-desilication reactor

Biological desilication process is an effective way to remove silicate from rutile so that high purity rutile could be obtained. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of this process. In this work, a newly developed rutile bio-desilication reactor was applied to enrich rutile from rough rutile concentrate obtained from Nanzhao rutile mine and a comprehensive high through-put functional gene array (GeoChip 4.0) was used to analyze the functional gene diversity, structure and metabolic potential of microbial communities in the biological desilication reactor. The results show that TiO_2 grade of the rutile concentrate could increase from 78.21% to above 90% and the recovery rate could reach to 96% or more in 8–12 d. The results also show that almost all the key functional genes involved in the geochemical cycling process, totally 4324 and 4983 functional microorganism genes, are detected in the liquid and ore surface, respectively. There are totally 712 and 831 functional genes involved in nitrogen cycling for liquid and ore surface samples, respectively. The relative abundance of functional genes involved in the phosphorus and sulfur cycling is higher in the ore surface than liquid. These results indicate that nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycling are also present in the desiliconization process of rutile. Acetogenesis genes are detected in the liquid and ore surface, which indicates that the desiliconizing process mainly depends on the function of acetic acid and other organic acids. Four silicon transporting genes are also detected in the sample, which proves that the bacteria have the potential to transfer silicon in the molecule level. It is shown that bio-desilication is an effective and environmental-friendly way for enrichment of rough rutile concentrate and presents an overview of functional diversity and structure of desilication microbial communities, which also provides insights into our understanding of metabolic potential in biological desilication reactor ecosystems.
Synthesis and ionic conductivity of Li_6La_3BiSnO_(12) with cubic garnet-type structure via solid-state reaction

The synthesis and transport properties of the Li_6La_3BiSnO_(12) solid electrolyte by a solid-state reaction were reported. The condition to synthesize the Li_6La_3BiSnO_(12) is 785 °C for 36 h in air. The refined lattice constant of Li_6La_3BiSnO_(12) is 13.007 A. Qualitative phase analysis by X-ray powder diffraction patterns combined with the Rietveld method reveals garnet type compounds as major phases. The Li-ion conductivity of the prepared Li_6La_3BiSnO_(12) is 0.85×10~(–4) S/cm at 22 °C, which is comparable with that of the Li_5La_3Bi_2O_(12). The Li_6La_3BiSnO_(12) compounds are chemically stable against LiCoO_2 which is widely used as cathode material up to 700 °C but not against the LiMn_2O_4 if the temperature is higher than 550 °C. The Li_6La_3BiSnO_(12) exhibits higher chemical stability than Li_5La_3Bi_2O_(12), which is due to Sn substitution for Bi.
Comparison of desulfurization kinetics of copper oxide sorbent

Desulfurization experiments of CuO, γ-Al_2O_3 and CuO/γ-Al_2O_3 were made in simulated flue gas by means of thermogravimetric analysis. It is found that reaction activities of CuO supported on γ-Al_2O_3 could be highly improved. Desulfurization kinetics of CuO/γ-Al_2O_3 was studied in the temperature range of 250 °C–400 °C and SO_2 concentration of 0.1%–0.9%. The experimental data were tested and compared with kinetics models of volume reaction model (VRM), grain size model (GSM), random pore model (RPM) and pore-blocking model (PBM). Correlation analysis shows that VRM and RPM models do not fit experimental data well. GSM contradicts with the changes in the physical and chemical properties of CuO/γ-Al_2O_3 as the desulfurization proceeds. It is found that PBM is consistent with the change of pore structure of CuO/γ-Al_2O_3 sorbent during desulfurization process and predicts the conversion-time curves of the sorbent well. Meanwhile, kinetics parameters are obtained and discussed.
Experimental study on convection heat transfer and air drag in sinter layer

Convection heat transfer coefficient and air pressure drop in sinter layer are important factors for the design of sinter cooling craft. Due to the lack of necessary data, the two parameters are studied by experimental method. The experimental results show that heat conduction of sinter impacts the measurement of convection heat transfer coefficient. Convection heat transfer increases with the increase of air volumetric flow rate. Sinter layer without small particles(sample I) gives higher convection heat transfer coefficient than that with small particles(sample II). Under the considered conditions, volumetric convection heat transfer coefficient is in the range of 400–1800 W/(m~3·°C). Air pressure drop in sinter layer increases with the increase of normal superficial velocity, as well as with the rise of air temperature. Additionally, air pressure drop also depends on sinter particle size distribution. In considered experimental conditions, pressure drop in sinter sample II is 2–3 times that in sinter sample I, which resulted from 17% small scale particles in sinter sample II.
Formation mechanisms and distribution of high quality reservoirs in deep strata in Palaeogene in northern steep slope zone of Bonan sag, Jiyang depression, China

Petrographic analysis combined with various techniques, such as thin section identification, petro-physical property testing, mercury penetration, oil testing results, was used to assess basic reservoir characteristics of deep strata in Palaeogene in the northern steep slope zone of the Bonan sag, China. The formation mechanisms of high quality reservoirs in deep strata were discussed according to evolution characteristics of paleopressures and paleofluids in geological period. The deep reservoirs have poor physical properties and mainly develop extra-low porosity, extra-low and ultra-low permeability reservoirs. Reservoir spaces mainly consist of secondary pores and overpressure fractures. Early overpressure, early hydrocarbon filling and dissolution by early organic acids are the major formation mechanisms of high quality reservoirs. The conglomerate in inner fan which had a poor primary physical property mainly experienced strong compaction and calcareous matrix recrystallization. The physical properties of the inner fan were poor with weak dissolution because of poor mobility of fluid. The reservoirs mainly are type IV reservoirs and the distribution extends with the burial depth. The braided channel reservoirs in the middle fan had relative good primary physical properties and strong ability to resist compaction which favored the preservation of primary pores. Large amounts of the secondary porosities were created due to dissolution by early organic acids. A series of micro-fractures generated by early overpressures would be important migration pathways for hydrocarbon and organic acids. Furthermore, early overpressures had retarded maturation of organic matters and organic acids which had flowed into reservoirs already and could keep in acid environment for a long time. This process would contribute significantly to reinforcing the dissolution and enhancing the reservoir quality. The braided channel reservoirs were charged with high oil saturation preferentially by early hydrocarbon filling which could inhibit later cementation. Therefore, the braided channel reservoirs develop a great quantity of reservoir spaces with type I, type II and type III reservoirs in the majority in the deep strata. With the burial depth, distributions of type I and type II reservoirs are narrowed and distribution of type III reservoirs decreases first and then extends. The reservoirs both in outer fan and in interdistributary of the middle fan have extremely poor physical properties because of extensive carbonate cementation. The type of the reservoirs mainly is type IV.
Collaboration strategy for software dynamic evolution of multi-agent system

As the ability of a single agent is limited while information and resources in multi-agent systems are distributed, cooperation is necessary for agents to accomplish a complex task. In the open and changeable environment on the Internet, it is of great significance to research a system flexible and capable in dynamic evolution that can find a collaboration method for agents which can be used in dynamic evolution process. With such a method, agents accomplish tasks for an overall target and at the same time, the collaborative relationship of agents can be adjusted with the change of environment. A method of task decomposition and collaboration of agents by improved contract net protocol is introduced. Finally, analysis on the result of the experiments is performed to verify the improved contract net protocol can greatly increase the efficiency of communication and collaboration in multi-agent system.
Numerical analysis of elastic coated solids in line contact

A line contact model of elastic coated solids is presented based on the influence coefficients(ICs) of surface displacement and stresses of coating–substrate system and the traditional contact model. The ICs of displacement and stresses are obtained from their corresponding frequency response functions(FRF) by using a conversion method based on fast Fourier transformation(FFT). The contact pressure and the stress field in the subsurface are obtained by employing conjugate gradient method(CGM) and discrete convolution fast Fourier transformation(DC-FFT). Comparison of the contact pressure and subsurface stresses obtained by the numerical method with the exact analytical solutions for Hertz contact is conducted, and the results show that the numerical solution has a very high accuracy and verify the validity of the contact model. The effect of the stiffness and thickness of coatings is further numerically studied. The result shows that the effects on contact pressure and contact width are opposite for hard and soft coatings and are intensified with the increase of coating thickness; the locations of crack initiation and propagation are different for soft and hard coatings; the risk of cracks and delaminations of coatings can be brought down by improving the lubrication condition or optimizing the non-dimensional parameter h/bh. This research offers a tool to numerically analyze the problem of elastic coated solids in line contact and make the blindness and randomness of trial-type coating design less.
Preparation of spiro-type quaternary ammonium salt via economical and efficient synthetic route as electrolyte for electric double-layer capacitor

A spiro-type quaternary ammonium salt, spiro-(1,1′)-bipyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate(SBP-BF_4) was successfully prepared by an economical and efficient three-step process comprising the cyclization reaction of 1,4-dibromobutane and pyrrolidine, and subsequent ion exchange pathway with KOH followed by neutralization reaction via HBF_4 in the system of ethanol solution.~1H NMR,~(13)C NMR, FI-IR and XPS analyses showed the structure of SBP-BF_4. The as-obtained SBP-BF_4 was dissolved in AN and used as the electrolyte for supercapacitor. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that, compared with commercial electrolyte TEMA-BF_4/AN, SBP-BF_4/AN exhibits high ionic conductivity, lower resistance and improved cycling performance, which is due to its smaller ion size and stable symmetry structure.
The geometric resistivity correction factor for several geometrical samples

This paper reviews the geometric resistivity correction factor of the 4-point probe DC electrical conductivity measurement method using several geometrical samples. During the review of the literature, only the articles that include the effect of geometry on resistivity calculation were considered. Combinations of equations used for various geometries were also given. Mathematical equations were given in the text without details. Expressions for the most commonly used geometries were presented in a table for easy reference.