Limited Site Access Research Articles

A new canvas of learning: Enhancing formal analysis skills in AP art history through AI-generated Islamic art

This study explores the use of AI art generators to enhance formal analysis skills in AP Art History students, with a focus on Islamic Art and Architecture. Students, often entering the course with high academic achievements, find the unique challenge of articulating detailed visual descriptions of artworks. The study’s approach involves using AI image-generation websites, like wepik.com, where students create AI images resembling Islamic artworks studied in class. This method aims to refine their descriptive skills, focusing on visual evidence rather than relying on identifying details. The choice of Islamic Art, markedly different from other historical periods covered in the curriculum, is intended to boost retention and learning engagement. The results show that students were more successful in describing architectural artworks compared to two-dimensional narrative pieces, with limited site access and the need for iterative description refinement being key challenges. Successful attempts were marked by precise vocabulary usage and detailed descriptions, resulting in AI images closely matching the original artworks. In contrast, less successful attempts revealed deficiencies in comprehensive and detailed descriptions, particularly in narrative artworks. These outcomes highlight the potential and limitations of AI tools in art history education, suggesting that their effectiveness depends largely on the depth and precision of student inputs. The study not only demonstrates the innovative application of AI in education but also underscores the importance of detailed visual analysis, pointing towards future enhancements in AI-assisted educational methodologies.

Oxidative adsorption mechanism-based screening of zeolites for deep purification and recycling of NOx from humid gases

Adsorption is a promising technology for deep purification of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from flue gases and simultaneously recycling NO2 as an economically valuable chemical. Zeolite as a robust NOx adsorbent provides the key step for success in practical applications, of which the screening remains challenging regarding the NO-NO2 oxidation and adsorption combined process. In this work, experimental evaluations on practical NOx sorption performances on series of zeolites were conducted. Effects of the zeolite typological structure, compensating cation, and SiO2/Al2O3 ratio on deep purification efficacy, water resistance, and regenerability at varying humidity were obtained, revealing the importance of kinetics of the NO oxidation and NO2 physisorption consecutive process. The H-typed 10-membered-ring straight-channel zeolites (MFI and FER) were demonstrated to be the preferred NOx adsorbents qualified for industrial needs, as compared to other caged-channel, hybrid-channel, larger-sized straight-channel, or Na-typed counterparts. Deeper insights into the key role of Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in driving the NO-NO2 catalytic cycle and promoting the adsorption competitiveness of NOx over water vapor were revealed based on in-situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterizations. The MFI zeolite with improved performance at the low-silica version could benefit from the efficient utilization of BAS within the highly accessible medium-sized straight channel, while the FAU zeolite (representative caged-channel zeolite) requiring appropriate SiO2/Al2O3 ratio for optimal BAS utilization may suffer from the limited site accessibility. The findings clarify the relationships between NOx oxidative adsorption performances and zeolite properties, which provides a fundamental perspective and scientific screening strategy for NOx adsorbents.

ESPAC-based 2D mini-array microtremor method and its application in urban rail transit construction planning

Conventional geophysical methods face many challenges in urban areas from limited site accessibility to severe industrial interferences. With the fast-paced development in urban area and urban light rail transit system, it is highly desirable to have a high-resolution geophysical method, which is suitable for the complex urban condition with strong background noises and, at the same time, is environment-friendly.In this paper, we introduce a 2D mini-array microtremor survey method, based on the extended spatial auto-correlation (ESPAC) method. It first uses the ESPAC to extract the dispersion curve of the Rayleigh wave from the microtremor data recorded using the mini array, then reconstructs the apparent S-wave velocity (Vx) structure of the stratigraphic rock formations by the Vr–Vx transformation, and finally, the 2D Vx profile is obtained by using Vx velocity imaging. This method not only makes full use of the multi-mode Rayleigh waves of dispersion curve, but also reduces the uncertainty during inversion caused by the potential pattern misjudgment when inverting the dispersion curve directly. Since the Vx is generally sensitive to the change of rock mass density, its profile is a natural and reliable reflection of the changes in rock properties. This technique provides an accurate and cost-effective tool for mapping complex near-surface geological anomalies such as karst cavities, fractured zone, and the soil/bedrock interface, which are frequently encountered in many urban engineering projects, such as urban rail transit development. The successful application of the microtremor survey in Guangzhou Metro Line 10 project demonstrates that this method can be very effective in identifying the soil/bedrock interface, mapping the severely weathered rock formations, and detecting the abandoned underground structures.

Development of a Simplified Radiometric Calibration Framework for Water-Based and Rapid Deployment Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations

The current study sets out to develop an empirical line method (ELM) radiometric calibration framework for the reduction of atmospheric contributions in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) imagery and for the production of scaled remote sensing reflectance imagery. Using a MicaSense RedEdge camera flown on a custom-built octocopter, the research reported herein finds that atmospheric contributions have an important impact on UAS imagery. Data collected over the Lower Pearl River Estuary in Mississippi during five week-long missions covering a wide range of environmental conditions were used to develop and test an ELM radiometric calibration framework designed for the reduction of atmospheric contributions from UAS imagery in studies with limited site accessibility or data acquisition time constraints. The ELM radiometric calibration framework was developed specifically for water-based operations and the efficacy of using generalized study area calibration equations averaged across variable illumination and atmospheric conditions was assessed. The framework was effective in reducing atmospheric and other external contributions in UAS imagery. Unique to the proposed radiometric calibration framework is the radiance-to-reflectance conversion conducted externally from the calibration equations which allows for the normalization of illumination independent from the time of UAS image acquisition and from the time of calibration equation development. While image-by-image calibrations are still preferred for high accuracy applications, this paper provides an ELM radiometric calibration framework that can be used as a time-effective calibration technique to reduce errors in UAS imagery in situations with limited site accessibility or data acquisition constraints.

An engineering solution for a hillside project in Hong Kong

With the increasing land demand in Hong Kong, some developments encroach into existing hill slopes or even natural terrain, which presents a big challenge to geotechnical engineers to produce cost-effective site formation and foundation designs. This paper showcases an example of a large-scale site formation work with the use of a 3 m dia. permanent contiguous bored pile wall supported by permanent tie-backs to facilitate a 38 m deep excavation against a sloping terrain. With the use of the tie-back system, the movement of the adjacent ground was substantially reduced. This paper discusses the exceptional constraints and the construction challenges in this project, which include the limited site access, the difficult terrain with lack of suitable working platforms or flat grounds within the site, exposure to natural terrain hazards and the highly unbalanced excavation across the site. These constraints result in extensive temporary steel and earth platforms for facilitating the foundation construction and the excavation and lateral support works with a complex construction sequence. In addition, the findings of the back-analyses are presented to compare the predicted and the actual ground deformations using different soil models.

Thermal Reversal of Polyvalent Choline Phosphate, a Multivalent Universal Biomembrane Adhesive

Multivalent macromolecular associations are widely observed in biological systems and are increasingly being utilized in bioengineering, nanomedicine, and biomaterial applications. Control over such associations usually demands an ability to reverse the multivalent binding. While in principle this can be done with binding site competitive inhibitors, dissociation is difficult in practice due to limited site accessibility when the macromolecule is bound. We demonstrate here efficient binding reversal of multivalent linear copolymers that adhere to any mammalian cell via the universal mechanism based on choline phosphate (CP) groups binding to phosphatidyl choline (PC)-containing biomembranes. Using a smart linear polymer exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), we take advantage of the thermal contraction of the polymer above the LCST, which reduces accessibility of the CP groups to cell membrane PC lipids. The polymer construct can then desorb from the cell surface, reversing all effects of multivalent polymer adhesion on the cell.

Bio-Inspired Spring-Loaded Biopsy Harvester

Bio-Inspired Spring-Loaded Biopsy Harvester

A quick and inexpensive method to quantify spatially variable infiltration capacity for artificial recharge ponds using photographic images

The efficiency of artificial surface ponds (SPs) for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is mostly controlled by the topmost portion of the soil. The most significant soil property controlling recharge is the infiltration capacity (Ic), which is highly variable in space. Assessing its spatial distribution in detail is prohibitive in practice due to high costs, time effort, and limited site accessibility. We present an alternative method for a quick and low-cost quantitative estimation of the spatial distribution of Ic based on satellite images. The fact that hydraulic properties of topsoils and color intensities of digital images depend on some common factors such as moisture content, nature and organization of grains, proportion of iron, and organic and clay content among others, allow us to infer infiltration capacities from color intensities. The relationship between these two variables is site specific and requires calibration. A pilot SP site in Catalonia (Spain) is used as an application example. Two high-resolution digital images of the site are provided at no cost by the local cartographic institute as well as from a popular Internet-based map server. An initial set of local infiltration experiments, randomly located, were found to correlate to color intensities of the digital images. This relationship was then validated against additional independent measurements. The resulting maps of infiltration were then used to estimate the total maximum infiltration of the artificial pond area, the results being consistent with an independent flooding test performed at the site.

TERRORISM AND NUCLEAR POWER

THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE World Trade Center and Pentagon are forcing a reexamination of the security of the nation's 103 nuclear power plants by nuclear's advocates and foes alike. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has begun an evaluation of current federal requirements to protect nuclear power plants from terrorist acts, says NRC Chairman Richard A. Meserve. And the threat to these facilities is also included in a government-wide examination of terrorism. The reviews come at a time when nuclear power is at an apex because of better reliability, efficiency, and economics. For the first time in decades, utilities are talking of building new nuclear plants. Immediately after the Sept. 11 attacks, NRC notified plant operators that they should place power plants on the highest state of alert, Meserve said in a statement. This included increased patrols, more guards, limited site access, coordination with law enforcement personnel, and other site-specific actions. NRC acknowledges, however, that ...

Soil Bioengineering: Challenges for Planning and Engineering

Soil bioengineering is a streambank stabilization method that uses living plants as the primary structural component. It is a promising technique for restoring urban streams, but many challenges remain. This article investigates the causes and consequences of streambank degradation and evaluates the effectiveness of soil bioengineering for erosion control and slope stabilization. Three soil bioengineering projects located on metropolitan Atlanta's waterways (Nancy Creek, Chattahoochee River, and South Peachtree Creek) are analyzed. The research included both primary and secondary data collection activities, involving site visits, documentary review, in-person interviews, photographic documentation, and project monitoring. Five key challenges are revealed: lack of baseline data, short-term vulnerability of installations, inadequacy of previously applied erosion controls, limited site access, and need for community participation. Recommendations include the integration of soil bioengineering strategies with...

Countermeasures for Ice Covered Waters

Abstract This chapter describes the state of knowledge regarding the most applicable countermeasures to deal with oil on, in or among ice. Countermeasures are discussed in the context of seasonal variations in ice conditions and observations of oil fate and behaviour in a variety of different situations. The behaviour of oil spilled in ice covered waters is governed largely by the ice concentration in the case of broken ice, and the processes of encapsulation and subsequent migration in the case of solid (fast) ice). Each season presents different drawbacks and advantages for spill response. During freezeup and breakup, drifting ice and limited site access tend to restrict the possible response options and significantly reduce recovery effectiveness. Mid-winter, although associated with long periods of darkness and cold temperatures, provides a stable ice cover that not only naturally contains the oil nearshore within a relatively small area but also provides a safe working platform for oil recovery and transport. For the case of spills under or on fast ice, there are a range of effective countermeasures options which can result in very high recovery effectiveness. Countermeasures to deal with spills in moving pack ice are much more limited and likely to result in highly variable recovery values depending on a variety of natural conditions and logistics constraints.

Prevention and Resolution of Construction Claims

The owner and architect/engineer's roles in the prevention and resolution of construction claims are examined. A carefully written contract is invaluable in the prevention of a claim. Important aspects of construction contracts are presented, including scheduling, submission of shop drawings, payment terms, rates for time and material work and notification of delays and extra work. The owner and architect/engineer must be aware that his or her actions should be avoided whenever possible. Causes of valid construction claims include extra work, project delays and acceleration, lack of management, limited site access and change in work schedule. The importance of record keeping is stressed. Detailed records help to establish facts if a dispute later develops. Records that should be kept include minutes of meetings, correspondence, progress reports, status logs and photographs.