Practical Basis Research Articles

Enhancement of Triterpenoid Synthesis in Antrodia cinnamomea through Homologous Expression of the Key Synthetic Pathway Genes AcLSS and AcERG4

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), a rare fungus endemic to Taiwan, contains high levels of various secondary metabolites, notably triterpenoids, having useful medicinal and pharmacological properties. Techniques for increasing the production of AC triterpenoids (ACT) for medicinal purposes are a high research priority. We measured and compared the biomass and ACT content of AC mycelia under various liquid fermentation culture conditions. Relative gene expression levels of ten enzymes involved in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and “subsequent group modification pathway” were determined, and correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the roles of these enzyme genes in ACT synthesis. Two representative genes encoding the enzymes lanosterol synthase (AcLSS) and sterol C-24 reductase (AcERG4), whose activity is closely associated with ACT content, were selected for homologous expression. AcLSS and AcERG4 were separately linked to plasmid pCT74, and transformed into prepared AC protoplasts to obtain two recombinant strains, termed RpLSS and RpERG4, by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-CaCl2-mediated protoplast transformation. Upregulated expression levels of AcLSS and AcERG4 (1.78- and 1.41-fold, respectively) were associated with significantly higher (1.82- and 1.37-fold, respectively) ACT content in the recombinant strains in comparison with the wild-type. Our findings provide a theoretical and practical basis for the enhancement of ACT production using homologous expression techniques.

Relationships between hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: To investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on pregnancy outcomes, especially the relationship between OSAS and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). Methods: A total of 228 pregnant women with high risk of OSAS who underwent sleep monitoring during pregnancy in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were collected by reviewing their medical records for retrospective analysis. According to the diagnosis of OSAS, the pregnant women were divided into OSAS group (105 cases) and non-OSAS group (123 cases). The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the general data and maternal and fetal outcomes between the two groups, and the occurrence of each type of HDP was further compared. Results: (1) Compared with the non-OSAS group, the median pre-pregnancy body mass index (23.6 vs 27.6 kg/m2) and the proportion of snoring [28.9% (33/114) vs 59.2% (61/103)] in the OSAS group were higher, and the differences were both statistically significant (both P<0.001). (2) The incidence of HDP [67.6% (71/105) vs 39.0% (48/123)] and gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM; 40.0% (42/105) vs 26.8% (33/123)] of pregnant women in the OSAS group were higher than those in the non-OSAS group, and the median delivery week was shorter than that in the non-OSAS group (38.4 vs 39.0 weeks). The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Between-group differences for the delivery way, postpartum hemorrhage, the rate of intensive care unit admission, preterm birth, small for gestational age infants, neonatal asphyxia, the rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission, newborn birth weight and the proportion of umbilical artery blood pH<7.00 were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). (3) Compared with the non-OSAS group, the incidence of chronic hypertension [11.4% (14/123) vs 22.9% (24/105)] and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia [11.4% (14/123) vs 30.5% (32/105)] were higher in the OSAS group, and the differences were both statistically significant (both P<0.01). Conclusion: OSAS is related to HDP (especially chronic hypertension and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia) and GDM, which could provide a practical basis for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of OSAS in pregnant women at high risk.

Interactive Effects between Zinc and Selenium on Mineral Element Accumulation and Fruit Quality of Strawberry

In this study, we evaluated zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) biofortification in strawberry fruits under substrate and soil cultivation, along with their effects on mineral element accumulation and fruit quality. To achieve this, foliar Zn (0.1% and 0.2%) and Se (0.003% and 0.006%) fertilizers were applied separately or in combination at the initial flowering stage. The Zn and Se contents in strawberry fruits increased with the spraying dosage. Compared to the control, the Zn content in the first batch of Zn-treated strawberries increased by 36.9–109% and 27.1–102% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while Se increased by 313–444% and 21.3–53.3%, respectively. However, foliar Zn application could not ensure long-term sustainability as Zn in strawberries gradually decreased in the two subsequent batches, while Se was more stable. Compared to the control, the Se content in the three batches of Se2 (0.006%)-treated strawberries grown in soil increased by 32.9%, 124%, and 109%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to Se alone, the Zn–Se combined application decreased the Se content in strawberries by 61.2–77.6% and 24.9–45.7% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while low doses of Se promoted Zn enrichment (by 8.62–40.9%) and high doses inhibited it (by 13.2–28.9%) under substrate cultivation. Moreover, the copper content in strawberries under substrate cultivation after the Se1 (0.003%) treatment was significantly higher (by 75.0%) than that in the control. A positive correlation was observed between Cu and Zn contents in strawberries under both substrate and soil cultivation. A consistent positive impact was also observed on fruit quality. The Se2 (0.006%) treatment caused an increase in ascorbic acid content (by 37.2%) in strawberry fruits. The soluble sugar content increased by 36.3% after the Zn1 (0.1%) treatment. The present study provides a practical basis for the biofortification of strawberries with Zn and Se.

Research on the Practical Path of Common Prosperity in the Process of Chinese Modernization

Common prosperity is an important characteristic and core essential of Chinese modernization, and it is also the essential requirement of socialism. With the continuous advancement of Chinese modernization, how to achieve common prosperity has become the current major realistic issue. This article clarifies the dialectical relationship between Chinese modernization and common prosperity, and reviews the practical process of the Communist Party of China to promote common prosperity in the process of Chinese modernization. At the same time, Gangyao village of Yiwu City is selected as the research object, and the practical basis of promoting common prosperity in Gangyao village is discussed. Through the case analysis of Gangyao village, it is concluded that the practical path of promoting common prosperity is mainly the cooperation between villages and enterprises, the joint construction of agriculture, culture, tourism and the party, and the construction of spiritual and cultural life.

Turning Zr(IV) into a phosphate ester mimetic enzyme via de novo synthesis for hydrolyzing organophosphorus warfare agents and rapid activity prediction by near-infrared spectroscopy

Chemical warfare agents, especially organophosphorus warfare agents are a variety of various chemical substances employed in warfare that can massively cause damage to the organism even death. The partial catalytic function of Universitetet i Oslo-66 (UiO-66, a zirconium-based metal–organic framework) produced via de novo synthesis is similar to calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase (CIAP, EC 3.1.3.1) and has a lower usage cost, is expected to be a mimetic enzyme for hydrolyzing organophosphorus warfare agents due to the fact that it has lattice defects. 0.1–5.6 mL of acetic acid was added as a regulator to form different lattice defects. Typically, mimetic enzyme activity tests often require expensive reagents as substrates, and the experiment processes are time-consuming and inconvenient. As a result, a novel approach based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs) was developed in this research for predicting UiO-66 mimetic enzyme activity. p-Nitrophenyl phosphate disodium salt (pNPP) was selected as a lower toxic organophosphorus warfare agent to conduct the subsequent simulant research. The absorbance of the mimetic enzyme catalytic system was evaluated using Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy to investigate the amount of its activity and compare it with CIAP activity. The synthesized samples’ enzyme activities ranged from 1.91 to 6.67 U/g and their catalytic costs ranged from 0.65 to 2.26 CNY. The powdered samples' near-infrared spectra were obtained. The sample’s enzyme activity data were linked with each sample’s original NIR spectra to establish the NIR model. A partial least squares (PLS) model of mimetic enzyme activity was developed by coupling spectral preprocessing with a variable screening technique. The root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), the correlation coefficient of validation set (R) value, and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) value were employed as assessment model indicators. The near-infrared spectrum model was developed by merging the best 2nd derivative spectral preprocessing with the Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS) variable screening method. This model's RMSECV was 0.41 U/g, the correlation coefficient of calibration set (R_cv) value was 0.916, the root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) set was 0.52 U/g, R was 0.948, and RPD was 2.51. As a result, the established model could be implemented to quantify the activity of UiO-66 quickly by including more variations of de novo-synthesized samples. The prediction method is simple, rapid, low cost and adaptable to be the theoretical and practical basis for further studying other interdisciplinary research work in biomimetic enzymology and spectroscopy.

Measurement of Green Water Resource Utilization Efficiency for Carbon Neutrality: A Multiple Water Use Sectoral Perspective Considering Carbon Emission

Green and high-efficiency water resource utilization patterns hold paramount importance in promoting sustainable economic and social development, as well as in attaining the goal of carbon neutrality. Most research on water utilization efficiency have taken a general perspective to quantify it, neglecting independent relationships and green effects among water use sectors. This study proposed an integrated measurement model of green water resource utilization efficiency (GWRUE), combined with the carbon dioxide emission equivalent analysis method of water resource behaviors, and constructed an input–output indicator system of GWRUE from four dimensions: domestic, industrial, agricultural, and ecological water. The aim is to achieve the measurement of GWRUE towards carbon neutrality. In this paper, 18 cities in Henan Province were used as instances to carry out the study. The results show that (1) The CO2 emission equivalent from multiple water use sectors in Henan Province showed a tendency of fluctuating reduction during the study period, from a peak of 21,090,100 tons in 2012 to a low of 12,351,900 tons in 2021, with large spatial variations, and the CO2 emission effect existed in most cities, with Zhengzhou being the highest. (2) The GWRUE of domestic, industrial, and agricultural water in Henan Province and 18 cities exhibited an overall upward trend, while that of ecological water presented a downward trend and was at the lowest level among the four sectors. (3) Consolidated GWRUE in Henan Province tended to decrease and then increase; its value was 0.512 in 2011, 0.448 in 2017, and 0.586 in 2021, and most of its cities were at a Medium level. The findings of this study can serve as a theoretical and practical basis for improving the level of green and efficient utilization of water resources, as well as offer references for relevant water use sectors to formulate CO2 emission reduction policies.

SITUATION OF THE TEACHING PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR SEVENTH GRADERS IN THAI NGUYEN CITY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF DIVISION IN EDUCATION

Differentiation-oriented physical education (PE) helps learners participate in learning activities with content and forms suitable to their personal characteristics. Through researching documents, interviews, and pedagogical observations, the project explores the current status of teaching physical education to 7th graders in Thai Nguyen City from the perspective of division in education. The results of this research are an important practical basis to propose measures to organize teaching physical education in a differentiated direction for 7th graders in Thai Nguyen City.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0061/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

KHẢO SÁT NĂNG LỰC NGHỀ NGHIỆP CỦA SINH VIÊN TỐT NGHIỆP NGÀNH GIÁO DỤC TIỂU HỌC, ĐƯỢC THỤ HƯỞNG CHƯƠNG TRÌNH ĐÀO TẠO TIẾP CẬN CDIO TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC VINH

The university training program according to the CDIO approach is built in the direction of developing learners' qualities and capacities through a scientific, logical and measurable learning-outcome system. As the first course to benefit from the CDIO approach training program at the University, 120 students of K58 need to be surveyed and evaluated on their professional competencies to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program after one cycle of application, which is the basis for promptly improving and adjusting the training program. This study conducted a survey of these graduates on four groups of professional competencies. The obtained results reflect the improvement in training quality of the Primary Education sector, and at the same time serve as a practical basis for activities to improve and develop primary school teacher training programs in the future, to meet the innovation requirements of the country's education in the context of industrialization, modernization of the country and international integration.

Study on the Influence of Surface Integrity on Hydrogen Permeation Resistance of Hydrogen Production Reactor Materials

Hydrogen permeation reduces a material’s properties and increases the risk of brittle fracture, which causes a potential safety hazard. A workpiece’s hydrogen permeation resistance could be improved by improving its surface integrity through surface processing. This paper studies low-alloy steel’s surface integrity and its hydrogen permeation resistance in a hydrogen production reactor, using the electrochemical cathodic hydrogen-charging method to carry out electrochemical hydrogen-charging experiments. After the specimens were pretreated using different surface-grinding methods and shot peening pressure strengthening, they were hydrogen-charged on a self-designed and built electrolytic hydrogen charging platform. Before and after hydrogen charging, the specimens’ section hardness and tensile strength were tested, and the fracture morphology of the specimens was observed. The influence laws of surface roughness and surface residual compressive stress on the distribution of material hardness along the depth, the variation in material hardness, the fracture morphology, and the decline in the tensile properties of the low-alloy steel specimens after 5 h of hydrogen charging were analyzed. The reasons for the influence of surface integrity indexes on the hydrogen permeation resistance of the specimens were also analyzed. Based on the experimental results, a series of mechanical processing parameters were proposed to improve the material’s permeation resistance, which provides a theoretical and practical basis for the processing of materials with high surface integrity and hydrogen permeation resistance. Through the experiments, it was found that the hydrogen permeation resistance of the Ra 0.17 μm surface roughness specimen was the best of all specimens with different surface roughness values, and its hydrogen embrittlement sensitivity index was 20.96%. The specimen had the best hydrogen permeation resistance under 336 MPa surface residual compress stress, and its hydrogen embrittlement sensitivity index was 16.45%.

An Empirical Study on Autonomous Learning of Non-English Majors

Firstly, this study is to obtain the first-hand information of non-English major college students' autonomous learning in the process of foreign language learning through questionnaire survey. Secondly, through the analysis of the collected data, find out the students' performance in eight aspects of independent learning, and compare their slightly strong and slightly weak items. The results of the study put forward feasible suggestions and elucidate the implications for English teaching, and provide a practical basis for the subsequent research on autonomous learning.

What are the core features of professional learning community in Chinese preschool teachers' perspectives: based on grounded theory analysis.

Professional learning community (PLC) has been concerned as an effective way to promote teacher professional development in China. However, PLC must be optimized due to Chinese culture and education system. This study aimed to explore the features of PLC in preschool teachers' perspectives and provided theoretical basis for PLC localization practice. Twenty-eight preschool teachers were engaged in a PLC, their interview data and personal reflection diaries were collected and analyzed based on grounded theory analysis. Five core features of PLC in teachers' perspectives were extracted in this study, including a common vision, a read-practice-share flow, continuous reflection, distributed leadership, peer and organizational support. PLC's common vision is to promote teachers' professional development and children's development. Teachers learn and reflect in the process of "reading-practice-sharing," peer support and leadership empowerment play an important role in a sustainable PLC.

Evaluation of long-term operational and production performance of biofloc technology (BFT) system within various particle size

Biofloc technology (BFT) is a promising technique, but there has been ongoing debate between biofloc's properties and particle size. This study investigated the relationship between long-term particle size variation and the production performance of BFT aquaculture systems. External shearing force introduction could keep bioflocs at a smaller size level chronically, and 97% of smaller bioflocs were below 181.97 μm which was obviously lower than the normal size group (Control). No significant difference in the daily water treatment capacity for bioflocs within different particle size was detected (p > 0.05), but the activity of Soil-Dehydrogenase (S-DHA), Ammonia Monooxygenase (AMO), Hydroxylamine Oxidase (HAO) and Nitrite Oxidase (NOR) were all higher in smaller bioflocs. Smaller bioflocs were better enriched heavy metal elements and less damage to the gill lamellae was also detected in smaller size group. The survival rate and final mean weight of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in the BFT system based on smaller size bioflocs were significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). The microbial compositions of varying particle sizes bioflocs demonstrated remarkable distinctions, and higher abundance of particle-attached bacteria (e.g., Flavobacteriaceae, Rhodobacteraceae) was detected in normal size bioflocs. Overall, this study comprehensively evaluated the long-term application of various particle size bioflocs and provided a practical basis for the sustainable BFT development.

Human Resources Management in Trouble Time: Strategy to Increase Organization Agility for Digital Transformation in University

Digital transformation has become an urgent need for higher education in this contemporary era. In facing emerging challenges and opportunities, human resource management (HR) plays a central role in ensuring the successful adaptation of educational institutions to technological change. This research aims to identify key strategies in HR management that can increase the resilience of higher education organizations during periods of crisis, especially in the context of digital transformation. The research method used is a combination of literature study and empirical research. Through an in-depth analysis of theories and practices related to HR management, as well as case studies of several universities that have successfully adapted to digital transformation, this research identifies various effective strategies. The research results show that effective HR management in the context of digital transformation requires a holistic and adaptive approach. A strategy that includes developing digital skills and competencies, organizational flexibility, increasing employee engagement, and building a culture of innovation is the key to success. In addition, cross-departmental collaboration, transparent communication, and visionary leadership have also proven important in facing digital transformation challenges. This research provides a theoretical and practical basis for universities to design effective HR management strategies to increase organizational resilience in the face of technological change. The practical implications of this research can guide higher education leaders and HR practitioners to face challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the rapidly changing era of digital transformation.

Study of the dynamics of the vitamin D level increase and the development of a method for calculating the required duration of cholecalciferol intake

Pandemic D-avitaminosis swept the planet. Among the inhabitants of the northern hemisphere, about 45 % are deficient, and 32 % have insufficient vitamin D serum levels. In Russia, the situation is even more tense: the level of deficiency was registered in 56.4 % of the population, and insufficiency in 27.87 % of our fellow citizens. Maintaining an optimal concentration of vitamin D in the blood serum reduces the risk and severity of autoimmune, cardiovascular diseases, many types of cancer, dementia, type 1 and 2 diabetes, respiratory tract infections, improves dental and oral health, and increases physical performance. The problem of the increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy, which has serious consequences not only for the mother, but also for the child throughout later life, requires special attention. A review of the documents regulating the intake of vitamin D supplements suggests that there is some uncertainty in the instructions, which leads to a wide variability in medical recommendations to patients on the choice of the type of drug, its dosage and the duration of vitamin D intake. Recommendations on the required duration of vitamin D supplementation, in our opinion, look the most vulnerable and insufficiently substantiated, therefore, in this work, on the basis of international clinical practice, studies of the dynamics of the increment in the level of vitamin D were carried out and a method was developed for calculating the required duration of taking the most common vitamin D3 preparations at present. The analysis of domestic and foreign practice of increasing the level of vitamin D in the blood serum, as well as the conducted statistical studies, allow, with some caution, to draw the following conclusions. When taking vitamin D3 preparations, the increase in the level of 25(OH)D over time is quite correctly described by an exponential equation. As the duration of taking vitamin D3 preparations increases, the rate of increase in the level of 25(OH)D in the blood serum decreases. The current calcifediol level when taking in vitamin D3 preparations in asymptotical persons, is associated with a power-law dependence on the daily drug dose and increases as it increases. As shown by numerous results of clinical trials, the main increase in the level of 25(OH)D occurs within 30–90 days under different conditions. The multiple regression equation we obtained indicates that the time of blood serum saturation with vitamin D3 is inversely related to the daily dose of the drug, the patient’s age, and the initial level of 25(OH)D in the blood serum. The method developed by the authors makes it possible to estimate the dynamics of the increase in the level of 25(OH)D in the patient’s blood serum as vitamin D3 preparations are taken and to determine the required duration of the drug intake.

Evolutionary Game Analysis on Operation Mode Selection of Big-Science Infrastructures

As big-science infrastructures (BSIs) become the new infrastructure to support the construction of strong science and technology in China, how to choose an operation mode that is more conducive to achieving the construction goals of BSIs has become a current focus issue. The existing literature focuses more on the governance relationship between BSIs and universities or research institutes, while the important role of government has not yet been thoroughly analyzed. This study argues that government plays a fundamental role in the selection of operation modes for BSIs. Therefore, this study builds an evolutionary game model between the government and the contractor based on the perspective of asset specificity by analyzing the practical basis for the strategic choices of the government and the contractor for the operation of BSIs. The model is numerically simulated and analyzed. The research results indicate that the government’s decisions on operation strategies, outsourcing strategies, and the combination of the two significantly affect the strategic choices of the contractor, thereby affecting whether the government can obtain the value of asset specificity of BSIs. The government’s choice of the “independent operation” strategy or the combination “dependent operation + controlled outsourcing” strategy is more conducive to encouraging the contractor to choose the “cooperation” strategy for producing specific value for BSIs. The main contribution of this study is to clarify that the allocation of the government control right is the key factor in obtaining the value of asset specificity of BSIs.

Holistic Life-cycle Cost-benefit Analysis of Green Buildings: A China Case Study

Green buildings, compared with conventional ones, can mitigate the rapid growth of China's carbon emissions. They offer many advantages, such as saving resources and reducing negative environmental impacts. However, few studies have assessed their incremental costs and social benefits. This study comprehensively analyzed the incremental costs and benefits of green buildings in China through the life cycle stages of preparation, design, construction, and operation-management. The Analytic Hierarchy Process and Matter Element Analysis were jointly applied to establish a comprehensive green-building cost-benefit evaluation system. Based on expert judgment, an embracive two-level index scheme and a three-step grading strategy were developed. A residential case study tested the applicability of the model. It yielded the largest share of incremental cost in the construction phase at 90.5%. The economic benefits accounted for the largest proportion of incremental benefits at 72.22%, meeting the green building criteria and achieving the highest 3-star rating. The study has developed a full life-cycle costing methodology for green building design and quantified the benefits at each stage. The findings offer the theoretical and practical basis to refine the assessment of green building projects and improve green building performance to meet sustainable development goals.

ECONOMIC AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS IN THE ACADEMIC SPHERE: CONTENT-RELATED, LINGUISTIC AND TRANSLATIONAL ASPECTS (ON THE MATERIAL OF ENGLISH, CHINESE AND UKRAINIAN)

The purpose of the article is to analyze English and Chinese texts of the authentic official documents regulating economic and legal relations in the academic sphere in the XXI century as well as their translated versions in Ukrainian. The object of the study is the process of Ukraine’s EU integration and cooperation with the P. R. C. in the academic sphere alongside their documentary support. The subject of the research is language and translation tools aimed at reproducing the content of the authentic official documents regulating cooperation terms and conditions between Ukraine, European Union, and China in the academic sphere from English and Chinese into Ukrainian. The results of the study are, on the one hand, specification of the concepts “academic activity”, “academic integration”, “rights and obligations of parties to academic activity”, “conditions for financing academic activities”, “synergism of the translatological paradigm”; on the other hand — identification of the synergism phenomenon within the translatological paradigm under focus. Conclusions: synergism of the translatological paradigm within the research material has been specified according to these indicators: 1) adequacy of reproducing terminology in the Ukrainian language; 2) adequacy of reproducing grammatical constructions; 3) preserving the text frame. The success of translation is correlated both with the linguistic awareness of the translator and with the awareness of the practical basis for concluding and implementing international agreements in the academic field, academic mobility programs. The perspectives of further research are seen in the study of interaction principles of linguistic and extralinguistic factors while dealing with synergism in the source and target texts.

Making: Place, material and metaphor

The editorial highlights how the practitioners featured in issue 14.2 seek intrinsic value within and through making, supported by relationships with the natural and social world. The contributions are clustered into three themes. In ‘materiality and nature’, Tara Chittenden explores ‘Ceramics in the wild: Deep mapping and the moon jars of Adam Buick’, and how the ceramicist’s vessels represent the cycle of a material, and life itself. Myriam Perret‘s ‘Rhythms in the production and commercialization of crafts in Chaco’ reports upon her ethnographic study of the Qow people of Argentina and their craft of cattail harvesting and weaving, revealing seasonal and weather-related choices. Theme 2, ‘making and metaphor’ includes ‘Data becomes quilt’, by Jayne Jackson, who analyses a range of influences and social semiotic meanings encoded within her own and others quilt-making. The relationship of social meanings and craft activities are researched by Miriam Gibson and Rachel Spronken-Smith’s ‘Learning in online and physical craft groups: Motivations and meanings’, while Linnea Kilpi, whose work is featured on the cover, presents ‘Meaning-making through experimental knitting practices’, supported by the concept of ‘Knittedness’. Theme 3, ‘tradition, heritage and the future’, begins with Sara Sintonen and Mikko Snellman’s portrait of ‘Tarmo Thorström’ whose contemporary craft practice is rooted in the cultural tradition of bobbin lace making in Rauma on the west coast of Finland. Wendy Ward’s review of the exhibition, We Are Commoners, speculates on how historical notions of sharing – as represented by ‘the commons’ and exemplified by the Right to Roam and Right to Repair movements – could be re-imagined as the basis for sustainable craft practice. Sarah Teasley’s (2022) Designing Modern Japan, is reviewed by Marie O’Mahony and the Tradition/Innovation: Craft and Future Intangible Cultural Heritage conference held at West Dean College in March 2023, by Paul Harper.

Accurate identification of cross-sectional bending stiffness in large-scale wind turbine blades through static loading test

To ensure the safe and stable operation of wind turbines, it is essential that the blades have sufficient bending stiffness to prevent excessive deflection and tower impact. A method combining static loading test and numerical analysis is proposed to solve the problem of identifying the cross-sectional bending stiffness of actual blades. Two working conditions, namely multi-point static test and single-point static calibration, are considered. A mathematical model of a cantilever beam with an initial small curvature and variable cross section is established. By fitting the deflection measurement data obtained from the static loading test, the deflection differential equation is solved by the finite difference method to obtain expressions for the cross-sectional bending stiffness under large and small deflection. The analysis results of several blade models show that the bending stiffness identification error for most blade sections is less than 10%, confirming the effectiveness of this method. This provides a practical and theoretical basis for the design, analysis, and refinement of test parameters for large-scale blades.

Energy balance support method in soft rock tunnel with energy absorbing anchor cable

Deformation and failure phenomena in rock mass after excavation can be described from the energy perspective, i.e. the work done by external forces increases the energy, thereby exceeding the energy storage limit of rock mass, resulting in the release of residual energy. Currently, energy-absorbing anchor supports have been used for stability control of surrounding rocks to avoid engineering failure by large deformations of soft rocks. However, the design of energy-absorbing anchor support still depends on field experience and engineering tests. In particular, under the influence of structural plane, the characteristics of energy transfer of surrounding rock with energy-absorbing anchorage are still unclear. In this paper, a design method of energy anchorage considering the influence of structural plane based on the theory of energy balance is proposed, which is corroborated by numerical simulation, similar simulation, and engineering application. The study demonstrates that under the effect of ground stresses, the arch support alone cannot absorb the deformation energy produced by the surrounding rock, leading to a significant region of the plastic zone and deformation instability. Under the control of ordinary anchor cable, the deformation of surrounding rock and the extension of the plastic zone are further alleviated; however, some anchor cable tensile fractures still occur. The energy-absorbing anchor cable scheme is created following the energy balancing concept. The surrounding rock deformation is maintained in an ideal range, while the plastic zone area is substantially reduced. The final engineering application also validates the accuracy of the energy-absorption anchorage design based on the energy balance theory, which provides a theoretical and practical basis for the application in similar projects.