Field Projects Research Articles

Unearthing Study in Asnafs' Large-Scale SMART Paddy-Field (SMART SBBA): An Exploratory Case of Farmers in Yan, Kedah

The Asnafs' Large-Scale SMART Paddy Field (SMART SBBA) project is an initiative to consolidate rice paddy land through contract farming through a management system. It is to optimize the use of existing resources and increase the efficiency of planting activities and post-harvest production. The project initiative appears to be successful in helping rice farmers manage their fields systematically and increase the yield of higher-quality rice. SMART SBBA by the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK) has the potential to eradicate the poverty rate among asnafs in Kedah, in addition to boosting the local economy. Therefore, this preliminary study is to explore the SMART SBBA project through the experience and involvement of paddy farmers in the first season and the second season. This study applied exploratory and descriptive methods from focus group interview data. Results showed that the farmers were satisfied with the overall SMART SBBA LZNK management. However, most rice farmers face the challenges of agricultural input costs, including the high cost of seedlings, fertilizers, and pesticides, which is a huge obstacle for rice farmers in carrying out rice planting activities.

Seeing without a Scene: Neurological Observations on the Origin and Function of the Dorsal Visual Stream.

In all vertebrates, visual signals from each visual field project to the opposite midbrain tectum (called the superior colliculus in mammals). The tectum/colliculus computes visual salience to select targets for context-contingent visually guided behavior: a frog will orient toward a small, moving stimulus (insect prey) but away from a large, looming stimulus (a predator). In mammals, visual signals competing for behavioral salience are also transmitted to the visual cortex, where they are integrated with collicular signals and then projected via the dorsal visual stream to the parietal and frontal cortices. To control visually guided behavior, visual signals must be encoded in body-centered (egocentric) coordinates, and so visual signals must be integrated with information encoding eye position in the orbit-where the individual is looking. Eye position information is derived from copies of eye movement signals transmitted from the colliculus to the frontal and parietal cortices. In the intraparietal cortex of the dorsal stream, eye movement signals from the colliculus are used to predict the sensory consequences of action. These eye position signals are integrated with retinotopic visual signals to generate scaffolding for a visual scene that contains goal-relevant objects that are seen to have spatial relationships with each other and with the observer. Patients with degeneration of the superior colliculus, although they can see, behave as though they are blind. Bilateral damage to the intraparietal cortex of the dorsal stream causes the visual scene to disappear, leaving awareness of only one object that is lost in space. This tutorial considers what we have learned from patients with damage to the colliculus, or to the intraparietal cortex, about how the phylogenetically older midbrain and the newer mammalian dorsal cortical visual stream jointly coordinate the experience of a spatially and temporally coherent visual scene.

A3COSMOS and A3GOODSS: Continuum source catalogues and multi-band number counts

Context. Galaxy submillimetre number counts are a fundamental measurement in our understanding of galaxy evolution models. Most early measurements are obtained via single-dish telescopes with substantial source confusion, whereas recent interferometric observations are limited to small areas. Aims. We used a large database of ALMA continuum observations to accurately measure galaxy number counts in multiple (sub)millimetre bands, thus bridging the flux density range between single-dish surveys and deep interferometric studies. Methods. We continued the Automated Mining of the ALMA Archive in the COSMOS Field project (A3COSMOS) and extended it with observations from the GOODS-South field (A3GOODSS). The database consists of ∼4000 pipeline-processed continuum images from the public ALMA archive, yielding 2050 unique detected sources, including sources with and without a known optical counterpart. To infer galaxy number counts, we constructed a method to reduce the observational bias inherent to targeted pointings that dominate the database. This method comprises a combination of image selection, masking, and source weighting. The effective area was calculated by accounting for inhomogeneous wavelengths, sensitivities, and resolutions and for the spatial overlap between images. We tested and calibrated our method with simulations. Results. We derived the number counts in a consistent and homogeneous way in four different ALMA bands covering a relatively large area. The results are consistent with number counts retrieved from the literature within the uncertainties. In Band 7, at the depth of the inferred number counts, ∼40% of the cosmic infrared background is resolved into discrete sources. This fraction, however, decreases with increasing wavelength, reaching ∼4% in Band 3. Finally, we used the number counts to test models of dusty galaxy evolution, and find a good agreement within the uncertainties. Conclusions. By continuing the A3COSMOS and A3GOODSS archival effort, we obtained the deepest archive-based (sub)millimetre number counts measured to date over such a wide area. This database proves to be a valuable resource that, thanks to its substantial size, can be used for statistical analyses after having applied certain conservative restrictions.

A novel intelligent risk prediction model for the effectiveness of CO2/N2–ECGD technology

AbstractTo solve the problems of high sampling requirements and low predictive accuracy resulting from the complexity, uniqueness, and randomness of predicting the risk of the CO2 and N2 injection to enhance coal seam gas drainage (CO2/N2–ECGD) technology. The principal component analysis (PCA) method to reduce the dimensionality of the factor data that contribute to the effect risk of the technology was adopted. And the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method was implemented to search for optimal hyperparameters in support vector machine (SVM) by particle search, as a solution to the traditional SVM hyperparameters optimization problem. A novel risk prediction model using machine learning algorithms for gas injection displacement technology was constructed. The prediction results were tested and compared with those of backpropagation (BP), Random Forest (RF), and Decision Tree (DT) models using data from 29 gas injection displacement field projects in China. The results demonstrated that the SVM model had greater accuracy in prediction than the other three models. Additionally, after PSO optimization and dimensionality reduction, the PCA–PSO–SVM model reached 100% prediction accuracy, while requiring less modeling and operation time. The study provided a reliable and reasonable model for predicting technical effects, along with a theoretical basis for risk management and prevention. First, the technology's influencing indicators were analyzed by examining its mechanisms. Second, we utilized the PCA method to reduce the dimensionality of the factor data that contribute to the risk of the technology's effects. Third, we implemented the PSO method to search for optimal hyperparameters in the SVM through particle search, as a solution to the traditional SVM hyperparameters optimization problem. Finally, the prediction results were tested and compared with those of BP, RF, and DT models using data from 29 gas injection displacement field projects in China. The SVM model was found to have greater accuracy in prediction than the other three models. After PSO optimization and dimensionality reduction, the PCA–PSO–SVM model achieved 100% prediction accuracy while requiring less modeling and operation time. The study presents a valid and reasonable model for predicting technical effects and a theoretical basis for risk management and prevention.

Field performance validation of the Louisiana balanced asphalt mix design framework

The balanced mix design (BMD) approach was implemented by agencies to complement the volumetric mix design method. The BMD approach addresses typical pavement distresses using mechanical tests. This study aimed to validate the Hamburg Wheel Track (HWT) rut depth and Semi Circular Bend (SCB) critical strain-energy release rate (Jc) thresholds specified in the Louisiana BMD framework. Seven field projects, including 13 pavement sections with 8–18 service years, were evaluated. Field distress data showed that the maximum HWT rut depth and minimum SCB Jc thresholds are effective parameters for assessing rutting and cracking performance, respectively.

Smart Garden Management System Based on the combination of Internet of Things and Geographic Information System Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is inevitably forging ahead in a number of areas all among them being the agricultural sector and in particular the affected environment. This paper utilizes the farm's IoT where through an effective analysis, the smart garden is designed and managed. It blends field research, project implementations and theoretical analysis to improve the case implementation. It can be considered as more rigorous and practical. The study intends, first and foremost, to look at agricultural IoT based technologies and how IoT changes the way farmers work and agricultural landscapes look. Different theories have been used in the implementation of these concepts which include agriculture, tourism, and landscape design. The technical side will integrate the Internet of Things technology, the adaptation theory of agricultural industrialization, the formation of the theory of ecotourism, the application of tourism psychological theory in tourism discipline, the ecology theory of landscape and aesthetics theory, and landscape gardening planning and design theory. A comprehensive examination of the smart park has been conducted, including relevant theories and the application of planning and design principles. This systematic research aims to provide scientific direction for the agricultural aspects of the smart park. In order to offer scientific direction for the planning and design of agricultural Internet of Things (IoT) in smart gardens, this study presents a theoretical framework for the planning and design of smart gardens that incorporate agricultural IoT. The framework is comprehensively explained, encompassing its concept, distinguishing features, relevant theories, and guidance approaches.

Long-Term Performance of Flexible Pavements Containing Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt in Louisiana

The use of crumb rubber modifiers (CRMs) in asphalt mixtures plays a significant role in creating a sustainable circular economy. This study aims to evaluate the field performance of CRM asphalt sections with service years greater than eight. Five field projects were evaluated. Each project had one or two CRM sections constructed alongside a companion control section. Five types of CRM products were considered. A 16-mesh proprietary CRM, a Rouse-80 powder (R-80), and a Neste Wright powder were used in the wet blending process. Further, a 16-mesh generic crumb rubber, a PlusRideTM shredded rubber, and R-80 were used in a dry blend. Field performance data, including rutting, roughness, and cracking, were collected and analyzed. Moreover, economic analysis was performed to ascertain the cost-effectiveness (CE) of constructing CRM sections. Furthermore, laboratory performance indicators measured during construction were analyzed to ascertain their ability to rank field performance. Generally, CRM sections exhibited significantly similar or better ride quality, cracking and rutting resistance, and pavement condition index than their corresponding control sections. In some cases, the styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer modifier showed better cracking resistance in the control sections than the CRMs. CRM asphalt sections generally exhibited higher CE than their corresponding control sections because of their high initial unit costs. The Rouse wet CRM asphalt section in field project 4, which had a relatively lower unit cost, was found to be cost-effective compared to its corresponding control section. The limited laboratory mechanical performance parameters considered were ineffective in consistently ranking field performance indicators.

Review of community forestry monitoring systems in Nepal

A study was conducted to review the monitoring systems of various stakeholders involved in local level forest management in Nepal. The purpose of this review is to assess the current status of monitoring, identify and document lessons learnt, and explore gaps and opportunities for possible interventions.The study looked mainly at two aspects of existing monitoring systems and practices: a) self-monitoring practices of FUGs), and b) collaborative monitoring practices between FUGs and four different categories of stakeholders - Government, donor field projects, I/NGOs and civil society. A review of concepts related to participatory monitoring is made based on the literature, and aconceptual framework has been proposed for the review of monitoring practices in the context of community forestry in Nepal. Key elements used in the analysis include a) meanings and perceptions of monitoring, b) purpose, c) focus and scale, d) approach, processes and tools, e)contributions to adaptive management.

Methodological and analytical basis of construction enterprises in the cycle of public-private partnership projects

Public-private partnership (PPP) is a strategically important management tool that allows the state and the private sector to jointly implement projects in various fields, such as infrastructure, health care, education, and others, to promote economic development. However, the successful implementation of PPP requires a clear understanding of the basic definitions and concepts underlying it. This research work is devoted to working out the content of basic definitions in the context of the establishment and development of PPPs. It examines the main terms, such as "public-private partnership", "public-private partnership", "infrastructure projects" and others, including their definition, essence and role in the formation of an effective model of cooperation between the state and the private sector. The conducted research is based on the analysis of scientific literature, legal acts and practical experience of PPP implementation in different countries of the world. It is aimed at revealing the essence and meaning of each of the definitions, highlighting the key aspects that affect their interpretation and use in practice. In addition, the work draws attention to the evolution of concepts and terms in the context of the establishment and development of PPPs over time. Taking into account the dynamics of the global market and changing economic conditions, the work analyzes the impact of new factors on the understanding and use of basic definitions in PPP practice.The main results of the study provide a clear and concrete understanding of the basic definitions of PPPs, which will contribute to improving the quality of planning, implementation and management of PPP projects. In addition, they can become the basis for further research in this area, including the development of new theoretical models and methods for assessing the effectiveness of PPPs.All this indicates the relevance of the topic and the importance of further research in order to improve PPP practice and promote sustainable economic development .

Research on directional rock blasting based on different slotted pipe materials of the combined charge structure

For shaped charge blasting projects in mining, civil engineering, and similar fields, it is proposed to modify the charge structure by combining slotted tubes and shaped charge liners to obtain a new type of charge structure. This aims to achieve directional rock breaking through the focused action of the shaped charge. The influence of different slotted pipe materials on the directional rock-breaking effect of concentrated energy using a new charge structure is explored through theoretical analysis combined with model test study, high-speed camera, stress–strain gauge, and other equipment. A comparison is made between slotted pipes made of aluminum, kraft paper, and PVC, with the cutting width of 2 mm. Based on the characteristics of the cracks formed after blasting, the new charge structure made of aluminum slotted pipe produces a penetrating crack that is almost consistent with the pre-cracking direction. Based on the corresponding characteristics of successively released blasting energy, the guiding and convergence effect of the new charge structure made of aluminum slotted pipe on the explosion energy is greater than that of the new charge structure made of the other two types of slotted pipe material. According to the strain data measured after blasting, the peak arrival time of the strain peak in the direction of the slotted pipe on one side of the shaped hood is shorter than that in the other two directions, and the peak strain is greater than that in the other two directions while having a better energy gathering effect. Based on the findings, the new charge structure with directional energy concentration has a damage reduction effect. Furthermore, the material of aluminum slotted pipe is found to be better than PVC slotted pipe, whereas the material of PVC slotted pipe is better than kraft paper slotted pipe in achieving directional rock breaking.

Model for Evaluating Cracking Performance of Asphalt Pavements with Field Aging Based on IDEAL-CT Parameters

This paper develops a simple asphalt pavement field aging model using IDEAL-CT data from 24 field sections from seven field projects that were monitored for 1–4 years each. Field distress surveys were conducted, and field cores were procured and tested in the laboratory approximately every 12 months for each field section. The model predicts IDEAL-CT parameter l75/ m75 (mm2/kN) from the post-peak load–displacement curve. An R2 of 0.91 was achieved when comparing predicted values to measured values indicating that this ratio behaves predictably with field aging. A good correlation is also seen between this ratio and measured field cracking data, making it an excellent candidate for evaluating pavement cracking performance with field aging. This simple model has promising potential use cases including as a tool for mix design, pavement monitoring, and pavement forensics.

Project Management of the Future: Working on Projects in the Current Field of Tension of Change

Project Management of the Future: Working on Projects in the Current Field of Tension of Change

Acousto-optic sensing: A scattering interpretation

Acousto-optic sensing consists in using (laser) light as the sensing element in order to measure, visualise and study acoustic phenomena in a remote, non-invasive manner. One of the most common sensing techniques involves measuring acoustically-induced phase shifts of an optical probing beam by means of interferometry. Arguably, the main fundamental limitation of such sensing technique is that it provides projections of the acoustic field, instead of acoustic quantities at specific locations. In this study we examine the theory of spontaneous light scattering in transparent media, and use this framework to formulate a general acousto-optic sensing problem. Preliminary results based on numerical simulations indicate that light scattering could be applied to the measurement of acoustic pressure fluctuations. Some of the main challenges associated with the principle—mainly related to the weaknesses of the acousto-optic effect in air and relatively low signal-to-noise ratio—as well as the main fundamental differences from conventional interferometry techniques are discussed in this study.

A novel accelerated convergence method for solving adjoint equations based on modal reduction

The efficiency of adjoint-based aerodynamic shape optimization depends critically on the solution efficiency of adjoint equations. In this letter, we employ the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) method to analyze the adjoint field samples and project them from the physical space into a low-order modal space. Subsequently, the full-order adjoint equations are reduced to low-order equations using the POD modes. Thus, we can efficiently predict the initial values for pseudo-time marching, thereby accelerating the solution of adjoint equations. Results indicate that the high-order POD modes are crucial for constructing the low-dimensional system. Moreover, this method can be seamlessly integrated with our previously established Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) acceleration method to form a POD+DMD acceleration approach. Application of this approach to the flow past a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 0012 airfoil demonstrates a noteworthy 80.9% reduction in iteration numbers when solving the adjoint equations. Even for the airfoil located on the upper boundary of sampling space, the number of iterations is still reduced by 72.6%. Therefore, we believe that the proposed method holds significant promise for improving the efficiency of adjoint-based aerodynamic shape optimization in future research.

Mechanistic mapping of random fields for stochastic finite element simulations of quasibrittle fracture

Spurious mesh sensitivity is a major challenge in continuum finite element (FE) simulations of damage and fracture of quasibrittle structures. It has been shown that the existing localization limiters, which largely focus on energy regularization, are insufficient for addressing the issue of mesh sensitivity in stochastic analysis. In this study, we investigate the mathematical algorithm for mapping the continuous random fields of material properties onto the FE meshes. This is a fundamental problem in stochastic FE analysis, which has profound implications for the mesh sensitivity in the prediction of the statistics of failure behavior. We adopt a continuum damage constitutive model, and develop a mechanistic mapping method. The projection of the random fields of material properties onto the FE mesh is governed by the prevailing damage pattern of the element. The damage pattern of each finite element is determined based on the spatial distribution of the damage of its surrounding elements. Meanwhile, the prevailing damage pattern also dictates the energy regularization of the constitutive response of the finite element. The combination of energy regularization and mechanistic mapping method ensures that, for each time increment, the random tangential stiffness tensor of each finite element is calculated in accordance with the ongoing damage pattern. A direct consequence of the model is that, depending on the damage pattern, the statistics of the tangential stiffness tensor could vary with the mesh size. The model is applied to stochastic FE analysis of both notched and unnotched flexural specimens under different loading configurations, which exhibit different failure behaviors. The numerical analysis also considers different correlation lengths of the random fields of material properties. The simulation shows that, with the energy regularization scheme, the commonly used local mapping and local averaging methods could yield considerable mesh dependence of the statistics of the peak load capacity. The result also reveals the effect of correlation length on the spurious mesh dependence. By relating the mapping algorithm to the underlying damage pattern, the present model is able to mitigate the mesh sensitivity for different specimen geometries, loading configurations, and correlation lengths.

Vibration prediction and analysis of the main beam of the TBM based on a multiple linear regression model

The vibration of tunnel boring machine (TBM) is very difficult to monitor on sites, and related research on prediction methods is rare. Based on the field tunnelling test of a TBM in the Xinjiang Ehe project, the vibration information of the main beam of the TBM under different surrounding rock conditions is collected. The relationships among the tunnelling parameters, surrounding rock parameters and vibration parameters were studied. The results show that the penetration, cutter head speed, torque and thrust are important parameters affecting TBM vibration. In addition, the field penetration index and cutter head driving power index are significantly related to the root mean square of acceleration. Based on this, a multiple regression prediction model of TBM vibration is established. The model was verified and analysed via field projects, and the relative prediction error was less than 12%. This method can be used to predict the vibration of a TBM in real time through characteristic parameters without the use of a traditional monitoring system. This approach is highly important for determining the status of TBM equipment in real time.

AIIB Investment and Economic Development of India: The Case of the Gujarat Road Project

The purpose of this study is to verify whether the transportation infrastructure investment carried out by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has promoted the economic development of its recipient countries. Since the establishment of the AIIB, its investments in infrastructure development, aimed at promoting economic growth in Asian developing countries, have garnered considerable attention. This study selects India, the largest recipient country of the AIIB, as the research object and chooses the Gujarat Road Project as the research case, since it is a completed infrastructure construction investment project in the transportation field. This paper provides an overview of the project’s operation and summarizes key factors in the project’s implementation. In the data analysis section, the per capita GDP is selected as the explained variable to measure economic development, and the LASSO regression method is used to select several variables that affect economic development. Moreover, the random forest model is used to obtain the causal relationship between road construction and the per capita GDP from 2001 to 2022. The results indicate that road construction in India has a significant positive effect on per capita GDP growth, the Gujarat Road Project supported by the AIIB also has a positive effect on per capita GDP growth, and this effect is stronger than that at the national level. The main contribution of this work is the validation of the investment strategy of the AIIB and the quantification of the economic contribution of AIIB investment projects to the local area.

An analytical model to estimate the time delay to reach spontaneous ignition considering heat loss in oil reservoirs

During air injection into an oil reservoir, an oxidation reaction generates some heat to raise the reservoir temperature. When the reservoir temperature reaches an ignition temperature, spontaneous ignition occurs. There is a time delay from the injection to ignition. There are mixed results regarding the feasibility of spontaneous ignition in real-field projects and in laboratory experiments. No analytical model is available in the literature to estimate the oxidation time required to reach spontaneous ignition with heat loss.This paper discusses the feasibility of spontaneous ignition from theoretical points and experimental and field project observations. An analytical model considering heat loss is proposed. Analytical models with and without heat loss investigate the factors that affect spontaneous ignition. Based on the discussion and investigations, we find that it is more difficult for spontaneous ignition to occur in laboratory experiments than in oil reservoirs; spontaneous ignition is strongly affected by the initial reservoir temperature, oil activity, and heat loss; spontaneous ignition is only possible when the initial reservoir temperature is high, the oil oxidation rate is high, and the heat loss is low.

An analytical model to estimate the oxidation time required to reach spontaneous ignition with heat loss being considered

During air injection into an oil reservoir, an oxidation reaction generates heat to raise the reservoir temperature. When the reservoir temperature reaches an ignition temperature, spontaneous ignition occurs. There is a time delay from the injection to ignition. There are mixed results regarding the feasibility of spontaneous ignition in real-field projects and laboratory experiments. No analytical model is available in the literature to estimate the oxidation time required to reach spontaneous ignition with heat loss. This paper proposes an analytical model considering heat loss. The feasibility of spontaneous ignition from theoretical points, and experimental and field project observations are discussed. Using analytical models with and without heat loss, the factors that affect spontaneous ignition are investigated. Based on the discussions and investigations, we find that it is more difficult for spontaneous ignition to occur in laboratory experiments than in oil reservoirs; spontaneous ignition is strongly affected by the initial reservoir temperature, oil activity, and heat loss; spontaneous ignition is only possible when the initial reservoir temperature is high, the oil oxidation rate is high, and the heat loss is low.

Here and Now: Towards an Experiential Archaeological Fieldwork

This article is not about the archaeological past per se: It is about the archaeological presence, the here and the now and the experiential aspects of archaeological fieldwork. It introduces the concept of an ‘experiential archaeological fieldwork’ as a means to provoke bodily sensory awareness and the embodiment of the experienced (archaeological) landscape through a vivid sensorial experimentation. At the same time, the experiential fieldwork aspires to re-negotiate the ontology of the archaeological field project, as a social, intellectual, and physical act. The project I present here was practiced in the mountainous landscapes of Lake Plastiras (central Greece), as part of the Neolithic project in the area.