A hierarchical mathematical model of the earthquake shelter location-allocation problem solved using an interleaved MPSO–GA

Earthquake disaster management involves determining locations in which to construct shelters and how to allocate the affected population to them. A multi-objective, hierarchical mathematical model, allied with an interleaved modified particle swarm optimization algorithm and genetic algorithm (MPSO–GA), have been developed to solve the earthquake shelter location-allocation problem. From a set of candidate shelter locations, the model first determines which of these should act as emergency shelters and then which should be used as long-term shelters, while simultaneously optimizing the allocation of a population to them. Damage caused to evacuation routes is considered in addition to the number of evacuees and shelter capacity. In terms of the model’s emergency and long-term shelter stages, the objectives are to minimize (i) total weighted evacuation time, and (ii) total shelter area used. An interleaved MPSO–GA applied to the model yielded better results than achieved using MPSO or GA in isolation. For a case study with an earthquake affecting the area of Jinzhan within Beijing’s Chaoyang district in China, results generated present government with a range of solution options. Thus, based on government preferences, choices can be made regarding the locations in which to construct shelters and how to allocate the population to them.</p

High-Performance Strain Sensors Based on Spirally Structured Composites with Carbon Black, Chitin Nanocrystals, and Natural Rubber

In this research, a new type of conductive composite with high tensile strength, high elasticity, and cost competitiveness has been developed through solution mixing–spraying–rolling methods. Naturel rubber (NR) latex with chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) as reinforcing filler and carbon black (CB) are thermally sprayed on glass substrate layer by layer, and then, spirally structured conductive composites are obtained by rolling the sheets. When the CB content is 4.44%, the conductivity of the NR/ChNCs-CB composite can reach 6.92 s/m. The tensile strength of 5% ChNCs reinforced conductive composites is 3.47 MPa, which is 3.1 times that of NR-CB composites without ChNCs. The strain sensor exhibits a high gauge factor (GF ≈ 5) and electrical conductivity stability in a small deformation range and still shows good stability and recoverability upon 25%, 50%, and 100% strain. The high-sensitivity strain sensors are further employed for monitoring human activities such as finger movements and pronunciation, which shows good reproducibility and reliability. This study provides a routine of preparing highly stretchable and multifunctional strain sensors based on inexpensive raw materials by a simple manner, which opens up new opportunities for the development of stretchable electronic devices

Pareto-optimal solutions for S_C in the last generation of the last outside loop.

<p>Pareto-optimal solutions for S_C in the last generation of the last outside loop.</p

Flow diagram of modified PSO algorithm.

<p>Flow diagram of modified PSO algorithm.</p

Potassium-induced plant resistance against soybean cyst nematode via root exudation of phenolic acids and plant pathogen-related genes

<div><p>Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a severe soil borne disease. The control of this disease is still a worldwide problem in agriculture. In this study, we found that application of potassium (K) fertilizer could decrease the occurrence of SCN at two field sites. Furthermore, the application of K could suppress <i>Heterodera glycines</i> with the activation of Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (<i>PAL)</i> and Polyphenol Oxidase (<i>PPO)</i> expression via pot experiments in a greenhouse. The release of cinnamic, ferulic and salicylic acids was significantly enhanced by K application of 3 mM, and each of three acids can dramatically constrain <i>Heterodera glycines</i> in vitro. This research indicated that K induce multiple mechanisms to improve the resistance of soybean against SCN and provide a new strategy to control SCN in fields with nutrient application.</p></div

Expression of two defense-related genes and their enzyme activity in roots of soybean in response to <i>H</i>. <i>glycines</i> infection under the treatment of different K concentrations in the sand culture experiment.

<p>K0, No K application; K1, 1 mM K; K3, 3 mM K; K6, 6 mM K; +<i>H</i>. <i>glycines</i> means inoculation with <i>Heterodera glycines</i>; -<i>H</i>. <i>glycines</i> means no inoculation with <i>Heterodera glycines</i>.</p

Pareto-optimal solutions for S_B in the last generation of the last outside loop.

<p>Pareto-optimal solutions for S_B in the last generation of the last outside loop.</p

The exudation rate of four phenolic acids from soybean roots under treatments of different K concentrations in the sandy culture at the flowering stage.

<p>K0, No K application; K1, 1 mM K; K3, 3 mM K; K6, 6 mM K; Each histogram represents the mean of four replicates ± SE. Different letters above the bars indicate significant differences (<i>P<0</i>.<i>05</i>) by Duncan’s t-tests.</p

Effect of the different K application rates on the yield, K concentration and total phenol content of soybean plants in two field trials over two years.

<p>Effect of the different K application rates on the yield, K concentration and total phenol content of soybean plants in two field trials over two years.</p

Schemes of earthquake shelter location and districting planning in three scenarios.

<p>(S_A1), (S_B1), and (S_C1) are schemes with the minimal shelter area in scenarios S_A, S_B, and S_C respectively; (S_A2), (S_B2), and (S_C2) are schemes with the median shelter area in scenarios S_A, S_B, and S_C respectively; (S_A3), (S_B3), and (S_C3) are schemes with the maximal shelter area in scenarios S_A, S_B, and S_C respectively.</p