Elastic wave measurement in rock engineering

Imperial Users onl

CPS Information Security Risk Evaluation Based on Blockchain and Big Data

CPS (Cyber Physical Systems) have got wide application and research, and information security risk evaluation became the key for CPS greatly developing. In view of the physical structure and business characteristics of CPS, this paper constructs an information security risk evaluation system for CPS. In the process of risk evaluation, colligating the analysis results from experts and the analysis results of external data sources’ related big data for information security risk evaluation of CPS, by experts confirming the index system and indexes’ weight values for CPS information security risk evaluation, further through using evaluation model to realize the quantitative calculation to CPS information security risks. This paper proposes using blockchain technology to construct the data’s authenticity and reliability guarantee system for CPS and CPS related external systems, and constructing blockchain’s layered model structure based on CPS. In the part of case analysis, comparing and analysing the evaluation system based on blockchain and big data and the evaluation system based on traditional mode, to confirm the research value of this paper

Evolution, Monitoring and Predicting Models of Rockburst: Precursor Information for Rock Failure

Load/unload response ratio predicting of rockburst; Three-dimensional reconstruction of fissured rock; Nonlinear dynamics evolution pattern of rock cracks; Bayesian model for predicting rockburs

Preliminary study in discovering 2-propen-1-one, 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)- from syzygium aqueum leaves as a tyrosinase inhibitor in food product: experimental and theoretical approach

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) in combination with central composite rotatable design (CCRD) were performed to optimize the extraction parameters for total phenolic content (TPC) on Syzygium aqueum (S. aqueum) leaves. The effect of operational conditions on the extraction of S. aqueum leaves using carbon dioxide (CO2) on TPC was investigated. The conditions used in the supercritical extraction with CO2 included temperatures of (40-70 °C), pressures (2200-4500 psi) and extraction time (40-100 min). The highest TPC (3.5893 mg GAE/mg) was obtained at optimum conditions of 55 °C, 3350 psi and 70 min. The major compound in the optimized crude extract was2-propen-1-one,1-(2,4Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)- (82.65 %) which was identified by GC-MS. COSMO-RS was introduced to study the σ-profile between CO2 and 2-propen-1-one,1-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4methoxyphenyl)-. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to classify major compound which exhibit similar chemical properties with selected control. 2-propen-1-one,1-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4methoxyphenyl)- has similar chemical properties with kaempferol as tyrosinase inhibitor. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and molecular docking were plotted to investigate a recognition manner of 2-propen-1-one,1-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-upon tyrosinase receptor

Environmental Technologies

This book on Environmental Technology takes a look at issues such as air, soil and noise pollution problems, environmental quality assessment, monitoring, modelling and risk as- sessment, environmental health impact assessment, environmental management and envi- ronmental technology development. It represents institutional arrangements, financial mechanisms and some sustainable technologies. The user can always count on finding both introductory material and more specific material based on national interests and problems. The user will also find ample references at the end of each chapter, if additional information is required. For additional questions or comments the user is encouraged to contact the author

Robotic autonomous systems for earthmoving equipment operating in volatile conditions and teaming capacity: a survey

Abstract There has been an increasing interest in the application of robotic autonomous systems (RASs) for construction and mining, particularly the use of RAS technologies to respond to the emergent issues for earthmoving equipment operating in volatile environments and for the need of multiplatform cooperation. Researchers and practitioners are in need of techniques and developments to deal with these challenges. To address this topic for earthmoving automation, this paper presents a comprehensive survey of significant contributions and recent advances, as reported in the literature, databases of professional societies, and technical documentation from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). In dealing with volatile environments, advances in sensing, communication and software, data analytics, as well as self-driving technologies can be made to work reliably and have drastically increased safety. It is envisaged that an automated earthmoving site within this decade will manifest the collaboration of bulldozers, graders, and excavators to undertake ground-based tasks without operators behind the cabin controls; in some cases, the machines will be without cabins. It is worth for relevant small- and medium-sized enterprises developing their products to meet the market demands in this area. The study also discusses on future directions for research and development to provide green solutions to earthmoving.</jats:p

Radioactive Waste

The safe management of nuclear and radioactive wastes is a subject that has recently received considerable recognition due to the huge volume of accumulative wastes and the increased public awareness of the hazards of these wastes. This book aims to cover the practice and research efforts that are currently conducted to deal with the technical difficulties in different radioactive waste management activities and to introduce to the non-technical factors that can affect the management practice. The collective contribution of esteem international experts has covered the science and technology of different management activities. The authors have introduced to the management system, illustrate how old management practices and radioactive accident can affect the environment and summarize the knowledge gained from current management practice and results of research efforts for using some innovative technologies in both pre-disposal and disposal activities

Surface composites and functionalisation : enhancement of aluminium alloy 7075-T651 via friction stir processing

Abstract: This research work is aimed at modifying and enhancing the properties of aluminium alloy 7075- T651 through the friction stir processing (FSP) technique, in order to improve the mechanical, electrochemical, structural, tribological as well as the metallurgical properties which include micro- and macro- structural analysis through XRD and Image processing of grain size and grain flow patterns determination, by reinforcing the parent metal. The surface modification of the parent metal has been made possible in the past via different techniques,such as laser surfacing, electronbeam welding and thermal spraying; but in recent years, the friction stir processing (FSP) technology has been adopted to cater for the complex methods of surface enhancement. FSP is well-renowned for its short route of fabrication, densification, grain refinement, homogenization of the precipitates of composite substances, nugget zone homogeneity. These have led to the efficient surface enhancement, significant and remarkable improvement in hardness, ductility, strength, increased fatigue life, as well as formability within which the bulk properties are still intact. The use of FSP in the fabrication of metal matrix composites (MMCs), especially aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) and aluminium hybrid composites (AHCs) were dealt with in this study...Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering

The destabilisation of existing regimes in socio-technical transitions: theoretical explorations and in-depth case studies of the British coal industry (1880-2011)

This thesis, which addresses an innovation studies audience, deals with a neglected topic in the study of socio-technical transitions: the destabilisation and decline of established industries. While most of the transitions literature focuses on the emergence of novelty, this thesis investigates the productive role of destabilisation and processes of unlocking of existing regimes. The research question is: How can we understand the unfolding of industry destabilisation processes? To answer this question, this thesis aims to make theoretical contributions by developing an integrative framework that overcomes shortcomings in existing views of destabilisation. Insights from a number of different approaches are mobilised as ‘building blocks’ for theoretical elaboration. Destabilisation is understood as a process involving: 1) multiple interacting pressures, 2) industry strategies and responses to (economic and legitimacy) challenges, and 3) decreasing commitment to industry regime rules. The theoretical perspective addresses: a) destabilisation as a long-term unfolding process, b) the multi-dimensional and co-evolutionary nature of destabilisation, and c) the role of normative problems in destabilisation. To assess the robustness of the conceptual perspective, the thesis studies three cases of destabilisation: - The destabilisation of the British coal industry in the transition from the omnipresence of coal to a four-fuel economy (1880-1967) - The destabilisation and decline of British deep coal mining in the electricity sector (1967-1997) - The destabilisation of coal use in the transition towards low-carbon electricity (1990-2011). Possible revival? The case studies show the usefulness of the conceptual framework. The analysis of patterns and causal mechanisms further identifies similarities and differences of destabilisation pathways in the cases. Specificities in the kinds, rates, interaction and timing of these dynamics produce different destabilisation patterns