[[alternative]]Iris Murdoch's Moral Philosophy and Its Implications on Moral Education

[[abstract]]The aim of the thesis is to search into the moral philosophy of Iris Murdoch and to develop the implication of it on moral education. Murdoch’s moral philosophy focuses on the inner morality, and it establishes firmly the relationship between Good and the self. She claims that Good is the perfection the individuals always pursue. The tendency to Good is necessary for each individual. However, why does the individual have to turn towards to Good? How does the individual tend to Good? Theses are the questions Murdoch wants to answer. She connects Good and the individual with love and art, and thus answers those two questions. The Good she claims stands for the ultimate standard of all kinds of value, and it is also the perfection humans pursue. The Good is like the flash of light to brighten us in the difficult position in which the morality has been disordered, and her claims point out the direction and leads us to make efforts for it. At the end of the thesis after the discussion on Murdoch’s philosophy, I try to address my comments and develop the moral implication of it, and finally I give some propositions which may be references to support the practice of moral education.

觀照自然－『真實與永恆』作品及創作理念

[[abstract]]本論文主要在探討大自然與人為的相處過程中所產生的交替作用，面對物象試著提出真實與虛幻的看法，並配合個人的生命經驗來印證，透過繪畫創作來表現永恆的價值，這是人終其一生中追求的目標。 論文共分為六個章節，首先闡述了創作動機及範圍，由己身反省的觀點出發，以自然為基礎來看待生命的歷程；接著，在創作思想及理論基礎中談到了筆者的創作理念、西方風景畫的演變，以及對自然之詮釋。筆者並提出對自然的另一種探討，且談及在西方藝術史中，前輩的經驗與理論基礎，如何來轉換成自我的創作方式。在創作主題之背景條件與元素中，包涵了創作的要素，如何藉此來表達主客觀的感受，而創作內容、形式、技法與媒材則說明在繪畫的過程中運用了哪些藝術形式、材料與繪製方法，能否徹底的表達筆者的涵意；最後，在作品解說部分，運用各種元素的組合，以實際的畫作來印證先前所提及的理論，轉化為另一種語言；對於未來，藝術創作者該如何地走下去，並對於風景的看待，期望以多重角度來面對，藉以豐富自我的人生。

Interaction characteristics between multi-port hybrid DC circuit breaker and MVDC distribution system under diversified working conditions

Due to the progressive penetration and usage of renewable sources and loads based on power electronics, medium voltage direct current (MVDC) distribution system is getting broad attention. Direct current circuit breakers (DCCBs) are of vital importance for the reliability and flexibility of power system. With features of low cost and micro-operating losses, multi-port hybrid DCCB with negative voltage source (NVS) has been proposed by the authors and might be a better choice. To further promote its industry application in MVDC system, interaction characteristics between DCCB and power system are investigated in this study. The structure of multi-port hybrid DCCB is briefly introduced. Then, considering the diversified working conditions, e.g. single fault, multiple faults and switching load current with random direction, the cooperation sequence of components in multi-port DCCB under all these working conditions is proposed, respectively. Then, based on simulation model established in PSCAD/EMTDC, transient current/voltage distribution pattern inside multi-port DCCB and its mechanism are discussed, and simulation results have verified the superiority and effectiveness of multi-port hybrid DCCB with NVS in MVDC system.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Intelligent Electrical Power Grid

Study on the aging resistance of polyurethane precursor modified bitumen and its mechanism

As an environmentally friendly alternative for the production of high-performance modified asphalt by chemical reactions, a liquid-state polyurethane-precursor-based reactive modifier (PRM) was developed and employed in the asphalt modification. In contrast to the traditional solid bitumen modifier, for example, rubber and thermoplastic elastomers, the PRM as a liquid modifier has more significant advantages in reducing energy consumption and improving asphalt performance, which has attracted widespread attention. However, the aging resistance and its mechanism are not clear. In view of this, the aging performance of two PRM-modified bitumen (PRM-70 and PRM-90), under the short-term thermo-oxidative aging, long-term thermo-oxidative aging, and ultraviolet (UV) aging conditions, was investigated through chemical and mechanical methods. The results show that the PRM-90 is more susceptible to the thermos-oxidative aging and UV aging. The use of low-penetration-grade bitumen and ensuring an adequate reaction are beneficial to enhance the aging resistance of PRM-modified bitumen. The impact of aging on high-temperature performance of PRM-modified bitumen is great, followed by the low-temperature performance and the anti-fatigue performance. The mechanic-relevant rheological aging index (RAI) and fracture energy index (FEI) are recommended to evaluate aging properties for PRM-modified bitumen. This study not only provides support for further research on the relationship between the aging properties and mechanical performance of PRM-modified bitumen, but also provides a reference for conducting mechanism analysis.Pavement Engineerin

Mental Health Risks in the Local Workforce Engaged in Disaster Relief and Reconstruction

To build a sustainable workforce for long-term disaster relief and reconstruction, more effort must be made to promote local relief workers' mental health. We conducted 25 semistructured interviews with local relief officials 10 months after the 2008 earthquake in China to investigate the stress and coping experiences in their personal lives as survivors. We conducted thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Traumatic bereavement and grief, housing and financial difficulties, and work-family conflict were the three main sources of stress in the respondents' personal lives. The coping themes were finding meaning and purpose in life through relief work, colleagues' support and understanding, suppression or avoidance of grief, appreciation for life, hardiness, optimism, letting nature take its course, and making up for loss. We suggest that relief work has a double-edged-sword effect on workers' coping abilities. We discuss the implications of this effect for work-life balance measures and trauma and grief counseling services

Sustaining Engagement Through Work in Postdisaster Relief and Reconstruction

After the devastating 2008 earthquake in China, grass-roots government officials were the main local force in postquake relief and reconstruction. Like other survivors, many officials were severely bereaved. Their psychological well-being was at stake. We conducted 25 semistructured interviews to investigate sources of stress at work and their coping experiences. We coded interviews using the content analysis method. Misunderstandings and assaults from survivors, prolonged heavy workload, and grief and bereavement were major sources of stress at work. Finding meaning in the work, emotion regulation, and goal and time management were main coping strategies. The challenge and importance of the work, combined with support and recognition at work, fostered an empowering work environment. Few interviewees reported fatigue, whereas the majority displayed dedication to work, indicating a status of work engagement more than burnout among grass-roots officials. Implications of a meaning-oriented empowerment approach to stress management for disaster relief forces are drawn

A novel flushing strategy for diatom bloom prevention in the lower-middle Hanjiang River

There are many concerns over the environmental consequences of river regulation in China, such as the Three Gorges Project and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP). In this study, however, we attempted to find the positive role of these constructions in solving environmental problems. We explored the possibility for preventing downstream diatom blooms by using the water storage in the Danjiangkou Reservoir. And we developed a flushing strategy accessing the proper flushing time and water quantity to control the diatom growth. First, we set up a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to analyze the dynamics of the bloom-formation species, Stephanodiscus hantzschii, in response to the environmental variation. The model took into account the time lags between the biovolume and the environmental parameters. The model indicated that, air temperature explained the most variance in biovolume, followed by soluble reactive silicon (SRSi), turbidity, TP, dam release, PAR, pH and total nitrogen (GAM, R-2 = 0.759). Afterwards, we applied the model to a new predictive dataset, in which values were simulated according to the assumed dam release and air temperature. The GAM predicted fewer releases for flushing by using this dataset than the measured data, implying a prospect of saving water when using this strategy. Finally, we drew a contour map to present the operating procedure of this strategy. Our flushing strategy is to regulate the dam release above a critical value dependent on the air temperatures predicted over the following few days. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.There are many concerns over the environmental consequences of river regulation in China, such as the Three Gorges Project and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP). In this study, however, we attempted to find the positive role of these constructions in solving environmental problems. We explored the possibility for preventing downstream diatom blooms by using the water storage in the Danjiangkou Reservoir. And we developed a flushing strategy accessing the proper flushing time and water quantity to control the diatom growth. First, we set up a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to analyze the dynamics of the bloom-formation species, Stephanodiscus hantzschii, in response to the environmental variation. The model took into account the time lags between the biovolume and the environmental parameters. The model indicated that, air temperature explained the most variance in biovolume, followed by soluble reactive silicon (SRSi), turbidity, TP, dam release, PAR, pH and total nitrogen (GAM, R-2 = 0.759). Afterwards, we applied the model to a new predictive dataset, in which values were simulated according to the assumed dam release and air temperature. The GAM predicted fewer releases for flushing by using this dataset than the measured data, implying a prospect of saving water when using this strategy. Finally, we drew a contour map to present the operating procedure of this strategy. Our flushing strategy is to regulate the dam release above a critical value dependent on the air temperatures predicted over the following few days. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Spatial-temporal succession of the vegetation in Xishuangbanna, China during 1976-2010: A case study based on RS technology and implications for eco-restoration

The spatial-temporal succession of regional vegetation in Xishuangbanna, China from 1976 to 2010 was studied based on RS technology. The results showed the area fluctuation of main vegetation types in the study area during the research period. There was no great change in the total area of main vegetation, with the fluctuation area ranging from 12,579.84 to 14,698.75 km(2), averaging 13,664.48 km(2) annually, and with the fluctuation ratio between -7.94% and 7.57%. The area of natural vegetation (tropical rainforest, tropical seasonal moist forest, tropical seasonal rainforest, and tropical mountainous evergreen broad-leaved forests) increased at first and gradually decreased afterwards, and the ratio of its distribution area to the total area of main vegetation was featured with an annual decrease, especially in 2005 and 2010. Both the distribution area and ratio of artificial vegetation (Rubber plantation) to the total area of main vegetation were characterized with the tendency of a gradual increase, especially in 2005 and 2010. Thus, the establishment of artificial vegetation (Rubber plantation) not only led to the decrease in natural vegetation (3641.16 km(2)) but also covered 343.66 km(2) of lands for other uses. The results also showed the distribution succession of main vegetation types in the study area during the research period. In the later research period (after 1999), compared with the early research period (before 1999), the distribution range of natural vegetation was characterized with a certain decrease in the following aspects as at different altitudes (1400m), and on different slopes (0-5 degrees, 5-8 degrees, 8-15 degrees, 15-25 degrees, 25-35 degrees, and >35 degrees). By contrast, the artificial vegetation was just the opposite whose distribution range was characterized with a tendency of a rapid growth at different altitudes, and on different slopes. It indicated that the establishment of artificial vegetation had broken the original ecological pattern in Xishuangbanna, which would bring direct threats to the regional ecological security and environment healthy development, thus countermeasures were urgent to be taken in order to prevent it from worsening. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.The spatial-temporal succession of regional vegetation in Xishuangbanna, China from 1976 to 2010 was studied based on RS technology. The results showed the area fluctuation of main vegetation types in the study area during the research period. There was no great change in the total area of main vegetation, with the fluctuation area ranging from 12,579.84 to 14,698.75 km(2), averaging 13,664.48 km(2) annually, and with the fluctuation ratio between -7.94% and 7.57%. The area of natural vegetation (tropical rainforest, tropical seasonal moist forest, tropical seasonal rainforest, and tropical mountainous evergreen broad-leaved forests) increased at first and gradually decreased afterwards, and the ratio of its distribution area to the total area of main vegetation was featured with an annual decrease, especially in 2005 and 2010. Both the distribution area and ratio of artificial vegetation (Rubber plantation) to the total area of main vegetation were characterized with the tendency of a gradual increase, especially in 2005 and 2010. Thus, the establishment of artificial vegetation (Rubber plantation) not only led to the decrease in natural vegetation (3641.16 km(2)) but also covered 343.66 km(2) of lands for other uses. The results also showed the distribution succession of main vegetation types in the study area during the research period. In the later research period (after 1999), compared with the early research period (before 1999), the distribution range of natural vegetation was characterized with a certain decrease in the following aspects as at different altitudes (1400m), and on different slopes (0-5 degrees, 5-8 degrees, 8-15 degrees, 15-25 degrees, 25-35 degrees, and >35 degrees). By contrast, the artificial vegetation was just the opposite whose distribution range was characterized with a tendency of a rapid growth at different altitudes, and on different slopes. It indicated that the establishment of artificial vegetation had broken the original ecological pattern in Xishuangbanna, which would bring direct threats to the regional ecological security and environment healthy development, thus countermeasures were urgent to be taken in order to prevent it from worsening. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Phenolic Compounds Exuded from Two Submerged Freshwater Macrophytes and Their Allelopathic Effects on Microcystis aeruginosa

Culture solutions of the submerged freshwater macrophytes Hydrilla verticillata and Vallisneria spiralis, separately incubated at ID g of fresh weight (H) per liter for three days, were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid liquid extraction (LLE), and the acquired ethyl acetate fractions were analyzed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify potential allelochemicals exuded from these plant species. Freeze-dried plant tissues were separately methanol-extracted with a similar LLE-GC-MS procedure to compare allelochemical production and exudation. Four phenolic compounds were identified for both species: vanillic acid (VA), protocatechuic acid (PA), ferulic acid (FA), and caffeic acid (CA). H.verticillata produced 179 times the amount of phenolic compounds of V. spiralis. The phenolic contents in the culture solution were lower than 10% of those in the plant tissues for both submerged species in six of the eight cases. When evaluating the joint effects of the compounds using the Toxicity Index (TI) model, it was observed that the four phenolic compounds exerted additive and synergistic inhibition effects on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa depending on the mixing ratios. These results indicate that H. verticillata and I! spiralis could release some phenolic allelochemicals to inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa, and the joint action of multiple allelochemicals may be an important allelopathic pattern of submerged macrophytes to inhibit the growth of noxious cyanobacteria in natural aquatic ecosystems