A GIS plug-in for Bayesian belief networks: Towards a transparent software framework to assess and visualise uncertainties in ecosystem service mapping

The complexity and spatial heterogeneity of ecosystem processes driving ecosystem service delivery require spatially explicit models that take into account the different parameters affecting those processes. Current attempts to model ecosystem service delivery on a broad, regional scale often depend on indicator-based approaches that are generally not able to fully capture the complexity of ecosystem processes. Moreover, they do not allow quantification of uncertainty on their predictions. In this paper, we discuss a QGIS plug-in which promotes the use of Bayesian belief networks for regional modelling and mapping of ecosystem service delivery and associated uncertainties. Different types of specific Bayesian belief network output maps, delivered by the plug-in, are discussed and their decision support capacities are evaluated. This plug-in, used in combination with firmly developed Bayesian belief networks, has the potential to add value to current spatial ecosystem service accounting methods. The plug-in can also be used in other research domains dealing with spatial data and uncertainty.     

Understanding silica-supported metal catalysts: Pd/silica as a case study

Supported metal catalysts, particularly noble metals supported on SiO₂, have attracted considerable attention due to the importance of the silica–metal interface in heterogeneous catalysis and in electronic device fabrication. Several important issues, e.g., the stability of the metal–oxide interface at working temperatures and pressures, are not well-understood. In this review, the present status of our understanding of the metal–silica interface is reviewed. Recent results of model studies in our laboratories on Pd/SiO₂/Mo(1 1 2) using LEED, AES and STM are reported. In this work, epitaxial, ultrathin, well-ordered SiO₂ films were grown on a Mo(1 1 2) substrate to circumvent complications that frequently arise from the silica–silicon interface present in silica thin films grown on silicon.     

凝胶成型法制备加氢催化剂载体的研究与工业化生产

采用凝胶成型法制备加氢催化剂载体，并进行了工业放大试验。通过BET、NH3-TPD、H2-TPR等表征手段及实际的加氢反应性能评价对凝胶成型法制备的载体及加氢催化剂与常规方法进行对比分析，结果表明，采用凝胶成型法所制得的载体及催化剂均具有较高的孔体积和比表面积、较低的堆密度，其机械强度可满足工业要求，总酸量及中强酸酸量得到提升，催化剂活性组分与载体强结合力得到削弱，金属利用率提高，应用性能明显优于传统方法制备的加氢催化剂载体。通过该方法完成了加氢催化剂载体的工业生产，所生产的载体应用于天津院THDS-3加氢精制催化剂取得了良好的工业应用效果。     

Nitric oxide reduction and carbon monoxide oxidation over carbon-supported copper-chromium catalysts

Carbon supported copper-chromium catalysts are shown to be very active for both the reduction of nitric oxide with carbon monoxide and the oxidation of carbon monoxide with oxygen. Mixed copper-chromium oxide active phases have good activity in the simultaneous removal of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide from exhaust gases. The influence of several catalyst variables has been investigated. The activity per volume of catalyst increases with increasing loading, while the intrinsic activity shows a maximum around C/M=100−50. An optimum catalyst for nitric oxide reduction and carbon monoxide oxidation has a copper/chromium ratio of 2/1. The apparent activation energy for the carbon monoxide oxidation over carbon supported copper-chromium catalysts is 77 kJ/mol, suggesting that the Cu---O bond rupture is the rate-limiting process. The reduction of nitric oxide takes place at higher temperatures. Since all catalysts have a low selectivity for molecular nitrogen formation at lower temperatures, the dissociation of nitric oxide is probably rate determining, resulting in a slightly reduced catalyst system. In an excess of carbon monoxide the reaction is first-order in nitric oxide and zero-order in carbon monoxide. Moisture inhibits the reaction by reversible competitive adsorption, whereas carbon dioxide does not. Oxygen completely inhibits the reduction of nitric oxide due to the more rapid reoxidation of the catalytic sites compared to nitric oxide. Therefore, the reduction of nitric oxide takes place only when all oxygen has been converted and, hence, is shifted to higher temperatures. As a possible consequence, the production of nitrous oxide is reduced. Nitric oxide and molecular oxygen react preferentially with carbon monoxide, so, in an excess of oxidizing component, gasification of the carbon support occurs at higher temperatures after carbon monoxide has been completely consumed.     

深基坑支护结构计算的有限元方法

针对软土地基的特性，本文提出了考虑土体抗力释放与结构模型随施工过程改变的新杆系有限元法，并 编制了求解支护结构内力与变形的计算程序，通过对事例分析．计算结果与实际情况非常吻合，证明了该方法的合理 性。     

Information systems and uncertainty: a conspiracy of misplaced confidence

Abstract. Information technology is becoming an increasingly important factor in contemporary management. Information systems are being set up in business explicitly to accommodate the new opportunities of this technology, and these are having a lasting effect on managerial practice. The full implications of this technology-driven development have not been appreciated by organizations, which in absorbing technological systems, are tolerating a great drain on their resources.
The efficacy of computers is predicated on the acceptance of some very specific perspectives. A growing discontent and disappointment with their limited achievements is our reason for advocating a different point of view. We will discuss how a shift in perspective, particularly in respect to the perception of uncertainty, will affect thinking and practice in the field of management support systems. We will render our view of the application of computerized decision support systems (DSS), and especially, we will focus on the beliefs and assumptions that have shaped this technology thus far. To this end we will discuss the concept of uncertainty, by juxtaposing current thinking and practice with our understanding of the context of its application. Finally, we will place our understanding of uncertainty in a managerial context and explain the implications this would have for strategists.     

Immobilization and activation of vanadium(III) and titanium(III) single‐site catalysts for ethylene polymerization using MgCl2‐based supports

Significant increases in the activity of vanadium(III) amidinate catalysts for ethylene polymerization have been obtained by immobilization on a MgCl₂‐based support prepared by reaction of AlEt₃ with a MgCl₂/ethanol adduct. Catalyst immobilization and activation on this type of support prevents the rapid decay in activity observed under homogeneous polymerization conditions with unsupported catalysts. Stable polymerization activity is also observed with analogous titanium(III) complexes. Polyethylene with narrow molecular weight distribution and spherical particle morphology is obtained without reactor fouling. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

The new structure of fibre glass reinforced plastics bolt

The develop actuality and direction of FRP (fibre glass reinforced plastics) bolt in the world are analyzed. The new type structure of FRP bolt was designed. Trial data indicate that, all kinds of capability target of this FRP bolt all achieve and exceed the country stand-ard, substitute present metal bolt, wood bolt and bamboo bolt and other side bolt, it can gain magnitude technology and economy benefit. FRP bolt mechanization product line produce ef-ficiency is high, its throughput a day are 750 base, this can meet demand of hit-small mining company.     

松软厚煤层轻放工作面切眼锚杆支护实践

针对朱仙庄矿 84 15工作面切眼特殊的地质条件 ,介绍了高强锚杆 (索 )支护技术成功应用于特厚极软煤层的经验 ,并对巷道支护成本进行了分析