Block pavements are widely used in various infrastructures, offering durability and aesthetic appeal. However, assessing their condition through manual methods is resource-intensive and subjective. This study proposes a deep learning approach using the Hybrid TransUNet model to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of detecting block pavement distresses. A dataset of over 10,000 images was used to train and test binary and multiclass segmentation models, significantly improving detection accuracy. The results show that the Hybrid TransUNet model outperforms other models, though challenges in detecting certain distress types like cracks persist.

In order for concrete to have good strength and durability, proper vibration is required. If the concrete does not vibrate completely, honeycomb can form in the concrete, which can reduce the strength and durability of the concrete. Two methods are presented that can be used to check whether a honeycomb is formed depending on whether the concrete is fresh or hardened. For fresh concrete, where a metal ball of the same size as aggregate is placed on a concrete surface and the vibration time is observed until the ball is completely sunk, an impact echo test can be used to check whether a honeycomb is present. Based on concrete surface and strength tests, we showed that this method can be used to detect honeycomb.

The present study, black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) fermented using lactic acid bacteria were powdered without defatting and added to 3% or 5% to make pig feed. Weaning piglets were fed 3% (T3) or 5% (T5) feed powdered with Hermetia illucens for 5 months and the efficacy of the feed was investigated. The results of measuring body weight gain over 5 months after adding 3% (T3) or 5% (T5) of Hermetia illucens powder to the feed of weaned piglets showed significant weight gain in the T5 group compared to the control group. The added feed to Hermetia illucens powder did not show toxicity, and analysis of its effect on blood properties showed that white blood cell levels tended to increase in the T3 or T5 group compared to the control group.The only increase in white blood cell count was a change within the normal range. As a result of analyzing the effect of the level of addition of Hermetia illucens powder on feces, the effect of liquid reduction showed excellent results in the T3 treatment group and maintained the best form of feces. In this study, the thawing loss in the control group was 6.66%, and the T3 group with added powder to Hermetia illucens showed a significant decrease of 5.03%, and the T5 group also showed a decrease of 5.61%. Therefore, it was demonstrated that additive feed for Hermetia illucens reduced thawing loss, affected the water holding capacity of meat, and played an important role in maintaining the taste of meat. Moreover, the results of carcass grade showed a tendency for one grade to increase in the T3 and T5 groups fed additive feed to Hermetia illucens compared to the control group. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that feed supplemented with Hermetia illucens is effective in influencing the weight gain of pigs, reducing the liquid content of feces, and increasing carcass grade.

PURPOSES : A model for minimizing cutting loss and determining the optimum layout of blocks in pavements was developed in this study. METHODS : Based on literature review, a model which included constraints such as the amount, volume, overlap, and pattern, was developed to minimize the cutting loss in an irregular pavement shape. The Stach bond, stretcher bond, and herringbone patterns were used in this model. The harmony search and particle swarm algorithms were then used to solve this model. RESULTS : Based on the results of the model and algorithms, the harmony search algorithm yielded better results because of its fast computation time. Moreover, compared to the sample pavement area, it reduced the cutting loss by 20.91%. CONCLUSIONS : The model and algorithms successfully optimized the layout of the pavement and they have potential applications in industries, such as tiling, panels, and textiles.

PURPOSES : In this study, a numerical clogging model that can be used to realistically visualize the movement of particles in cylindrical permeability test equipment was proposed based on the system coupling of computational fluid dynamics with the discrete element method and experimental permeability test results. This model can also be used to simulate the interaction of dust particles with bedding particles. METHODS: A 4-way system coupling method with multiphase volumes of the fluid model and porous media model was proposed. The proposed model needs to consider the influence of flow on the dust particles, interaction between the dust particles, and interaction between the dust particles and bedding layer particles. The permeability coefficient of the bedding layer in cylindrical permeability test equipment was not calculated by using the permeability test result, but was estimated by using the particle packing model and Ergun model. RESULTS : The numerical simulation demonstrated a good agreement with the experimental test results in terms of permeability and drain time. Additionally, the initial movement of particles due to the sudden drain hole opening was successfully captured by the numerical model. CONCLUSIONS : A 4-way coupling model was sufficient to simulate the water flow and particle movement in cylindrical permeability test equipment. However, additional tests and simulation are required to utilize the model for more realistic block pavement systems.

PURPOSES : In this study, a series of fundamental falling head permeability tests were conducted on a binary particle mix bedding to determine the minimum water level, bedding layer thickness, and amount of dust that can result in the stable permeability with high repeatability. The determined condition is used to develop a CFD-DEM coupled clogging model that can explain the movement of dust particles in flowing water of a block pavement system. METHODS: A binary particle mixture is utilized to experimentally simulate an ideal bedding layer of a block pavement system. To obtain a bedding layer with maximum packing degree, the well-known particle packing degree model, i.e., the modified Toufar model, was utilized. The permeability of the bedding layer for various water levels, bedding layer thicknesses, and amounts of dust was calculated. The permeability for a small water level drop was also plotted to evaluate the effect of dust on the bedding layer clogging. RESULTS: It was observed that a water level of 100 mm, bedding depth of 70 mm, and dust amount of 0.3 g result in a stable permeability condition with high repeatability. The relationship between the minimum dust amount and surface clogging of the bedding layer was suggested based on the evaluation of the volumetric calculation of the particle and void and the permeability change in the test. CONCLUSIONS: The test procedure to determine the minimum water level, bedding thickness, and dust amount was successfully proposed. The mechanism of clogging on the surface of the bedding layer was examined by relating the volumetric characteristics of dust to the clogging surface.

The bean bug, Riptortus pedestris, is one of major hemipteran pests against the soybean, Glycine max in Korea. In previous study, it was suggested that water-taking in the first instar nymphal stage of R. pedestris is certainly necessary for successful ecdysis and their survival. To investigate water-taking behavior of the first instar nymphs of R. pedestris on plant, electrical penetration graphic patterns were analysed while R. pedestris fed on the napa cabbage leaf, Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis by using EPG system. In the result, a X-waveform was dominantly observed for average 42.0 min out of total recording time (120 min). There was significant positive correlation (r = 0.457, P = 0.000452, n = 55) between body weight increase and cumulative durations of X-waveform. In addition, histological observation of cross-sections indicated that stylet tip in the plant tissue during X-waveform period is located nearby xylem cells, suggesting that X-waveform is closely related to xylem sap feeding behavior of R. pedestris in plant.