The literature about how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) influence farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural technology is emerging, studies regarding the effects of particular smartphone-based digital extension services on farmers’ sustainable agricultural technology practices are limited. This study investigates the relationship between a digital extension service (“Zhe’ yang’ shi” WeChat application) and the adoption of soil testing and formula fertilization, a precision fertilization technology. A household choice model is constructed to explain the impact of the application. Based on a household-level data set from a survey of 400 farmers in Zhejiang in 2022, empirical results show that the use of the “Zhe’ yang’ shi” WeChat application significantly increases the adoption of soil testing and formula fertilization. We also discuss the heterogeneous effect by different production scales. The findings enrich the literature regarding ICTs’ influence on farmers’ behavior in adopting sustainable agricultural technology. It provides a valuable example for developing countries to promote sustainable agriculture through digital technology.
Blends of polyetheretherketone and polyethersulfone (PEEK–PES blends) were prepared either by mechanically mixing fine PEEK and PES powders or by mixing PEEK and PES solutions in H2SO4 (98%). Partially compatible blends were obtained in the latter method. The sulfurization of PEEK or PES in concentrated sulphuric acid did not occur provided that the experiment was performed within 30 min. The Tg of the PEEK component increased and that of PES component decreased with the increase of PES weight fraction; the melting exothermic peak of the PEEK component did not appear in the DSC curves of the quenched blends, suggesting that PES can effectively reduce the crystallization of PEEK component. The major absorbances of the bands were characterized by IR spectroscopy; the frequency difference between PEEK or PES and their blends were observed. A linear correlation of absorbance ratios with PEEK weight fraction was found.
Effect of microcapsules on cement composites has been studied. The hydration of cement composite using microcapsules is studied by XRD and thermal techniques, showing that the addition of microcapsules has little affect on the hydration of cement. The pore size distribution and surface area of the cement composite with microcapsule are analyzed, showing a reduction in the pore content of cement composite and makes the pores smaller, which would improve durability and impermeability for designed materials. Damaging on cement and composites containing microcapsules and self-healing of these damagings can be reflected by the changes in their bending strength. When the cracks were generated in the composite, the microcapsules can release adhesive to fill in the space between the crackings, preventing cracking further growth.
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