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We conducted a phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including healthy adults in Sui County, Henan Province, China. Ninety-six adults were randomly assigned to one of three groups (high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose) at a 3:1 ratio to receive one vaccine dose or placebo. Adverse events up to 28 days after each dose and serious adverse events up to 6 months after all doses were reported. Geometric mean titers and seroconversion rates were measured for anti-rotavirus neutralizing antibodies using microneutralization tests. The rates of total adverse events in the placebo group, low-dose group, medium-dose group, and high-dose group were 29.17 % (12.62 %–51.09 %), 12.50 % (2.66 %–32.36 %), 50.00 % (29.12 %–70.88 %), and 41.67 % (22.11 %–63.36 %), respectively, with no significant difference in the experimental groups compared with the placebo group. The results of the neutralizing antibody assay showed that in the adult group, the neutralizing antibody geometric mean titer at 28 days after full immunization in the low-dose group was 583.01 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 447.12–760.20), that in the medium-dose group was 899.34 (95 % CI: 601.73–1344.14), and that in the high-dose group was 1055.24 (95 % CI: 876.28–1270.75). The GMT of serum-specific IgG at 28 days after full immunization in the low-dose group was 3444.26 (95 % CI: 2292.35–5175.02), that in the medium-dose group was 6888.55 (95 % CI: 4426.67–10719.6), and that in the high-dose group was 7511.99 (95 % CI: 3988.27–14149.0). The GMT of serum-specific IgA at 28 days after full immunization in the low-dose group was 2332.14 (95 % CI: 1538.82–3534.45), that in the medium-dose group was 4800.98 (95 % CI: 2986.64–7717.50), and that in the high-dose group was 3204.30 (95 % CI: 2175.66–4719.27). In terms of safety, adverse events were mainly Grades 1 and 2, indicating that the safety of the vaccine is within the acceptable range in the healthy adult population. Considering the GMT and positive transfer rate of neutralizing antibodies for the main immunogenicity endpoints in the experimental groups, it was initially observed that the high-dose group had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than the medium- and low-dose groups in adults aged 18–49 years. This novel inactivated rotavirus vaccine was generally well-tolerated in adults, and the vaccine was immunogenic in adults (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04626856). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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With the rapid development of the global economy, the investment boom in megaprojects worldwide has been on the rise in the past several decades. As large temporary contract organizations, megaprojects are generally confronted with performance dilemmas. The managerial advantage of building information modeling (BIM) has been recognized as one of the critical factors for the success of megaprojects. In particular, BIM-based integration management (BIM IM) signifies the logical and reasonable coordination and integration of the required processes during the whole life-cycle of projects, which facilitates the implementation and management of megaprojects. However, limited empirical research has explored effective pathways for BIM IM in improving megaproject performance (MP). Thus, this study establishes a novel conceptual framework to explore the impacts of BIM IM on MP through information sharing (IS) and cooperation behavior (CB), as well as considering the moderating effects of top management team (TMT) heterogeneity and task conflict (TC). The empirical data were collected in megaprojects in China using the questionnaire survey, and data from 206 middle-senior managers was analyzed by structural equation modeling partial least-squares method. The research findings reveal the effectiveness of BIM IM in promoting IS and CB in megaprojects for ultimate MP. More specifically, BIM IM has a larger effect on IS than CB, and CB has a more profound impact on MP than IS. Meanwhile, TMT heterogeneity plays a negative moderating effect on the relationship between IS and MP, while TC shows a positive moderating effect on the relationship between CB and MP. The findings of this study provide new perspectives and practical strategies for stakeholders to support the effective use of BIM IM to achieve strategic management in megaprojects worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disequilibrium compaction caused by burial or tectonic compression and unloading are the common overpressure mechanisms in foreland basins. However, accurately identifying multiple overpressure origins in such basins is challenging, since it requires distinguishing impact of vertical and horizontal stresses on compaction and overpressure as well as identifying overpressure caused by unloading. This paper proposed a dual compaction factor method (DCFM) to address these issues. A basic DCFM schematic diagram was established through analyzing compaction behaviors before and after tectonic compression to distinguish overpressure derived from two types of disequilibrium compaction and overpressure induced by unloading. In DCFM, a compaction model for mudstone in the foreland basin, which was only controlled by burial, was established based on the relationship between mean deposition rate and compaction factor in weak tectonic compression zone (WTCZ). It was used to determine compaction factor, normal compaction trend (NCT), acoustic transit time, bulk density, and overburden pressure under this compaction condition, as well as to distinguish the impact of burial and tectonic compression on porosity and overpressure at strong tectonic compression zone (STCZ). The DCFM employs mean stress to revise the equivalent depth method (EDM). Pore pressures associated with compaction only derived from burial and derived from both burial and tectonic compression were estimated using conventional EDM and revised EDM, respectively. The total pore pressures were estimated using the Eaton method and were calibrated based on measured ones. Overpressure associated with unloading was determined by comparing total pore pressure with estimated pore pressure generated with disequilibrium compaction. This mode was further applied at two wells from the Sikeshu Sag in the southern Junggar Foreland Basin to reconstruct accurate overpressure profiles with multiple origins, which were consistent with measured pressures and matched well with geological characteristics. Disequilibrium compaction induced by tectonic compression and burial is responsible for overpressure at the Sikeshu Sag. Overpressure transfer is also one of the primary contributors to the excess pressure in the Jurassic and Cretaceous in the Gaoquan anticline at the Sikeshu Sag, with a maximum contribution of 38 %. Plays, consisting of sandstone reservoirs with both transferred overpressure and tectonic-induced overpressure as well as mudstone caprocks with overpressure due to disequilibrium compaction, are favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation. This study can quantify the impact of overpressures with multiple origins on hydrocarbon migration and sealing capacity of caprocks, as well as provide ideas for researching fluid evolution in sedimentary basins. • A compaction model controlled by burial is proposed to distinguish burial and tectonic disequilibrium compaction. • The estimated pore pressure based on mean stress-porosity relationship is consistent with the measurements. • Disequilibrium compaction induced by tectonic compression and burial is primary contributor to overpressure. • The maximum contribution of transferred overpressure in the Jurassic and Cretaceous is 38%. • The impacts of overpressures on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation vary depending on their origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high spatial variability of the rock-soil interface (RSI) in complex geological conditions introduces strong uncertainties in both subsurface stratigraphy and geotechnical properties. Inaccurate interpretation of such uncertainties during engineering geology investigations increases the geohazard risk of excessive surface settlement or even severe catastrophic ground collapse when shield machines are excavating in RSI mixed ground. Prediction and early warning of excessive surface settlement are necessary measures to address such a risk; however, unavoidable drawbacks such as overfitting, insufficient accuracy, and ineffectiveness remain in existing prediction models and early warning algorithms and have posed significant challenges. In this study, a novel framework using both a multivariate data fusion prediction model and a dynamic early warning algorithm was developed for forecasting and early warning of ground collapse during shield tunnelling in RSI mixed ground. The prediction model is the Differential Evolutionary Optimized Quadratic Taylor Series Extended Kalman Filter (DEQT-EKF); the early warning algorithm is based on Catastrophe Theory and uses the Gradient Ratio (GR) criterion to identify catastrophic singularities. The practicality and accuracy of the framework are well verified by a subway shield tunnelling-induced ground collapse incident in East China with complex RSI mixed ground conditions. The prediction results are compared with the surface settlement measurements and good agreement is obtained, indicating that the DEQT-EKF model can achieve satisfactory accuracy in predicting excessive settlement. The use of the GR criterion can trigger the early warning one time step before the ground collapse event, indicating that it is a competent and practical early warning strategy for shield tunnelling-induced ground collapse. The framework has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of ground collapse caused by geological uncertainties when constructing shield tunnels through complex ground conditions. • Geological uncertainty induced geohazards in rock-soil interface mixed ground is investigated. • A highly accurate prediction model for excessive surface settlement is proposed and validated. • An early warning algorithm based on catastrophe theory for ground collapse is innovatively applied. • The Gaussian distribution assumption is confirmed and an extended Kalman filter is used for fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining virtual water flows in China, we identified a crucial gap in differentiating between groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW). Understanding the unique roles of virtual GW and SW is vital for local sustainable water use. We firstly track virtual GW and SW flows via inter-provincial trade, using a comprehensive inventory that included GW and SW uses in China. Our findings show nearly two-thirds of Chinese provinces face GW or SW scarcity in 2017, with about 34 % of GW and 31 % of SW use driven by interprovincial trade. Water rich regions acted as virtual SW exporters, while water scarce regions served as virtual GW exporters. Targeted irrigation efficiency improvement strategies, considering regional surface and groundwater pressures, could notably reduce interprovincial trade-driven GW and SW use by 12 % and 7 %. It's crucial to manage GW and SW as single resources, recognizing both their physical and virtual distinctions in local water use. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the efficiency of high-standard farmland construction (HSFC), this study utilized data spanning from 1998 to 2020 obtained from 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. This assessment was conducted using a three-stage super-efficient slack-based measure data envelopment analysis(SBM-DEA)model. Furthermore, we investigated the spatial and temporal variances and convergence of HSFC efficiency using the Dagum Gini coefficient and convergence analysis. The results firstly show that from 2007 to 2020, China's HSFC efficiency displayed fluctuations and declines, significantly influenced by environmental and stochastic factors. Secondly, it showed that the gap in China's HSFC efficiency has widened, with super-variable density being demonstrated as the primary source of spatial imbalance in HSFC efficiency. Thirdly, it showed that the deviation in the efficiency of HSFC in the central region of China from the average level has shown a gradually declining trend, while the deviation in the efficiency of HSFC in the national, western, eastern, and northeastern regions has not presented a downward trend. Fourthly, it demonstrated that over time, the efficiency of building high-standard agriculture throughout the nation and its four main areas will converge to the same level. • The three-stage super efficiency model is used to measure the efficiency. • The efficiency of high-standard farmland construction is affected by external environmental factors. • The gap of construction efficiency in various parts of our country expands unceasingly. • Hypervariable density is the main source of spatial imbalance in the efficiency. • There was β absolute convergence and β conditional convergence across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the transition status of newly graduated nurses in China and identify its influencing factors. Newly graduated nurses are the indispensable part of nursing human resource. The successful transition of into clinical work is crucial for their future career development. However, the transition status of new nurses in China remains inadequately explored. A descriptive survey design was employed in this study. From October 2022 to January 2023, 1261 newly graduated nurses were surveyed online with the Transition Status Scale for Newly Graduated Nurses. Description statistical analysis was adopted to evaluate the transition status of new nurses. Independent-samples t-test, Analysis of Variance and Multiple Regression Analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of the transition status. The total mean score of Transition Status Scale for Newly Graduated Nurses was 4.00 (SD=0.61). Competence for nursing work (Mean=4.20; SD=0.57) was rated the highest among the five dimensions of the scale, while the dimension of balance between work and life (Mean=3.65; SD=0.89) was rated the lowest. Mentored by senior nurses, night shift, attribute of working hospital, educational background, interned in the same department, tertiary general hospital, reasons for choosing nursing and working time can affect the transition status of new nurses, accounting for 17.9% of the variance in transition status (R²= 0.179, P ＜0.001). The transition status of newly graduated nurses in China is at a relatively high level, especially in the dimension of competence for nursing work. However, newly graduated nurses are in a relatively poor status of work-life balance. Nurse educators and managers need to pay more attention to the transitional training of highly educated nursing talents and the optimization of clinical transition training programs to prevent talent loss. Experienced tutors should be allocated to provide guidance for newly graduated nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This is the first data on the occurrence of cookeite in Permian coals of China. • ToF-SIMS confirmed cookeite as the Lithium host. • Volcanic ash occurs as intra-seam partings in the early Permian coal seam. • Enrichment of Li and REY in the coal seam is due to epigenetic hydrothermal activity. • Diaspore formed through kaolinite conversion to NH 4 -illite and Al-bearing colloids transformation. The Qinshui Basin is one of the largest coal-bearing basins and the largest reservoir of commercial coalbed methane in China. Recent studies have also reported a potential coal-hosted Li deposit in the Pennsylvanian coal seam of the Jincheng Coalfield, Qinshui Basin. This study further investigates the mineralogy and inorganic geochemistry of the Permian No. 3 coal and associated rocks of the Jincheng Coalfield, to reveal the modes of occurrence and enrichment origins of critical elements including Li, Ga, and rare earth elements and yttrium (REY). The mineralogy of the coal is dominated by two groups of mineral assemblages, kaolinite/NH 4 -illite/paragonite and ankerite/chamosite/siderite. At least one intra-seam altered volcanic ash layer was identified in the coal seam. The No. 3 coal is highly enriched in Li, with the Li 2 O content in the coal ashes averaging 0.11 %, which is above the common cut-off grade of 0.1 % Li 2 O in claystone deposits. The primary host of Li in the coal seam is cookeite, the presence of which is confirmed by ToF-SIMS analysis, which is of hydrothermal origin. Rare earth elements and yttrium are also enriched in the coal (REY oxides average 919 μg/g, ash basis), occurring mainly as phosphate minerals (florencite and crandallite). The concentration of Ga in the coal (58.3 μg/g on average, ash basis) exceeds the suggested cut-off grade in coal (50 ppm, ash-basis), with diaspore and kaolinite being the primary hosts. Diaspore, mainly occurring as fracture infillings, appears to be of late-stage hydrothermal origin. Lithium, Ga, and REY in the No. 3 coal are highly enriched and the coal is a potential source of these critical metals, making it a target for more comprehensive exploration and potential development. The enrichment origin of Li and REY in the Early Permian coal is similar to that in the Pennsylvanian no. 15 coal of the same coalfield, both of which are likely due to hydrothermal fluids originating from magmatic activity during the Yanshanian movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the synergies between economic growth and carbon reduction is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality goals. Understanding the determinants of carbon emission performance (COP) is important for improvement. However, empirical examinations of the linkages between green finance agglomeration (GFA) and COP remain limited. Utilizing a panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2007 to 2019, we measure COP via meta-frontier data envelopment analysis. We employ a spatial Durbin model (SDM) to investigate the spatial spillover effects of GFA on COP. Our findings reveal COP has a substantial positive spatial correlation between provinces. We further observe that GFA has a direct and spatially dependent impact on regional COP. The effects vary based on different green finance instruments and regions. GFA enhances COP through capital formation, energy transition, and technological advancement, although asymmetry effects exist between local and neighboring regions. Promoting regional GFA formation through interprovincial cooperation and coordination for optimizing green finance allocation is vital. Moreover, increased financial support towards green, low-carbon projects and enterprises can raise overall regional COP. • Carbon emission performance (COP) was estimated with meta-frontier DEA approaches. • The spatial effect of green finance agglomeration (GFA) on COP was estimated. • Agg has a significant contribution and spatial spillover effect on regional COP. • The impact mechanisms of GFA on COP and its heterogeneity were investigated. • Establish GFA centers to provide better financial services to enhance regional COP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 1. Predicting renal prognosis accurately in ERT- naive FD patients poses a significant challenge. • 2. COX analysis identified sex, proteinuria, eGFR, and Lyso-Gb3 as independent factors for kidney progression. • 3. Combined model and clinical model both exhibited favorable predictive performance. • 4. Lyso-Gb3 improved the predictive ability of the combined model for renal outcomes in low-risk patients compared to the clinical model. • 5. Early intervention is warranted for the underestimated-risk subgroup with eGFR over 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 or proteinuria levels less than 1. g / d. Kidney damage is common in patients with Fabry disease (FD), but more accurate information about the risk of progression to kidney failure is needed for clinical decision-making. In particular, FD patients with mild renal involvement often lack timely intervention and treatment. We aimed to utilize a model to predict the risk of renal progression in FD patients. Between November 2011 and November 2019, ERT-naive patients with FD were recruited from three medical centers in China. To assess the risk of a 50% decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), Cox proportional hazards models were utilized. The performance of these models was assessed using discrimination, calibration, and reclassification. A total of 117 individuals were enrolled. The mean follow-up time was 4.8 years, during which 35 patients (29.9 %) progressed to the composite renal outcomes. Male sex, baseline proteinuria, eGFR and globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3) were found to be independent risk factors for kidney progression by the Cox model, based on which a combined model containing those clinical variables and Lyso-Gb3 and clinical models including only clinical indicators were constructed. The two prediction models had relatively good performance, with similar model fit measured by R2 (59.8 % vs. 61.1 %) and AIC (51.54 vs. 50.08) and a slight increase in the C statistic (0.949 vs. 0.951). Calibration curves indicated closer alignment between predicted and actual renal outcomes in the combined model. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that Lyso-Gb3 significantly improved the predictive performance of the combined model for kidney prognosis in low-risk patients with a baseline eGFR over 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 or proteinuria levels less than 1 g / d when compared to the clinical model. Lyso-Gb3 improves the prediction of kidney outcomes in FD patients with a low risk of progression, suggesting that these patients may benefit from early intervention to assist in clinical management. These findings need to be externally validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Large-scale 3D numerical simulation of flood and sediment transport in the Three Gorges Reservoir. • Asynchronous movement characteristics of flood and sediment peaks propagation. • An important means to reduce reservoir sedimentation. Sediment deposition carried by flood flow is the main cause of reservoir sedimentation. This can be reduced by an appropriate operational strategy of flood flow and sediment in the reservoir. High-precision and large-scale hydrodynamic models to predict flood propagation and sediment transport in reservoirs are extremely important for an efficient flood forecasting and real-time joint regulation of water and sediment in reservoirs. In the present study, the three-dimensional (3D) numerical semi-implicit cross-scale hydroscience integrated system model (SCHISM) was adopted to model the flood propagation and sediment transport in the approximately 280-km-long reach in the Three Gorges Reservoir. This model is mainly focused on analysing the asynchronous movement characteristics of flood propagation and sediment transport and the operational strategy of sediment peak regulation. The flood event in July 2013 was reproduced by the numerical model, which was validated by a comparison with the measured data. The results indicated that the numerical model has the ability to accurately simulate the flood propagation and sediment transport processes. The time that the sediment peak lags behind the flow discharge peak increases as the flood waves propagate downstream, reaching 8.1 days at the dam site. During the rising period of the flood, the discharged flow is lowered to reduce the flood peak, and when the sediment peak reaches the dam, the discharged flow is increased to release high concentration sediment during the flood recession period so as to reduce sedimentation in the reservoir. The model results agreed well with the measured results. The 3D numerical model can be used for the real-time prediction of the arrival time of the flow discharge and sediment peaks for the joint regulation of water and sediment in the Three Gorges Reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine how immigrant status and family relationships are associated with advance care planning (ACP) engagement and end-of-life (EOL) preference in burial planning among older Chinese Americans, the largest subgroup of Asian Americans. Cross-sectional survey. Communities in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Participants were 430 older Chinese Americans aged 55 years and older. Measures included ACP contemplation, ACP discussion, and EOL preference in burial planning, immigrant status, family cohesion, family conflict, demographic information, and health status. Results show that in comparison to foreign-born Chinese Americans, US-born Chinese Americans were more likely to have ACP contemplation [odds ratio (OR) 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-5.63], ACP discussion (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.50-6.08), and preferences for burial plans at the end of life (OR 4.56, 95% CI 2.04-10.18). Family conflict increased the possibility of having ACP contemplation (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.38), ACP discussion (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.39), and EOL preference in burial planning (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.42), whereas family cohesion was not associated with these study outcomes. This study suggests that ACP should be adapted to be more culturally appropriate, especially in a time of coronavirus and xenophobia, such as framing ACP as a tool to help families reduce stress while fulfilling filial obligations, in order to ensure equitable access to ACP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the potential for promoting environmental sustainability in China by analyzing the relationship between financial inclusion, digitalization, and environmental sustainability. Utilizing a multifaceted methodology consisting of quantile-on-quantile regression, Granger causality in quantiles, and wavelet analysis, supplemented by robustness tests, the research reveals a strong positive correlation between financial inclusion, digitalization, and environmental sustainability in China. The findings underscore the pivotal roles of technological innovation and the financial sector in steering the nation towards sustainable development. Essentially, the study indicates that embracing financial inclusion and advanced technology is vital for reinforcing the environmental sustainability of China's economic growth. These insights are crucial for emerging economies aiming to align economic growth with sustainable development objectives through technology innovation and enhanced financial accessibility. • This study employs a unique three-stage method to explore how digitalization and financial inclusion impact environmental sustainability in China. • DI effectively enhances the level of environmental sustainability. • A strong positive effect of FI on environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing risk of coastal disasters and climate change, the traditional gray sea dikes may become unsustainable. Coastal wetlands provide natural protection for shoreline areas and have wave attenuation capacities as green dikes. In this study, we developed a new assessment approach to evaluate comprehensive dike risk for coastal gray-green defense systems, based on the dike characters and the wave attenuation capacity of coastal wetlands for the Chongming Island. The risk assessment system consists of nine indicators of dike constructure standards, dike-top height, land subsidence, wetland vegetation width, wave attenuation capacity of vegetation, mean high water level, storm frequency, rain intensity, and annual rainfall, to determine the dike risk index (RI). The information of dike and meteorological conditions were obtained by carrying out a field survey and referring to construction bulletins and domestic statistical yearbooks. The wave attenuation effect of wetland vegetation was characterized by plant morphology and seasonality. The results indicated that, without the coastal wetland indicators, the RI values of most parts of the dike ring of the island were high. The high-risk regions were mainly located in the south and north shores, consisting of several old dikes that did not meet the constructure standard. The risk level was higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring, due to seasonal variations (typhoon or storm frequency and intensity). When the coastal wetland indicators were included, the presence of coastal wetland vegetation reduced the dike RI values by an average of 13.6% around the Chongming Island. During the flourishing periods of the vegetation, a high rate of wave attenuation reduced the RI levels considerably. We provide a reliable framework to carry out large-scale and high-resolution dike risk assessment to be applied for wetland vegetation restoration, green dike construction, and risk management in coastal areas. • A dike risk assessment method was established for coastal gray-green defense system. • Wetland vegetation width and wave attenuation are embedded into risk assessment. • Wave attenuation of wetland are characterized by vegetation types and seasonality. • Framework carried out spatiotemporal and high-resolution dike risk assessment. • We discussed green dike management strategies for the Chongming Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, port development has shifted from expansion to overcapacity, posing challenges to promoting sustainable port development through traditional port integration methods. To break this dilemma, we propose a model to facilitate port integration in multi-port regions by adjusting capacity and conducting market share transactions. The model aims to minimize the total social cost by optimizing the capacity adjustment (i.e., berth construction) scheme for each port, the market share trading scheme, the compensation price that ports pay for market share trading, and the government subsidy allocated to each port. To solve this model, we convert it into a two-stage formulation, and we design a genetic algorithm embedded in an inverse optimization model. Numerical experiments are conducted with actual data from the Yangtze River Delta in China. The results indicate that port integration significantly affects cargo owners' port selection, with Nanjing Port, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Terminal, and Shanghai Yangshan Port occupying prominent positions. In addition, constructing new berths on Dayangshan Island would benefit the Shanghai Yangshan Port Authority, as transportation demand is expected to rise in the future. These findings provide guidance for governments and port authorities to address port overcapacity and develop sustainable policies. • An alliance-contract integration framework is proposed to curb port overcapacity. • A programming model is established based on cooperative game theory. • The berth construction scheme and market share trading scheme are optimized. • The trading compensation price, which maximizes the profit of each port, is calculated. • The conclusions support the government in formulating sustainable policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Beginning in June 2017, numerous dengue virus (DENV) infections occurred in the Jining City of Shandong Province, formerly a dengue-free region in East China. We sought to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of this outbreak.Methods: We reviewed the clinical records and epidemiological data regarding a case series of patients diagnosed with DENV in Jining City, from June 30 to September 14, 2017. Diagnosis was confirmed by molecular method, culture, or rapid diagnostic tests. Sequencing of the DENV envelope gene or the whole viral genome was performed for 11 patients. Additionally, neutralizing antibodies against DENV was measured among patients and residents from their same villages.Results: Data from 150 patients were evaluated in this outbreak. None were diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. The patients' ages ranged between 2-88 years (median 51 years, [IQR=37.5-64.3]), and 100 (66.7%) were female. Epidemiological analyses implicated a man who had visited Saudi Arabia as the likely source of the outbreak. Phylogenetic studies identified DENV serotype 1. Most of the patients demonstrated increases of neutralizing antibody titers one year after infection compared with titers three months after infection. The residents living in dengue-affected villages had a significant higher seroprevalence of 21.2% (95%CI 16.9-25.5) than residents (3.2%, 95%CI-0.36-6.7) living in a non-dengue-affected village.Conclusions: This report documents the first dengue outbreak in Shandong Province, China, in more than 60 years. It underscores the need for medical providers to record patients' travel histories and to consider dengue in their differential diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Construction accident causes were considered as a system and decomposed into six subsystems, 16 factors and 39 sub-factors in a system thinking way. • The 39 sub-factors were classified to rigorous, critical and ordinary, based on a grey relational analysis of the causes of 571 real accident cases. • The causes of a serious collapse accident in Fengcheng Power Plant Project was analyzed as a case study. Hundreds of accidents occur each year in the construction industry and result in large numbers of injuries, deaths, and loss of property. Although construction safety management aims for zero accidents, this is difficult to achieve because of multiple factors influencing the occurrence of accidents. To clarify the framework for construction accident prevention, this study uses accident causation theory and the system thinking method to build a construction accident causation system (CACS) model and identify critical accident causes. Construction accident causes are considered as a whole system and then decomposed into 6 subsystems, 16 factors, and 39 subfactors. The investigation reports of 571 construction accidents in China are collected, and a grey relational analysis (GRA) of accident causes is conducted. Based on these results, the 39 subfactors are classified into 3 severity levels: critical, important, and ordinary. A case study is then conducted with respect to the particularly serious collapse accident that occurred during the Fengcheng Power Plant project. The occurrence process, major reasons for the accident, and related management defects are investigated and causes are identified. The results about accident cause identification of the case study are found to be consistent with the GRA of 571 accidents. Finally, recommendations for construction safety management and accident prevention in practice are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation restoration often promotes the development of biological soil crusts (biocrusts), which have a significant role in the terrestrial nitrogen (N) cycle. However, biocrusts are not always considered when assessing soil N responses to restoration efforts, especially in subtropical regions. We assessed the effect of various restoration strategies on moss-dominated biocrust properties and soil N variables (0–5 cm topsoil and 5–10 cm sub-topsoil) in the subtropical karst region of southwestern China. Four restoration strategies were included: restoration with plantation forest, forage grass, and a combination of forest and grass, and spontaneous regeneration to natural grassland. Cropland under maize-soybean rotation (CR) was used as reference. The biocrust under combination restoration strategy had significantly higher biomass, saturated water adsorption ratio, and carbon content than did the other strategies; and the soil generally had the highest total N, ammonium, and microbial biomass carbon and N content but the lowest nitrate content. Redundancy analysis, variation partitioning, and stepwise multiple linear regression all indicated that biocrust properties play an important role in affecting soil N variables, especially in the topsoil. Vegetation restoration strategies that use various plant functional group assemblages, such as forest and grass, are preferable in enhancing the development of biocrusts and thus improving soil N properties. • Vegetation restoration is beneficial in promoting biocrust development. • Biocrust properties were the main factors affecting soil N variations. • Combination of plantation trees and forage grasses had higher soil N and biocrusts. • Combination restoration strategy should be favored in vegetation restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Windows integrated with PV can provide electrical energy and control the energy flow (heat and light) through the windows. With the objective of evaluate the potential application of window integrated PV in southwest China, the performance of silicon PV windows was comprehensively studied. A test unit was developed to monitor the performance of window integrated PV, then a validated comprehensive approach integrated with heat transfer, optical, electrical and building simulation model was used to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the window integrated PV under various climatic conditions in southwest China. The effects of the air gap on window thermal performance, window orientation, different window-to-wall ratio and coverage ratio of PV cells are evaluated. It was found that a maximum energy saving could be achieved, when the PV window is installed on the south facing façade with a PV cell coverage ratio of 0,87, air gap of 9 mm between the two glazing panes. It was found that a maximum energy saving of 983 kWh was achieved in Lhasa. A highest energy saving ratio of 83% was found in Kunming. The window integrated PV shows good energy saving potential under different climatic conditions in Southwest China. The highlights of this paper could be collected as below: • C-Si PV window with reasonable c-Si cells arrangement was designed. • The energy consumption of the building with PV windows was tested. • The design of STPV façade was optimized by the test and simulation results. • The energy saving potential of c-Si PV window in Southwest China is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's iron and steel industry is one of the largest energy resource consumption and air pollutant emissions industries. In this study, a comprehensive assessment approach is established to evaluate the co-benefits of energy efficiency improvement, resource saving and air pollution abatement between 2015–2050. Five scenarios including the reference scenario, the structure adjustment scenario, the technologies improvement without end-of-pipe measures scenario, the technologies improvement with EOP measures scenario and integrated scenario are developed for analysis. The modeling results demonstrate that scrap resource is enough to support production switching in all five scenarios. Energy resource consumption and air pollution emissions will decline step by step under the synergy effect of technology improvement and structure adjustment. The cumulative emission reductions of selected 35 energy efficiency technologies are 0.731 kg SO 2 /t, 0.535 kg NO x /t, 0.259 kg PM 10 /t and 0.579 kg AP eq /t at the discount rate of 15%. Sensitivity analysis shows that implementation rates and discount rates are the most critical factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anlotinib, a novel antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitor, has been approved in China as third-line and above treatment for nonsmall cell lung cancer. • Anlotinib plus TQB2450 demonstrated promising antitumor activities in advanced NSCLC patients without EGFR and ALK alterations and the toxicities were overall manageable. • Anlotinib plus TQB2450 demonstrated promising antitumor activities in pretreated advanced NSCLC without EGFR and ALK alterations. • TQB2450 plus anlotinib for advanced NSCLC patients without driver gene alterations. Immune monotherapy as second-line treatment confers only modest survival benefit on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with no mutated driver genes, necessitating combination treatment strategies. This phase Ib trial investigated the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-L1 antibody TQB2450 plus antiangiogenic drug anlotinib for NSCLC. Pretreated stage IIIB or IV NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR/ALK and minimally one measurable lesion were randomized 1:1:1 to receive TQB2450 1200 mg plus placebo, or TQB2450 1200 mg plus anlotinib 10 or 12 mg. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR). Thirty-three patients received TQB2450 plus placebo and 34 patients each received TQB2450 plus anlotinib 10 mg and 12 mg. At the data cutoff, the median PFS was 8.7 months (95% CI 6.1–17.1) in the TQB2450 plus anlotinib group and 2.8 months (95% CI 1.4–4.7) in the TQB2450 only group. The ORR reached 30.9% (95% CI 20.2%-43.3%) in the TQB2450 plus anlotinib group and was 3.0% (95% CI 0.1%-15.8%) in the TQB2450 only group. In patients with PD-L1 ≥ 1%, the ORR was 50.0% (95% CI 33.4%-66.6%) for TQB2450 plus anlotinib and 5.3% (95% CI 0.1%-26.0%) for TQB2450 plus placebo. No new safety signals were observed. Anlotinib plus TQB2450 demonstrated promising antitumor activities in advanced NSCLC patients without EGFR and ALK alterations and the toxicities were overall manageable. The study findings support the continued development of TQB2450 plus anlotinib for advanced NSCLC patients without driver gene alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are widely used in various productions. As typical BFRs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are prohibited because of their toxicity and persistence. Some of the alternatives to PBDEs, new brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), have also been found in the environment and some have assigned hazardous properties and were categorized as persistent. In this study, a typical e-waste dismantling area was chosen as the study area, and the soil and rice samples were collected from the paddy fields around the circular economy park in Guiyu, China. The contaminations of PBDEs and NBFRs in soils and rice plants were detected, and the health risks associated with consumption and exposure to the environment were calculated as well. The concentrations of ∑PBDEs and ∑NBFRs in soil ranged from 283 to 928 μg/kg and 54.7–437 μg/kg, respectively. In rice plants, the majority of BFRs were concentrated in the following order: root > leaf > stem > grain. Additionally, only the PBT exhibited a stronger bioaccumulation ability in rice with the bioconcentration factors more than 1.00. The results of the health quotient calculation shown that BDE-47 might have an impact on people's health that only the HQ of BDE-47 in the soil was higher than 1.00, while there had no significant health risk in grain of BFRs. We believe that our work could assist researchers in investigating and revealing the human health effects of BFRs in soil and rice. [Display omitted] • BDE-209 and DBDPE were the main components of PBDEs and NBFRs, respectively. • BDE-47 of the paddy soil had posed a high ecological risk. • Only pentabromotoluene had the BCF greater than 1.00. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solving the land vacancy problem and promoting urban transformation is a crucial challenge for the new urbanization construction in China, especially under the dual pressure of rapid urban expansion and localized shrinkage. This study explores the spatial distribution rules and driving mechanisms of urban vacant land (UVL) in Chengdu, China, using GIS spatial analysis and multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model. Our results indicated that there are 3859 UVLs in Chengdu, accounting for 16.19 % of the total construction land. There are three typical characteristics for their spatial distribution: typological differentiation, circular structure, and spatial agglomeration. The double-layer classification scheme of UVL from the perspective of urban shrinkage and expansion is a promising option for the future research. Furthermore, location, economic vitality, infrastructure, and natural conditions significantly impact the distribution of UVL, but the driving mechanisms of shrinking and expanding vacant lots are different. The impact intensity of the driving factors has significant spatial non-stationarity characteristics, and their driving directions may even be the opposite among different regions. The formation causes of UVL are complex and multi-dimensional, and future research should fully consider spatial scale dependence. • Analyzing the quantity and distribution characteristics of UVL in the largest plain city in western China. • Constructing a classification scheme for UVL from the perspective of urban shrinkage and expansion is a promising option. • UVL presents the spatial characteristics of typological differentiation, circular structure, and spatial agglomeration. • Location, economic vitality, infrastructure, and natural conditions significantly affect the spatial distribution of UVL. • The driving factors exhibit significant spatial non-stationarity characteristics in terms of their impact intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • With the decrease of temperature, the order degree of the system is strengthened and the fluidity is weakened. • The diffusion coefficient of the H 2 O molecule is greater than that of the n C 5 H 12 molecule by a factor of ∼2. • At the same temperature, the diffusion coefficient of the n C 24 H 50 molecule in n C 5 H 12 is greater than that in H 2 O. • At temperatures of 50–20 °C, n C 24 H 50 molecules precipitate from the oil and gather on the pipe wall surface. Wax deposition on the inner wall of oil pipes, sucker rods, oil- and gas-gathering pipelines and equipment caused by wax crystals has been a challenging problem in the petroleum industry. At present, most of the marine terrestrial transitional facies and continental shale oil and gas being explored and developed in China have high-wax-content volatile oil or condensate, and many shale oil and gas wells have been seriously blocked by wax deposition. In this work, the wax deposition behavior of the binary alkane mixture n C 5 H 12 – n C 24 H 50 at different temperatures under the condition of water wetting of a pipe wall was studied through molecular dynamics simulation. When the temperature is 130–70 °C, the wax molecules are loosely distributed without obvious aggregation, and the pipe wall is mainly occupied by water molecules, exhibiting a water-wetting state. With the decrease in temperature, the distance between n C 24 H 50 molecules decreases correspondingly, which enhances the interaction between wax molecules and increases the probability of mutual aggregation. When the temperature is 50 °C, a small amount of n C 24 H 50 molecules pass through the water molecular layer and gather on the pipe wall. When the temperature is <50 °C, the binding energy between the crystal surface of the pipe wall and the molecule n C 24 H 50 exhibits a first-order phase transition, and the molecule n C 24 H 50 can more easily bind to the pipe wall than the molecule H 2 O. When the temperature is 40–20 °C, the aggregation amount of n C 24 H 50 molecules on the pipe wall further increases, exhibiting an obvious crystallization tendency, and a small amount of n C 5 H 12 molecules begin to aggregate with n C 24 H 50 molecules through the water molecular layer on the pipe wall. At the same temperature, the diffusion speed of n C 24 H 50 molecules in n C 5 H 12 is faster than that in H 2 O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Textural features, in situ trace elements and fluid inclusion of fluorite are studied. • A coupled dissolution-reprecipitation replacement process is proposed. • Fluorite acts as an indicator of carbonatite-related REE deposit. • Multiple pulses of fluids during formation of the Muluozhai deposit were recorded in fluorite. Formation of carbonatite-related REE deposits generally associated with hydrothermal fluids exsolved from carbonatite melts. Deciphering the nature and evolution of the fluids is critical for establishing ore-formation models, and was mostly benefited from multi-analytical investigation of specific minerals presenting in multi-generation veins. However, there is a risk that the minerals in specific-generation veins not always precipitated solely from the single-stage fluids particularly for a dynamic mineralizing system. In order to evaluate this potential risk, this study conducted a combined textural, in situ trace elemental and fluid inclusion investigation of fluorite from multiple generations of veins in the Muluozhai carbonatite-related REE deposit, SW China. The veins dominate the mineralization system of the deposit, and include four generations/stages: fenitization (Stage I), pre-REE (Stage II), early REE (Stage III) and late REE (Stage IV) stages in which the ore minerals are all dominated by bastnäsite. Fluorite grains are widely present in these generations of veins, but high-resolution CL imaging reveal that most of them display complex internal textures composed commonly of core, mantle and rim domains from center outward. These domains exhibit different CL-intensities that are well correlated with chemical compositions and even types of fluid inclusions they hosted. This study confirmed that the "core-mantle-rim" textures of fluorite are essentially responses to interaction of early grains (i.e., represented by cores) with multi-stage fluids through dissolution-reprecipitation processes. Trace elemental and fluid-inclusion microthermometric results show that the cores (also for mantles or rims) in fluorite from Stages I to III veins have comparable REE concentrations and patterns and homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions, strongly suggesting that the core-mantle-rim fluorite grains in these veins are originally formed at Stage I, and were variably captured or metasomatized by fluids of Stage II or III during development of these generations of veins. Similar core-mantle-rim fluorite grains are also present in Stage IV veins, and thus are constrained to be also "xenocrysts" formed in a similar manner. They are surrounded or even locally disturbed by a number of euhedral and/or slightly oscillatory fluorite grains which are supposed to be formed from a different manner. On the basis of their close association with bastnäsite and relatively high homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions they host, we proposed that these euhedral fluorite grains are products of Stage IV fluids. Clear understanding of the internal textures and paragenesis of fluorite allows us to propose a genetic model for the Muluozhai deposit that the REE mineralization in Stages III and IV involves likely different pulses of carbonatite-related REE-rich fluids, and REE deposition was possibly mainly triggered by incursions of external fluids (e.g., meteoric water). This study also highlights that the phenomenon regarding presences of early-stage "xenocrysts" in late-generation veins of carbonatite-related vein systems may be more common than previously thought, and thus investigation in a textural context is critical for deciphering ore genesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online social media marketing has become a mainstream marketing approach, with huge and rising sales volume. Drawing on the pleasure-arousal-dominance model and flow theory, this study empirically investigates the relationships among perceived value, flow experience, emotional pleasure, and purchase intention by using a questionnaire survey of 257 consumers of Tiktok subordinating to online social media marketing in China. The results indicate that hedonic value and utilitarian value are positively associated with consumer purchase intention, respectively. Emotional pleasure mediates the relationship between perceived value and purchase intention, while flow experience positively moderates the relationships between hedonic value and emotional pleasure and between emotional pleasure and purchase intention. This study extends the online social media marketing literature related to consumer purchase intention. The results provide implications for future research and for operators and marketers. • A survey of 257 consumers of Tiktok. • Online social media marketing in China. • Emotional pleasure, perceived value, and purchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Breeding habitat can influence rice frog abundance and morphology. • Rice frog in farmland ditches exhibited highest abundance and lowest body condition. • Diverse waterbody types in agricultural landscapes benefit rice frog population. Amphibians are threatened by the intensification of agriculture throughout the world. Several studies have considered the morphology of animals to be an indicator of the health of a population, but differences in anuran morphology (especially body condition) in different breeding habitats in agricultural landscapes remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated differences in the abundance and morphology of the rice frog (Fejervarya multistriata) in three waterbody types (ten farmland irrigation ditches, ten fruit forest drainage ditches, and ten lotus ponds) in agricultural landscapes in Shanghai, China. We sampled the snout–vent length, body mass, and body condition index for 206 individual rice frogs from the three types of waterbody. Our results showed that the abundance of rice frogs was higher in farmland irrigation ditches than in the other two habitats, whereas the snout–vent length, body mass, and body condition index of rice frogs were lower in farmland irrigation ditches than in the other two habitats. Our results suggest that breeding habitats in agricultural landscapes have different effects on rice frog abundance and morphology, and that constructing diverse waterbodies (other than farmland irrigation ditches) in the same agricultural landscape might benefit the condition of rice frogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are there greater risks of adverse perinatal outcomes, in particular of congenital malformations, after blastocyst transfer compared with cleavage-stage embryo transfer in IVF? This was a retrospective cohort analysis from a centre for assisted reproduction at a public hospital in China over the period 2006–2015. The analysis covered all women who conceived (15,254) and newborns (16,213) from IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with cleavage-stage embryo transfer or blastocyst transfer. The principal outcome measures were congenital malformations, preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). Logistic regression analysis showed that the sex ratio was imbalanced towards male neonates after blastocyst transfer (P =0.001; adjusted OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.07–1.30) but there were no differences in rates of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, very preterm birth (<32 weeks), PTB (<37 weeks), LBW, SGA or LGA between blastocyst transfer and cleavage-stage embryo transfer. A total of 176 congenital malformations (123 cleavage-stage embryos versus 53 blastocysts) were identified both in newborns and aborted fetuses, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant. There was no difference in the risks of adverse perinatal outcomes, and in particular of congenital malformation, after blastocyst transfer compared with cleavage-stage transfer, although there was a sex ratio imbalance towards male neonates after blastocyst transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid population aging taking place in China makes studies tackling opportunities associated with aging an urgent priority. Based on the productive aging perspective, this study examines the relationship between contributory behaviors (i.e., providing economic, housework, and emotional support to adult children and providing care for grandchildren) and life satisfaction, as well as how gender and living arrangements modify the relationship. Using data collected from 809 older adults in Wuhan, China, and applying ordinary least squares regressions, this study found that engaging in contributory behaviors in general, and providing emotional support to adult children and caring for grandchildren in particular, are associated with enhanced life satisfaction. The association between caring for grandchildren and life satisfaction is only salient for males but not for females. For living arrangements, the positive association between engaging in contributory behaviors and life satisfaction is only identified among older adults living with their spouse and other family members. The positive association of providing emotional support to adult children with life satisfaction is significant for older adults living with their spouse only. Finally, frequently taking care of grandchildren is related positively to life satisfaction among those living with both spouse and other family members. Our findings provide empirical evidence suggesting that Chinese older adults are still very active in providing support to family members and highlight the beneficial effects of contributory behaviors on individual's life satisfaction. For policy makers, it is important to continuously promote values of contributing behaviors to family and take into account the importance of family ties and family support to older adults when designing new elder care programs. • Emotional support and grandparenting are associated with enhanced life satisfaction. • The beneficial effect of grandparenting is only salient for male respondents. • Living arrangements moderate the effect of contributory behaviors on satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on the Copeland-Toylor model, this paper constructs a mathematical model to analyze the impact of industrial production scale expansion on the discharge of industrial pollutants. The analysis shows that expanding the industrial production scale can increase industrial pollution emissions. Due to the uneven distribution of the industrial production scale and emissions of industrial waste in the spatial pattern, the effect of the industrial production scale on industrial waste emissions differs among regions. This model is then applied to the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2015. The results show that the industrial production scale can aggravate the discharge of industrial pollutants, and the effect on industrial waste water is considerably stronger than that of both industrial waste gas and industrial waste. Moreover, the impact on micro pollutant emissions shows apparent regional differences. Based on the theory of externality, governmental action should balance the social gains of industrial production with the social costs of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract WeChat has gained increasing popularity worldwide and is regarded as a tool for receiving social support. This study aims to explore the impact of WeChat use intensity on online/offline social support and proposes that the relationship between the two is moderated by motivators for WeChat use. We conducted a survey with 432 valid respondents at 10 Chinese universities and performed OLS regression analyses to explore the hypotheses. The findings showed that participants' WeChat use intensity is positively associated with online and offline social support, the information acquisition motive and interpersonal communication motive both have a relatively strong direct effect on the acquisition of online and offline social support, and the interpersonal communication motive further plays a moderating role between WeChat use intensity and online/offline social support. The results imply that online behavior facilitates offline supportive relationships and that an interpersonal communication motive may increase enthusiasm for using WeChat and significantly interact with WeChat use to increase online and offline social support. Highlights • WeChat use intensity is positively associated with online and offline social support. • The information acquisition motive and interpersonal communication motive both have a relatively strong direct effect on the acquisition of online and offline social support. • The interpersonal communication motive further plays a moderating role between WeChat use intensity and online/offline social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Weathering, as an important process in the earth surface system, can be significantly influenced by tectonics and climates over long time scales. Here, we use mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical data of a paleoweathering profile developed on basement granodioritic rocks of northern Qaidam basin, northern Tibet, to reconstruct early Eocene weathering conditions and to discuss how paleoclimates and tectonics dominated the weathering process. The results indicate that neoformed mineral phases in weathering products are dominated by smectite, and the profile has overwhelmingly low chemical index of alteration values (ca. 51–59) and significantly decreasing micropetrographic index values (from 25.0 to 0.2) from bottom to top. These findings suggest that the basement rocks experienced mild chemical weathering but relatively intensive physical weathering. We favor that non-steady-state weathering, in which mechanical erosion rates compare favorably with rates of chemical weathering, prevailed in northern Tibet during the early Eocene. The weathering conditions were likely an integrated response to active tectonism and dry climates at that time. Furthermore, chemical element mobility evaluation demonstrates that most of large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements (LREEs) of granodioritic rocks are quite active during weathering and can be easily leached even under mild chemical weathering conditions. Significant mass loss of Al and LREEs in upper weathered samples probably reflects acidic weathering conditions, which were likely due to extremely high atmospheric CO 2 level during the early Eocene. This study, from the unique perspective of weathering process, suggests that intensive deformation and rapid tectonic erosion occurred in northern Tibet during the early Eocene, as a far-field response to the India-Eurasia collision. It also agrees with warm and relatively dry climates, which were likely attributed to the global greenhouse climates and the Paleogene planetary-wind-dominant climate system in Asia, respectively. Highlights • Mild-chemical, intensive-physical weathering prevailed during the early Eocene. • Smectite dominates the neoformed mineral phase in weathering products. • LILEs and LREEs are greatly leached under mild chemical weathering. • Intense tectonic erosion and dry climates dominated the weathering process. • High atmospheric CO 2 level resulted in acidic weathering conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Prefabrication is considered an important solution to tackle the issues of construction waste generation, and the high-risk and labour-intensive activities associated with conventional construction methods. This study assesses the key hindrances of adopting prefabrication and provides recommendations for promoting prefabrication in Hong Kong. Twenty-two hindrances were identified in the literature and classified in six groups. A questionnaire survey and face-to-face interviews were conducted to examine the level of importance of the barriers, and to provide comprehensive analyses of each hindrance. The most significant hindrances were "Inflexible for design change", "Lack storage space on site", "Long lead-in time", "Long design time", "High initial cost" and "High total cost". Based on the findings of the survey and interviews, six recommendations were proposed to promote the usage of prefabrication in Hong Kong such as "Just-In-Time management", "BIM technology", "Legislation for refabrication", "Potential government measures", "Encouragement of design and building procure" and "Increase the consumer's confidence". Highlights • Lack storage space on site is a major hindrance to using prefabrication in dense cities. • Inflexible for late design change is a major hindrance to using prefabrication. • Just-in-time delivery & BIM optimize prefabricated building process in dense cities. • Implementation of legislation for prefabrication can promote its use. • Adoption of design and build procurement method can promote prefabrication use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Daily mean concentrations of air pollutants have been widely used as exposure indicators to estimate the short-term mortality effects of outdoor air pollution. However, daily mean concentrations might insufficiently represent the true exposure level because of the diurnal variations of air pollutants and various human activity patterns. Daytime or rush-hour concentrations may lead to better estimations. Objective Our study aimed to imitate the true exposure level under assumptions about human activity patterns and to examine the short-term mortality effects of the exposure to air pollution during a) the morning-evening rush hours (ME), b) the morning-lunch-evening rush hours (MLE), and c) the whole daytime (WDT) in Chengdu, Sichuan Basin, China. Methods We investigated the diurnal variations of PM 2.5 , SO 2 , and O 3 and examined the associations between the three pollutants and nonaccidental mortality, cardiovascular mortality, respiratory mortality using generalized additive model. Three novel exposure indicators (ME , MLE , and WDT) were employed to imitate the most probable exposure levels. Relative change of excess risk (ER) was used to compare effects estimated from models with different exposure indicators. Results In the relationship of PM 2.5 and mortality, ERs estimated from the novel-indicator models decreased by 4.88%–11.89% in comparison with ERs from the daily-indicator models. All the three novel indicators of SO 2 offered lower ERs of respiratory mortality than the daily indicator did. Significant associations were observed in O 3 -nonaccidental mortality at lag0 in both winter and spring, and O 3 -cardiovascular mortality at lag0 in winter. Overall, majority of effect estimates based on rush-hour or daytime indicators were lower than the estimates based on daily mean concentrations. Conclusion The use of daily mean concentrations may bias exposure assessment and thus inflating effect estimates. This study highlights the importance of rush-hour and daytime exposure and provides alternative indicators for estimating acute effects of air pollution. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • This work provides alternative strategies in assessing air pollution exposure. • First work on the mortality effect of rush hour and daytime air pollution exposure. • The mortality effect may be overestimated with daily mean concentration. Majority of effect estimates based on rush-hour or daytime indicators were lower than the estimates based on daily mean concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the hukou system has long been cited as the underlying cause of the disadvantages in housing access that rural migrants encounter in urban destinations. However, following the latest round of hukou reform, does the hukou system still have a significant impact on rural migrants' housing outcomes? This paper addresses the question by examining hukou -related arrangements faced by rural migrants, in both their urban destination and their rural town of origin. Based on data from a nationwide survey conducted in 2011, we find that city entry criteria together with insecure and inalienable land rights negatively predict rural migrants' homeownership attainment. Moreover, the impact differs across urban locations. Consequently, although hukou reform has eased discrimination against rural individuals, disparities persist between urban natives and rural migrants. This paper demonstrates that these disparities result from unequal access to social welfare and housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We assessed the climate and topographic controls on WSA at regional scale. • Precipitation-related variables are critical to WSA variability. • The impact of climate seasonality on WSA deserves attention. • Dominant climatic variables of WSA vary along different topographic location. Detailed information on the variability of soil–water stable aggregates (WSA) is critical for soil management practices, ecosystem services and soil erosion. Topography and climate are two of the most important factors influencing WSA variability at the regional to global scales, especially when soil management, agricultural practices, and soil types are similar, yet few studies have examined their independent and interactive effects on WSA. This work was conducted in the karst region of southwest China to investigate the influence of climatic and topographic variables on WSA variability at the regional scale. A total of 569 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) were collected by random sampling under long-term continuous mono-cropping of tobacco in March 2021. Classical statistics, semivariogram, recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm, random forest (RF), and GeoDetector were applied to investigate the relationships between WSA variability and several environmental factors, including 6 topographic, 11 temperature-, and 8 precipitation-related variables. Classical statistics showed that the mean WSA content was 51.67%, varying between 40.84% and 64.05%. Semivariogram analysis revealed the strong spatial autocorrelation of WSA (nugget effect = 10.09%). Based on the REF results, both RF modelling and GeoDetector identified 5 climatic variables, namely isothermality (BIO3), annual precipitation (BIO12), precipitation of wettest month (BIO13), precipitation of driest month (BIO14), and precipitation seasonality (BIO15), which dominated WSA variability at the regional scale. Moreover, the linear and non-linear fits of the key variables to WSA showed that BIO3, BIO12, BIO13, and BIO14 presented highly significantly negative correlations (p < 0.01) with WSA, whereas BIO15 had a highly significantly positive correlation (p < 0.01). The Spearman correlation coefficients of BIO3, BIO12, BIO13, BIO14, and BIO15 with WSA were 0.32, 0.44, 0.3, 0.37, and 0.41, respectively (p < 0.01). The interactive effects between topography and the five key climatic variables could facilitate the interpretation of individual variables for WSA variability. The dominant climatic factors of WSA variability changed along different topographical locations. Overall, this study identifies climatic (mainly precipitation) variables that dominated WSA variability at the regional scale and defines the interactive effects of these variables with topography on WSA variability. The results of this work contribute to explaining the complex causes of soil aggregate stability at large scale and provide clues to the management of soil security under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is considered a sensitive indicator of iodine deficiency. However, the usefulness of Tg as a biomarker of excess iodine is uncertain. The present study aimed to determine the influence of different iodine intake on serum Tg levels, evaluate the influence of thyroid diseases on the distribution of Tg, and identify the factors that may affect Tg levels. A cross-sectional survey with a total of 1208 adults was conducted in different water iodine areas in China. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), water iodine concentration (WIC), serum Tg, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid antibodies were measured. The thyroid volumes and nodules were measured by B-scan ultrasound. Based on the WIC data, subjects were divided into three groups. Based on the median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) data, the iodine levels were adequate, more than adequate, and excess for the WIC < 10 μg/L group, 10 μg/L ≤ WIC ≤ 100 μg/L g, and WIC > 100 μg/L groups, respectively. The median Tg was significantly higher in the excess iodine group than in the adequate iodine group and the more than adequate iodine group (14.6 μg/L vs.12.7 μg/L, P = 0.042; 14.6 μg/L vs.12.5 μg/L, P = 0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that excess iodine intake, goitre, thyroid nodules, and hypothyroidism were significantly related to higher serum Tg levels. Serum Tg level can be a promising biomarker of excessive iodine intake, but other factors, especially the presence of thyroid disease, should be considered when using this parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The material point method (MPM) simulation of large-scale landslides can provide useful information to response to landslide hazards in mountainous regions. However, the structured background meshes commonly adopted in MPM fail to accurately capture the complex terrain above which the sliding mass moves. In this work, a novel terrain contact algorithm is proposed and integrated into a GPU-accelerated 3D MPM to model large-scale landslides. The complex terrain is modelled by a fixed triangular surface mesh generated according to the digital elevation model (DEM) and the interaction between the sliding mass and the basal surface is modelled by a contact algorithm between the triangular surface mesh and the material points. Furthermore, a contact detection algorithm based on level-set functions is developed to improve the contact detection efficiency. The detailed computational formulations and numerical implementation based on GPU parallel computing are presented. After the correctness and the efficiency being verified by two numerical examples, the proposed method is applied to simulate the catastrophic Baige landslide that occurred in China in 2018. The results indicate that the present method is both accurate and efficient and can provide a useful tool for numerical study on landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The SOCD of artificial grassland increased in 1–7 years and decreased in 9 years. • There was no significant change in SOCD in the early stage of vegetation restoration. • Microbial biomass dominated the SOCD of the topsoil. • Microbial biomass and soil texture jointly increased deep layer SOCD. Establishment of artificial grassland and abandoned farmland are effective measures to increase soil carbon sequestration and mitigate global warming; however, the difference between the two methods in terms of carbon sequestration efficiency and mechanisms at various times and at different soil depths remain unclear. This study investigates the soil organic carbon density (SOCD), soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass, as well as the above- and belowground biomass of artificial grassland and abandoned farmland restored for one, three, four, seven, and nine years in Mu Us Desert, China. The results show that establishment of both land types could significantly increase soil carbon storage. The SOCD changed following a single-peak curve in the artificial grassland and steadily increased with restoration age in the abandoned farmland. The SOCD of the artificial grassland reached 1.7–2.4 times that of the abandoned farmland, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two by the ninth year. The SOCD did not increase significantly in the early stages of restoration (1–3 years and 1–4 years for artificial grassland and abandoned farmland, respectively), which was delayed as the soil layer deepened. Compared to the abandoned farmland, the influence of plants on SOCD through microbial pathways was greater in the artificial grassland, however, the role of soil texture in abandoned farmland was more pronounced. Along with soil depth, the influence of plant factors on the SOCD decreased (40.37–18.19%), but the combined effects of the soil texture and microbial biomass determined the SOCD dynamics. Our results suggest that the combination of appropriate artificial interventions in abandoned farmland can not only quickly restore vegetation communities but also enhance the plant-soil interactions, improve soil texture and microbial functions, increase carbon capture and storage capabilities, and form more sustainable grassland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Supply-side structural reform” (SSSR) has been the most important ongoing economic reform in China since 2015, but its important environmental health effects have not been properly assessed. The present study addresses that gap by focusing on reduction of overcapacity in the coal, steel, and iron sectors, combined with reduction of emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxide (NO x ), and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), and projecting resultant effects on air quality and public health across cities and regions in China. Modeling results indicate that effects on air quality and public health are visible and distributed unevenly across the country. This assessment provides quantitative evidence supporting projections of the transregional distribution of such effects. Such uneven transregional distribution complicates management of air quality and health risks in China. The results challenge approaches that rely solely on cities to improve air quality. The article concludes with suggestions on how to integrate SSSR measures with cities' air quality improvement attainment planning and management performance evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has caused a significant decline in amphibians worldwide due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation of habitat quality. Accordingly, parks have become “islands,” or habitat fragments, for amphibians in highly urbanized areas. Understanding the habitat use pattern of amphibians in fragmented urban environments is essential for biodiversity conservation in urban ecosystems. Several environmental features may affect anuran communities in urban parks, including the characteristics of fragmentation, landscape heterogeneity, breeding habitat, and human disturbance. In particular, it is unclear whether a larger habitat area could lead to higher anuran species richness (species-area relationship) in urban parks. The aim of this study was to examine whether the species-area relationship is relevant for anurans in urban parks, and to determine the environmental characteristics that likely influence anuran communities. We used a visual encounter method to survey anuran communities (species richness and abundance) in 16 parks located in highly urbanized areas of Shanghai, China. Fragmentation characteristics included fragment size and shape index. Landscape heterogeneity was measured as compositional heterogeneity (using the Shannon diversity index of wetland types) and configurational heterogeneity (using edge density of different land use types). We found that compositional and configurational heterogeneity had significant positive effects on anuran species richness and relative abundance, respectively, in the urban parks. We also found that high edge density along streams benefited anuran abundance. However, there was no significant relationship between fragment size and anuran communities, and the abundances of Pelophylax plancyi and P. nigromaculata were negatively associated with the edge density of large ponds and roads. Our results suggest the importance of landscape structure in urban parks for sustaining anuran persistence. In addition, diverse breeding habitats and landscape heterogeneity should be considered positive indicators of anuran biodiversity conservation in fragmented urban habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to determine the dynamics of physicochemical properties and biological activities of soil, and their relationship following afforestation. Soil samples were collected at 0–10 cm from five Pinus tabulaeformis plantation forests restored for 15, 25, 30, 45, and 70 years, as well as a millet ( Setaria italica ) farmland in the Damaiji catchment area. These five afforested lands were converted from similar farmlands. The activities of catalase (CAT), saccharase (SAC), urease (URE) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), microbial biomass, soil water content, pH, soil bulk density, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) were measured. The results revealed that the contents of SOC, TN, AP, microbial biomass C, N, and P, CAT, SAC, URE, and ALP in the P . tabulaeformis forest soil were significantly higher than those in the farmland by 64.97%–262.02%, 75.44%–254.28%, 46.63%–114.21%, 125.95%–554.83%, 101.35%–464.21%, 15.80%–167.35%, 22.57%–49.95%, 96.78%–145.73%, 6.98%–56.08% and 89.15%–177.89%, respectively. The soil properties, microbial biomass, enzymatic activities, and C:P and N:P ratios in soil and microbial biomass improved with increasing plantation chronosequence. Variations in C:N:P stoichiometry and higher C:P and N:P ratios in the soil and microbial biomass revealed the P limitation. Simultaneously, N:P ratios included more serviceable information that reflected the relationship between soil and microbes. Soil enzymatic activities had a high correlation with soil nutrient cycling and could be indicators of soil fertility status, particularly for ALP. The significant correlation between SOC, TN, enzymatic activities, and microbial biomass revealed that the substrate availability of carbon and nitrogen could influence the activity of soil enzymes and microorganisms. This study demonstrated that soil enzymatic activities and microorganisms respond to the process of afforestation and hence have the potential to affect nutrient balance and quality of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's coastal environment has been heavily affected by the loading of terrestrial pollutants in recent decades, and quantitative risk assessment is urgently needed to assess the ecological risks of China's coastal environment. We assessed the ecological risks induced by five heavy metals (including Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg and As) in China's coastal waters for three groups of marine organisms (including crustacean, fish and mollusc) based on data obtained from a nationwide unified coastal environment monitoring program consisting of 301 sampling sites. The results show that higher heavy metal concentrations occurred more frequently in the Bohai Sea and in the estuaries of major sea-going rivers. The ecological risks decreased in the following order: Bohai Sea > Yellow Sea > South China Sea > East China Sea. There was generally low ecological risk, but certain hotspots existed near Tianjin and Jinzhou, which had relatively high ecological risks caused by Cu and Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed mercury (Hg) pollution in China's coastal waters, including the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, based on a nationwide dataset from 301 sampling sites. A methylmercury (MeHg) intake model for humans based on the marine food chain and human fish consumption was established to determine the linkage between water pollutants and the pollutant intake by humans. The predicted MeHg concentration in fish from the Bohai Sea was the highest among the four seas included in the study. The MeHg intake through dietary ingestion was dominant for the fish and was considerably higher than the MeHg intake through water respiration. The predicted MeHg concentrations in human blood in the coastal regions of China ranged from 1.37 to 2.77 μg/L for pregnant woman and from 0.43 to 1.00 μg/L for infants, respectively, based on different diet sources. The carnivorous fish consumption advisory for pregnant women was estimated to be 288–654 g per week to maintain MeHg concentrations in human blood at levels below the threshold level (4.4 μg/L established by the US Environmental Protection Agency). With a 50% increase in Hg concentrations in water in the Bohai Sea, the bioaccumulated MeHg concentration (4.5 μg/L) in the fish consumers will be higher than the threshold level. This study demonstrates the importance in controlling Hg pollution in China's coastal waters. An official recommendation guideline for the fish consumption rate and its sources will be necessary for vulnerable populations in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is affecting hydrological variables and consequently is impacting water resources management. Historical strategies are no longer applicable under climate change. Therefore, adaptive management, especially adaptive operating rules for reservoirs, has been developed to mitigate the possible adverse effects of climate change. However, to date, adaptive operating rules are generally based on future projections involving uncertainties under climate change, yet ignoring historical information. To address this, we propose an approach for deriving adaptive operating rules considering both historical information and future projections, namely historical and future operating rules (HAFOR). A robustness index was developed by comparing benefits from HAFOR with benefits from conventional operating rules (COR). For both historical and future streamflow series, maximizations of both average benefits and the robustness index were employed as objectives, and four trade-offs were implemented to solve the multi-objective problem. Based on the integrated objective, the simulation-based optimization method was used to optimize the parameters of HAFOR. Using the Dongwushi Reservoir in China as a case study, HAFOR was demonstrated to be an effective and robust method for developing adaptive operating rules under the uncertain changing environment. Compared with historical or projected future operating rules (HOR or FPOR), HAFOR can reduce the uncertainty and increase the robustness for future projections, especially regarding results of reservoir releases and volumes. HAFOR, therefore, facilitates adaptive management in the context that climate change is difficult to predict accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since agriculture development would be affected by climate change, the reservoir operation for agricultural irrigation should be adjusted. However, there are to date few literatures addressing how to design adaptive operating rules for an irrigation reservoir. This study aims to analyze the adaption of fixed operating rules and to derive adaptive operating rules under climate change. The deterministic optimization model is established with the solving method of two-dimensional dynamic programming (TDDP), and its optimal trajectory is supplied to derive reservoir operating rules at time intervals of crop growth periods. Then, two alternative operating rules, including fixed operating rules based on historical data and adaptive operating rules based on climate change data, are extracted using the fitting method with the multiple linear regression model. The alteration of reservoir inflow under climate change is calculated by the Budyko formula. A case study of the China’s Dongwushi Reservoir shows that: (1) fixed operating rules are unable to adapt climate change in the future scenario. Thus, adaptive operating rules should be established, (2) adaptive operating rules can reduce profits loss resulting from climate change, and improve field soil water storages, and (3) precipitation reduction by 7%/40a is the major cause for agricultural profits loss, whereas, the decrement of agricultural profits is less than that of precipitation, which indicates agricultural crops have the resilience to resist the adverse influence from precipitation decrease. These findings are helpful for adaptive operation of irrigation reservoirs under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new repeatable batch processing method is developed for regional SUHI assessment. • A framework is proposed to explain the formation of SUHI effect. • The impacts of most driving factors on SUHI effect are spatial heterogeneous. • More attention should be paid to small cities. The urban heat island (UHI) effect has become a hot topic worldwide because of the double stress of global climate change and rapid urbanization. However, the deficiencies of existing methods hinder the monitoring and assessment of the surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect at the regional scale. This paper presented a new method to assess SUHI intensity, and then applied it in China. The results indicated that: (1) compared with other methods, this new method has some merits like higher accuracy, fewer operational steps, and higher portability. It enables accurate, semi-automated assessment of SUHI intensity at the regional scale. (2) SUHI effect exists in 81.02% of the cities in China. These cities were mainly concentrated in southeastern China, which presented the significant characteristic of spatial agglomeration. (3) Urban-rural differences in relative humidity, vegetation coverage, evapotranspiration, waterbody coverage, and the number of industrial enterprises are the main driving factors for the SUHI effect in China. Furthermore, there are significant interactions among these driving factors. (4) The spatial heterogeneity of the influence directions and intensities of many driving factors is obvious. Therefore, traditional regression models should be utilized more cautiously because they cannot capture the spatial heterogeneity of variables. (5) The hypothesis of "the larger the city size, the higher the SUHI intensity" is not valid, so more attention should be paid to small cities in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural gas is a clean energy source with many benefits and its proportion in the energy consumption structure in China has been gradually increasing over the recent years. Since the price of natural gas in China has been controlled and maintained at a relatively low level by the government, reforming the natural gas industry in China has been the matter of much attention in light of its macroeconomic effects on the overall economy. Using the Computable General Equilibrium model and the 2012 Social Accounting Matrix, the results show increases in natural gas prices lead to an increase in the consumer price index (CPI) and lead to reductions in GDP. The chemical industry sector is strongly influenced by a natural gas price increase. Furthermore, chemical fertilizer manufacturing industry and chemical products’ manufacturing have very significant effects in China. Therefore the government may gradually establish and improve the management of natural gas price to avoid negative effects, and implement a differential price as the industries exhibit different levels of resistance in response to natural gas price changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the 2011-2013 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study with 14,507 respondents from 393 neighborhoods, and applying generalized linear mixed-effects model, this study examines how individual-level education and neighborhood-socioeconomic contexts affect health through social engagement. Findings reveal that measures of social engagement-social activity and productive activity-are significantly related to self-rated health and partially mediate the effects of individual-level education. Neighborhood-socioeconomic contexts have independent effects on self-rated health beyond individual socio-demographics, and social activity mediates the effects of neighborhood recreational facilities. This study is among the first to simultaneously explore the health effects of individual and neighborhood-level socioeconomic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]