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Situating affect in the soundscapes of suona as a Chinese musical instrument in various media, this study investigates how these mediated soundscapes shape social ideologies, hierarchies of cultures, and social resistance in ancient and contemporary China. Several mediated soundscapes are tapped into, including (1) the poem titled "To the Tune of Seeing the Emperor-Ode to the Trumpet"; (2) a TV program demonstrating how suona can be "languaging" in localized contexts; (3) a famous movie titled "Song of the Phoenix" capturing the contestation of affective regimes represented by the Chinese conventional versus the Western modern; (4) works of a well-known rock band, the Second-Hand Rose, showing how two differing affective regimes were conflated. In examining these mediated soundscapes, this study showcases how stratifications of cultures as the high versus the low, the conventional versus the modern, vernacularism versus globalism are constructed, resisted, and transmuted via competition and conflation of affective regimes in Chinese media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computing and Artificial Intelligent technology has changed the ecosystem of advertising industry and social economy. Observations on social changes can help enterprises and advertisers better adapting to this pervasive computing age. This study aims to examine the lifestyles of the new urban middle class in emerging market and their attitudes towards advertising. We carried out an investigation in four Tier-1 cities in China and identified six comprehensive lifestyle factors: trendy and success-driven, "Western is best," petty bourgeoisie lifestyle, money conscious, lifestyle of health and sustainability, and pragmatic struggling lifestyle; and further segmented new urban middle-class consumers into four groups: experiencers, strivers, trendy achievers, and pragmatists. The attitudes of four lifestyle segments towards advertising have been examined. The study provides precise user portraits of the growing middle-class consumers and intra-class differences in the emerging market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeing that Shanghai implemented mandatory household waste sorting system (referred as Shanghai Model) in 2019 and achieved remarkable improvements, the study focuses on how to localize it in second-tier cities. Specifically, by applying system dynamics method, a qualitative Basic Model and a quantitative Shanghai Model simulating residents' waste related behavior are built. Combined Theory of Planned Behavior and the Split-Core Model are adopted. Data of Zhengzhou is inputted and simulated to representatively deliver policy implications to second-tier cities. The result shows that improving transactional context can lift the weight of willingness and depress the weight of opportunism in behavior decision makings. Shanghai Model significantly improves the legal transaction context of waste sorting which make residents actively sort the wastes under the promotion of willingness. For second-tier cities of China, improving transactional context to reduce opportunism and conquering the short board of willingness to promote active participation are indispensable. And, waste reducing measures like the unit pricing system are recommended to make up the shortage of the Shanghai Model. The study puts forward a synthetic analyzing framework of waste related behaviors and builds a portable policy analyzing system of waste management for both China and other developing countries. • Basic model combing Theory of Planned Behavior and Split-Core Model is built. • Waste generation, reducing, recycling, and sorting system dynamics model is built. • Shanghai Model can improve household waste sorting and recycling. • Zhengzhou is recommended to improve facility level before adopting Shanghai Model. • The study provides a policy making tool for household waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Models for household recycling behaviour in high-rise buildings were evaluated. • The used of recycling facilities can be predicted by physical setting. • The use of informal recycling sectors can be predicted by housing type. • Implications for public design in high-density residential areas are provided. • It provides insights into public design in high-rise residential areas. Recycling strategies and waste management for the source separation of recyclables are still in their infancy in China and many other developing countries. Unlike formal recycling systems with strictly regulated management in high-income countries, waste management and recycling activities in low-income and middle-income countries are predominantly informal. Formal recycling systems often have very small amounts of recyclables in comparison to informal recycling systems. Considering the Chinese case of urban Guangzhou, where formal and informal recycling systems coexist, this study investigated household recycling behaviour and explored the sociodemographic and contextual factors that affect this behaviour. Based on data collected through questionnaire surveys and interviews, a model of the use of public recycling facilities (UPRF) and a model of the use of informal recycling sectors (UIRS) were evaluated using correlations and multiple regression analyses. The findings indicated that the use of public recycling facilities can be significantly predicted by the launch of a source separation scheme, the physical setting and satisfaction with public recycling facilities. The sociodemographic variables did not significantly predict the use of public recycling facilities but did significantly predict the use of informal recycling sectors. This study's findings have implications for researchers and policymakers and shed light on public designs for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus massoniana Lamb. is a crucial timber and resin conifer in China, but its plantation industry is threatened by outbreaks of pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pinewood nematode; PWN). However, as of yet, there is no comprehensive analysis of NBS-LRR genes in P. massoniana involved in its defense against PWN. In this study, 507 NBS genes were identified in the transcriptome of resistant and susceptible P. masoniana inoculated with the PWN. The phylogenetic analysis and expression profiles of resistant and susceptible P. massoniana revealed that the up-regulated PmNBS-LRR97 gene was involved in conferring resistance to PWN. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that PmNBS-LRR97 was significantly up-regulated after PWN infection, especially in the stems. Subcellular localization indicated that PmNBS-LRR97 located to the cell membrane. PmNBS-LRR97 significantly activated the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes in P. massoniana. In addition, the overexpression of PmNBS-LRR97 was capable of promoting the production of ROS, aiding in plant growth and development. In summary, PmNBS-LRR97 participates in the defense response to PWN and plays an active role in conferring resistance in P. massoniana. This finding provides new insight into the regulatory mechanism of the R gene in P. massoniana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are widely detected in wetlands as emerging pollutants of global concern. Co-occurrence of MPs and trace metals in wetlands is common and the vector effects of MPs on other environmental pollutants have been increasingly reported. However, the interaction of different MPs and trace metals under environmentally realistic conditions is not well understood. Here, we investigated the adsorption capacity of MPs for metals under simulated conditions of Poyang Lake wetlands in Jiang Xi, China, a Ramsar site of international importance for conservation and sustainable use. ICP-MS was used to quantify the amount of adsorbed metals onto different types of MPs. SEM-EDS and micro-FTIR were used to examine the morphological and chemical characteristics of MPs before and after metal adsorption. The influence of internal (polymer types and particle sizes of MPs) and external factors (water pH values, organic matters, ion strength, and sediment) on metal adsorption was systematically investigated. Metal adsorption equilibrium was most achieved at 72 h. The adsorption capacity of MP types to metal ions tended to decrease as PP > PE > PS, and the amount of adsorbed metals decreased as Cu > Pb > Cd. The amount of adsorbed metals generally decreased with the increase of particle size of MPs. With the increase of water pH and K+ strength, the adsorption of metals by MPs showed an increasing and then decreasing trend; the adsorption capacity of MPs increased with the increase of fulvic acid. Under the simulated sedimentary conditions, the adsorption of different metals by MPs also tended to be Cu > Pb > Cd, which was mainly determined by metal concentrations in the sediments collected in situ. The results of this study improve our understanding of metal-MP interaction under simulated environmental conditions, shedding new light on the environmental behavior of MPs and metals in wetlands. [Display omitted] • Metal adsorption by MPs is studied under simulated Poyang Lake wetland conditions. • Particle size and polymer type of MPs significantly affect metal adsorption. • PP MPs show higher adsorption capacity for metals than PE and PS MPs. • Water pH, ionic strength, organic matter, and sediment influence metal adsorption. • The knowledge of metal-MPs interaction in natural wetlands is still limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hereditary basis and identification of novel genes of heading date have significant implications for japonica rice improvement in northeast China, especially in Heilongjiang province. A re‐sequenced recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross between Lijiangxintuanheigu (LTH) and Shennong 265 (SN265) was used to detect the genetic basis for the RIL in 2017 and 2018. Fourteen heading date quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including nine in 2017 and thirteen in 2018, were detected with a linkage map containing 2,818 bin markers. They were distributed on chromosomes 3, 4, 6 and 9–11 with 9.34%–25.26% phenotypic variations. The QTLs qHD3a, qHD4a, qHD4b, qHD4c, qHD9b, qHD10, qHD11c and qHD11d were identified in both years. The qTRS1, qTRS3a (qHD3a), qTRS3b (qHD3b) and qTRS9 (qHD9a) alleles from LTH and the qTRS4 allele from SN265 were identified by controlling the temperature responsiveness in the RIL population. The explained phenotypic variation in these five QTLs varied from 14.52% to 26.31%. In order to accurately determine the difference in heading date under different temperature conditions, the RILs and two parents were grown in a phytotron. Four QTLs controlling temperature responsiveness were identified on chromosomes 3, 6 and 9, including qTRS3a (qHD3a), qTRS3b (qHD3b), qTRS6 and qTRS9 (qHD9a). In a different environment, qTRS3a (qHD3a), qTRS3b (qHD3b) and qTRS9 (qHD9a) were detected. A comparison of chromosomal locations between the QTLs detected in this study and heading date genes previously cloned indicated that DTH3, Hd16, RFL, HAF1, Ehd2 and RBS1 might be candidate genes for them. The four major heading date genes (Hd1, Ghd7, Ghd7.1 and Ghd8) affecting ecogeographical adaptation were sequenced between SN265 and LTH. SN265 carried a functional Hd1 haplotype, a weak functional Ghd7 haplotype, a weak functional Ghd7.1 haplotype and a weak functional Ghd8 haplotype. LTH also carried functional Hd1 haplotype, a weak functional Ghd7 haplotype, a non‐functional Ghd7.1 haplotype and a non‐functional Ghd8 haplotype. The combinations of the Hd1, Ghd7, Ghd7.1 and Ghd8 alleles in SN265 and LTH largely defined their short heading date under long‐day conditions. The selection of heading date gene combinations with functional Hd1 alleles and non‐functional alleles or weak functional alleles of Ghd7, Ghd7.1 and Ghd8 would be an effective way to improve japonica rice with proper heading days in Northeast China. The novel QTLs detected in this study could also become a valuable source for designing the appropriate heading date in Northeast China japonica rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A third‐line chemotherapy regimen for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is not available in China. Studies have shown that raltitrexed or S‐1 has no complete cross‐resistance with fluorouracil (5‐FU). In this phase II study, we prospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of raltitrexed combined with S‐1 (RS regimen) in the treatment of mCRC after the failure of conventional chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 105 patients with mCRC with progression following treatment with 5‐FU, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan were enrolled between November 2015 and May 2019. Patients received intravenous infusion of raltitrexed (3 mg/m2 from day 1 every 3 weeks) and oral S‐1 (80‐120 mg for 14 days every 3 weeks). Tumor evaluations were performed every two cycles according to the RECIST 1.1 guidelines. Results: In the intention‐to‐treat patients, the objective response and disease control rates were 7.62% and 48.57%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival and median overall survival were 2.5 and 8.0 months, respectively. Common adverse events included neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and nausea, while neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia nausea, diarrhea, skin eruption, and oral ulceration had grade 3 or higher adverse events. Subgroup analysis revealed that primary site or gene mutation status had little influence on the RS regimen efficacy, while the baseline albumin level, 5‐FU administration in second‐line therapy, and number of previous treatment regimens affected the efficacy. Conclusion: The RS regimen demonstrated favorable effects in patients with mCRC following failure of standard chemotherapy, and could be a new choice for third‐line treatment, and must be verified in future randomized clinical trials (Clinical trial: NCT02618356). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantation forests play an important role in global carbon cycle. However, life cycle analysis on carbon budget of plantation forests was still poorly documented, especially regarding how forest management influence its carbon dynamics. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gaps, taking Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation forest in North China for example. Based on established tree growth models and carbon stock models, we firstly discussed carbon dynamics of living trees; besides, carbon budgets of forest litter and soil were estimated by balancing its carbon inputs and carbon emissions (using the YASSO model). Forest management (including seedlings, site preparation and logging) can lead to carbon emissions due to material and energy consumption. Our findings were as follows: carbon sequestration by plantation forest amounted to 164.56 t C/ha during one 41-year rotation period in our study, most of which flowed into forest litter and soil. During one whole rotation period, forest litter and soil released out 100.21 tC/ha of sequestered carbon, while forest management resulted in about 1.59 tC/ha of carbon emissions. With forest plantation renewal, forest carbon storage increased due to more carbon stored in forest litter and soil, mainly existing in humus 1 and humus 2. Considering forest natural carbon dynamics, plantation forest functioned as the “carbon sink” during the first 5 rotation periods in our study, but the net carbon sink decreased from 35.95 tC/ha to 0.98 tC/ha. The increase of temperature and precipitation could result in more carbon emissions, and forest ecosystem carbon budget was more sensitive to precipitation changes than that to temperature changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poyang Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary includes Bang Lake, Sha Lake, Dahu Lake, and estuaries of the Xiu and Gan Rivers in the Migratory Bird Natural Reserve. Water samples were collected and analyzed to study spatial and temporal water quality variation. Strong seasonal variation of water quality was found. The water quality of Bang Lake was relatively poor compared to Sha and Dahu Lakes in the wet season, but better in the normal season. During the dry season, the water quality of Bang Lake is negatively affected by the activity of migratory birds. According to the correlation analysis of monthly concentrations of each parameter, the concentrations of COD, NH-N, and NO-N were highly correlated. The correlation index was 0.829 and significance index was 0.042 < 0.05. From north to south within Bang Lake, the concentration of TN decreased; however, the concentration of Chl-a increased. From east to west within Bang Lake, concentrations of COD, NH-N, NO-N, and Chl-a increased. The Xiu and Gan Rivers influence the water quality of Bang Lake, especially in the northeast area of the lake. The water quality of Bang Lake only reached Chinese water quality standard level IV or V according to a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation factors impacting Bang Lake are TN>TP>NH-N>COD, in order of decreasing importance. The waters of Poyang Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary have been polluted; one of the important contributing factors was migratory birds' disturbance and feces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological footprint (EF) is an accepted worldwide method for the evaluation of environmental sustainability. However, its utility is limited by the existence of a series of shortcomings in the methodology such as the only-partial inclusion of human generated wastes. To improve the ability of the footprint method to evaluate environmental sustainability, a new footprint-based indicator – the ‘Waste Absorption Footprint’ (WAF) – has been proposed. The purpose of this paper is to test this methodological approach by evaluating the sustainability of the water environment in the Taihu Lake Basin, in densely populated eastern China. Applying the WAF method indicates that anthropogenic discharges of wastes have imposed an absorption pressure on the local water system such that the local water environment is increasingly unsustainable . Furthermore, nitrogen and phosphorus are identified as more critical wastes than organic substances, while domestic discharges are shown to be more important sources compared with those from industry and agriculture, which therefore should be the focus of environmental management and pollution control initiatives. It is demonstrated that the WAF method can provide a wealth of information that can be used for reference by local water environmental management authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six national programs—including the Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP), Sloping Land Conversion Program (SLCP), Desertification Combating Program around Beijing and Tianjin (DCBT), Shelterbelt Network Development Program (SNDP), Wildlife Conservation and Nature Reserve Protection Program (WCNR), and Industrial Timberland Plantation Program (ITPP)—were adopted as means to achieve the Chinese Government sustainable development national policy. While the programs have made promising progress circa 10 yr at the national level, problems exist at the regional and locals levels. This article, therefore, reviews the achievements and problems associated with the programs and their implementations, and provides recommendations for the full realization of the goals of the programs. We recommend a comprehensive strategy for future activities—including promotion of sustainability science, reformation of rigid policies and regulations, adoption of sustainable forestry practices, integrated ecosystem management approach, and formation of new international collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]