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[Objective] In order to clarify the law of sediment yield and sediment loss of different land use types under different rainfall types, and to evaluate the benefit of sediment reduction of different land use types under different rainfall types. [Methods] Based on the monitoring data of runoff and soil loss under natural rainfall conditions over 2015—2016 in 31 runoff plots located in the Loess Plateau of China the characteristics of sediment yield and loss in different land use types, including farmlands, abandoned lands, artificial grasslands, natural grasslands, shrublands and artificial forest lands were discussed. The efficiency of runoff and sediment reduction for each land use type under different rainfall types was determined. [Results] The runoff and soil loss of abandoned lands were the largest (30 mm, 86 t/hm2) and artificial forest lands were the smallest (8 mm, 24 t/hm2) under the annual rainfall scale, and there was no significant difference between other land use types. Through the application of duster analysis a total of 120 rainfall events were categorized into three distinct rainfall types based on criteria that included amount, duration, and maximum intensity of rainfall in a 30-minute period. That is, Rainfall Type I: characterised by moderate rainfall duration (749 min), moderate rainfall volume (35.4 mm), and moderate rainfall intensity (16.9 mm/h); Rainfall Type II: comprising short-duration rainfall (222 min), moderate rainfall volume (25.2 mm), and intense rainfall intensity (23.8 mm/h); Rainfall Type III: involving a long duration of rainfall (1 451 min), substantial rainfall volume (40.6 mm), but low intensity of rainfall (11.5 mm/h). When considering the impact of these types of rainfall within the given scale, the study observed the following trends, for the runoff coefficient, exhibiting Rainfall Type II > Rainfall Type III > Rainfall Type I, while for soil loss, exhibiting Rainfall Type II > Rainfall Type I > Rainfall Type III. The runoff coefficient of Rainfall Type I was significantly higher than that of other land use types, reaching 17.7%, which was 2.36 times that of artificial forest land. There were no significant difference in runoff coefficient under Rainfall Type II, and the average runoff coefficient was 19.9%. The runoff coefficient of abandoned lands, artificial grasslands, natural grasslands, and farmlands (average of 14.3%) was significantly higher than that of shrublands and artificial forest lands (averaging at 9.0%). The soil loss of famlands, artificial grasslands, shmblands and artificial forest lands under Rainfall Type II (3.94, 0.87, 1.06, 1.08 t/hm2) > Rainfall Type I (1.60, 0.60, 0.59, 0.63 t/hm2) > Rainfall Type III (0.09, 0.20, 0.06, 0.04 t/hm2). [Conclusion] In the Loess Plateau, the artificial forest land was the first choice to control soil and water loss effectively under the condition of medium-low rainfall intensity and medium-long duration rainfall, and the soil and water conservation effect of shrubland and grassland was better under short-duration heavy rainfall.

【Objective】There is a problem that traditional unrepeatered transmission system need to use disturbed Raman amplifier and remote optical pump amplifier, while both of these two amplifiers need to use high power pump laser which will increase the complexity of fiber link in unrepeatered transmission system. In this paper, we propose a new structure of unrepeatered transmission system using Erbium Doped Optical Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) to replace the forward disturbed Raman amplifier.【Methods】We analyze and compare the performance of the proposed unrepeatered transmission system, and realize a real-time unrepeatered transmission experiment with the proposed structure.【Results】The results show that the gain effect of forward Raman pump in traditional unrepeatered communication system can be achieved by using high power amplifier to increase the signal launch power, and the new structure of unrepeatered transmission system is more suitable to achieve higher bitrate with the help of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology. We confirm the unrepeatered transmission system can achieve 500 km span distance at 10 Gbit/s bit rate in single channel communication transmission, and 500 km span distance at 4×10 Gbit/s bit rate in the WDM technology.【Conclusion】The proposed unrepeatered transmission system can simplify the traditional unrepeatered transmission system, and increase the bit rate by using multi-channel WDM system with EDFA. It has important practical significance to simplify the structure and improve the bit rate in future unrepeatered transmission system.

[Objective] This study was aimed to explore the characteristics of soil organic carbon and moisture content under different vegetation restoration types and their relationships, and to provide a scientific basis for the selection of vegetation restoration models in the Mu Us sandy land. [Methods] Different vegetation restoration types, including natural restoration of grassland and various plants such as Artemisia desertorum, Salix psammophila, A. desertorum S. psammophila mixed (shrub-shrub mixed), Pinus sylvestris, S. psammophila P. sylvestris mixed (tree-shrub mixed), in the Mu Us sandy land, were studied. Bare sand was used as the control. The effects and correlations of different vegetation restoration types on carbon and water in the 0-5.0 m soil profile were analyzed. [Results] (1) Vegetation restoration increased, with S. psammophila P. sylvestris mixed, P. sylvestris, Grassland, A. desertorum S. psammophila mixed, A. desertorum S. psammophila mixed, and A. desertorum showing decreasing trends, with significant accumulation effects observed within the 0—0.2 m soil depth. As soil depth increased, the organic carbon content of all vegetation types gradually decreased. Within the depth range of 0.8—2.2 cm, A. desertorum, S. psammophila, and A. desertorum S. psammophila mixed exhibited carbon loss. (2) Different vegetation restoration types showed varying degrees of soil moisture deficit in deep soil layers, primarily concentrated at 1—3.0 m soil layer, with S. psammophila P. sylvestris mixed showing the most severe deficit, followed by P. sylvestris, A. desertorum S. psammophila, S. psammophila, Grassland, A. desertorum. (3) Roots were identified as the main factors influencing soil organic carbon content and moisture consumption. Soil organic carbon content exhibited a negative correlation with soil moisture within the 0—5.0 m soil depth range. [Conclusion] Vegetation carbon storage was achieved at the expense of utilizing deep soil moisture, with S. psammophila P. sylvestris mixed exhibiting the lowest water consumption per unit of fixed carbon. The study suggests that S. psammophila P. sylvestris mixed exhibits favorable effects in vegetation restoration from the perspective of soil carbon retention and water retention in the Mu Us sandy land.

[Objective] In the context of the “dual-carbon” goal, accurately assessing the status, rate and potential of carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems is crucial for achieving “carbon neutrality”. Shaanxi Province, which spans three climatic zones and have a large difference in climate between north and south, with abundant vegetation types. In recent years, the vegetation coverage in Shaanxi has been further improved due to the implementation of various ecological projects (Grain for Green, Three-North Shelterbelt, etc.). Its vegetation coverage reaches up to 60.7%, what resulted in huge carbon sequestration capacity. Net primary productivity (NPP), as one of the most important indicators to reflect the carbon sequestration capacity of vegetation, there are few studies on spatial and temporal dynamic changes of NPP and the spatial distribution of NPP potential in the future in Shaanxi province. [Methods] Based on these, we evaluated the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of vegetation NPP and its potential in Shaanxi province through the CASA model and the neighborhood similarity spatial distribution method. [Results] (1) Total carbon sequestration by vegetation increased by 333 Tg, with an increase of 48.5% from 2000 to 2020 in Shaanxi province. (2) NPP was higher in the south and lower in the north, with the highest or lowest value in the middle. The average value in 2000 and 2020 were 333.2 g C/m2 and 494.8 g C/m2, respectively, with a total increasement of 161.6 g C/m2, and the increase amplitude showed a distribution trend of high in the north and low in the south in Shaanxi. (3) The carbon sequestration potential was 2 304 Tg which increased by 41.30% compared with the 2020. The spatial distribution trend was gradually decreasing from south to north, and the spatial distribution characteristics showed high spatial autocorrelation characteristics, but the local differences were large. [Conclusion] The total vegetation carbon sequestration in Shaanxi province increased significantly from 2000 to 2020, and there is huge potential for vegetation carbon sequestration in the future. This study calculated the spatial and temporal dynamic changes and predicted potential spatial distribution characteristics of NPP in the regional scale ecosystem in Shaanxi province, which can provide an evaluation systematic and theoretical reference for scientific evaluation and improvement of regional carbon sink capacity.

【Objective】With the continuous advancements in satellite and communication technologies, the integration of space laser communication and ranging technology becomes more mature. As deep space exploration, satellite navigation, and other fields continue to develop, there is a growing demand for higher communication capacity and ranging accuracy between satellites. Thus, the need to achieve laser satellite high-speed communication while completing ranging and further improving ranging accuracy, under the premise of considering satellite payload and power consumption, has become an urgent issue.【Methods】This article designs and implements a coherent communication and ranging integrated system that supports both QPSK and BPSK, based on the principle of dual one way ranging. To further improve the ranging performance, the differential time sampling method is used to obtain the frequency difference and phase difference between the sending clock and the receiving clock through frequency and phase discrimination, thereby achieving higher clock accuracy and correcting the ranging value.【Results】The system can operate stably in an environment where the received optical power is greater than-48 dBm. Different rates can be set for different application requirements, with a maximum rate of 5 Gbit/s in QPSK mode and rates of 2.5 Gbit/s, 1.25 Gbit/s, and 625 Mbit/s in BPSK mode. The theoretical ranging accuracy of the system can reach a minimum of 53 ps. In normal communication, using Matlab and Vivado to calculate and process ranging data, the ranging accuracy of the system is verified to be less than 0.1 ns. Furthermore, using the differential time sampling method under simulation conditions, the ranging accuracy can be improved to the order of 10-3 of the symbol width, reaching±0.36 cm.【Conclusion】The proposed communication and ranging integrated system can achieve high-precision ranging while achieving high-speed communication, which is of practical significance for future applications of laser satellites.

[Objective] China's backbone natural gas pipeline network comprises numerous large-diameter and long-distance pipelines.Periodic pigging operations play a crucial role in ensuring the safe, stable and efficient operation of these pipelines. However, since current pigging operations rely heavily on operator experience and the establishment of monitoring points, the inability to simulate pigging schemes in advance prevents accurate prediction of parameters such as the operating speed, position and arrival time of the pig, and pressure changes in the pipe. [Methods] To address this challenge, a mathematical model for dynamic prediction of the pigging process was constructed and put into practice according to the characteristics of actual pigging operations. Subsequently, the software for dynamic prediction of the pigging process was developed and applied to the actual pigging operations of several sections(A-B, B-C and D-E) of a designated pipeline for predicting the pigging time and pigging speed. [Results] The improved two-phase flow transient pigging model and the dynamic prediction software accurately forecast critical parameters, including the running speed, position and arrival time at each station of the pig during the pigging process; The accuracy of the dynamic pigging prediction technology and the reliability of the software were verified using the monitoring data of 52 actual pigging operations; And compared with actual measurements, the software's predictions had average relative errors of 5.94% for pigging time and 6.56% for pigging speed. [Conclusion] The utilization of the dynamic prediction technology and software enables efficient preparation of pigging operation schemes for natural gas pipelines, reduces manual workload, ensures pigging process safety, and enhances pipeline management intelligence.

In order to improve the interfacial wettability and adhesiveness between matrix and filler in the preparation process of azide-polyether based solid propellant and the processing property of the slurry, the effects of the kind of bonding agents and plasticizers and the ratio of plasticizers on the binding energy of 3, 3-diazide methyl epoxy butane and tetrahydrofuran copolymer (PBT) based matrix and ammonium perchlorate (AP) were calculated by using molecular dynamics calculation method. Three main crystal planes (011)/(201)/(210) of AP were considered. The results show that the rational plasticizers, plasticizer ratios and bonding agents can effectively improve the interface wetting characteristics of ammonium perchlorate and azide-polyether based solid propellants.The binding energy between ammonium perchlorate and PBT matrix system was the highest when dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used as plasticizer, BUNE is used as bonding agent, and the plasticizer ratio is 0.6. The experimental results of contact angle were used to verify the calculation results. The main factors affecting the characteristics of the interfacial wettability between ammonium perchlorate and azide-polyether in solid propellant slurry were obtained, providing a guidance for improving the interface wettability and adhesiveness, and also the processing property of propellants.

This study aimed to explore the effects of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1) on levocarnitine (LC)-mediated regulation of angiotensin II (AngII)-induced myocardial fibrosis (MF) and its underlying mechanisms. H9C2 cells were treated with AngII for 24 h to induce fibrosis. The cells were then treated with LC or transfected with TIMP‐1-OE plasmid/si‑TIMP‐1. Cell apoptosis, viability, migration, and related gene expression were analyzed. AngII treatment significantly upregulated Axl, α-SMA, and MMP3 expression (P < 0.05) and downregulated STAT4 and TIMP1 expression (P < 0.05) relative to the control levels. After transfection, cells with TIMP-1 overexpression/knockdown were successfully established. Compared with that of the control, AngII significantly inhibited cell viability and cell migration while promoting cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). LC and TIMP-1-OE transfection further suppressed cell viability and migration induced by Ang II and upregulated apoptosis, whereas si-TIMP-1 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, LC and TIMP-1-OE transfection downregulated Axl, AT1R, α-SMA, collagen III, Bcl-2, and MMP3 expression caused by AngII and upregulated caspase 3, p53, and STAT4 expression, whereas si-TIMP-1 had the opposite effect. TIMP-1 is therefore a potential therapeutic target for delaying MF progression.

ObjectiveTo systematically compare the bowel cleaning ability, patient tolerance and safety of oral sodium phosphate tablets (NaPTab) and oral polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEGL) to inform clinical decision making.MethodsPubMed, Embase, CBM, WanFang Data, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched for studies that used randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the roles of NaPTab and PEGL in bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included papers. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 13 RCTs were eligible for inclusion, including 2,773 patients (1,378 and 1,395 cases in the NaPTab and PEGL groups, respectively). Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the cleansing quality of the NaPTab and PEGL groups [RR 1.02, 95% CI (0.96–1.08), P = 0.46]. The incidence of nausea was lower in the NaPTab group than in the PEGL group [RR 0.67, 95% CI (0.58–0.76), p < 0.00001]. Patients rated the taste of NaPTab higher than PEGL [RR 1.33, 95% CI (1.26–1.40), P < 0.00001]. Willingness to repeat the treatment was also higher in the NaPTab group than in the PEGL group [RR 1.52, 95% CI (1.28–1.80), P < 0.00001]. Both serum potassium and serum calcium decreased in both groups after the preparation; however, meta-analysis revealed that both minerals decreased more in the NaPTab group than in the PEGL group [MD = 0.38, 95% CI (0.13–0.62), P = 0.006 for serum potassium and MD = 0.41, 95% CI (0.04–0.77), P = 0.03 for serum calcium]. Meanwhile, serum phosphorus increased in both groups after the preparation; however, levels increased more in the NaPTab group than in the PEGL group [MD 4.51, (95% CI 2.9–6.11), P < 0.00001].ConclusionsWhile NaP tablets and PEGL were shown to have a similar cleaning effect before colonoscopy, NaP tablets had improved patient tolerance. However, NaP tablets had a strong effect on serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus levels. For patients with low potassium, low calcium, and renal insufficiency, NaP tablets should be prescribed with caution. For those at high-risk for acute phosphate nephropathy, NaP tablets should be avoided. Given the low number and quality of included studies, these conclusions will require additional verification by large high-quality studies.Systematic review registration10.37766/inplasy2023.5.0013, identifier: NPLASY202350013.

The interfacial interaction between the main oxidant filler ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) matrix in AP/HTPB propellants were studied via an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation. The results of the simulation showed the effects of the microscopic cross-linked structure of the matrix, stretching rate during uniaxial stretching, and contact area between the filler and matrix on the mechanical properties, such as the stress and strain of the composite solid propellant. Among the aforementioned factors, the stretching rate considerably affects the mechanical properties of the solid propellant, and the maximum stress of the solid propellant proportionally increases with the stretching rate. When defects were introduced on the surface of the AP filler, the contact area between the filler and matrix affected the strain type of the matrix molecules. Owing to the interaction between the molecules and atoms, the strain behaviour of the matrix molecule changed with the change in its microscopic cross-linked structure during uniaxial stretching. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the characteristics at the AP–HTPB interface in AP/HTPB propellants. The aforementioned simulation results further revealed the interfacial interaction mechanism of the AP–HTPB matrix and provided a theoretical basis for the design of high-performance propellants.

Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging (BLI-ME) versus narrowband imaging (NBI-ME) for early upper gastrointestinal cancer. Methods This study was carried out among 466 patients with suspected early upper gastrointestinal cancer (472 lesions) screened by conventional white light endoscopy (WLE). Among these patients, 227 received subsequent examinations by BLI-ME and 239 were examined by NBI-ME. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed in all the patients with confirmed cancers or highly suspected early cancer under endoscopy. The definite diagnoses were established according to the pathological results following ESD. The consistency between the endoscopic and pathological diagnoses was evaluated using Kappa agreement test, and the detection rate, sensitivity and specificity of the 2 techniques for diagnosis of early upper gastrointestinal cancer were analyzed. Results The pathological results confirmed 269 inflammatory lesions, 127 lesions of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia, 17 lesions of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and 59 lesions of early cancers (with multicentric esophageal cancer). BLI-ME and NBI-ME had consistency rates of 85.2% and 85.1% with the pathological diagnoses, with Kappa values of 0.756 and 0.759, respectively. For early upper gastrointestinal cancer, the detection rates by BLI-ME and NBI-ME was 12.2% and 12.8%, respectively, and their diagnostic sensitivity was 89.3% and 90.3% with a diagnostic specificity of 97.0% and 96.2%, a consistency rate (with the pathological results) of 96.1% and 95.5%, and a Kappa value of 0.810 and 0.825, respectively. Conclusion Both BLI-ME and NBI-ME have high diagnostic value for upper gastrointestinal cancer with comparable diagnostic performances.

The stability of underground water-sealed oil storage caverns is of great importance for safe excavation and operation. To analyze the scope of the failure zone and underground cavern stability accurately, a new method was developed that integrates the rock tunneling quality index Q-system and stability graph method with 3D laser scanning and numerical simulation. The point cloud data were obtained by 3D laser scanning, and the cavern model was built by using DIMINE software, which directly shows the 3D shape of the cavern. The rock mass physical and mechanical parameters and the corresponding stability coefficients were obtained based on Q-system and stability graph method. The plastic zone distribution and deformation characteristics of surrounding rock were analyzed through numerical simulation. Then, the corresponding relationship between caving zone and plastic zone was determined by comparing the numerical simulation results with the 3D laser scanning contour. The new method provides a reliable way to analyze the stability of the underground water-sealed oil storage cavern and also will helpful to design or optimize the subsequent support.

Blastocystis sp. is a common anaerobic protist with controversial pathogenicity that can infect various animals and humans. However, there are no reports of Blastocystis sp. infections in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). The present study was designed to examine the occurrence, subtype distribution and genetic characterization of Blastocystis sp. in forest musk deer in southwestern China, and to assess the potential for zoonotic transmission. A total of 504 fresh stool samples were collected from captive forest musk deer in four distinct areas of southwestern China. Overall, 14.7% of the forest musk deer (74/504) were found to be infected with Blastocystis sp. The highest occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was observed in Dujiangyan (27.5%), followed by Maerkang (23.3%). The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was 7.9% and 4.1% in Shimian and Hanyuan, respectively. Significant differences in the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. among different areas were observed (p 0.05). Two known zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST5) and three animal-predominant subtypes (ST10, ST13, and ST14) were identified, of which ST10 was the most common (36/74, 48.6%). Our findings highlight that forest musk deer may be potential reservoirs of zoonotic human Blastocystis sp. infections.

BackgroundThe application of high-energy medical electron accelerators in the radiotherapy becomes more and more widespread. Study of the radiation source and shielding of high-energy medical electron accelerators has been the focus of attention.PurposeThis study aims to simulate 15 MV X-ray beam of Clinac 23EX medical linear accelerator by using Monte Carlo method.MethodsFirst of all, a fine geometric model of the accelerator head in X-ray mode was constructed according to the material composition and geometric dimensions of the internal parts of the head provided by the manufacturer. Then the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP) software was applied to the calculation of the percentage depth dose (PDD) curves and profile curves of the X-ray beam under different irradiation fields. Comparisons of those results with that of measured results at the same conditions in the three-dimensional (3D) water model were performed. In addition, the effects of different components on the X-ray energy spectrum and penetration ability were analyzed.ResultsThe simulation results of the PDD curves and profile curves are in good agreement with the measured results of 3D water tank. The relative deviation of PDD curves is in the range of 0.62% to 1.34%, and the relative deviations of profile curves are between 0.35% and 2.76% in high dose area and 0.48% to 5.86% in low dose area, respectively.ConclusionsIt is confirmed that the detailed model of the accelerator head established in this study is accurate and reliable, hence appliable to the subsequent analysis of various source items. The effects of different components of accelerator on the X-ray energy spectrum and penetration ability provide references for optimizing shielding design and radiotherapy plan.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of hosts, including humans and companion animals, raising concerns of zoonotic transmission. However, there is limited epidemiological information on the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi in sheltered dogs and cats in Sichuan province, southwestern China. A total of 880 fecal samples were collected from shelters in different cities of Sichuan province, including 724 samples from dogs, and 156 samples from cats. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was determined by sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Overall, the prevalence of E. bieneusi was 18% (158/880), and the parasite was detected in 18.8% (136/724) and 14.1% (22/156) of the dogs and cats examined, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of five genotypes in dogs, including three known genotypes CD9 (n = 92), PtEb IX (n = 41), and Type IV (n = 1), and two novel genotypes SCD-1 (n = 1) and SCD-2 (n = 1). Similarly, four genotypes were identified in cats, including CD9 (n = 11), Type IV (n = 6), D (n = 4), and PtEb IX (n = 1). Genotypes D and Type IV have previously been identified in humans and are reported in sheltered dogs and cats in the present study, indicating that these animals could be as potential sources of human microsporidiosis infections.

Blastocystis is a prevalent eukaryotic parasite that has been identified in a wide range of hosts. Several species are considered potential sources of Blastocystis infection in humans, but little is known about the prevalence of Blastocystis in wild animals. In this study, the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis were investigated to assess the zoonotic potential of wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve. A total of 300 fecal samples were collected from 27 wildlife species in three areas of the Reserve. The subtype (ST), genetic characteristics, and prevalence of Blastocystis were determined by PCR amplification of part (~600 bp) of the SSU rRNA gene. Thirty fecal samples (10.0%) were Blastocystis-positive. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was found in Yinchanggou (18.3%), with significantly less found in Niutoushan (7.5%) and Genda (5.5%) (p

In recent years, the use of image fusion method has received increasing attention in remote sensing, vegetation cover changes, vegetation indices (VIs) mapping, etc. For making high-resolution and good quality (with low-cost) VI mapping from a fused image, its quality and underlying factors need to be identified properly. For example, same-sensor image fusion generally has a higher spatial resolution ratio (SRR) (1:3 to 1:5) but multi-sensor fusion has a lower SRR (1:8 to 1:10). In addition to SRR, there might be other factors affecting the fused vegetation index (FVI) result which have not been investigated in detail before. In this research, we used a strategy on image fusion and quality assessment to find the effect of image fusion for VI quality using Gaofen-1 (GF1), Gaofen-2 (GF2), Gaofen-4 (GF4), Landsat-8 OLI, and MODIS imagery with their panchromatic (PAN) and multispectral (MS) bands in low SRR (1:6 to 1:15). For this research, we acquired a total of nine images (4 PAN+5 MS) on the same (almost) date (GF1, GF2, GF4 and MODIS images were acquired on 2017/07/13 and the Landsat-8 OLI image was acquired on 2017/07/17). The results show that image fusion has the least impact on Green Normalized Vegetation Index (GNDVI) and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI) compared to other VIs. The quality of VI is mostly insensitive with image fusion except for the high-pass filter (HPF) algorithm. The subjective and objective quality evaluation shows that Gram-Schmidt (GS) fusion has the least impact on FVI quality, and with decreasing SRR, the FVI quality is decreasing at a slow rate. FVI quality varies with types image fusion algorithms and SRR along with spectral response function (SRF) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). However, the FVI quality seems good even for small SRR (1:6 to 1:15 or lower) as long as they have good SNR and minimum SRF effect. The findings of this study could be cost-effective and highly applicable for high-quality VI mapping even in small SRR (1:15 or even lower).

Blastocystis sp., a unicellular intestinal parasite in humans and animals worldwide, is frequently found in immunocompromized patients and people in close contact with animals. Here, we reviewed recent studies on the prevalence, subtypes, and distribution of Blastocystis infection in humans and animals in China. To date, more than 12 provinces have reported Blastocystis infection in humans, with identification of six different subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST6). The overall infection rate reported was 3.37% (3625/107,695), with the lowest prevalence (0.80%) in Fujian province and the highest prevalence (100%) in Guangdong province. ST3 (62%, 186/300) was the most dominant subtype, identified in all tested provinces in China. A total of eight provinces have reported Blastocystis infection in various animals, with the overall prevalence being 24.66% (1202/4874). Molecular analysis revealed 14 subtypes that infected animals, including 10 known (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, ST7, ST10, ST13, ST14), and 4 novel (Novel1, Novel2, Novel3, Novel4) subtypes. ST5 was the dominant subtype infecting artiodactyls (44.1%, 460/1044), while ST1 commonly infected carnivores (45.5%, 5/11). These findings provide insights into the epidemiological behavior of Blastocystis sp. in China, and could help in developing effective control strategies against the parasite.