Search

This study aims to investigate the impact of ICT capital services on economic growth and energy efficiency in China at both national and industrial levels during the period 2000–2020. To achieve this aim, this study introduces a measurement method for capital services, explores ICT's contributions to economic growth, and analyzes the impact of ICT on energy efficiency. The empirical results of this study indicate that although the ICT capital services scale is relatively small, accounting for only 8.87% of the total in 2020, its growth rate is faster than that of non-ICT capital services, and the distribution of ICT capital services varies widely among different industries. Additionally, based on the economic growth decomposition framework, this study finds that the contribution of ICT capital services to economic growth is 6.95% on average. It is significantly higher in certain industries, such as Financial industry; Information transmission, software and information technology services; Construction; and Manufacturing compared to others. The total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) reveals that industries with higher energy consumption have lower energy efficiency, while the panel regression model illustrates that the development of ICT has a positive impact on improving energy efficiency, with variability across industries. Overall, the findings of this study provide crucial scientific evidence and policy implications for promoting the development of ICT and integrating it with various industries, which can significantly contribute to boosting economic growth and energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (HTVSR) insulator, the alicyclic epoxy resin insulator has higher hardness and better bonding between the core and the sheath. This makes the latter very promising in the coastal area of Southern China. Outdoor insulators are often subjected to high intensity of ultraviolet (UV)-A radiation. The influence of UV-A radiation is significant for alicyclic epoxy resin insulators. To help address the concern, the surface of two kinds of samples, namely the alicyclic epoxy resin insulator and HTVSR insulator, with UV-A aging time was characterized by tests of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The operation properties (mechanical properties, hydrophobicity) for outdoor insulators were also analyzed. It was found that the appearance color of the alicyclic epoxy resin has changed greatly, and there is a certain degree of fading. The mechanical properties of the alicyclic epoxy resin are maintained well and, the hydrophobicity decreases gradually. For silicone rubber, the appearance color change of silicone rubber is smaller, and the mechanical properties of silicone rubber decreased greatly. In addition, although the hydrophobicity of silicone rubber decreased gradually, it is still better than that of alicyclic epoxy resin. Both materials have broken chemical bonds, but the degree is relatively light, which meets the requirements of insulators for outdoor operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fangji Huangqi Decoction is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragli Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma. It is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis in China. However, its pharmacokinetic characteristics in vivo are still unclear. In this study, a method for quantifying fangchinoline, tetrandrine and calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, the main active constituents of Fangji Huangqi Decoction, in rat plasma by using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry technique was developed. Plasma samples were processed with a deproteinization procedure using acetonitrile, followed by chromatographic separation on a Shim-pack XR-ODS C18 column using gradient elution of 0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile at 0.4 mL/min. The analytes and internal standard, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, were detected using positive electrospray ionization in multiple reactions monitoring mode. The optimized mass transition ion-pairs (m / z) were 609.3/367.3 for fangchinoline, 623.3/174.3 for tetrandrine, 447.2/285.1 for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and 256.2/167.1 for diphenhydramine hydrochloride, respectively. The developed method was validated for intraday and interday precision and accuracy whose values fell in the acceptable limits. Recovery efficiency of all the analytes was found to be >90.5%. Matrix effect was found to be negligible. Stability results showed that the analytes were stable under all conditions. The validated method was successfully used for studying the pharmacokinetics of the three compounds in rat plasma after oral administration of Fangji Huangqi Decoction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Neuropterida is a relatively primitive group of Holometabola including about 6500 extant species. Many species of this group are natural enemies and can prey on a variety of agricultural pests. This research analyzed the relevant literature in the core database of Web of Science by using CiteSpace, and then summarized the beginning and development of the research in the field of Neuropterida. The results showed that the United States and China had the most publications on the Neuropterida and were the main countries for research. These two countries have had the most productive authors and institutions. Representative institutions for research on natural enemies of Neuropterida included the China Agricultural University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Due to the late start of Neuropterida research in China, the early research focused on practical applications. In addition, there is more cross-research in the fields of agriculture and biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, etc., indicating that the research of Neuropterida can be covered from the macroscopic study to the microscopic study. In addition, it was found that the early research focused on the biological control of Neuropterida by analyzing the keyword burst, whereas the current research has focused on the phylogeny of Neuropterida more. Neuropterida is a relatively primitive group of Holometabola. There are about 6500 extant species. Many species of this group are natural enemies and can prey on a variety of agricultural pests. In order to understand the leading research institutions, researchers and research contents, and to predict the future research directions of Neuropterida, the Web of Science core database, from January 1995 to September 2021, was searched with the theme of "Neuropterida or Neuroptera or Megaloptera or Raphidioptera or Lacewing". The results showed that the United States and China published relatively more publications than other countries. In addition, researchers from these two countries had more cooperation with other countries. China Agricultural University ranked the highest in the number of publications and centrality in this field. In addition, it was found that the early research focused on the biological control of Neuropterida by analyzing the keyword burst, whereas the more recent research focused on the phylogeny of Neuropterida. As the first representative chromosome-level genome of Neuropterida has been published, the future research of Neuropterida will focus on the genomic studies and molecular mechanisms of their morphological characters, behavior, historical evolution and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-axis tool grinding software for complex-shaped tools become one of the bottlenecks needed to break through by manufacturing industries in China. Therefore, the application scenarios and requirements of tool grinding software were introduced, and the main tool grinding software brands abroad and their functional characteristics were summarized. And the key technologies to be broken through in tool grinding software were analyzed from the perspective of key theoretical problems involved in mathematics, mechanics, material science and other software. Then, the intelligent development trends of tool grinding software in the future were proposed, which may provide references for the independent research and development of tool grinding software in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores and assesses the significance of the adoption of a separate part (or, book 编) on personality rights in China's new Civil Code. We argue that there are profound socioeconomic meanings underlying the technical changes in the classic structure of the civil codes in civil law tradition. On one hand, the stand-alone part on personality rights is the fruit and embodiment of the rising rights consciousness of personality in Chinese civil society, which has been largely unexplored in existing China studies. On the other hand, the part provides a new legislative model to comprehensively tackle the pervasive technological challenges to the protection of personal spheres, which is entangled with the rising rights consciousness over personality in China. Yet, the robustness of the acknowledgment of personality rights in this special part in promoting the protection of such rights remains to be tested in future court judgments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in China. Globally, younger MSM are at higher risk for incident HIV infections, but there has been substantial variation in the estimates of age-stratified HIV incidence among MSM in mainland China, potentially due to regional differences in the nature of the epidemic. Given the need for quality epidemiological data to meet the global goal of ending new HIV infections by 2030, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine age-stratified HIV incidence in mainland China, including consideration by geographic region and time. Methods: This review will include longitudinal studies, cross-sectional surveys, and surveillance reports among MSM in mainland China that have reported HIV incidence. We will search studies and reports published from January 1, 2003, to April 30, 2020, in both English and Chinese language literature databases. For each study considered, two reviewers will independently screen, determine eligibility, and extract relevant data, with discrepancies resolved by consensus of a third reviewer. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed by the Quality Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies Score (QATSO). We will develop age-stratified estimates of HIV incidence with geographic variations and temporal trends. Heterogeneity will be examined using statistical techniques appropriate to the dataset. For subgroup analyses, we will conduct mixed-effects meta-analysis models. Discussion: This review will contribute to a better understanding of the HIV epidemic among MSM in mainland China by providing age-stratified estimates of HIV incidence with a portrayal of geographic and temporal variations. Findings will reflect epidemic dynamics, informing local and national intervention programs and policies for HIV prevention, and providing estimation data to inform future research among MSM in China. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO ID 154834 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hormone & Metabolic Research is the property of Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Following the standard practice of using nutrition claims to denote food functionality, this study empirically explores Chinese consumers' willingness-to-pay for functional processed meat products by using three nutrition claims (namely "increased calcium," "containing omega-3", and "reduced salt") made on pork sausages. It also aims to outline the typical characteristics of Chinese consumer segments based on preferences. Design/methodology/approach: A choice-based choice experiment is utilized to investigate Chinese consumers' valuation on attributes of interest regarding functional sausage products. First-hand data was collected in the two cities of Xi'an and Beijing. Findings: There are market potentials for domestic and/or imported functional processed meat products among Chinese consumers. Nutrition claims made on pork sausages are appealing to Chinese consumers, and therefore, monetarily rewarded by them. Being imported from a more developed country of origin could both positively and negatively impact consumers' WTP for nutrition claims made on pork sausages. Furthermore, specific functional modification strategies should be taken into account when addressing different segments of the Chinese market. In addition, regional impacts between Xi'an and Beijing are implied in terms of consumers' valuation for functional pork sausages. Research limitations/implications: Limitations in the current study are mainly two folds. First, the WTP estimation magnitudes are subject to a hypothetical bias by using a stated preference approach. Second, this study only focuses on pork sausages to explore consumers' perceptions and selects three nutrition claims among many other relevant options. Practical implications: Implications are provided for meat marketers and for Chinese official food policymakers, such that promoting meat products with a nutrition claim is an attractive marketing strategy for foreign food manufacturers in China, and more reformulated meat products with better nutritional compositions should be allowed in the Chinese market. Originality/value: To the best of the author's knowledge, this research is the first to fill in the literature blank on investigating the consumers' valuation for functional meat in the emerging market of China. Because when taking Chinese consumers as a target market and evaluating their perceptions of food quality-related labeling and certifications, the existing literature is mainly limited to topics of product safety, organic/green products, and geographical origins. However, nutrition claims, as marketable credence attributes that associate closely to the main characteristics of the functional food products, have been explored to a much lesser extent among Chinese consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are extremely rare NETs originating from the liver. These tumors are associated with heterogeneous prognosis, and few treatment targets for PHNETs have been identified. Because the major genetic alterations in PHNET are still largely unknown, we performed whole‐exome sequencing of 22 paired tissues from PHNET patients and identified 22 recurring mutations of somatic genes involved in the following activities: epigenetic modification (BPTF, MECP2 and WDR5), cell cycle (TP53, ATM, MED12, DIDO1 and ATAD5) and neural development (UBR4, MEN1, GLUL and GIGYF2). Here, we show that TP53 and the SET domain containing the 1B gene (SETD1B) are the most frequently mutated genes in this set of samples (3/22 subjects, 13.6%). A biological analysis suggests that one of the three SETD1B mutants, A1054del, promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion compared to wild‐type SETD1B. Our work unveils that SETD1B A1054del mutant is functional in PHNET and implicates genes including TP53 in the disease. Our findings thus characterize the mutational landscapes of PHNET and implicate novel gene mutations linked to PHNET pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. What's new? Neuroendocrine tumors often metastasize to the liver but primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors are extremely rare. Here the authors sequenced tumors from 22 patients in China and provide a first look at the mutational landscape of primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors. The study points to a possible etiological role of the SET domain containing 1B gene (SETD1B) as it was among the most frequently mutated genes, a role that needs to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) suffer insufficiencies in tracking biochemical cycles and ecosystem fluxes. One important reason for these insufficiencies is that DGVMs use fixed parameters (mostly traits) to distinguish attributes and functions of plant functional types (PFTs); however, these traits vary under different climatic conditions. Therefore, it is urgent to quantify trait covariations, including those among specific leaf area (SLA), area-based leaf nitrogen (N area), and leaf area index (LAI) (in 580 species across 218 sites in this study), and explore new classification methods that can be applied to model vegetation dynamics under future climate change scenarios. We use a redundancy analysis (RDA) to derive trait–climate relationships and employ a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to project vegetation distributions under different climate scenarios. The results show that (1) the three climatic variables, mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), and monthly photosynthetically active radiation (mPAR) could capture 65% of the covariations of three functional traits; (2) tropical, subtropical and temperate forest complexes expand while boreal forest, temperate steppe, temperate scrub and tundra shrink under future climate change scenarios; and (3) the GMM classification based on trait covariations should be a powerful candidate for building new generation of DGVM, especially predicting the response of vegetation to future climate changes. This study provides a promising route toward developing reliable, robust and realistic vegetation models and can address a series of limitations in current models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Development of UHPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of four active constituents in rat plasma. • The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of HGWWD. • PK profiles of the four analytes of HGWWD were revealed for the first time. Abstract Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction (HGWWD), consisting of Radix Astragali, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and Jujubae Fructus, is a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of human blood impediment in China for nearly 2000 years. In order to make good and rational use of this formula in the future, a rapid, sensitive and robust ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, cinnamic acid, paeoniflorin and albiflorin, the main active constituents of HGWWD, in rat plasma using geniposide as internal standard (IS). The plasma samples were extracted by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and separated on a Shim-pack XR-ODS C 18 column (75 mm × 3.0 mm, 2.2 μm) using gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Mass spectrometric detection was performed on 3200 QTRAP mass spectrometry equipped with electrospray ionization source in negative ionization mode. Quantification was performed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) by monitoring the fragmentation of m / z 491.1→282.9 for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, m / z 147.0→103.1 for cinnamic acid, m / z 525.0→120.9 for paeoniflorin, m / z 525.2→121.0 for albiflorin and m / z 433.1→225.1 for IS, respectively. The method was well validated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability. All calibration curves had good linearity (r >0.9977) over the concentration range from 0.1–50 ng/mL for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glycoside, 50–25000 ng/mL for cinnamic acid, 5–2500 ng/mL for paeoniflorin and albiflorin. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (relative standard deviation) were within 11.8%, the accuracy (relative error) ranged from −9.4% to 9.1%, and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.1, 50, 5, 5 ng/mL for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, cinnamic acid, paeoniflorin and albiflorin, respectively. Extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability were satisfactory in rat plasma. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, cinnamic acid, paeoniflorin and albiflorin after oral administration of HGWWD to rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through an analysis of survey data gathered from private firms in China, this study examines the impact of employee protection on corporate innovation ability. The results indicate that firms with more advanced employee protection have stronger innovation ability. Furthermore, the positive relationship between employee protection and corporate innovation ability is more pronounced in those enterprises with labor unions. Finally, a firm’s political connections strengthen the influence of employee protection on corporate innovation. These empirical findings highlight the positive consolidating effects of labor unions and political connections and will be of value to policy makers in emerging markets in gauging the important drivers of corporate innovation ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new policy which required deregulation on prices of off-patent medicines for women's health during procurement was introduced in China in September 2015. The current study examines this policy's impact on the affordability of essential medicines for women's health.Methods: Based on product-level panel data, a fixed effect regression model is employed by using procurement records from Hubei Centralist Tender for Drug Purchase platform. In the model, Affordability was measured with prices. The Competition consists of two parts: generic competition and therapeutic class competition which are measured with generic competitors and therapeutic substitutes. Instrument variable is used to deal with endogeneity.Results: The policy helped control prices of essential medicines for women's health. Generic competition helped control prices, however, therapeutic class competition caused higher prices.Conclusions: The new policy helped enhance the affordability of essential medicines for women's health as expected, which provides empirical evidence on price deregulation. Besides, generic competition is important in price control despite strict regulatory system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:  There is limited information on antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV.Methods:  A phase 2 randomized, controlled trial of a regimen containing tenofovir (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC) and a regimen containing 3TC in HIV/HBV-coinfected pregnant women in China. The HBV virological response was compared in study arms.Results:  The median decline in the HBV DNA level was 2.60 log10 copies/mL in the TDF/3TC arm and 2.24 log10 copies/mL in the 3TC arm (P = .41). All women achieved HBV DNA levels of <6 log10 copies/mL at delivery.Conclusions:  Initiation of either regimen led to achievement of HBV DNA levels below the threshold associated with perinatal HBV transmission.Clinical Trials Registration:  NCT01125696. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: X-ray cross-complementing groups 1 (XRCC1) rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms and colorectal cancer susceptibility were not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between XRCC1 rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms and colorectal cancer susceptibility by meta-analysis.Materials and Methods: Related databases of Medline, CNKI, and Wanfang were systematic searched for the studies related to XRCC1 rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk in Chinese Han population. The genotype distribution of CC, CT and TT were extracted from each included studies in the colorectal cancer patients and healthy control subjects. The odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the correlation between genetype and colorectal cancer risk. The publications for this study was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's line regression test.Results: The median frequency of CC, CT, and TT genotype in cancer group were 48%, 41% and 11%; For control group, they were 51%, 40% and 8%; the pooled results showed that OR = 1.32 (95% CI: 1.041-1.67, P < 0.05). The pooled results indicated that XRCC1 rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms was associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility in recessive genetic model OR = 1.32 (95% CI: 1.041-1.67, P < 0.05), dominant genetic model OR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.00-1.46, P < 0.05) and homozygous genetic model OR = 1.43 (95% CI: 1.07-1.91, P < 0.05). The funnel plot was significant asymmetric at the bottom and the Egger's test also indicated significant publication bias (t = 2.43, P = 0.04) for recessive genetic model. But, no publication bias was found in dominant and homozygous model (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Chinese Han people with rs1799782 TT/CT genotype of XRCC1 gene may have increased risk of developing colorectal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the economic development in China, its economic reform, and the country's political-economic regime.

The analysis of river pollution and assessment of spatial and temporal variation in hydrochemistry is essential for control of river water pollution in China. Here, we investigated water quality issues based on an analysis of monitoring data from 32 sites in the Luanhe River Basin in northern China. During 2000–2010, flow and 12 hydrochemical parameters were monitored monthly in the main channel and breach streams. Hydrochemical characteristics of river water were assessed using the water quality identification index. Our results showed that concentrations were not necessarily related to flow. Flow was greatest in summer, but concentrations of nutrients and some heavy metal indicators were smallest in autumn; flow was smallest and concentrations of nutrients were greatest in winter, and concentrations of metals were greatest in spring. Hydrochemical parameters showed significant spatial variation as well; the most seriously polluted sites are located in urban areas, mainly due to discharge of wastewater from domestic and industrial sources. Sites with large and intermediate levels of pollution were located primarily in the main river channel and the larger tributaries, whereas sites of low-level pollution were in the smaller tributaries. Our findings provide valuable information for water pollution control in the Luanhe River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of congenital hearing loss (HL) in neonates based on China Longitudinal Environmental, Genetic, and Economic Cohort (CHALLENGE cohort). Maternal and neonatal data were collected based on the CHALLENGE cohort study from July 2018 to September 2020. Total 7287 neonates underwent the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). Babies who did not pass the initial screening and the rescreening were given the formal audiological diagnosis for possible HL. The data was analyzed to find out the prevalence and risk factors for congenital HL in this cohort study. The prevalence of congenital HL was 3.43‰, and temporary HL was 0.07‰ (5 neonates). The statistical data showed that risk factors, including craniofacial anomalies, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, family history and advanced maternal age (AMA), could be associated with congenital HL. Additionally, exchange transfusion, assisted ventilation and NICU admission, these three factors could be associated with congenital sensorineural HL (SNHL). Risk factors including craniofacial anomalies, NICU admission, family history and AMA might be contributed to congenital conductive HL(CHL). There were several common risk factors could be contributed to congenital HL, which were consistent with previous studies. However, some risk factors were no longer causing congenital HL due to the improvement of medical treatment and prenatal care. This study has not only helped explain the status quo of the prevalence of congenital HL in China but also laid foundation for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited explanatory power of conventional wisdom in understanding the “China miracle“ calls for theories with more universal appeal. The theories might have been considerably enriched if sufficient credit had been given to China’s contribution to the evolution of the modern state in human history. Using conventional wisdom as a benchmark, we demonstrate that an analytical framework might be developed to accommodate characteristics of Chinese society with its unique history and cultural values. Our preliminary results indicate that it was perhaps the set of values emphasizing personal development and rights to property that have enabled the China miracle experienced over the past three decades. Long-standing issues such as excessive reliance on the state for the provision of public goods and omnipresent government control of resource industries are largely consistent with China’s record of civilization state development during various ancient dynasties. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background. Esophageal cancer was the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in China in 2009. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for more than 90% of esophageal cancers. Genetic factors may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of ESCC. Methods. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to evaluate functional NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 ( NQO1) rs1800566 C>T and NQO2 rs2070999 G>A single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the risk of ESCC. A total of 629 patients with ESCC and 686 controls were recruited for this study. The genotypes were determined using the ligation detection reaction method. Results. When the NQO1 rs1800566 CC homozygote genotype was used as the reference group, the TT genotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of ESCC. In the recessive model, when the NQO1 rs1800566 CC/CT genotypes were used as the reference group, the TT homozygote genotype was associated with a 31% decreased risk of ESCC. A significantly decreased risk of ESCC was evident in patients with the NQO1 rs1800566 C>T polymorphism among females, those of a younger age (<63 years), those who had never smoked, those who consumed alcohol and those who did not. There was no association found between the NQO2 rs2070999 G>A polymorphism and ESCC risk. Conclusion. The NQO1 rs1800566 TT genotype was associated with a decreased risk of ESCC in a Chinese population. The association was evident among female patients, younger patients, patients who had never smoked, patients who consumed alcohol and those who did not. These findings need to be confirmed by repeating the study in a larger cohort of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A power law profile modeling of wind speed on embedded atmospheric stability is proposed. • An ion flow model of HVDC line considering height-dependent wind is used to estimate environmental impact. • Iterative flux tracing method based on finite difference is proposed to solve model. • The proposed model provides physical mechanism between wind and ion flow environment. • Accuracy of the proposed method is proved in real-world case. Due to the imbalance of China's resources allocation, inter-provincial high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission grid is considered to be the promising solution to solve to the large-scale wind power transmission, which could tackle the reverse regional distribution problem of energy resource and electricity load. In this contribution, a power law profile model of wind speed on embedded atmospheric stability is developed for calculating the height-dependent wind speed. The Monin-Obukhov length is introduced to determine the atmospheric stability. The ion flow environment model considering height-dependent wind speed is proposed to estimate the influence of height-dependent wind on ground-level electric field environment of DC transmission line and the iterative flux tracing method-finite difference is proposed to solve the model. It is observed that the stable, neutral and unstable atmospheric conditions have a large influence on transverse wind speed and then indirectly influence the electric field and ion current environment of DC lines. For the electromagnetic environment of the practical DC line used for the wind power transmission, the proposed model provides a reasonable agreement with measurements from a perspective of practical engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal cancer was the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in China in 2009. Genetic factors might play an important role in the carcinogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to evaluate ten NAT2 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the risk of ESCC. Six hundred and twenty-nine ESCC cases and 686 controls were recruited. Their genotypes were determined using the ligation detection reaction method. In the single locus analyses, there was a borderline statistically significant difference in genotype frequencies of NAT2 rs1565684 T>C SNP between the cases and the controls (p = 0.057). The NAT2 rs1565684 CC genotype was associated with a borderline significantly increased risk for ESCC (CC vs. TT: adjusted OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 0.97–3.21, p = 0.063 and CC vs. TT/TC: adjusted OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 0.93–3.04, p = 0.085). The association was evident among older patients and patients who never drunk. After the Bonferroni correction, in all comparison models, NAT2 rs1565684 T>C SNP was not associated with ESCC risk (p>0.05). For the other nine NAT2 SNPs, after Bonferroni correction, in all comparison models, the nine SNPs were also not associated with ESCC risk (p>0.05). Thus, nine NAT2 tagging SNPs were not associated with risk of ESCC. NAT2 rs1565684 T>C SNP might play a slight role in ESCC etiology. Additional, larger studies and tissue-specific biological characterization are required to confirm the current findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is controversy regarding the choice of prosthetic valves in patients with cardiac valve disease and dialysis-dependent patients. This review assesses a 12-year experience and outcomes after valve replacement in patients on chronic preoperative renal dialysis, comparing survival and valve-related outcomes following valve replacement with bioprostheses versus mechanical prostheses in this population in china. Methods: From January 1999 and October 2011, 73 consecutive dialysis patients underwent cardiac valve replacement. The patients were divided into two groups: (Group B) bioprosthesis valves were implanted in 38 (52.1%) patients and (Group M) mechanical valves were implanted in 35 (47.9%) patients. Outcome measures included perioperative data, hospital mortality, major postoperative complications, follow-up outcomes, valve related morbidity and late survival. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of patient characteristics in the 2 groups. Thirty-three were isolated aortic valve replacements (45.2%); 28 were isolated mitral valve replacements (38.4%); 10 were combined aortic and mitral replacements (13.7%); 2 were combined tricuspid and mitral replacements (2.7%). The overall hospital mortality was 5.5% (n = 4) and was not different between Group B (5.3%) and Group M (5.7%). Low ejection fraction was the only independent predictors of hospital mortality. There was no significant difference between the groups in the overall rate of complications. The overall mean follow-up was 47 ± 23 months. According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, late mortality, perivalvular leak and freedom from reoperation were similar in patients with mechanical and bioprosthesis valves. The bioprosthesis valve group had significantly higher freedom from thromboembelism-bleeding events (100% versus 77.6 ± 11.0%, p = 0.012), and valve-related morbidity (73.2 ± 10.1% versus 58.1 ± 10.9%, p = 0.035) in 5 years. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.971, 0.832, and 0.530 in group B, and 0.967, 0.848, and 0.568 in group M. Conclusions: There is no significant difference in the perioperative morbidity and mortality, late survival of dialysis patients after cardiac valve replacement with bioprostheses versus mechanical valves. In spite of the limited sample size analyzed, its outcome and consistency to several previous reports supports a conclusion that bioprostheses rather than mechanical ones could be a favorable choice for valve replacement needs of renal failure patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the risk factors related to vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) severity. This retrospective study included patients with histologically confirmed VaIN diagnosed at Hubei Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China, between January 2017 and October 2021. The primary outcomes were persistence, remission, progression, and recurrence. Multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of VaIN severity. A total of 175 patients were included, 135 (77.1%) with VaIN 1, 19 (10.9%) with VaIN 2, and 21 (12%) with VaIN 3. Patients with VaIN 3 were older than those with VaIN1 2 (P < 0.001). The ratio of patients with concomitant cervical lesions increased with VaIN grade (23.7%, 47.4%, and 47.6% for VaIN 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The proportion of patients with intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 increased with the VaIN grade (3.1%, 44.5%, and 80% for VaIN 1, 2, and 3, respectively, respectively; all P < 0.001). In patients with VaIN 1, 19.4% had regression (spontaneous regression in 90.5%) and 80.6% underwent laser ablation (regression in 93.1%). In patients with VaIN 2 and 3, 3.1% showed no regression, 53.1% underwent laser ablation (regression in 76.4%), and 73.8% underwent excision (regression in 78.7%). Age (OR = 1.05, 95 %CI: 1.01–1.10, P = 0.010) and concomitant cervical lesion (OR = 6.99, 95 %CI: 2.31–21.12, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for the severity of VaIN. Age and cervical lesions might be the risk factors for VaIN severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to address the influence of sugar as a contaminant on outdoor insulation characteristics of insulators in a substation. Strong discharge activity was occurred under relative humidity less than 80% on insulators in a 500 kV substation at south China. A preliminary viewpoint that sugar as a contaminant leads to this strong discharge was drawn by investigating pollution sources around the substation and analyzing pollution layer conditions of discharged insulators. In order to further confirming this viewpoint and proposing the appropriate solutions for avoiding this discharge activity, the outward appearance, the surface conductivity, the discharge inception voltage and the flashover voltage of glass insulator and room temperature vulcanized (RTV) coated insulator under sugary and non-sugary contamination were investigated in detail in the lab. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity and hydrophobicity transference of RTV coated insulator were also investigated. The research results show that sugary contamination is very absorbent and viscous, outdoor insulation characteristics of insulators covered with sugary contamination are worse than that covered with non-sugary contamination, but outdoor insulation characteristics of RTV coated insulator covered with sugary contamination is still better than that of non-RTV coating insulator with non-sugary contamination. So it is still a specific solution to inhibit the discharge activity of insulators in the substation by spraying RTV coating. Of course, removing the sugar canes themselves from this area is the best solution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Cultivated land resources are the material foundation that mankind rely on for existence. The change of quantity and quality is directly related to national food security and social stability. Based on the RS and GIS technologies, this article took Shandong Province as the study area and the years of 2000 and 2005 as the study period and made use of the MODIS product data to assure the simultaneous research of the large-scale area. After collecting and sorting out the methods and indices about cultivated land assessment at home, the Pressure-State-Response Model (PSR) was adopted, and slope, light-temperature potential productivity, NDVI, TVDI and unit yield were chosen as the assessment indices. Each index was given weight by using the expert evaluation method and the cultivated land quality was then calculated. Through the analysis of the assessment results, three conclusions were drawn. First, the overall quality of the cultivated land in Shandong was relatively high. Second, the quality of the cultivated land in Shandong generally decreased from the southwest to the northeast except that the land in the middle was the lowest. Third, the overall cultivated land quality of Shandong slightly declined during the years from 2000 to 2005. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cinnabar (Cin), a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS), is a mineral widely used in traditional Chinese medicine throughout history. As for the toxicity of cinnabar, one important assumption is that cinnabar may be transformed into highly toxic methylmercury by gastrointestinal flora. There is no evidence in humans to support this assumption. Aim of the study: To investigate the biotransformation of cinnabar (HgS) in the human intestinal bacteria with modern analytical techniques. Materials and methods: A gas chromatograph, equipped with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and mass spectrometry (GC–MS), were used to detect the formation of methylmercury after incubation of cinnabar with human intestinal bacteria. The content of soluble mercury in the bacteria media was determined by cold vapor-atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). In addition, X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) was used to confirm the possible transformation of cinnabar in the bacteria media, and under mimetic intestinal condition by measuring the species of sulfur and mercury in the reaction extraction of cinnabar and Na2S mixture. Results: No methylmercury was detected by both GC-ECD and GC–MS, which suggest that cinnabar (HgS) is not methylated in the human intestine. A small amount of soluble mercury was found to be released in the flora medium of HgS or cinnabar by CV-AAS. The XANES analyses revealed that polysulfides exist in the flora medium, and the simulated results showed that the products by incubating cinnabar with Na2S were mercuric polysulfides. Conclusion: These results showed that under gut flora conditions cinnabar would be transformed into mercuric polysulfides rather than methylmercury. Our work provides evidences of nontoxic transformation of cinnabar in the human intestinal bacteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Annals of the Association of American Geographers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article explains and discusses judicial mediation in China. This is an important mediation process presided over by judges and is mandated by the Civil Procedure Law 1991 of China. Between 1978 and 2004, People's Courts handled more than 72.2 million civil cases at the first instance, among which 36.42 million were settled by judicial mediation. This article elaborates on the development and characteristics of judicial mediation as well as the future use of mediation in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

改革开放以来，中国民法在价值与体系方面均取得进步，具体表现为人的私法主体地位的逐步确立、私法自治基石性地位的奠定、私人利益与私人权利得以确立并获确实保障、民法的科学性得到长足发展等。不过，现行民法在形式理性化的程度上仍有改进的空间。对中国社会而言，坚持民法的自主性、形式化、理性化发展方向具有特别重要的意义。同时，也必须通过保持民法一定程度的开放性来克服形式理性法的某些内在缺陷。 Since reform and opening up were launched in 1978, China's civil law has made progress in terms of both values and systems. Specifically, the status of the individual as the subject of private law has been gradually established, the autonomy of private law as the cornerstone of civil law has been laid down, private interests and rights have been recognized and genuinely guaranteed, and the scientific nature of civil law has developed rapidly. However, there is still some room for improvement in degree of formal rationality of current civil law. Upholding the autonomy and formal and rational development of civil law is of great significance for Chinese society. At the same time, it is necessary to preserve a certain degree of openness in civil law in order to overcome some inherent defects in formal rational law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Improvement of water use efficiency (WUE) in crops is important for almost all agricultural practices around the world. Numerous studies have addressed WUE on a grain yield basis, but few on a photosynthesis basis and a biomass basis. Based on a 2-year field experiment (2002–2004), we analyzed wheat WUE not only on grain yield basis, but also on photosynthesis basis and biomass basis, and then discussed the effects of irrigation regimes on wheat WUE. We found that: (1) irrigation regimes had considerable effects on wheat transpiration, total evapotranspiration, and canopy temperature; (2) wheat WUE ranged 2.1–3.3μmolCO2/mmolH2O on a photosynthesis basis, 1.0–2.6kgm−3 and 1.1–2.1kgm−3 on a biomass and a grain yield basis, respectively. The maximum WUE appeared during the jointing and the milking stage, when suitable water management could be crucial to improve wheat WUE; (3) it was hypothesized by farmers and local water managers that more water supply over the conventional irrigation regime during the growing season could significantly increase both WUE and grain yield of the winter wheat in the north China plain (NCP). However, our results showed that with the increase of irrigation times and amount of irrigation water per growing season, wheat WUE was generally decreased and grain yield was not increased, although the evapotranspiration was significantly increased. Reduction in irrigation times and amount of irrigation water could be considered for saving water in the NCP; (4) WUE of winter wheat at photosynthesis and biomass levels were positively related with WUE at grain yield level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An introduction is presented in which guest editors discuss various reports within the issue on topics including the economic development in China, the antitrust law in the country, and the economic disparities.

Ten marine species, including different crabs, bivalve molluscs, and fish intestines were selected to screen the natural antimicrobial protein or peptide as they are enriched with various microorganisms. The crude extract from Varuna litterata , a marine crab which is used as a raw material in the preparation of pickled crabs in Chaoshan area of China, was proved to have a potent bacteriostatic effect against gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive bacterium(Staphylococcus aureus) compared with other marine species. The crude proteins of Varunalitterata were salted-out for preliminary purification and further purified by gel filtration (Sephadex G-150) or anion exchange (DEAE-cellulose 52) chromatographic column. An increase in the antimicrobial activity was noted with the increase in the purity level of the protein. A relatively pure protein was eventually obtained, which was determined to be belonging to the hemocyanin family based on the mass spectrometric data analysis. The purified proteins solution (1 mg/ml) from Varuna litterata exhibited similar antimicrobial activity to that of gentamycin sulfate (0.2 mg/ml), which were relatively stable in a certain pH or temperature range. A structure-activity relationship of the purified hemocyanin was determined based on the interaction of hemocyanin and different chromatographic medium, which revealed that the integrated hexamers played a remarkable role in its bacteriostatic activity. Moreover, the phenoloxidase activity of hemocyanin from Varuna litterata was found as the underlying cause of its antimicrobial potential. • Proteins extracted from Varuna litterata has evident bacteriostasis. • Hemocyanin was proved to have a strong bacteriostatic effect in Varuna litterata. • Hexamers in hemocyanin play an important role in bacteriostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into the effect of surface roughness on corona discharge for a 30-year operating conductor in the first 500-kV transmission line in China is presented. Many substances were found to adhere to the conductor surface. Corrosion and deposits had rendered the operated conductor surfaces much rougher than those of the new one. The results show that surface roughness has a significant impact on corona discharge, and the corona inception voltage of the operated conductor would be reduced while the audible and radio noise would be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) assisted with mixed reality (MR) technology in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) with intravertebral vacuum cleft (IVC). Method: Forty cases of OVCF with IVC undergoing PKP were randomized into a MR technology-assisted group (group A) and a traditional C-arm fluoroscopy group (group B). Both groups were performed PKP and evaluated by VAS scores, ODI scores, radiological evidence of vertebral body height, and kyphotic angle (KA) at pre-operation and post-operation. The volume of injected cement, fluoroscopy times, and operation time were recorded. And cases of non-PMMA-endplates-contact(NPEC) in radiological evidence was also recorded postoperatively. The clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated afterwards. All patients received 10 to 14 months follow-up, with an average of 12 months. Result: This MR-assisted group (group A) acquired more about the amount of the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) injection and postoperative vertebral height and less about postoperative KA, fluoroscopy times, and operation time compared with the control group (group B) (P < 0.05). The VAS scores and ODI scores in both groups have improved, but more significantly in group A (P < 0.05). Also, more cases achieve both-endplates-touching of cement in group A (P < 0.05). And there are less of the loss of vertebral height, KA, and occurrence of re-collapse of the vertebra in group A during the follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PKP assisted with MR technology can accurately orientate the position of IVC area, which can be augmented by the balloon leading to more satisfied vertebral height improvement, cement diffusion, and pain relief. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03959059. Registered 25 September 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for beef products grows in the Chinese market, understanding consumer preferences for beef, especially those related to quality labelling, is essential. The recent agreement between China and the European Union to promote Geographical Indications (GIs) provides a new insight into preferences for beef with quality labelling. This paper assesses consumer preferences for beef products with GIs and other attributes. A nationwide survey is conducted including 1210 respondents in China by a choice experiment attributing GI label, 'green', 'hazard-free', and 'organic' labels, feeding regimes (grain-fed, grass-fed), country of origin (China, Ireland, Australia, Brazil), and price (30, 40, 80, 100 ¥/500 g). The random parameter logit model with error component reveals that Chinese consumers have a significant preference for grain-fed beef and domestic beef, and they are willing to pay a premium price for GI-labelled beef compared with other attributes. The interaction between GIs and country of origin is included to indicate the positive price impact of GIs on imported beef products. Demographic factors such as place of residence and occupation are found to affect consumer preferences for GIs. • Geographical indications are appealing to Chinese beef consumers. • Geographical indications increase the preference of consumers for imported beef products over domestic beef products. • Willingness-to-pay for geographical indications are affected by place of residence. • Chinese consumers prefer grain-fed beef. • The effectiveness of geographical indications is influenced by product origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) is high in China. Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising mean to prevent HIV transmission but it is not widely available in China. We conducted a large Internet‐based online survey to assess the willingness of Chinese MSM to take PrEP and associated factors to their uptake preferences. Methods: Between 19 January and 6 February, 2017, 4581 MSM aged over 15 years were recruited via a social networking app to take an online PrEP survey. HIV status at the time of the survey being conducted was not one of recruitment criteria. Participants were asked if they had heard of PrEP, if they had concerns about PrEP, and if they would be ready to uptake PrEP should it be provided. When asked if participants were willing to take PrEP, they were asked to select from the following responses: "definitely not," "probably not," "not sure," "probably yes," and "definitely yes." In the final analysis, we grouped these five‐level Likert scale responses into three‐level responses as "definitely yes," "probably yes," and "no (definitely not/probably not/not sure)." Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to assess the associations of PrEP adoption readiness and uptake concerns with HIV risk behaviours and demographic characteristics. Results: MSM from 33 geographical regions of China participated in the survey. The majority were younger than 25 (65.2%) and had attended college (68.6%). HIV prevalence was high (6.8%) and 43.3% reported a history of unprotected anal sex. Only 22.4% of participants had heard of PrEP. When asked if they would uptake PrEP, 26.0% said "definitely yes," 49.6% were "probably yes," and 24.4% said "no." PrEP adoption readiness was associated with having previously heard of PrEP and expressing concerns about accessibility and cost. Worries about side effects, low perceived HIV risk, preference for condoms, and never having received HIV testing were negatively associated with PrEP uptake willingness. Conclusion: Young and well‐educated Chinese MSM reported a low willingness to uptake PrEP despite being high‐risk for HIV. Effective education, especially through online mediums, will be critical to optimize this group's PrEP uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arid and semiarid region in north China has experienced substantial land cover changes since the early 1980s partly due to the implementation of large-scale afforestation programs and efforts to combat desertification. In this study, micrometeorological observations in a crop land ecosystem (Daman), a mixing forest ecosystem (Hunhelin), a shrub ecosystem (Sidaoqiao) and their adjacent bare land are used to evaluate the surface temperature response to land use change in Heihe River basin. Results indicate that, comparing to bare land, the crop land has a cooling effect about 0.5 ~ 2.2 K, the mixing forest has a cooling effect in the daytime (0.6 ~ 2.3 K) and a warming effect in the nighttime (0.9 ~ 2.3 K) and the shrub land has a cooling effect in the growing season (0.2 ~ 1.2 K) and warming effect in the non-growing season (0.4 ~ 1.7 K). These temperature changes are decomposed into contributions from changes in radiative forcing, heat resistance (Rt), Bowen ratio (or surface resistance), ground heat flux and air temperature change according to the intrinsic biophysical mechanism (IBPM) and the two-resistance mechanism (TRM). Independence between the biophysical forcings is the prerequisite for both methods. The statistic results show that independence between Rt and the Bowen ratio is similar to the independence between the Rt and surface resistance (Rs). Results also show that Bowen ratio change and heat resistance change (ΔRt) are the dominant biophysical forcings, and the nighttime ΔRt is largely up to the radiometric resistance change (ΔRr). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in NYX and CACNA1F gene are responsible for the X-linked congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). In this study, we described the clinical characters of the two Chinese families with X-linked CSNB and detected two novel mutations of c. 371_377delGCTACCT and c.214A>C in the NYX gene by direct sequencing. These two mutations would expand the mutation spectrum of NYX. Our study would be helpful for further studying molecular pathogenesis of CSNB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the background of the peculiar technology problems with the external insulation of UHV dc equipment in China, caused by high altitude and heavy pollution, this paper presents the pollution flashover performance of full-scale ?800 kV converter station post insulators at actual high altitude area. The tests were carried out according to the solid layer method, and the 50% withstand voltage (U50%) was determined by the up-and-down method. The artificial contamination test results indicated that the shed configuration and the rod diameter had a significant influence on the flashover voltages. Shed parameters of one big and one small alternating shed composite post insulator which had superior dc pollution flashover performance had been recommended. The relationship between U50% and insulation height was approximately linear at actual high altitude area for post insulators. It was found that partial discharges occurred at the top section firstly and partial arcs easily appeared at the parts nearby the connecting fittings during the flashover process. And arc floating phenomenon was significantly serious in actual high altitude area. Furthermore, comparison was made between the U50% values of composite post insulators in fog and in rain. The U50% values in fog of composite post insulators were generally higher than that in rain. Thus, the outdoor insulation design of composite post insulators should primarily consider the U50% value in fog. This work thus provides useful reference for the design, operation and maintenance of UHV dc converter stations outdoor insulators in China. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The dc arcing performance of composite insulators with contaminated surfaces has been investigated at high altitudes because of the program of building ±800 kV dc transmission lines in China, because much of their intended routes will be at relatively high altitudes. As the length of the arcs on the composite insulator depends on the repeat distance and the arcs are initiated on the core rod between the sheds, the effect of the repeat distance and the shed dimensions on the dc flashover voltages was studied for composite insulators under contaminated conditions. The experimental results confirmed that the shed design parameters do have a great influence on the flashover voltages. It was found that, with the same insulation distance, the flashover voltage had a maximum at a particular value of the radial extent of the shed and of the betweenrepeat distance, and that the influence of these two factors on the flashover voltage was independent of each other. It was also found that, for the alternate large and small shed design, the ratio of the radial extent of the major shed to the minor shed should not be too great. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was tied to GIS to assess Ecological Vulnerability. • Spatiotemporal variation of EV Index was assessed for Weihe Plain as a case study. • A method to evaluate hierarchical transformation of EVI levels was developed. • The hierarchical transformation model can guide dynamic monitoring of regional EVI. This study analyzed hierarchical change patterns of regional ecological vulnerability by coupling GIS data and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. It identified the spatiotemporal features of eco-environment and major environmental problems in Weihe Plain, a typical urban agglomeration in China. Previous studies on regional ecological vulnerability have been focusing on evaluating ecological vulnerability status and developing assessment methods, while ignoring the mechanisms of vulnerability transformation from one to another level. This study further proposed a subjective evaluation model for ecological vulnerability classification and transformation analysis in a multi-index hierarchical evaluation system. The results indicated that ecological vulnerability index was higher in the urban areas than the surrounding counties from 2000 to 2012, which had a great relationship with the impacts of urbanization on ecological vulnerability. The light ecological vulnerability level was found to be relatively variable over the years and have the greatest impact on the change of regional ecological environment. Analysis with the transformation matrix model found that the degree of regional ecological environment stability was regulated by two mechanisms: 1) The proportion of the constant ecological vulnerability level is essential for maintaining the stability of ecological environment; and 2) the difference between the area percentages of decreased and increased vulnerability determines the trend of ecological vulnerability changes. As verified by applications to two nearby regions, this ecological vulnerability transformation model can be used to monitor the dynamics of ecological vulnerability and identify the leading ecological vulnerability level in other large geographical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resource utilization of the Yellow River silt is one of the key issues for the protection and management of the Yellow River in China. One of the effective methods for this goal is to prepare artificial stones using the Yellow River silt as the main raw materials. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of calcination pretreatment on the mechanical properties of artificial stone incorporating Yellow River silt. The artificial stone was fabricated via the alkali-activation and pressure-forming method. The compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of fabricated artificial stone specimens with different alkali dosages, fly ash contents and curing ages were measured. The microstructures of alkali-activated artificial stone specimens were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the mechanical properties of the artificial stone incorporating Yellow River silt can be improved obviously by calcination pretreatment. Moreover, it can be found that alkali dosages, fly ash contents and curing ages play important roles in the level of improvement on the mechanical properties. The highest compressive strength of the artificial stones at 90 days is 16.6 MPa, and the corresponding splitting tensile strength is 1.4 MPa. The main reason for the increase of strength is that calcination pretreatment facilitates the production of alkali-activated products, that is, hydration calcium silicate (C–S–H) gels. These results suggest the possibility of using calcinated Yellow River silt as reliable and economical building materials in a wide range of construction engineering applications, especially in river slope protection, flood control and other projects. [Display omitted] • Calcinated Yellow River silt was used as raw materials of artificial stone. • The most appropriate dosage of alkali was determined. • The addition of fly ash increases the maximum compressive strength to 16.6Mpa. • The main alkali-activation product is hydrated calcium silicate gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a new classification of industrial sector on basis of a source-tracing method for the historical industrial emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). The industrial sources were divided into four major source categories: production of NMVOCs, storage and transport, industrial processes using NMVOCs as raw materials, and processes using NMVOCs-containing products. Multiyear emission inventories of NMVOCs from industrial sources were established for the period of 1980–2010 in China, covering 98 contributing industrial sources. The inventories were developed by the emission factor method, and further gridded at a spatial resolution of 50 km × 50 km based on GIS methodology, using population data as spatial surrogate. The result showed that China's industrial NMVOCs emissions had increased by 11.6 times at an average annual rate of 8.5% from 1.15 Tg in 1980 to 13.35 Tg in 2010. The four major source categories generated 19.6% (2.63 Tg, production of NMVOCs), 9.6% (1.295 Tg, storage and transport), 13.2% (1.769 Tg, industrial processes using NMVOCs as raw materials), and 57.4% (7.662 Tg, processes using NMVOCs-containing products) of the total emissions from China in 2010. Moreover, the top four industrial emissions sources were oil refinery, architectural decoration, machinery equipment and printing, accounted for 48.3% all together. With respect to the spatial distribution, the emissions mostly occurred in the eastern, northern and southern parts of China, all being much higher than that in the western part. The top four emission provinces were Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Zhejiang, accounting for 38.3% of the national emissions. As for the past 30 years, the national industrial NMVOCs emissions increased year-by-year, being in pace with the accelerated industrialization process and the sharp economic growth, especially the rapid expansion of the high-emission industries. Particularly, the oil refinery, product oil and solvent distribution, architectural decoration, and mechanical equipment manufacture became the four largest contributors, accounting for 15.9–34.3%, 6.5–10.2%, 7–8%, and 6–7% of national industrial NMVOCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A large number of natural shrub forests were converted to oil plants and orchards in the subtropical area of China for economic reasons, but the ecological consequences such as greenhouse gas (GHG) flux, remains unclear. The objectives were to explore how environmental factors, including seasonal and inter-annual variations, and management factors are affecting the GHG fluxes. The study was performed in 18-years-old plantations in a subtropical hilly region in south China. Methane (CH 4), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and carbon dioxide (CO 2) fluxes were continuously measured using a manual static chamber technology at a citrus orchard and Camellia oleifera plantation. Results showed that fluxes of CH 4 , N 2 O, and CO 2 fluxes were strongly affected by the two plantations, and CH 4 uptake and CO 2 emission rate at the C.oleifera plantation were higher than those in the citrus orchard site mainly due to the high soil temperature and soil organic carbon contents in C.oleifera systems. The citrus orchard had higher annual N 2 O emission than the C.oleifera plantation. One of the reasons was N fertilizers were applied to the orchard, as indicated by increase in NO 3 −-N content and the positive correlation between N 2 O emissions and soil NO 3 −-N. Overall, the global warming potential (GWP) was significantly higher in C.oleifera plantation than that in the citrus orchard (579.11 ± 17.06 vs. 418.13 ± 17.19 kg CO 2eq ha−1 yr−1). The range of annual cumulative fluxes measured from the citrus orchard and C.oleifera ecosystems were – (78.88–92.42) g CH 4 –C ha−1 yr−1, 89.3–124.75 g N 2 O-N ha−1 yr−1, and 389.58–563.56 kg CO 2 -C ha−1 yr−1. The amount of GHG emitted in summer was 1.5–6.6 times higher than the sum of the other three seasons, indicating that CO 2 may be emitted from soil in cool seasons when temperature continues to increase due to global warming. Notably, the continuous increase in the use of fertilizers in economic forests in subtropical hilly regions might increase N 2 O emissions, which may offset the net climate benefits of increasing carbon sequestration by plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health-related quality of life is a multi-dimensional concept that involves individual's perceived physical and mental health, social relationships, and environment. Family members are the primary caregivers of people living with schizophrenia in China, the quality of life of caregiver of people living with schizophrenia is generally poorer, which may indirectly affect the quality of life of the people with schizophrenia., Methods: We conducted a comprehensive survey on quality of life in caregivers of people living with schizophrenia based on the Schizophrenia-specific cohort in the Less-developed Multi-ethnic Region of Southwest China to validate the accessibility and effectiveness of the schizophrenia family care model at the family level, caregivers of people living with schizophrenia were selected as participants in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province from September 2022 to March 2023, quality of life, family burden of disease, sociodemographic and behavioral information of participants were collected., Results: Domain scores for physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment of quality of life were 13.50 ± 2.61, 12.67 ± 2.40, 13.64 ± 2.32, and 12.46 ± 1.76 respectively. In our study, we found that gender, age, education level, personal monthly income, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, subjective sleep quality, relation to the patient, degree of self-care and the number of relapses in patient all influence 1 to 4 domains of quality of life for caregivers, stratified analysis was conducted to minimize the effect of gender on the results, we still found that history of smoking could positively predict the score of psychological domain and history of alcohol consumption could positively predict the score of social relationships domain. Canonical correlation analysis showed that the 'impact on family interaction' in family burden of disease was most closely related to quality of life., Conclusion: Building harmonious family relationships can help improve the quality of life for caregivers of People living with schizophrenia., Competing Interests: Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study protocol and informed consent were reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Kunming Medical University which is in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (Number: KMMU2022MEC140). Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

To understand the characteristics and pollution status of heavy metals in the intersection areas of Laizhou Bay and the Yellow River Estuary in Shandong Province, the contents of various heavy metals in surface seawater samples collected from this area in August 2022 were detected. The spatial distributions of the heavy metals were analysed, which exhibits a general decreasing trend in the concentrations of Hg, As, Cr, and Pb from west to east, while Cd, Zn, and Cu show the opposite trend. The average single-factor index P values decrease in the following order Pb > Zn > Hg > Cu > As > Cd > Cr, among which Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cu caused pollution in this area. The potential ecological risk index values indicate that the main heavy metal pollutants in study area are Hg and Pb, with Hg having the highest value, accounting for 74.7%, and being the main potential ecological risk factor. Correlation analysis shows that the most significant environmental factor affecting heavy metal content is salinity. According to the interactive heatmap between cluster analysis and station classification, the heavy metals have originated from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sewage discharge, surface runoff, river inputs, seawater aquaculture, maritime transportation, and fuel exhaust emissions. This research hopes to provide some reference value for the protection of marine and estuarine ecosystems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)