bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Exosome miRNAs Profile in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Guan Ruicong , Zeng Kuan , Zhang Bin , Gao Minnan , Li Jianfen , Jiang Huiqi , Liu Yuqiang , Qiang Yongjia , Liu Zhuxuan , Li Jingwen , Yang Yanqi
Published: June 2022

Background

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to have different expressions in different phases of acute myocardial infarction. The profiles of plasma exosome miRNAs in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at 3–6 months postinfarction are unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the profiles of plasma exosome miRNAs in patients with STEMI in comparison with healthy volunteers and to select specific exosome miRNAs related to pathophysiological changes post-STEMI.

Methods

Plasma and echocardiography parameters were collected from 30 patients 3–6 months after STEMI and 30 healthy volunteers. Plasma exosome miRNAs were assessed by using high-throughput sequence (Illumina HiSeq 2500) and profile of the plasma exosome miRNAs was established in 10 patients and 6 healthy volunteers. The specific exosome miRNAs related to heart diseases were selected according to the TargetScan database. The specificity of the selected exosome miRNAs was evaluated in additional 20 post-STEMI patients and 24 healthy volunteers by using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Left ventricular remodeling (LVR) was defined using the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging criteria according to echocardiography examination. Correlations between expression of the specific miRNAs and echocardiography parameters of LVR were assessed using the Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

Twenty eight upregulated miRNAs and 49 downregulated miRNAs were found in patients 3–6 months after STEMI (p < 0.01) in comparison with the healthy volunteers. The two least expressed and heart-related exosome miRNAs were hsa-miR-181a-3p (0.64-fold, p < 0.01) and hsa-miR-874-3p (0.50-fold, p < 0.01), which were further confirmed by using qPCR and demonstrated significant specificity in another 20 patients with post-STEMI comparing to 24 healthy volunteers [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.68, p < 0.05; AUC = 0.74, p < 0.05]. The expression of hsa-miR-181a-3p was downregulated in patients with LV adverse remodeling in comparison with patients without LV adverse remodeling and healthy volunteers.

Conclusion

Circulating exosome miR-874-3p and miR-181a-3p were downregulated in patients with STEMI postinfarction. Exosome hsa-miR-181a-3p might play a potential role in the development of LVR in patients with post-STEMI.
Case Report: Delayed Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm After Radiofrequency Ablation of Left Posteromedial Papillary Muscle Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Kim Min , Park Yoon Jung , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung
Published: June 2022

A 74-year-old woman presented with incessant wide complex tachycardia that was refractory to cardioversions. Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed on the left ventricular posteromedial papillary muscle. An inaudible steam pop has occurred during the procedure, but we confirmed that there were no complications during the procedure and short-term follow-up of echocardiography. Two months after the procedure, an asymptomatic pseudoaneurysm was identified at the ablation site that had not been observed in the short-term follow-up.
The Genetics and Epigenetics of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients Without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Wang Mengru , Tu Xin
Published: June 2022

Ventricular arrhythmia without structural heart disease is an arrhythmic disorder that occurs in structurally normal heart and no transient or reversible arrhythmia factors, such as electrolyte disorders and myocardial ischemia. Ventricular arrhythmias without structural heart disease can be induced by multiple factors, including genetics and environment, which involve different genetic and epigenetic regulation. Familial genetic analysis reveals that cardiac ion-channel disorder and dysfunctional calcium handling are two major causes of this type of heart disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified some genetic susceptibility loci associated with ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, yet relatively few loci associated with no structural heart disease. The effects of epigenetics on the ventricular arrhythmias susceptibility genes, involving non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation and other regulatory mechanisms, are gradually being revealed. This article aims to review the knowledge of ventricular arrhythmia without structural heart disease in genetics, and summarizes the current state of epigenetic regulation.
Deep Learning for Detection of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension Using Chest X-Ray Images
Authors: Kusunose Kenya , Hirata Yukina , Yamaguchi Natsumi , Kosaka Yoshitaka , Tsuji Takumasa , Kotoku Jun’ichi , Sata Masataka
Published: June 2022

Background

Stress echocardiography is an emerging tool used to detect exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH). However, facilities that can perform stress echocardiography are limited by issues such as cost and equipment.

Objective

We evaluated the usefulness of a deep learning (DL) approach based on a chest X-ray (CXR) to predict EIPH in 6-min walk stress echocardiography.

Methods

The study enrolled 142 patients with scleroderma or mixed connective tissue disease with scleroderma features who performed a 6-min walk stress echocardiographic test. EIPH was defined by abnormal cardiac output (CO) responses that involved an increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP). We used the previously developed AI model to predict PH and calculated PH probability in this cohort.

Results

EIPH defined as ΔmPAP/ΔCO >3.3 and exercise mPAP >25 mmHg was observed in 52 patients, while non-EIPH was observed in 90 patients. The patients with EIPH had a higher mPAP at rest than those without EIPH. The probability of PH based on the DL model was significantly higher in patients with EIPH than in those without EIPH. Multivariate analysis showed that gender, mean PAP at rest, and the probability of PH based on the DL model were independent predictors of EIPH. A model based on baseline parameters (age, gender, and mPAP at rest) was improved by adding the probability of PH predicted by the DL model (AUC: from 0.65 to 0.74; p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Applying the DL model based on a CXR may have a potential for detection of EIPH in the clinical setting.
The Piping Failure Mechanism of a Loess Dam: The 2021 Dam Break of the Yang Village Reservoir in China
Authors: Ma Wenguo , Zhang Gang , Yang Youzhen , Wang Ping , Zhao Yishen , Lin Qingqing
Published: June 2022

The construction of a reservoir on a large-thickness collapsible loess cover will significantly increase the occurrence of dam break disasters. The main reason may be that although the gradation of loess particle is not uniform. The clay content is less than 10%. Piping channels easily form under the action of force and collapsibility. Near-static liquefaction of the loess in the dam body under the saturated condition will lead to piping or loss of soil strength. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the mechanical characteristics of loess in the saturated state for preventing dam break. The study investigated the 2021 dam failure of the Yang village reservoir in Ningxia, China, which resulted in millions of dollars of property damage but no casualties. The dam break is a gradual development from piping to complete dam break. This study tries to find out the real reason for dam break from the physical and mechanical properties of the foundation and the dam. We mainly carried out the research through the following three aspects: First, the dam structure was identified by using the seismograph, the compactness of the dam foundation and the dam body was determined according to the wave velocity of the soil layer, and the construction quality of the dam foundation and the dam body was comprehensively evaluated. Second, the particle size distribution confirmed the mechanism of uneven particle size distribution and clay loss. Finally, the undrained characteristics of saturated loess are tested, and the dam failure is essentially explained. The research results show that using this loess to fill the dam foundation directly and the dam body has a very high probability of piping-type dam failure. This study gives some design suggestions for using this loess for dam building, for example, through the design of the filter layer to increase the difficulty of piping occurrence.
A Review on the Application of Machine Learning Methods in Tropical Cyclone Forecasting
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhao Jun , Huang Hong , Wang Xuezhong
Published: June 2022

At present, there is still a bottleneck in tropical cyclone (TC) forecasting due to its complex dynamical mechanisms and various impact factors. Machine learning (ML) methods have substantial advantages in data processing and image recognition, and the potential of satellite, radar and surface observation data in TC forecasting has been deeply explored in recent ML studies, which provides a new strategy to solve the difficulties in TC forecasting. In this paper, through analyzing the existing problems of TC forecasting, the current application of ML methods in TC forecasting is reviewed. In addition, the various predictors and advanced algorithm models are comprehensively summarized. Moreover, a preliminary discussion on the challenges of applying ML methods in TC forecasting is presented. Overall, the ML methods with higher interpretation, intervention and precision are needed in the future to improve the skill of TC prediction.
Impact of Rapid Transit Development on Urban Economic Growth: An Empirical Study of the Urban Agglomerations in China
Authors: Mao Jinhuang , Tian Qianwen , Lu Chengpeng
Published: June 2022

Transportation infrastructure and market integration play an important role in building China’s new development pattern of dual circulation. Taking 220 cities in 19 urban agglomerations in China as the study sample, this study analyzes the impact of rapid transit development on urban economic growth from 2008 to 2019 and examines the heterogeneity of the difference in market integration capability in promoting urban economic growth based on the two-way fixed effects model. The main conclusions are as follows: 1) the improvement of travel convenience brought about by the development of expressways and high-speed railways significantly promoted urban economic growth; 2) market integration has significantly restricted the promotion of the construction of expressways and high-speed railways to urban economic growth. In other words, cities with less market integration have greater economic benefits from expressway and high-speed railway construction; 3) there is a certain substitution of the role of expressways and high-speed railways in promoting urban economic growth, and for cities that already have a relatively complete expressway network, further construction of high-speed railways will inhibit the promotion effect of expressway development on urban economic growth; 4) expressway and market integration have a stronger role in promoting urban economic growth in the eastern region than in the central and western regions, while high-speed railway and market integration promote the economic growth in the eastern region, and the impact on economic growth in the central and western regions is not significant. The findings of this study have implications for optimizing the planning of expressway and high-speed railway construction and promoting high-quality regional development in China and other developing countries.
Depositional Paleoenvironments and Implications on the Occurrence of the Shahejie Formation Source Rock in the Langgu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Cao Yijun , Diao Fan , Zou Huayao
Published: June 2022

The fourth (Es4) and the third (Es3) members of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es) are potential source rock intervals in the Langgu hydrocarbon-generating sag. However, the mechanism of source rock occurrence remains poorly understood. In this study, 50 core samples of the Es (21 of Es4 and 29 of Es3) from the Langgu sag were conducted on total organic carbon (TOC) determination, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, carbon isotope of organic matter (δ13COM), carbon (δ13CCarb) and oxygen (δ18OCarb) isotope of carbonate, bulk mineral compositions, and major and trace element concentrations to characterize the depositional environments and reveal the controlling factors of organic matter enrichment during the deposition of the Es source rock intervals. The Es4 was deposited in a relatively hydrologically closed saline lake in an arid climate. In comparison, semihumid to humid paleolimnological conditions prevailed during the deposition of Es3, which was accompanied by enhanced chemical weathering and relatively low paleosalinity. Redox proxies indicate that the Es4 rock was deposited in a relatively stronger reducing environment compared to the Es3. The relatively high 13C enrichment in the organic matter (δ13COM is as high as −23%) of the Es3 rock is mainly associated with promoted primary productivity triggered by an increased input/recycling of nutrients favored by semihumid climate and hydrologically open paleolake conditions. The hydrogen index (HI) versus Δδ13CCarb-OM (the difference between the δ13CCarb and δ13COM) indicates that enhanced preservation and promoted primary productivity seemed to be the main factors in the accumulation of organic matter during the deposition of Es4 and Es3 in the Langgu sag, respectively. Nevertheless, the low to medium hydrocarbon-generating potential for Es mudstone indicates that dilution played a significant role in the formation of high-quality source rock apart from the influences of productivity and preservation. In comparison, the limited petroleum potential of Es source rock could be attributed to dilution associated with high sedimentation rate.
A Qualitative Analysis of Teachers’ Perception of Classroom Pedagogical Accompaniment Program
Authors: Arrellano Rodrigo , García Leidy Y. , Philominraj Andrew , Ranjan Ranjeeva
Published: June 2022

The need to increase educational quality has led public policymakers to create and implement strategies for improving teachers’ skills. One such strategy, adapted in Chile, is the classroom accompaniment program, which has become a case of teacher professional development. The present study primarily seeks to understand public schoolteachers’ perception on classroom pedagogical accompaniment program (CPAP), and at the same time its effectiveness. This qualitative research is a case study framed within an interpretive paradigm, in which semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. A content analysis was done with 4 categories and 10 subcategories of perceptions attributed to the program and its effectiveness by 13 teachers, 8 females and 5 males, belonging to four public educational establishments. The results show opposed perceptions about the existing accompaniment program. On one hand, some teachers rate it positively and consider it beneficial for them and their students, who also received adequate feedback. On the other hand, another group of teachers considered that there were no positive contributions to their work performance, with impacts including greater reticence during the in-class observation process. Thus, the study concludes that the initial orientations and instruction regarding the role of the observing teacher are fundamental for the classroom accompaniment process to be effective and that it can be a valuable tool to apply for improving teacher performance.
National Guidelines for Trauma-Aware Education in Australia
Authors: Howard Judith , L’Estrange Lyra , Brown Meegan
Published: June 2022

The National Guidelines for Trauma-Aware Education in Australia were developed in response to a rapidly growing interest in trauma-aware education across the country and to address the lack of site- and system-level guidance for application of trauma-aware practices in schools and early childhood services. Although research into trauma-aware education was increasing and resources and training and support programs were being developed across Australia, there were no nationally agreed upon guidelines providing consistency to thinking, policy, and practice. Drawing from public health and health promotion models for establishing guidelines for trauma-aware policy and practice, the Guidelines were developed through a thorough process of incorporating research evidence and expert and end-user input. The Guidelines were developed across 2017–2019 and were finalized in 2021 and provide an important first step in a national response to trauma-aware education in Australia. This article will describe the “story” behind the development of the Guidelines. It is hoped that this “story” will help others considering development of systemic resources to inform the establishment and enhancement of trauma-aware policy and practice in schools and early childhood education services.
Predictive Factors for Recovery Time in Conceived Women Suffering From Moderate to Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Authors: Huang Kai , Shi Ying , Chen Gezi , Shi Hao , Zhai Jun
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate potential predictors for recovery time in pregnant patients with moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Methods

A total of 424 pregnant patients with moderate to severe OHSS who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were retrospectively identified. The clinical features and laboratory findings within 24 h after admission were collected. Treatment for OHSS was carried out according to standard procedures, including fluid replacement therapy, human albumin, aspirin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and paracentesis, when necessary. Patients were discharged from the hospital when the tmorning hematocrit was <40% and no obvious clinically relevant symptoms existed, such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath. Meanwhile, ultrasound indicating little pleural or abdominal effusion and biochemical abnormalities returning to normal were required. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to assess the association between the blood-related parameters and recovery time. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between the clinical or laboratory parameters and recovery time.

Results

The median recovery time of these patients was 11 days. In Spearman’s correlation test, leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, hematocrit, creatinine, prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (Fib), D-dimer, and fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) were positively correlated with recovery time. On the other hand, albumin and thrombin time (TT) were negatively correlated with recovery time. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hemoglobin, platelets, albumin, and Fib were significantly associated with the recovery time of patients with OHSS (p = 0.023, p < 0.001, p = 0.007, p < 0.001, and p = 0.019, respectively).

Conclusions

In pregnant patients with OHSS, PCOS and hypoalbuminemia were associated with a significantly longer recovery time. Meanwhile, the recovery time was longer when patients have high levels of hemoglobin, platelets, and Fib.
HCG Trigger of GnRH Agonist-Induced Functional Ovarian Cysts Does Not Decrease Clinical Pregnancy Rate in GnRHa Pretreated Frozen Cycles: Evidence From a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zeng Hong , Zhang Chen , Zhang Lei , Liu Nenghui
Published: June 2022

Background

GnRH agonist (GnRHa) pretreatment before the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) was increasingly utilized. However, the incidence of GnRHa-induced functional ovarian cysts (FC) was inevitable. The feasibility and efficacy of HCG triggering GnRHa-induced FC are unknown.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of HCG triggering GnRHa-induced FC on FET outcomes.

Methods

A total of 657 HRT-FET cycles with GnRHa pretreatment were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the FC group and the no functional cysts (NC) group according to whether the patient developed FC (follicular diameter of ≥7 mm and E2 of ≥100 pg/ml). Risk factors associated with the incidence of GnRHa-induced FC were determined by multivariate regression analysis. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the FC group and the NC group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the impact of confounding factors. Three multivariate regression models were performed to assess the association between HCG triggering GnRHa-induced FC and clinical pregnancy. Interactive analysis and subgroup analysis were also analyzed.

Results

The incidence rate of GnRHa-induced FC was 9.74%. Older age (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.15, p-value < 0.001) and lower BMI (aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71-0.93, p-value=0.002) are risk factors for GnRHa-induced FC. The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and miscarriage rate were not significantly different between the FC group and the NC group before or after PSM (p-value > 0.05). Multivariate logistic models showed that HCG triggering GnRHa-induced FC does not decrease CPR in the general population (p-value > 0.05). The effect of HCG triggering GnRHa-induced FC on clinical pregnancy is interactive with age (p-value for interaction: 0.003); HCG trigger is associated with significantly higher CPR than HRT-FET cycles without FC in patients ≥35 years (aOR 4.40, 95% CI 1.57–12.3, p-value = 0.005).

Conclusions

HCG triggering GnRHa-induced FC does not decrease the chance of clinical pregnancy in HRT-FET cycles pretreated with GnRHa.
Effects of Berberine Plus Inulin on Diabetes Care in Patients With Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Rong , Xiao Yang , Yan Jianru , Yang Wen , Wu Xiaomei , Mei Zubing , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: June 2022

Background

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a heterogeneous form of diabetes, characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells as well as insulin resistance and is triggered by environmental factors in the context of genetic susceptibility. Berberine (BBR), a small alkaloid isolated from medicinal plants, has antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Inulin is a common prebiotic that has been shown to improve glycemic control, alter the gut microbiota and suppress inflammation. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral BBR and inulin combined with insulin therapy on diabetes care in patients with LADA.

Methods and Analysis

We will conduct a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 240 patients with LADA who have started insulin therapy will be randomly allocated either to the intervention or control group. After a 1-week run-in period, they will complete a 3-month treatment of BBR alone, inulin plus BBR, inulin alone, or placebo. Anthropometric and clinical data will be collected at five time points: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months from baseline. The primary outcome was the change in glycated hemoglobin levels. Dynamic blood glucose parameters, β-cell function, and gut microbiota, as well as adverse events and quality of life will be monitored.

Discussion

Glycemic control is critical for preventing the progression of diabetes. Although insulin is a recommended treatment for patients with LADA, there are currently no drugs that can effectively prevent the progressive destruction of pancreatic β-cells or maintain their function. Several studies have found that when berberine and prebiotics are used alone, they have beneficial metabolic effects. This clinical research protocol will assess the efficacy of the combined treatment of berberine plus inulin and provide new ideas for future pharmacological research and clinical practices in diabetes care and glycemic control for LADA patients.

Ethics and Dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of National Clinical Research Center of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (approval number: 2021–046).

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04698330
New Evidence for the Existence of Two Kiss/Kissr Systems in a Flatfish Species, the Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), and Stimulatory Effects on Gonadotropin Gene Expression
Authors: Zhao Chunyan , Wang Bin , Liu Yifan , Feng Chengcheng , Xu Shihong , Wang Wenqi , Liu Qinghua , Li Jun
Published: June 2022

Seasonal reproduction is generally controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in fish. Previous studies have demonstrated that the kisspeptin (Kiss)/kisspeptin receptor (Kissr) system, a positive regulator of the HPG axis, mediates the responses to environmental cues. Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), a representative species of Pleuronectiformes, is one of the most commercially important fish species cultured in Europe and North China. However, the mechanisms by which the Kiss/Kissr system regulates the reproductive axis of turbot according to seasonal changes, especially photoperiod, have not been clearly characterized. In the current study, the cDNA sequences of kiss2/kissr2, along with kiss1/kissr3 which was thought to be lost in flatfish species, were cloned and functionally characterized. The kiss1, kiss2, and kissr3 transcripts were highly detected in the brain and gonad, while kissr2 mRNA was only abundantly expressed in the brain. Moreover, kiss/kissr mRNAs were further examined in various brain areas of both sexes. The kiss1, kissr2, kissr3 mRNAs were highly expressed in the mesencephalon, while a substantial degree of kiss2 transcripts were observed in the hypothalamus. During annual reproductive cycle, both kiss and kissr transcript levels declined significantly from the immature to mature stages and increased at the degeneration stage in the brains of both sexes, especially in the mesencephalon and hypothalamus. The ovarian kiss1, kiss2, and kissr2 mRNA levels were highest at the vitellogenic stage (mature stage), while expression of kissr3 was highest at the immature stage. The testicular kiss and kissr transcripts were highest in the immature and degeneration stages, and lowest at the mature stage. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of Kiss1-10 and Kiss2-10 significantly stimulated mRNA levels of pituitary lhβ, fhsβ, and gthα. In summary, two Kiss/Kissr systems were firstly proven in a flatfish species of turbot, and it has a positive involvement in controlling the reproduction of the Kiss/Kissr system in turbot. The results will provide preliminary information regarding how the Kiss/Kissr system controls seasonal reproduction in turbot broodstock.
Kinetics of Heterogeneous Reaction of H2O2 and SO2 on Coal Fly Ash: Temperature Effect and Their Synergistic Effects
Authors: Zhou Li , Lei Ting , Kang Dongjuan , Guo Yucong , Zhang Yunhong , Yang Fumo , Ge Maofa , Wang Weigang
Published: June 2022

Coal-derived fly ash is a major aerosol composition in the atmosphere and presents a major challenge in understanding the atmospheric environment. In this study, the heterogeneous uptake of hydrogen peroxide and sulfur dioxide on coal fly ash was investigated using a Knudsen cell reactor coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The uptake coefficients were measured as a function of the initial mixing ratio of H2O2 and SO2 from 10 to 60 ppbv, and the temperature dependence of the uptake coefficients was also carried out over a range from 253 to 313 K. The mixing ratio of H2O2 and SO2 showed little effect on the uptake coefficients for these heterogeneous processes. As a function of temperature, the initial uptake coefficients of H2O2 and SO2 on coal fly ash were (0.48–1.65) × 10−4 and (1.50–8.54) × 10−5, respectively, which decreased with an increase in temperature. The steady-state uptake coefficients of H2O2 on coal fly ash were in the range of 2.46 × 10−5 to 4.84 × 10−5, which increased with an increase in temperature. Furthermore, we examined the synergistic effects between SO2 and H2O2 in their reaction on coal fly ash and found the existence of gaseous H2O2 appeared to enhance the ability of SO2 uptake on coal fly ash. Therefore, this finding suggests that the oxidation of SO2 on the surface of coal fly ash by gaseous H2O2 would promote SO2 consumption and transformation.
Human Activity Behind the Unprecedented 2020 Wildfire in Brazilian Wetlands (Pantanal)
Authors: de Magalhães Neto Newton , Evangelista Heitor
Published: June 2022

The Pantanal natural region in South America is the largest wetland worldwide. Due to floods and a diverse lithology, this wetland area exhibits high plant and animal biodiversity levels and encompasses more than 185,000 km2. In 2020, the Pantanal experienced the worst recorded fire episode in history. Hundreds of thousands of hectares burned, threatening habitats and corresponding ecosystem functions. The fire reached regions never burned before, including national conservation units. Although federal authorities have blamed climate change and cultural indigenous practices, environmentalists, scientists, and non-governmental organizations have questioned this foregone conclusion. To better understand this historical event, we examined the burn severity in conservation units most affected by fire and the association with human and climate factors (represented by the fire occurrence distance to roads/waterways/railways and drought severity, respectively) and analyzed fire spatial patterns and durations. Via a comparison of these two factors, we demonstrated that 60% of the fire outbreaks was concentrated at distances less than 5 km from roads, waterways, and railways and that 80% was concentrated at distances less than 10 km from areas with human activities. Since values of the SPEI (drought index) < −2.6 were critical to the spread of fire, a combination of more favorable climate conditions enabled the rapid and irreversible spread of fire. The observed association between fire occurrence and distance to roads makes the ongoing plans for road expansion of great concern, considering the 2020 fire episode, which greatly affected natural vegetation and conservation units across the Pantanal. The determination of trends in fire hot spot regions in the Pantanal can help environmental surveillance and fire control.
A System Dynamics Modeling Approach for Estimation of Oily Waste Generation From Marine Oil Spill Response: A Case Study of an Oil Spill in Central Coast of British Columbia
Authors: Hosseinipooya Seyed Ashkan , Hu Guangji , Lee Kenneth , Li Jianbing , Ng Kelvin Tsun Wai , Vu Hoang Lan
Published: June 2022

The understanding of waste generation is of critical importance for effective oily waste management in marine oil spill response operation. A system dynamics model was developed in this study to estimate the quantity of oily waste generated from marine oil spill response operations. Various aspects were considered, including weather conditions, spilled oil volume and characteristics, response time, and response methods. The types of oily waste include recovered oil, oily water, oily sorbents, oily personal protection equipment, and oily debris. The model was validated using data collected from an actual oil spill incident in British Columbia, Canada. The comparison of model estimation and observed results showed an average prediction accuracy of 86%. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the impacts of two modeling parameters, including response arrival time and sorbent booms amount. Results of a case study indicated that initiation of response operations 5-h earlier could increased oil recovery by 26%. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis highlighted a 45% overuse of sorbents which resulted in the generation of unnecessary oily solid waste. Response surface methodology (RSM) analysis was applied to analyze the interaction effect of model parameters on model outputs. Results showed a significant interaction between sea temperature and response arrival time on recovered oil and between sorbent boom weight and sorbent booms usage rate on solid waste. The developed model can provide an effective tool for informed waste management decision-making related to marine oil spill response operations.
Effects of the Main Ecological Restoration Projects on Grassland Carbon Sequestration in Ningxia on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Ding Jinmei , Mi Wenbao , Wen Qi , Luo Anmeng , Hou Kaiyuan , Wu Xinyan , Xu Hao
Published: June 2022

The temperate steppe experienced degradation and desertification as a result of long-term heavy grazing and excessive reclamation. Some major ecological projects, such as the Grain for Green Program (GGP) and Grazing Exclosure (GE), have been implemented to promote ecological restoration in grassland ecosystems. With the goal of carbon neutrality, the effects of the GGP and GE on grassland carbon sequestration need to be further explored. Based on soil data from the second soil survey in the 1980s, a field survey in 2021, and the land-use/land-cover datasets of 2000–2018, we characterized the changes in soil C stock following grazing exclosure, analyzed the effect of GGP on land-use changes and soil C accumulation, and then estimated the overall grassland carbon sequestration in Ningxia on the Loess Plateau of China. From 2000 to 2018, GE increased the grassland SOCD from 49.60 Mg ha−1 to 90.71 Mg ha−1, and the C stock increased by 65.55 T g. Under the influence of the GGP, 347.62 km2 of cultivated land was converted into grasslands, increasing the grassland soil carbon sequestration by 1.31 T g. Subsequently, the grassland organic carbon storage increased by 66.86 T g, which accounted for approximately 4.26% of the grassland organic carbon storage in the Loess Plateau of China. In the southern Loess hilly area, which experienced high precipitation and low temperatures, grasslands increased by 95.55 km2; the average organic carbon density increased 46.95 Mg ha−1 due to a rate of increase of 2.61 Mg ha−1 yr−1; and the corresponding values for those in the middle arid zone were 36.25 Mg ha−1 and 2.01 Mg ha−1 yr−1, with grasslands decreasing by 147.41 km2. The follow-up policies of the GGP and GE should be implemented and improved according to local conditions to improve the carbon sink and ecological services in grassland ecosystems.
Can Green Finance Promote the Optimization and Upgrading of Industrial Structures?—Based on the Intermediary Perspective of Technological Progress
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Li Yuexinyi
Published: June 2022

In the context of today’s sustainable development, green finance and industrial structure optimization and upgrading are important components of sustainable development and are new trends in today’s society. Based on the relevant data from 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, this study considers the role of green finance in optimizing and upgrading industrial structure from the technological progress perspective. The entropy weight method and the principal component downscaling method are used to measure the level of green finance development and industrial structure optimization and upgrading indexes of each province; the existence of the intermediary effect is verified using stepwise regression and the Sobel test. Through model construction comparison, the two-step system GMM is optimal, and the corresponding final two-step system GMM model is constructed to verify the promotion effect of green finance on the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure. The model introduces the control variables of openness to the outside world, government support, human resources, environmental regulation, and urbanization rate. Except for the insignificant effect of the urbanization rate control variable, the rest of the control variables have a significant promotion effect on the optimization of industrial structure because the corresponding urbanization rate in China at this stage does not bring about the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure. After the robustness test of the model, a sub-regional regression using the constructed model reveals that the effect of green finance on the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure is most significant in the central region, whereas the central and western regions are weaker compared to the east.
Households’ Earthquake Disaster Preparedness Behavior: The Role of Trust in and Help From Stakeholders
Authors: Ao Yibin , Tan Liyao , Tan Ling , Zhong Jinglin , Zhang Hongying , Wang Yan , Wang Tong
Published: June 2022

Earthquake is one of the most serious natural disasters. Taking scientific and reasonable earthquake preparedness measures can effectively reduce casualties and economic losses caused by earthquakes. It is important to understand how residents choose such earthquake preparedness measures to guide them accordingly. However, the current research has failed to address rural areas in developing countries and has inconsistency conclusions for two aspects related to stakeholders involved: the assistance the victims can get from stakeholders for applying earthquake preparedness measures and the trust in stakeholders’ disaster relief abilities. In this study, the rural residents affected by Wenchuan earthquake, Ya’an earthquake and Yibin earthquake were taken as the research objects, and 674 valid questionnaires were obtained through field household surveys. A Multinominal Logit Model (MNL) was constructed to explore the influence of villagers’ trust in the disaster relief ability of stakeholders and the help they can get from stakeholders on their preparedness behavior. The results show that the less trust the villagers have on the government and the community, and the more help they can get from the outside while preparing measures, the more inclined they are to take the disaster preparedness measures. Furthermore, the education level of villagers in earthquake-stricken areas has significant positive impacts on people’s earthquake preparedness behavior. People who are not born in rural areas are more likely to take earthquake preparedness measures. In addition, male, young and married villagers are more likely to take earthquake preparedness measures in their daily lives. This study enriches the theory of rural disaster prevention and mitigation, and provides reference for the practice of disaster prevention and mitigation in earthquake-stricken rural areas.
Risk Assessment of Flash Flood to Buildings Using an Indicator-Based Methodology: A Case Study of Mountainous Rural Settlements in Southwest China
Authors: Zhen Yiwei , Liu Shuguang , Zhong Guihui , Zhou Zhengzheng , Liang Jiyu , Zheng Weiqiang , Fang Qi
Published: June 2022

In southwest China, flash floods occur frequently and often cause severe damage to residential building areas, especially in mountainous rural settlements. Risk assessment is crucial in the hazard mitigation policies and measures. However, the study on the quantitative assessment of flash flood risk for buildings is still less explored. In this study, an indicator-based assessment approach is proposed to assess the risk of buildings threatened by flash floods. The flood hazard is first simulated with 1D/2D hydrodynamic model to determine the buildings exposed to the flood and flood inundation indicators. Then, a combination of virtual surveys and building census information is used to collect information on indicators of exposed buildings and their surroundings. The indicator scores are calculated using the building flash flood risk indicator system constructed in this study which includes the flood hazard and building vulnerability indicators. A flood risk index (FRI) combining flood hazard index (FHI) and building vulnerability index (VI) is developed by weighted aggregation of indicators using combination weights calculated by the game theory approach. Based on FRI, the flash flood risk of mountainous buildings is quantitatively assessed. Taken a key mountainous rural settlement in southwest China as an example, the proposed methodological framework enables the quantitative calculation and assessment of the risk of rural buildings to flash flood. The overall framework can provide an applicable approach for flood mitigation decisions in mountainous settlements.
Environmental and Hydrological Changes of Lake Coatetelco in Central Mesoamerica (Southwest Mexico) Over the Holocene and Comparison With Climatic Forcing
Authors: García-Arriola Oscar Agesandro , Roy Priyadarsi D. , Vargas-Martínez Irma Gabriela , Giron-García Ma. Patricia , Curtis Jason H. , Israde-Alcantara Isabel , Quiroz-Jimenez Jesús David
Published: June 2022

Elemental composition of the inorganic fraction, carbon isotopes, and C/N of organic matter from a new radiocarbon-dated sedimentary sequence collected from Lake Coatetelco (960 m asl) extend information about the environmental and hydrological conditions of central Mesoamerica from the earliest Holocene to the interval of first human settlements in the lake vicinity and nearby streams. Proxy-based reconstructions of erosion/runoff (Ti), water column salinity (CaCO3), sediment–water interactions (PIA), and provenance of organics (δ13Corg and C/N) showed similarities with the summer insolation modulated ITCZ position between ∼11.5 and 4.2 cal ka BP, and more frequent ENSO between ∼4.2 and 2.1 cal ka BP. After a possible depositional hiatus between ∼11.2 and 10.2 cal ka BP, the moderate-to-extremely altered sediments were deposited with enhanced erosion/runoff during the wetter ∼10.2–6 cal ka BP and the organic matter was dominantly autochthonous. Comparison of δ13Corg and C/N suggested that the contribution of C4 plants to organic matter increased over the drier ∼6–4.2 cal ka BP. Sediments representing this middle- Holocene drought-like condition showed geochemical similarity with sediments of the Post-Classic drought (∼1–0.4 cal ka BP), coeval with abandonment of the Xochicalco culture. Variation in seasonal insolation at orbital scales might have forced frequent droughts between ∼6 and 4.2 cal ka BP and the ENSO related short-lived storms possibly led to an unstable hydroclimate after ∼4.2 cal ka BP when the first Olmec settlements commenced in the region. Dissimilarity between this lacustrine archive and speleothems from southwest Mexico for the later part of the Holocene reflected different sensitivities of the geological records to seasonal and-annual precipitation.
A Spark in the Dark: Uncovering Natural Activity Patterns of Mormyrid Weakly Electric Fish
Authors: Mucha Stefan , Oehlert Franziska , Chapman Lauren J. , Krahe Rüdiger
Published: June 2022

To understand animal ecology, observation of wildlife in the natural habitat is essential, but particularly challenging in the underwater realm. Weakly electric fishes provide an excellent opportunity to overcome some of these challenges because they generate electric organ discharges (EODs) to sense their environment and to communicate, which can be detected non-invasively. We tracked the EOD and swimming activity of two species of mormyrid weakly electric fishes (Marcusenius victoriae and Petrocephalus degeni) over diel cycles in the laboratory, and we recorded EODs and environmental dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and temperature over several months in a naturally hypoxic habitat in Uganda. Under laboratory conditions, both species showed increases of activity and exploration behavior that were closely synchronized to the onset of the dark phase. In the wild, fish preferred structurally complex habitats during the day, but dispersed toward open areas at night, presumably to forage and interact. Nocturnal increase of movement range coincided with diel declines in DO concentration to extremely low levels. The fact that fish showed pronounced nocturnal activity patterns in the laboratory and in the open areas of their habitat, but not under floating vegetation, indicates that light intensity exerts a direct effect on their activity. We hypothesize that being dark-active and tolerant to hypoxia increases the resistance of these fish against predators. This study establishes a new technology to record EODs in the field and provides a window into the largely unknown behavior of mormyrids in their natural habitat.
What Do We Mean by “Soundscape”? A Functional Description
Authors: Grinfeder Elie , Lorenzi Christian , Haupert Sylvain , Sueur Jérôme
Published: June 2022

The concept of soundscape was originally coined to study the relationship between humans and their sonic environment. Since then, several definitions of soundscapes have been proposed based on musical, acoustical and ecological perspectives. However, the causal mechanisms that underlie soundscapes have often been overlooked. As a consequence, the term “soundscape” is frequently used in an ambiguous way, alternatively pointing to objective realities or subjective percepts. Through an interdisciplinary review, we identified the main biotic and abiotic factors that condition non-anthropogenic terrestrial soundscapes. A source-filter approach was used to describe sound sources, sound propagation phenomena and receiver’s characteristics. Interdisciplinary information was cross-referenced in order to define relationships between factors, sound sources and filters. Those relationships and the associated references were organized into a functional block diagram. This representation was used to question the different uses and meanings of the soundscape concept found in the literature. Three separate categories were then suggested: distal soundscape, proximal soundscape and perceptual soundscape. Finally, practical examples of these different categories were described, in relation to the diagram. This new systemic approach to soundscapes should help ecoacousticians, bioacousticians, psychoacousticians and environmental managers to better understand soundscapes and protect natural areas in a more significant way.
Long-Term Artificial Selection for Increased Larval Body Weight of Hermetia illucens in Industrial Settings
Authors: Facchini Elena , Shrestha Kriti , van den Boer Estelle , Junes Petra , Sader Gaya , Peeters Katrijn , Schmitt Eric
Published: June 2022

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) farming has exponentially increased in recent years due to the ability of its larvae to efficiently convert low-grade organic materials into high-value food, feed, and technical products. There is a need to further improve the efficiency of production, to meet the rising demands for proteins in the feed and food industries under limited resources. One means of improvement is artificial selection, which has been widely applied in plants and in other livestock species. In 2019, a genetic improvement program was started with the aim to increase larval body weight in black soldier fly larvae. In this paper, we present the outcomes of this breeding program after 10, 13, and 16 generations of selection. The performance of the selected body weight line was compared to the base population line over six experimental rounds under different environmental conditions. Under automated production settings, an average increase of +39% in larval weight, +34% in wet crate yield, +26% in dry matter crate yield, +32% in crude protein per crate, and +21% crude fat per crate was achieved in the selected line compared to the base population line. This research demonstrates the potential contribution of artificial selection to improve efficiency when farming black soldier flies in industrial settings. Further research is needed to fully unlock that potential.