bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Triglyceride Glucose-Waist to Height Ratio on Diabetes Incidence: A Secondary Analysis of A Population-Based Longitudinal Data
Authors: Xuan Wenting , Liu Dixing , Zhong Jiana , Luo Huijin , Zhang Xiuwei
Published: July 2022

Background

The anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]), triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and TyG-related indicators (TyG-WHtR, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC) have been well documented to be highly correlated with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it was not immediately obvious which indicator would be optimal for screening people at risk of T2DM. Hence, this study intended to compare the predictive effects of the aforementioned markers on T2DM and to investigate the relation between baseline TyG-WHtR and incident T2DM.

Methods

This longitudinal study included 15464 study population who were involved in the NAGALA (NAfld in the Gifu Area Longitudinal Analysis) study from 2004 to 2015. The TyG index was defined as ln [FPG (mg/dL) ×fasting TG (mg/dL)/2]. And the TyG-WHtR was calculated as TyG index ×WHtR. We divided the participants into four groups according to the TyG-WHtR quartiles. The primary endpoint was the incidence of diabetes.

Results

After a median follow-up of 5.4 years, 2.4% (373/15464) participants developed diabetes. The incidence of diabetes increased with ascending TyG-WHtR quartiles (P for trend<0.001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that a one-unit increase in TyG-WHtR was independently correlated with a 2.714-fold higher risk of diabetes [hazard ratio (HR) 2.714, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.942-3.793; P<0.001). Stratification analysis revealed that increased TyG-WHtR (per 1-unit) was consistently correlated with diabetes incidence in different subgroups. Moreover, TyG-WHtR outperformed the other parameters by presenting the biggest area under the ROC curve (AUC) in men (AUC 0.746, 95% CI 0.716-0.776, P<0.001). However, all pairwise comparisons of AUC between TyG-WHtR and other indicators were not statistically different except TyG-WHtR vs. WHtR in women.

Conclusions

A high TyG-WHtR is an important predictor of the increased cumulative risk of diabetes development. TyG-WHtR outperforms TyG, WHtR, TyG-WC and TyG-BMI in screening individuals who are susceptible to T2DM, especially in men.
Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis of the Shared Molecular Mechanisms Between Osteoporosis and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Mo Liang , Ma Chao , Wang Zhangzheng , Li Jianxiong , He Wei , Niu Wei , Chen Zhengqiu , Zhou Chi , Liu Yuhao
Published: July 2022

Background

Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are common in the elderly population, conferring a heavy worldwide burden. Evidence links osteoporosis and atherosclerosis but the exact underlying common mechanism of its occurrence is unclear. The purpose of this study is to further explore the molecular mechanism between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis through integrated bioinformatic analysis.

Methods

The microarray data of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were downloaded. The Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis were used to identify the co-expression genes related to osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. In addition, the common gene targets of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis were analyzed and screened through three public databases (CTD, DISEASES, and GeneCards). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by Metascape. Then, the common microRNAs (miRNAs) in osteoporosis and atherosclerosis were screened out from the Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD) and the target genes of whom were predicted through the miRTarbase. Finally, the common miRNAs–genes network was constructed by Cytoscape software.

Results

The results of common genes analysis showed that immune and inflammatory response may be a common feature in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Six hub genes (namely, COL1A1, IBSP, CTSD, RAC2, MAF, and THBS1) were obtained via taking interaction of different analysis results. The miRNAs–genes network showed that has-let-7g might play an important role in the common mechanisms between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

This study provides new sights into shared molecular mechanisms between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. These common pathways and hub genes may offer promising clues for further experimental studies.
Factors in the occurrence and restoration of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer patients with intraoperative parathyroid autotransplantation
Authors: Lu Dengwei , Tang Enjie , Yin Supeng , Zhu Junping , Mo Hongbiao , Yi Ziying , Chai Fan , Sun Yizeng , Li Yao , Yin Tingjie , Yang Zeyu , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism (POH) is the most common and important complication for thyroid cancer patients who undergo total thyroidectomy. Intraoperative parathyroid autotransplantation has been demonstrated to be essential in maintaining functional parathyroid tissue, and it has clinical significance in identifying essential factors of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels for patients with parathyroid autotransplantation. This retrospective cohort study aimed to comprehensively investigate influential factors in the occurrence and restoration of POH for patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with intraoperative parathyroid autotransplantation (TTIPA).

Method

This study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital, with a total of 525 patients who underwent TTIPA. The postoperative serum PTH levels were collected after six months, and demographic characteristics, clinical features and associated operative information were analyzed.

Results

A total of 66.48% (349/525) of patients who underwent TTIPA were diagnosed with POH. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.09-3.42), P=0.024), the number of transplanted parathyroid glands (OR=2.70, 95% CI: 1.91-3.83, P<0.001) and postoperative blood glucose levels (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.06-1.74, P=0.016) were risk factors for POH, and endoscopic surgery (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.22-0.68, P=0.001) was a protective factor for POH. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that PTG autotransplantation patients with same-side central lymph node dissection (CLND) (HR=0.50; 95% CI: 0.34-0.73, P<0.001) demonstrated a longer time for increases PTH, and female patients (HR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.00-1.81, P=0.047) were more prone to PTH increases. Additionally, PTG autotransplantation with same-side CLND (HR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.82, P=0.003) patients had a longer time to PTH restoration, and patients with endoscopic surgery (HR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.04-2.28, P=0.029) were more likely to recover within six months.

Conclusion

High postoperative fasting blood glucose levels, a large number of transplanted PTGs, open surgery and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are risk factors for postoperative POH in TTIPA patients. Elevated PTH levels occur earlier in female patients and patients without CLND on the transplant side. PTH returns to normal earlier in patients without CLND and endoscopic surgery on the transplant side.
Multiscale Shear Properties and Flow Performance of Milled Woody Biomass
Authors: Klinger Jordan , Saha Nepu , Bhattacharjee Tiasha , Carilli Susan , Jin Wencheng , Xia Yidong , Daniel Richard , Burns Carolyn , Ajayi Oyelayo , Cheng Ziwei , Navar Ricardo , Semelsberger Troy
Published: July 2022

One dominant challenge facing the development of biorefineries is achieving consistent system throughput with highly variant biomass feedstock quality and handling performance. Current handling unit operations are adapted from other sectors (primarily agriculture), where some simplifying assumptions about granular mechanics and flow performance do not translate well to a highly compressible and anisotropic material with nonlinear time- and stress-dependent properties. This work explores the shear and frictional properties of loblolly pine at multiple experimental test apparatus and particle scales to elucidate a property window that defines the shear behavior over a range of material attributes (particle size, size distribution, moisture content, etc.). In general, it was observed that the bulk internal friction and apparent cohesion depend strongly on both the stress state of the sample in granular shear testers and the overall particle size and distribution span. For equipment designed to characterize the quasi-static shear stress failure of bulk materials ranging from 50 to 1,000 ml in test volume, similar test results were observed for finely milled particles (50% passing size of 1.4 mm) with a narrow size distribution (span between 10 and 90% passing size of 0.9 mm), while stress chaining and over-torque issues persisted for the bench-scale test apparatus for larger particle sizes or widely dispersed sample sizes. Measurement of the anisotropic particle–particle friction ranged from coefficients of approximately 0.20 to 0.45 and resulted in significantly higher and more variable friction measurements for larger particle sizes and in perpendicular alignment orientations. To supplement these laboratory-scale properties, this work explores the flow of loblolly pine and Douglas fir through a pilot-scale wedge-shaped hopper and a screw feeder. For the gravity-driven hopper flow, the critical arching distance and mass discharge rate ranged from approximately 10 to 30 mm and 2 to 16 tons/hour, respectively, for both materials, where the arching distance depends strongly on the overall particle size and depends less on the hopper inclination angle. Comparatively, the auger feeder was found to be much more impacted by the size of the particles, where smaller particles had a more consistent and stable flow while consuming less power.
Low-Carbon Robust Predictive Dispatch Strategy of Photovoltaic Microgrids in Industrial Parks
Authors: Guo Juntao , Gong Shaoqing , Xie Jindian , Luo Xi , Wu Junhua , Yang Qinggang , Zhao Zhuoli , Lai Loi Lei
Published: July 2022

With the flexible integration of local renewable energy with the smart distribution network system, the problems of high operating costs and power shortage can be effectively solved. However, taking the industrial park microgrid with high penetration photovoltaic as an example, due to the uncertainties and fluctuations arising from the meteorological conditions and the load demands, the safe and reliable operation of the microgrid system has been threatened significantly. Operators often need to pay additional unnecessary costs to maintain stable operations of the microgrid. Therefore, in this study, a dispatch strategy based on robust model predictive control considering low-carbon cost is designed to reduce the adverse effects of uncertainties. First, a low-carbon energy management scheme is formulated based on short-term source and load forecast information in which a two-stage robust optimization solution method is used to generate the optimal dispatch scheme under the worst scenario. Then, an intraday real-time strategy with a closed-loop feedback mechanism is formed based on the model predictive control. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed strategy is simulated and analyzed based on the measured data of the photovoltaic microgrid in the industrial park. The results show that compared with the general intraday scheduling strategy and the day-ahead robust strategy, the proposed strategy can effectively get low-carbon scheduling plans considering the uncertainty of source and load while efficiently balancing the robustness and economy of the grid-connected industrial park photovoltaic microgrid system operation.
A Three-Input Central Capacitor Converter for a High-Voltage PV System
Authors: Meng Xiangjian , Liu Jiaxin , Wang Gongke , Fang Jingyang
Published: July 2022

High-voltage photovoltaic (PV) techniques have their own advantages in PV plants for reducing the construction cost and improving the operational efficiency. However, the high input PV voltage increases the mismatch losses of PV arrays, which is also a key factor that influences the energy yield of PV plants. This paper proposes a three-input central capacitor (TICC) dc/dc converter for a high-voltage PV system, where four low-rating cascaded buck-boost converters connect to the series-connected three low-voltage PV arrays and two capacitors and realize the maximum power point tracking independently. Meanwhile, there is a neutral point in the proposed converter, enabling it to be connected with the rear-end three-level inverter directly. It can also help balance the three-level dc-link voltage by properly regulating the transferred energy among three input sources. Compared with other transformer-less dc-dc converters, the proposed converter is able to reduce the semiconductor voltage/current stress and therefore achieve the high efficiency. Simulation and experimental results verified the performance of the proposed TICC converter.
Numerical modeling of horizontal stratified two-phase flows using the AIAD model
Authors: Yan Hongjie , Zhang Huimin , Höhne Thomas , Liao Yixiang , Lucas Dirk , Liu Liu
Published: July 2022

In nuclear reactor safety research, the countercurrent gas-liquid two-phase flow in the hot leg of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) has attracted considerable attention. Previous work has proven that the algebraic interfacial area density (AIAD) model implemented in ANSYS CFX can effectively capture the gas-liquid interface and avoid the loss of information regarding the interfacial structure, which occurs after phase averaging in the Euler–Euler two-fluid approach. To verify the accuracy of the AIAD module implementation in ANSYS Fluent, the model based on the experimental data from the WENKA facility is validated in this work. The effects of the subgrid wave turbulence model, turbulence damping model, and droplet entrainment model are simultaneously investigated, which have been shown to be important in the previous work with CFX. The results show that the simulations are considerably and significantly deviate from the experiments when the turbulence damping is not considered. The free surface modeling of two-phase flow can be optimized by using the droplet entrainment model. The consistency between the simulation and experimental results is not enhanced after the subgrid wave turbulence model is adopted. Further investigations regarding the implementation of the subgrid wave turbulence model are necessary.
Energy, Exergy, and Economic Performances of Combined CO2 Power and Cooling Systems: Comparison and Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Yu Aofang , Xing Lingli , Lin Xinxing , Ou Shaoduan
Published: July 2022

As a natural working fluid, carbon dioxide (CO2) has been extensively applied to produce power and cooling in thermodynamic cycles. So far, various combined CO2 power and cooling systems have been proposed to enhance the energy conversion efficiency and reduce the cost further. However, how to evaluate the performance of different combined systems for a practical application scenario is still an open question. Thus, in this work, four representative systems are considered to investigate and compare the energy, exergy, and economic performances under design conditions. The corresponding models are established, and various performance parameters are calculated. According to the obtained results, the total products of four systems are 6831.36 kW, 4421.73 kW, 6252.81 kW, and 6978.69 kW, respectively. The minimum total cost is obtained by System 2. Thereafter, in order to maximize the total product (the sum of net work and refrigerating capacity), and simultaneously minimize the total cost, key system parameters are optimized by a multi-objective optimization algorithm, namely, NSGA-Ⅱ. The optimization results show that System 1 provides the highest total product (7345.4 kW), while System 2 has the lowest cost (27.51 $/h). After comprehensive comparisons for the net work, cooling capacity, efficiencies, and total cost, System 1 is regarded as the best among the considered four systems.
Optimal Configuration of Fire-Storage Capacity Considering Dynamic Charge-Discharge Efficiency of Hybrid Energy Storage
Authors: Huang Hongbo , Wang Hui , Cai Yang , Chen Xiwei , Li Tingting
Published: July 2022

The combination of thermal power and hybrid energy storage is an effective way to improve the response ability of automatic generation control (AGC) command in thermal power plants. Notably, the configuration of hybrid energy storage capacity is directly related to improvement of the frequency modulation ability of thermal power plants and the coordination of economic benefits. However, the constant efficiency model adopted in capacity configuration will misjudge the actual operating status of each energy storage unit, resulting in unreasonable capacity allocation. In this context, a fire-storage capacity optimization configuration model considering the dynamic charge–discharge efficiency of hybrid energy storage is established. The model presents the functional relationship between charge and discharge power and the efficiency of different types of energy storage. Simulation proves that the proposed strategy can meet the tracking demand of area control error signal in thermal power plants and reduce the planning and operation cost of energy storage.
Investigation on the Effect of the Shaft Transition Form on the Inflow Pattern and Hydrodynamic Characteristics of the Pre-Shaft Tubular Pump Device
Authors: Luo Can , Du Kang , Qi Weijun , Cheng Li , Huang Xianbei , Lu Jiaxing
Published: July 2022

The shaft tubular pump device is widely used in low head pumping stations in plain areas. The N-S equation and the SST k-ω turbulence model are adopted. Then, the investigation on the influence of the shaft transition form on the inflow pattern and hydrodynamic characteristics of the pre-shaft tubular pump device is carried out. By designing three transition forms of shafts, different inflow patterns are provided for the tubular pump device. The characteristic parameters of the shafts and external and internal flow characteristics of the pumping device under different inflow patterns are compared and analyzed. Finally, the optimal transition form is selected for model tests, and unsteady pressure pulsation characteristics are studied. The results show that the flow pattern in the inlet passage of each case is relatively uniform and smooth, and the range of the high-efficiency zone of the pump device is roughly within 0.9Qd–1.2Qd. The energy loss and the weighted average angle on the outlet of each case are similar. The axial velocity distribution uniformity on the impeller inlet of case 1 is better than that of the other cases. The numerical simulation results are consistent with the experimental results, and the numerical simulation method is reliable. Under the design condition, the pressure pulsation amplitude at the impeller inlet is the largest. It gradually increases from the hub to the shroud. The main frequency of pressure pulsation is the blade frequency. The pressure pulsation amplitude at the impeller outlet decreases from the hub to the shroud. The main frequency is not constant due to the rotor–stator interaction between the impeller and the guide vane. The outcome will be beneficial to the design and optimization of the shaft tubular pump device, which is helpful for broadening the corresponding theory and applying it to the actual project.
Fluid-Structure Interaction in a Pipeline Embedded in Concrete During Water Hammer
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhao Caihu , Guo Qiang , Zhou Jianxu , Feng Yong , Xu Kunbo
Published: July 2022

Pipe vibration induced by water hammer frequently emerges in water conveyance system, especially in the hydropower plant or pumped storage power station with long diversion pipelines. This vibration in turn affects the hydraulic pulsation so that undesired fluid-structure interaction (FSI) arises. In this research, attention is given to a pipeline embedded in concrete. A six-equation model was derived to describe the fluid-pipe-concrete interaction considering Poisson coupling and junction coupling. With the elastic and homogeneous hypotheses, an iterative approach was proposed to solve this model, and the results were validated by experiment and classical water-hammer theory. Then dynamic FSI responses to water hammer were studied in a reservoir-pipe-valve physical system. Hydraulic pressure, pipe wall stress and axial motion were discussed with respect to different parameters of concrete. Results obtained by the two-equation model, four-equation model and six-equation model show characteristics of pressure wave and stress wave separately with and without FSI.
The effect of green finance and unemployment rate on carbon emissions in china
Authors: Cui Yiniu , Wang Gangyi , Irfan Muhammad , Wu Desheng , Cao Jianhong
Published: July 2022

China’s economy has developed rapidly since the reform and opening up, but under the long-term traditional extensive development model, energy consumption is excessive and carbon emissions rank first in the world. Therefore, how to reduce carbon emissions is a current hot issue in China. Although many scholars have found that green finance is the basic driving force to promote carbon emission reduction, its role path is diverse, and it still needs to be explored in width and depth. Especially in the green transformation stage of the economy, the potential unemployment risk is also a matter of concern. This study selects 30 provincial panel data from the Chinese mainland for the 2004–2019 years to investigate the impact of green finance on carbon emissions from the perspective of unemployment using ordinary least square (OLS), generalized method of moments (GMM), and mediating effect models. In addition, in order to avoid the bias of regression results caused by the cross-section dependence of the data, the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) and the panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) models are used for the robust test after correction. The findings show that 1) green finance has a significant inhibitory impact on carbon emissions; 2) green finance has significantly reduced the unemployment rate; 3) carbon emissions increase significantly with increasing the unemployment rate; and 4) there is regional heterogeneity in the effect of green finance on carbon emissions in eastern, central, and western China. Green finance in the eastern and central regions significantly inhibits carbon emissions, especially in the central region, while insignificantly in the western region. 5) According to the OLS and mediating effect regression results, economic growth and environmental regulation play a significant positive role in promoting carbon emissions. This study has theoretical reference significance for accelerating the realization of the dual carbon goal and alleviating phased unemployment.
Ciliate Communities Respond via Their Traits to a Wastewater Treatment Plant With a Combined UASB–Activated Sludge System
Authors: Moreira Yasmine Costa , Cardoso Simone Jaqueline , Siqueira-Castro Isabel Cristina Vidal , Araújo Greinert-Goulart Juliane , Bueno Franco Regina Maura , Graco-Roza Caio , Dias Roberto Júnio Pedroso
Published: July 2022

Assessing functional diversity of communities is an efficient method to link community composition to ecosystem quality. Still, studies using functional traits of microeukaryote ciliate communities in biological wastewater treatment plants are lacking. The present work explores the functional diversity of the ciliate protist community in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operating with a combined UASB-activated sludge system, and specifically to: 1) investigate the taxonomic and functional composition of the ciliate communities over time; 2) compare taxonomic and functional diversity indices with regard to its applicability in WWPS; 3) assess the relationship between the ciliate community’s functional composition and the WWTPs temporal conditions; and 4) investigate the potential use of functional diversity as an indicator of WWTP efficiency. Totally, we recorded 21 ciliate species throughout 37 samplings. The number of species was low compared to other plants. Bacterivorous and flake-forming species were the main functional strategies found in the samples. The correlation between taxonomic and functional richness was significant, indicating a functionally redundant community. There was a correlation between the Simpson and Rao’s quadratic entropy indexes suggesting that loss of taxonomic diversity leads to a loss of functional diversity. The homogeneity of the measured physical and chemical data led to functional homogenization and redundancy (homogenous CWM) of the ciliate community. The functional diversity is positively correlated with parameters of removal efficiency, indicating a promising application in WWTPs. Future studies will broaden knowledge on functional diversity in biological wastewater treatment systems, this being a first step with the unprecedented application of this methodology in artificial ecosystems.
Effects of Phytoremediation on Microbial Biomass, Composition, and Function in a Sulphide-Rich Tailing From a Metal-Contaminated Region
Authors: Nkongolo K. K. , Spiers G. , Beckett P. , Narendrula-Kotha R.
Published: July 2022

Mining activities lead to serious land deterioration and large scale mine waste generation. Reclamation has been carried out on several technogenic materials to encourage the development of soils. To date no detailed studies have been conducted to assess if soil developed in reclaimed tailings can be suitable for microbial community sustainability and associated plant population. This study investigated if 1) soil metal contamination affects microbial biomass and composition in sulphide tailings and 2) phytoremediation of tailing increases microbial abundance, diversity, and function. Microbial biomass was assessed using Phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA). Soil bacterial and fungal microbiota was determined by high throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and internal transcribed spacer region for fungi using the Illumina platform. Total copper, nickel, iron, and titium were higher in unreclaimed sites compared to vegetated areas but the total microbial biomass was significantly higher in reclaimed sites compared to reference areas. More importantly, the levels of microbial biomass were not impacted by metals since the bioavailable Cu, Ni, and Ti were low in all the sites. Site-specific bacterial and fungal genera were identified. Proteobacteria was the most dominant bacterial phylum while Ascomicota was the predominant fungal phylum. Interestinlgy, Acidiferrobacter, an acidophilic, thermotolerant and facultatively anaerobic was the most predominant genus in unreclaimed site that is characterized by extreme acidity (pH = 2.8). Analysis of microbial diversity revealed higher Chao 1, # of OTUs, Shannon index, and species richness in bacterial and fungal populations from reclaimed sites compared to controls. The levels of β-glucosidase (BG), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase), aryl sulfatase (AS), acid phosphatase (AP), alkaline phosphatase (AlP), glycine aminopeptidase (GAP), and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activities were significantly higher in vegetated sites compared to reference areas. Strong positive correlation coefficients were observed between soil organic matter and total microbial biomass (r = 0.99). These two factors were positively correlated with enzymatic activities and bacterial population diversity. Overall, newly developed soils can sustain diverse microbial communities and associated vegetations.
Effects of Forestry Waste Neolamarckia cadamba Leaf Meal as an Additive on Fermentation Quality, Antioxidant Activity, and Bacterial Community of High-Moisture Stylo Silage
Authors: Wu Shuo , Gao Lin , Chen Dandan , Xue Yanlin , Kholif Ahmed E. , Zhou Wei , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhang Qing
Published: July 2022

N. cadamba leaves, a byproduct of wood production, are always discarded in the field. N. cadamba leaves have strong antibacterial property, which might be recycled to inhibit undesirable bacteria and enhance the fermentation quality of silage. Ensiling, a traditional conservation method for animal feed, is commonly used all over the world. It is known that high-moisture forages, especially legumes, are difficult to ensile directly as much ammonia-N and butyric acid produced by undesirable bacteria will reduce the feeding value. To investigate the effects of N. cadamba leaf meal on the fermentation quality of stylo silage, 5% and 10% N. cadamba leaf meal were mixed with stylo for 30 days of ensiling in two independent experiments. Results showed that the silage pH and butyric acid content of stylo silage were decreased (p < 0.01) by 10% N. cadamba leaf meal. In experiment 2, contents of nonprotein-N and ammonia-N were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the true protein content was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The same results on the changing tendency were also obtained in experiment 1. In addition, N. cadamba leaf meal addition also decreased the bacterial diversity. The relative abundance of Clostridium and Lelliottia decreased, whereas that of Lactobacillus increased when N. cadamba leaf meal was added. It is worth noting that the addition of N. cadamba leaf meal also improved the antioxidant activity of stylo silage. The aforementioned results suggested that mixing N. cadamba leaf meal to high moisture forages could be an effective strategy to enhance silage fermentation quality, and it is also a feasible way to recycle N. cadamba leaves.
The Influence of Eco-Investment on E-Waste Recycling-Evidence From EU Countries
Authors: Constantinescu Andreea , Platon Victor , Surugiu Marius , Frone Simona , Antonescu Daniela , Mazilescu Raluca
Published: July 2022

Waste electrical and electronic equipment is the fastest growing waste stream internationally. Due to its physical characteristics, e-waste is a suitable subject for the development of recovery, repair, and recycling policies, prolonging products’ life cycle for as long as possible, and is an objective pursued by the specific mechanisms of the circular economy. From the point of view of economic development models, e-waste management is one of the areas with significant potential for the implementation of the circular economy. The circular economy is analyzed through a set of 10 indicators that can be found in the Eurostat database. In this paper, we focus on the relationship between two main indicators with significance for this topic (e-waste recycling and eco-investment) and their evolution in European countries. An econometric model regarding the influence of eco-investment on e-waste recycling in EU member states will highlight the impact of circular economy indicators and the importance of promoting the reduce-reuse-recycle paradigm, especially for e-waste. A panel analysis was performed on data from European Union (EU) countries for the period (2008–2018). The analysis uses e-waste recycled per inhabitant as the determined variable and eco-investment per inhabitant as independent variable. The results of the econometric analysis performed show that, although all EU member states benefit from eco-investment, there is a group of countries that have already achieved a high capacity of e-waste recycling, while others should increase eco-investment further.
Study on Advanced Nitrogen Removal and Microbial Community Structure of Traditional Chinese Medicine Wastewater by a Novel System Coupling Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor and Modified Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Wang Kai , Jiang Jinfeng , Ma Liang , Zheng Liwen , Zhang Guangyuan , Wu Daoji
Published: July 2022

To improve the efficiency of nitrogen removal from pharmaceutical wastewater, wastewater from traditional Chinese medicine was treated in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) combined with a modified sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN) contents were 3,750 ± 50 mg/L and 210 ± 10 mg/L, respectively. After 99 days of start-up and domestication, the COD, NH4+-N, and TN contents in the effluent were 230 ± 10 mg/L, 1 ± 0.5 mg/L, and 5 ± 3 mg/L, respectively, and the removal efficiencies reached more than 93.5, 99, and 96%, respectively. Among these results, the COD removal efficiency in traditional Chinese medicine wastewater with an ASBR reached more than 85%, and the effluent and raw water were mixed to adjust the C/N ratio in the SBBR influent. The initial operation mode of the improved SBBR was anaerobic–aerobic–anoxic. When the C/N ratio in the influent was adjusted to 5, the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) in the aerobic section was gradually enhanced, and the endogenous denitrification (ED) in the anoxic section gradually decreased. In conclusion, deep denitrification of the system was achieved only through SND, and the running time of the cycle was shortened from the initial 24 to 4.6 h. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria in the system were 39.69 and 37.34%, respectively. The content of Firmicutes with denitrification in the system was also high, accounting for 5.17%. At the genus level, the bacteria with denitrification functions in the system were mainly Thauera and unidentified_Sphingobacteriales, accounting for 5.67 and 1.66% of the system, respectively. In addition, there was heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) activated in the system, including Denitratisoma, Paracoccus, and Pseudomonas. The total relative abundance of these bacteria was 0.612%. Their existence may be one of the reasons for the good effect of SND in this system.
Microscopic observation of a liquid-liquid-(semi)solid phase in polluted PM2.5
Authors: Gaikwad Sanjit , Jeong Rani , Kim Dohyun , Lee Kwangyul , Jang Kyoung-Soon , Kim Changhyuk , Song Mijung
Published: July 2022

Atmospheric aerosol particles are complex mixtures having various physicochemical properties. To predict the role and characteristics of such complex aerosol particles in air pollution and related atmospheric chemistry, our knowledge of the number and types of phases in complex aerosol particles should be improved. However, most studies on the phase behavior of aerosol particles have been conducted in the laboratory and have not used real-world aerosol particles. In this study, using a combination of optical microscopy and poke-and-flow technique, we investigated the number and types of phases of actual aerosol particles of particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) collected on heavily polluted days in Seosan, South Korea in winter 2020–2021. From the microscopic observations at 293 K, it showed that the PM2.5particles exist in a single liquid phase at relative humidity (RH) >∼85%, a liquid-liquid phase at ∼70% < RH <∼85%, a liquid-liquid-(semi)solid phase at ∼30% < RH <∼70%, and a (semi)solid phase at RH <∼30% upon dehydration. This reveals that three phases of atmospheric aerosol particles coexisting as liquid-liquid and liquid-liquid-(semi)solid would be the most common phases in the atmosphere considering ambient RH ranges. These observations provide fundamental properties necessary for improved predictions of air quality and aerosol chemistry such as reactive uptake of N2O5, size distributions, and mass concentrations of aerosol particles.
Assessment of the ecological sustainability of river basins based on the modified the ESHIPPOfish model on the example of the Velika Morava basin (Serbia, Central Balkans)
Authors: Simić Vladica , Bănăduc Doru , Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Petrović Ana , Veličković Tijana , Stojković-Piperac Milica , Simić Snežana
Published: July 2022

This study examines the ecological sustainability of the Velika Morava River Basin (Serbia, Central Balkans) under modern conditions of multiple freshwater stressors, including climate change. The impact of stressors on the ecological services of the river basin is considered, including: drinking water, irrigation, recreation, tourism, ecotourism, and fishing. In order to assess the ecological sustainability of the river basin, a modification of the ESHIPPO model was performed. The essence of the modification is a change to the ES component, which, in the basic model, assesses the degree of ecological specialization of a taxon; and in the modified assessment of the ecological stability of the ecosystem (ESE). The structure of ichthyocenosis is used as the basic biological indicator for the assessment of ESE. The assessment of river basin sustainability was obtained as the difference between ESE and the impact of multiple factors, including: habitat change, invasive species, pollution, human population growth (social factors), and the over-exploitation of resources (HIPPO). The statistical analysis (SOM—Self Organizing Map) highlights the most reliable indicators of both biotic (ichthyocenosis structure elements) and the indicators that best detect the influence of HIPPO factors. The structure of the model is based on general and easily measurable indicators, which enables its application in any river basin in the world. The results of the model indicate that 80% of the studied basin is ecologically unsustainable and that its potential environmental services are greatly reduced.
Global Sustainable Development Evaluation Methods With Multiple-Dimensional: Sustainable Development Index
Authors: Peng Yixiao , Zhang Hejie
Published: July 2022

Sustainable development has become a new goal of world development, and the measurement of sustainable development level is an important issue. This article introduces indicators of land ecology and allocation to establish a sustainable development index (SDI) including two levels of indicators. Based on the data research of SDI 2019 of 188 countries (regions), we conclude as follows: 1) the ranking of oil-producing countries fell sharply because of land ecological deterioration and single industrial structure; 2) the ranking of Southeast Asian and East African countries (regions) progressed because of ecological protection; 3) most developing countries (regions) have excellent performance on ecological protection, and the main reason for changing their ranking is the inequality of land allocation. Emerging countries, such as China and Russia, also have these problems in their rapid development. We suggest that countries (regions), especially countries (regions) that rely heavily on resource extraction, should pay attention to land ecological protection, and developed and emerging countries (regions) should optimize land allocation. The main contribution of this article is to provide a new solution and ideas for the measurement of sustainable development by improving the indicator system.
Altitudinal Patterns in Adaptive Evolution of Genome Size and Inter-Genome Hybridization Between Three Elymus Species From the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Zhao , Guan Yongzhuo , Han Mengli , Guo Yuxia , Zhang Jingxue , Guo Zhipeng , Sun Genlou , Yan Xuebing
Published: July 2022

Genome size variation and hybridization occur frequently within or between plant species under diverse environmental conditions, which enrich species diversification and drive the evolutionary process. Elymus L. is the largest genus in Triticeae with five recognized basic genomes (St, H, P, W, and Y). However, the data on population cytogenetics of Elymus species are sparse, especially whether genome hybridization and chromosomal structure can be affected by altitude are still unknown. In order to explore the relationship between genome sizes, we studied interspecific hybridization and altitude of Elymus species at population genetic and cytological levels. Twenty-seven populations at nine different altitudes (2,800–4,300 m) of three Elymus species, namely, hexaploid E. nutans (StHY, 2n = 6x = 42), tetraploid E. burchan-buddae (StY, 2n = 4x = 28), and E. sibiricus (StH, 2n = 4x = 28), were sampled from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) to estimate whether intraspecific variation could affect the genomic relationships by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), and quantify the genome size of Elymus among different altitude ecological groups by flow cytometry. The genome size of E. nutans, E. burchan-buddae, and E. sibiricus varied from 12.38 to 22.33, 8.81 to 18.93, and 11.46 to 20.96 pg/2C with the averages of 19.59, 12.39, and 16.85 pg/2C, respectively. The curve regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between altitude and nuclear DNA content in three Elymus species. In addition, the chromosomes of the St and Y genomes demonstrated higher polymorphism than that of the H genome. Larger genome size variations occurred in the mid-altitude populations (3,900–4,300 m) compared with other-altitude populations, suggesting a notable altitudinal pattern in genome size variation, which shaped genome evolution by altitude. This result supports our former hypothesis that genetic richness center at medium altitude is useful and valuable for species adaptation to highland environmental conditions, germplasm utilization, and conservation.
Rapid monitoring of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in semi-arid regions based on ecological convergence and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Zhao Wenxuan , Liu Tong , Sun Mingming , Wang Hanyue , Liu Xuelian , Su Pei
Published: July 2022

Rapid monitoring and early elimination are important measures to control the spread of invasive plants.Ambrosia artemisiifoliais a globally distributed harmful invasive weed. The aim of this study was to clarify the invasion habitat preferences ofA. artemisiifoliaand the interspecific associations or phylogenetic relationships between this and native species in the Yili River Valley of Xinjiang, China. We identified the preferred habitat types ofA. artemisiifolia, and investigated the composition and distribution of native species at the early stage of invasion by targeted sampling at 186 sites. By comparing the associations and phylogenetic distance betweenA. artemisiifoliaand native species with those in Xinjiang and worldwide, we assessed the feasibility of using native species as indicators for rapid monitoring ofA. artemisiifolia.A. artemisiifoliadisplayed an obvious invasive preference for semi-arid areas, particularly road margins (27.96%), forest (21.51%), farmland (19.35%), wasteland (12.37%), residential areas (10.75%), and grassland (8.06%). The composition and distribution of native species were similar across habitats, with more than 50% co-occurrence ofA. artemisiifoliawithSetaria viridis,Poa annua,Arrhenatherum elatius,Artemisia annua,Artemisia vulgaris,Artemisia leucophylla,Cannabis sativa, andChenopodium album.A. artemisiifoliawas more likely to show co-occurrence with closely related species. Overall, 53.85% of the above indicator native species with high co-occurrence were widely distributed in the potential suitable areas forA. artemisiifoliain Xinjiang. Globally, the species with the highest occurrence belonged to the generaChenopodium(58%),Bromus,Poa,Setaria, andTrifolium(>40%). Therefore, native species with the strong association and phylogenetic distant relationship toA. artemisiifoliacan be employed as indicators for rapid and accurate monitoring in semi-arid areas.
Comparative genomics of host-specialized populations of Corynespora cassiicola causing target spot epidemics in the southeastern United States
Authors: Dacones Leilani S. , Kemerait Robert C. , Brewer Marin T.
Published: July 2022

Numerous plant-pathogenic fungi secrete necrotrophic effectors (syn. host-selective toxins) that are important determinants of pathogenicity and virulence in species that have a necrotrophic lifestyle. Corynespora cassiicola is a necrotrophic fungus causing emerging target spot epidemics in the southeastern United States (US). Previous studies revealed that populations of C. cassiicola from cotton, soybean, and tomato are clonal, host specialized and genetically distinct. Additionally, cassiicolin – the necrotrophic effector identified in some C. cassiicola isolates – is an important toxin for virulence on rubber. It is encoded by seven Cas gene variants. Our goal was to conduct comparative genomic analyses to identify variation among putative necrotrophic effector genes and to determine if lack of one of the mating-types explained clonal populations in C. cassiicola causing outbreaks in the southeastern US and the apparent absence of sexual reproduction worldwide. A total of 12 C. cassiicola genomes, with four each from isolates from tomato, soybean, and cotton, were sequenced using an Illumina Next Seq platform. Each genome was assembled de novo, compared with the reference genome from rubber, and searched for known Cas, and other gene clusters with homologs of secondary metabolites. Cas2 and/or Cas6 were present in isolates from soybean in the southeastern US, whereas Cas1 and Cas2 were present in isolates from cotton in the southeastern US. In addition, several toxin genes, including the T-toxin biosynthetic genes were present in all C. cassiicola from cotton, soybean, and tomato. The mating-type locus was identified in all of the sequenced genomes, with the MAT1-1 idiomorph present in all cotton isolates and the rubber isolate, whereas the MAT1-2 idiomorph was present in all soybean isolates. We developed a PCR-based marker for mating-type in C. cassiicola. Both mating types were present in isolates from tomato. Thus, C. cassiicola has both mating-types necessary for sexual reproduction, but the absence of both mating-types within soybean and cotton populations could explain clonality in these populations. Variation in necrotrophic effectors may underlie host specialization and disease emergence of target spot on cotton, soybean, and tomato in the southeastern US.
Emerging Information and Communication Technologies: the Challenges for the Dynamic Freight Management in City Logistics
Authors: Comi Antonio , Russo Francesco
Published: July 2022

Recently, the evolution of emerging information and communication technologies (e-ICTs) has opened the road for developing and implementing new integrated and dynamic city logistics solutions and subsequently for identifying new frontiers of intelligent transport systems (ITSs). The study evolves pointing out the different city logistics groups of actors and their reciprocal interactions in relation to the considered new technologies (i.e., internet of things, block chain, big data, and artificial intelligence), which allow actors to increase their utility exploiting the advancement of current intelligent transport systems. The changes in the generalized path costs supported by each stakeholder are explored, and the modifications guided by e-ICTs are analyzed. The learning process due to the update for within-day and day-to-day dynamics is detailed and formalized. In this way, the current formulation of the classical transport problem (vehicle routing and scheduling) and the new one (pushed from the growth of ecommerce, i.e., courier routing) are explored under the light of the new knowledge derived from the use of e-ICTs. Novelty of the study mainly comprises the analysis of each emerging ICT group and of the formalization, in the classical transport system models (TSM), of the new knowledge for each actor group.