bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsurface structure of magmatic segments during continental breakup: Perspectives from a gravity data analysis along the Main Ethiopian Rift
Authors: Nigussie Wubamlak , Mickus Kevin , Keir Derek , Alemu Abera , Muhabaw Yoseph , Muluneh Ameha A. , Yehualaw Esubalew , Demissie Zelalem
Published: January 2023

In magma-rich continental rifts, extension is commonly localized as dike injection in discrete magmatic segments which appear from surface geology to mimic the along-axis segmentation of ocean ridges. However, the subsurface morphology of these zones of localized magma injection is unclear, and whether and at what depth range they remain with discrete subvolcanic plumbing systems is not fully understood. In addition, the relationship between zones of magma injection and tectonic faulting is also debated. The Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) provides a unique opportunity to examine the spatial scale, locus, and subsurface geometries of magmatic localization in active continental rifts. We examined spatial variations in the structure of the crust in the MER using gravity data to better understand the subsurface pattern of magma injection. Results of our study reveal discrete Bouguer gravity highs in the centers of the distinct right-stepping magmatic segments of the MER (Aluto, Gedemsa, and Boseti), and interpreted as the locus of mafic intrusions. The gravity data show that the boundary between each magmatic segment is observed down to depths of ∼20 km, suggesting that magmatic segments have discrete subvolcanic plumbing systems at least down to the mid-crust. Additionally, incorporating the fault network shows that the densest faulting occurs at the tips of the zones of densest magma injection shown by Bouguer gravity highs. This is similar to the axial segmentation observed at slow and ultra-slow spreading ridges and suggests strong along-axis variations in deformation mechanism, with magma injection accommodating extension at the segment centers and faulting dominating towards the segment ends. In addition, rift margin volcanic zones (Siltie Debrezeit, Yerer Tulu, and Galema) are also inferred from bandpass gravity anomaly maps, supported by petrologic evidence, which implies that extension by dike injection has also occurred near the rift flanks.
P-wave anelasticity in hydrate-bearing sediments based on a triple-porosity model
Authors: Ba Jing , Guo Fulin , Carcione José M. , Gei Davide
Published: January 2023

P-wave anelasticity (attenuation and dispersion) of hydrate-bearing sediments depends on several factors, namely the properties of the mineral components, hydrate content and morphology, and fluid saturation. Anelasticity is analyzed with a triple-porosity model (stiff pores, clay micropores and hydrate micropores), by considering hydrate as an additional solid skeleton. We relate the hydrate volume ratio, porosity and radii of the hydrate inclusion and clay mineral to the P-wave velocity and attenuation. The model takes wave-induced local fluid flow (mesoscopic loss) at the grain contacts into account. The results are compared with those of a double-porosity and load-bearing models, and verified with well-log data from Offshore Drilling Program sites 1247B and 1250F, and data reported in Nankai Trough, Japan. Model results and data show a good agreement.
Are law students’ individual differences in the post-pandemic world related to performance?
Authors: Pilotti Maura A. E. , Hassan Samia A. M. , El Alaoui Khadija , Aldossary Farah
Published: January 2023

The present study examined the dispositions of female undergraduate law students one semester after their return to face-to-face classes. It aimed to determine the contribution of particular dispositions to academic performance. Dispositions selected were those that are known to promote adaptation, such as self-efficacy and emotional intelligence, as well as resistance-to-change attitudes, which are known to do the opposite. Freshmen (n = 261) and seniors (n = 236) were included to assess whether dispositions varied with the length of students’ academic experience. Participants were students from a society in which females’ academic success is seen as key to advancing a sustainable, competitive, and gender-equitable economy. Thus, at the time of the study, these students were expected to quickly readjust to the post-pandemic world of face-to-face instruction. Participants completed questionnaires on the selected dispositions. Academic performance was operationalized as the grade point average obtained in the semester following a return to face-to-face classes. In the study, the length of academic experience mattered. Seniors exhibited greater self-efficacy and emotional intelligence. For both groups, performance increased with emotional reactions to forced change, thereby suggesting that noticing environmental changes that challenge one’s sense of agency is beneficial. However, in seniors, performance decreased with their short-term focus, whereas in freshmen, it increased with emotional intelligence, indicating that college experience shapes the utility of particular traits.
Child friendship patterns at a refugee center in Greece
Authors: Palaiologou Nektaria , Prekate Viktoria
Published: January 2023

Since 2015, Greece has seen a large influx of refugees, resulting in increased needs for accommodation and education provision. As most newcomers come in family units, innovative educational measures were established to assist schooling and inclusion for refugee children. Schools provide opportunities to young refugee communities for initiating connections and maintaining friendships with local native peers. However, segregated accommodation structures, such as large, remote Refugee Hospitality Centers, can hinder this process. A small-scale study was conducted at Skaramagas refugee camp in the outskirts of Athens, to investigate the number and type of friendships formed by adolescent refugees, including friendships with refugees/migrants from other countries, as well as native peers. Certain sociological factors, such as age, sex, country of origin, school attendance and duration of stay in Greece, were examined. The study was conducted through semi-constructed interviews with 21 adolescent students at the Refugee Hospitality Center, all of whom attended onsite non-formal language classes, although only half attended formal education outside the camp. The results indicate the positive impact of school attendance on relational inclusion and widening friendship circles. Children attending local formal schools were more likely to widen their friendship circles and form friendships with native peers than children who only attended non-formal classes inside the camp. Girls appear to have fewer friendships than boys, ethnicity and age do not seem to provide any significant differentiation, whereas duration of stay in Greece does not seem to affect socialization patterns directly. This study examines the patterns of friendship formation among newly arrived refugee adolescents and highlights the impact of schooling on relational inclusion, even at highly segregated accommodation structures, such as remote refugee camps.
Impact of body composition analysis on male sexual function: A metabolic age study
Authors: Majzoub Ahmad , Elbardisi Haitham , Madani Sarah , Leisegang Kristian , Mahdi Mohamed , Agarwal Ashok , Henkel Ralf , Khalafalla Kareim , ElSaid Sami , Arafa Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Metabolic Age (MetAge) and body composition analysis may reflect an individual’s metabolic status, which is believed to influence male sexual and gonadal functions. Although erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism are increasingly prevalent with age, they are also detected among younger men. This study aims to assess the impact of MetAge and body composition on male sexual and gonadal status overall, and particularly in men younger than 40 years of age.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 90 male healthcare workers, between the ages of 18-55, randomly selected based on their corporation numbers. In addition to Bioelectric Impedance Analysis, subjects were requested to fill the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) and to provide an early morning serum testosterone (T) sample.

Results

The mean participants’ age was 39.4 ± 9.4 years, MetAge was 45.54 ± 10.35 years, serum T level was 13.68 ± 4.49 nmol/L and BMI was 28.8 ± 4.7 kg/m2. Significant negative correlations were obtained between serum T, MetAge, body weight and fat composition. Significant negative correlations between the IIEF-5 score, MetAge, and fat composition, were only reported in subjects <40 years of age. Significantly lower T levels (p=0.002), significantly older MetAge (p=0.034), and higher BMI (p=0.044) and degree of obesity (p=0.042) were observed in participants <40 years with erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to their counterparts without ED.

Discussion

MetAge and body composition parameters significantly impact the androgenic state. ED in men <40 years is associated with lower T levels, older MetAge and higher BMI and degree of obesity.
Reduced mitochondrial DNA content correlate with poor clinical outcomes in cryotransfers with day 6 single euploid embryos
Authors: Chuang Tzu-Hsuan , Chen Chih-Yen , Kuan Chin-Sheng , Lai Hsing-Hua , Hsieh Chia-Lin , Lee Meng-Ju , Liang Yi-Ting , Chang Yu-Jen , Chen Chien-Yu , Chen Shee-Uan
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate whether the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of a single biopsy at trophoblast correlates with the developmental potential and reproductive outcomes of blastocyst.

Methods

A retrospective analysis applied the dataset of 1,675 embryos with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) from 1,305 individuals, and 1,383 embryos involved cryotransfers of single euploid embryo between January 2015 and December 2019. The studied cohort was divided for algorithm establishment on the NGS platform (n=40), correlation of biological features (n=1,635), and correlation of reproductive outcomes (n=1,340). Of the algorithm derived from the NGS platform, the reliability and repeatability were validated via qPCR assay and inter-run controls, respectively. Of the correlation across biological features, stratification analyses were applied to evaluate the effect from a single contributor. Eventually, the correlation between the mtDNA ratios and reproductive outcomes was adjusted according to the significant effector(s).

Results

The mtDNA ratios showed statistically different between embryos with different days of blastocyst formation ([Day 5]: 1.06 vs. [Day 6]: 0.66, p=0.021), and between embryos with different expansion stages ([Expansion 5]: 1.05 vs. [Expansion 6]: 0.49, p=0.012). None or weakly correlated with the maternal age, morphology, ploidy, and gender. Analyzed by the different days of blastocyst formation with fixed expansion score as 5 in the euploid single embryo transfers (eSET), the day 6 eSET showed significantly lower reduced mtDNA ratio (n=139) in failure groups of fetal heartbeat (p=0.004), ongoing pregnancy (p=0.007), and live birth (p=0.01); however, no correlation between mtDNA ratios and pregnancy outcomes was observed in the day 5 eSET (n=1,201).

Conclusions

The study first demonstrated that mtDNA ratio was dependent on the days of blastocyst formation while expansion stage was fixed. Lower mtDNA ratios were observed in the day 6 eSET with adverse outcomes. The present stratification analyses reveal that the timeline of embryo is an important covariate to the mtDNA content.
Live birth rate following frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer is higher in high-grade day 6 blastocysts than in low-grade day 5 blastocysts
Authors: Shi Wenhao , Zhou Hanying , Chen Lijuan , Xue Xia , Shi Juanzi
Published: January 2023

Background

Day 5 (D5) blastocysts are generally given priority to transfer than day 6 (D6) blastocysts; however, which one should be prioritized to transfer when only low-grade D5 and high-grade D6 blastocysts are available?

Methods

A large retrospective cohort study was carried out to evaluate the live birth rate (LBR) following D5 and D6 blastocysts in single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) during January 2014 and December 2018. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the combined impact of expansion day (D5 and D6) and blastocyst quality (high grade/low grade) on LBR, accounting for the potential confounding factors. The biopsied blastocysts from a consecutive PGT-A case series during February 2013 to December 2021 were analyzed in a supplementary study.

Results

The LBR achieved in high-grade D6 blastocyst transfer was significantly higher than that in low-grade D5 blastocyst transfer (50.43% vs. 40.70%, aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.05–2.26, p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in preterm birth rate, very preterm birth rate, mean live birth weight, and birth weight <1,500 g and >4,000 g between the two cohorts. As for aneuploidy analysis in PGT, there were 54.55% of euploid blastocysts (30/55) among high-grade D6 blastocysts, significantly higher than the 41.39% of euploid blastocysts (565/1,365) among low-grade D5 blastocysts (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that D6 blastocysts with high morphology grading are preferred than D5 blastocysts with low morphology grading when selecting blastocyst transfer to shorten the time of conception.
Impacts of endometrioma on ovarian aging from basic science to clinical management
Authors: Tan Zhouyurong , Gong Xue , Li Yiran , Hung Sze Wan , Huang Jin , Wang Chi Chiu , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah
Published: January 2023

Endometriosis is a common reproductive disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial implants outside of the uterus. It affects ~1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis in the ovary, also known as endometrioma (OMA), is the most frequent implantation site and the leading cause of reproductive failure in affected women. Ovarian aging is one of the characteristic features of OMA, however its underlying mechanism yet to be determined. Accumulated evidence has shown that pelvic and local microenvironments in women with OMA are manifested, causing detrimental effects on ovarian development and functions. Whilst clinical associations of OMA with poor ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and early menopause have been reported. Moreover, surgical ablation, fenestration, and cystectomy of OMA can further damage the normal ovarian reservoir, and trigger hyperactivation of primordial follicles, subsequently resulting in the undesired deterioration of ovarian functions. Nevertheless, there is no effective treatment to delay or restore ovarian aging. This review comprehensively summarised the pathogenesis and study hypothesis of ovarian aging caused by OMA in order to propose potential therapeutic targets and interventions for future studies.
Homeostatic glucocorticoid signaling in airway smooth muscle: A roadmap to asthma pathogenesis
Authors: Grunstein Michael M.
Published: January 2023

Homeostasis is the self-regulating process by which the body maintains internal stability within a narrow physiological range (i.e., “normality”) as it dynamically adjusts to disruptive influences. Thus, whereas homeostasis maintains bodily health, disrupted homeostasis at the tissue or systemic level leads to disease. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is the pivotal site of disrupted homeostasis in asthma. While extensive research has greatly expanded our understanding of ASM behavior under pro-asthmatic conditions, the cellular signaling mechanisms that underlie ASM homeostasis under these conditions remain elusive. Based on a broad collection of published studies, a homeostasis mechanism intrinsic to ASM and exhibited under inflammatory and non-inflammatory pro-asthmatic conditions is identified herein. Central to this mechanism is the novel unifying concept that the pro-asthmatic-exposed ASM can independently generate its own active glucocorticoid (i.e., cortisol), produce its own newly activated glucocorticoid receptors for the steroid, and, accordingly, use this molecular strategy to homeostatically prevent induction of the asthmatic state. This article addresses the experimental evidence that underlies the proposed homeostatic glucocorticoid signaling mechanism in ASM, followed by a discussion and depiction of the feed-forward and feedback intrinsic ASM signaling circuitry that constitutes the homeostatic state. The proposed mechanism offers a practical roadmap for future basic and translational research aimed at identifying potential key site(s) of disrupted ASM homeostasis leading to asthma.
Combined diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in type 1 diabetes mellitus induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: Underrecognized and underreported emergency in ICIs-DM
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Chen Jiexiu , Bi Juan , Ding Nan , Chen Xin , Wang Zhuo , Jiao Yang
Published: January 2023

Background

Combined diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is extremely rarely reported among ICIs- diabetes mellitus (DM) cases and is always ignored by physicians. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to recognize better the rare adverse event of combined DKA-HHS associated with immune checkpoints.

Methods

A electronic search in Pubmed/Cochrane/Web of Science, complemented by manual searches in article references, was conducted to identify clinical features of ICIs-combined DKA-HHS.

Results

we identified 106 patients with ICIs- type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from 82 publications: 9 patients presented a coexistence of metabolic acidosis, severe hyperglycemia, and/or DKA; All patients were not diagnosed as combined DKA-HHS. Compared with ICIs-DKA patients, combined DKA-HHS cases were prone to higher hyperglycemia (1020 ± 102.5 vs 686.7 ± 252.6mg/dL). Moreover, acute kidney injury (87.5% vs 28.6%) and prior chemotherapy (66.7% vs 31.6%) showed higher occurrences with the onset of ICIs-HHS or combined DKA-HHS.B

Conclusions

Combined DKA-HHS portends a poor diagnosis in patients with coexistence features of DKA and HHS, which healthcare professionals and patients should be aware of due to differences in treatment. Our observational retrospective case series shows that patients with more risk factors were more likely to develop combined DKA-HHS. We are the first to report this group of patients’ clinical characteristics and outcomes.
Emerging concepts on Leydig cell development in fetal and adult testis
Authors: Bhattacharya Indrashis , Dey Souvik
Published: January 2023

Leydig cells (Lc) reside in the interstitial compartment of the testis and are the target of Luteinising hormone (LH) for Testosterone (T) production, thus critically regulates male fertility. Classical histological studies have identified two morphologically different populations of Lc during testicular development [fetal (FLc) and adult (ALc)]. Recent progress inex vivocell/organ culture, genome-wide analysis, genetically manipulated mouse models, lineage tracing, and single-cell RNA-seq experiments have revealed the diverse cellular origins with differential transcriptomic and distinct steroidogenic outputs of these populations. FLc originates from both coelomic epithelium and notch-active Nestin-positive perivascular cells located at the gonad–mesonephros borders, and get specified as Nr5a1 (previously known as Ad4BP/SF-1) expressing cells by embryonic age (E) 12.5 days in fetal mouse testes. These cells produce androstenedione (precursor of T, due to lack of HSD17β3 enzyme) and play critical a role in initial virilization and patterning of the male external genitalia. However, in neonatal testis, FLc undergoes massive regression/dedifferentiation and gradually gets replaced by T-producing ALc. Very recent studies suggest a small fraction (5-20%) of FLc still persists in adult testis. Both Nestin-positive perivascular cells and FLc are considered to be the progenitor populations for ALc. This minireview article summarizes the current understanding of Lc development in fetal and adult testes highlighting their common or diverse cellular (progenitor/stem) origins with respective functional significance in both rodents and primates. (227 words)
Effectiveness of transverse tibial bone transport in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Xing-xi , Xiu Zheng-zhong , Li Gui-chun , Zhang Ji-yuan , Shu Long-jun , Chen Zhong , Li Han , Zou Qing-feng , Zhou Quan
Published: January 2023

Background

Diabetic foot ulcerations (DFUs) are a common but highly morbid complication of long-standing diabetes, carrying high rates of associated major amputation and mortality. Transverse tibial bone transport (TTT) has recently been applied for treatment of DFUs with the aim of accelerating wound healing. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TTT in patients with DFUs.

Methods

Two authors independently retrieved the platforms of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL, to identify studies associated with treatment of DFUs with TTT. Quantitative meta-analyses were performed to pool all available outcomes about the effectiveness and complications of TTT operation, with fixed- (I2<50%) or random-effect (I2>50%) model according to I2.

Results

A total of 7 studies, involving 818 participants, were included, with 661 participants treated with TTT operation. The pooled healing rate and limb salvage rate were 0.96 (95%CI: 0.93~0.98) and 0.98 (95%CI: 0.95~1.00) respectively after treatment with TTT. The pooled mean healing time was 15.03 (95%CI: 9.05~21.00) months. When compared with the pre-operative baseline values, the ankle-brachial index (ABI, MD: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.03~0.44; p<0.001), skin temperature (MD: 1.56; 95%CI: 0.30~2.81; p<0.001), and visual analogue scale (VAS, MD: 3.70; 95%CI: 1.97~5.44; p<0.001) were significantly improved at the final follow-up. When compared with non-TTT group, the TTT group was associated with higher healing rate (OR: 10.43; 95%CI: 3.96~27.43; p<0.001) and limb salvage rate (OR: 9.65; 95%CI: 3.30~28.20; p<0.001). Concerning the complications of the TTT process, the pooled risks of fracture at transportation site and pin-site infection were 0.02 (95%CI: 0.00~0.04) and 0.08 (95%CI: 0.00~0.22), respectively; and the DFU recurrence rate in TTT group was significantly lowered comparing to that of the non-TTT group (RR: 0.18; 95%CI: 0.06~0.49; p=0.001).

Conclusions

TTT operation was associated with high healing rate and limb salvage rate, and could significantly improve the ABI, skin temperature, and VAS after operation. When compared with the control group, TTT group provided significantly higher healing rate and limb salvage rate. However, TTT operation should be conducted with caution concerning the incidences of fracture at tibia, infection at pin channels and necrosis of skin overlying the anterior tibia.
Metabolic remodeling of glycerophospholipids acts as a signature of dulaglutide and liraglutide treatment in recent-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Du Juan , Xi Liuqing , Zhang Zhongxiao , Ge Xiaoxu , Li Wenyi , Peng Wenfang , Jiang Xiaohong , Liu Wen , Zhao Nan , Wang Xingyun , Guo Xirong , Huang Shan
Published: January 2023

Aims

As metabolic remodeling is a pathological characteristic in type 2 diabetes (T2D), we investigate the roles of newly developed long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) such as dulaglutide and liraglutide on metabolic remodeling in patients with recent-onset T2D.

Methods

We recruited 52 cases of T2D and 28 control cases in this study. In the patient with T2D, 39 cases received treatment with dulaglutide and 13 cases received treatment with liraglutide. Using untargeted metabolomics analysis with broad-spectrum LC-MS, we tracked serum metabolic changes of the patients from the beginning to the end of follow-up (12th week).

Results

We identified 198 metabolites that were differentially expressed in the patients with T2D, compared to the control group, in which 23 metabolites were significantly associated with fasting plasma glucose. Compared to pre-treatment, a total of 46 and 45 differentially regulated metabolites were identified after treatments with dulaglutide and liraglutide, respectively, in which the most differentially regulated metabolites belong to glycerophospholipids. Furthermore, a longitudinal integration analysis concurrent with diabetes case-control status revealed that metabolic pathways, such as the insulin resistance pathway and type 2 diabetes mellitus, were enriched after dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments. Proteins such as GLP-1R, GNAS, and GCG were speculated as potential targets of dulaglutide and liraglutide.

Conclusions

In total, a metabolic change in lipids existed in the early stage of T2D was ameliorated after the treatments of GLP-1RAs. In addition to similar effects on improving glycemic control, remodeling of glycerophospholipid metabolism was identified as a signature of dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments.
Characteristics of PM2.5 and secondary inorganic pollution formation during the heating season of 2021 in Beijing
Authors: Wang Jialing , Wu Lingyan , Sun Junying , Zhang Sinan , Zhong Junting
Published: January 2023

Water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) were measured online in Beijing during the heating season of 2021, during which Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were hosted. The characteristics of PM2.5 and water-soluble inorganic ions were investigated in general, as well as during the clean period, polluted period, and Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games periods. It was found that most of the polluted episodes occurred under conditions of low wind speed, temperature inversion, and high relative humidity. The total mass concentration of water-soluble inorganic ions during the polluted period and the clean period accounted for 38.2% and 61.4% of the PM2.5 mass concentration, respectively. Both the sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) and nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) showed a strong relationship with relative humidity. During the polluted period, the concentrations of secondary aerosols such as sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (SNA) increased significantly. Secondary transformation was enhanced compared with that in the clean period. A polluted process after a snowfall event was selected to explore the mechanism of sulfate and nitrate formation under high relative humidity. The results would be beneficial to understanding the causes of pollution and helping the government to formulate effective measures to control air pollution in winter.
Balancing renewable energy and river resources by moving from individual assessments of hydropower projects to energy system planning
Authors: Opperman Jeffrey J. , Carvallo Juan Pablo , Kelman Rafael , Schmitt Rafael J. P. , Almeida Rafael , Chapin Emily , Flecker Alexander , Goichot Marc , Grill Guenther , Harou Julien J. , Hartmann Joerg , Higgins Jonathan , Kammen Daniel , Martin Erik , Martins Taina , Newsock Amy , Rogéliz Carlos , Raepple Justus , Sada Rajesh , Thieme Michele L. , Harrison David
Published: January 2023

As governments and non-state actors strive to minimize global warming, a primary strategy is the decarbonization of power systems which will require a massive increase in renewable electricity generation. Leading energy agencies forecast a doubling of global hydropower capacity as part of that necessary expansion of renewables. While hydropower provides generally low-carbon generation and can integrate variable renewables, such as wind and solar, into electrical grids, hydropower dams are one of the primary reasons that only one-third of the world’s major rivers remain free-flowing. This loss of free-flowing rivers has contributed to dramatic declines of migratory fish and sediment delivery to agriculturally productive deltas. Further, the reservoirs behind dams have displaced tens of millions of people. Thus, hydropower challenges the world’s efforts to meet climate targets while simultaneously achieving other Sustainable Development Goals. In this paper, we explore strategies to achieve the needed renewable energy expansion while sustaining the diverse social and environmental benefits of rivers. These strategies can be implemented at scales ranging from the individual project (environmental flows, fish passage and other site-level mitigation) to hydropower cascades to river basins and regional electrical power systems. While we review evidence that project-level management and mitigation can reduce environmental and social costs, we posit that the most effective scale for finding balanced solutions occurs at the scale of power systems. We further hypothesize that the pursuit of solutions at the system scale can also provide benefits for investors, developers and governments; evidence of benefits to these actors will be necessary for achieving broad uptake of the approaches described in this paper. We test this hypothesis through cases from Chile and Uganda that demonstrate the potential for system-scale power planning to allow countries to meet low-carbon energy targets with power systems that avoid damming high priority rivers (e.g., those that would cause conflicts with other social and environmental benefits) for a similar system cost as status quo approaches. We also show that, through reduction of risk and potential conflict, strategic planning of hydropower site selection can improve financial performance for investors and developers, with a case study from Colombia.
The forging of moral leaders in social entrepreneurship: A comparative study from two public welfare organizations in China
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhu Huaixin , Lu Jihai , Lu Meili
Published: January 2023

Young people, including college students, are the main body for the main force of public welfare entrepreneurship and the effective force of future social entrepreneurs. How can college students, who are often self-made and lack entrepreneurial experience, social capital, and resources, grow up to be “moral leaders” of social entrepreneurship organizations? And what role does social entrepreneurship education play? Previous studies have not provided corresponding theoretical explanations to address these questions. This study uses as examples two public welfare organizations and their founders; namely, YinChao Pension Service Center in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, and Ant Public Welfare Service Center in Yuyao City. The exploratory comparative research method of two cases is used, and the perspective is constructed based on personal significance. Through the open decoding analysis, this study refines the key elements of the individual growth of public entrepreneurs as “moral leaders,” including four stages: concept construction, moral conflict, relationship construction, and rule construction, as well as personal meaning construction strategy and public entrepreneurship education strategy. The research results not only explain how individuals grow up to be “moral leaders” in public welfare organizations through self-meaning construction in the context of public welfare entrepreneurship and the construction process from individual to organization morality systems but also provide a theoretical framework for cultivating successful public welfare entrepreneurs and a theoretical reference for the sustainable development of public welfare entrepreneurs and public welfare entrepreneurship education in colleges and universities.
Do ESG scores have incremental information value on the primary bond market?——evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Chunqiang , Gao Lu , Wang Wenbing , Chen Xiaojun , An Jiapeng
Published: January 2023

ESG scores are essential information tools in the capital market, but prior study has not fully discussed the effect and internal mechanism of ESG scores on bond investors’ risk pricing in the primary market. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the ESG scores and risk premium of bond issuance based on the sample of Chinese listed corporations. We find that when ESG scores of the bond issuer are higher, the investors will require a lower risk premium. The result indicates that ESG scores already have positive information effect in Chinese primary bond market. Furthermore, we make mechanism and heterogeneity tests to prove that ESG scores can provide investors with incremental information, which is helpful for bond investors to identify risks and price effectively. Our study in the context of the emerging economy of China examines the incremental information value of ESG scores for bond investors, and provides evidence for the application of sustainable development concepts in global capital markets.
Household preference for wastewater reuse/recycling practice determinants in a growing community in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbode Timothy O. , Oyebamiji Victor O. , Ogundele John A. , Faboro Oluwatobi O.
Published: January 2023

Wastewater recycling has been considered one way of ensuring sustainable water accessibility for domestic purposes through the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This work investigated the factors that guide the preference for water recycling in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, to encourage its practice in homes. A survey was conducted among 205 randomly selected respondents in the study area to generate the data required to achieve the objectives of the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used using SPSS version 16.0. The study revealed that 79.3% of the respondents, mostly women, responded “nay” to wastewater reuse, attributing this to good access to fresh water, among other reasons. The factor analysis (FA) of the 13 variables obtained from the field extracted six variables that gave 76.542% of the variance about the respondents’ preference for wastewater recycling, namely: 1) method of producing wastewater; 2) proportion of the wastewater available for use; 3) volume of wastewater generated; 4) level of support for the practice of wastewater recycling; 5) perception about wastewater; and 6) reasons for wastewater recycling. Further analysis revealed that the six variables could be summarized into two, with the first three factors forming the first and the last three variables forming the second group: issues related to wastewater production and human attitude-related factors. Therefore, we reject the alternative hypothesis (H1) and accept the null hypothesis (H0) that the availability of wastewater does not hinder households’ preference for its use. The work concluded that the preferences for wastewater recycling are associated with issues about its production and human attitude/perceptions about wastewater. Public enlightenment and wastewater treatment technology in the study area and similar communities could probably enhance the preference for wastewater recycling.
Road grade estimation for vehicle emissions modeling using electronic atmospheric pressure sensors
Authors: Meng Xiangrui , Pang Kaili , Di Baofeng , Li Wei , Wang Yongdong , Zhang Ji , Xu Yi
Published: January 2023

Vehicle specific power (VSP) is useful for estimation of vehicle emissions. Previous research has indicated that vehicle specific power and emissions are sensitive to variation of road grade. Several methods have been used for acquisition of road grade data in earlier studies, but all have certain limitations such as insufficient accuracy, complicated data processing, or requirements for devices or data that are not easily available. The objective of this study was to develop and verify a road grade measurement framework based on an electronic pressure sensor. The method includes atmospheric pressure acquisition using electronic sensors, determination of the pressure-altitude relationship based on meteorological station data, filtering of altitude data by Fourier transform, and grade calculation combined with the onboard diagnostics distance. Road grades and vehicle specific power calculated based on atmospheric pressure were found reliable and accurate, which also improved the accuracy of vehicle emission rates calculation.
Adaptation to globalization in renewable energy sources: Environmental implications of financial development and human capital in China
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Saeed , Mingxing Li , Zhiqiang Ma , Ashraf Rana Umair , Usman Muhammad , Khan Irfan
Published: January 2023

This research article examines the dynamic impact of globalization, environmental quality, and financial development on renewable energy in China. Promoting renewable energy is crucial for solving global environmental problems. In China’s case, no such studies investigate the role of renewable energy as a dependent variable in globalization, financial development, and environmental quality. To check cointegration and long-run/short-run dynamics, this study uses Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, which can predict the actual positive and negative change in the independent variables and their effects on the dependent variable. We also used the Johansen cointegration technique to verify the results of bound testing. The results suggest significant long-run and short-run relationships among the study variables. Furthermore, the causality analysis reveals a bidirectional relationship between renewable energy with globalization, financial development, environmental quality, human capital, and economic growth in the long run. In the short run, renewable energy Granger significantly causes economic growth and carbon emissions.
Nexus between agriculture productivity and carbon emissions a moderating role of transportation; evidence from China
Authors: Wang DanHui , Hussain Rana Yassir , Ahmad Ilyas
Published: January 2023

This research investigates the nexus existing between agricultural productivity and CO2 emissions under the moderating effect of transportation within the context of China. The data for this study are drawn from the World Bank and cover the period 1991–2019. The data is analyzed using an autoregressive distributed lag approach (ARDL). Agricultural productivity is measured in terms of crop and livestock production. The goal of this research is to make some contributions, as crop production has a negative impact on carbon dioxide emissions in the long and short run. Carbon dioxide emissions are positively influenced by livestock production in the long run, but negatively in the short run. As for the moderation effect, the results indicate that transportation significantly impacts agricultural productivity and CO2 in both the long and short term. The study provides in-depth insights to policy makers for designing more suitable policies regarding the necessity of decreasing CO2 emissions. In addition to discussing the crucial implications, future directions are also discussed.
Comparing the effects of agricultural intensification on CO2 emissions and energy consumption in developing and developed countries
Authors: Khan Rabnawaz , Alabsi Akram Ahmed Noman , Muda Iskandar
Published: January 2023

Energy consumption has become a requirement in the modern world, and without it, the economies of developing nations cannot prosper. Consistent economic growth is a challenge for countries of all economic levels, not just the less developed ones. We test the EKC hypothesis by analyzing the relationships between GDP growth, energy consumption, agricultural output, and the consequences of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. From 1991 to 2016, we used panel and quantile regression analysis to compare emissions in nine developing countries with those in 13 developed countries. There is the beginning of a reverse U-shaped relationship between agricultural energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the verified EKC hypothesis paves the way for a watershed moment in the progress of industrialized nations’ economies. As an added bonus, agricultural results have a positive impact on CO2 emissions from using liquid fuels. It has a negative impact on CO2 emissions by 19.12% and causes a 4.802 percent increase in environmental degradation. Feed cropping, deforestation, biomass burning, and deep soil and cropping also have negative effects on the environment, especially in developing countries. There is a negative correlation between CO2 emissions and economic growth in developing countries and their energy consumption. Although the EKC hypothesis for CO2 emissions was rejected at lower quantiles, it was validated for Qatar, Canada, China, and other high-emitting economies according to the empirical estimation of quantile regression. The findings of this study have important policy implications for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, suggesting that policymakers account for the stage of economic growth currently being experienced when formulating measures to cut energy use and protect the environment. In particular, policies aimed at reducing energy consumption could.
Farm risks, livelihood asset allocation, and adaptation practices in response to climate change: A cross-country analysis
Authors: Sargani Ghulam Raza , Shen Yun , Liu Yan , Joyo Mumtaz Ali , Liu Jing , Jiang Yuansheng , Zhang Huaquan
Published: January 2023

This study aims to understand the impact of farmers’ risk attitude on livelihood assets and their livelihood adaptation strategies to cope with climatic changes. An interview-based survey with farmers is conducted in China and Pakistan, using probit regression models to analyze the data. The results confirm that Pakistani growers’ natural and policy risks, whereas technology and information risks in China, are the main livelihood risks to farm production. Farmers’ natural, physical, social, and human assets in China and Pakistan’s financial, physical, and social assets can protect their livelihoods from farm risks. Pakistan’s physical, social, and economic assets and China’s physical, human, and social assets show contradictory effects. Although farmers in China adopted agrotechnical support, off-farm production, crop variety adjustment, and agricultural engineering, Pakistan’s growers adopted agricultural finance, fertilizer/water management, and adjustment of crop varieties to deal with risks. In addition, social, natural, human, and physical assets revealed significant and positive impacts on Pakistani growers; physical and financial assets positively affect Chinese farmers’ attitudes. Despite Chinese growers’ human, social, and natural assets, Pakistani farmers’ financial and natural assets show comparatively weak effects to adapt and deal with climatic risks. Furthermore, this study recommends agricultural policy measures to cope with climate awareness and adaptive attitudes, and potential practices can be introduced in both studied areas.
Eco-environmental quality assessment of the artificial oasis of Ningxia section of the Yellow River with the MRSEI approach
Authors: Dong Chunyuan , Qiao Rongrong , Yang Zhicheng , Luo Lihui , Chang Xueli
Published: January 2023

Remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) has the advantages of rapid, repeatable and relatively accurate in regional eco-environment quality assessment. Due to the lack of consideration of the interaction of adjacent analysis units in RSEI calculation, there is a few uncertainties in the assessment results. Based on RSEI, the landscape diversity index (LDI) was introduced, which considered the heterogeneity caused by the difference between the assessment unit and the adjacent one, and rebuilt modified remote sensing ecological index (MRSEI) to evaluate the eco-environment quality in the artificial oasis of Ningxia section of Yellow River. The results showed that the area of Fair and Poor grades in the low MRSEI year (2000) was greater than that of other grades, and the area of Moderate and Fair grades was greater than that of other grades in the high MRSEI year (2020). The conversion characteristics of different grades were Poor and Fair grades to adjacent high grades. During the study period, the eco-environment quality of the study area was improved, and the composition and pattern of land use types had a significant impact on MRSEI. Introduction of LDI-improved MRSEI can not only include the heterogeneous effect between the analysis unit and the adjacent one, but also consider the spatial scale effect of LDI to make the evaluation results more credible. However, some evaluation factors of RSEI and MRSEI (e.g., LDI, NDVI, and NDBSI) represent the accumulation of surface status over long-time scales, while others (e.g., Wet and LST) reflects only short-time scale features of the land surface. Therefore, how to eliminate the uncertainty caused by temporal scale mismatch is a challenge for RSEI and MRSEI applications.
Development of greenhouse gas emissions baseline and identification of carbon offset cost for maritime vessels of a developing country
Authors: Semab Basra , Iqbal Kanwar Muhammad Javed , Amir Sarah , Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman
Published: January 2023

Maritime transportation has drawn international attention due to the gradual rise and projected growth of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions resulting from fossil fuel consumption. It is alarming that the overall maritime transportation emissions are neither attended to nor mainstreamed under the transportation sector. The actual national inventory of GHG emissions vis-à-vis all types/sizes of maritime vessels is so far not established particularly in developing countries, which clearly indicates the inadequacy of their climate mitigation response. Accurate assessment of GHGs is essential to provide reliable input for climate policy, strategies, and decision-making processes by flag states. Therefore, the establishment of a baseline reference scenario by considering all types/sizes of maritime vessels is crucial to know the actual gravity of the problem, which is still unknown. This entailed the need to explore the actual extent of GHG emissions from the maritime transportation sector. In this context, the present study tried to assess the potential GHG emissions from maritime vessels by undertaking the case of Pakistan and using the top-down approach, which took into account fuel consumption and emission factors for GHGs. It revealed that 2,468,789.21 tonnes of GHGs (CO2e) are being emitted annually from the maritime vessels of Pakistan, which is 4.9% of the overall transport sector emissions of the country. Carbon offset cost of 37, 031, 838.14 US$/annum and approximately 20,020 hectares of mature mangrove forest to remove 2,468,789.21 metric tonnes of CO2e emissions from the atmosphere in a timeline of 1 year are required to become carbon neutral. It is anticipated that this study’s outcome will serve as a baseline reference scenario for national GHG inventory and help in devising climate mitigation responses for maritime vessels by bridging the existing knowledge gap.
Sensitivity of river ecological baseflow to climate change in arid areas
Authors: Hu Keke , He Jiancun , Danierhan Sulitan , Tuerxun Yiliyasi
Published: January 2023

River ecological baseflow is key to river ecosystem health and stability and has become particularly important with global climate change aggravation. By considering the Niya River Basin in Xinjiang, based on meteorological data from 1958 to 2021 and hydrological data from 1978 to 2018, the Tennant method was determined to be the best basin ecological baseflow calculation method, the M–K test was used to analyze the abrupt ecological baseflow and climate change characteristics, and the ecological baseflow regression response and sensitivity coefficient models concerning climate change were established. The results showed that 75% of the ecological baseflow in the Niya River Basin ranged from 15 to 31 m3•s−1 in 1978–2018, the average annual temperature increased by 1.6°C at a 0.22°C•(10a)−1 rate, and the annual precipitation increased by 6.3 mm at a 0.98 mm•(10a)−1 rate. The prediction accuracy of the regression model was good, R2 exceeded 0.7, the ecological baseflow response to climate change lagged, and precipitation greatly impacted ecological baseflow. The basin sensitivity coefficient showed a decreasing trend from upstream to downstream, with the annual maximum value in 2010, the minimum value in 1984, the monthly maximum value in April and the monthly minimum value in November. Based on the climate change trend and the social water use of the basin, the ecological baseflow protection targets and measures were proposed according to the season and the hydrological period for actual water resource management and scheduling of the river in this and similar regions.