bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic differential equation modeling of time-series mining induced ground subsidence
Authors: Guo Wanjia , Ma Song , Teng Lianze , Liao Xin , Pei Nisong , Chen Xingyu
Published: January 2023

Mining-induced ground subsidence is a commonly observed geo-hazard that leads to loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption. Monitoring subsidence over time is essential for predicting related geo-risks and mitigating future disasters. Machine-learning algorithms have been applied to develop predictive models to quantify future ground subsidence. However, machine-learning approaches are often difficult to interpret and reproduce, as they are largely used as “black-box” functions. In contrast, stochastic differential equations offer a more reliable and interpretable solution to this problem. In this study, we propose a stochastic differential equation modeling approach to predict short-term subsidence in the temporal domain. Mining-induced time-series data collected from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in our case study area were utilized to conduct the analysis. Here, the mining-induced time-series data collected from GNSS system regarding our case study area in Miyi County, Sichuan Province, China between June 2019 and February 2022 has been utilized to conduct the case study. The proposed approach is capable of extracting the time-dependent structure of monitored subsidence data and deriving short-term subsidence forecasts. The predictive outcome and time-path trajectories were obtained by characterizing the parameters within the stochastic differential equations. Comparative analysis against the persistent model, autoregressive model, and other improved autoregressive time-series models is conducted in this study. The computational results validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach.
Source characteristics of the aftershocks of the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquake sequences in the Longmen-Shan fault zone
Authors: Wang Zibo , Liu Ruifeng , Liu Wei
Published: January 2023

After the occurrence of the 2008 Wenchuan Mw 7.9 earthquake, the Longmen-Shan fault zone exhibits highly active seismicity. In the years between 2008 and 2022, successive moderate magnitude aftershocks followed in the region. In this study, we used high-quality seismic data from the National Earthquake Data Center of China to estimate the source parameters of 184 moderate magnitude events (Mw 3.9–6.2) in the Longmen-Shan Fault zone. The dataset comprised the aftershocks of two sequences that occurred in the area, including the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake sequence and the 2013 Lushan earthquake sequence. They have been classified according to their focal mechanism. First, our results suggested that the values of apparent stress varied from approximately 0.1–11 MPa, which are higher than the global average. The strike-slip earthquakes have the highest average apparent stress among the types of earthquakes. The above results indicate that the moderately high levels of energy release from earthquakes in this region could result in high ground shaking potential. This behavior may be associated with the high stress accumulation and the strong deformation characteristics in the intraplate environment of the Longmen-Shan Fault zone. The values of the stress drop vary from approximately 0.24–39 MPa and appear to show a slightly increasing trend with the seismic moment. The stress drop level of the Lushan earthquake sequence is higher than the mean value of intraplate earthquakes, while the Wenchuan earthquake sequence is typical of intraplate earthquakes. Second, we investigate the radiated energy enhancement factor (REEF) to quantify the source complexities. The results show that the earthquakes have REEF values between 1.2 and 7.1, and most events are consistent with expectations based on the Brune ω-square model. There exist differences in the source complexity of earthquakes within the source area, and the average ω-square source model could result in an unreliable estimate of the radiated seismic energy of some events. The observation of moderate magnitude earthquakes suggests that the availability of different source parameters will help us to assess the seismic hazard and predict the shaking potential in the earthquake area.
Simulation of exchange routes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau shows succession from the neolithic to the bronze age and strong control of the physical environment and production mode
Authors: Lancuo Zhuoma , Hou Guangliang , Xu Changjun , Jiang Yuan , Wang Wen , Gao Jingyi , Wende Zhuoma
Published: January 2023

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is essential for converging eastern, western, and northern prehistoric cultural spheres of Asia and Europe and for human adaptation to extreme environments. Reconstruction of the location and development of prehistoric exchange routes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau underpins understanding human response to harsh environments and interaction and exchange between the three cultural spheres. This study simulates exchange routes for the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, using elevation, slope, vegetation, and rivers as cost data and site points as node data. A weighted network consisting of nodes and lines is constructed within the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau using a weighted cumulative cyclic connectivity model among nodes-the simulation abstracts exchange routes as a path search problem on this weighted network. The final simulated route is the road with the lowest incremental cost. The results give a total length of Neolithic routes of about 16,900 km, with 15 main roads, and a total length of Bronze Age routes of approximately 16,300 km, with 18 main roads. Pathway development from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age shows an apparent successional relationship, with a spatial evolution from the marginal corridor to the marginal hinterland. The simulated routes overlap highly with archaeological evidence for transmission routes of corn and millet agriculture and wheat agriculture-domesticated animals-bronze metallurgy technology, indicating the reliability of the simulation results. Further analysis showed that the unique physical geography of the QTP constrained the formation and evolution of routes. River valleys were commonly chosen as routes to acclimatize people to the high, cold, and low oxygen levels of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Scattered small agricultural bases, established in areas of the QTP suitable for agricultural planting, are the basis for intersecting exchange routes. Road formation also reflects the clear differentiation in the agro-pastoral industry between high and low altitudes related to climate, ecological environment, and elevation. Interaction between agricultural and nomadic populations is the crucial motivation for forming and developing the exchange routes.
Mechanical properties of selected granitoids along the Karora hydropower project, Besham, Northern Pakistan: Insights from petrography and joint analysis
Authors: Khan Musa , Li Huan , Khan Asad , Hussain Waqas , Khan Rehan , Ali Rashid
Published: January 2023

The stability of tunnel site depends upon the deformation behaviors of the surrounding rocks, including joint density, mineral composition, micro cracks, and grain boundaries. The aim of this study was to analyze the mechanical properties of the Besham Complex in Northern Pakistan in terms of petrography and joint analysis. The Besham complex is prone to deformation as it is bounded by the Main Mantle Thrust (MMT) in the north, the Thakot fault (Tf) in the east, and the Swat block in the west. In the study area, the deformation was observed at the mesoscopic scale, while alteration in grains and fractures were determined at a microscopic scale. Detailed petrographic study of the representative samples from each station revealed that the area is dominantly composed of granite, quartz syenite, quartz monzonite, granodiorite, quartz-rich granitoid, monzogranite, alkali feldspar granite, and quartz monzodiorite. Extensive field work was performed to determine the joint volume (JV), in which the number of joints per cubic meter was recorded for each joint set. The rock quality designation (RQD) was calculated through JV analysis. An RQD value <25% suggested that most rocks are very poor quality, while samples with RQD values between 25% and 50% are poor quality. The petrographic analysis revealed that the dominant contents of the rock samples are feldspar (55.6%), quartz (27%), and mica (17.4%). Petrographic control over surface joint volume was established, suggesting that abundant feldspar, coarse grain, anhedral to subhedral grain shape, microcracks, and alteration of minerals provide planes of weakness for joints and thus reduce the RQD value. Therefore, some serious precautions and supporting measurements, such as shotcrete, rock bolts, metal mesh, and steel arch supports, are essential to avoid severe geo-hazards during further excavation.
Critical thinking as a necessity for social science students capacity development: How it can be strengthened through project based learning at university
Authors: Witarsa  , Muhammad Syahril
Published: January 2023

Critical thinking is necessary for students because it empowers them to solve problems, especially during the learning stage and in real-life situations within society. Based on this fact, the present study proposes a citizenship project model that aims to enhance the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program by emphasizing critical thinking among students during the teaching of Civic Education at universities in Indonesia. The research is of the experimental quasi-research type, which comprises two classes: an experimental class and a control class. Both the classes were conducted to compare the effectiveness of the proposed citizenship project learning model. The statistical package for the social sciences was used for data analysis. To attain the required results on the implementation of the citizenship project learning model, there were several stages, including problem identification, problem formulation, information gathering, documenting the process, showcasing the results, and reflective analysis of the model implementation process. The results have revealed a significant improvement in the critical thinking abilities of the students in the experimental class category compared to the control-class category. Thus, it is concluded that the adoption of a citizenship project learning model is appropriate for critical thinking skills' improvement of students taking up citizenship education study programs at universities.
T4 rather than TSH correlates with BMD among euthyroid adults
Authors: Sheng Ning , Xing Fei , Wang Jie , Duan Xin , Xiang Zhou
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between thyroid hormone and bone mineral density (BMD) among euthyroid adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study researched the information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2010. We included 3,759 euthyroid participants finally. We used multivariate linear regression models to evaluate the linear relationship between the thyroid hormone profile and BMD. Subgroup analyses stratified by gender and age were further performed. Moreover, the nonlinear relationship was characterized by fitted smoothing curves and generalized additive models, and logistic regression models were used to determine the association of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) with previous fractures.

Results

The weighted multivariable linear regression models showed no association between TSH and BMD. Free thyroxine (FT4), T4, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and total triiodothyronine (T3) were negatively associated with the total femur BMD and the total spine BMD after adjusting for all covariates. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that all groups had a negative association between T4 and BMD, even in patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis. The nonlinear relationship characterized by smooth curve fittings and generalized additive models suggested that an obvious U-shaped, an inverted U -shaped, and an L - shaped curve was exhibited between thyroid hormone and BMD in the different subgroups. In addition, normal high-level T4 was associated with an increased prevalence of previous fractures than normal low-level T4.

Conclusions

In this sample of euthyroid adults, T4 exhibits a negative correlation with BMD, regardless of age and gender, in subjects with either normal or lowered BMD. Moreover, high-normal FT4 was associated with an increased prevalence of previous fractures. TSH was not associated with variations of BMD and the fracture risk.
Do patients with type 2 diabetes have impaired hip bone microstructure? A study using 3D modeling of hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Ubago-Guisado Esther , Moratalla-Aranda Enrique , González-Salvatierra Sheila , Gil-Cosano José J. , García-Fontana Beatriz , García-Fontana Cristina , Gracia-Marco Luis , Muñoz-Torres Manuel
Published: January 2023

Aim

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have more risk of bone fractures. However, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by conventional dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is not useful for identifying this risk. This study aims to evaluate 3D-DXA parameters determining the cortical and trabecular compartments in patients with T2DM compared to non-diabetic subjects and to identify their determinants.

Materials and methods

Case-control study in 111 T2DM patients (65.4 ± 7.6 years old) and 134 non-diabetic controls (64.7 ± 8.6-year-old). DXA, 3D-DXA modelling via 3D-Shaper software and trabecular bone score (TBS) were used to obtain aBMD, cortical and trabecular parameters, and lumbar spine microarchitecture, respectively. In addition, biochemical markers as 25-hydroxyvitamin d, type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were analysed.

Results

Mean-adjusted values showed higher aBMD (5.4%-7.7%, ES: 0.33-0.53) and 3D-DXA parameters (4.1%-10.3%, ES: 0.42-0.68) in the T2DM group compared with the control group. However, TBS was lower in the T2DM group compared to the control group (-14.7%, ES: 1.18). In addition, sex (β = 0.272 to 0.316) and body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.236 to 0.455) were the most consistent and positive predictors of aBMD (p ≤ 0.01). BMI and P1NP were negative predictors of TBS (β = -0.530 and -0.254, respectively, p ≤ 0.01), while CTX was a positive one (β = 0.226, p=0.02). Finally, BMI was consistently the strongest positive predictor of 3D-DXA parameters (β = 0.240 to 0.442, p<0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with T2DM present higher bone mass measured both by conventional DXA and 3D-DXA, suggesting that 3D-DXA technology is not capable of identifying alterations in bone structure in this population. Moreover, BMI was the most consistent determinant in all bone outcomes.
Relationship between body composition, insulin resistance, and hormonal profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Zhang Haolin , Wang Wei , Zhao Jiaming , Jiao Peijie , Zeng Lin , Zhang Hua , Zhao Yue , Shi Li , Hu Hangqi , Luo Liyan , Fukuzawa Ii , Li Dong , Li Rong , Qiao Jie
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate how body fat influences glucose metabolism and hormone profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), compared to women without PCOS.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 166 women with PCOS and 139 age-matched control women at Peking University Third Hospital (Beijing, China) from March 2016 to December 2021. All participants underwent bioimpedance rate assessment of clinical, anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic features. In particular, body composition parameters were assessed, based on the methods used in a previous study. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and other indices calculated from fasting glucose and insulin were used to measure insulin resistance. The hormonal profiles [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), prolactin (PRL), total testosterone (T), and androstenedione (A2)] were assessed by using biochemical methods. Two subgroup analyses were conducted according to waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; < 0.85, non-central obesity and ≥ 0.85, central obesity) and body fat percentage (BFP; < 35% for lean and ≥35% for obesity). The indices above were analyzed using a two-sided t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. Linear regression was used to investigate the effects of body composition on metabolism and sex hormones in the PCOS and control groups.

Results

Compared to women without PCOS, women with PCOS and central obesity (P=0.021), PCOS and noncentral obesity (P<0.001), PCOS and high BFP (P<0.001), and PCOS and low BFP (P<0.001) had more severe glucose metabolism evaluated with HOMA-IR. Women with PCOS experienced greater insulin sensitivity impairment than did the normal population for every equal increase in BFP. LH, LH/FSH, total testosterone, and androstenedione were significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in healthy controls, regardless of WHR and BFP stratification. However, negative correlations existed between body fat indices (i.e., BFP and body mass index) and hormone indices (i.e., LH and androstenedione) in the PCOS group, but were absent in the control group.

Conclusions

Obese and non-obese women with PCOS have more severe insulin resistance and sex-hormone disorders than women without PCOS. The effect of body fat on sex-hormone disorders is only exist in women with PCOS. These findings suggested that PCOS clinical guidelines should be more specific to body fat.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, Registration No. NCT04264832.
An electrical vehicle-assisted demand response management system: A reinforcement learning method
Authors: Li Donghe , Yang Qingyu , Ma Linyue , Wang Yiran , Zhang Yang , Liao Xiao
Published: January 2023

With the continuous progress of urbanization, determining the charging and discharging strategy for randomly parked electric vehicles to help the peak load shifting without affecting users’ travel is a key problem. This paper design a reinforcement learning-based method for the electric vehicle-assisted demand response management system. Specifically, we formalize the charging and discharging sequential decision problem of the parking lot into the Markov process, in which the state space is composed of the state of parking spaces, electric vehicles, and the total load. The charging and discharging decision of each parking space acts as the action space. The reward comprises the penalty term that guarantees the user’s travel and the sliding average value of the load representing peak load shifting. After that, we use a Deep Q-Network (DQN)-based reinforcement learning architecture to solve this problem. Finally, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation with real-world power usage data. The results show that our proposed method will reduce the peak load by 10% without affecting the travel plan of all electric vehicles. Compared with random charging and discharging scenarios, we have better performance in terms of state-of-charge (SoC) achievement rate and peak load shifting effect.
Past, present, and future of carbon accounting: Insights from scholarly research
Authors: Hazaea Saddam A. , Al-Matari Ebrahim Mohammed , Alosaimi Mushari Hamdan , Farhan Najib H. S. , Abubakar Ahmed , Zhu Jinyu
Published: January 2023

Although accounting functions have been expanded from traditional practices to recent practices, focusing on environmental, social, and governance issues, there is still a shortcoming in conceiving different approaches to creating organizational and human interaction with the environment. In this study, we review the existing research on carbon accounting from 1994 to July 2022 in order to examine its intellectual development and make recommendations for future studies. This study also discusses the scales, methodological choices, and major themes of carbon accounting research, including the most influential articles and top contributing countries, journals, theories, and institutions. The literature was retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, in which 137 articles were obtained from 62 high-quality journals in accounting, environment, and economics. There has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of studies, with the majority taking place in the United Kingdom, Australia, and China, as compared to the United States. On the other hand, the results show that traditional theories, such as the theory of legitimacy, the theory of organization, and the theory of stakeholders, have been evaluated previously. Although a firm’s characteristics and consumer behavior play an important role in improving carbon efficiency, economic and behavioral theories have been underrepresented in the existing literature. Furthermore, it is found that carbon accounting research provides a mechanism through which carbon emissions can be measured and quantified and helps in knowing the emissions status of companies and making the necessary strategic decisions to achieve mitigation. Therefore, policymakers have to foster setting international standards that would compile firms to report their carbon strategies similar to the international financial reporting standards, allowing investors to verify and compare firms that perform well in terms of carbon reduction.
An unsteady RANS study of thermal striping in a T-junction with sodium streams mixing at different temperatures
Authors: Duan Jinping , Huang Xiaoxue
Published: January 2023

Thermal striping in a T-junction with sodium streams mixing at different temperatures is studied using unsteady Reynolds-averaged simulation (RANS). Different parameters including the momentum ratio of the streams (0.2–4.3), the temperature difference between the streams (15–35 K), and the bulk Reynolds number (5,000–9,000) are investigated. Simulation results demonstrate that the flow pattern is mainly determined by the momentum ratio, while the temperature difference and the bulk Reynolds number have little influence within the range considered. The location of the separation point of the recirculation zone increases with the momentum ratio while the location of the thermal front decreases with it. In addition, the sensitivity of the temperature fluctuations to a range of low-Reynolds-number turbulence models are studied, which demonstrate that the time-varying temperature fluctuations predicted by these turbulence models are significantly smaller than the experimental measurements. High-fidelity simulations which fully resolve the temperature fluctuations will be carried out as the future work to complement the statistics of the temperature fluctuation.
Effects of forest types on soil carbon content in aggregate faction under climate transition zone
Authors: Dong Xiongde , Zhao Kunpeng , Wang Jian , Gui Haoran , Xiao Yutong , Chen Zhijie , Miao Yuan , Han Shijie
Published: January 2023

Variations in soil aggregates and soil organic carbon (SOC) in response to land-use change are important to understanding the carbon cycle in forest ecosystems. However, few studies investigated the effect of forest type on aggregate stability, SOC content, and particulate organic carbon (POC) content. Therefore, we collected soil and fine root samples in two natural forests (Pinus massoniana and Quercus variabilis) and a planted forest (Cunninghamia lanceolata) in a warm temperate–subtropical climate transition zone to analyze the effect of forest type on aggregate stability, SOC content, and POC content. The results showed that the mean weight diameter (MWD) of the soil aggregates was significantly higher in Quercus variabilis and Pinus massoniana forests (62% and 21%, respectively) than in the Cunninghamia lanceolata forest due to higher mycelial length density, mycelial infection rate, and glomalin content. Similarly, the SOC and POC contents were significantly higher in Quercus variabilis and Pinus massoniana forests than in the Cunninghamia lanceolata forest (p < 0.05). The dominant size fraction of aggregate was highly correlated with the carbon fraction content. The SOC and POC contents and fungal traits (mycelial length density, mycelial infection rate, and glomalin content) were significantly positively correlated with the MWD. These results indicated that natural forests had higher aggregate stability than planted forests due to higher SOC content and more favorable fungal traits in the warm temperate–subtropical climate transition zone.
Simulation, prediction and driving factor analysis of ecological risk in Savan District, Laos
Authors: Xuexian Xu , Yuling Peng , Wenjie Qin
Published: January 2023

Introduction: In recent years, Laos, with its unique geographical advantages, has vigorously developed overseas trade and cultural tourism industry, which has promoted local economic development and introduced numerous ecological and environmental problems.

Method: Therefore, this research took Savan District as the research area, built the landscape ecological risk assessment model to reveal the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of Savan District’s ecological risk from 2000 to 2020. Then, the Geodetector model was utilized to explain the driving forces behind changes in the landscape’s ecological risk. Finally, the Markov-PLUS coupling model was used to simulate and predict the changes in the land use pattern and ecological risk in the Savan District in 2030.

Results: The following results are presented. 1) The landscape types in Savan District are mainly cultivated land and forest land, with the lowest degree of landscape fragmentation and loss, and the highest degree of landscape loss in unused land. 2) From 2000 to 2020, the average ecological risk index of the whole study area was low and showed a decreasing trend yearly, with the area of low-risk areas accounting for more than 90%. 3) In 2030, the average ecological risk index of the entire Savan District and the two provinces will rise, meanwhile the low-risk areas in the midwest regions and high-risk areas in the northwest will increase.

Discussion: This study can guide the future coordinated development of the social economy and ecological environment in Savan District, Laos, and has good reference significance for ecological construction in similar areas in Southeast Asia.
Impact of dry deposition flux and dust intrusion phenomena on elemental concentrations of air particulate matter
Authors: Dawood Abdallah M. A. , Akortia Eric , Alsufyani Sultan J. , Gbeddy Gustav
Published: January 2023

Depositions of trace elements of air particulates in the atmosphere have gained much attention in recent times due to their environmental, climatic and health impacts. In the current study, trace elements of size-segregated rural and urban particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM2.5−10) were characterized using particle-induced X-ray emission method. Effects of dry deposition flux and Saharan dust intrusion on the elemental concentrations were determined. The mean elemental concentration in the rural fine PM ranged between 0.0002 ± 0.0002 μg m−3 (for Se) and 0.6658 ± 0.5816 μg m−3 (for S) whereas in the urban fine PM the concentration ranged between 0.0007 ± 0.0008 μg m−3 (for As) and 0.5869 ± 0.3429 μg m−3 (for Ca). In the coarse PM fraction, concentration ranged between 0.0001 ± 0.0001 μg m−3 (for Se) and 0.5886 ± 0.5343 μg m−3 (for Ca) at the rural site; and between 0.0002 ± 0.0002 μg m−3 (for Se) and 1.9201 ± 1.911 μg m−3 (for Ca) at the urban site. Mainly crustal elements (Al, Ca, Fe) and ‘pollution’ source element (S) recorded high and significant dry deposition fluxes across the two sites in both PM modes. Deposition flux was relatively higher in the coarse than in the fine PM mode. The average dry deposition flux estimated for fine and coarse PM at the rural and urban sites were 33.68 ± 57.19 μg m−2 day−1 and 47.71 ± 92.19 μg m−2 day−1; 36.66 ± 61.95 μg m−2 day−1 and 107.02 ± 237.71 μg m−2 day−1, respectively. Mainly crustal (Al, Ca, Fe) and “pollution” (S) element recorded high and significant dry deposition fluxes across the two sites and in the two PM modes. The impacts of dust on climate, air quality, and the environment in general have increased the need to better understand the dust flow system. In the current study, dust intruding the study area from the Sahara was analyzed using the NMMB/BSC dust model. The model’s output indicated that, the highest daily surface dust concentration was observed in the central and south-west of Turkey which corresponded with the peak period of Saharan dust transport to the Eastern Mediterranean in the month of March.
The effects of energy taxes level on greenhouse gas emissions in the environmental policy measures framework
Authors: Firtescu Bogdan Narcis , Brinza Florin , Grosu Maria , Doaca Erika Maria , Siriteanu Adelina Andreea
Published: January 2023

Over the last decades, all countries have pursued an ambitious climate policy, thus showing a growing concern about climate change, global warming, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or environmental taxes. Water, air, and soil pollution caused by gas emissions directly affect human health, but also the economies of states. As people’s ability to adapt to novel changes becomes increasingly difficult, globally, they are constantly trying to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in a variety of ways. Environmental taxes, in general, and energy taxes, in particular, are considered effective tools, being recommended by specialists, among other instruments used in environmental policy. The aim of this research is to assess, empirically, the influence of environmental taxes levels on greenhouse gas emissions in 28 European countries, with a time span between 1995 and 2019. Regarding the empirical research, the proposed methods are related to Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models in panel data and also at country level. At panel level, we used the estimation of non-stationary heterogeneous panels and also the dynamic common-correlated effects model with heterogeneous coefficients over cross-sectional units and time periods. The results obtained show that the increase in environmental taxes leads, in most countries, to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. To test the robustness of our results, we have included supplementary economic and social control variables in the model, such as gross domestic product (GDP), population density, exports, or imports. Overall, our paper focuses on the role of environmental policy decisions on greenhouse gas emissions, the results of the study showing, in most cases, an inverse impact of the taxation level on the reduction of gas emissions.
Using crop modeling to find solutions for wheat diseases: A review
Authors: Ajilogba Caroline Fadeke , Walker Sue
Published: January 2023

Plant diseases have caused serious challenges in the production of food globally. This has led to hunger and food insecurity. Different solutions for crop diseases have been introduced in the recent past that include cultural control using farm management methods, chemical control, resistant cultivars, and recently, biocontrol. Each of these solutions has varied weaknesses. Faced with the changes in climate and the recurrences of crop diseases, new strategies incorporating preventive measures would be important by reducing risks to crop production from crop diseases, thus alleviating food insecurity. Strategies for the prevention of these diseases and/or forecasting favorable environmental conditions for disease development have not been fully employed as preventive measures. The use of crop modeling has been used to advise farmers on planting procedures that would bring maximum yields using different management procedures at the farm level. Little is known about the use of crop models in crop disease control. In order to increase the use of crop models for these objectives, this review provides the current status quo and will help to stimulate more research in this regard.
Heat stress and recovery effects on the physiology and biochemistry of Castanea sativa Mill.
Authors: Dorado Javier F. , Pinto Glória , Monteiro Pedro , Chaves Natividad , Alías Juan Carlos , Rodrigo Sara , Camisón Álvaro , Solla Alejandro
Published: January 2023

Chestnut forests are undergoing increasing heat stress due to the current global warming, but little is known about the physiology and biochemistry responses of Castanea sativa Mill. to heat or whether differences exist between populations. Six-month-old seedlings from three climatically contrasting populations of C. sativa (from the north, centre, and south of Spain) were subjected to control and heat stress conditions for 7 days. The effects of heat stress on seedlings and their recovery (10 days after heat stress) were described by assessment of visible symptoms, growth, mortality, and leaf gas exchange of plants, quantification of compounds involved in the primary and secondary metabolism, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. In response to stress, plant biomass decreased, and plant biochemistry altered depending on the tissue and the population. Major alterations in the primary metabolism of stressed plants occurred in leaves, characterized by increased levels of soluble sugars, nitrogen, and proline, and depletion of starch. Increased levels of soluble sugars and starch depletion occurred mostly in seedlings from the southern population, while proline increase occurred only in the northern population. Secondary metabolism of seedlings experienced the highest variation below ground, and roots of heat-stressed plants increased the content of phenolic compounds. LC-MS analysis permitted identification and quantification of six compounds induced by heat, five of which were detected in the roots. Differential biochemistry responses to heat stress were observed among populations. At recovery, most of the altered parameters had returned to control conditions, suggesting high resilience to heat stress in this Mediterranean tree species. This is the first study to address the effects of heat stress on the physiology and biochemistry of C. sativa and their interpopulation variability. Most parameters were significantly influenced by the interaction of population and heat treatment, indicating that genetic differentiation controlled the phenotypic differences of C. sativa in response to heat stress. Extensive genetic variation in plasticity in physiological and biochemical parameters in response to heat stress reveals an opportunity for chestnut for global warming-mediated selection.
Simultaneous detection of G6PD mutations using SNPscan in a multiethnic minority area of Southwestern China
Authors: Wei Huagui , Wang Chunfang , Huang Weiyi , He Liqiao , Liu Yaqun , Huang Huiying , Chen Wencheng , Zheng Yuzhong , Xu Guidan , Lin Liyun , Wei Wujun , Chen Weizhong , Chen Liying , Wang Junli , Lin Min
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Baise, a multiethnic inhabited area of southwestern China, is a historical malaria-endemic area with a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency. However, few studies of G6PD deficiency have been conducted in this region. Therefore, we performed a genetic analysis of G6PD deficiency in the Baise population from January 2020 to June 2021.

Methods: A SNPscan assay was developed to simultaneously detect 33 common Chinese G6PD mutations. 30 G6PD-deficient samples were used for the method’s validation. Then, a total of 709 suspected G6PD-deficient samples collated from the Baise population were evaluated for G6PD status, type of mutation and effect of mutations.

Results: The SNPscan test had a sensitivity of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI): 94.87%–100%] and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 87.66%–100%) for identifying G6PD mutations. A total of fifteen mutations were identified from 76.72% (544/709) of the samples. The most common mutation was discovered to be G6PD Kaiping (24.12%), followed by G6PD Canton (17.91%), and G6PD Gaohe (11.28%). We compared the G6PD mutation spectrum among Zhuang, Han and other Southeast Asian populations, and the Zhuang population’s mutation distribution was quite similar to that in the Han population.

Conclusion: This study provided a detailed G6PD mutation spectrum in Baise of southwestern China and will be valuable for the diagnosis and research of G6PD deficiency in this area. Furthermore, the SNPscan assay could be used to quickly diagnose these G6PD mutations accurately.
The frequency of somatic mutations in cancer predicts the phenotypic relevance of germline mutations
Authors: Draetta Edoardo Luigi , Lazarević Dejan , Provero Paolo , Cittaro Davide
Published: January 2023

Genomic sequence mutations can be pathogenic in both germline and somatic cells. Several authors have observed that often the same genes are involved in cancer when mutated in somatic cells and in genetic diseases when mutated in the germline. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing techniques have provided us with large databases of both types of mutations, allowing us to investigate this issue in a systematic way. Hence, we applied a machine learning based framework to this problem, comparing multiple models. The models achieved significant predictive power as shown by both cross-validation and their application to recently discovered gene/phenotype associations not used for training. We found that genes characterized by high frequency of somatic mutations in the most common cancers and ancient evolutionary age are most likely to be involved in abnormal phenotypes and diseases. These results suggest that the combination of tolerance for mutations at the cell viability level (measured by the frequency of somatic mutations in cancer) and functional relevance (demonstrated by evolutionary conservation) are the main predictors of disease genes. Our results thus confirm the deep relationship between pathogenic mutations in somatic and germline cells, provide new insight into the common origin of cancer and genetic diseases, and can be used to improve the identification of new disease genes.
Analysis of genetic diversity and selection characteristics using the whole genome sequencing data of five buffaloes, including Xilin buffalo, in Guangxi, China
Authors: Chen Zhefu , Zhu Min , Wu Qiang , Lu Huilin , Lei Chuzhao , Ahmed Zulfiqar , Sun Junli
Published: January 2023

Buffalo is an economically important livestock that renders useful services to manhood in terms of meat, milk, leather, and draught. The Xilin buffalo is among the native buffalo breeds of China. In the present study, the genetic architecture and selection signature signals of Xilin buffalo have been explored. Correlation analysis of the population structure of Xilin buffalo was conducted by constructing NJ tree, PCA, ADMIXTURE and other methods. A total of twenty-five (n = 25) Xilin buffalo whole genome data and data of forty-six (n = 46) buffaloes published data were used. The population structure analysis showed that the Xilin buffalo belong to the Middle-Lower Yangtze. The genome diversity of Xilin buffalo was relatively high. The CLR, π ratio, FST, and XP-EHH were used to detect the candidate genes characteristics of positive selection in Xilin buffalo. Among the identified genes, most of the enriched signal pathways were related to the nervous system and metabolism. The mainly reported genes were related to the nervous system (GRM5, GRIK2, GRIA4), reproductive genes (CSNK1G2, KCNIP4), and lactation (TP63). The results of this study are of great significance for understanding the molecular basis of phenotypic variation of related traits of Xilin buffalo. We provide a comprehensive overview of sequence variations in Xilin buffalo genomes. Selection signatures were detected in genomic regions that are possibly related to economically important traits in Xilin buffalo and help in future breeding and conservation programs of this important livestock genetic resource.
A nuclear target sequence capture probe set for phylogeny reconstruction of the charismatic plant family Bignoniaceae
Authors: Fonseca Luiz Henrique M. , Carlsen Mónica M. , Fine Paul V. A. , Lohmann Lúcia G.
Published: January 2023

The plant family Bignoniaceae is a conspicuous and charismatic element of the tropical flora. The family has a complex taxonomic history, with substantial changes in the classification of the group during the past two centuries. Recent re-classifications at the tribal and generic levels have been largely possible by the availability of molecular phylogenies reconstructed using Sanger sequencing data. However, our complete understanding of the systematics, evolution, and biogeography of the family remains incomplete, especially due to the low resolution and support of different portions of the Bignoniaceae phylogeny. To overcome these limitations and increase the amount of molecular data available for phylogeny reconstruction within this plant family, we developed a bait kit targeting 762 nuclear genes, including 329 genes selected specifically for the Bignoniaceae; 348 genes obtained from the Angiosperms353 with baits designed specifically for the family; and, 85 low-copy genes of known function. On average, 77.4% of the reads mapped to the targets, and 755 genes were obtained per species. After removing genes with putative paralogs, 677 loci were used for phylogenetic analyses. On-target genes were compared and combined in the Exon-Only dataset, and on-target + off-target regions were combined in the Supercontig dataset. We tested the performance of the bait kit at different taxonomic levels, from family to species-level, using 38 specimens of 36 different species of Bignoniaceae, representing: 1) six (out of eight) tribal level-clades (e.g., Bignonieae, Oroxyleae, Tabebuia Alliance, Paleotropical Clade, Tecomeae, and Jacarandeae), only Tourrettieae and Catalpeae were not sampled; 2) all 20 genera of Bignonieae; 3) seven (out of nine) species of Dolichandra (e.g., D. chodatii, D. cynanchoides, D. dentata, D. hispida, D. quadrivalvis, D. uncata, and D. uniguis-cati), only D. steyermarkii and D. unguiculata were not sampled; and 4) three individuals of Dolichandra unguis-cati. Our data reconstructed a well-supported phylogeny of the Bignoniaceae at different taxonomic scales, opening new perspectives for a comprehensive phylogenetic framework for the family as a whole.
Transcriptome-wide analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid type II receptor agonists in cardiac injury induced by chronic psychological stress
Authors: Qin Cheng , Wang Yujia , Zhang Yang , Zhu Yan , Wang Yabin , Cao Feng
Published: January 2023

Background: Growing evidence has supported that chronic psychological stress would cause heart damage, However the mechanisms involved are not clear and effective interventions are insufficient. Cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) can be a potential treatment for cardiac injury. This study is aimed to investigate the protective mechanism of CB2R agonist against chronic psychological stress-induced cardiac injury.

Methods: A mouse chronic psychological stress model was constructed based on a chronic unpredictable stress pattern. Mice were performed a three-week psychological stress procedure, and cardiac tissues of them were collected for whole-transcriptome sequencing. Overlap analysis was performed on differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) and ER stress-related genes (ERSRGs), and bioinformatic methods were used to predict the ceRNA networks and conduct pathway analysis. The expressions of the DE-ERSRGs were validated by RT-qPCR.

Results: In the comparison of DE mRNA in Case group, Control group and Treatment group, three groups of ceRNA networks and ceRNA (circ) networks were constructed. The DE-mRNAs were mainly enriched in chromatid-relevant terms and Hematopoietic cell lineage pathway. Additionally, 13 DE-ERSRGs were obtained by the overlap analysis, which were utilized to establish a ceRNA network with 15 nodes and 14 edges and a ceRNA (circ) network with 23 nodes and 28 edges. Furthermore, four DE-ERSRGs (Cdkn1a, Atf3, Fkbp5, Gabarapl1) in the networks were key, which were mainly enriched in response to extracellular stimulus, response to nutrient levels, cellular response to external stimulus, and FoxO signaling pathway. Finally, the RT-qPCR results showed almost consistent expression patterns of 13 DE-ERSRGs between the transcriptome and tissue samples.

Conclusion: The findings of this study provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of chronic psychological stress-induced cardiac diseases and reveal novel targets for the cardioprotective effects of CB2R agonists.
The power of geohistorical boundaries for modeling the genetic background of human populations: The case of the rural catalan Pyrenees
Authors: Fibla Joan , Maceda Iago , Laplana Marina , Guerrero Montserrat , Álvarez Miguel Martín , Burgueño Jesús , Camps Agustí , Fàbrega Jordi , Felisart Josefina , Grané Joan , Remón José Luis , Serra Jordi , Moral Pedro , Lao Oscar
Published: January 2023

The genetic variation of the European population at a macro-geographic scale follows genetic gradients which reflect main migration events. However, less is known about factors affecting mating patterns at a micro-geographic scale. In this study we have analyzed 726,718 autosomal single nucleotide variants in 435 individuals from the catalan Pyrenees covering around 200 km of a vast and abrupt region in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, for which we have information about the geographic origin of all grand-parents and parents. At a macro-geographic scale, our analyses recapitulate the genetic gradient observed in Spain. However, we also identified the presence of micro-population substructure among the sampled individuals. Such micro-population substructure does not correlate with geographic barriers such as the expected by the orography of the considered region, but by the bishoprics present in the covered geographic area. These results support that, on top of main human migrations, long ongoing socio-cultural factors have also shaped the genetic diversity observed at rural populations.
In-depth analysis of large-scale screening of WRKY members based on genome-wide identification
Authors: Pan Haoyu , Chen Yu , Zhao Jingyi , Huang Jie , Shu Nana , Deng Hui , Song Cheng
Published: January 2023

With the rapid advancement of high-throughput sequencing technology, it is now possible to identify individual gene families from genomes on a large scale in order to study their functions. WRKY transcription factors are a key class of regulators that regulate plant growth and abiotic stresses. Here, a total of 74 WRKY genes were identified from Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo genome. Based on the genome-wide analysis, an in-depth analysis of gene structure and conserved motif was performed. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that DoWRKYs could be classified into three main groups: I, II, and III, with group II divided into five subgroups: II-a, II-b, II-c, II-d, and II-e. The sequence alignment indicated that these WRKY transcriptional factors contained a highly conserved WRKYGQK heptapeptide. The localization analysis of chromosomes showed that WRKY genes were irregularly distributed across several chromosomes of D. officinale. These genes comprised diverse patterns in both number and species, and there were certain distinguishing motifs among subfamilies. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree and chromosomal location results indicated that DoWRKYs may have undergone a widespread genome duplication event. Based on an evaluation of expression profiles, we proposed that DoWRKY5, 54, 57, 21, etc. may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of the JA signaling pathway. These results provide a scientific reference for the study of DoWRKY family genes.