bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entre tecnología y distancias: remesas emocionales y cultura de vínculos en familias transnacionales ecuatorianas
Authors: Chalá Mejía Priscila , Suquillo Guijarro Ximena , Villafuerte Iván
Published: January 2023

Analyses of economic remittances have focused on the role of migrants as providers. This study broadens the concept of locating remittances at the emotional level as a key factor in the reciprocal and conflictive relationships built between migrants and non-migrants. Through qualitative thematic analysis, the association between physical distance and virtual co-presence is explored in the experiences and perceptions of three groups of Ecuadorians: migrants, migrants’ relatives, and returned migrants. The findings suggest that, thanks to ICTs, the co-responsibility for keeping the culture of bonds active means that, while it is strengthened by feelings of love and solidarity, it also reveals tensions over resentments, obligations, and guilt. Although virtual co-presence that exists is dynamic and daily, emotional gaps persist. This illustrates the need for programs that support transnational families to cope with the effects of separation.
Kewajiban Perawat Dalam Pelayanan Gawat Darurat
Authors: Galenso Nitro , Yuwono Dian Kurniasari
Published: January 2023

Sebagai upaya untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan pemahaman tenaga perawat tentang pelaksanaan praktek keperawatan yang benar sesuai dengan ketentuan perundang-undangan yang telah ditetapkan oleh pemerintah serta sebagai wujud pelaksanaan kerjasama dengan Prodi DIII Keperawatan Luwuk dalam hal Tridharma, maka dilaksanakan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat di Puskesmas Simpong. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini yaitu untuk memberikan pengetahuan dan pemahaman kepada tenaga perawat yang bekerja di Puskesmas Simpong  tentang kewajibannya dalam melakukan praktek keperawatan baik di fasilitas pelayanan kesehatan maupun praktek mandiri serta kompetensi perawat dalam kondisi kegawatdaruratan. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan adalah dengan melakukan penyuluhan dan tanya jawab. Kegiatan ini melibatkan 13 orang tenaga perawat yang telah ditunjuk oleh kepala puskesmas. Hasil kegiatan adalah semua tenaga perawat yang mengikuti kegiatan ini mengetahui dan memahami prosedur/alur pengurusan STR dan SIPP sesuai dengan ketentuan perundang-undangan dan penatalaksanaan pelayanan pada keadaan gawat darurat serta cara penanganan permasalahan etik yang ditemukan melalui pembuatan SOP/Peraturan serta menginformasikannya agar masyarakat mengetahuinya.
Reliability of foot posture index (FPI-6) for evaluating foot posture in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Zehua , Wu Zugui , Li Junyi , Li Congcong , Yang Jiaman , Chen Weijian , Ye Zixuan , Shen Xinxin , Jiang Tao , Liu Wengang , Xu Xuemeng
Published: January 2023

Objective: To determine the reliability of FPI-6 in the assessment of foot posture in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods: Thirty volunteers with KOA (23 females, 7 males) were included in this study, assessed by two raters and at three different moments. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed with Cohen’s Weighted Kappa (Kw) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Bland-Altman plots and respective 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were used to assess both inter-rater and test-retest agreement and identify systematic bias. Moreover, the internal consistency of FPI-6 was assessed by Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results: FPI-6 total score showed a substantial inter-rater (Kw = .66) and test-retest reliability (Kw = .72). The six items of FPI-6 demonstrated inter-rater and test-retest reliability varying from fair to substantial (Kw = .33 to .76 and Kw = .40 to .78, respectively). Bland-Altman plots and respective 95% LOA indicated that there appeared no systematic bias and the acceptable agreement of FPI-6 total score for inter-rater and test-retest was excellent. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between each item and the total score of FPI-6, which indicated that FPI-6 had good internal consistency.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the reliability of FPI-6 total score and the six items of FPI-6 were fair to substantial. The results can provide a reliable way for clinicians and researchers to implement the assessment of foot posture in patients with KOA.
Cardiac calcium regulation in human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes: Implications for disease modeling and maturation
Authors: Ernst Patrick , Bidwell Philip A. , Dora Michaela , Thomas David D. , Kamdar Forum
Published: January 2023

Human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are based on ground-breaking technology that has significantly impacted cardiovascular research. They provide a renewable source of human cardiomyocytes for a variety of applications including in vitro disease modeling and drug toxicity testing. Cardiac calcium regulation plays a critical role in the cardiomyocyte and is often dysregulated in cardiovascular disease. Due to the limited availability of human cardiac tissue, calcium handling and its regulation have most commonly been studied in the context of animal models. hiPSC-CMs can provide unique insights into human physiology and pathophysiology, although a remaining limitation is the relative immaturity of these cells compared to adult cardiomyocytes Therefore, this field is rapidly developing techniques to improve the maturity of hiPSC-CMs, further establishing their place in cardiovascular research. This review briefly covers the basics of cardiomyocyte calcium cycling and hiPSC technology, and will provide a detailed description of our current understanding of calcium in hiPSC-CMs.
Structural diversity-guided optimization of carbazole derivatives as potential cytotoxic agents
Authors: Gao Zilin , Chen Yu , Nie Yufei , Chen Keming , Cao Xiufang , Ke Shaoyong
Published: January 2023

Carbazole alkaloids, as an important class of natural products, have been widely reported to have extensive biological activities. Based on our previous three-component reaction to construct carbazole scaffolds, we introduced a methylene group to provide a rotatable bond, and designed series of carbazole derivatives with structural diversity including carbazole amide, carbazole hydrazide and carbazole hydrazone. All synthesized carbazole derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against 7901 (gastric adenocarcinoma), A875 (human melanoma) and MARC145 (African green monkey kidney) cell lines. The preliminary results indicated that compound 14a exhibited high inhibitory activities on 7901 and A875 cancer cells with the lowest IC50 of 11.8 ± 1.26 and 9.77 ± 8.32 μM, respectively, which might be the new lead compound for discovery of novel carbazole-type anticancer agents.
Climate policy in British Columbia: An unexpected journey
Authors: Fairbrother Malcolm , Rhodes Ekaterina
Published: January 2023

Since introducing a path-breaking carbon tax in 2008, the western Canadian province of British Columbia (BC) has attracted significant attention from climate policy scholars. The enactment of its carbon tax has made the case of BC intriguing, as Canada is a poor climate performer, BC is a fossil fuel producer, and carbon taxes are politically challenging to introduce anywhere. This paper discusses the BC tax, and what lessons it holds for other jurisdictions. We complement existing accounts with new details about key events and developments in recent years, and about climate policymaking in BC generally. While there are features of the tax's design and promotion that would be worth replicating elsewhere, we argue its survival reflects some simple good fortune. Moreover, the case of BC should not be reduced to its tax, as the province has enacted other notable climate policies, some of which have done more to reduce emissions while attracting less public criticism.
A review of commercialisation mechanisms for carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Hickey Conor , Fankhauser Sam , Smith Stephen M. , Allen Myles
Published: January 2023

The deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) needs to be scaled up to achieve net zero emission pledges. In this paper we survey the policy mechanisms currently in place globally to incentivise CDR, together with an estimate of what different mechanisms are paying per tonne of CDR, and how those costs are currently distributed. Incentive structures are grouped into three structures, market-based, public procurement, and fiscal mechanisms. We find the majority of mechanisms currently in operation are underresourced and pay too little to enable a portfolio of CDR that could support achievement of net zero. The majority of mechanisms are concentrated in market-based and fiscal structures, specifically carbon markets and subsidies. While not primarily motivated by CDR, mechanisms tend to support established afforestation and soil carbon sequestration methods. Mechanisms for geological CDR remain largely underdeveloped relative to the requirements of modelled net zero scenarios. Commercialisation pathways for CDR require suitable policies and markets throughout the projects development cycle. Discussion and investment in CDR has tended to focus on technology development. Our findings suggest that an equal or greater emphasis on policy innovation may be required if future requirements for CDR are to be met. This study can further support research and policy on the identification of incentive gaps and realistic potential for CDR globally.
Growth hormone-releasing hormone agonist attenuates vascular calcification in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Ren Hao-Lin , Cai Ruiping , Xue Ruize , Zhang Yaoxia , Xu Qian , Zhang Xianyang , Cai RenZhi , Sha Wei , Schally Andrew V. , Zhou Ming-Sheng
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Vascular calcification (VC) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. VC increases mortality of all-causes. VC is one of most common cardiovascular complications in type II diabetes. So far, no therapy has been proven to be effective in treatment of clinical VC. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of MR409, an agonistic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH-A), on VC in diabetic db/db mice.

Method and result

Diabetic mice were injected with MR409 subcutaneously every day for 8 weeks. Long-term treatment with MR409 improved serum lipid profile and endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine, and reduced vascular structural injury in diabetic mice without affecting serum growth hormone level. Echocardiography showed that calcium plaques present in heart valve of diabetic mice disappeared in diabetic mice after treatment with MR409. MR409 inhibited vascular calcium deposition associated with a marked reduction in the expressions of osteogenic-regulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transcription osteogenic marker gene Runx2 in diabetic mice. MR409 also inhibited vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and upregulated the expressions of anti-calcifying protein Klotho in diabetic mice.

Discussion

Our results demonstrate that GHRH-A MR409 can effectively attenuate VC and heart valve calcification, and protect against endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury in diabetic mice without significantly affecting pituitary-growth hormone axis. The mechanisms may involve upregulation of anti-calcifying protein Klotho and reduction in vascular ROS and the expression of redox sensitive osteogenic genes Runx2 and ALP. GHRH-A may represent a new pharmacological strategy for treatment of VC and diabetics associated cardiovascular complications.
The inversion modeling and aboveground biomass mapping of withered grass changes in the western grassland of Northeast China
Authors: Zang Peng , Zhang Yanhong , Chen Ziqi , Hou Guanglei , Liu Zhaoli , Lu Xingchang
Published: January 2023

The aboveground biomass (AGB) of withered grass is an important early-warning indicator for grassland fire risk. Most grassland fires occur during the dry-grass season. In order to improve the fire-warning efficiency of withered AGB, it is essential to rapidly acquire the amount of withered-grass biomass. Remote-sensing data has been widely used in monitoring and estimating grassland yields during the growing season. However, applying remote sensing to the estimation of withered grass is still in need of exploration. The aim of this work was to try to establish a remote-sensing estimation model for withered AGB in the dry-grass season. The estimation of aboveground biomass can effectively prevent the occurrence of fire, protect the environment, facilitate local management and reduce economic losses. Our approach was to, first, calculate a dry-grass index based on Sentinel-2 image data and using ENVI, SNAP, and ArcGIS software. Second, a model to estimate the fuel quantity during the dry-grass season was established by regression analysis combined with field-measured data. Finally, the estimation model was used to predict the amount of fuel in different months of the dry-grass season, followed by the fire-defense elements, which were quantified and mapped in the Longzhao Marsh wetlands. It was found that: 1) the two indices were significantly correlated (0.678) with the amount of fuel; 2) the established model could accurately estimate the amount of fuel in the study area during the dry season, and accurate test results demonstrated that the correlation between the estimated results of the best model and the measured values was 0.863, indicating high accuracy; 3) the spatiotemporal variation of withered grass in the study area was obviously different, and the quantities of fuel predicted for the other months were more accurate, which may reflect monthly dynamic changes in actual fuel quantities; and 4) the establishment of a remote-sensing estimation model for fuel quantity in the Longzhao Marsh during the dry-grass season could provide important parameters for fire-risk warning in the western grassland of Jilin Province and Northeast China.
The coal-forming environment during mass extinction in the latest permian: Evidence from geochemistry of rare Earth elements
Authors: Wang Juan , Shao Longyi , Yan Zhiming , Wang Xuetian
Published: January 2023

The C1 coal of Latest Permian during mass extinction in eastern Yunnan was studied to reveal the terrestrial paleoenvironment and influence of geological events on coal-formation during mass extinction. An analysis of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) was conducted on the C1 coal from the Yantang Mine of Xuanwei, eastern Yunnan Province, which was deposited during the latest Permian. A total of 24 samples from coals, partings, roofs and floors from the C1 coal were taken from the fresh face in the underground mine. The results of the REEs analysis indicated that the total REE content (∑REE) in the C1 coal varies from 23.99 μg/g to 267.94 μg/g, averaged 122.69 μg/g. The C1 coal is enriched in light REE (LREE) relative to heavy REE (HREE), signifying the fractionation between LREE and HREE. Most samples of the coal seam C1 are depleted in Eu in various degrees and slightly depleted in Ce, especially two partings in sub-seams B1 and B3 which show the significant negative Eu anomalies. The geochemical characteristics of REE reveal that the C1 coal was deposited in a weak oxidation environment; the sedimentary environment was turbulent during the middle-later stage of coal-forming process; the C1 coal was affected by the basalt clastic materials from the Khangdian Oldland and acidic synsedimentary volcanic ash in the coal-forming period. The geochemical characteristics of Tonsteins in C1 coal are similar to those of marine Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB) volcanic ash layers in South China, which are both derived from the felsic volcanism caused by the closure of the Paleo-Tethys at the southwestern margin of the South China. Furthermore, the C1 coal was also affected by the eruption of Siberian large igneous province (SLIP) in the early stage.
The simultaneous removal of cadmium (II) and lead (II) from wastewater with the application of green synthesized magnesium silicate hydrate
Authors: Qing Zhang , Guijian Liu , Shuchuan Peng , Chuncai Zhou
Published: January 2023

To the purpose of solving the problems of coal-gangue accumulation in the mine and pollution of cadmium (II) and lead (II) in wastewater, magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) was synthesized from coal-gangue by thermochemical. M-S-H had removed Cd(II) and Pb(II) by adsorption. The characterization of M-S-H and adsorption effects factors, including initial solution pH, initial metal concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature, reaction time, and coexisting ions were explored for adsorption performance. The solution pH was precisely controlled by a pH meter. The adsorption temperature was controlled by a thermostatic gas bath oscillator with an error of ±0.3. These results from this study revealed that M-S-H surface area increased from 8.12 to 26.15 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.12 cm3/g. The maximum adsorptions of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by M-S-H were 59.52 and 83.33 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption performance for Cd(II) and Pb(II) reached saturation at pH 5, temperature 25°C, M-S-H 6 g/L, reaction time 90 min, and metal concentration 300 mg/L. Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption were spontaneous and endothermic and well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm adsorption models. The adsorption mechanisms were electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, and surface complexation. This research indicated that the synthesized M-S-H from coal gangue was efficiently eliminated metal ions from water, opening up new possibilities for coal gangue reuse.
Development and application of a borehole stress meter in rocks surrounding the roadway, based on optical-fiber sensing technology
Authors: Xie Xiaoping , Fang Xinqiu , Liu Hongyang , Xing Xiaopeng , Liang Minfu , Wu Gang , Chen Ningning
Published: January 2023

Stress in rock masses is an important parameter in the design and construction of underground engineering, such as the design and maintenance of mine roadways and the design of mining working faces. It is also a fundamental force causing the deformation and failure of geotechnical engineering excavation. At present, the abutment-pressure monitoring technology of the surrounding rocks of the coal mine roadway in China is not intelligent and systematic and lacks some high-precision sensing instruments and multi-functional monitoring systems. The mechanical model of the rocks surrounding the borehole was constructed by theoretical analysis of problems in the stress monitoring technology for underground rock masses in coal mines. Additionally, the interaction between the surrounding rocks and the borehole stress meter was analyzed. The borehole stress meters for tubular-structure fiber Bragg grating (TS-FBG) and cystic-structure fiber Bragg grating (CS-FBG) were designed by combining the sensing principle and sensing characteristics of fiber Bragg grating, and the performance of the two kinds of fiber Bragg grating borehole stress meters was compared by laboratory test. The track roadway of the 14,301 tested working faces in the Shaqu Coal Mine was taken as an example, and the stress of the rocks surrounding the 14,301-track roadway was monitored in real time by CS-FBG borehole stress meter during the mining of the working face. The following conclusions are drawn from the field application. The rig-site utilization results revealed obvious stress growth and stress peak zones in the mining-stress change curves of each measuring point on the two sides of the 14,301-track roadway in the process of mining the tested working face. Additionally, there were four stages: rapid rise, uniform growth, rapid rise to the peak, and rapid decline. Maximum stress monitored by the second station was 18.5 MPa, and the influence range of stress was over 140 m. Maximum stress monitored by the first measuring station was 19 MPa, the influence range of stress was about 80 m, and the peak stress position was about 20 m in front of the coal wall. Rig-site utilization proved the design of the CS-FBG borehole stress meter to be reasonable. Performance was stable and reliable, and the successful operation of field monitoring achieved the expected effect.
Numerical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation study based on plunger gas lift test
Authors: Li Nan , Cao Guangqiang , Jiang Yixin , Gao Haohong , Wang Haoyu , Wu Qiubo , Qi Wei , Ma Wentao
Published: January 2023

In order to explore the feasibility of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method for plunger gas lift and the flow pattern in a long wellbore, a lab simulation test was conducted to verify the reliability of the CFD simulation results. Verification data were provided for CFD simulation through carrying out a plunger gas lift lab test for vertical wells, identifying the plunger movement patterns and delivery rates under different flow pressures, and determining the minimum plunger startup pressure or differential pressure and leakage, and an identical CFD physical model was created on the basis of the lab test model, CFD dynamic grid programming and CFD simulation were conducted under test conditions, and a comparison of the simulation and test results was made to identify the calculation accuracy and the rationality of the CFD model and method; finally, boundary conditions such as temperature and pressure were set according to the actual long wellbore (200 m) conditions, the CFD simulation was performed, and the impacts of the downhole conditions on the gas lift performance were analyzed, so as to develop CFD calculation methods to predict the bottom-hole flow pressure, plunger speed, and delivery rate. The results show: the average plunger speed range is 7.74–22.5 m/s when the flow pressure varies from 199.77 to 632.93 kPa, and the leakage rate increases in a nearly linear way with the speed; compared with the lab test results, the simulation results from the created dynamic grid model and multi-phase turbulent flow model have the leakage error of 7.2% and the plunger speed average error is smaller than 11.1%; under long-wellbore conditions, the plunger lift speed shows the change pattern of increasing and then decreasing, the wellbore pressure has a wave-like drop, and in addition to this pressure drop characteristic, the fact that the plunger startup pressure differential increases with the wellhead pressure should be considered (when the bottom-hole pressure is 15 MPa, the wellhead pressure must not exceed 10 MPa).
Present-day kinematics and seismic potential of the Ganzi-Yushu fault, eastern Tibetan plateau, constrained from InSAR
Authors: Zhao Ningyuan , Ji Lingyun , Zhang Wenting , Xu Xiaoxue , Wang Jinshuo
Published: January 2023

In recent years, earthquakes have occurred frequently on the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the seismic hazard is high. However, because of the remote location of the Ganzi-Yushu fault zone, no high-resolution geodetic measurements of this region have been made. The radar line-of-sight deformation field of the Ganzi-Yushu fault was obtained using seven-track ascending and descending Sentinel-A/B interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from 2014 to 2020. Using the InSAR and published Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, we calculated the 3D deformation field in the study area, investigated the segment-specific fault slip rate, and inverted the fault slip distribution pattern using the steepest descent method. We then evaluated the seismic hazard using the strain rate field and slip deficit rate. The main findings of this study include the following. 1) The slip rate of the Ganzi-Yushu fault gradually increases from 2.5 to 6.8 mm/yr from northwest to southeast. 2) A high-resolution strain rate map shows high-value anomalies in the Yushu and Dangjiang areas. 3) Our comprehensive analysis suggests that the seismic hazard of the Dangjiang and Dengke segments with high slip deficits cannot be ignored.
Equivalent modeling and multi-parameter coupling optimization for DFIG-based wind farms considering SSO mode
Authors: Zhang Qian , Jin Xuyang , Zhang Fan , Yuan Hao , Zhou Baorong
Published: January 2023

As a low-carbon and environmentally friendly renewable energy source, wind power has been globally recognized as the best solution to achieve energy saving and emission reduction and promote low-carbon economic growth. With the increase of wind power penetration, wind power has a great impact on sub-synchronous state stability and dynamic characteristics of the grid-connected system. Aiming at the fact that the correlation between clustering indexes and sub-synchronous oscillation (SSO) mode and the difference of the contribution to the clustering results are seldom considered in the current equivalent modeling of doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farm, this paper proposes a clustering method based on the index dimension reduction and weighted fuzzy C-means (WFCM) clustering algorithm. Besides, for the SSO study of the grid-connected system without sufficiently considering the coupling effects between controller parameters, a multi-parameter coupling optimization design strategy combining orthogonal experiment method (OEM) and response surface method is proposed. Firstly, the dominant variables of SSO mode of the DFIG-based wind farm connected to weak grid by series compensation system are taken as the initial clustering indexes. After dimension reduction by principal component analysis, the WFCM algorithm is utilized to cluster the wind farm. Then, the proportional and integral coefficients of the grid-side controller, rotor-side controller and phase-locked loop are optimized to achieve the simultaneous optimization of the SSO characteristics and dynamic characteristics of the system. Finally, the interaction between control parameters and the influence degree and trend on the system performance are quantitatively evaluated, and the optimal parameter combination is obtained. The proposed strategy can mitigate SSO more effectively while improving anti-interference than the particle swarm optimization based on OEM.
Adoption of digital money (e-wallet) in the post COVID-19 era: The moderating role of low distribution charges and low transit time in impulsive buying: A developing country perspective
Authors: Wei Qing , Xiao Wendong , Yaqub Rana Muhammad Shahid , Irfan Muhammad , Murad Muhammad , Yaqub Muhammad Zafar
Published: January 2023

Online purchasing is increasing because customers are shifting to digital wallets and digital money, as these services are provided by different microfinance and other commercial banking sectors, and different online brands are working in Pakistan to support environmental sustainability. The objective of this study was to demonstrate to what extent low distribution charges and low transit time is contributing to impulsive buying when customers can use digital money in Pakistan. The study was conducted using survey research. Importantly, 650 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents with a received response rate of 40%. The study found that digital money (e-wallet) is positively associated with impulsive buying. Moreover, the moderating role of distribution charges and low transit time has been significant in impulsive buying has been significant. This study concludes that low transit time and load distribution charges must be considered by online businesses and brands working in Pakistan to ensure productivity and capture a larger market share of impulsive buying in Pakistan. Also, the current study contributes a theoretical framework to the knowledge and literature related to impulsive buying. The scope of this study is limited to the online businesses and brands that are working to provide products and services to the Pakistani people with the help of digital money and digital transactions. Significantly, this study provides significant future directions that are important to consider for upcoming studies to focus on and contribute to effectively.
Environmental pollution liability insurance and green innovation of enterprises: Incentive tools or self-interest means?
Authors: Ning Jinhui , Yuan Zeming , Shi Fang , Yin Shi
Published: January 2023

The existing theoretical research on environmental liability insurance mainly focuses on system construction, development status and other aspects, and mainly consists of normative research, with relatively little empirical research. This paper uses empirical research methods to explore the impact of environmental liability insurance on the green innovation of enterprises and examines the driving role of environmental liability insurance in green innovation from the perspective of green governance. This paper, based on the list of enterprises purchasing environmental pollution liability insurance (EPLI) as published by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, explores the impact of EPLI on the green innovation of enterprises. It is found that purchasing EPLI can significantly improve the green innovation of enterprises. The effect path test shows that EPLI can promote the green innovation of enterprises by relaxing financing constraints and reducing agency costs. The heterogeneity scenario test shows that compared with non-state-owned enterprises, non-heavily polluting enterprises, and enterprises in regions with a lower intensity of environmental regulation, EPLI plays a stronger role in the promotion of green innovation of state-owned enterprises, heavily polluting enterprises and enterprises in regions with a higher intensity of environmental regulation. In addition, it is found that the promotion effect of EPLI on green innovation is mainly reflected in the significant improvement of high-quality green innovation and the optimization of the structure of the green patent output. This paper affirms the positive role of EPLI on the green operations of enterprises and provides empirical evidence that green insurance serves the development of the green innovation of enterprises.
Aerial abundance estimates for two sympatric dolphin species at a regional scale using distance sampling and density surface modeling
Authors: Raudino Holly C. , Bouchet Phil J. , Douglas Corrine , Douglas Ryan , Waples Kelly
Published: January 2023

Monitoring wildlife populations over scales relevant to management is critical to supporting conservation decision-making in the face of data deficiency, particularly for rare species occurring across large geographic ranges. The Pilbara region of Western Australia is home to two sympatric and morphologically similar species of coastal dolphins—the Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis)—both of which are believed to be declining in numbers and facing increasing pressures from the combined impacts of environmental change and extensive industrial activities. The aim of this study was to develop spatially explicit models of bottlenose and humpback dolphin abundance in Pilbara waters that could inform decisions about coastal development at a regional scale. Aerial line transect surveys were flown from a fixed-wing aircraft in the austral winters of 2015, 2016, and 2017 across a total area of 33,420 km2. Spatio-temporal patterns in dolphin density were quantified using a density surface modeling (DSM) approach, accounting for imperfect detection as well as both perception and availability bias. We estimated the abundance of bottlenose dolphins at 3,713 (95% CI = 2,679–5,146; average density of 0.189 ± 0.046 SD individuals per km2) in 2015, 2,638 (95% CI = 1,670–4,168; 0.159 ± 0.135 individuals per km2) in 2016 and 1,635 (95% CI = 1,031–2,593; 0.101 ± 0.103 individuals per km2) in 2017. Too few humpback dolphins were detected in 2015 to model abundance, but their estimated abundance was 1,546 (95% CI = 942–2,537; 0.097 ± 0.03 individuals per km2) and 2,690 (95% CI = 1,792–4,038; 0.169 ± 0.064 individuals per km2) in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Dolphin densities were greatest in nearshore waters, with hotspots in Exmouth Gulf, the Dampier Archipelago, and Great Sandy Islands. Our results provide a benchmark on which future risk assessments can be based to better understand the overlap between pressures and important dolphin habitats in tropical northwestern Australia.
Current approaches for modeling ecosystem services and biodiversity in agroforestry systems: Challenges and ways forward
Authors: Rahman Muhammed Habib ur , Ahrends Hella Ellen , Raza Ahsan , Gaiser Thomas
Published: January 2023

Limited modeling studies are available for the process-based simulation of ecosystem services (ESS) and biodiversity (BD) in agroforestry systems (AFS). To date, limited field scale AFs models are available to simulate all possible ESS and BD together. We conducted an extensive systematic review of available agroforestry (AF), BD, and soil erosion models for the simulation potential of seven most desirable ESS in AFS. Simple to complex AF models have an inherent limitation of being objective-specific. A few complex and dynamic AF models did not meet the recent interest and demands for the simulation of ESS under AFS. Further, many ESS modules especially soil erosion, GHGs emission, groundwater recharge, onsite water retention, nutrients and pesticide leaching, and BD are often missing in available AF models, while some existing soil erosion models can be used in combination with AF models. Likewise mechanistic and process-based BD diversity models are lacking or found limited simulation potential for ESS under AFS. However, further efforts of model development and improvement (integration and coupling) are needed for the better simulation of complex interactive processes belonging to ESS under AFS. There are different possibilities but a proficient modeling approach for better reliability, flexibility, and durability is to integrate and couple them into a process-based dynamic modular structure. Findings of the study further suggested that crop modeling frameworks (MFW) like SIMPLACE and APSIM could be potential ones for the integration and coupling of different suitable modeling approaches (AF, soil protection, GHGs emission, flood prevention, carbon sequestration, onsite water retention, ground recharge, nutrient leaching, and BD modules) in one platform for dynamic process based ESS estimation on daily basis at the field scale.
High-expression of the innate-immune related gene UNC93B1 predicts inferior outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Li Qiaoli , Pan Hong , Gao Zhen , Li Weiwang , Zhang Lele , Zhao Jingyu , Fang Liwei , Chu Yajing , Yuan Weiping , Shi Jun
Published: January 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy with dismal prognosis. Identification of better biomarkers remained a priority to improve established stratification and guide therapeutic decisions. Therefore, we extracted the RNA sequence data and clinical characteristics of AML from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression database (GTEx) to identify the key factors for prognosis. We found UNC93B1 was highly expressed in AML patients and significantly linked to poor clinical features (p < 0.05). We further validated the high expression of UNC93B1 in another independent AML cohort from GEO datasets (p < 0.001) and performed quantitative PCR of patient samples to confirm the overexpression of UNC93B1 in AML (p < 0.005). Moreover, we discovered high level of UNC93B1 was an independent prognostic factor for poorer outcome both in univariate analysis and multivariate regression (p < 0.001). Then we built a nomogram model based on UNC93B1 expression, age, FAB subtype and cytogenetic risk, the concordance index of which for predicting overall survival was 0.729 (p < 0.001). Time-dependent ROC analysis for predicting survival outcome at different time points by UNC93B1 showed the cumulative 2-year survival rate was 43.7%, and 5-year survival rate was 21.9%. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups divided by UNC93B1 expression level were enriched in innate immune signaling and metabolic process pathway. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network indicated four hub genes (S100A9, CCR1, MRC1 and CD1C) interacted with UNC93B1, three of which were also significantly linked to inferior outcome. Furthermore, we discovered high UNC93B1 tended to be infiltrated by innate immune cells, including Macrophages, Dendritic cells, Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and NK CD56dim cells. We also found UNC93B1 had a significantly positive correlation with CD14, CD68 and almost all Toll-like receptors. Finally, we revealed negatively correlated expression of UNC93B1 and BCL2 in AML and conjectured that high-UNC93B1 monocytic AML is more resistant to venetoclax. And we found high MCL-1 expression compensated for BCL-2 loss, thus, we proposed MCL-1 inhibitor might overcome the resistance of venetoclax in AML. Altogether, our findings demonstrated the utility of UNC93B1 as a powerful poor prognostic predictor and alternative therapeutic target.
HLA and Non-HLA gene polymorphisms in autoimmune hepatitis patients of North Indian adults
Authors: Ahuja Nishtha , Singh Jagdeep , Minz Ranjana Walker , Anand Shashi , Das Ashim , Taneja Sunil
Published: January 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic and progressive disease of the liver. This is a multifactorial autoimmune disease with both environmental factors and genetic factors playing a role in its pathogenesis. Certain environmental agents like viruses, drugs, etc., can trigger the disease in a genetically susceptible individual. The present study was aimed to explore the distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1, Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) polymorphisms in North Indian adult AIH patients and their associations with clinical and pathological characteristics associated with the disease. A total of 147 subjects with 47 cases and 100 healthy controls were enrolled. Diagnosis of AIH was made by Revised International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group scoring system. HLA-DRB1 Typing was done by Luminex-based reverse Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide Probing (SSOP). Single nucleotide variant (SNV) genotyping for CTLA-4 and PTPN22 was done by simple probe-based SNP arrays. Results indicated SLA positive AIH patients are poor responders to therapy. A significant predispositional association of HLA-DRB1*03 was observed in AIH patients from the North Indian population (p= 0.0001, OR=4.83 (2.30-10.15). The frequency of the GG genotype of CTLA-4 CT 60 was significantly increased in AIH patients compared to controls. Multinomial analysis showed that CTLA-4 CT 60 is an independent predictor for cases.
Digging Deeper: Bioturbation increases the preserved sulfur isotope fractionation
Authors: Riemer Sydney , Turchyn Alexandra V. , Pellerin André , Antler Gilad
Published: January 2023

Bioturbation enhances mixing between the seafloor and overlying ocean due to changes the redox state of the sediment and influences the biogeochemical cycling of redox-sensitive elements such as sulfur. Before the widespread appearance of burrowing fauna over the Proterozoic-Phanerozoic transition, marine sediments were largely undisturbed and transport of material across the sediment-water interface was diffusion-dominated. Through both a microcosm experiment and numerical model, we show that the effect of bioturbation on marine sediments is to enhance the drawdown of sulfate from the water column into the sediment and thus “open-up” the sedimentary system. The key finding is that bioturbation increases the difference between the isotopic signature of seawater sulfate and pore water sulfide, the latter of which is preserved in sedimentary sulfide minerals. Our study empirically demonstrates a long-held assumption and helps identify the isotopic impact of bioturbation in the geological record and its environmental effects in modern marine systems.
Along-slope bottom currents driven by dissipation of internal tides in the northeastern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Jiannan , Xie Xiaohui , Li Shaofeng , Zhang Han , Li Wei
Published: January 2023

Recent mooring observations on the continental slope on the east side of the Dongsha Island in the northeastern South China Sea (SCS) showed that an along-slope bottom current can be generated when internal tides obliquely incident to the slope are dissipated near the seafloor. In this study, new mooring data collected on the south side of the Dongsha Island are used to explore the universality of internal wave driven the bottom currents and test the ability of the previous theory in estimating the along-slope current. The data show strong near-bottom energy dissipation due to the critical reflection of diurnal internal tides on the continental slope, with a time-mean depth-integrated dissipation rate of ~4.8×10-3 W/m2. Because of the obliquely incident of diurnal internal tides to the slope, near-bottom dissipation of internal tides generates a southwestward along-slope current, with the maximum velocity exceeding 6 cm/s. By comparing the observations, the previous theory for internal wave induced mean flows developed by Thorpe (1999) shows a good ability to estimate the along-slope bottom current velocity. Based on the theory, as well as modelled energy dissipation on the entire continental slope in the northeastern SCS, a map is obtained to quantitatively describe the along-slope bottom flow caused by internal tide breaking on the slope.
Tomographic reconstruction of 3D sound speed fields to reveal internal tides on the continental slope of the South China Sea
Authors: Dai Longhao , Xiao Cong , Zhu Xiao-Hua , Zhu Ze-Nan , Zhang Chuanzheng , Zheng Hua , Chen Minmo , Li Qiang
Published: January 2023

Mirror-type coastal acoustic tomography (MCAT) is an advancement of coastal acoustic tomography (CAT) with a mirror function that enables the nearshore transmission of offshore observation data. Subsurface MCATs are used to monitor small-scale oceanographic phenomena over large areas on the continental slope of the South China Sea (300–1,000 m). This study investigated the performance of MCAT network observation for internal tide monitoring using 3D tomographic inversion. MCAT facilitates communication with each other and is networked. Results of 3D tomographic inversion were highly consistent with the Stanford unstructured nonhydrostatic terrain-following adaptive Navier–Stokes (SUNTANS) model data. The root-mean-square difference of the sound speed obtained by the inversion method was< 1.0 m/s. The high sound speeds induced by the internal tide were well captured by the results of 3D inversion. A high sound speed band of > 1,516 m/s was used as an index of internal tides, which propagated at a speed of 1.9 m/s. Sensitivity experiments demonstrated that a swing of the anchor tether of< 5 m had less impact on sound speed inversion, while distance drifts caused by human activities of > 50 m had a significant influence. The missing of one or several stations owing to natural factors did not generate significant variations in the results of network observation. This study demonstrated that the MCAT network observation strategy, equipped with numerous stations, is more effective in capturing the characteristics of internal tides.
Distribution and off–shelf transport of dissolved manganese in the East China Sea
Authors: Wang Zhaowei , Ren Jingling , Xuan Jiliang , Liu Sumei , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2023

To gain a better understanding of the geochemical behavior of dissolved manganese (Mn) in the marginal seas with respect to distribution and exchange fluxes, more than 200 water samples were collected in the East China Sea (ECS) in May, August, and October of 2013. The concentration of dissolved Mn in the ECS ranged from 1.1 to 81.5 nM, with a gradual decrease with distance from the shore. Seasonal distribution of dissolved Mn varies significantly in the Changjiang estuary, mainly regulated by freshwater input from the Changjiang (Yangtze River) and redox variations. The ECS continental shelf is an important source of Mn for adjacent waters, and the export of Mn–rich coastal waters had an important effect on its re-distribution and internal cycling. The dynamic variation fluxes of water and dissolved Mn across the 100– and 200–m isobaths in the ECS were calculated with an aid of the Finite−Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM). The ECS continental shelf exported (5.69 ± 1.14) × 108 mol/yr of Mn into the East/Japan Sea from the Tsushima Strait. The Kuroshio surface waters receive an additional (1.02 ± 3.12) × 108 mol/yr of Mn from the ECS continental shelf through a cross–shelf exchange process, which could potentially affect dissolved Mn in the Northwest Pacific. Our data suggest that off-shelf transport from the ECS continental shelf is essential for understanding the biogeochemical cycles of trace metals in the Northwest Pacific Ocean and the East/Japan Sea.
Spatiotemporal spatfall dynamics and prevailing estuarine conditions for optimal oyster (Crassostrea tulipa) spat availability in selected Gulf of Guinea brackish systems
Authors: Chuku Ernest Obeng , Yankson Kobina , Obodai Edward Adzesiwor , Acheampong Emmanuel , Aheto Denis Worlanyo
Published: January 2023

Uncertainties associated with wild harvests of seed and adult oysters due to unknown oceanographic oscillations are a major challenge in oyster fisheries and aquaculture development. In contribution to addressing this challenge, we proffer clarity on the spatiotemporal variations in spatfall (number of spat/m2) of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea tulipa (Lamarck, 1819) in four estuaries along the Gulf of Guinea coast. By monthly deployment of artificial substrates affixed to bamboo racks over 12 months, we find significant differences in spatfall among and within the brackish systems, and across months and seasons. Spatfall regimes were unique in each ecosystem albeit with an overall preponderance of dry season availability of spat. Locations with reef oysters had superior spatfall to mangrove root-adapted-oyster areas. Narkwa, a relatively small lagoon with reef oysters had the highest annual mean spatfall, which was 1.3, 2.5, and 9.8 folds the spatfall in Densu Delta, Benya Lagoon and Whin Estuary, respectively. Spatfall varied significantly by depth as the more frequently exposed top collectors harvested much less spat than submerged collectors. There was a year-round availability of spat, confirming continuous spawning in C. tulipa. Spatfall variability was significantly driven by fluctuations in prevailing dissolved oxygen and salinity. Prevailing dissolved oxygen and salinity levels in the estuaries for optimal spat settlement were 1.68 – 3.40 mg L-1 and 11.00 – 29.33 ppt (parts per thousand), respectively. The findings of this study are recommended as empirical reference points for sustainable seed procurement for aquaculture production and management of C. tulipa fishery in the region of the study.