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Frequent spontaneous combustion activities restrict ecological restoration of coal waste dumps after reclamation. Effective monitoring of vegetation restoration is important for ensuring land reclamation success and preserving the ecological environment in mining areas. Development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has enabled fine-scale vegetation monitoring. In this study, we focused on Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa), a representative herbaceous vegetation type, in a coal waste dump after reclamation in Shanxi province, China. The alfalfa aboveground biomass (AGB) was used as an indicator for assessing vegetation restoration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of UAV-based fusion of RGB, multispectral, and thermal infrared information for estimating alfalfa AGB using various regression models, including random forest regression (RFR), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector regression (SVR), and stacking models. The main results are as follows: (i) UAV multi-source data fusion improved alfalfa AGB estimation accuracy, although the enhancement diminished with the increasing number of sensor types. (ii) The stacking model consistently outperformed RFR, GBDT, KNN, and SVR regression models across all feature fusion combinations. It achieved high accuracy with R2 of 0.86–0.88, RMSE of 80.06–86.87 g/m2, and MAE of 60.24–62.69 g/m2. Notably, the stacking model based on only RGB imagery features mitigated the accuracy loss from limited types of features, potentially reducing equipment costs. This study demonstrated the potential of UAV in improving vegetation restoration management of coal waste dumps after reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main organic materials, straw and manure play a critical role in soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and crop yield in China. This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of straw and manure amendments, both individually and combined, on crop yield, SOC, and soil nutrients in China by collecting 173 studies. The findings of this study revealed that straw return and manure application increased crop yields by 14.4% and 70.4%, respectively, overall. Combined straw and manure application gained a better improvement effect than straw alone but was less effective than manure alone. Regarding the straw return results, rice straw and a 3000–6000 kg ha−1 returning quantity improved crop yield, SOC, available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and total nitrogen (TN) the most; regarding the straw return form, straw incorporated into soil and biochar increased crop yield and SOC more, respectively; and <5 years and ≥5 years of straw return treatment increased crop yield and TN more, respectively. Regarding manure application, pig and chicken manure increased crop yield and TN more, respectively; a 50–80% substitution ratio and 10–20 years of duration were best for improving crop yield, SOC, AP, AK, and TN. This study highlights the importance of optimal organic amendment through straw or manure applications to achieve a win–win between crop yield and soil fertility under the requirement of sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loess hilly region is a typical ecologically fragile and sensitive area. It is of great significance when measuring the balance between supply and demand of ecosystem services and clarify the relationship between supply and demand of ecosystem services for scientific ecological restoration zoning and realizing regional ecological security and social and economic sustainable development. We take Yuzhong County in the loess hilly region of Longzhong, China as an example; by constructing the matching and coordinating relationship between ecosystem service supply and demand and following the idea of "problem diagnosis—strategic orientation—key optimization", this paper delimits the ecological restoration zones and proposes corresponding governance strategies. The results show that: (1) The supply and demand of ecosystem services were mainly at a low and medium level, with significant spatial heterogeneity. Overall, the spatial pattern of ecosystem services showed high supply and low demand in the southwest mountainous areas and showed low supply and high demand in the urban gully areas of Yuzhong. (2) There were four types of spatial matching of ecosystem service supply and demand: HH type, LH type, LL type, and HL type. The local spatial autocorrelation of supply and demand was dominated by high-low or low-high spatial misadjustment. The average degree of coordination between supply and demand of ecosystem services was 0.629, indicating that supply and demand were basically coordinated. (3) The ecological restoration zones in Yuzhong County can be divided into six categories: the ecological core protection area, ecological potential restoration area, key ecological restoration area, soil and water conservation restoration area, ecological agriculture development area, and ecological innovation promotion area. The results of this study can provide ideas for the refined management and targeted restoration practice of regional ecosystem services. It provides a strong guarantee for ecosystem management and decision-making in the loess hilly region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The property management services sector in China is developing rapidly, contributing significantly to employment and income. We have made recommendations for service differentiation and low costs so that even with limited resources, property management services can distribute their services effectively, reduce unnecessary costs, and implement an optimal plan. This study helps property management service providers understand the needs and expectations of customers because it is a key factor contributing to the success of the business. Based on the consumer and service quality (SERVQUAL) theories, this study applies the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to construct a quality evaluation scale for property management service companies and determine key property management service items that are valued most by customers and operators in this sector. The results show that it is feasible to determine accurately factors that are used to quantify the competitiveness of the existing market and identify improvements to ensure a win-win situation for both customers and companies in this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw return can improve crop yield as well as soil organic carbon (SOC) but may raise the possibility of N 2 O and CH 4 emissions. However, few studies have compared the effects of straw return on the yield, SOC, and N 2 O emissions of various crops. Which management strategies are the best for balancing yield, SOC, and emission reduction for various crops needs to be clarified. A meta-analysis containing 2269 datasets collected from 369 studies was conducted to investigate the influence of agricultural management strategies on yield increase, soil carbon sequestration, and emission reduction in various crops after the straw return. Analytical results indicated that, on average, straw return increased the yield of rice, wheat, and maize by 5.04%, 8.09%, and 8.71%, respectively. Straw return increased maize N 2 O emissions by 14.69% but did not significantly affect wheat N 2 O emissions. Interestingly, straw return reduced the rice N 2 O emissions by 11.43% but increased the CH 4 emissions by 72.01%. The recommended nitrogen application amounts for balancing yield, SOC, and emission reduction varied among the three crops, while the recommended straw return amounts were more than 9000 kg/ha. The optimal tillage and straw return strategies for rice, wheat, and maize were plow tillage combined with incorporation, rotary tillage combined with incorporation, and no-tillage combined with mulching, respectively. A straw return duration of 5–10 years for rice and maize and ≤5 years for wheat was recommended. These findings provide optimal agricultural management strategies after straw return to balance the crop yield, SOC, and emission reduction for China's three major grain crops. [Display omitted] • The yield, SOC, and N 2 O of three crops (rice, wheat, and maize) respond differently to straw return. • Straw return amounts greater than 9000 kg/ha balance three-grain crops' yield, SOC, and emissions. • We recommend straw incorporation for rice and wheat, and mulching for maize. • The optimal nitrogen rate and tillage method are dependent on the crops. • We recommend a return duration of 5–10 years for rice and maize and ≤5 years for wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, excessive nutrient inputs caused by human activities have resulted in environmental problems such as agricultural non-point source pollution and water eutrophication. The Net Anthropogenic Nitrogen Inputs (NANI) model can be used to estimate the nitrogen (N) inputs to a region that are related to human activities. To explore the net nitrogen input of human activities in the main grain-producing areas of Northwestern China, the county-level statistical data for the Ningxia province and NANI model parameters were collected, the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of NANI were analyzed and the uncertainty and sensitivity of the parameters for each component of NANI were quantitatively studied. The results showed that: (1) The average value of NANI in Ningxia from 1991 to 2019 was 7752 kg N km−2 yr−1. Over the study period, the inputs first showed an overall increase, followed by a decrease, and then tended to stabilize. Fertilizer N application was the main contributing factor, accounting for 55.6%. The high value of NANI in Ningxia was mainly concentrated in the Yellow River Diversion Irrigation Area. (2) The 95% confidence interval of NANI obtained by the Monte Carlo approach was compared with the results from common parameters in existing literature. The simulation results varied from −6.4% to 27.4% under the influence of the changing parameters. Net food and animal feed imports were the most uncertain input components affected by parameters, the variation range was −20.7%–77%. (3) The parameters of inputs that accounted for higher proportions of the NANI were more sensitive than the inputs with lower contributions. The sensitivity indexes of the parameters contained in the fertilizer N applications were higher than those of net food and animal feed imports and agricultural N-fixation. This study quantified the uncertainty and sensitivity of parameters in the process of NANI simulation and provides a reference for global peers in the application and selection of parameters to obtain more accurate simulation results. MAX and MIN are the upper and lower limits of the confidence interval, respectively, AVE is the Monte Carlo simulation average value, OPT is the calculation result using common parameters from the existing literature. [Display omitted] • Spatio-temporal change NANI of Ningxia in China from 1991 to 2019 was analyzed. • Fertilizer N application was a primary source of NANI in the studied region. • The Monte Carlo method for uncertainty of the NANI model parameter was integrated. • The most sensitive parameter was in the chemical fertilizer application component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia mearnsii De Wilde is on the top 100 of the world's most invasive alien species and has successfully invaded many areas around the world. However, its distribution and expansion is seldom reported in China. This study for the first time conducted a survey on the new distribution of A. mearnsii at the Kunming Changshui Airport (Yunnan Province, China), through monitoring on population characteristics (number, density, height and ground diameter) and spatial distribution (spread distance). Our survey results show that A. mearnsii has spread rapidly across the airport. This study discusses three factors of environmental factors, human disturbance and weed characteristics behind this successful invasion. The species invasion has a strong potential to change the local vegetation structure, enhances the probability of bird strikes at the airport, and is vulnerable to invade new biogeographic regions if it is not controlled. Currently, eradication combined with mechanical control is considered to be the best option for control. Our study helps improve awareness about the potential risk of A. mearnsii invasion in other airports around China and the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to put forward a strategic framework of wetland preservation and management based on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Information Systems (IS) in China. After analyzing the past and current wetland management in China, there were four problems identified existing in wetland management in China: a lack of wetland inventory, a lack of professional management, a delay in information online, and a lack of public participation in decision making. Thus, there is great need for establishing a conservation and management framework for both natural wetland and constructed wetland. A brief literature review is supplemented by a number of more detailed applications illustrating various GIS techniques which may be of use to the applied environmental issues or natural resources. GIS and IS could provide a platform to incorporate the complexities of the spatial data of all kinds of wetlands into the wetland inventory. The information collected through wetland inventories is essential for sustainable wetland management. Finally, the authors addressed the structure of the management system and put forward a strategy by online access that both benefit for decision making and public participation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers information on the innovations in product architecture that have enabled carmakers in China to follow a low-cost strategy while still producing products that are equivalent to their foreign counterparts. It cites that less experienced Chinese carmakers have managed to produce cars in the same category as their western competitors but at lower price by changing the product design. It highlights the link between breakthrough strategies and product design, and discusses the product architecture and the quasi-open modular architecture. Moreover, it addresses the possibility of using transitional architecture for car production in the mainstream U.S. and European car industry.

The article presents the second part of the paper "The logic of Chinese business strategy: East versus West," by Usha C. V. Haley and George T. Haley that was published in the first issue of the 27th volume of "Journal of Business Strategy." This second part of the research focused on the methodology and sample used in the in-depth analysis of strategic assumptions and goals of more than 20 of the most successful Chinese and foreign companies in China. This also offers tips and recommendations for managerial practice and future research.

Recruiting native coastal vegetation and preventing the reinvasion of exotic Spartina alterniflora is a major challenge in China, due to harsh tidal environment for vegetation establishment and rapid Spartina colonization. This paper first reviewed the revegetation course of native Scirpus mariqueter in a coastal wetland in the Yangtze Estuary, where the adjacent Spartina was effectively eliminated. From 2014 to 2019, the area of planted Scirpus increased by 26.7 times, and the plant density and biomass growth amounted to the levels of mature sedge community. The establishment of Scirpus promoted the sedimentary accretion with an annual sedimentary rate of 9.2 cm yr−1, which was significantly higher than that in the mudflat. Six years of monitoring revealed that the revegetation approach with belowground propagules (corms) was effective for Scirpus establishment under strong hydrodynamic disturbances in the tidal mudflat because the morphology and germination rate of corms benefited the anchoring function of seedlings. Both recruited Scirpus and the original community expanded constantly due to positive feedback between plant progradation and sedimentary accretion. Then, we implemented a model simulation under the scenario of Spartina retention. The prediction showed that the high-speed invasion of Spartina would colonize and replace the whole Scirpus community in the study area during the period of 2014–2019. Hence, our results highlighted the importance of coupling Scirpus recruitment with Spartina eradication in guaranteeing recolonization of native coastal sedges. As a long-lasting management strategy, unremitting field monitoring and assistant decision-making tools (such as the forecasting models) on Spartina reinvasion risk are highly suggested for preserving the restoration of native marshes. • Rhizocorms of native Scirpus are ideal revegetation material in tidal environment. • Positive feedback between plant and sediment favors both Scirpus and Spartina. • Spartina reinvasion is a high risk for restoration of native Scirpus. • Management strategies are suggested for Scirpus recruitment and Spartina control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Pregnancy termination during the second trimester in patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a complex and challenging clinical problem. Based on our literature review, there has been a relative increase in the number of such cases being treated by hysterotomy and/or local uterine lesion resection and repair. In the present study, a retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes when different management strategies were used to terminate pregnancy in the patients with placenta previa and PAS., Methods: A total of 51 patients who underwent pregnancy termination in the second trimester in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between June 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All patients having previous caesarean delivery (CD) were diagnosed with placenta previa status and PAS., Results: ① Among the 51 patients, 16 cases received mifepristone and misoprostol medical termination, 15 cases received mifepristone and Rivanol medical termination, but 1 of them was transferred to hysterotomy due to failed labor induction, another 20 cases were performed planned hysterotomy. There was no placenta percreta cases and uterine artery embolization (UAE) was all performed before surgery.② There were 31 cases who underwent medical termination and 30 cases were vaginal delivery. Dilation and evacuation (D&E) were used in 20 cases of medical abortion failure and in all 30 cases of difficult manual removal of placental tissue. ③ A statistically significant difference was found among the three different strategies in terms of gestational weeks, the type of placenta previa status, main operative success rate and β-HCG regression time (P < 0.05). ④ There were 4(7.8%) cases who were taken up for hysterectomy because of life-threatening bleeding or severe bacteremia during or after delivery and hysterotomy. The uterus was preserved with the implanted placenta partly or completely left in situ in 47(92.2%) cases. Combined medical and/or surgical management were used for the residual placenta and the time of menstrual recovery was 52(range: 33 to 86) days after pregnancy termination., Conclusions: Terminating a pregnancy by vaginal delivery through medical induction of labor may be feasible if clinicians have an overall understanding of gestational age, the type of placenta previa status, the type of placenta accreta, and patients concerns about preserving fertility. A collaborative team effort in tertiary medical centers with a very experience MDT and combined application of multiple methods is required to optimize patient outcomes., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Excess inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the main contributors of aquatic environmental deterioration. Due to the agricultural and industrial activities in the rapidly urbanized basin, the anthropogenic N and P cycle are significantly different from other regions. In this study, we took the Pearl River Delta as an example and introduced the budget list of N and P in the five survey years, including the net anthropogenic N inputs (NANI) and net anthropogenic P inputs (NAPI). The results revealed that the intensities of NANI and NAPI in this area increased from 2008 to 2010 and then decreased after 2010. The peak values were 21001 kg N km−2yr−1 and 4515 kg P km−2yr−1 for the intensities of NNAI and NAPI, respectively, while the lowest values decreased to 19186 kg N km−2yr−1 and 4103 kg P km−2yr−1 in 2016. The most important contribution of NANI and NAPI sources in this area were net N and P inputs for human food and animal feed with an average contribution of 61.41% and 76.83%, which indicated that large amounts of N and P were introduced into the environment through the food system. This study expanded the knowledge on regional environmental management from human dietary consumption, human life consumption, animal consumption and fertilizer consumption. Its reuse will be put into practice by understanding the driving factors of N and P inputs in each region of the basin, combining the urbanization characteristics. • The mean intensities of NANI and NAPI in the Pearl River Delta basin were higher than that of the mean level in China. • Human food and animal feed inputs comprised more than 60% for NANI, and 70% for NAPI in PRD. • Site-specific management strategies for N and P were needed in the PRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo) is of great significance to forestry in China. Increased attention has been paid to exploring the role of underground ecology, especially soil microorganisms, in the cultivation and ecology of Moso bamboo. Mulching-intensive management can benefit Moso bamboo forests with low yields. However, the response of soil bacteria to changes in soil biochemical properties after intensive mulching is still unclear. In this study, the responses of the soil bacterial composition to changes in soil biochemical properties under different management conditions were analysed by sampling a bamboo forest under four management conditions: control, mulching, alternation and long-term mulching. The results showed that mulching and alternation could improve the diversity of soil bacteria at the phyla and genera levels, while long-term mulching had the opposite result. The relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinomycetes, TM7 and Bacteroides were lower in the control plots than in the other plots, while those of AD3, Verruca and GAL15 were higher. The results also showed that C (carbon), N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) accumulated rapidly in the mulching, alternation and long-term mulching plots due to the extensive application of organic and compound fertilizer. Soil acidification became obvious with the extension of mulching time. An increase in the C/N led to a decrease in substrate soil quality. Large amounts of total phosphorus (TP) and NO 3 −-N accumulated under long-term mulching, while the amounts of available phosphorus (AP) and NH 4 +-N decreased. The change in the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content was consistent with that in the MBC/microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), which decreased significantly in both the mulching plots and the long-term mulching plots, and alternation ameliorated the trend. MBC/MBN and pH were positively correlated with the bacterial composition at the genus level, while TP, NO 3 −-N, soil organic carbon (SOC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) were negatively correlated. The results showed that the soil bacteria did not benefit from the availability of relatively low-quality (high C/N) substrates, which was reflected by an imbalance in the soil bacteria composition under long-term mulching. Therefore, mulching is beneficial to the improvement of soil biochemical properties and the development of bacterial communities in a short period, but long-term mulching results in a significant decline compared with the other three management conditions. The soil biochemical environment and bacterial composition of Moso bamboo forest can be properly elevated by alternation, which is a necessary supplement to mulching and long-term mulching. • Mulching helps to quickly increase the bacterial abundance and diversity. • LT mode inhibits bacteria because pH and NH 4 +-N decreased, while NO 3 −-N increased. • Elevating soil bacterial abundance and diversity by AL mode is obvious after MU mode. • MBC/MBN and pH were positively correlated with bacterial development. • TP, NO 3 −-N, SOC and WSOC were negatively correlated with bacterial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]