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Crop yield predictions are important for crop monitoring and agronomic management. The traditional methods for yield predictions are complicated and resource consuming. With the availability of affordable handheld imaging and computing devices, the image processing-based yield prediction methods are gaining popularity. In this work, RGB images of rice panicles are captured using DSLR camera with simple background and processed to determine the panicle area in terms of number of pixels. A machine learning-based model is developed to make predictions for rice yield. The model is trained to make predictions on unseen data. Various machine learning-based regression algorithms including decision tree, random forest, support vector machine, and convolution neural network are tested. The experiments are performed on a publically available dataset from China as well as on a self-acquired dataset in India. The results have shown that image processing and machine learning-based methods can make yield predictions satisfactorily as evident from the coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) that ranges 0.80–0.97 for different cultivars. The prediction error is determined in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). RMSE for different methods lies between 0.14 and 0.40, whereas MAE varies from 0.11 to 0.30. Among the tested algorithms, linear regression achieved the best precision with R 2 = 0.97, RMSE = 0.14, and MAE = 0.11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies have examined the role of biochar in carbon (C) accrual in short-term scale, few have explored the decadal scale influences of biochar on non-biochar C, e.g., native soil organic C (SOC) and added substrate. To address this knowledge gap, soils were collected from decade-old biochar field trials located in the United Kingdom (Cambisol) and China (Fluvisol), with each site having had three application rates (25–30, 50–60 and 75–100 Mg ha−1) of biochar plus an unamended Control, applied once in 2009. We assessed physicochemical and microbial properties associated with sucrose (representing the rhizodeposits) mineralization and the priming effect (PE) on native SOC. Here, we showed both soils amended with biochar at the middle application rate (50 Mg ha−1 biochar in Cambisol and 60 Mg ha−1 biochar in Fluvisol) resulted in greater substrate mineralization. The enhanced accessibility and availability of sucrose to microorganisms, particularly fast-growing bacterial genera like Arenimonas, Spingomonas, and Paenibacillus (r-strategists belonging to the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phyla, respectively), can be attributed to the improved physicochemical properties of the soil, including pH, porosity, and pore connectivity, as revealed by synchrotron-based micro-CT. Random forest analysis also confirmed the contribution of the microbial diversity and physical properties such as porosity on sucrose mineralization. Biochar at the middle application rate, however, resulted in the lowest PE (0.3 and 0.4 mg of CO2-C g soil−1 in Cambisol and Fluvisol, respectively) after 53 days of incubation. This result might be associated with the fact that the biochar promoted large aggregates formation, which enclosed native SOC in soil macro-aggregates (2–0.25 mm). Our study revealed a diverging pattern between substrate mineralization and SOC priming linked to the biochar application rate. This suggests distinct mechanisms, biophysical and physicochemical, driving the mineralization of non-biochar carbon in a field where biochar was applied a decade before. Highlights: The application of biochar at a moderate rate (50–60 Mg ha−1) resulted in increased labile C mineralization and decreased priming of native SOC. Biochar amendments led to the reconfiguration of physicochemical properties, including pH, porosity, and the formation of aggregates. Modified microbial community structure towards more r-strategists caused greater sucrose mineralization. Biochar incorporation rate governed the C dynamics via (biophysical vs physicochemical mechanisms) in long-term biochar amended fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granite residual soil is widely distributed in the southern coastal areas of China, and the slopes of granite residual soil are prone to instability and failure under the alternating action of rainfall and drying, which will cause great disasters to human society. In order to study the response mechanism of granite residual soil slopes under the alternating action of rainfall-drying-static-rainfall (RDSR), this study conducted indoor scaling model tests to analyze the response during dry and wet cycles. This study presented the response process of the slope under the influence of dry and wet cycles and discussed the change laws of slope deformation, water content, and matric suction. The results show that, under the alternating action of rainfall-drying-static-rainfall, 1) the network cracks on the slope form a dominant channel for rainwater seepage, which is the main reason for the rapid decline in soil anti-sliding ability within a short time; 2) at a rainfall intensity of 1.7-2.4 mm/min, the erosion effect of rain on the slope is obviously stronger than that of osmotic erosion, and the surface erosion failure of the granite residual soil slope tends to occur without an obvious sliding surface; 3) after the loss of matric suction over a certain period, the phenomenon of channeling and loss failure on the slope serve as a sufficient condition for slope instability failure but is not a necessary condition. The above research results are expected to provide the basis and reference for preventing and controlling landslide hazards in granite residual soil slopes under similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Silicon (Si) is an essential element for siliceous organisms, including macrophytes, phytoplankton, and diatoms. Coastal wetlands are critical for bridging the river-estuary-ocean continuum to drive the biogeochemical Si cycles. However, it remains unclear about the contents and distribution patterns of bioavailable Si in soils under various scenarios, and their environmental controls in coastal wetlands. Methods: We conducted a nationwide sampling campaign across ca. 5000 km of coastal wetlands, covering temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates in China, and quantified plant available Si (ASi) using calcium chloride extractable Si (Si-CaCl2). Results: S. alterniflora invasion did not significantly influence ASi content. In contrast, ASi content in the subtropical zone was higher than in the both temperate (medium) and tropical zones (lowest). ASi content was significantly positively correlated with nutrients (i.e., soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP)), soil water content (SWC), clay and silt contents, but negatively with soil bulk density (BD) and sand content. ASi content, in detail, increased with increasing pH (pH < 7) but decreased with increasing pH (pH > 7), showing a quadratic function relationship. Conclusions: ASi in coastal wetlands was predominately directly influenced by pH, particle size, and nutrients of coastal soil, while vegetation compositions and plant-derived lignin (Λ8) inputs illustrated a minor effect on ASi patterns. Mean annual temperature (MAT) and precipitation (MAP) indirectly regulated ASi content via affecting soil geochemistry and nutrients distribution. Taken together, ASi distribution are mostly controlled by primary pedogenesis and specific weathering processes in China's coastal wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the role of financial development in economic globalization for India and China by controlling economic growth, institutional quality, inflation, government investment, and real interest rate as crucial determinants. Using annual time series data from 1984 to 2018, the long-run estimates from ARDL model reveal that financial development, institutional quality, and government investment significantly drive economic globalization. We also find that the inflation rate offsets economic globalization in India but promotes it in China. Interestingly, while economic growth promotes economic globalization in India, it impedes in China. The varying effects of real interest rates on economic globalization are observed in both economies. These findings offer key macroeconomic policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentary archives provide long-term records of heavy metal pollution crucial for making an efficient pollution control policy to protect humans and our ecosystem. In this study, we present V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, Sn, Zn, Cd, and Pb concentrations measured in a 38 cm long sediment core from the Upper Lake (wetland protected under Ramsar convention 2002) in Bhopal to provide the last century records of heavy metal pollution in Central India. Few riverine sediments and free-fall atmospheric dust samples collected from the lake periphery were also analyzed. Principal component analysis and heavy metal abundance patterns in the lake sediments and the likely endmembers suggest atmospheric deposition as the major cause of heavy metal influx into the lake. The geochemical background upper limits of heavy metals as determined using modal analysis were used to calculate the metal-specific enrichment factor (EF) and the overall heavy metal pollution load index (PLI). The overall metal pollution has remained insignificant (PLI ~ 1) throughout the core history, while minor pollution of Zn, Cd, and Pb (EF > 1–2) emerged in the early-1980s. This study highlights that the emergence of Zn, Cd, and Pb pollution in Central India is contemporaneous to that seen in multiple lacustrine sediment records from China but it does not yet show any modern phasing-out trend as seen in China and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Natural stable isotope compositions of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) can reveal biogeochemical mechanisms that control ecosystem carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) processes. However, little is known about the latitudinal patterns and controlling mechanisms for soil δ13C and δ15N in coastal wetlands based on a large spatial scale. Methods: A total of 76 sites of coastal wetlands were sampled along a 5000 km transect across temperate-subtropical-tropical zones to explore biological and environmental controls on soil stable C and N isotopic compositions. Results: The results showed that soil δ13C (ranging from -27.5‰ to -18.3‰) and δ15N (from 2.66‰ to 9.97‰) varied over a broad geographic scale. The C4-plant (Spartina alterniflora) dominated sites have 2–6‰ higher δ13C values than those of other vegetation types, while mangrove soils have lower δ13C values compared to those of marshes; and soils with vegetated C4-plants and mangroves have 1–3‰ higher δ15N values relative to native grass marshes. There were no significant relationships between mean annual temperature (MAT) or precipitation (MAP) and δ13C, but positive correlations between MAT and δ15N, as well as MAP and δ15N. Conclusions: Vegetation composition and plant C inputs directly control the spatial variability of δ13C patterns. Simultaneously, climate and edaphic variables (e.g., soil water content, pH, and C availability) are the predominant factors influencing δ15N patterns. These findings provide new insights into soil organic matter turnover and response to climate and environmental changes and improve the prediction of C stability and burial in coastal wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Microbially mediated nitrate (NO3−) reduction coupled to ferrous Fe (Fe[II]) oxidation (termed NRFO) and anaerobic ammonium (NH4+) oxidation coupled to ferric Fe (Fe[III]) reduction (termed Feammox) represent two known processes driving Fe redox cycle, and the associated interactions between nutrients and contaminants in paddy soils. Thus, we hypothesized that NRFO and Feammox may play important roles in Cd availability, especially in paddy soils characterized by dynamic redox processes. Materials and methods: An acidic paddy soil from a red soil region of southern China was amended with NO3− or NH4+ in strictly anoxic incubation experiments. The microcosm technique was used with some modification to achieve the conditions that would facilitate the gradual change in the magnitude of redox. The pH and redox potential (Eh) of soil suspension were measured in situ. Gas samples were withdrawn to analyze nitrous oxide (N2O) concentration. Soil slurries were sampled to determine NO3−, nitrite (NO2−), NH4+, and Fe(II) concentrations and to study Fe and Cd distributions among soil liquid and solid phases. Stoichiometric calculations of redox reactions were carried out at the time point of maximum levels of NO2− production and N2O emission in all soil slurries during the anaerobic incubation. Results and discussion: Our study demonstrated the occurrence of NRFO in soil slurries. Of the Fe(II) produced, 30% was contributed by Fe(II) oxidation via NRFO. The occurrence of Feammox in soil slurries was also observed, in which 17% of Fe(II) produced was attributed to Fe(III) reduction via Feammox. Both aqueous and solid-phase Fe(II) oxidation by NO3− and NO2− during NRFO lowered Fe concentrations in soluble, MgCl2-extractable, and NaOAc-extractable fractions, and promoted the formation of amorphous Fe oxides, which provided reactive surfaces for Cd adsorption, thus decreasing the soluble Cd fraction. In contrast, enhanced Fe(III) reduction due to Feammox and subsequent Fe(II) adsorption and precipitation accelerated Fe transformation from MgCl2-extractable to NaOAc-extractable fractions, which triggered Cd transformation from soluble to NH2OH·HCl-extractable fractions. Conclusions: All NRFO and Feammox affected the Cd distribution by controlling the Fe redistribution among the soil liquid and solid phases. In the context of high N inputs and high Fe content in paddy soils of southern China, we suggest that NRFO and Feammox could be two potentially important mediating pathways for manipulating the bioavailability of Cd-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian influenza subtype A(HxNy) viruses are zoonotic and may occasionally infect humans through direct or indirect contact, resulting in mild to severe illness and death. Member States in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) communicate and notify the World Health Organization of any human cases of A(HxNy) through the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) mechanism. This report includes all notifications in the WPR with illness onset dates from 1 November 2003 to 31 July 2022. During this period, there were 1972 human infections with nine different A(HxNy) subtypes notified in the WPR. Since the last report, an additional 134 human avian influenza infections were notified from 1 October 2017 to 31 July 2022. In recent years there has been a change in the primary subtypes and frequency of reports of human A(HxNy) in the region, with a reduction of A(H7N9) and A(H5N1), and conversely an increase of A(H5N6) and A(H9N2). Furthermore, three new subtypes A(H7N4), A(H10N3) and A(H3N8) notified from the People's Republic of China were the first ever recorded globally. The public health risk from known A(HxNy) viruses remains low as there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission. However, the observed changes in A(HxNy) trends reinforce the need for effective and rapid identification to mitigate the threat of a pandemic from avian influenza if person-to-person transmission were to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro haploid production followed by chromosome doubling greatly enhances the production of complete homozygous wheat lines in a single generation. This work aimed to develop wheat doubled haploid genetic stock resistant to yellow and brown rust via intergeneric hybridization with Imperata cylindrica and its further characterization. The wheat doubled haploid (DH) line was developed by crossing wheat F1 (HS 542/China 84-40,022) with I. cylindrica. This DH-1 was tested against eight races of yellow (110S119, 110S247, 238S119, 78S84, 110S84, 111S68, T and P) and eighteen races of brown rust (11,12-5, 12-7, 12A, 77, 77-1, 77-2, 77-5, 77-7, 77-8, 77-10, 77A-1, 104-2, 107-1, 108-1, 162-1, 77-9 and 104-1) at seedling stage and with mix race of yellow and brown rust in adult plant stage (at Dhaulakuan, Bajaura and Shimla). At the seedling stage, DH-1 showed resistance to all the yellow and brown rust pathotypes except for 77-5 race of brown rust. The adult plant response of this DH line also showed resistance to both yellow and brown rust. Based on host pathogen interaction, the DH-1 was postulated to carry leaf rust resistant genes Lr26 + Lr23 + 1 + and yellow rust resistant gene Yr9 + gene. Molecular characterization of the DH line with gene-specific primers showed that the developed DH-1 contains leaf rust resistance genes Lr34, Lr26 and Lr32. The DH-1 has semi-spreading growth habit, erect flag leaf attitude, plant height of 94 cm, have scurs and 1000 grain weight of 36 g. The results highlight I. cylindrica-mediated chromosome elimination technique of doubled haploid production as an effective tool for the development of wheat rust resistant lines in the shortest timeframe. This is the first report of genetic stock development for rust resistance in wheat via I. cylindrica-mediated DH technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a surveillance study to monitor porcine epidemic diarrohoea virus and transmissible gastroenteritis virus in India, a total of 1043 swine samples including faeces (n = 264) and clotted blood (n = 779) were collected and tested. Five samples (four faecal and one serum) showed cytopathic effects in Vero cells. Transmission electron microscopy of infectious cell supernatant revealed the presence of two types of virions. Next-generation sequencing (de novo) allowed the complete genome sequence of mammalian orthorubulavirus 5 (MRuV5; 15246 bp) and that of all 10 gene segments of mammalian orthoreovirus to be determined. Genetic analysis of MRuV5 revealed grouping of the Indian MRuV5 with isolates from various mammalian species in South Korea and China, sharing more than 99% nucleotide sequence identity. The deduced amino acid sequences of the HN, NP, and F genes of MRuV5 isolates showed three (92L, 111R, 447H), two (86S, 121S), and two (139T, 246T) amino acid substitutions, respectively, compared to previously reported virus strains. Phylogenic analysis based on S1 gene sequences showed the Indian MRV isolates to be clustered in lineage IV of MRV type 3, with the highest nucleotide sequence identity (97.73%) to MRV3 strain ZJ2013, isolated from pigs in China. The protein encoded by the MRV3 S1 gene was found to contain the amino acid residues 198-204NLAIRLP, 249I, 340D, and 419E, which are known to be involved in sialic acid binding and neurotropism. This is the first report of co-isolation and whole-genomic characterisation of MRuV5 and MRV3 in domestic pigs in India. The present study lays a foundation for further surveillance studies and continuous monitoring of the emergence and spread of evolving viruses that might have pathogenic potential in animal and human hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeast China, the important grain‐producing region in China, is under threat from soil degradation because of long‐term conventional tillage (CT). The adoption of conservation tillage is anticipated to restore soil fertility, maintain crop yields and enhance sustainability. However, the integrated effects of conservation tillage practice on crop yields and soil organic carbon (SOC) remain unclear. In this meta‐analysis of peer‐reviewed studies conducted in the Northeast China region, we assess crop yields and SOC values under no‐till, ridge tillage and subsoiling tillage practices. The results indicate that in areas with mean annual temperatures (MAT) below 3°C, crop yields were significantly (p <.05) higher under ridge tillage (0.8%) and subsoiling tillage (13.1%) compared with CT, whereas yields reduced under no‐till (−3.7%). Ridge tillage generally had a similar effect on crop yield as no‐till, without the negative impact in colder regions. We also report that no‐till practice increased SOC concentrations by 24.1%, 43.9% and 17.4% in areas of higher temperature (MAT > 6°C), low mean annual precipitation (MAP) (<500 mm) and continuous cropping conditions, respectively. Ridge tillage and subsoiling tillage also had positive effects on SOC concentrations (to a lesser degree than no‐till), indicating that conservation tillage can enhance SOC in Northeast China. Overall, the implementation of different conservation tillage measures in Northeast China was found to enhance crop yields and sequester carbon. We recommend that ridge tillage is used in colder areas and that subsoiling tillage is used in rotation with other tillage measures to maintain crop yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address climate change, an assessment of carbon sequestration and emission reduction potential resulting from the current utilization of crop residues was conducted in China. In 2020, crop residue production increased to 737.5 × 106 tons with maize in Northeast China identified as the primary driver, compared to 2001. Currently, 82.3 % was collected and used either as fertilizer (62.3 %), feed (16.0 %), energy (9.6 %), cultural substrate (0.8 %), or raw materials (1.1 %). The comprehensive utilization of crop residue offered 62.6 × 106 t C eq yr−1 in offsetting carbon emissions, equal to 27.7 % of the nation's agricultural carbon emissions. Notably, 58.3 %, 22.2 %, and 19.5 % were contributed by used as fertilizer, feed, and energy, respectively. North China (27.0 %) and the Middle-Low Yangtze River (23.6 %) were the most important contributors. Therefore, vast potentials exist to achieve carbon neutrality through efficiency and judicious allocation of crop residue as a precious resource in China and the globe. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on social exchange theory, this research examines how inclusive leaders foster innovative work behavior and creativity in employees. Data were collected in two steps from the 320 employees working in Chinese R&D organizations to draw the result for this research. The findings indicate a positive impact of inclusive leadership on innovative work behavior and creativity. In addition, intrinsic motivation mediates this relationship. The implications and future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial discusses the growth of area studies in China, paralleling the historical development of such programs in the U.S. It highlights the geopolitical motivations behind the establishment of area studies during the Cold War era and suggests that China's expansion of these programs may serve similar strategic interests, particularly in supporting its foreign policy objectives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

Purpose: Significant leaching losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from soil occurred during the summer fallow period of intensive plastic-shed vegetable production systems, which could be resolved by catch crops. Materials and methods: We firstly estimated the economic profits and then evaluated the efficiencies of six catch leafy vegetables on reducing N and P leaching losses. Meanwhile, responses of soil nutrient contents and the yield as well as the quality of subsequent lettuce were observed under plot-scale experiment. Results and discussion: The six leafy vegetables as catch crops can bring approximately 23, 000–43, 000 yuan RMB hm–2 extra economic profits to farmers. There were five catch treatments that reduced the NO3–-N leaching losses from 22.7 kg hm–2 under the control treatment to 4.6–15.8 kg hm–2. The total P leaching losses were lower under all six catch crop treatments (with 10.5–22.3 kg hm–2) than that under the control treatment (with 39.2 kg hm–2). The mitigation efficiency of catch crops on N and P leaching losses was dependent on the vegetable variety. Overall, vegetable crops did not exhaust soil available N but increased soil available P by 42.1% and organic matter content by 16.8%. The catch crop-based vegetable plantation did not influence yield and N and P uptake capacities of subsequent lettuce. As such, the qualities of lettuce (including the soluble protein, sugar, vitamin, and nitrate contents) were also not influenced following the plantation of catch crops. Conclusions: Leafy vegetable as catch crop during the fallow season increased farmer's income while reducing N and P leaching losses. Moreover, there were no negative effects on subsequent vegetable production and qualities. We can also attempt to reduce the input of N and P chemical fertilizers to subsequent vegetable, as increased available P and organic matter were found in the catch crop treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is native to East Asia but has invaded many countries in the world. BMSB is a polyphagous insect pest and causes significant economic losses to agriculture worldwide. Knowledge on the genetic diversity among BMSB populations is scarce but is essential to understand the patterns of colonization and invasion history of local populations. Efforts have been made to assess the genetic diversity of BMSB using partial mitochondrial DNA sequences but genetic divergence on mitochondria is not high enough to precisely accurately identify and distinguish various BMSB populations. Therefore, in this study, we applied a ddRAD (double digest restriction-site associated DNA) sequencing approach to ascertain the genetic diversity of BMSB populations collected from 12 countries (2 native and 10 invaded) across four continents with the ultimate aim to trace the origin of BMSBs intercepted during border inspections and post-border surveillance. Result: A total of 1775 high confidence single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from ddRAD sequencing data collected from 389 adult BMSB individuals. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the identified SNPs indicated the existence of two main distinct genetic clusters representing individuals sampled from regions where BMSB is native to, China and Japan, respectively, and one broad cluster comprised individuals sampled from countries which have been invaded by BMSB. The population genetic structure analysis further discriminated the genetic diversity among the BMSB populations at a higher resolution and distinguished them into five potential genetic clusters. Conclusion: The study revealed hidden genetic diversity among the studied BMSB populations across the continents. The BMSB populations from Japan were genetically distant from the other studied populations. Similarly, the BMSB populations from China were also genetically differentiated from the Japanese and other populations. Further genetic structure analysis revealed the presence of at least three genetic clusters of BMSB in the invaded countries, possibly originating via multiple invasions. Furthermore, this study has produced novel set of SNP markers to enhance the knowledge of genetic diversity among BMSB populations and demonstrates the potential to trace the origin of BMSB individuals for future invasion events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncontrolled spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which originated in China created a global turmoil. While the world is still busy figuring out a cure for the deadly disease, scientists worked out on many theories and conducted several studies to establish a relationship between the infection and other known diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the major complications of this infection after the respiratory manifestations. Individuals with cardiovascular complication are said to be more susceptible to acquiring the infection because the novel coronavirus uses the ACE2 receptor for its entry inside the cell and there is a high level of ACE2 expression in individuals with cardiovascular complications because of the enzyme's anti-hypertrophic, anti-fibrotic and anti-hypertensive effects on the heart. Individuals who belong to the older age group are also more susceptible. Knowing the above information, it might seem that using ACE2 inhibitors would help to slow or prevent the entry of the novel coronavirus but it would also at the same time prove to have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system as the protective functions of ACE2 would be lost. While the search for a cure still continues it has been stated many a times that the conditions might worsen with time and the only way to keep ourselves and our family safe would be to follow the appropriate social distancing methods and get a COVID test if we experience any of the major symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks have been greatly depleted across the globe by conversion of wetlands to croplands, agroforestry, and urban areas. Here, we investigated SOC distribution and turnover in four land use types: a wetland, cropland, forestland, and construction land in the Baiyangdian Wetland, Northern China. The C : N ratios were up to 1.70‐times larger in cropland, forestland, and construction land than in the original wetland because of faster N losses compared to C following wetland conversion. The δ13C values of SOC increased with depth in wetland, and showed an overall depletion compared with the other three land use types. Acid‐to‐Aldehyde ratios of syringyl in wetland were 0.72–1.14‐, 0.72–1.72‐, and 1.18–1.43‐times, and cinnamyl/vanillyl ratios were 0.56–1.05‐, 0.22–0.48‐, and 0.40–0.76‐times those of cropland, forestland, and construction land, which reflects faster lignin decomposition rate in wetlands. The β value was defined by the slope of the linear regression between the logarithm of SOC and δ13SOC values, and decreased from cropland over construction land and forestland to wetland, reflecting the faster SOC turnover with the lower β values. However, SOC content and storage were up to 2.29‐ and 2.07‐times higher in wetlands than in soils of other land use types. The combination of C : N ratios, δ13C, and lignin monomer composition can explain the decrease of β value (corresponding to faster SOC turnover), and can be used as effective proxies to evaluate the sources and turnover of SOC in response to land use changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causing an emerging coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which has taken a catastrophic turn with high toll rates in China and subsequently spreading across the globe. The rapid spread of this virus to more than 210 countries while affecting more than 25 million people and causing more than 843,000 human deaths, it has resulted in a pandemic situation in the world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus belongs to the genus Betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, all of which originated in bats. It is highly contagious, causing symptoms like fever, dyspnea, asthenia and pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, and the severely infected patients succumb to the disease. Coronaviruses (CoVs) among all known RNA viruses have the largest genomes ranging from 26 to 32 kb in length. Extensive research has been conducted to understand the molecular basis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and evolution, develop effective therapeutics, antiviral drugs, and vaccines, and to design rapid and confirmatory viral diagnostics as well as adopt appropriate prevention and control strategies. To date, August 30, 2020, no effective, proven therapeutic antibodies or specific drugs, and vaccines have turned up. In this review article, we describe the underlying molecular organization and phylogenetic analysis of the coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2, and recent advances in diagnosis and vaccine development in brief and focusing mainly on developing potential therapeutic options that can be explored to manage this pandemic virus infection, which would help in valid countering of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, paddy fields are a major anthropogenic source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. There is, however, limited understanding of relationships between GHG production with fertilizer management, rice varieties, and soil variables. This information is crucial for minimizing the climatic impacts of rice agriculture. Here, we examined the relationships between soil GHG production and management practices throughout China. The current doses of N‐fertilizer (73–272 kg ha−1) were negatively correlated with rice yield and with CO2 or CH4 production and positively correlated with N2O production, thus suggesting N‐overfertilization. Impacts on soil traits such as decreasing pH or the availabilities of other nutrients could be underlying these relationships. Rice yield was highest, and GHG production was lowest at sites using intermediate levels of P‐ and K‐fertilization. CO2 and CH4 production and emissions were positively related with soil water content. The yield was higher, and N2O productions were lower at the sites with japonica rice. Our results strongly suggest that current high doses of N‐fertilizers could be reduced to thus avoid the negative effects of excessive N input on GHG production without any immediate risk of rice production loss. Current intermediate doses of P‐ and K‐fertilization should be adopted across China to further improve rice production without the risk of GHG emissions. The use of different rice varieties and strategies of water management should be reexamined in relation to crop production and GHG mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Check dams are one of the most common strategies for controlling sediment transport in erosion prone areas, along with soil and water conservation measures. However, existing mathematical models that simulate sediment production and delivery are often unable to simulate how the storage capacity of check dams varies with time. To explicitly account for this process—and to support the design of check dam systems—we developed a modelling framework consisting of two components, namely (1) the spatially distributed Soil Erosion and Sediment Delivery Model (WaTEM/SEDEM), and (2) a network-based model of check dam storage dynamics. The two models are run sequentially, with the second model receiving the initial sediment input to check dams from WaTEM/SEDEM. The framework is first applied to Shejiagou catchment, a 4.26 km 2 area located in the Loess Plateau, China, where we study the effect of the existing check dam system on sediment dynamics. Results show that the deployment of check dams altered significantly the sediment delivery ratio of the catchment. Furthermore, the network-based model reveals a large variability in the life expectancy of check dams and abrupt changes in their filling rates. The application of the framework to six alternative check dam deployment scenarios is then used to illustrate its usefulness for planning purposes, and to derive some insights on the effect of key decision variables, such as the number, size, and site location of check dams. Simulation results suggest that better performance—in terms of life expectancy and sediment delivery ratio—could have been achieved with an alternative deployment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognised variant B.1.1.529 of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a variant of concern, termed "Omicron", on November 26, 2021. Its diffusion was attributed to its several mutations, which allow promoting its ability to diffuse worldwide and its capability in immune evasion. As a consequence, some additional serious threats to public health posed the risk to undermine the global efforts made in the last two years to control the pandemic. In the past, several works were devoted to discussing a possible contribution of air pollution to the SARS-CoV-2 spread. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, there are still no works dealing with the Omicron variant diffusion mechanisms. This work represents a snapshot of what we know right now, in the frame of an analysis of the Omicron variant spread. The paper proposes the use of a single indicator, commercial trade data, to model the virus spread. It is proposed as a surrogate of the interactions occurring between humans (the virus transmission mechanism due to human-to-human contacts) and could be considered for other diseases. It allows also to explain the unexpected increase in infection cases in China, detected at beginning of 2023. The air quality data are also analyzed to evaluate for the first time the role of air particulate matter (PM) as a carrier of the Omicron variant diffusion. Due to emerging concerns associated with other viruses (such as smallpox-like virus diffusion in Europe and America), the proposed approach seems to be promising to model the virus spreading. [Display omitted] • Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant spread is investigated. • Commercial trade shows a strong correlation with geographical spread. • It is proposed as a surrogate parameter of human interactions. • The possible role of air particulate matter in the new variant spread is not evident. • The increased diffusion of COVID-19 in China is coherent with the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cities have undergone a process of urbanization that has resulted in significant urban sprawl in the past 20 years. This paper uses the “ecology of actors” framework to analyse the interactions among various state, market and civil society players that result in excessive land conversion from agricultural to urban use. The paper shows that under the existing institutional settings, the interests of most actors involved in the process are aligned towards greater land development and growth. The more land is developed, the more land lease revenue for the local government, the more profit for developers, and the more opportunities for compensation for farmers. Planners have been powerless to apply long-term planning principles. There is a need to change the underlying rules of the game so that environmental impacts of land conversion are fully taken into account in the future economic calculations of actors involved in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent cross-cultural studies explore the worldwide variability of physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and snacking in different countries and age groups. Health behaviours in young people in different countries are explained by cultural differences as well as by the influence of psychosocial characteristics and socioeconomic status. In the United Kingdom, modern westernised inactive lifestyles and unhealthy diet are both responsible for the prevalence of obesity. China has seen significant economic development in the past few years and this has been hypothesised to have major changes in lifestyles, including decreased physical activity and increased energy intake. Along with higher income, the likelihood of people having a healthy lifestyle has decreased. Therefore, present study aimed to describe young people`s involvement in physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and snacking in the northeast of England and Harbin in the northeast of China. Our results show that the youth from the United Kingdom were more active through sport; however, they also spent more time in front of the TV and computer screen compared with Chinese counterparts. Snacking on sweets appeared to be higher in the United Kingdom, which is associated with screen time. This finding supports the need of further studies to look at how sedentary behaviours are associated with other health behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of Leptospira detected in wildlife and domesticated animals in Jiangxi Province, China, in. Methods: Urine samples from 28 buffaloes and kidney samples from 50 pigs, 50 dogs and 38 rats were collected from Fuliang and Shangrao County, Jiangxi Province, China, in October 2009. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and culture analyses were used to detect Leptospira. The cultured isolates were typed using the microscopic agglutination test(MAT). Results: The results showed that rats potentially serve as the main reservoir of leptospiral infection, followed by dogs. Although 16% of rats (6/38) were positive using culture analysis, PCR analysis using the diagnostic primers G1/G2 and B64I/B64II or lipL32 showed identification as 50% and 24%, respectively, of the rat samples as positive for the presence of leptospiral DNA. Conclusions: PCR-based detection of leptospiral DNA in infected kidney tissues of reservoirs is more efficient when using G1/G2 primers than lipL32 primers. However, the latter primers have a potential application for detection in urine samples. The alarmingly high prevalence of leptospiral DNA in the wild rat population near human habitation underscores the utility of routine Leptospira surveillance, preferably using PCR methods, which are more sensitive than traditional culture-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Replication competent recombinant simian-human immunodeficiency virus encoding the reverse transcriptase gene (RT SHIV) from HIV-1 was characterized for vaginal transmission in rhesus macaques. RT SHIV was shown to transmit efficiently via the vaginal route in macaques with detectable plasma viremia persisting for a year in some animals. Analyses of virus load in tissues of infected animals revealed accumulation of viral RNA in lymph nodes and spleen with levels correlating with plasma viremia. RT-SHIV was inhibited by dapivirine, nevirapine, efavirenz and tenofovir in vitro, although the effect was less pronounced with tenofovir. Virus isolated from infected animals at early and later time points had limited changes in RT sequences and exhibited similar sensitivity to RT inhibitors as the challenge virus. The vaginal transmission of RT SHIV demonstrated here suggests this virus may possibly be used in the nonhuman primate model for limited evaluation of RT inhibitors applied vaginally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biochar is often applied to paddy soils as a soil improver, as it retains nutrients and increases C sequestration; as such, it is a tool in the move towards C-neutral agriculture. Nitrogen (N) fertilizers have been excessively applied to rice paddies, particularly in small farms in China, because N is the major limiting factor for rice production. In paddy soils, dynamic changes in iron (Fe) continuously affect soil emissions of methane (CH 4) and carbon dioxide (CO 2); however, the links between Fe dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and rice yields following application of biochar remain unclear. The aims of this study were to examine the effects of two rates of nitrogen (N)-enriched biochar (4 and 8 t ha−1 y−1) on paddy soil C emissions and storage, rice yields, and Fe dynamics in subtropical early and late rice growing seasons. Field application of N-enriched biochar at 4 and 8 t ha−1 increased C emissions in early and late rice, whereas application at 4 t ha−1 significantly increased rice yields. The results of a culture experiment and a field experiment showed that the application of N-enriched biochar increased soil Fe 2+ concentration. There were positive correlations between Fe 2+ concentrations and soil CO 2 , CH 4 , and total C emissions, and with soil DOC concentrations. On the other way around, these correlations were negative for soil Fe 3+ concentrations. In the soil culture experiment, under the exclusion of plant growth, N-enriched biochar reduced cumulative soil emissions of CH 4 and CO 2. We conclude that moderate inputs of N-rich biochar (4 t ha−1) increase rice crop yield and biomass, and soil DOC concentrations, while moderating soil cumulative C emissions, in part, by the impacts of biochar on soil Fe dynamics. We suggest that water management strategies, such as dry-wet cycles, should be employed in rice cultivation to increase Fe2+ oxidation for the inhibition of soil CH 4 and CO 2 production. Overall, we showed that application of 4 t ha−1 of N-enriched biochar may represent a potential tool to improve sustainable food production and security, while minimizing negative environmental impacts. [Display omitted] • Application of N-enriched biochar favors the soil conversion of Fe3+ to Fe2+. • Can be a tool to improve fertilization efficiency and yield in a C neutral scenario. • At 8 t ha−1 promoted gaseous C emissions in paddy soil without yield improvement. • At 4 t ha−1 increased yield and decreased the C gas emissions in culture experiments. • Fe2+ content was positively correlated with DOC content, CO 2 and CH 4 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the Sino-Indian border dispute. Rejection of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by the United States; Background information on the relationship between China and India form 1979 to 2001; Models of cooperative monitoring.

• A tool based on Artificial Intelligence might help the world to develop an additional COVID-19 disease mitigation policy. • An automatic tool using U-Net architecture based fully convolutional network, can detect the abnormalities due to Covid-19 disease, in terms of locations. • An automatic Covid-19 detection tool is feasible with available resources, without demanding the special hardware. • Along with employed U-Net model, standard pre-trained models like ResNet50, DCNN, InceptionV3 and ACNN were trained and tested using similar chest CT-scan images for detection of Covid-19 disease. • The U-Net architecture-based method has achieved a sensitivity of 92%, Specificity of 93% and an accuracy of 94%. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, called a SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged from China at the end of 2019, has caused a disease named COVID-19, which has now evolved as a pandemic. Amongst the detected Covid-19 cases, several cases are also found asymptomatic. The presently available Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) system for detecting COVID-19 lacks due to limited availability of test kits and relatively low positive symptoms in the early stages of the disease, urging the need for alternative solutions. The tool based on Artificial Intelligence might help the world to develop an additional COVID-19 disease mitigation policy. In this paper, an automated Covid-19 detection system has been proposed, which uses indications from Computer Tomography (CT) images to train the new powered deep learning model- U-Net architecture. The performance of the proposed system has been evaluated using 1000 Chest CT images. The images were obtained from three different sources – Two different GitHub repository sources and the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology's excellent collection. Out of 1000 images, 552 images were of normal persons, and 448 images were obtained from COVID-19 affected people. The proposed algorithm has achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 94.86% and 93.47% respectively, with an overall accuracy of 94.10%. The U-Net architecture used for Chest CT image analysis has been found effective. The proposed method can be used for primary screening of COVID-19 affected persons as an additional tool available to clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check dams represent a common engineering solution to control sediment flow and landscapedynamics in erosion-prone areas. Yet, there seems to be a lack of numerical tools that canhelp decision-makers design such important infrastructures. The existing spatially-distributedmodels, such as SWAT or WaTEM/SEDEM, can assess the effect of check dams on acatchment&#x2019;s sediment yield but cannot simulate the dams&#x2019; sediment retention capacity,variation of storage capacity, and life expectancy—key processes determining theperformance of a check dam system. To overcome this limitation, we developed adecision-making framework that supports planners in determining the optimal location andstorage capacity of check dams. The core of the decision-making framework isthe Storage Dynamics Model (StoDyM), which estimates the annual variation ofthe dams&#x2019; storage capacity (due to sediment trapping), their life expectancy, aswell as the catchment&#x2019;s Sediment Delivery Ratio. StoDyM is then coupled with aMulti-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA), which determines the dams&#x2019;location and initial storage capacity that maximizes four objectives accounting forlife expectancy, dynamics of storage capacity, and capability to retain sediment.The framework is tested in various catchments characterized by diverse climateconditions, land use, and erosion processes, namely Shejigaou (4.26 km2with fivecheck dams) and Majiagou (13.97 km2 with ten check dams)—both located inthe Loess Plateau, China—and Dolenja vas (163 km2with eleven check dams),Slovenia. The results show that the performance of the existing check dam systems canbe improved significantly by controlling the dams&#x2019; location and storage capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DEA-SBM model and projection analysis are adapted for supporting policymaking. • GTR&DE could measure sustainable technology R&D innovation efficiency. • The spatial and temporal analyses of GTR&DE show the effects of policy initiatives. • Projection analysis of GTR&DE shows the direction of improvement for policymaking. • Visualization of GTR&DE analysis supports governmental decision making. Measuring Green Technology R&D Efficiency (GTR&DE) and identifying improvement potentials are of paramount importance for governmental policymaking on sustainable technology R&D investment. However, comprehensive evaluation of GTR&DE and integration with projection analysis are largely lacking. To support government policymaking, we propose a new DEA-SBM-PA approach integrating Data Envelopment Analysis – Slack Based Measurement (DEA-SBM) and projection analysis (PA) to identify how well sustainable R&D innovations are performing and how much improvements are needed. Based on the theory of decoupling, this study constructs a systemic framework of GTR&DE including economic, energy, and environmental performance indicators. Subsequently, the GTR&DE scores at provincial, regional, and national levels are measured by DEA-SBM model based on panel data from China's 30 provinces during 2011–2017, and the potential GTR&DE improvements for the provinces deemed inefficient are assessed by projection analysis. Our findings reveal that implementation of green technology R&D innovation has positive impact in achieving comprehensive benefits covering economy, energy, and environment. Furthermore, the major contribution of this research is to develop a unifying framework to provide insights for policymakers, including assessment of GTR&DE at provincial, regional, and national levels, analysis of both spatial and temporal differences of GTR&DE scores at different levels, identification of efficient and inefficient provinces, and finally projecting GTR&DE improvement potentials for the provinces deemed inefficient. The findings have significant policy implications, particularly because they demonstrate the impact of an important government policy adjustment in 2015 by analyzing both before and after effects. Finally, it is discussed how government initiatives for sustainable technology R&D innovation may be supported with additional analysis in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's market reforms are restructuring its cities. The value of land, previously allocated by the state – is now better reflected in market price, with a strong gradient from high values in the center to lower values in the periphery. Using data from a 2006 Beijing household survey, this paper explores the extent to which the emerging socio-spatial pattern conforms to this new pattern of land value gradient. The results offer little support for this. We argue that although land prices are becoming a significant determinant of urban development, the actual settlement pattern is still strongly affected by other factors. One is the inertia of the socialist pattern placing households with higher standing in that system near the center. Another is the continuation of a set of policy rules that relegated migrants to peripheral locations. Land values do matter but market processes based on price still operate within a larger pattern determined by settlement history and public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: BackgroundIn Hong Kong, the prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be 2% in the young population. In the diabetic population, 30% of patients have diagnosis before the age of 40 years. Besides, 30% of young diabetic patients have varying degrees of albuminuria . Mutations in the gene encoding the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1β are associated with a subtype of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY 5) characterized by urogenital abnormalities. We examined 74 unrelated Chinese subjects with young-onset diabetes complicated by nephropathy for variants in this gene.: MethodsThe HNF-1β gene was screened by direct sequencing and the functional properties of wild-type and mutant proteins were analyzed by transactivation analysis.: ResultsA novel variant in exon 3 (E260D) was found in one patient. Extended family analysis revealed four other siblings carrying this variant. One subject had diabetes and another had impaired glucose tolerance. Another sibling had microalbuminuria but normal glucose tolerance. Transfection studies showed insignificant differences in transactivation ability between wild-type and mutated HNF-1β. A silent polymorphism Q378Q was identified in another unrelated subject.: ConclusionsThese results suggest genetic variants in HNF-1β are not a common cause of young-onset diabetes or diabetic nephropathy in Chinese, but may modify disease manifestation and progression. Other potential candidate genes should be looked for to account for the high prevalence of young-onset diabetes and nephropathy in this population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recommended management practices (RMPs, e.g., manuring, no-tillage, crop residue return) can increase soil organic carbon (SOC), reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain soil health in croplands. However, there is no consensus on how RMPs affect the SOC storage potential of cropland soils for climate change mitigation. Here, based on 2301 comparisons from 158 peer-reviewed papers, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore management-induced SOC stock changes and their variations under different conditions. The results show that SOC stocks in the 0–20 cm layer were increased by 31.8% when chemical fertilization combined with manure application was compared with no fertilizer; 9.98% when no-tillage was compared with plow tillage; and 10.84% when straw return was compared with removal. The RMPs favorably increased SOC stock in arid areas, and in alkaline and fine-textured soils. Initial SOC, carbon-nitrogen ratio, and experimental duration could also affect SOC storage. Compared with the initial SOC stock, RMPs increased the SOC sequestration potential by 2.6–4.5% in the 0–20 cm soil depth, indicating that these practices can help China achieve targets to increase SOC by 4.0‰. Hence, it is essential to implement RMPs for climate change mitigation and soil fertility improvement. • RMPs can increase SOC stock and mitigate climate change. • RMPs-induced SOC changes depend on local environmental conditions. • The SOC storage potentials were decreased with the increase of soil depth. • RMPs can achieve targets to increase SOC by 4.0‰ in Chinese croplands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]