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This study explores the extent to which phraseological complexity measures can predict second-language (L2) writing quality of low- and intermediate-level learners, especially in comparison with the more traditional syntactic and lexical complexity measures. To measure phraseological complexity, we evaluated phraseological diversity and phraseological sophistication by focusing on two commonly-used phraseological units (adjective-noun and verb-direct-object combinations). Our findings show that phraseological, syntactic, and lexical complexity measures can respectively explain 36.0, 34.4, and 56.5% of variance in writing scores. Although lexical complexity measures are responsible for more variance in writing scores, all three complexity dimensions contribute to the predictive power of writing scores, as evinced by the combined model explaining 63.4% of variance. Most phraseological complexity measures were loaded onto individual factors by the factor analysis, suggesting that phraseological complexity is an independent dimension of L2 complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the central configurations of the 1 + N -body problem, where N bodies are infinitesimal and the remaining one body is dominant. For regular polygon central configurations, we prove that the masses of all the infinitesimal bodies are equal when N is odd and the masses of the alternate infinitesimal bodies must be equal when N is even. Moreover, in the case of N being even, we present the relationship of the mass parameters between two consecutive infinitesimal bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to the intelligent optimization issue by means of PEO-FOCNN, i.e., the fractional-order convolutional neural networks (FOCNNs) with population extremal optimization (PEO). The Caputo fractional-order gradient method (CFOGM) is adopted to improve the dynamic updating effectiveness of the biases and weights for convolutional neural networks (CNN). Moreover, considering the significance of the initial biases and weights and their updating mechanisms to the optimization performance of FOCNN, the PEO algorithm is used to seek an optimal selection from lots of the initial biases and weights. The optimization effect of PEO method for FOCNN is demonstrated by the training and testing accuracies of PEO-FOCNN compared with standard FOCNN. And, the superiority of the proposed PEO-FOCNN to FOCNN based on some other popular optimization algorithms, such as the genetic algorithm-based FOCNN (GA-FOCNN), differential evolution-based FOCNN (DE-FOCNN) and particle swarm optimization-based FOCNN (PSO-FOCNN), is verified by the experiments on the MNIST dataset in terms of three types of statistical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines to what extent the linguistic features in argumentative and narrative essays of L2 learners are influenced by the communicative functions of genres and learners' genre experience. The genres of texts in textbooks were used as a rough estimation of students' genre exposure and 11 linguistic complexity measures were analyzed to check the linguistic differences between genres. The results indicated that linguistic features in L2 writing were not solely decided by the communicative function of genres. Furthermore, due to the effects of genre input, learners' genre knowledge may change, which could influence their language use in writing. This study first attempts to explore genre effects from a perspective of learners and its findings have important implications for future research, language instruction and assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal generation of initial connection weight parameters and dynamic updating strategies of connection weights are critical for adjusting the performance of back-propagation (BP) neural networks. This paper presents an adaptive fractional-order BP neural network abbreviated as PEO-FOBP for handwritten digit recognition problems by combining a competitive evolutionary algorithm called population extremal optimization and a fractional-order gradient descent learning mechanism. Population extremal optimization is introduced to optimize a large number of initial connection weight parameters and fractional-order gradient descent learning mechanism is designed to update these connection weight parameters adaptively during the evolutionary process of fractional-order BP neural network. The extensive experimental results for a well-known MNIST handwritten digits dataset have demonstrated that the proposed PEO-FOBP outperforms the original fractional-order BP neural network and the traditional integer-order BP neural network in terms of training and testing accuracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic switch hypothesis refers to an ability to adjust metabolic rate. It plays a key role in animals adapted to periods of food shortage, enabling them to "switch down" their resting metabolic rate and to survive and maintain their weight indefinitely on limited rations. The present study investigates the energy strategies of a small mammal in response to food shortages as a function of food restriction, metabolic rate and ambient temperature. We subjected tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri) to food restriction and measured body mass, survival rate, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis and cytochrome c oxidase activity of brown adipose tissue. Cold-exposed animals restricted to 80% of ad libitum food intake had significantly increased resting metabolic rate and non-shivering thermogenesis and decreased body mass and survival rates compared with those kept as control group on the same ood restriction level. Animals classified as having a high resting metabolic rate consumed 30.69% more food than those classified as having a low resting metabolic rate, but showed no differences in body mass or survival when restricted to 80% of ad libitum food intake. These results indicate that tree shrews, known for their relatively high metabolic rates, are sensitive to periods of food restriction, which supports the metabolic switch hypothesis. Our findings are also consistent with the prediction that small mammals with food hoarding behaviors, like tree shrews, may have a lower tolerance for food shortages than non-hoarding species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was undertaken to assess the effect of climate variability on diarrhoeal disease burden among children under 5 years of age living in Kathmandu, Nepal. The researchers sought to predict future risk of childhood diarrhoea under different climate change scenarios to advance the evidence base available to public health decision-makers, and the Nepalese infection control division, in planning for climate impacts.Methods: A time series study was conducted using the monthly case count of diarrhoeal disease (2003-2013) among children under 5 years of age living in Kathmandu, Nepal. A quasi Poisson generalised linear equation with distributed lag linear model was fitted to estimate the lagged effect of monthly maximum temperature and rainfall on childhood diarrhoea. The environmental framework of comparative risk assessment was used to assess the environmental burden of diarrhoea within this population.Results: A total of 219,774 cases of diarrhoeal disease were recorded during the study period with a median value of 1286 cases per month. The results of a regression model revealed that the monthly count of diarrhoea cases increased by 8.1% (RR: 1.081; 95% CI: 1.02-1.14) per 1 °C increase in maximum temperature above the monthly average recorded within that month. Similarly, rainfall was found to have significant effect on the monthly diarrhoea count, with a 0.9% (RR; 1.009; 95% CI: 1.004-1.015) increase in cases for every 10 mm increase in rainfall above the monthly cumulative value recorded within that month. It was estimated that 7.5% (95% CI: 2.2%-12.5%) of the current burden of diarrhoea among children under 5 years of age could be attributed to climatic factors (maximum temperature), and projected that 1357 (UI: 410-2274) additional cases of childhood diarrhoea could be climate attributable by the year 2050 under low-risk scenario (0.9 °C increase in maximum temperature).Conclusion: It is estimated that there exists a significant association (p < 0.05) between childhood diarrhoea and an increase in maximum temperature and rainfall in Kathmandu, Nepal. The findings of this study may inform the conceptualization and design of early warning systems for the prediction and control of childhood diarrhoea, based upon the observed pattern of climate change in Kathmandu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Local electrochemical properties of fusion boundary were studied by combining capillary and photolithographic mask technique. • Martensite in fusion boundary area shows passivation behavior and better corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. • A controversy was demonstrated between the nobility prediction through SKPFM test and local electrochemical measurements. The 309 L-SA508 fusion boundary (FB) in a SA508−309 L/308 L overlay cladding weldment was characterized by multi-analytical approaches. Local electrochemical properties around the FB region were investigated in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution by utilizing a self-developed microcell setup combining lithography and capillary techniques. The corrosion resistances follow the order: P1 (little austenite + martensite)>P2 (martensite + little coarse ferrite)>P3 (martensite + numerous coarse ferrite)>P4 (coarse ferrite). A better corrosion resistance of P1 is attributed to its higher Cr, Ni content and larger proportion of Σ3 boundaries. The controversy between results of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and local electrochemical measurements was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has long been a consensus that translation competence is a multi-componential construct, encompassing linguistic, strategic, and extra-linguistic competence. In this digitalized age, when translators are required to work with complex discourses (e.g., multimodal discourses), the cultivation of translation competence also calls for new insights apart from the traditional face-to-face teaching method. To that end, this study applies the blended learning mode to a translation course so as to enhance students' translation competence. The application of this blended learning mode is detailed in this article. A quasi-experiment is also carried out to assess the influence of this blended course on the development of participants' translation competence. Participants' perceptions of this blended learning mode are also examined. Our results suggest that this blended course improves participants' translation competence, including their knowledge competence, technological competence, and professional competence. On the whole, participants are satisfied with this learning mode, particularly in terms of the appropriateness, sustainability, and multimodality of the blended course. Plain Language Summary: Study of the effect of blended learning on students' translation competence by comparing test scores and students' acceptance in test and control groups This study applies the blended learning mode to a translation course so as to enhance students' translation competence. The application of this blended learning mode is detailed in this article. A quasi-experiment is also carried out to assess the influence of this blended course on the development of participants' translation competence. Participants' perceptions of this blended learning mode are also examined. Our results suggest that this blended course improves participants' translation competence, including their knowledge competence, technological competence, and professional competence. On the whole, participants are satisfied with this learning mode, particularly in terms of the appropriateness, sustainability, and multimodality of the blended course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The crystallinity of non-fullerene acceptors as the third component has an important role on nanomorphology optimization and charge transfer dynamics of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, efficient ternary OSCs were fabricated by incorporating two typical non-fullerene acceptors with different crystallinity, (Z)-5-{[5-(15-{5-[(Z)-(3-Ethyl-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-5-ylidene)methyl]-8-thia-7.9-diazabicyclo [4.3.0] nona-1 (9),2,4,6-tetraen-2-yl}-9,9,18,18-tetrakis (2-ethylhexyl)-5.14-dithiapentacyclo [10.6.0.03,10.04,8.013,17]octadeca-1(12),2,4(8),6,10,13 (17),15-heptaen-6-yl)-8-thia-7.9-diazabicyclo [4.3.0]nona-1 (9),2,4,6-tetraen-2-yl]methylidene}-3-ethyl-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one (EH-IDTBR) or (5Z, 5′Z)-5,5'-((7,7'-(4,4,9,9-tetraoctyl-4,9-dihydro-s-indaceno [1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene-2,7-diyl)bis (benzo [c][1,2,5]thiadiazole7,4diyl)) bis(methanylylidene))bis (3-ethyl-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one) (O-IDTBR), into the host donor/acceptor active layers comprising of poly (3-hexythiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methylester (PC 71 BM). As a result, the 21.5% and 22.7% increase of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) for the two ternary systems were achieved, respectively, which was attributed to the enhanced light harvesting capability, optimized bulk-heterojunction morphology and the formation of cascade energy level alignments that could introduce an additional pathway for efficient charge transfer. Although both the short-circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF) values were increased significantly by regulating the weight ratios of non-fullerene acceptors of two ternary systems, the O-IDTBR-based ternary OSCs showed the higher Jsc while P3HT:EH-IDTBR:PC 71 BM system exhibited the higher FF values. The main difference of improved photovoltaic performance in the two ternary systems could be associated with the different blend morphology and charge carrier mobilities. In addition, nanomorphology studies suggested that lamellar stacking coherence lengths of P3HT in face-on orientation for EH-IDTBR- and O-IDTBR-based systems can be increased from 18.48 nm to 20.94 nm and 21.67 nm respectively, resulting from the stronger crystallinity of O-IDTBR than that of EH-IDTBR, which was beneficial for charge transport in the vertical direction. These results indicate that selecting the appropriate crystalline non-fullerene acceptors may be an effective strategy to optimize nanomorphology to further achieve high efficiency ternary OSCs. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The introduction of EH-IDTBR or O-IDTBR in ternary OSCs could enhance the capability of light harvesting and provide three possible pathways for charge transfer. • Lamellar stacking coherence lengths of P3HT in face-on orientation were increased a higher degree by the addition of O-IDTBR relative to EH-IDTBR, which facilitated charge transport in the vertical direction. • The main difference of improved efficiency in two ternary systems was that O-IDTBR-based ternary OSCs manifested the higher Jsc and the lower FF values with respect to the P3HT:EH-IDTBR:PC 71 BM devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heatwaves can be a common occurrence in Australia, and the public health impacts can be severe. Heat warnings and interventions are being adopted widely to reduce the preventable health impacts. This study examines the effects of heatwaves on morbidity and mortality in different climatic regions in the state of South Australia, to inform the targeting of heat warnings according to regional needs. Heatwaves were defined using the excess heat factor (EHF), an index based on mean daily temperature indices that quantifies heatwave severity relative to the local climate. In all regions, there were increases in morbidity (daily rates of ambulance call-outs and heat-related emergency presentations and hospital admissions) on heatwave days compared to non-heatwave days, which increased with heatwave severity. This study demonstrates that a consistent measure for heatwave severity, based on EHF, can be used to underpin public health warnings for climatically diverse areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human contact with soil may be important for building and maintaining normal healthy immune defence mechanisms, however this idea remains untested at the population-level. In this continent-wide, cross-sectional study we examine the possible public health benefit of ambient exposures to soil of high cation exchange capacity (CEC), a surrogate for potential immunomodulatory soil microbial diversity. We compare distributions of normalized mean 2011/12–2012/13 age-standardized public hospital admission rates (cumulative incidence) for infectious and parasitic diseases across regional Australia (representing an average of 29,516 patients/year in 228 local government areas), within tertiles of socioeconomic status and soil exposure. To test the significance of soil CEC, we use probabilistic individual-level environmental exposure data (with or without soil), and group-level variables, in robust non-parametric multilevel modelling to predict disease rates in unseen groups. Our results show that in socioeconomically-deprived areas with high CEC soils, rates of infectious and parasitic disease are significantly lower than areas with low CEC soils. Also, health inequality (relative risk) due to socioeconomic status is significantly lower in areas with high CEC soils compared to low CEC soils (Δ relative risk = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.82). Including soil exposure when modelling rates of infectious and parasitic disease significantly improves prediction performance, explaining an additional 7.5% (Δ r 2  = 0.075; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.10) of variation in disease risk, in local government areas that were not used for model building. Our findings suggest that exposure to high CEC soils (typically high soil biodiversity) associates with reduced risk of infectious and parasitic diseases, particularly in lower socioeconomic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary and ternary organic nanoparticles (NPs) comprising 7,7-(4,4-bis(2-Ethylhexyl)-4H-silolo [3,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl)bis (6-fluoro-4-(5′-hexyl-[2,2′-bithiophen]-5-yl)benzo-[c] [1,2,5]thiadiazole) (p-DTS(FBTTH 2 ) 2 ), poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) or/and [6,6]-phenyl-C 71 -butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) were prepared by precipitation method. The formation of the organic NPs is confirmed by the atomic force microscope (AFM). The absorption spectra show that the blended organic NPs display increased interchain interactions compared to the polymer blends dissolved in the solution. The processes of exciton separation and charge transfer in the organic NPs have been investigated using time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectroscopy and anisotropy measurements. The results demonstrate that the charge transfer efficiency is improved in the NPs in comparison with that in solution, due to the enhanced interchain interactions and intimate contact between the donor and acceptor materials in NPs. Due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between P3HT and p-DTS(FBTTH 2 ) 2 , the photodetectors with ternary NPs in the active layers exhibit improved on/off ratios and enhanced detectivity compared with the binary system, demonstrating the promising applications of organic NPs in the ecofriendly fabrication of organic optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Al on the oxidation behavior of Al x CrCuFeNi 2 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) high entropy alloys was investigated at 700 °C in water vapor. The oxidation kinetics of all the alloys followed parabolic behavior, with their oxidation rates decreasing with increasing Al concentration. Thick triplex oxide scales with discontinuous Al 2 O 3 formed on the Al 0.2 CrCuFeNi 2 alloy, while a continuous Al 2 O 3 layer and thinner spinel oxide scale grew on Al 0.4 CrCuFeNi 2 and Al 0.6 CrCuFeNi 2 alloys. The early formation of continuous Al 2 O 3 scale in the initial stage of oxidation contributes to the enhanced oxidation resistance of high Al content alloys. ● The steam oxidation kinetics of Co-free Al x CrCuFeNi 2 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) high entropy alloys decreased with Al concentration increased at 700 °C. ● Al content of Al 0.2 CrCuFeNi 2 (∼4 at% Al) HEA was found to be the boarder-line composition of internal and external Al 2 O 3 formation. ● The early establishment of a continuous Al 2 O 3 scale in initial oxidation contributed to the enhanced oxidation resistance of high Al content HEAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of kidney diseases from communicable and non-communicable causes is expected to increase globally — especially in low and middle-income countries — as a consequence of global warming. As this increase could lead to overburdening of health-care systems, action is crucial to minimize the negative impacts of climate change on kidney health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is one of the major vector-borne diseases in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, posing a threat to human health. In rural and suburban areas, traditional rice farming and intensive pig breeding provide an ideal environment for both mosquito development and the transmission of JEV among human beings. Combining surveillance data for mosquito vectors, human JE cases, and environmental conditions in Changsha, China, 2004–2009, generalized threshold models were constructed to project the mosquito and JE dynamics. Temperature and rainfall were found to be closely associated with mosquito density at 1, and 4 month lag, respectively. The two thresholds, maximum temperature of 22–23 °C for mosquito development and minimum temperature of 25–26 °C for JEV transmission, play key roles in the ecology of JEV. The model predicts that, in the upper regime, a 1 g/m 3 increase in absolute humidity would on average increase human cases by 68–84%. A shift in mosquito species composition in 2007 was observed, and possibly caused by a drought. Effective predictive models could be used in risk management to provide early warnings for potential JE transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Migrants generally have more favourable mortality outcomes than the Australian-born population. The aim of this study is to update knowledge and inform future research in this field by examining mortality from musculoskeletal conditions, asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, injuries and mental conditions between 1981 and 2007 among migrants in Australia. Methods. Average annual sex- and age-standardised mortality rates were calculated for each migrant group, period of death registration and cause of death. Results and Conclusions. Mortality rates decreased among most groups for asthma, cardiovascular disease and motor vehicle accidents, with rates diverging in the later time periods. The reverse was true for mental disorders, where Australian-born individuals experienced the greatest increase in mortality. Migrants generally displayed more favourable mortality outcomes than their Australian-born counterparts. Migrants from Southern Europe appeared to have the greatest advantage. However, some migrants appeared to be over-represented in the areas of diabetes, suicide and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Migrants generally have more favourable mortality outcomes than the Australian-born population. The aim of this study is to update knowledge and inform future research in this field by examining mortality from musculoskeletal conditions, asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, injuries and mental conditions between 1981 and 2007 among migrants in Australia. Methods. Average annual sex- and age-standardised mortality rates were calculated for each migrant group, period of death registration and cause of death. Results and Conclusions. Mortality rates decreased among most groups for asthma, cardiovascular disease and motor vehicle accidents, with rates diverging in the later time periods. The reverse was true for mental disorders, where Australian-born individuals experienced the greatest increase in mortality. Migrants generally displayed more favourable mortality outcomes than their Australian-born counterparts. Migrants from Southern Europe appeared to have the greatest advantage. However, some migrants appeared to be over-represented in the areas of diabetes, suicide and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the impact of heatwaves on worker׳s health and safety; to identify workers at higher risk of prevalent illnesses and injuries due to heatwaves; and to provide evidence for policy-makers and service providers. South Australian workers׳ compensation claims data for 2001–2010 were transformed into time series format, merged with meteorological data and analysed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. For total injury claims there was no significant difference detected between heatwave and non-heatwave periods. However, for outdoor industries, daily claims increased significantly by 6.2% during heatwaves. Over-represented in hot weather were male labourers and tradespersons aged ≥55 years, and those employed in ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’ and ‘electricity, gas and water’. Occupational burns, wounds, lacerations, and amputations as well as heat illnesses were significantly associated with heatwaves. Similarly, moving objects, contact with chemicals, and injuries related to environmental factors increased significantly during heatwaves, especially among middle-aged and older male workers. With the predicted increase of extremely hot weather, there is a need for relevant adaptation and prevention measures at both practice and policy levels for vulnerable work groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] ATPF was applied for separating and concentrating baicalin from SBG. [•] The separation parameters of ATPF were investigated in detail. [•] The high separation efficiency and the high concentration coefficient were obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A specific-wavelength infrared (IR) light (λ=3140 nm) was irradiated into a solid D2 ice prepared in a cylinder target cell. The temperature in the solid D2 ice oscillated periodically with a high amplitude when irradiated by the IR light. The temperature oscillation has been well explained based on the two-dimensional heat transfer theory plus the IR-irradiation effect. The transmission optical imaging reveals that such a temperature oscillation is favorable to recrystallize the solid D2 ice from multicrystal to quasi single crystal. This suggests an efficient method to layer the solid hydrogen-isotope ice for the inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to project the future disability burden of Salmonella infection associated with increased temperature in future in temperate and subtropical regions of Australia in order to provide recommendations for public health policy to respond to climate change. Methods: Years Lost due to Disabilities (YLDs) were used as the measure of the burden of disease in this study. Regions in temperate and subtropical Australia were selected for this study. Future temperature change scenarios in the study were based on Australian projections, developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). YLDs for Salmonella infection in 2000 were calculated as the baseline data. YLDs for Salmonella infection in 2030 and 2050 under future temperature change scenarios were projected based on the quantitative relationship between temperature and disease examined in previously published regression models. Future demographic change was also considered in this analysis. Results: Compared with the YLDs in 2000, increasing temperature and demographic changes may lead to a 9%–48% increase in the YLDs for Salmonella infection by 2030 and a 31%–87% increase by 2050 in the temperate region, and a 51%–100% increase by 2030 and an 87%–143% increase by 2050 in the subtropical region, if other factors remain constant. Conclusion: Temperature-related health burden of Salmonella infection in Australia may increase in the future due to change in climate and demography in the absence of effective public health interventions. Relevant public health strategies should be developed at an early stage to prevent and reduce the health burden of climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the production period of shale gas, proppant particles and rock debris are produced together, which will seriously erode the elbows of gathering pipelines. In response to this problem, this paper takes the elbow of the gathering pipeline in the Changning Shale Gas Field as an example to test the erosion rate and material removal mechanism of the test piece at different angles of the elbow through experiments and compares the four erosion models with the experimental results. Through analysis, it is found that the best prediction model for quartz sand-carbon steel erosion is the Oka model. Based on the Oka model, FLUENT software was used to simulate and analyze the law of erosion of the elbow of the gas gathering pipeline under different gas flow velocities, gas gathering pressure, particle size, length of L1, and bending directions of the elbow. And a spiral pipeline structure is proposed to reduce the erosion rate of the elbow under the same working conditions. The results show that this structure can reduce erosion by 34%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Although ambient air pollution exposure has been linked with poor health in many parts of the world, no previous study has investigated the effect on morbidity in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. Objective: To explore the association between particulate matter (PM) and hospitalisations, including respiratory and cardiovascular admissions in Adelaide, South Australia. Methods: For the study period September 2001 to October 2007, daily counts of all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions were collected, as well as daily air quality data including concentrations of particulates, ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Visibility codes for present weather conditions identified days when airborne dust or smoke was observed. The associations between PM and hospitalisations were estimated using time-stratified case-crossover analyses controlling for covariates including temperature, relative humidity, other pollutants, day of the week and public holidays. Results: Mean PM10 concentrations were higher in the warm season, whereas PM2.5 concentrations were higher in the cool season. Hospital admissions were associated with PM10 in the cool season and with PM2.5 in both seasons. No significant effect of PM on all-age respiratory admissions was detected, however cardiovascular admissions were associated with both PM2.5 and PM10 in the cool season with the highest effects for PM2.5 (4.48%, 95% CI: 0.74%, 8.36% increase per 10μg/m3 increase in PM2.5). Conclusion: These findings suggest that despite the city''s relatively low levels of air pollution, PM concentrations are associated with increases in morbidity in Adelaide. Further studies are needed to investigate the sources of PM which may be contributing to the higher cool season effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aqueous two-phase flotation (ATPF), which has the advantages of both solvent sublation and aqueous two-phase extraction, is an effective separation technique for separating strongly polar compounds. A highly effective, economically applicable and environmentally safe method has been successfully developed for separating puerarin from Puerariae extract. In an ATPF system composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ammonium sulfate, the effects of various solution pHs, polymer molar masses, concentrations of ammonium sulfate in aqueous solution, nitrogen flow rates, flotation time and initial volumes of the PEG phase were investigated. Under the selected optimal conditions, the separation efficiency of ATPF was more than 87%. The comparison results between aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) and ATPF showed that ATPF can effectively separate puerarin from a Puerariae extract with high concentration coefficient. At the same time, the flotation product was purified by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC), and the purity of the final product was more than 95%. The experimental results show that ATPF-HSCCC is an effective method for preparing higher purity puerarin from a Puerariae extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of climate variation on malaria in a temperate region of China. Methods: A 20-year historical time-series data analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between meteorological variables, including maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and cases of malaria in Jinan, a temperate city in northern China. Data were retrieved from 1959 and 1979 and analyzed on a monthly basis. Spearman correlation and cross-correlation analyses were performed to identify time lag values between each meteorological variable and the number of malaria cases. The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was used to quantify the relationship between the meteorological variables and malaria cases. Results: The SARIMA models indicate that a 1°C rise in maximum temperature may be related to a 7.7% to 12.7% increase and a 1°C rise in minimum temperature may result in approximately 11.8% to 15.8% increase in the number of malaria cases. A clear association between malaria and other selected weather variables, including rainfall and humidity, has not been detected in this study. Conclusions: Temperature could play an important role in the transmission of malaria in temperate regions of China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solvent sublation is a kind of adsorptive bubble separation technique in which the surface-active (or hydrophobic) compounds in aqueous phase are adsorbed on the bubble surfaces of an ascending gas stream and then collected in an organic layer placed on top of the aqueous phase. The technique has many advantages, such as high separation efficiency, high concentration coefficient, low dosage of organic solvent, soft separation process, and simple operation. Thus, this technique has been widely applied in many fields. The present article reviews solvent sublation''s theoretical research and some applications in the last 10 years, and gives the development trend in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aims to quantify the relationship between climate variations and cases of Salmonella infection in subtropical and tropical areas in Australia. Brisbane in a subtropical area and Townsville in a tropical area of Queensland were selected as the study regions. Local meteorological variables and notified cases of Salmonella infection from January 1990 to July 2005 were provided by local authorities. Spearman correlation and time-series adjusted Poisson regression were applied controlling for autoregression, lag effects, seasonal variation and long-term trend. Natural cubic spline and Hockey Stick model were used to estimate a potential threshold temperature. Spearman correlation indicated that maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity at 9am and 3pm, and rainfall were all positively correlated with the number of cases in both Brisbane and Townsville, with the lag values of the effects up to 2weeks in Brisbane and 2months in Townsville. Only temperature and rainfall were significantly included in the regression models in both regions. The models suggested that a potential 1°C rise in maximum or minimum temperature may cause a very similar increase in the number of cases in the two regions. No threshold for the effect of maximum or minimum temperature on Salmonella infection was detected in either region. The association between climate variations and Salmonella infection could be very similar in subtropical and tropical regions in Australia. Temperature and rainfall may be used as key meteorological predictors for the number of cases in both regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Separation by solvent sublation has been used for the first time in an aqueous two-phase system, and a new concept, aqueous two-phase flotation (ATPF), is proposed. The new technique was used to separate and concentrate penicillin G from a fermentation broth. In an ATPF system of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ammonium sulfate, the effects of varying solution pH, concentration of ammonium sulfate in aqueous solution, nitrogen flow rate, flotation time and initial volume of the PEG phase were investigated in detail, and the optimal conditions for ATPF were obtained. Under these optimal conditions, the separation efficiency of ATPF was more than 95%. Compared with liquid–liquid extraction, solvent sublation and aqueous two-phase extraction, ATPF is shown to be an effective way of separating and concentrating penicillin G from an aqueous phase, and also gives a reduced consumption of organic solvents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objectives: To determine entry antibody seroprevalence and seroconversion to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and associated risk factors in newly incarcerated prisoners. Methods: Males and females entering South Australian prisons completed risk factor surveys and were offered HCV-antibody testing. Participants completed additional surveys and, if HCV-negative at last test, underwent further antibody tests at 3-monthly intervals for up to 15 months. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. Results: HCV seroprevalence among 662 prison entrants was estimated at 42%. Previous injecting history was highly prevalent at entry (64%) and both community and prison injecting independently predicted entry HCV status. Tattooing was not an important risk factor. While community exposure could not be ruled out, three seroconversions were noted in 148 initially HCV-seronegative individuals occurring in a median 121 days – 4.6 per 100 person-years. Prison injecting was infrequently reported, but HCV-seropositive participants were significantly more likely to commence IDU in prison than seronegative participants (p =0.035). Conclusions: Entry HCV seroprevalence in South Australian prisoners is extremely high and may have contributed to a ‘ceiling effect’, minimizing the observable seroconversion rate. Greater frequency of injecting among those already infected with HCV represents a significant threat to other prisoners and prison staff. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study compared the difference between two samples of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Harbin, China, using cross-sectional data that were collected via the Internet and through conventional venue-based outreach. All participants in both samples lived in or nearby Harbin in northeast China. Results showed that the Internet sample was significantly younger, more educated and more likely to be students and to self-identify as homosexual than the community sample. After controlling for demographic characteristics, the community sample was more likely to have had sex with females (OR 2.01, CI 1.22-3.30, p=0.006) and to have had ≥6 male partners in the previous six months than the Internet sample (OR 4.88, CI 3.51-6.80, p<0.001). No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse, exchanging sex for money, exchanging money for sex or illicit drug use between the two samples. For those seeking sex both on the Internet and in traditional gay venues, participants in the community sample were nearly three times more likely to have had ≥6 male partners during the previous six months than those in the Internet sample (p=0.001). In conclusion, the online and offline samples of MSM are significantly different and carry different levels of risk for HIV transmission. Using the Internet as a data collection method may serve as an additional mechanism for the existing gay venue-based behavioral surveillance system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to identify mental, behavioral, and cognitive disorders that may be triggered or exacerbated during heat waves, predisposing individuals to heat-related morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: Using health outcome data from Adelaide, South Australia, for 1993--2006, we estimated the effect of heat waves on hospital admissions and mortalities attributed to mental, behavioral, and cognitive disorders. We analyzed data using Poisson regression accounting for overdispersion and controlling for season and long-term trend, and we performed threshold analysis using hockey stick regression. RESULTS: Above a threshold of 26.7°C, we observed a positive association between ambient temperature and hospital admissions for mental and behavioral disorders. Compared with non--heat-wave periods, hospital admissions increased by 7.3% during heat waves. Specific illnesses for which admissions increased included organic illnesses, including symptomatic mental disorders; dementia; mood (affective) disorders; neurotic, stress related, and somatoform disorders; disorders of psychological development; and senility. Mortalities attributed to mental and behavioral disorders increased during heat waves in the 65- to 74-year age group and in persons with schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders. Dementia deaths increased in those up to 65 years of age. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that episodes of extreme heat pose a salient risk to the health and well-being of the mentally ill. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL OR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Improvements in the management and care of the mentally ill need to be addressed to avoid an increase in psychiatric morbidity and mortality as heat waves become more frequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The adverse effects of heat on workers' health and work productivity are well documented. However, the resultant economic consequences and productivity loss are less understood. This review aims to summarize the retrospective and potential future economic burden of workplace heat exposure in the context of climate change. Methods Literature was searched from database inception to October 2020 using Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Articles were limited to original human studies investigating costs from occupational heat stress in English. Results Twenty studies met the criteria. Eighteen studies estimated costs from heat-induced labor productivity loss. Predicted global costs from lost worktime, in US$, were 280 billion in 1995, 311 billion in 2010 (≈0.5% of GDP), 2.5 trillion in 2030 (>1% of GDP) and up to 4.0% of GDP by 2100, with additional expenses after considering reduced work efficiency. Three studies estimated heat-related healthcare expenses from occupational injuries with averaged annual costs (US$) exceeding 1 million in Spain, 1 million in Guangzhou, China and 250,000 in Adelaide, Australia. Low- and middle-income countries and countries with warmer climates had greater losses as a proportion of GDP. Greater costs per worker were observed in outdoor industries, amongst males, and workers aged 25 to 44 years. Conclusions The estimated global economic burden of occupational heat stress is substantial. Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies should be implemented to likely minimize future costs. Further research exploring the relationship between occupational heat stress and related expenses from lost productivity, decreased work efficiency and healthcare, and costs stratified by demographic factors, is warranted. Key messages The estimated retrospective and future economic burden from occupational heat stress is large. Responding to climate change is crucial to minimize this burden. Analyzing heat-attributable occupational costs may guide the development of workplace heat management policies and practices as part of global warming strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schematic of optical-induced electron variation in C/P co-doped 2D AlN. [Display omitted] • Enhanced covalent bonds and structural stability are gained in C and P doped 2D AlN. • Band gap value of 2D AlN is greatly reduced by the introduction of C and P atoms. • C and P co-doped 2D AlN has enhanced optical response and optical isotropy. Doping various elements is able to change the structural and electronic properties of two-dimensional aluminum nitride (2D AlN), hence leading to different optical properties. By Density functional theory (DFT) calculation, broken 2D structure and 2p z electron conjugative effects to form intensive covalent bond are observed in C/P co-doped 2D AlN, confirming the variation in structure and electron state. Band gap values of C/P co-doped 2D AlN are drastically reduced due to bonding ability enhancement by C atom, which renders C/P coupling anti-bonding state is pushed to valence band. Optical properties are measured at low energy range. Enhanced optical response at E‖ x and E‖ y is attributed to the co-doping of C and P, resulting in improved optical conductivity, adsorption ability, refractive N (ω) and reflectivity R (ω). Especially for 2D Al 16 N 13 C 2 P 1 modified by 2 C and 1 P atom doped in N sites (2C/1P), nearly three times increase is detected for optical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the impact of weather on human mortality, particularly among elderly people and people with diseases, the authors conducted an ecological study in Brisbane, Australia. Correlation and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) regression analyses assessed the relationship between weather and mortality in the general population and the elderly population (65 years of age and older) over the period 1986-1995. In the summer, both cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality in the elderly population had significant positive correlations with monthly temperatures. In the winter, negative correlations were found between monthly mean maximum temperatures and cardiovascular-disease mortality, and between monthly mean minimum temperatures and respiratory-disease mortality. Regression models were developed for various target populations and produced similar results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: With more men who have sex with men (MSM) seeking sexual partners through the Internet, the Internet has been characterized as a newly emerging risk environment for HIV transmission. Meanwhile, the flourishing of gay websites provides a good opportunity for health professionals to conduct systematic HIV/AIDS behavioral surveillance among MSM. Effective methods to recruit online MSM users have been developed, and online surveys have suggested many practical advantages over surveys in the traditional gay community. Although surveys among MSM via the Internet have a few limitations and risks, online surveillance can still be viewed as a feasible and convenient approach, especially in countries where the HIV/AIDS epidemic is concentrated in high-risk populations and where the conducting of such surveillance in traditional gay venues is difficult. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The authors conducted a systematic review of the studies of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost because of climate change. The review considered both methodological issues and research results. It found that little is known about DALYs lost because of climate change, except for results based on limited information presented in the World Health Organization (WHO) global-burden-of-disease study in 2002. The measurement of DALYs attributable to climate change presents additional difficulties over measurement of DALYs attributable to other causes. Further studies linking DALYs and climate change should be conducted in various populations and in different ecological regions, including developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To investigate the impact of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on dysentery transmission, the relationship between monthly dysentery cases in Shandong Province of China and the monthly Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), a broad index of ENSO, was examined over the period 1991–2003. Spearman correlations and generalized linear models were calculated to detect the association between the SOI and dysentery cases. Data from 1991 to 2001 were used to estimate the parameters, while data from 2002 to 2003 were used to test the forecasting ability of the model. After controlling for seasonality, autocorrelation, and a time-lagged effect, the results indicate that there was a significant negative association between the number of dysentery cases and the SOI, with a lagged effect of 2 months. A one-standard-deviation decrease in the SOI might cause up to 207 more dysentery cases per month in Shandong Province. This is the first report of the impact of the Southern Oscillation on dysentery risk in China, indicating that the SOI may be a useful early indicator of potential dysentery risk in Shandong Province. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: To characterise long-term mortality trends for diabetes in Australia during the 20th century, and to provide suggestions to health policy-makers. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using existing dataset. Deaths due to diabetes, as underlying cause of death, from 1907 to 1998 were tallied, according to the ICD-9. Trends in diabetes mortality (overall population, under-19 and over 40-year-old age groups) by gender were examined. Results: There was a slightly increasing trend in the mortality rate in males over the study period, from 14.38/100,000 in 1907 to 16.05/100,000 in 1998. Among females, it started from 19.6/100,000 in 1907, reached the peak in early 1940s and then decreased to 10.61/100,000 in 1998. There was a reversal sex ratio after late 1960s with mortality rates among males were higher than females after 1969. There was a significant difference in overall mortality between males and females over study period (p <0.001). The mortality trend among the 40 years and over group was similar to the overall population. The death rates for the under-19 group declined significantly over the study period (p <0.001), but no difference between males and females was detected (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The application of insulin played an important role in the reduction of diabetes mortality among the under-19-year-old group. New medical treatment methods to reduce chronic complications and other public health interventions could have made a recent contribution to reducing death rates. It is also probable that over the study period there has been an increase in the likelihood of diabetes being correctly diagnosed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An effective method for separating and enriching Baicalin from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi (SBG) by solvent sublation and, subsequently, identifying it by HPLC and spectroscopy is described in this paper. The effects of the organic solvent, nitrogen flow rate, solution pH, sublation time, and electrolyte sodium chloride on the sublation efficiency were investigated in detail, and the optimal conditions of SBG solvent sublation were determined. The floated product of SBG under the optimal conditions was positively identified by HPLC, UV, FTIR, and ¹H-NMR. Solvent sublation was compared with the traditional precipitation method and was found to generate a significantly better product. The results show that the proposed method is simple, quick, and selective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the frequency distribution of co-existing conditions for deaths where the underlying cause was infectious and parasitic diseases.Materials and methods: Besides the underlying cause of death, the distributions of co-existing conditions for deaths from infectious and parasitic diseases were examined in total and by various age and sex groups, at individual and chapter levels, using 1998 Australian mortality data.Results: In addition to the underlying cause of death, the average number of reported co-existing conditions for a single infectious and parasitic death was 1.62. The most common co-existing conditions were respiratory failure, acute renal failure – non-specific causes, ischaemic heart disease, pneumonia and diabetes. When studying the distribution of co-existing conditions at the ICD-9 chapter level, it was found that the circulatory system diseases were the most important. There was an increasing trend in the number of reported co-existing conditions from 60 years of age upwards. Gender differences existed in the frequency of some reported co-existing conditions. The most common organism types of co-existing conditions were other bacterial infection and other viruses.Conclusions: The study indicated that the quality of death certificates is less than satisfactory for the 1998 Australian mortality data. The findings may be helpful in clarifying the ICD coding rules and the development of disease prevention strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Compound Jixuecao Decoction (CJD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescribed in China to treat chronic renal failure (CRF). Previous studies have shown that CJD affects cell apoptosis and proliferation. However, the mechanism of its renal protective action has not been characterized. To explore the mechanism(s) underlying the effect of CJD on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis in the treatment of CRF using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vivo studies. The compounds comprising CJD were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. A Swiss target prediction database and similarity integration approach were employed to identify potential targets of these components. The GeneCards and DisGeNET databases were used to identify targets associated with CRF, apoptosis, and ERS. The STRING database was employed to analyze the protein–protein interactions (PPIs) associated with drug–disease crossover. A chemical composition-shared target network was established, and critical pathways were identified through gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The Protein Data Bank database was used to search key proteins, while molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed between the top four CJD active ingredients and proteins involved in apoptosis and ERS in CRF. Subsequent in vivo studies using a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model of CRF were performed to verify the findings. The 80 compounds identified in CJD yielded 875 target genes, of which 216 were potentially related to CRF. PPI network analysis revealed key targets via topology filtering. Enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that CJD primarily targets mitofusin-2 (MFN2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), BAX, protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) during CRF treatment. In vivo, CJD significantly increased the abundance of MFN2, BCL2, and significantly reduced the abundance of BAX, PERK, CHOP proteins in kidney tissues, indicating that CJD could improve apoptosis and ERS in CRF rats. This study provides evidence that CJD effectively delays CFR through modulation of the MFN2 and PERK–eIF2α–ATF4–CHOP signaling pathways. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of temperature variability on rotavirus infections among children under 5 years of age in Kathmandu, Nepal. Findings may inform infection control planning, especially in relation to the role of environmental factors in the transmission of rotavirus infection. Generalized linear Poisson regression equations with distributed lag non-linear model were fitted to estimate the effect of temperature (maximum, mean and minimum) variation on weekly counts of rotavirus infections among children under 5 years of age living in Kathmandu, Nepal, over the study period (2013 to 2016). Seasonality and long-term effects were adjusted in the model using Fourier terms up to the seventh harmonic and a time function, respectively. We further adjusted the model for the confounding effects of rainfall and relative humidity. During the study period, a total of 733 cases of rotavirus infection were recorded, with a mean of 3 cases per week. We detected an inverse non-linear association between rotavirus infection and average weekly mean temperature, with increased risk (RR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.08–2.15) at the lower quantile (10th percentile) and decreased risk (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43–0.95) at the higher quantile (75th percentile). Similarly, we detected an increased risk [(RR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.40–2.65) and (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.04–1.95)] of rotavirus infection for both maximum and minimum temperature at their lower quantile (10th percentile). We estimated that 344 (47.01%) cases of rotavirus diarrhoea among the children under 5 years of age were attributable to minimum temperature. The significant effect of temperature on rotavirus infection was not observed beyond lag zero week. An inverse non-linear association was estimated between rotavirus incidence and all three indices of temperature, indicating a higher risk of infection during the cooler times of the year, and suggesting that transmission of rotavirus in Kathmandu, Nepal may be influenced by temperature. Unlabelled Image • Rotavirus infection risk increased with decreased in all three temperature indices. • An inverse nonlinear association was observed between rotavirus infection and temperature. • Relative risk was higher for lower percentiles of temperature. • 47.01% of cases (<5 years age) were attributable to minimum temperature. • No significant association was observed with rainfall and relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive radiative cooling without energy consumption is increasingly being explored as an eco‐friendly alternative to electric cooling for mitigating heat stress caused by global warming. Incorporating radiative cooling into personal thermal management has garnered widespread interest. However, existing sub‐ambient radiative cooling textiles face challenges related to inferior solar reflectance, poor outdoor durability, or health concerns. Here, a durable multilayer silk textile (MST) is developed that achieves excellent comprehensive performance for the first time, including both ultrahigh solar reflectance (96.5%) and ultrahigh infrared emittance (97.1%), safety, air and moisture permeability, high mechanical strength, washability, abrasion resistance, surface hydrophobicity, and UV resistance. The MST achieves a remarkable sub‐ambient temperature drop of 5.1 °C under 892.4 W m−2 of ultra‐strong solar radiation and surpasses both commercial silk and cotton textiles at noon with temperature reductions of 6.0 and 8.3 °C, respectively. For proof of concept, a hat using the MST is fabricated, which shows improved cooling performance compared to commercial hats. Considering its outstanding cooling performance, durability, zero energy consumption, abundant raw materials, and scalable production ability, it is believed that the radiative cooling MST holds great promise for practical applications in daytime personal thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between syntactic complexity and writing quality, measured by both syntactic elaboration and diversity, based on 410 narrative essays of adolescent beginner and intermediate Chinese EFL learners. Syntactic elaboration measures were analyzed by the L2 Syntactic Complexity Analyzer. Syntactic diversity was measured by the corrected type-token ratio of dependency relations, a new metric proposed by this study. Three regression analyses were conducted, each with writing scores as an outcome variable, but the syntactic elaboration model employed traditional syntactic elaboration measures as explanatory variables; the syntactic diversity model employed the syntactic diversity measure; and the combined model used all of the measures. The results show that 1) syntactic elaboration measures account for 36.6% of the variance in writing scores, with mean length of sentence, complex nominals per clause, and clauses per T-unit as the best predictors; 2) the syntactic diversity measure alone could predict 32.1% of the variance in writing scores; 3) the combined model, including both syntactic elaboration and syntactic diversity measures, could explain 45.3% of the variance (the largest amount of variance in the study) in writing scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a very important issue in Australian rural and remote regions: the effects of climate change on various aspects including natural resources, agricultural activity, population health, and social and economic development. The objective is to briefly characterise the consequences of climate change in rural Australia and what we can do to prevent further impact in our rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Nepal has been identified as a country highly vulnerable to adverse health and socioeconomic impacts arising from climate change, extant research on climate sensitive infectious diseases has yet to develop the evidence base to adequately address these threats. In this opinion paper we identify and characterise basic requirements that are hindering the progress of climate change and infectious disease research in Nepal. Our opinion is that immediate attention should be given to strengthening Nepal's public health surveillance system, promoting inter-sectoral collaboration, improving public health capacity, and enhancing community engagement in disease surveillance. Moreover, we advocate for greater technical support of public health researchers, and data sharing among data custodians and epidemiologists/researchers, to generate salient evidence to guide relevant public health policy formulation aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on human health in Nepal. International studies on climate variability and infectious diseases have clearly demonstrated that climate sensitive diseases, namely vector-borne and food/water-borne diseases, are sensitive to climate variation and climate change. This research has driven the development and implementation of climate-based early warning systems for preventing potential outbreaks of climate-sensitive infectious diseases across many European and African countries. Similarly, we postulate that Nepal would greatly benefit from a climate-based early warning system, which would assist in identification or prediction of conditions suitable for disease emergence and facilitate a timely response to reduce mortality and morbidity during epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• More complex structures are used in the writings of higher-level learners. • Length- and subordination-based measures are better predictors of proficiency. • Some subordinate types occur more often in the writings of higher-level learners. • Frequencies of some post-noun modifiers correlate positively with proficiency. • Frequency of compound nouns correlates negatively with writing proficiency. This study investigates the syntactic complexity, as measured by both large-grained and fine-grained measures, of 410 narrative writings across four writing proficiency levels written by beginner and intermediate L2 English learners. By exploring the differences in syntactic complexity between writings at different proficiency levels, the study is purposed to find out the measures that can best discriminate and predict writing proficiency. The L2 Syntactic Complexity Analyzer and the dependency syntactically-annotated corpus are used respectively to collect the data for large-grained and fine-grained measures. With regard to large-grained measures, it is found that students with higher writing proficiency tend to produce longer language units, more subordinate clauses, more coordinate clauses, and more noun phrases in their writings; mean length of T-unit, mean length of sentence, and dependent clauses per clause can better predict writing proficiency than other traditional large-grained measures. As for fine-grained measures, it is found that three types of subordinate clauses, that is, adverbial clauses, complement clauses and relative clauses, and two types of noun modifiers, that is, prepositional phrases and adjectival relative clauses, occur more frequently in the writings of more proficient learners; the frequency of compound nouns correlates negatively with writing proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]