Different Areas Of China Research Articles

Correlation between Genetic Characteristics, Cell Structure and Material Properties of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) in Different Areas of China

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau), native to China, is one of the most economically and ecologically important bamboo species. Since the economic interests and the strong clonality, it has been widely cultivated in southern China, which inevitably reduces the natural stands and leads to gene loss in this species. In this study, three natural populations of Moso bamboo distributed in Anhui, Guangxi, and Zhejiang province, were used to analyze the correlation between phenotypic traits, cell structure, and material properties from the perspective of phenotypic, genetic, and environmental. Among those traits and properties, fiber width was correlated with wall thickness at breast height and average nodes length under branch positively. Leaf length was correlated positively with fiber lumen diameter and parenchyma lumen diameter. Furthermore, it showed a very close correlation between moisture content, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and diameter at breast height, clear height, and leaf length. The lumen diameter of fiber cell wall thickness is positively correlated with bending strength and modulus of elasticity. Density is positively correlated with parenchyma cell wall thickness. The experimental design is relatively detailed and representative, and the workload is huge. This study reflects the research objectives with scientific and rational experiments and data. This study will analyze the differences of various indicators from the perspective of genetic to build a bridge between micro-structure and macro-structure for rational utilization of the whole area of Moso bamboo resources in China.

Biochemical composition, heavy metal content and their geographic variations of the form species Nostoc commune across China

Nostoc commune is a form species. It has been used as a food and herbal medicine for a long time. This study investigated the biochemical composition, heavy metal content and their geographic variations of the N. commune colonies, which were sampled from all the main production areas throughout the mainland China. N. commune from different areas in China had significant variations in biochemical composition and heavy metal contents. The dry mass of N.commune is mainly composed of carbonate rather than protein. Compared to Nostoc sphaeroides and wheat, N. commune contains low protein,but has higher dietary fibre content. Meanwhile, it has a higher content of Ca and Fe minerals.There were significant features in the biochemical composition and heavy metal content with latitude in China. With the increasing latitude, ash content and lead generally tended to increase, while carbohydrate content tended to decrease. All the samples are polluted by the heavy metals lead, chromium and arsenic, and now all of them are not safe enough for food unless these heavy metals are removed. If the heavy metals Pb, Cr and As are removed, N.commune can be good resources of carbonate and protein to human being and animals.

To Explore the Best Freeze-Drying Technology of Polygonatum Sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute and to Establish the Best Hplc Method for the Determination of Main Effective Components of it from Different Areas in China

To Explore the Best Freeze-Drying Technology of Polygonatum Sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute and to Establish the Best Hplc Method for the Determination of Main Effective Components of it from Different Areas in China

Prediction of household dust mite concentration based on machine learning algorithm

Household dust mites (HDMs) are the important allergens causing allergic diseases in children. A predictive model can help us understand the concentration of HDMs in different areas of China to better prevent and control this kind of allergen. This study used 454 household inspection samples in childrens’ room obtained from China, Children, Homes, Health (CCHH) phase 2 study, conducted during 2013-2014. Spearman correlation and multiple logistic regression were used to explore the influencing factors of HDMs concentrations, by comprehensively considering residents’ lifestyle, building characteristics, environmental exposure, especially dampness-related exposures. This study used the Gradient Boosting Decision Tree(GBDT) algorithm to build the prediction model. The data from CCHH were used to established the prediction model. It was found that there were some differences in the influencing factors between two types of HDMs. The concentration of HDMs were found a significant correlation (p<0. 05)with the number of indoor moisture indicators. 17 influencing factors of HDMs concentrations from four aspects were finally established in this study. The training model of GBDT has a reasonable accuracy(R2>0. 9). This paper provides a reference for predicting the HDMs concentrations in children's bedrooms and the influence of the influencing factors.

赤红壤植蔗坡地坡面径流及溶解态氮磷流失特征

为探究南方高强度、高频次降雨下赤红壤区坡耕地土壤侵蚀及氮磷养分流失的特征，基于野外径流小区原位观测试验，通过测定自然降雨下赤红壤植蔗坡地坡面径流和溶解态氮磷流失量，探讨自然降雨下甘蔗种植对赤红壤坡面径流及溶解态氮磷流失的影响。结果表明：（1）2019年和2020年，径流量分别为1111.3 m³/hm²和3269.4 m³/hm²，硝态氮（NO₃^--N）流失量分别为1.39 kg/hm²和15.60 kg/hm²，铵态氮（NH₄⁺-N）流失量分别为0.37 kg/hm²和1.02 kg/hm²，可溶性磷流失量分别为0.20 kg/hm²和0.27 kg/hm²。2019年和2020年植蔗坡地径流及溶解态氮磷流失量均集中在6月份，占流失总量的45%以上，硝态氮（NO₃^--N）是径流氮素流失的主要形式，占79%以上。此外，2019年和2020年5月至8月，侵蚀性降雨场次分别为18次和23次，侵蚀性降雨量分别为407.8 mm和668.0 mm。（2）不同侵蚀性降雨条件下，植蔗坡地溶解态氮磷流失量及其浓度波动较大，甘蔗生长前期（5-6月）溶解态氮磷流失量及其浓度呈上升趋势，而生长后期（7-8月）则呈波动下降趋势。2019年和2020年观测期侵蚀性降雨的年内分布存在明显差异，均集中在6月份，占35%以上。（3）坡面径流量与降雨量和最大30 min降雨强度呈极显著的正相关关系，同时坡面径流量与径流中硝态氮、铵态氮及可溶性磷流失量均呈极显著正相关关系。研究结果有助于明晰南方赤红壤区蔗区坡面土壤侵蚀及养分流失特征。;The characteristics of soil loss and nutrient loss in sloping land are quitely different among different areas of China, and crop patterns also have significant impacts on these indicators. The objectives of this study were as follows:1) to explore the characteristics of soil erosion and nutrient loss in sloping land with planting sugarcane of lateritic soil; and 2) to analyze the impacts of sugarcane growing stage and natural rainfall characteristics on soil erosion and nitrogen and phosphorus loss characteristics. This research based on the in-situ observation test of runoff plot and measured the loss of runoff, dissolved nitrogen, and phosphorus in sloping land with planting sugarcane. The amounts and concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), and dissolved phosphorus (DP) under individual natural rainfall during May to August in 2019 and 2020 were observed. The results showed that:(1) in 2019 and 2020, the runoffs, nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), and dissolved phosphorus (DP) loss were 1111.3 m³/hm² and 3269.4 m³/hm², 1.39 kg/hm² and 15.60 kg/hm², 0.37 kg/hm² and 1.02 kg/hm², 0.20 kg/hm² and 0.27 kg/hm², respectively. The runoff and its dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus loss in sloping land with planting sugarcane under 2019 and 2020 were both concentrated in June, which accounted for more than 45%, and NO₃^--N was the main form of nitrogen loss in runoff, which accounted for more than 79% of total nitrogen loss. Besides, the times of individual erosive rainfall were 18 and 23, and the erosive rainfall amounts were 407.8 and 668.0 mm from May to August in 2019 and 2020, respectively. (2) The amounts of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus loss and their concentrations in sloping land with planting sugarcane showed great fluctuation under different erosive rainfalls and stages of sugarcane growth. There were obvious differences in the annual distribution of erosive rainfall between observation period of 2019 and 2020, which were both concentrated in June, which accounted for more than 35% of total rainfall. In the early stage of sugarcane growth (from May to June), the losses of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus and their concentrations showed an upward trend, while in the late stage of sugarcane growth (from July to August), they showed a fluctuating downward trend. (3) There was a significantly positive correlation between runoff and rainfall and maximum 30 min rainfall intensity, meanwhile, there was a significantly positive correlation between runoff and the loss of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), and dissolved phosphorus (DP). The results can provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the soil erosion characteristics of sloping land with planting sugarcane in the lateritic soil region of southern China.

Development and Validation of Risk Prediction Model for New-Onset Diabetes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (NODAP): A Study Protocol for a Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis.

Background: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and increase mortality. Clinical outcomes of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were worse in T2DM patients than those without T2DM. New-onset diabetes after PCI (NODAP) is often observed during long-term follow-up and this further aggravates cardiovascular diseases. Several studies had focused on patients after PCI with known T2DM. Previous studies showed that impaired glucose tolerance and aging are risk factors that promote NODAP. Considering the unique characteristics of patients after PCI, we will further study relevant risk factors. We sought to investigate the potential predictors of acute coronary syndrome patients with NODAP by a multicenter retrospective cohort study.Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study including patients after PCI. Clinical medical records of these patients were collected from four hospitals in different areas in China, from 2010 to 2021. Patients' demographic information, medical history, diagnostic testing, PCI-related information, medication situation will be summarized using descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis was performed on the development of new-onset diabetes. Variation will be described and evaluated using χ2 test or Kreskas-Wallis test. The prediction model will be verified by a validation set.Discussion: A novel diabetes prediction model for patients after PCI is established, and this study can achieve advanced intervention for the occurrence of NODAP. Owing to its retrospective nature, this study has some limitations, but it will be further studied through supplement data collection or prospective study. The study has been registered for clinical trials by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100047241).

An Ensemble Hybrid Forecasting Model for Annual Runoff Based on Sample Entropy, Secondary Decomposition, and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network

Accurate and consistent annual runoff prediction in a region is a hot topic in management, optimization, and monitoring of water resources. A novel prediction model (ESMD-SE-WPD-LSTM) is presented in this study. Firstly, extreme-point symmetric mode decomposition (ESMD) is used to produce several intrinsic mode functions (IMF) and a residual (Res) by decomposing the original runoff series. Secondly, sample entropy (SE) method is employed to measure the complexity of each IMF. Thirdly, wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) is adopted to further decompose the IMF with the maximum SE into several appropriate components. Then long short-term memory (LSTM) model, a deep learning algorithm based recurrent approach, is employed to predict all components. Finally, forecasting results of all components are aggregated to generate the final prediction. The proposed model, which is applied to seven annual series from different areas in China, is evaluated based on four evaluation indexes (R, MAE, MAPE and RMSE). Results indicate that ESMD-SE-WPD-LSTM outperforms other benchmark models in terms of four evaluation indexes. Hence the proposed model can provide higher accuracy and consistency for annual runoff prediction, rendering it an efficient instrument for scientific management and planning of water resources.

Redescription and molecular characterization of the tick Argas japonicus Yamaguti, Clifford & Tipton, 1968 (Ixodida: Argasidae)

Species of the genus Argas are parasites that transmit pathogens, eubacteria, and viruses. Argas japonicus Yamaguti, Clifford & Tipton, 1968 was described based on specimens collected from Japan and Korea. Recently, A. japonicus was reported in different areas of China, suggesting that it may be widely distributed. Here, we have redescribed the female, male, and nymphal stages of A. japonicus and provided scanning electron microscope images based on specimens collected in Neimenggu, China. In addition, we compared four A. japonicus individuals with Argas 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequences obtained from GenBank.

Design Optimization and Comparative Analysis of 100% Renewable Energy Systems for Residential Communities in Typical Areas of China When Considering Environmental and Economic Performance

A 100% renewable energy system (RES) satisfies a user’s energy demand using only renewable energy, which is an important energy supply in China given that the government aims to realize carbon neutrality by 2060. The design and operation of 100% RESs in different areas would vary significantly due to the impacts of climates and geographical features. This study aimed to investigate the economic and environmental performance of 100% RESs for residential communities in different areas of China. In total, 30 typical cities were chosen based on the climate characteristics and the availability of renewable energy resources. The genetic algorithm was selected to obtain the optimal design of the 100% RES in each area by taking the minimum total annual cost and the minimum CO2 emissions as optimization objectives. The results showed that 100% RESs were dominated by solar energy and biomass. The investment could be recovered in 8 years if the economic performance was optimized in most areas, but the payback period became longer when the 100% RES was optimized when considering environmental performance. The emissions could be reduced by 86–99% for CO2 and 64–97% for NOx. The results of this study would provide data support for the investment of 100% RESs in rural or suburban areas of China.

Recognition of the “Great Unconformity” in the eastern Sino-Korean Block: Insights from the Taebaek Group, Korea

Precambrian and Cambrian rocks are often separated by the “Great Unconformity”, a global contact that can represent a gap spanning hundreds of millions of years of time. A coeval unconformity in the Sino-Korean Block has recently been documented from several different areas of China; however, the stratigraphic position of this boundary in the eastern margin of the Sino-Korean Block in the Taebaek Group, central-eastern Korea, is still elusive. We present an integrated approach incorporating detailed field observations, sedimentary petrography, and detrital zircon geochronology on the basal stratigraphic units of the Taebaek Group (Jangsan, Myeonsan, and Myobong formations) to resolve this issue. In contrast to the traditional view that all three formations are of early Cambrian age, that the Myeonsan Formation is a lateral equivalent of the Jangsan Formation, and that the Myobong Formation conformably overlies the other two formations, our data indicate that the Myeonsan Formation can be a lateral equivalent of the basal Myobong Formation. We propose that the Great Unconformity possibly lies between the Jangsan and Myeonsan/Myobong formations: the Jangsan Formation is probably of Precambrian age, and the Myeonsan and Myobong formations are early Cambrian in age. This result suggests that the Great Unconformity on the Sino-Korean Block extends to the eastern margin of the block in the Korean Peninsula. The recognition of the Great Unconformity in the Taebaek Group will help to clarify the stratigraphic correlation, tectonic history, and paleogeographic reconstruction of the eastern Sino-Korean Block during the Cambrian.

Development of a Smartphone-Based Nanozyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Quantitative Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Phosphoprotein in Blood.

Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Although viral nucleic acid test (NAT) has been applied predominantly to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA for confirmation diagnosis of COVID-19, an urgent need for alternative, rapid, and sensitive immunoassays is required for primary screening of virus. In this study, we developed a smartphone-based nanozyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SP-NLISA) for detecting the specific nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (NP) of SARS-CoV-2 in 37 serum samples from 20 COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed by NAT previously. By using SP-NLISA, 28/37 (75.7%) serum samples were detected for NP antigens and no cross-reactivity with blood donors’ control samples collected from different areas of China. In a control assay using the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), only 7/37 (18.91%) serum samples were detected for NP antigens and no cross-reactivity with control samples. SP-NLISA could be used for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 NP antigen in primary screening of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.

Study on Prevention and Treatment Strategy of Asphalt Ultraviolet (UV) Aging Based on UV Climate Zoning in China

The purpose of this paper, based on the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in different areas of China, was to give the corresponding measures to prevent UV aging of asphalt. In this paper, based on the average annual amount of UV radiation in China in the past 30 years and the characteristics of UV aging of asphalt, the climatic zoning of UV radiation of asphalt in China was proposed. A variety of base asphalts and styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) modified asphalts were selected to carry out a UV radiation test, and the relationship between UV radiation amount and viscosity, low-temperature performance, and the rheological properties of asphalt were studied. The equivalent aging indexes of asphalt during UV radiation were selected, the UV aging equation of asphalt was proposed, and the equivalent UV aging relationship among different UV climate zones was established. The prevention and control strategies of UV aging of asphalt among different zones were proposed, and the above theory was verified using a trial road. The main conclusions in the paper are presented: The climate zoning of asphalt UV radiation in China can be divided into three zones: zone I with an annual UV radiation less than or equal to 69.4 kW·h/m2 in the last 30 years; zone II with an annual UV radiation of 69.4~81.4 kW·h/m2 in the last 30 years; zone III with an annual UV radiation more than or equal to 81.4 kW·h/m2 in the last 30 years. The greater the amount of UV radiation, the greater the loss rate of penetration and ductility. For the same kind of asphalt, there is a relatively stable functional relationship between the loss rate and the amount of UV radiation. The results also show that UV radiation changes the proportion of viscous and elastic components in asphalt, showing that the proportion of viscous components decreases and the proportion of elastic components increases. The penetration loss rate and ductility loss rate of asphalt can be used as equivalent UV aging indexes of asphalt. Under the same outdoor UV irradiation time, for asphalt to achieve the same technical performance as zone I, the anti-UV ability of zone II needs to be improved by more than 5%, and that of zone III needs to be improved by more than 10%. Engineering practice has proved that the zoning established in this paper and the corresponding UV control measures are basically reasonable.

Occurrence of Aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in feeds in China during 2018\u20132020

BackgroundThe current study was conducted to investigate the individual and combined occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) in feeds from various Provinces of China during 2018 to 2020. A total of 3,507 feed samples, including 2,090 feed ingredients and 1,417 complete feed samples, were collected from different areas of China for mycotoxins analysis.ResultsThe individual contamination of AFB1, DON and ZEN were present in more than 81.9%, 96.4% and 96.9% of feed samples, respectively, with average concentration ranges of AFB1 between 1.2–27.4 μg/kg, DON between 458.0–1,925.4 μg/kg and ZEN between 48.1–326.8 μg/kg. Notably, 0.9%, 0.5% and 0.1% of feed ingredients, and 1.2–12.8%, 0.9–2.9% and 0–8.9% of complete feeds for pigs, poultry and ruminants with AFB1, ZEN and DON that exceeded China’s safety standards, respectively. Moreover, more than 81.5% of feed ingredients and 95.7% of complete feeds were co-contaminated with various combinations of these mycotoxins.ConclusionThis study indicates that the feeds in China were universally contaminated with AFB1, DON and ZEN during the past 3 years. These findings highlight the significance of monitoring mycotoxin contaminant levels in the domestic animal feed, and the importance of carrying out feed administration and remediation strategies for mycotoxin control.

Regional differences and driving factors of construction and demolition waste generation in China

PurposeThe growth of the Chinese economy has resulted in a significant increase in construction and demolition waste (CDW), and regional differences in CDW generation are gradually increasing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the regional differences in CDW generation and the driving factors that influence CDW generation in different areas of China. To provide a systematic advisement for local governments to select the appropriate policy, reduce CDW generation.Design/methodology/approachThe generation of CDW was calculated by region, based on the area estimation method, from 2005 to 2018. The relationship between CDW generation and economic development, and the driving factors of CDW generation in different regions of China, was investigated using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model and the STIRPAT theoretical model.FindingsCDW generation of China increased at the average annual growth rate of 10.86% from 2005 to 2018. The main areas of CDW generation were concentrated in the eastern and central regions, while the proportion of CDW generation in the northeast region decreased gradually, and the changes varied significantly across different regions. The EKC between CDW generation and economic development was established for the whole country, North China, Northeast China, East China, Central South China, Southwest China and Northwest China. Three main factors based on the STIRPAT theoretical model were identified and explained into a framework to reduce CDW generation. The results provided a useful theoretical basis and data support guide for devising effective policies and regulations for the Chinese context.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study can ultimately support policymakers and waste managers in formulating effective policies for waste management strategies and CDW-specific legislation. Additionally, it can help the coordinated reduction of CDW generation across regions in China and can support construction enterprises (in their development strategies), similar developing economies and foreign firms planning to operate in China.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field through the STIRPAT model on driving factors of CDW generation in the Chinese context, in different regions.

Youth development and hockey in Heilongjiang and Beijing: comparative forms of growing youth hockey participation and interest in China

This research focused on examining hockey development models in two different areas in China, Heilongjiang and Beijing. We employed a comparative case study and the concept of political economy and sport to analyze two developing models of hockey development in China. Findings indicated that Heilongjiang and Beijing have framed different strategies for hockey development with their own resources. The model of Heilongjiang is suitable for traditional hockey areas whereas Beijing’s model is suitable for more developed cities in southern China.

Using an extended theory of planned behaviour to explain willingness towards voluntary carbon offsetting among Chinese consumers

Voluntary carbon offsetting (VCO) is an important means of controlling rapidly growing household consumption emissions. To design an effective VCO system, consumers' willingness towards VCO and its relevant determinants are of crucial importance, but are still rather insufficiently studied, especially in developing countries and among high‑carbon-emitting consumers. This paper adopts an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explore the influencing mechanism of Chinese consumers' willingness to offset. Willingness to pay(WTP) is also estimated to provide monetary value of willingness. Using K-means clustering based on consumption behaviours, high‑carbon-emitting consumers are identified and further investigated. The proposed model was tested empirically using survey data (N = 905) collected from different areas in China. The results show that on average, Chinese consumers are willing to pay 419.2 RMB (61.2 USD) per year for carbon offsetting. The major influencing factor is subjective norm, followed by attitude and personal moral norm. High‑carbon-emitting consumers have better knowledge, stronger perceived control and greater WTP for VCO, and their willingness to offset is directly influenced by subjective norm rather than personal moral norm. The findings shed light on the offsetting behaviours of Chinese consumers and recommendations on the design of a VCO system are further proposed.

Genotyping and Molecular Characterization of Classical Swine Fever Virus Isolated in China during 2016–2018

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious disease of swine caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV). For decades the disease has been controlled in China by a modified live vaccine (C-strain) of genotype 1. The emergent genotype 2 strains have become predominant in China in the past years that are genetically distant from the vaccine strain. Here, we aimed to evaluate the current infectious status of CSF, and for this purpose 24 isolates of CSFV were identified from different areas of China during 2016–2018. Phylogenetic analysis of NS5B, E2 and full genome revealed that the new isolates were clustered into subgenotype 2.1d and 2.1b, while subgenotype 2.1d was predominant. Moreover, E2 and Erns displayed multiple variations in neutralizing epitope regions. Furthermore, the new isolates exhibited capacity to escape C-strain-derived antibody neutralization compared with the Shimen strain (genotype 1). Potential positive selection sites were identified in antigenic regions of E2 and Erns, which are related with antibody binding affinity. Recombination events were predicted in the new isolates with vaccine strains in the E2 gene region. In conclusion, the new isolates showed molecular variations and antigenic alterations, which provide evidence for the emergence of vaccine-escaping mutants and emphasize the need of updated strategies for CSF control.

Does continuous straw returning keep China farmland soil organic carbon continued increase? A meta-analysis

The straw returning technique is one of the important measures for soil carbon sequestration and soil organic carbon (SOC) promotion in the world. However, the patterns of straw utilization in China with various methods among regions, the effect and variability of straw returning on SOC in different areas of China remain uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis of 446 sets of data from 95 studies in China field to explore how the environmental factors and field management affect SOC after straw returning. The results showed that straw returning to the field significantly increase SOC content by an average of 13.97% (n = 446). The SOC increased effects are more obvious under areas with mean annual precipitation (MAP) > 500 mm, temperature (MAT) > 10 °C, loam or sandy soil, or the initial SOC content <10 g kg−1. The effect of straw returning on SOC also depends on planting systems, ranging from 5.43% of rice continuous cropping to 17.05% of the maize-wheat ration. In the rotation system, the SOC increasing effect under paddy-wheat rotation (15.79% in rice and 14.87% in wheat season) was more significant than under wheat-maize rotation (17.05% in wheat and 11.81% in maize season). The proper duration of straw returning is 6–9 years, while it will decrease SOC by 17.06%–20.05% more than 10 years. Moreover, the effects of straw returning under the conditions with deep tillage, the amount of straw more than 9000 kg ha−1, or combined pure N with 180–240 kg N ha−1 were better than other methods.

Facing the pandemic in the dark: Psychopathic personality traits and life history strategies during COVID-19 lockdown period in different areas of China.

The current research aims to examine variation in psychopathic personality traits and life history strategies during COVID-19 lockdown period in different areas of China. In Study 1 (N = 564), participants completed explicit measures of psychopathic traits and of life history strategy. To attenuate common method biases, Study 2 (N = 267) employed an alternative measure of psychopathy and an indirect measure of life history strategy, namely, future-discounting. Across two studies, we found consistent and significant evidence that participants from Wuhan, the initial epicenter of the pandemic, evidenced a faster life history strategy and a markedly higher level of psychopathic traits than did participants from Chongqing, which was less affected by the virus. Furthermore, a consistent pattern of correlation between life history strategy and psychopathy was observed across different groups of participants. We also replicated some previously reported studies but found that not all sex effects were consistent with life history in Chinese populations. Taken together, these findings suggest that individuals may show a high degree of variation in life history speed and psychopathic traits in response to unpredictable and adverse environments, which provide support for extended life history plasticity.

Feasible management of non-degradable agricultural mulching film wastes into functional flame-retarded materials

A feasible procedure was proposed to convert agriculture mulching film wastes into functional flame-retarded cotton stalk particles-polyethylene-sandy soil composites (CS-PE-SSx) by simple compounding and injection molding. Due to the uniform dispersion of solid particles in polymer matrix and the promising interfacial combination and the potential interacting forces between cotton stalk and sandy soil particles, the resultant composites showed promising mechanical strength (a flexural strength of approximately 29.0 MPa, a tensile strength of approximately 15.8 MPa, and an impact strength of approximately 3.17 kJ/m2) and improved thermal stabilities. The addition of sandy soil particles endowed materials with favorable flame-retarded properties, which can be resistant to fire ignition and flame out within 55 s. Moreover, the actual agriculture wastes containing mulching film residues, cotton stalk, and soil from different areas of China were also successfully transformed into functional composites, which exhibited promising mechanical, thermal, and flame-retarding properties. This study provided a simple, green, and low-cost strategy to convert agriculture mulching film wastes into functional materials, which can be recommended as a viable option to solve the problem of agriculture mulching film wastes.