Hunan Research Articles

Diagnostic Value of Abnormal Prothrombin for Primary Liver Cancer

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of abnormal serum prothrombin levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 298 patients were diagnosed with HCC at Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2024, through imaging or liver biopsy, along with 100 patients with cirrhosis, 100 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and 89 healthy controls, were included in the study. Basic demographic information, as well as levels of abnormal serum prothrombin and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), were collected. The levels of abnormal serum prothrombin and AFP across the four groups were compared, and their diagnostic efficacy for HCC was analyzed using ROC curve analysis. Results: Abnormal prothrombin levels were significantly higher in the liver cancer group compared to the cirrhosis, hepatitis, and healthy control groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences in abnormal serum prothrombin levels were observed among the cirrhosis, hepatitis, and healthy control groups (P > 0.05). Serum AFP levels were significantly higher in the liver cancer group compared to the cirrhosis, hepatitis, and healthy control groups (P < 0.05) and were higher in the hepatitis group compared to the cirrhosis and healthy control groups (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in AFP levels was found between the cirrhosis and healthy control groups (P > 0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) for abnormal serum prothrombin and AFP in diagnosing HCC was 0.925 (95% CI: 0.901–0.949) and 0.810 (95% CI: 0.775–0.845), respectively, with sensitivities and specificities of 84% and 75% for abnormal prothrombin and 94% and 76% for AFP. For the diagnosis of AFP-negative HCC, the AUC for abnormal serum prothrombin was 0.838 (95% CI: 0.774–0.901), with a sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 95%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum abnormal prothrombin levels are highly expressed in HCC patients and demonstrate strong diagnostic efficacy for HCC.

The relationship between college students’ indecisiveness and career decision-making: The mediating role of anxiety

This study explored the relationships between college students’ indecisiveness, anxiety, and career decision-making ability. Using the convenience sampling method, 1072 college students at a college in Hunan Province, China completed a questionnaire online that included the Indecisiveness Scale, Career Exploration and Decision Self-Efficacy Scale, and Generalized Anxiety Scale-7. Participants reported their gender and place of origin (rural or city). They indicated whether they were an only child, were left behind, and liked the major they were studying. The t-test was used to identify differences in indecisiveness, career decision-making ability, and anxiety according to demographic characteristics. Correlations were calculated between the main variables of interest. Regression analysis was conducted to test the mediation model. Participants who liked their major were significantly more indecisive than those who did not like their major. Career decision-making ability was significantly higher among men than women, participants from urban areas than those from rural areas, participants who were an only child than those with siblings, and among non-left-behind participants than those who were left behind. Anxiety was significantly lower in participants who liked their major than those who did not like their major. In addition, anxiety partially mediated the relationship between indecisiveness and career decision-making ability. College students’ indecisiveness and career decision-making ability are affected by sociocultural background, gender, family background, and career interest. Anxiety partially mediates the relationship between indecisiveness and career decision-making ability. Implications of the findings for counseling college students are discussed.

Contemporary development of Hunan calligraphy education: Qing dynasty to modern education

Calligraphy is a major subject in contemporary art in Hunan Province. Therefore, historical and cultural expressions through the evaluation system of society and schools are necessary in all eras. This paper thus presents a contemporary development of the study of Hunan calligraphy, the Qing Dynasty, for modern education. The purpose of this study was to: (1) study and analyze the characteristics of calligraphy styles in Hunan Province during the Qing Dynasty. (2) To analyze the current development status of calligraphy education at the Contemporary Hunan University. (3) Evaluate the model and formulate a development strategy for a new form of professional calligraphy education in contemporary universities. This study used a mixed-method design consisting of quantitative and qualitative research. Different research tools were used to study and analyze the data on three issues: first, representatives of calligraphers from the Qing Dynasty, and related works. The second issue is current developments and modeling. A survey was conducted using questionnaires and expert interviews about the current state of development of calligraphy professional education in universities in Hunan. Third issue: Define a model development strategy. However, the results of a variety of data analyses with reliability and accuracy can analyze six main factors with descriptive analysis, demonstrating the effectiveness of each dimension. Correlation and regression analyses have proven the five factors of the curriculum system, faculty, learning resources, student development, and professional management. This had a significant positive impact on the contemporary development of Hunan calligraphy education: the Qing Dynasty for modern education. The results of these analyses show that the calligraphy education model in Hunan during the Qing Dynasty was effectively inherited and developed.

New E-commerce Boosts Marketing and Branding of Rural Agricultural Products

Rural revitalization is an important initiative to guarantee national food security and the supply of important agricultural products, and a key initiative to promote the high-quality development of agriculture. Under the development trend of new e-commerce day by day, this paper selects Mayang, Hunan Province as the object of investigation, aiming to study the way of new e-commerce to boost the marketing of rural agricultural products and brand dissemination and promotion, and to help rural revitalization. The article starts the research from the development status quo of agricultural products industry in Mayang, Hunan, the feasibility of new e-commerce-enabled development of agricultural products in Mayang, new e-commerce-enabled branding and marketing strategy of agricultural products in Mayang, and finally summarizes the project experience and revelation, which provides new ideas and strategies for the marketing and branding of rural agricultural products and empowers the comprehensive development of rural revitalization.

Quantitative Estimation and Analysis of Spatiotemporal Delay Effects in Expressway Traffic Accidents

Expressway traffic accidents often result in severe congestion, with their unpredictable nature complicating timely and effective response measures. This paper presents a comprehensive method for accurately estimating and analyzing the spatiotemporal delay effects of expressway accidents through the integration of multi-source geographic data. The innovation lies in utilizing real-world vehicle trajectory data, combined with a Traffic Performance Index (TPI), to quantitatively assess delay impacts. By applying spatial clustering and hotspot detection techniques, we investigate the distribution patterns of delays and further employ a Spatial Error Model (SEM) to examine the relationships between accident characteristics and associated delay effects. Using expressway accident data and vehicle trajectory records from Hunan Province, the results demonstrate that the TPI-based approach effectively captures the duration, extent, and severity of traffic delays. Moreover, significant correlations are identified between delay impacts and specific accident characteristics, such as accident type, road type, road environment, pre-accident vehicle speed, and secondary accidents. This approach provides traffic management authorities with actionable insights into the overall roadway impact, facilitating targeted emergency response strategies and informing road usage policies tailored to the characteristics of accident impacts, thus helping to mitigate future risks.

Development and Application of Reservoir Operation Method Based on Pre-Release Index for Control of Exceedance Floods

The pre-release operation has the potential to enhance the ability of a reservoir to manage exceedance floods. However, the mechanisms for the initiation and termination of such operations are unclear, and a clear method for calculating the pre-release water amount at each time step of the scheduling phase is lacking. To address this, the framework and mathematical expression for a pre-release index are proposed herein, and a refined pre-release scheduling model is developed based on the pre-release indices and their thresholds. Then, the proposed pre-release operation model is applied to the Shuifumiao Reservoir in the Lianshui River Basin in Hunan Province, China. The simulation results demonstrate that the refined pre-release scheduling model can effectively prevent exceedance floods, ensuring the safety of flood control without compromising the effectiveness of water supply safety. The proposed model provides a valuable framework and tool for enhancing the ability of reservoir operators to manage flood events and improve overall flood control safety.

Correlational Study on Burnout among University Teachers in Hunan, China

Education is a cornerstone of national development in China, essential for fostering scientific self-reliance and social progress. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China aims to transform the country into a global education powerhouse by 2035, with higher education as its focal point. In this context, Hunan Province, home to various big university in the country, must look into reforms to enhance its educational infrastructure and teacher quality, however, numerous issues also exist including job burnout among teachers. This study investigates burnout among university teachers in Hunan, exploring its prevalence and the factors contributing to it. Utilizing a descriptive-comparative-correlational research design, the study surveyed 300 faculty members across different universities, gathering quantitative data on their demographic profiles, levels of burnout, and perceptions of its causes.This research underscores the urgency of addressing burnout to maintain educational quality and advance Hunan’s educational objectives as findings reveal apparent levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased personal fulfillment among respondents, with burnout intensity influenced by years of working experience. While no substantial differences in burnout were noted based on profile, perceptions of burnout factors varied by job title and experience, suggesting that institutional roles significantly affect burnout experiences. The study highlights a critical need for targeted interventions to mitigate burnout and enhance faculty well-being, emphasizing the importance of supportive management systems, fair compensation, and robust interpersonal relationships. Recommendations include implementing tailored support programs, improving job satisfaction through clearer feedback and emotional support, and fostering a collaborative work environment to promote professional development.

College Teachers’ Informatization-Based Teaching Ability and Performance

Teachers' informatization teaching ability is vital for integrating modern technology with educational practices, especially as technologies continue to evolve. These skills are critical for advancing the modernization of education and improving teaching quality, particularly in higher education. National policies in China, such as the "Education Informatization 2.0 Action Plan," highlight the importance of enhancing teachers' technological capabilities to meet the challenges of contemporary education. Focusing on the informatization teaching abilities of college teachers in Hunan Province, this research employed a descriptive quantitative method, gathering data from students and teachers at five universities. Significantly low to no correlation was shown between students' evaluations of teachers' technological proficiency and teachers' self-efficacy, though other factors, including in pedagogical strategies and digital resource integration, did not show significant relationships. Although college teachers have acquired basic informatization teaching skills, there remains room for improvement in areas like teaching implementation and evaluation. To address these gaps, targeted training programs, collaborative skill development initiatives, and up-to-date professional development aligned with technological advancements are recommended as strengthening these areas is essential for enhancing teachers' informatization capabilities and supporting the ongoing modernization of higher education in China.

Assessing the long-term care (LTC) service needs of older adults based on time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC)–a cross-sectional survey in central China

BackgroundThe global population’s aging has led to an increasing demand for long-term care (LTC), especially in developing countries like China. Comprehensive assessment of LTC service demands by including the time and cost analysis is crucial to inform the planning and financing of LTC resources, yet such research is lacking in China. Our research team has developed a quantitative index system of the medical and nursing services needs of older adults (QISMNSNE) based on the framework of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC), providing a valuable tool for measuring LTC service needs. This study aimed to assess the LTC service needs of older adults in China and the factors associated with such needs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Changsha City, Hunan Province, China, from June 2021 to December 2022. A stratified multistage cluster sampling method was used to recruit 1,270 older adults from five nursing homes and three communities/streets in three regions of Changsha City. The LTC service needs were assessed by calculating the service time required from caregivers, nurses, and doctors and the total service time (min/d) using the QISMNSNE. Participants’ disability, activities of daily living (ADLs), mental status and social involvement (MSSI), and sensory and communication (SC) were assessed using standard scales. Generalized linear regression models were used to analyze factors associated with LTC service needs.ResultsThe participants had an average age of 76.41 ± 8.38 years, with 43.7% being female. The median service time required from caregivers, nurses, and doctors was 53.34 min/d, 3.66 min/d, and 0.33 min/d, respectively, and the total service time was 83.31 min/d. The generalized linear regression model identified the following factors that were associated with higher total service time: aged 75–84 years, living in nursing homes, income over 5000 per month, ADLs, MSSI (9 ~ 40), SC, and having 3 ~ 4 kinds of geriatric comorbidity (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOlder adults have a high need for LTC services, especially those provided by caregivers, indicating an urgent need to expand and improve LTC systems. The LTC service time needed is associated with multilevel factors encompassing socio-demographic, functional, and psychological aspects. This study offers preliminary insights into the needs, demands, and costs of LTC services for older adults and provides essential guidance for future planning and financing of LTC resources.

Modeling the distribution of cultural ecosystem services based on future climate variables under different scenarios

With the far-reaching consequences of worldwide climate variationon ecosystems and human societies, understanding and predicting changes in cultural ecosystem services (CES) is essential for sustainable development policy and resource planning. Past studies have focused on changes and impacts on natural ecosystems, while relatively few studies have been conducted on predictions of CES. This study combines POI datasets with future climate variables under different scenarios into the Maxent model for forecasting the spatial and temporal distribution of CES, which provides strong support for future decision-making. The results indicate that: (1) Under the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, the CES values in the northern, western, central, and northeastern parts of the study area are relatively high, while those in the southwestern, southern, and southeastern parts are relatively low. (2) Under the SSP126 scenario, the total CES shows an increasing trend from 2021 to 2040, but slightly declines from 2061 to 2080. In contrast, under the SSP585 scenario, the total CES significantly decreases from 2021 to 2040, especially in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Zhejiang, and Anhui. (3) Temperature has a significant impact on CES predictions, with the annual mean temperature (Bio1) positively correlated with total CES, contributing between 0.75 and 0.78 to the distribution of CES across different years and scenarios. Additionally, the maximum temperature of the hottest month (Bio5) and the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (Bio8) also significantly influence CES under different scenarios and years. These findings reveal the regional characteristics and variations in CES distribution under different climate scenarios, providing crucial scientific evidence for future policy-making, resource management, and climate adaptation strategies. They also offer important insights into the impact of global climate change on ecosystems and human society, serving as a valuable reference for future national decision-making.

Cardaminezhangjiajieensis, a new species of Brassicaceae in China.

Cardaminezhangjiajieensis, a new species from Hunan Province, China, is described and illustrated. Cardaminezhangjiajieensis is similar to C.circaeoides. From the latter, C.zhangjiajieensis is readily distinguished by the terminal leaflet of the cauline leaf 4.5-7 cm (vs. 2.5-4.5 cm), mostly round or oblong (vs. oblong-oval to triangular-oval), margin undulating sinuses (vs. crenate or subentire), seed apically narrow wing (vs. wingless).

Use Efficiency, Reduction Potential, and Effects of Fertilizers on Carbon Emissions in China’s Major Citrus Regions

Enhancing the efficiency of fertilizer utilization and advancing fertilizer reduction efforts constitutes a pivotal initiative for augmenting the quality and productivity of the citrus industry; this constitutes an indispensable prerequisite for attaining green and sustainable development. Utilizing panel data from seven prominent mandarin-producing regions and seven prominent tangerine-producing regions in China spanning from 2002 to 2022, this study employed the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) method to develop a translog production function model for precisely measuring the fertilizer use efficiency for mandarins and tangerines. Employing the calculated optimal fertilizer use rates, we further ascertained the fertilizer reduction potential for mandarin and tangerine; then, we estimated the associated carbon emission reduction potential within these key citrus regions. The research revealed the following findings: the overall level of citrus fertilizer use efficiency in China is comparatively low, with the mean values for mandarin and tangerine fertilizer use efficiency being merely 0.4403 and 0.3887, respectively, indicating substantial room for improvement by approximately 60%; substantial potential exists for decreasing fertilizer use in China’s citrus industry, with average reduction potentials of 66.27% for mandarins and 64.83% for tangerines, signifying a notable redundancy in fertilizer application within major citrus-producing areas. The magnitude of carbon emission reduction potential through the diminution of citrus fertilizer use is tremendous. When optimal fertilizer rates are applied, the average carbon emission reductions resulting from fertilizer reduction in mandarins and tangerines amount to 815.8681 kg/hm2 and 602.3551 kg/hm2, respectively. The average carbon reduction potential for mandarins and tangerines reach levels of 55.9673% and 61.1299%, respectively, both surpassing the threshold of 55%. Significant differences exist in the technical efficiency of fertilizer input, reduction potential, and carbon emission mitigation potential among major citrus-producing regions. Citrus orchards in Guangdong exhibit higher potential for fertilizer reduction but demonstrate a relatively low level of technical efficiency. In contrast, Hunan Province shows an opposite trend, necessitating the development of region-specific strategies. Therefore, to minimize citrus fertilizer use and augment the technical efficiency of citrus fertilizer, it is imperative to comprehensively integrate and promote the “three new” technologies aimed at reducing fertilizer use and enhancing its efficiency within the citrus industry; implement a regional coordinated development strategy for citrus fertilizer reduction; and intensify policy guidance, publicity, and training efforts related to citrus fertilizer reduction, efficiency enhancement, and carbon emissions reduction.

Muti‐units day‐ahead scheduling involving the pumped storages and considering deep‐load regulation

AbstractThis paper presents a day‐ahead scheduling for multi‐energy entities. The deep load regulation involving pumped storages, which refers to deep peak regulation, is adopted to address the impact of wind power and photovoltaic (PV) uncertainties, thereby improving the economic efficiencies of day‐ahead dispatching. And the impact of different peak valley electricity price differences on the peak shaving effectiveness of pumped storage energy was studied. Firstly, the multi‐scenario random programming method is applied to solve the prediction uncertainties of wind power and PV output in the day‐ahead. Subsequently, the multi‐scenario set of day‐ahead wind power and PV output and the load forecasting curve are considered. A pumped storage scheduling model is then established integrating the hydropower, thermal power and pumped storage. The optimal generation scheduling of pumped storage and thermal units is determined by minimizing load fluctuations and peak shaving costs. Finally, a local power grid in the Hunan province of China is selected for verification. It is shown that the proposed model can effectively accommodate the fluctuation of renewable energy output, reduce the peak regulating pressure of thermal units, and improve the operational economy of the power system.

Accurate and efficient prediction of atmospheric PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 concentrations using a customized software package based on a machine-learning algorithm.

Particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3) pollution have been attracting increasing attention recently due to their severe harm to human health. PM and O3 are secondary pollutants, and there remain significant challenges in accurately and efficiently predicting their concentrations in the atmosphere. In this study, one-year monitoring data of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 concentrations as well as meteorological parameters and concentrations of various precursors (i.e., nitrogen oxides, SO2, CO, alkanes, aldehydes, and ketones) are obtained at a monitoring site in central China's Hunan province. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting model is trained and tested to achieve efficient and accurate predictions of the concentrations of the four pollutants. The effects of different datasets, input features, and model parameters on the prediction accuracy are investigated. Principal component analysis is employed to further reduce the dimensions of features, increasing the prediction efficiency. Finally, all model training and prediction processes are incorporated in an executable application using the PyQt5 framework to build a user interface. The customized software supports user-defined modeling. The software can simultaneously predict PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 concentrations, making the prediction process convenient.

Geochemical Characteristics of REE and C-O Isotope of Calcites from the Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn Polymetallic Deposit, Hunan Province, China and Their Significances

Geochemical Characteristics of REE and C-O Isotope of Calcites from the Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn Polymetallic Deposit, Hunan Province, China and Their Significances

Impact of perceived social support on family resilience in patients with ischemic stroke: A mediation model analysis

BackgroundIschemic stroke events impose a substantial burden on both families and society, underscoring the critical importance of early intervention and prevention strategies. The dearth of familial and societal support significantly impacts coping styles and family resilience, with negative coping styles potentially linked to diminished levels of family resilience. However, empirical evidence supporting these associations remains lacking. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the association between simplified coping style, perceived social support and family resilience in patients with ischemic stroke, while also investigating the potential mediating role of simplified coping style in the relationship between perceived social support and family resilience. MethodsConvenience sampling was employed to select patients with ischemic stroke from three tertiary hospitals in Hunan Province between May and November 2021. A comprehensive investigation was conducted using a General data questionnaire, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale and Family Resilience Rating Scale. The mediating effect was analyzed using PROCESS macros in SPSS, while the significance was tested through the Bootstrap method. ResultsA total of 310 questionnaires were distributed, with 7 identified as containing errors, omissions, or losses. Of these, 303 valid questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective response rate of 97.74 %. The scores for family resilience among ischemic stroke patients showed significant positive correlations with simple coping style (r = 0.59, P < 0.01) and perceived social support (r = 0.69, P < 0.01). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between perceived social support and simple coping style (r = 0.56, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the simple coping style played a crucial mediating role in the relationship between perceived social support and family resilience by accounting for approximately 20.70 % of the effect size. ConclusionThe findings suggest that enhancing positive coping styles and effective social support can enhance the level of family resilience in patients with ischemic stroke. Therefore, medical professionals should focus on improving social support while targeting coping styles as an intervention strategy to actively adjust the coping modes, ultimately elevating the level of family resilience in patients with ischemic stroke.

Construction and Characterization of Traditional Village Landscape Cultural Genome Atlases: A Case Study in Xupu County, Hunan, China

The Yuan River Basin in Hunan Province, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is home to traditional village landscapes characterized by distinct cultural genes and regional features. This study focuses on 21 traditional villages in Xupu County, Huaihua, and develops four types of traditional village landscape cultural genome atlases at three hierarchical levels: individual villages, multiple villages, and a specific research area. These atlases include genetic linkage maps, spatial sequence maps, distribution pattern maps, and geographical pattern maps. Using Yangquepo in Zhumucun Village as a case study, we constructed a genetic linkage map for the landscape cultural genome of a single traditional village, based on the arrangement structure of courtyard layouts. Spatial sequence maps were derived from the overall spatial configuration, while distribution pattern maps and geographical pattern maps for the 21 villages were developed using kernel density analysis in ArcGIS 10.8 software. The results reveal that traditional village landscapes in the region possess a diverse cultural genome, marked by distinct regional characteristics and spatial organization patterns.

The Relationship Between Interparental Conflict and Social Anxiety Among Chinese College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Our aim is to construct a moderated mediation model for investigating the effect of interparental conflict on social anxiety, the potential mediating role of psychological resilience, the moderating effect of perceived social support on this association, and the gender difference among Chinese college students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1343 Chinese college students from Anhui Province, Hunan Province, Jiangsu Province, and Henan Province, China, in March 2024. Pearson correlation, mediation effects analyses, and multiple-group comparison were conducted. (1) Interparental conflict and social anxiety varied significantly with gender, while the interparental conflict (t = -3.998, p < 0.001) and social anxiety (t = -4.644, p < 0.001) in the female group were significantly more severe than in the male group. However, there was no significant difference in interparental conflict and social anxiety between different grades (p > 0.05); (2) Interparental conflict positively predicts social anxiety; (3) The relationship between interparental conflict and social anxiety is mediated by psychological resilience; (4) The relationship between interparental conflict and psychological resilience is moderated by perceived social support; (5) The mediating effect was found only in women, but the moderating effect was no gender difference. It is crucial to recognize and cultivate the psychological resilience of college students and to provide them with appropriate high social support. This is conducive to alleviating the social anxiety suffered by college students and promote their psycho-social well-being.

Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on the Distribution of Endangered and Endemic Changnienia amoena (Orchidaceae) Using Ensemble Modeling and Gap Analysis in China.

Climate change has significant impacts on the distribution of orchids. The endemic and endangered orchids are more susceptible to climate change than widely distributed orchids. To date, little is known concerning the response of endangered Changnienia amoena, endemic to China, to different climate scenarios. Here, we build an ensemble model comprising random forest model, maximum entropy model, and gradient boosting model in Biomod2 package to project its potential distribution in China, evaluate its current protective effectiveness, and identify its conservation gaps in China by determining the C. amoena population range within the natural protected areas. The outcomes showed that the four key environmental factors influencing its distribution were mean diurnal temperature range, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature seasonality, and precipitation of the warmest quarter. This orchid was currently distributed mainly in southern Anhui, central and western Hubei, western Hunan, southern Shaanxi, and eastern Sichuan province. The total suitable area of C. amoena was 58.33 × 104 km2, only accounting for 6.08% of China's total territory, which is larger than known. However, only 4.48% of the suitable area is located within national nature reserves and 3.33% within provincial nature reserves, respectively. During the last inter glacial and mid-holocene, its suitable areas were larger than the current. Under six future climate scenarios, its suitable areas may decrease averagely by 2.26% relative to the current, with severe habitat fragmentation. Collectively, the centroid of C. amoena is expected to shift towards the southeast in the future. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that climate change has an adverse effect on its potential distribution. We recommend expanding protected areas or establishing new conservation sites for C. amoena in China. Furthermore, our study can help to inform the development of conservation management strategies for other endangered Chinese endemic orchids under climate change.

Scaling sustainable pig manure treatment: Life cycle assessments for small to large piggeries in China

Over 50 % of pig stockpiling and slaughtering in China is attributed to medium and large piggeries. The diverse scales and distributions of these piggeries present significant challenges for the sustainable management of pig manure, with a research gap in assessing the environmental benefits of treatment technologies across different farm sizes. Therefore, the environmental and economic performances of ten pig manure treatment technologies for small, medium and large piggeries were evaluated via life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methods. The black membrane biogas pool (BMBP) technology for medium-scale piggeries demonstrates superior environmental performance, reducing emissions by 44.00 kg CO2 equivalent, 0.36 kg SO2 equivalent, and 0.05 kg PM2.5 equivalent per ton of dry pig manure treated. Additionally, the products generated from this process can offset 2.93 GJ of energy consumption and 0.25 tons of water consumption. Meanwhile, the ectopic microbial fermentation bed technology provides the best economic efficiency, at the cost of only $17.88 per ton. Significant disparities in the scale of piggeries and manure production across provinces necessitate region-specific policies. The estimated global warming potential (GWP) from pig manure treatment nationwide was 5.31 million tons of CO2 equivalent, with Henan, Sichuan, and Hunan provinces accounting for a combined 28.3 % of this total in 2020. Scenario analysis indicates that by 2025, achieving a pig manure utilization rate of 90 % could reduce GWP by 9.1 % (0.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent) compared to an 80 % utilization rate, with reductions ranging from 1.78 % to 22.36 % across other environmental indicators. Promoting technologies such as BMBP and transitioning 5 % of aerobic processes to anaerobic processes could reduce emissions by 2.9 %, while also lowering other environmental indicators by 12.8 % to 20.1 %. The utilization of anaerobic technology, coupled with enhanced utilization rates, can prove more efficacious in mitigating carbon emissions and pollutants.