Scientific Guideline Research Articles

The Scientific Conceptual Framework for Ecological Quality of the Dryland Ecosystem: Concepts, Indicators, Monitoring and Assessment

The dryland ecosystem is the dominant component of the global terrestrial ecosystem since arid regions occupy 45% of the earth's land area and feed 38% of the world's population. The stability and sustainable development of the dryland ecosystem are critical for achieving the millennium development goal (MDG) in the arid and semiarid areas. However, there is still no scientific guideline for measuring and conserving the health and productivity of dryland ecosystems. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop the scientific conceptual framework of defining, monitoring and evaluating the ecological quality of dryland ecosystems. The ecological quality of dryland ecosystems is represented by a system of comprehensive indicators that are each extracted from the ecological elements, and structural and functional indices of the ecosystem. These indicators can be monitored by integrating satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles with ground-based sensor networks at the scale of either observational sites or regional scales. Finally, the ecological quality can be evaluated by evaluation models based on the normalized index values and their thresholds. This paper presents a conceptual framework for monitoring and evaluating the ecological quality of drylands, which provides a way of advancing the monitoring, diagnosis, and evaluation of the ecological quality of the dryland ecosystems.

基于生态系统服务价值损益的生态安全格局演变分析——以辽宁沿海瓦房店市为例

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 基于生态系统服务价值损益的生态安全格局演变分析——以辽宁沿海瓦房店市为例 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201809071916 作者: 作者单位: 辽宁师范大学海洋经济与可持续发展研究中心,辽宁师范大学城市与环境学院,辽宁师范大学海洋经济与可持续发展研究中心,辽宁师范大学海洋经济与可持续发展研究中心,辽宁师范大学城市与环境学院 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（41571122）；辽宁省教育厅项目（H201783631，WQ2019020）；辽宁省自然科学基金（20180551194）；辽宁省社会科学规划基金项目（L17CJY003）；辽宁省社科联2019经济社会发展立项项目（2019lslktjd-014）；辽宁师范大学校博士启动（BS2018L007） The evolution of ecological security pattern based on the profit and loss analysis of ecosystem services: taking Wafangdian County as a case Author: Affiliation: Center for Studies of Marine Economy and Sustainable Development of Liaoning Normal University,,Center for Studies of Marine Economy and Sustainable Development of Liaoning Normal University,, Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:生态系统服务是区域生态安全的底线，科学评估其价值变化是合理规划区域土地利用和构建生态安全格局的重要基础，既有研究尚未综合评估多种生态系统服务来判定区域生态基底，目前开展的静态评价也难以反映区域生态安全格局动态变化过程。以辽宁沿海地区——瓦房店市为例，综合运用CASA、RUSLE等模型，并结合生态经济法对2000年和2014年生态系统服务价值进行了科学评估，并依据评估结果构建研究区两期生态安全格局。结果表明：①14年间，除营养物质循环变化不明显外，其余各项生态系统服务价值均呈现不同幅度的损失，其中以水源涵养价值下降趋势最为明显。各土地利用类型来看，林地生态系统服务价值损失达8.74亿元，占损失总量的40%，为各地类之首；②两期单位面积生态系统服务价值均呈现出水域（含海域）高于陆地，山地高于平地的空间分布，且这种不均匀分布趋势在2014年更为明显；③两期生态源地面积分别为1111.40 km2和356.96 km2，生态廊道总长度分别为136.63 km和231.43 km，呈环状分布于源地之间的生态系统服务价值高值谷内。生态系统服务价值的损益情况可对区域生态安全格局构建产生重要影响，研究结果可为瓦房店市城市开发边界与生态保护红线划定提供科学参考。 Abstract:Ecosystem services are the baseline of regional ecological security. Scientific assessment of their value changes is a basis for rationally planning of the regional land use and constructing ecological security pattern. The existing studies did not comprehensively evaluate various ecosystem services to determine regional ecological basements. The current static assessments failed to reflect the dynamic process of regional ecological security patterns. Hence, using CASA, RUSLE, and other models, as well as the ecological economic method, we evaluated the ecosystem service value in Wafangdian County, Liaoning coastal area in 2000-2014. Then, the two-stage ecological security pattern was constructed based on the scientific assessment. The results are as follows:①during the 14 years, except for the inconspicuous change of nutrient recycling value, the other ecosystem service values have showed different degrees of loss, especially for water source conservation value with the worst decline of 44%. In terms of land use type, the value of forestland ecosystem services lost 874 million Yuan, up to 40% of the total loss. ② For the ecosystem services per unit value of the study area in the two periods, water area (including sea) was higher than land, but mountain was higher than flatlands. This uneven spatial distribution was more obvious in 2014. ③ The ecological source areas in 2000 and 2014 were 1111.40 km2 and 356.96 km2, respectively. The total length of the corridors were 136.63 km and 231.43 km. The ring-like corridors were distributed in the high value valley of ecosystem service value among the source areas. The profit and loss of ecosystem service value have an impact on the construction of the regional ecological security pattern. The results can provide a scientific guideline for the delineation of urban development boundary and ecological protection red line in Wafangdian. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Organization and Application of ECLS Therapy-A Nationwide Survey in German Cardiosurgical Departments.

In context of the multidisciplinary German scientific guideline "Use of extracorporeal circulation (extracorporeal life support [ECLS]/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for cardiac and circulatory failure," a nationwide survey should depict the status of organization and application of ECLS therapy in Germany. Between June and October 2017, a standardized questionnaire consisting of 30 items related to ECLS therapy was sent to all German cardiosurgical departments, and all returned results were analyzed and evaluated. The return rate amounted to 92.9% (78 out of 84 departments). In the participating departments, ECLS therapy is subject to different responsibilities, and exhibits divergent processes and various ways for specialization of the involved personnel. This also concerns local application standards, such as cannulation strategies, anticoagulation management, left ventricular unloading, antiwatershed treatment, and weaning from circulatory support. This nationwide survey underlines the necessity of a multidisciplinary guideline concerning ECLS therapy.

Michael Kleerekoper (August 18, 1944 to May 10, 2018): In Relentless Pursuit of a Better Way.

Michael Kleerekoper (August 18, 1944 to May 10, 2018): In Relentless Pursuit of a Better Way.

Analysis of nanomechanical sensing signals; physical parameter estimation for gas identification

Nanomechanical sensors—emerging chemical sensors which detect changes in mechanical properties caused by gas sorption—have been attracting much attention owing to their high sensitivity and versatility. In the data analysis of sensing signals, empirically extracted signal features have been commonly employed to identify the gas species. Such an empiric approach cannot be optimized further without a solid guideline, resulting in a limited identification performance. Therefore, a new analytical protocol based on intrinsic physical properties of a target gas and a receptor material has been highly demanded. In this study, we have developed a parameter estimation protocol based on a theoretical model for a cantilever-type nanomechanical sensor coated with a viscoelastic material. This protocol provides a practical estimation method for intrinsic parameters, which can be used for gas identification. As a demonstration of gas identification based on intrinsic parameters, we focused on the time constant for gas diffusion τs, which reflects the physicochemical interaction between gas species and a receptor material. Based on τs estimated from different receptor materials, we succeeded in the identification of solvent vapors. This parameter estimation protocol not only enables the gas identification based on the intrinsic property of target gases, but also provides a scientific guideline for the selection and optimization of receptor materials for nanomechanical sensors.

(Invited) Controlled Synthesis of the Ultra-Low-Platinum Electrocatalysts for High-Performance Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Cathode

Controlled synthesis of the ultra-low-platinum electrocatalysts for high-performance polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathode Junliang Zhang*, Liuxuan Luo, Renxiu Tian, Chao Wang, Xiaojing Chen, Guanghua Wei, Shuiyun Shen Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China : A drastic reduction in the Pt loading of cathodes is urgently desired for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The application of ultra-low Pt loading (≦0.1 gPt/kW) cathode comes up with two challenging research topics, one deals with the exploration on the local mass transport surrounding Pt particles in the catalyst layer, and the other involves in controlled synthesis of ultra-low Pt electrocatalysts. Herein, effective strategies have been developed to synthesize a series of ultra-low Pt electrocatalysts with both controlled compositions and structures, and investigated as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst. The corresponding synthetic mechanisms and key influences on the catalytic activity, electrochemical stability as well as utilization toward the ORR are comprehensively elucidated. It is believed that the discussion will provide a solid scientific guideline for the development of ultra-low Pt PEMFCs. Acknowledgements This work was supported in part by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21533005 and 21373135) and the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFB0101201 and 2016YFB0101312). *Corresponding author. Tel.: (+86) 213420 7439; fax: (+86) 21 3420 6249. E-mail: junliang.zhang@sjtu.edu.cn

Analysing the influences of ENSO and PDO on water discharge from the Yangtze River into the sea

AbstractThe El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) are two important climate oscillations that affect hydrological processes at global and regional scales. However, few studies have attempted to identify their single and combined influences on water discharge variability at multiple timescales. In this study, we examine temporal variation in water discharge from the Yangtze River into the sea and explore the influence of the ENSO and the PDO on multiscale variations in water discharge over the last century. The results of the wavelet transform analysis of the water discharge series show significant periodic variations at the interannual timescale of 2 to 8 years and the decadal timescale of 15 to 17 years. Water discharge tended to be higher during the La Niña–PDO cold phase and lower during the El Niño–PDO warm phase. The results of the cross wavelet spectrum and wavelet coherence analyses confirm the relationship between the interannual (i.e., 2 to 8 years) and decadal (i.e., 15 to 17 years) periodicities in water discharge with the ENSO and the PDO, respectively. As an important large‐scale climate background, the PDO can modulate the influence of the ENSO on water discharge variability. In general, the warm PDO enhances the influence of El Niño events, and the cold PDO enhances the influence of La Niña events. Our study is helpful in understanding the influencing mechanism of climate change on hydrological processes and provides an important scientific guideline for water resource prediction and management.

Characterizing the spatio-temporal exposure and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an oilfield, China

ABSTRACTRegional-scale mass balance models are often used to simulate the multimedia environmental behaviors of organic contaminants. Variables with spatial and temporal characteristics in these models are important factors of their authenticity. The BETR-MFG(IV) model was developed to characterize the spatial and temporal variations as well as health risks of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Daqing City, a typical petroleum industrial city in the Heilongjiang Province, China. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of these contaminants are assessed on the basis of the BETR-MFG(IV) modeled results. The simulated results showed that the temporal trends of the PAHs in the multimedia environments are in a relative steady state, and the most seriously contaminated area is the municipal districts of Daqing City. It was also demonstrated that the soil is the dominant sink and that the contaminants in the water and sediment are mainly concentrated in the Nanyin Reservoir and Daqing Reservoir. The health risks of the ΣPAHs in the study area primarily come from the pathways of soil ingestion and skin exposure. These findings are helpful to determine the spatio-temporal exposure characteristics of the contaminants, which will provide a scientific guideline for environmental protection and risk management.

Comparison of Analytic Hierarchy Process, Catastrophe and Entropy techniques for evaluating groundwater prospect of hard-rock aquifer systems

Groundwater is a treasured underground resource, which plays a central role in sustainable water management. However, it being hidden and dynamic in nature, its sustainable development and management calls for precise quantification of this precious resource at an appropriate scale. This study demonstrates the efficacy of three GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques, viz., Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Catastrophe and Entropy in evaluating groundwater potential through a case study in hard-rock aquifer systems. Using satellite imagery and relevant field data, eight thematic layers (rainfall, land slope, drainage density, soil, lineament density, geology, proximity to surface water bodies and elevation) of the factors having significant influence on groundwater occurrence were prepared. These thematic layers and their features were assigned suitable weights based on the conceptual frameworks of AHP, Catastrophe and Entropy techniques and then they were integrated in the GIS environment to generate an integrated raster layer depicting groundwater potential index of the study area. The three groundwater prospect maps thus yielded by these MCDA techniques were verified using a novel approach (concept of ‘Dynamic Groundwater Potential’). The validation results revealed that the groundwater potential predicted by the AHP technique has a pronounced accuracy of 87% compared to the Catastrophe (46% accuracy) and Entropy techniques (51% accuracy). It is concluded that the AHP technique is the most reliable for the assessment of groundwater resources followed by the Entropy method. The developed groundwater potential maps can serve as a scientific guideline for the cost-effective siting of wells and the effective planning of groundwater development at a catchment or basin scale.

The Nutritional Composition of Maca in Hypocotyls (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) Cultivated in Different Regions of China

Maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) was introduced to China in the recent two decades. Proximate compositions and secondary metabolites in dried maca tuber powders of different cultivation areas and colour types were analyzed and compared in order to provide the scientific guideline for its application. Cultivation region significantly affects the compositions of maca. The protein content of maca ranged from 9.31% to 21.02% by dry basis of maca powders and Xiaopingba-Y, Yulong-Y, and Pamirs-Y have the higher protein contents. The essential amino acids (EAA) contents ranged from 189.19 to 312.90 mg/g protein. The crude lipid content of different maca ranged from 0.59% to 1.00% and has no significant difference (P>0.05). The total dietary fiber (TDF) contents ranged from 17.82% to 26.00% and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) ranged from 2.46% to 7.88%, respectively. Maca samples were rich in Na, Mg, Ca, and K elements which ranged 138.3–187.8, 625.2–837.2, 3838.9–4502.7, and 5394.8–8063.3 mg/kg dry matter (DM). Xiaopingba-Y has the highest benzyl glucosinolate content which was 2.31 mg/g DM. Peru-Y and Xiaopingba have the higher contents of total alkaloids contents which was 2.61 and 2.56 mg/kg DM. Yongsheng-Y, Yulong-Y, and Pamirs-Y were rich in N-benzyl hexadecanamide contents, which were 0.164, 0.174, and 0.173 mg/g DM, respectively. Significant higher protein, total dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, total alkaloids, and benzyl glucosinolate contents were found in purple and black maca compared to yellow maca in Pamirs, while there was no significant difference in N-benzyl hexadecanamide content.

The Challenges to Ultra-Low-Platinum PEMFC Cathode and the Electrocatalyst Design Thereof

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been extensively studied because of its many desirable qualities for the automotive application, including high power density, low operating temperature (~80 oC) as well as quick start-up and match-up to the power demand. Although appealing, a challenge caused by the high Pt loading in the cathode should be addressed before the mass production of fuel cell vehicles. In this regard, the research topic is now urgently focused on to use ultra-low Pt loading (≦0.1 gPt/kW) in the cathode of PEMFCs. It is noted that both the electrode kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) [1] and mass transport for conventional cathodes with low Pt loading do not apply to the cathodes with ultra-low Pt loading, especially for the local mass transport surrounding Pt particles in the catalyst layer [2]. Herein, the challenges in the ultra-low Pt cathode in terms of ORR kinetics and local transport resistance will be clarified and the corresponding solution in terms of the electrocatalyst design will be provided. How the ORR kinetics on the cathode changes with the Pt loading decreasing will be examined in detail and the difference in the transport resistance in each component (Figure 1), especially the O2local transport between the ultra-low Pt cathode and high Pt cathode will be elucidated. The effects of catalyst type, specific activity, Pt loading as well as the cathode structure on the cell performance will be discussed, thus providing a solid scientific guideline for developing cathodes with ultra-low Pt loading and accelerating the commercialization of PEMFCs using cathodes with ultra-low Pt loading. Acknowledgements This work was supported in part by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21373135 and 21533005) and Science Foundation of Ministry of Education of China ( Grant No. 413064).

ENT-specific therapy of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults : A revised version of the previously published German S2e guideline.

The German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery recently has released the abbreviated version of its scientific guideline "ENT-specific therapy of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults", which has been updated in 2015 and can be found online at the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften, AWMF). A summary of the main recommendations is provided in this revised English version. All recommendations are based on a systematic literature research of articles published up until March 2014. Literature research followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Literature Research to create Guidelines published by the German Cochrane Centre. Studies were evaluated with respect to their scientific value according to the recommendations of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine, and grades of recommendation are provided regarding each intervention.

Current advances on the efflux protein in ocular drug delivery

Efflux protein is an active transport protein family located on cell membranes of various human tissues, including ocular tissues.Efflux proteins can transport exogenous molecules out of the cells to function as a protective mechanism.Scientists have revealed these proteins in various human eye tissues, including cornea, iris and ciliary body, retina, as well as retinal pigment epithelium.Many studies have demonstrated that these efflux proteins have their own unique substrates and inhibitors.The effects of these efflux proteins and inhibitors can alter ocular pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics of a given therapeutics.Better understanding of the efflux proteins and their functions can provide scientific insight and guideline for development of optimal ocular drug delivery strategy. Key words: Efflux protein; Substrates of efflux protein; Inhibitors of efflux protein; Ocular drug delivery

Electrocardiographic Early Repolarization: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

The early repolarization (ER) pattern (ERP), initially described as elevation of the ST segment of ≥1 leads on the 12-lead ECG, has long been considered a benign phenomenon. However, more recent studies have demonstrated positive, negative, and neutral associations between an ERP and various end points, including all-cause, cardiac, and arrhythmic mortality. These recent studies have used more complex or heterogeneous definitions of ER, including J-wave or J-point elevation and QRS complex notching or slurring, with or without concomitant ST-segment elevation. Other studies have identified an increased prevalence of ERP in survivors of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (VF) or cardiac arrest. As a result, considerable confusion remains concerning the definition of ERP, its prognostic significance, and whether additional evaluation or treatment is warranted. These issues are especially important because the prevalence of ERP may be as high as 10% in the general population and even higher in some healthy subgroups. The writing group performed a comprehensive literature search and developed recommendations based on the results of the current literature. We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant primary scientific articles, guideline statements, and review articles in the literature. Search terms included, but were not limited to, early repolarization, J-point elevation, J wave, Haissaguerre syndrome, sudden cardiac death, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, cardiac repolarization reserve, sudden unexplained death syndrome, and Osborn waves. We also reviewed the references of highly cited documents and citing documents. The recommendations were voted on, and 80% agreement was required for inclusion. The purposes of this document are as follows:

Molecular diagnostic testing in breast cancer.

An overview of molecular tests used in the treatment of breast cancer, organized by stage and clinical condition. Systematic review of scientific literature, guideline recommendations, and data published by test manufacturers. Several molecular tests that analyze expression of cancer-related genes have been validated in clinical trials and are recommended by clinical practice guidelines to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions for personalized interventions. Molecular testing has become an important part of patient care for those with breast cancer. Oncology nurses must understand this methodology to prescribe tests, interpret the results, and provide guidance to patients.

Empirical formulation of stress concentration factor around an arbitrary-sized spherical dual-cavity system and its application to aluminum die castings

An empirical formula for the stress concentration factor is developed for an unequal-sized cavity pair in an arbitrary orientation. Three-dimensional finite element linear elastic analyses are performed to evaluate the stress concentration factors for different sizes, orientations, and separations of cavities. A suitable mathematical function is chosen to fit the numerical results of the finite element analyses. An application is given for evaluating the maximum stress concentration factor, which governs fatigue crack initiation in aluminum die cast test pieces from an engine block. From the X-ray CT image, the location and geometry of the gas pores are evaluated so as to develop the proposed empirical formula for this actual multi-pore system simplified to a dual spherical pore system. A proof of the formula is shown by comparison with voxel finite element analysis. The proposed empirical formula can be satisfactorily used as a scientific guideline for selecting a casting method for car engine blocks from a fatigue crack initiation perspective.

How equity is addressed in clinical practice guidelines: a content analysis

ObjectivesConsidering equity into guidelines presents methodological challenges. This study aims to qualitatively synthesise the methods for incorporating equity in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).SettingContent analysis of methodological publications.Eligibility criteria for selecting...

Network-based statistical comparison of citation topology of bibliographic databases.

Modern bibliographic databases provide the basis for scientific research and its evaluation. While their content and structure differ substantially, there exist only informal notions on their reliability. Here we compare the topological consistency of citation networks extracted from six popular bibliographic databases including Web of Science, CiteSeer and arXiv.org. The networks are assessed through a rich set of local and global graph statistics. We first reveal statistically significant inconsistencies between some of the databases with respect to individual statistics. For example, the introduced field bow-tie decomposition of DBLP Computer Science Bibliography substantially differs from the rest due to the coverage of the database, while the citation information within arXiv.org is the most exhaustive. Finally, we compare the databases over multiple graph statistics using the critical difference diagram. The citation topology of DBLP Computer Science Bibliography is the least consistent with the rest, while, not surprisingly, Web of Science is significantly more reliable from the perspective of consistency. This work can serve either as a reference for scholars in bibliometrics and scientometrics or a scientific evaluation guideline for governments and research agencies.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes alter soil microbial community composition

Recent developments in nanotechnology may lead to the release of nanomaterials into the natural environment, such as soils, with largely unknown consequences. We investigated the effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), one of the most widely used nanomaterials, on soil microbial communities by incubation of soils to which powder or suspended forms of SWCNTs were added (0.03 to 1mgg−1 soil). To determine changes in soil microbial community composition, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles were analyzed at 25th day of the incubation experiment. The biomass of major microbial groups including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi showed a significant negative relationship with SWCNT concentration, while the relative abundance of bacteria showed a positive relationship with SWCNT concentration. Furthermore, soils under distinct concentrations of SWCNT treatments had PLFA profiles that were significantly different from one another. Our results indicate that the biomass of a broad range of soil microbial groups is negatively related with SWCNT concentration and upon entry into soils, SWCNTs may alter microbial community composition. Our results may serve as foundation for scientific guideline on regulating the discharge of nanomaterials such as SWCNTs to the soil ecosystem.

Interview with Prof. Dr. Marleen Temmerman, New Director of the WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Assuming Office on October 15, 2012

In this interview with the editor of Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, Prof. Dr. Marleen Temmerman, the new director of the WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research (October 15, 2012), presents her vision on the role of WHO collaborating centers; the relationship between scientific research, guideline development, implementation, and policy; the need to prioritize family planning, and the need to improve perinatal and maternal health but also to address other global reproductive health problems like infertility, pelvic pain, dysfunctional bleeding, and sexually transmitted diseases, which deserve more attention from the WHO. She also addresses the challenge to increase funding for WHO sexual and reproductive health research.