The influence mechanism analysis on the farmers' intention to adopt Internet of Things based on UTAUT-TOE model.

Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are widely recognized as one of the most important infrastructures for economic development and technological innovation. By analyzing the influencing factors of vegetable farmers' intention to adopt agricultural IoT, it helps to formulate effective IoT promotion policies and accelerate the realization of agricultural modernization. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory, this study constructed for the first time a mechanism model of the influence of vegetable farmers' intention to adopt IoT, expanding the scope of current research on agricultural IoT and revealing the intrinsic influence mechanism of farmers' adoption of IoT technologies. In this study, 357 quantitative data were obtained by a questionnaire survey, and structural equation modeling was used to test the direct and indirect effects of each factor on vegetable farmers' intention to adopt IoT. The results show that almost all variables in TOE have significant direct impacts on the intention, while no variables in UTAUT have significant direct impacts. Among variables in TOE, government support and complexity are the two most important elements influencing the intention. Although the interactions among variables in TOE and UTAUT are also found, the indirect effects of variables are non-significant. Therefore, it is proposed to reduce the complexity of operation and use of IoT technologies; improve rural information infrastructure and compatibility of IoT platforms and devices; and governments should increase subsidies, and incentives to promote the use of IoT in agriculture and agricultural practices.

Sociobiome - Individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status influence the gut microbiome in a multi-ethnic population in the US.

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is related to increased incidence and mortality due to chronic diseases in adults. Association between SES variables and gut microbiome variation has been observed in adults at the population level, suggesting that biological mechanisms may underlie the SES associations; however, there is a need for larger studies that consider individual- and neighborhood-level measures of SES in racially diverse populations. In 825 participants from a multi-ethnic cohort, we investigated how SES shapes the gut microbiome. We determined the relationship of a range of individual- and neighborhood-level SES indicators with the gut microbiome. Individual education level and occupation were self-reported by questionnaire. Geocoding was applied to link participants' addresses with neighborhood census tract socioeconomic indicators, including average income and social deprivation in the census tract. Gut microbiome was measured using 16SV4 region rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples. We compared α-diversity, ß-diversity, and taxonomic and functional pathway abundance by SES. Lower SES was significantly associated with greater α-diversity and compositional differences among groups, as measured by ß-diversity. Several taxa related to low SES were identified, especially an increasing abundance of Prevotella copri and Catenibacterium sp000437715, and decreasing abundance of Dysosmobacter welbionis in terms of their high log-fold change differences. In addition, nativity and race/ethnicity have emerged as ecosocial factors that also influence the gut microbiota. Together, these results showed that lower SES was strongly associated with compositional and taxonomic measures of the gut microbiome, and may contribute to shaping the gut microbiota.

Direct and indirect consumption activities drive distinct urban-rural inequalities in air pollution-related mortality in China.

Household consumption in China is associated with substantial PM2.5 pollution, through activities directly (i.e., fuel use) and/or indirectly (i.e., consumption of goods and services) causing pollutant emissions. Urban and rural households exhibit different consumption preferences and living areas, thus their contributions to and suffering from air pollution could differ. Assessing this contrast is crucial for comprehending the environmental impacts of the nation's ongoing urbanization process. Here we quantify Chinese urban and rural households' contributions to ambient PM2.5 pollution and the health risks they suffer from, by integrating economic, atmospheric, and health models and/or datasets. The national premature deaths related to long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution contributed by total household consumption are estimated to be 1.1 million cases in 2015, among which 56% are urban households and 44% are rural households. For pollution contributed indirectly, urban households, especially in developed provinces, tend to bear lower mortality risks compared with the portions of deaths or pollution they contribute. The opposite results are true for direct pollution. With China's rapid urbanization process, without adequate reduction in emission intensity, the increased indirect pollution-associated premature deaths could largely offset that avoided by reduced direct pollution, and the indirect pollution-associated urban-rural inequalities might become severer. Developing pollution mitigation strategies from both production and consumption sides could help with reducing pollution-related mortality and associated urban-rural inequality.

Towards sustainability: the impact of industrial synergistic agglomeration on the efficiency of regional green development.

Guided by the concept related to sustainable development, we investigate the effects related to the synergistic agglomeration development of productive service and manufacturing industries on regional green development, which is also an important path for promoting the global sustainable development process and achieving carbon neutrality goals. Using the panel data of 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2020 as the basis of our study, we focus on the impact of industrial synergistic agglomeration on the efficiency of regional green development and the mediating influence of technological innovation. Results show that (1) industrial synergistic agglomeration positively contributes to the improvement of regional green development efficiency level and is significantly positive at the 5% level, (2) technological innovation plays a mediating role in the process of promoting regional green development efficiency through industrial synergistic agglomeration and can better realise the green development effect of industrial synergistic agglomeration, (3) results of the threshold effect test show the nonlinear effect of industrial synergistic agglomeration on regional green development efficiency with a single threshold value of 3.2397, and (4) the effect of industrial synergistic agglomeration on regional green development efficiency shows significant variability under different geographical locations, city scales, and resource endowment conditions. On the basis of these findings, we propose corresponding policy recommendations for improving the quality of inter-regional industrial synergistic agglomeration and formulating differentiated policy guidelines to help regions achieve long-term sustainable development.

Global Burden of Prostate Cancer and Association with Socioeconomic Status, 1990-2019: A Systematic Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study.

IMPORTANCE: Both the morbidity and mortality of prostate cancer are increasing worldwide. Updated evaluations of prostate cancer burden and its global, regional and national patterns are essential for formulating effective preventive strategies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) between 1990 and 2019 to facilitate preventive measures and control planning. METHODS: Annual incident cases, deaths, DALYs, age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs), and age-standardized DALYs rates (ASDRs) of prostate cancer between 1990 and 2019 were derived from the Global Burden of Diseases study 2019. Percentage changes in incident cases, deaths and DALYs and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in ASIRs, ASMRs and ASDRs were calculated to quantify temporal trends. Correlations between EAPCs and socio-demographic index (SDI) and universal health coverage index (UHCI) were evaluated by Pearson correlation analyses. RESULTS: Globally, the number of incident cases, deaths, and DALYs of prostate cancer increased by 116.11%, 108.94%, and 98.25% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. The ASIR increased by an average of 0.26% (95% CI: 0.14%, 0.37%) per year between 1990 and 2019, while the ASMR and ASDR decreased by an average of - 0.75% (95% CI: - 0.84%, - 0.67%) and - 0.71% (95% CI: - 0.78%, - 0.63%) per year in this period, respectively. Epidemic trends in the burdens of prostate cancer were not uniform throughout different groups of SDI or geography. The burdens of prostate cancer varied across SDI regions, with an increasing trend in ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR in low and low-middle SDI regions between 1990 and 2019. A significant positive correlation between the EAPC in ASIR and UHCI was observed in countries with a UHCI < 70 (ρ = 0.37, p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Prostate cancer remains a major global health burden due to the increase in incident cases, deaths, and DALYs in the past three decades. These increases are likely to continue as the population ages, which indicates a potential talent gap in the trained healthcare workforce. The diversity of prostate cancer development models implies the importance of specific local strategies tailored for each country's risk factor profile. Prevention, early detection and more effective treatment strategies for prostate cancer are essential.

Crop switching can enhance environmental sustainability and farmer incomes in China.

Achieving food-system sustainability is a multidimensional challenge. In China, a doubling of crop production since 1990 has compromised other dimensions of sustainability1,2. Although the country is promoting various interventions to enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impacts3, there is little understanding of whether crop switching can achieve more sustainable cropping systems and whether coordinated action is needed to avoid tradeoffs. Here we combine high-resolution data on crop-specific yields, harvested areas, environmental footprints and farmer incomes to first quantify the current state of crop-production sustainability. Under varying levels of inter-ministerial and central coordination, we perform spatial optimizations that redistribute crops to meet a suite of agricultural sustainable development targets. With a siloed approach-in which each government ministry seeks to improve a single sustainability outcome in isolation-crop switching could realize large individual benefits but produce tradeoffs for other dimensions and between regions. In cases of central coordination-in which tradeoffs are prevented-we find marked co-benefits for environmental-impact reductions (blue water (-4.5% to -18.5%), green water (-4.4% to -9.5%), greenhouse gases (GHGs) (-1.7% to -7.7%), fertilizers (-5.2% to -10.9%), pesticides (-4.3% to -10.8%)) and increased farmer incomes (+2.9% to +7.5%). These outcomes of centrally coordinated crop switching can contribute substantially (23-40% across dimensions) towards China's 2030 agricultural sustainable development targets and potentially produce global resource savings. This integrated approach can inform feasible targeted agricultural interventions that achieve sustainability co-benefits across several dimensions.

Daily point-of-care ultrasound-assessment of central venous catheter-related thrombosis in critically ill patients: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Central venous catheter (CVC)-related thrombosis (CRT) is a known complication in critically ill patients. However, its clinical significance remains unclear. The objective of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and evolution of CRT from CVC insertion to removal. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was conducted in 28 intensive care units (ICUs). Duplex ultrasound was performed daily from CVC insertion until at least 3 days after CVC removal or before patient discharge from the ICU to detect CRT and to follow its progression. CRT diameter and length were measured and diameter > 7 mm was considered extensive. RESULTS: The study included 1262 patients. The incidence of CRT was 16.9% (95% confidence interval 14.8-18.9%). CRT was most commonly found in the internal jugular vein. The median time from CVC insertion to CRT onset was 4 (2-7) days, and 12% of CRTs occurred on the first day and 82% within 7 days of CVC insertion. CRT diameters > 5 mm and > 7 mm were found in 48% and 30% of thromboses. Over a 7-day follow-up, CRT diameter remained stable when the CVC was in place, whereas it gradually decreased after CVC removal. The ICU length of stay was longer in patients with CRT than in those without CRT, and the mortality was not different. CONCLUSION: CRT is a frequent complication. It can occur as soon as the CVC is placed and mostly during the first week following catheterization. Half of the thromboses are small but one-third are extensive. They are often non-progressive and may be resolved after CVC removal.

Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and probabilistic ecological risk assessment of trace metals in surface sediments of Daya Bay (China) using diffusive gradients in thin films.

This research is one main objective to assess combined toxicity of trace metal mixtures in aquatic biota in coastal sediments. Coastal sediments around the world are a major reservoir of trace metals from industrial wastewater discharge. Our case study site, Daya Bay in southern China, was selected because it has been under severe man-made impacts. Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique has proven to be a good method for measuring the bioavailability of trace metals. The bioavailability and distribution of trace metals in surface sediments were investigated along with their possible biological risks. The average bioavailable (DGT-labile) concentrations (µg/L) were 0.44 (V), 0.51 (Cr), 52.49 (Mn), 0.10 (Co), 1.36 (Ni), 0.74 (Cu), 14.53 (Zn), 0.97 (As), 0.14 (Se), 6.73 (Mo), 0.17 (Cd), 0.27 (Sb), 0.10 (W), and 1.32 (Pb). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) is a robust multivariate ordination method that makes no assumptions about the distribution of the underlying data. NMS was used to explore that DGT-labile concentrations of trace metals were influenced by sediment properties. NMS results indicated that most DGT- labile trace metals influenced by sediment properties. Risk assessment of single trace metal toxicity revealed that risk quotient (RQ) values for Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb significantly exceeded 1, demonstrating that the toxic effects of these trace metals should be not ignored. The probabilistic ecological risk assessment for integral toxicity of one mixture of 14 trace metals revealed that Daya Bay surface sediments had a low probability (9.04 %) of adverse effects on aquatic biota.

Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in blue shark (Prionace glauca) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

We quantified the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the blue shark, Prionace glauca, found in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and investigated the potential microplastic pollution risks. Microplastics (MPs) were detected in 39.1 % of specimens, up to 0.15 ± 0.38 items/g wet weight of the posterior part of the pylorus, and were sized 45.87 to 3220.12 µm. The majority were fibrous in shape (83.3 %) and blue in color (72.2 %). Both sexes of sharks had similar MP abundance and characteristics, except for polymers, with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene representing the dominant type in males and females, respectively. Most individuals experienced low pollution, but one male P. glauca exhibited a high ecological risk level owing to the high MP abundance and detection of polyvinyl chloride. This study provides an important baseline for the ingestion of microplastics by pelagic shark species and is a preliminary quantitative measure that could be used in future studies of the risk of MPs.

The Impact of Financial Deepening on Carbon Reductions in China: Evidence from City- and Enterprise-Level Data.

This study extends the limited evidence of the China context by establishing a panel fixed-effect model to identify the nexus between financial deepening and carbon emissions. Using newly compiled city-level (287 prefecture-level and above cities) and enterprise-level (resource enterprises listed on the Chinese A-shares) datasets from 2007 to 2019, this study quantitatively evaluated finance deepening and analysed the impact of financial deepening on carbon emissions in China, with a particular consideration of green innovation. Our results document that financial deepening contributes to carbon reductions, as shown by the considerably decreased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Both the city-level and enterprise-level estimates argue that financial deepening has a promoting effect on green innovation. Stimulating green innovation is identified as an important mechanism through which financial deepening can contribute to carbon reductions. Policy implications are presented based on the empirical results.

How Well Do 'Catch-Only' Assessment Models Capture Catch Time Series Start Years and Default Life History Prior Values? A Preliminary Stock Assessment of the South Atlantic Ocean Blue Shark Using a Catch-Based Model.

CMSY++, an improved version of the CMSY approach developed from Catch-MSY which uses a Bayesian implementation of a modified Schaefer model and can predict stock status and exploitation, was used in the present study. Evaluating relative performance is vital in situations when dealing with fisheries with different catch time series start years and biological prior information. To identify the influences of data inputs on CMSY++ outputs, this paper evaluated the use of a nominal reported catch and a reconstructed catch dataset of the South Atlantic blue shark alongside different priors of the blue shark's productivity/resilience (r) coupled with different indices of abundance. Results from the present study showed that different catch time series start years did not have a significant influence on the estimation of the biomass and fishing reference points reported by CMSY++. However, uninformative priors of r affected the output results of the model. The developed model runs with varying and joint abundance indices showed conflicting results, as classification rates in the final year changed with respect to the type of index used. However, the model runs indicated that South Atlantic blue shark stock could be overfished (B2020/Bmsy = 0.623 to 1.15) and that overfishing could be occurring (F2020/Fmsy = 0.818 to 1.78). This result is consistent with the results from a previous assessment using a state-space surplus production model applied for the same stock in 2015. Though some potential could be observed when using CMSY++, the results from this model ought to be taken with caution. Additionally, the continuous development of prior information useful for this model would help strengthen its performance.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the intertidal sediments of Pearl River Estuary: Characterization, source diagnostics, and ecological risk assessment.

The surface intertidal sediments in the Pearl River Estuary of China were analyzed from multiple perspectives, including the distribution characteristics, potential sources, and biological risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The average concentration of PAHs, ranging from 73.68 ng/g to 933.25 ng/g, was 346.78 ng/g. PAHs are mainly composed of the 2- and 3-ring PAHs, with naphthalene (Nap), phenanthrene (Phe), pyrene (Pyr), benzo(g,h, i) perylene (Dib), fluoranthene (Flua), and indeno (1,2,3-c,d) pyrene (Ind) as the dominant constituents. The principal component analysis combined with multiple linear regression showed that petroleum combustion and biomass/coal combustion have contributed 52.78% and 40.53%, respectively, to the PAHs in intertidal sediments of Pearl River Estuary. The occurrence of adverse biological effects as a result of PAH contamination in the intertidal sediments of Pearl River Estuary has increased by 8% based on the mean value of the probable effect quotient.

Gains or losses? A quantitative estimation of environmental and economic effects of an ecological compensation policy.

Ecological compensation is an innovative and effective tool to explore the coordinated development of socioeconomic prosperity and ecological protection, especially for a watershed crossing different regions. It converts the externalities of ecosystem services into practical financial incentives for local stakeholders. This empirical study applies a quantitative policy evaluation approach to evaluate the environmental and economic effects of an ecological compensation policy, using the paddy land-to-dry land (PLDL) program implemented in China's Miyun Reservoir watershed as an example. The study is based on responses to a 2017 questionnaire regarding agricultural production inputs and outputs administered to 269 households in Hebei Province, where the PLDL program has been operational for over 10 yr. The results show that the program has reduced nitrogen usage by 24% on average in 2017 and decreased the total nitrogen emission load by 16.98 tons for the entire case area, which accounts for approximately 18.6% of the total nitrogen load reduction of the Miyun Reservoir basin. However, the upstream households involved in this program have experienced agricultural income losses higher than that allowed for by the current compensation criterion. Therefore, this paper discusses the factors that should be considered in the process of determining ecological compensation criteria. In particular, the paper proposes a differential compensation scheme based on the environmental effect at the individual level to avoid a standard payment for all households irrespective of their different contributions. This differential compensation payment scheme facilitates the fair treatment of environmental contributors and maximizes environmental benefits through an equitable allocation of limited ecological compensation funds. This study serves as a theoretical and practical reference for further improvement of the current ecological compensation policy in China. The study also sheds light on practices for estimating ecological compensation criteria and formulating ecological compensation policies for other regions or countries in the future.

Dynamic Adjustment Model of the Water Rights Trading Price Based on Water Resource Scarcity Value Analysis.

The formation of the water rights trading price is an important part of the water rights trading system. In order to continuously and dynamically reflect the social-economic development changes and water resource scarcity, herein, we discuss the dynamic adjustment of the water rights trading price from the perspective of water resource scarcity value analysis. First, we constructed the water resource scarcity evaluation index system from the four dimensions of the water resource natural endowment, the water resource supply, the water resource demand, and the water environment, and then we constructed the water resource scarcity index calculation model of the transferor, the transferee, and the comprehensive water resource scarcity index calculation model of both parties of the trading. Second, by analyzing the 30 comparable water rights trading cases in China since 2016, we established the response function of the water rights trading price to the water resource scarcity index, and then we analyzed the impact mechanism of the water resource scarcity index on the water rights trading price. Third, based on the two factors of "the water resource scarcity value" and "the capital time value," we constructed a dynamic price adjustment model of water rights trading for different adjustment factors, so as to adjust the water rights trading price scientifically. Finally, we took the water rights trading in Helan County (Helan) of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia) as an example. The research shows that: (1) During the trading period of water rights in Helan, the water resource scarcity index rises, and the water rights trading price should be increased year-by-year. Additionally, there are certain differences in the water rights trading price changes with the adjustment of different elements. Among them, considering the adjustment of "the water resource scarcity value" element, the water rights trading price of Helan should be increased from 1.0940 to 2.8574 CNY/m³ during the water rights trading period; (2) there are differences in the water rights trading cost under different payment modes, among which the annual payment mode increased the most, i.e., from 2.7350 × 108 to 7.4500 × 108 CNY. This study suggests exerting a regulating effect of the water scarcity value on the water rights trading price, so as to promote the construction of a more equitable and long-term water rights trading market.

Large-Volume Hyperthermia for Safe and Cost-Effective Targeted Drug Delivery Using a Clinical Ultrasound-Guided Focused Ultrasound Device.

Lyso-thermosensitive liposomes (LTSLs) are specifically designed to release chemotherapy agents under conditions of mild hyperthermia. Preclinical studies have indicated that magnetic resonance (MR)-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) systems can generate well-controlled volumetric hyperthermia using real-time thermometry. However, high-throughput clinical translation of these approaches for drug delivery is challenging, not least because of the significant cost overhead of MR guidance and the much larger volumes that need to be heated clinically. Using an ultrasound-guided extracorporeal clinical FUS device (Chongqing HAIFU, JC200) with thermistors in a non-perfused ex vivo bovine liver tissue model with ribs, we present an optimised strategy for rapidly inducing (5-15 min) and sustaining (>30 min) mild hyperthermia (ΔT <+4°C) in large tissue volumes (≤92 cm3). We describe successful clinical translation in a first-in-human clinical trial of targeted drug delivery of LTSLs (TARDOX: a phase I study to investigate drug release from thermosensitive liposomes in liver tumours), in which targeted tumour hyperthermia resulted in localised chemo-ablation. The heating strategy is potentially applicable to other indications and ultrasound-guided FUS devices.

Fair and Reasonable Allocation of Trans-Boundary Water Resources Based on an Asymmetric Nash Negotiation Model from the Satisfaction Perspective: A Case Study for the Lancang-Mekong River Bain.

The issue of trans-boundary water conflict has become an important factor affecting the relations between basin countries. The key to solve the current conflict problem is to realize the fair and reasonable allocation of trans-boundary water resources. Based on the satisfaction perspective, we developed an asymmetric Nash negotiation model to obtain an optimal and feasible allocation scheme for the trans-boundary water resources. Firstly, based on the two international water laws, we analyzed the influencing factors including water demand differences, resource endowment differences, and water efficiency differences, and by combing with the flexible weight constraint, we built the fair and reasonable allocation pattern for trans-boundary water resources. Secondly, under the constraint of the allocation pattern, we determined the ideal negotiation scheme of each basin country by considering their selection preference. Thirdly, we built a satisfaction degree function and established an asymmetric Nash negotiation model. This is used to build a fair negotiation mechanism among basin countries, and the allocation scheme after negotiation is regarded as the optimal allocation scheme. Lastly, we took the Lancang-Mekong river basin as an example. For this example, the results indicate the following: (1) after considering multiple factors comprehensively, China and Thailand obtained a higher proportion of trans-boundary water resource quota under different preference scenarios, while Myanmar obtained a lower proportion of trans-boundary water resource quota; (2) taking each basin country as the negotiation agent, the optimal allocation scheme with the introduction of fair negotiation mechanism has a higher degree of satisfaction, with an average of over 87.19%, which is more stable and easy to be accepted by all basin countries; (3) from the perspective of the change rate and the average satisfaction of the basin countries, the optimal allocation scheme under the resource endowment preference scenario obtained the highest satisfaction among basin countries. This study aims to improve the practicability and acceptability of trans-boundary water resources allocation, thus providing technical support for reducing trans-boundary water resources conflicts.

Is oseltamivir suitable for fighting against COVID-19: In silico assessment, in vitro and retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Oseltamivir is a first-line antiviral drug, especially in primary hospitals. During the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), most patients with COVID-19 who are symptomatic have used oseltamivir. Considering its popular and important role as an antiviral drug, it is necessary to evaluate oseltamivir in the treatment of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of oseltamivir against COVID-19. METHODS: Swiss-model was used to construct the structure of the N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NRBD) of the nucleoprotein (NC), papain-like protease (PLpro), and RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). TM-align program was performed to compare the structure of the viral proteins with the structure of the neuraminidase of influenza A. Molecular docking was used to analyze the theoretical possibility of effective binding of oseltamivir with the active centers of the viral proteins. In vitro study was used to evaluate the antiviral efficiency of oseltamivir against SARS-CoV-2. By clinical case analysis, we statistically evaluated whether the history of oseltamivir use influenced the progression of the disease. RESULTS: The structures of NRBD, PLpro, and RdRp were built successfully. The results from TM-align suggested that the S protein, NRBD, 3C-like protease (3CLpro), PLPrO, and RdRp were structurally similar to the influenza A neuraminidase, with TM-scores of 0.30077, 0.19254, 0.28766, 0.30666, and 0.34047, respectively. Interestingly, the active center of 3CL pro was found to be similar to the active center from the neuraminidase of influenza A. Through an analysis of molecular docking, we discovered that oseltamivir carboxylic acid was more favorable to bind to the active site of 3CLpro effectively, but its inhibitory effect was not strong compared with the positive group. Finally, we used in vitro study and retrospective case analysis to verify our speculations. We found that oseltamivir is ineffective against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro study and the clinical use of oseltamivir did not improve the patients' symptoms and signs and did not slow the disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that oseltamivir isn't suitable for the treatment of COVID-19. During the outbreak of novel coronavirus, when oseltamivir is not effective for the patients after they take it, health workers should be highly vigilant about the possibility of COVID-19.

Optimal water allocation scheme based on trade-offs between economic and ecological water demands in the Heihe River Basin of Northwest China.

Water conflicts between the economy and ecology have been severe in inland river basins. To solve this problem, this study selected the Heihe River Basin (HRB) as a typical basin in Northwest China. The water-oriented economy and the ecological area changes under the economic priority (EP) and eco-environmental sustainability (ES) scenarios were stimulated via computable general equilibrium (CGE) and ecological water demand modeling, respectively. This study improved the general production function of CGE model by using IO tables embedded in water and land resources. To guide the adjustment of water diversion scheme, an elasticity coefficient based on marginal efficiency was constructed to weigh the trade-offs between the economic and ecological water demands. The results showed that the EP scenario induced a GDP decrease of 1.04 yuan per cubic meter of water. The ES scenario caused a change in ecological area of 9.43 m2 per cubic meter of water. Based on the elasticity coefficient, the demand of 1 m2 of ecological area in the downstream area cost 0.11 yuan of the GDP of the entire basin, resulting in a total economic cost of approximately 95.92 million yuan since 2000. This study provides new insights into water reallocation in terms of sustaining both the economy and ecosystem in arid and semi-arid river basins.

Demonstration of Electrically Injected Semipolar Laser Diodes Grown on Low-Cost and Scalable Sapphire Substrates.

The last two decades have shown an increasing need for GaN-based laser diodes (LDs), which are currently only grown on bulk GaN substrates, which remain to date very expensive and/or only available in small sizes. The ever growing laser market will expand in the coming years, thanks to the development of automotive laser lighting, high-speed Li-Fi optical data transmission, LiDAR sensing for autonomous vehicles and smart cities, head-up displays, and AR/VR systems, in addition to biomedical and further industrial applications. These emerging technologies demand for mass-production of GaN-based lasers to be produced on large-size, low-cost, and industrially compatible substrates. To address this issue, we demonstrate the first electrically injected semipolar 440 nm LD on high-quality and low-defect-density (11-22) GaN templates grown on scalable and low-cost sapphire substrates. The LDs exhibit a threshold current density of 17 kA/cm2, a single facet output power of more than 200 mW at 2 A with a slope efficiency of 0.85 W/A, and a TE polarization having a ratio of 97.6%. These results enable the advancement of ultra-low-cost LDs while benefiting from the inherent advantages of semipolar GaN properties.

Comparison between CT and MRI in the assessment of pulmonary embolism: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Besides pulmonary arteriography, a number of imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), were adopted in the detection of identifying pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the contrast of sensitivity and specificity in these methods was studied little in a statistical way. To compare the effects of MRI and CT, this study used a series of methods to analyze data in included researches. METHODS: A comprehensive computer search was conducted through internet up to July 2016. The quality assessment was performed by the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies, version 2 tool. The diagnostic value of comparison between MRI and CT was evaluated by using the pooled estimate of sensitivity, specificity, and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. In addition, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis were applied to ensure the accuracy of the results. RESULTS: Ten studies with 590 cases were involved in the study. Only 2 trials had high risk regarding bias while other trials were supposed to be at low risk of applicability. Heterogeneity existed in analysis of both CT and MRI. The pooled sensitivity of CT was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.93), pooled specificity was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.95), the pooled sensitivity of MRI was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.94), and pooled specificity was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.77-0.97). The Q index of sensitivity and specificity for CT and MRI were 71.38, 19.67, 47.14, and 12.35, respectively. The SROC curve area under the curve of CT and MRI were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91-0.96) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91-0.95), respectively. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that MRI has better sensitivity and specificity in detecting subsegmental artery PE. MRI is a relatively better detection technique for PE. This conclusion is consistent with many published researches.