庆阳驴mtDNA D-loop区遗传多样性及起源分析

[目的]研究庆阳驴养殖群体的遗传多样性与母系起源,了解其遗传信息,为保护庆阳驴种质资源、选育和遗传改良工作提供理论依据。[方法]随机选取133头庆阳驴,对其线粒体DNA(mitochondrial DNA,mtDNA)D-loop区序列进行PCR扩增、测序及比对,并探讨庆阳驴的遗传多样性与母系起源。[结果]在获得的520 bp D-loop碱基序列中,AT含量(57.3%)高于GC含量(42.8%),表现出碱基的偏倚性;检测到38个变异位点,包含8个碱基对的转换;其核苷酸多样性(Pi)、单倍型多样性(Hd)、平均核苷酸差异(K)分别为0.01591、0.895和8.274,与欧洲家驴和中国家驴研究的平均值相比较低,说明该驴品种核苷酸变异较为贫乏。庆阳驴mtDNA D-loop区存在35个单倍型,单倍型之间的遗传距离为0.002~0.042。系统进化结果显示,庆阳驴存在2个线粒体支系,表明其具有2个母系起源,且遗传距离表明,庆阳驴与克罗地亚家驴之间的遗传距离较近。[结论]本研究从分子水平初步揭示庆阳驴核苷酸变异比较贫乏,杂交程度高,mtDNA遗传多态性正逐步丧失,应加强庆阳驴品种的遗传资源保护工作。

基于D-loop序列和微卫星标记的4个黄颡鱼群体的遗传变异分析

为探究广东珠江、广西漓江、四川金沙江和云南西江4个水系黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)群体的遗传变异情况,本研究分别基于上述水系共108尾黄颡鱼的线粒体D-loop序列和12个微卫星标记对4个黄颡鱼群体进行群体内遗传多样性、群体间遗传距离和变异及群体结构分析。结果表明:共得到105个D-loop序列,其核苷酸组成中A+T含量占比为56.22%,G+C含量占比为43.78%。在105个有效序列中,多态位点数为746个(含缺和无效多态位点),单倍型数为51个。Hap2、Hap25、Hap15分别是广东珠江、广西漓江、四川金沙江群体的优势单倍型。4个黄颡鱼群体的单倍型多样性(H_(d))介于0.842~0.940,核苷酸多样性(π)介于0.002~0.083;四川金沙江群体Hd的最低,π也处于较低水平;而云南西江群体的Hd和π均最高;4个群体的Tajima′s D值均小于0。等位基因数(Na)、有效等位基因数(Ne)、观测杂合度(Ho)、期望杂合度(He)、多态信息含量(PIC)均为广西漓江群体最高,广东珠江群体次之,云南西江群体较低,四川金沙江群体最低。4个黄颡鱼群体的K2P遗传距离介于0.008~0.115之间,其中广西漓江与云南西江群体间的K2P遗传距离最近;广东珠江群体与其他3个群体的K2P遗传距离较远,与四川金沙江群体的K2P遗传距离最远。4个黄颡鱼群体间均存在极显著的遗传分化(P<0.01),群体间遗传分化指数(F_(st))介于0.114~0.959之间。4个黄颡鱼群体间Nei’s遗传距离和遗传一致性分别介于0.117~1.114之间和0.328~0.890之间,其中,广西漓江群体与云南西江群体的Nei’s遗传距离最近、遗传一致性最高,广东珠江与四川金沙江群体的Nei’s遗传距离最远、遗传一致性最低。在UPGMA系统聚类树中,4个黄颡鱼群体主要分为两支,其中广西漓江群体、云南西江群体最先聚为一支,然后与四川金沙江群体聚为一支,最后与广东珠江群体聚类。在NJ聚类树中,4个群体黄颡鱼的明显分为4个分支,广西漓江群体与云南西江群体呈镶嵌式分布。4个黄颡鱼群体中共享单倍型较少,但特有单倍型较多,其中云南西江和广西漓江群体相邻较近且共有单倍型较多。在基于Nei’s遗传距离进行的主坐标分析中,广西漓江群体和云南西江群体的个体之间遗传差异较小,广东珠江和四川金沙江群体的个体之间遗传差异较大。说明四川金沙江群体遗传多样性水平较低,云南西江群体遗传多样性水平较高,广西漓江群体与云南西江群体存在一定的基因交流。

基于线粒体Cyt b基因和D-loop区分析元江鲤和杞麓鲤群体遗传结构

本文利用线粒体Cyt b基因和D-loop区部分序列,分析元江鲤(Cyprinus carpio yuankiang)和杞麓鲤(Cyprinus carpio chilia)群体的遗传结构。结果表明,在两个鲤群体中均获得929 bp的Cyt b基因序列和650 bp的D-Loop区序列。两个群体间平均遗传距离为0.00595(Cyt b)、0.00852(D-loop)。Cyt b基因共检测出元江鲤3种、杞麓鲤15种单倍型,两个群体共享两个单倍型(C-Hap1和C-Hap3);D-loop区序列共检测出元江鲤3种、杞麓鲤6种单倍型,两个群体共享两个单倍型(D-Hap1和D-Hap2)。元江鲤和杞麓鲤群体单倍型多样性(Hd)分别为0.30±0.10(Cyt b)、0.25±0.10(D-loop)和0.89±0.04(Cyt b)、0.73±0.05(D-loop)。元江鲤和杞麓鲤群体核苷酸多样性(π)分别为0.12±0.04(Cyt b)、0.12±0.09(D-loop)和0.77±0.09(Cyt b)、0.87±0.07(D-loop),杞麓鲤遗传多样性水平明显高于元江鲤群体。分子方差分析(AMOVA)显示,两个群体间有明显的遗传分化,且遗传变异主要来源于群体间。系统发育分析显示,元江鲤群体单倍型较少,类型较单一,与杞麓鲤群体差异大,多数元江鲤样本单倍型属于华南鲤(Cyprinus carpio rubrofuscus)类型;多数杞麓鲤样本具特有单倍型,部分属于华南鲤、远东鲤(Cyprinus carpio haematopterus)类型。结果表明,杞麓鲤与元江鲤群体遗传分化明显,元江鲤线粒体遗传多样性较低。

基于D-loop序列的从江田鱼与野生鲤形态和遗传差异分析

利用形态学测量方法和D-loop序列分析了解从江田鱼与都柳江野生鲤的形态和遗传差异分析。结果显示,体长/体宽特征存在极显著差异,野生鲤独有17个单倍型,其核苷酸多样性(Pi)和单倍型多样性(Hd)较从江田鱼更高。野生鲤与从江田鱼的Fst值达到了0.15以上有较高的遗传分化。单倍型网络图显示,从江田鱼和野生鲤存在明显的遗传分化。分子方差(AMOVA)分析表明,从江田鱼群体的主要的遗传变异来自于群体内部个体间(80.66%)。基因流分析表明从江田鱼群体间基因交流水平不高但与野生鲤基因交流较频繁。研究表明,从江田鱼可能来源于野生鲤,其地理分布相对独立且有特定养殖模式,但受到自然和人工选择,其种群遗传多样性降低,种质资源存在退化风险需要保护。

Ecological-Based Mining:A Coal-Water-Thermal Collaborative Paradigm in Ecologically Fragile Areas in Western China

A substantial reduction in groundwater level,exacerbated by coal mining activities,is intensifying water scarcity in western China’s ecologically fragile coal mining areas.China’s national strategic goal of achieving a carbon peak and carbon neutrality has made eco-friendly mining that prioritizes the protection and efficient use of water resources essential.Based on the resource characteristics of mine water and heat hazards,an intensive coal-water-thermal collaborative co-mining paradigm for the duration of the mining process is proposed.An integrated system for the production,supply,and storage of mining companion resources is achieved through technologies such as roof water inrush prevention and control,hydrothermal quality improvement,and deep-injection geological storage.An active preventive and control system achieved by adjusting the mining technology and a passive system centered on multiobjective drainage and grouting treatment are suggested,in accordance with the original geological characteristics and dynamic process of water inrush.By implementing advanced multi-objective drainage,specifically designed to address the“skylight-type”water inrush mode in the Yulin mining area of Shaanxi Province,a substantial reduction of 50%in water drillings and inflow was achieved,leading to stabilized water conditions that effectively ensure subsequent safe coal mining.An integrated-energy complementary model that incorporates the clean production concept of heat utilization is also proposed.The findings indicate a potential saving of 8419 t of standard coal by using water and air heat as an alternative heating source for the Xiaojihan coalmine,resulting in an impressive energy conservation of 50.2%and a notable 24.2%reduction in carbon emissions.The ultra-deep sustained water injection of 100 m^(3)·h^(-1)in a single well would not rupture the formation or cause water leakage,and 7.87×10^(5)t of mine water could be effectively stored in the Liujiagou Formation,presenting a viable method for mine-water management in the Ordos Basin and providing insights for green and low-carbon mining.

Correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area with glycated hemoglobin,interleukin-6 and lipoprotein(a)in type 2 diabetes with retinopathy

BACKGROUND The two-way relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is well established.Prolonged hyperglycemia contributes to increased periodontal destruction and severe periodontitis,accentuating diabetic complications.An inflammatory link exists between diabetic retinopathy(DR)and periodontitis,but the studies regarding this association and the role of lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]and interleukin-6(IL-6)in these conditions are scarce in the literature.AIM To determine the correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area(PISA)with glycated Hb(HbA1c),serum IL-6 and Lp(a)in T2DM subjects with retinopathy.METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 40 T2DM subjects with DR and 40 T2DM subjects without DR.All subjects were assessed for periodontal parameters[bleeding on probing(BOP),probing pocket depth,clinical attachment loss(CAL),oral hygiene index-simplified,plaque index(PI)and PISA],and systemic parameters[HbA1c,fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose,fasting lipid profile,serum IL-6 and serum Lp(a)].RESULTS The proportion of periodontitis in T2DM with and without DR was 47.5%and 27.5%respectively.Severity of periodontitis,CAL,PISA,IL-6 and Lp(a)were higher in T2DM with DR group compared to T2DM without DR group.Significant difference was observed in the mean percentage of sites with BOP between T2DM with DR(69%)and T2DM without DR(41%),but there was no significant difference in PI(P>0.05).HbA1c was positively correlated with CAL(r=0.351,P=0.001),and PISA(r=0.393,P≤0.001)in study subjects.A positive correlation was found between PISA and IL-6(r=0.651,P<0.0001);PISA and Lp(a)(r=0.59,P<0.001);CAL and IL-6(r=0.527,P<0.0001)and CAL and Lp(a)(r=0.631,P<0.001)among study subjects.CONCLUSION Despite both groups having poor glycemic control and comparable plaque scores,the periodontal parameters were higher in DR as compared to T2DM without DR.Since a bidirectional link exists between periodontitis and DM,the presence of DR may have contributed to the severity of periodontal destruction and periodontitis may have influenced the progression of DR.

建水黄褐鸭线粒体D-loop区遗传多样性分析

[目的]了解建水黄褐鸭系统发育、遗传分化和遗传多样性。[方法]选取18只建水黄褐鸭、4只北京鸭、6只揭阳鸭和6只克里莫M18,利用PCR技术对其mtDNA D-loop区序列进行扩增,结合NCBI部分野鸭和家鸭序列,利用MEGA、DNAsp、Arlequin软件进行聚类分析、遗传分化和遗传多样性分析。[结果]建水黄褐鸭与绿头鸭及斑嘴鸭2种野鸭亲缘关系更近;遗传分化指数和遗传距离均以建水黄褐鸭和北京鸭之间最大;建水黄褐鸭、北京鸭、揭阳鸭和克里莫M18这4个群体中建水黄褐鸭群体遗传多样性最低。[结论]建水黄褐鸭可能有绿头鸭和斑嘴鸭2个母系起源;建水黄褐鸭群体遗传多样性偏低,为今后更好地利用地方畜禽资源,应采取相应措施保护其遗传多样性。

Research on the Relationship Between Environmental and Economic Coupling Systems in Bohai Bay Area Based on a Vector Autoregression(VAR)Model

This study analyzed the impact of land-based contaminants and tertiary industrial structure on economic development in the selected Bohai Bay area,China.Based on panel data spanning 2011-2020,a vector autoregressive(VAR)model is used to analyze and forecast the short-run and long-run relationships between three industrial structures,pollutant discharge,and economic development.The results showed that the environmental index had a long-term cointegration relationship with the industrial structure economic index.Per capital chemical oxygen demand(PCOD)and per capita ammonia nitrogen(PNH_(3)N)had a positive impact on delta per capita GDP(dPGDP),while per capita solid waste(PSW),the secondary industry rate(SIR)and delta tertiary industry(dTIR)had a negative impact on dPGDP.The VAR model under this coupling system had stability and credibility.The impulse response results showed that the short-term effect of the coupling system on dPGDP was basically consistent with the Granger causality test results.In addition,variance decomposition was used in this study to predict the long-term impact of the coupling system in the next ten periods(i.e.,ten years).It was found that dTIR had a great impact on dPGDP,with a contribution rate as high as 74.35%in the tenth period,followed by the contribution rate of PCOD up to 3.94%,while the long-term contribution rates of PSW,SIR and PNH3N were all less than 1%.The results show that the government should support the development of the tertiary industry to maintain the vitality of economic development and prevent environmental deterioration.

Seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas under long-period earthquakes

At present,there is not much research on mid-story isolated structures in mountainous areas.In this study,a model of a mid-story isolated structure considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)in mountainous areas is established along with a model that does not consider SSI.Eight long-period earthquake waves and two ordinary earthquake waves are selected as inputs for the dynamic time history analysis of the structure.The results show that the seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas can be amplified when compared with a structure that does not consider SSI.The structure response under long-period earthquakes is larger than that of ordinary earthquakes.The structure response under far-field harmonic-like earthquakes is larger than that of near-fault pulse-type earthquakes.The structure response under near-fault pulse-type earthquakes is larger than that of far-field non-harmonic earthquakes.When subjected to long-period earthquakes,the displacement of the isolated bearings exceeded the limit value,which led to instability and overturning of the structure.The structure with dampers in the isolated story could adequately control the nonlinear response of the structure,effectively reduce the displacement of the isolated bearings,and provide a convenient,efficient and economic method not only for new construction but also to retrofit existing structures.

基于线粒体D-loop区的4个团头鲂养殖群体遗传多样性分析

为了解安徽省养殖团头鲂(Megalobrama amblycephala)种质资源现状,本研究基于来自省内不同地区的4个养殖群体117个样本的线粒体D-loop区,分析其遗传多样性及群体结构。遗传多样性分析结果表明,共检测到16个变异位点和14种单倍型,单倍型多样性指数为0.20~0.47,核苷酸多样性指数为0.00022~0.00224。群体结构分析显示,群体间发生了不同程度的分化,遗传分化系数为-0.0138~0.2190。分子变异分析(AMOVA)表明,变异来源全部来自个体间,单倍型网络图显示群体间可通过单倍型Hap_2连接。综上所述,4个群体可能经历了奠基者效应,遗传多样性丢失严重,群体间缺乏分化,4个团头鲂群体的遗传背景可以为安徽省团头鲂种质资源保护与利用提供参考依据。

Diversity of Orchids in Terms of Their Distribution, Uses and Conservation in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), the first conservation area and the largest protected area (PA) in Nepal, is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Notwithstanding this, orchids in the ACA have not been explored enough yet thus making the need for ambitious research to be carried out. Previous study only included 81 species of orchids within ACA. This study aims to update the record of species and genera richness in the ACA. In total 198 species of orchids, belonging to 67 genera (40% and 62% of the total recorded orchid species and genera in Nepal) has been recorded in ACA. This represents an increase of 144% in species and 56% in genera over the previous data. Out of the 198 species, 99 were epiphytes, 6 were holomycotrophic and 93 were terrestrial. Among the 67 genera, Bulbophyllum (17) species were dominant, followed by Dendrobium (16), Herminium (10), Coelogyne, Plantanthera (9 each), Eria, Habenaria, Oberonia (8 each), Calanthe (7), and Liparis (6). Fifty-six species were found to be ornamentally significant and 85 species medicinally significant.

The environmental analysis and site selection of mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas based on high resolution remote sensing

Mussel aquaculture and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas and their environmental characteristics in Zhoushan were analyzed using satellite data and in-situ surveys.A new two-step remote sensing method was proposed and applied to determine the basic environmental characteristics of the best mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas.This methodology includes the first step of extraction of the location distribution and the second step of the extraction of internal environmental factors.The fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)was established to extract the mussel and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan,using Gaofen-1(GF-1)and Gaofen-6(GF-6)satellite data with a special resolution of 2 m.In the second step,the environmental factors such as sea surface temperature(SST),chlorophyll a(Chl-a)concentration,current and tide,suspended sediment concentration(SSC)in mussel aquaculture area and large yellow croaker aquaculture area were extracted and analyzed in detail.The results show the following three points.(1)For the extraction of the mussel aquaculture area,FRI1 and FRI2 are complementary,and the combination of FRI1 and FRI2 is suitable to extract the mussel aquaculture area.As for the large yellow croaker aquaculture area extraction,FRI2 is suitable.(2)Mussel aquaculture and the large yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan are mainly located on the side near the islands that are away from the eastern open waters.The water environment factor template suitable for mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture was determined.(3)This two-step remote sensing method can be used for the preliminary screening of potential site selection for the mussels and large yellow croaker aquaculture area in the future.the fishery ranching index(FRI1,FRI2)in this paper can be applied to extract the mussel and large yellow croaker aquaculture areas in coastal waters around the world.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Anaemia in Children ≤ 5 Years of Age in Some Conflict Hit Areas of Meme Division of the South West Region of Cameroon

Malnutrition refers to the deficiency, imbalances, or excesses in a person’s intake of energy or nutrients [1]. Khan defines anaemia as below level of Haemoglobin in red blood shown by a lower number of functioning red blood cells [2]. The crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon has led to several negative effects on children’s living conditions. There has been an increase in malnutrition and anaemia in the South West Region and Kumba in particular. The main objective of this study was “to examine the prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia in children ≤ 5 years of age in some conflict-hit areas of Meme Division”. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 from March to June. We recruited 200 children ≤ 5 years into the study from three hospitals. The regional hospital annex in Kumba, Presbyterian General Hospital Kumba and the Ntam Hospital in Kumba. Socio-demographic factors were assessed using questionnaire, nutritional status was assessed by the use anthropometric measurements and an auto haematology analyser was used to determine anaemia. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the study area was 40.5%. The prevalence of malnutrition varied significantly (P < 0.001) with the study sites. The overall prevalence of anaemia in the study area was 70.5%. The prevalence of anaemia was not significantly associated with the study sites. The prevalence of Malnutrition and Anaemia in children ≤ 5 years of age is very high in the Kumba municipalities. This could be attributed to the ongoing crisis which has caused a lot of social migrations from rural areas to Urban areas which are safer.

Ovarian Tumors in Senegalese Women: Impact of D-Loop Mutations between Healthy and Cancerous Tissues

In Senegal in particular, ovarian cancer, which is one of the most common gynecological cancers, accounts for 2.8% of deaths. The most important risk factor is genetic, with 10% of cases occurring in a context of genetic predisposition. The sequencing of the human genome, which has led to the discovery of millions of sequence variations, makes it possible to study variations within sequences. These variations are limited to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and this common form of polymorphism occurs approximately every 1000 bases in the human genome and 1.8 million SNPs are currently listed according to [1]. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the impact of mutations in the D-loop region of mtDNA on ovarian cancer in Senegalese women. This study involved searching for mutations in our study population after DNA extraction and sequencing. Mutations were found after a comparison of our sequences with the Cambridge reference sequence (NC_012920). The mutations found in the DNA studied extend from position 7 to position 16568 and most of these mutations are located in the hypervariate zones (HV1 and HV2). Heteroplasmy with three mutant alleles was also found in certain variants. Common mutations were found in both healthy and cancerous tissues, with almost identical frequencies in both types of tissue. This enabled us to understand the spread of tumor cells throughout the ovary.

Exploring well-being disparities between urban and rural areas:A case study in the Stavropol Territory,Russia

Rural areas are crucial for a country’s sustainable economy.New strategies are needed to develop rural areas to improve the well-being of rural population and generate new job opportunities.This is especially important in countries where agricultural production accounts for a significant share of the gross product,such as Russia.In this study,we identified the key indicators of satisfaction and differences between rural and urban citizens based on their social,economic,and environmental backgrounds,and determined whether there are well-being disparities between rural and urban areas in the Stavropol Territory,Russia.We collected primary data through a survey based on the European Social Survey framework to investigate the potential differences between rural and urban areas.By computing the regional well-being index using principal component analysis,we found that there was no statistically significant difference in well-being between rural and urban areas.Results of key indicators showed that rural residents felt psychologically more comfortable and safer,assessed their family relationships better,and adhered more to traditions and customs.However,urban residents showed better economic and social conditions(e.g.,infrastructures,medical care,education,and Internet access).The results of this study imply that we can better understand the local needs,advantages,and unique qualities,thereby gaining insight into the effectiveness of government programs.Policy-makers and local authorities can consider targeted interventions based on the findings of this study and strive to enhance the well-being of both urban and rural residents.

Glacier area change (1993-2019) and its relationship to debris cover, proglacial lakes, and morphological parameters in the Chandra-Bhaga Basin, Western Himalaya, India

Glacier inventories serve as critical baseline data for understanding the impacts of climate change on glaciers.The present study maps the outlines of glaciers in the Chandra-Bhaga Basin(western Himalaya)for the years 1993,2000,2010,and 2019 using Landsat Thematic Mapper(TM),Enhanced Thematic Mapper(ETM),and Operational Land Imager(OLI)datasets.A total of 251 glaciers,each having an area above 0.5 km^(2),were identified,which include 216 clean-ice and 35 debris-covered glaciers.Area changes are estimated for three periods:1993-2000,2000-2010,and 2010-2019.The total glacierized area was 996±62 km^(2) in 1993,which decreased to 973±70 km^(2) in 2019.The mean rate of glacier area loss was higher in the recent decade(2010-2019),at 0.036 km^(2),compared to previous decades(0.029 km^(2) in 2000-2010 and 0.025 km^(2) in 1993-2000).Supraglacial debris cover changes are also mapped over the period of 1993 and 2019.It is found that the supraglacial debris cover increased by 14.12±2.54 km^(2)(15.2%)during 1993-2019.Extensive field surveys on Chhota Shigri,Panchi II,Patsio,Hamtah,Mulkila,and Yoche Lungpa glaciers were carried out to validate the glacier outlines and supraglacial debris cover estimated using satellite datasets.Controls of various morphological parameters on retreat were also analyzed.It is observed that small,clean ice,south oriented glaciers,and glaciers with proglacial lakes are losing area at faster rates than other glaciers in the basin.

Acetylacetone-TiO_(2) Promoted Large Area Compatible Cascade Electron Transport Bilayer for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

In designing efficient perovskite solar cells(PSCs),the selection of suitable electron transport layers(ETLs)is critical to the final device performance as they determine the driving force for selective charge extraction.SnO_(2)nanoparticles(NPs)based ETLs have been a popular choice for PSCs due to superior electron mobility,but their relatively deep-lying conduction band energy levels(ECB)result in substantial potential loss.Meanwhile,TiO_(2)NPs establish favorable band alignment owing to shallower ECB,but their low intrinsic mobility and abundant surface trap sites impede the final performance.For this reason,constructing a cascaded bilayer ETL is highly desirable for efficient PSCs,as it can rearrange energy levels and exploit on advantages of an individual ETL.In this study,we prepare SnO_(2)NPs and acetylacetone-modified TiO_(2)(Acac-TiO_(2))NPs and implement them as bilayer SnO_(2)/Acac-TiO_(2)(BST)ETL,to assemble cascaded energy band structure.SnO_(2)contributes to rapid charge carrier transport from high electron mobility while Acac-TiO_(2)minimizes band-offset and effectively suppresses interfacial recombination.Accordingly,the optimized BST ETL generates synergistic influence and delivers power conversion efficiency(PCE)as high as 23.14%with open-circuit voltage(V_(oc))reaching 1.14 V.Furthermore,the BST ETL is transferred to a large scale and the corresponding mini module demonstrates peak performance of 18.39%PCE from 25 cm^(2)aperture area.Finally,the BST-based mini module exhibit excellent stability,maintaining 83.1%of its initial efficiency after 1000 h under simultaneous 1 Sun light-soaking and damp heat(85℃/RH 85%)environment.

Geographical Accessibility to Basic Infrastructures and Services in Rural Senegal: The Case of the Niakhar Area

Access to basic infrastructure and services is a factor in economic development and an important aspect in combatting social and spatial disparities. But this access is often subject to several constraints, including geographical accessibility. In this article, we aim to analyze the geographical accessibility to basic infrastructure and services in the Niakhar area, using the improved two step floating catchment area method and local spatial association indicators. The results reveal that the areas with high accessibility to health and education infrastructures and services are mainly located along the south-east and north-west gradient, while those with low accessibility are found in the south-west and north-east center. They also show high accessibility to trade services in the center of the study area.

Food Hygiene and Safety Practices amongst Food Vendors in the Western Area, Sierra Leone

Food safety and hygiene practices require a multisectoral approach including food, water, sanitation, waste management, transport, education, trade, policies and programs that enable safe food preparation, storage and service. Unsafe food can cause illness keeping people from achieving their full potential and death. This was a descriptive study that uses a mixed method approach to derive insights into the characteristics of food vendors related to demography, knowledge, practices, infrastructure, compliance and recommendation for a policymaking framework. Using the Lemeshows’ sample size formula, 473 vendors from formal (restaurants) and informal (cookri-baffa/table top) sites were interviewed and observed. We found from discussions that respondents had a good understanding on how to keep food safe. However, observed practices were poor 93% handled food with their bare hands, 83% did not cover their hair, and 76% did not wear an apron whilst handling, preparing or serving food, 61% did not keep their finger nails clean or short and 57% did not wash their hand before preparing or serving food. Over half (51%) had access to a toilet but 32% reported their use required payment and emphasized their poor condition/inadequate management. Nearly half (47%) of the vending sites did not have a handwashing facility, with soap and water available. Only 7% reported having any authority oversight of food safety. Food safety and hygiene practices in most cookri shops and restaurants was ‘poor’ with very limited surveillance system in place by competent authorities for compliance of food operators. Hand washing, clean surroundings, and covered food were the most common and emphasized practices to mitigate the risks associated with unsafe food.

Identified the hydrochemical and the sulfur cycle process in subsidence area of Pingyu mining area using multi-isotopes combined with hydrochemistry methods

Groundwater serves as an important water source for residents in and around mining areas.To achieve scientific planning and efficient utilization of water resources in mining areas,it is essential to figure out the chemical formation process and the ground water sulfur cycle that transpire after the coal mining activities.Based on studies of hydrochemistry and D,^(18)O-H_(2)O,^(34)S-SO_(4)isotopes,this study applied principal component analysis,ion ratio and other methods in its attempts to reveal the hydrogeochemical action and sulfur cycle in the subsidence area of Pingyu mining area.The study discovered that,in the studied area,precipitation provides the major supply of groundwater and the main water chemistry effects are dominated by oxidation dissolution of sulfide minerals as well as the dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks.The sulfate in groundwater primarily originates from oxidation and dissolution of sulfide minerals in coal-bearing strata and human activities.The mixed sulfate formed by the oxidation of sulfide minerals and by human activities continuously recharges the groundwater,promoting the dissolution of carbonate rock and silicate rock in the process.