Lead, Zinc and Iron Pollutants Load Assessment in Selected Rivers in Southern Nigeria: Implications for Domestic Uses

The aim of the study is to comparatively assess the concentrations of lead, zinc and iron in Rivers Ase, Warri and Ethiope, in Nigeria. Monthly water samples were collected from six randomly selected sites along the rivers course. 72 water samples were collected from each river at 0 - 15 cm depths. Samples were analysed based on the standard methods recommended by the WHO for testing lead, zinc and iron. The assessment of the water quality was done using the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME-WQI). While hypotheses were tested using ANOVA. Findings indicated that CCME-WQI values were 47.3, 66.52 and 78.7. This meant that the water quality of River Ase is impaired and departed from desirable levels, while that of Warri and Ethiope were considered to occasionally be impaired and depart from desirable levels. The ANOVA model showed that there is a significant variation in heavy metal load in the selected rivers at P < 0.05. River water was put to domestic uses such as drinking (20.5%) preparing food (17.8%), bathing (19.8%), washing clothes and dishes (21.3%), brushing teeth (13.3%), and catering for domestic animals (7.5%). Poverty (49.5%) was the major reason for the use of river water for domestic purposes. The locals highlighted that they usually suffer from cholera (26.8%), diarrhoea (25.8%), dysentery (24%) and typhoid (23.5%) as a result of using the river water. The study recommended routine monitoring of anthropogenic and geologic activities, testing of the water regularly amongst others.

Significant genomic introgression from grey junglefowl(Gallus sonneratii)to domestic chickens(Gallus gallus domesticus)

Background Chicken is one of the most numerous and widely distributed species around the world,and many studies support the multiple ancestral origins of domestic chickens.The research regarding the yellow skin phenotype in domestic chickens(regulated by BCO2)likely originating from the grey junglefowl serves as crucial evidence for demonstrating the multiple origins of chickens.However,beyond the BCO2 gene region,much remains unknown about the introgression from the grey junglefowl into domestic chickens.Therefore,in this study,based on wholegenome data of 149 samples including 4 species of wild junglefowls and 13 local domestic chicken breeds,we explored the introgression events from the grey junglefowl to domestic chickens.Results We successfully detected introgression regions besides BCO2,including two associated with growth trait(IGFBP2 and TKT),one associated with angiogenesis(TIMP3)and two members of the heat shock protein family(HSPB2 and CRYAB).Our findings suggest that the introgression from the grey junglefowl may impact the growth performance of chickens.Furthermore,we revealed introgression events from grey junglefowl at the BCO2 region in multiple domestic chicken breeds,indicating a phenomenon where the yellow skin phenotype likely underwent strong selection and was retained.Additionally,our haplotype analysis shed light on BCO2 introgression event from different sources of grey junglefowl into domestic chickens,possibly suggesting multiple genetic flows between the grey junglefowl and domestic chickens.Conclusions In summary,our findings provide evidences of the grey junglefowl contributing to the genetic diversity of domestic chickens,laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of the genetic composition within domestic chickens,and offering new perspectives on the impact of introgression on domestic chickens.

Efficiency and effectiveness of systems for the treatment of domestic wastewater based on subsurface flow constructed wetlands in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic

Constructed wetlands(CwW)are well known nature-based systems for water treatment.This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of seven domestic wastewater treatment systems based on horizontal flow CWs in Jarabacoa,the Dominican Republic.The results showed that the CWs were efficient in reducing the degree of contamination of wastewater to levels below the Dominican wastewater discharge standards for parameters such as the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand(BOD5)and chemical oxygen demand,but not for the removal of phosphorus and fecal coliforms.In addition,a horizontal flow subsurface wetland in the peri-urban area El Dorado was evaluated in terms of the performance of wastewater treatment in tropical climatic conditions.The concentrations of heavy metals,such as zinc,copper,chromium,and iron,were found to decrease in the effluent of the wetland,and the concentrations for nickel and manganese tended to increase.The levels of heavy metals in the effluent were lower than the limit values of the Dominican wastewater discharge standards.The construction cost of these facilities was around 200 USD per population equivalent,similar to the cost in other countries in the same region.This study suggested some solutions to the improved performance of CWs:selection of a microbial flora that guarantees the reduction of nitrates and nitrites to molecular nitrogen,use of endemic plants that bioaccumulate heavy metals,combination of constructed wetlands with filtration on activated carbon,and inclusion of water purification processes that allow to evaluate the reuse of treated water.

Domestication of Marama Bean in Arid Namibia: Challenges and Opportunities in a Climate Changing Agroecology

Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A. Schreib. (Marama bean), referred to as marama in sections of this article, is an obligate outcrossing native plant with a yield potential of 2 ton/hectare which grows naturally in the deep sandy soils of the Kalahari Desert. It has adapted to the low precipitation levels in that agro-ecosystem. Marama serves as a staple food for the San and Bantus in that area. In Namibia, in the past you could find wild stands of marama in the Khomas region, Omaheke region, and the Otjozondjupa region without must struggle. It is renowned for its brown seeds, which are rich in high-quality oils and proteins. The tuberous root contains a significant amount of starch. The objective of domesticating orphaned marama is to provide farmers in this climate change-prone region with a viable alternative for food and nutrition security. This program, initiated in 2008 with an open-minded mindset, required swift implementation using harsh and occasionally unconventional methods. To introduce indigenous tools for resource-poor farmers, the domestication program prioritized the utilization of farmer-participatory methodologies. It was crucial to integrate old and new approaches to ensure learning from past and present experiences, leading to innovative solutions. There is little research and development of native crops in Africa because most of the currently cultivates crops were brought for use from abroad. Only a few numbers of indeginous African crops can be named. The arid Kalahari region, susceptible to climate change, necessitates the revival of indigenous crops like marama, which are resilient and well-adapted to the region’s conditions and have thrived for centuries. In many discussions regarding the health and nutrition of Africa, the recommendation to consume traditional foods to avoid exposure to modern foods, which may not be genetically compatible, is frequently emphasized. Regardless of their validity, these opinions must be acknowledged, and steps need to be taken to ensure a positive legacy for future generations. However, this chapter will address the limitations and challenges that exist in this regard. This article will summarize the progress made in the domestication program of the marama bean in Namibia thus far. Furthermore, this article will highlight the challenges that have been faced during the domestication journey for marama bean and other orphaned crops. The domestication program commenced with a broad germplasm collection, characterization, and preselection for breeding. Crop selection in this program was influenced by climate change-related concerns of shorter and uncertain rain seasons, and recurrent droughts. Selection included but was not limited to identifying marama genotypes with superior characteristics, early germination and many seeds per pod were among some of the identified and selected characteristics. The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has compiled a list of potential marama bean varieties and is currently testing marama seeds in anticipation of their introduction as a new crop alternative with good adaptation to the effects of climate change, since conventional crops like maize underperform due to persistent droughts. Marama bean, if properly developed, holds significant potential to address issues of hunger and malnutrition in arid regions of Southern Africa and other similar territories. The findings presented here are the result of ongoing field research and experiments conducted at multiple sites using superior marama bean varieties.

Analysis of the Effect and Influencing Factors of Rural Domestic Sewage Treatment Based on A^(2)O-MBBR Integrated Process

[Objectives] This study was conducted to solve the prominent problems in the treatment of domestic sewage in southern rural areas of China. [Methods] An integrated process treatment mode of anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (A 2O-MBBR) was proposed to analyze and study its operating effect and influencing factors. [Results] The A^(2)O-MBBR mode had good COD removal efficiency and nitrogen and phosphorus removal performance, and the water quality index of the effluent met the Class A standard of GB181918-2002. This mode is suitable for treating rural domestic sewage, and has high treatment effects in different operating periods. In spring, the average removal rates of COD, NH_(4)^(+)-N, TN, TP and SS reached (83.53 ± 2.15)%, (89.44 ± 4.97)%, (67.36±18.53)%, (88.22±11.21)% and (91.73±2.25)%, respectively;In the autumn period, the average removal rates of COD, NH_(4)^(+)-N, TN, TP and SS were (83.49±2.64)%, (89.26±9.19)%, (66.05±17.00)%, (87.48±9.68)%, and (91.13±2.35)%. [Conclusions] This study provides theoretical reference and technical support for the popularization and application of A^(2)O-MBBR integrated process.

Go-Ahead Element of Domestic Architecture:Socio-Economic and Cultural Characteristics of the Residents in Benin

The domestic architecture of a traditional settlement is greatly influenced by the socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics of its residents.Benin City which is the focus of the paper is a case of a traditional settlement undergoing domestic architectural evolution with the changing times influenced by factors of growth and development.The paper has examined the effect of socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics as factors that partly determine the design,style,pattern,space use,organization,location and meaning as well as land use of the domestic architecture of Benin.The study employed the use of questionnaire administered to residents across the cross-section of the city.In the end,descriptive frequency tables were used to analyse the data collected from the residential zones in Benin.The research has been able to corroborate the theory that socio-economic and socio-cultural factors are some of the determinants/elements of domestic architecture of a people.

The Application of the Domestication and Foreignization Translation Strategies in the Context of the Dissemination of Chinese Culture:A Case Study of the English Translation of Long

In January 2024,the Chinese Year of the Loong,how to translate the Chinese character Long went viral on the Internet.Taking the English translation of Long as an example,this study tends to make a tentative analysis of the application of translation strategies in the macro context of the dissemination of Chinese culture.Moreover,it probes into the phenomenon of Chinese cultural aphasia by analyzing the domestication and foreignization of Long in three aspects.The three attitudes provided ought to be addressed in the Chinese-English translations.This study emphasizes enhancing translators’cultural awareness and their cultural confidence in the process of translating the source language to the target language.

Attributes of Domestic Spaces for Contemporary Habitation-A Secondary Publication

The domestic space can be defined as the sphere that articulates the needs for subjective containment and contextual stimuli.In this sense,questions arise about the indispensable attributes that spaces must possess for this articulation to take place adequately.Architecture,as the discipline in charge of satisfying the specific spatial needs of those who inhabit these spaces and,in a broader sense,as a concrete contribution to society,must address this relationship in all its complexity and generate concrete responses that incorporate the appropriate spatial attributes during the design processes.The design processes that shape living spaces confront this dialectic,and the manner in which they do so brings identity and character to them.It is believed that the higher the level of variables that are contemplated and weighted,the greater the adequacy of spaces to the changing dynamics of the people who inhabit them.This article focuses on a thorough analysis of these spatial attributes,in parallel to the definition of each one as a particular condition for design,based on their conceptualization,breakdown,and articulation.Conceptually,the following attributes are addressed:flexibility,adaptability,variability,versatility,multiplicity,plurality,integrality,gradualness,incrementality,progressiveness,independence,connectivity,intimacy,and privacy.Each of these attributes is valued as a contribution to creating adequate habitability in contextual terms,with consideration to possible integrations and combinations.

石家庄市R&D经费投入现状分析与对策研究

R&D经费投入强度,是国际上通用的衡量一个国家或者地区科技投入强度的重要指标,成为评价其科技实力、核心竞争力和创新程度的重要标准。本文在对石家庄市研发投入开展调研的基础上,对R&D经费投入开展总体分析、结构分析、横纵向比较分析,找出存在的问题,提出加大政府对科研活动的支持、大力发展新兴产业、重视研发投入统计等对策与建议。

云南省R&D经费投入结构动态研究

为研究云南省“十二五”以来R&D经费投入结构变化,分析R&D经费投入现状,并与全国,东、中、西部地区及临近省份进行了对比;从资金来源和资金配置视角,运用Cobb-Douglas效用函数及其修正模型对R&D经费投入结构展开动态分析。结果表明:云南省R&D经费投入结构不尽合理,资金来源中政府资金占比较低且呈下降趋势,资金配置中基础研究和应用研究投入不足,与最优结构偏离程度较大。针对存在的问题,提出持续加大政府R&D经费投入力度、围绕产业链提升基础研究和应用研究比重的建议。

政府R&D资助对OFDI逆向绿色创新的影响机制研究

应用中国分省区层面数据并采用面板门槛模型,实证考察了政府R&D资助影响OFDI逆向绿色创新的动态效应。研究发现,OFDI对国内绿色创新产生了显著的驱动效应,但这种影响呈现出明显的先负后正的“U”型动态演化特征;政府R&D资助会正向调节OFDI逆向绿色创新溢出,且存在最适宜于OFDI逆向绿色创新的政府R&D资助区间(0.366,0.428],过高或过低强度的政府R&D资助均会在一定程度上造成OFDI逆向绿色创新的红利损失;政府R&D资助调节下OFDI对绿色创新的动态影响具有显著时空异质性,即在时空维度上存在“激励效应”与“挤出效应”交替演化的鲜明特征。

R&D资本化背景下我国TFP增长率再测算

研究与试验发展(R&D)资本对经济增长和科技创新作用日益凸显,但对于R&D资本的核算亟待完善。本文基于SNA2008和CSNA2016框架,将R&D支出作为资本形成,对我国各省份物质资本存量和R&D资本存量进行规范化测算,使用随机前沿分析法重新估算1991—2019年间的全要素生产率(TFP)增长率。研究发现:第一,我国R&D资本存量规模呈总体递增和地区聚集趋势;第二,1991—2019年间,我国广义TFP增长率年平均增幅为2.10%,对经济增长存在正向作用;第三,将TFP增长率分解为技术进步、前沿技术效率和规模效应,发现技术进步对TFP增长率的贡献最大,是推动我国TFP增长的主导力量,但却呈现逐年递减的趋势;第四,随着我国对R&D投入的不断增加与重视,R&D对我国广义TFP增长率的贡献呈现递增的趋势,R&D的贡献逐渐成为推动我国科技进步的主要力量。

A review of the pangenome:how it affects our understanding of genomic variation,selection and breeding in domestic animals?

As large-scale genomic studies have progressed,it has been revealed that a single reference genome pattern cannot represent genetic diversity at the species level.While domestic animals tend to have complex routes of origin and migration,suggesting a possible omission of some population-specific sequences in the current reference genome.Conversely,the pangenome is a collection of all DNA sequences of a species that contains sequences shared by all individuals(core genome)and is also able to display sequence information unique to each individual(variable genome).The progress of pangenome research in humans,plants and domestic animals has proved that the missing genetic components and the identification of large structural variants(SVs)can be explored through pangenomic studies.Many individual specific sequences have been shown to be related to biological adaptability,phenotype and important economic traits.The maturity of technologies and methods such as third-generation sequencing,Tel-omere-to-telomere genomes,graphic genomes,and reference-free assembly will further promote the development of pangenome.In the future,pangenome combined with long-read data and multi-omics will help to resolve large SVs and their relationship with the main economic traits of interest in domesticated animals,providing better insights into animal domestication,evolution and breeding.In this review,we mainly discuss how pangenome analysis reveals genetic variations in domestic animals(sheep,cattle,pigs,chickens)and their impacts on phenotypes and how this can contribute to the understanding of species diversity.Additionally,we also go through potential issues and the future perspectives of pangenome research in livestock and poultry.

中度嗜热菌Leptospirillum ferrooxidans和Acidithiobacillus caldus对砷的耐受性研究

以难处理金矿生物预氧化过程中使用的L.ferrooxidans(Leptospirillum ferrooxidans,氧化亚铁钩端螺旋菌)和A.caldus(Acidithiobacillus caldus,喜温嗜酸硫杆菌)这2种中度嗜热菌为主要研究对象,通过摇瓶实验研究不同价态的砷[As(Ⅲ)和As(Ⅴ)]对2种中度嗜热菌生物氧化处理金矿效果的影响,并与A.ferrooxidans(Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans,嗜酸氧化亚铁硫杆菌)和T.thiooxidans(Thiobacillus thiooxidans,氧化硫硫杆菌)这2种嗜中温菌进行比较。结果表明,中度嗜热菌对As(Ⅲ)的耐受性明显弱于嗜中温菌,但对As(Ⅴ)的耐受性与嗜中温菌接近。同时,As(Ⅲ)对铁氧化细菌生长的影响大于硫氧化细菌。实验发现,提高菌种接种量并对细菌进行驯化有利于中度嗜热菌对砷毒性的适应,在实际矿浆体系中通过提高接种量可以使中度嗜热菌最终适应高砷环境,最高质量浓度可达约1.54 g/L,获得较好的矿物氧化浸出效果,砷浸出率达到70%以上仅需10 d。

Genome-wide association study of grain micronutrient concentrations in bread wheat

Bread wheat(Triticum aestivum)is a staple food crop worldwide.The genetic dissection of important nutrient traits is essential for the biofortification of wheat to meet the nutritional needs of the world's growing population.Here,45,298 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)from 55K chip arrays were used to genotype a panel of 768 wheat cultivars,and a total of 154 quantitative trait loci(QTLs)were detected for eight traits under three environments by genome-wide association study(GWAS).Three QTLs(qMn-3B.1,qFe-3B.4,and qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6)detected repeatedly under different environments or traits were subjected to subsequent analyses based on linkage disequilibrium decay and the P-values of significant SNPs.Significant SNPs in the three QTL regions formed six haplotypes for qMn-3B.1,three haplotypes for qFe-3B.4,and three haplotypes for qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6.Phenotypic analysis revealed significant differences among haplotypes.These results indicated that the concentrations of several nutrient elements have been modified during the domestication of landraces to modern wheat.Based on the QTL regions,we identified 15 high-confidence genes,eight of which were stably expressed in different tissues and/or developmental stages.TraesCS3B02G046100 in qMn-3B.1 and TraesCS3B02G199500 in qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6 were both inferred to interact with metal ions according to the Gene Ontology(GO)analysis.TraesCS3B02G199000,which belongs to qSe-3B.1/qFe-3B.6,was determined to be a member of the WRKY gene family.Overall,this study provides several reliable QTLs that may significantly affect the concentrations of nutrient elements in wheat grain,and this information will facilitate the breeding of wheat cultivars with improved grain properties.

2021年副省级城市R&D经费投入分析

2017—2021年,副省级城市的R&D经费投入都保持持续增长的态势。深圳的R&D经费投入在副省级城市中一直处于遥遥领先的地位,西安由于科研院所和高校众多,2017年R&D经费投入总量在副省级城市中排名第四,2021年排名第七,被资源禀赋相似的南京、成都、武汉等城市超越。西安由于GDP总量不高,R&D经费投入强度一直保持在5%左右,2020年被深圳反超。基于数据的可获得性,本文从2021年副省级城市的R&D经费投入总量、R&D经费投入强度等方面进行解读和分析,并结合分析结果提出相关建议,以供参考。

Imprinting at the KBTBD6 locus involves species-specific m ternal methylation and monoallelic expression in livestock animals

Background The primary differentially methylated regions(DMRs) which are maternally hypermethylated serve as imprinting control regions(ICRs) that drive monoallelic gene expression, and these ICRs have been investigated due to their implications in mammalian development. Although a subset of genes has been identified as imprinted, in-depth comparative approach needs to be developed for identification of species-specific imprinted genes. Here, we examined DNA methylation status and allelic expression at the KBTBD6 locus across species and tissues and explored potential mechanisms of imprinting.Results Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-sequencing on parthenogenetic and normal porcine embryos, we identified a maternally hypermethylated DMR between the embryos at the KBTBD6 promoter Cp G island and paternal monoallelic expression of KBTBD6. Also, in analyzed domesticated mammals but not in humans, non-human primates and mice, the KBTBD6 promoter Cp G islands were methylated in oocytes and/or allelically methyl-ated in tissues, and monoallelic KBTBD6 expression was observed, indicating livestock-specific imprinting. Further analysis revealed that these Cp G islands were embedded within transcripts in porcine and bovine oocytes which coexisted with an active transcription mark and DNA methylation, implying the presence of transcription-dependent imprinting.Conclusions In this study, our comparative approach revealed an imprinted expression of the KBTBD6 gene in domesticated mammals, but not in humans, non-human primates, and mice which implicates species-specific evolution of genomic imprinting.

Origins,timing and introgression of domestic geese revealed by whole genome data

Background Geese are among the most important poultry species in the world.The current generally accepted hypothesis is that the European domestic geese originated from greylag geese(Anser anser),and Chinese domestic geese have two origins,most of which originated from swan geese(Anser cygnoides),and the Yili goose originated from greylag geese.To explain the origin and demographic history of geese,we selected 14 goose breeds from Europe and China and wild populations of swan and greylag geese,and whole genome sequencing data were obtained for 74 samples.Results Population structure analysis and phylogenetic trees showed that the wild ancestor of Chinese domestic geese,except for Yili,is the swan geese,and the wild ancestor of Chinese Yili and European domestic geese is greylag geese.Analysis of the demographic history suggests that the domestication of Chinese geese occurred~3499 years ago and that of the European geese occurred~7552 years ago.Furthermore,gene flow was observed between domestic geese and their wild ancestors.Analysis of introgression showed that Yili geese had been introgressed by Chinese domestic geese,and the body size of Yili geese may be influenced by introgression events of some growthrelated genes,including IGF-1.Conclusions Our study provides evidence for the origin of geese at the genome-wide level and advances the understanding of the history of goose domestication and the traits affected by introgression events.

The Innovative Expression of Traditional Chinese Cultural Archetypes in Animated Films: Establishing a Reliable, Admirable, and Respectable Image of China

China’s domestic animation industry is deeply rooted in its rich traditional cultural heritage.While continuously exploring and showcasing the unique charm of such cultural heritage through storytelling,imagery establishment,and spirit creation,Chinese animation also seamlessly integrates modern aesthetic characteristics and cultural values into its development within the context of the new era.By adopting a contemporary perspective,it innovatively expresses the essence of traditional culture while striving to shape and present a reliable,admirable and respectable image of China.Chinese animation aims to create credible contemporary animation images by drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese cultural archetypes.It also seeks to revitalize admirable traditional cultural imagery using vibrant and prevailing ACGN visuals,while shaping credible characters with richer cultural connotations and crafting stories with more enchanting plots to convey the spiritual essence of the Chinese nation.By establishing reliable,admirable and respectable animation images,the Chinese animation industry strives to enhance its capability to“tell China’s stories well and make the voice of China heard,”to better promote the image of China in the new era from a global perspective.

Analysis of radiation diffusion of COVID-19 driven by social attributes

This paper first estimated the infectious capacity of COVID-19 based on the time series evolution data of confirmed cases in multiple countries. Then, a method to infer the cross-regional spread speed of COVID-19 was introduced in this paper, which took the gross domestic product(GDP) of each region as one of the factors that affect the spread speed of COVID-19 and studied the relationship between the GDP and the infection density of each region(China's Mainland, the United States, and EU countries). In addition, the geographic distance between regions was also considered in this method and the effect of geographic distance on the spread speed of COVID-19 was studied. Studies have shown that the probability of mutual infection of these two regions decreases with increasing geographic distance. Therefore, this paper proposed an epidemic disease spread index based on GDP and geographic distance to quantify the spread speed of COVID-19 in a region. The analysis results showed a strong correlation between the epidemic disease spread index in a region and the number of confirmed cases. This finding provides reasonable suggestions for the control of epidemics. Strengthening the control measures in regions with higher epidemic disease spread index can effectively control the spread of epidemics.