NeTrainSim:a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption

Although train modeling research is vast, most available simulation tools are confined to city-or trip-scale analysis, primarily offering micro-level simulations of network segments. This paper addresses this void by developing the Ne Train Sim simulator for heavy long-haul freight trains on a network of multiple intersecting tracks. The main objective of this simulator is to enable a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption and the associated carbon footprint for the entire train system. Four case studies were conducted to demonstrate the simulator's performance. The first case study validates the model by comparing Ne Train Sim output to empirical trajectory data. The results demonstrate that the simulated trajectory is precise enough to estimate the train energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The second application demonstrates the train-following model considering six trains following each other. The results showcase the model ability to maintain safefollowing distances between successive trains. The next study highlights the simulator's ability to resolve train conflicts for different scenarios. Finally, the suitability of the Ne Train Sim for modeling realistic railroad networks is verified through the modeling of the entire US network and comparing alternative powertrains on the fleet energy consumption.

Interactions of the apolipoprotein A5 gene polymorphisms and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

Objectives Apolipoprotein(Apo) A5 gene poly-morphisms and alcohol consumption have been associated with increased serum triglyceride(TG) levels,but little is known about their interactions on serum lipid levels.The present study was undertaken polymorphismsand alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels.Methods A total of 516 unrelated nondrinkers and 514 drinkers aged 15 -89 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples.Genotyping of the ApoA5was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism,and then confirmed by direct sequencing.Interactions of the ApoA5alcohol consumption were assessed by using a cross-product term between genotypes and the aforementioned factor.Results The levels of total cholesterol (TC),TG,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), ApoA1 and ApoB were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P【0.05-0.001).The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were not different between the two groups.The levels of TG in non-drinkers, and TC,TG,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)and ApoB in drinkers were different among the three -1131T】C genotypes(P【0.05-0.001).The -1131C allele carriers had higher serum TC,TG,LDL-C and ApoB levels than the allele noncarriers.The levels of TG,HDL-C and ApoB in nondrinkers,and TG and HDL-C in drinkers were different between the two c.553G】T genotypes(P【0.05-0.01).The C.553T allele carriers had higher serum TG and ApoB levels,and lower HDL-C levels than the allele noncarriers.Serum lipid levels in nondrinkers were not different among the three c.457G】A genotypes(P【0.05 for all), but the levels of HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoA1 and ApoB in drinkers were different between the GG and GA/AA geno-types (P【0.05-0.001).The C.457A allele carriers had lower serum HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoAl and ApoB levels than the allele noncarriers.We also observed four haplotypes:G-G-T, G-G-C,G-A-T,and T-G-C with frequencies ranging from 0.06 to 0.87,representing 100%of all haplotypes in the both populations.The ApoA5 haplotypes were significantly(P【0.05) associated at the global level with TC,TG,HDL-C, LDL-C,Apo1,and ApoB,even after correction for multiple testing with permutation test.In particular,carriers of haplo-type G-G-C had significantly higher TC,TG,LDL-C,ApoB than noncarriers,whereas carriers of haplotype C-A-T had significantly lower TC,LDL-C,ApoAl and ApoB,and higher HDL-C than noncarriers.Serum TC levels in nondrinkers were correlated with -1131T】C genotype and allele(P【0.05 for each),whereas serum TC,TG and LDL-C levels in drinkers were associated with -1131 T】C and C.553G】T genotypes,or c.457G】A alleles(P【0.05-0.001).Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors in the both groups.Conclusions The differences in serum lipid profiles between the drinkers and nondrinkers might partly result from different interactions of ApoA5 gene polymor phisms and alcohol consumption.genotypes and -1131T】C, c.553G】T and c.457G】A to detect the interactions of the ApoA5

Hair Mercury Levels and Their Relationship with Seafood Consumption among Preschool Children in Shanghai

Mercury is a global pollutant. Children are vulnerable to environmental toxicants. Seafood consumption is a major source of methylmercury exposure. In order to ascertain children’s mercury exposure levels and study their relationship with seafood consumption, we conducted a cross-sectional study among preschool children in Shanghai.

Does economic growth stimulate energy consumption?New evidence from national and regional levels in China

A detailed investigation of the nexus between economic growth and energy use is imperative for formulating sustainable development policies.In this study,we examine panel cointegration and causality relations among economic growth,energy use,capital stock,and labor in 30 Chinese provinces between 2000-2019.We conduct a comprehensive empirical analysis based on panel modeling and a neoclassical production function.The findings of the second-generation panel unit root and co-integration tests reveal that these variables have long term co-integration linkages.We then perform a panel cointegration estimation using the fully modified ordinary least squares technique and find that total energy consumption,electricity consumption,capital stock,and labor significantly influence economic growth at the national and regional levels in China.Moreover,the outcomes of the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test indicate the existence of a two-way causal nexus between economic output and total energy consumption at the national level,but only a causal link from GDP to total energy use in the eastern and central regions.Conversely,a causality from total energy use to economic output is identified in the western region.Finally,we provide policy implications for the sustainable development of both energy and the economy at the national and regional levels.

Interactions of the apolipoprotein C-Ⅲ 3238C>G polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum triglyceride levels

Objectives Both apolipoprotein(Apo)C-Ⅲgene polymorphism and alcohol consumption have been associated with increased serum triglyceride(TG) levels,but their interactions on serum TG levels are not well known.The present study was undertaken to detect the interactions of the ApoC-Ⅲ3238C】G(rs5128) polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum TG levels.Methods A total of 516 unrelated nondrinkers and 514 drinkers aged 15-89 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the ApoC-Ⅲ3238C】G was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis,and then confirmed by direct sequencing.Interactions of the ApoC-Ⅲ3238C】G genotype and alcohol consumption was assessed by using a cross-product term between genotypes and the afore-mentioned factor.Results Serum total cholesterol(TC), TG,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),ApoA-I and ApoB levels were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P【0.05-0.001).There was no significant difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between the two groups. Serum TG levels in nondrinkers were higher in CG genotype than in CC genotype(P【0,01).Serum TC,TG,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and ApoB levels in drinkers were higher in GG genotype than in CC or CG genotype(P【0.01 for all).Serum HDL-C levels in drinkers were higher in CG genotype than in CC genotype(P【0.01).Serum TC, TG,HDL-C and ApoA-I levels in CC genotype,TC,HDL-C, ApoA-I levels and the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB in CG genotype, and TC,TG,LDL-C,ApoA-I and ApoB levels in GG genotype were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers(P【0.05-0.01).But the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB in GG genotype was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers(P【0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of TC,TG and ApoB were correlated with genotype in non drinkers(P【0.05 for all).The levels of TC,LDL-C and ApoB were associated with genotype in drinkers(P【0.01 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with age,sex,alcohol consumption,cigarette smoking,blood pressure,body weight,and body mass index in both groups.Conclusions This study suggests that the ApoC-Ⅲ3238CG heterozygotes benefited more from alcohol consumption than CC and GG homozygotes in increasing serum levels of HDL-C,ApoA-I, and the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB,and lowering serum levels of TC and TG.

The Relationship between Consumption,Socioeconomic Level and Reasons of Tomato Intake in Mexico

The red tomato has been associated to Mexico throughout history. This vegetable is native to the New World and was domesticated in Mesoamerica, before its arrival to Europe. It has always been of great cultural importance in Mexicans diet and of great economic value. Currently, Mexico is the first tomato exporter in the world. However, its marketing affects its price and availability and can harm consumption. Then, due to the cultural role of this vegetable, it is interesting to analyze the relationship between consumption, socioeconomic status and tomato intake reasons in the case of Zapotlan el Grande, Jalisco, Mexico. For this reason, a Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (FCFQ) was applied to 384 adults from 18 to 65 years old, which included classification of socioeconomic level and consumption reasons. The results showed that the tomato was ingested by more than 90% of the population, with an average frequency of 21.66 ± 10.57 times per month and 114.68 daily grams per capita. For the relationship between socioeconomic level and intake reasons, it was found that there was an impact of monthly income, occupation and gastronomy on the intake of this vegetable.

A process-level hierarchical structural decomposition analysis (SDA) of energy consumption in an integrated steel plant

A hierarchical structural decomposition analysis(SDA) model has been developed based on process-level input-output(I-O) tables to analyze the drivers of energy consumption changes in an integrated steel plant during 2011-2013. By combining the principle of hierarchical decomposition into D&L method, a hierarchical decomposition model for multilevel SDA is obtained. The developed hierarchical IO-SDA model would provide consistent results and need less computation effort compared with the traditional SDA model. The decomposition results of the steel plant suggest that the technology improvement and reduced steel final demand are two major reasons for declined total energy consumption. The technical improvements of blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, the power plant and the by-products utilization level have contributed mostly in reducing energy consumption. A major retrofit of ancillary process units and solving fuel substitution problem in the sinter plant and blast furnace are important for further energy saving. Besides the empirical results, this work also discussed that why and how hierarchical SDA can be applied in a process-level decomposition analysis of aggregated indicators.

Study on Communication Effect of Food Safety Risk in Social Media:the Influence of Response Effort Level on Consumption Willingness Change

By constructing influence model for communication effect of food safety risk in social media environment,the influences of different response manners taken by relevant enterprises on consumers' cognition and purchasing intention are analyzed,and influence mechanisms of response effort level,interaction and content reliability on consumers' attitudes are revealed. Based on quasi-experimental study with three kinds of response effort levels,it is found that content reliability,interaction and effort degree of enterprise response under negative information of food safety event have significant impacts on communication effect and consumers' purchasing intention.

The effects of consumption of raw garlic on serum lipid level, blood sugar and a number of effective hormones on lipid and sugar metabolism in hyperglycemic and/or hyperlipidemic individuals ——Benefit of raw garlic consumption

Diabetes mellitus is one of the worldwide largest growing metabolic diseases. In this study the effects of consumption of raw garlic on serum lipid level, blood sugar and a number of effective hormones on lipid and sugar metabolism (thyroid hormones and insulin) in individuals either with high level of blood sugar or lipid were investigated. Eighty five volunteers having following clinical history enrolled in the study: Group 1: having blood sugar more than 126 mg/dl (30 vo-lunteers);Group 2: having cholesterol higher than 245 mg/dl (30 volunteers);Group 3: having blood sugar over 126 mg/dl and cholesterol more than 245 mg/dl (25 volunteers). In group 1, there wasn’t a sig-nificant differences between biochemical factors be-fore and after garlic consumption, whereas, in the second group after 6 weeks of garlic consumption a decline in cholesterol (P < 0.001), FBS and TG (P < 0.01) was observed but HDL-C (P < 0.001) was in-creased. Six weeks after termination of garlic con-sumption, cholesterol (P < 0.001), FBS and TG (P < 0.05) were in- creased and HDL-C (P < 0.01) was de-creased. In the third group, total cholesterol (P < 0.001), FBS (P < 0.01) and HbA1c decreased while HDL-C was in- creased. Other factors, including thy-roid hormones (T3, T4), TSH and insulin showed no significant alte- ration. In conclusion our results shown that raw garlic consumption can reduce the FBS and Lipid in hyperglycemic and/or hyperlipidemic individuals.

Study on Consumption Level and Consumption Structure of Migrant Workers in Zhejiang Province

On the basis of stratified sampling, we conduct a survey of 1313 migrant workers, to analyze various factors influencing migrant workers' consumption level and the difference in consumption structure between two generations of migrant workers, using the multivariate logistic regression and correspondence analysis method. The results show that two generations of migrant workers' consumption level is the same, and the main factors influencing migrant workers' consumption are income, educational level and occupation; the new generation of migrant workers' consumer attitudes and consumption pattern are transformed significantly, being gradually integrated into the urban consumer market, and the consumption structure is steered to a reasonable direction.

Prediction and Analysis of Chinese Rural Households' Consumption Level Based on the ARIMA Model

By using the software SAS9.2 and the relevant data of consumption level of rural residents in China from 1952 to 2008,the ARIMA model is established.The model is used to analyze and forecast the time series of the consumption level of Chinese rural residents.The results show that in the near future,the consumption level of Chinese rural residents will be further raised.In 2012,the level will break through per capita 5 000 yuan,almost 100 times more than that in the primary time period.But consumption level does not equal to living standard.To let farmers lead a good life,the government should follow the objective laws;take the overall situation into consideration;coordinate the relations among farmers' consumption level,national subsidies and farmers' production enthusiasm.Therefore,The paper suggests that the historical and objective factors should be attached more importance to.Besides,raising farmers' income and allaying farmers' fear were effective measures in developing the consumptive potential of rural market and promoting the economic sustainable development.

Inter-Provincial Transaction Model in Two-Level ElectricityMarket Considering Carbon Emission and Consumption Responsibility Weights

In the context of the joint operation of China’s intra-provincial markets and inter-provincial trading,how to meet the load demand and energy consumption using inter-provincial renewable energy trading is a key problem.The combined operation of intra-provincial and inter-provincial markets provides a new way for provincial power companies to optimize and clear the intra-provincial power market,complete the intra-provincial consumption responsibility weight index,and consume renewable energy across provinces and regions.This paper combines power generation and consumption within the province,uses inter-provincial renewable energy trading tomeet the load demand within the province and completes the index of intra-provincial consumption responsibility weights.The intra-provincial market trading and inter-provincial market clearing are respectively taken as the upper and lower levels of the model.Under the two-level electricity market operation framework,the upper-level model aims to minimize the expected total operating cost within the province considering the carbon emission cost and the weight of the consumption responsibility,while the lower-level model aims to minimize the inter-provincial renewable energy purchasing cost.Finally,the influence of inter-provincial transaction mechanism,risk aversion coefficient,voucher price,and responsibility weight on operating cost is analyzed.Simulation is used to verify that the proposed model can meet the requirements of the provincial load power consumption and the consumption responsibility weight index,and promote the consumption of renewable energy.

Comparison of different severity scores in correlating hemoglobin levels with the severity of hepatic decompensation: An observational study

BACKGROUND Chronic liver disease is a growing global health problem,leading to hepatic decompensation characterized by an array of clinical and biochemical complic-ations.Several scoring systems have been introduced in assessing the severity of hepatic decompensation with the most frequent ones are Child-Pugh score,model of end-stage liver disease(MELD)score,and MELD-Na score.Anemia is frequently observed in cirrhotic patients and is linked to worsened clinical outcomes.Although studies have explored anemia in liver disease,few have investigated the correlation of hemoglobin level with the severity of hepatic decompensation.AIM To determine the relationship between hemoglobin levels and the severity of decompensated liver disease and comparing the strength of this correlation using the Child-Pugh,MELD,and MELD-Na scores.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital with 652 decompensated liver disease patients enrolled in the study.Data was collected on demographics,clinical history,and laboratory findings,including hemoglobin levels,bilirubin,albumin,prothrombin time(international normalized ratio),sodium,and creatinine.The Child-Pugh,MELD,and MELD-Na scores were calculated.Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26,and correlations between hemoglobin levels and severity scores were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient.RESULTS The study included 405 males(62.1%)and 247 females(37.9%)with an average age of 58.8 years.Significant inverse correlations were found between hemoglobin levels and Child-Pugh,MELD,and MELD-Na scores(P<0.01),with the MELD scoring system being the strongest correlator among all.One-way analysis of variance revealed significant differences in hemoglobin levels across the severity groups of each scoring system(P=0.001).Tukey's post hoc analysis confirmed significant internal differences among each severity group.CONCLUSION Understanding the correlation between hemoglobin and liver disease severity can improve patient management by offering insights into prognosis and guiding treatment decisions.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Lower-Level Health Care Facilities of Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania: Status towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Way Forward

Background: Improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in health care settings is a critical prerequisite for achieving national health goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for each United Nations member state to reach by 2030. Each member state is required to reach by 2022, 2025 and 2030 at least 60%, 80% and 100%, respectively of basic level of service of the five elements which are water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management and environmental cleaning. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate and document the current state of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services in all lower-level health care facilities in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania as of July 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99 public dispensaries in the Dar es Salaam region’s five councils: Ubungo, Kigamboni, Kinondoni and Temeke Municipalities, and Ilala City. The interviewee form and observational checklists were both digitalized using the Kobo tool software. The respondents were health care facility in-charges or nurse in-charges. Data were downloaded, validated, and imported to Stata version 15 for analysis. Results: The basic WASH level per JMP is far below the target in 2022. Each member state by 2022 is required to reach at least 60% of the basic level of service of each element. We found a low coverage of basic WASH in the 99 dispensaries included in this study. The basic WASH coverage was met in only 10 (10.1%) of the dispensaries, while the remaining 89 (89.9%) dispensaries fall on limited WASH services. Conclusion: This study revealed lower coverage of basic WASH services in dispensaries. An urgent need is required to improve the status of WASH in all the dispensaries and facilitate the provision of quality health care services, patient safety and reduce health care associated infections.

The impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes:Evidence from China

With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how it responds to demographic dynamics,particularly in emerging economies like China.Using the two-stage Quadratic Almost Demand System(QUAIDS)model,this study empirically examines the impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes based on the provincial data from 2000 to 2020 in China.Under various scenarios,according to changes in demographics,we extend our analysis to project the long-term trend of food consumption and its environmental impacts,including greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,water footprint(WF),and land appropriation(LA).The results reveal that an increase in the proportion of senior people significantly decreases the consumption of grain and livestock meat and increases the consumption of poultry,egg,and aquatic products,particularly for urban residents.Moreover,an increase in the proportion of males in the population leads to higher consumption of poultry and aquatic products.Correspondingly,in the current scenario of an increased aging population and sex ratio,it is anticipated that GHG emissions,WF,and LA are likely to decrease by 1.37,2.52,and 3.56%,respectively.More importantly,in the scenario adhering to the standards of nutritional intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in 2022,GHG emissions,WF,and LA in urban areas would increase by 12.78,20.94,and 18.32%,respectively.Our findings suggest that changing demographics should be considered when designing policies to mitigate the diet-environment-health trilemma and achieve sustainable food consumption.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QINGHAI LAKE LEVEL DESCENDING AND ARTIFICIAL WATER－CONSUMPTION

Qinghai Lake is the largest inland lake in China. It is a closed-drainage saline lake located at 3194m above sea level in the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau. Qinghai Lake region, about 36°15' -38°20' N and 97°50, - 101°20' E,is a closed basin

Cumulative effects of excess high-normal alanine aminotransferase levels in relation to new-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in China

BACKGROUND Within the normal range,elevated alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels are associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).AIM To investigate the associations between repeated high-normal ALT measurements and the risk of new-onset MAFLD prospectively.METHODS A cohort of 3553 participants followed for four consecutive health examinations over 4 years was selected.The incidence rate,cumulative times,and equally and unequally weighted cumulative effects of excess high-normal ALT levels(ehALT)were measured.Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyse the association between the cumulative effects of ehALT and the risk of new-onset MAFLD.RESULTS A total of 83.13%of participants with MAFLD had normal ALT levels.The incidence rate of MAFLD showed a linear increasing trend in the cumulative ehALT group.Compared with those in the low-normal ALT group,the multivariate adjusted hazard ratios of the equally and unequally weighted cumulative effects of ehALT were 1.651[95%confidence interval(CI):1.199-2.273]and 1.535(95%CI:1.119-2.106)in the third quartile and 1.616(95%CI:1.162-2.246)and 1.580(95%CI:1.155-2.162)in the fourth quartile,respectively.CONCLUSION Most participants with MAFLD had normal ALT levels.Long-term high-normal ALT levels were associated with a cumulative increased risk of new-onset MAFLD.

Women’s empowerment and food consumption:Evidence from female-headed households in Tanzania

Despite the growing recognition of women’s increasing role in the household and corresponding empowerment programs in sub-Saharan Africa,intensive research on the relationship between women’s influence and household food consumption is minimal.Using the most recent(2017-2018)national household survey data from Tanzania,this study examined the influence of women’s empowerment on household food consumption.First,we compared the monthly consumption of eight food categories between female-headed households(FHHs)and male-headed households(MHHs)using both descriptive statistics and the propensity score matching(PSM)method.Furthermore,we adopted the two-stage Linear Expenditure System and Almost Ideal Demand System model(LES-AIDS)to estimate income and price elasticities for the two household types.The results show that FHHs consume bread and cereals,fish,oils and fats,vegetables,and confectionery(sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.)more than MHHs.Moreover,FHHs have a significantly higher income elasticity of demand for all food groups than MHHs.They are also more price elastic than MHHs in meat,fish,oils,fats,sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.

Urban Fresh Water Resources Consumption of China

From the point of view of urban consumption behavior, urban fresh water consumption could be classified as three types, namely, direct, indirect and induced water consumption. A calculation approach of urban flesh water consumption was presented based on the theory of urban basic material consumption and the input-output method, which was utilized to calculate urban fresh water consumption of China, and to analyze its structural change and causes. The results show that the total urban flesh water consumption increased 561.7× 10^9m^3, and the proportion to the total national flesh water resources increased by 20 percentage points from 1952 to 2005. The proportion of direct and induced water consumption had been continuously rising, and it increased by 15 and 35 percentage points separately from 1952 to 2005, while the proportion of indirect water consumption decreased by 50 percentage points. Urban indi- rect water consumption was mainly related to urban grain, beef and mutton consumption, and urban induced water consumption had a close relationship with the amount of carbon emission per capita. Finally, some countermeasures were put forward to realize sustainable utilization of urban fresh water resources in China.

Hybrid Level of Detail Algorithm for Real-Time Rendering of Large-Scale Terrain

Hybrid level of detail （LOD） （HLOD） algorithm based on discrete LOD and continuous LOD is presented for real-time rendering of large-scale terrains. There are n HLOD models created off-line, which form a pyramid with n layers. Each of these models contains countless versions of the model at various levels of detail. When rendering, the corresponding models in some layer will be chosen. As the viewer＇s moves, either the continuous LOD algorithm will be applied to the selected models, or the visible models in another layer will be selected. An experiment on a triangular irregular network（TIN） terrain model was performed respectively using discrete LOD, continuous LOD and HLOD. The experimental results show that the HLOD algorithm exceeds the other two kinds of LOD in frame rate without reduction of terrain＇s fidelity.