Eco-Environmental Vulnerability Evaluation in the Yellow River Basin,China

Using remote sensing(RS)data and geographical information system(GIS),eco-environmental vulnerability and its changes were analyzed for the Yellow River Basin,China.The objective of this study was to improve our understanding of eco-environmental changes so that a strategy of sustainable land use could be established.An environmental numerical model was developed using spatial principal component analysis(SPCA)model.The model contains twelve factors that include variables of land use,soil erosion,topography,climate,and vegetation.Using this model,synthetic eco- environmental vulnerability index(SEVI)was computed for 1990 and 2000 for the Yellow River Basin.The SEVI was classified into six levels,potential,slight,light,medium,heavy,and very heavy,following the natural breaks classification. The eco-environmental vulnerability distribution and its changes over the ten years from 1990 to 2000 were analyzed and the driving factors of eco-environmental changes were investigated.The results show that the eco-environmental vulnerability in the study area was at medium level,and the eco-environmental quality had been gradually improved on the whole.However,the eco-environmental quality had become worse over the ten years in some regions.In the study area,population growth,vegetation degradation,and governmental policies for eco-environmental protection were found to be the major factors that caused the eco-environmental changes over the ten years.

Evaluation model of the grey fuzzy on eco-environment vulnerability

The basic theory and evaluation index system of eco-environment vulnerability were reviewed. Based on the grey theory and fuzzy mathematics, a new comprehensive evaluation method from qualitative to quantitative, called grey-fuzzy evaluation, was proposed for evaluating eco-environment vulnerability. It was integrated of Association for Healthcare Philanthropy （AHP）, grey correlation analysis, grey statistics and fuzzy judgment. The constitutional principle and method of the new evaluation method were given and its feasibility and effectiveness were proved by the practical example.

Comprehensive Assessment of Eco-environment Vulnerability in Hebei Province Based on ArcGIS

[Objective] This study aimed to assess the vulnerability of ecological environment in Hebei Province.[Method] Based on ArcGIS,by using the dominant factor and maximum limits factor method,we established the sensitivity-reality indicator system and assessment model of the eco-environment vulnerability in Hebei Province to quantitatively evaluate its eco-environment vulnerability,and analyzed its spatial distribution.[Result] The status quo of environmental degradation was inconsistent with the sensitivity of eco-environment in Hebei Province.The area of severely vulnerable region accounted for only 4.1% of total area in Hebei Province,mainly distributed in nine counties or districts of Baxia region,Zhangjiakou,northwestern Hebei,which was covered with mountains and basins,showing bands,which resulted from the vulnerability of soil erosion and land desertification.In addition,the moderately vulnerable region made up 38.4%,having the largest proportion,and mainly distributed in the mountain and basin region in northwestern Hebei,Yanshan Mountain and the most regions of Taihang Mountain,due to the vulnerability of soil erosion.At the same time,there were also large patches of moderately vulnerable region in Bashang and Baxia of Zhangjiakou,owning to the vulnerability of land desertification.Besides,most plains were mildly vulnerable and slightly vulnerable regions,and their areas accounted for 25.1% and 32.4% respectively of total area.[Conclusion] The research could provide scientific references for safeguarding the ecological security and main functional district planing of Hebei Province.

The Influence of Vulnerable Narcissism on Social Anxiety among Adolescents:The Mediating Role of Self-Concept Clarity and Self-Esteem

Social anxiety (SA) is a prevalent mental health issue among adolescents, and vulnerable narcissism (VN) can exacerbate thiscondition. This study aims to investigate the impact of vulnerable narcissism on social anxiety in adolescents, specificallyfocusing on the mediating effects of self-concept clarity (SCC) and self-esteem (SE) in the relationship between vulnerablenarcissism and social anxiety. Through cluster sampling, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 982 students from threesecondary schools in two provinces. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealedthat there was a significant negative correlation between vulnerable narcissism and both self-concept clarity and self-esteem,while there was a significant positive correlation between vulnerable narcissism and social anxiety. Additionally, self-conceptclarity showed a significant positive correlation with self-esteem but had a negative correlation with social anxiety. Both selfconceptclarity and self-esteem played an intermediary role in the chain linking vulnerable narcissism to social anxiety. Thisstudy confirms the mediating role of both self-concept clarity and self-esteem in explaining how vulnerable narcissisminfluences social anxiety, providing valuable insights into its underlying mechanism.

Spatial Optimization Strategies for High Temperature Heat Exposure Based on Thermally Vulnerable Populations and Case Studies

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors that contribute to brittleness and to identify strategies for mitigating these factors in populations with varying degrees of thermal vulnerability,based on the potential impact of extreme heat exposure on human survival and habitability.The physiological condition of lower adaptability to high temperature environments and the assessment of individuals who may have higher tolerance time in high temperature environments based on spatial perspectives suggest the need for targeted spatial optimization strategies for commuters and disadvantaged populations.This is demonstrated through a case study.These optimization measures encompass a variety of aspects,including the integration of transportation systems,the expansion of grey space corridors,the improvement of green space layout,and the implantation of green infrastructure.The study aims to reduce the exposure time of thermally vulnerable individuals to high temperature environments through spatial optimization strategies,to enhance the resilience of urban green spaces to heat stress,and to reduce the probability of heat-wave occurrence.

Natural Barriers to Eco-environmental Vulnerability in a Complex Ecosystem

Natural features such as mountain ranges, steep slopes and vegetation prevent human movement from one habitat to another. They prevent the ecological harm from natural phenomenon like erosion and landslide. Forests destruction has brought about deterioration of ecological environment such as increasing soil and water losses. RS （Remote Sensing） and GIS （Geographic Information System） technology have enhanced the eco-environment assessment procedure using eco-environment quality index tool. This paper presents results of the research on the investigation of the potentials of different landscapes on the complex ecosystem of Makeng Village in Fuj Jan Province to act as natural barrier to eco-environmental vulnerability. Vulnerability factors analysed were soil erosion, vegetation cover, land use types, slope and elevation. To see how one factor acts as natural barrier eco-environment stressors, factor maps were overlaid in pairs using ArcGIS 9.2 software and the matrix statistics exported for analysis in Microsoft Excel. The results showed steep slopes naturally limit human activities, growth of big trees and increase soil erosion. Flat and gentle slopes are less vulnerable to erosion. Elevation is among natural barriers to human activities. Human activities decrease with increasing elevation, hence making the eco-environment naturally stable/undisturbed. In this study, eco-vulnerability to erosion decreases with increasing vegetation cover.

Assessment on the Vulnerability of Agricultural Eco-environment of Hilly Basin Area in the Middle of Hunan Province——A Case Study of Hengyang Basin

[Objective] The study aimed to assess the vulnerability of agricultural eco-environment of hilly basin area in the middle of Hunan Prov- ince. [ Method] Taking Hengyang basin as an example, we firstly chose 13 indicators from natural, social and economic subsystem to assess the vulnerability of agricultural eco-environment in hilly basin area in the middle of Hunan Province. Afterwards, by using principal component analysis, we calculated the weight of each indicator and the vulnerability of agricultural eco-environment of seven regions, finally analyzed the spatial distribu- tion of agricultural eco-envimnment vulnerability. [ Result] The weight of farmers＇ net income per capita was up to 0.140, followed by forest coverage （0.137）. Among the seven counties, the vulnerability of agricultural eco-environment was primarily moderate, while Hengnan County had the highest vulnerability, followed by Hengyang County, and their vulnerability was extremely serious. In addition, Leiyang City was the minimum fragile region, namely slightly fragile region. In general, the vulnerability of peripheral counties was lower than that of central counties. [ Conclusion] The research could provide scientific references for the restoration and reconstruction of agro-ecological environment as well as the establishment of agri- cultural Dreduction decisions.

Eco-environment Evolution and Its Sustainable Development Strategies in Western China

Natural condition in Western China is relatively poor and regional economy level is low. The ecological environment has been seriously damaged by population growth and over-exploitation of natural resources. It is very important for coordinating the regional development and safeguarding ecological security to discuss the eco-environment evolution trend and its sustainable development strategies in Western China. Based on analyzing documents and relative research,the changes of main ecological and environmental problems in the western region,such as degradation of forest and grassland ecosystems,shrinkage of wetland,desertification,water and soil erosion,etc. were synthetically discussed. Then,according to the development trend,some countermeasures for eco-environment protection and rehabilitation and sustainable development were proposed.

Effects of Southward Flow of Yellow River on Eco-environment of Xu-Huai River Basin

Based on the historical records,the flood disasters in Xu-Huai River Basin caused by southward flow of Yellow River were studied,while its effects on Xu-Huai regional economic,transportation and eco-environment were also highlighted,and finally historical natural disasters were presented in this study.

Eco-Environment Status of the Bohai Bay and the Impact of Coastal Exploitation

With the rapid economic development in the surrounding coastal zone, more and more wastewater has been discharged into the Bohai Bay. And with the scale of coastal exploitation being expanded year by year, the eco-environment of the Bohai Bay has been confronted with great pressure. In this paper, the main problems in the eco-environment of the Bohai Bay were summarized firstly. Red tides occurred more frequently and more seriously; salinity rose in inshore area, the fishery resources degenerated; all the above indicate that the eco-environment of the Bohai Bay is under a severe situation Next, to make a concrete study of the existing status of the Bohai Bay, the eco-environment index system was set up. Then the principal components analytic method and grey relation method were adopted to carry on a comprehensive analysis on the status. The results show that serious pollution of inorganic nitrogen and active phosphate, and poor species diversity are the main presentations of the bad quality of the inshore aquatic eco-environment of the Bohai Bay, which is mainly induced by the massive discharge of pollutant from land and the overexploitation in the surrounding coastal zone. At last, the variations of hydrodynamic characteristics and the pollutant transport caused by coastal exploitations such as reclamation and seawater desalination are analyzed. The results show that reclamation in coastal water not only decreases the tidal prism and weakens the tidal current action, but also influences the pollution distribution in the coastal water. The seawater desalination project would cause tremendous influence to the aquatic eco-environment of the Bohai Bay as the pollutant＇s pulse impact. Much more attention would be paid to the reasonable use of the coastal zone resources and the control of pollution from land-based sources.

Prediction of vulnerable zones based on residual stress and microstructure in CMT welded aluminum alloy joint

Numerical simulation and experimental results were employed for the identification of the most vulnerable zones in three-pass cold-metal-transferring （CMT） welded joint. The residual stress distribution in the joint was predicted by finite element （FE） method, while the structural morphology of distinctive zones was obtained through metallographic experiments. The highest principal stress made the symmetric face of the joint most sensitive to tensile cracks under service conditions. Whereas, the boundaries between the weld seam and the base plates were sensitive to cracks because the equivalent von Mises stress was the highest when the first interpass cooling was finished. The third weld pass and the inter-pass remelted zones exhibited the modest mechanical performances as a result of the coarse grain and coarse grain boundary, respectively. The most vulnerable zones were regarded to be the crossed parts between the zones identified by numerical and experimental methods.

Impact of Agricultural Eco-environment on the Architectural Form of Vernacular Dwellings

Through analyzing the form, materials, building techniques of vernacular dwellings in Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, this study tries to explore the influence of agricultural eco-environment on the form of folk houses, points out that vernacular dwellings are fully combined with local traditional agricultural environment from site selection, spatial form, architectural style, building materials and detail designs, which unifies the economic and environmental benefits of vernacular dwellings.

Exploration of Water and Soil Conservation's Function in Construction of Eco-environment

Eco-environment lays foundation for human existence and development, and social and economy evolvement. Therefore, it is a fundamental principle to pro- tact and construct eco-environment and achieve sustainable development. With ur- ban development, and destruction on natural environment, however, the issue of water and soil losses has become a serious problem, affecting people＇s life and production. The research, therefore, explored the role of water and soil conservation in ecological civilization construction, including bomprehensive treatment of water storage and sand reduction, improving agricultural structure and advancing rural econ- omy, relieving the conflict between supply and demand of water resources, improv- ing eco-environment in mountainous regions and accelerating eco-construction.

A Theoretical Analysis of Interactive Coercing Effects Between Urbanization and Eco-environment

Objectively, a complex interactive coercing relationship exists between urbanization and eco-environment, and the research of this relationship is primarily divided into three schools, i.e., interactive coercion theory, interactive promotion theory and coupling symbiosis theory. Harmonizing the relationship between urbanization and eco-environment is not only an important proposition for the national development plan but also the only way to promote healthy urbanization. Based on an analysis of urbanization process and its relationship with the eco-environment, this article analyzes interactive coercing effects between urbanization and eco-environment from three perspectives of population urbanization, economic urbanization and spatial urbanization, respectively, and analyzes risk effects of the interactive coercion. Further, it shows six basic laws followed by interactive coercion between urbanization and eco-environment, namely, coupling fission law, dynamic hierarchy law, stochastic fluctuation law, non-linear synergetic law, threshold value law and forewarning law, and divides the interactive coercing process into five stages, namely, low-level coordinate, antagonistic, break-in, ameliorative and high-grade coordinate. Based on the geometric derivation, the interactive coercing relationship between urbanization and eco-environment is judged to be non-linear and it can be explained by a double-exponential function formed by the combination of power and exponential functions. Then, the evolutionary types of the interactive coercing relationship are divided into nine ones: rudimentary coordinating, ecology-dominated, synchronal coordinating, urbanization lagging, stepwise break-in, exorbitant urbanization, fragile ecology, rudimentary break-in and unsustainable types. Finally, based on an interactive coercion model, the degree of interactive coercion can be examined, and then, an evolutionary cycle can be divided into four phases, namely rudimentary symbiosis, harmonious development, utmost increasing and spiral type rising. The study results offer a scientific decision-making of healthy urbanization for achieving the goal of eco-environment protection and promoting urbanization.

Quantitative Analysis of the Coupling Coordination Degree Between Urbanization and Eco-environment in Mongolia

Mongolia is an important country in the Economic Corridor of China-Mongolia-Russia, a deep understanding of the coupling relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment in Mongolia is meaningful to achieve green development of the Belt and Road. The entropy method and coupling coordination degree model were integrated to evaluate the coupling coordination degree between urbanization and the eco-environment in Mongolia during 2000-2016. The results showed that the coupling coordination degree between urbanization and the eco-environment in Mongolia was generally at the stage of seriously unbalanced development, and that the main contributor of the urbanization and the eco-environment subsystem were demographic urbanization and eco-environment endowment, respectively. The southern part of Mongolia central zone should be paid more attention due to the lower degree of coupling coordination between urbanization and the eco-environment. To promote the healthy urbanization development in Mongolia, six-layer eco-city establishing green development pattern is proposed to provide scientific support for Mongolia.

CATASTROPHIC ECO-ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN THE SONGNEN PLAIN,NORTHEASTERN CHINA SINCE 1900S

Although the Songnen Plain in the northeastern China was developed relatively late in the temperate zone of the world, its eco-environment has changed greatly. This paper analyzes the changes of land cover and the rates and trends ofdesertification during the past 100 years in the Songnen Plain. According to the macroscopic analysis, we find that the eco-environment in the plain has reached to the threshold of catastrophic change since the 1950s. The Thom Needle Catastrophic Model was used to determine and validate this conclusion. Human activities, including large-scale construction projects, such as huge dams and dikes, and excessive grazing were the primary factors contributing to regional eco-environmental catastrophe. And irrational reclamation of the wilderness also affected the eco-environmental change. The results reveal the complex human-land interactions.

Noninvasive diagnosis of vulnerable coronary plaque

Myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death are frequently the first manifestation of coronary artery disease.For this reason,screening of asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis has become an attractive field of research in cardiovascular medicine.Necropsy studies have described histopathological changes associated with the development of acute coronary events.In this regard,thin-cap fibroatheroma has been identified as the main vulnerable coronary plaque feature.Hence,many imaging techniques,such as coronary computed tomography,cardiac magnetic resonance or positron emission tomography,have tried to detect noninvasively these histomorphological characteristics with different approaches.In this article,we review the role of these diagnostic tools in the detection of vulnerable coronary plaque with particular interest in their advantages and limitations as well as the clinical implications of the derived findings.

SCENARIOS SIMULATION OF COUPLING SYSTEM BETWEEN URBANIZATION AND ECO-ENVIRONMENT IN JIANGSU PROVINCE BASED ON SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODEL

By means of ISM (Interpretative Structural Modeling) and SD (System Dynamics) methods, this paper made a system dynamics model of urbanization and eco-environment coupling in Jiangsu Province according to the implication and PSR (Pressure State Response) framework of urbanization and eco-environment coupling. Moreover, five typical scenarios during 2000-2015 have been simulated and analyzed based on the time serial statistical data during 1990-2003 in Jiangsu, which indicates: firstly, there are significant differences between the results and the scenarios, and the five coupling models all have comparative advantages and drawbacks; secondly, in terms of the characteristics and regional development disparities of Jiangsu and the general rule of world urbanization process, this paper reveals that only when either population urbanization model or social urbanization model to be correspondingly adopted, the sustainable development among population, economy, urbanization and eco-environment can be realized.

Land Use/Land Cover Change(LUCC) and Eco-Environment Response to LUCC in Farming-Pastoral Zone,China

In order to understand land use/land cover changes （LUCC） and the eco-environment response to LUCC in farming- pastoral zone of the northern China during the recent twenty years, Baotou prefecture was selected as a case study area for investigation and quantitative evaluation. Technologies of remote sensing （RS）, global positioning system （GPS）, geographic information system （GIS）, and other statistical methods were employed to implement. Results showed that： （1） During the recent twenty years, the areas of forest lands, grasslands and water were reduced, whereas the areas of other types were enlarged. Parts of forest lands, grasslands, and waters had become farmlands, and about 31.5% of the changed grasslands transferred into unused lands. The newly increased farmlands mainly came from grasslands and unused lands. And the newly increased construction lands mainly came from grasslands and farmlands. （2） Regional eco- environmental quality decreased by 12.6%, for which the land degradation （especially the meadow degeneration） and the developing of the cultivated land were mainly responsible, and their contributions to the regional eco-environment changes were 51.84 and 23.63% respectively. （3） The tendency of LUCC and the eco-environment response to LUCC displayed spatial heterogeneity. It can be concluded that the present agricultural production mode was not sustainable in farming-pastoral zone of northern China. Land degradation, especially meadow degradation induced by over-trampling and overgrazing, and developing of cultivated land were mainly responsible for regional eco-environment deterioration. Changing the cultivated land to forest or grass, however, can relieve deterioration of local eco-environment to some extents. And in the farming-pastoral zone in the northern China, evaluating regional eco-environment responses to LUCC was very necessary due to its fragile eco-environments.

Use of rural energy resources and eco-environmental degradation in Tibet

Cattle dung, firewood, and crop straw have being used as survival necessities by farmers and herdsmen for thousands of years in Tibet. Until recently such biotic energy source still constitutes more than 92 per cent of total rural energy consumption due to lack of petroleum, coal and new alternative energy sources. As a result, environmental degradation such as land desertification, soil erosion, grassland degradation and soil fertility reduction is increasingly aggravated, the area of desertified land has increased 1467.5 km2 from 1991 to 1997. Degraded area of grassland has reached 2.60×107hm2, increased by 116.1% from 1987 to 1996. To prevent further deterioration of eco-environment in Tibet great efforts should be made to make full use of ample solar energy, wind energy and other biotic energy of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The solar cooking stoves and solar hothouse, expand forest area and replace existing abiotic energy sources with firewood forest should be popularized. This is an urgent task to protect the eco-environment of Tibet today.