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Environmental Impact Assessment is the process of evaluating the effects caused by a project on the environment. The outcomes generated by this assessment can lead to a reduction of the negative effects and an increase in the positive effects caused by mine projects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact assessment of the Goliran Coal Mine in northern Iran. In the descriptive-analytical study, to achieve the objectives, observatory surveys were conducted around the coal mine using a checklist, which was about the positive and negative effects of a coal mine. Then the data were entered into the RIAM and the positive and negative effects were ranked and the most important effects were determined. In RIAM, one point is assigned to each component. 17 important activities for environmental impacts were identified using a checklist. Among the activities carried out at the coal mine site, the major ones included tunnel excavation, construction of the rail line collection and disposal of coal mine effluent, coal transportation, collection and disposal of mine tailings, and technical defects and leakage. The scores of each environmental factor were based on the four environmental components: physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural, and economic/operational. The results of the present study showed that the most negatively affected environmental components are the physical/chemical components derived from three activities; the construction of the underground tunnel; the construction of a coal transport rail line; and the actual transportation of coal extracts. The scores of each environmental factor based on the four components at the Goliran coal mine in northern Iran indicate that the highest negative score was -64, corresponding to the physical/chemical component, and was assigned to air pollution. On the other hand, the highest positive score corresponds to the economic/operational component with +54, assigned to the income that employees earn from the mine. Overall results showed that the coal mine in northern Iran had negative effects on the environment but the effects were not severe. It is suggested that for future research, corrective measures should be taken in the form of an environmental management plan to reduce the negative effects caused by coal mining, and then prospective research should be done to check the extent of reducing the negative effects.

Atmospheric precipitation leads to the increase of moisture in the subgrade. The moisture and soil migration in subgrade is a key scientific problem in evaluating the service performance of the subgrade and resolving or preventing mud pumping. Using a self-developed testing system as well as a numerical simulation model, a detailed study of the dynamic hydraulic characteristics, water migration mechanism, fine soil migration mechanism, and mud pumping properties of the subgrade was conducted. The results showed that water migrated into the upper layer of the subgrade under traffic load. Meanwhile, a pressure gradient for the pore water was generated in the subgrade. This kind of pressure gradient is beneficial for the moisture and fine soil migration. With rising groundwater level and increasing traffic load, the porosity of the subgrade soil differs at different depths. The fine soil migration is caused by water migration, which causes new migration channel for water in the subgrade. Then, a circulating system of moisture and fine soil is formed in the subgrade under a traffic load. After that, the upper layer subgrade soil is nearly saturated under the action of traffic load. Then, the nearly saturated soil liquefies instantaneously, becoming mud, under the action of traffic load. However, as the loading time progresses, the moisture and fine soil in the subgrade continue to migrate upward, resulting in the mud being pumped into the ballast and the gradual disappearance of liquefied soils at different depths.

To clarify the spatio-temporal changes of water quality, pollution factors, and sources in Chaohu Lake Basin over the past five years, this study focused on the Chaohu Lake and its tributaries as the research zone. By analyzing the water quality parameters, the pollution factors of Chaohu Lake were clarified and the water quality was comprehensively evaluated using the water quality index (WQI). Correlation analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted in SPSS 26.0 to identify pollutant sources. The results showed that the water of Chaohu Lake and its tributaries were, to some extent, polluted during the dry and wet seasons over the past five years. The primary excessive pollutants were COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The average total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations of Chaohu Lake were 1.74 and 0.09 mg/L in dry seasons and 1.39 and 0.08 mg/L in wet seasons, respectively, which belonged to Class IV water quality standard regulated by GB 3838-2002. Notably, in the Nanfei, Paihe, and Baishishan Rivers, TN concentrations consistently exceeded the Class V water quality standard threshold in both seasons, while TP levels exceeded the Class IV standard. Water quality assessment revealed that the water quality state was classified as “good” in Chaohu Lake, but “moderate” in its tributaries, especially in wet seasons. This finding indicated that while eutrophication remained the primary pollution issue in the lake, the overall physicochemical condition of the water body has not undergone comprehensive deterioration and still maintains a certain degree of ecological health. Source analysis indicated that domestic and industrial wastewater, and agricultural activities were the primary sources of pollution in Chaohu Lake and its tributaries. Therefore, integrated management strategies are required, including enhanced monitoring and control of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from inflow rivers, rational industrial restructuring, and optimization of agricultural and industrial water use.

Isoflavonoids are secondary metabolites that play a variety of roles in plant-microbe interactions and plant defenses against abiotic stresses. Here we report a new MYB transcription factor (TF) gene, GmMYBJ3, that is involved in the isoflavonoids biosynthesis. The GmMYBJ3 gene is 1,002 bp long and encodes a protein of 333 amino acids. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that GmMYBJ3 is a typical R2R3 MYB TF. Yeast expression experiment demonstrated that GmMYBJ3 has its transcription activity in the nucleus and is transiently expressed in onion epidermal cells. The GmMYBJ3 gene was transformed into soybean and the expression activity of the GmMYBJ3 gene was significantly positively correlated with total isoflavonoid accumulation in soybean. Transient expression assays indicated that GmMYBJ3 can activate CHS8 expression. Furthermore, we analyzed the expressions of several genes known involved in the isoflavonoid biosynthesis, including CHS8, CHI1A, PAL1, IFS2 and F3H, in the GmMYBJ3 transgenic plants. The results showed that the expression levels of CHS8 and CHI1A were significantly increased in the transgenic plants compared to wild-type plants, but those of PAL1, IFS2 and F3H remained similar between the transgenic and wild-type plants. These results suggest that GmMYBJ3 participates in the isoflavonoid biosynthesis through regulation of CHS8 and CHI1A in soybean.

The traditional treatment of red clay using inorganic materials leads to many serious environmental problems. The study investigates the mechanical properties of red clay using an environmental-friendly material—xanthan gum—through confined compression, direct shear, and scanning electron microscope tests. At the macroscale, xanthan gum content and curing age had obvious effects on the compressibility, presenting the treated red clay was in the category of low compressibility which gradually increased when xanthan gum content exceeded 1.5%. The xanthan gum content and curing age also had significant influences on the cohesion but not on the internal friction angle. The shear strength of red clay can be improved by increasing the cohesion without obviously changing the friction characteristics. After curing for 28 days, the cohesion and internal friction angle of 2.0% xanthan gum-treated soil were effectively improved to 170.44 kPa and 20.56°, which were increased by 69.79% and 9.36°, respectively, compared with untreated red clay. Microscopic analysis indicated that the strengthening mechanism by xanthan gum was derived from changing the arrangement characteristics of soil particles and forming hard biopolymer-red clay matrices. The proper xanthan gum can effectively wrap clay particles and fill pore spaces. However, the extensive stacking of gels would also reduce the effective connection of clay particles and produce local weak points in the soil, resulting in attenuation of mechanical properties. This study enriches the treatment measure of red clay and provides beneficial experiences for biopolymer application on special clay.

ObjectiveThe Achilles tendon (AT) is the most frequently ruptured in the human body. Literature describing different immobilization methods' impact on tendon healing after AT repair is lacking. We compare plaster cast, splint, and K-wire to determine which is the most stable and has the fewest complications.MethodsSixty rats aged 5–6 months were selected to establish Achilles tendon injury in two hind legs model. After suturing the ends of the AT together with a modified “Kessler” method (Prolene 5–0). The skin incision was interrupted and sutured with 1–0 thread. Rats were divided into three immobilization methods (plaster cast group, splint group, and K-wire group). In plaster cast group, the hind leg was cast with plaster in the extended position of the hip and knee joints, and the ankle joint was at 150°. Splint and K-wire group used splints and 0.8-mm K-wires, separately. The fixed period was 4 weeks. The incidence of stability and complications (death, necrosis of the legs, necrosis of the skin, and incisional infection) were recorded. Differences were detected using the chi-square test.ResultsWithin 4 weeks observation, K-wires showed better stability (90%) compared with the other two ways (40% in plaster cast group, 65% in splint group; p < 0.05). Rats immobilized with K-wires (10%) suffered significantly lower complications compared with plaster cast and splint group (15%; p < 0.05).ConclusionK-wire has better stability, lower complication rate than other methods. Immobilization with K-wire may be a promising tool in future clinical Achilles tendon rupture applications.

Background The current evidence base for the management of central slip avulsions is limited from obtaining a best approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect and feasibility of repairing the fresh central slip avulsion by bone tunnel-tendon suture. Methods Twenty-four cases of open and closed central slip avulsions were prospectively studied. They were treated by suturing the tendon to the pre-holed bone through two parallel bone tunnels. Follow-up was conducted at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months after the operation. Symptoms, degree of satisfaction with the appearance, complications, Crawford’s evaluation, DASH scores and the total active movement (TAM) were collected. Results The follow-up period was 6~18 months (mean 13 months). Finger function was assessed using the Crawford’s evaluation criteria: excellent in 12, good in 10, average in 2, with an excellent and good rate of 91.7%. DASH scores ranged from 37 to 47(mean 39). According to the Chinese Medical Association’s trial criteria for assessing the function of upper limbs, excellent, good and average cases were 9, 14 and 1 respectively. The range of motion gradually improved over time. Conclusions Good prognosis can be achieved through bone tunnel-tendon suture for the treatment of fresh central slip avulsion.

Aeromonas dhakensis (A. dhakensis) is becoming an emerging pathogen worldwide, with an increasingly significant role in animals and human health. It is a ubiquitous bacteria found in terrestrial and aquatic milieus. However, there have been few reports of reptile infections. In this study, a bacterial strain isolated from a dead Aldabra giant tortoise was identified as A. dhakensis HN-1 through clinical observation, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS), and gene sequencing analysis. Subsequently, to evaluate its pathogenicity, the detection of virulence genes and mice infection experiments were performed. A. dhakensis HN-1 was found to contain seven virulence genes, including alt , ela , lip , act , aerA , fla , and hlyA . Mice infected with A. dhakensis HN-1 exhibited hemorrhage of varying degrees in multiple organs. The half-maximal lethal dose (LD 50 ) value of A. dhakensis HN-1 for mice was estimated to be 2.05 × 10 7 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that A. dhakensis HN-1 was resistant to amoxicillin, penicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin. This is the first report of A. dhakensis in Aldabra giant tortoises, expanding the currently known host spectrum. Our findings emphasize the need for One Health surveillance and extensive research to reduce the spread of A. dhakensis across the environment, humans, and animals.

To determine the effects of cartilage progenitor cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes on cartilage repair as seed cells. Porcine cartilage progenitor cells (CPCs), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and chondrocytes (CCs) were obtained from the femoropatellar joints of young pigs, and seeded in agarose gel as a graft. During the 28-day culture, proliferation ability was measured by MTT assay, and gene expression of Collagen I, Collagen II, Aggrecan and SOX 9 were measured by qPCR. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of collagen, glycosaminoglycan and DNA were appraised by immunohistochemical staining and biochemical assay, and integration strength was analyzed by push-out tests. After 28-day culture, proliferation ability of CPCs and BMSCs was higher than CCs. Collagen, glycosaminoglycan, DNA content and chondrocyte-related genes expression in the cartilage progenitor cells seeded gel were significantly higher than the other two gels. Integration strength in the cartilage progenitor cells seeded gel was also higher compared with the other two gels. Compared with CCs and BMSCs, CPCs in vitro have dominance in the ability of cell proliferation and differentiation as seed cells in tissue engineering.

As the installed capacity of wind power increases rapidly, how to promote wind power curtailment (WPC) integration has become a concern. The surface and underlying causes of wind power curtailment are insufficient peaking capability of the power system and imperfect peaking compensation mechanisms, respectively. Therefore, this paper proposes a peaking compensation mechanism uniting supply side and demand side to enhance system peaking capability. Firstly, through incentive and fairness analysis, the interest relationship of peaking subjects is researched based on game theory, and the peaking contribution on supply/demand side is quantified by Pearson correlation coefficients. Secondly, based on clustering analysis, the potential of system peaking providers are explored adequately, supply-side thermal units are divided into deep peaking clusters, and demand-side demand response (DR) resources are integrated into virtual peaking plants (VPP). Accordingly, a two-stage wind-thermal-VPP coordination optimization model is built to dispatch peaking providers. Furtherly, a two-layer peaking compensation allocation method considering peaking contribution and peaking enthusiasm is proposed to encourage peaking providers and mitigate “combination explosion”. Simulation results indicate that the proposed mechanism effectively promotes the enthusiasm of union peaking and the integration of WPC.