If one considers the number of language learners that are worldwide,the number of classroom-based language assessments(CBLAs)that are given each year,and the number of decisions that are made on the basis of these,it ...If one considers the number of language learners that are worldwide,the number of classroom-based language assessments(CBLAs)that are given each year,and the number of decisions that are made on the basis of these,it is obvious that in terms of sheer numbers,more students are affected by CBLAs per year than by those based on large-scale language assessments.Because of this,it is essential that classroom teachers have the knowledge,skills,and tools to enable them to develop and use CBLAs that they can justify to stakeholders,e.g.,students,parents,and school authorities.In this paper we describe the approach to CBLAs that we have developed.First,we discuss the role of assessment in teaching and learning,the kinds of decisions that classroom teachers need to make,and the different modes of CBLAs.We then describe the process of using CBLAs to help teachers make decisions that will have beneficial consequences.Next,we discuss fairness and accountability in assessment and the process of assessment justification,including an assessment use argument.Finally,we discuss the process of developing CBLAs,using an example of a classroom-based language assessment to illustrate this.展开更多
Arbitration is a key non-litigation commercial mechanism for the resolution of disputes, and the quality and credibility of its awards depend largely on the competency of the arbitrators. However, the selection and ev...Arbitration is a key non-litigation commercial mechanism for the resolution of disputes, and the quality and credibility of its awards depend largely on the competency of the arbitrators. However, the selection and evaluation systems for arbitrators in China have long faced challenges such as the vague criteria for competency and an unclear professionalization path for arbitrators. To address these issues, this study is grounded in the context of actual Chinese arbitration practice and based on the competency iceberg model. Through a methodological approach encompassing literature reviews, behavioral event interviews, expert revisions, and questionnaire surveys, a Chinese Arbitrator Competency Scale was developed and validated in this study. Examination of the findings indicated that the scale needed to consist of five dimensions—communication and coordination, cognitive skills, ethical conduct, work motivation, and personality traits—and possess a total of 28 specific indicators. Confirmatory analysis of the factors demonstrates a good fit for the five-dimensional model, with each of the dimensions exhibiting high reliability and validity. This scale is innovative in integrating the competency elements with Chinese characteristics, such as commercial acumen, crosscultural mediation skills, and adaptability to the local rule of law. This research not only enriches the competency theory in regard to the field of human resource management but also provides a scientific framework of standards and measurement tools for the selection, training, and evaluation of arbitrators. It thus has significant practical value for enhancing the professionalism and international competitiveness of China's arbitration system.展开更多
Excessive levels of Fluoride(F−)and Cadmium(Cd)in drinking groundwater may pose health risks.This study assessed the health risks associated with F−and Cd contamination in rural drinking groundwater sources in Wutai C...Excessive levels of Fluoride(F−)and Cadmium(Cd)in drinking groundwater may pose health risks.This study assessed the health risks associated with F−and Cd contamination in rural drinking groundwater sources in Wutai County,Shanxi Province,China,to support population health protection,water resource management,and environmental decision-making.Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed,and a Human Health Risk Model(HHRA)was applied to evaluate groundwater quality.The results showed that both contents of F−and Cd in groundwater exceeded the Class III limits of China's national groundwater quality standard(GB/T 14848—2024).Fluoride levels met the Class V threshold,with enrichment area mainly located in the east part of the study area.Cadmium levels reached Class IV,with elevated concentrations primarily observed in the western and northwestern regions.Correlation analysis revealed that F−showed weak or no correlation with other measured substances,indicating independent sources.Health risk assessment results indicated that F−poses potential health risks to rural residents,while cadmium,due to its relatively low concentrations,does not currently present a significant health risk.Among different demographic groups,the health risk levels of F−exposure followed the order:Infants>children>adult females>adult males.The findings highlight that fluoride is the primary contributor to health risks associated with groundwater consumption in the study area.Strengthened monitoring and prevention of F−contamination are urgently needed.This research provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of fluoride pollution in groundwater and offers practical guidance for safeguarding drinking water safety in rural China.展开更多
Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described...Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).展开更多
Integrated environmental management is important for sustainable development.Under China’s“Three Lines One Permit”(TLOP)policy,three types of management zones—priority protection,critical control,and general contr...Integrated environmental management is important for sustainable development.Under China’s“Three Lines One Permit”(TLOP)policy,three types of management zones—priority protection,critical control,and general control zones—are established based on the ecological red line,the lower-limit line for environmental quality,and the resource use line.Human activities are regulated through a permit system.Integrated and multifactorial protection of soil,plant,hydrological,and atmospheric elements is promoted at the regional level.A follow-up assessment contributes to the improvement of policy implementation and effectiveness.This study demonstrates the achievements of the TLOP policy in Sichuan Province.Results show that(1)276 protection zones have been established under the ecological red line,covering key ecosystems and protected areas to ensure environmental security.Under the lower-limit line,1,626 functional(priority,key,and general control)zones have been designated to regulate air,water,and soil quality,enhancing environmental capacity and pollution control.(2)Through the integration and merging of the three lines,1,128 integrated management zones have been established,including 375,625,and 128 priority protection,critical control,and general control zones,respectively.Each zone has its own list of environmental permits to regulate human activities according to different environmental protection and natural resource development regimes.(3)The design of the follow-up assessment index system was informed by regional primary functions and industrial structure.The index system for provinces and cities is structured around three primary indicators—implementation updating,application,and guarantees—and 15 secondary indicators.The system for critical control zones is structured around environmental access,management,and effectiveness and 14 secondary indicators.A stringent environmental zoning system has been established through the TLOP policy,thereby safeguarding environmental security,promoting harmonious existence between humans and nature,and supporting the vision of Beautiful China.展开更多
Rock mass stability is significantly influenced by the heterogeneity of rock joint roughness and shear strength.While modern technology facilitates assessing roughness heterogeneity,evaluating shear strength heterogen...Rock mass stability is significantly influenced by the heterogeneity of rock joint roughness and shear strength.While modern technology facilitates assessing roughness heterogeneity,evaluating shear strength heterogeneity remains challenging.To address this,this study first captures the morphology of large-scale(1000 mm × 1000 mm) slate and granite joints via 3D laser scanning.Analysis of these surfaces and corresponding push/pull tests on carved specimens revealed a potential correlation between the heterogeneity of roughness and shear strength.A comparative evaluation of five statistical metrics identified information entropy(Hs) as the most robust indicator for quantifying rock joint heterogeneity.Further analysis using Hsreveals that the heterogeneity is anisotropic and,critically,that shear strength heterogeneity is governed not only by roughness heterogeneity but is also significantly influenced by the mean roughness value,normal stress,and intact rock tensile strength.Consequently,a simple comparison of roughness Hsvalues is insufficient for reliably comparing shear strength heterogeneity.To overcome this limitation,a theoretical framework is developed to explicitly map fundamental roughness statistics(mean and heterogeneity) to shear strength heterogeneity.This framework culminates in a practical workflow that allows for the rapid,field-based assessment of shear strength heterogeneity using readily obtainable rock joint roughness data.展开更多
Correction to:Journal of Forestry Research(2025)36:124 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-025-01918-8 In this article the author’s name Yasutomo Hoshika was incorrectly written as Yasutoma Hoshika.The original article ha...Correction to:Journal of Forestry Research(2025)36:124 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-025-01918-8 In this article the author’s name Yasutomo Hoshika was incorrectly written as Yasutoma Hoshika.The original article has been corrected.展开更多
This study developed a modeling methodology for statistical optimization-based geologic hazard susceptibility assessment,aiming to enhance the comprehensive performance and classification accuracy of the assessment mo...This study developed a modeling methodology for statistical optimization-based geologic hazard susceptibility assessment,aiming to enhance the comprehensive performance and classification accuracy of the assessment models.First,the cumulative probability method revealed that a low probability(15%)of geologic hazards between any two geologic hazard points occurred outside a buffer zone with a radius of 2297 m(i.e.,the distance threshold).The training dataset was established,consisting of negative samples(non-hazard points)randomly generated based on the distance threshold,positive samples(i.e.,historical hazards),and 13 conditioning factors.Then,models were built using five machine learning algorithms,namely random forest(RF),gradient boosting decision tree(GBDT),naive Bayes(NB),logistic regression(LR),and support vector machine(SVM).The comprehensive performance of the models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)and overall accuracy(OA)as indicators,revealing that RF exhibited the best performance,with OA and AUC values of 2.7127 and 0.981,respectively.Furthermore,the machine learning models constructed by considering the distance threshold outperformed those built using the unoptimized dataset.The characteristic factors were ranked using the mutual information method,with their scores decreasing in the order of rainfall(0.1616),altitude(0.06),normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI;0.04),and distance from roads(0.03).Finally,the geologic hazard susceptibility classification was assessed using the natural breaks method combined with a clustering algorithm.The results indicate that the clustering algorithm exhibited higher classification accuracy than the natural breaks method.The findings of this study demonstrate that the proposed model optimization scheme can provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of geologic hazards.展开更多
For mission-oriented unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)swarms,mission capability assessment provides an important reference in the design and development process,and is a precondition for mission success.For this multi-crit...For mission-oriented unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)swarms,mission capability assessment provides an important reference in the design and development process,and is a precondition for mission success.For this multi-criteria decisionmaking(MCDM)problem,the current literature lacks a way to unambiguously present criteria and the popular fuzzy analytic network process(ANP)approaches neglect the hesitancy of subjective judgments.To fill these research gaps,an MCDM method based on unified architecture framework(UAF)and interval-valued spherical fuzzy ANP(IVSF-ANP)is proposed in this paper.Firstly,selected viewpoints in UAF are extended to construct criteria models with standardized representation.Secondly,interval-valued spherical fuzzy sets are introduced to ANP to weight interdependent criteria,handling fuzziness and hesitancy in pairwise comparisons.A method of adjusting weights of experts based on their decision similarities is also included in this process to reduce ambiguity brought by multiple experts.Next,performance characteristics are non-linearly transformed regarding to expectations to get final results.This proposition is applied to assess the mission capability of UAV swarms to search and strike surface vessels.Comparative analysis shows that the proposed method is valid and reasonable.展开更多
Practical activities are an indispensable piece of science education.As such,assessment of these practical activities is vital for continually enhancing the quality of science instruction.This article presents a tenta...Practical activities are an indispensable piece of science education.As such,assessment of these practical activities is vital for continually enhancing the quality of science instruction.This article presents a tentative framework structured for assessing practical activities in science education.The proposed framework is built upon seven components:engagement and participation,relational thinking,stepwise mastery,contextualization,multidimensional integration,empowerment,and scientific articulacy.The framework might provide science educators with an alternative lens through which to enhance the effectiveness of practical activities,promote student engagement,and better prepare learners for the future.This framework is designed to be additive and complementary to existing assessment approaches and can be adapted and customized to suit specific local contexts and varying grade levels by science educators in the pursuit of excellence in an ever-evolving science education landscape.展开更多
Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic ...Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)and to analyze the ability of different tools for predicting clinical outcomes in this context.Methods This was a single center retrospective registry including patients with AS undergoing TAVI and surviving to hospital discharge.The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or need for urgent readmission one year after TAVI.Results A total of 377 patients were included(mean age of 80.4 years).Most patients were independent or mildly dependent,with an optimal cognitive status.The proportion of frailty ranged from 17.6%to 49.8%.A total of 20 patients(5.3%)died and 110/377 patients(29.2%)died or were readmitted during follow up.Overall,most components of the geriatric assessment showed an association with clinical outcomes.Disability for instrumental activities showed a significant association with mortality and a strong association with the rate of mortality or readmission.The association between frailty and clinical outcomes was higher for short physical performance battery(SPPB),essential frailty toolset(EFT)and the frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment(IF-VIG)and lower for Fried criteria and FRAIL scale.Conclusions AS patients from this series presented a good physical performance,optimal cognitive status and a reasonably low prevalence of frailty.The best predictive ability was observed for disability for instrumental activities and frailty as measured by the EFT,SPPB and the IF-VIG.展开更多
INTRODUCTION On March 28,2025,at 06:20:52 UTC,a shallow,magnitude M_(w)7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar(Burma)with an epicenter near the major city of Mandalay.This event,the strongest seismic activity recorded in Myanma...INTRODUCTION On March 28,2025,at 06:20:52 UTC,a shallow,magnitude M_(w)7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar(Burma)with an epicenter near the major city of Mandalay.This event,the strongest seismic activity recorded in Myanmar since 1950,generated intense shaking across much of the country,extended into regions of Thailand,and was felt in China's Yunnan and Guangxi provinces.展开更多
Road condition assessment involves evaluating the physical state of roadways to determine necessary maintenance and rehabilitation,while traffic assessment focuses on analyzing vehicle flow patterns to improve traffic...Road condition assessment involves evaluating the physical state of roadways to determine necessary maintenance and rehabilitation,while traffic assessment focuses on analyzing vehicle flow patterns to improve traffic management.This study employs Geographic Information Systems(GIS)to assess and evaluate road conditions and traffic dynamics in the ruralmunicipality ofOdiongan,Romblon,Philippines.GISmapping enabled a spatially detailed classification of road conditions,identifying areas categorized as excellent,good,fair,or poor,and highlighted sections requiring maintenance or rehabilitation.These assessments are crucial for enhancing the transportation framework amid escalating developmental and demographic demands.Concurrently,GIS was used to visualize and analyze traffic composition and flow,with the study measuring the Level of Service(LOS)for traffic,emphasizing vehicle composition during peak and off-peak periods.Findings revealed amix of good to fair road conditions across most ofOdiongan,with twelve(12)barangays suffering from poor conditions necessitating rehabilitation.Traffic composition was dominated by motorcycles and tricycles,experiencing a significant uptick in volume during peak hours.The GIS-based evaluation pointed out an unsatisfactory LOS(ranging from C to F)at all stations,underscoring the need for enhanced signalization and intersection upgrades.By leveraging GIS to provide a comprehensive understanding of road and traffic conditions,this study lays the groundwork for an integrated transportationmanagement plan to bolster the efficiency and safety of the municipality’s transportation network amidst ongoing rural development.展开更多
Erratum to:Journal of Earth Science https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-025-0187-4 The original version of this article unfortunately contained one mistake.The presentation in Page2384 was incorrect.The corrected one is gi...Erratum to:Journal of Earth Science https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-025-0187-4 The original version of this article unfortunately contained one mistake.The presentation in Page2384 was incorrect.The corrected one is given below.The NTL loss ratio(Figure 4a)was calculated as the variation between pre-earthquake(March 27)and post-earthquake(March 28)radiance values in cloud-free areas.展开更多
This paper deeply analyzes the characteristics of core courses of the traffic engineering specialty and the problems existing in traditional assessment methods,and proposes a series of reform measures for the assessme...This paper deeply analyzes the characteristics of core courses of the traffic engineering specialty and the problems existing in traditional assessment methods,and proposes a series of reform measures for the assessment methods of core courses of the traffic engineering specialty.By introducing diversified assessment methods,focusing on process assessment,and strengthening the assessment of practical abilities,the aim is to improve students’learning enthusiasm and initiative,and cultivate students’innovation ability and practical ability to meet the needs of traffic engineering professionals in the new era.展开更多
Background Non-invasive computed tomography angiography(CTA)-based fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)could become a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography.Deep learning(DL)-based CT-FFR has shown promise when compar...Background Non-invasive computed tomography angiography(CTA)-based fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)could become a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography.Deep learning(DL)-based CT-FFR has shown promise when compared to invasive FFR.To evaluate the performance of a DL-based CT-FFR technique,DeepVessel FFR(DVFFR).Methods This retrospective study was designed for iScheMia Assessment based on a Retrospective,single-center Trial of CTFFR(SMART).Patients suspected of stable coronary artery disease(CAD)and undergoing both CTA and invasive FFR examinations were consecutively selected from the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 1,2016 to December 30,2018.FFR obtained during invasive coronary angiography was used as the reference standard.DVFFR was calculated blindly using a DL-based CTFFR approach that utilized the complete tree structure of the coronary arteries.Results Three hundred and thirty nine patients(60.5±10.0 years and 209 men)and 414 vessels with direct invasive FFR were included in the analysis.At per-vessel level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)of DVFFR were 94.7%,88.6%,90.8%,82.7%,and 96.7%,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve(AUC)was 0.95 for DVFFR and 0.56 for CTA-based assessment with a significant difference(P<0.0001).At patient level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,PPV and NPV of DVFFR were 93.8%,88.0%,90.3%,83.0%,and 95.8%,respectively.The computation for DVFFR was fast with the average time of 22.5±1.9 s.Conclusions The results demonstrate that DVFFR was able to evaluate lesion hemodynamic significance accurately and effectively with improved diagnostic performance over CTA alone.Coronary artery disease(CAD)is a critical disease in which coronary artery luminal narrowing may result in myocardial ischemia.Early and effective assessment of myocardial ischemia is essential for optimal treatment planning so as to improve the quality of life and reduce medical costs.展开更多
This study examines the empirical feasibility of quantitatively integrating environmental value information into Strategic Environmental Assessment(SEA).An analytical framework was established to incorporate environme...This study examines the empirical feasibility of quantitatively integrating environmental value information into Strategic Environmental Assessment(SEA).An analytical framework was established to incorporate environmental cost estimates into the SEA process by utilizing ecosystem service unit values provided by the Environmental Valuation Information System(EVIS),a national platform developed to support the evaluation of policies and projects.The framework was applied to a case study involving a multipurpose rural water development project in South Korea.Ecosystem service losses resulting from the project were quantified using biophysical indicators,such as vegetation biomass,forest area,and hydrological functions,and subsequently monetized through the application of the market price method,replacement cost method,and contingent valuation method.The total annual environmental cost was estimated to be approximately KRW 56.18 billion,with the majority attributable to losses in forest conservation and climate regulation services.These findings demonstrate that quantified environmental data can serve as a robust basis for alternative comparison and site evaluation within SEA.The study provides empirical evidence supporting the advancement of SEA from a predominantly procedural tool focused on environmental protection to a more comprehensive sustainability assessment framework that integrates environmental,economic,and social considerations.Furthermore,the results suggest that EVIS-based quantitative information holds potential for broader application in other national evaluation systems,such as preliminary feasibility studies and regulatory impact assessments.展开更多
Insulin resistance(IR)is widely recognized as a key contributor to metabolic disorders,and various surrogate indices have been developed to estimate IR in clinical and research settings.The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic...Insulin resistance(IR)is widely recognized as a key contributor to metabolic disorders,and various surrogate indices have been developed to estimate IR in clinical and research settings.The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp is considered the gold standard method for assessing insulin resistance due to its precision;however,its complexity limits its widespread clinical application.Consequently,surrogate indices derived from fasting and post-load glucose and insulin levels have been developed to estimate IR,facilitating early detection and risk stratification in metabolic disorders.This mini-review discusses the clinical utility,strengths,and limitations of key IR indices,including the homeostasis model assessment of IR,quantitative insulin sensitivity check index,Matsuda index,and triglyceride-glucose index.Overall,the evidence presented to date suggests that these indices provide valuable estimates of IR in various popula-tions.Yet,their applicability varies depending on ethnic background,disease status,and clinical setting.Integrating these indices into routine clinical practice and research could improve metabolic risk assessment and guide preventive interventions.Further investigations are necessary to refine their accuracy and determine optimal cut-off values for various populations.展开更多
Mine environmental evaluation is the key to mine environmental study. On the basis of the characteristics of the mine environmental problems, they are classified into （1） three wastes problem, （2） ground distortio...Mine environmental evaluation is the key to mine environmental study. On the basis of the characteristics of the mine environmental problems, they are classified into （1） three wastes problem, （2） ground distortion, （3） contradiction among mine drainage, water supply, ecological environment, （4） desertification, and （5） soil erosion. The evaluation is the basis of mine environmental problem classification and investigation, mine environmental rehabilitation, and the information system constructed can be used for subsequent research of evaluation techniques. A synthetic assessment of the 5 kinds of mine environmental problems can be divided into single-factor or multi-factor synthetic assessments; while by the viewpoint of time, the mine environmental assessment can be classified as the historical assessment, the current status assessment and the forecasting assessment.展开更多
Controlling heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil has been a significant challenge.These heavy metals seriously threaten the surrounding ecological environment and human health.The effective assessment and remedi...Controlling heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil has been a significant challenge.These heavy metals seriously threaten the surrounding ecological environment and human health.The effective assessment and remediation of heavy metals in agricultural soils are crucial.These two aspects support each other,forming a close and complete decisionmaking chain.Therefore,this review systematically summarizes the distribution characteristics of soil heavy metal pollution,the correlation between soil and crop heavy metal contents,the presence pattern and migration and transformation mode of heavy metals in the soil-crop system.The advantages and disadvantages of the risk evaluation tools and models of heavy metal pollution in farmland are further outlined,which provides important guidance for an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of heavymetal pollution in farmland soils and the assessment of the environmental risk.Soil remediation strategies involve multiple physical,chemical,biological and even combined technologies,and this paper compares the potential and effect of the above current remediation technologies in heavy metal polluted farmland soils.Finally,the main problems and possible research directions of future heavy metal risk assessment and remediation technologies in agricultural soils are prospected.This review provides new ideas for effective assessment and selection of remediation technologies based on the characterization of soil heavy metals.展开更多
文摘If one considers the number of language learners that are worldwide,the number of classroom-based language assessments(CBLAs)that are given each year,and the number of decisions that are made on the basis of these,it is obvious that in terms of sheer numbers,more students are affected by CBLAs per year than by those based on large-scale language assessments.Because of this,it is essential that classroom teachers have the knowledge,skills,and tools to enable them to develop and use CBLAs that they can justify to stakeholders,e.g.,students,parents,and school authorities.In this paper we describe the approach to CBLAs that we have developed.First,we discuss the role of assessment in teaching and learning,the kinds of decisions that classroom teachers need to make,and the different modes of CBLAs.We then describe the process of using CBLAs to help teachers make decisions that will have beneficial consequences.Next,we discuss fairness and accountability in assessment and the process of assessment justification,including an assessment use argument.Finally,we discuss the process of developing CBLAs,using an example of a classroom-based language assessment to illustrate this.
基金Research on Problems and Countermeasures in Building the Capacity of the Grassroots International Chambers of Commerce in the Context of High-Quality Development (W2024H03841)a key research project of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in 2025。
文摘Arbitration is a key non-litigation commercial mechanism for the resolution of disputes, and the quality and credibility of its awards depend largely on the competency of the arbitrators. However, the selection and evaluation systems for arbitrators in China have long faced challenges such as the vague criteria for competency and an unclear professionalization path for arbitrators. To address these issues, this study is grounded in the context of actual Chinese arbitration practice and based on the competency iceberg model. Through a methodological approach encompassing literature reviews, behavioral event interviews, expert revisions, and questionnaire surveys, a Chinese Arbitrator Competency Scale was developed and validated in this study. Examination of the findings indicated that the scale needed to consist of five dimensions—communication and coordination, cognitive skills, ethical conduct, work motivation, and personality traits—and possess a total of 28 specific indicators. Confirmatory analysis of the factors demonstrates a good fit for the five-dimensional model, with each of the dimensions exhibiting high reliability and validity. This scale is innovative in integrating the competency elements with Chinese characteristics, such as commercial acumen, crosscultural mediation skills, and adaptability to the local rule of law. This research not only enriches the competency theory in regard to the field of human resource management but also provides a scientific framework of standards and measurement tools for the selection, training, and evaluation of arbitrators. It thus has significant practical value for enhancing the professionalism and international competitiveness of China's arbitration system.
基金supported by the Northeast Geological Science and Technology Innovation Center of China Geological Survey(Grant NO.QCJJ2022-43)the Natural Resources Comprehensive Survey Project(Grant Nos.DD20230470,DD20230508)the National Groundwater Monitoring Network Operation and Maintenance Program(Grant No.DD20251300109).
文摘Excessive levels of Fluoride(F−)and Cadmium(Cd)in drinking groundwater may pose health risks.This study assessed the health risks associated with F−and Cd contamination in rural drinking groundwater sources in Wutai County,Shanxi Province,China,to support population health protection,water resource management,and environmental decision-making.Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed,and a Human Health Risk Model(HHRA)was applied to evaluate groundwater quality.The results showed that both contents of F−and Cd in groundwater exceeded the Class III limits of China's national groundwater quality standard(GB/T 14848—2024).Fluoride levels met the Class V threshold,with enrichment area mainly located in the east part of the study area.Cadmium levels reached Class IV,with elevated concentrations primarily observed in the western and northwestern regions.Correlation analysis revealed that F−showed weak or no correlation with other measured substances,indicating independent sources.Health risk assessment results indicated that F−poses potential health risks to rural residents,while cadmium,due to its relatively low concentrations,does not currently present a significant health risk.Among different demographic groups,the health risk levels of F−exposure followed the order:Infants>children>adult females>adult males.The findings highlight that fluoride is the primary contributor to health risks associated with groundwater consumption in the study area.Strengthened monitoring and prevention of F−contamination are urgently needed.This research provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of fluoride pollution in groundwater and offers practical guidance for safeguarding drinking water safety in rural China.
基金support of the ORG.one project of Oxford Nanopore Technologies(ONT),the Rufford Grants(45249-1)the Idea Wild Grants(Project ID-KJOSINDI0125-00)the Mohamed Bin Zyed Species Conservation(MBZ)(GEF Grant no-240535253)Funds in our efforts to conserve threatened trees in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot Forest regions.
文摘Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant numbers 42171085)and the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2024YFF1307801,2024YFF1307804).
文摘Integrated environmental management is important for sustainable development.Under China’s“Three Lines One Permit”(TLOP)policy,three types of management zones—priority protection,critical control,and general control zones—are established based on the ecological red line,the lower-limit line for environmental quality,and the resource use line.Human activities are regulated through a permit system.Integrated and multifactorial protection of soil,plant,hydrological,and atmospheric elements is promoted at the regional level.A follow-up assessment contributes to the improvement of policy implementation and effectiveness.This study demonstrates the achievements of the TLOP policy in Sichuan Province.Results show that(1)276 protection zones have been established under the ecological red line,covering key ecosystems and protected areas to ensure environmental security.Under the lower-limit line,1,626 functional(priority,key,and general control)zones have been designated to regulate air,water,and soil quality,enhancing environmental capacity and pollution control.(2)Through the integration and merging of the three lines,1,128 integrated management zones have been established,including 375,625,and 128 priority protection,critical control,and general control zones,respectively.Each zone has its own list of environmental permits to regulate human activities according to different environmental protection and natural resource development regimes.(3)The design of the follow-up assessment index system was informed by regional primary functions and industrial structure.The index system for provinces and cities is structured around three primary indicators—implementation updating,application,and guarantees—and 15 secondary indicators.The system for critical control zones is structured around environmental access,management,and effectiveness and 14 secondary indicators.A stringent environmental zoning system has been established through the TLOP policy,thereby safeguarding environmental security,promoting harmonious existence between humans and nature,and supporting the vision of Beautiful China.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.42422705,42207175,42177117 and 42577170)the Ningbo Youth Leading Talent Project (No.2024QL051)+1 种基金the Chinese Academy of Engineering Science and Technology Strategy Consulting Project (No.2025-XZ-57)the Central Government Funding Program for Guiding Local Science and Technology Development (No.2025ZY01028)。
文摘Rock mass stability is significantly influenced by the heterogeneity of rock joint roughness and shear strength.While modern technology facilitates assessing roughness heterogeneity,evaluating shear strength heterogeneity remains challenging.To address this,this study first captures the morphology of large-scale(1000 mm × 1000 mm) slate and granite joints via 3D laser scanning.Analysis of these surfaces and corresponding push/pull tests on carved specimens revealed a potential correlation between the heterogeneity of roughness and shear strength.A comparative evaluation of five statistical metrics identified information entropy(Hs) as the most robust indicator for quantifying rock joint heterogeneity.Further analysis using Hsreveals that the heterogeneity is anisotropic and,critically,that shear strength heterogeneity is governed not only by roughness heterogeneity but is also significantly influenced by the mean roughness value,normal stress,and intact rock tensile strength.Consequently,a simple comparison of roughness Hsvalues is insufficient for reliably comparing shear strength heterogeneity.To overcome this limitation,a theoretical framework is developed to explicitly map fundamental roughness statistics(mean and heterogeneity) to shear strength heterogeneity.This framework culminates in a practical workflow that allows for the rapid,field-based assessment of shear strength heterogeneity using readily obtainable rock joint roughness data.
文摘Correction to:Journal of Forestry Research(2025)36:124 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-025-01918-8 In this article the author’s name Yasutomo Hoshika was incorrectly written as Yasutoma Hoshika.The original article has been corrected.
基金supported by a project entitled Loess Plateau Region-Watershed-Slope Geological Hazard Multi-Scale Collaborative Intelligent Early Warning System of the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC3003404)a project of the Shaanxi Youth Science and Technology Star(2021KJXX-87)public welfare geological survey projects of Shaanxi Institute of Geologic Survey(20180301,201918,202103,and 202413)。
文摘This study developed a modeling methodology for statistical optimization-based geologic hazard susceptibility assessment,aiming to enhance the comprehensive performance and classification accuracy of the assessment models.First,the cumulative probability method revealed that a low probability(15%)of geologic hazards between any two geologic hazard points occurred outside a buffer zone with a radius of 2297 m(i.e.,the distance threshold).The training dataset was established,consisting of negative samples(non-hazard points)randomly generated based on the distance threshold,positive samples(i.e.,historical hazards),and 13 conditioning factors.Then,models were built using five machine learning algorithms,namely random forest(RF),gradient boosting decision tree(GBDT),naive Bayes(NB),logistic regression(LR),and support vector machine(SVM).The comprehensive performance of the models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)and overall accuracy(OA)as indicators,revealing that RF exhibited the best performance,with OA and AUC values of 2.7127 and 0.981,respectively.Furthermore,the machine learning models constructed by considering the distance threshold outperformed those built using the unoptimized dataset.The characteristic factors were ranked using the mutual information method,with their scores decreasing in the order of rainfall(0.1616),altitude(0.06),normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI;0.04),and distance from roads(0.03).Finally,the geologic hazard susceptibility classification was assessed using the natural breaks method combined with a clustering algorithm.The results indicate that the clustering algorithm exhibited higher classification accuracy than the natural breaks method.The findings of this study demonstrate that the proposed model optimization scheme can provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of geologic hazards.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62073267,61903305)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(HXGJXM202214)。
文摘For mission-oriented unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)swarms,mission capability assessment provides an important reference in the design and development process,and is a precondition for mission success.For this multi-criteria decisionmaking(MCDM)problem,the current literature lacks a way to unambiguously present criteria and the popular fuzzy analytic network process(ANP)approaches neglect the hesitancy of subjective judgments.To fill these research gaps,an MCDM method based on unified architecture framework(UAF)and interval-valued spherical fuzzy ANP(IVSF-ANP)is proposed in this paper.Firstly,selected viewpoints in UAF are extended to construct criteria models with standardized representation.Secondly,interval-valued spherical fuzzy sets are introduced to ANP to weight interdependent criteria,handling fuzziness and hesitancy in pairwise comparisons.A method of adjusting weights of experts based on their decision similarities is also included in this process to reduce ambiguity brought by multiple experts.Next,performance characteristics are non-linearly transformed regarding to expectations to get final results.This proposition is applied to assess the mission capability of UAV swarms to search and strike surface vessels.Comparative analysis shows that the proposed method is valid and reasonable.
基金supported by the Scientific Research Program of Hefei Normal University(2024KY71)the Partnership Program of Hefei Normal University(HXXM2022094).
文摘Practical activities are an indispensable piece of science education.As such,assessment of these practical activities is vital for continually enhancing the quality of science instruction.This article presents a tentative framework structured for assessing practical activities in science education.The proposed framework is built upon seven components:engagement and participation,relational thinking,stepwise mastery,contextualization,multidimensional integration,empowerment,and scientific articulacy.The framework might provide science educators with an alternative lens through which to enhance the effectiveness of practical activities,promote student engagement,and better prepare learners for the future.This framework is designed to be additive and complementary to existing assessment approaches and can be adapted and customized to suit specific local contexts and varying grade levels by science educators in the pursuit of excellence in an ever-evolving science education landscape.
文摘Background There is scarce data about comparisons between geriatric assessment tools in patients with aortic stenosis(AS).We aimed to describe the geriatric profile of patients with AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)and to analyze the ability of different tools for predicting clinical outcomes in this context.Methods This was a single center retrospective registry including patients with AS undergoing TAVI and surviving to hospital discharge.The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or need for urgent readmission one year after TAVI.Results A total of 377 patients were included(mean age of 80.4 years).Most patients were independent or mildly dependent,with an optimal cognitive status.The proportion of frailty ranged from 17.6%to 49.8%.A total of 20 patients(5.3%)died and 110/377 patients(29.2%)died or were readmitted during follow up.Overall,most components of the geriatric assessment showed an association with clinical outcomes.Disability for instrumental activities showed a significant association with mortality and a strong association with the rate of mortality or readmission.The association between frailty and clinical outcomes was higher for short physical performance battery(SPPB),essential frailty toolset(EFT)and the frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment(IF-VIG)and lower for Fried criteria and FRAIL scale.Conclusions AS patients from this series presented a good physical performance,optimal cognitive status and a reasonably low prevalence of frailty.The best predictive ability was observed for disability for instrumental activities and frailty as measured by the EFT,SPPB and the IF-VIG.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of the Republic of China(Nos.2023YFC3007303,2017YFB0504104)the Science and Technology Projects of Gansu Provincial(No.24JRRA1188)。
文摘INTRODUCTION On March 28,2025,at 06:20:52 UTC,a shallow,magnitude M_(w)7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar(Burma)with an epicenter near the major city of Mandalay.This event,the strongest seismic activity recorded in Myanmar since 1950,generated intense shaking across much of the country,extended into regions of Thailand,and was felt in China's Yunnan and Guangxi provinces.
文摘Road condition assessment involves evaluating the physical state of roadways to determine necessary maintenance and rehabilitation,while traffic assessment focuses on analyzing vehicle flow patterns to improve traffic management.This study employs Geographic Information Systems(GIS)to assess and evaluate road conditions and traffic dynamics in the ruralmunicipality ofOdiongan,Romblon,Philippines.GISmapping enabled a spatially detailed classification of road conditions,identifying areas categorized as excellent,good,fair,or poor,and highlighted sections requiring maintenance or rehabilitation.These assessments are crucial for enhancing the transportation framework amid escalating developmental and demographic demands.Concurrently,GIS was used to visualize and analyze traffic composition and flow,with the study measuring the Level of Service(LOS)for traffic,emphasizing vehicle composition during peak and off-peak periods.Findings revealed amix of good to fair road conditions across most ofOdiongan,with twelve(12)barangays suffering from poor conditions necessitating rehabilitation.Traffic composition was dominated by motorcycles and tricycles,experiencing a significant uptick in volume during peak hours.The GIS-based evaluation pointed out an unsatisfactory LOS(ranging from C to F)at all stations,underscoring the need for enhanced signalization and intersection upgrades.By leveraging GIS to provide a comprehensive understanding of road and traffic conditions,this study lays the groundwork for an integrated transportationmanagement plan to bolster the efficiency and safety of the municipality’s transportation network amidst ongoing rural development.
文摘Erratum to:Journal of Earth Science https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-025-0187-4 The original version of this article unfortunately contained one mistake.The presentation in Page2384 was incorrect.The corrected one is given below.The NTL loss ratio(Figure 4a)was calculated as the variation between pre-earthquake(March 27)and post-earthquake(March 28)radiance values in cloud-free areas.
基金Key Project of Educational Science of China Association for Transportation Education and Research(Class B)(JT2024ZD077)。
文摘This paper deeply analyzes the characteristics of core courses of the traffic engineering specialty and the problems existing in traditional assessment methods,and proposes a series of reform measures for the assessment methods of core courses of the traffic engineering specialty.By introducing diversified assessment methods,focusing on process assessment,and strengthening the assessment of practical abilities,the aim is to improve students’learning enthusiasm and initiative,and cultivate students’innovation ability and practical ability to meet the needs of traffic engineering professionals in the new era.
文摘Background Non-invasive computed tomography angiography(CTA)-based fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)could become a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography.Deep learning(DL)-based CT-FFR has shown promise when compared to invasive FFR.To evaluate the performance of a DL-based CT-FFR technique,DeepVessel FFR(DVFFR).Methods This retrospective study was designed for iScheMia Assessment based on a Retrospective,single-center Trial of CTFFR(SMART).Patients suspected of stable coronary artery disease(CAD)and undergoing both CTA and invasive FFR examinations were consecutively selected from the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 1,2016 to December 30,2018.FFR obtained during invasive coronary angiography was used as the reference standard.DVFFR was calculated blindly using a DL-based CTFFR approach that utilized the complete tree structure of the coronary arteries.Results Three hundred and thirty nine patients(60.5±10.0 years and 209 men)and 414 vessels with direct invasive FFR were included in the analysis.At per-vessel level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)of DVFFR were 94.7%,88.6%,90.8%,82.7%,and 96.7%,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve(AUC)was 0.95 for DVFFR and 0.56 for CTA-based assessment with a significant difference(P<0.0001).At patient level,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,PPV and NPV of DVFFR were 93.8%,88.0%,90.3%,83.0%,and 95.8%,respectively.The computation for DVFFR was fast with the average time of 22.5±1.9 s.Conclusions The results demonstrate that DVFFR was able to evaluate lesion hemodynamic significance accurately and effectively with improved diagnostic performance over CTA alone.Coronary artery disease(CAD)is a critical disease in which coronary artery luminal narrowing may result in myocardial ischemia.Early and effective assessment of myocardial ischemia is essential for optimal treatment planning so as to improve the quality of life and reduce medical costs.
基金funded by Korea Environmental Industry&Technology Institute(KEITI)through“Development of Aquatic Ecosystem Service Evaluation Indicators and Valuation Technology”of the Korea Ministry of Environment(MOE)(RS-2025-02214985).
文摘This study examines the empirical feasibility of quantitatively integrating environmental value information into Strategic Environmental Assessment(SEA).An analytical framework was established to incorporate environmental cost estimates into the SEA process by utilizing ecosystem service unit values provided by the Environmental Valuation Information System(EVIS),a national platform developed to support the evaluation of policies and projects.The framework was applied to a case study involving a multipurpose rural water development project in South Korea.Ecosystem service losses resulting from the project were quantified using biophysical indicators,such as vegetation biomass,forest area,and hydrological functions,and subsequently monetized through the application of the market price method,replacement cost method,and contingent valuation method.The total annual environmental cost was estimated to be approximately KRW 56.18 billion,with the majority attributable to losses in forest conservation and climate regulation services.These findings demonstrate that quantified environmental data can serve as a robust basis for alternative comparison and site evaluation within SEA.The study provides empirical evidence supporting the advancement of SEA from a predominantly procedural tool focused on environmental protection to a more comprehensive sustainability assessment framework that integrates environmental,economic,and social considerations.Furthermore,the results suggest that EVIS-based quantitative information holds potential for broader application in other national evaluation systems,such as preliminary feasibility studies and regulatory impact assessments.
文摘Insulin resistance(IR)is widely recognized as a key contributor to metabolic disorders,and various surrogate indices have been developed to estimate IR in clinical and research settings.The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp is considered the gold standard method for assessing insulin resistance due to its precision;however,its complexity limits its widespread clinical application.Consequently,surrogate indices derived from fasting and post-load glucose and insulin levels have been developed to estimate IR,facilitating early detection and risk stratification in metabolic disorders.This mini-review discusses the clinical utility,strengths,and limitations of key IR indices,including the homeostasis model assessment of IR,quantitative insulin sensitivity check index,Matsuda index,and triglyceride-glucose index.Overall,the evidence presented to date suggests that these indices provide valuable estimates of IR in various popula-tions.Yet,their applicability varies depending on ethnic background,disease status,and clinical setting.Integrating these indices into routine clinical practice and research could improve metabolic risk assessment and guide preventive interventions.Further investigations are necessary to refine their accuracy and determine optimal cut-off values for various populations.
基金China National Natural Science Foundation（Grant No.40572149,40772162）；National Key Project of Scientific and Technical Supporting Programs （2007BAK24B01,2006BAB16B04）；the “973” Project(Grant No.2006CB202205）the Key Projects of Ministry of Education of P.R.China（Grant No.2004-295）.
文摘Mine environmental evaluation is the key to mine environmental study. On the basis of the characteristics of the mine environmental problems, they are classified into （1） three wastes problem, （2） ground distortion, （3） contradiction among mine drainage, water supply, ecological environment, （4） desertification, and （5） soil erosion. The evaluation is the basis of mine environmental problem classification and investigation, mine environmental rehabilitation, and the information system constructed can be used for subsequent research of evaluation techniques. A synthetic assessment of the 5 kinds of mine environmental problems can be divided into single-factor or multi-factor synthetic assessments; while by the viewpoint of time, the mine environmental assessment can be classified as the historical assessment, the current status assessment and the forecasting assessment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52100184,and U22A20617).
文摘Controlling heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil has been a significant challenge.These heavy metals seriously threaten the surrounding ecological environment and human health.The effective assessment and remediation of heavy metals in agricultural soils are crucial.These two aspects support each other,forming a close and complete decisionmaking chain.Therefore,this review systematically summarizes the distribution characteristics of soil heavy metal pollution,the correlation between soil and crop heavy metal contents,the presence pattern and migration and transformation mode of heavy metals in the soil-crop system.The advantages and disadvantages of the risk evaluation tools and models of heavy metal pollution in farmland are further outlined,which provides important guidance for an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of heavymetal pollution in farmland soils and the assessment of the environmental risk.Soil remediation strategies involve multiple physical,chemical,biological and even combined technologies,and this paper compares the potential and effect of the above current remediation technologies in heavy metal polluted farmland soils.Finally,the main problems and possible research directions of future heavy metal risk assessment and remediation technologies in agricultural soils are prospected.This review provides new ideas for effective assessment and selection of remediation technologies based on the characterization of soil heavy metals.
