Promoting grain production through high-standard farmland construction:Evidence in China

Food security is a strategic priority for a country’s economic development.In China,high-standard farmland construction(HSFC)is an important initiative to stabilize grain production and increase grain production capacity.Based on panel data from 31 sample provinces,autonomous regions,and municipalities in China from 2005–2017,this study explored the impact of HSFC on grain yield using the difference-in-differences(DID)method.The results showed that HSFC significantly increased total grain production,which is robust to various checks.HSFC increased grain yield through three potential mechanisms.First,it could increase the grain replanting index.Second,it could effectively reduce yield loss due to droughts and floods.Last,HSFC could strengthen the cultivated land by renovating the low-and medium-yielding fields.Heterogeneity analysis found that the HSFC farmland showed a significant increase in grain yield only in the main grain-producing areas and balanced areas.In addition,HSFC significantly increased the yields of rice,wheat,and maize while leading to a reduction in soybean yields.The findings suggest the government should continue to promote HSFC,improve construction standards,and strictly control the“non-agriculturalization”and“non-coordination”of farmland to increase grain production further.At the same time,market mechanisms should be used to incentivize soybean farming,improve returns and stabilize soybean yields.

Analysis of Dry-Wet Climate Change Characteristics and Main Influencing Factors in Main Grain Producing Area of Tibet from 1980 to 2021

Based on the daily meteorological observation data of seven meteorological stations in southern Tibet from 1980 to 2021 (April-October), the temporal and spatial variation characteristics and influencing factors of aridity index ( AI ) in the growing season of major grain producing areas in Tibet were studied by using climate tendency rate, Mann-Kendal test, Morlet wavelet analysis, GIS hybrid interpolation method, Pearson correlation coefficient, contribution rate analysis and other methods. The results showed that the average AI in the main grain producing areas of Tibet was 1.7, which belonged to the semi-arid area, and the overall trend was decreasing (humidifying) (-0.036/10 a). The linear decreasing trend was different in different regions, and the area around Lhatse County was the most significant (-0.26/10 a). AI had no obvious abrupt change, and had long- and medium-term fluctuation characteristics of 24 years, 6 years. The spatial distribution was uneven, and had the characteristics of ‘shrinking arid area and expanding humid area . The contribution rates of the main climate influencing factors of AI varied in different regions. In general, the contribution rates after quantification was as follows: precipitation (34.9%)>relative humidity (28.4%)>sunshine (19.9%)>maximum temperature (12.4%).

Research Progress on Processing and Processing Methods in Salvia miltiorrhiza Production Areas

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the 40 most commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal materials in clinics.It is effective in activating blood circulation,removing blood stasis,relieving pain through the meridian,clearing the heart and removing irritations,and cooling blood and eliminating blemishes.Each main production area has developed a unique production method and processing technology,in accordance with local conditions.The processed products included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia are purified and wine-fried S.miltiorrhiza.In addition,the Chinese province’s standards include the vinegar-fried and wine-fried types.S.miltiorrhiza is produced in more areas and is more extensively processed,with large variations in specifications.The challenge in establishing a uniform quality standard affects the clinical application of decoction pieces.This review has explored the books of the past dynasties,summarized the relevant literature published in the past three decades,discussed the processing methods of S.miltiorrhiza,and provided a basis for further research on the processing method of the original sample.In particular,we integrate fresh cut processing as the starting point for in-depth research,discuss the processing technology specifications,and formulate quality product standards.

Socio-economic vulnerability level in the Jeneberang watershed in Gowa Regency,South Sulawesi Province,Indonesia

Jeneberang watershed is vital,particularly for people living in Gowa Regency(South Sulawesi Province,Indonesia),who benefit from its many advantages.Landslides and floods occur every year in the Jeneberang watershed,so it is imperative to understand the socio-economic vulnerability of this region.This research aims to identify the vulnerability level of the Jeneberang watershed so that the government can prioritize areas with high vulnerability level and formulate effective strategies to reduce these the vulnerability.Specifically,this study was conducted in 12 districts located in the Jeneberang watershed.The primary data were collected from questionnaires completed by community members,community leaders,and various stakeholders,and the secondary data were from the Landsat satellite imagery in 2020,the Badan Push Statistic of Gowa Regency,and some governmental agencies.The socio-economic vulnerability variables were determined using the Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis(MCDA)method,and each variable was weighted and analyzed using the Geographical Information System(GIS).The study reveals that the levels of socio-economic vulnerability are affected by variables such as population density,vulnerable groups(disabled people,elderly people,and young people),road network and settlement,percentage of poor people,and productive land area in the Jeneberang watershed.Moreover,all of the 12 districts in the Jeneberang watershed are included in the medium vulnerability level,with the mean percentage of socio-economic vulnerability around 50.92%.The socio-economic vulnerability of Bajeng,Pallangga,and Somba Opu districts is categorized at high level,the socio-economic vulnerability of Bungaya,Parangloe,and Tombolo Pao districts is classified as medium level,and the remaining 6 districts(Barombong,Bontolempangan,Bontomarannu,Manuju,Parigi,and Tinggimoncong)are ranked as low socio-economic vulnerability.This study can help policy-makers to formulate strategy that contributes to the protection of biodiversity and sustainable development of the Jeneberang watershed,while improving disaster resilience and preparedness of the watershed.

Evaluation on Genetic Quality and Traits of Rice Landraces in the Taihu Lake Area

In this paper,with 511 rice landraces in the Taihu Lake area as test materials,we select 19 starch synthesis-related intragenic molecular markers to detect the genetic quality of starch,and compare them with 86 bred varieties. The results show that the average polymorphic information content( PIC) of japonica landraces is 0. 1726,slightly higher than the average PIC( 0. 1101) of the bred japonica rice varieties.Based on Nei's genetic distance between materials,UPGMA method is used for clustering,and all study materials are divided into 6 groups.Group I mainly includes indica rice,the bred japonica rice varieties are mainly concentrated in the first half of Group II and Group III,and the japonica landraces are mainly concentrated in the second half of Group III,and Group Ⅳ,Ⅴ,Ⅵ. Both of them are in different regions,and there has been genetic differentiation. According to the national standard of high quality rice,it is found that many rice landraces in the Taihu Lake area have good quality and traits,and these varieties can be used for future high quality breeding.

Reduction of OsFLW7 expression enhanced leaf area and grain production in rice

Increasing rice production is important to ensure food security in China[1].Exploring yield potential and identifying genes beneficial to yield are important goals in the modern rice breeding.Generally,controlling leaf morphology,increasing photosynthesis efficiency and modulating the‘‘sink-source"relationship can promote the breeding of high-yield rice as well as other cereal crops[2–4].The morphology of the leaf includes length,width

Establishment of Local Diagnostic Reference Levels in Conventional Radiography: A Pilot Study in Dakar, Senegal

Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are indicators that allow assessing the quality of equipment and procedures from the point of view of the doses delivered to patients and subsequently initiate corrective actions if necessary. The purpose of this study is to encourage health professionals to investigate patient radiation doses and to determine whether those doses comply with the principles of radiation protection in medical fields so as to improve practices by reducing patient exposure without reducing clinical effectiveness. To perform this work, we have investigated patient doses for different radiological examinations from six (6) medical centers in Dakar, including the following nine routine types: chest (PA), abdomen (AP), pelvis (AP), cervical spine (AP), lumbar spine (AP, Lat), hip (AP), thoracic spine (AP, Lat). Three types of data were collected, i.e., X-ray tube machine data, patient data and output measurements. The data were analyzed statistically and the median, minimum, maximum, and third quartile values were calculated and displayed throughout boxplots graphs for all exams and medical centers. The two sigma range (95% confidence interval) was also checked. Comparison of third quartiles of Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and Dose Area Product (DAP) by type of examination with recommended international DRLs was performed. The third quartile of ESD for pelvis (AP) and thoracic spine (AP) was up to 16% and 38% higher, respectively than their corresponding DRLs in the European Commission Report RP 180 Part 2. For all exams, except thoracic spine (lat), the third quartiles of the dose area product were higher than the corresponding DRLs in the above report. The source of dose variability between medical centers was related to many parameters such as poor radiographic techniques, lack of modern X-ray machines and adequately documented radiation protection practices. The results show the need to develop protocols for dose measurement as well as to carry out quality assurance programs and dose optimization in Senegal.

Holistic identification and assessment of environmental risks of arable land use in two grain producing areas of China

Taking two typical grain producing areas of southern(Dongting Lake Region)and northern China(Shandong Province)as examples,this study used fault tree analysis and parametric estimation to provide a comparative analysis for environmental risks of intensive arable land use.The results show that(1)in the risks of eutrophication,toxicity,soil structure,greenhouse effect and air pollution,the greenhouse effect was the most prominent with the highest discharge;(2)the Dongting Lake Region discharged less pollutants annually than did Shandong Province,while surpassing Shandong in cumulative pollutant discharge in 2007-2018;(3)the spatial distribution of environmental risk in the Dongting Lake Region was mostly concentrated in the northern area,whereas that in Shandong Province displayed a scattered pattern;(4)in the Dongting Lake Region,Yueyang,Changde,and Yiyang were high environmental risk cities in 2007-2018,whereas in Shandong Province,Zaozhuang,Heze,Liaocheng,and Dezhou exhibited higher comprehensive environmental risk indexes in 2007-2008,while Rizhao replaced them in 2018.The results indicated that ago-production material use must be controlled,reasonable zoning for areas posing environmental risks must be employed and cities with high environmental risk must be dynamically monitored to prevent the intensification of environmental risks of arable land use.

Physicochemical water quality parameters in typical rice-crayfish integrated systems(RCIS)in China

To determine the variation of water quality in rice-crayfish(Procambarus clarkii)integrated systems(RCIS)in China,eleven water quality parameters were measured monthly in a typical RCIS located in Qianjiang City(Hubei Province)from July 2014 to June 2015,the parameters were analyzed with principal component analysis(PCA)and compared between the trenches and rice areas during the rice fallow period(Nov-May).The trench and rice area comprehensive results showed that pH(7.48-8.68),NH_(4)^(+)-N(0.2-1.09 mg/L),NO_(2)^(-)-N(<0.052 mg/L)and conductivity(435-951μS/cm)were within the suitable ranges for P.clarkii and that turbidity(TU)was high during the crayfish harvesting and rice planting season.Annual averages of total nitrogen(TN),total phosphorus(TP),permanganate index(CODMn),and chlorophyll a(Chl.a)content were<2(except in Nov-Dec),0.25,10 mg/L,and 50 mg/m^(3)(especially in Nov-May,<10 mg/m^(3)),respectively.Dissolved oxygen(DO)was below 4 mg/L in Mar-Sep,with a minimum of~1 mg/L,and much higher in Oct-Feb.The maximum and minimum monthly average water temperature(WT)were 31.4°C in July and 5.7°C in December,while the maximum and minimum instantaneous WT were 39.7°C and 2.5°C,respectively.PCA analysis showed that the first three axes,which were mainly correlated with DO,WT and nutrient level,described most information of the parameters,and parameters showed seasonal changes.Some differences were observed in water parameters between the trenches and rice areas,i.e.,trenches generally had higher TU,WT and DO,and lower TN,TP and CODMn,although no significant differences were found in some months and some parameters.The study revealed relatively low water nutrient level,probable extreme WT and DO level in some seasons,and certain differences between the trenches and rice areas in typical CRIS in China.Accordingly,some measures should be taken to improve the negative parameters:1)enhance the water fertility;2)increase DO,especially in Mar-Sep;3)increase the trench and water depth to avoid extreme WT.And water quality management should be addressed in both trenches and rice areas.

Specification and grade of Saposhnikoviae Radix(Saposhnikovia divaricata)

Objective:Saposhnikoviae Radix(Fangfeng in Chinese),the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata,lacks commodity specification and grade standardization in the current market.This study investigated the existing specifications and grades of Saposhnikoviae Radix to provide a standardized scientific reference for its market use.Methods:Based on a textual research of Chinese herbal medicine from the Han Dynasty to the present,medicinal materials of different specifications and grades obtained from Saposhnikoviae Radix in the main producing areas of China were collected and the markets for these materials were investigated.Field investigations were performed in the major producing areas such as Northeast China,Hebei Province,and Inner Mongolia.Four major Chinese herbal medicine markets in China were investigated.Sensory indices were used to categorize the two specifications(wild and cultivated)according to the shape,color,texture,and cross-section.High-performance liquid chromatography was performed to determine the active components.Vernier calipers and measuring tape were used to measure the diameter and length,respectively,of 41 samples.Using Excel and the R Language software,cluster analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were performed to assist in the application of new specifications and grades based on physical characteristics,pharmacological activity,and chemical composition.Results:The two specifications(wild and cultivated)of Saposhnikoviae Radix were divided into three grades each based on the length and diameter.Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin,5-O-methylvisamminoside,and the length of Saposhnikoviae Radix can be used as a basis for classifying the commodity specifications and grades.The specifications and grade standards of Saposhnikoviae Radix were established based on the following eight aspects:shape,surface characteristics,texture,cross section,taste,prim-Oglucosylcimifugin content,5-O-methylvisamminoside content and length.Conclusion:The formulation of this standard stipulates the commodity specification level of Saposhnikoviae Radix.It is also suitable for the evaluation of commodity specifications in the process of production,circulation and use of Saposhnikoviae Radix.