Economic Stress, Precariousness and Risk of High Blood Pressure: A Descriptive Survey of Life Models within Households of the Central Region of Cameroon

Context/Objective: High blood pressure (HBP) currently represents the most widespread chronic non-communicable disease in Cameroon. The increase in its prevalence in the country is the result of multiple factors including economic stress imposed by precariousness, poor living conditions, sources of anxiety, anguish, depression and other behavioral disorders. Economic stress is a globalizing concept that integrates into a purely hermeneutic approach, a particular functioning of the nervous system of an individual who faces employment problems and precarious remuneration conditions. The non-satisfaction by an individual of his basic needs due to insufficient financial means can cause him to become irritable, aggressive, and socially and symbolically isolated, thereby increasing the desire to resort to morbid life models such as excessive consumption of narcotics and other psychoactive substances often associated with high blood pressure. The fight against the emergence of BPH is a complex, multifaceted and multifactorial reality that requires taking into account economic stress. The main objective of this survey is to describe the situation of economic stress within the Cameroonian population, which imposes precariousness and life models at risk of high blood pressure. Specifically, we determined the level of household income and the sources of income. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with a descriptive aim among five hundred households in the Central Region of Cameroon was conducted. A probabilistic technique called simple randomness was used. The number of households to be surveyed was determined indirectly using the Cochrane formula. Data collection in face-to-face mode using a physical questionnaire took place from July 1 to August 31, 2023, after obtaining ethical clearance from the Regional Health Research Ethics Committee, Human from the Center and an administrative authorization for data collection. Regarding their processing, the data was grouped during processing in Excel sheets. Normality and reliability tests of the collected data were carried out. For this, the Chi-square test was used for data with a qualitative value and that of Kolmogorov-Sminorf for data with a quantitative value. Descriptive analysis was possible using R software version 3.2, SPSS version 25.0, XLSTAT 2016, PAST and EXCEL programs from Microsoft Office 2013. Results: The main results highlight economic stress, with 45.60% of households surveyed earning less than US$154 per month;55% of household heads were women in single-parent families;14% of household heads were unemployed, 22% worked in the private sector and 19% were self-employed. This general economic situation leads to precarious living conditions, thereby increasing the risk of high blood pressure among the Cameroonian population.

Image Hiding with High Robustness Based on Dynamic Region Attention in the Wavelet Domain

Hidden capacity,concealment,security,and robustness are essential indicators of hiding algorithms.Currently,hiding algorithms tend to focus on algorithmic capacity,concealment,and security but often overlook the robustness of the algorithms.In practical applications,the container can suffer from damage caused by noise,cropping,and other attacks during transmission,resulting in challenging or even impossible complete recovery of the secret image.An image hiding algorithm based on dynamic region attention in the multi-scale wavelet domain is proposed to address this issue and enhance the robustness of hiding algorithms.In this proposed algorithm,a secret image of size 256×256 is first decomposed using an eight-level Haar wavelet transform.The wavelet transform generates one coefficient in the approximation component and twenty-four detail bands,which are then embedded into the carrier image via a hiding network.During the recovery process,the container image is divided into four non-overlapping parts,each employed to reconstruct a low-resolution secret image.These lowresolution secret images are combined using densemodules to obtain a high-quality secret image.The experimental results showed that even under destructive attacks on the container image,the proposed algorithm is successful in recovering a high-quality secret image,indicating that the algorithm exhibits a high degree of robustness against various attacks.The proposed algorithm effectively addresses the robustness issue by incorporating both spatial and channel attention mechanisms in the multi-scale wavelet domain,making it suitable for practical applications.In conclusion,the image hiding algorithm introduced in this study offers significant improvements in robustness compared to existing algorithms.Its ability to recover high-quality secret images even in the presence of destructive attacksmakes it an attractive option for various applications.Further research and experimentation can explore the algorithm’s performance under different scenarios and expand its potential applications.

Artificial ground freezing of underground mines in cold regions using thermosyphons with air insulation

Current practice of underground artificial ground freezing(AGF)typically involves huge refrigeration systems of large economic and environmental costs.In this study,a novel AGF technique is proposed deploying available cold wind in cold regions.This is achieved by a static heat transfer device called thermosyphon equipped with an air insulation layer.A refrigeration unit can be optionally integrated to meet additional cooling requirements.The introduction of air insulation isolates the thermosyphon from ground zones where freezing is not needed,resulting in:(1)steering the cooling resources(cold wind or refrigeration)towards zones of interest;and(2)minimizing refrigeration load.This design is demonstrated using well-validated mathematical models from our previous work based on two-phase enthalpy method of the ground coupled with a thermal resistance network for the thermosyphon.Two Canadian mines are considered:the Cigar Lake Mine and the Giant Mine.The results show that our proposed design can speed the freezing time by 30%at the Giant Mine and by two months at the Cigar Lake Mine.Further,a cooling load of 2.4 GWh can be saved at the Cigar Lake Mine.Overall,this study provides mining practitioners with sustainable solutions of underground AGF.

A phylogenetic approach identifies patterns of beta diversity and floristic subregions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity and their relationships with environmental correlates can help reveal the origin and evolutionary history of regional biota.The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)harbors an exceptionally diverse flora,however,a phylogenetic perspective has rarely been used to investigate its beta diversity and floristic regions.In this study,we used a phylogenetic approach to identify patterns of beta diversity and quantitatively delimit floristic regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.We also examined the relationships between multifaceted beta diversity,geographical distance,and climatic difference,and evaluated the relative importance of various factors(i.e.,climate,topography and history)in shaping patterns of beta diversity.Sørensen dissimilarity indices indicated that patterns of species turnover among sites dominated the QTP.We also found that patterns of both taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity were significantly related to geographical distance and climatic difference.The environmental factors that contributed most to these patterns of beta diversity include annual precipitation,mean annual temperature,climatic gradients and climatic instability.Hierarchical dendrograms of dissimilarity and non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination based on phylogenetic beta diversity data identified ten floristic subregions in the QTP.Our results suggest that the contemporary environment and historical climate changes have filtered species composition among sites and eventually determined beta diversity patterns of plants in the QTP.

Factors affecting land dissection density in geomorphological regions of China

Land dissection density(LDD)provides morphological evidence regarding prior intense soil erosion and quantifies the distribution of land dissections.A comprehensive understanding of the potential factors influencing the spatial pattern and value of the LDD is vital in geological disasters,soil erosion,and other related domains.Land dissection phenomena in China affects large areas with different morphological,pedological,and climatic characteristics.Prior studies have focused on the potential factors influencing the LDD at a watershed scale.However,these results are insufficient to reflect the status quo of dissection development and its primary influencing factors on a national scale.LDD’s spatial patterns and the dominant factors at a regional scale in millions of square kilometers remain to be ascertained.This study used the geomorphon-based method and the geographical detector model to quantify the spatial pattern of LDD over China and identify the dominant factors affecting this pattern in China’s six first-order geomorphological regions(GR1~GR6).The results yield the following findings:(1)LDD in China ranges from 0~4.55 km/km^(2),which is larger in central and eastern regions than in other regions of China;(2)dominant factors and their dominant risk subcategories vary with each geomorphological region’s primary internal and external forces;(3)the influence of natural factors is more significant on the large regional scale in millions of square kilometers compared to anthropogenic factors;relief degree of land surface(RDLS)is dominant in GR1,GR2,and GR5;the slope is dominant in GR6,soil type is dominant in GR3 and GR4,and lithology plays a critical role in the dominant interactions of GR3,GR4,and GR6;(4)the interactions between factors on LDD’s spatial pattern have a more significant effect than individual factors.

Research on the Digital Economy's Impact on China's Economic Growth:Based on the Variations in Urbanization Levels Across China's Eastern,Central,and Western Regions and Sectoral Heterogeneity

This paper uses inter-provincial panel data from 2011 to 2017,a linear regression model,and a threshold model to conduct empirical analyses of the impact of the digital economy on China's overall economic growth and the three main sectors of industry.The paper then investigates the impact and effects the digital economy has had on the economic growth of the three main sectors of industry in China's eastern,central,and western regions.Finally,the paper investigates the most significant differences among the various regions and the threshold effects of urbanization levels on the relationship between the digital economy and economic growth.The findings indicate a significantly positive correlation between the digital economy and regional economic growth.Moreover,geographical factors notably influence this correlation.The digital economy exerts a positive effect on all sectors of industry.It may not substantially impact industrial development in regions with highly developed infrastructure.Regarding the other regions,the digital economy exhibits varying degrees of impact due to the differences in the specific indicators.The conclusion drawn by the threshold model is that the magnitude of the threshold effect correlates with geographic factors.No threshold effect was observed in the eastern region,while the threshold effect occurred in the central region when the urbanization levels for the provinces were below 0.6645.Similarly,the threshold effect was noted in the western region when the urbanization level was below 0.3931.Considering all of this,the study also offers policy recommendations that will help balance the regional development of digital economies,accelerate the digital transformation of traditional industries,enhance digital infrastructure construction,refine the formulation and implementation of data policy,and establish relevant incentive mechanisms.

Strategies and Economic Benefit Analysis for Productive Landscape of Rape Flower Sea in Cold Regions

The cold regions are located in high latitudes and cold climates.The local excellent ornamental plant resources are relatively scarce.The plant species that are suitable for both ornamental and productive benefits of landscape of flower sea construction are also even fewer.Therefore,it is imperative to introduce and screen the plant resources suitable for cold regions to create the landscape of flower sea.The rape,an oilseed crop,was used as a research object in order to create a productive flower landscape with both ornamental and economic values in cold regions.Four rape flower varieties,Qingza No.5,7,9,and 11,were introduced from Qinghai Hufeng Agricultural Science and Technology Group Co.,Ltd.They were planted in the experimental practice base of Northeast Agricultural University in three batches.Development characteristics and seed yield of rape flowers on different sowing dates were studied.The fuzzy probability method was used to comprehensively evaluate the varieties.The results showed that the rape flowers grew well in Harbin City during the experimental sowing period,which could form a good landscape of flower sea and had a considerable rapeseed yield.It could be widely used in cold urban and rural areas,such as Harbin City.In view of the experimental results,the strategies of creating a productive landscape of rape flower sea were proposed and the economic benefits were analyzed.It could change the status quo of a uniform landscape of flower sea in cold regions,help the development of rural tourism,and promote local economic income.

Regional Brand and High-quality Development of Fruits in Ethnic Areas of the Yangtze River Economic Belt under the Greater Food Approach

Establishing the Greater Food Approach and promoting the Yangtze River Economic Belt s national major regional development strategy can better support and serve the agricultural power and Chinese-style modernization.This paper introduces the characteristics of fruit industry in 16 autonomous prefectures and 47 autonomous counties under the jurisdiction of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.It studies the intellectual property resources of brand marks from the aspects of geographical indications,collective trademarks,certification trademarks,well-known trademarks in China and national design patents,and analyzes the main problems of brand and high-quality development of fruit industry in these ethnic autonomous areas.Finally,it puts forward some strategies,such as improving the protection of intellectual property rights of geographical indications,using intellectual property rights of brand signs,building modern seed industry upgrading project,drawing lessons from the experience of thousand villages demonstration project,ensuring that large-scale poverty does not occur,and building a diversified food supply system.

An Assessment of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Regions of Lagos, Nigeria

This paper explains various factors that contribute to saltwater intrusion, including overexploitation of freshwater resources and climate change as well as the different techniques essential for effective saltwater intrusion management. The impact of saltwater intrusion along coastal regions and its impact on the environment, hydrogeology and groundwater contamination. It suggests potential solutions to mitigate the impact of saltwater intrusion, including effective water management and techniques for managing SWI. The application of A.I (assessment index) serves as a guideline to correctly identify wells with SWI ranging from no intrusion, slight intrusion and strong intrusion. The challenges of saltwater intrusion in Lagos and the salinization of wells were investigated using the hydro-chemical parameters. The study identifies four wells (“AA”, “CMS”, “OBA” and “VIL”) as having high electric conductivities, indicating saline water intrusion, while other wells (“EBM”, “IKJ, and “IKO”) with lower electric conductivities, indicate little or no salt-water intrusion, and “AJ” well shows slight intrusion. The elevation of the wells also played a vital role in the SWI across coastal regions of Lagos. The study recommends continuous monitoring of coastal wells to help sustain and reduce saline intrusion. The findings of the study are important for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in addressing the challenges of saltwater intrusion along coastal regions. We assessed the SWI across the eight (8) wells using the Assessment Index to identify wells with SWI. Wells in “CMS” and “VIL” has strong intrusions. A proposed classification system based on specific ion ratios categorizes water quality from good (+) to highly (-) contaminated (refer to Table 4). These findings underscore the need for attention and effective management strategies to address groundwater unsuitability for various purposes.

Innovative Technologies for Large-Scale Water Production in Arid Regions: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Water scarcity in arid regions poses significant challenges to sustainable development and human well-being. This article explores both existing and innovative technologies and methods to produce large amounts of water to address these challenges effectively. Key approaches include atmospheric water generation, advanced desalination techniques, innovative water collection methods such as fog nets and dew harvesting, geothermal water extraction, and water recycling and reuse. Each method is evaluated for its feasibility with existing technology, potential time of implementation, required investments, and specific challenges. By leveraging these technologies and combining them into a multifaceted water management strategy, it is possible to enhance water security, support agricultural and industrial activities, and improve living conditions in arid regions. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sector entities, and research institutions are crucial to advancing these technologies and ensuring their sustainable implementation. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of these technologies, their potential for large-scale application, and recommendations for future research and development.

Spatio-temporal variation of depth to groundwater level and its driving factors in arid and semi-arid regions of India

Climate change and increasing anthropogenic activities,such as over-exploitation of groundwater,are exerting unavoidable stress on groundwater resources.This study investigated the spatio-temporal variation of depth to groundwater level(DGWL)and the impacts of climatic(precipitation,maximum temperature,and minimum temperature)and anthropogenic(gross district product(GDP),population,and net irrigated area(NIA))variables on DGWL during 1994-2020.The study considered DGWL in 113 observation wells and piezometers located in arid western plains(Barmer and Jodhpur districts)and semi-arid eastern plains(Jaipur,Ajmer,Dausa,and Tonk districts)of Rajasthan State,India.Statistical methods were employed to examine the annual and seasonal patterns of DGWL,and the generalized additive model(GAM)was used to determine the impacts of climatic and anthropogenic variables on DGWL.During 1994-2020,except for Barmer District,where the mean annual DGWL was almost constant(around 26.50 m),all other districts exhibited increase in DGWL,with Ajmer District experiencing the most increase.The results also revealed that 36 observation wells and piezometers showed a statistically significant annual increasing trend in DGWL and 34 observation wells and piezometers exhibited a statistically significant decreasing trend in DGWL.Similarly,32 observation wells and piezometers showed an statistically significant increasing trend and 37 observation wells and piezometers showed a statistically significant decreasing trend in winter;33 observation wells and piezometers indicated a statistically significant increasing trend and 34 had a statistically significant decreasing trend in post-monsoon;35 observation wells and piezometers exhibited a statistically significant increasing trend and 32 observation wells and piezometers showed a statistically significant decreasing trend in pre-monsoon;and 36 observation wells and piezometers reflected a statistically significant increasing trend and 30 observation wells and piezometers reflected a statistically significant decreasing trend in monsoon.Interestingly,most of the observation wells and piezometers with increasing trends of DGWL were located in Dausa and Jaipur districts.Furthermore,the GAM analysis revealed that climatic variables,such as precipitation,significantly affected DGWL in Barmer District,and DGWL in all other districts was influenced by anthropogenic variables,including GDP,NIA,and population.As a result,stringent regulations should be implemented to curb excessive groundwater extraction,manage agricultural water demand,initiate proactive aquifer recharge programs,and strengthen sustainable management in these water-scarce regions.

Green Finance Promotes High-Quality Development of Regional Economy

With the rapid development of the social economy,the role of green finance in promoting the high-quality development of regional economies is increasing day by day.The advancement of green finance not only aids in fostering the green transformation and upgrading of regional economies but also helps mitigate the risks of environmental damage stemming from traditional economic activities.In this new era,it is imperative to embrace the concept of green finance development and innovate green finance practices to further drive high-quality regional economic development.This paper will analyze the significance of green finance in regional economic development,assess the current state of green finance development,and propose optimization strategies for green finance to facilitate high-quality economic development.

Circulating metabolites difference in type 2 diabetes patients from regions:a cross-sectional study

Background:Type 2 diabetes(T2D)has already become a global pandemic.As its simple,rapid,economical,and relatively non-invasive,metabolic markers have become a method for T2D diagnosis.However,region,race,and diet all affect the metabolism of the body.The purpose of current study is to explore the differences of metabolites in T2D patients from regions.Methods:We recruited 103 T2D patients in two clinical centers,including 52 T2D patients from Beijing(T2D_(B))and 51 T2D patients from Kaifeng(T2D_(K)).The serum samples from T2D patients were analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometer.After screened using univariate and multivariate analysis,the differential metabolites were identified.Moreover,to reveal biological information,we performed pathway analysis with the differential metabolites.Results:Thirty-six differential metabolites were identified,including 16 metabolites were higher concentrations while 20 metabolites were lower concentrations in the serum of T2D_(B) patients than T2D_(K) patients.There were higher serum concentrations of L-phenylalanine,4-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid,L-carnitine,decanoylcarnitine,9-decenoylcarnitine and sphinganine in T2D_(B) patients,in which decanoylcarnitine in T2D_(B) patients was up to 35-fold higher than T2D_(K) patients.While there were lower concentrations of L-valine,L-isoleucine,arachidonic acid,oleic acid,16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid,lysophosphatidylcholine(18:0)and 1-Phenylethylamine in T2D_(B) patients,in which 1-phenylethylamine in T2D_(B) patients was decreased to 0.45-fold lower than T2D_(K) patients.The reason for the differences might be that phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis,phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis,valine,leucine and isoleucine degradation,and beta-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids were different in T2D_(B) patients and in T2D_(K) patients.Conclusion:Metabolites from different pathways are independently related to regions,providing valuable insight and potential for the diagnosis and treatment of T2D.

Path Analysis of High-Quality Development of Regional Economy The Role and Impact of Industrial Policies

With China’s economic development entering a new normal,high-quality regional economic development has become an important goal of current economic development.As one of the important means to promote high-quality development of the regional economy,industrial policies are increasingly receiving attention in terms of their role and impact.This article mainly conducts an in-depth analysis of the mechanism and impact path of industrial policies,exploring the role and impact of industrial policies in promoting high-quality regional economic development.Firstly,industrial policies play an important role in promoting high-quality regional economic development.Secondly,the impact path of industrial policies on the high-quality development of the regional economy mainly includes promoting industrial structure upgrading,promoting technological innovation,guiding resource allocation,and enhancing enterprise competitiveness.Therefore,it is necessary to increase research and practice on industrial policies,continuously optimize policy measures,and promote high-quality development of the regional economy.

Study on the Influence of Lanzhou-Urumqi High-Speed Railway on Regional Accessibility and Economic Development

The Lanzhou-Urumqi high-speed railway is an important part of the railway network connecting Gansu,Qinghai,and Xinjiang,and it is of far-reaching significance in facilitating China’s western development.An accessibility model and a double difference model were built to analyze the impact of the Lanzhou-Urumqi high-speed railway on regional accessibility and economic development of the areas along the line before(2012-2014)and after(2017-2019)its opening.The results show that the regional accessibility remains unchanged before and after the operation of this railway line.However,there is a spatial difference in improvement,that of central cities being better.The opening of the high-speed railway is conducive to driving the overall economic development of the region and promoting the comprehensive and coordinated development of regional economies.

Dissecting the key genomic regions underlying high yield potential in common wheat variety‘Kenong 9204’

The foundation parents play key roles in the genetic improvement of both yield potential and end-use quality in wheat.Characterizing the genetic basis that underlies certain beneficial traits in the foundation parents will provide theoretical reference for molecular breeding by a design approach.‘Kenong 9204’(KN9204)is a candidate foundation parent characterized by ideotype,high yield potential,and particularly high nitrogen fertilizer utilization.To better understand the genetic basis of its high yield potential,high throughput whole-genome re-sequencing(10×)was performed on KN9204,its parental lines and its derivatives.A high-resolution genetic composition map of KN9204 was constructed,which showed the parental origin of the favorable genomic segments based on the identification of excellent yield-related quantitative trait loci(QTL)from a bi-parental mapping population.Xiaoyan 693(XY693),a wheat–Thinopyrum ponticum partial amphidiploid,contributed a great deal to the high yield potential of KN9204,and three major stable QTLs from XY693 were fine mapped.The transmissibility of key genomic segments from KN9204 to its derivatives were delineated,indicating that haplotype blocks containing beneficial gene combinations were conserved along with directional selection by breeders.Evidence for selection sweeps in the breeding programs was identified.This study provides a theoretical reference for the breeding of high-yield wheat varieties by a molecular design approach.

Research Progress of High-Quality and Equilibrium Economic Development of Ethnic Regions in the Context of Digital Economy

A new generation of information technology is driving the growth of digital economy across the world.In recent years,China has attached great importance to the development of digital economy and digital technology.With the support of a series of policies,the digital industry has been able to develop at an astounding rate,and at the same time the integration of other industries with digital technology has been strengthened.The profound changes in production factors,production methods,and production approaches have promoted high-quality regional economic development.Literature statistics have shown an increasing trend in digital economy research in recent years.In this paper,literature on digital economy development,digital economy and high-quality economic development,the current situation of economic development in ethnic regions,and digital economy and economic development in ethnic regions is recapitulated in an attempt to learn from existing studies.

Population Construction and Super-high Yield Characteristics of Japonica Super Rice in Cold Regions

[Objective] This study was conducted to construct a super-high yield population of Japnica rice in cold regions of North China and to explore its characteristics. [Method] The super rice variety Longjing 21 was selected as the experimental material. Different row spacing（two levels）, plant spacing（three levels） and seedling number per hill（three levels） were designed in field trials. Then, the growth stages,dry matter accumulation, leaf area, yield and yield components of these different treatments were measured. [Result] Rice yield had significantly negative correlation with plant spacing and row spacing, but no significant correlation with seedling number per hill. Rice yield was mainly affected by plant spacing, and less affected by seedling number per hill. The best recommended specifications for plant spacing of super rice variety Longjing 21 were 24 cm for row spacing, 12 cm for plant spacing and five seedlings per hill, and the expected yield was 10 473.0 kg/hm^2.The increased number of total spikelets（4.5×108hm2or more） in populations was the major reason for high yield. Super-high yield populations had fewer tillers at the early growth stage and achieved the expected number of productive tillers at critical leaf-age（June 25）, and tiller number peaked at jointing stage（July 6） and was about 1.2 times of the expected number. The percentage of productive tillers in total tillers of super-high yield population was more than 85% at heading stage. At middle growth stage（from jointing to heading stage）, the dry matter accumulation, leaf area index（LAI） at heading stage, effective leaf area, spikelet number of population,spikelet number per leaf area unit（cm2）, and culm-sheath weight per stem of super-high yield population were significantly higher than those of other populations.At late growth stage（from heading to maturity stage）, the leaf area decreasing rate of super-high yield population was significantly smaller than that of other populations. At late growth stage（from heading to maturity stage）, the leaf area decreasing rate, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, biomass accumulation, number of filled grains per leaf area unit（cm^2） and grain weight per leaf area unit（cm^2） of high-yield population were significantly higher than those of other populations. Output and translocation of dry matter（weight per stem and sheath and total filling rate at maturity） from heading to milky stage of super-high yield population were significantly higher than those of other populations. [Conclusion] The characteristics of superhigh yield rice in cold region of North China are enriching the amount of actual filling of sink through improving photosynthetic efficiency from heading to maturity stage on the basis of enough panicle numbers.

Chemical composition of walnuts from three regions in China

To reveal the characteristic chemicals of walnuts from different origins, we analyzed fatty acid composition,tocopherols, phytosterols and total phenolic content (TPC) of walnuts from three main producing regions inChina. The results showed that walnuts were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 fattyacids was close to the recommendation of Chinese Nutrition Society. Moreover, walnuts contain high contents oftocopherols (331.20–414.71 mg/kg), phytosterols (97.17–110.35 mg/100 g) and phenols (38.51–48.08 mg GAE/kg). Significant chemical differences exist among walnuts from three production regions. The highest content ofpolyunsaturated fatty acids was found in walnuts from the northern China, the highest content of tocopherols inwalnuts from southwest China, and the highest contents of phytosterol and TPC in walnuts from northwest China.However, there was no significant difference in the tocopherol, phytosterol and TPC content of walnuts betweenthe Northern China and Northwest China. The above results provide important references for manufacturers andconsumers to select suitable walnut scientifically and reasonably.

Plastic-film-side seeding,as an alternative to traditional film mulching,improves yield stability and income in maize production in semi-arid regions

Planting under plastic-film mulches is widely used in spring maize production in arid-cold regions for water conservation and warming the soil.To ameliorate the associated issues such as plastic-film residues and additional labor during the“seedling release”in spring maize production,we have developed a plastic-film-side seeding(PSS)technology with the supporting machinery.In the semi-arid regions of Northwest China,a 7-year trial demonstrated that PSS increased plant number per hectare by 6547 and maize yield by 1686 kg ha–1compared with the traditional method of seeding under plastic-film mulch(PM).Two-year experiments were conducted in two semi-arid regions to further understand the effects of PSS on three important aspects of production:(i)the moisture and temperature of soil,(ii)maize development,yield output,and water use efficiency(WUE),and(iii)the revenue and plastic-film residuals in comparison with that of flat planting(CK)and PM.Continuous monitoring of the soil status demonstrated that,compared with CK,the PSS treatment significantly increased the temperature and moisture of the 0–20 cm soil in the seeding row at the early stage of maize development,and it also promoted grain yield(at 884–1089 kg ha^(–1))and WUE,achieving a similar effect as the PM treatment.Economically,the labor inputs of PSS were equal to CK,whereas the PM cost an additional 960 CNY ha–1in labor for releasing the seedlings from below the film.Overall,the PSS system increased profits by 5.83%(547 CNY ha^(–1)yr^(–1))and 8.16%(748 CNY ha^(–1)yr^(–1))compared with CK and PM,respectively.Environmentally,PSS achieved a residual film recovery rate of nearly 100%and eliminated 96 to 130 kg ha^(–1)of residual plastic-film in PM in 3–5 years of maize production.Collectively,these results show that PSS is an eco-friendly technique for improving yield stability and incomes for the sustainable production of maize in semi-arid regions.