Changing Rule of Physical and Chemical Indicators of Sediment in Tilapia Aquaculture Ponds

To provide basic information for studying balancing mechanism of nutrition environment in aquaculture ponds, sediment samples were collected periodically during the breeding process of tilapia in ponds. Then various types of nutrient content of the samples were detected and the changing rule was summarized. The results showed that dry weight of the sediment and content of TP, TN and TOC generally presented a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The main production period of each nutrient was from July to September and the production percentage was close to 80% of the total production. The content of NH4^＋-N increased gradually and reached a peak in early August, then maintained at the peak level. NO2^--N content of the sediment in each pond was basically the same in the earlier aquaculture stage and decreased in middle stage with a big difference, then rose again in the later stage.

Constitution Identification System for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Based on Correlation Between TCM Constitution and Physical Examination Indices

Objective Identification of one’s constitution based on a combination of features and back propagation neural network theory is needed in modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).We describe a method to identify one’s constitution based on TCM constitution classification and a physical index model.Methods We created a constitution identification system based on neural network using Visio Studio development tool.We report the initial implementation of the system,the accuracy of which was verified using actual data.Results We found a relatively strong correlation between TCM constitution and physical indicators.Conclusion Finally,our report describes a possible application of the proposed system.

Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters as Veritable Indicators of Faecal Escherichia coli Contamination of Surface Waters

There is need for alternate quick-search of pathogens’distribution in community water sources,instead of the cumbersome“Escherichia coli detection.”Physical and chemical(physico-chemical)parameters were evaluated as veritable indicators of faecal Escherichia coli contamination of surface waters,using Adada River in Nigeria as case-study.Thirty-two(32)physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in the river(at specified geographical coordinates)for their quality and quantity and connected(using Pearson’s Correlation Analysis)with the distribution of the river’s isolated Escherichia coli.The 32 physico-chemical parameters consist of 11 cations,6 anions,7 physical properties,3 properties relating to oxygen and 5 properties relating to anions/cations.Physico-chemical indices from the analysis,revealed very significant positive correlation relationship of Escherichia coli with the presence of Mg(Magnesium)and K(Potassium)in the dry and rainy season,respectively.E.coli affinity tests(Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion)for these metals were also positive.Mg and K also showed significant positive Pearson’s possible paired correlation relationship.From this evaluation,potential index analysis indicated that Mg and K could serve as markers for the faecal bacteria indicators,and possible index for future monitoring of the potability of such surface water.The method is straight forward,cost effective,less cumbersome than other currently existing approaches.

THE SIGNS THAT INDICATE PHYSICAL DECAY IN TIBETAN CULTURE

At each and every moment the things of our universe are subject to change. The human body too,from the very moment it is born, begins the process that will ultimately lead to death.

Rhizosphere microbial markers (micro-markers): A new physical examination indicator for traditional Chinese medicines

Rhizosphere microorganisms,as one of the most important components of the soil microbiota and plant holobiont,play a key role in the medicinal plant-soil ecosystem,which are closely related to the growth,adaptability,nutrient absorption,stress tolerance and pathogen resistance of host plants.In recent years,with the wide application of molecular biology and omics technologies,the outcomes of rhizosphere microorganisms on the health,biomass production and secondary metabolite biosynthesis of medicinal plants have received extensive attention.However,whether or to what extent rhizosphere microorganisms can contribute to the construction of the quality evaluation system of Chinese medicinal materials is still elusive.Based on the significant role of rhizosphere microbes in the survival and quality formation of medicinal plants,this paper proposed a new concept of rhizosphere microbial markers(micro-markers),expounded the relevant research methods and ideas of applying the new concept,highlighted the importance of micro-markers in the quality evaluation and control system of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs),and introduced the potential value in soil environmental assessment,plant pest control and quality assessment of TCMs.It provides reference for developing ecological planting of TCMs and ensuring the production of high quality TCMs by regulating rhizosphere microbial communities.

An association between overweight and obesity and dietary sugar intake among adults in China

Objective:The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between total dietary sugar and overweight and obesity in North China.Methods:A total of 1,074 permanent residents of Baoding,China aged 18-65 were selected by cluster random sampling method.Relevant information was collected by questionnaires.A multiple logistics regression model was used to analyze the relationship between total dietary sugar intake and obesity-related indicators.Results:The average dietary sugar intake of residents aged between 18 and 65 in Baoding was 34.6 g per day.The average dietary total sugar intake of men was lower than that of women(28.5 g vs.37.4 g).The combined detection rate of overweight and obesity was 68.1%.After adjusting variables such as age,gender,education level,smoking,and energy intake,it was found that excessive dietary sugar intake may be a risk factor for overweight[OR(95%CI)=1.382(1.014,1.889)]and obesity[OR(95%CI):1.490(1.112,2.002)]in men.In women,only dietary sugar intake was found to be a risk factor for overweight[OR(95%CI):1.616(1.001,2.625)].Conclusion:The intake level of dietary sugar of adults in the Baoding area is high,and the problem of overweight and obesity is serious.The level of dietary total sugar intake may be a risk factor for overweight and obesity,but there are gender differences.

Hydraulic energy indices reveal spatial dependence in a subtropical soil under maize crop in Southern Brazil

Soil physical quality(SPQ)assessment is an important part in the evaluation of soil use,management,and conservation.It can be assessed using several physical properties,hydraulic indices,and functions.Soils from tropical and temperate regions represent different physical behaviors,and the quantification of their physical properties is important to support soil evaluation and modelling.The objective of this study was to evaluate the SPQ in a subtropical field under maize crop cultivation according to its physical properties,hydraulic indices,and functions in an attempt to infer the spatial variability and to determine the behavior of soil physical structure across a spatial domain.Commonly used soil key physical variables,such as texture,bulk density,total porosity,saturated hydraulic conductivity,and organic carbon content,were measured in a regular grid with a soil sampling density of 30 points per hectare,covering an area of0.5 ha.Saturated hydraulic conductivity varied strongly between subsamples and in the field,suggesting the heterogeneity of the soil structure regarding water drainage.The physical variables were combined with other indicators,which were based on the soil water retention curve and the pore size distribution(PSD)function.Correlation analysis was performed to verify the relationship between the measured and calculated variables,and some strong linear correlations were revealed,such as between aeration energy index and microporosity(r=0.608)and water retention energy index with microporosity(r=0.532)and with bulk density(r=0.541).For most sampled locations,the shape and location parameters of PSD showed results outside of the optimum ranges,whereas the hydraulic energy indices and cumulative hydraulic energy functions presented values that were similar to those found for some tropical soils described in the literature.The spatial variability of these indices was described using semivariograms and kriged maps,indicating the variability of the SPQ in this field.