Effects of drip and flood irrigation on carbon dioxide exchange and crop growth in the maize ecosystem in the Hetao Irrigation District,China

Drip irrigation and flood irrigation are major irrigation methods for maize crops in the Hetao Irrigation District,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This research delves into the effects of these irrigation methods on carbon dioxide(CO_(2))exchange and crop growth in this region.The experimental site was divided into drip and flood irrigation zones.The irrigation schedules of this study aligned with the local commonly used irrigation schedule.We employed a developed chamber system to measure the diurnal CO_(2)exchange of maize plants during various growth stages under both drip and flood irrigation methods.From May to September in 2020 and 2021,two sets of repeated experiments were conducted.In each experiment,a total of nine measurements of CO_(2)exchange were performed to obtain carbon exchange data at different growth stages of maize crop.During each CO_(2)exchange measurement event,CO_(2)flux data were collected every two hours over a day-long period to capture the diurnal variations in CO_(2)exchange.During each CO_(2)exchange measurement event,the biological parameters(aboveground biomass and crop growth rate)of maize and environmental parameters(including air humidity,air temperature,precipitation,soil water content,and photosynthetically active radiation)were measured.The results indicated a V-shaped trend in net ecosystem CO_(2)exchange in daytime,reducing slowly at night,while the net assimilation rate(net primary productivity)exhibited a contrasting trend.Notably,compared with flood irrigation,drip irrigation demonstrated significantly higher average daily soil CO_(2)emission and greater average daily CO_(2)absorption by maize plants.Consequently,within the maize ecosystem,drip irrigation appeared more conducive to absorbing atmospheric CO_(2).Furthermore,drip irrigation demonstrated a faster crop growth rate and increased aboveground biomass compared with flood irrigation.A strong linear relationship existed between leaf area index and light utilization efficiency,irrespective of the irrigation method.Notably,drip irrigation displayed superior light use efficiency compared with flood irrigation.The final yield results corroborated these findings,indicating that drip irrigation yielded higher harvest index and overall yield than flood irrigation.The results of this study provide a basis for the selection of optimal irrigation methods commonly used in the Hetao Irrigation District.This research also serves as a reference for future irrigation studies that consider measurements of both carbon emissions and yield simultaneously.

Ethnocultural heritage of the North-Eastern Caucasus as a factor of eco-tourism development

The North-East Caucasus is a multi-ethnic mountain macroregion with a rich cultural heritage,insufficiently studied in the context of the ecotourism development.To fill this gap and identify promising directions of environmentally safe forms of tourism,the author used in-depth review of modern literature to investigate the features of ecological tourism and the problems of preserving ethno-cultural heritage,and used historical and comparative-geographical methods to analyze the development of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the North-Eastern Caucasus in different historical periods and to identify the geographical peculiarities of the distribution of historical and cultural monuments(tower buildings),pilgrimage sites and centers of traditional crafts and trades.As part of the planned expeditions,the author personally visited some historical monuments and handicraft centers for a deeper study of ethno-cultural heritage.The cartographic method made it possible to visualize the results.The results of the research show that the ethnocultural heritage of the North-East Caucasus is formed by material(historical and cultural monuments)and immaterial elements of culture(language,customs,traditions,ethnic identification)of those peoples,who live here.The ethnocultural heritage is considered as the most important factor in the development of the tourism industry.It is revealed that this region has a large potential for development in various areas of eco-tourism.The highest concentration of religious buildings focused in mountainous areas.Medieval tower structures were erected in mountainous and high-altitude areas.From ancient times to the present day there have been preserved various types of crafts and trades(pottery,metalworking,burka making,jewelry making,carpet weaving,gold embroidery,wood and stone carving,etc.),which can become objects of ecotourism.The ethnocultural heritage of the North-East Caucasus needs to be preserved and protected.To solve this problem,the author recommends to focus on a balanced combination of traditions and innovations in this industry,also considering the current state and development of the tourism industry in the country and in the world.The research highlights that the development of scientific approaches to plan and manage tourism development can contribute to the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.This is a complex and labour-intensive task,but its solution will have a multiplier effect in the social sphere,in economic development and in environmental security,which is in line with the principles and concept of sustainable development.

Identifying the Hydrochemical Characteristics,Genetic Mechanisms and Potential Human Health Risks of Fluoride and Nitrate Enriched Groundwater in the Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China

Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas and economic hubs.This study focuses on the high F^(−)and NO_(3)^(−)concentration groundwater in Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China.A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics,elucidate genetic mechanisms and evaluate the potential human health risks.The results of the analysis indicate:Firstly,most of the groundwater samples are characterized by Mg-HCO_(3) and Na-HCO_(3) with the pH ranging from 7.19 to 8.28 and TDS with a large variation across the range 471-2337 mg/L.The NO_(3)^(−)concentration in 38.89%groundwater samples and the F^(−)concentration in 66.67%groundwater samples exceed the permissible limited value.Secondly,F^(−)in groundwater originates predominantly from water-rock interactions and the fluorite dissolution,which is also regulated by cation exchange,competitive adsorption of HCO_(3)−and an alkaline environment.Thirdly,the effect of sewage disposal and agricultural activities have a significant effect on high NO3-concentration,while the high F^(−)concentration is less influenced by anthropogenic activity.The alkaline environment favors nitrification,thus being conducive to the production of NO_(3)^(−).Finally,the health risk assessment is evaluated for different population groups.The results indicate that high NO_(3)^(−)and F^(−)concentration in groundwater would have the largest threat to children’s health.The findings of this study could contribute to the provision of a scientific basis for groundwater supply policy formulation relating to public health in Tongzhou District.

Community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022)intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China.This is the third section of the report with a specific focus on community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).This section of the report underscores the importance of initiatives outlined in the"Healthy China 2030 Plan,"emphasizing the comprehensive prevention and control strategy for chronic diseases.A key aspect of this plan involves the establishment of national demonstration areas aimed at comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases.By 2020,488 such areas had been set up across China,surpassing the initial target and covering a significant proportion of counties and districts.The report highlights the successful implementation of these strategies in Lishan district,Anshan city,where demonstration areas for comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases were launched in 2013.Over the course of seven years,the number of healthy units increased substantially,leading to improvements in managing risk factors for CVD among residents.Significant reductions in prevalence rates of overweight,obesity,smoking,passive smoking,and drinking were observed,along with the development of healthier behaviors among residents.Similarly,Qiaokou district in Wuhan City,designated as a national demonstration area in 2014,implemented comprehensive public health promotion initiatives.Notably,special clinics for hypertension intervention were established,contributing to an increase in self-reported rates of hypertension,a slight decrease in prevalence,and a remarkable improvement in the control rate among treated patients.Overall,these efforts underscore the effectiveness of community-based approaches in driving positive health outcomes and advancing the comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases,particularly cardiovascular diseases,in China.

Optimization of Agricultural Industrial Structure in Changping District of Beijing Based on Grey Relational Analysis

In the economic development of Beijing,although the share of the total amount of agricultural industry in the overall economy is relatively low,it has an important impact on the daily life of residents,social stability and the development of other industries.Changping District,as an important agricultural production base of Beijing,its agricultural development has an indispensable strategic significance for the stability and growth of the entire regional economy.Therefore,it is very important to study the structure of agricultural industry in Changping District.Based on the detailed analysis of the agricultural industrial structure of Changping District,this paper uses the grey relation theory to analyze the different industries in the agricultural industrial structure of Changping District,including planting,forestry,animal husbandry,fishery and agricultural,forestry,service industries,in order to reveal the impact of these industries on the agricultural industrial structure of Changping District.Through this study,it comes up with specific and feasible suggestions for the optimization of agricultural industrial structure in Changping District,and provides valuable reference for the agricultural development of other areas in Beijing.

Improving the Quality of Public Space in Old Residential Areas Based on Superposition and Intervention:A Case Study of Baihuazhou District of Nanchang City

With the development of cities,China has entered an era of stock planning.The functions of old residential areas in urban development can no longer meet the needs of residents in the new era for a better life,and new standards have been put forward for the quality of public spaces for living.This paper analyzes and sorts out the characteristics and problems of the public space in the old residential areas of Baihuazhou district.Combining superposition and intervention techniques,the spatial,historical,cultural and other characteristic elements of the residential areas are preserved to the greatest extent.The public space in the old residential areas of Baihuazhou District is updated and reconstructed in order to achieve the goal of improving the quality of its public space.

Properties and Characterization of Two Clays Raw Material from Mountain District (West of Côte d’Ivoire) for Use in Low-Carbon Cements

This work was devoted to the study of the physico-chemical properties of two clay minerals from the Mountain District (West Côte d'Ivoire) referenced ME1 and ME2. These samples were characterized by the experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), Brunauer, Emett and Teller method (BET), laser particle size analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The main results of these analyses reveal that the two clay samples mainly contain quartz (52.91% for ME1 and 51.72% for ME2), kaolinite (36.60% for ME1 and 41.6% for ME2) and associated phases, namely goethite and hematite (13.47% for ME1 and 11.00% for ME2). The specific surface values obtained for samples ME1 and ME2 are 34.78 m2/g and 29.18 m2/g respectively. The results obtained show that the samples studied belong to the kaolinite family. After calcination, they could have good pozzolanic activity and therefore be used in the manufacture of low-carbon cements.

EYE IN THE SKY China’s commercial space industry is booming, with a wider application

Beijing’s Yizhuang Economic-Technological Development Area is home to some of China’s top private rocket companies.The district is preparing to launch the construction of the“rocket road”to establish a joint production facility.Meanwhile,on a satellite production line in Hebi,Henan Province,researchers are carefully analyzing the data sent back by a remote sensing satellite orbiting at an altitude of 528 kilometers.

Cutting-edge Technological Innovation Outcome Displayed at 2024 Beijing Science and Technology Week

The 2024 National Science and Technology Week and Beijing Science and Technology Week opened in Shougang Park in Shijingshan District from May 25 to June 1.Under the theme of“Carrying forward the spirit of scientists and inspiring societal innovation,”this event focused on the new-generation IT technology,medical health,energy and technology,modern agriculture and intelligent manufacturing industries.

Low-Altitude Economy Gets Wings

High technology boosts the efficiency and safety of low-altitude aerial services while reducing pollution.AROUND 11.30 AM on a sunny day in July 2024,four students participated in a ceremony in Huangpu,a district in the city of Guangzhou,Guangdong Province,in southern China,in which they received drone-delivered packages.It was the herald of China’s postal service making history,jumping from snail mail into the ranks of drone delivery.The four students had been sent letters in distinctive red envelopes by the South China University of Technology in the city,informing them that their application for admission had been accepted.

Building up Relationship Through Architecture

French architectÉric Le Khanh has been strengthening Sino-French relationship with his works over two decades.IN 2021,archaeologists announced the results of their excavation in Fengtai District in southwest Beijing.They included ruins of the wall of an ancient city known as Zhongdu,the capital of the Jin Dynasty(1115-1234)for six decades before it fell to the Mongols.Subsequently,it was decided that a Jin Zhongdu City Wall Ruins Park would be built on the site,next to Beijing’s new Lize financial district,as part of the capital city’s urban renewal drive.French architect and urban plannerÉric Le Khanh was on the design team.“The protection project is part of a larger urban park and cultural facility that shows how history can be integrated into the central business district in a modern city,”Khanh told China Today.

Plenary meeting of SAC/SWG 27 and Standardization Education Week held in Shenzhen

Directed by the Shenzhen Administration for Market Regulation and the government of Pingshan district,the plenary meeting of SAC/SWG 27 and Standardization Education Week was held by Shenzhen Technology University on April 22-26 in Shenzhen city,Guangdong province.

成都推进商务区可持续发展国际标准试点的经验

ISO 37108:2022,Sustainable cities and communities-Business districts-Guidance for practical local implementation of ISO 37101,is the first standard for the sustainable development management of business districts in the world.Taking Fashion&Vigor Industrial Zone of Chunxi Road and Jiaozi Park Financial Business District in Chengdu as examples,this paper elaborates on the application of ISO 37108 and shares the distinctive experience of Chengdu.It offers a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of standardization in promoting the sustainable development of business districts.

Analysis of Characteristics and Meteorological Influencing Factors of Air Pollution in Luojiang District,Deyang City

Based on the monitoring data of ambient air quality and meteorological observation data,the characteristics and meteorological influencing factors of air pollution in Luojiang District of Deyang City from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed.The results show that from 2018 to 2022,the main air pollutants affecting the air quality of Luojiang District of Deyang City were PM_(2.5) and PM_(10),and the primary pollutant on heavy pollution days was basically PM_(2.5).PM_(2.5) and PM_(10) pollution showed obvious seasonal differences,and PM_(2.5) concentration exceeded the limit mainly in spring and winter,among which it was the most serious in early spring,especially in January and February,followed by December.PM_(10) exceeding the standard had a high seasonal correlation with PM_(2.5) exceeding the standard,mainly in spring and winter,among which it was the most serious in winter,especially in December,followed by January.PM_(2.5) and PM_(10) pollution showed an overall weakening trend.PM_(2.5) and PM_(10) concentration were closely related to meteorological factors such as temperature,relative humidity,wind speed,precipitation and air pressure,and were mainly affected by rainfall.

Eye in The Sky

Beijing’s Yizhuang Economic-Technological Development Area is home to some of China’s top private rocket companies.The district is preparing to launch the construction of the“rocket road”to establish a joint production facility.Meanwhile,on a satellite production line in Hebi,Henan Province,researchers are carefully analysing the data sent back by a remote sensing satellite orbiting at an altitude of 528 km.Mentioned for the first time in the Government Work Report during this year’s Two Sessions,the commercial space industry has drawn much attention.From building rockets to manufacturing satellites and providing application services,the sector is developing at astronomical speed in China.

Swedish researchers convert old cotton sheets into viscose

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have now succeeded in making new viscose-from wornout cotton sheets.Old textiles around the world end up at the rubbish tip and are often burned.In Sweden,they are generally burned to produce district heating.Extensive development work is being conducted to give old clothes and textiles a worthier end.The planet really needs recycled textiles,as it takes a lot of energy,water and land to cultivate cotton and other plant sources for textiles.However,there are many challenges.

“Three Reductions,Three Healthy Conditions”Starts with Me

On September 15, 2023, the Beijing National Healthy Lifestyle Month promotion event was held at the Juyongguan Great Wall. The event is themed“Three Reduction, Three Healthy Conditions, Starting with Me”, hosted by the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, and organized by the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the Changping District Health Commission.

Dual-objective pattern optimization method for land suitability zoning in mountain counties

As the basic administrative unit of China,counties have grown rapidly in recent years in the context of rapid urbanization,especially for counties located in mountainous areas.The drastic changes in land in mountainous areas can easily cause irreversible damage to the sensitive ecological environment.Through the dual-objective suitability zoning of ecological and construction balance,regional sustainable land use patterns can be realized.In this study,Hantai District in Southern Shaanxi province,China,was chosen as the research area aiming at creating a balance between ecological supply and the development of construction in spatial planning.A dual-objective process evaluation system for ecological protection and construction development was proposed with 15 resistance factors selected from three attributes:natural ecology,economic society,and policy.The minimum resistance surface discrimination methods for ecological land and construction development land were proposed based on vertical space superposition and horizontal minimum cumulative resistance models.Finally,the land in Hantai District was divided into four development grades from the optimal angle of dual goals,i.e.,the construction core zone being 134.56 km^(2),the suitable construction zone 115.77 km2,the ecological buffer zone 153.74 km^(2),and the ecological control zone 151.93 km^(2),using the method combining resistance difference and threshold division.In addition,the development direction of each town under jurisdiction was identified.This study compensates for the deficiency of traditional methods that evaluate land only from a single vertical or horizontal process.

CORRIGENDUM

Nintedanib induces apoptosis in human pterygium cells through the FGFR2-ERK signalling pathway.Yan Gong,Yan-Hong Liao,Quan-Yong Yi,Meng Li,Li-Shuang Chen,Yan-Yan Wang.(Int J Ophthalmol 2023;16(4):505-513,DOI:10.18240/ijo.2023.04.03).The authors wish to add the foundations as follow:Foundations:Supported by Zhejiang Provincial Health Science and Technology Plan(No.2021PY073);Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Province(No.2021ZB268);Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan(No.2023KY1141);Science and Technology Project in Agriculture and Social Development Field of Yinzhou District(No.2021AS0058).The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused by this error.

A new approach towards the sustainability of urban-rural integration:The development strategy for central villages in the Abbasiya District of Iraq using GIS techniques

The development of rural areas usually has a positive impact on the urban-rural integration. This study explores an innovative approach to stimulate rural development by proposing qualified villages as central villages that can provide basic urban services for their residents and residents of neighboring villages. This approach can contribute to overcoming the various problems that rural areas faced at the social, economic, and environmental levels. It seeks to achieve spatial sustainability of rural areas, representing a new approach by integrating urban development methods to revitalize rural villages. The study analyzed 15 villages belonging to Abbasiya District of AL Kufa City in the Najaf Governorate of Iraq. Based on the GIS techniques and the analysis of urban service indicators(village population, percentage of urban building materials used in villages, distance between village and health centers, distance between village and main roads, nature of economic activity, distance between village and educational institutions, distance between village and drinking water sources, number of communication towers, and distance between village and urban administrative center), this study proposed that Abu Gharb and Albu Ghraib can served as central villages in Abbasiya District in the future. This study establishes a new rural spatial structure to achieve rural sustainable development, improves the development status of rural areas, and provides a theoretical basis for the government and relevant institutions to use urban service indicators, achieving rural sustainable development and formulating relevant development policies in Abbasiya District.