Causes of maize density loss in farmers’ fields in Northeast China

Increasing plant density is an effective and important way to reduce maize yield gaps in Northeast China. However, the fact is that a significant plant density gap exists between optimum plant density and actual plant density in farmers’ fields.To quantify the density gap between planned planting density and final harvest plant density(HPD), we studied 60 farmers’ fields on three types of soil for three crop seasons from 2015 to 2017 by measuring their plant-plant distance, actual seedlings density(ASD), final HPD and yield. We also explored the potential causes of density loss by digging the places where the seedlings were missing for two consecutive years in 2016–2017. Results show that the three-year average HPD in farmers’ fields was 59 699 plants ha^–1, which was significantly lower than the planned density, including both the machine setting density(MSD;67 962 plants ha^–1) and theoretical plant density(TPD;67 467 plants ha^–1). No significant difference was found in HPD between years and soil types. However, for MSD and TPD, the average value in 2015 was significantly higher than that in 2016 and 2017. No significant difference between soil types was observed. Furthermore,the results from 2016 till 2017 indicated that a lack of seeds in the soil, a failure to germinate due to low-quality seeds,and a lack of seedlings breaking out of the soil due to environmental problems explained approximately 60.88, 10.33 and 28.80% of density loss, respectively. According to our survey, 63% of farmers did not know their own TPD and HPD, and 54% of farmers did not know the density loss. Therefore, we argue that farmers’ limited knowledge of density and density loss is an urgent problem that needs to be solved in maize production. These observations will be useful for determining best management practices for maize production and for providing helpful suggestions for machine improvement.

Comparative analysis of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children and rural farmers in Obollo-Eke,Enugu State,Nigeria:Implications for control

Objective:To determine the prevalence,sex-age related intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and to compare such parameters among rural school children and rural fanners in selected communities in Obollo-Eke located in Southeast,Nigeria.Methods:A cross-sectional survey involving 1 337 school children and farmers was conducted in Obollo-Eke community between September 2006 and July 2007.Demographic data of subjects was collected using a questionnaire prepared for this purpose.Urine samples were collected and examined for haematuria and ova of Schistosoma haematobium(S.haematobium) using Medi-test Combi 9 and sedimentation technique respectively.Results:The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis based on microscopic examination of the urine sediment for the ova of 5.haematobium was 17.5%while the prevalence of haematuria was 15.6%.Infection intensity varied from light to heavy.In general,the prevalence was higher among males(20.8%) than females(14.6%;P】0.05) and was slightly higher among primary school children(18.0%;n=762) than farmers(16.9%;n=575;P】0.05).The age-specific prevalence of schistosomiasis among the study subjects ranged from 8.3%to 21.2%in 0-5 years and 11-15 years age groups respectively.Conclusions:Haematuria and mean egg/10 mL urine (r = 0.95;P【0.01) showed that both procedures are reliable for the diagnosis of the disease and can be used to ascertain the prevalence of the disease in any community.The comparative analysis of urinary bilharziasis among primary school children and rural farmers demonstrated that the infection is moderately high in these two risk population groups at Obollo-Eke.A robust intervention strategy is clearly needed.

Preference and adoption of Farmer Field School (FFS) Prosopis juliflora management practices: Experiences in Baringo District, Kenya

This research was carried out to evaluate the preference and adoption of harvesting, uprooting, stump burning, pruning and thinning practices for controlling the spread ofProsopisjuliflora （prosopis） within Marigat Division of the Baringo District, Kenya. A survey methodology was employed using a random sample of 25 Farmer Field School （FFS） members and 5 non=FFS members from each of the five locations of Marigat Division. In total, 100 FFS members and 25 non-FFS members participated in the study; addi- tional supplementary data were collected from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute （KEFRI）, a major facilitator and trainer of the identified FFS activities and practices in the study area since 2004. More than 80% of the local community never undertook any form of prosopis management practice; however, this changed after FFS training, indicating an acquisition and retention of knowledge which probably diffused to the non-FFS counterparts, through either formal or informal ways. Harvesting was the most preferred （100%） and stump burning the least preferred （46%） practice of managing the spread of prosopis. The success and preference of any prosopis management practice was attributed to wood and non-wood benefits derived from prosopis and growing of animal fodder and food crops on rehabilitated land. More than 80% of respondents attributed ineffectiveness of any prosopis management practice to coppicing and viable seed banks of the tree, while 50% highlighted a lack of consistency and integration in carrying out manage- ment practices. The reported negative attitude towards prosopis changed after training with none of the view to eradicate it. Labor intensity and frequent regeneration of seedlings were identified as the major challenges faced during the implementation of proso- pis management practices. In conclusion, the study shows that harvesting, uprooting, stump burning, pruning and thinning realized through consistent holistic integration contribute to containing the spread of prosopis trees in Baringo, Kenya.

Adoption Levels of Certain Tomato Cultivation Practices by Farmer Field Schools in Sudan

This study assessed the effect of Integrated Pest Management/Farmer Field Schools(IPM/FFS)extension approach on adoption of some tomato(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)cultivation practices in Gezira Scheme,Sudan.A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data from 100 tomato growers(50 FFS participants and 50 non-FFS participants),through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire.The data were statistically analyzed and interpreted using frequency distribution,percentage and Chi-square test.The study found that adoption rates for the use of improved tomato seed variety,sowing date and method,urea application,were higher among the FFS participants compared to the non-FFS participants(20%,90%and 50%)compared to 12%,76%and 36%,respectively.The result showed lower adoption rate(50%)in FFS participants for intercropping with companion plant compared to non-FFS participants(64%).Chi-square test showed that there was significant difference between FFS participants and non-FFS participant farmers in adoption of recommended sowing date and method,and intercropping at 95%confidence level,0.05 margin of error.There was no significant difference in adoption of urea application and use of recommended seed variety.This demonstrated that adoption of these two cultivation practices for tomato in the study significantly depended on FFS approach.To improve adoption rates of IPM innovations,the study recommends that FFS in the Gezira Scheme should be revitalized and later introduced in the other states in the country,with extensive and effective system of FFS trainings and follow-up.

Evaluation of Sorghum bicolor in Farmer Field for Resistance to Striga hermonthica

Sorghum bicolor is among main staple crops of Chad but it is commonly attacked by Striga hermonthica. Assessment of sorghum varieties for resistance to this weed was carried out during three cropping seasons （2005-2008）, in controlled conditions; promising entries （those which fulfilled at least 75% of selection criteria） were evaluated in farmer field in 2008-2009 seasons. There were five sites （Bebedjia, Deli, Bekao, Koudoti and Ndaba）. The objective was to evaluate some sorghum entries for S. hermonthica resistance in farmer field. Sorghum test was composed of four entries in Fisher blocks as experimental designs, with five replications. Among different observed variables, there were striga plant count and weight of sorghum grains. One promising entry was selected at Bebedjia and Ndaba （53）, two at Deli and Koudoti （50 and 53）. No entry was selected at Bekao. Promising entries for the whole Southern zone of Chad were composed of 50 and 53. The best entry was 53 because it was promising in all sites except Bekao.

Knowledge flow analysis of knowledge co-production-based climate change adaptation for lowland rice farmers in Bulukumba Regency,Indonesia

To increase the resilience of farmers’livelihood systems,detailed knowledge of adaptation strategies for dealing with the impacts of climate change is required.Knowledge co-production approach is an adaptation strategy that is considered appropriate in the context of the increasing frequency of disasters caused by climate change.Previous research of knowledge co-production on climate change adaptation in Indonesia is insufficient,particularly at local level,so we examined the flow of climate change adaptation knowledge in the knowledge co-production process through climate field school(CFS)activities in this study.We interviewed 120 people living in Bulukumba Regency,South Sulawesi Province,Indonesia,involving 12 crowds including male and female farmers participated in CFS and not participated in CFS,local government officials,agriculture extension workers,agricultural traders,farmers’family members and neighbors,etc.In brief,the 12 groups of people mainly include two categories of people,i.e.,people involved in CFS activities and outside CFS.We applied descriptive method and Social network analysis(SNA)to determine how knowledge flow in the community network and which groups of actors are important for knowledge flow.The findings of this study reveal that participants in CFS activities convey the knowledge they acquired formally(i.e.,from TV,radio,government,etc.)and informally(i.e.,from market,friends,relatives,etc.)to other actors,especially to their families and neighbors.The results also show that the acquisition and sharing of knowledge facilitate the flow of climate change adaptation knowledge based on knowledge co-operation.In addition,the findings highlight the key role of actors in the knowledge transfer process,and key actors involved in disseminating information about climate change adaptation.To be specific,among all the actors,family member and neighbor of CFS actor are the most common actors in disseminating climate knowledge information and closest to other actors in the network;agricultural trader and family member of CFS actor collaborate most with other actors in the community network;and farmers participated in CFS,including those heads of farmer groups,agricultural extension workers,and local government officials are more willing to contact with other actors in the network.To facilitate the flow of knowledge on climate change adaptation,CFS activities should be conducted regularly and CFS models that fit the situation of farmers’vulnerability to climate change should be developed.

Development of School Methodology for Field Study of a Botanical Pineland

The major importance of forests is critical to the survival on planet Earth. Forests are threatened by a lot of dangers and all of us have to contribute to the fight for their survival. The methodology of school research on pine woods which is described below, aims to cultivate more sensitive, educated and activated students, by accordingly specialized teachers who are going to organize the educational background, also to decide techniques and materials for the easiest and most effective learning, for the cultivation of values, attitudes and friendly behaviors towards forests. The suggested methodology is based on the findings of a European Comenius Program and two Programs of Environmental Education. The research usually takes place in a pine land, by using a worksheet as experimental tool, and focuses on the vitality of the trees, the biodiversity, the effects of pollution and other cultural elements related to the pine bio-community. There is also a lot of informative discussion and research over cultural, social and economical factors with locals and specialists.

Safeguarding Farmer Workers' Rights and Interests——An interview with Ye Jingyi, professor of Beijing University Law School

Farmer workers are a new powerful workforce that has sprung up amid China＇s reform and door opening and in the process of the country＇s industrialization and urbanization. They have made great contributions to urban prosperity, rural development and their country＇s modernization. At present, however, farmer workers face numerous difficulties and problems in income, work safety, social security, vocational training, the schooling of their children and living conditions. To safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of farmer workers, the State Council in March 2006 issued Ideas of the State Council on Solving Farmer Workers-related Problems. In the document, the State Council promises to strengthen and improve leadership over work regarding farmer workers and prioritize the solving of farmer workers-related problems.

新农人形象的数字生产研究——基于抖音短视频场域的内容考察

随着全面乡村振兴的深入推进,社交媒体在中国乡村的普及不仅大幅缩小了城乡数字鸿沟,更催生城乡数字交往中的新质生产力,塑造新的生产关系与生活样态。基于抖音社交平台,通过对短视频中新农人形象再生产数据的内容分析,可深入考察抖音如何重构城乡交往的整体现状及其形塑过程。研究发现,抖音等新媒体能够催生青年人反哺中老年人一起建立城乡双向奔赴的交往场域。尤其是一批青年新生代农民工,开始从城市返乡,他们积极投身数字乡村建设,通过创意化表演重塑了新农人形象。这种行为充分肯定返乡生活并重新定义乡村身份,在中国交往场域实践中占据核心地位。在这一过程中,抖音作为技术与社会互动的中介,在视频内容展演上具有历时性维度和包容特性,并成为跨越城乡鸿沟、促进城乡互动的重要传播特征。此外,抖音等社交媒体用户,通过在视频里扮演中介角色再生产出数字时代的中国城乡社会网络交往媒介,在构建积极城乡交往的媒介形象以及搭建新传播体系方面提供实践方式与理论指引。

赋权式治理:中小学组织结构的场域建构逻辑

组织结构变革是中小学发展的关键环节,需要学校根据外部环境和内部条件的变化,对战略内容和发展模式进行适时的调整与优化。从场域视角审视中小学组织结构变革的案例,构建“资本—权力—文化”场域理论框架,剖析中小学组织结构变革的赋权式治理机制,以期揭示在动态复杂的场域环境下,学校应如何通过合理配置资本、分配职权及塑造文化等实现组织结构变革,进而推动学校持续发展与内在品质提升。

A nurse-led occupational health promotion program for farmers

Agrarian occupational health is a neglected primary health-care service in India.A nurse-led health promotion program is planned based on a Conceptual Model for the Occupational Health Nurse Specialist prepared by Ms.Janice Dees(1984)inspired from Orem’s self-care theory.The interventions included are range of motion exercise,progressive muscle relaxation technique,foot and palm massage,and literacy on safety practices.The wellness of field farmers is expected by following this program plan.

On Problems in Primary School English Writing

English writing plays a significant part in primary school English teaching. Many problems exist m primary school English writing due to many factors, which makes English writing a common headache for both students and teachers. Register theory has important significance for English writing. Based on the register theory and taking some students＇ composition as typical examples, this thesis makes an analysis of common problems existing in English writing, and then points out the causes that lie behind those problems. Finally, the writer presents some corresponding solutions in the hope of improving high school English writing and teaching. It will be of great practical value for English writing and teaching.

Common Sports Injuries and Preventive Measures for Athletes—Take The Track and Field Team Athletes in Yushan County as an Example

Taking the common sports injuries and preventive measures of Yushan County middle school track and field athletes as the research object,the sports injuries of Yushan County middle school track and field athletes were investigated and analyzed from the angle,type,location and nature of sports injury.Research on sports injury problems,trying to find the causes of sports injuries in daily training of track and field athletes,and proposed targeted preventive measures based on the specific situation of Yushan County Middle School.The results show that 77.70%of track and field athletes have suffered sports injury and periostitis and ligament/muscle strains are the most common forms of injury,and lower limbs are more prone to sports injuries than upper limbs.

Outside the Backdoor:Entrepreneurship,Field Experience and Preservice Teachers

This research is to share qualitative data of one preservice teacher,and one early childhood entrepreneur,who educated young children in an exclusive outdoor preschool.The study was conducted in a rural community where most preschools were held in the traditional venue-inside.The Coronavirus-19 pandemic presented many obstacles to the placement of preservice teachers in an appropriate early childhood setting.The university discouraged all direct contact with children.Instead,preservice teachers were expected to view videos of veteran teachers,who in former years,submitted teaching videos to obtain a“National Boards Certification.”The objective was that the preservice teachers would“reflect”and learn from the electronic source.This electronic substitution was unacceptable to the researcher.Practicum experiences allow for rich collaboration between preservice teacher and child.Electronic sources can never replicate the rich learning that happens during an authentic face-to face encounter with a child.Thus,the vision for the study was born.As an alternative to exclusive electronic learning,the preservice university supervisor initiated the opportunity for preservice teachers to participate with a local entrepreneur who was in the process of designing and implementing an exclusive outdoor school.Nature and environmental field experience opportunities for preservice teachers are promising alternatives to the traditional preschool setting.Venues that encourage nature and environmental studies enhance early childhood programs and create opportunities for preservice teachers,and the children they serve,to appreciate the nature around them enhancing their natural curiosity and investigative skills to seek,study,and share.This research article shares the reflections of both the preschool entrepreneur as well as the preservice teacher.It is a pragmatic description of how the exclusive outdoor environment is feasible and presents the challenges and assets that the environmental venue provides.

数字新农匠赋能乡村振兴的意义、困境及发展策略

乡村振兴背景下,数字化时代发展智慧农业,培养“数字新农匠”是其核心力量,亦是实施乡村人才振兴和强农兴农的关键所在。因此,本文梳理了“数字新农匠”的内涵及其研究进展,分析了当前发展智慧农业培养“数字新农匠”所面临的乡村数字人才匮乏、培育路径不畅等困境问题。基于此,探索与构建了涉农职业院校“一平台、双融合”的“数字新农匠”育人策略:产教融合培养本土化智慧园艺新农匠;实施“产学研用”创新驱动“数字新农匠”的培养路径;依托项目、校地协同打造“数字新农匠”培育新模式。

学校课程实施的逻辑与路径

学校是课程实施的责任主体,学校层面的课程实施是学校课程集体通过相关课程专业活动,将国家课程理念与规划转化为系统的育人实践规划与育人实践活动的过程。其本质指向教师领悟的课程,而不是班级层面运作的课程。学校课程实施是静态学校课程实施规划的理论逻辑和动态学校课程实施行动的实践逻辑双重转化的结果。而理论逻辑与实践逻辑转化的中介正是教师的课程惯习。教师课程惯习所遵循的实践优先原则,要求提升学校课程场域的专业性,增进教师的课程资本,以现实课程问题助推教师课程惯习的创生,构建学校课程实施的实践活动体系,以促进学校层面的课程实施。

“双高计划”背景下构建现场工程师产业学院研究

成立现场工程师产业学院是响应产教深度融合,促进“双高计划”建设的重要举措。目前,现场工程师产业学院建设仍然存在人才定位不够清晰、主体责任不够明确、师资队伍有待加强等问题,可从构建“政院企校”四位一体协同育人机制、探索“四阶”一体化贯通人才培养路径、打造高水平结构化双师教学团队、构建产业学院“校中厂”和“厂中校”、创新现场工程师人才评价机制等方面开展实践探索,为现场工程师产业学院建设加大助力,实现“双高计划”建设“加速度”。

现场工程师培养视域下中高职校企协同育人实践研究与探索

中高职贯通培养是职业教育育人的重要途径,为区域产业发展提供重要人力资源。针对中高职贯通培养规格定位不准,培养质量不高等问题,以东莞职业技术学院机械制造及自动化省级高水平专业群建设为契机,构建以工程实践项目为载体的五年一贯制培养模式,开发一体化系统化的课程体系;以递进层级岗位能力要求为培养主线,精准对接企业需求,提出了中高企一体化协同育人模式,形成了中高企命运共同体机制,为培养符合现场工程师标准的技术技能人才提供经验借鉴。

智能时代民族地区中华优秀传统文化传承的学校教育场域重构

智能时代,民族地区中华优秀传统文化传承的学校教育场域是以智能技术为基础,在师生之间形成的一种以中华优秀传统文化教育与传承为目的的客观关系网络。其中,教育技术是基础,扩展教育空间并提升教育主体能力;教育主体是关键,通过技术和教育空间实践教育目标;教育空间是载体,通过教育技术的嵌入支持教育主体发展。然而,当前民族地区学校教育场域重构面临学校教育空间去教育化现象、技术生态系统发展受限、教育主体技术素养与自觉传承意识薄弱等问题,需通过加强技术与中华优秀传统文化的深度融合、培养师生自觉传承的责任意识、优化民族地区学校教育空间建设等途径应对。