The impact of the Rural Minimum Living Standard Guarantee(Rural Dibao)Program on child nutrition outcomes

The Rural Minimum Living Standard Guarantee(Rural Dibao)is an important unconditional cash transfer program to alleviate poverty in rural China.Despite the importance of children’s nutrition in breaking poverty cycles,little is known about the impact of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes.Using China Family Panel Studies(CFPS),this paper examines the effects of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes and investigates potential pathways and heterogeneous effects.We exploit propensity score matching and difference-in-differences techniques to evaluate the effects of the Rural Dibao program on child nutrition outcomes.Our results suggest that Rural Dibao significantly impacts the nutrition outcomes of children up to 15 years of age.Specifically,our results suggest that Rural Dibao improves child height-to-age z-scores by 1.05 standard deviations and lowers the probability of stunting by 11.9 percentage points.Additional analyses suggest that increased protein intake is the main pathway through which Rural Dibao participation contributes to better nutrition outcomes.We also find that the effect of the program is more pronounced among girls,children who are non-left-behind or live with highly educated mothers,and those from low-income families and poor areas.Our findings suggest that Rural Dibao participation helps improve child nutrition outcomes through improving diet quality.

Development of a new cerebral ischemia reperfusion model of Mongolian gerbils and standardized evaluation system

Background:The Mongolian gerbil is an excellent laboratory animal for preparing the cerebral ischemia model due to its inherent deficiency in the circle of Willis.However,the low incidence and unpredictability of symptoms are caused by numerous complex variant types of the circle.Additionally,the lack of an evaluation system for the cer-ebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)model of gerbils has shackled the application of this model.Methods:We created a symptom-oriented principle and detailed neurobehavioral scoring criteria.At different time points of reperfusion,we analyzed the alteration in locomotion by rotarod test and grip force score,infarct volume by triphenyltetrazo-lium chloride(TTC)staining,neuron loss using Nissl staining,and histological charac-teristics using hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)straining.Results:With a successful model rate of 56%,32 of the 57 gerbils operated by our method harbored typical features of cerebral I/R injury,and the mortality rate in the male gerbils was significantly higher than that in the female gerbils.The suc-cessfully prepared I/R gerbils demonstrated a significant reduction in motility and grip strength at 1 day after reperfusion;formed obvious infarction;exhibited typi-cal pathological features,such as tissue edema,neuronal atrophy and death,and vacuolated structures;and were partially recovered with the extension of reperfu-sion time.Conclusion:This study developed a new method for the unilateral common carotid artery ligation I/R model of gerbil and established a standardized evaluation system for this model,which could provide a new cerebral I/R model of gerbils with more practical applications.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in soybean meal fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows

Background Two studies were designed to determine standard ileal crude protein(CP)and amino acid(AA)digestibility of soybean meal(SBM)from different origins fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows.Seven solvent-extracted SBMs from soybeans produced in the USA,Brazil,and China were selected.In Exp.1,eight different diets were created:a nitrogen(N)-free diet and 7 experimental diets containing SBM from different origins as the only N source.Eight non-pregnant,multiparous sows were arranged in an 8×8 Latin square design(8 periods and 8 diets).In Exp.2,the diet formula was the same as in Exp.1.Eight gestating sows(parity 3)were assigned to 4 different diets in a replicated 4×3 Youden square design(three periods and four diets)in mid-gestation and again in late-gestation stages.Results When fed to non-pregnant and late-gestating sows,the standardized ileal digestibility(SID)of CP and most AAs from different SBM were not significantly different(P>0.05).When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for Arg,His,Lys,Phe,Cys,Gly,Ser,and Tyr in SBM 1 were lower than in SBM 4 and 5(P<0.05),whereas SID for Leu from SBM 5 was higher than in SBM 1 and 4(P<0.05).SID values for Ile,Ala,and Asp from SBM 4 were lower than in SBM 1 and 5(P<0.05).Sows had significantly greater SID values for Lys,Ala,and Asp during mid-gestation when compared with late-gestation stages(P<0.05).Mid-gestating sows had greater SID value for Val and lower SID value for Tyr when compared with non-pregnant and late-gestating sows(P<0.01),whereas non-pregnant sows had significantly greater SID value for Met when compared with gestating sows(P<0.01).Conclusions When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for most AAs varied among SBM samples.The SID values for Lys,Met,Val,Ala,Asp,and Tyr in SBM were affected by sow gestation stages.Our findings provide a cornerstone for accurate SBM use in sow diets.

Research on batch multielement rapid quantitative analysis based on the standard curve-assisted calibration-free laserinduced breakdown spectroscopy method

This study proposes a batch rapid quantitative analysis method for multiple elements by combining the advantages of standard curve(SC)and calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(CF-LIBS)technology to achieve synchronous,rapid,and accurate measurement of elements in a large number of samples,namely,SC-assisted CF-LIBS.Al alloy standard samples,divided into calibration and test samples,were applied to validate the proposed method.SC was built based on the characteristic line of Pb and Cr in the calibration sample,and the contents of Pb and Cr in the test sample were calculated with relative errors of 6%and 4%,respectively.SC built using Cr with multiple characteristic lines yielded better calculation results.The relative contents of ten elements in the test sample were calculated using CF-LIBS.Subsequently,the SC-assisted CF-LIBS was executed,with the majority of the calculation relative errors falling within the range of 2%-5%.Finally,the Al and Na contents of the Al alloy were predicted.The results demonstrate that it effectively enables the rapid and accurate quantitative analysis of multiple elements after a single-element SC analysis of the tested samples.Furthermore,this quantitative analysis method was successfully applied to soil and Astragalus samples,realizing an accurate calculation of the contents of multiple elements.Thus,it is important to advance the LIBS quantitative analysis and its related applications.

Combination Activity of Standard Antituberculosis Drugs and Extracts of Medicinal Plants Commonly Used in Traditional Treatment of Tuberculosis in Uganda

Introduction: Resistance to antituberculosis drugs and adverse drug reactions remain the leading causes of tuberculosis therapeutic failure globally. Despite the increasing acceptance of medicinal plant use in combination with conventional antituberculosis drugs in treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda, there is paucity of knowledge on their combination effect. Aim: This research aimed to determine combination activity of standard antituberculosis drugs with extracts of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. & Perr. and Rubia cordifolia L., the two common antituberculosis medicinal plants in Uganda, against pansensitive (H37Rv) and multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Materials and Methods: Two reference MTB strains (H37Rv and MDR strain) were inoculated on Middlebrook 7H11 medium containing a combination of standard antituberculosis drugs and methanol extracts of Z. leprieurii and R. cordifolia at varying concentrations. The number of colonies on the plates was observed and counted weekly for up to 8 weeks. In vitro combination activity was determined using proportion method. Mean percentage inhibition was calculated for the reduction of number of colonies on drug-extract combination medium in relation to drug-extract-free control medium. Results: Drug-extract combinations showed good combination activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains when compared with individual standard anti-TB drugs. This was more exhibited against MDR strain. There was however a reduction in percentage inhibition when extracts were combined with ethambutol and streptomycin against H37Rv strain. Conclusions: Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Rubia cordifolia in combination with standard anti-TB drugs exhibited increased in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially MDR-TB strain. This justifies the local use of these plants in traditional treatment of tuberculosis especially in resistant cases in Uganda.

Analysis of standardization development of TCM in Sichuan

Sichuan province is home to rich traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)resources.Recent years have seen unremitting efforts of TCM standardization in the province.By analyzing the measures and existing problems,this paper provides recommendations to boost TCM development through standardization.

Standardization of meibomian gland dysfunction in an Egyptian population sample using a non-contact meibography technique

AIM:To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)parameters,using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici(CSO)machine,in an Egyptian population sample.METHODS:Observational,cross-sectional,analytic study,in which 104 Egyptian volunteers were included.Both upper lids were examined,using“Sirius CSO”machine.Each eyelid was given a degree of meibomian gland loss(MGL),which was calculated by the software of the machine.RESULTS:Mean percentage MGL in right upper lid was of 30.9%±12.6%,and that of left upper lid was 32.6%±11.8%.Thirty-four volunteers(32.7%)had first-degree MGL in their right upper lid,and 67.3%had second-degree loss.One volunteer(1%)had zero-degree MGL in left upper lid,28(26.9%)had first-degree loss,and 75(72.1%)had second-degree loss.Degree of MGL in right upper eyelid was not related to age,but degree of MGL in left upper eyelid increased with age.There was statistically significant difference between both genders for degree of MGL in right eye(P=0.036)and in left eye(P=0.027).CONCLUSION:Noncontact meibography is a useful non-invasive tool for diagnosing MGL.MGL is diagnosed in 100%of apparently normal individuals;26.9%-32.7%of which have first-degree MGL,and 67.3%-72.1%have second-degree MGL.

A comparative study on design standards of screw conveyors in China,Germany,and the USA–Part II:Discrete element method

This part of the study aims to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of technical standards of screw conveyors in China,Germany,and the USA for industrial applications.The source or determination method of empirical coefficients as well as the theoretical foundation of dimensioning-relevant diagrams in these standards is not explicitly documented in the literature.Therefore,instead of less efficient on-site tests,the numerical simulation by discrete element method is conducted.Based on the geometrical and operational designs determined in three standards for horizontal,slightly inclined,and vertical conveyance of three representative bulk solids(barley,lignite,and sand),the potential influencing factors are discussed.With constant particle and contact parameters,the potential deviations caused by particle models are eliminated.Furthermore,the accuracy of power consumption calculation of each standard and the divergence between accessible and required mass flows is comprehensively assessed based on the analysis of simulated outcomes.Two main conclusions are drawn:(1)Particle fall back is barely considered by all three standards and leads to overestimated mass throughput;(2)The decrease in mass throughput caused by an increasing degree of filling can be compensated by slowing down the rotational speed.

PDE Standardization Analysis and Solution of TypicalMechanics Problems

A numerical approach is an effective means of solving boundary value problems(BVPs).This study focuses on physical problems with general partial differential equations(PDEs).It investigates the solution approach through the standard forms of the PDE module in COMSOL.Two typical mechanics problems are exemplified:The deflection of a thin plate,which can be addressed with the dedicated finite element module,and the stress of a pure bending beamthat cannot be tackled.The procedure for the two problems regarding the three standard forms required by the PDE module is detailed.The results were in good agreement with the literature,indicating that the PDE module provides a promising means to solve complex PDEs,especially for those a dedicated finite element module has yet to be developed.

Constructing a standard system of city sustainable development assessment technology based on the SDGs

Given the rapid development of China’s new urbanization,cities with different locations and varying functional positioning,resource endowments,and development stages have insufficient scientific and applicable technical tools for implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).City managers and policymakers must urgently establish SDG benchmarks to diagnose city development.Moreover,successful experiences from similar cities regarding sustainable development and self-improvement must be learned from to promote diversified,sustainable development across the country.Furthermore,emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,the Internet of Things,big data and 5G are widely used in smart cities.Therefore,there is a growing need for“knowledge-based,personalized and intelligent”technologies to support monitoring,evaluation,and decision-making processes facilitating sustainable development in cities.This paper uses standardization as the theoretical support and technical basis.This approach can help clarify the sustainable development processes in China and clarify the evaluation results of and provide data on horizontal city comparisons,which can be used to develop evaluation technology for sustainable development in cities and construct a standardized system.The results provide a standard framework for intelligent assessment and decision-making regarding cities’sustainable development capabilities in China.Evaluating major international standardization institutions reveals that the practices of Chinese national standards should be fully absorbed and integrated to guide the evaluation of smart,resilient,and low-carbon cities.To this end,an indicator library of city sustainable development is proposed to provide standard evaluation technology methods.Finally,analyzing the response relationship of the indicator library to SDGs reveals the need for a standardized knowledge map of sustainable development assessment techniques and methods from the perspective of integrated management for sustainable development in cities.

Dialogue on standards:directions and difficulties of standardization discipline construction

To probe into the directions and difficulties of standardization discipline construction in China,China Standardization Press organized a pertinent dialogue on July 10.During the event,Yu Xinli,President of China Association for Standardization,was invited as the moderator.Several standardization experts including Song Mingshun,Mai Lyubo,Qiang Yi,Cao Lili,and Huang Manxue from the China Standardization Expert Committee and renowned universities and research institutes in the country were invited as guests to give their insightful views.

Post competency training in standardized training of resident physicians and integrated postgraduates

We focus on the importance and necessity of post-competency-based training in medical education alongside its current challenges and opportunities.Integrating post competency training into standardized educational frameworks is increasingly recognized as a critical component of preparing residents and postgraduates for real-world clinical practice.Post competency training represents a commitment to excellence in medical education,striving to produce competent,skilled practitioners to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.

Analysis of standardization of community security fund management-Taking practice of community security fund management in Wuhou district of Chengdu as an example

The Chengdu community security funds refer to the special security funds for urban and rural community development and governance in Chengdu.At present,there are some problems in the use of community security funds,such as low participation of residents,and low efficiency of fund use.Taking the exploration of standardization of community security fund management in Wuhou district,Chengdu city,as an example,this paper suggests further strengthening the use and management of community security funds by means of standardization,ensuring the democratic,open,and transparent use of funds,and effectively enhancing the supporting role of community security funds in community governance.

Workshop on driving inclusiveness in standardization

With the support of the Belgian FPS Economy,SBS and CEN-CENELEC are co-organizing the workshop,under the High-Level Forum on European standardization(HLF)and its workstream on inclusiveness in national standardization,to tackle issues of access and participation in standardization at the national level and discuss and promote best practices.

Parallel session on marine standardization

The session on marine standardization was successfully held on May 22.Yu Xinli,President of China Association for Standardization(CAS),was invited to deliver a keynote speech.The highlight of her speech is presented as follows。

China and Sri Lanka sign a MoU on standardization

Witnessed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,Luo Wen,Minister of SAMR,and Anura Dissanayake,Secretary to the Prime Minster of Sri Lanka,signed a MoU on the standardization area on March 26.

Review on the Development of Cosmetic Industry from the Perspective of Group Standards

From the perspective of group standards, the dynamics of the cosmetic industry in the past few years were briefly reviewed and analyzed, including the number of group standards published, types of group standards, groups, and geographical distribution of the groups. The large number of participating groups and the wide range of geographical distribution indicated that group standards could play a positive role in the sustained and positive development of cosmetic industry. The future development of cosmetic industry was also prospected。

Field Load Test Based SHM System Safety Standard Determination for Rigid Frame Bridge

The deteriorated continuous rigid frame bridge is strengthened by external prestressing. Static loading tests wereconducted before and after the bridge rehabilitation to verify the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. Thestiffness of the repaired bridge is improved, and the maximum deflection of the load test is reduced from 37.9 to27.6 mm. A bridge health monitoring system is installed after the bridge is reinforced. To achieve an easy assessmentof the bridge’s safety status by directly using transferred data, a real-time safety warning system is createdbased on a five-level safety standard. The threshold for each safety level will be determined by theoretical calculationsand the outcomes of static loading tests. The highest risk threshold will be set at the ultimate limit statevalue. The remaining levels, namely middle risk, low risk, and very low risk, will be determined usingreduction coefficients of 0.95, 0.9, and 0.8, respectively.

Quality Standard of Tibetan Medicine Nardostachys jatamansi Herba Based on"An Integrated Plant but Multi-purpose"

[Objectives]To establish the quality standard of Nardostachys jatamansi Herba.[Methods]The characters and microscopical identification of N.jatamansi Herba were carried out.The contents of moisture,total ash,acid-insoluble ash and extract were determined according to the relevant methods of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition).Using chlorogenic acid and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid as quality control indexes,TLC and HPLC methods were established for qualitative and quantitative determination,and HPLC fingerprints were established.[Results]The characteristics of character identification,microscopic identification and thin layer identification were obvious.The moisture content ranged from 2.7%to 7.8%,with an average value of 5.4%.The total ash content ranged from 6.7%to 16.2%,with an average of 11.0%.The acid-insoluble ash content ranged from 0.7%to 8.5%,with an average of 3.6%.Extractives content ranged from 20.9%to 34.4%,with an average of 29.7%.Chlorogenic acid content was between 0.45%and 1.30%,with an average value of 0.77%.The content of 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid ranged from 0.18%to 0.58%,with an average of 0.31%.The similarity of each batch was between 0.930 and 0.994,indicating that the quality of medicinal materials from different producing areas was stable.[Conclusions]The quality standard of N.jatamansi Herba was established,which could provide quality control basis for rational,comprehensive and efficient utilization of N.jatamansi DC.resources and clinical use.

Study on Quality Standards of Jianjin Zhuanggu Paste

[Objectives]Some Chinese medicinal materials of Jianjin Zhuanggu Paste were microscopically identified,and several active ingredients were studied by thin-layer identification,which provides reference for further improving the quality standards of hospital preparations.[Methods]The effective components of Jianjin Zhuanggu Paste were qualitatively identified by thin-layer chromatography(TLC).[Results]The microscopic identification of the three Chinese medicinal materials in Jianjin Zhuanggu Paste showed the microscopic characteristics of Radix Codonopsis,Radix Astragali and Radix Notoginseng.TLC identification showed that there were characteristic spots of Radix Codonopsis,Radix Astragali,Radix Rehmanniae Preparata and Radix Notoginseng in Jianjin Zhuanggu Paste.[Conclusions]This study established the quality standard research method of Jianjin Zhuanggu Paste,which further strengthens the safety standards of hospital preparations,and improves the clinical efficacy of drugs,as well as the quality standards of hospital preparations to a certain extent.