One sunny day,a little dog with the name Max met a little cat named Lily in the backyard.Max:Hi,Lily!I'm looking for something interesting to do.Do you want to play with me?Lily:Sure,Max!But how 1 can we play?Max:...One sunny day,a little dog with the name Max met a little cat named Lily in the backyard.Max:Hi,Lily!I'm looking for something interesting to do.Do you want to play with me?Lily:Sure,Max!But how 1 can we play?Max:How about hide-and-seek?Lily:Sound②great!You count first,and I'll go hide.展开更多
Sustainable feeding of the growing population in China without ecological destabilization is a grand challenge. In this populous country where agriculture is dominated by smallholder farming, developing innovative tec...Sustainable feeding of the growing population in China without ecological destabilization is a grand challenge. In this populous country where agriculture is dominated by smallholder farming, developing innovative technology and translating scientific knowledge into action for smallholder farmers is a crucial step in addressing this challenge. Here, we present a novel approach for technology innovation and dissemination to achieve sustainable intensification in the fields of smallholder farmers. The Science and Technology Backyard(STB) is a hub in a rural area that links knowledge with practices to promote technology innovation and exchange. In this study, the framework and functions of STB are introduced, and the key implications for sustainable intensification across millions of smallholder farmers are explicitly stated:(i) develop innovative technology based on stated demands of farmers;(ii) disseminate technology by innovative social service models though combined top-down approaches with bottom-up measures to enable smallholders in rural areas. This paper provides a perspective on transformation of small-scale agriculture toward sustainable intensification in China and useful knowledge applicable to other developing countries.展开更多
Different kind of feed can result in development of new meat odors, aroma and texture. The aim of the study was to use flash profile method to determine differences;if any, in sensory traits of Creole turkey meat with...Different kind of feed can result in development of new meat odors, aroma and texture. The aim of the study was to use flash profile method to determine differences;if any, in sensory traits of Creole turkey meat with different alimentation programs. Treatments were kitchen leftovers + fresh forage, commercial feed, kitchen leftovers, commercial feed + fresh forage, and broken maize + fresh forage. Cooked thighs, drumstick and breast were used. For the meat evaluation two different groups of people were recruited. In order to perform the sensory profile of breast six persons were recruited, in a second group nine persons;in both cases they did not know what kind of meat they were evaluating. Each sensory profile had three replicas, previously three training sessions and establishment of sensory attributes criteria were held. Attribute discrimination was evaluated one-way ANOVA. To obtain consensus and treatment mean position, attributes of the subjects a Generalized Procrustes Analysis was used and comparison of treatments through an ascendant hierarchy classification. Thirty five different sensory descriptive were generated. There were differences in meat sensory profile, it can be said that different treatments influenced in different ways the muscle development of Creole turkey, creating new sensory attributes.展开更多
To investigate serologically the presence of avian influenza virus (AIV) in backyard chickens from Mandlhakazi district, Southern Mozambique.MethodsA total of 439 sera samples from unvaccinated and apparently healthy ...To investigate serologically the presence of avian influenza virus (AIV) in backyard chickens from Mandlhakazi district, Southern Mozambique.MethodsA total of 439 sera samples from unvaccinated and apparently healthy backyard chickens from 4 villages (Chidenguele, Macuacua, Chizavane, and Nwadjahane) were tested for the presence of AIV antibodies through commercial enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) kit used according to manufacturer instructions.ResultsAnti-AIV antibodies were detected in all villages surveyed. The overall seroprevalence obtained was 32.6% (95% CI 28.2%-37.0%). The highest prevalence of 51.3% (95% CI 42.3%-60.2%) was recorded in Macuacua village, while the lowest prevalence of 13.0% (95% CI 6.2%-19.9%) was found in Chizavane village. The results of logistic regression analyses suggested that chicken being located in Chizavane and Macuacua villages were more unlikely for getting the virus exposure (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings suggested that AIV is widespread within backyard chickens in the studied villages. Further research is needed to identify the circulating virus genotypes and determine the potential role of backyard chickens in the zoonotic transmission of AIV in Mozambique.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors of H9 N2 avian influenza among backyard birds in Iran between October and November 2015. Methods: In this study, a total of 15 500 blood samples and 2 884 ...Objective: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors of H9 N2 avian influenza among backyard birds in Iran between October and November 2015. Methods: In this study, a total of 15 500 blood samples and 2 884 cloacal swab samples of backyard birds were collected in villages of Iran between October and November 2015. Then, serum samples were examined with the hemagluttination inhibition test and cloacal swab samples were pooled together and examined by RT-PCR. The samples that had serological titer ≥ 4(log2) and villages that had at least one seropositive sample were considered positive.Results: Out of 559 villages, 526(94.10%) were seropositive for the infection. Among 15 500 serum samples, 7 468(48.18%) samples were seropositive for the infection. The seroprevalence according to species was 54.02% among chickens, 17.59 % among ducks, 18.73% among turkeys, 84.21% among pigeons and 12.15% among ostriches, partridges and pheasants. Based on molecular test, 3.04% villages were positive. The seroprevalence in hot and humid area was less than that in cold and humid area(P<0.05).Conclusions: H9 N2 avian influenza has high seroprevalence among backyard birds of Iran. Therefore, preventive measures such as biosecurity Practices and monitoring should be applied to reduce the prevalence.展开更多
West African Dwarf (WAD) goats represent one of the predominant small ruminant breeds raised by resource-limited households in southern Nigeria as well as in the humid west and central Africa. This breed of goats is r...West African Dwarf (WAD) goats represent one of the predominant small ruminant breeds raised by resource-limited households in southern Nigeria as well as in the humid west and central Africa. This breed of goats is renowned for its adaptation to hot and humid environments, high fertility and prolificacy under backyard systems where they are raised almost with zero investment. On account of its contributions to household income and food security in southern Nigeria, there is the need for a detailed phenotypic and genetic characterization as well as the design of breeding strategies for its conservation through sustainable utilization. A critical challenge, however, is that there are no national breeding policies in most of the countries where WAD goats are raised. The objectives of this paper are: to review literature reports on trait-level information and estimates of genetic parameters for some economic characters of WAD goats;and to discuss a communal breeding scheme for its conservation through sustainable utilization. The presentation shows that WAD goats represent a highly diverse population, with particular reference to qualitative and performance-related traits, reflecting the role of traditional institutions in the maintenance of animal diversity in local populations. A genetic improvement programme involving dispersed open nucleus breeding scheme was discussed. The scheme involves backyard WAD goat units in villages as base population and dispersed communally managed schemes that maintain a population of bucks only, as nucleus units. Critical issues such as the definition of breeding goals by farmers, as well as communal project ownership, are emphasized. The ultimate goal of the breeding programme is to create opportunities for community-based management of WAD goat genetic resources for the benefit of backyard goat farmers in the region.展开更多
The CFO （Chicken Farmers of Ontario） has taken important steps to increase biosecurity practices within backyard poultry flocks in order to thwart infectious diseases. The present study originally intended to descri...The CFO （Chicken Farmers of Ontario） has taken important steps to increase biosecurity practices within backyard poultry flocks in order to thwart infectious diseases. The present study originally intended to describe biosecurity practices within this milieu, so as to determine their nearest neighbor and density, as well as the average distance between backyard and commercial broiler flocks. To that effect, paper questionnaire and survey interviews were used （May-July, 2011）, while backyard and commercial broiler chicken flocks were geocoded. The response rates collected from the study produced these findings regarding： growers＇ health practices toward flocks, hygienic precautions relative to the production area, regularity of bird inspection and cleaning after each folk, protocol used to dispose of dead birds, mixing （or lack thereof） of flocks with other livestock, as well as the average distance between small flocks and commercial farms. The study concludes that education material should focus on improving the growers＇ understanding of issues examined in the study, focusing on areas of weakness in respect to biosecurity practices.展开更多
This study evaluated the use of urine for soilless cultivation (as Peeponics) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius vegetables. This is a laboratory-based experiment involving optimization of amount of urine a...This study evaluated the use of urine for soilless cultivation (as Peeponics) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius vegetables. This is a laboratory-based experiment involving optimization of amount of urine and dilution required for optimal growth of the test plants. Based on laboratory results, the experiments were scaled up. About 50 L of raw urine was collected from a male postgraduate student’s hall of residence, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Water from Awba Dam, a natural lake within University of Ibadan, was used as the control. Viable seeds of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius were collected from Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, and germinated in a nursery for 10 days before transplanting. The raw urine was diluted with varying amount of water in the ratio 1:1 through 1:50. Nutrients in urine media (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and biomass indicators of plant growth (height, weight, number of leaves and leaf area) were determined using standard procedures. Urine dilution ratios below 1:25 did not support the experimental plants growth within a week. Plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves (sheets) and leaf area (cm2) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius cultivated on Urine Dilution Ratio (UDR) 1:35 and 1:45 were higher at the end of week 3 compared to other dilutions and control. Percentage reduction of nutrients (NPK) in the media of Amaranthus viridis cultivated on UDR 1:45 was several folds higher (N = 59.9%, P = 100%, K = 55.3%) compared to that of UDR 1:35 (N = 38.5%, P = 49.1%, K = 37.6%). In the control water, the nutrients were totally removed during the experimental period. Growth of Corchorus olitorius cultivated on both UDR 1:35 and 1:45, was significantly higher at the end of week 6. A significant negative correlation was observed between Corchorus olitorius plant height and Phosphorus (r = -0.0418;p < 0.05) removal in the media. The study concluded that the use of diluted human urine for soilless cultivation of vegetables, if encouraged, could promote food security and environmental sustainability at household level in communities.展开更多
Indonesia has been planning to build Nuclear Power Plants （NPPs） since the 1970＇s. Nevertheless, due to some problems the program is immaterialized so far. Recently, in anticipation of domestic energy crisis, nucle...Indonesia has been planning to build Nuclear Power Plants （NPPs） since the 1970＇s. Nevertheless, due to some problems the program is immaterialized so far. Recently, in anticipation of domestic energy crisis, nuclear program is revitalized. In the current situation, nuclear program is facing various challenges, including public perception, political instability, brain drain of skilled people, governmental support, and international confidence. In coping with these challenges, several efforts have been done. For instance, to deals with public perception, BATAN is making continuous effort in convincing the public and the decision makers to be aware of the necessity of nuclear power. In line with such effort, several milestones of the nuclear power programme have also been achieved. One of the most important milestones is the enactment of Act No. 10/1997 on Nuclear Energy. The Act demands the establishment of independent regulatory body separated from promoting body.展开更多
China-Africa Science and Technology Backyards is an international program launched by China Agricultural University in 2019.By combining scientific and technological innovation with the cultivation of talents and the ...China-Africa Science and Technology Backyards is an international program launched by China Agricultural University in 2019.By combining scientific and technological innovation with the cultivation of talents and the provision of social services,the program provides sci-tech and talent support that benefits agricultural development in Africa.Successful Chinese practices,especially related to the modernization of small farming households,are introduced to the world through the program.In addition,China-Africa cooperation and cultural exchanges are enhanced.In this edition,Margaret Simisi,a student from Malawi,shares her experiences in living and working in rural China.In first-person narrative,the research member of the China-Africa Science and Technology Backyards program details her devotion to studying agricultural techniques,which will eventually benefit the development of her home country.展开更多
Being the densest objects we know,neutron stars(NS)are key to understand matter in its most extreme states.Due to their small sizes and intrinsic faintness,NS can usually only be studied if they merge,if they accrete ...Being the densest objects we know,neutron stars(NS)are key to understand matter in its most extreme states.Due to their small sizes and intrinsic faintness,NS can usually only be studied if they merge,if they accrete matter,or if they emit radio pulses.Their formation is usually explained by the core collapse of massive stars accompanied by supernova explosions.This,however,cannot be the full story,because young NS also exist in old stellar populations devoid of massive stars.As an alternative scenario,the accretion-induced collapse(AIC)of a white dwarf(WD)was proposed.In many ways similar to neutron stars,WDs also consist of dense and degenerate matter without ongoing nuclear fusion.If WDs of a certain internal composition exceed the so-called Chandrasekhar mass limit,they are predicted to become unstable,collapse,and form NSs.Although this scenario fits well to the properties of many NS,it is still poorly studied observationally.展开更多
Agricultural innovation can be described as a coevolutionary process of technological innovation,symbolic change,and social or institutional innovation,which relies on the interactions and collaboration between multip...Agricultural innovation can be described as a coevolutionary process of technological innovation,symbolic change,and social or institutional innovation,which relies on the interactions and collaboration between multiple stakeholders.This view emphasizes the significance of innovation intermediaries in supporting the coevolution process of innovation.Many studies have provided evidence on how innovation intermediaries play roles in supporting the coevolution innovation process at a broader innovation system level.However,little emphasis has been given to the role of innovation intermediaries in supporting the coevolution process of innovation at the community level in rural China.To address this research gap,this paper offers a case study of a novel type of innovation support intervention designed to promote technical change at the community level,the Science and Technology Backyard(STB).The paper focuses on the efforts of a specific STB in Wangzhuang village to promote innovation in tillage methods in wheat production.The aims was to examine the role of this newly emerging innovation support intervention in supporting the coevolution process of innovation at the community level,and compare the outcome of the coevolution process in the village with an STB to that in villages without an STB.Innovation journey analysis is applied to understand the evolved intermediation roles in the innovation process,and multivariate regression analysis is employed to assess the outcome of the coevolution process in villages with and without an STB.The findings suggest that the roles of STBs have evolved from knowledge brokers to systemic innovation intermediaries that facilitate the coevolution process of innovation inside an STB village.It has led to a higher adoption rate of improved technology,a better enabling environment for learning,and more effective institutional support in STB villages than in non-STB villages.However,the effect of support provided by a single STB on the coevolution process outside the community was limited.This finding points to a need for collaboration mechanisms and for connecting single STBs to support the coevolution process of innovation at a larger scale.展开更多
Balancing ecological preservation with sustainable agricultural practices is a global issue. Erhai Lake has felt this challenge keenly. To address it, in 2022, a Science and Technology Backyards(STBs) project was laun...Balancing ecological preservation with sustainable agricultural practices is a global issue. Erhai Lake has felt this challenge keenly. To address it, in 2022, a Science and Technology Backyards(STBs) project was launched in Gusheng Village. The goal of this is to care for the environment while ensuring that farms and farmers can thrive sustainably. The uniqueness of the Erhai STB arises from its interdisciplinary integration, encompassing fields such as ecology, agronomy and social science, resulting in specifically-designed solutions for the Erhai context. While this model aligns with broader STB paradigms, its distinctive edge lies in technological innovation and robust support mechanisms for local agricultural stakeholders. This paper describes the methodology and outcomes of the STB initiative, highlighting its pivotal role in spearheading sustainable transition in Erhai. Preliminary findings underscore the potential of the STB model as an efficacious tool for harmonizing environmental conservation and agricultural practices, that are both financially and environmentally sustainable, rendering it a potential model for comparable regions in China and other counties.展开更多
Sustainable food production to feed the growing population in Africa remains a major challenge.Africa has 64%of the global arable land but produces less than 10%of its food locally due to its inherently low soil nutri...Sustainable food production to feed the growing population in Africa remains a major challenge.Africa has 64%of the global arable land but produces less than 10%of its food locally due to its inherently low soil nutrient concentrations.Poor soil fertility and a lack of fertilizer use are the major constraints to increasing crop yields in Africa.On average only about 8.8 kg NPK fertilizer is applied per hectare by African smallholder farmers.There is therefore considerable potential for increasing food production through sustainable intensification of the cropping systems.The low crop yields in Africa are also partly due to limited farmer access to modern agronomic techniques,including improved crop varieties,a lack of financial resources,and the absence of mechanisms for dissemination of information to smallholders.This study analyzed the Science and Technology Backyards(STBs)model and investigated its use for the transformation of agriculture in Africa.Some key lessons for sustainable crop intensification in Africa can be found from analysis of the STB model which is well established in China.These include(1)scientist-farmer engagement to develop adaptive and innovative technology for sustainable crop production,(2)dissemination of technology by empowering smallholders,especially leading farmers,and(3)the development of an open platform for multiple resource involvement rather than relying on a single mechanism.This review evaluates the benefits of the STB model used in China for adoption to increase agricultural productivity in Africa,with a perspective on sustainable crop intensification on the continent.展开更多
Background:Human infection of avian influenza virus(AIV)remains a great concern.Although live poultry markets are believed to be associated with human infections,ever more infections have been reported in rural areas ...Background:Human infection of avian influenza virus(AIV)remains a great concern.Although live poultry markets are believed to be associated with human infections,ever more infections have been reported in rural areas with backyard poultry,especially in the fifth epidemic of H7N9.However,limited information is available on backyard poultry infection and surrounding environmental contamination.Methods:Two surveillance systems and a field survey were used to collect data and samples in Zhejiang Province.In total,4538 samples were collected by surveillance systems and 3171 from the field survey between May 2015 and May 2017,while 352 backyard poultry owners were interviewed in May 2017 by questionnaire to investigate factors influencing the prevalence of avian influenza A virus and other AIV subtypes.RT-PCR was used to test the nucleic acids of viruses.ArcGIS 10.1 software was used to generate maps.Univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for AIV infection.Results:Of the 428 poultry premises observed by the surveillance system,53(12.38%)were positive for influenza A virus.Of the 352 samples from poultry premises observed by field survey,13(3.39%)were positive for influenza A virus.The prevalence of AIV was unevenly distributed and the dominant subtype differed among cities.Eastern(Shaoxing and Ningbo)and southern(Wenzhou)cities exhibited a higher prevalence of AIV(16.33,8.94,and 7.30%respectively).Contamination of AIV subtypes was most severe in January,especially in 2016(23.26%,70/301).The positive rate of subtype H5/H7/H9 was 2.53%(115/4538).Subtype H5 was the least prevalent,while subtypes H7 and H9 had similar positivity rates(1.50 and 1.32%respectively).Poultry flocks and environmental samples had a similar prevalence of AIV(4.46%vs 5.06%).The type of live birds was a risk factor and the sanitary condition of the setting was a protective factor against influenza A contamination.Conclusions:AIV subtypes were prevalent in backyard poultry flocks and surrounding environments in Zhejiang Province.The types of live birds and sanitary conditions of the environment were associated with influenza A contamination.These findings shine a light on the characteristics of contamination of AIV subtypes and emphasize the importance of reducing AIV circulation in backyard poultry settings.展开更多
West African countries are among the larger global millet producers but have low yields mainly due to the low quality of their marginal soils.The objectives of this work were to analyze the benefits and constraints of...West African countries are among the larger global millet producers but have low yields mainly due to the low quality of their marginal soils.The objectives of this work were to analyze the benefits and constraints of pearl millet production,to summarize the impact of different cropping systems and fertilization modes while proposing a holistic approach for sustainable production.The major constraints on millet yields are low rates or absence of fertilizers,unsuitable cropping systems,and the proliferation of pests and diseases.Intercropping with cowpea is a widely used cropping system in addition to crop rotation,monocropping and agroforestry systems.Microdosing is the best fertilization mode for West African smallholders.It is concluded that integrated systems(breeding new cultivars,intercropping and microdosing)in tied ridges or infiltration pit practices,sustained by the implementation of innovative approaches such as the‘Science and Technology Backyards’from China are a promising approach for increasing pearl millet production.In addition,policies such as land protection of the farmers and subsidies of inputs from the government and the effective involvement of farmers and extension officers are necessary in sustaining millet production in West Africa.展开更多
文摘One sunny day,a little dog with the name Max met a little cat named Lily in the backyard.Max:Hi,Lily!I'm looking for something interesting to do.Do you want to play with me?Lily:Sure,Max!But how 1 can we play?Max:How about hide-and-seek?Lily:Sound②great!You count first,and I'll go hide.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (2015CB150405)
文摘Sustainable feeding of the growing population in China without ecological destabilization is a grand challenge. In this populous country where agriculture is dominated by smallholder farming, developing innovative technology and translating scientific knowledge into action for smallholder farmers is a crucial step in addressing this challenge. Here, we present a novel approach for technology innovation and dissemination to achieve sustainable intensification in the fields of smallholder farmers. The Science and Technology Backyard(STB) is a hub in a rural area that links knowledge with practices to promote technology innovation and exchange. In this study, the framework and functions of STB are introduced, and the key implications for sustainable intensification across millions of smallholder farmers are explicitly stated:(i) develop innovative technology based on stated demands of farmers;(ii) disseminate technology by innovative social service models though combined top-down approaches with bottom-up measures to enable smallholders in rural areas. This paper provides a perspective on transformation of small-scale agriculture toward sustainable intensification in China and useful knowledge applicable to other developing countries.
文摘Different kind of feed can result in development of new meat odors, aroma and texture. The aim of the study was to use flash profile method to determine differences;if any, in sensory traits of Creole turkey meat with different alimentation programs. Treatments were kitchen leftovers + fresh forage, commercial feed, kitchen leftovers, commercial feed + fresh forage, and broken maize + fresh forage. Cooked thighs, drumstick and breast were used. For the meat evaluation two different groups of people were recruited. In order to perform the sensory profile of breast six persons were recruited, in a second group nine persons;in both cases they did not know what kind of meat they were evaluating. Each sensory profile had three replicas, previously three training sessions and establishment of sensory attributes criteria were held. Attribute discrimination was evaluated one-way ANOVA. To obtain consensus and treatment mean position, attributes of the subjects a Generalized Procrustes Analysis was used and comparison of treatments through an ascendant hierarchy classification. Thirty five different sensory descriptive were generated. There were differences in meat sensory profile, it can be said that different treatments influenced in different ways the muscle development of Creole turkey, creating new sensory attributes.
基金funded by Fundo Nacional de Investigacao,Mozambique and Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa(CCARDESA)with grant number CPRJ/INT/WB/CFP1/14/03
文摘To investigate serologically the presence of avian influenza virus (AIV) in backyard chickens from Mandlhakazi district, Southern Mozambique.MethodsA total of 439 sera samples from unvaccinated and apparently healthy backyard chickens from 4 villages (Chidenguele, Macuacua, Chizavane, and Nwadjahane) were tested for the presence of AIV antibodies through commercial enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) kit used according to manufacturer instructions.ResultsAnti-AIV antibodies were detected in all villages surveyed. The overall seroprevalence obtained was 32.6% (95% CI 28.2%-37.0%). The highest prevalence of 51.3% (95% CI 42.3%-60.2%) was recorded in Macuacua village, while the lowest prevalence of 13.0% (95% CI 6.2%-19.9%) was found in Chizavane village. The results of logistic regression analyses suggested that chicken being located in Chizavane and Macuacua villages were more unlikely for getting the virus exposure (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings suggested that AIV is widespread within backyard chickens in the studied villages. Further research is needed to identify the circulating virus genotypes and determine the potential role of backyard chickens in the zoonotic transmission of AIV in Mozambique.
基金the Directorate of Health and Management of Poultry Disease of the Iranian Veterinary Organization for their support
文摘Objective: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors of H9 N2 avian influenza among backyard birds in Iran between October and November 2015. Methods: In this study, a total of 15 500 blood samples and 2 884 cloacal swab samples of backyard birds were collected in villages of Iran between October and November 2015. Then, serum samples were examined with the hemagluttination inhibition test and cloacal swab samples were pooled together and examined by RT-PCR. The samples that had serological titer ≥ 4(log2) and villages that had at least one seropositive sample were considered positive.Results: Out of 559 villages, 526(94.10%) were seropositive for the infection. Among 15 500 serum samples, 7 468(48.18%) samples were seropositive for the infection. The seroprevalence according to species was 54.02% among chickens, 17.59 % among ducks, 18.73% among turkeys, 84.21% among pigeons and 12.15% among ostriches, partridges and pheasants. Based on molecular test, 3.04% villages were positive. The seroprevalence in hot and humid area was less than that in cold and humid area(P<0.05).Conclusions: H9 N2 avian influenza has high seroprevalence among backyard birds of Iran. Therefore, preventive measures such as biosecurity Practices and monitoring should be applied to reduce the prevalence.
文摘West African Dwarf (WAD) goats represent one of the predominant small ruminant breeds raised by resource-limited households in southern Nigeria as well as in the humid west and central Africa. This breed of goats is renowned for its adaptation to hot and humid environments, high fertility and prolificacy under backyard systems where they are raised almost with zero investment. On account of its contributions to household income and food security in southern Nigeria, there is the need for a detailed phenotypic and genetic characterization as well as the design of breeding strategies for its conservation through sustainable utilization. A critical challenge, however, is that there are no national breeding policies in most of the countries where WAD goats are raised. The objectives of this paper are: to review literature reports on trait-level information and estimates of genetic parameters for some economic characters of WAD goats;and to discuss a communal breeding scheme for its conservation through sustainable utilization. The presentation shows that WAD goats represent a highly diverse population, with particular reference to qualitative and performance-related traits, reflecting the role of traditional institutions in the maintenance of animal diversity in local populations. A genetic improvement programme involving dispersed open nucleus breeding scheme was discussed. The scheme involves backyard WAD goat units in villages as base population and dispersed communally managed schemes that maintain a population of bucks only, as nucleus units. Critical issues such as the definition of breeding goals by farmers, as well as communal project ownership, are emphasized. The ultimate goal of the breeding programme is to create opportunities for community-based management of WAD goat genetic resources for the benefit of backyard goat farmers in the region.
文摘The CFO （Chicken Farmers of Ontario） has taken important steps to increase biosecurity practices within backyard poultry flocks in order to thwart infectious diseases. The present study originally intended to describe biosecurity practices within this milieu, so as to determine their nearest neighbor and density, as well as the average distance between backyard and commercial broiler flocks. To that effect, paper questionnaire and survey interviews were used （May-July, 2011）, while backyard and commercial broiler chicken flocks were geocoded. The response rates collected from the study produced these findings regarding： growers＇ health practices toward flocks, hygienic precautions relative to the production area, regularity of bird inspection and cleaning after each folk, protocol used to dispose of dead birds, mixing （or lack thereof） of flocks with other livestock, as well as the average distance between small flocks and commercial farms. The study concludes that education material should focus on improving the growers＇ understanding of issues examined in the study, focusing on areas of weakness in respect to biosecurity practices.
文摘This study evaluated the use of urine for soilless cultivation (as Peeponics) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius vegetables. This is a laboratory-based experiment involving optimization of amount of urine and dilution required for optimal growth of the test plants. Based on laboratory results, the experiments were scaled up. About 50 L of raw urine was collected from a male postgraduate student’s hall of residence, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Water from Awba Dam, a natural lake within University of Ibadan, was used as the control. Viable seeds of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius were collected from Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, and germinated in a nursery for 10 days before transplanting. The raw urine was diluted with varying amount of water in the ratio 1:1 through 1:50. Nutrients in urine media (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and biomass indicators of plant growth (height, weight, number of leaves and leaf area) were determined using standard procedures. Urine dilution ratios below 1:25 did not support the experimental plants growth within a week. Plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves (sheets) and leaf area (cm2) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius cultivated on Urine Dilution Ratio (UDR) 1:35 and 1:45 were higher at the end of week 3 compared to other dilutions and control. Percentage reduction of nutrients (NPK) in the media of Amaranthus viridis cultivated on UDR 1:45 was several folds higher (N = 59.9%, P = 100%, K = 55.3%) compared to that of UDR 1:35 (N = 38.5%, P = 49.1%, K = 37.6%). In the control water, the nutrients were totally removed during the experimental period. Growth of Corchorus olitorius cultivated on both UDR 1:35 and 1:45, was significantly higher at the end of week 6. A significant negative correlation was observed between Corchorus olitorius plant height and Phosphorus (r = -0.0418;p < 0.05) removal in the media. The study concluded that the use of diluted human urine for soilless cultivation of vegetables, if encouraged, could promote food security and environmental sustainability at household level in communities.
文摘Indonesia has been planning to build Nuclear Power Plants （NPPs） since the 1970＇s. Nevertheless, due to some problems the program is immaterialized so far. Recently, in anticipation of domestic energy crisis, nuclear program is revitalized. In the current situation, nuclear program is facing various challenges, including public perception, political instability, brain drain of skilled people, governmental support, and international confidence. In coping with these challenges, several efforts have been done. For instance, to deals with public perception, BATAN is making continuous effort in convincing the public and the decision makers to be aware of the necessity of nuclear power. In line with such effort, several milestones of the nuclear power programme have also been achieved. One of the most important milestones is the enactment of Act No. 10/1997 on Nuclear Energy. The Act demands the establishment of independent regulatory body separated from promoting body.
文摘China-Africa Science and Technology Backyards is an international program launched by China Agricultural University in 2019.By combining scientific and technological innovation with the cultivation of talents and the provision of social services,the program provides sci-tech and talent support that benefits agricultural development in Africa.Successful Chinese practices,especially related to the modernization of small farming households,are introduced to the world through the program.In addition,China-Africa cooperation and cultural exchanges are enhanced.In this edition,Margaret Simisi,a student from Malawi,shares her experiences in living and working in rural China.In first-person narrative,the research member of the China-Africa Science and Technology Backyards program details her devotion to studying agricultural techniques,which will eventually benefit the development of her home country.
文摘Being the densest objects we know,neutron stars(NS)are key to understand matter in its most extreme states.Due to their small sizes and intrinsic faintness,NS can usually only be studied if they merge,if they accrete matter,or if they emit radio pulses.Their formation is usually explained by the core collapse of massive stars accompanied by supernova explosions.This,however,cannot be the full story,because young NS also exist in old stellar populations devoid of massive stars.As an alternative scenario,the accretion-induced collapse(AIC)of a white dwarf(WD)was proposed.In many ways similar to neutron stars,WDs also consist of dense and degenerate matter without ongoing nuclear fusion.If WDs of a certain internal composition exceed the so-called Chandrasekhar mass limit,they are predicted to become unstable,collapse,and form NSs.Although this scenario fits well to the properties of many NS,it is still poorly studied observationally.
基金supported by China Scholarship Council(201913043)Agricultural Carbon Neutral Account Establishment Program in Quzhou(202127).
文摘Agricultural innovation can be described as a coevolutionary process of technological innovation,symbolic change,and social or institutional innovation,which relies on the interactions and collaboration between multiple stakeholders.This view emphasizes the significance of innovation intermediaries in supporting the coevolution process of innovation.Many studies have provided evidence on how innovation intermediaries play roles in supporting the coevolution innovation process at a broader innovation system level.However,little emphasis has been given to the role of innovation intermediaries in supporting the coevolution process of innovation at the community level in rural China.To address this research gap,this paper offers a case study of a novel type of innovation support intervention designed to promote technical change at the community level,the Science and Technology Backyard(STB).The paper focuses on the efforts of a specific STB in Wangzhuang village to promote innovation in tillage methods in wheat production.The aims was to examine the role of this newly emerging innovation support intervention in supporting the coevolution process of innovation at the community level,and compare the outcome of the coevolution process in the village with an STB to that in villages without an STB.Innovation journey analysis is applied to understand the evolved intermediation roles in the innovation process,and multivariate regression analysis is employed to assess the outcome of the coevolution process in villages with and without an STB.The findings suggest that the roles of STBs have evolved from knowledge brokers to systemic innovation intermediaries that facilitate the coevolution process of innovation inside an STB village.It has led to a higher adoption rate of improved technology,a better enabling environment for learning,and more effective institutional support in STB villages than in non-STB villages.However,the effect of support provided by a single STB on the coevolution process outside the community was limited.This finding points to a need for collaboration mechanisms and for connecting single STBs to support the coevolution process of innovation at a larger scale.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFD1901504-02)the Yunnan Science and Technology Program (202202AE090034-05) to Kemo Jin。
文摘Balancing ecological preservation with sustainable agricultural practices is a global issue. Erhai Lake has felt this challenge keenly. To address it, in 2022, a Science and Technology Backyards(STBs) project was launched in Gusheng Village. The goal of this is to care for the environment while ensuring that farms and farmers can thrive sustainably. The uniqueness of the Erhai STB arises from its interdisciplinary integration, encompassing fields such as ecology, agronomy and social science, resulting in specifically-designed solutions for the Erhai context. While this model aligns with broader STB paradigms, its distinctive edge lies in technological innovation and robust support mechanisms for local agricultural stakeholders. This paper describes the methodology and outcomes of the STB initiative, highlighting its pivotal role in spearheading sustainable transition in Erhai. Preliminary findings underscore the potential of the STB model as an efficacious tool for harmonizing environmental conservation and agricultural practices, that are both financially and environmentally sustainable, rendering it a potential model for comparable regions in China and other counties.
基金This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council(201913043)the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation(OPP1209192)the“Sino-Africa Friendship”China Government Scholarship(2019-1442).
文摘Sustainable food production to feed the growing population in Africa remains a major challenge.Africa has 64%of the global arable land but produces less than 10%of its food locally due to its inherently low soil nutrient concentrations.Poor soil fertility and a lack of fertilizer use are the major constraints to increasing crop yields in Africa.On average only about 8.8 kg NPK fertilizer is applied per hectare by African smallholder farmers.There is therefore considerable potential for increasing food production through sustainable intensification of the cropping systems.The low crop yields in Africa are also partly due to limited farmer access to modern agronomic techniques,including improved crop varieties,a lack of financial resources,and the absence of mechanisms for dissemination of information to smallholders.This study analyzed the Science and Technology Backyards(STBs)model and investigated its use for the transformation of agriculture in Africa.Some key lessons for sustainable crop intensification in Africa can be found from analysis of the STB model which is well established in China.These include(1)scientist-farmer engagement to develop adaptive and innovative technology for sustainable crop production,(2)dissemination of technology by empowering smallholders,especially leading farmers,and(3)the development of an open platform for multiple resource involvement rather than relying on a single mechanism.This review evaluates the benefits of the STB model used in China for adoption to increase agricultural productivity in Africa,with a perspective on sustainable crop intensification on the continent.
基金financially supported by grants from the Medical Research Program of Zhejiang Province(Grant No.2016RCA008)from the Major Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province(Grant No.2014C03039)None of the funders had any role in the study design,the collection,analysis,and interpretation of data,writing of the article,or the decision for publication.The researchers confirm their independence from funders and sponsors。
文摘Background:Human infection of avian influenza virus(AIV)remains a great concern.Although live poultry markets are believed to be associated with human infections,ever more infections have been reported in rural areas with backyard poultry,especially in the fifth epidemic of H7N9.However,limited information is available on backyard poultry infection and surrounding environmental contamination.Methods:Two surveillance systems and a field survey were used to collect data and samples in Zhejiang Province.In total,4538 samples were collected by surveillance systems and 3171 from the field survey between May 2015 and May 2017,while 352 backyard poultry owners were interviewed in May 2017 by questionnaire to investigate factors influencing the prevalence of avian influenza A virus and other AIV subtypes.RT-PCR was used to test the nucleic acids of viruses.ArcGIS 10.1 software was used to generate maps.Univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for AIV infection.Results:Of the 428 poultry premises observed by the surveillance system,53(12.38%)were positive for influenza A virus.Of the 352 samples from poultry premises observed by field survey,13(3.39%)were positive for influenza A virus.The prevalence of AIV was unevenly distributed and the dominant subtype differed among cities.Eastern(Shaoxing and Ningbo)and southern(Wenzhou)cities exhibited a higher prevalence of AIV(16.33,8.94,and 7.30%respectively).Contamination of AIV subtypes was most severe in January,especially in 2016(23.26%,70/301).The positive rate of subtype H5/H7/H9 was 2.53%(115/4538).Subtype H5 was the least prevalent,while subtypes H7 and H9 had similar positivity rates(1.50 and 1.32%respectively).Poultry flocks and environmental samples had a similar prevalence of AIV(4.46%vs 5.06%).The type of live birds was a risk factor and the sanitary condition of the setting was a protective factor against influenza A contamination.Conclusions:AIV subtypes were prevalent in backyard poultry flocks and surrounding environments in Zhejiang Province.The types of live birds and sanitary conditions of the environment were associated with influenza A contamination.These findings shine a light on the characteristics of contamination of AIV subtypes and emphasize the importance of reducing AIV circulation in backyard poultry settings.
基金the China Scholarship Council,the CGCOC Group and China Agricultural University for providing study and research facilities and financial support.
文摘West African countries are among the larger global millet producers but have low yields mainly due to the low quality of their marginal soils.The objectives of this work were to analyze the benefits and constraints of pearl millet production,to summarize the impact of different cropping systems and fertilization modes while proposing a holistic approach for sustainable production.The major constraints on millet yields are low rates or absence of fertilizers,unsuitable cropping systems,and the proliferation of pests and diseases.Intercropping with cowpea is a widely used cropping system in addition to crop rotation,monocropping and agroforestry systems.Microdosing is the best fertilization mode for West African smallholders.It is concluded that integrated systems(breeding new cultivars,intercropping and microdosing)in tied ridges or infiltration pit practices,sustained by the implementation of innovative approaches such as the‘Science and Technology Backyards’from China are a promising approach for increasing pearl millet production.In addition,policies such as land protection of the farmers and subsidies of inputs from the government and the effective involvement of farmers and extension officers are necessary in sustaining millet production in West Africa.
