Due to the impoundment of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam in China fosters high land-use dynamics. Soil erosion is expected to increase dramatically. One of the key factors in soil erosion control is the veget...Due to the impoundment of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam in China fosters high land-use dynamics. Soil erosion is expected to increase dramatically. One of the key factors in soil erosion control is the vegetation cover and crop type. However, determining these factors adequately for the use in soil erosion modeling is very time-consuming especially for large mountainous areas, such as the Xiangxi （香溪） catchment in the Three Gorges area. In our study, the crop and management factor C was calculated using the fractional vegetation cover （CFvc） based on Landsat-TM images from 2005, 2006, and 2007 and on literature studies （CLIT）. In 2007, the values of CFvc range between 0.001 and 0.98 in the Xiangxi catchment. The mean CFVC value is 0.05. CLIT values are distinctly higher, ranging from 0.08 to 0.46 with a mean value of 0.32 in the Xiangxi catchment. The mean potential soil loss amounts to 120.62 t/ha/a in the Xiangxi catchment when using CLIT for modeling. Based on CFVC, the predicted mean soil loss in the Xiangxi catchment is 11.50 t/ha/a. Therefore, CLIT appears to bemore reliable than the C factor based on the fractional vegetation cover.展开更多
I first visited China almost40 years ago. In 1981, whenI toured Beijing, Shanghai andGuangdong Province, thingswere still pretty basic. Over theyears, I have witnessed much ofthe remarkable transformationof China from...I first visited China almost40 years ago. In 1981, whenI toured Beijing, Shanghai andGuangdong Province, thingswere still pretty basic. Over theyears, I have witnessed much ofthe remarkable transformationof China from a rural andpoor country to a modern,sophisticated land on the vergeof completely eliminatingextreme poverty.展开更多
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River has extensive impact on the ecosystems and the population of the Three Gorges Area （TGA）. Inundation and resettlement have induced far-reaching land use ...The construction of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River has extensive impact on the ecosystems and the population of the Three Gorges Area （TGA）. Inundation and resettlement have induced far-reaching land use and land cover change （LUCC）. The areas that are affected by measures of resettlement are in a tense situation between the implementation of various governmental tasks addressing sustainable land use and water retention and the fulfilment of the population＇s economic needs, which primarily depend on agricultural production. Destabilization of slopes and soil erosion are immediate hazards induced by the impoundment. Farming is a very important source of income and has to persist on the one hand to assure the income of the rural population. On the other hand, the environment has to be protected from runoff, soil erosion and instabilities connected to relief, geology and hydraulic influences. In this study, supervised classifications are performed using Landsat-TM （1987 and 2007） and ASTER （2007） images. LUCC is assessed by post-classification change analysis. On the catchment scale, arable land has decreased significantly, while garden land （citrus orchards） and woodland have increased. LUCC mainly affects the area surrounding the reservoir （＂backwater＂） of the Xiangxi （香溪） River, driven by local resettlement, newly built infrastructure, relocation of land cultivation, and conversion of arable land to garden land. In the hinterland, LUCC occurs in form of abandonment of land cultivation as a consequence of the Grain-forGreen programme.展开更多
Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)is a significantly lucrative cash crop for millions of small-holder farmers.Its seeds are an important source of a highly appreciated vegetable oil globally and two clinically essential antio...Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)is a significantly lucrative cash crop for millions of small-holder farmers.Its seeds are an important source of a highly appreciated vegetable oil globally and two clinically essential antioxidant lignans,sesamin and sesamolin.Accordingly,many countries import millions of tons of sesame seed every year.The demand for lignan-rich sesame seeds has been increasing in recent years due to the continuous discovery of several pharmacological attributes of sesamin and sesamolin.To meet this demand,the sesame breeder’s primary objective is to release sesame cultivars that are enriched in oil and lignans.Thus,it is necessary to summarize the information related to the sesamin and sesamolin contents in sesame in order to promote the joint efforts of specialized research teams on this important oilseed crop.In this article,we present the current knowledge on the sesamin and sesamolin contents in S.indicum L.with respect to the updated biosynthesis pathway,associated markers,governing loci,available variability in sesame germplasm,the in planta potential roles of these compounds in sesame,and the newly discovered pharmacological attributes.In addition,we propose and discuss some required studies that might facilitate genomics-assisted breeding of high lignan content sesame varieties.展开更多
Rice genes OsDjA2 and OsERF104,encoding a chaperone protein and an APETELA2/ethylene-responsive factor,respectively,are strongly induced in a compatible interaction with blast fungus,and also have function in plant su...Rice genes OsDjA2 and OsERF104,encoding a chaperone protein and an APETELA2/ethylene-responsive factor,respectively,are strongly induced in a compatible interaction with blast fungus,and also have function in plant susceptibility validated through gene silencing.Here,we reported the CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of OsDjA2 and OsERF104 genes resulting in considerable improvement of blast resistance.A total of 15 OsDjA2(62.5%)and 17 OsERF104(70.8%)T_(0)transformed lines were identified from 24 regenerated plants for each target and used in downstream experiments.Phenotyping of homozygous T1 mutant lines revealed not only a significant decrease in the number of blast lesions but also a reduction in the percentage of diseased leaf area,compared with the infected control plants.Our results supported CRISPR/Cas9-mediated target mutation in rice susceptibility genes as a potential and alternative breeding strategy for building resistance to blast disease.展开更多
Background Headlice are prevalent worldwide, with a higher burden in rural, lower-middle income settings. They can cause intense itchiness, discomfort, and secondary bacterial infections with potentially serious conse...Background Headlice are prevalent worldwide, with a higher burden in rural, lower-middle income settings. They can cause intense itchiness, discomfort, and secondary bacterial infections with potentially serious consequences. Ivermectin is efficacious against headlice, and is also being evaluated as a malaria vector control tool. In this study, we explored risk factors for headlice, and assessed the efficacy of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) designed for malaria against headlice.Methods We conducted an open-label, assessor-blind, cluster-randomized controlled trial in Mopeia, Mozambique. A single dose of ivermectin was given monthly to eligible humans or humans and livestock (humans: 400 μg/kg, livestock: 1% injectable 200 μg/kg) in 3 consecutive months during the rainy season. The control group received albendazole (humans only). Thirty-nine clusters (13 per arm) were randomly selected for the nested assessment of headlice prevalence. 1341 treated participants were followed up at least once, 1, 2 and 3 months and 382 untreated (ineligible) participants at 3 and 6 months after the first MDA round. Headlice diagnosis was determined by scalp examination. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for headlice at baseline, and to estimate the treatment effect at each time point.Results A total of 1309 participants were included in the main analysis assessing ivermectin MDA efficacy, and 1332 in the risk factor analysis. The baseline headlice prevalence was 11%. Risk factors included living with a household member with head itch [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 48.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 28.7–82.3,P-value < 0.0001], being female (aOR= 2.25, 95%CI: 1.33–3.80,P-value < 0.01), and using surface water as the main water (aOR= 2.37, 95%CI: 1.12–5.33,P-value= 0.04). The treated population receiving ivermectin had significantly lower odds of having headlice at 3 months compared to those receiving albendazole (aOR= 0.19, 95%CI: 0.04–0.91,P-value = 0.04). There was no indirect effect on headlice among children ineligible for treatment.Conclusions In a highly endemic setting, mass drug administration with ivermectin significantly reduces headlice infestation prevalence among those who receive the drug for three sequential months. The lack of effect among untreated, ineligible children implies that additional interventions would be needed to interrupt local transmission.展开更多
Editor’s Note:Peter Barnes offers a critique of the OECD’s Pillars One and Two proposals;he lauds the OECD’s goals but expresses concern that the proposals depend on unrealistic assumptions.David Rosenbloom,in a co...Editor’s Note:Peter Barnes offers a critique of the OECD’s Pillars One and Two proposals;he lauds the OECD’s goals but expresses concern that the proposals depend on unrealistic assumptions.David Rosenbloom,in a companion commentary,goes further and says the proposals are too complex to work in today’s international tax environment.Both authors1 believe the OECD’s goal of increasing source jurisdiction taxation can be achieved in other simpler ways.展开更多
To tackle the planetary environmental and climate crisis and meet the United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),we must fully leverage the potential of Earth observations(EO).This involves integrating global...To tackle the planetary environmental and climate crisis and meet the United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),we must fully leverage the potential of Earth observations(EO).This involves integrating globally sourced data on the atmosphere,hydrosphere,cryosphere,lithosphere,along with ecological and socio-economic information.By harmonizing and integrating these diverse data sources,we can more effectively incorporate observational data into multi-scale modeling and artificial intelligence(AI)frameworks.This paper is based on discussions from the“Towards Global Earth Observatory”workshop held from May 8-10,2023,organized by the World Meteorological Organization(WMO)and the Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center(ACCC),in collaboration with the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research(INAR)at the University of Helsinki.The current state of EO and data repositories is fragmented,highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to establish a new global Ground-Based Earth Observatory(GGBEO).Here,we summarize the current status of selected in-situ and ground-based remote sensing observation systems and outline future actions and recommendations to meet scientific,societal,and economic needs.In addition,we identify key steps to create a coordinated and comprehensive GGBEO system that leverages existing investments,networks,and infrastructures.This system would integrate regional and global ground-based in situ and remote sensing systems,marine,and airborne observational data.An integrated approach should aim for seamless coordination,interoperable and harmonized data repositories,easily searchable and accessible data,and sustainable long-term funding.展开更多
The Silk Road(Chinese:丝绸之路),first popularized by the German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1877,denotes a transcontinental trade network spanning 7000 km across Eurasia,linking eastern Asia(mostly central ...The Silk Road(Chinese:丝绸之路),first popularized by the German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1877,denotes a transcontinental trade network spanning 7000 km across Eurasia,linking eastern Asia(mostly central China)to the Pamirs,Central Asia,Arabia,India,and Europe.Active from the 2nd century BCE to the mid-15th century CE,the Silk Road developed from a trade route into the world’s most influential corridor for the exchanges of people,languages,religions,ideas,cultures,science,and technology.展开更多
This paper constructs a two-stage sequential game model to shed light on the spillover effect of inward FDI on the efficiency of domestic firms in host countries.Our model shows that,given an optimal joint-venture pol...This paper constructs a two-stage sequential game model to shed light on the spillover effect of inward FDI on the efficiency of domestic firms in host countries.Our model shows that,given an optimal joint-venture policy made by foreign firms,the impact of the spillover effect of inward FDI is contingent upon the productivity gap between the domestic firms and foreign ones.In particular,we demonstrate that the spillover effect of inward FDI varies negatively with the productivity gap between domestic lowproductivity firms and foreign firms but works in the opposite way for high-productivity firms.This suggests that once the productivity gap widens,the entry of foreign firms will increase the efficiency of high-productivity firms but reduce the efficiency of lowproductivity firms.In support of our theoretical model,we provide robust empirical results by using the dataset of annual survey of Chinese industrial enterprises.展开更多
For this Special Issue we have endeavored to compile a set of papers that carry a coherent message to the readership of China ＆ World Economy. The work builds upon and seeks to extend two recent topics of debate in C...For this Special Issue we have endeavored to compile a set of papers that carry a coherent message to the readership of China ＆ World Economy. The work builds upon and seeks to extend two recent topics of debate in China. First, we recognize and add to the literature on tightening labor markets, rising wage rates and the emergence of a new era in China＇s economic development. Second, we contribute to the debate on the seriousness of inequality inChina.展开更多
The effects of the worldwide ep-idemic of COVID-19 insofar as U.S.tax law is concerned are very r eal,very large,and grasped for the most part only by tax professionals.But there is one exception:all Americans now see...The effects of the worldwide ep-idemic of COVID-19 insofar as U.S.tax law is concerned are very r eal,very large,and grasped for the most part only by tax professionals.But there is one exception:all Americans now see the Internal Revenue Service(IRS)not only as a tax collector but also the agency sending$1,200 to almost every American adult,plus$500 for most children.展开更多
基金supported by the Federal German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (No. 03 G 0669)coordinated by the German Jülich Research Centre (FZJ)
文摘Due to the impoundment of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam in China fosters high land-use dynamics. Soil erosion is expected to increase dramatically. One of the key factors in soil erosion control is the vegetation cover and crop type. However, determining these factors adequately for the use in soil erosion modeling is very time-consuming especially for large mountainous areas, such as the Xiangxi （香溪） catchment in the Three Gorges area. In our study, the crop and management factor C was calculated using the fractional vegetation cover （CFvc） based on Landsat-TM images from 2005, 2006, and 2007 and on literature studies （CLIT）. In 2007, the values of CFvc range between 0.001 and 0.98 in the Xiangxi catchment. The mean CFVC value is 0.05. CLIT values are distinctly higher, ranging from 0.08 to 0.46 with a mean value of 0.32 in the Xiangxi catchment. The mean potential soil loss amounts to 120.62 t/ha/a in the Xiangxi catchment when using CLIT for modeling. Based on CFVC, the predicted mean soil loss in the Xiangxi catchment is 11.50 t/ha/a. Therefore, CLIT appears to bemore reliable than the C factor based on the fractional vegetation cover.
文摘I first visited China almost40 years ago. In 1981, whenI toured Beijing, Shanghai andGuangdong Province, thingswere still pretty basic. Over theyears, I have witnessed much ofthe remarkable transformationof China from a rural andpoor country to a modern,sophisticated land on the vergeof completely eliminatingextreme poverty.
基金supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, No. 03 G 0669)
文摘The construction of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River has extensive impact on the ecosystems and the population of the Three Gorges Area （TGA）. Inundation and resettlement have induced far-reaching land use and land cover change （LUCC）. The areas that are affected by measures of resettlement are in a tense situation between the implementation of various governmental tasks addressing sustainable land use and water retention and the fulfilment of the population＇s economic needs, which primarily depend on agricultural production. Destabilization of slopes and soil erosion are immediate hazards induced by the impoundment. Farming is a very important source of income and has to persist on the one hand to assure the income of the rural population. On the other hand, the environment has to be protected from runoff, soil erosion and instabilities connected to relief, geology and hydraulic influences. In this study, supervised classifications are performed using Landsat-TM （1987 and 2007） and ASTER （2007） images. LUCC is assessed by post-classification change analysis. On the catchment scale, arable land has decreased significantly, while garden land （citrus orchards） and woodland have increased. LUCC mainly affects the area surrounding the reservoir （＂backwater＂） of the Xiangxi （香溪） River, driven by local resettlement, newly built infrastructure, relocation of land cultivation, and conversion of arable land to garden land. In the hinterland, LUCC occurs in form of abandonment of land cultivation as a consequence of the Grain-forGreen programme.
基金study was supported by the Open Project of Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops,Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,China(KF2020004,KF2022002)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ASTIP-2016-OCRI)+3 种基金the Key Research Projects of Hubei Province,China(2020BBA045,2020BHB028)the Science and Technology Innovation Project of Hubei Province,China(2021-620-000-001-035)the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-14)the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Non-profit Scientific Institution,China(Y2022XK11).
文摘Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)is a significantly lucrative cash crop for millions of small-holder farmers.Its seeds are an important source of a highly appreciated vegetable oil globally and two clinically essential antioxidant lignans,sesamin and sesamolin.Accordingly,many countries import millions of tons of sesame seed every year.The demand for lignan-rich sesame seeds has been increasing in recent years due to the continuous discovery of several pharmacological attributes of sesamin and sesamolin.To meet this demand,the sesame breeder’s primary objective is to release sesame cultivars that are enriched in oil and lignans.Thus,it is necessary to summarize the information related to the sesamin and sesamolin contents in sesame in order to promote the joint efforts of specialized research teams on this important oilseed crop.In this article,we present the current knowledge on the sesamin and sesamolin contents in S.indicum L.with respect to the updated biosynthesis pathway,associated markers,governing loci,available variability in sesame germplasm,the in planta potential roles of these compounds in sesame,and the newly discovered pharmacological attributes.In addition,we propose and discuss some required studies that might facilitate genomics-assisted breeding of high lignan content sesame varieties.
基金financially supported by Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa)-Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education PersonnelNational Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Federal District Research Support FoundationFoundation for Scientific and Technological Development of Mato Grosso do Sul State
文摘Rice genes OsDjA2 and OsERF104,encoding a chaperone protein and an APETELA2/ethylene-responsive factor,respectively,are strongly induced in a compatible interaction with blast fungus,and also have function in plant susceptibility validated through gene silencing.Here,we reported the CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of OsDjA2 and OsERF104 genes resulting in considerable improvement of blast resistance.A total of 15 OsDjA2(62.5%)and 17 OsERF104(70.8%)T_(0)transformed lines were identified from 24 regenerated plants for each target and used in downstream experiments.Phenotyping of homozygous T1 mutant lines revealed not only a significant decrease in the number of blast lesions but also a reduction in the percentage of diseased leaf area,compared with the infected control plants.Our results supported CRISPR/Cas9-mediated target mutation in rice susceptibility genes as a potential and alternative breeding strategy for building resistance to blast disease.
基金This study was funded and supported by Unitaid under the BOHEMIA grant.The funder had no role in the decision to submit this manuscript for publicationISGlobal acknowledges support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the"Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2019-2023"Program(CEX2018-000806-S)support from the Generalitat de Catalunya through the CERCA program.
文摘Background Headlice are prevalent worldwide, with a higher burden in rural, lower-middle income settings. They can cause intense itchiness, discomfort, and secondary bacterial infections with potentially serious consequences. Ivermectin is efficacious against headlice, and is also being evaluated as a malaria vector control tool. In this study, we explored risk factors for headlice, and assessed the efficacy of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) designed for malaria against headlice.Methods We conducted an open-label, assessor-blind, cluster-randomized controlled trial in Mopeia, Mozambique. A single dose of ivermectin was given monthly to eligible humans or humans and livestock (humans: 400 μg/kg, livestock: 1% injectable 200 μg/kg) in 3 consecutive months during the rainy season. The control group received albendazole (humans only). Thirty-nine clusters (13 per arm) were randomly selected for the nested assessment of headlice prevalence. 1341 treated participants were followed up at least once, 1, 2 and 3 months and 382 untreated (ineligible) participants at 3 and 6 months after the first MDA round. Headlice diagnosis was determined by scalp examination. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for headlice at baseline, and to estimate the treatment effect at each time point.Results A total of 1309 participants were included in the main analysis assessing ivermectin MDA efficacy, and 1332 in the risk factor analysis. The baseline headlice prevalence was 11%. Risk factors included living with a household member with head itch [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 48.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 28.7–82.3,P-value < 0.0001], being female (aOR= 2.25, 95%CI: 1.33–3.80,P-value < 0.01), and using surface water as the main water (aOR= 2.37, 95%CI: 1.12–5.33,P-value= 0.04). The treated population receiving ivermectin had significantly lower odds of having headlice at 3 months compared to those receiving albendazole (aOR= 0.19, 95%CI: 0.04–0.91,P-value = 0.04). There was no indirect effect on headlice among children ineligible for treatment.Conclusions In a highly endemic setting, mass drug administration with ivermectin significantly reduces headlice infestation prevalence among those who receive the drug for three sequential months. The lack of effect among untreated, ineligible children implies that additional interventions would be needed to interrupt local transmission.
文摘Editor’s Note:Peter Barnes offers a critique of the OECD’s Pillars One and Two proposals;he lauds the OECD’s goals but expresses concern that the proposals depend on unrealistic assumptions.David Rosenbloom,in a companion commentary,goes further and says the proposals are too complex to work in today’s international tax environment.Both authors1 believe the OECD’s goal of increasing source jurisdiction taxation can be achieved in other simpler ways.
基金supported by the Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center(ACCC)Flagship,funded by the Research Council of Finland(Contract No(s).337549,357902,359340).
文摘To tackle the planetary environmental and climate crisis and meet the United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),we must fully leverage the potential of Earth observations(EO).This involves integrating globally sourced data on the atmosphere,hydrosphere,cryosphere,lithosphere,along with ecological and socio-economic information.By harmonizing and integrating these diverse data sources,we can more effectively incorporate observational data into multi-scale modeling and artificial intelligence(AI)frameworks.This paper is based on discussions from the“Towards Global Earth Observatory”workshop held from May 8-10,2023,organized by the World Meteorological Organization(WMO)and the Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center(ACCC),in collaboration with the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research(INAR)at the University of Helsinki.The current state of EO and data repositories is fragmented,highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to establish a new global Ground-Based Earth Observatory(GGBEO).Here,we summarize the current status of selected in-situ and ground-based remote sensing observation systems and outline future actions and recommendations to meet scientific,societal,and economic needs.In addition,we identify key steps to create a coordinated and comprehensive GGBEO system that leverages existing investments,networks,and infrastructures.This system would integrate regional and global ground-based in situ and remote sensing systems,marine,and airborne observational data.An integrated approach should aim for seamless coordination,interoperable and harmonized data repositories,easily searchable and accessible data,and sustainable long-term funding.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Excellent Research Group Program for Tibetan Plateau Earth System(42588201)the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions(ANSO-PA-2023-02)+1 种基金the ATES Science Plan(2025-2030)to be published by China Science Publishing&Media Ltd.in August 2025.
文摘The Silk Road(Chinese:丝绸之路),first popularized by the German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1877,denotes a transcontinental trade network spanning 7000 km across Eurasia,linking eastern Asia(mostly central China)to the Pamirs,Central Asia,Arabia,India,and Europe.Active from the 2nd century BCE to the mid-15th century CE,the Silk Road developed from a trade route into the world’s most influential corridor for the exchanges of people,languages,religions,ideas,cultures,science,and technology.
文摘This paper constructs a two-stage sequential game model to shed light on the spillover effect of inward FDI on the efficiency of domestic firms in host countries.Our model shows that,given an optimal joint-venture policy made by foreign firms,the impact of the spillover effect of inward FDI is contingent upon the productivity gap between the domestic firms and foreign ones.In particular,we demonstrate that the spillover effect of inward FDI varies negatively with the productivity gap between domestic lowproductivity firms and foreign firms but works in the opposite way for high-productivity firms.This suggests that once the productivity gap widens,the entry of foreign firms will increase the efficiency of high-productivity firms but reduce the efficiency of lowproductivity firms.In support of our theoretical model,we provide robust empirical results by using the dataset of annual survey of Chinese industrial enterprises.
文摘For this Special Issue we have endeavored to compile a set of papers that carry a coherent message to the readership of China ＆ World Economy. The work builds upon and seeks to extend two recent topics of debate in China. First, we recognize and add to the literature on tightening labor markets, rising wage rates and the emergence of a new era in China＇s economic development. Second, we contribute to the debate on the seriousness of inequality inChina.
文摘The effects of the worldwide ep-idemic of COVID-19 insofar as U.S.tax law is concerned are very r eal,very large,and grasped for the most part only by tax professionals.But there is one exception:all Americans now see the Internal Revenue Service(IRS)not only as a tax collector but also the agency sending$1,200 to almost every American adult,plus$500 for most children.
