Gansu Province Research Articles

Identification, distribution and ultramorphology of the larvae of Gynaephora menyuanensis (Lepidoptera: Lymantriinae) endemic to Qinghai-Tibet plateau

The grassland caterpillar is a significant pest of alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its larvae primarily feed on forage grasses, resulting in financial losses. However, limited research has been done on the morphological features of larvae of this species thus far. The distribution and habitat of Gynaephora menyuanensis were extensively investigated in this instance through field study. The findings indicate that this species is primarily found in the northeast of Qinghai and parts of Gansu Province in alpine meadows at an altitude of 3,000 m. For the first time, SEM is used to report the external morphology and ultramorphology of the first and last instar larvae of G. menyuanensis, including the larval head capsule, mouthparts, antennae, sensilla, thoracic legs, prolegs, and setae. The results indicated that the larvae share similar morphological characteristics except for the number of cutting incisors and crochets. The mature instar larvae have two distinct color funnel warts (yellow and red) on abdominal segments VI and VII, distinguishing them from other lepidopteran larvae. Additionally, the chaetotaxy of the first instar larvae of G. menyuanensis was studied and described in detail, identifying seven clusters (PD, D, SD, L, SV, V, CV) on the larval trunk. This study provides a theoretical basis for the rapid identification of such pests and is beneficial for their monitoring and management.

The role of assertiveness in mitigating job burnout: a study of university administrators in Gansu Province, China

The role of assertiveness in mitigating job burnout: a study of university administrators in Gansu Province, China

Analysis of garlic intake on atrophic gastritis risk in different infectious states of Helicobacter pylori in a case-control study

In this case-control study, the main risk factors for atrophic gastritis (AG) were comprehensively analyzed in a real-world environment to identify potential risk factors associated with garlic intake and its effects on AG. Design Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and pathological examination were performed as part of a gastric cancer screening and health check-up program. The detailed characteristics of both the case group and healthy control group were recorded and analyzed. All participants were fasted for at least 4 h and a urea breath test13C-UBT) was performed in all participants at rest. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed and presented as the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidential interval (CI), with additional subgroup analysis stratified by infectious state based on the presence, eradication or absence of H. pylori. Setting Gansu Province in China. Participants 10,035 people from Gansu Province in China were included. Among 7,058 participants, 4,712 (66.8%) had AG. Garlic intake was a significant risk factor for AG in participants currently (infected state) or previously (eradicated state) infected with H. pylori (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.06–1.83; OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.01–1.32). Garlic intake was not significantly associated with AG in participants without H. pylori’ s infection (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.88–1.46). The association between garlic intake and AG differed by H. pylori infectious state. People in the infected or eradicated states are at a higher risk for AG associated with garlic intake. Diet may regulate the pathogenic role of H. pylori and intestinal flora.

Genetic characteristics of endemic Prunus tomentosa in China based on microsatellites

BackgroundPrunus tomentosa Thunb, a fruit tree native to China, is an important and excellent plant material. It exhibits high adaptability to almost all soil types and climatic conditions. The germplasm resources are found in the six geographical regions of China, covering a vast expanse, and comprise a variety of ecological types. However, little is known about genetic diversity and population structure, with its abundant genetic information. Nuclear simple sequence repeat markers, with biparentally inherited characteristics, is powerful for evaluating the genetic diversity of population. Therefore, this research assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of P. tomentosa by collecting extensive samples. The finding will contribute to not only proposing scientific conservation strategies of P. tomentosa but also developing the germplasm to breed novel cherry cultivar.ResultsA total of 822 germplasms from 40 populations were used for assessing. The indicators of genetic diversity showed high values, including observable heterozygosity (0.546), expected heterozygosity (0.819), Shannon’s information index (I = 1.951), polymorphism information content (0.799). The populations displaying the greatest diversity—Gan-XlM, Shaan-HM, and Gan-ZhC. In addition, extensive genetic differentiation was detected. The genetic differentiation coefficient (FST) values calculated from heterozygosity and analysis of molecular variance were greater than 0.15. Gene flow was relatively stable (number of migrants [Nm] = 1.065). Mantel test analysis showed that there was a significant correlation (R2 = 0.065, P < 0.05) between the genetic distance and the geographical distance of the populations. Integrated cluster, structure, and principal component analysis indicated that the 40 populations were clustered into a Northwest Group and a Northeast Group. However, the Chuan-Aba, Xin-TKS, and Xin-ALR populations were clearly differentiated.ConclusionsThe P. tomentosa populations showed high or moderate polymorphism. The genetic differentiation within each population was higher than that between populations. There was a significant correlation between the genetic distance and the geographical distance. Based on genetic diversity and population differentiation levers, the most diverse populations—Gan-XlM, Shaan-HS, and Gan-PL from Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, should first be protected and applied to the innovation of cherry germplasm, followed by significantly differentiated populations, including Chuan-Aba, Ning-HlM, and Gan-PL.

Impacts of Climate Change on the Potential Suitable Ecological Niches of the Endemic and Endangered Conifer Pinus bungeana in China

As climate change continues to alter species distributions, Pinus bungeana, an endangered conifer of significant ecological and ornamental value, faces heightened vulnerability, underscoring the critical need to understand and predict its future habitat shifts. Here, we used 83 effective geographic distribution records, along with climate, topography, soil, and drought indices, to simulate the potential distribution of suitable ecological niches for P. bungeana under current conditions and across three future time periods (2040–2060, 2060–2080, and 2080–2100) under two shared socioeconomic pathways: SSP126 (low emissions) and SSP585 (high emissions), using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The results show that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for all simulations exceeded 0.973, indicating high predictive accuracy. Soil moisture, the minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature seasonality, isothermality, the precipitation of the wettest quarter, and altitude were identified as key environmental factors limiting the distribution of P. bungeana, with soil moisture and the minimum temperature of the coldest month being the most important factors. Under the current climatic conditions, the potentially suitable ecological niches for P. bungeana were primarily located in Shaanxi Province, southern Shanxi Province, southeastern Gansu Province, northeastern Sichuan Province, Henan Province, and northwestern Hubei Province, covering approximately 75.59 × 104 km2. However, under the future climate scenarios, highly suitable areas were projected to contract, with the rate of decline varying significantly between scenarios. Despite this, the total area of potentially suitable ecological niches was predicted to expand in the future periods. Additionally, a pronounced eastward shift in P. bungeana’s distribution was projected, especially under the high-emission SSP585 scenario. These findings provide insights into the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of P. bungeana, and they offer valuable guidance for its conservation strategies and habitat management in the context of climate change.

Ecological suitability distribution of hop based on MaxEnt modeling.

Hop has been widely utilized in both food production and traditional medicine owing to their distinctive flavor and various pharmacological effects. In recent years, the increasing demand for hop has led to their cultivation in many regions across China. However, hops require specific ecological conditions, including climate, soil, precipitation, and temperature, which significantly affect their distribution and growth. To facilitate the standardization and scientific cultivation of hops, it is essential to clarify the distribution of their ecological suitability. In this study, we collected data from 95 hops distribution locations and 115 ecological factors to determine the areas suitable for hops cultivation using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model and Geographic Information System (GIS). The highly suitable areas are primarily located in the northwestern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the eastern part of Gansu Province, Shaanxi Province, the southwestern part of Shanxi Province, and parts of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province. These findings provide valuable guidance for the scientific cultivation of hops, ensuring the efficient use of ecological resources and promoting sustainable cultivation practices.

Evaluating Wheat Pre‐Harvest Sprouting Risk Using Indicator Based on Meteorological Data From 1981 to 2020 in China

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of wheat pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) has been intensified with global climatic change and increasing rainfall from 1981 to 2020, which has led to a drastic reduction in wheat quality and yield. Therefore, scientific assessments of the potential climatic risk of wheat PHS in different areas based on historical meteorological data help identify the high‐risk areas, select suitable wheat cultivars and optimise cultivation measures for wheat production. However, to date, risk assessment criteria have not been established for evaluating the potential climatic risks associated with wheat PHS in different areas. This study analysed temperature and relative humidity change trends and identified the boundary line between the Yellow and Huai River Valley Facultative Wheat Zone and the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Valley Winter Wheat Zone using climatically similar points. The experimental material comprised the wheat PHS‐sensitive variety Xiaoyan 22. Wheat PHS risk assessment criteria were proposed based on the whole ear germination test and daily temperature and relative humidity data collected during the wheat harvest period from 1981 to 2020 in the two wheat regions. The climatic risk associated with wheat PHS was graded for these two areas. Our results showed that from 1981 to 2020, the temperature increased by 0.38°C/10 years and 0.26°C/10 years, while the relative humidity decreased by 1.8%/10 years and 0.39%/10 years during the wheat harvest period in the two wheat regions. Further analysis of the factors influencing the climate boundary between the Yellow and Huai River Valley Facultative Wheat Zone and the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Valley Winter Wheat Zone revealed that, from 1986 to 2020, the eastern section of the climate boundary exhibited significant southward or northward migration trends in Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces. The central section of the similar climate boundary in Henan and Hubei Provinces also showed a southward trend but a relatively small range, whereas the western section fluctuated up and down the original dividing line, with a northward migration trend in Gansu Province. A new risk assessment indicator, P, was proposed in this study based on meteorological data from 1981 to 2020 in China. During this period, the wheat PHS risk increased from north to south and west to east in the Yellow and Huai River Valley Facultative Wheat Zone and from north to south in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Valley Winter Wheat Zone. Furthermore, the overall wheat PHS climate risk in the Yellow and Huai River Valley Facultative Wheat Zone was lower than that in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Valley Winter Wheat Zone. Risk assessments of wheat PHS distribution and damage will provide a scientific basis for the accurate distribution of pre‐harvest sprouting‐resistant wheat varieties and improve the resistance to natural disasters and the safety of wheat production.

Research on the Mechanism of the Influence of Farm Scale on the Environmental Efficiency of Apple Production—Tests Based on a Life Cycle Assessment Perspective

The present study explores the impact of farm scale on environmental efficiency to provide theoretical support and policy reference for the modernization and sustainable development of the apple industry. The study is based on research data from apple farmers in three counties of the Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in 2021. Firstly, the life cycle approach is applied to assess the comprehensive environmental pollution emissions in apple production and to clarify the non-desired outputs. Secondly, the environmental efficiency of apple production is measured using the SBM model, based on which the Tobit model is utilized to explore the impact of operation scale on the environmental efficiency of apple production and its potential mechanism of action. The results of the study show the following: (1) The mean environmental efficiency of the farmers in the sample is 0.278, indicating that the overall environmental efficiency of apple production is low; (2) there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between the scale of operation and the environmental efficiency of apple production, and the results are robust. This analysis was conducted after addressing endogeneity. Thirdly, the study found that the intensity of the adoption of green technology and farmers’ environmental awareness play a significant mediating role in the influence of business scale on the environmental efficiency of apple production. The potential mechanism of the effect of the scale of operation on the environmental efficiency of apple production was also investigated. Consequently, it is recommended to expedite the promotion of moderate-scale orchard operations, to proactively cultivate new management entities, and to enhance the adoption level of green technology and environmental cognition among farmers. These measures are proposed to encourage sustainable and high-quality development in the apple industry.

Exploration of slope-type geological hazard susceptibility evaluation based on dynamic correction of SBAS-InSAR technology: A case study of Kang County in Gansu Province

Exploration of slope-type geological hazard susceptibility evaluation based on dynamic correction of SBAS-InSAR technology: A case study of Kang County in Gansu Province

Two loess landslide at the same hillslope triggered by the Mw 5.9 Minxian-Zhangxian earthquake in China (July 22, 2013): a comparative analysis of landslide mechanisms

Strong earthquakes and heavy rainfall are recognized as significant triggers of landslides, where the failure characteristics are intricately controlled by internal geological conditions of the slope. This study focuses on the investigation of two landslides triggered by the 2013 Minxian-Zhangye earthquake (Mw = 5.9, USGS). These landslides occurred on the Wamuchi slope, located approximately 22 km east of the epicenter in Minxian County, Gansu Province. Despite being less than 100 m apart, the two landslides exhibited significantly different flow sliding characteristics.The western landslide had a sliding distance of approximately 1.124 km, resulting in 12 fatalities, while the eastern landslide covered a distance of about 340 m.To further analyze the mechanisms of the two landslides and the reasons behind the differences in their flow sliding characteristics, we conducted field investigations and laboratory tests, including drilling, high-density electrical testing, unmanned aerial vehicle photography, and dynamic triaxial testing. A comparative analysis was performed on the landslide morphology, hydrogeological conditions, topography, and site-specific factors for both landslides.The results indicate that both landslides were triggered by a combination of seismic activity and rainfall. However, differing geological, hydrological, and topographical conditions, as well as site-specific influences, led to distinct mechanisms for each landslide, resulting in significant variations in their sliding characteristics.Understanding the initiation and movement mechanisms of such flowslides on slopes is crucial for effective landslide hazard analysis and mitigation strategies.

Re-delimiting oversummering regions of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in China

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most important diseases on wheat, causing severe yield losses. The pathogen can only survive the summer in the cooler areas of northern and western regions in China. Compared to the main wheat-growing region, the oversummering region is relatively small. Therefore, managing stripe rust in the oversummering region is crucial for controlling the disease nationwide. In this study, we conducted experiments to determine the survival of the predominant Pst races in China under high temperatures and used the data to predict potential Pst oversummering regions. The predominant races (CYR32, CYR33, and CYR34) were able to survive and reproduce at an average temperature of up to 27 °C. Disease incidence and the number of uredinia decreased with increasing temperatures of 24–27 °C during incubation. The results from re-delimiting oversummering regions suggested that Pst is able to oversummer in the east of Gansu province and the south of Shanxi province, which were previously considered unsuitable for Pst oversummering. Based on the present study, the east of Inner Mongolia and north of Heilongjiang could provide the oversummering condition for Pst. Three major oversummering regions, the Liupan Mountain range, the highlands in the south of Gansu province, and the east of Qinghai province were identified. The results should be useful for adjusting strategies to manage stripe rust in China.

Risk Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Metals in Soils and Vegetables Surrounding Lanzhou City in Gansu Province, China

The potentially toxic metals in soil often cause secondary pollution of vegetables and pose a great threat to human health. Soil and vegetable samples were collected from eight different districts in the vegetable plantation base of Lanzhou city in Gansu province, and Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb contents were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AMS). The results suggested that the Cr and Zn contents of soils in the eight plantation bases were much higher than those of the other three metals. The metal contents showed significant differences among plantation bases and vegetable species, and the mean potentially toxic metal concentrations in soils exceeded background levels by 1.1~3.0 times. The accumulation of Cu in vegetables was significantly higher than that of other metals. Remarkable differences were found among the vegetables in the uptake abilities of Zn, Cd, Cr, and Cu. There were significant positive relationships between potentially toxic metal accumulation in vegetables and in soils. The results may be used to provide referential strategies and methods to minimize the impact of potentially toxic metals on human health through the consumption and cultivation of vegetables.

Use of pronase in screening for early cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of pronase in improving the detection rate of early cancer and enhancing visual field clarity during gastroscopy in China. In total, 1450 patients who participated in an early diagnosis and treatment programme of upper gastrointestinal cancer in Wuwei, Gansu Province between 2020 and 2021 were enrolled. Cluster randomisation was utilised at the community level. All patients underwent endoscopy and biopsy. The experimental group (n=725) received pronase granules and dimethicone prior to gastroscopy; the control group (n=725) received dimethicone alone. Endoscopic visibility scores, examination durations, and lesion detection rates were recorded for both groups. Visibility scores for all regions of the stomach were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.001). This finding remained consistent after adjustment for confounding factors in multiple linear regression analysis. The detection rate of precancerous lesions and early cancer was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (77.5% vs 62.5%; P<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the likelihood of detecting early cancer was greater in the experimental group, with an odds ratio of 3.840 (95% confidence interval=1.204-12.241; P=0.023). Also, average gastroscopy time was significantly shorter in the experimental group than in the control group (6.52±2.51 min vs 10.03±1.23 min, t=33.81; P=0.001). The administration of pronase prior to gastroscopy enhances visual field clarity, reduces examination time, and increases the detection rates of precancerous lesions and early cancer.

Analysis of trends in cancer mortality and the years of life lost in six provinces in northwest China from 2013 to 2021

Cancer is a major cause of death and morbidity in China. We aimed to analyze the trends in cancer mortality in six provinces in northwest China (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) from 2013 to 2021 and to explore the effect of cancer on life expectancy and the years of life lost. Based on cancer mortality data and demographic data from national surveillance units in six northwestern provinces from 2013 to 2021 in the National Cause-of-Death Surveillance, we calculated crude mortality rates, age-standardized mortality rates, life expectancy, cause-eliminated life expectancy, potential gains in life expectancy (PGLEs), years of life lost (YLL), YLL rates, and average years of life lost. Joinpoint software was used to calculate the average annual percentage change and annual percentage change (APC) for cancer mortality. Arriaga’s decomposition method was used to estimate the contribution of cancer to life expectancy in each age group. The age-standardized mortality rate for cancer in the six provinces in northwest China was stable overall from 2013 to 2021 but exhibited a decreasing trend from 2017 to 2021 (APC = − 5.64%, p = 0.047), male cancer age-standardized mortality rates were consistently higher than those of women and plateaued, women exhibited a decreasing trend after 2017 (APC = − 5.56%, p = 0.032), and the standardized mortality rate was higher and stable for those aged ≥ 65 years. Compared with the study area population in 2013, that in 2021 increased by 1.01 years in life expectancy, and changes in cancer mortality contributed positively to the increase in life expectancy, contributing 0.217 years or 21.38% of the increase in life expectancy. The greatest positive effect was in the 0–1 year age group (0.066 years, 6.48%), and the greatest negative effect was in the ≥ 85 years age group (− 0.026 years, − 2.56%). At a 1.06-year increase in cancer cause-eliminated life expectancy, PGLEs increased by 0.047 years, with the highest increase in PGLEs in urban areas (0.091 years) and an upward trend in YLL rates in the study area population from 2013 to 2021 (average annual percentage change = 2.16, p = 0.001). Average years of life lost presented a stable trend. Cancer age-standardized mortality rate in the study region from 2013 to 2021 was stable overall but has exhibited a decline in recent years. However, the disease burden of YLL has continued to increase. Preventive interventions targeting male groups and the elderly population need to be strengthened.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination, Distribution, and Source Identification in Surface Sediments from the Mid–Upper Reaches of the Yellow River

River sediments serve as both a source and a reservoir for potential heavy metal pollutants, providing critical insights into the health of aquatic ecosystems. Heavy metal contamination in global river systems poses significant risks to human health through the food chain. This study investigates the contents of heavy metals, including Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd, in surface sediment samples collected from the mid–upper reaches of the Yellow River, which flows through the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, and Henan. We analyzed the contents and spatial distribution characteristics of these metals and assessed their pollution levels by identifying potential sources of contamination. The findings reveal elevated concentrations of Cr and Cd in the mid–upper reaches of the Yellow River, with particularly severe pollution observed in certain urban areas. The sources of these heavy metals are primarily linked to human activities related to production and daily life. This study offers valuable guidance for local pollution control and prevention strategies.

A new species in the subgenus Wilhelmia (Diptera: Simuliidae: Simulium) from Sichuan, China

Simulium (Wilhelmia) xichangense sp. nov. is described based on females from Sichuan province, China. It is the firstly recorded species of the subgenus Wilhelmia in Sichuan province. This species is assigned to the subgenus Wilhelmia and is morphologically most similar to S. (W.) pinnatum Chen, Zhang and Jiang, 2016 from Gansu province in China. A key to the female adults of the subgenus Wilhelmia of China is provided.

Environmental response strategies for the spatial distribution of seed plants in Gansu.

The interplay between plant diversity and environmental response strategies is crucial for ecosystem adaptability and stability. A central focus in modern ecology is elucidating how environmental factors shape plant diversity patterns and regulate species distributions across heterogeneous landscapes. This study employed Joint Species Distribution Model (JSDM) to quantitatively analyze the influence of environmental variables on plant spatial distributions in Gansu Province, China, while examining interspecies interactions under varying conditions. Results demonstrated that environmental factors explained 95.4% of the variance, highlighting their predominant role in determining plant distributions. Habitat type accounted for the largest share of variance (33.5%), followed by elevation (22.1%), mean annual temperature (20.3%), mean annual precipitation (15.1%), and solar radiation (4.4%). Species' responses to environmental covariates were predominantly independent, with weak phylogenetic correlation (posterior mean: 0.17), reflecting limited ecological niche conservatism at the family level. Geographically, regions such as the northern Qilian foothills, Lanzhou-Baiyin wilderness, Loess Plateau, and Gannan Plateau exhibited negative correlations with most plant families, functioning as critical limiting or driving factors in spatial variability. Additionally, 33.7% of seed plant families showed negative correlations with light intensity, underscoring its role as a major limiting factor. Provincially, competition does not primarily constrain seed plant coexistence in Gansu. Regionally, however, pronounced differences in environmental responses were observed. In the northwest, solar radiation (37%) and precipitation (25%) were dominant drivers of plant distribution, while in the southeast, solar radiation (36.3%) and elevation (34.7%) were predominant. These findings underscore that species co-occurrence patterns are scale-dependent and influenced by regional resource availability. In resource-abundant southeastern areas, plant families displayed positive co-occurrence patterns indicative of mutualistic or symbiotic interactions, whereas resource-scarce northwestern areas experienced intensified negative co-occurrences due to heightened interspecific competition. This study highlights the critical role of environmental gradients in structuring seed plant distributions in Gansu, providing insights into the interaction of ecological adaptation and evolutionary history in shaping plant diversity. By identifying the drivers of plant distribution across heterogeneous environments, this research offers significant implications for biodiversity conservation and plant resource management strategies in Gansu Province, while contributing to a broader understanding of plant-environment dynamics in complex ecosystems.

Mineral Prospectivity Mapping in Xiahe-Hezuo Area Based on Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty

The Xiahe-Hezuo area in Gansu Province, China, located in the West Qinling Metallogenic Belt, is characterized by complex regional geological structures and abundant mineral resources. A number of gold-polymetallic deposits have been identified in this region, demonstrating significant potential for gold-polymetallic mineral prospecting within the metallogenic belt. This study focuses on regional Mineral Prospectivity Mapping (MPM) in the Xiahe-Hezuo area. To address the common challenge of small-sample data limitations in geological prediction, we introduce a Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with gradient penalty (WGAN-GP) to generate high-fidelity geological feature samples, effectively expanding the training dataset. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was used to train and predict on both pre- and post-augmentation data. The experimental results show that, before augmentation, the CNN model’s Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) value was 0.9648. After data augmentation with the WGAN-GP, the CNN model’s ROC value improved to 0.9792. Additionally, the CNN model’s classification performance was significantly enhanced, with the training set accuracy increasing by 5% and the test set accuracy improving by 2%, successfully overcoming the issue of insufficient model generalization caused by small sample sizes. The mineralization prediction results based on data augmentation delineate five prospective mineralization targets, whose spatial distribution exhibits strong correlations with known deposits and fault structural belts, confirming the reliability of the predictions. This study validates the effectiveness of data augmentation techniques in MPM and provides a transferable technical framework for MPM in data-scarce regions.

Biological Characteristics of the Scale Insect Matsucoccus sinensis (Hemiptera: Coccoidae), a Pest Damaging the Chinese Red Pine Forests

The Chinese red pine, Pinus tabulaeformis, is one of the most important evergreen conifer trees in China. It is widely planted in southern Gansu Province and is commonly used for garden trees, hedges, windbreaks, and soil and water conservation. However, Matsucoccus sinensis, a scale insect, has become a major pest of the P. tabulaeformis forests, and its life history and biological characteristics remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological characteristics, male cocoon emergence, adult mating period, and egg developmental period of M. sinensis, providing valuable insights for its prevention and control. We conducted continuous observation of the different developmental stages of M. sinensis, both in the laboratory and in P. tabulaeformis fields. The least squares method was used to calculate the egg developmental period of M. sinensis. Our results showed that the scale insect is a monophagous species with one generation occurring per year. The second-instar nymphs overwinter on the needles in the medium shell and reproduce sexually, without parthenogenesis. Male M. sinensis adults reach their peak appearance at the end of April in the study region. The peak emergence of male cocoons occurred between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and the adult mating period lasted from 11:00 AM to 13:00 PM. The larvae of M. sinensis attack the needles of P. tabulaeformis. The nymphs crawled and moved to the inner base of the needles, with first- to third-instar nymphs fixing themselves to the needles to feed. The effective accumulated temperature and starting temperatures for the development of M. sinensis eggs were found to be 86.1 °C and 3.5 °C, respectively. Overall, understanding the biology and life history of M. sinensis is essential for identifying key developmental stages and determining the optimal timing for pest control, ultimately aiding in the development of targeted management strategies to protect P. tabulaeformis forests from this emerging pest.

Mechanics and Heat Transfer Design of Thorium Metal Target Protection Thin Film in Isotope Production in Gansu Province

Isotopes are important strategic materials, and are irreplaceable and central to the fields of national defence, energy security, medical health, and scientific research. With the demonstrated efficacy of targeted alpha therapy using 225Ac, there is a pressing need to explore radiopharmaceuticals capable of delivering consistent and ample quantities of 225Ac. Isotope production in Gansu Province has initiated the production of 225Ac via bombardment of thorium metal with 480 MeV protons. To ensure the stability and safety of thorium targets under high-power beam conditions, this study proposes a novel packaging design for the protective layer of thorium targets, accompanied by detailed mechanical and thermal analyses. The study employs an Inconel 718 alloy as the film material for vacuum welding packaging, and simulates local displacement variations in the Inconel 718 film under different thicknesses, lengths, gaps, and flange fillet conditions. The optimal parameter settings that meet the design requirements are then determined. Additionally, beam energy deposition is assessed using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP 6) neutron calculation software, while the heat transfer process is simulated with Fluent software to optimize the cooling mechanism, ensuring the stability and safety of the target material. The final design provides a theoretical foundation for isotope production targets in Gansu Province.