Growth Period Research Articles

Development of the recording device to reduce an overlook of a defect for the impact acoustic method

Several concrete structures in Japan built during a period of high economic growth—including bridges (40%) and tunnels (25%)—are now at least 40 years old and are withering. Recent years have witnessed several accidents caused by falling concrete debris from these structures. To ensure safety, these buildings are regularly inspected with non-destructive tests such as the impact acoustic method (IAM). In this method, the surface of the concrete structure under inspection is impacted by a hammer and the resulting sound vibrations are used to detect defects. According to the current inspection standard, inspection records only contain information of detectable defects, because the method relies on the physical capabilities and expertise of the professional. Consequently, there are no records of imperceptible defects. In this study, we developed a recording device that consists of an accelerometer and a microphone and connected it to an impact hammer. The device saves the output from the two components in a single file. A set of concrete specimens were then tested using the IAM with the new device and hammer. Furthermore, the contact time and striking power of the hammer were estimated using a load sensor.

Farmland mulching and optimized irrigation increase water productivity and seed yield by regulating functional parameters of soybean (Glycine max L.) leaves

In both arid and semi-arid regions, adopting field mulching can effectively optimize soil moisture distribution, enhance crop yields, and improve water productivity. While acknowledging its advantages, field mulching seems insufficient for maintaining high crop productivity due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather. Furthermore, drought often coincides with critical crop growth stages, necessitating the implementation of agricultural irrigation to ensure normal crop growth. Accordingly, we conducted a three-year field experiment from 2021 to 2023 including three typical field mulching methods (no mulching, NM; straw mulching, SM; plastic film mulching, FM) and three supplementary irrigation strategies (irrigated at the branching stage (V4), W1; irrigated at the pod-filling stage (R2), W2; irrigated at both the V4 and R2 stage, W3). Throughout the entire growth period, we monitored soil moisture conditions for each treatment, measured leaf physiological parameters at crucial growth stages, and assessed soybean yields and water productivity (WP). Our findings indicated that, relative to SM and NM, FM maintains optimal soil moisture balance, augments chlorophyll content, and enhances photosynthesis, resulting in an average yield increase of 17.0% and 38.3% over three growing seasons. Additionally, supplementary irrigation also significantly affects the growth and seed yield of soybean. FMW2 achieved the higher seed yield (4307.5kgha-1, 3-year averaged), had insignificant difference with the highest seed yield of 4568.6kgha-1, both significantly higher than other treatments. Similarly, the leaf area index, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (Tr) also presented insignificant difference between FMW2 and FMW3, while WUEleaf (Pn/Tr) of FMW2 obviously higher than that of FMW3. As a result, FMW2 achieved the highest WP of 12.2kgha-1 mm-1 over the three growing seasons, compared to the three-year average of the other treatments, the increase ranges from 5.6% to 46.7%. In summary, the FMW2 treatment optimized water distribution to meet the water demands of soybeans during the reproductive growth stages, achieving a beneficial balance between soybean seed production and WP by regulating leaf functional parameters. Future research will explore more specific irrigation scheduling techniques (e.g., precision irrigation, deficit irrigation, and sensor-based irrigation management systems) while integrating innovative agricultural film materials (e.g., biodegradable films) to further enhance crop resilience and productivity under evolving climatic conditions.

Advancements in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Diagnosis: A Focus on Non-Invasive Techniques

Abstract: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) poses a significant health concern, affecting the spinal curvature of adolescents during their growth period. Early diagnosis of AIS is critical for effective intervention and management. However, conventional diagnostic methods often involve repetitive exposure to X-rays, which can lead to radiation-related side effects. This research paper explores the significance of early diagnosis in AIS and emphasizes the utilization of non-invasive techniques, particularly video raster stereography (VRS), combined with deep ensemble neural networks (DNNs) to enhance diagnostic accuracy while minimizing the risks associated with radiation exposure. We delve into the potential of DNNs in analyzing VRS data and compare its efficacy with other machine learning alternatives

Does digital technology advancement promote natural resource utilization efficiency?

While China has experienced an extended period of remarkable economic growth, certain industries have faced challenges such as high pollution, energy consumption, and emissions. To address these issues, China has set strategic goals for promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in the new era. As a result, enhancing the efficiency of natural resource utilization has become crucial for achieving sustainable development. In line with this objective, this paper investigates the role of digital technology advancement as a pathway to improve the efficiency of e-government and natural resource utilization. This paper employs the Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) model to calculate the efficiency of natural resource utilization in 276 cities from 2010 to 2020. Utilizing Broadband China's pilot policy, the study employs differences-in-differences and propensity score matching to investigate the impact and mechanism of digital technology progress on natural resource utilization efficiency. The results indicate that the progress in digital technology significantly promotes the efficiency of natural resource utilization, a conclusion that holds even after a series of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis suggests that the progress in digital technology primarily influences resource efficiency by upgrading industrial structures and innovating green technologies. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive impact of digital technology progress on natural resource utilization efficiency is more pronounced in cities with lower political hierarchies, larger population sizes, non-resource-based economies, and those not classified as old industrial bases. This paper expands the research scope of natural resource utilization efficiency and provides specific policy recommendations.

Diversification of Intensively Used Grassland: Resilience and Good Fodder Quality across Different Soil Types

In Central Europe, grasslands for dairy production are typically characterised by monocultures with high input rates of artificial fertilisers. However, it was suggested that biodiversity could reduce the need for anthropogenic inputs in functionally diversified grassland mixes while maintaining or enhancing yields and fodder quality. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed five consecutively diversified grassland mixes consisting of ryegrass, legumes, a non-leguminous forb, and additional grass species for intensive fodder production, and tested them under regular agricultural conditions in a three-year experiment on sandy soil, marshland, and bog soil at one-hectare per mix and site. All mixtures produced similar high-quality forage in terms of utilisable crude protein content and net energy lactation rate, even under challenging climatic conditions. However, a high abundance of Dactylis glomerata can decrease these values, although factors such as seasonality and rainfall affect them to a greater degree. The seasonal composition changes between the functional groups, such as strong spring growth of grasses and strong summer growth of legumes, show complementarity rather than competition between the groups, resulting in consistent biomass production during the growth period. The results were consistent over the three soil types and provide the basis for further adaptation of mixes and breeding.

Rapid Establishment of a Regeneration System for Astragalus membranaceus Mongholicus

Background: Astragalus membranaceus Mongholicus (Astragalus) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world. It is a traditional Chinese medicine plant that has been used to treat various human diseases and conditions, such as inflammation, gastrointestinal bacterial infections and malignant tumors. With the expansion of artificial planting areas, the demand for high-quality Astragalus seedlings is also increasing. The traditional seedling-raising methods of direct seeding and induced callus have problems such as a long growth period, unstable genetic traits, strict sampling and rooting difficulties. Therefore, it is very important to multiply the excellent germplasm by optimizing the tissue culture regeneration system. Methods: In this study, Astragalus field cultivated plants, which are easily available, were used as materials and the method of tissue culture cuttings was used to select the direct inoculation method of stem segments as explant materials to establish a plant regeneration system of Astragalus and the best sampling period, sampling site and optimal medium for regeneration of field cultivated plants were screened. Result: The best sampling period for plant regeneration of Astragalus in the field was about 40 d after the emergence of the 3-year-old Astragalus and the rooting rate of the regenerated plants was 100.00%. The best sampling site is the middle section of the stem and the regeneration system using the middle section of the stem as the explant is better than using the top and bottom of the stem as the explant and the rooting rate of the regenerated plants is 100.00%; the best medium for the regenerated plants is N22: 1/2MS+1 mg/L NAA and T28: 1/2MS+1 mg/L ABT, the rooting rates were 76.67% and 96.67%, respectively. The regenerated plants established with the stems of the field cultivated plants of Astragalus as explants were all able to induce seedlings after 1 week and the regenerated seedlings start to take root after 3 weeks of growth and can be transplanted and propagated after 6 weeks of culture. The regeneration system established in this study by direct cuttings from cultivated Astragalus stems is more rapid and efficient, breaking through the difficulties of limited access to material and long growth period of regenerated seedlings in the traditional regeneration system and providing technical support for the conservation and utilization of wild resources of Astragalus and rapid expansion of new varieties and germplasm conservation.

Greenhouse gas emissions and their driving factors among different flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L.) varieties.

Crop cultivars have an influence on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and there is variation between varieties. However, there are few reports available on the differences in GHG emissions and their driving factors among vegetable varieties. In this study, we conducted a field experiment to examine the variances in GHG emissions and their contributing factors among eight flowering Chinese cabbage varieties (considering growth period, leaf shape, and colour). The results showed significant differences in GHG emissions within varieties; early-maturing varieties exhibited GHG by 25.6% and 15.3%, respectively, when compared to mid- and late-maturing varieties. Among the different leaf types and color classifications, light-colored and sharp-leafed varieties had the lower global warming potential (GWP) overall. Cumulative CO2 emissions were influenced by leaf SPAD values and biomass, while cumulative N2O emissions were driven mainly by stem thickness, carbon accumulation, leaf SPAD values, and biomass. In summary, the selection of light-colored varieties with pointed leaves and shorter growth periods in actual production contributed positively to the reduction of carbon emissions from flowering Chinese cabbage production. Through efficient variety screening, this study provides a win-win strategy for achieving efficient vegetable production while also addressing the global climate challenge.

Are Current Protection Methods Ensuring the Safe Emancipation of Young Black Storks? Telemetry Study of Space Use by Black Storks (Ciconia nigra) in the Early Post-Breeding Period

The black stork is a protected species in Poland, and its numbers have declined significantly in recent years. The protection of nesting sites during the period of growth and independence of young birds is crucial for the population. In 2022–2023, 34 young storks were equipped with GPS-GSM backpack loggers. On average, birds had left the nest by the 87th day of life. In the period between the first flight attempt and the final abandonment of the nest, the birds spent 82% of their time in a zone up to 200 m from the nest. During the period of independence, resting areas played an important spatial role, 75% of which were located within 500 m of the nest. As the young birds grew older, their area of activity gradually increased. Differences in nesting phenology were observed depending on the geographical location of the nest. A shorter migration route from the wintering grounds allowed for earlier breeding. As a result, the young birds begin to fledge earlier. The data collected confirm the validity of designating protective zones with 500 m radii around nests and the need to maintain them from the beginning of the breeding season in March until the end of August.

The thesan project: Connecting ionized bubble sizes to their local environments during the Epoch of Reionization

Abstract An important characteristic of cosmic hydrogen reionization is the growth of ionized gas bubbles surrounding early luminous objects. Ionized bubble sizes are beginning to be probed using Lyman-α emission from high-redshift galaxies, and will also be probed by upcoming 21-cm maps. We present results from a study of bubble sizes using the state-of-the-art thesan radiation-hydrodynamics simulation suite, which self-consistently models radiation transport and realistic galaxy formation. We employ the mean-free path method, and track the evolution of the effective ionized bubble size at each point (Reff) throughout the Epoch of Reionization. We show there is a slow growth period for regions ionized early, but a rapid ‘flash ionization’ process for regions ionized later as they immediately enter a large, pre-existing bubble. We also find that bright sources are preferentially in larger bubbles, and find consistency with recent observational constraints at z ≳ 9, but tension with idealized Lyman-α damping-wing models at z ≈ 7. We find that high overdensity regions have larger characteristic bubble sizes, but the correlation decreases as reionization progresses, likely due to runaway formation of large percolated bubbles. Finally, we compare the redshift at which a region transitions from neutral to ionized (zreion) with the time it takes to reach a given bubble size and conclude that zreion is a reasonable local probe of small-scale bubble size statistics ($R_\text{eff} \lesssim 1\, \rm {cMpc}$). However, for larger bubbles, the correspondence between zreion and size statistics weakens due to the time delay between the onset of reionization and the expansion of large bubbles, particularly at high redshifts.

Optimized sand tube irrigation combined with nitrogen application improves jujube yield as well as water and nitrogen use efficiencies in an arid desert region of Northwest China

Efficient water-saving irrigation techniques and appropriate nitrogen (N) application are keys to solving the problems of water scarcity and irrational fertilization in jujube cultivation. In this study, first, the effects of sand tube irrigation (STI) on surface and subsurface wetted characteristics were investigated using in-situ infiltration tests in a jujube garden. Compared with surface drip irrigation (SD), STI reduced surface wetted area by 57.4% and wetted perimeter of the surface wetted circle by 37.1% and increased subsurface maximum infiltration distance of wetting front by 64.9%. At the optimal sand tube depth of 20 cm, surface wetted area of the surface wetted circle decreased by 65.4% and maximum infiltration distance of the wetting front increased by 70.9%, compared with SD. Two-year field experiments then investigated the effects of STI and SD on soil water storage, jujube leaf chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate, actual water consumption, fruit yield, and water (WUE) and N (NUE) use efficiencies at four levels of N (pure nitrogen: N1, 0; N2, 286 kg ha–1; N3, 381 kg ha–1; N4, 476 kg ha–1) at the same irrigation amount (45 mm irrigation–1, total of 8). Compared with SD, STI increased soil water storage 18.0% (2021) and 15.6% (2022) during the entire growth period and also chlorophyll content, nitrogen balance index, and net photosynthetic rate, with both increasing and then decreasing with increasing N. Compared with SD, STI increased yields by 39.1% and 36.5% and WUE by 44.3% and 39.7% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiency was 2.5 (2021) and 1.6 (2022) times higher with STI than with SD. STI combined with N3 had the highest yield, WUE, NUE, and net income and is thus recommended as the optimal water–N combination. In conclusion, STI combined with appropriate N application can be an effective water-saving irrigation technology alternative to SD in jujube cultivation in arid areas.

Fuzheng Touxie Jiedu Huayu Decoction inhibits the MexAB-OprM efflux pump and quorum sensing-mediated biofilm formation in difficult-to-treat multidrug resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFuzheng Touxie Jiedu Huayu Decoction (FTJHD) is a commonly used clinical formula that has been found effective in resisting multidrug resistance-Pseudomonas aeruginosa in previous in vivo and in vitro studies. Aim of the studyTo investigate the antimicrobial effects of FTJHD and its drug-containing serum alone or in combination with ceftazidime on difficult-to-treat multidrug resistance-P. aeruginosa (DTMDR-P. aeruginosa). Materials and methodsThe antibacterial effects of FTJHD and its drug-containing alone or in combination with ceftazidime against DTMDR-P. aeruginosa were examined by the tube dilution method and bacterial growth curves. The changes in the bacterial ultrastructure were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The biofilm formation ability of bacteria was examined by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy. The expression of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump and quorum sensing system genes were validated through quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the interaction between active components and the MexAB-OprM efflux pump. ResultsFTJHD-containing serums at 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-fold concentrations reduced the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ceftazidime against DTMDR-P. aeruginosa from 128 μg/mL to 64 μg/mL. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of ceftazidime in combination with FTJHD and FTJHD-containing serum prolonged the lag period of bacterial growth and reduced bacterial numbers. Additionally, 1/2 MIC of ceftazidime combined with FTJHD-containing serum significantly inhibited the activity of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump and quorum sensing system, thus reducing biofilm formation while causing more severe damage to the bacteria. Molecular docking revealed a strong affinity of quercetin, baicalein, luteolin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol for the efflux pump regulatory proteins OprM and MexR. ConclusionFTJHD can exert synergistic anti-DTMDR-P. aeruginosa effects with ceftazidime by inhibiting biofilm formation mediated by the MexAB-OprM efflux pump and quorum sensing.

Association between self-reported oral habits and oral health related quality of life of adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Oral habits such as nail biting, thumb/digit sucking and teeth grinding could be harmful, and may lead to teeth misalignment, anterior open bite, protruded or flared upper anterior teeth especially if they persist into adolescence. Such orofacial dysfunction may result to impairment of the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of an individual. The extent to which oral habits affect the major domains of the self-reported outcomes remains understudied especially during adolescence, a unique period of growth, where there is increased aesthetic desire, increased self-awareness, and unique social and psychological needs. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the prevalence of oral habits and its association with oral health related quality of life of adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years (with mean age 14.6 (±1.3) years) attending 14 secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which assessed sociodemographic characteristics of the students, oral habits and OHRQoL with Oral Health Impact Profile 5 (OHIP-5). Data were analyzed with SPSS and p value was at <5%. Mann Whitney U statistics was used to test for associations between OHIP-5 scores and presence or absence of oral habits. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. A total of 363 (51.9%; 95%CI = 48.1%-55.6%) bite their nails, 216 (30.9%; 95%CI = 27.5%-34.4%) breathe with their mouth, 122 (17.4%; 95%CI = 14.7%-20.4%) suck their lips, 89 (12.7%; 95%CI = 10.3%-15.4%) grind their teeth together and 32 (4.6%; 95%CI = 3.1%-6.7%) sucked their thumbs. A total of 403 (81.1%) adolescents who engaged in at least an oral habit reported an impairment of their OHRQoL. Painful aching in the mouth was the most frequently affected OHRQoL item reported by the adolescents who engaged in oral habits. Those who sucked their thumbs (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.1-4.7, p = 0.028) and those who sucked their lips were more likely to have poorer OHRQoL (OR = 1.6, 95%CI = 1.1-2.5, p = 0.024). Oral habits were prevalent among the adolescents and affected their OHRQoL. Those who sucked their thumbs and lips were more likely to report poorer OHRQoL than those who did not.

Growth periodicity in semi-deciduous tropical tree species from the Congo Basin.

In the tropics, more precisely in equatorial dense rainforest, xylogenesis is driven by a little distinct climatological seasonality, and many tropical trees do not show clear growth rings. This makes retrospective analyses and modeling of future tree performance difficult. This research investigates the presence, the distinctness, and the periodicity of growth ring for dominant tree species in two semi-deciduous rainforests, which contrast in terms of precipitation dynamics. Eighteen tree species common to both forests were investigated. We used the cambial marking technique and then verified the presence and periodicity of growth-ring boundaries in the wood produced between pinning and collection by microscopic and macroscopic observation. The study showed that all eighteen species can form visible growth rings in both sites. However, the periodicity of ring formation varied significantly within and between species, and within sites. Trees from the site with clearly defined dry season had a higher likelihood to form periodical growth rings compared to those from the site where rainfall seasonality is less pronounced. The distinctness of the formed rings however did not show a site dependency. Periodical growth-ring formation was more likely in fast-growing trees. Furthermore, improvements can be made by a detailed study of the cambial activity through microcores taken at high temporal resolution, to get insight on the phenology of the lateral meristem.

Climate change policies and income inequality

This paper examines the dynamic impact of Climate Change Policies (CCPs) on income inequality, for a sample of 39 developed and developing countries, during the period 1990–2020. The results show that CCPs are associated with a significant and persistent increase in income inequality. The effect is robust across various measures of inequality and sensitivity tests, including an instrumental variable strategy. The effect of CCPs only materializes in the case of market-based CCPs, is stronger in countries characterized by a higher share of low-educated workers and initial level of inequality, while is mitigated in those with comprehensive redistribution policies, and during periods of fiscal expansions and stronger economic growth. These findings have important policy implications, as they emphasize the importance of the timing and design of CCPs, as well as the role of complementary policies.

An improved crop calendar model for winter wheat incorporating vernalization and winter survival to project changes in phenology

Crop phenology and associated crop calendars are necessary for designing breeding goals and for developing effective management practices. Winter wheat is a representative biennial, the cultivation schedule of which is constrained by winter climate conditions, particularly the processes of vernalization and winter survival. Here, we present improvements to a rule-based crop calendar model by incorporating these factors so that it can be used to accurately estimate the phenological events of winter wheat from daily meteorological data. We tested the improved model in Hokkaido, the northernmost Japanese island, which is characterized by seasonal snow cover and a wet summer. The results confirmed that implementing these factors contributed to accurate estimates of peak occurrence dates of winter wheat phenological events. Furthermore, we applied the improved model to simulate wheat phenology under 2 K and 4 K warmer scenarios. The results showed a delayed sowing period up to approximately one month and slight advancements in both flowering and harvesting, leading to a shorter growth period. While this shortened period may be largely compensated by a decrease in the snow-covered period, the shifts in the vegetative and reproductive phases may modify sink-source balance of wheat. We also assessed the risks of pollination failure and preharvest sprouting, both of which are associated with the timing of precipitation, based on the number of rainy days around flowering, and the incidence of precipitation over two consecutive days around the time of harvesting. Our simulations suggested increased risk of pollination failure and reduced risk of preharvest sprouting, leading to an increase in the probability of crop failure. These findings underscore the importance of implementing adaptation measures to mitigate precipitation-related risk under future climates. Further, the findings provide valuable insights for winter wheat breeders and agronomists, thereby facilitating crop production adaptation.

Research on Assimilation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing Data and AquaCrop Model.

Taking the AquaCrop crop model as the research object, considering the complexity and uncertainty of the crop growth process, the crop model can only achieve more accurate simulation on a single point scale. In order to improve the application scale of the crop model, this study inverted the canopy coverage of a tea garden based on UAV multispectral technology, adopted the particle swarm optimization algorithm to assimilate the canopy coverage and crop model, constructed the AquaCrop-PSO assimilation model, and compared the canopy coverage and yield simulation results with the localized model simulation results. It is found that there is a significant regression relationship between all vegetation indices and canopy coverage. Among the single vegetation index regression models, the logarithmic model constructed by OSAVI has the highest inversion accuracy, with an R2 of 0.855 and RMSE of 5.75. The tea yield was simulated by the AquaCrop-PSO model and the measured values of R2 and RMSE were 0.927 and 0.12, respectively. The canopy coverage R2 of each simulated growth period basically exceeded 0.9, and the accuracy of the simulation results was improved by about 19.8% compared with that of the localized model. The results show that the accuracy of crop model simulation can be improved effectively by retrieving crop parameters and assimilating crop models through UAV remote sensing.

Mulching Practices Improve Soil Moisture and Enzyme Activity in Drylands, Increasing Potato Yield

Mulch is an important measure for improving agricultural productivity in many semiarid regions of the world. However, the impacts of various mulching materials on soil hydrothermal characteristics, enzyme activity, and potato yield in fields have not been comprehensively explored. Thus, a two-growing-season field experiment (2020–2021) with four treatments (SSM, straw strip mulching; PMP, plastic film mulching with large ridge; PMF, double ridge-furrow with full film mulching; and CK, no mulching with conventional planting as the control) was conducted to analyze soil hydrothermal and soil enzyme activities and potato yield on the semiarid Loess Plateau of Northwest China. The results indicated that mulching practices had a positive effect on the soil moisture, with SSM, PMP, and PMF increasing by 7.3%, 9.2%, and 9.2%, respectively, compared to CK. Plastic film mulching significantly increased the soil temperature by 1.3 °C, and straw mulching reduced the soil temperature by 0.7 °C in the 0–30 cm soil layers of the whole growth period. On average, SSM, PMP, and PMF increased soil urease activity in 0–40 cm soil layers by 14.2%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, respectively, and enhanced soil sucrase activity by 19.2%, 8.6%, and 5.7%, respectively, compared with CK. Plastic film mulching increased soil catalase activity by 9.6%, while SSM decreased by 10.1%. Mulching treatments significantly increased tuber yield and water use efficiency based on dry tuber yield (WUE), and SSM, PMP, and PMF increased tuber yield by 18.6%, 31.9%, and 29.7%, enhanced WUE by 50%, 50%, and 57.0% over CK. The correlation analysis revealed that soil moisture was the main factor influencing tuber yield (r = 0.95**). Mulching could improve the soil hydrothermal environment, regulate soil enzyme activities, and promote yield increase. As a sustainable protective mulching measure, straw strip mulching is conducive to improving the ecological environment of farmland and the sustainable development of regional organic agriculture.

Panarchy to explore land use: a historical case study from the Peruvian Amazon

AbstractThe overexploitation of natural resources is an important driver of the global environmental crisis. The scientific community engages in an ongoing debate about the most suitable frameworks for analyzing trends in land use. In this paper, we use the conceptual lens of the adaptive cycle and panarchy to explore complex social–ecological dynamics in the Peruvian Amazon. Through an extensive literature review and interviews with key informants, we provide a historical analysis of extractive activities over the last two centuries in the department of Madre de Dios, Peru. We identify periods of growth, conservation, and sometimes release and reorganization for each resource and for the overall social–ecological system. We identify a general trend toward more diversification in extractive activities over time and inter-scale linkages between adaptive cycles of different time and space scales. Based on these results, we explore future development, hypothesize a possible domination of the agricultural sector, and suggest that land-use policies and management interventions should draw from past lessons to design adaptive land planning. Finally, we present new evidence highlighting the relevance of panarchy for understanding historical changes in complex social–ecological systems and demonstrate its utility in exploring both past land use and future development.

DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH COUNSELING FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NGGELA VILLAGE

Children are still in a period of growth and development. Therefore, efforts to maintain oral health and dental health are critical, especially in the school and preschool environment. The development of dental health in adulthood is influenced by past dental conditions. Through counseling programs, communities can actively contribute to increasing their self-defense efforts and better understand the importance of maintaining their oral and dental health. This study aims to educate children about the importance of maintaining oral and dental health. Thus, children who receive counseling will better understand oral health.

Assessment of the actual nutrition of students of Voronezh Medical University

BACKGROUND: At a young age, nutrition is the main factor necessary for maintaining and strengthening health during the period of growth and development. AIM: To analyze the nutrition status and its shortcomings in students in an educational institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical university in 2021 to 2023. A survey of 1,200 1st-year to 3d-year students in the following specialties was performed: medical science (n=401, 93 males and 308 females), pediatrics (n=405, 54 boys and 351 girls), and dentistry (n=394, 101 males and 293 females). The participants were 18–22 years old. Age groups were made to determine differences in students’ food preferences that arise with age. Anthropometric indicators were taken from all study participants, and body mass index was calculated. The participants were also asked to use the Personalized Diet 5.0 software package to make up their daily diet for subsequent analyses and identify emerging trends in the nutrition status of young people. RESULTS: Some negative aspects of the nutrition status of medical university students were identified, which, without proper attention and prevention, can lead to various pathological conditions. The main trends in the nutrition status of students were identified, namely, the content of high-carbohydrate foods in the diet, extremely low content of some micro- and macroelements in the diet, etc. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed issues in the current nutrition status of medical university students and the need to improve it.