Arsenic Accumulation in Rice: Sources,Human Health Impact and Probable Mitigation Approaches

The human body loading with arsenic (As) through rice consumption is a global health concern. There is a crucial need to limit As build-up in rice, either by remediating As accumulation in soils or reducing As levels in irrigation water. Several conventional approaches have been utilized to alleviate the As accumulation in rice. However, except for some irrigation practices, those approaches success and the adoption rate are not remarkable. This review presents human health risks posed due to consumption of As contaminated rice, evaluates different biomarkers for tracing As loading in the human body, and discusses the latest advancement in As reducing technologies emphasizing the application of seed priming, nanotechnology, and biochar application for limiting As loading in rice grains. We also evaluate different irrigation techniques to reduce As accumulation in rice. Altering water management regimes significantly reduces grain As accumulation. Bio- and nano-priming of rice seeds improve germination and minimize As translocation in rice tissues by protecting cell membrane, building pool around seed coat, methylation and volatilization, or quenching harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. Nanoparticle application in the form of nano-adsorbents or nano-fertilizers facilitates nano-remediation of As through the formation of Fe plaque or sorption or oxidation process. Incorporating biochar in the rice fields significantly reduces As through immobilization, physical adsorption, or surface complexation. In conclusion, As content in cooked rice depends on irrigation source and raw rice As level.     

Place,identity and immigrant communities: The organisation of the Yulan Festival in post‐war Hong Kong

Abstract: In the process of migration, some traditions persist while others do not. The Yulan Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival, continues to be observed by different subethnic Chinese migrant groups in Hong Kong for a variety of reasons. Although the festival organisation accentuates subethnic distinctions, paradoxically it also enables different groups to integrate into the larger community. The activities articulate various meanings of ‘place’– as ‘ancestral place’ on the mainland where
the rituals are believed to originate, as the specific locality/neighbourhood in Hong Kong where the festival is held, and Hong Kong as a whole. This article, based on interviews with Chiu Chow and Hoklo participants, shows how they think of the different meanings of ‘place’, which in turn reflects the way they make sense of the process of migration.     

Comparative analysis of caffeoylquinic acids and lignans in roots and seeds among various burdock (Arctium lappa) genotypes with high antioxidant activity

Caffeoylquinic acids and lignans in the crude extracts of both roots and seeds from different burdock ( Arctium lappa L.) genotypes were simultaneously characterized and systematically compared by LC-MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-QIT-TOF MS), and their antioxidant activities were also investigated. A total of 14 lignans were identified in burdock seeds and 12 caffeoylquinic acids in burdock roots. High levels of caffeoylquinic acids were also detected in burdock seeds, but only trace amounts of lignans were found in burdock roots. Burdock seeds contained higher concentrations of lignans and caffeoylquinic acids than burdock roots. Quantitative analysis of caffeoylquinic acids and lignans in roots and seeds of various burdock genotypes was reported for the first time. Great variations in contents of both individual and total phenolic compounds as well as antioxidant activities were found among different genotypes. Burdock as a root vegetable or medicinal plants possessed considerably stronger antioxidant activity than common vegetables and fruits.     

Hull split and damaged almond volatiles attract male and female navel orangeworm moths

A blend of volatiles derived from the emissions of almonds at hull split and mechanically damaged almonds was compared to almond meal, the current monitoring standard for the insect pest navel orangeworm (NOW). Field trapping studies were performed to determine the blend's ability to attract adult NOW. The blend comprised racemic 1-octen-3-ol, ethyl benzoate, methyl salicylate, acetophenone, and racemic (E)-conophthorin. Ethyl acetate was used as a solvent with a blend component concentration of 100 mg/mL. The blend attracted both sexes of NOW when tested in five 2-week intervals spanning the first three flights of NOW in commercial almond orchards in the southern Central Valley of California. The blend demonstrated consistently higher capture rates for female NOW throughout the evaluation period, but unlike almond meal it significantly attracted males. Reported is a survey of the major and minor volatiles emitted from almonds at hull split, the key period of vulnerability to NOW infestation. Also reported is the attractancy of a formulated test blend based on the host plant volatile emissions, electroantennographic screening experiments, and field trapping studies. The results of this test blend highlight progress toward a host-plant-based attractant for NOW, a major insect pest of California tree nuts that presently lacks an adequate monitoring tool.     

水肥过剩对甜菜品质的影响

通过调查研究、分析,认为,内蒙古巴盟河套灌区由于水肥过剩引起甜菜食糖、纯度、含水率、还原糖、有害氮、灰分、钾、钠等成分发生变化及经济损失,据此提出相应的改进措施。     

基于光谱的作物病虫害监测研究进展

全球粮食生产每年都因病虫害造成巨大损失,而靠田间人工测定、识别病虫害既费时费力又有滞后性,容易错过最佳防治时期。基于光谱的作物病虫害监测则是一种快速、高效的无损监测方法,可为应对作物生产的分散性、地域性、时空变异性等提供有力支撑。概述了基于光谱的农作物病虫害监测原理,并从光谱成像与非成像两方面详细综述了相关技术的研究进展,并介绍了一些应用于病虫害监测的植被指数,对目前该研究领域存在的问题进行了讨论分析,提出了今后发展与应用的建议。     

Wood模型拟合鸭产蛋曲线效果的研究

用Wood模型拟合了绍兴鸭、卡基-康贝尔鸭和高邮鸭3个品种68周龄的产蛋率 ,拟合的R2值(拟合度)分别为:0.6098、0.5338和0.7935.其结果可为蛋鸭的早期选育、饲养管理及研究其产蛋规律提供科学依据.