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Xinjiang is a key area for implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as an ecological security barrier in Northwest China. In this study, the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) was constructed on the basis of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform combined with multiperiod (MODIS) remote sensing imagery to analyze the land use changes in Xinjiang and their impacts on the ecological and environmental quality from 2000 to 2023. The results are as follows. (1) The areas of land use changes in Xinjiang are concentrated mainly in the oasis areas around the mountain ranges and the Tarim Basin. (2) The quality of the overall ecological environment of Xinjiang showed an insignificant linear decreasing trend, with an annual rate of change of −0.0009 a−1 (p > 0.05). (3) The spatial distribution of the RSEI in Xinjiang revealed a significant positive spatial correlation and clustering pattern, which was high in the west and low in the east. (4) The increase in the cultivated land area had a positive effect on improving the quality of the ecological environment in Xinjiang. When the cultivated land area increased by 10%, the area of improvement in the quality of the ecological environment increased by 8.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of the Xinjiang forest and fruit whole industry chain is of great significance for realizing its green and organic fruit and vegetable industry clusters and promoting the sustained and high-quality development of the characteristic forest and fruit industry. This study takes the Hotan region of Xinjiang as the study area and focuses on the demonstration effect of the Xinjiang jujube production, supply and marketing integration and collaborative management model based on analyzing the model. The results show that: The jujube industry in the Hotan region of Xinjiang has basically formed a highly efficient production and management cooperation mode of "Leading Enterprises + Scientific Research Institutes + Cooperatives (Small Enterprises) + Jujube Farmers + Bases", which involves a rich variety of subjects, and there are also differences in the linkage of interests between different subjects; at the same time, this mode has formed a certain demonstration effect in the Hotan region, and has generated corresponding social and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Xinjiang from 2005 to 2023, providing a scientific basis for its prevention and controL Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were employed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of HAV reported in Xinjiang from 2005 to 2023 using data from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Results A total of 55 586 cases of HAV were reported in Xinjiang from 2005 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 14.54 per 100 000. The incidence rate decreased from 31.19 per 100 000 in 2005 to 0.75 per 100 000 in 2023. The regions with the highest incidence rates were Kizilsu (31.45 per 100 000) and Hotan (24.55 per 100 000). The majority of cases were among scattered children (39.70%). The age group with the highest incidence was 0 to 15 years (36.08%). The gender ratio decreased to LOO by 2023. Conclusion Between 2005 and 2023, the prevention and control measures for HAV in Xinjiang were significantly effective. Continued efforts in vaccination and enhanced comprehensive prevention measures for children are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a one-step multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for the simultaneous detection of multiple viruses affecting melon crops. Viruses such as Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Squash mosaic virus (SqMV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), and Melon yellow spot virus (MYSV) pose a great threat to melons. The mixed infection of these viruses is the most common observation in the melon-growing fields. In this study, we surveyed northern Xingjiang (Altay, Changji, Wujiaqu, Urumqi, Turpan, and Hami) and southern Xingjiang (Aksu, Bayingolin, Kashgar, and Hotan) locations in Xinjiang province and developed a one-step multiplex RT-PCR to detect these melon viruses. The detection limits of this multiplex PCR were 103 copies/μL for ZYMV and MYSV and 102 copies/μL for WMV, SqMV, PRSV, CMV, and TMV. The detection results in the field showed 242 samples were infected by one or more viruses. The multiplex RT-PCR protocol demonstrated rapid, simultaneous, and relatively effective detection of viruses such as WMV, CMV, ZYMV, SqMV, TMV, PRSV, and MYSV. The technique is designed to identify these melon viruses in a single reaction, enhancing diagnostic efficiency and reducing costs, thus serving as a reference for muskmelon anti-virus breeding in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional villages are one of the basic types of rural revitalisation and one of the important carriers of cultural inheritance. This research is based on the data of 53 traditional villages in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with the aid of the ArcGIS10.8.1 spatial analysis platform. The study identifies the spatial evolution characteristics from the spatial distribution type, distribution direction, distribution density, distribution balance, etc., and explores their influence mechanisms. The study shows that 1. the spatial structure of traditional villages in Xinjiang was analysed as a cohesive structure type by using the nearest neighbour index method, which shows the evolutionary characteristics of the agglomerative tendency to increase gradually. Among them, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and Turpan City have the highest degree of concentration. 2. The establishment and development of traditional villages in Xinjiang is mainly influenced by natural factors such as geographical features and hydrography. Social factors such as population distribution, transport conditions and economic progression have very important implications for the preservation and continuation of traditional villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural water resources in Xinjiang, China, face significant supply and demand contradictions. Agricultural water demand risk is a key factor impacting water resource management. This study employs the copula function (CF) and Monte Carlo (MC) methods to evaluate agricultural water demand risk at 66 stations in Xinjiang. The evaluation is based on the marginal distributions of precipitation (PR) and reference evapotranspiration (RET). The findings classify Xinjiang's precipitation–evapotranspiration relationship into three types: evapotranspiration, precipitation, and transition. Regions south of the Tianshan Mountains (TMs) primarily exhibit evapotranspiration characteristics. The Ili River Valley and areas north of the TMs display precipitation characteristics. Other areas north of the TMs have transitional characteristics. Both annual precipitation and RET in Xinjiang follow the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution. The Frank CF effectively describes the coupling relationship between precipitation and RET, revealing a negative correlation. This negative correlation is stronger north of the TMs and weaker to the south. The agricultural water demand risk in Xinjiang varies significantly across regions, with the precipitation–RET relationship being a crucial influencing factor. The demand index (DI) for agricultural water decreases as the risk probability (RP) increases. The stability of the DI is greatest in evapotranspiration-type regions, followed by transition-type, and weakest in precipitation-type regions. When the RP is constant, the DI decreases in the order of evapotranspiration, transition, and precipitation types. This study quantifies the spatial pattern of agricultural water demand risk in Xinjiang. The advantage of the CF–MC method lies in its ability to assess this risk without needing crop planting structures and its ability to evaluate spatial variations. However, it is less effective in areas with few meteorological stations or short monitoring periods. Future efforts should focus on accurately assessing water demand risk in data-deficient areas. The findings are crucial for guiding the regulation and efficient use of agricultural water resources in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] This study investigated the growth conditions and fruit traits of different jujube varieties introduced to southern Xinjiang and selected the best varieties suitable for local jujube production. [Method] One-year-old branches of 17 excellent fresh jujube varieties in China were selected as scions, and 5-year-old gray jujube was selected as rootstock for introduction tests in Aksu, Xinjiang. By comparing the phenological period, tree growth potential (grafting survival rate, tree growth amount and dendritic force), fruit results (fruit lifting rate, fruit cracking rate, fruit mass, fruit uniformity and edible rate) and fruit quality (appearance color, flesh taste and flavor and main nutrient contents), 9 varieties with good taste, flavor and nutrient contents were initially screened. According to contents of soluble solid, VC, titrable acid and soluble sugar, single fruit mass, edible rate, fruit shape index and fruit uniformity, these varieties were scored by grey correlation method. [Result] After the introduction to southern Xinjiang, the phenological periods were quite different among varieties, which included 2 very early maturing varieties, 5 early maturing varieties, 9 medium maturing varieties and 1 medium late maturing variety. The graft survival rates of all varieties were higher than 65%. Jinggudazao, Fucuimi, Lengbaiyu and Yujiao trees had large growth amounts, strong branching force and prosperous growth. In the second and third years of grafting, fruit lif-ting rates of all varieties were relatively stable and consistent, and Zaocuimi and Luzao 5 had higher rate. Fruit cracking rates of Jingzao 28 and Jingzao 60 were 20. 57% and 23. 83%, respectively. Single fruit mass was very different among verities, ranging from 4. 22 to 26. 18 g, and the single fruit masses of most varieties were higher in the third year than in the second year. The fruit uniformity was 46. 63% to 79. 41%, and the edible rates were 91. 67% to 98. 76%. The fruit appearance was different among varieties, mainly in oval, oblong and inverted oval shapes. The fruit size was also greatly different with light red or red color. In the second year (2021), Jinsi 4 had the highest content of soluble solids of 38. 33%. The soluble sugar contents of Zaocuimi, Fucuimi and Jinsi 4 were higher than 29%. The titrable acid contents of Jingzao 18 and Yulu were above 1. 41%. The VC contents of Yujiao, Luzao 5 and Jinggudazao were higher than 400 mg/hg. According to the taste and flavor, 9 varieties with crisp, delicate and juicy flesh were initially screened, including Zaocuimi, Zaoqiuhong, Fucuimi, Yingbailu, Yueguang, Jingzao 28, Jingzao 60, Luzao 5 and Yulu. Three varieties of Jingzao 60, Jingzao 28 and Yueguang with good comprehensive fruit quality were selected by the comprehensive score of grey correlation degree. [Conclusion] Jingzao 60, Jingzao 28 and Yueguang can be promoted and cultivated as the main fresh jujube varieties in southern Xinjiang as they well adapted to the climate and site conditions and showed good yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake ice phenology directly reflects local climate changes, serving as a key indicator of climate change. In today's rapidly evolving climate, utilizing advanced remote sensing techniques to quickly extract long-term lake ice phenology features and studying their correlation with other climate factors is crucial. This study focuses on lakes in Xinjiang, China, with a mountainous area greater than 100 km2, including Sayram Lake, Ayahkum Lake, Achihkul Lake, Jingyu Lake, and Ahsaykan Lake. The Bayesian ensemble change detection algorithm was employed to extract lake ice phenology information, and the Mann–Kendall (MK) non-parametric test was used to analyze trends. The visual interpretation method was used to interpret the spatial evolution characteristics of lake ice, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to explore the driving factors of lake ice phenology. Results indicate the following: (1) Jingyu Lake exhibited the most significant delay in both freezing and complete freezing days, while Ayahkum Lake showed the most stable pattern. Ahsaykan Lake demonstrated the least delay in both starting and complete melting days. (2) Sayram Lake's ice evolution was unstable, with wind causing variability in the locations where freezing begins and melting spreading from the west shore. Ayahkum Lake, Ahsaykan Lake, and Jingyu Lake exhibited similar seasonal variations, while Achihkul Lake's ice spatial changes spread from the east to the center during freezing and from the center to the shore during melting. (3) The study found that the freeze–thaw process is influenced by a combination of factors including lake area, precipitation, wind speed, and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity, over-fertilization, and improper crop management practices severely limit the sustainable cultivation of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) in the arid regions of Xinjiang. To elucidate the impacts of integrated water and fertilizer management on the growth characteristics and bioactive components (glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin) of four-year-old licorice plants, a comprehensive four-year field experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2022. The experiment included four irrigation levels (W1: 2500 m³/ha, W2: 4000 m³/ha, W3: 5500 m³/ha, W4: 7000 m³/ha) and four fertilization rates (F1: 305 kg/ha, F2: 610 kg/ha, F3: 915 kg/ha, F4: 1220 kg/ha), following a completely randomized design. Results indicated that both irrigation and fertilization significantly influenced plant height, root length, root weight, root diameter, leaf area index, and root-to-shoot ratio. The optimal growth characteristics were observed under the W2F2 treatment. The contents of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin varied significantly among different water and fertilizer treatments, with the highest levels observed under the W2F2 treatment. Excessive irrigation (W4) and over-fertilization (F4) led to a decrease in these bioactive components. A comprehensive evaluation of the growth characteristics and bioactive components revealed that the ideal irrigation and fertilization parameters were 4000 m³/ha and 610 kg/ha, respectively. These parameters optimized plant development and bioactive component accumulation while ensuring efficient resource use. This study provides scientific evidence for optimizing irrigation and fertilization strategies to enhance licorice yield in arid regions, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial revitalization, as the core support of pastoral revitalization, is an important foundation for building a strong agricultural country. Based on the perspective of rural revitalization, combined with the current situation of pigeon industry development in southern Xinjiang, the study focuses on exploring the mode of pigeon industry revitalization, pointing out the problems of pigeon industry revitalization, and proposing countermeasures and suggestions to promote the development of pigeon industry. The results of the study show that there are mainly six types of modes in the development process of pigeon industry in southern Xinjiang: industrialization mode, "five unification" mode, base breeding mode, joint production mode, agricultural enterprise cooperation mode and courtyard pigeon breeding mode; the main bodies involved in different types of pigeon industry development modes are also different; the pigeon industry in southern Xinjiang still exists in the process of development. In the process of pigeon industry development in Southern Xinjiang, there are still problems such as unstable development situation, high breeding cost and different brands of pigeon products. Based on this, countermeasures to revitalize the pigeon industry are proposed in terms of establishing a healthy pigeon breeding industry chain, upgrading pigeon breeding production technology, focusing on brand building of high-quality pigeon products, and increasing support for pigeon farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of modernization, traditional bazaars have encountered challenges, such as diminished vitality. Concurrently, the trend of integrating cultural spaces into bazaars has become increasingly evident. Understanding the relationship between bazaars and cultural spaces, as well as the preferences of users of these spaces, is crucial for enhancing bazaar vitality. Employing field research, questionnaire surveys, cross-analysis, and the narrative preference method, this paper compares the bazaar cultural spaces of Central Asia and Chinese from four perspectives: the current state of the bazaar, development overview, user preferences, and cultural space type preferences. This aims to deepen the understanding of the commonalities and differences between the two regions, and to explore the development trends of bazaars and their cultural spaces. The study reveals that (1) Spaces with diversified functions, high accessibility, and openness can enhance the vitality of the bazaar; (2) There exists a synergistic, mutually beneficial relationship between the bazaar and the cultural spaces; (3) Central Asian residents place greater emphasis on the environmental quality of the bazaar and the engaging content of its cultural spaces. In contrast, Chinese residents are more focused on the accessibility of the bazaar and the openness of the cultural spaces; (4) The function of art and culture is the preferred type of cultural space in the bazaar among residents of both regions. This study significantly contributes to the planning, design, and optimization of bazaars and their cultural spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) is a key indicator for assessing vegetation dynamics and carbon cycle balance. Xinjiang is located in an arid and ecologically fragile region in northwest China, but the current understanding of vegetation dynamics in the region is still limited. This study aims to analyze Xinjiang's NPP spatial and temporal trends, using random forest regression to quantify the extent to which climate change and human activities affect vegetation productivity. CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) climate scenario data help assess vegetation restoration potential and future risks. Our findings indicate that (1) Xinjiang's NPP exhibits a significant increasing trend from 2001 to 2020, with three-quarters of the region experiencing an increase, 2.64% of the area showing significant decrease (p < 0.05), and the Ili River Basin showing a nonsignificant decreasing trend; (2) precipitation and radiation are major drivers of NPP variations, with contribution ratios of 35.13% and 30.17%, respectively; (3) noteworthy restoration potential exists on the Tian Shan northern slope and the Irtysh River Basin, where average restoration potentials surpass 80% relative to 2020, while the Ili River Basin has the highest future risk. This study explores the factors influencing the current vegetation dynamics in Xinjiang, aiming to provide references for vegetation restoration and future risk mitigation, thereby promoting sustainable ecological development in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discourse surrounding China's influence in the Middle East and North Africa tends to oscillate between extremes, in some instances portraying China as a burgeoning hegemon poised to displace America's regional primacy, while in others describing its influence as insufficient to effect meaningful change. China has made significant inroads in the region through diplomacy, trade, investment and infrastructure projects, enhancing its economic presence and raising Beijing's profile in regional geopolitics. However, examining the nature of interdependence between China and Middle Eastern nations reveals that China's capabilities, while increasingly formidable, are tempered by equally formidable constraints. Mutual dependencies, regional dynamics, limited hard power, domestic priorities, geography and the agency of regional states all modulate the extent to which China can exercise influence and impose its will. While Beijing's strategy of gradually shifting asymmetries in China's favour certainly warrants scrutiny, undue alarmism and complacency alike could increase the likelihood of faulty assessments and misguided policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Eomeropidae is extremely rare, and little is known about their early history of distribution. Herein, we describe and illustrate a new eomeropid species, Jurathauma xinjiangensis sp. nov. from the Lower Jurassic Badaowan Formation of the Junggar Basin, northwestern China, representing the first discovery of Eomeropidae in the Lower Jurassic from China. The synchronous appearance of the eomeropids in England and northwestern China indicates a basal divergence of the group in pre-Sinemurian times. Our new find adds new data about the entomological assemblage of the Tuziakeneigou section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arid Zone Research / Ganhanqu Yanjiu is the property of Arid Zone Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arid Zone Research / Ganhanqu Yanjiu is the property of Arid Zone Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (NSTM) is characterized by complex and diverse terrain, which represents a fragile ecological environment. Soil wind erosion is a key factor affecting the natural ecosystem and the social development of the region, but it has not been well understood until now. In this study, the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) was employed to display the spatial and temporal characteristics of soil wind erosion in the NSTM from 2000 to 2018. In addition, the main driving factors of wind erosion were analyzed. The results showed that approximately 94.25% of the NSTM experienced soil wind erosion, with a multi-year average actual soil wind erosion modulus of 6556.40 t·km−2·a−1. From 2000 to 2018, the actual soil wind erosion modulus in the NSTM showed a trend of fluctuational increase, with an increase rate of 44.65 t·km−2·a−2, but the area affected by soil wind erosion exhibited a downward trend. The wind erosion rate decreased in 76.38% of the total area, except for some areas such as Hami, with an increasing trend of soil wind erosion. The wind factor in RWEQ showed a significant linear relationship with the soil wind erosion modulus (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Land use changes also have a critical impact on the soil wind erosion. The results of geographical detectors show that the combined effect of weather factor and vegetation factor can explain more than 60% of the changes in soil wind erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Camels are one of the important economic animals in China; however, their health is often threatened by helminth. This study investigated the prevalence of helminth in camels by collecting 435 samples from five regions in Xinjiang using two methods. The results showed that 18.2% of the camels were infected with helminths, with the highest prevalence observed in Urumqi. Camels under three years old were found to be more susceptible. This study identified three major parasites (Trichostrongylus spp., Chabertia ovina, and Haemonchus contortus) in camels, and most camels were found to be simultaneously infected with multiple parasites. This research is crucial for formulating effective strategies to prevent and control camel parasites, and it contributes to improving the health and production efficiency of camels. Camels, vital to economies in Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, have been domesticated for over 4000 years. They thrive in arid regions like Xinjiang, China, but face challenges from internal and external parasites, particularly gastrointestinal parasites, which impact health, meat and milk quality, and production efficiency. This study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in camels from five major regions in Xinjiang. We collected 435 fresh fecal samples and used the saturated saline flotation method and McMaster's method for detection. Molecular examination followed. The overall prevalence was 18.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.7–22.2%), with Urumqi showing the highest prevalence (29%, 95% CI: 23.4–35.1%) compared to other regions (odds ratio [OR]: 4.62, 95% CI: 2.63–8.41%). Younger camels (≤3 years old) were more likely infected by the parasites after adjusting for the region differences (OR: 10.53, 5.12–24.65%). However, we found no evidence that the prevalence was different between male and female camels. PCR analysis identified Trichostrongylus spp., Chabertia ovina, and Haemonchus contortus as predominant parasites, with observed co-infections indicating a complex parasitic landscape. The findings provide essential epidemiological data for effective parasite control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Porcine circoviruses, particularly porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), significantly impact the global pig industry due to their high prevalence and pathogenicity. Conversely, porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) and porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4) currently have low positivity rates. This study aimed to characterize the distribution and epidemiology of porcine circoviruses in Xinjiang, while also analyzing the genetic diversity and evolution of PCV2 and PCV3, which pose the greatest threats to the industry. In this study, we collected blood and tissue samples from 453 deceased pigs across eight regions in Xinjiang Province from 2022 to 2024. We utilized real-time PCR to detect the presence of PCV1, PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4. The positive rates were 15%, 71%, 25%, and 17%, respectively. Genetic analysis showed 9 PCV2 sequences and 12 PCV3 sequences. The capsid protein of PCV2 showed significant variability. In contrast, the amino acid sequences of capsid in PCV3 were relatively stable. Moreover, we predicted antigenic epitopes for PCV3 capsid using IEDB and ElliPro. The findings from this study provide valuable epidemiological data on PCV coinfection in the Xinjiang region and enhance the understanding of virus diversity nationwide. This research may serve as an important reference for the development of strategies to prevent and control porcine circovirus infections.

Under the influence of the stable snowstorm circulation situation of the typical double-resistance type warm area in northern Xinjiang, an extremely heavy snowfall event occurred in Altay, from January 6 to 12, 2024. Several meteorological stations broke the historical maximum records for the same period, resulting in avalanches in several places of the Altay Mountains. This event can be divided into three stages according to the evolution of circulation situation and snowfall characteristics. In this study, the snowfall characteristics, circulation situation, extreme causes, and model forecasting performance of the event were analyzed using the hourly observation data of national and regional meteorological stations, ERA5 reanalysis data, and CMA-GFS, CMA-MESO, CMA-TYM, ECMWF model forecast data. The results are as follows: (1) The event was characterized by several extreme features, such as long duration, large accumulated precipitation, and large hourly precipitation. The precipitation distribution was increasing from the plain areas to the mountain areas. The strong snowfall process mainly concentrated in the second and third stages. In these two stages, the increase in snow accumulation, large hourly snowfall, and high snow-to-water ratio in the mountainous areas along the northern Altay provided key meteorological conditions for the avalanches. (2) During this event, a strong polar front at 500 hPa continuously split short-wave systems, which successively moved eastward to affect Altay. The warm shear line at 850-700 hPa was maintained for a long time, accompanied by strong warm front frontogenesis. Heavy snowfall occurred in the divergence area at the exit of the polar front jet at 300 hPa, from the north of the shear line at 850 hPa to the regions near the shear line at 700 hPa. (3) In the second and third stages, the water vapor conditions in the north of Altay, especially in the northern mountains, were abnormally strong. With the effect of terrain amplification, the low-level dynamic uplift was exceptionally strong and maintained for a long time. These were the important reasons for the extremely heavy snowfall. (4) The regional model performed better than the global model in predicting heavy snowfall, but the capability to forecast extreme snowfall was still limited. ECMWF Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) forecast product and the Ensemble Average Abnormal Weather Forecast (EMAF) product were better at identifying extreme weather signals at medium-range lead time. It is suggested to strengthen the application of related products and make adjustments according to the quantitative forecast results of the model to further improve the precision service effect of forecasting and warning of extreme weather events.

Abstract The Tianshanbeilu cemetery is the largest Bronze Age cemetery in eastern Xinjiang, China, and plays important roles in connecting the Eurasian interior to the Hexi Corridor, and further to the Central Plains region. Utilizing micro-XRF and Raman spectroscopy techniques, we identified a fluorite bead at this cemetery. This barrel bead is the earliest record of such a fluorite bead in China, dating back to approximately 1385–1256 BCE. Comparing the unearthed records of fluorite beads in eastern China spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Western Zhou dynasty, we notice that in the early Western Zhou period, fluorite beads found in élite burials are only in barrel or biconical shapes, both of which first appeared in the eastern region of Xinjiang, such as the Tianshanbeilu cemetery in Hami and the Yanghai cemetery in the Turpan Basin. We proposed that the barrel fluorite bead drilled by metal tubular drill first appearing in the Tianshanbeilu cemetery might have spread eastward to the Central Plains region and finally constituted a component of the ritual revolutions during the Western Zhou dynasty.

Objective To investigate the satisfaction of inpatients with telemedicine services, further improve their medical experience, and promote the quality of telemedicine services in Xinjiang region. Methods A total of 1 446 inpatients were randomly selected from 92 public hospitals in 14 prefectures and autonomous prefectures of Xinjiang. A self-designed electronic questionnaire was used to conduct a satisfaction survey among patients who received telemedicine services. Results The overall satisfaction rate of inpatients receiving telemedicine services in Xinjiang region was relatively high (94.16%), and the audience tended to be younger (patients under 50 years old accounted for 79.19%). The main reason for 72. 68% of patients choosing telemedicine services was to reduce medical costs, rather than the level of expertise provided by remote service specialists. After receiving telemedicine services, 93.50% of patients had increased confidence in subsequent treatments, and 85. 96% of patients believed that the treatment effect had been significantly improved. Conclusion Currently, the satisfaction with telemedicine services among inpatients in Xinjiang region is relatively high, but there exists a mismatch between telemedicine service capabilities and patient satisfaction. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the scope of telemedicine services, strengthen science popularization and promotion, and enhance patients′ experience with diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circoviruses, particularly porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), significantly impact the global pig industry due to their high prevalence and pathogenicity. Conversely, porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) and porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4) currently have low positivity rates. This study aimed to characterize the distribution and epidemiology of porcine circoviruses in Xinjiang, while also analyzing the genetic diversity and evolution of PCV2 and PCV3, which pose the greatest threats to the industry. In this study, we collected blood and tissue samples from 453 deceased pigs across eight regions in Xinjiang Province from 2022 to 2024. We utilized real-time PCR to detect the presence of PCV1, PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4. The positive rates were 15%, 71%, 25%, and 17%, respectively. Genetic analysis showed 9 PCV2 sequences and 12 PCV3 sequences. The capsid protein of PCV2 showed significant variability. In contrast, the amino acid sequences of capsid in PCV3 were relatively stable. Moreover, we predicted antigenic epitopes for PCV3 capsid using IEDB and ElliPro. The findings from this study provide valuable epidemiological data on PCV coinfection in the Xinjiang region and enhance the understanding of virus diversity nationwide. This research may serve as an important reference for the development of strategies to prevent and control porcine circovirus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using panel data from 13 prefectures and cities in Xinjiang for the period 2011-2020, this study constructs an evaluation framework for high-quality agricultural development in Xinjiang from four dimensions: agriculture, environment, resources, and economy. It assesses the level of high-quality agricultural development in Xinjiang and employs cluster analysis to analyze spatial differences in high-quality agricultural development. The results indicate that the comprehensive evaluation of high-quality agricultural development in Xinjiang can be divided into three stages: a period of rapid growth (2011-2013), a period of development decline (2013-2014), and a period of stable growth (2014-2020). The overall level of high-quality agricultural development has shown an increasing trend over the years, with a distinct pattern of North Xinjiang > South Xinjiang > East Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resources are a prerequisite constraint for agricultural development, and their utilization efficiency has a significant impact on economic and social development. Effectively measuring the impact of agricultural subsidies on irrigation water use efficiency is important for assessing agricultural subsidy policies and improving water use efficiency. To assess the impact of agricultural subsidies and farmland operation scale on cotton irrigation water use efficiency on the basis of research data of 312 farm households in Xinjiang, China, in 2023, we used the transcendental logarithmic stochastic frontier production function model and analyzed the nonlinear impacts of agricultural subsidies and farmland operation scale on the irrigation water use efficiency of Xinjiang cotton with the Tobit model. The results showed that the average cotton irrigation water use efficiency of the farmers was 0.560, and the loss of efficiency was relatively serious. The agricultural subsidies and farmland operation scale of the farmers had a direct inverted“U”effect on the cotton irrigation water use efficiency. The farmland operation scale had a mediating effect on the impact of agricultural subsidies on cotton irrigation water use efficiency. The study shows that, to improve irrigation water use efficiency in the context of the coexistence of severe water scarcity and low water use efficiency in Xinjiang, policy efforts should be increased in terms of promoting moderate agricultural subsidies and guiding farmers to operate on an appropriate scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the changes in cotton production and the yield increase pattern in Xinjiang, mathematical statistics and gravity center models were used to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of cotton production. The pattern and contribution factors of cotton yield increase were discussed based on relevant data from 1988 to 2020. The variation in cotton production in Xinjiang since 1988 showed two stages. The first was an upward fluctuating period (1988—2014), where cotton yield increased from 1.712×105 t to 3.378×106 t, and the planted area increased from 2.213×105 hm² to 1.970×106 hm² . During the second period of fluctuating decline (2015—2020), the cotton yield decreased to 3.027×106 t, and the planted area decreased to 1.637×106 hm² . From 1988 to 2020, the cotton production, planted area, and yield in most cities and regions of Xinjiang significantly increased, but there were significant differences among regions. Southern Xinjiang had a prominent position in cotton production, with Aksu, Kashgar, and Bayingolin contributing 65.43% to the increase of cotton yield in Xinjiang. The increase rate in cotton production of Hami in eastern and northern Xinjiang was faster than that in southern Xinjiang, relocating the gravity center of cotton production to the northeast by 300.96 km, from Kashgar to Aksu. The increase in cotton production in Xinjiang was mainly led by the planted area (74.61%) . In the future, Xinjiang should consider increasing cotton yield per unit area as the main way to ensure cotton yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological and environmental problems of arid zones have become an urgent global concern. Current research on ecological risk is based mainly on the dominant functions of land use, with a primary focus on land use landscape projections and less consideration of potential risks to ecosystems, system resilience and interactions between nature and future sustainable development. In this study, a potential–connectivity–resilience ecological risk assessment model based on the SDGs was constructed using multisource data to spatially quantify indicators at the grid scale in the Turpan and Hami regions of Xinjiang, China. This model was used as a basis for studying ecological risk in arid zones from a production–living–ecological space (PLES) perspective. The results revealed that, during the period 2000–2020, PLESs in the Turpan and Hami regions presented significant spatial similarity, with an increasing trend in overall risk. The production space in the Turpan and Hami regions showed a parabolic trend of increasing and then decreasing, whereas the living space and ecological space in the Hami region showed continuous linear upward trends. The state of ecological security in the Turpan and Hami regions is gradually deteriorating, and comprehensive ecological protection and restoration measures are urgently needed to rationally allocate the structure and layout of the production-–living-–ecological space. The study of ecological risk from a PLES perspective not only helps in fully understanding the development trend of the arid zone; it also provides new ideas and methods for evaluating regional ecological environmental safety and scientific references for formulating regional sustainable development, ecological risk prevention and control and the rational allocation of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious, contentious, and world-spanning project. Using Chinese Communist Party (CCP) documents, this paper examines one of the stated purposes of the BRI: to address regional inequality between China's east and west, focusing upon Xinjiang. Through an analysis of regional economic data, the demographics of Xinjiang and Xinjiang governing bodies, and a case study of the Chinese steel industry, this paper shows that the BRI has so far failed to check increasing regional inequality in China and that job opportunities for local communities in Xinjiang are constrained by social and political factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of China Fiber Inspection / Zhongguo Xian-Jian is the property of China Fiber Inspection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The coupling and coordination of humans and natural systems, as the core of geographical research, is an important issue that social development needs to confront and explore. The study of the coupling and coordination of the human–natural system in Xinjiang, as well as the obstacles, is of great significance for its ecological environment and social development. This study establishes a multidimensional index system for the coupling of the human–natural system in Xinjiang. The comprehensive evaluation index and coupling coordination degree of the human–natural system from 2013 to 2020 were calculated, using weighted methods and a coupling coordination evaluation model. The main obstacles to the development of coupling and coordination in Xinjiang were identified, with the aid of a barrier model. The study indicates: (1) the human–natural system composed of ecological environment, urban–rural livability, cultural characteristics, civil harmony, and green development reflects the comprehensive development level of Xinjiang; (2) from 2013 to 2020, the sustainable development of the human–natural system in Xinjiang was good, with an upward trend in the evaluation index; (3) from 2013 to 2020, the level of coupling and coordination of the human–natural system in Xinjiang improved, transitioning from low to high levels; (4) from 2013 to 2020, the main factors impeding the coordinated development of the human–natural system changed. In addition to urban–rural differences and water resource conditions, medical conditions and carbon emissions also became major influencing factors on the coupling and coordination degree of the human–natural system in arid regions. Therefore, the research on the coupling and coordination relationship of the human–natural system and the analysis of obstacles in Xinjiang can provide scientific basis for the high-quality sustainable development and the construction of a beautiful Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to global warming and ecological environment deterioration. Carbon storage modeling and assessment can promote the sustainable development of the ecological environment. This paper took Xinjiang as the study area, analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution of land use in four periods from 1990 to 2020, explored the spatial relationship of carbon stocks using the InVEST model, and coupled the GMOP model with the PLUS model to carry out multiple scenarios for the future simulation of land use in the study area. We found (1) Over time, the types with an increasing area were mainly impervious and cropland, and the types with a decreasing area were grassland, snow/ice, and barren; spatially, the types were predominantly barren and grassland, with the conversion of grassland to cropland being more evident in the south of Northern Xinjiang and north of Southern Xinjiang. (2) The evolutionary pattern of terrestrial carbon stocks is increasing and then decreasing in time, and the carbon sink areas are concentrated in the Tarim River Basin and the vicinity of the Ili River; spatially, there are differences in the aggregation between the northern, southern, and eastern borders. By analyzing the transfer in and out of various categories in Xinjiang over the past 30 years, it was obtained that the transfer out of grassland reduced the carbon stock by 5757.84 × 104 t, and the transfer out of Barren increased the carbon stock by 8586.12 × 104 t. (3) The land use layout of the sustainable development scenario is optimal under the conditions of satisfying economic and ecological development. The reduction in terrestrial carbon stocks under the 2020–2030 sustainable development scenario is 209.79 × 104 t, which is smaller than the reduction of 830.79 × 104 t in 2010–2020. Land optimization resulted in a lower loss of carbon stocks and a more rational land-use layout. Future planning in Xinjiang should be based on sustainable development scenarios, integrating land resources, and achieving sustainable economic and ecological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Drought and water scarcity are inherent features of Xinjiang's physical geography. It is crucial to understand the spatiotemporal evolutionary patterns and influencing factors of water use for effective water resources demand management. In this study, we investigated the influencing factors which drive the temporal change and spatial heterogeneity in water use pattern in Xinjiang from 1990 to 2020 using the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method. In addition, we quantified the main influencing factors contributing to higher per capita water use in Xinjiang in comparison to the average levels of other regions in northwest China and whole China. The conclusions can be drawn: (1) The total water use in Xinjiang showed a first increasing then decreasing trend, whereas per capita water use showed an overall declining trend. (2) The change of water use intensity and industrial structure were the main reasons for the decline of total water use in Xinjiang. (3) High water intensity and agriculture dominated industrial structure were the main reasons for higher per capita water use in Xinjiang than other regions in northwest China and whole China. (4) Per capita water use across various prefectures in Xinjiang exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, primarily attributable to variations in water use intensity, per capita GDP, and industrial structure. Based on the main results, we propose relevant water management policy recommendations, which can provide a scientific reference for sustainable water use and management in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an arid climate with minimal rainfall, plant growth is constrained by water scarcity and soil salinity. Ecological Water Conveyance (EWC) can mitigate degradation risks faced by riparian plant communities in these regions. However, its effects on long-term dynamics of root zone soil water content, salt levels, and root water uptake remain unclear. This study examined how groundwater affects salt and water dynamics, in addition to root water uptake, under different scenarios involving Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. The research was conducted in the lower reaches of the Tarim River in northwestern China. The Hydrus-1D model was used, following the EWC strategy. The results show that the distribution of T. ramosissima roots was significantly influenced by soil water and salt distributions, with 56.8% of roots concentrated in the 60–100 cm soil layer. Under water stress conditions, root water uptake reached 91.0% of the potential maximum when considering water stress alone, and 41.0% when accounting for both water and salt stresses. Root water uptake was highly sensitive to changes in Depth-to-Water Table (DWT), notably decreasing with lower or higher DWT at 40% of the reference level. EWC effectively enhances root water uptake by using water to leach salts from the root zone soil, with optimal results observed at 500–600 mm. This study advocates for sustainable EWC practices to support vegetation and combat desertification in the lower reaches of arid inland rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic comfortability serves as a crucial factor in tourism decision making; however, there remains a gap in evaluating the climate comfort conditions specifically for forest therapy. We developed a new index—Forest Therapy Climate Comfort Index (FTCCI)—to evaluate the climate comfort conditions for forest therapy by integrating the Temperature (T), Temperature and Humidity Index (THI), and Wind Efficiency Index (WEI). A total of 26 potential forest therapy bases were selected from the protected areas in Xinjiang and divided into five clusters: Aksu cluster, Hami cluster, Altai cluster, Ili and its surrounding cluster, and Urumqi and its surrounding cluster. Based on the monthly observation data from 25 surface meteorological stations in Xinjiang, spanning from 1994 to 2023, employing the Co-Kriging interpolation method, we explored the spatial–temporal variation in FTCCI from June to September and made clear the climate comfort duration across 26 bases in Xinjiang. The results indicated that (1) The variation in T, THI, and WEI in 26 bases demonstrated a consistent pattern of temporal variation. July emerged as the optimal month, followed closely by August, with most indices in both months falling within the comfort level. Conversely, September proved to be the least favorable month due to frigid conditions and discomfort for the human body, whereas June's sensation was slightly more tolerable. (2) The distribution of T, THI, and WEI showed regional heterogeneity. The Urumqi and its surrounding cluster displayed the most favorable conditions for forest therapy, whereas the Aksu cluster showed the poorest performance. (3) There were differences in both FTCCI and climate comfort duration among various clusters in Xinjiang. Overall, excluding Tomur Peak and Nalati (July and August), the remaining 24 bases offered ideal climate comfort conditions for forest therapy from mid to late June through August. Notably, the bases in Urumqi and its surrounding cluster had the longest climate comfort duration, ranging from 3.5 to 4 months. Therefore, reliance on the unique climate, resource, and geographical condition of each base is crucial in creating special forest therapy products that cater to the diverse health needs of tourists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between population distribution and terrorist attack. We first develop an evolutionary game model to analyze the equilibrium relationship under different conditions. Then, using a Poisson regression model and a panel data of 85 counties in Xinjiang, China, we find the number of violent incidents in this area is positively correlated with urban population. The empirical results also show that the equilibrium between terrorism and population distribution in Xinjiang is more consistent with Scenario 1 and Scenario 3 in the theoretical model. More populous cities are more likely to suffer terrorist attacks even with the presence of greater counterterrorism forces. The optimal urbanization pattern is to build a large number of small cities while developing a small number of large cities. Specifically, the four districts in southern Xinjiang need more small cities and towns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay mainly reviews the resource status, resource distribution, nutritional value of the main bulk miscellaneous meal protein feed resources in Xinjiang, including cottonseed meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal and pepper meal, as well as the progress of its application technology in ruminants, in order to provide theoretical support for the rational use of protein feed resources in animal husbandry in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI) is characterized by short revisit times (5 days), red-edge spectral bands (665 nm and 705 nm), and a high spatial resolution (10 m), making it highly suitable for monitoring water quality in both inland and coastal waters. Unlike SeaWiFS, which can adjust its viewing angles to minimize sunglint, the Sentinel-2 MSI operates with fixed near-nadir angles, which makes it more susceptible to sunglint. Additionally, the complex optical properties of water pose challenges in accurately determining its water-leaving reflectance. Therefore, we compared the effectiveness of six atmospheric correction (AC) algorithms (POLYMER, MUMM, DSF, C2RCC, BP, and GRS) in correcting sunglint using two typical lakes in Xinjiang, China, as examples. The results indicated that POLYMER achieved the highest overall evaluation score (1.61), followed by MUMM (1.21), while BP exhibited the lowest performance (0.62). Specifically, POLYMER showed robust performance at the 665 nm band with RMSE = 0.0012 sr−1, R2 = 0.74, and MAPE = 30.68%, as well as at the 705 nm band with RMSE = 0.0014 sr−1, R2 = 0.42, and MAPE = 38.44%. At the 443, 490, and 560 nm bands, MUMM showed better performance (RMSE ≤ 0.0026 sr−1, R2 ≥ 0.86, MAPE ≤ 28.20%). In terms of band ratios, POLYMER exhibited the highest accuracy (RMSE ≤ 0.093 and MAPE ≤ 22.2%), particularly for the ratio Rrs(490)/Rrs(560) (R2 = 0.71). In general, POLYMER is the best choice for the sunglint correction of Xinjiang's clean lakes. This study assessed the capability of different AC algorithms for sunglint correction and enhanced the monitoring capability of MSI data in clean waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No scholar has had a greater impact on the study of Xinjiang and the Uyghurs than the Swedish Orientalist and diplomat Gunnar Jarring (1907–2002). This is thanks, above all, to the remarkable archive of manuscripts from the region that he collected and curated. Known as the Jarring Collection, it may be the largest assemblage of manuscripts by Xinjiang Muslims held anywhere in the world outside China. How was this collection created, and what biases may have informed its development? By exploring the context in which the core of the Jarring Collection was developed, this article reveals unsettling allegations about Jarring's activities during a shadowy, little-known period in his life — a dark period in Sweden's history, during which academic and political elites were in thrall to a far-right zeitgeist that dovetailed with Germany's Nazi movement. The article concludes by considering some implications of the Jarring Collection's biases for the study of Xinjiang and the Uyghurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to deepen the knowledge of the seasonal variation in total cloud cover (TCC) in Xinjiang, China (XJ), a typical arid region, and to broaden the understanding of the seasonal variation in cloud type (CLT) in the region, we used TCC and CLT datasets from the latest generation of the geostationary satellite Fengyun 4A (FY-4A) from 2018 to 2022 to investigate the seasonal variation characteristics of TCC and CLT in XJ. Meanwhile, to verify the accuracy of TCC from FY-4A, ground observation (GROB) TCC datasets from 105 national meteorological stations (NMSs) in XJ and TCC datasets from ERA5 during the same period were used. In addition, the correlation between TCC from FY-4A and meteorological factors from ERA5 was also analyzed in this study. The TCC from FY-4A, GROB, and ERA5 can all well reflect the significant seasonal variation in TCC in XJ, with the highest (lowest) mean TCC and a distribution pattern of high in the southwest (northwest) and low in the northeast (southeast) in spring (fall) in XJ. Although the mean TCC from FY-4A in all four seasons was lower than that from GROB, the two were comparable in spring (44.09% and 47.32%) and summer (42.88% and 43.17%), while there was a significant difference between the two in fall (27.86% and 40.19%) and winter (30.58% and 46.93%) for 105 NMSs in XJ. The TCC from FY-4A was lower (higher) than that from GROB in spring and summer at most NMSs in northern (southern) XJ, while the TCC from FY-4A was lower than that from GROB for the vast majority of NMSs in fall and winter, especially in northern XJ. The seasonal variation in the spatial distribution of different CLTs (clear, water-type, supercooled-type, mixed-type, ice-type, cirrus-type, and overlap-type) from FY-4A exhibited diverse variation characteristics. Water-type (supercooled-water-type) had a high-frequency center of over 30% in the Tarim Basin (Kunlun Mountains) during summer. Mixed-type (ice-type and cirrus-type) had the highest frequency in winter (spring), while overlap-type had the highest frequency in summer. The correlation between TCC and water vapor conditions (total column vertically integrated water vapor, specific humidity at 250 hPa, 500 hPa, and 700 hPa) was positive in XJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agropastoralism has prevailed in Inner Asia since the Bronze Age. It is an optimal subsistence strategy of inhabitants for adaptation to arid marginal environment. However, previous studies paid little attention to different development trajectories of this mixed economy within similar habitat. The Turpan and Hami Basins, located in eastern Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, are two typical desert oases with extremely dry climate, providing us with an appropriate region to investigate the issue. In present study, radiocarbon dates (n = 154) of eight typical sites in these two basins were reviewed and used to reconstruct the prehistoric chronology sequence prior to Han Dynasty (2200 cal BP). Then the data of botanical and faunal remains and stable isotope analyses (n = 159) of human diets from these sites were also reviewed for reliably revealing the subsistence economy pattern. Combining the time scale with multiple biological proxies, results show that, from the Bronze Age to early Iron Age, inhabitant subsistence in the Turpan Basin was dominated by livestock herding and supplemented by low-investment cereal crop cultivation, while the agriculture in Turpan Basin has developed significantly by the later period of Subeixi Culture. In contrast, agriculture-based economy was continuously developed in the Hami oases. Although the climate is very dry in both basins, temperature in warm seasons is much higher in the Turpan Basin. Besides thermal condition, size, range and convenient availability of highland pasture located at the southern flank of the Tianshan Mountains, are main driving factors leading to differentiated development trajectories of agropastoralism. Apart from that, cultural factors like economy, culture and technology communication along with population migration also impact local subsistence economy pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xinjiang region is prone to frequent and complex wind and sand disasters, which present a significant challenge to the sustainable development of local areas. This research uses multi-source data to analyze the spatial distribution of the aeolian environment in Xinjiang, establishes a four-level zoning scheme, and proposes recommendations for ecological management and engineering and control. Results indicate that (1) Xinjiang's aeolian environment and its types exhibit spatial heterogeneity. The aeolian environment types display a high concentration in the eastern region and a low concentration in the western region. Furthermore, the aeolian environment types are concentrated in the basin region. Moreover, the aeolian environment types exhibit a meridional distribution pattern. (2) A four-level zoning system for aeolian environments in Xinjiang was developed, comprising two first-level zones, seven s-level subzones, 22 third-level wind zones, and 31 fourth-level subdivisions. (3) A structural model for a highway sand control system is proposed for aeolian environment types of subdivisions, including fixing-based, combined blocking and fixing, wind-blocking and sand-transferring, and combined blocking and fixing–transferring. The aeolian environment regionalization program proposed in this study can be a scientific reference for relevant departments in formulating and implementing sand prevention and control planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Agricultural Outlook (1673-3908) is the property of Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) borders eight countries and has a complex geographic environment. There are almost 45.696 million herded sheep in Xinjiang, which occupies 13.80% of China's sheep farming industry. However, there is a scarcity of reports investigating the role of sheep or ticks in Xinjiang in transmitting tick-borne diseases (TBDs). A total of 894 ticks (298 tick pools) were collected from sheep in southern Xinjiang. Out of the 298 tick pools investigated in this study, Rhipicephalus turanicus (Rh. turanicus) and Hyalomma anatolicum (H. anatolicum) were identified through morphological and molecular sequencing. In the southern part of Xinjiang, 142 (47.65%), 86 (28.86%), and 60 (20.13%) tick pools were positive for Rickettsia spp., Theileria spp., and Anaplasma spp., respectively. Interestingly, the infection rate of Rickettsia spp. (73%, 35.10%, and 28.56–41.64%) was higher in Rh. turanicus pools than in H. anatolicum pools (4%, 4.44%, and 0.10–8.79%) in this study. Fifty-one tick pools were found to harbor two pathogens, while nineteen tick pools were detected to have the three pathogens. Our findings indicate the presence of Rickettsia spp., Theileria spp., and Anaplasma spp. potentially transmitted by H. anatolicum and Rh. turanicus in sheep in southern Xinjiang, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tianshanbeilu cemetery is the largest Bronze Age cemetery in eastern Xinjiang, China, and plays important roles in connecting the Eurasian interior to the Hexi Corridor, and further to the Central Plains region. Utilizing micro-XRF and Raman spectroscopy techniques, we identified a fluorite bead at this cemetery. This barrel bead is the earliest record of such a fluorite bead in China, dating back to approximately 1385–1256 BCE. Comparing the unearthed records of fluorite beads in eastern China spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Western Zhou dynasty, we notice that in the early Western Zhou period, fluorite beads found in élite burials are only in barrel or biconical shapes, both of which first appeared in the eastern region of Xinjiang, such as the Tianshanbeilu cemetery in Hami and the Yanghai cemetery in the Turpan Basin. We proposed that the barrel fluorite bead drilled by metal tubular drill first appearing in the Tianshanbeilu cemetery might have spread eastward to the Central Plains region and finally constituted a component of the ritual revolutions during the Western Zhou dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid evolution of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the bottleneck for effective prevention and control of PRRS. Thus, understanding the prevalence and genetic background of PRRSV strains in swine-producing regions is important for disease prevention and control. However, there is only limited information about the epizootiological situation of PRRS in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. In this study, blood or lung tissue samples were collected from 1,411 PRRS-suspected weaned pigs from 9 pig farms in Changji, Shihezi, and Wujiaqu cities between 2020 and 2022. The samples were first tested by RT-quantitative PCR, yielding a PRRSV-2 positive rate of 53.6%. Subsequently, 36 PRRSV strains were isolated through initial adaptation in bonemarrow-derivedmacrophages followed by propagation in grivet monkey Marc-145 cells. Furthermore, 28 PRRSV-positive samples and 20 cell-adapted viruses were selected for high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to obtain the entire PRRSV genome sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of the ORF5 gene of the PRRSV strains identified in this study grouped into sub-lineages 1.8 and 8.7 the former being the dominant strain currently circulating in Xinjiang. However, the NSP2 proteins of the Xinjiang PRRSV strains shared the same deletion patterns as sub-lineage 1.8 prototype strain NADC30 with the exception of 4 strains carrying 2-3 additional amino acid deletions. Further analysis confirmed that recombination events had occurred in 27 of 37 PRRSVs obtained here with the parental strains belonging to sub-lineages 1.8 and 8.7, lineages 3 and 5, with the recombination events having occurredmost frequently in the 5' and 3' termini ofORF1a and 5' terminus of ORF1b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]