#maize production increase

[farmerstrend]

Record 70Million Bags of Maize Harvest: How Government Policies on Fertiliser Subsidies Are Paying Off

“Discover how Kenya’s record maize harvest of 70 million bags is reshaping the nation’s food security, driven by government subsidies and favorable weather conditions.” “Kenya’s maize harvest hits an all-time high! Learn about the factors behind the bumper crop and its impact on the country’s agricultural future.” “Explore the success story of Kenya’s maize harvest reaching 70 million bags,…

[probablyasocialecologist]

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization coined CSA in 2009 to describe practices aimed at increasing farm resilience and reducing the carbon footprint of a global food system responsible for up to 37 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Since then, however, observers say that CSA has been usurped by the Gates-led corporate alliance, with programs like Water Efficient Maize for Africa serving as green-painted Trojan horses for industry. “CSA is an agribusiness-led vision of surveillance [and] data-driven farmerless farming, [which explains why] its biggest promoters include Bayer, McDonnell, and Walmart,” said Mariam Mayet of the African Centre for Biodiversity. “From a climate perspective, it entrenches the global inequalities of a corporate food regime. There’s no system shift at all.” Octavaio Sánchez, the grizzled director of Honduras’s National Association for the Promotion of Organic Agriculture, contends that policies that promote true resilience must focus on regenerating soils through the use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and the preservation of native seeds able to adapt to changing conditions. These are the cornerstones of a global agro-ecology movement that has emerged from the seed and food sovereignty coalitions of the past three decades. The peasant-led agro-ecology movement—with La Via Campesina and AFSA in front—rejects the familiar refrain from agribusiness promoters that it is condemning farmers to permanent poverty and stagnation. The movement’s position is supported by both a growing literature of case studies and the development of scientific agro-ecological practices. When Gates Foundation officers were preparing to launch AGRA in 2006, researchers at the University of Essex published a study showing that agro-ecological practices increased yields by an average of nearly 80 percent across 12.6 million farms in 57 poor countries. The authors concluded that “all crops showed water use efficiency gains,” which led to “improvements in food productivity.” The UN’s High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition recommended in 2019 that governments support agro-ecological projects and redirect “subsidies and incentives that at present benefit unsustainable practices,” a judgment based on similar studies undertaken around the world.

[mochinomnoms]

https://www.tumblr.com/mochinomnoms/750399534369275905/your-talk-about-museums-and-ancient-artifacts

No no, please, do tell about the agriculture of Mexico! They made islands for agriculture?? What type of products grew on them? How did they work??

Do you have any recommendations of sites or works to see more of it?

Also you should see the type of economy Incas had, like, they didn’t have a writing system; which is why keeping languages like Quechua really complicated, and their economy was more family based? It’s kinda complicated to explain for me but it’s more akin to trading than anything modern in my opinion.

Chinampas! They're very cool and a super ingenious method of agriculture that doesn't affect the rainforest around them but utilizes the lakes! I'll be using this and this as my main source to reference.

"Chinampa system is an historical system adapted to face hydrologic and climatic constraints and the pressure by the high city’s food demand. The chinampa farmers have been able to handle certain balance between the sustained yield and the environmental and technological management factors. This ecosystem performance has been based on the biological stability improvement, including sophisticated farming methods such as multiple cropping and shift of crops."

As you can see, they're man-made and developed by the Mexica (Aztecs) in the 14th century in the lakes of Xochimilco and Chalco, which surround Lake Texcoco, the lake that Mexico City takes residence in.

They're best described as “floating gardens” and due to the nutrient rich materials used to built them, are very fertile and can grow a great variety of crops. This of course includes Mexico's staple crop of maiz, but also beans, squash, tomatoes, chili peppers, and even flowers. The chinampas system provides a built-in natural irrigation system, and were home to aquatic wildlife and birds. This benefits the system further, as these animals increase the fertility and nutrients in the water and soil. There was also a drainage system, which facilitated the movement of water and sediments!

There were some cultural practices in association with chinampas, but they're best associated with the sort of 'urbanization' that Tenochtitlan was going under as the Mexica grew.

There have been much more recent studies done on the chinampas system, as modern agriculture as we know it is highly unsustainable due to lack of land and the general environmental concerns around agriculture. Utilizing chinampas in modern agricultural system has several benefits which include space efficiency, biodiversity, sustainable water management, carbon sesquention (migating climate change), and community engagement.

The last is particularly important, as it involves local communities in food production and builds on the concept of 'third-spaces' for people. Third spaces are typically places that individuals can spend time with their communities without the need to spend money for services or products. Libraries are the best example of this, but there have been others that have been lost over time.

This is not to say that chinampas don't exist anymore! They very much due primarily in San Gregorio, Xochimilco, Mexico City. THere are also some in San Luis, Tiahuac, and Mixiquic.

Other countries around the world have been inspired by chinampas, such as the Floating Gardens of Bangladesh, the Green Float project in Osaka Bay, Japan, and the Urban Rivers project in Chicago, USA.

There are some difficulties in maintaining current chinampas and bringing them back, as many of the original lakes were drained by the Spanish which reduced their ability to support agriculture. Earthquakes have also damaged them and the canals, as well as the scarcity of fresh water, pesticides, climate change, urban development, and water pollution.

I've gone on a bit long now, but I am familiar with the Inca and Quechua communication system you are referring to! It's a system based on knots if I'm not mistaken! I might be inclined to go into that in a future date!

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

South Africa government green-lights yellow maize imports from Brazil

In some coastal areas of South Africa, it is cheaper to import yellow maize from South America than sourcing it locally.

Fears of a possible shortage of yellow maize have been averted with a decision by the national department of agriculture to allow yellow maize imports from Brazil.

The National Agricultural Marketing Council estimated earlier this year that it might be necessary to import 383 000 tonnes of yellow maize – a crucial ingredient in animal feed – amid shrinking local production and rising prices brought about by lower rainfall in the country’s maize-producing regions.

While price increases have moderated since the 19% rise between January and May, it is still R275-R300 per tonne cheaper for animal feed manufacturers in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and possibly also parts of KwaZulu-Natal to import yellow maize than transport it locally from the production areas.

Continue reading.

[dailyanarchistposts]

People

Hunger Has Natural Causes, Right?

Despite the fact that the world produces 1.5 times as much food as is needed to feed the human population, starvation and famine are endemic to modern capitalism. 900 million people die from starvation each year, but there is no global shortage of land to grow food. The UN estimates that there is enough land to feed a world population of 14 billion people. But what is it being used for? As in the ‘developed’ North, large landowners control the vast majority of land. In 83 countries, 3% of farmers control 79% of farmland, much of it left unused in order to maintain profits. Big Food made over $7bn profit from the South in 1990, and probably far more through transfer payments. It uses its economic power to force down the prices of rice, coffee, sugar, cocoa and cotton. Average prices in 1989 were 20% down on those of 1980. This led to an increase in foreign debt for Southern countries, with consequent increased economic hardship for the poor majority (higher taxes, inflation, etc.). Brazil has an area of farmland the size of India left uncultivated while 20 million rural poor are landless; the richest 1% owns 15 times as much land as the poorest 56% of Brazilian farmers. In Guatemala, 2% of landowners own 66% of the land. In the Philippines agribusiness producing sugar, cotton and pineapples for export has pushed 12 million peasants into the lowland forests.

Drought in Africa is part of a millennia-long cycle that human societies adapted to. It is cash crop exploitation, the market economy and taxation that produce starvation, not drought. During the 1970s, when famines first began to be reported regularly, ships that brought relief supplies to the port of Dakar left carrying peanuts, cotton, vegetables, and meat. In Bangladesh, often cited as the model for the Malthusian argument, 90% of the land is worked by sharecroppers and labourers. Many starved after the 1974 floods, while hoarders held on to four million tons of rice. In the mid-80’s severe famines occurred in the Sahel countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Chad yet during the same period record harvests of cotton were exported to the industrial centres of the world.

Cash crops go to feed the global supermarket, yielding higher profits for international capital and accelerating global industrialisation. Mexican soil and labour supplies almost 70% of the US market for much winter and early spring vegetables. The result is that agriculture for local consumption is squeezed out and the prices of staple foods rise. Up to 50% of total meat production in Central America is exported, mainly to North America. The “Green Revolution” of the 1970s and 1980s, that the ruling class said would feed the hungry, has in fact only supplied the global supermarket. The same will certainly be true of the ‘wonder crops’ of the GM revolution. The corporate claims that GM and industrial food production in general will ‘feed the world’ are straightforward lies. The maize/soya/ animal product system they are pushing so heavily is not a rational way to produce food — an acre of cereal is estimated to produce 5 times as much protein as one devoted to meat production, an acre of legumes (beans, peas, lentils) 10 times as much and an acre of leafy vegetables 15 times as much.

[jcsmicasereports]

Emerging infectious agents: an unusual case of Metapneumovirus pneumonia in an adult patient by Graziana Francesca Greco in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences

Abstract

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), a relatively new virus, is a common cause of acute respiratory infection, especially common in the pediatric population. Despite hMPV infection in adults is possible, this rarely results in serious clinical manifestation. Here, we describe a hypoxemic respiratory failure related to pneumonia in an adult patient in whom hMPV was detected in respiratory samples.

Keywords

Human Metapneumovirus; SARS-CoV-2; Covid-19.

CASE HISTORY

A 61-yr-old caucasian man presented to the Emergency Department (ASST Mantua Hospital, Mantua, Italy) with fever up to 39°C, poorly responsive to antipyretics, nocturnal dyspnea and productive cough with mucus-purulent sputum for three days. On physical examination he appeared in good general condition, collaborating and oriented. The following parameters were recorded: blood pressure 140/90mmHg, heart rate of 100 beats min-1; respiratory rate of 23 breaths min-1; and body temperature of 38.4°C. His arterial oxygen saturation on room air was 87%. Chest examination revealed abnormal breath sounds with rhonchi and fine crackles in the middle lobe and inferior lobes bilaterally, no wheezes were heard. Laboratory findings revealed lymphocytosis (81000 x 103/µl), low platelet count (113000 x 106/µl) and an increase in alanine transaminase value (59 U/L), total bilirubin value (1.13 mg/dL) and CPR value (112 mg/L). Room air arterial blood gas analysis showed a normocapnic hypoxemia: pH 7.43, carbon dioxide tension 40.5 mmHg, oxygen tension 60.4 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mmol L-1. The  SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test on nasopharyngeal swab was negative. A chest radiograph showed multiple, small, patchy opacities in the right upper and middle lobe and  no pleural effusion was observed. Based on these findings he was admitted to the Respiratory Department.

His medical history included chronic lymphocytic leukemia in follow-up which did not require any specific treatment. He denied taking any medications or to be a smoker, he drinks a glass of wine once a day and has no known allergies. The patient was a farmer who cultivates wheat and maize but he had no animal exposure and no travel history in the last few years. There is no family history or childhood history of respiratory complaints. He was vaccinated with three dosesagainst the SARS-CoV-2 infection (Pfizer) but not against the influenza virus.

Based on the patient’s presentation and testing results, on suspicion of bacterial pneumonia he was empirically treated with IV Piperacillin/Tazobactam, the patient required oxygen support at 3L min-1 and an inhalation therapy with Beclomethasone/Formoterol was set up ex adiuvantibus. In the following days, several microbiological investigations were carried out to determine the etiology of pneumonia: blood culture, urinoculture, sputum culture, Legionella, Haemofilus and Pneumococcus serologic tests, Legionella pneumophila and Pneumococcal urinary antigen test, all of which were negative.

A  nasopharyngeal swab FilmArray Respiratory Panel Assay (NP FARP) was then requested: it was positive for human Metapneumovirus and the result was confirmed by repeating the test. For non responder fever and further increase of CPR (230 mg/l) and PCT (0.27 ng/ml), Levofloxacin and later Meropenem were added in the perspective of a resistant bacterial etiology.  On  the 6th hospitalization day a chest computed tomography (CT) scan was obtained (Figures 1 and 2) which demonstrated large opacities with gradient borders, distributed in the peribronchial area at the right upper lobe, middle lobe and both the lower lobes; they tended to the confluence configuring parenchymal consolidations with aerial bronchogram at the level of the cost-phrenic angle. Imaging also showed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (max diameter 3.4 x 2 cm), splenomegaly and absence of pleural effusion. Blood chemistry tests for HIV, Aspergillus antigen and galactomannan were also investigated but turned out negative. To rule out other infectious agents the patient underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) into the middle lobe. BAL provides material for various microbiological and cytological tests: Gram stain, culture, Koch’s bacillus DNA, Galactomannan, Cytomegalovirus and P. Jirovecii and immunological analysis were negative. From respiratory virus panel on BAL only human Metapneumovirus was isolated, this unique microbiological data was according to the NP FARP’s result,  thus supporting and confirming the new hypothesis of a viral pneumonia in an adult patient with probable secondary mild immunosuppression due to his hematological disease. About ten days after entering the ward, there was a gradual decrease of CPR and a progressive improvement in clinical conditions and respiratory function to allow the suspension of oxygen therapy. At the end of hospitalization, pulmonary function tests were performed and showed a restrictive syndrome (FEV1/FVC 76.2, TLC 68% and VC 79% of predicted) and mild reduction of diffusion capacity (DLCO 62% and KCO 99%), probably representing the residual functional impairment due to viral pneumonia. The patient finally suspended all therapies and at discharge was referred for a one-month follow-up visit.

DISCUSSION

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), a relatively new virus first discovered in 2001, has been detected in 4-16% of patients with acute respiratory infections [1] [2] [3]. In particular, a recent review of 48 previous articles, including 100,151 patients under the age of five hospitalized for CAP, identified this virus as a cause of pneumonia in 3.9% of patients [4]. A recent study of 1386 hospitalized adult patients identified hMPV pneumonia in only 1.64%, indicating that it was much less common than in the infant population [5]. Metapneumovirus causes disease primarily in infants, but rarely can infect immunosuppressed individuals and elderly as well. Seroprevalence studies have shown that 90-100% of 5-10 years old children have previous infection [6]. Reinfection can occur during adulthood because of defected immunity acquired during the first contact with hMPV and/or because of different viral genotypes. The incubation period varies widely but is typically 3-5 days. The disease severity depends on the patient's condition and it ranges from mild upper airway infection to life-threatening pneumonia or bronchiolitis [7]. Clinically, Metapneumovirus infection is often indistinguishable from RSV infection, particularly in the pediatric population, and common symptoms include hypoxemia, cough, fever, upper and lower airway infections and wheezing [8]. hMPV infant patients are often hospitalized  for bronchiolitis and pneumonia [9]. In young adults, a flu-like syndrome with fever may occur in a small number of instances, but infection in geriatric subjects may cause severe clinical manifestations such as pneumonia and, in rare cases, death [10].

As described in this case, it was not surprising that antibiotics and corticosteroids were administered in most patients infected with Metapneumovirus mainly for two reasons: in most cases the specific diagnostic tests for hMPV are not carried out at admission and/or physicians prefer to continue steroid and antibiotic treatment to control potential unidentified bacterial infections in patients in which no etiological agent had been identified associated with hMPV infection. The overuse of these drugs could therefore be reduced through the adoption at admission of specific diagnostic tests for such etiological agent, especially if specific risk factors are present (age, immunodepression, etc.). In addition, the adoption of such tests could reduce the nosocomial spread of this virus, allowing an early isolation of the infected patient [11].

Conflicts of interest: The authors certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript. Funding: The authors report no involvement in the research by the sponsor that could have influenced the outcome of this work.

Authors’ contributions : All authors contributed equally to the manuscript and read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

[naturalhealthstore]

WHY CHOOSING THIS STORE

The Natural Health Store is built entirely for people. You can also buy items at retail. Here products are manufactured and sold in a healthy and clean manner. Made naturally without any artificial fertilizers. You tell customers how to prepare products in a healthy way. The products produced in this route are low in cost and high in quality.It plays an important role in health. This is what people want in today's world. Using this method not only increases the immunity of a person but also plays an important role in their health. Many friends visit this Anganwadi. Its capable employees clear the doubts of the customers about its product.

STORE FACILITY

Cooling facility is also provided to prevent spoilage. Coconuts are produced in large quantities and sold to small scale enterprises at low prices. The company has its own coconut trees. Coconut water is produced without any additives. The price is low and the quality is high. The rice we use on a daily basis is grown in our own company. Rice is produced by organic farming without any admixture. Rice is also delivered to small shops. A customer service has been introduced for which you can report any defect in the goods.

Nutrition Value Of Milk:

Milk is the most essential food for man and child. It is rich in many nutrients. The most important of them are calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Natural Milk Preparation:

Natural milk productioncontains they own 10 acres of land and a green cow farm. It has 50 cows. Pure milk is obtained from these cows. These cows eat natural foods such as paddy, fodder crops, cotton paddy, groundnut paddy, maize straw and unfertilized fodder. The cow is very healthy by eating this. The milk produced by it is very clean and of good quality. The cow milk obtained from here is taken to the natural Anganwadi. It is also maintained in a clean manner. Cooling facility is also provided to prevent spoilage

Cow Milk Uses:

Normally used for drinking. Mostly used in small tea shops. Widely used in hotels and bakery shops. Widely used in bank and new offices. Festivals and wedding events play an important role Various food items, snacks and many other products are produced in it like curd, buttermilk, paneer, curd, ice cream, Butter, almond milk.

Milk Health Benefits:

⦁ Strengthens bones and plays an important role in maintenance. ⦁ Milk contains high quality protein which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. ⦁ It plays an important role in controlling minor heart disorders and blood pressure diseases. ⦁ Promotes tooth growth and reduces tooth decay. ⦁ It also helps in weight gain. Reduces effects on gut health and digestive problems.

Nutrient Value Of Coconut:

Coconut is very important. highly versatile and nutritious, with different a range of culinary and health benefits. Coconut is combination of water, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. Coconut is produced coconut milk, coconut oil etc.

Natural coconut oil preparation:

It has its own 30 acre coconut grove where coconut oil is produced organically. The trees are grown naturally without any admixture. Take the coconut from the coconut tree and break it into small pieces and dry it in the sun. It should be dried in the sun for two or three days.Pure coconut oil is made from the dry coconut without adding any artificial additives. The oil should be kept in the sun for two or three days. Then the oil is brought to our facility and packaged.

Advantages Of Coconut:

Coconut plays an important role in all households. Used to make more snacks. Cooking plays an important role. Coconuts are mostly used in festivals and temples. Coconut milk and coconut oil are used in large bakeries

Coconut Health Benefits:

⦁ Coconuts are rich in calcium and magnesium which gives good strength to the bones. ⦁ High consumption of coconut oil helps control blood sugar levels. ⦁ Helps to reduce body weight. ⦁ Being rich in fiber plays an important role in heart health. ⦁ Consuming coconut milk helps in skin growth. ⦁ Protects hair from stress, stimulates hair growth, eliminates dandruff problem. ⦁ Increases immunity, Drinking fresh water increases energy. ⦁ Being rich in fiber, it helps in digestion.

Advantages of health store:

⦁ Only fresh products available. ⦁ Materials are always clean. ⦁ You can also buy the item online. If there is any doubt about the goods then the customer can be contacted. ⦁ Products prepared without any adulteration. ⦁ The price will be low and the quality of the products will be high. ⦁ No shipping coast.

[apilgrimpassingby]

Designing A Traditionalist Commune

Inspired by chatting with @tradgirllife and @unprofessionalcat about this kind of thing and wanting to share my plans; this is going to be one long post.

Village Layout

Throughout, I will be presupposing a commune of c.100 families adding up to c.500 people. Also, because UK and US English sometimes use the same name for different plants and vice versa, all plants will also come with scientific names. Additionally, this is calibrated to the climate and ecology of Britain; adjust for where you live.

At the centre of the village is the church, which will also double as the meeting place for the village (this will be important later). It sits at the centre of 1000 acres of communally-held sheep pasture planted with clover, (trifolium pratense) dandelions (taraxacum officinale), yarrow (achillea millefolium) and maize (zea mays; this one is useful if the potato crop fails), with this same space including various other facilities - a printing shop, a blacksmith's, a stream for water and a glassworks. The dead are also buried here, with small, subtle gravestones.

Ringing that are houses (design will be discussed soon), each with an acre of land containing potatoes (peel helps feed chickens and a very dense, low-effort-to-prepare carbohydrate source), sweetcorn, beans and squash (the sweetcorn forms a trellis for the beans, the beans fix nitrogen for the sweetcorn and the squash helps both retain moisture) and carrots and onions (carrots ward off onion flies and onions ward off carrot flies), and a fruit grove with chickens (the trees provide the chickens with interesting insects to eat and that in turn keeps the trees pest-free). As for area, 4000 square feet (doubled to 8000 for paths and storage) will feed a single person on a vegetarian diet for a year. There are 43,650 square feet in an acre. 8000X5 = 40,000 for vegetables, with the remaining 3650 square feet being used for chickens and fruit.

Ringing that, in turn, is a forest of Himalayan birch (betula utilis) for firewood and writing material, Sitka spruce (picea sitchensis) for timber and resin/glue and white willow (salix alba) for baskets, painkiller and tannin (for leather-making) production with ponds containing tench (tinca tinca) and mallards (anas platyrhynchos) for meat and eggs (in addition, ground fish bones can be added to chicken feed). Ground shrubs will be similar to those in the sheep field.

House Design

Houses will be built out of straw bales, with a foundation of stones (to prevent damp seeping in), a coating of limewash (to add resistance to fire and water) and wooden cladding (to stop rain; Britain is very wet. Feel free to leave this out in a dry area). Straw bale building is cheap and (if you tie the bales tightly) very warm and surprisingly fire-resistant. However, I envision repairs and new houses leading to a gradual replacement with timber buildings. Rooves consist of a timber frame upon which is placed soil in which to grow herbs for consumption (for the UK I'm thinking oregano, yarrow, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme). This will necessitate strong rooves with gentle slopes, but will be doable, and will increase cultivation space and take advantage of the UK's fairly high rainfall.

Inside, the centre of the house is a wood-burning stove over which the cooking is done. Surrounding that are chairs which people sit on to consume meals, with wooden bookcases (books are printed on birch bark, with charcoal-based ink, wool string and spruce resin for binding and a leather cover) and assorted ornaments. I'm a man, ornamenting houses isn't my thing - women and girls reading this, provide your ideas. Windows are fairly small due to local production limitations, and so there are quite a few of them. In winter, the house is lit with candles made from beeswax or tallow (so we'll want a few beekeepers) and reeds (from around the ponds), made by one of these processes.

To the side are bedrooms. These are fairly unadorned, consisting of a wooden bed, a mattress made from wool and/or feathers, a blanket and pillow of the same and some personal possessions. Also there should be a spinning wheel for the woman of the house to use.

To the back and just outside is the compost toilet. It consists of a wooden shack over a chamber for excreta and another chamber for composting. A bit of guttering funnels urine outside into a barrel of straw (also for composting). Washing is done in a metal tub, with soap made of animal fat or vegetable oil and wood ash.

Clothing

Clothes are made of wool, dyed with nettles (urtica dioica) for grey-green, dandelions for pale yellow, and whatever else is locally available. In addition, natural sheep colours give a range of white, grey, brown and black. Shoes will be made of sheepskin, and some people taking up shoemaking will thus be much appreciated.

In terms of clothing, I'm not particular about styles. I imagine that men will dress something like this and women something like this, but I am very much not particular. I'm a man.

Diet

As composed from the ingredients above, mostly potatoes accompanying vegetable stews of a considerable range. Some treats, such as pancakes, cider and meat, but mostly fairly plain.

Political System

The village is governed by two bodies - the magistrates and the assembly.

The magistrates consist of three randomly-selected adult citizens, with the proviso that they cannot have committed a crime in the last three years and they cannot serve consecutive terms. They meet weekly to judge crimes and set the agenda for the assembly.

The assembly consists of all adults of the community, meeting monthly to vote on proposed laws and actions and vote on applicants for citizenship. The citizenship can vote to modify proposed laws.

Due to the lack of state apparatus, crimes are punished by fines (for minor crimes, especially property crimes), exile (for major crimes - those who are exiled have their crimes, date of exile and sentence length tattooed on their non-dominant hands) or execution (for serious crimes, although this needs to be put up to the assembly and only violent or sexual crimes can be capital).

Note to say if you like this and/or would like to live here, reblog with any comments, questions or criticisms you have.

[professionalowl]

Actually, since people keep commenting on the wine thing, here's a brief explanation I wrote on the significance of the wine thing last week after someone asked me to elaborate in private. Questionable explanations of archaeological science below:

All of the comments that I make above about Richard III's diet were derived from a mixture of historical sources and the application of a biomolecular technique called stable isotope analysis to his remains. Stable isotope analysis does two big things: it can tell you about human movement and migration, and it can tell you about human diet. The study I cited (Lamb et al. 2014, open access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2014.06.021) is actually about both of those things, but I'm focusing on diet for now.

The scientific TL;DR of it is that human bodies incorporate the materials of their environment (food, water, etc.) over the course of their development, and so the composition of, say, your bones, or your hair, contains trace elements from the environment you grew up in. With regards to diet specifically, those elements vary isotopically depending on 1. location and 2. the kinds of foods you’re eating, so someone with a marine diet will have different chemical "signatures" in their bones to someone who grew up eating, say, terrestrial plants and animals.

SIA is usually only useful for analysis at a group level because archaeology normally deals with completely anonymous individuals (collecting aggregated data about a population means that you can get a better idea of what the “average” diet was like, instead of it turning out that the small sample of maize consumers you were analysing lived in a marine-oriented society but just happened to really love maize, or something). In this case, though, the study they did on Richard III meant that they could compare their results with a record of the subject's personal history.

Richard III became king at the end of his life - he was king for two years before Henry VII defeated him at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 - which meant that, for a short period, he was eating a really rich aristocratic diet. So he has, for instance, some interesting changes in his nitrogen composition in the latter few years of his life that the authors think “could be explained by an increase in consumption of luxury items,” like game birds and freshwater fish.

As for the wine thing specifically, Lamb et al. conducted an analysis of his oxygen composition and discovered a shift in his oxygen-18 levels that they couldn’t explain in the usual way, i.e. that it was a product of a change in location. Weird! What are a bunch of chemists to do with that? They hypothesised that that shift was actually the result of increased wine consumption, so they tested some modern french wines (as a proxy for medieval wine, which they had no access to) and found that the isotopic makeup of those wines matched up with the increase in oxygen-18 in Richard's bones.

So. It looks like he drank so much wine within the brief span of time he was king for that it slightly altered the chemical composition of his bones. We didn’t know archaeology could detect that kind of thing, because we had no opportunities to notice it before. Neat!

so. um. the good news is we found your boyfriend. the bad news is that, well, we sort of…dug him up…in the middle of a car park. in leicester (buckley et al. 2013). leicester, yeah. sorry. they demolished the friary he was hastily interred in when henry viii dissolved all the monasteries. you know how it is. and as it turns out, well, shakespeare was…sort of right about him. scoliosis, yeah, sorry (appleby et al. 2014). if it makes you feel any better we analysed his bones and it turns out he had a pretty high-protein diet before he died (lamb et al. 2014). and he drank so much wine that it changed their chemical composition, which we didn't know could actually happen before we analysed him (lamb et al. 2014), so he was having a good time, at least. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Appleby, J., Mitchell, P.D., Robinson, C., Brough, A., Rutty, G., and Morgan, B. (2014). The scoliosis of Richard III, last Plantagenet King of England: diagnosis and clinical significance. Lancet 383, 1944. 

Buckley, R., Morris, M., Appleby, J., King, T., O’Sullivan, D., and Foxhall, L. (2013). ‘The king in the car park’: new light on the death and burial of Richard III in the Grey Friars church, Leicester, in 1485. Antiquity 87, pp. 519-538. 

Lamb, A.L., Evans, J.E., Buckley, R., and Appleby, J. (2014). Multi-isotope analysis demonstrates significant lifestyle changes in King Richard III. Journal of Archaeological Science 50, pp. 559-565.

[chemanalystdata]

Maize (Corn) Prices Trend | Pricing | News | Database | Chart

 Maize, also known as corn, is a staple crop with significant economic and nutritional importance worldwide. The price of maize fluctuates due to various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, weather conditions, global trade policies, and the cost of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and labor. Maize prices play a crucial role in determining the affordability of food products, especially in countries where it forms a dietary staple. Additionally, maize serves as a key input in industries such as animal feed, ethanol production, and processed food manufacturing, further influencing its market value.

The global supply of maize heavily depends on major producers, including the United States, China, Brazil, and Argentina. The United States, as the largest producer and exporter of maize, significantly impacts international prices. Any changes in U.S. crop yields, trade policies, or export volumes tend to ripple across global markets. Weather patterns such as droughts, floods, or frosts can disrupt production in key growing regions, leading to supply shortages and price surges. Similarly, technological advancements, such as genetically modified crops and precision farming, can enhance yields and stabilize prices by mitigating the impact of adverse weather.

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Demand for maize has steadily increased over the years due to its diverse applications. In addition to being a food source for humans, maize is a critical component of animal feed, particularly for poultry, cattle, and swine industries. The growing global population has driven an increased demand for meat products, indirectly raising the demand for maize as livestock feed. Furthermore, maize is extensively used in the production of ethanol, a biofuel, making it a crucial crop in the energy sector. Policies promoting renewable energy and biofuels can lead to higher demand for maize, thereby driving up prices.

The international maize trade is another critical factor influencing prices. Export restrictions or tariffs imposed by major exporting countries can tighten global supplies and push up prices. Conversely, trade agreements and favorable export conditions can increase market liquidity and stabilize prices. Currency fluctuations also play a role, as they can affect the competitiveness of maize exports from different regions. For instance, a weaker U.S. dollar generally makes American maize more attractive to international buyers, potentially increasing demand and prices.

Economic factors such as inflation, interest rates, and global economic growth also influence maize prices. Rising inflation increases the cost of agricultural inputs, transportation, and storage, which can translate to higher maize prices. Additionally, higher interest rates may raise the cost of financing for farmers, impacting their planting decisions and overall production levels. Conversely, robust economic growth and higher consumer spending can boost demand for maize-derived products, supporting higher prices.

Geopolitical events and conflicts can create disruptions in maize supply chains, leading to price volatility. For instance, wars or trade disputes in key exporting regions can disrupt transportation routes and limit exports, causing supply shortages in importing countries. Such disruptions often lead to price spikes as buyers compete for limited supplies. Similarly, natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods can damage infrastructure, hinder transportation, and reduce the availability of maize in affected areas.

The role of speculative trading in maize markets cannot be overlooked. Commodity traders often buy and sell maize futures contracts based on their expectations of future prices, influenced by factors such as weather forecasts, policy changes, and global demand trends. Speculative trading can lead to short-term price volatility, although it also provides liquidity and helps farmers hedge against risks.

Sustainability concerns and climate change are emerging as significant factors shaping maize markets. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and storms, poses risks to maize production. Additionally, water scarcity in key growing regions can impact yields and push up prices. Efforts to make maize farming more sustainable, including adopting conservation agriculture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, may influence production costs and, consequently, prices.

Consumer preferences are also shifting towards organic and non-genetically modified maize products, which typically command premium prices. As awareness about health and environmental issues grows, demand for sustainably produced maize is expected to increase, potentially creating niche markets with higher price points. At the same time, innovations in biotechnology and farming practices aim to improve productivity while reducing environmental impact, potentially stabilizing long-term prices.

The interplay between domestic and international factors makes maize prices inherently complex and dynamic. Government policies, such as subsidies for maize farmers or import restrictions, can have significant impacts on domestic markets. In contrast, global factors like oil prices and transportation costs can influence the competitiveness of maize exports. Monitoring these factors is crucial for stakeholders across the supply chain, including farmers, traders, processors, and policymakers.

Seasonal patterns also play a role in maize pricing, with harvest periods typically leading to increased supply and lower prices. However, the timing and magnitude of these seasonal effects depend on storage capacities, export demand, and the availability of alternative crops. Understanding these seasonal trends can help market participants make informed decisions about buying, selling, or storing maize.

Looking ahead, technological advancements, policy shifts, and climate change will likely continue shaping the maize market. Innovations such as digital farming technologies, crop monitoring systems, and climate-resilient maize varieties hold promise for improving efficiency and stabilizing prices. Additionally, global efforts to reduce food waste and improve logistics can enhance the efficiency of maize supply chains, benefiting producers and consumers alike.

In conclusion, maize prices are influenced by a multitude of factors, including supply-demand dynamics, global trade, economic conditions, and environmental changes. These factors interact in complex ways, leading to fluctuations in market prices. As maize continues to play a vital role in food security, energy production, and industrial applications, understanding the drivers of price movements is essential for market participants. Addressing challenges such as climate change and supply chain disruptions will be critical for ensuring a stable and sustainable maize market in the future.

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[isabella23ru]

Plastic Market Size Forecast: BASF SE booms

Asia-Pacific's robust growth highlights rising demand and bio-based plastics trend

Market Overview:

The worldwide plastic market is expected to grow from USD 522.6 billion in 2022 to USD 721.4 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.5%. Over the projection period, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to maintain its dominant position. This expansion is driven by increasing demand across sectors such as packaging, construction, and automotive. Key factors contributing to market growth include rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and technological advancements in plastic manufacturing. However, environmental concerns and regulatory demands are pushing the industry towards more eco-friendly alternatives.

Market Trends:

A significant trend in the plastic industry is the shift towards bio-based plastics. This change is driven by growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressure. Increasing consumer awareness about plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems fuels this trend. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to produce biodegradable and compostable plastics from renewable sources such as maize starch, sugarcane, and cellulose. These sustainable alternatives are gaining traction in applications including packaging, consumer goods, and automotive components. Government initiatives and regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy concepts further support the adoption of sustainable plastics. As a result, manufacturers are reevaluating their product lines and production processes to incorporate more sustainable materials and practices, driving innovations in recycling technologies and the development of closed-loop systems for plastic waste management.

Market Segmentation:

The rising demand in the construction and packaging sectors is a major driver of the plastic market's expansion. In the packaging industry, plastics provide flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for a wide range of applications from food packaging to e-commerce shipping materials. The growth of online shopping and changing consumer behavior have further increased the demand for plastic packaging solutions. In the construction sector, plastics are valued for their lightweight nature, durability, and energy efficiency, making them increasingly useful for applications such as flooring, windows, insulation, and pipes. Urbanization and infrastructural development in emerging economies drive the demand for plastic materials in construction projects. Advances in plastic formulations have also led to high-performance polymers capable of replacing traditional materials in many applications, enhancing their use in both sectors and driving market expansion.

Market Key Players:

BASF SE, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Dow Inc., SABIC, ExxonMobil Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Covestro AG

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[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil forecasts a grains harvest of 312 million tons, but climate conditions will hinder soybeans

Brazilian farmers are expected to harvest some 312 million tons of grains and oil seeds in the 2023/2024 crop, which will be 2,4% lower than the record volume of the previous crop.

According to Conab the Brazilian Supply Corporation this is because of modest rainfall and high temperatures in the center west states, while in the south, mainly Rio Grande do Sul there has been an excess of rainfall. These climate conditions have had an impact on wheat and soybean, according to the 2023/24 grains survey released by Conab last week.

“We will have to double our monitoring of production areas since the behavior of climate this year, somehow erratic is becoming a determining factor for the sowing of crops or in the process of development because of El Ni;o phenomenon, Likewise certain delay with soy plantations means uncertainty for the second harvest of maize,” pointed out Silvio Porta, head of Conab agriculture and information policy.

Conab also points out that rice production is estimated to increase 7,5%, and could reach 10,79 million tons which is good news for the domestic market. This is because of a greater area planted as well as an improved yield. The counter news is that the excess of rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul, the leading rice state, is delaying the maturing of the grain given the excess humidity.

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[dailyanarchistposts]

Biotechnology and the future of humanity

Biocide or Genocide?

The high cost of chemical and mechanical inputs and expensive new seed varieties favours large farmers over small; they are bankrupted, lose their land and end up either in the huge and squalid shanty towns and slums that surround so many majority world cities or as agricultural labourers on big farms or plantations. Here they may be one of the over 40,000 ‘Third World’ farm workers killed each year as a result of contact with agro-chemicals. A 1994 UN report estimated 1,000,000 people a year are made ill as a result of over- exposure to agro-chemicals. The increasing use of animal products as well as leading to the misery, waste and pollution of factory farming is also responsible for the erosion of biodiversity and peoples livelihoods in the majority world. For example almost all of Central America’s lowland and lower montane rainforest has been cleared or severely degraded mainly in order to raise cattle for export. The crops most grown under ‘Green Revolution’ and GM regimes of industrial food production are maize and soya, not for human consumption but for animal feed. Small scale organic farming systems based around plants and supporting the producers directly are being destroyed in favour of chemical soaked monocultures to feed the farm animals necessary to feed the animal product heavy global food economy.

Because ‘pests’ and ‘weeds’ can rapidly become immune to herbicides and biocides chemicals don’t even do what they say they do; pesticide use in the US increased by 500% between 1950–1986 yet estimated crop loss due to pests was 20%, exactly the same as in 1950. The damage done by the production and use of biocides and artificial fertilisers is almost unimaginable. Pesticide pollution of the natural world (air, water & soil) is one of the major reasons for the staggering loss of biodiversity (estimated at a loss of 30,000 species a year) we are witnessing as the world is slowly turned into a huge agro-chemical-industrial facility. Pesticide and artificial fertiliser pollution, along with other petro-chemical forms of pollution and increased exposure to radiation, are responsible for massive rates of cancer and birth abnormalities. Then there are the ‘accidents’ which show the system’s inhumanity even more clearly: such as the 1984 explosion at Union Carbide’s insecticide factory in Bhopal, India which left 3,000 dead and 20,000 permanently disabled. Or the less well-publicised events in Iraq in 1971–1972 when large quantities of wheat seed that had been treated with anti-fungus compounds containing mercury were ‘accidentally’ baked into bread. 6,000 neurologically deranged people were admitted to hospital and at least 452 died. Corporate propagandists would have us believe that these are unfortunate side effects of a beneficial technology we desperately need to ‘feed the world. Yet, as anyone who takes the trouble to find out the facts must be aware, the world produces more food than is necessary to feed the human population and the reasons people go hungry are landlessness, poverty, and social dislocation caused by capitalist oppression and war.

[latestmarketresearchnews]

Modified Starch Market Product Overview, Research, Share by Types and Region till 2030

The global modified starch market reached a value of USD 11.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2022 to 2030. This growth is fueled primarily by the increasing global population, which in turn drives demand for processed and convenience foods. Modified starch is a valuable ingredient in ready-to-eat food products because it improves texture, stability, and shelf life. As the demand for processed foods continues to rise, the modified starch market is anticipated to see significant growth in the coming years.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the modified starch market both positively and negatively. During the pandemic, consumers stocked up on processed and packaged foods with longer shelf lives, resulting in increased demand for modified starch. However, the widespread closure of restaurants and food service outlets, coupled with disruptions in the global food and beverage supply chain due to lockdowns, posed challenges for the market. As supply chains stabilize and food service establishments resume operations, the modified starch market is expected to return to pre-COVID levels, with steady demand from both consumers and foodservice sectors.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Modified Starch Market

In terms of regional consumption, convenience foods are especially popular in North America and Europe. Rapid lifestyle changes, including increasingly busy schedules and smaller households, have reduced the time available for home cooking, increasing the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food options. Additionally, globalization has introduced new eating habits worldwide, notably in Asian markets, where demand for convenience foods is rising, further boosting the need for modified starch in these regions.

Modified starch is used across a wide range of industries beyond food, including papermaking, cosmetics, personal care, and textiles, due to its versatility and beneficial properties. In personal care and cosmetics, modified starch serves as a multi-functional additive. With the growing consumer preference for natural and organic products, cosmetic manufacturers are increasingly incorporating organic ingredients, such as modified starch, to meet demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products, thereby driving further growth in this sector.

End-use Segmentation Insights:

In 2021, the food and beverage sector held the largest share of modified starch market revenue, accounting for over 45.0%. This sector is expected to continue leading the market throughout the forecast period. Modified starches are used in food and beverage products as effective flavor carriers and as thickeners to add a smooth texture to items like coffee, slushies, and smoothies. In baking applications, modified starch improves product quality in items like pasta, soups, and mayonnaise. Additionally, modified starch aids in emulsifying, making it a crucial ingredient in products containing flavored oils across various industries.

The paper segment was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2021. After essential materials like fiber, water, and fillers, modified starch is among the most used ingredients in paper manufacturing. In the papermaking process, starch contributes to strength, smoothness, and print quality, enhancing the paper's functionality. Paper mills use starches derived from sources like waxy maize, regular corn, tapioca, wheat, and potato to improve the structural integrity and smoothness of paper, making it more suitable for writing and printing. Starch also serves as a binder in paper coatings, enhancing the paper’s firmness, whiteness, and printing characteristics, all of which are important in producing high-quality paper products.

In summary, the modified starch market is poised for steady growth as it supports a range of industries. Driven by an increasing population, rising demand for convenience foods, and the versatility of modified starch applications, the market will likely see continued expansion in sectors ranging from food and beverages to cosmetics, personal care, and papermaking.

Order a free sample PDF of the Modified Starch Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[researchreportinsight]

Modified Starch Industry Product Overview, Research, Share by Types and Region till 2030

The global modified starch market reached a value of USD 11.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2022 to 2030. This growth is fueled primarily by the increasing global population, which in turn drives demand for processed and convenience foods. Modified starch is a valuable ingredient in ready-to-eat food products because it improves texture, stability, and shelf life. As the demand for processed foods continues to rise, the modified starch market is anticipated to see significant growth in the coming years.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the modified starch market both positively and negatively. During the pandemic, consumers stocked up on processed and packaged foods with longer shelf lives, resulting in increased demand for modified starch. However, the widespread closure of restaurants and food service outlets, coupled with disruptions in the global food and beverage supply chain due to lockdowns, posed challenges for the market. As supply chains stabilize and food service establishments resume operations, the modified starch market is expected to return to pre-COVID levels, with steady demand from both consumers and foodservice sectors.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Modified Starch Market

In terms of regional consumption, convenience foods are especially popular in North America and Europe. Rapid lifestyle changes, including increasingly busy schedules and smaller households, have reduced the time available for home cooking, increasing the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food options. Additionally, globalization has introduced new eating habits worldwide, notably in Asian markets, where demand for convenience foods is rising, further boosting the need for modified starch in these regions.

Modified starch is used across a wide range of industries beyond food, including papermaking, cosmetics, personal care, and textiles, due to its versatility and beneficial properties. In personal care and cosmetics, modified starch serves as a multi-functional additive. With the growing consumer preference for natural and organic products, cosmetic manufacturers are increasingly incorporating organic ingredients, such as modified starch, to meet demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products, thereby driving further growth in this sector.

End-use Segmentation Insights:

In 2021, the food and beverage sector held the largest share of modified starch market revenue, accounting for over 45.0%. This sector is expected to continue leading the market throughout the forecast period. Modified starches are used in food and beverage products as effective flavor carriers and as thickeners to add a smooth texture to items like coffee, slushies, and smoothies. In baking applications, modified starch improves product quality in items like pasta, soups, and mayonnaise. Additionally, modified starch aids in emulsifying, making it a crucial ingredient in products containing flavored oils across various industries.

The paper segment was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2021. After essential materials like fiber, water, and fillers, modified starch is among the most used ingredients in paper manufacturing. In the papermaking process, starch contributes to strength, smoothness, and print quality, enhancing the paper's functionality. Paper mills use starches derived from sources like waxy maize, regular corn, tapioca, wheat, and potato to improve the structural integrity and smoothness of paper, making it more suitable for writing and printing. Starch also serves as a binder in paper coatings, enhancing the paper’s firmness, whiteness, and printing characteristics, all of which are important in producing high-quality paper products.

In summary, the modified starch market is poised for steady growth as it supports a range of industries. Driven by an increasing population, rising demand for convenience foods, and the versatility of modified starch applications, the market will likely see continued expansion in sectors ranging from food and beverages to cosmetics, personal care, and papermaking.

Order a free sample PDF of the Modified Starch Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.