A Circuit-Based Neural Network with Hybrid Learning of Backpropagation and Random Weight Change Algorithms.

A hybrid learning method of a software-based backpropagation learning and a hardware-based RWC learning is proposed for the development of circuit-based neural networks. The backpropagation is known as one of the most efficient learning algorithms. A weak point is that its hardware implementation is extremely difficult. The RWC algorithm, which is very easy to implement with respect to its hardware circuits, takes too many iterations for learning. The proposed learning algorithm is a hybrid one of these two. The main learning is performed with a software version of the BP algorithm, firstly, and then, learned weights are transplanted on a hardware version of a neural circuit. At the time of the weight transplantation, a significant amount of output error would occur due to the characteristic difference between the software and the hardware. In the proposed method, such error is reduced via a complementary learning of the RWC algorithm, which is implemented in a simple hardware. The usefulness of the proposed hybrid learning system is verified via simulations upon several classical learning problems

Multiple-factor adoption of GM Cotton in China: Influence of conventional technology development and rural change in Jiangsu Province

La grande diffusion du coton génétiquement modifié (CGM) en Chine, plus précisément du coton-Bt, est bien reconnue même si les craintes sur la durabilité de ce succès ont émergé récemment. Ce papier vise à indiquer que l'adoption du coton-Bt en Chine n'a pas dépendu seulement de ses avantages pour contrôler les ravageurs. Il évoque le cas spécifique de la Province du Jiangsu, dans la Vallée du Yangse, pour laquelle l'utilisation du CGM est peu rapportée dans les publications accessibles à la communauté internationale. Le papier synthétise les analyses récentes publiées en chinois par des auteurs relevant de la recherche ou du développement et il s'appuie sur les résultats d'une enquête réalisée en 2005 et sur ceux du réseau multi-local d'expérimentations variétales de la Vallée du Yangse. Il ressort que dans la Province du Jiangsu, la diffusion du CGM a beaucoup bénéficié d'une modernisation du secteur des semences qui a intégré le caractère Bt dans les variétés hybrides très adaptées à la technique de production par transplantation. En dépit d'une réduction plutôt limitée du coût de contrôle des ravageurs, les paysans ne devraient pas abandonner l'usage du coton-Bt car l'évolution de l'agriculture chinoise ne pousse plus les paysans à être aussi vigilants pour optimiser les coûts de production, à moins que les prix des semences continuent à croître de manière phénoménale. La poursuite d'une utilisation rentable du CGM requiert des initiatives pour mieux réguler le secteur des semences.coton-Bt; Chine, agriculture; industrie semencière; transplantation

Technology integration and seed market organization: The case of GM Cotton diffusion in Jiangsu Province (China)

Plusieurs articles ont contribué à faire passer l'idée selon laquelle les avantages spécifiques du coton-Bt sont responsables du succès de la diffusion du coton génétiquement modifié en Chine. L'efficience du coton-Bt varie cependant entre les régions cotonnières du pays. Dans la Province du Jiangsu, le long de la Vallée du Fleuve Yangtze, il n'y a pas d'augementation de rendement, la réduction de l'utilisation des insecticides est faible et il n'y a pas de gain de rendement associé spécifiquement à l'utilisation du coton-Bt. L'utilisation du coton-Bt est néanmoins quasi générale. Une approche plus globale, en ne se focalisant pas seulement sur les effets spécifiques du coton-Bt, permet de comprendre ce paradoxe apparent. Dans la Province du Jiangsu, la diffusion du coton-Bt a bénéficié de son intégration dans les cultivars hybrides qui sont parfaitement adaptés à la technique de transplantation. Ce cas chinois indique que l'évaluation de l'utilisation du coton-Bt dans les autres pays devrait considérer le degré de compatibilité avec les techniques existantes de production.En Chine, la commercialisation du coton-Bt a induit la modernisation du marché des semences . Les paysans ont d'abord bénéficié de ce processus avant de pâtir des effets négatifs des stratégies de commercialisation des semences au prix élevé. Si le coton-Bt doit donner plus aux paysans qu'il ne leur retire, une certaine regulation du marché des semences est souhaitable.Agriculture, Biotechnologies, Industrie des semences, variétés, concurrence, marketing des semences

Effect of seed-beds on the cultivation of Radicchio (Cichorium intybus L., Rubifolium group)

The use of raised beds (i.e., ridged soil layers) to cultivate vegetables can improve soil quality, crop performance, water use and even reduce soil erosion. Although those advantages are well known and documented in the literature for many vegetable species, Radicchio, a particular variety of chicory, is usually cultivated in flat seed-beds and, therefore, the achievable benefits of raised beds for this vegetable are not yet known. The possibility to grow plants of Radicchio on raised beds is here evaluated by comparing the most important yield performances indicators deriving from the adoption of this practice (grown plants percentage, average head weight, marketable yields, and net incomes) with the same indicators recorded with a conventional practice making use of flat seed-beds. The results evidenced that raised beds for Radicchio had a statistically significant effect on the average head weight (+55.45 g plant-1 with 15-cm beds) with significant increases of field yields (up to +30.6%) and net incomes (up to +29.7%) on the trials with flat seed-beds. The experiment showed that the production of chicory can take an economical advantage from the use of raised seed-beds and, therefore, this system is preferable to the traditional cultivation practice

A compendium of Technologies, Practices, Services and Policies for Scaling Climate Smart Agriculture in Odisha (India)

Stakeholders engaged in agricultural research for development (AR4D) are increasingly tackling risks associated with climate change in smallholder systems. Accordingly, development and scaling of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) are one of the priorities for all the organizations, departments and ministries associated with the farm sector. Having a ‘one-stop-shop’ compiled in the format of a compendium for CSA technologies, practices and services would therefore serve a guide for all the stakeholders for scaling CSA in smallholder systems. Bringing out a Compendium on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for Odisha, India was therefore thought of during the workshop on ‘Scaling Climate-Smart Agriculture in Odisha’ organized at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 July 2018 by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with Department of Agriculture (DoA) & Farmers’ Empowerment, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Rice Research Institute (ICAR-NRRI), Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) & International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) under the aegis of CGIAR Research program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). The main objectives to bring forth this compendium are: to argue the case for agriculture policies and practices that are climate-smart; to raise awareness of what can be done to make agriculture policies and practices climatesmart; and to provide practical guidance and recommendations that are well referenced and, wherever possible, based on lessons learned from practical action. CSA programmes are unlikely to be effective unless their implementation is supported by sound policies and institutions. It is therefore important to enhance institutional capacities in order to implement and replicate CSA strategies. Institutions are vital to agricultural development as well as the realisation of resilient livelihoods.They are not only a tool for farmers and decision-makers, but are also the main conduit through which CSA practices can be scaled up and sustained. The focus in this compendium is on CSA and it’s relevant aspects, i.e., (i) technologies and practices, (ii) services, (iii) technology targeting, (iv) business models, (v) capacity building, and (vi) policies. The approaches and tools available in the compendium span from face-to-face technicianfarmer dialogues to more structured exchanges of online and offline e-learning. In every scenario it is clear that tailoring to local expectations and needs is key. In particular, the voice of farmers is essential to be captured as they are the key actors to promote sustainable agriculture, and their issues need to be prioritized. CSA practices are expected to sustainably increase productivity and resilience (adaptation), reduce Greenhouse Gases (mitigation), and enhance achievement of national food security along with sustainable development goals. CSA is widely expected to contribute towards achieving these objectives and enhance climate change adaptation. CSA practices have to be included in State’s Climate Policy as a priority intervention as the state steps up efforts to tackle climate change. Furthermore, emphasis shoud be laid on CSA training for a sustainable mode to enhance CSA adoption in the state hence the relevance of developing this document. The adaption of climate related knowledge, technologies and practices to local conditions, promoting joint learning by farmers, researchers, rural advisor and widely disseminating CSA practices, is critical. This compendium brings together a collection of experiences from different stakeholders with background of agricultural extension and rural advisory services in supporting CSA. The contributions are not intended to be state-of-the art academic articles but thought and discussion pieces of work in progress. The compendium itself is a ‘living‘ document which is intended to be revised periodically