bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) as influenced by integrated nutrient management practices and summer irrigation
Authors:   Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod, Kerala- 671314, ASHIBA A , KUMAR AS ANIL
Published: February 2024

An experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad (Kerala) to study the effect of integrated nutrient management practices and summer irrigation on growth and root yield of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal.) The experiment was laid out in RBD with 14 treatments. The treatments were T1-HDP in trenches mulched with polythene and filled with enriched growing medium, T2-T1 + Recommended dose of NPK, T3-T1 + Liquid organic manures, T4-T2 + Azospirillum, T5-T3 + Azospirillum, T6-T4 + B and Mg, T7-T5 + B and Mg, T8-T6 + Summer irrigation at 15 mm CPE, T9-T7 + Summer irrigation at 15mm CPE, T10-T6 + Summer irrigation at 30mm CPE, T11-T7 + Summer irrigation at 30 mm CPE, T12 - HDP in trenches filled with enriched growing medium, T13- NRP in trenches filled with enriched growing medium, T14- Broadcasting in trenches fileld with enriched growing medium. The results revealed that high density planting of Azospirillum inoculated seedlings of Ashwagandha in trenches followed by basal dressing of recommended dose of NPK and, B and Mg application with summer irrigation at 30 mm CPE enhanced the growth and root yield and affected the highest benefit: cost ratio cultivation.
Nutritive and Antinutritive Values of Fermented Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor L.) Fortified with Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) Flour
Authors: Aliyu Saadatu Balarabe , Aremu Matthew Olaleke , Onwuka Jude Chinedu , Passali David Bala
Published: February 2024

The fermented guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor L) is a processed “ogi baba” and a popular starchy porridge in the west coasts of Africa. Although it is consumed by both young and old as a breakfast cereal, its main use is as weaning food for infants. In this study, the nutritive values of “ogi baba” from a composite mixture of guinea corn and bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L) were evaluated using standard processing techniques. Sorghum flour was substituted with bambara flour at ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 guinea corn:bambara groundnut; with 100% sorghum–ogi and 100% bambara groundnut flours as controls. The results showed that the contents of ash, crude fat, crude protein and crude fibre were enhanced with increased bambara groundnut flour substitution. All the nutritive minerals such as Na, K, Ca, Mg and P also recorded increased concentrations in the fortified samples. Harmful metals such as cadmium and lead were not at detectable range of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The total essential amino acids ranged from 28.74–37.14 g/100g crude protein or from 43.70–44.26% of the TAA while 60:40 substitution ratio has the best essential amino acid score values amongst the fortified samples based on the provisional FAO/WHO standards. There were decrease in the values of saponins, phytate, oxalate and alkaloids in the fortified samples compared with the controls. The results of sugars showed that there was gradual increase in the total sugar concentration with increased bambara groundnut flour substitution from 1.54 g/100g (90:10 ratio) reaching 2.41 g/100g (60:40 ratio).
THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN BIOMECHANICS TO SIMULATE THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WHEN PERFORMING A CYCLE OF EXERCISES DEEP SQUAT AND SEMI-SQUAT
Authors: Maltseva Olesia
Published: February 2024

The aim of the study was to find the difference in the lengths of the muscular spindle and tendon when performing a semi-squat and a deep squat. The study involved 5 men who are professionally engaged in powerlifting. Graphs of the dependence of the length of the "muscle-tendon" system are constructed from the time of performing exercises for the rectus femoris muscle for all participants. It was revealed that four participants had an increase in the length of the rectus femoris muscle on both legs with a deep squat, compared with a semi–squat, and one had a decrease. An asymmetry in the indicators between the left and right legs was revealed in a participant who previously had a patellar injury.
THE INFLUENCE OF INDIVIDUAL PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS IN THE FORMATION OF A RELIABLE FORECAST OF THE UNEQUAL EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMAN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Mazikin Ivan , Lapkin M. , Zorin R.
Published: February 2024

This study presents physiological and psychophysiological predictors, with the help of which, based on the technology of artificial neural networks, a forecast of the effectiveness of passing control standards for students of a medical university will be formed.
DYNAMIC MODEL OF TRAINING ATHLETES IN ARM WRESTLING AND ITS OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Yudenkov Aleksey , Volodchenkov Alexander , Voitekhovsky Michael
Published: February 2024

The paper proposes a mathematical model for training athletes in arm wrestling. The main goal is to optimize the preparation of athletes for the competitive season. The mathematical model is based on the general theory of Markov processes and the Bellman principle of optimization of dynamic systems. The model is also adapted to work with factors that are difficult to formalize. The mathematical model will be useful for optimization in the complex planning of training athletes in arm wrestling.
FACTORS THAT ENSURE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OXYGEN DELIVERY TO MUSCLES
Authors: Kislukhina E. , Kislukhin V.
Published: February 2024

Estimates of microcirculation factors affecting oxygen delivery to tissues are proposed to assess the adequacy of oxygen delivery to working muscles.
Sloboda govora u kontekstu skrnavljenja Kur’ana s naglaskom na međunarodno pravo
Authors: Hāshemī Seyyed Hamīd
Published: February 2024

Freedom of speech has different scientific, logical and international definitions and it is one of the main foundations of human rights. On the international level, the question of human rights and freedom of speech is mentioned in different documents from which common indicators may be identified such as the unrestricting through restrictions, and unrestrictedness not even in the case of insulting and useless speech as long as it does not cross the allowable boundaries of freedom, etc. However, some limitations are emphasized in international documents when it comes to freedom, such as the explicitness of law in the prohibition of actions by which the rights and freedoms of others are endangered. In discussion of the recent desecration of the sanctity of Muslims in Europe and the repetition of those actions, exactly this question is used as a basis for the non-confrontation with the burning of the Qur’an and the repetition of that action. That happens despite the fact that it is logical that freedom of speech cannot lead to insults and the bringing of harm to others. Excluding the rational, religious and ethical observations in judging the desecration of the sacred, especially of a great religion such as Islam, which can lead to the prompting of hatred, encouragement to violence and discrimination, in international documents every type of action which leads to prompting, discrimination, animosity and violence is forbidden, but on the other hand, the practice of some European countries to forbid the question of burning the Qur’an can become grounds for canonical systems of other countries to proclaim the prohibition of this act. As a result of that, in the canonical sense and in the voluminous form it is proclaimed and accepted that if the application of the laws of freedom of speech function as a threat to the general good and common interests, it is the duty of countries to intervene and to act so that they may limit these foundational rights. With this in mind, the principle of support of “the common good” and “universal ethics” are the interests which may be used to limiting the freedoms of speech and human rights. It cannot be the case, that while expressing worry out of the indefinity of the category of limiting the freedom of speech which bends towards dictatorship and repression, that the definitive category of human consciousness and logical ethic is to be ignored, as well as that the duty of respect towards the convictions of others and the respect of humanity to be disregarded. Key words: human rights, freedom of speech, universal ethics, the burning of the Qur’an, international law and the covenant of human rights.
Penerapan Strategi Pembelajaran Contextual Teaching Learning (CTL) untuk Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Peserta Didik pada Mata Pelajaran PAK di SMP N 2 Banjar Agung
Authors: Setiaman Larosa ; Ecshal Handri Sabrian Lay
Published: February 2024

Dalam penulisan jurnal ini peneliti melakukan observasi di SMP N 2 Banjar Agung dan ditemukan bahwa kurangnya penguasaan guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen dalam melakukan strategi pembelajaran, guru belum memberikan ruang yang banyak untuk peserta didik bertanya serta kurangnya minat belajar peserta didik saat mengikuti pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen. Berdasarkan masalah yang ditemukan maka peneliti merumuskan permasalahan ini dengan pertanyaan. Bagaimana penerapan strategi pembelajaran Contextual Teaching Learning dapat meningkatkan minat belajar peserta didik pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen di SMP N 2 Banjar Agung.

Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah penerapan strategi pembelajaran Contextual Teaching Learning dapat meningkatkan minat belajar peserta didik pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen di SMP N 2 Banjar Agung.
Studi Indigenous: Punishment Dalam Pandangan Siswa Kelas X Dan XI SMA
Authors: Muhammad Rasyid Maulana  , Zakwan Adri
Published: February 2024

Pendidikan merupakan salah satu upaya untuk menanamkan nilai karakter dan norma yang baik terhadap anak. Punishment merupakan salah satu metode pendidikan untuk menunjang penanaman nilai karakter dan norma yang baik disekolah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat bentuk-bentuk punishment yang tidak disukai siswa yang diberikan oleh guru serta dampak dari punishment yang diberikan oleh guru terhadap siswa dilihat dari pemahaman akan kebudayaan yang dimiliki oleh siswa. Sampel pada penelitian ini merupakan siswa SMA kelas X dan XI di SMA N 5 Bukittinggi dan SMA N 2 Padang Panjang yang berjumlah 634 orang siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan psikologi indigenous, pengumpulan data menggunakan open-ended questionnaire, dengan menggunakan teknik analisis tematik dan teknik validasi data berupa model antar rater. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan bahwa punishment ­yang tidak disukai siswa adalah hukuman individual yaitu hukuman akademik dengan rincian memberikan tugas berkali lipat memiliki persentase terbanyak sebagai hukuman yang tidak disukai oleh siswa. Dampak subjektif yaitu dampak emosional berupa merepotkan pada kelas X dan tertekan pada kelas XI menjadi akibat dengan persentase tertinggi sebagai dampak yang diterima siswa dari hukuman yang diberikan.
DIFFERENCES IN THE WORK ETHIC OF TEACHERS WHO TEACH IN STATE SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AT SMA N 2 LENGAYANG AND SMK TECHNOLOGY LENGAYANG
Authors: Widia Suci Rahmadani  , Kurniawan Rizal
Published: February 2024

This study aims to see how the work ethic of teachers who teach in state schools differs from teachers in private schools at SMA N 2 Lengayang and SMK Technology Lengayang. This study uses quantitative methods with a comparative quantitative design. The population in this study is teachers in state schools and teachers in private schools. The sampling technique in this study used a purposive sampling technique. This study has a sample of 60 teachers with details of 30 samples coming from SMA N 2 Lengayang and 30 samples from SMK Technology Lengayang. The instrument used in this study is the work ethic scale developed by Ngalia (2011) with a total of 27 items. This instrument is based on aspects of the work ethic from Cherrington (1980) which has 3 aspects including: work as a moral obligation, high work discipline, and pride in the results of work. Analysis result using independent sample t-test. The results of the data analysis test show that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted with a significance value (2-tailed) of 0,048 < 0,05 which means that there is a difference in the work ethic of teachers who teach in state schools and teachers in private schools, where teachers in private schools have a higher work ethic.
PENGARUH KOMITMEN ORGANISASI DAN MOTIVASI KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PADA DIVISI PRODUKSI PT. DUI ESA UNGGUL
Authors: Devi Delawati  , Irawati  , Muhammad Nawab Alawi  , Budi Ilham Maliki
Published: February 2024

Komitmen organisasi dan motivasi kerja yang baik akan menjadi salah satu faktor pendorong karyawan untuk melaksanakan pekerjaannya dengan optimal. Disisi lain organisasi yang dikelola dengan baik akan menghasilkan apa yang menjadi visi dan misi perusahaan tetapkan serta dapat meningkatkan kinerja. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh komitmen organisasi dan motivasi kerja dan seberapa besar pengaruhnya terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT. Dui Esa Unggul. Metode penelitian yang digunakan penulis adalah metode survey dengan pendekatan deskriptif kuantitatif dimana proses pengambilan sampel dari suatu populasi serta digunakannya kuesioner sebagai alat pengumpulan data yang pokok. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner kepada 55 (lima puluh lima) responden dengan pengukuran skala Likert dan menggunakan bantuan SPSS versi 26. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa bahwa variabel komitmen organisasi dan motivasi kerja secara parsial terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawanpada PT. Dui Esa Unggul, yang ditunjukan dengan nilai t hitung> t tabel dan  variabel komitmen organisasi dan motivasi kerja secara simultan terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT. Dui Esa Unggul, yang ditunjukan dengan nilai F hitung > F tabel.
THE EFFECT OF PROFITABILITY, LEVERAGE AND COMPAY SIZE ON COMPANY VALUE IN THE BANKING SECTOR THAT GO PUBLIC IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE (IDX) PERIOD 2020-2022
Authors: Hardianti  , Muryani Arsal  , Muchriana Muchran
Published: February 2024

The study aims to examine the effect of Profitability, Leverage and Company Size on Company Value in the Banking Sector that Go Public in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) period 2020- 2022. This study uses a quantitative method that aims to see the relationship between variables. The data collection technique used is documentation. The population in the financial statements of the Banking Sector that Go Public in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). And the sample is financial statements of the Banking Sector that Go Public in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for 3 (three) years calculated quarterly. The result of the research had tested classical assumption such as normality assumption, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity.by applying multiple linear regression techniques in the process of data analysis. The result showed that partially profitability (ROA), Leverage (DER) didn’t influence on the Company value and Size Company influence on the Company Value.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, DIVIDEN PAYOUT RATIO TERHADAP PERATAAN LABA PERUSAHAAN PANGAN YANG TERDAFTAR BURSA EFEK PERIODE 2015-2022
Authors: Rasmin Saogo  , Febryandhie Ananda
Published: February 2024

Perusahaan yang menerapkan pola kebijakan dividen dengan ambang batas rasio pembayaran dividen yang lebih rentan terhadap volatilitas laba memiliki perbandingan Perusahaan yang menerapkan ambang batas rasio pembayaran dividen yang lebih rendah. Dengan demikian, Perusahaan harus mempertahankan rasio pembagian dividen yang tinggi. Alasan memfokuskan penelitian pada perusahaan makanan dan minuman karena sektor ini selalu mengalami perkembangan walaupun terjadi pertumbuhan jumlah penduduk, meskipun kondisi per-ekonomian yang kurang mendukung namun permintaan konsumen terhadap makanan dan minuman tidak terpengaruh pada fakta kondisi ekonomi. Perusahaan makanan dan minuman adalah perusahaan sektor yang ada di bursa efek Indonesia yang memiliki potensi perkembangan yang menjanjikan karena Masyarakat cenderung terhadap makannan dan minuman yang siap saji.
Fotoğraf Disiplininde Sokak Fotoğrafçılığı Kavramının Ayrımı ve Algılanması
Authors: ÇUBUKCU Gökçin , ERTAN Güler
Published: February 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacında öncelikle, fotoğraf sanatının evrimini anlamaya yönelik bir temel oluşturma hedeflenmektedir. Ayrıca, fotoğrafın gücünü ve etkisini açıklamaya çalışmaktadır. Ardından, sokak fotoğrafçılığı ve belgesel fotoğraf arasındaki farklar saptanarak tanıklık işlevinin nasıl kullanıldığının daha iyi kavramasına yardımcı olmayı hedeflemektedir. Sokak fotoğrafçılığına daha yakından ve ayrıntılı bakarak, okuyucuların bu konu hakkında daha geniş bir geniş bir perspektif kazanmaları amaçlanmaktadır. Yöntem olarak; araştırmaya sokak fotoğrafçılığı konusunu anlamak ve analiz etmek amacıyla kapsamlı bir literatür taramasıyla başlanmıştır. Araştırmanın temel argümanlarını desteklemek amacıyla örneklem oluşturulmuş ve fotoğrafçıların eserleri, deneyimleri ve yaklaşımlarına yer verilmiştir. Yarı yapılandırılmış mülâkat aracılığıyla sokak fotoğrafçısının içgörülerine ulaşılmaya çalışılmıştır. Tüm verilerin değerlendirilmesi üzerinden yürütülen bu çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden betimleyici analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Sokak fotoğrafçılığının günümüzde sanat ve görsel iletişim kültürü içindeki önemi artmış olsa da bu alanın belgesel fotoğrafçılıkla sürekli olarak karıştırılması, internet üzerinde yanıltıcı ve sığ yaklaşımlarla sıklıkla çevrelenmesi, her iki disiplinin özgün niteliklerinin göz ardı edilmesine ve sokak fotoğrafı kavramının özünün ve niteliğinin gölgelenmesine sebep olmaktadır. Fotoğrafçıların yaşamı ve çalışmalarının ele alınmasıyla farklı perspektifler ortaya koyulmuştur. Sokak fotoğrafçılığı etrafında etkileşim ve öğrenme fırsatlarını artırmak amacıyla festivaller, bienaller, trienaller, atölyeler, konferanslar, paneller ve seminerler düzenlenerek bu alandaki bilgi paylaşımı artırılabilir. Böylece sokak fotoğrafçılığı Türkiye'de daha geniş kitlelere tanıtılabilir, geliştirilebilir ve bu alandaki yetenekler keşfedilebilir. Sonuç olarak, bu araştırma sokak fotoğrafçılığının temel konseptlerini ve önemini ele alarak, bu özel fotoğraf türünün Türkiye'deki sınırlı bilgi kaynağına ve sağlıklı tetkiklerin bulunmadığına değinmiş ve gelecekteki potansiyelini vurgulayarak daha fazla araştırmanın gerekliliğini göstermiştir. Bu durum aynı zamanda bu alana yeni başlayan fotoğrafçılar için de bilgi eksikliğini ortadan kaldıracaktır.
Polymorphism of the callipyge gene in an Albanian sheep breed and association with body weight
Authors: Hoda Anila , Papa Lumturi , Turmalaj Luigj , Bakiasi Ilirjan , Dobi Petrit , Hysi Lorena , Jankulla Sotiraq , Ajçe Sulltana
Published: February 2024

The callipyge (CLPG) gene is a candidate gene associated with meat production in sheep. The purpose of the study was to identify the association of polymorphisms in the 3'UTR of the CLPG (MEG3) gene in Albanian sheep breed with morphometric traits and body weight. A total of 87 individuals were studied regarding the morphometric traits and the polymorphisms of 3'UTR of the CLPG (MEG3) gene. The frequency of the mutated allele (T) was 0.339. The less frequent genotype was TT. The population was in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. The fixation index was 10.2% indicating a moderate level of inbreeding. The results indicated no significant effect of this locus on morphometric traits and body weight. The preliminary data provided in this study suggest that the nucleotide change in the 3′UTR can be used in marker-assisted selection to increase the body weight of animals.
Downregulation of Mirlet7 miRNA family promotes Tc17 differentiation and emphysema via de-repression of RORγt
Authors: Erice Phillip A , Huang Xinyan , Seasock Matthew J , Robertson Matthew J , Tung Hui-Ying , Perez-Negron Melissa A , Lotlikar Shivani L , Corry David B , Kheradmand Farrah , Rodriguez Antony
Published: February 2024

Environmental air irritants including nanosized carbon black (nCB) can drive systemic inflammation, promoting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema development. The let-7 microRNA (Mirlet7 miRNA) family is associated with IL-17-driven T cell inflammation, a canonical signature of lung inflammation. Recent evidence suggests the Mirlet7 family is downregulated in patients with COPD, however, whether this repression conveys a functional consequence on emphysema pathology has not been elucidated. Here, we show that overall expression of the Mirlet7 clusters, Mirlet7b/Mirlet7c2 and Mirlet7a1/Mirlet7f1/Mirlet7d, are reduced in the lungs and T cells of smokers with emphysema as well as in mice with cigarette smoke (CS)- or nCB-elicited emphysema. We demonstrate that loss of the Mirlet7b/Mirlet7c2 cluster in T cells predisposed mice to exaggerated CS- or nCB-elicited emphysema. Furthermore, ablation of the Mirlet7b/Mirlet7c2 cluster enhanced CD8+IL17a+ T cells (Tc17) formation in emphysema development in mice. Additionally, transgenic mice overexpressing Mirlet7g in T cells are resistant to Tc17 and CD4+IL17a+ T cells (Th17) development when exposed to nCB. Mechanistically, our findings reveal the master regulator of Tc17/Th17 differentiation, RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt), as a direct target of Mirlet7 in T cells. Overall, our findings shed light on the Mirlet7/RORγt axis with Mirlet7 acting as a molecular brake in the generation of Tc17 cells and suggest a novel therapeutic approach for tempering the augmented IL-17-mediated response in emphysema.
Structure of scavenger receptor SCARF1 and its interaction with lipoproteins
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Xu Fan , Li Guangyi , Cheng Chen , Yu Bowen , Zhang Ze , Kong Dandan , Chen Fabao , Liu Yali , Fang Zhen , Cao Longxing , Yu Yang , Gu Yijun , He Yongning
Published: February 2024

SCARF1 (scavenger receptor class F member 1, SREC-1 or SR-F1) is a type I transmembrane protein that recognizes multiple endogenous and exogenous ligands such as modified low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and is important for maintaining homeostasis and immunity. But the structural information and the mechanisms of ligand recognition of SCARF1 are largely unavailable. Here, we solve the crystal structures of the N-terminal fragments of human SCARF1, which show that SCARF1 forms homodimers and its epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains adopt a long-curved conformation. Then, we examine the interactions of SCARF1 with lipoproteins and are able to identify a region on SCARF1 for recognizing modified LDLs. The mutagenesis data show that the positively charged residues in the region are crucial for the interaction of SCARF1 with modified LDLs, which is confirmed by making chimeric molecules of SCARF1 and SCARF2. In addition, teichoic acids, a cell wall polymer expressed on the surface of gram-positive bacteria, are able to inhibit the interactions of modified LDLs with SCARF1, suggesting the ligand binding sites of SCARF1 might be shared for some of its scavenging targets. Overall, these results provide mechanistic insights into SCARF1 and its interactions with the ligands, which are important for understanding its physiological roles in homeostasis and the related diseases.
When European Instances apply National Rules transposing Directives: the Direct Effect in an Atypical Situation
Authors: Ríos Javier Esteban
Published: February 2024

The process of European convergence involves Union institutions and bodies occasionally applying national rules that transpose directives. This updating of the role of the EU framework has raised certain problems of articulation, which, in particular, concern the possible direct effect
of the provisions contained in the transposed directives. Despite significant shortcomings, adopting a functional and goal-oriented interpretation would extend the doctrine of the direct effect of directives to the institutions and bodies of the Union, in order to prevent asymmetries and perverse
incentives. However, it would be desirable for the EU legislator to explicitly clarify how to approach the most contentious issues, strengthening legal certainty and reducing reliance on interpretations that may stem from disputes before the Court of Justice.
State aid assessment for renewable energy support schemes: deconstructing the Guidelines on State aid for Climate, Environmental Protection and Energy, in view of the recent major crises.
Authors: Iliopoulos Theodoros G.
Published: February 2024

The attainment of the clean energy transition in the EU requires substantial additional investment in renewable energy projects. In this regard, Member States have been and still are using support schemes, regulatory instruments that financially support such investments in different
ways. However, since support schemes constitute an intervention in the market, their legality and compatibility with the internal market is not self-evident but needs to be assessed under State aid law. This assessment is typically conducted on the basis of soft law conditions that the Commission
adopts with its Guidelines. The latest relevant body of Guidelines is the CEEAG of 2022, and this paper critically presents and analyses the conditions of the CEEAG that involve the promotion of renewable energy sources. It interprets the conditions, shows how priorly applicable conditions
have evolved and have found a new expression in the CEEAG, and highlights grey areas and weak points of the CEEAG. In addition, this paper weighs the CEEAG against the most recent uncertainties, particularly the ones posed by the effects of the energy price and security crises that have challenged
the prevalent modus operandi for the promotion of renewable energy sources.
Nature For Protection, Nature For Profit
Authors:   Institute  of  Ethnology  and  Folklore  Studies  with  Ethnographic Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Pileva Desislava , Markov Ivaylo ,   Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: February 2024

We proceed from the understanding that humans are part of ecosystems, therefore, nature provides people with ecosystem services. At the same time, however, different social actors can perceive and evaluate the same place in totally different ways. The focus of this text is the case of Bolata bay, Bulgaria. Until the middle of the 20th century, the bay had an essential role in locals’ livelihoods (husbandry, fishing, etc.). The inclusion of the area within the Kaliakra reserve, the establishment of the socialist cooperative farms, and the construction of a military base in the vicinity changed access to, and the regime of use, of the bay. After the collapse of the socialist state (1989), and especially over the last two decades, the bay’s sandy beach gradually gained popularity as a tourist site. Thus, we examine local perceptions of nature as a source of livelihoods, paying attention to different management ideas regarding both economic growth and natural preservation, and conflicts caused by opposing aspirations among various social actors (local residents and entrepreneurs, local and state administration, NGOs, tourists, etc.).
The Rupite Protected Area, Bulgaria: Construction of a Landscape
Authors:   Institute  of  Ethnology  and  Folklore  Studies  with  Ethnographic Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Periklieva Violeta Vladimirova
Published: February 2024

By examining the different layers and roles of related actors, this study aims to reveal the ways in which the local people view the locality of Rupite in southwest Bulgaria and in which the landscape is constructed. The construction of Rupite as a landscape and tourist destination is mainly happening from the bottom up, through separate initiatives of different actors rather than following a certain vision or development plan created by the responsible institutions. Rupite is being constructed as a multi-layered landscape of sacred, cultural, historical and natural significance, on which different actors draw to develop various forms of tourism: religious, cultural and historical, spa. The inextricable connection, which was built between the image of the prophetess Vanga and Rupite, leads us to think about the locality as an extremely sacred place. Vanga and the sacrality form the main layer of the landscape. The rest of the elements (cultural, historical and natural) characterising the landscape, on the one hand serve as additional ‘evidence’ of the sacrality, and on the other, win recognition by means of the image of Vanga. Each actor related to Rupite constructs the place in a specific manner. However, all of them use one main mechanism and draw symbolic capital (and thus legitimise their positions and activities, even though these are often contradictory) from one main source – the image of Vanga.
The Ecological Funeral: New Ideas in Contemporary Lithuania
Authors:   Vytautas Magnus University, Račiūnaitė-Paužuolienė Rasa
Published: February 2024

The article examines ecological funerals in contemporary Lithuania. The present study focuses on content and visual analysis of funeral celebrations taking information from the contemporary Lithuanian mass media and social media networks, as well as the websites of seven funeral companies. The field research is based on digital material gathered by the author in 2021-2022. I am interested in changes to funeral customs over the latest decade, approaching the subject matter through three key research questions: What factors motivate Lithuanian citizens to decide on an ecological funeral? What changes to the traditional funeral are the most ecologically sustainable? What has the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic been on people’s ideas about ecological funerals?
Reality as Presented in Estonian Legends of Hidden Treasure
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Kalda Mare
Published: February 2024

Stories of hidden treasure are different from other folkloric forms as in the Estonian folk tradition the motif of money is present in all genres. Monetary relations are discussed in proverbs and riddles. The problems of poverty and wealth are present in fairy tales. Opinions and dreams concerning money are verbalised in poetic forms in folk songs. People know and still practice various methods, partly based on traditional beliefs, that are known to bring good luck in money. The techniques of old magic meet modern recommendations of various kinds. In this article, the focus is on tradition relating to stories of hidden treasure. The legends and other stories (about 5,000 archive texts and recordings) are kept in the Estonian Folklore Archives and date back to the 19th and 20th centuries, although there are more recent materials. We can find three main fields in this tradition, depending on their connection with reality: 1) stories based in fact and on a real event, as evidenced by for example an archaeological find; 2) narratives that are part of local historical and toponymic traditions representing mental geography; 3) unlocalised stories that do not represent folk beliefs or legends and instead deal with more general questions such as what the real price of economic growth is, what consequences humans can face when luck smiles on them, what dangers – including supernatural sanctions – threaten people, and what consequences can be expected when they come into contact with treasures of unknown origin.
Metais pesados como disruptores endócrinos
Authors: Brandão Lorena Neves , Sales Diego da Silva , Nunes Camila Henriques , Sales Camila Mendonça Romero , Chaves Gustavo de Carvalho
Published: February 2024

O sistema endócrino é responsável por uma gama de funções no organismo humano como crescimento, desenvolvimento, reprodução, entre outras. Os produtos químicos desreguladores endócrinos  são substâncias que interferem no funcionamento dele, podendo provocar efeitos prejudiciais à saúde humana como a inibição ou maior produção de hormônios. Cotidianamente, os humanos são expostos a uma variedade de substâncias, dentre elas, metais pesados. Partindo desse princípio, é de grande preocupação os efeitos da desregulação endócrina devido à exposição a concentrações de metais pesados já que os mesmos são xenobióticos, persistentes no ambiente e biomagnificantes. Dessa forma, essa pesquisa buscou avaliar publicações que abordaram a temática metais pesados como disruptores do sistema endócrino em seres humanos. Trata-se de um estudo quali-quantitativo, exploratório, por meio de uma pesquisa de revisão bibliográfica, com análise bibliométrica de artigos com a temática da pesquisa. Para o levantamento bibliográfico, foram selecionados trabalhos publicados na base de dados Scopus, durante 5 anos (2018 a 2022), apenas no idioma inglês. As palavras-chaves utilizadas foram “heavy metals”, “endocrine disruptor” e “human”. Foram encontradas 75 publicações das quais apenas 13 estão no escopo dessa pesquisa. Pode-se perceber que os metais mais incidentes são o cádmio, chumbo, mercúrio e cobre. Identificou-se a incipiência de artigos no Brasil e na América Latina acerca dessa temática, evidenciando a necessidade de mais pesquisas na área.
Comparison of Efficacy of a Novel Dual Channel Gastro Laryngeal Mask Airway versus Nasal Prongs for Airway Management in Day Care Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Parmar Sejal , Kheskani Divya , Chhanwal Heena , Chaudhary Vipul
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The Gastro Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is a newer supraglottic airway device specifically designed for Gastroinstestinal (GI) endoscopy procedures. Hypoxia is a common complication in endoscopy procedures performed under sedation without securing the airway. The Gastro LMA allows for oxygenation, ventilation, and the passage of a gastroscope through its integrated endoscope channel. Aim: To evaluate the utility of the Gastro LMA compared to nasal prongs in maintaining oxygenation and airway control during upper GI endoscopy procedures. Materials and Methods: The present double-blinded randomised, single-centre clinical study conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology, GCS Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India included 50 adult patients scheduled for elective GI endoscopy procedures in the supine or lateral position. The patients were divided into two equal groups: Group G (Gastro LMA) and Group N (Nasal prong). Preprocedural heart rate and SpO2 levels were noted. All patients were observed for hypoxia (SpO2 <92%), bradycardia, lowest heart rate and Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SpO2 ) levels, conversion to endotracheal intubation, and any other intraoperative adverse events. Postoperatively, patients were observed for four hours for adverse effects and discharged after assessment using the modified Aldrete’s score. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and the results were expressed as percentages, mean ± SD, and p-values. Results: Out of the 50 patients, 23 were male and 27 were female, with a median age of 59 years. The preprocedural mean lowest heart rate in Group G was 68/min, and in Group N it was 64/min. The mean lowest SpO2 during the procedure was 94% in Group N and 96% in Group G. In Group N, two patients (8%) required conversion to endotracheal intubation. One patient had a longer duration of the procedure and experienced bronchospasm, while another patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) developed bronchospasm. In Group G, one patient (4%) required endotracheal intubation, possibly due to increased intrabdominal pressure caused by air insufflation in an obese patient. Conclusion: In patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures, the Gastro LMA appears to be effective for clinical use. It provides good airway control and enables deeper sedation without respiratory compromise. Ventilation was well maintained with minimal intraoperative and postoperative adverse events.
Communication and Adoption of Mobile Banking Services in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ruwini Samarawickrama , Pushpika Ganegoda
Published: February 2024

The Rapid improvement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has significantly influenced the banking sector. Although Mobile Banking Service (MBS) was introduced to Sri Lanka 20 years ago, only a few customers use it for transactions. Banks use various communication tools to promote mobile banking services, but the number of users still needs to grow. The problem is whether banks communicate with customers about MBS adequately and whether the communication reaches the target customers as expected. This research comparatively analysed the responses of 91 customers from two selected Sri Lankan banks to address this issue. The study reveals that the respondents were aware of MBS from interpersonal communication channels such as bank officers and family and friends. In contrast, banks often use social media and television advertising to promote MBS. Only a few respondents used television and Facebook advertisements to increase awareness about MBS. The study also found a significant difference between the respondents’ awareness and the usage of MBS. Most respondents had at least a basic knowledge of MBS, but only a few customers used it. The findings show that making customers aware of a banking facility is not enough to convince them to adopt that facility. The study shows that building up trustworthiness is essential to convince customers, and the best communication method is interpersonal communication channels.
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems for Precision Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Sangeetha C. , Moond Vishnu , Rajesh G. M.  , Damor Jamu Singh , Pandey Shivam Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Barinderjit
Published: February 2024

Precision agriculture aims to optimize crop production and minimise environmental impacts by using information technology, remote sensing, satellite positioning systems, and proximal data gathering. This review paper examines current applications and future directions of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) for precision agriculture. Remote sensing provides data on crop health, soil conditions, water status, and yield which can guide variable rate applications within fields. Satellite and aerial platforms allow multispectral and hyperspectral imaging for vegetation indices analysis, crop classification, and stress detection. GIS technology integrates these data layers to model and map variations, develop prescription maps, and analyse spatial relationships. Key research frontiers include high-resolution satellite and drone data for within-field analysis, better integration of proximal and remote sensing, online nutrient and yield monitors, real-time prescription modelling, and predictive analytics using machine learning. Adoption continues to increase with better data analytics tools and greater economic returns realized. Remote sensing and GIS provide an integral platform for variable rate technologies, predictive modelling, and data-driven decision-making for precision agriculture.
An Adaptive Salp-Stochastic-Gradient-Descent- Based Convolutional LSTM With MapReduce Framework for the Prediction of Rainfall
Authors: Manoj S. Oswalt , Kumar Abhishek , Dubey Ashutosh Kumar , Ananth J. P.
Published: February 2024

Rainfall prediction is considered to be an esteemed research area that impacts the day-to-day life of Indians. The predominant income source of most of the Indian population is agriculture. It helps the farmers to make the appropriate decisions pertaining to cultivation and irrigation. The primary objective of this investigation is to develop a technique for rainfall prediction utilising the MapReduce framework and the convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) method to circumvent the limitations of higher computational requirements and the inability to process a large number of data points. In this work, an adaptive salp-stochastic-gradientdescent-based ConvLSTM (adaptive S-SGD-based ConvLSTM) system has been developed to predict rainfall accurately to process the long time series data and to eliminate the vanishing problems. To optimize the hyperparameter of the convLSTM model, the S-SGD methodology proposed combine the SGD and the salp swarm algorithm (SSA). The adaptive S-SGD based ConvLSTM has been developed by integrating the adaptive concept in S-SGD. It tunes the weights of ConvLSTM optimally to achieve better prediction accuracy. Assessment measures, such as the percentage root mean square difference (PRD) and mean square error (MSE), were employed to compare the suggested method with previous approaches. The developed system demonstrates high prediction accuracy, achieving minimal values for MSE (0.0042) and PRD (0.8450).
Prognostic variables in newly diagnosed childhood immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ahmed Shahid , Siddiqui Anita K. , Shahid Rabia K. , Kimpo Miriam , Sison Cristina P. , Hoffman Mark A.
Published: November 2004

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has a favorable prognosis in children. Only a small number of children go on to develop chronic ITP. However, at the time of diagnosis, it is not possible to predict the course of the disease. In order to determine prognostic factors that could predict the disease course at diagnosis, we retrospectively evaluated various clinical variables in 103 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed ITP at our institution from 1995 to 2001. Sixty‐eight (66%) patients had a mean platelet volume (MPV) of <8 fL on admission. Of 72 patients who had a follow‐up period of at least 6 months, 54 (75%) achieved a durable remission within 6 months and 18 (25%) developed chronic ITP. In univariate analysis, a low admission MPV (<8), history of viral prodrome, and a low admission platelet count (<10×109/L) predicted for a favorable outcome. Age and sex did not correlate with remission. In multivariate analysis, a low admission MPV and a history of a viral prodrome were the only independent factors correlated with a durable CR. The adjusted odds ratio for achieving a durable remission was 8.9 (95% CI: 1.54–51.8) for history of a viral prodrome and 14 (95% CI: 2.52–83.3) for low admission MPV value. In conclusion, our study showed that a majority of the children with newly diagnosed ITP presented with a low MPV value. A history of viral illness and a low admission MPV were found to be independent prognostic variables that predicted for the achievement of a durable CR in childhood ITP. Am. J. Hematol. 77:358–362, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dissociation between the level of von Willebrand factor‐cleaving protease activity and disease in a patient with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Snider Carolyn E. , Moore Jane C. , Warkentin Theodore E. , Finch Clara N. , Hayward Catherine P.M. , Kelton John G.
Published: November 2004

Decreased von Willebrand factor (VWF)‐cleaving protease activity (<5%) has been implicated in patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura–hemolytic uremic syndrome (Upshaw‐Schulman syndrome) and associated with mutations within the ADAMTS13 gene. In this report, we describe longitudinal studies in a patient with congenital TTP who ultimately developed end‐stage renal failure and required plasma therapy from infancy. The patient was deficient in plasma high molecular weight (HMW)‐VWF multimers during acute disease but had increased amounts of the HMW‐VWF multimers during periods of remission. DNA analysis of this patient detected homozygosity for the R692C mutation on exon 17 of the ADAMTS13 gene, previously linked to congenital TTP. The level of VWF‐cleaving protease activity in the patient was remarkably low (<5%) throughout her disease, even after she entered complete remission. However, despite no improvement in the level of VWF‐cleaving protease activity, this patient had complete resolution of disease following splenectomy and commencing hemodialysis, without need for ongoing plasma therapy. The patient has remained in remission for over 4 years. These observations suggest that there are other factors in conjunction with severe deficiency of VWF protease activity that participate in the platelet‐mediated thrombotic complications and other disease manifestations of congenital TTP. In addition, it is possible that splenectomy could be an effective treatment option for some patients with severe, congenital TTP. Am. J. Hematol. 77:387–390, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical and physical characteristics of cellulose insulation particulates, and evaluation of potential acute pulmonary toxicity
Authors: Morgan Daniel L. , Su Yin‐Fong , Dill Jeffrey A. , Turnier John C. , Westerberg R. Bruce , Smith Cynthia S.
Published: November 2004

Background

During installation of cellulose insulation (CI) in new and older houses, significant quantities of airborne material are generated. This study characterized the chemical and physical properties, and potential acute pulmonary toxicity of CI.

Methods

CI from four manufacturers was analyzed for inorganic additives and trace element impurities. Aerosols were generated and size fractionated. The number and size of fibrous and nonfibrous particles in the respirable fractions were determined. Respirable CI particulates were intratracheally instilled in rats (5 mg/kg) to evaluate potential pulmonary toxicity.

Results

CI samples were similar in composition with small differences due primarily to fire retardants. Less than 0.1% of CI was respirable and contained few fibers. Acute exposure to CI caused transient inflammation in the lungs and increased 4‐hydroxyproline. Microscopic evaluation revealed a minimal to mild, non‐progressing granulomatous pneumonitis.

Conclusions

Low concentrations of respirable particles were found in CI aerosols. Particles consisted primarily of fire retardants with few fibers, and caused mild pulmonary toxicity in rats. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:554–569, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Getting an embryo into shape
Authors: Maurus Daniel , Kühl Michael
Published: November 2004

Formation of a multicellular organism is a complex process involving differentiation and morphogenesis. During early vertebrate development, the radial symmetric organization of the egg is transferred into a bilateral symmetric organism with three distinct body axes: anteroposterior (AP), dorsoventral, and left–right. Due to cellular movements and proliferation, the body elongates along the AP axis. How are these processes coupled? Two recent publications now indicate that cell migration as well as orientated cell divisions contribute to axis elongation. The processes are coupled through the planar cell polarity pathway.1 At the same time, the AP axis is patterned independently of convergent extension. This process, however, is required for cell migration and represents a cue for polarized cell motility during gastrulation. Thus, it is AP polarity that instructs individual cells how to orientate with respect to the embryonic axis and provides positional information for the process of convergent extension.2 BioEssays 26:1272–1275, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.