bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questions of Reading and Writing in Ancient Israel
Authors: HESS RICHARD S.
Published: April 2022

The identification of so many inscriptions from private collections as well as in archaeological excavations raises new questions about the role of reading and writing in ancient Israel. In this respect, the question is not merely one of whether there were scribes who could read and write but also the larger questions of who were the practitioners of this art and where they might be found. Does the evidence provide any clues as to their geographical and social location? Were they limited to the largest urban centers where concerns of administration and royal propaganda might require their presence; or were they also to be found in small towns and rural environments? This study examines the questions of literacy in the light of the inscriptional evidence, the ancient Near Eastern context, and the comparative anthropological discussion.
The Synoptic Problem? An Old Testament Perspective
Authors: KNOPPERS GARY N.
Published: April 2022

The synoptic phenomenon is neither a uniquely NT issue nor a new issue, because there are many parallel stories, laws, and poems in the Hebrew Bible/OT. This study examines the literary technique of imitatio or mimesis in the classical and ancient Near Eastern worlds to see what the employment of this technique may tell us about why ancient writers reused, retold, and expanded select older works and how their early audiences may have understood these parallel stories. After discussing the esteem with which ancient writers viewed the accomplishments of earlier ages and defining what the technique of literary imitation is and is not (e.g., epitomization, inner-biblical exegesis, rewritten Bible), this article proceeds to discuss various dangers and disputes in the application of mimesis in the context of the ancient Mediterranean world (e.g., parody, plagiarism). The article concludes that study of creative imitation holds much promise for elucidating the significance of parallel laws, poems, lists, and stories in the Old and New Testaments. Scholars can gain an added appreciation of the literary craft practiced by the authors of synoptic Scriptures through an acute awareness of the techniques by which writers reworked, rewrote, and supplemented their sources.
Finders Keepers? Lost Property in Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Law
Authors: BAKER DAVID L.
Published: April 2022

According to ancient Near Eastern law, it is a serious offense to be in possession of lost property, tantamount to stealing and punishable by death. A finder is expected to make every effort to return a lost animal or implement to its owner. The OT "Book of the Covenant" assumes the same principle and emphasizes that it applies even if the owner is one's enemy (Exod 23:4). It is dealt with in greater detail by the Deuteronomic Laws, using the word "brother" instead of "enemy" and clarifying some of the ambiguities in the earlier law (Deut 22:1–3). In both texts, the returning of lost property is combined with a command to help another person in difficulty with his/her beast of burden (Exod 23:5, Deut 22:4). Although these biblical texts occur in legal sections of the OT, they are not so much laws as exhortations to take action for the welfare of fellow-Israelites. Members of the covenant community are expected to take the initiative in helping others, whether or not they deserve it, according to the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself.
Intertextuality, Canon, and "Undecidability": Understanding Isaiah's "New Heavens and New Earth" (Isaiah 65:17–25)
Authors: SCHULTZ RICHARD L.
Published: April 2022

As developed by M. Bakhtin, J. Kristeva, R. Barthes, and T. K. Beal, intertextual approaches have largely replaced the examination of inner-biblical quotation or allusion and literary influence studies in analyzing the relationships between texts and contexts. These studies, however, can involve the endless tracing of intertextual relations, undermining the possibility of determinate meaning. By deriving several key interpretive emphases and procedures from the intertextual theory of Michael Riffaterre, a Columbia University professor of French Literature, one can "redeem" intertextuality. This kind of modified approach to intertextuality, which is better suited to canonical Scripture, is illustrated by a detailed analysis of Isa 65:17–25. Reading Isa 65 in light of its primary intertexts results in a richer reading that directs the interpreter's attention to neglected textual features as well as latent emphases and associations.
Creation and New Creation
Authors: MOO DOUGLAS J.
Published: April 2022

The phrase "new creation," used twice in the letters of Paul (Gal 6:15, 2 Cor 5:17), appears abruptly in both contexts and has therefore been subject to several different interpretations. This article argues that the phrase is best understood as a broad description of the "new state of affairs" inaugurated through Christ's first coming and to be consummated at his second coming. This interpretation fits with the usual meaning of the phrase in Jewish literature and makes best sense in both contexts where it occurs. Though the phrase cannot, then, be limited to cosmic renewal, it includes this element and therefore provides some basis for environmental stewardship by Christians today.
"You Fool!" Matthew 5:22
Authors: GARLINGTON DON
Published: April 2022

This essay advances the case that Matt 5:22 is not a prohibition of generic name calling, using common terms of abuse. It is, rather, a pointed and specific warning that one Christian believer must not consign another believer to perdition by labeling him/her a "fool" ("unbeliever," "apostate," "heretic," etc.), that is, one who is excluded from the eschatological kingdom of God. To do so is to expose oneself to divine wrath in the day of judgment.
The Identity of "Horn" in Psalm 148:14a: An Exegetical Investigation in the MT and LXX Versions
Authors: SCHMUTZER ANDREW J. , GAUTHIER RANDALL X.
Published: April 2022

This article compares the MT and LXX versions of Ps 148:14a to understand better the identity of "horn" within the set phrase "to raise a horn." The commentators are largely divided between literary-metaphorical and historical-literal interpretations, leaving the English translations with a confusing array of options. Analysis suggests that "to raise a horn" conveys elements common to both "metaphorical" and "literal-historical" usage with military significance. Particular attention is given to the syntactical significance of vv. 13–14 of Ps 148. Analysis concludes with the Final Doxology (FD) of the Psalter (MT: Pss 146–50; LXX 145–50), where it is argued that the sociopolitical reality of exile and Diaspora returnees complements the militaristic theme of 148:14a, evidenced from the surrounding FD. The identity of "horn" in this set phrase describes the judgment of Israel's enemies while simultaneously proclaiming Israel's restored reputation on an international scale.
Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles
Authors: KÖSTENBERGER ANDREAS J. , CROTEAU DAVID A.
Published: April 2022

In a previous article the authors discussed all relevant references to tithing in Scripture and concluded that the continuation of a tithing requirement cannot be adequately supported by the exegesis of individual texts. In the present article, we assess the applicability of tithing in light of pertinent systematic issues. Following a discussion of the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the new covenant, larger systematic issues that have been used to argue for the continuation of tithing are analyzed and criticized. The article concludes with a survey of NT principles for giving.
"All Those Going Out of the Gate of His City": Have the Translations Got It Yet?
Authors: SCHMUTZER ANDREW J.
Published: April 2022

The phrase כל־יצאי שער עירו (Gen 34:24a, b) is part of the narrator's summary of the Shechemites' response to the circumcision proposal. The lexical and semantic evidence supports a military collocation for the phrase. Moreover, the language surrounding Abraham's transaction at the city gate with Ephron (Gen 23:10b, 18b) is shown to be an inadequate semantic parallel, depending more on culture and architecture. This article argues that the repetition of the phrase in the same verse (34:24a, b) reflects the narrator's rhetorical skill that "humanizes" a catastrophe, underscoring its distributive and irreversible state. By arguing more for "elders" or "citizens," the translations have missed the narrator's association of the circumcised group with a war idiom.
New Wine in Old Wineskins: Bursting Traditional Interpretations in John's Gospel (Part 1)
Authors: GUNDRY ROBERT H.
Published: April 2022

The following article, which will be continued in the next issue of BBR, offers disparate exegetical notes on six passages in the Fourth Gospel. Part 1 argues (1) for the menorah as at least partial background for the portrayal of the Word as light and life in John 1:4; (2) for the angels in John 1:51 as representing Christ in his function as a message-bearer going up and down Jacob's ladder between heaven and earth; and (3) for the profuse passing of water in consequence of drinking it in John 7:37–39 as a symbol of the superabundance of life given believers by the Holy Spirit.
Distinguishing the Angel of the Lord
Authors: MALONE ANDREW S.
Published: April 2022

René López has clarified a number of arguments to assist the identification of the "angel of the Lord" as an agent of God. These recognize that an agent can adopt the speech of his master and be accorded the deference due that master. However, his arguments would apply readily if the angel were himself God. Thus, the veracity of López's thesis hinges on the ability to distinguish between the angel and his Lord—something not sufficiently established. This response is offered as a dialogical foil. It demonstrates that further clarity is needed in distinguishing the two figures and that doing so can be quite difficult. If the two cannot be adequately distinguished, we gain further evidence for identifying the angel as God.
The Voices of Scripture: Citations and Personifications in Paul
Authors: DODSON JOSEPH R.
Published: April 2022

This article investigates Paul's use of personifications to cite Scripture and examines the differences between these citations and more-traditional formulas. After surveying current categories used to understand Scripture citations and after defining personification, this article explores the three most developed personifications Paul uses to quote the OT. It argues that these citations do not fit aptly into any of the current categories proposed by Francis Watson or by Vernon Robbins and, therefore, suggests that a new category be introduced.
Old Greek Daniel 7:13–14 and Matthew's Son of Man
Authors: ZACHARIAS H. DANIEL
Published: April 2022

The earliest witnesses to Old Greek Dan 7 equate the Son of Man with God and represent a perspective of Dan 7 that likely existed in the first century A.D. This throne vision coheres with the Son of Man sayings in Matthew and indicates that the evangelist was familiar with a similar textual tradition. The evangelist has the Son of Man coming on (not with) the clouds, puts the angels in his charge, and places him on the glorious throne where he judges the nations. All of this coheres with Dan 7 as represented by the Old Greek.
Old Testament Gemstones: A Philological, Geological, and Archaeological Assessment of the Septuagint
Authors: HARRELL JAMES A.
Published: April 2022

The earliest witness to the entirety of the Old Testament is the Septuagint (LXX), dating to the third through first centuries B.C., during the Hellenistic period. This was translated into Greek from an earlier and now largely lost version of the Hebrew Bible. After the ca. 315 B.C. book On Stones by the Greek scholar Theophrastus, the LXX has more references to gemstones than any other surviving Hellenistic manuscript. A total of 22 gemstones are mentioned in 55 passages of the LXX. The objective of this study is to determine the geologic identities of these stones based on their descriptions in all available ancient textual sources that are contemporaneous (or nearly so) with the LXX and on the archaeological record of gemstones used in the Eastern Mediterranean/Western Asia region during the first millennium B.C.
Understanding the Gospel of Judas
Authors: EVANS CRAIG A.
Published: April 2022

The discovery and publication of the Gospel of Judas created a sensation in scholarly and popular settings alike. Much of the interest in the new publication grows out of the interpretation that was advanced, in which Judas Iscariot is understood as a hero, more or less, the greatest of the disciples, to whom Jesus entrusted his most important teaching. Ongoing critical study of the Coptic text, however, has raised troubling questions about this interpretation and on what basis it rests. The recent recovery of more fragments of the text also undermines the widely reported interpretation. The present study reviews several recent publications that suggest a very different interpretation.
ECOSYSTEM APPROACH IN EDUCATION: FROM METAPHOR TO METHODOLOGY AND PRACTICE
Authors: UTKIN ANATOLY V. , SHEVCHENKO KONSTANTIN V.
Published: April 2022

The authors present a theoretical and practical justification for the implementation of the ecosystem approach as a new direction in accordance with the ideas of the “lifelong learning” concept. The article presents an analysis of the “ecosystem” concept, highlights the basic characteristics and features of educational ecosystems. By the example of the activities at state autonomous non-typical educational institution of Sverdlovsk region “Palace of Youth”, the program for the development of the ecosystem in the supplementary education for children of Sverdlovsk region is substantiated.
Models of macroeconomic equilibrium
Authors: Repin S. S.
Published: April 2022

Modern models of macroeconomics solve the problem of choosing tools for obtaining new knowledge, either taken from the arsenal of other sciences, or newly created by scientists.
Factor analysis of the functioning of small business and its development prospects under sanctions
Authors: Antyushin M. V. , Guskova I. V. , Serebrovskaya N. E.
Published: April 2022

The problems, difficulties, as well as issues of entrepreneurship development in Russia are considered based on the analysis of the retrospective of small and medium enterprises (SME) development, errors in the field of economic development in the process of transformation of the Russian economy in different periods of its development, as well as in different phases of the economic cycle are identified.

The article is devoted to the study of environmental factors affecting the development and functioning of SMEs. The article presents the results of a sociological survey of entrepreneurs and experts in the field of economics and management. The survey is aimed at determining the impact of the external environment on the development of entrepreneurship in Russia and the possibility of overcoming it.
The Challenge of the Commons in the Post-socialist Cluj
Authors:   Department of Aesthetics, Faculty of Humanities, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary. Email: ors.szekely@ubbcluj.ro., Székely Örs
Published: April 2022

"Since the neo-liberal turn of the 1970s and the consequent failure of the state socialist experiment, the functioning of the Eastern European states has increasingly been governed by the rationale of markets. This logic has led to an erosion of the concept of the commons and, by extension, universality. The notion of then alternative but now mainstream culture creates and serves particular class interests under the banner of ‘independence’ and ‘freedom’, which aims not to transcend the status quo but to preserve it and the property relations on which it is based. My thesis is written as a first step to reclaim the idea of the commons, pointing to the capitalist genesis of the forms in our contemporary culture. Keywords: commons, art, Cluj, post-socialism, Eastern Europe, class relations, neoliberalism, privatisation of art "
Identity Choices Among Romanian Officers in the Habsburg Army
Authors: RAITA Florina
Published: April 2022

In recent times, the identity of the Habsburg military has been the subject of numerous studies aiming to explain the behavior of this social-professional category. However, in Romanian historiography, research on this subject is almost completely lacking. The present work aims, first of all, to open the historiographical discussion on the identity choices of Romanian soldiers and officers in the Habsburg army. Alongside national identity and dynastic loyalty, frequently addressed in historiography, special attention should be paid to other types of loyalties or identities, developed within the military environment and related to the appropriation of a well-defined code of honor. It was in this context that the officer’s honor, transformed into a military identity, took shape, as well as other types of attachments, such as that to the state, which is different from dynastic loyalty, or that to the territory. Last but not least, this paper also focuses on how all these different identities are harmonized into multiple identities, defining the behavior and actions of the soldiers of the multinational Habsburg army.
Article history: Received 13.10.2021; Revised 19.11.2021; Accepted 16.12.2021; Available online 13.04.2022.
Rezumat: Opţiuni identitare în rândul ofiţerilor români din armata habsburgică. În perioada recentă, identităţii militarilor din armata habsburgică i-au fost dedicate numeroase studii, în căutarea unor explicaţii cu privire la comportamentul apartenenţilor acestei categorii sociale şi profesionale aparte. Cu toate acestea, la nivelul istoriografiei române, cercetările dedicate acestui subiect lipsesc aproape cu desăvârşire. Lucrarea de faţă îşi propune, înainte de toate, deschiderea discuţiei istoriografice referitoare la opţiunile identitare ale militarilor şi ofiţerilor români din armata habsburgică. Alături de identitatea naţională şi de loialitatea dinastică, abordate frecvent în istoriografie, o atenţie aparte trebuie să le fie acordată şi altor tipuri de loialităţi sau identităţi, dezvoltate în contextul integrării în mediul militar cazon şi al însuşirii unui cod comportamental bine definit. În acest context, s-au conturat onoarea ofiţerească, transformată în identitate militară, dar şi alte ataşamente, precum cel pentru stat, diferit de loialitatea dinastică, sau cel pentru teritoriu. Nu în ultimul rând, această lucrare se concentrează şi asupra modului în care toate aceste identităţi diferite sunt armonizate în cadrul unor identităţi multiple, definitorii pentru comportamentul şi acţiunile militarilor armatei habsburgice multinaţionale.
Cuvinte cheie: armata habsburgică, militari români, identitate militară, identitate supranaţională, identităţi multiple
Il Partito comunista italiano e i regimi comunisti dell’Europa orientale attraverso la rivista “Rinascita”
Authors: SANTORO Stefano
Published: April 2022

The Italian Communist Party and the communist regimes of Eastern Europe through the magazine “Rinascita”. The cultural magazine of the Italian Communist Party “Rinascita” was published from 1944 to 1991, thus following the evolution of that party from the post-WWII to its self-dissolution. Through an analysis of the articles published in the magazine, this contribution studies the evolution of the image of the communist regimes of Eastern Europe among the Italian communists, retracing the strategic and ideological changes that characterized the Pci, along a difficult path that from the cult of Stalin eventually came to social democracy.
Article history: Received 15.11.2021; Revised 7.12.2021; Accepted 20.12.2021; Available online 13.04.2022.
Rezumat: Partidul Comunist Italian şi regimurile comuniste din Europa de Est prin intermediul revistei “Rinascita”. Revista culturală a Partidului comunist italian “Rinascita” a apărut între 1944 şi 1991, urmărind astfel evoluţia acelui partid de la cel de-al Doilea Război Mondial până la autodizolvarea sa. Printr-o analiză a articolelor publicate în revistă, această lucrare studiază evoluţia imaginii regimurilor comuniste din Europa de Est în rândul comuniştilor italieni, reluând schimbările strategice şi ideologice care au caracterizat Pci, de-a lungul unui drum anevoios care de la cult a lui Stalin a ajuns în cele din urmă la social-democraţia.
Cuvinte cheie: Revista “Rinascita”; Partidul comunist italian; Europa de Est; “Socialismul real”.
Proprietatea-garanție: rezerva proprietății
Authors: Tamba Adrian
Published: April 2022

Studiul de față se concentrează, succint, pe o entitate ce poartă această denumire: rezerva proprietății. Așa-zisa rezervă a proprietății este un tip de proprietate-garanție.

Privitor la rezerva proprietății, prezenta lucrare ia în considerare niște aspecte: domeniul rezervei proprietății, creanța garantată, acordul referitor la rezerva proprietății, efectele rezervei de proprietate etc.
Perspective of the Application of Low Impact Development (LID) to Deal with Floods to Strengthen the Economic Structure of Pontianak City
Authors: Hediyanti Giska , Rianti Reny , Pynanjung Pramushinta Arum
Published: April 2022

Pontianak city is the capital of West Kalimantan Province, undergoing dynamic growth and development in various sectors. However, it is often hit by inundation or flooding, affecting region development, particularly economic structure. The effort that can be made is the Low Impact Development (LID) Approach to overcome flooding and inundation in urban areas while providing economic value benefits. This research analyzed the economic structure of Pontianak City with an analysis of LQ, Typology Klassen and Shifted Share to look at the growth of the base sector and the movement of economic structures. AHP analysis is used to look at the perspective of LID application in Pontianak City. The results showed that the water procurement, waste management, by products, and recycling sectors became one of the base sectors in Pontianak City. However, the results of shift-share analysis on the competitive advantage component (Cij) showed the sector was moving more slowly than the Provincial level. Policies are needed to accelerate the growth of the water management sector, one of which is a policy to overcome the problem of flooding and inundation in Pontianak city and concomitantly strengthen its economic structure. The results of the AHP analysis showed the selected form of LID application, namely water tanks, rain gardens, bioretention, filter strips, infiltration trenches, porous pavement, and infiltration wells that lead to small-scale or self-contained applications. Sensitivity analysis shows that the criteria for land needs are very sensitive and most affect other measures, namely cost, in determining LID application. Therefore, the commitment of the Pontianak City Government as a regulator, dynamic actor, and facilitator is needed to support policies and budgets that strengthen the economic structure of Pontianak City as well as a cross-sectoral working atmosphere and healthy investment to support the implementation of LID
Powierzchnia gospodarstw a baza paszowa i pogłowie bydła w specjalistycznych gospodarstwach mlecznych
Authors: Lipińska Halina , Gajda Julian
Published: April 2022

Results presented in the paper refer to the influence of the increasing area of agricultural areas in specialized dairy farms on the share of green lands, sowing structure and cattle population. In total, 18 farms divided into three area groups were analyzed on average: I – 20.5 ha, II – 31.1 ha, III – 47.2 ha. Green lands covered 42.4%, 46.0% and 52.3% of agricultural area, respectively. Cereals mainly for concentrated fodder and in part for trade cover 72.9%, 44.0% and 62.5% of arable land area, respectively. The area of maize cultivated for silage increased quite systematically (20.3%, 42.3% and 37.5%). Changes of particular cultivation plant group areas are associated with the cattle population. The stock size increases along with the increase of arable land area (21.0, 38.7 and 58.3 animals, on average), which gives 0.94; 1.15 i 1.14 of LU per 1 ha of agricultural lands, and cow percentage in particular group herds is at similar level 62.6, 66.2 and 59.3%, respectively. Uniform fodder area per 1 large counting unit (LU) of cattle (0.61; 0.65 i 0.61) in groups did not significantly range. Studies upon the effects of fodder production intensification and their influence on natural environment are advisable.
Neuromuscular Impact of Acute Hypertrophic Resistance Loading With and Without Blood-Flow Restriction
Authors: de Mendonca Goncalo , Margarida Correia Joana , Gomes Miguel , Dias Gonçalves André , Vila-Chã Carolina , Pezarat-Correia Pedro
Published: April 2022

Exploring acute neuromuscular fatigue induced by different modalities of resistance exercise would help understand the adaptation subsequent to specific training programs. Therefore, we investigated the acute impact of high-intensity and low-intensity blood flow-restricted resistance exercise on the development of explosive torque throughout the torque-time curve. Seventeen healthy, young participants were included in a randomized, counterbalanced within-subjects design study, in which participants underwent two experimental conditions, separated by a 1-wk period. Low-intensity blood-flow restricted exercise and high-intensity resistance exercise were performed using dynamic elbow flexion at 20 and 75% of 1 repetition maximum, respectively. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and the sequential rate of torque development (absolute and relative) were measured before and after exercise. Both protocols elicited a similar decrement in MVC (~ 25%) and in the peak rate of torque development after exercise (~ 45%). The absolute rate of torque development (0-50 and 50-100 ms) was also reduced (p<0.05) similarly between conditions. After normalizing torque values to MVC, this was only sustained for the rate of torque development 0-50ms (p<0.05). We found that both exercise protocols induced similar acute attenuation of the absolute rate of torque development up to the first 100 ms of MVC. We also demonstrated that the reduction in the rate of torque development between 50-100ms (in both protocols) was largely explained by an acute deficit in muscle strength post-exercise. Conversely, the impact of each protocol on the first 50ms of muscle torque did not depend on lower levels of muscle strength after exercise.
Changes in Heart Rate Variability and Post‐Exercise Blood Pressure from Manipulating Rest Intervals Between Sets of Resistance Training
Authors: Alemi Behzad , Majlesi Sara , Nekooei Pooya , Hooseinzadeh Ghasemabad Kamran , Nekouie Paria
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare blood pressure and heart rate variability responses in physically active men after performing resistance training sessions with rest intervals of 1 min, 2 min and 3 min. Eighteen men (age, 21.6±1.1 years; body mass, 74.1±8.1 kg; body height, 175.3±7.1 cm) who performed 180min of physical activity per week participated in this study. After determining the 15RM loads for the squat, bench press, bent-over row and deadlift, participants performed a resistance training session. Participants performed three resistance training protocols in randomized counterbalanced order. Each experimental protocol comprised different rest intervals between sets of resistance training exercises (1min, 2min or 3min). During each experimental session, participants performed three sets with a 15RM load. Blood pressure and heart rate variability were measured before and for 2h after each session. The results demonstrated a greater blood pressure (p<0.05) reduction with a longer rest interval. There was no statistically significant difference in heart rate variability changes between groups. These results indicate that 2min and 3min rest intervals while using a 15RM load provide the best stimulus for a blood pressure reduction response after a resistance training session. Our findings suggest that strength and conditioning professionals should prescribe 2min or 3min rest intervals when resistance training is performed with a 15RM load if the aim is to obtain an acute reduction in blood pressure after a resistance training session.
The Effects of Preferred Music and Its Timing on Performance, Pacing, and Psychophysiological Responses During the 6‐min Test
Authors: Jebabli Nidhal , Zouhal Hassane , Boullosa Daniel , Govindasamy Karuppasamy , Tourny Claire , Hackney Anthony , Granacher Urs , Ben Abderrahman Abderraouf
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to preferred music during a warm up or exercise, on performance during a 6-min all-out exercise test (6-MT) in young adult males. Twenty-five healthy males volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within subject design, participants performed three test conditions (MDT: music during the test; MDW: music during the warm-up; WM: without music) in random order. Outcomes included mean running speed over the 6-min test (MRS6), total distance covered (TDC), heart rate responses (HRpeak, HRmean), blood lactate (3-min after the test), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE); additionally, feeling scale scores were recorded. Listening to preferred music during running resulted in significant TDC (Δ↑10%, p=0.006, ES=0.80) and MRS6 (Δ↑14%, p=0.012, ES=1.02) improvement during the 6-MT, improvement was also noted for the warm-up with music condition (TDC:Δ↑8%, p=0.028, ES=0.63; MRS6:Δ↑8%, p=0.032, ES=0.61). A similar reverse “J-shaped” pacing profile was detected during the three conditions. Blood lactate was lower in the MDT condition by 8% (p=0.01, ES=1.10), but not the MDW condition, compared to MW. In addition, no statistically significant differences were found between the test sessions for the HR, RPE, and feeling scale scores. In conclusion, listening to music during exercise testing would be more beneficial for optimal TDC and MRS6 performances compared to MDW and WM.
Influence of Tactical Behaviour on Running Performance in the Three Most Successful Soccer Teams During the Competitive Season of the Spanish First Division
Authors: Asian-Clemente Jose , Suarez-Arrones Luis , Requena Bernardo , Santalla Alfredo
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of tactical behavior on physical performance of the three best Spanish soccer teams. Team 1 employed a 1-4-4-2 formation with compact defence and direct attacks, Team 2 employed an indirect style of play with a 1-4-3-3 formation and Team 3 used a 1-4-3-3 formation with elaborate attacks and strong counter-attacks. 816 individual situations of 54 professional soccer players categorized as fullbacks (FB), central defenders (CD), central midfielders (MF), wide midfielders (WM), and strikers (S) were included in the analysis. Their performance was examined with a player-tracking system. The analyzed variables included total distance covered, distance covered above 14, 21 and 24 km·h-1, as well as distance covered in possession of the ball and without possession of the ball. Team 2 covered a substantially lower distance >14 km·h–1 than Team 1 and substantially lower distances >14, >21, and >25km·h–1 than Team 3. No differences in running activity were found between Teams 1 and 3. However, there were substantial differences between the specific positions of the three teams. CD in Team 1 covered the lowest distance by a substantial margin in almost all variables analysed, whereas MF travelled substantially greater distances than did other positions. WM in Team 1 covered the greatest distance >18 and >21km·h– 1, while S in Team 2 had the lowest distance covered in almost all the variables, and FB in Team 3 showed the lowest total distance covered and distance covered >14km·h–1. WM in Team 2 had the greatest distance covered in possession, while S in Team 3 had the greatest distance covered out of possession. The results indicate that different team formations and associated tactical demands have a significant influence on running performance.
Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Sprinters: Effects of Hard Versus Sand Surfaces
Authors: Pereira Lucas , Boullosa Daniel , Moura Túlio , Mercer Valter , Fernandes Victor , Bishop Chris , Loturco Irineu
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to compare the post-activation performance enhancement induced by successive drop-jumps performed on hard and sand surfaces in sprint and jump performance of top-level sprinters. Athletes were tested on two occasions. On each visit they were allocated to one of the experimental protocols, which consisted of performing 2x5 drop-jumps from a box with the height of 60-cm on hard or sand surfaces in randomized order, seven days apart. Prior to and 7 and 15-min after executing drop-jumps, sprinters performed countermovement jumps and 60-m sprint tests. Differences between sprinting splits and surfaces were assessed using a two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. No significant differences in jump height or sprint time were observed (p>0.05), regardless of the surface used (i.e., hard or sand) during the conditioning activity (effect sizes [95% confidence intervals] ranging from 0.01 [-0.84;0.84] to 0.44 [-0.42;1.27]). Performing drop-jumps on sand or hard surfaces immediately before maximum sprinting bouts does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to top-level sprinters. Sprint coaches may prescribe short-plyometric training activities on sand surfaces even close to competitions, bearing in mind that this strategy will not compromise sprint-specific performance.
Movement Patterns of Polish National Paralympic Team Wheelchair Fencers with Regard to Muscle Activity and Co-Activation Time
Authors: Borysiuk Zbigniew , Błaszczyszyn Monika , Piechota Katarzyna , Nowicki Tadeusz
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to determine muscle co-activation and muscle activity time using EMG in Paralympic wheelchair fencers categorized into two disability-level groups: A (n= 7) and B (n= 9). The study was carried out with the use of a 16-channel EMG system. The surface EMG electrodes were placed on the fencer’s body along nine channels: arm muscles - deltoideus middle head (DEL), triceps brachii (TRI) and biceps brachii (BC); forearm muscles - extensor carpi radialis longus (ECR), flexor carpi radialis (FCR); postural (abdominal and back) muscles - the right and the left external oblique abdominal (EOA RT and LT) and latissimus dorsi (LD RT and LT). To assess the relative level of co-activation (simultaneous contraction of both muscles) for the TRI-BC, ECR-FCR, LD RT-EDA RT and LD LT-EDA LT muscle pairs, the co-activation index (CI) was calculated. The collected data were processed using Jamovi. The study hypotheses were verified at the level of significance of p≤0.05 (Welch’s t-test). The normal distribution of analyzed statistical features was checked with the Shapiro-Wilk test. The analysis of muscle activation time, as a percent ratio of three attempts executed in a series, confirmed the study assumptions. Fencers from Group A had a shorter activation time in all tested muscles, with the exception of the ECR (58.24), than fencers from Group B. This confirms that the activation of antagonist muscles representing a centrally programmed anticipatory mechanism stabilizing technical actions was particularly intensified in Group A fencers. The study results indicate that the standard co-activation index (CI) of key muscles involved in wheelchair fencing ranges from 48 to 51%.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor immunohistochemical expression in hepatocellular carcinoma without Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor exons 18–21 mutations
Authors: Nikolova Dafina , Trajkovska Meri , Trpcevska Emilija Nikolovska , Eftimov Aleksandar , Jovanovik Rubens , Janevska Vesna
Published: April 2022

Introduction: EGFR targeted therapies, have been proved beneficial for patients with HCC, nevertheless additional research on EGFR immunoexpresion and EGFR mutations is still needed, especially in population in which it has not been done yet. The aim of this study is to evaluate EGFR immunoexpression in HCC without EGFR exons 18–21 mutations and to evaluate its influence on survival in HCC patients in North Macedonia.

Methods: We studied 31 cases of HCC for EGFR immunohistochemical expression and EGFR exons 18–21 mutations. The following clinical parameters were analyzed: Hepatitis B and C virus infection, presence of cirrhosis, tumor size, enlarged lymph nodes, metastases, alpha fetoprotein level and overall survival. Presence of the EGFR immunosignal (membranous and cytoplasmic) and the percentage of positive tumor cells in the entire tumor tissue specimen were semi-quantitatively determined.

Results: Hepatitis B and C virus infection, tumor size, metastatic disease and EGFR immunoexpression have influence on patient’s survival. No EGFR exons 18–21 mutations were detected in this group of HCCs. EGFR expression of 61%–80% in tumor tissue significantly influenced survival of the patients (p < 0.01). Multiple Cox regression confirmed tumor size of 5–10 cm (p < 0.05), tumor size > 10 cm (p < 0.01) and EGFR expression in range of 61% to 80% (p < 0.05) as independent survival predictors in patients with HCC.

Conclusion: EGFR overexpression in range of 61% to 80% was an independent survival predictor in patients with HCC, implying that these patients could benefit from EGFR inhibition. However, the absence of EGFR mutations in exons 18–21 in any of the cases of this study suggest that single drug EGFR targeted therapy in patients with HCC may be insufficient.
Modeling of Adverse Weather Events in an Integrated Reliability and Power Quality Assessment of Distribution System Using Stochastic Diffusion Process
Authors: Potli Manohar , Atla Chandrasekhar Reddy
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the modeling of adverse weather events and their impact on the integrated reliability and power quality assessment of power distribution systems. With respect to previous works, stochastic modeling of adverse weather events is integrated into the Monte Carlo Simulation approach and its impacts on reliability and voltage sag indices are highlighted. In this paper, the aleatory and epistemic uncertainty are modeled into sampling of Time to Failure (TTF) using the Stochastic Diffusion Process. The Stochastic Diffusion Process, including the Jump diffusion is used to model the impact of adverse weather events on permanent and temporary failure rates. The proposed method is applied to the modified IEEE 34 node test feeder, and three case studies have been performed to investigate the impact of various uncertainties and adverse weather events. Numerical results for the IEEE 34 node test feeder are presented to quantify adverse weather impacts on both reliability and voltage sag indices.
Automatic Grading of Student’s Presentation Skills based on PowerPoint Presentation and Audio
Authors: Borade Jyoti , Kiwelekar A. W. , Netak L. D.
Published: April 2022

Creating and delivering a presentation for Project, Seminar, and Course work is an important academic activity included in the curricula of undergraduate engineering studies. The presentation should be graded based on the presentation skills, accuracy, and authenticity of the contents covered in the presentation. Educational institutes use rubrics to assess the presentation skills on different grounds, which is a cumbersome task for the teacher when the strength of students is significant. Our main objective is to automatically grade the students' presentation skills in terms of PowerPoint presentations and the student's confidence. The proposed system describes a method and dataset designed to automate grading students' presentation skills. Our research study is divided into two parts. In the first part, the PowerPoint presentation features corresponding to text appearance, tables, charts, images, footer, and hyperlinks are extracted to grade PowerPoint presentations. At the same time, Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients, Mel Spectrogram, and Chroma features are extracted from the students' audio to identify confidence in the second part of the study. The audio is recorded at the presentation time. Feature extraction programs are implemented in python using Python-pptx and Librosa library. The tree-based feature selection method is used to remove the irrelevant features. Random Forest Ensemble model gives 100 % accuracy while predicting the grade of PowerPoint presentations. Multilayer Perceptron model gives 88% accuracy while predicting the confidence level of the students. The output of both models is combined to grade the students' presentation skills. The quadratic Weighted Kappa (QWK) score is 0.82, which indicates a significant similarity between automated and human-rated scores.
Recent advances in laser welding for joining polymeric components
Authors: Marques Eduardo , Da Silva Luiz , J. C. Carbas Ricardo , F. M. da Silva Lucas
Published: April 2022

Laser welding of polymers is a very popular industrial joining process, creating joints with good mechanical performance. However, the implementation of optimized laser welding processes is still quite limited since most industrial applications adopt an empirical approach to adjust the process parameters. The current work provides a summary of new findings on the subject of laser joining of polymers, describing the key operation modes of this joining method, its process parameters and how they affect the joint characteristics. The response of polymers to temperatures generated during laser welding is also discussed, as well as the effect of additives on the weldability of polymers.
The potential of a circular economy and "nature-based solutions" as a possibility to achieve sustainable development
Authors: ERZNKYAN Bagrat A. , FONTANA Karine A.
Published: April 2022

Subject. We investigate the potential for integration of ecosystem approaches to "nature-based solutions" and circular economy aimed at sustainable development. Objectives. The focus is on implementation of principles of circular economy and "natural solutions" as important elements of the sustainable development plan. Methods. We employ analytical and logical methods, theoretical and practical issues of sustainable development in the context of concepts of circular and natural economy. Results. We address the evolution of the circular economy concept, emphasize that it cannot support sustainability, if social processes are ignored. The paper explores the intersection points of the circular and green economy. It shows that ecosystem approaches result in environmental, social, and economic benefits. The potential of achieving sustainability through the synergy of "nature-based solutions" and circular business models is demonstrated on the case of reusing urban wastewater. Conclusions. The circular economy cannot be considered as a stage in the "green economy" development. It is important to use them together, when sustainable development strategies are designed. "Natural solutions" provide opportunities for interdisciplinary studies on development and implementation of nature-based solutions, their versatility creates a potential for trade-offs. Cities have a potential to implement sustainable development concepts through the synergy of "natural solutions" and circular business models. Integrated use of the potential of complementary concepts is required.
Estimation of return on investment of Master's degree in Russian conditions
Authors: MEL'NIKOV Roman M.
Published: April 2022

Subject. The article investigates competitive advantages of master's degree holders in the Russian labor market.
Objectives. The aim is to assess the impact of obtaining a master's degree on employment prospects, the match between education and job, the wage levels, and job satisfaction in Russian conditions.
Methods. I performed a regression analysis of panel data of the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey to estimate the ROI of a master's degree. The personal abilities and social capital of the respondent's family are taken into account, using the individual effects of panel regression. The Heckman model is used for correction of self-selection bias.
Results. The paper reveals a significant positive effect of master’s degree on reducing the risk of unemployment and improving the match between the education field and job for women. Men with a master's degree get a higher salary compared to those with bachelor’s degree, but it may be explained by better personal abilities and social capital rather than by formation of skills within the learning process. The master's degree obtained in Russian conditions does not lead to an increase in job satisfaction, which also testifies to incomplete correspondence of competencies formed by master’s degree programs with the needs of the labor market.
Conclusions. To increase the return on skills formed by Russian master’s degree programs, it is necessary to improve the content of academic programs and increase the role of potential employers in skill formation and implementation, including through the development of basic departments and targeted training models.
New measures of the Russian gold industry performance
Authors: TEGIN Aleksei V. , BOGATYREV Semen Yu.
Published: April 2022

Subject. This article develops a system of indicators and approaches to the valuation of assets in the gold mining industry, relevant for investment. The system of new price and qualitative indicators for the domestic gold market is the object of research.
Objectives. Based on the research, the article aims to demonstrate the possibilities of combining traditional market analysis indicators with analytical tools that analyze emotions.
Methods. For the study, we used induction and deduction, and the methods of object and control action identification.
Results. The article reveals the content of methods for taking into account the emotions of market participants in the process of analyzing the anomalous price phenomena occurring there. It shows tools for implementing methods of psychological analysis based on the processing of information and analytical data bulk.
Conclusions and Relevance. Accounting for new indicators gives analysts the means to bring the result of the forecast closer to real conditions, when, in addition to traditional indicators, their combinations with psychological indicators in the markets arise and give a new interpretation of the events taking place there. The research results obtained can be applied in the practice of a modern market analyst. The use of the proposed new indicators complements and expands the classical analytical tools, improves the quality of forecasts of market movements.
Lending in contemporary Russia
Authors: SMIRNOV Valerii V.
Published: April 2022

Subject. This article deals with the issues of lending in modern-day Russia.
Objectives. The article aims to determine the limit of lending in modern-day Russia.
Methods. For the study, I used a systems approach based on the methods of statistical, neural network, and cluster analyses.
Results. The article reveals a consistently high increase in loans provided to individuals, including overdue debts, and a significant increase in weighted average interest rates on loans provided by credit institutions to individuals in rubles.
Conclusions and Relevance. The limit of lending in Russia at the level of consistently high growth in both loans and weighted average interest rates on loans to individuals, as well as the loss of the importance of government revenues, indicate the placement of federal loan bonds and the growth of international reserves as the main opportunity for financial development. The study expands the scope of knowledge and develops the competencies of the Government of the Russian Federation, as well as the scientific community focused on assessing the possibilities and opportunities of financial development.