Early Date Research Articles

Practice of Reading Promotion Based on New Media

With the new media and other elements deeply rooted in people’s hearts, the innovation-related undertakings related to library management and service are developing vigorously, and the ambitious goals and ideals of “reading for all” and “building a cultural society” are also achieved at an early date. This paper makes innovations from three creative points, namely, “developing library business propaganda from the perspective of brand building to carry out reading promotion practice”, “innovating library work from the perspective of cultural inheritance to carry out reading promotion practice” and “expanding library management and service field from the direction of intelligent environment to carry out reading promotion practice”, and uses literature research, investigation and induction to carry out innovative development research.

Prospects for the use of biopreparations based on VAM during growing cucumber in protected ground

The research was carried out in 2022-2023 by the USPC of Horticulture and Vegetable Growing named after V.I. Edelstein RSAU-MAA named after K.A. Timiryazev (Moscow). In the conditions of a film ground greenhouse and planting during the spring-summer rotation, experiments were carried out to assess the effect of biological preparations based on vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) on the growth and productivity of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L). Studies have shown that the use of biological preparations positively affected the vegetative growth of Cucumis sativus L plants of the parthenocarpic early-maturing hybrid F1 SV4097CV, which affected the photosynthetic surface area, and also significantly affected the development of plants, accelerating the passage of the main phenophases. There was an increase in plant yield and production at an earlier date, which is extremely important when growing plants in protected soil conditions during the transition to organic agriculture.

Studies in Pyu Epigraphy II. Pyu Inscriptions on Molded Tablets: A Way Forward?

Abstract: The Pyu language is known from some 150 inscriptions, a few of them long and most of them short. Almost none can be reliably dated, but paleographical and archeological evidence suggests that the earliest dates from the first half of the first millennium CE. Decipherment of the Pyu language has, thus far, been based mostly on bilingual or multilingual inscriptions. Such inscriptions are few, so further progress will have to be based on monolingual ones. This paper examines a set of short Pyu monolingual inscriptions found mostly on molded tablets. Molded tablets (also called votive tablets) inscribed in known languages such as Pali, Old Mon, and Old Burmese display a relatively narrow range of content, and we would expect comparable content to be reflected in the Pyu examples.

Alterations of SARS-CoV-2 Evolutionary Dynamics by Pharmaceutical Factors

Abstract The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has been influenced by the human response to the virus. These responses have undoubtedly impacted the evolutionary dynamics of the virus in ways distinct from a scenario lacking a widespread response. Two important pharmaceutical interventions, vaccination and the utilization of medications, particularly molnupiravir, known to have mutagenic properties, were the focus of this article. The impact of molnupiravir on human health was evaluated through 3 mechanisms: viral resistance, mutagenesis of SARS-CoV-2, and mutagenesis occurring in patients undergoing treatment with molnupiravir. These mechanisms, as well as the impact of vaccination, have inadvertently given rise to unforeseen challenges in the management of the COVID-19 crisis. Taking a systems view in future pandemic responses, and taking into account the evolution of the pandemic virus, may be critical to ending the pandemic at an earlier date.

Influence of climatic variables on maize grain yield and its components by adjusting the sowing date.

Yield and its components are greatly affected by climate change. Adjusting the sowing date is an effective way to alleviate adverse effects and adapt to climate change. Aiming to determine the optimal sowing date of summer maize and clarify the contribution of climatic variables to grain yield and its components, a consecutive 4-year field experiment was conducted from 2016 to 2019 with four sowing dates at 10-day intervals from 5 June to 5 July. Analysis of historical meteorological data showed that more solar radiation (SR) was distributed from early June to mid-August, and the maximum temperature (Tmax) > 32°C appeared from early July to late August, which advanced and lasted longer in 1991-2020 relative to 1981-1990. Additionally, the precipitation was mainly distributed from early June to late July. The climate change in the growing season of summer maize resulted in optimal sowing dates ranging from 5 June to 15 June, with higher yields and yield stability, mainly because of the higher kernel number per ear and 1,000-grain weight. The average contribution of kernel number per ear to grain yield was 58.7%, higher than that of 1,000-grain weight (41.3%). Variance partitioning analysis showed that SR in 15 days pre-silking to 15 days post-silking (SS) and silking to harvest (SH) stages significantly contributed to grain yield by 63.1% and 86.4%. The extreme growing degree days (EDD) > 32°C, SR, precipitation, and diurnal temperature range (DTR) contributed 20.6%, 22.9%, 14.5%, and 42.0% to kernel number per ear in the SS stage, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that the early sowing dates could gain high yield and yield stability due to the higher SR in the growing season. Meanwhile, due to the decreasing trend in SR and increasing Tmax trend in this region, in the future, new maize varieties with high-temperature resistance, high light efficiency, shade tolerance, and medium-season traits need to be bred to adapt to climate change and increased grain yield.

Soybean yield dependence on the timing of sowing in the conditions of the foothill zone of the RNO-Alania

The article presents the results of research on the reaction of soybean plants depending on the timing of sowing in the foothill zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. The need to improve the timing of sowing occurs with the introduction of new varieties of various ripeness in the main and intermediate crops. The purpose of the paper is to study the effect of sowing dates on the yield of soybean seeds in the conditions of the foothill zone of the RNO-Alania. The scientific novelty was to establish optimal sowing dates that would ensure optimal plant growth and development and high productivity. Our research was carried out in the experimental fields of the North Caucasian Research Institute of Mountain and Piedmont Agriculture of the VSC RAS in 2018-2021. The object of research was the varieties of breeding of the Federal scientific center "V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. Two main types of soils prevail in the foothill zone: chernozems of varying degrees of leaching, as well as meadow and meadow-boggy soils. The arable layer contains from 3 to 4.4% humus. Down the profile, the amount of humus decreases gradually. The reaction of the soil solution in the upper horizons is neutral, in horizons deeper than 80-90 cm – slightly alkaline. The predecessor of the experimental plots was corn for grain. It was found that at early sowing dates (April 20 - May 5) resulted in higher field germination (87-93%), plant foliage of 46.9 thousand m2/ha and their survival rate for harvesting 84-91%. More nodules formed on the roots of the plants. The maximum yield is 2.6 t/ha, obtained during sowing on April 30.

ЭЛЕМЕНТЫ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ СОИ В РСО-АЛАНИЯ

The author presents the results of research on the study of sowing dates for soybean yields in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. With the introduction of new varieties of various ripeness in the main and intermediate crops, there is a need to improve the timing of sowing. The purpose of the work is to study the effect of sowing dates on the yield of soybean seeds in the conditions of the foothill zone of the Russian Federation. The scientific novelty was to establish optimal sowing dates that would ensure optimal plant growth and development and high productivity. Our research was carried out in the experimental fields of the North Caucasus Scientific Research Institute of Mountain and Foothill Agriculture of the VNC RAS in 2018-2021. The object of research was the varieties of breeding of the Federal Scientific Center of the V.S. Pustovoit Research Institute of Oilseeds. Two main types of soils prevail in the foothill zone: chernozems of varying degrees of leaching, as well as meadow and meadow-marsh soils. The arable layer contains from 3 to 4.4% humus. Down the profile, the amount of humus decreases gradually. The reaction of the soil solution in the upper horizons is neutral, deeper than 80-90 cm – slightly alkaline. The predecessor of the experimental plots was corn for grain. It was found that at early sowing dates (April 20 – May 5), higher field germination (87-93%), plant foliage of 46.9 thousand m2/ha and their survival rate for harvesting 84-91% were noted. More nodules formed on the roots of the plants. The maximum yield is 2.6 t/ha, obtained during sowing on April 30. In the forest-steppe zone, the yield of medium-ripened varieties decreased from early to late sowing periods by 0.44 and 0.58 t/ha, while in early-ripening varieties it was less significant. Fertilizers (R90K30) increased the yield of seeds, depending on the timing of sowing, by 0.24-0.58 t/ha.

Towards a chronological framework for early Irish carved stone: Reassessing the evidence of Latinate inscriptions

Abstract: The Digital Atlas of Early Irish Carved Stone (DAEICS) seeks to record and map key traits of carved stone monuments of late prehistoric and early medieval date, providing fresh perspectives on stone-carving over the course of a millennium. First, however, the question of chronology must be addressed, so here we reassess the potential of Latinate inscriptions as a dating tool. Rather than a comprehensive treatment of palaeography and language, we focus, first, on the small number of monuments that commemorate historically identifiable individuals and, second, on the chronological implications of the use or non-use of formulae, proposing new termini post quem for different variations. We also show that the appearance of Gilla- compound personal names on inscriptions allows the monuments in question to be dated to after 950 CE. The implications of the inscriptions for the date-ranges of some specific cross-forms are explored, above all with respect to the singularly large collection of carved stone monuments at Clonmacnoise, which we argue was the only site in Ireland where stone-carving was sustained over several centuries. Using the dateable inscriptions, we demonstrate that there was a general increase in the average size of recumbent grave-markers between 600 and 1200 CE, a trend indicative of changing strategies of commemoration that has important implications for the chronology of these monuments, especially those that cannot readily be dated on other criteria. This refined chronology will facilitate further research on the key questions raised by these monuments, including patterns of patronage and resource investment, the varied identities of ecclesiastical communities, and networks of carvers and churches.

The Effect of Different Methods and Quantities of Pollination on the Infestation Percentage by two of Early Date Fruit Insect Pests in Date Palm Farms in New Valley Governorate, Egypt

The Effect of Different Methods and Quantities of Pollination on the Infestation Percentage by two of Early Date Fruit Insect Pests in Date Palm Farms in New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Presunta "chiesa biabsidata" nel monastero di San Venerio sull’isola del Tino (SP)

The origin of medieval churches with two apses has long been a matter of investigation. Upon the rocky isle of Tino, emerging from the gulf of Spezia, once a monastery under the title of San Venerio did stand. Today, its area preserves ruins believed to belong to a double-apse church. Previous studies had possibly detected a single-hall church, dating back to the sixth or seventh century, to which a second nave should have been added during the ninth century. In consideration of such early dates, it was claimed that the monument was the prototype of double-apse churches across the old diocese of Luni. New excavations carried out in 2021 and 2022 by the Archaeological Superintendence of Genoa and La Spezia have led to a significant revision of the Tino’s complex. First, the architectural plan does not provide evidence of any double-apse church. Furthermore, the masonry suggests the first half of the eleventh century. Remarkably enough, in that period, some descendants of the Marquis Obertus invited a monastic community to settle on the renewed island. Therefore, the structure in question may have been a commemorative chapel (memoria), erected by the Benedictines to mark the supposed place of hermitage and death of Venerius: a respected Saint whose cult the monks wanted to be revived in the interest of themselves and their supporters.

Grave from Nezabylice, Chomutov District. On the Phenomenon of Inhumation in Stage B1 of the Early Roman Period in Bohemia

The article describes the discovery of a skeletal grave in 2015 in Nezabylice (NW Bohemia, Chomutov district) at a cremation burial ground, which was dated to stage B1 of the early Roman period according to characteristic metal objects. Today, only four dozen similarly dated skeletal graves are registered in Bohemia, which, together with the early date of acquisition, makes them one of the rarest and most difficult to recognize archaeological monuments in this area. In the given situation, every recently researched skeleton grave from the early Roman period brings a wealth of new and important information about this distinctive phenomenon of burial rite among the Elbe-Germanic tribes.

Understanding the local dynamics

This study addresses the dynamics of the Neolithic expansion in the Central Balkans by reconstructing its direction and speed of spread. The Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method is applied to the earliest radiocarbon dates from Starčevo culture sites in Serbia. Local speed estimates are derived from the earliest dates within specified spatial bins. The results confirm the assumed south-to-north direction, revealing rapid progression, particularly in the southernmost region. The possibility of pioneering scouting groups was also discussed. The results confirm the arrhythmicity of the Neolithization processes and higher local spread rates while offering new insights into Starčevo culture mobility.

Современные подходы к хирургии катаракт с высокой остротой зрения на основании анализа волнового фронта

Relevance. Until recently, visual acuity was the main criterion for determining the timing of surgery, but already in the early stages of cataract development, patients may suffer from reduced image quality, which affects the quality of life (“night” myopia, light scattering, blurring). Deterioration in visual function in these patients may be explained by refractive errors. Analysis of internal higher-order aberrations resulting from slight opacification of the lens is important for determining the effect of media opacity on wavefront aberrations (WF) and for determining the indications and timing of surgical treatment, especially in patients with high visual acuity. Purpose. Evaluate the optical system of the eye with initial cataracts and high visual acuity. Evaluate the wavefront and its aberrations, contrast sensitivity and Shtrel coefficient. Material and methods. The study included 111 eyes with cataracts and 42 eyes without signs of cataracts (control group). Patients aged on average 57±5.3 years. Wavefront analysis was performed using an iTrace ray tracing aberrometer (Tracey Tech., USA) in a dark room under maximum drug-induced mydriasis. In each group, total, corneal, and internal wavefront aberrations were measured at a pupil diameter of 6.0 mm. Higher order aberrations were analyzed using Zernike polynomials (3rd to 5th order). The modulation transfer function (MTF) at different spatial frequencies (0–30 c/deg) and the Strehl coefficient in patients in the study groups were also assessed. Results. Total and internal higher-order wavefront aberrations were significant in different cataract groups compared with control patients, while higher-order corneal aberrations were not statistically different. We noted a higher level of total and internal aberrations in the group of patients with posterior subcapsular cataract. In this regard, patients with posterior subcapsular cataract require surgical treatment at an earlier stage, despite high visual acuity. Conclusion. We recommend assessing the optical quality of vision and wavefront aberrations when observing early cataracts in order to decide whether to perform surgery at an earlier date. Key words: initial cataract, quality of vision, higher order aberrations, internal wavefront aberrations

Effect of plant spacing and sowing dates on the growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus) in Rupandehi district, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted from mid-April to mid-June 2022 in Rupandehi to evaluate the growth and yield of radish maintained in varied plant spacing at differed sowing dates. The study was aimed to compare the growth, production and economics of radish in Rupandehi district under different plant spacing and sowing dates and to evaluate the interaction between these two factors. Four plants spacing (10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm) with constant row spacing was maintained at two sowing dates (Chaitra 29 and Baisakh 14). The treatments were arranged in two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The data were collected on 30 DAS and 45 DAS. The obtained data were recorded and analyzed using MS-Excel and R-studio, respectively. The results revealed that the highest yield was obtained from plant spacing of 20 cm (28.20 t/ha). However, individual plant weight was higher in wider spacing. Plant spacing of 20 cm showed significantly highest plant height (24.52 cm), number of leaves per plant (22.37) and leaf length (23.36 cm). Leaf blade width (10.67 cm) and petiole length (3.05 cm) was significantly highest in plant spacing of 30 cm. Early sowing date showed significantly better results for all growth and yield parameters and yield except leaf blade width. Higher gross return, net return and B:C ratio was observed in plant spacing of 20 cm and early sowing date. The study concluded that plant spacing of 20 cm and earlier sowing date was ideal for maximum growth and yield of radish in Rupandehi district.

Optimizing the Planting Date for Onion Production

This investigation was carried out during 2018 and 2019 at the research farm of the Agriculture Faculty of Kabul University, Afghanistan to study the correlation between weather conditions (maximum, minimum and mean temperature, relative humidity, cumulative day light and cumulative rainfall) and onion plant growth, yield and bulbs quality, as well as to find the optimal planting date for onion variety Safid e Paisaye. The data was analyzed with STAR software. The results of this study reveal that, increasing temperature and decreasing relative humidity and rainfall during growing season, caused faster maturity of bulbs, produced small sized bulbs, and finally reduced onion bulbs yield. It was observed that, due to relatively lower temperature and higher relative humidity during early growth stages the onion grown early in spring (seed sown in early March and transplants planted early in May) took longer period for maturation, produced larger bulbs and higher yield. This was also noted that due to longer maturation period the onion plants grown in early spring received a higher cumulative heat and sun light which contributed to improve bulbs quality and yield of onion. Based on this study results it is concluded that, early planting date of onion variety Safid e Paisaye not only increased significantly yield but also improved bulbs quality.

Sunflower (Heliánthus ánnuus) Yield and Yield Components for Various Agricultural Practices (Sowing Date, Seeding Rate, Fertilization) for Steppe and Dry Steppe Growing Conditions

The dynamics of the productivity of the sunflower hybrid “Baiterek 17” were studied for rainfed conditions of the steppe and dry steppe zones of Kazakhstan for two fertilizer levels (without fertilizers and with the application of a nitrogen-phosphorous fertilizer), two sowing dates, and three seeding rates. The growing season duration varied among zones and was affected by sowing dates. An increase in duration (3–5 days) was observed for the early sowing date and fertilized treatments, regardless of the zone. Increasing the seeding rate for all treatments by sowing date and fertilizer application reduced the duration of the growing season by 3–6 days. The fertilizer application did not affect the formation of seedlings in the study areas. In the dry steppe zone, from 2.5 to 4.8 plants/m2 were formed before harvesting, with an increase in the number of plants at the high seeding rate (57,000 seeds/ha). In the steppe zone, the same pattern was preserved: from 3.5 to 4.9 plants/m2 at a seeding rate of 65 thousand seeds/ha. The maximum diameter and weight of the flower head were found for the early sowing date and fertilized treatments at a low seeding rate, with a strong effect on the yield for both the steppe and dry steppe zones in 2022. On average, for both years, the highest yield for the dry steppe zone was obtained for the sowing date of 15 May and at a seeding rate of 57,000 seeds/ha, while for the steppe zone, the highest yield was obtained for the 10 May planting date and at a sowing rate of 65,000 seeds/ha. Improving plant nutrition and increasing the plant density up to a seeding rate of 65,000 seeds/ha for the early sowing dates (10 May) increased the plasticity in the steppe zone. For the dry steppe zone, the plasticity of the hybrid decreased, but the highest plasticity was also obtained for an earlier sowing date (15 May) and at a seeding rate of 57,000 seeds/ha crop. The study shows that the hybrid “Baiterek 17” has a high ecological plasticity under changing environmental conditions and, with an increase in moisture availability, it requires intensive agricultural practices (fertilization, increased seeding rate, and early sowing dates) to obtain a high yield.

Origin of Early Cretaceous mafic volcanic rocks from the Erlian Basin west of the Great Xing’an Range of North China: Implications for the tectono-magmatic evolution of East Asia

Early Cretaceous intraplate volcanic rocks are widespread in NE Asia, but their origin remains controversial. This work presents zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock element and Sr-Nd isotope data for mafic volcanic rocks from the Erlian Basin, a wide rift basin in NE Asia. There were two episodes of Early Cretaceous mafic volcanism in the Erlian Basin, and the eruptions show contrasting geochemical compositions. The early mafic volcanic rocks, with U-Pb ages of ca. 140−135 Ma, show slightly depleted Sr-Nd isotope compositions (ISr(t) = 0.7042−0.7052; εNd(t) = +0.82 to +3.0) and arc-like trace-element compositions, which are derived from subduction-related fluid/melt metasomatized lithosphere mantle. The late mafic volcanic rocks (dated at ca. 125 Ma) have enriched Sr-Nd isotopes (ISr(t) = 0.7055−0.7077; εNd(t) = −0.50 to −2.67) and oceanic-island basalt (OIB)-like trace-element compositions, revealing the metasomatism of melts from crustal materials and asthenosphere mantle. The two types of mafic volcanic rocks may record the interactions of the mantle and melts from the subducted paleo-Pacific oceanic slab at different depths. The landward-then-oceanward migration pattern of the Mesozoic volcanism from NE Asia can be explained by the flat subduction and subsequent slab roll-back of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean, consistent with migration patterns from the North China Craton and South China Block, implying similar Jurassic−Cretaceous subduction evolution along the entire East Asia margin. Some Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous dates from east Mongolia and the southern margin of the Erlian Basin diverge from this trajectory. In combination with previous studies, we suggest that the Early Cretaceous pervasive intraplate volcanism in the Erlian Basin and adjacent areas of NE Asia mainly resulted from the slab roll-back of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean with a combined effect from the post-collision extension of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogen.

Human-activity modified vegetation composition at Hangzhou Bay, Zhejiang Province, China over the last 10,000 years

Vegetation composition has been greatly modified by human activity since Neolithic times, providing valuable insights into the evolution of human-landscape relationships. In this paper, we integrated 26 pollen records from the Zhejiang Province of China where a Neolithic culture of rice farming existed at an early date, to examine the dynamics of agricultural development and its impact on vegetation. Firstly, we synthesized the relative abundance of Oryza pollen and charcoal (Cpeak) using generalized additive models, to produce a record of agricultural development and the intensity of human activities. We found that changes in Oryza abundance and Cpeak were positively correlated, and identified three phases as follows: agricultural initiation before 8000 cal yr BP, agricultural development between 8000 and 6000 cal yr BP and the onset of intensive rice farming after 6000 cal yr BP. Pearson correlation between each pollen taxon and Oryza indicates that arboreal taxa exhibit an overall negative correlation with Oryza, but terrestrial herbs and ferns show a positive correlation, indicating that deforestation accompanied agricultural development. Rosaceae, Castanea, Fagus and Typha display positive correlation with Oryza during the earliest stage dominated by hunter-gathering, reflecting the protection and cultivation of food-producing vegetation. During the intensive farming stage, the Liangzhu ancestors reclaimed more farmland and began to pay attention on farmland management including clearing the fields of weeds. This is the main reason for the enhanced negative correlation between Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae, Brassicaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae with Oryza at 6000–5000 cal yr BP. Finally, we confirm the potential of integrated Oryza abundance in pollen records as a human-impact index in the Zhejiang region, and emphasize that temporal dynamics in vegetation and human activities should be critically pre-examined when applying relevant human-impact indices.

Response of maize grain yield and components to foliar iron nanoparticle application

During the spring season of 2021, a field experiment was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad (Abi Ghraib location). To investigate the impact of nano iron concentrations and their application dates on the yield and its components of maize. A factorial experiment was carried out in a split-plot arrangement. The main plots occupied the spraying dates (beginning of the male flowering stage, 50% female flowering and completion of female flowering) and symbolized in sequence. At the same time, the iron concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg. L-1) occupied sub-plots according to RCBD with three replicates. The results revealed that the dates of spraying nano iron substantially influenced most of the features tested. The early date (beginning of the male flowering stage) gave the highest average length of the ear (16.374 cm), the number of rows per ear (16.3 row ear-1), and the number of grains per ear (563.4 grain ear-1) and the total grain yield of 6.096 tons ha.-1. The results also showed that the concentrations of nano iron 300 mg L-1were superior in all the characteristics of the yield components and the grain yield, as it produced the most significant average for ear length, number of rows, number of grains per row, number of grains in the ear, weight of 500 grains, and total grain yield. It is concluded from this study that spraying at the beginning of the flowering stage is the most responsive to spraying the nano iron element, especially at the concentration of 300 mg L-1. Keywords: Nano iron; flowering stage; ear length; grain yield

Kilka uwag o szklanych naczyniach z grodu na Ostrowie Lednickim

This paper presents the results of an expert study of several glass vessels from an early medieval castle at Ostrów Lednicki. They come from the so-called second church, a single-nave small building erected in the 1060s and destroyed in 1038 or 1039. In its ruins, a collection of high-grade artefacts was discovered, furnishings of the same temple, as well as fragments of glass and fragmentary preserved glass vessels. The three specimens, examined in the laboratory, were made of potassium glass, of the calcium-potassium variety, of the CaO-K2O-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 type. Interpretation of the analytical results has led to a conclusion that all the vessels could come from a single workshop, attributed to Carolingian and Ottonian workshops in Imperial Germany. Another vessel, discovered in the eastern part of the stronghold and not associated with any of the sacred buildings, has an early date (6th to 9th century). It is believed to be a conical goblet of the Kempston type, made of sodium glass, of the mineral variety, of the Na2O-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 type, from one of the many Western European workshops.