Early Date Research Articles

P-301 Real life experience with myolysis by radiofrequency in infertile patients with type 2 and 3 fibroids

Abstract Study question Can transvaginal radiofrequency myolysis (TVRF) be a safe alternative to reduce the fibroid volume without interfering with subsequent RA treatment? Summary answer RFTV myolysis is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of type 2-3 uterine fibroids < 4cm that compromise the endometrial cavity. What is known already The most common benign tumors among women who are in their reproductive years are uterine fibroids. Although most of them are not symptomatic, when they compromise the endometrial cavity, they can lead to reproductive problems. Type 2 and 3 fibroids that are smaller than 4 cm in diameter can cause compromise to the endometrial cavity and are difficult to remove through laparoscopy/hysteroscopy. Study design, size, duration The fibroid volume and % of reduction after 3 months were primary variables. All fibroids were examined with 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasonography to record nº of myomas, volume (the volume of an ellipsoid in cm3 = 4/3 (distance1xdistance2xdistance3), type of fibroid according to the FIGO. The secondary variables were mean procedure time, complications, and reproductive outcome after ART (pregnancy rate (PG), miscarriage Rate (MR), Live born rate (LBR) and obstetrics complications, and type of delivery way. Participants/materials, setting, methods We evaluated thirty-four patients between 2019-2023 with type 2-3 fibroids under 4 cm evaluated by 2D/3D ultrasound, confirming that they compromised the uterine cavity and with a complex surgical approach. Myolysis was carried out by TVRF Main results and the role of chance The average age of our patients was 42 years (range 37-50). In our patients, 52% had fibroids of type 3, and 48% had fibroids of type 2. According to FIGO classification. The average TVRF time for the patients was 4.17 minutes. The average volume was initially 21 cm3, but it decreased to 10 cm3 after one month, and finally dropped to 4.6 cm3 after three months. The volume reduction was >75% when evaluated three months after the TVRF. No complications were reported during the procedure except for mild pain that was controlled with oral analgesia in 21% of patients, and minimal bleeding. In eight patients, the fibroid was extruded towards the endometrial cavity and removed by hysteroscopy. Twenty four out of 34 patients (71%) underwent ART, at least 4 months after TVRF. The reproductive outcome was comparable to what was expected, with a 63% pregnancy rate, 17% miscarriage rate, and 50% ongoing pregnancy rate. Live birth rate was 46%, with 83% reaching term pregnancy, and 16% premature births at 36 and 34 weeks. The rate of cesarean section was 66%. Among the obstetric complications, only one case or IUGR was described Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of these data is retrospective analysis of the date and the small sample size, as this is the earliest date on the impact of TVRF on infertile patients. Wider implications of the findings TVRF myolysis is a safe and effective alternative for the infertile women with type 2-3 uterine fibroids < 4 cm that compromise the endometrial cavity that have a complex surgical approach by hysteroscopy/laparoscopy. It appears that TVRF has no impact on reproductive outcomes. Trial registration number not applicable

Iron-rich sandstones in medieval churches in the Cambridge region, UK: distribution, sources and significance

ABSTRACT England’s 13,000 medieval churches are a distinctive landscape feature, not least because they were mostly constructed of local building materials. Especially prominent are churches incorporating iron-rich (ferruginous) stone, in a range of yellow-brown colours. This study investigates churches in an 1,800 km2 area centred on south Cambridgeshire, and interprets the distribution of three iron-rich building stones in space and time. Over 120 churches have been studied in the field, and a further sixty churches provisionally assessed using only photographs. The study confirms existing views that two iron-rich walling stones — the Ely and Gamlingay sandstones — were quarried from the bedrock Woburn Sands Formation (Lower Cretaceous). However, a third walling stone — the Cottenham Sandstone — is re-interpreted as a ferricrete (ironpan) formed by cementation of Quaternary river sediments by iron-rich ground-water. The churches containing ferricrete are shown to lie on the relict floodplains of the ancestral River Cam, rather than following the Woburn Sands outcrop. Cottenham ferricrete was used most commonly during the twelfth to fourteenth centuries with some reuse in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This result conflicts with a hypothesis based on churches in the London Basin that ferricrete walling indicates a twelfth-century or earlier date. There is no evidence in the Romanesque and later churches of the study area that iron-rich and iron-poor building stones were used to create patterned rubble walling as a visual feature. The lack of patterning supports the view that such walls were not meant to be seen and were usually rendered or lime-washed.

The Invention and Early Use of the Mariner’s Astrolabe

The so-called mariner’s astrolabe attracts much attention. There are at least 40 publications, dating between 1917 and 2023 dealing directly with the subject plus many treatises on the history of navigation and nautical instruments that mention or describe the mariner’s astrolabe. Common to most of these publications are statements about the origin and/or first use of the mariner’s astrolabe which are mostly superficial, misleading or simply false. Almost all of them rely on prior publications, that are generally not cited, and if references are given they are wrong, poorly understood or misleading. These publications have meant that myths and baseless assumptions on the early history of European navigation have proliferated. This article tries to take stock of what we really know about the origin and the early use of an instrument widely used in navigation in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The sources of the presumed early dates, myths and assumptions are identified through an investigation of the nomenclature, graphical representations, textual evidence and material evidence relating to the mariner’s astrolabe.

A fresh perspective on advances in pancreatic cancer treatment over the past two decades

In the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.Numerous first-line treatments, such as gemcitabine combined with erlotinib, gemcitabine combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel, FOLFIRINOX, and NALIRIFOX, have emerged;surgery-centered treatment has gradually become the mains clinical strategy.However, behind these achievements, the new drugs developed with substantial funding have not extended the median survival time of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer to more than one year; the 5-year survival rate for postoperative patients remains below 30%. While harboring hope and being proactive, researchers must also soberly reflect and continually reassess our direction, in anticipation of bringing tangible clinical benefits to pancreatic cancer patients at an early date.

Optimizing pyrethrum planting dates to enhance productivity in a changing climate: A case of southern Highlands in Tanzania

Pyrethrum has excellent potential for growing and industrial production in Tanzania, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides and reducing pest and disease incidence without altering the natural balance. Planting date and seeding rate are critical for the productivity of pyrethrum; however, farmers in recent years have been experiencing climate change, resulting in unreliable planting periods. This study seeks to optimize the planting date for increased crop production. The study was conducted in the Umalila Highlands in the Mbeya region, with demonstration plots established in three villages (Iyunga Mapinduzi, Santilya, and Pashungu) and planted at monthly intervals from January to April. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The highest flower yield was achieved with early planting dates, particularly in January, with yields progressively decreasing from February to April. Sowing in January produced a yield of approx. 550 kg ha-1, significantly more than the April control with approx. 122 kg ha-1. The survival rate of Pyrethrum plants was highest at about 75% when planted in January and decreased to 72% in February, 67% in March and 57% in April. Pyrethrum planted in January had the most significant plant height, rosette size, and number of stems at all three sites, while April plantings had the worst performance and higher disease scores. Positive correlations were observed between yield and plant traits, such as height, rosette size, and number of stems, with negative correlations between yield and disease scores.

Metagenomic Investigation of the Short-Term Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of the Bacterial Microbiome and the Resistome Downstream of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Iskar River in Bulgaria.

Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) aim to reduce contamination in effluent water; however, studies indicate antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) persist post-treatment, potentially leading to their spread from human populated areas into the environment. This study evaluated the impact of a large WWTP serving 125,000 people on the Iskar River in Bulgaria, by characterizing the spatial and short-term temporal dynamics in bacterial community dynamics and resistance profiles of the surface water. Pairs of samples were collected biweekly on four dates from two different locations, one about 800 m after the WWTP effluents and the other 10 km downstream. Taxonomic classification revealed the dominance of Pseudomonodota and Bacteriodota, notably the genera Flavobacterium, Aquirufa, Acidovorax, Polynucleobacter, and Limnohabitans. The taxonomic structure corresponded with both lentic and lotic freshwater habitats, with Flavobacterium exhibiting a significant decrease over the study period. Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed statistically significant differences in bacterial community composition between samples collected on different dates. Differential abundance analysis identified notable enrichment of Polynucleobacter and Limnohabitans. There were shifts within the enriched or depleted bacterial taxa between early and late sampling dates. High relative abundance of the genes erm(B), erm(F), mph(E), msr(E) (macrolides); tet(C), tet(O), tet(W), tet(Q) and tet(X) (tetracyclines); sul1 and sul2 (sulphonamides); and cfxA3, cfxA6 (beta-lactams) were detected, with trends of increased presence in the latest sampling dates and in the location closer to the WWTP. Of note, genes conferring resistance to carbapenems blaOXA-58 and blaIMP-33-like were identified. Co-occurrence analysis of ARGs and mobile genetic elements on putative plasmids showed few instances, and the estimated human health risk score (0.19) according to MetaCompare2.0 was low. In total, 29 metagenome-assembled genomes were recovered, with only a few harbouring ARGs. This study enhances our understanding of freshwater microbial community dynamics and antibiotic resistance profiles, highlighting the need for continued ARGs monitoring.

The Impact of Ketamine-Based Versus Non-Ketamine-Based ECT Anesthesia Regimens on the Severity of Patients’ Depression and Occurrence of Adverse Events: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Objective: To compare efficacy and safety outcomes for ketamine anesthesia + electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) versus nonketamine anesthesia + ECT in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients. Data Sources: PubMed and Embase were searched from the earliest date through November 27, 2023. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ketamine + ECT versus nonketamine anesthesia + ECT that reported data on remission (odds ratio [OR]), defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Montgomery-Asburg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score <8-10) and mean differences (MDs) in HAM-D scores after several ECT sessions were compared using inverse variance methods. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool. Data Synthesis: Seventeen RCTs (RoB: Low N = 12, Moderate N = 2, High N = 3) with 1181 total patients met inclusion criteria. Patients receiving ECT experienced greater clinical remission (OR: 1.78, [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-2.93], I2 = 11%, N = 9) and lower HAM-D scores after the third through sixth ECT sessions as well as the eighth ECT session when ketamine versus nonketamine anesthesia was used. Ketamine use with ECT significantly increased fear with hallucinations (OR: 1.99, [95% CI: 1.11-3.58], I2 = 0%, N = 7) than with nonketamine anesthesia. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Selecting ketamine-based anesthesia could more quickly and profoundly enhance the beneficial effects of ECT for patients with severe TRD, but the balance of benefits to harm is unclear as there may be additional adverse events. Conclusion: Ketamine is a promising anesthesia adjunct to ECT that may enhance antidepressant effects in exchange for more adverse events.

DID THE AUTHOR OF THE TALE OF IGOR’S CAMPAIGN KNOW THE CHRONICLE NARRATIVES ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN OF 1185? PART TWO

The article is devoted to the problem of textual connections between The Tale of Igor’s Campaign and the narratives about the campaign of Prince Igor in 1185, which are part of the chronicles of the Laurentian group and the Ipatiev Chronicle. Hypotheses and opinions belonging to various scholars are examined in detail: the idea of the absence of such connections, the assumption of the primacy of The Tale in relation to the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle, the statement of the secondary nature of the “song” about Igor’s campaign in relation to both narratives. The subject of attention is primarily the overview of concepts by P.E. Vadenyuk, I.P. Khrushchov, V.N. Peretz, A.A. Zimin, B.A. Rybakov, V.Yu. Franchuk, B.I. Yatsenko, L.V. Sokolova, A.N. Uzhankov. As a result of a critical analysis of the existing hypotheses and a comparative analysis of The Tale and two narratives, it is proved that this literary monument is secondary in relation to the narrative contained in the chronicles of the Laurentian group (apparently, to its core as part of the hypothetical Pereyaslav or Chernigov chronicles), and is primary in relation to the text of the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle. The idea of the dependence of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign on the narrative of the Laurentian group is assessed as quite convincing, and considerations in favor of the version of the secondary nature of The Tale in relation to the narrative of the Ipatiev Chronicle are recognized as contradicting the facts: the nature of the references to the Kayala River and the sea in both texts indicates that the chronicle was not the source of The Tale, but, on the contrary, the “song” influenced the chronicle narrative. The findings support the early dating of the Tale of Igor’s Campaign (mid to second half of the 1180s) and are indirect arguments in favor of the authenticity of the “song”.

DID THE AUTHOR OF THE TALE OF IGOR’S CAMPAIGN KNOW THE CHRONICLE NARRATIVES ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN OF 1185? PART 1

The article is devoted to the problem of textual connections between The Tale of Igor’s Campaign and the narratives about the campaign of Prince Igor in 1185, which are part of the chronicles of the Laurentian group and the Ipatiev Chronicle. Hypotheses and opinions belonging to various scholars are examined in detail: the idea of the absence of such connections, the assumption of the primacy of the Tale in relation to the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle, the statement of the secondary nature of the ‘song’ about Igor’s campaign in relation to both narratives. The subject of attention is primarily the overview of concepts by P.E. Vadenyuk, I.P. Khrushchov, V.N. Peretz, A.A. Zimin, B.A. Rybakov, V.Yu. Franchuk, B.I. Yatsenko, L.V. Sokolova, A.N. Uzhankov. As a result of a critical analysis of the existing hypotheses and a comparative analysis of the Tale and two narratives, it is proved that this literary monument is secondary in relation to the narrative contained in the chronicles of the Laurentian group (apparently, to its core as part of the hypothetical Pereyaslav or Chernigov chronicles), and is primary in relation to the text of the narrative from the Ipatiev Chronicle. The idea of the dependence of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign on the narrative of the Laurentian group is assessed as quite convincing, and considerations in favor of the version of the secondary nature of The Tale in relation to the narrative of the Ipatiev Chronicle are recognized as contradicting the facts: the nature of the references to the Kayala River and the sea in both texts indicates that the chronicle was not the source of The Tale, but, on the contrary, the ‘song’ influenced the chronicle narrative. The findings support the early dating of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign (mid to second half of the 1180s) and are indirect arguments in favor of the authenticity of the ‘song’.

Rhinosinusitis in children with acute respiratory infection: quality of life and features of drug therapy

BACKGROUND: The relevance of the study is due to limited information on the impact of various forms of rhinosinusitis that have arisen against the background of acute respiratory infection on the quality of life of children and effective treatment methods. AIM: To conduct a clinical assessment of the effect on the recovery time and quality of life in children with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of polypous rhinosinusitis that occurred against the background of a respiratory infection, including antiviral drugs in complex treatment in the early stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple controlled randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted, involving 74 children aged 15 to 18 years. The clinical efficacy and safety of the use of antiviral drugs in complex therapy, which are neuraminidase inhibitors on the 5th, 7th and 10th days of treatment, were evaluated in comparison with groups receiving pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide. The inclusion criterion was acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic polypous rhinosinusitis against the background of acute respiratory infection. To establish the diagnosis, an examination of ENT organs, computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses were performed, patients subjectively assessed clinical complaints and quality of life in the Russian version of the standard form of the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: Positive dynamics was noted in the early stages in the 2nd subgroup of the 1st group who took neuraminidase inhibitors in addition to complex therapy. Manifested by a decrease in the average score for VAS to 80.0%, difficulty in nasal breathing to 1.7 points on the 10th day of treatment, relative to those taking imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid, where there was a decrease in the average score for VAS by 22.4%, difficulty in nasal breathing to 2.54 points. A similar pattern was observed with nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and quality of life indicators according to the SF-36 questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Improvement of clinical symptoms and quality of life indicators at an earlier date in children with polypous rhinosinusitis and acute rhinosinusitis against the background of a previous respiratory infection with the inclusion of neuraminidase inhibitors in complex therapy confirmed higher efficacy.

НОВІ ВІДКРИТТЯ, ПРОБЛЕМИ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ТА ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ПІДЗЕМНОЇ СПАДЩИНИ ДАВНЬОГО ГАЛИЧА

The long history of changing ideas is considered and the hypothesis of the urban structure of ancient Halych of the 12th-13th centuries is demonstrated. according to archaeological sources. Based on the analysis of stratigraphic, planning and construction-technological features, the relative chronology of the appearance of the 16 studied relics of monumental architecture was established. The earliest monuments of the first half of the 12th century are examined in detail: an ensemble of palace buildings with a post construction of log walls, the use of a plinth and a tin roof on Kryloska Hill, a complex of churches on Tsarynka, the Church of the Savior on Karpytsia Hill, as well as other objects, on which recent discoveries have been made. The appearance of early sacred objects outside the city is explained by the gradual Christianization of the population of Halych. Analysis of the construction periodization of the Dormition Cathedral in the middle of the 12th century. allows you to review its graphic reconstructions until now and raise the question of developing a new hypothesis of the three-dimensional appearance of the building during the first construction period, from which the recently found detail of a large alabaster ornamentally decorated capital with traces of false gilding comes from. The results of architectural and archaeological soundings at the outer contours of the foundations of the Panteleimon Church confirmed the presence of regular external protrusions of the foundations, which calibrates the construction of the object together with the early paleographic dates of the early 90s of the 12th century. Part makes it possible to argue the use of a measuring foot of 30 cm. Attention is drawn to the problems of preserving a number of known architectural and archaeological objects and the search for unknown monuments by non-invasive research methods.

Improving the complex therapy of dysphonia in respiratory infections and SARS-COV-2

Significantly aggravating the clinical course and negatively affecting the quality of life of patients, voice disorders in acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) and SARS-CoV-2 require correction of treatment. Aim. To determine the effectiveness of Homeovox® in the complex therapy of dysfunctions in patients with respiratory infections and SARS-CoV-2 Materials and methods. The clinical study was conducted by a single-stage observational method, without intervention, at the clinical base of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the South Ural State Medical University in the period 2022–2023. The results of a study of 45 patients who suffered from acute respiratory and coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2, accompanied by dysphonia, are presented. Results. There was a significant difference in the results of conservative treatment of patients previously divided into 2 groups according to the study design. Thus, in the second group (n=22), in addition to medical and economic standards, who received a multicomponent homeopathic medicine in accordance with the instructions, earlier recovery periods and statistically reliable restoration of vocal function were established until complete restoration of vocal function. Standard medical and economical therapy of patients of the first (n=23) and second groups included: administration of antiviral and antihistamines, local decongestants, irrigation therapy, symptomatic treatment. Conclusion. The assessment of dysphonia on three scales: the VASH scale, the Wilson Yanagihara scale and the GRBAS classification of voice disorders confirmed the restoration of voice function and recovery at an earlier date in patients who additionally took a homeopathic drug

The Effect of Yoga Intervention on Psychological Symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background: Whether yoga is effective in the cardiac rehabilitation of people with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yoga intervention on psychological symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and major cardiovascular risk factors in people with CAD. Methods: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (from the earliest date available to July 2023). Mean difference (MD), standardized MD (SMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results: Seventeen studies, with 5,698 patients, met the study criteria. Compared to control (no exercise), yoga resulted in improved depression MD −0.83 (95% CI: −1.35 to −0.31), stress MD −3.83 (95% CI: −4.8 to 2.86), HRQoL SMD 1.48 (95% CI: 0.55 to 2.4), major cardiovascular risk factors (peak VO2 MD 1.7 mL/kg/min [95% CI: 0.2 to 3.3], systolic blood pressure MD −3.2 mmHg [95% CI: −5.9 to −0.5], and diastolic blood pressure MD −2.42 mmHg [95% CI: −4.08 to −0.76]). Conclusions: Yoga was effective in the improvement of psychological symptoms, HRQoL, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Surface heat fluxes at coarse blocky Murtèl rock glacier (Engadine, eastern Swiss Alps)

Abstract. We estimate the surface energy balance (SEB) of the Murtèl rock glacier, a seasonally snow-covered permafrost landform with a ventilated coarse blocky active layer (AL) located in the eastern Swiss Alps. We focus on the parameterisation of the turbulent heat fluxes. Seasonally contrasting atmospheric conditions occur in the Murtèl cirque, with downslope katabatic jets in winter and a strongly unstable atmosphere over the heated blocky surface in summer. We use a novel comprehensive sensor array both above the ground surface and in the coarse blocky AL to track the rapid coupling by convective heat and moisture fluxes between the atmosphere, the snow cover, and the AL for the time period September 2020–September 2022. The in situ sensor array includes a sonic anemometer for eddy-covariance flux above-ground and sub-surface long-wave radiation measurements in a natural cavity between the AL blocks. During the thaw seasons, the measurements suggest an efficient (∼ 90 %) export of the available net radiation by sensible and latent turbulent fluxes, thereby strongly limiting the heat available for melting ground ice. Turbulent export of heat and moisture drawn from the permeable AL contributes to the well-known insulating effect of the coarse blocky AL and partly explains the climate resiliency of rock glaciers. This self-cooling capacity is counteracted by an early snow melt-out date, exposing the low-albedo blocky surface to the intense June–July insolation and causing reduced evaporative cooling due to exacerbated moisture scarcity in the near-surface AL during dry spells. With climate change, earlier snowmelt and increased frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves and droughts are projected. Regarding the parameterisation of the turbulent fluxes, we estimated the year-round turbulent fluxes using a modified Louis (1979) scheme. The monthly SEB is closed within 20 W m−2 except during the snowmelt months and under katabatic drainage winds in winter. Detected sensible turbulent fluxes from nocturnal ventilation processes, although a potentially important ground cooling mechanism, are within our 20 W m−2 uncertainty because nighttime wind speeds are low. Wintertime katabatic wind speeds needed to be scaled to close the SEB, which hints at the limits of parameterisations based on the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory in complex mountain terrain and katabatic drainage winds. The present work contributes to the process understanding of the SEB and climate sensitivity of coarse blocky landforms.

Defining the sanctissimus

This article presents the results of a programme of investigation into vallum enclosures around known or suspected early Christian church sites in eastern Scotland. Survey and keyhole excavation results are reported on for four sites: Abersnithock, Aberdeenshire; Migvie, Aberdeenshire; Glamis, Angus; and Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross. At each site a combination of aerial survey, geophysics and evaluative excavation revealed rectilinear or curvilinear ditched enclosures centring on the position of the church, with radiocarbon dating showing these enclosures are of early medieval date. The significance of the church vallums are discussed, including their role as marking the sacred precincts of the early church and the significance of such large enclosures in the early medieval landscapes of Pictland. In addition to the early medieval results, the geophysical survey at Dunkeld revealed part of old Dunkeld town, which was burnt down and abandoned after the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689.

Green finance, green development and decarbonization of the energy consumption structure.

Energy plays a crucial role in global economic development, but it also contributes significantly to CO2 emissions. China has proposed a "dual-carbon" goal, and a key aspect to achieving this objective is finding effective ways to promote the decarbonization of the energy consumption structure (DECS). Compared with traditional finance, green finance is pivotal in advancing green and low-carbon development. However, the mechanism through which green finance impacts DECS has not been thoroughly explored. This study employs an enhanced weighted multi-dimensional vector angle method, which is more systematic and scientific, to measure DECS. Then, dynamic panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning the years 2003 to 2020 are used. A double fixed-effects model is applied to investigate the impact of green finance on the DECS and identify potential pathways. Results reveal that green finance significantly enhances DECS, primarily by reinforcing green development. The critical impact pathway involves the promotion of green technology innovation and green industry development. Moreover, the enhancing effect of green finance on the DECS is considerably significant in regions with relatively low government spending on science and technology (S&T), and where the focus is not on the "Atmospheric Ten" policy. The measurement of DECS is innovative, and the conclusions derived from it can offer compelling evidence for various social stakeholders. The government has the opportunity to establish a green financial system, supporting green technological innovation and the development of green industries. This approach can accelerate the DECS and work toward achieving the "double carbon" goal at an earlier date.

Effects of early and late sowing on the profitability of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production

Objective: To analyze how early and late sowing can improve the income of cucumber producers in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Monthly income, production cost, profit, and benefit-cost ratio were calculated in three sowing scenarios: middle, early, and late. Results: In an early sowing scenario, the income and profit of the producers increase by 10.2 and 9.2 million pesos, respectively, compared to the middle sowing scenario. Likewise, in a late sowing scenario, producer income and profits increase by 29.2 and 20.0 million pesos, regarding the middle sowing scenario. Study Limitations/Implications: The negative effects on vegetable prices of temporary excess supply prove the need to plan the surface that will be used for early and late sowing, as well as to create a regulatory body that plans the cucumber sowing area. Findings/Conclusions: Sowing cucumber and other vegetables in early or late dates is recommended, since better production planning will increase the producers’ income and profit.

A Deptford Ship for the House of Savoy? Uncovering the origin of the National Maritime Museum’s Ship Model SLR0436

Model-making has been part of the history of the world as a scaled-down, and often simplified, version of an object. This form of representation has had different functions including validation, creative solution, communication and decoration among others. Models depicting ships are known at an early date from ancient Egypt, although some of those boats had funerary ritual symbolism. More than four millennia later the ship models of the eighteenth century were conceived at a time when naval power was reaching a new chapter offered by technological advancements. Such items, made for shipyards and wealthy patrons, showed details that otherwise would have been missed from the plans and became a physical record of the constructive accomplishment. When other data such as plans are missing, the details from these models are vital to determine the otherwise obscure provenance in the same way as details associated with written or pictorial accounts. The purpose of this paper is to determine the origin of the model SLR0436 stored at the National Maritime Museum’s model collection at its Chatham site. The features of the model will be discussed as well as the merits of the different hypotheses, including the historical context. Finally, it proposes that the most credible provenance, given the evidence, is the Vittorio, a ship built in Deptford in 1716 for the Savoyard navy.

Sustainable practices impact and planting date on yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Environmental stress affects the yield of sorghum. This impact can be reduced by seed stimulation technique and determining the appropriate planting date. An experiment was conducted in the spring and fall seasons of 2022. Randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement in four replications was used. Planting dates (spring season: February 15th, March 1st, 15th, April 1st, 15th; fall season: June 15th, July 1st, 15th, August 1st, 15th) were assigned to the main plots. Seed stimulation treatments (banana peel extract 35% + citric acid 100 mg L−1 and soaking in distilled water only) were applied to the subplots. The interaction treatment of soaking with banana peel extract + citric acid and the planting date of April 15th showed superiority in traits of head grain number (1743) and total grain yield (6.135 tons ha−1) during the spring season. Seed stimulation treatment with banana peel extract + citric acid on July 1st planting date outperformed in traits of plant dry weight (398.8 g), head grain number (4582), total grain yield (10.82 tons ha−1), and biological yield (67.8 tons ha−1) during the fall season. It can be concluded that seed stimulation with banana peel extract + citric acid improved yield characteristics. Early planting date in the spring season (February 15th, March 1st, or March 15th) or the delay in the fall season (August 1st or August 15th) resulted in less efficient plant performance. This is closely related to the nature of the climatic conditions accompanying crop growth from planting to harvesting. Also, using of agricultural applications related to the use of natural materials could helping hand sustainable agriculture. It can be recommended to soak seeds with banana peel extract + citric acid and adopt the planting date of April 15th for the spring season and July 1st for the fall season to enhance grain yield.

Studying the cumulative vigor response index of morpho-physiological, quality, and yield-related traits of wheat cultivars using planting dates

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) is one of the major staple food crops consumed globally. Nonetheless, the cultivation of wheat is influenced by various environmental factors, with the planting date being significantly impacted by the effects of climate change. Addressing these changes could involve evaluating wheat genotypes to identify appropriate planting dates. A phenotypic screening experiment was conducted in the field crop station of Agriculture College of Tikrit University to determine the suitable planting time for wheat cultivars under local environmental conditions during 2022-23. Several morpho-physiological, quality, and yield traits were measured. Factorial experiment using spilt plot through randomized completely block design (RCBD). was used with three replications. The five planting dates (5-10, 25-10, 15-11, 5-12, and 25-12) were considered as the main plot, and the eight wheat cultivars (Ipaa99, Al-Rasheed, Al-Baraka, Sham6, Tammuz2, Al-Hashimiya, Al-Noor, and Al-Adnanieh) as sub-main plot. Data were used to calculate the Individual, Cumulative, and Total Vigor Response Indices (IRI, CRI & TRI). Cultivars were classified into different categories using total cumulative early or late planting date vigor response index values (TRI-e) or (TRI-l) and standard deviation (SD). The (TRI-e) values ranged from 36.07 (sensitive) for the cultivar Al-Baraka to 39.13 (tolerant) for the cultivar Al-Hashimiya. However, the (TRI-l) values ranged from 36.59 (sensitive) for the cultivar Al-Noor to 39.52 (tolerant) for the cultivar Al-Hashimiya. The correlation coefficient (r2) between the (TRI-e) and cumulative very early/early planting date vigor response index was positively correlated (r2 = 0.70 for very early planting date (5-Oct) and r2 = 0.60 for early planting date (25-Oct). Furthermore, 76% of the total variation in the (TRI-l) was explained by the cumulative very late planting date vigor response index (CRI-vl) while just 49% of the total variation was explained by the cumulative late planting date vigor response index (CRI-l). Based on those results, wheat producers could select either tolerant cultivars for early planting or tolerant cultivars for late planting to maximize wheat production in their specific growing environments including planting dates.