Middle Position Research Articles

Pedological characteristics and classification of soils along landscape at highlands of Tsegede, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

Dynamics and distribution of soil characteristics as influenced by landscape /topographic features in acidic soils of Tsegede area in Northern Ethiopia has limited information. This study was conducted to characterize soil properties and classify major soil types. Four representative profiles along top sequence from varying slope positions crest at (Chegarkudo), upper slope and middle slope at (Endassilassie) and lower slope at (Intabela) were opened and described in-situ for morphological properties of soils and sampled horizon-wise for physico-chemical soil properties’ analysis. The results showed that soils at crest and upper-slope position were characterized by shallow depth, whereas those at middle and lower-slope positions exhibited relatively deep. The soil consistence ranges from slightly hard to hard (dry), friable to very friable (moist), yellowish red to dark red brown (dry) in color, moderate medium sub-angular to strong thick angular blocky in structure. The pH of surface soil ranged from 5.14 to 5.74 which was strongly acidic to slightly acidic and varied from clay loam to clay in texture, organic carbon, exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity varied with profile depth. Based on the world reference base legend, the soils were classified as Skeletic Leptosols about 3756 ha, Cambic Leptosols about 1926 ha, Dystric Cambisols about 1883 ha and Leptic Cambisols about 1966 ha.

Humor and the willingness to buy healthy food posted on Instagram.

Humorous messages (not derogatory jokes) related to obesity seem to be retweeted frequently. Potentially, such humor could be included in viral public health campaigns to combat obesity, but would jokes actually increase the likelihood of purchasing healthy foods advertised on social media? 411 participants were asked to test two soon-to-be-introduced features (e.g., repost button) in Instagram on their phones. Participants scrolled through a series of posts about various topics ranging from architecture to beauty products. A healthy food post, preceded by one of four joke types (two containing the word "fat"), was embedded at the top, middle or bottom position of the Instagram page. After participants scrolled through the page, perhaps reposting some posts, they were presented with the healthy food product featured in the post and were asked to indicate a purchase probability (0-100), as well as whether they recognized the food product from the post (yes/no). At the end of the study, the individual jokes were rated as "funny/not funny" and "positive/negative". If the food product was recognized, the joke type played a role. In particular, jokes containing the word "fat" had a negative effect on the purchase probability. However, if the food product was not recognized, only its position on the page mattered. The purchase probability was highest if the product was placed at the top. Social media, criticized for promoting unhealthy food consumption, especially among children, can therefore also be used to address issues such as the global obesity epidemic.

Potential of pine forest in controlling soil erosion in Himalayan region - Investigation using fallout radionuclide (137Cs) measurements

The Himalayas possess a distinctive topography owe to the dynamic interplay of tectonic activity, geological erosion and sedimentation, glacial processes, and climatic influences over the millions of years. The rugged, steep terrain and poor land management make it more prone to water erosion, negatively impacts the soil, affecting the goods and services supported by the soil ecosystems. Traditional methods used in soil erosion assessment face limitations when dealing with topographically complex hillslopes. The use of Fallout Radionuclide (FRN) -137Cs provides a feasible alternative for measurement of soil erosion in the region with such topography. However, there is lack of 137Cs-based soil erosion studies in the north-west Himalayas. Pine (Pinus roxburghii) is the predominant forest type in the Himalayas, offering numerous benefits to both natural ecosystems and human beings. In this study, we selected a typical steep hillslope covered with pine forest in the Himalayas for soil erosion assessment. The study measured 137Cs reference inventory of 1409 Bq m−2 in the landscape. Importantly, the concentration of 137Cs along the hillslope positions showed a significant variation attributed to topographic variability. Topographic factors, such as the slope shape and gradient, were identified as the major governing parameters of soil erosion in the hilly and mountainous region. The net soil erosion rate over hillslope positions revealed highest at upper hillslope followed by ridge, middle and valley hillslope positions. The net soil erosion rate under the pine forest ranged from 8.0 to 14.6 t ha−1 yr−1, with an average rate of 9.9 t ha−1 yr−1. Erosion rate over the hillslope positions were found in accordance to the soil loss tolerance limit (SLTL) except for the upper hillslope, indicating it as critical slope position requires to adopt suitable conservation measures. The study signifies the role of the forest in mitigating soil erosion and, in turn, conserving soil resources. The findings provide crucial insights and guidance to land managers and decision-makers, emphasizing the necessity of conserving and restoring forests in the Himalayas.

Exploring the experience of female middle managers in secondary schools of Jimma town, Ethiopia

This study aimed at exploring the experiences of female middle managers in secondary schools in Jimma town, with a specific focus on their preparation, motivation, support, training, development, perceptions, and challenges. To achieve this, a case study design was employed. Primary data were collected from female managers and educators at various levels within the schools. Purposive sampling was employed to select the participants. Data were collected from female principals, department heads, and unit leaders using interviewees. Focus group discussions were conducted with female educators. Moreover, government strategies, directives, guidelines, school plans, reports, and performance appraisals were reviewed. On top of these, physical observations of offices and work environments were conducted. The data were thematically categorized, coded, and analyzed verbatim. The findings revealed several critical issues. There was a lack of clear guidelines for competing for middle management positions and insufficient encouragement for female educators to assume management roles. Besides, there was a notable deficiency in support, structured training, and professional development opportunities for female middle managers. Challenges identified included inadequate support, student misbehavior, teacher unpunctuality and absenteeism, insufficient resources, poor working environments, difficulties in balancing work and life, and various personal, managerial, and social responsibilities. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the managerial experiences of female middle managers in Jimma town's secondary schools were fraught with challenges, significantly impacting their effectiveness. Moreover, female middle managers did not receive adequate institutional support to fulfill their responsibilities. Therefore, it is advisable that Jimma town education office, in collaboration with secondary schools and concerned bodies, to focus on preparing, assigning, training, developing, and supporting female middle managers and educators to enable them to effectively carry out their managerial roles in secondary schools.

Genetic parameters and correlations in growth and wood density traits of Balfourodendron riedelianum based on provenance and progeny testing

Abstract Balfourodendron riedelianum is an important timber species of South America used in civil construction and carpentry. Knowing the genetic variation, heritability and correlation between traits is an essential prerequisite for guiding selection of the best genotypes in tree improvement. In this study, growth (diameter and height) and wood density (mean, pith, middle and bark position) traits were investigated in 30-year-old trees planted in a B. riedelianum provenance and progeny test established in two sites, Luiz Antônio (LA) and Pederneiras (PE), in São Paulo State (Brazil). ANOVA results showed significant differences between sites for all traits, among provenances and families for wood density traits in the LA site and among families for growth traits in PE. Provenance x site and family x site interactions were significant for almost traits, and genetic correlation between sites was low for all traits (0.17–0.20). Genetic variation (CV g) was higher (4.0–5.4 %) and mean family heritability (h m 2) was lower for growth (0.12–0.20) compared to wood density (CV g: 2.3–3.8%, h m 2: 0.31–0.59) traits. Genetic correlation was significantly positive and ranged from moderate to high between growth traits (0.47–0.68) and between wood density traits (0.42–0.83) and non-significant between growth and wood density (-0.22–0.30) traits. An analysis of different radial positions showed that heritability tended to increase from pith to the bark position. Our results show a lower environmental effect on wood density traits, allowing the possibility of selecting superior provenances and families with high wood quality in breeding programs in both sites.

Компаративный анализ интернационализации университетов регионов мира в условиях смены глобального мирового лидера

Qualified personnel plays an important role in the competition between countries for economic leadership that enables the transition to a multipolar world. In this context, the higher education sphere is changing; universities worldwide are increasingly striving to attract the best students to their country. The study aims to identify factors causing changes in the position of universities in world regions and develop recommendations for Russian universities to strengthen their positions in the global education market. The methodology relies on the concept of different historical cycles leading to changes in world leaders. The article offers a contemporary interpretation of higher education internationalisation as a multidimensional process instead of fragmentation. The first section explores the issue of changing the world leader; the second identifies transformations in higher education internationalisation in key world regions; the third assesses university internationalisation as a basis for new rankings and self-assessment. A hypothesis about the correlation between the trend of changing global leaders and the place of national universities in international rankings is confirmed. To assess the trend dynamics, the article proposes authors’ multidimensional indices of higher education and university internationalisation for world countries. It is revealed that China, aspiring to be a world leader, has expanded its share in the education market and increased import volumes by more than 1.5 times, sending its students to high-ranking universities, while the USA has weakened its position. Russian universities occupy middle positions in rankings despite the growth of the country’s share in the global education market. Recommendations offered to Russian universities and the option of their self-assessment can be used by strategic development professionals.

Theater of Triumph and Transgression: ­Religious Discourse on Hospitality/­Hostility in the Viral Communication during the Pandemic

The present article is the outcome of the research project on religious discourse in social media (socmed) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focuses on the concept of hospitality and hostility, through which a welcoming, along with hostile and unfriendly attitude are displayed by netizens toward other people, to understand the nature of social relationships over digital platforms. The research employs Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Social Media Analysis to explore and visualize viral communication on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The framework is viral communication as condensed sequences of actions revolving around controversial topics. Several topics under scrutiny, among others, are klepon Islami, Hagia Sophia, and Pope Francis’ controversies. Jacques Derrida mainly informs the discourse of hospitality/hostility. The result demonstrated the sporadic vulnerability of traditional understanding of hospitality. It appeared in the presence of information arbiters as communication actors, taking the middle position and mediating controversial topics. The employment of SNA in dealing with interpersonal virtues in social media is promising, as it demonstrates its mechanism and making in a specific communication context. It allows for a deeper understanding and exploration of the theory of mediatization.

중국 영진(寧鎮)지역 토돈묘 조영 모델의 검토

The construction model of the ‘one tomb in one mound’ mound tomb of Ningzhen area is classified as ‘flat burial’, ‘pad soil digging and burial’ and ‘pile burial’. The construction model of ‘Multi-tomb in One Mound’ mound tomb is classified as ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical’. The nature of the mound tomb under different construction models belongs to the ‘tomb’ and ‘cemetery’. The ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical’ construction models are complex of ‘flat burial’, ‘pad soil digging and burial’ and ‘pile burial’. It reflects the inherent unity of mound tomb culture in Ningzhen area. The construction mode of mound tomb reflects the realistic consideration of the ancestors of Wu area to bury high and avoid floods. In addition, many tombs coexist in a pier of burial custom, reflect that the family members are buried in one place. The existence of the central tomb reflects the concept of worshiping the middle position. The ‘vertical’ construction mode was a new form of burial by gathering the family members under the social development background of the Zhou Dynasty, especially the Eastern Zhou Dynasty in Ningzhen area. It was the same as the ‘one-tomb in one mound’ mound tomb with huge sealing earth, reflecting the funeral concept of ‘high tomb’ pursued by the society at that time.

Keterampilan bermain bola voli pada peserta seleksi pekan olahraga pelajar daerah

The purpose of this study was to determine the skills of playing volleyball in the selection participants of the regional student sports week (POPDA). Descriptive quantitative research approach. This research method is a survey with a volleyball playing skills test. The population of all POPDA selection participants amounted to 172 people. The sample was taken with simple random sampling technique, totaling 120 people consisting of setter 30, libero 16, middle block 34, opposite 16, and outside hitter 34. The results of the study of volleyball playing skills of POPDA selection participants were in the "good enough" category as much as 45%. The skill of playing the setter position is in the "not good" category as much as 50%. The playing skills of the libero position are in the "good" and "good enough" categories as much as 38%. The skill of playing the middle block position is in the "good enough" category as much as 41%. The skill of playing the opposite position is in the "good enough" category as much as 38%. The skill of playing the outside hitter position is in the "good enough" category as much as 35%. The conclusion is that playing skills are a combination of basic techniques, tactics, and strategies, participants must improve basic techniques and also tactics and strategies need to be honed again.

Palaeomagnetic results from Early Mesozoic strata in the Qaidam Basin and their implications for the formation of the Northern China Domain

SUMMARY The Northern China Domain is located between the Central Asian Orogenic Belts to the north and the Kunlun–Qinling belt to the south, and it comprises the North China, Alxa and Tarim blocks. The relationships among the Northern China domain and the southern tectonic elements such as the Qaidam Basin/Terrane are debated because of the major modification by crustal deformation in the late Mesozoic–Cenozoic. To address this issue, we conducted a palaeomagnetic and high-precision radiometric dating study of Triassic volcanic rocks and Middle Jurassic strata in the Qaidam Terrane. Our objective was to determine the relationship between the Qaidam Terrane with the Tarim Block and the North China Block (NCB) during the late Palaeozoic and early Mesozoic. Four volcanic samples yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 236–243 Ma. The characteristic remanent magnetizations (Middle Triassic: D = 40.2°, I = 54.6°, α95 = 3.4°; Middle Jurassic: D = 27.4°, I = 48.0°, α95 = 7.9°) passed the fold and reversal tests, and yielded Middle Triassic and Middle Jurassic palaeopole positions at 57.6° N, 178.2° E, A95 = 4.0° and 65.8° N, 197.6° E, A95 = 7.8°, respectively. Based on these new poles, combined with other reliable data, we compared the apparent polar wander path (APWP) of the Qaidam Terrane with those of the NCB and Tarim Block. The results show that, from the Carboniferous through Early Cretaceous, the APWP of the Qaidam Terrane resembles that of the Tarim Block, but it is quite different from that of the NCB. Combined with other reported evidence, we conclude that the Qaidam Terrane was an independent dynamic unit during the late Palaeozoic until its connection with the Tarim Block, which was followed by continuous eastward motion. During this process, the connection between the Qaidam Terrane and the NCB–Alxa blocks occurred in the Middle Triassic, and subsequently the Qaidam Terrane underwent multiple tectonic responses to collisions with the Qiangtang Terrane, Lhasa Terrane and the India Plate, before the formation of its modern tectonic configuration.

Expounding the Environment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A Qualitative Study Conducted in Pakistan

The aim of this study is to expound the environment of SMEs by way of identifying, ranking and classifying factors that affect growth of SMEs. The overall design of the study comprises of review of literature, data collection from primary sources and application of modeling techniques. This is a qualitative study that comprises of literature review along with experts’ opinion for exploring environmental factors affecting growth of SMEs. The experts are selected on the basis of non-probability based purposive sampling and data is collected by face to face interview through a questionnaire. The factors are ranked in different levels of importance using Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) which later on are classified in independent, dependent, autonomous and linkage using MICMAC. The results of literature review and experts’ opinion show that there are fifteen important factors that are critical. The results of ISM show that the least critical factors occupying Level I includes ‘age of enterprise’, ‘experience of owner’ and ‘education of owner’, whereas, ‘trade internationalization’ is the most critical factor occupying Level IX. Remaining eleven factors are with effects that range on the continuum of moderate to severe moderate occupying middle position of the model. The results of MICMAC reveal that trade internationalization is categorized as the important independent factor along with seven other factors. Six factors are categorized as dependent factors. Only one factor is classified as autonomous, and as such no factor is categorized in linkage. This is a seminal research study that contributes to the literature by providing new firsthand information on the phenomenon under study by using novel mathematical modeling techniques. This study is helpful to all stakeholders including Government, industry, researchers and academicians in prioritizing the critical factors for revolutionary growth of SME sector.

Influence of Topography on UAV LiDAR-Based LAI Estimation in Subtropical Mountainous Secondary Broadleaf Forests

The leaf area index (LAI) serves as a crucial metric in quantifying the structure and density of vegetation canopies, playing an instrumental role in determining vegetation productivity, nutrient and water utilization, and carbon balance dynamics. In subtropical montane forests, the pronounced spatial heterogeneity combined with undulating terrain introduces significant challenges for the optical remote sensing inversion accuracy of LAI, thereby complicating the process of ground validation data collection. The emergence of UAV LiDAR offers an innovative monitoring methodology for canopy LAI inversion in these terrains. This study assesses the implications of altitudinal variations on the attributes of UAV LiDAR point clouds, such as point density, beam footprint, and off-nadir scan angle, and their subsequent ramifications for LAI estimation accuracy. Our findings underscore that with increased altitude, both the average off-nadir scan angle and point density exhibit an ascending trend, while the beam footprint showcases a distinct negative correlation, with a correlation coefficient (R) reaching 0.7. In contrast to parallel flight paths, LAI estimates derived from intersecting flight paths demonstrate superior precision, denoted by R2 = 0.70, RMSE = 0.75, and bias = 0.42. Notably, LAI estimation discrepancies intensify from upper slope positions to middle positions and further to lower ones, amplifying with the steepness of the gradient. Alterations in point cloud attributes induced by the terrain, particularly the off-nadir scan angle and beam footprint, emerge as critical influencers on the precision of LAI estimations. Strategies encompassing refined flight path intervals or multi-directional point cloud data acquisition are proposed to bolster the accuracy of canopy structural parameter estimations in montane landscapes.

Positional relationship between ball and fingers for accurate baseball pitching.

Accurately throwing an object to a target position repeatedly is one of the specific human motor skills. The final arrival position of a thrown ball can be determined by its physical state at release. In baseball pitching, reducing the variability of the velocity angle of the ball at release (release angle) is important for reducing the variability of the pitch location. Although previous studies have suggested that hand and finger movements are important for accurate throwing, their relationship with the release angle has not yet been investigated in detail. This study focused on the positional relationship between the ball and fingers, which is considered to be closely related to ball movement as an action point of the force, and examined its relationship with the variability of release angle. To obtain accurate finger positions relative to the ball without impeding movement or sensation, an automatic image recognition technology based on deep learning was employed. This approach revealed a noteworthy correlation between the lower middle finger positions prior to acceleration peaks and the reduced variability in release angle, emphasizing the importance of consistent finger positioning during the pre-release phase. This finger positioning of the pitchers with low variability in the release angle is suggested to be robust against the spatial variability of ball movement.

The Development of Mass media in International Relations: In case of Al-Jazeera Effects in Middle East

The international network has a very important role in strengthening the solidarity and unity of the masses, in spreading information to the community by creating virtual communities. Al-Jazeera as one of the most reputable media outlets in the international arena and have considerable influence in society. They have a vital role in raising awareness to the people in case of religion, culture and issues in the world. In addition, more rapid and accessible information in the global media has been supported by information among countries that have changed the politics of the authorities. mass media in international relations that grow so fast recently by knowing that the media and politics are related each others with sharing the mutual benefit to each other. The author discusses Al- Jazeera achievements in changing and growing people's opinions on politics, the media as a vehicle for community empowerment, and more. By producing new concepts through information and news that raise awareness of the Middle East community, the region's unequal social and political conditions, and the Middle East's position. In the Middle East, things are changing, and people are becoming more aware of the value of freedom and democracy. Keywords : Development; Mass Media; Al-Jazeera; Effect

Predictors of Organizational Commitment and its Impact on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the Chemical Manufacturing Industry

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of predictors of organizational commitment which consist of job satisfaction, perceived organizational support and organizational culture as well as their impact on organizational citizenship behavior in the chemical manufacturing industry sector in Indonesia. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research uses a quantitative approach through survey methods and data analysis methods using SEM PLS. The population in this study were employees at seven chemical manufacturing factories in Cilegon City, which is the largest chemical manufacturing cluster area in Indonesia. The number of samples analyzed was 223 employees who worked in middle management positions. The research results show that of the 43 indicators used to measure each latent variable, there are 3 indicators of organizational culture variables that are invalid. Meanwhile, for reliability, everything is included in the reliable criteria. Findings: The goodness of fitness index test results show that the model has a good GoF index. The magnitude of the influence of job satisfaction, perceived organizational support and organizational culture on organizational commitment is 88.10%, while the influence of job satisfaction, perceived organizational support, organizational culture and organizational commitment on organizational citizenship behavior is 93.6%. Of the seven direct hypotheses tested, it was found that all hypotheses were accepted, while of the three indirect hypotheses, one hypothesis was rejected, namely the mediating influence of organizational commitment in mediating organizational culture on OCB. Research, Practical & Social Implications: In further research, in order to conduct a broader research with other objects. The research is expected to be used for all companies. Originality/Value: This research contributes to improving human resource management in the chemical manufacturing sector so that it can increase OCB through increasing the predictor variables tested in the research, including job satisfaction, organizational support, organizational culture and organizational commitment.

A bimanual comparison of variation in sweat pores with sex and age: a brief dermatoglyphic survey of population in Delhi-NCR

BackgroundPersonal identification using partial fingerprints poses a major challenge in forensic investigations. In light of such restrictions, sweat pore characteristics have shown to be a possible alternative. However, limited research has been done on these due to their minute size. The present study was undertaken with the objective of studying the differences in pore frequency, pore shapes (circular and non-circular), and pore positions (middle and periphery) with respect to sex, bimanual, and age in the population of Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). As there is no universal approach for defining the evaluation area of pore analysis, we used fingerprint patterns to demarcate a 9mm2 area of analysis. The rolled-inked fingerprints of 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) belonging to 18-60 years of age were examined using microscopy.ResultsThe obtained data for all prints was analysed and compared with respect to the different variables. The results showed statistically significant bimanual variations for both sexes. In females, all studied pore characteristics except the number of pores at the middle position were significantly higher in the right hand as compared to the left hand. In males, only the number of pores at the peripheral position was significantly higher in the right hand as compared to the left hand. However, no significant differences were observed in pore characteristics between the two sexes and among the different age groups. Moreover, several pore characteristics showed a significant correlation with age in males as compared to females where no significant correlations were observed.ConclusionsSignificant bimanual variations highlighted the potential application of pore characteristics for forensic practice; wherein a fingerprint examiner might determine the probable hand used for the commission of the crime, thereby strengthening the evidentiary value of partial fingerprints. These findings also suggest that the sex and age of an individual cannot be determined by pore characteristics.

Analysis of stress mechanism in a new prefabricated SRC composite column

The superior seismic performance of prefabricated steel-concrete composite structures has recently become a major research focus in the earthquake engineering field. This study proposes an off-site precast steel reinforced concrete (PSRC) column base joint. This joint has a high bearing capacity, efficient assembly, and a fuse function for plastic deformation accumulation at the middle connection. Besides, multiple finite element models are built and calibrated based on the test results using ABAQUS. The research discusses the influence of various parameters on failure modes and seismic performance. The results indicated that the failure position is primarily concentrated in the middle connection, whereas the stress distribution differs within the middle connection. The axial compression ratio and the middle connection position height significantly affect the initial stiffness. The bearing capacity is considerably influenced by various parameters, excluding the thickness of the stiffening plate and cover plate. It is recommended to use an optimal axial compression ratio of 0.45 and a shear span ratio between 2.0 and 2.8 while controlling the stiffening and cover plate thicknesses between 10 and 16 mm. The shear mechanism of the PSRC column base joint mainly includes a steel plate shear wall mechanism and a T-shaped steel frame mechanism. The simplified bearing capacity model results for the proposed PSRC column base joint match well with the experimental and FEM results, and the calculation results are good.

Problem of Authority For Executing Task (PLT) In The Transitional Period of Regional Government Before and After The Simultaneous Elections Based On Law Number 23 Of 2014 Concerning Local Government

The task executor (PLT) in state administration is an official who occupies a temporary position because the official who occupied that position was previously unable to or was subject to legal regulations so that he did not occupy that position. The purpose of this research is to describe the appointment of the PLT if there is a vacancy in the regional head position during the transition period, analyze, qualifications, limits of the PLT authority and strategic policies during the transition period, but are still held by the PLT and know and analyze the sanctions given to the PLT who does something outside authority. The method used in this scientific work is a normative and qualitative juridical research method that is studied holistically, contextually, progressively, it is known that a. The appointment of Acting Governors is appointed by the President through a proposal from the Minister of Home Affairs, while the appointment of Regents/Mayors is appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs through a proposal by the Governor. b. The qualifications of the PLT who were appointed based on Law Number 8 of 2015 article 201 paragraph (8) to fill the vacancy for the position of Governor are from middle high leadership positions. b. If during the change period a strategic policy is needed that must be taken by the acting head, then it is regulated by Article 132 A paragraph (2) Government Regulation Number 49 of 2008 concerning the Third Amendment to Government Regulation Number 6 of 2005 concerning Election, Ratification of Appointment and Dismissal of Regional Heads and Deputy Regional Head, which must be approved by the Minister of Home Affairs. c. In fact, there are no clear provisions for the Plt who abuses his authority, as the type of authority given to the PLT is unclear.

Virtual screening and structure optimization of xanthine oxidase inhibitory peptides from whole protein sequences of Pacific white shrimp via molecular docking.

Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory peptides are safer than conventional pharmacological therapy in relieving hyperuricemia. However, traditional enzymatic hydrolysis, separation, and purification techniques for bio-active peptide preparation are time-consuming, inefficient, and labor-intensive. In this study, molecular docking and BLAST were used to virtually screen XO inhibitory peptides from whole protein sequences of Pacific white shrimp according to the bio-active peptides database, and the structure of peptides was optimized based on the structure-effective relationship. Seven new XO inhibitory peptides were virtual screened rapidly from Pacific white shrimp, and YNITGW (IC50=9.78±0.13mM) showed the strongest activity. The results of YNITGW optimization showed that the insertion of Trp residue in the middle position of peptides could effectively enhance the activity. This study revealed that screening and optimizing peptides by molecular docking were a novel and feasible method to obtain bio-active peptides.

Understanding Ḥadīth, “Father of Prophet Muḥammad in Hell” In Shabir Ally's Perspective

Shabir Ally is a Canadian Islamic preacher and apologist. He was interviewed on a YouTube channel named ‘Let The Quran Speak’ about the prophet’s father in hell. However, his explanation is only a brief explanation. Meanwhile, understanding the Ḥadīth of the Prophet Muḥammad Ṣallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam. Must also use the methodology of Ḥadīth knowledge and the opinions of experts about the true meaning contained in the Ḥadīth. This article aims to provide a more complete explanation of what has been explained by Dr. Shabir Ally in his interview session. This research is a type of literature review research. The result of this article can be summarized as follows: Shabir Ally is in the middle position, neither saying the Prophet's father was in hell nor saying the Prophet's father was saved from the torment of hell. Moreover, the words of the prophet who said, 'My father is also in hell,' are just additions to the story by the people who told that event. However, the author(s) have not found the primary basis for Shabir Ally to say that so far.