Favorable Period Research Articles

Stages and causes of the evolution of language and consciousness: A theoretical reconstruction.

This article presents a refinement of theoretical explanations of the main stages of linguistic and cognitive evolution in anthropogenesis. The concepts of language, consciousness, self-consciousness, the self, the unconscious, the subconscious, and the relation between free will and determinism remain at the center of active and complex debates in philosophy and neuroscience. A basic theoretical apparatus comprising the central concepts of "concern" and "providing structure" (an extension of the biological concept of "adaptation") develops the paradigm of the extended evolutionary synthesis. Challenge-threats and challenge-opportunities are invariably associated with concerns pertaining to sustenance, safety, sexuality, parenthood, status, and emotional support. The consolidation of successful behavioral tries (tries), in response to these challenges occurs through the formation of a variety of providing structures including practices, abilities, and attitudes. These structures are formed through mechanisms of interactive rituals and internalization. These novel practices facilitate the transformation of both techno-natural environmental niches and group niches. The emergence of new structures gives rise to new challenges and concerns, which in turn necessitate undertaking of new tries. In the context of African multiregionalism, hominin groups and populations that experienced favorable periods of demographic growth, active migration, genetic, technological, and skill exchange also underwent significant demographic disasters. During the most unfavorable bottleneck periods only the most advanced groups, populations and species survived. The achieved potential for these abilities was consolidated as complexes of innate assignments in gene pools through the Baldwin effect and the multilevel selection. This logic provides an explanation for the main stages of language and speech complication (from holophrases and articulation to complex syntax), as well as the emergence of new abilities of consciousness (from the expansion of attention field to self-consciousness and the "I"-structure).

Navigating the Challenges of Sustainability in the Food Processing Chain: Insights into Energy Interventions to Reduce Footprint

This review paper examines the critical intersection of energy consumption and environmental impacts within the global food system, emphasizing the substantial footprint (including land usage, costs, food loss and waste, and carbon and water footprints) associated with current practices. The study delineates the high energy demands and ecological burdens of food production, trade, and consumption through a comprehensive bibliographic analysis of high-impact research papers, authoritative reports, and databases. The paper systematically analyzes and synthesizes data to characterize the food industry’s current energy use patterns and environmental impacts. The results underscore a pressing need for strategic interventions to enhance food system efficiency and reduce the footprint. In light of the projected population growth and increasing food demand, the study advocates for a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and resilient food production practices, adopting energy-efficient technologies, promoting sustainable dietary habits, and strengthening global cooperation among stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Investigations have revealed that the food system is highly energy-intensive, accounting for approximately 30% of total energy consumption (200 EJ per year). The sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which constitute 26% of all anthropogenic emissions, have shown a linear growth trend, reaching 16.6 GtCO2eq in 2015 and projected to approach 18.6 GtCO2eq in the coming years. Notably, 6% of these emissions result from food never consumed. While the water footprint has slightly decreased recently, its demand is expected to increase by 20% to 30%, potentially reaching between 5500 and 6000 km3 annually by 2050. Energy efficiency interventions are estimated to save up to 20%, with a favorable payback period, as evidenced by several practical implementations.

Assessment of Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) system feasibility in Malaysia: A comprehensive study

Malaysia’s current renewable energy utilization for domestic usage is primarily limited to photovoltaic (PV) systems only, which leaves a gap in understanding the hybrid PV-Thermal (PV-T) performance within the Malaysian context, encompassing efficiency and economy. This study analyzes and compares three cases theoretically: i) PV only, ii) Solar Thermal (ST) only, and iii) PV-T combined hybrid systems in terms of energy load and economy for a Malaysian household. Return on Investment (ROI) analysis reveals that the PV-T combined hybrid system exhibits superior efficiency with a lower ROI. The study reveals that the theoretical PV-T combined hybrid system can reach up to an overall efficiency of 77.11% with a lowered mass flow rate of the cooling water. The PV-T system also has a favorable payback period of 6.54 years, and the ROI for the PV-T system is 15.30%, while the ROI for PV only is 4.81%. The ST system has an efficiency of 72.38%, a payback period of 7.39 years, and an ROI of 13.53%.

COVID-19 AND PREGNANCY

Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy may alter the response to COVID-19 infection. Pregnancy is considered a risk factor for infectious diseases, but the increased risk of complications with COVID-19 is controversial. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the impact of the disease on the condition of the mother and fetus has been questioned. The aim of the study. To assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the course of pregnancy, fetal growth depending on the period of pregnancy, when the disease occurred in a pregnant woman in a mild and moderate form. Materials and methods. Two groups were formed: 1st main group 60 pregnant women suffering from COVID-19 in different stages of pregnancy, 2nd control group 20 healthy pregnant women without COVID-19 infection. A general clinical, bacterioscopic, bacteriological, immunoenzymatic, ultrasound examination was performed. Statistical analysis was performed according to generally accepted methods of variational statistics. Approval of the scientific work was obtained from the Bioethics Commission of the Bukovyna State Medical University (Ukraine). The work is a part of the research work "Prevention, diagnostics and treatment of disorders of perinatal period and reproductive system of women and adolescent girls" (No. 201110H, state registration No. 0111U006499). Research results. A significant decrease in free estriol was revealed by 3.82±0.29 (p<0.01) in the main group when infected in the first trimester of pregnancy with the subsequent development of fetal growth retardation syndrome in 14.29% in the first trimester and in 12.5% ​​in in the third trimester of pregnancy, intrauterine infection of the fetus in 25%. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 in the third trimester of pregnancy led to a decrease in fetal growth and the birth of children with a weight of 2962.55±56.73 (p<0.05). Conclusions. The most favorable period for infection with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy is the second trimester (50%), however, a decrease in the hormone-producing function of the placenta is observed during infection in the first trimester, which leads to the development of fetal growth retardation, however, the weight at birth does not differ from the control group , unlike infection in the third trimester, where there is a significant decrease in fetal growth, the study is important for timely prevention of complications.

Global, regional, and national temporal trends in incidence and mortality for liver cancer due to hepatitis B, 1990-2021: a decomposition and age-period-cohort analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

This study comprehensively assessed the burden of liver cancer due to hepatitis B (LCHB) from 1990 to 2021, analyzing temporal trends in disease burden and associations with age, period and birth cohort. Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of LCHB from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. Joinpoint regression analysis estimated long-term trends. Age-period-cohort analysis evaluated the independent effects of age, period and cohort. Decomposition analysis elucidated the impact of population growth, aging and epidemiological changes on the burden. Between 1990 and 2019, the ASIR and ASMR of LCHB witnessed an overall declining trend worldwide, with a notably higher burden in males compared to females. The highest ASIR and ASMR were observed in the middle socio-demographic index (SDI) region, while the lowest were in the low-middle SDI region, with substantial differences across countries. Age-period-cohort analysis revealed an initial increase in risk followed by a decline with advancing age, with the burden primarily affecting the elderly. Decomposition analysis indicated that population growth and aging were the primary drivers of the increase in incident cases and deaths. From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR and ASMR of LCHB decreased globally. However, population growth and aging contributed to an increase in the absolute numbers of incident cases and deaths. The risk burden increased with age, and favourable period and cohort effects were found in all SDI regions.

The Early Holocene flora of the southern part of the Western Desert of Egypt

The article summarises archaeobotanical data and discusses the importance of plant remains for the reconstruction of ancient flora and vegetation during the development of Neolithic settlements in the southern zone of the Western Desert of Egypt. Such an attempt is possible thanks to archaeological and botanical research carried out there for many years. These studies have led to the identification of numerous plant remains that were found at different sites inhabited by nomadic tribes in various humid interphases of the Holocene. The recognised subfossil flora includes at least 52 taxa. Archaeobotanical assemblages from individual sites are neither very diverse in plant species nor abundant in plant remains. The exception is Site E-75-6 at Nabta Playa, which yielded exceptionally rich plant material. The most favourable period for the development of flora, vegetation and settlement occurred during the Holocene Climatic Optimum, correlated with the El Nabta and Al Jerar settlement phases. This period was characterised by a relatively rich flora that grew in various habitats in the vicinity of the former settlements.

How to avoid profiles of failure when supporting entrepreneurs in an economic crisis

PurposeIn times of economic crisis, many eyes turn to entrepreneurship, which has become a key element of the economy. Consequently, interest in supporting entrepreneurs has increased. This study aims to detect the configurations of success or failure that may help entrepreneurs’ public orientation.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data from the latest economic crisis in a region with high levels of unemployment. The authors studied 2,210 entrepreneurs from Andalusia (Spain). From each, the authors analysed 207 variables and applied the fuzzy version of qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). This methodology allowed the authors to infer causality between combinations of factors and positive/negative effects.FindingsThe authors concluded that there are at least two profiles that should be avoided when starting a business; both refer to projects in quite attractive sectors: an environment with high concentration and survival rates, and when not enough education or high assets turnover is expected.Research limitations/implicationsIt was difficult to obtain a complete database to replicate a study in another region. Moreover, the data corresponded to a period of economic crisis, and the results may not be valid for a more favourable period. Regarding the implications, there have been several unsuccessful attempts in the literature to find a linear association between factors and entrepreneurial success. For instance, linear regressions do not allow us to properly relate the simultaneous presence/absence of various characteristics to success/failure; hence, it is necessary to consider the non-linear and asymmetric relationships between the variables.Practical implicationsThe most attractive sectors for entrepreneurs carry considerable risk for the success of the future business, since “greed clouds judgment”, and high expectations can outweigh other motivations. Support services should filter out candidates with insufficient training or excessive expectations.Originality/valueThe techniques used in this study allow the consideration of explanatory variables that are not independent of each other, and the subjective aspects of some of the analysed characteristics are examined.

Evaluating constraints on offshore wind farm installation across the Taiwan Strait by exploring the influence of El Niño-Southern Oscillation on weather window assessment

The transition to renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind farms, is essential in mitigating climate change. Taiwan has set ambitious targets to harness wind energy from the Taiwan Strait, but offshore wind farm installations are highly dependent on weather conditions, particularly wind speeds. This study examines the relationship between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and offshore wind farm installation by assessing weather windows—periods with wind speeds below 12 m per second at a height of 100 m for at least 12 h. Our analysis shows that during La Niña years, the number of feasible weather windows decreases by up to 40 %, particularly between October and June, compared to neutral and El Niño years. This decrease can be as high as fourfold in December, significantly impacting installation schedules. Seasonal variations are also notable, with wind speeds exceeding 12 m s−1 in winter 66.4 % of the time, compared to 29.4 % in spring, making spring and summer the most favorable periods for installation. However, even during these favorable seasons, La Niña years can bring higher wind speeds, necessitating careful planning. These results underscore the importance of integrating ENSO forecasts into project planning to avoid installation delays and optimize installation timelines. By leveraging seasonal and interannual climate variability predictions, decision-makers can improve the resilience of offshore wind farm projects and ensure efficient energy transition strategies.

Simulation and Economic Analysis of Helium Extraction Process from Natural Gas

The investment estimation of the helium extraction project from natural gas is a crucial step in economically obtaining helium from both domestic and international projects. This article employs Aspen HYSYS to simulate the process and estimate the investment levels of Linde and Exxon Mobil integrated helium extraction processes. We investigate the influence of feed composition and processing capacity on investment costs and product returns. The results indicate that higher helium content of feed correlates with increased equipment investment costs and total capital cost (CAPEX), and that the Linde integrated process is significantly more sensitive to changes in helium content of feed than the Exxon Mobil integrated process. As the helium content of feed rises, the product returns of the two processes are evidently improved, leading to reduced investment payback periods. Both techniques exhibit favorable payback periods when the feed helium content exceeds 0.5 vol%. Nevertheless, elevated nitrogen content in the feed notably escalates the equipment investment costs and total capital costs. Furthermore, an increase in the processing capacity of feed gas leads to a nonlinear increase in total capital costs and annual operating costs. However, the cost per unit of helium extraction diminishes with increasing capacity. In general, the Linde integrated process requires higher separation energy consumption in comparison with the Exxon Mobil integrated process at similar processing capacities. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis shows that helium breakeven price is strongly affected by the price of both LNG and feed gas.

La nascita del commercio librario in Corea

Abstract Korea boasts a rich history of printing that dates back to at least the mid-8th century AD and can even claim the oldest book printed with movable metal type. However, until the 20th century, the most common typographic technique in book production in Korea was the use of the wooden matrix. Movable wooden or metal characters were only marginally used during that time. Why did Koreans forego movable type from the 13th century onwards in favour of xylography for book production, despite the Europeans adopting the former two centuries later? In attempting to answer this question, the present article addresses the history of book circulation in Korea, which was limited and regulated by the government until the 16th century, and the emergence of the book trade with the panggakpon in the 17th century. Tracing the evolution of publishing in Korea from its inception to the early Chosŏn period, it explores the factors that gave rise to panggakpon and its affordable printing characteristics. It thus identifies the main drivers behind panggakpon, as the destruction of the national book heritage following the period of crisis during foreign invasions of Korea and the increasing demand for books from a progressively growing public of potential readers due to political, economic, social and cultural reasons from the early Chosŏn period onwards. Although government policy towards printing evolved during the middle Chosŏn period in favour of the book trade, the causes behind the emergence of panggakpon lay elsewhere. Without these factors, the State would have maintained its monopoly on book production, and panggakpon would never have materialised.

Application of (U-Th)/He hematite geochronology to the Çaldağ lateritic Ni-Co deposit, Western Anatolia: Implications for multi-stage weathering events during interglacial periods/segments

Lateritic Ni-Co deposits are supergene deposits that develop due to intense weathering of the underlying ultramafic parent rocks and/or their serpentinized equivalents under tropical to sub-tropical climatic conditions. These deposits provide not only important sources of valuable metals such as iron, aluminium, nickel, and cobalt, but they also provide a proxy for paleoclimatic conditions. In this regard, geochronological studies on these deposits are critical to determine the timing of the paleoclimatic conditions, which is important for a better understanding of the paleoclimate at regional scale and for identification of favourable weathering periods that can be targeted in the exploration of undiscovered lateritic deposits in a region. In this contribution, we report hematite (U-Th)/He geochronology results from a well-preserved Çaldağ lateritic Ni-Co deposit in Western Türkiye. We sampled the different parts of the lateritic profile from the different laterite zones at the Çaldağ deposit and carried out analyses of polished thin section to determine and identify the phases of hematite formation and primary hematite formed during primary lateritization. Then, we applied scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA) mineral mapping to identify the suitable areas on primary hematites for subsequent (U-Th)/He dating.Primary hematites are detected at the base of the lateritic profiles (transition between the limonite zone and altered serpentinite) that are only in-situ parts of the laterites exposed in two different pits in the deposit. The obtained (U-Th)/He dates of ca. 502, 206, 178, and 63 ka correspond to the interglacial periods. The three youngest (U-Th)/He dates (206, 178, and 63 ka) from the weathering front of the hematite pit become younger towards the deeper parts of the profile in the direction of weathering. The ages indicate the weathering processes should have lasted until the Quaternary with some interruptions during interglacial periods/segments, despite the fact that the main intensive lateralization period is thought to be during the Middle Eocene.This study presents the first hematite (U-Th)/He dating of lateritic Ni-Co deposits and demonstrates the reliable use of this method after a careful selection of hematite samples. Our results suggest that, in contrast to the short-living lateritization model for lateritic Ni-Co deposits, they may have a multi-stage weathering history throughout their long-lasting development. In addition, the study showed that it has huge potential for the dating of lateritization and weathering processes that are related to paleoclimatic events. Finally, knowledge of the favourable paleoclimatic periods of chemical weathering in a region may help in determining the potential areas for ultramafic exposures for discovering new lateritic deposits.

When and What: Family Physicians' Perspective on Clinical Communication Skills and Professionalism Education during the Medical Training Program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Effective communication skills are crucial for health professionals in order to build a favorable rapport with their patients, so enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. From this standpoint, the implementation of communication skills training may serve as effective techniques to enhance the care delivered by healthcare personnel and the overall quality of healthcare services. Aim: To investigate the perspectives of family physicians, on the necessary communication and professionalism skills for medical students, as well as the best time during medical training programs to attain these competencies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among family medicine physicians in different hospitals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants responded to inquiries on the communication abilities and professionalism competencies while discussing the timing of competency achievement. An online questionnaire was sent to all the physicians. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: Gathering demographic information, Questionnaire on professional engagements, and a timeline estimation of each doctor's acquisition of communication skills and professionalism competencies. The data analysis was performed using SPSS, Version 26.0. Prior to analysis, data cleaning and entering were conducted. A test is considered significant if the P-value is below 0.05. Results: A total of 301 participants, aged between 30 and 41 years old, took part in the current research. Approximately 51.5% of the participants were family physician specialists, whereas around 25.9% were residents and 4% were students. A majority of FM respondents (56.5%) said that FM residency is the most opportune period in the medical training program to include the bio-psycho-social context. Respondents (50.5%) felt that it is during this time that they get a better understanding of the patient's viewpoint and that of their family. Approximately 48.5% of FM participants believe that the FM residency is the most favorable period of medical training to take into account the beliefs, needs, and perspectives of patients and their families. However, 58.5% of participants feel that this residency provides an opportunity to develop strong critical thinking skills. Furthermore, 50.2% of participants believe that the FM residency equips them with the ability to handle uncertainty effectively and adapt to various situations and contexts. The majority of FM participants were doing clinical activities at different stages; After Residency (93.8%), Residency (80.8%), or Undergraduate (86.8%). In addition, teaching practice was significantly related to the stages of communication training (P<0.001); most of FM participants practice teaching after Residency (90.6%), and 53% of them practice teaching in their Residency. there is a significant relation between the clinical activity done and the stage of professionalism training (P=0.005), the majority of FM participants were doing clinical activities at different stages; After Residency (93.9%), Residency (83.6%), or Undergraduate (76.3%). In addition, the preceptor was significantly related to the stages of professionalismtraining (P=0.010); 45.5% of FM participants after residency were preceptors. Conclusion: The perspectives of these family doctors' medical educators may aid in formulating the necessary objectives for medical training, which might influence the structure of medical curricula and promote lifelong learning initiatives. Future research should focus on certifying these key competencies and enhancing evaluation methodologies, with a particular emphasis on evaluating their effect on healthcare. Keywords: Family Physicians, Perspectives, Clinical Communication Skills, Professionalism, Medical Training

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ЭФИРНОГО МАСЛА ШИШЕК КЕДРОВОГО СТЛАНИКА (PINUS PUMILA (PALL.) REGEL)

Cedar elfin Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel of the pine family – Pinaceae is a widespread plant in Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East. Most studies of cedar elfin are devoted to the study of needles and woody greenery. Pine cones remain a poorly studied object, the chemical composition of which requires serious study to determine the prospects for further use. The aim of the work is to study the component composition and essential oil content in pine cones. To study the essential oil, samples of pine cones were harvested on the territory of the Magadan region, the Olsky urban district. The determination of the essential oil content in cones was carried out according to the methods of the State Pharmacopoeia of the XV edition. The component composition of the essential oil was determined using an Agilent 7890A gas chromatograph with a mass-selective detector. As a result of the study, it was found that a Clevenger device should be used to determine the content of essential oil in pine cones. The content of essential oil in cones is highest in July, slightly less in August, and in September there is no essential oil in the raw material. It has been established that July is the most favorable period for harvesting pine cones. The main component of the essential oil of pine cones is limonene. The proportion of the main component of the essential oil of pine cones, limonene, is higher in July, and the proportion of the undesirable component 3–karen increases in essential oil in August. The high content of limonene in the essential oil samples is a good prerequisite for further research and development of finished products.

Assessing waste-to-energy potential and landfill site suitability via a holistic approach

This study provides an in-depth analysis of waste-to-green energy conversion potential, utilizing Geographic Information System and Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources. This study identifies optimal sites in detail for landfill and Centralized Anaerobic Digestion (CAD) systems, integrating environmental, technical, and logistical considerations using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), complemented by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Employing a robust methodological framework, the study assesses nine critical parameters, including proximity to waste sources and energy grids, highlighting 23.75 % of the region as 'Highly Suitable' for sustainable waste-to-energy projects. The energy analysis further elucidates the operational and economic feasibility of new energy facilities, showcasing a potential installation power of 5.32 MWh for the new facility, compared to 3.15 MWh for the existing Beydeğirmeni biogas plant. This analysis indicates a significant capacity for enhancing renewable energy production, with the new facility promising a higher employment capacity and a favorable investment payback period. Our comprehensive evaluation offers a scalable and replicable model for municipal waste-to-energy conversion, contributing valuable insights to the field of sustainable urban planning first in the literature. By highlighting the economic and operational benefits of targeted infrastructure investments, the research advocates for integrated planning approaches that align with global sustainability objectives. In conclusion, this paper advances the discourse on sustainable waste management and energy production, presenting a methodologically sound and empirically supported pathway for urban areas to capitalize on their waste-to-energy conversion potential, thereby facilitating informed policy-making and strategic urban development.

Temperatures and Their Impact on Tourism Activity in Dhi Qar Governorate: An Applied Climate Study

Temperatures significantly impact individuals, affecting their health and comfort. Extreme temperatures, whether high or low, can hinder a person's ability to work and engage in various activities. Consequently, people seek to minimize the negative effects of temperature on their comfort by finding places that alleviate thermal discomfort. Tourism is particularly sensitive to temperature variations, thriving during times and seasons with moderate temperatures and a comfortable atmosphere. Tourist activity tends to increase during these favorable periods, while it declines markedly during seasons with extreme temperatures. This research investigates the impact of three climatic elements on tourism activity in Dhi Qar Governorate. The study adopts Thom's temperature hypothesis and the wind cooling hypothesis by Sabul and Basel to determine the types of comfort influencing tourism in the area, utilizing climatic data from the Nasiriyah station. The analysis identifies general comfort levels, both day and night, to ascertain the optimal times and months for tourism. The findings reveal that March and November are the most comfortable and ideal months for tourism based on general temperature and humidity. April and November are considered relatively comfortable, with 10% of tourists experiencing some discomfort. When examining temperature and humidity during the day, December and February are identified as the best months for tourism, providing complete comfort. March, November, and January are found to be relatively comfortable. Additionally, the study evaluates the effect of wind on tourist comfort using general temperature and wind speed data. The wind cooling hypothesis shows that winds significantly cool the atmosphere in April and October (primary degree) and in February and November (secondary degree), making these months colder. In contrast, the negative impact of winds becomes evident during the extremely hot summer months, making the weather unsuitable for tourism.

The influence of rhythmic gymnastics on the mobile readiness of older preschool children

Preschool age is the most favorable period for the development of a child's personality, physical and motor qualities. One of the tasks of working with children of older preschool age is to prepare them for a successful transition to systematic, organized schooling. Children's readiness for schooling determines the set of morphophysiological and psychological characteristics of children of older preschool age. Children's physical and motor readiness for learning characterizes their functional capabilities and state of health. One of the main indicators of children's physical and motor readiness for learning is the level of development of physical qualities and the technique of performing motor actions. The goal is to determine the influence of artistic gymnastics on the level of motor readiness of children 5-6 years old. Material and methods: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature and Internet resources, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment, pedagogical testing, methods of mathematical statistics. The study was conducted on the basis of preschool education institutions No. 355 and No. 123. 80 children of the control and experimental groups, 40 each, took part in the study. Research results. The initial level of motor readiness of almost half of the children in both the control and experimental groups was at a low level. After the experiment, the percentage increase in motor readiness was significantly better (p<0.05) in the experimental group (13.9%) than in the control group (5.6%). Thus, the indicators in the experimental group increased from a low level to the average in 10.0% of children, and in the control group this indicator was 12.5%. On the other hand, 12.5% of children from the experimental group increased their indicators from average to high levels, while only 5.0% of children from the control group.

Астрология как сакральное экологическое знание в тибетской буддийской традиции

Introduction. The identification of specific responses generated by religious traditions to present-day global challenges actualizes the rethinking of astrology as a traditional understanding of the world structure and influence of natural forces on man in Tibetan Buddhism. Goals. The study attempts an evaluation of astrology as a form of sacred knowledge in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition from the perspective of understanding its principles of ecology. Materials and methods. To facilitate this, the work employs a systematic approach of cultural anthropology according to which sacred astrological knowledge is viewed as an integral element to the specified religious tradition. The paper focuses on The White Beryl: A Treatise on [Tibetan] Astrology by Desi Sangye Gyatso, as well as works by modern Tibetan astrologers. Results. Tibetan astrology arose from integrated Indian, Chinese and ancient Tibetan ideas about the influence of natural elements on human life, and is a required tool in Tibetan medicine. Those ideas are based on some esoteric premises of the Buddhist Kalachakra Tantra which articulates the relationship between external natural cycles and internal human energy ones, as well as suggests methods of restoring the latter’s balance. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, sacred astrological knowledge is widely popular both in cult practices and non-religious activities. Astrologers draw prediction and natal charts, calculate favorable periods for rituals, healing practices, harvesting, weddings, funerals, etc. The three Lamrim-derived motives — to improve this lifetime, gain liberation from samsaric suffering, achieve enlightenment for the sake of universal well-being — may accordingly direct the intentions of Buddhists toward the use of sacred astrological knowledge to solve problematic situations, identify oneself, understand others, restore the balance of external and internal cycles. With due account of that followers of Tibetan Buddhism are basically oriented to altruism and rationalism, the paper presumes astrology can be considered a form of sacred knowledge instrumental in understanding (and implementing) principles of ecology. Restoration of balance in man-nature interaction through the rational use of astrological knowledge for the common good predetermines the sacredness of ecological knowledge in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Prospects for the use of moisture-temperature UAV metrics to assess the state of land-use territories in planning and conducting spring field work

In the Central region of the Russian Federation, the favorable period for spring field work is short, but extremely important for obtaining the planned harvest. The possibility of tillage is mainly determined by its humidity after snowmelt. For the preparation and adjustment of plans for mechanized work, operational georeferenced information on the hydrological state of the soil in the land-use area is necessary, for which moisture-temperature UAV-metry can be used. Purpose – to evaluate the possibility of using the data obtained by multisensory UAV-s during the survey of agricultural landscapes to identify economically significant hydrological heterogeneity of territories. Agricultural landscapes in the Yuriev-Polsky district of the Vladimir region on gray forest loams and in the Shatura district of the Moscow region on sod-podzolic and podzolic sandy soils were examined. Their significant hydrological heterogeneity has been revealed, including local waterlogged areas with different causes of water stagnation. It is established that the dynamics of the hydrology of fields and the network of country roads are closely related. The use of UAV sensing data will help to eliminate the problem of difficult passage to the fields by carrying out appropriate measures and establishing the correct order of processing of land plots. To obtain the necessary information by agricultural enterprises, interdepartmental cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Ecology, the Ministry of Forestry, AVTODOR, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Energy Networks, as well as the use of the “Digital Earth system” is promising. The inclusion of moisture-temperature UAV-s in the production system – a plan for the preparation and conduct of spring field work, opens up new opportunities for their high-quality performance due to the timely identification of risk areas and appropriate adjustments. The priority object of the development application at the first stage should be considered roads – a key factor for rural areas.

Onshore versus offshore capacity factor and reliability for wind energy production in Germany: 2010–2022

AbstractSimilarities and differences between the features related to the productivity of onshore and offshore wind energy are developed with the aid of information theory techniques complemented by normal statistics. The data comes from the 13‐year period between 2010 and 2022 for the registered turbines in Germany (practically all). The information content of the generated power is dynamically measured by the mutability of the files storing the information. Monthly statistics show that in spite of the Summer months being relatively unproductive, the corresponding mutability shows the possibility of making use of short periods of intermediate productivity in the case of offshore plants. Favorable conditions for wind energy generation in Wintertime are reached for both onshore and offshore production, although the latter is favored. More homogeneity and stability in the data are still necessary to generalize algorithms, protocols, and criteria. This general study shows the success of the information theory techniques in describing wind ramps. Applications to specific zones could improve the efficiency and capacity factor of particular wind turbines depending on their exposure to wind streams or the blocking of nearby mountains and forestry. The information theory techniques presented here allow for a different and novel viewpoint to detect favorable and unfavorable wind energy periods.

Cyclic climate impacts on human activity in northern Central China recorded by varve evidence from the western Loess Plateau

Disentangling the relationship between climate change and human activities is a major challenge in paleoenvironmental research. Here, we report a decadal-resolution sedimentological record from an annually laminated archive from the western Loess Plateau spanning the Middle-Late Holocene, along with a database of archaeological radiocarbon dates in northern central China. Our results reveal the occurrence of 400–600-yr cyclic variations in the climate over the last 6200 years, which correlate well with the periodicities of solar activity and the East Asian summer monsoon. This mode of climate change is associated temporally and regionally with specific prehistoric human activities. More favorable warm-humid environmental conditions may have simultaneously facilitated cultural prosperity and population growth, while less favorable cold-dry periods may have led to cultural alterations and population decline. In addition, we determine that there is a closely coupled relationship between the fluctuations in geopolitical and socioeconomic variables and the cyclicity of the environmental changes in imperial China. That is, the warm-humid cycles are characterized by the northward expansion of agriculturalist empires, a decrease in the number of battles, bumper grain harvests, and economic development, while the cold-dry cycles are characterized by the southward expansion of pastoralist empires, an increase in the number of battles, famines, and economic recession. Further analysis of our study will increase the understanding of human dispersal, cultural exchanges, and climate-human interactions within and beyond northern China.