Abstract
This paper explores innovative and contemporary approaches to preserving and repurposing Mongolian temples, with a focus on maintaining their cultural and historical significance while adapting to modern needs. It examines the unique architectural and cultural aspects of these temples, the challenges they face, and presents design and preservation strategies that can ensure their continued relevance.
Abstract
This study examines the impact of various external shading devices on key lighting metrics, such as spatial daylight autonomy, annual sunlight exposure, and mean illuminance in classrooms. By comparing the performance of different shading options, the study offers insights into optimizing natural lighting, enhancing visual comfort, and improving sustainability in educational buildings in warm, humid climates. The findings provide valuable guidance for architects, designers, and school facility managers aiming to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort in educational environments.
This study explored the effects of salicylic acid on the growth and biochemical responses of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under different soil salinity levels, a major challenge in agricultural productivity. The experiment was conducted using a factorial design with salicylic acid applied at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 50 ppm, combined with sodium chloride-induced salinity at 0, 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 mg kg–1 soil. Results demonstrated that increasing soil salinity negatively impacted plant growth, reducing plant height, leaf number, and the dry weight of aerial parts. Salinity stress also led to reduced nutrient uptake, particularly for essential elements like calcium and potassium, while increasing sodium levels in plant tissues. However, the foliar application of salicylic acid, especially at 50 ppm, significantly improved growth parameters and mitigated the detrimental effects of salinity. Notably, at the highest salinity level (3,000 mg kg–1), salicylic acid enhanced plant height by 11.1% and leaf number by 30.9% compared to untreated plants. Salicylic acid also boosted biochemical responses, such as increasing total phenolic and flavonoid content, which are critical for stress tolerance. This study underscores the potential of salicylic acid as a stress mitigator, promoting better growth and physiological resilience in peppermint under saline conditions, offering valuable insights for improving crop performance in salinity-affected regions.
Abstract
Background and aims
Conflicting findings have been reported for the longitudinal course of behavioral addictions, especially for social media addiction (SMA) and work addiction (WA). Therefore, evaluating whether these constructs are more trait-like or state-like might be informative. The aim of the present study was to examine the proportion of variance of SMA and WA symptoms (as defined by the components model of addiction) explained by trait and occasion-specific factors in addition to exploring cross-lagged relationships between SMA and WA.
Methods
Young adults from a representative sample who continuously used social media and worked at least 40 hours a week during the first three waves of the Budapest Longitudinal Study were included (N = 1,551; Females: 50.6%; Age: M = 27.7 years [SD = 4.40]). The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale and the Bergen Work Addiction Scale were administered in all three waves.
Results
A latent state-trait model with a general trait factor was considered for both SMA and WA. Symptomatic variability in SMA was explained approximately equally by trait and state-like factors, while WA-related symptom variability was mostly attributed to state-like factors. SMA negatively predicted WA over time, while WA showed a positive cross-lagged effect on SMA.
Discussion and Conclusions
While the symptoms of WA were more state-like, the trait-like effects were stronger in SMA. Situational influences and previous symptom severities might have to be considered in the screening process.
Abstract
Background
The study assessed replicative human immunodeficiency virus-(HIV-) infection and replicative co-infections as well as molecular determinants of reduced susceptibility towards anti-retroviral therapy in a Ghanaian population of known HIV patients and a control group.
Methods
Real-time PCRs for HIV-1, HIV-2, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were run with serum samples from known Ghanaian HIV-patients (n = 975) and control individuals (n = 105). For 108 individuals, HIV-sequence analysis was performed.
Results
Prevalence of replicative HIV-1 infection was 59.8% (583/975) in the known HIV-positive population and 2.9% (3/105) in the controls. Prevalences of replicative HBV-infection were comparable with 3.4% (33/975) in the HIV-positive individuals and 3.8% (4/105) in the controls. HIV-2 and HCV sequences were not recorded. Almost perfect concordance between two compared HIV-1-PCR assays was indicated by Fleiss' Kappa >0.8. Sanger sequencing indicated CRF_02AG, G and A3 as the quantitatively dominating HIV-1 subtypes, a minority of 3.4% CXCR4 tropism and high detection rates of mutations mediating reduced susceptibility towards nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (71.9%, 64/89), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (95.5%, 85/89), protease inhibitors (95.9%, 93/97) and integrase inhibitors (22.4%, 22/98).
Conclusions
The assessment did not suggest HIV-triggered increased replication of HBV and HCV in the investigated Ghanaian population.
Abstract
This study examines the connection between repository structure, productivity, and management practices in software development collaboration. Analyzing open-source projects, it finds higher collaboration in Multi repository teams than in Mono repository teams, implying a nuanced interaction with team size. Effective management and well-structured architectures correlate positively with productivity, emphasizing strategic management's importance for optimizing collaboration and efficiency in software projects.
Abstract
Geothermal energy is increasingly promising for residential use due to rising energy costs and environmental awareness. This work experimentally examines the impact of pipe distribution on the heat pump's performance at varying temperatures for both the incoming water and the ground. The pipes are buried in the soil, distributing them on layers of varying depths up to a depth of 2 m, separated by insulating layers. The quantities of heat gained in the evaporator and released in the condenser are calculated to determine the coefficient of performance of the heat pump. It was found that at the same temperature, the total heat loss in the soil is larger in the case of water entering from the bent pipe towards the great depth compared to water entering from the direct pipe, but the heat gain is larger in the case of water entering from the direct one.
Abstract
Interest in psychedelic research in the West is surging, however, clinical trials have almost exclusively studied synthetic compounds such as MDMA, ketamine, DMT, LSD, ibogaine, and psilocybin. To date, few clinical trials have utilized whole mushroom/plant material like Psilocybe mushrooms, Iboga, or Ayahuasca. Individuals participating in the Roots To Thrive Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for End of Life Distress program were administered synthetic psilocybin, whole Psilocybe cubensis, and mycological extract on separate occasions and post-treatment interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to discern themes and patterns. There was broad consensus that all three forms were helpful and similar, all generating visual and perceptual distortions, emotional and cognitive insight, and mystical experiences. However, synthetic psilocybin was said to feel less natural compared to organic forms, and the overall quality of experience of synthetic psilocybin was inferior to the organic forms. Research should be conducted with whole psychedelic mushrooms and extract in addition to synthetic psilocybin given this preliminary data, especially when considering that medicine keepers around the world have utilized whole mushrooms and plant material for millennia.
Abstract
The number of human infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is increasing worldwide and constitutes a serious threat to human health. Given the lack of novel antibiotic compounds worsening this dilemma, alternative antibiotic-independent treatment and prevention strategies of infectious diseases applying natural compounds appear highly appreciable. Given the long-known health-beneficial and disease-alleviating properties of Cannabis, we performed a literature search summarizing current knowledge regarding the antibacterial effects of extracts from different parts of the Cannabis sativa plant and of defined Cannabis-derived molecules and their potential mode of action. The included studies revealed that various extracts and essential oils of C. sativa as well as major cannabinoids exerted potent activities against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive bacteria and against some Gram-negative bacterial species including MDR strains. Particularly the disruption of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane by some cannabinoids resulted in potent antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, defined cannabinoids inhibited the formation of and eradicated existing bacterial biofilms. In conclusion, given their antibacterial properties distinct Cannabis-derived molecules expand the repertoire of antibiotics-independent treatment options in the combat of bacterial infectious diseases which should be further addressed in future studies including clinical trials.
Abstract
This study aims to present the significant training theoretical innovations in the history of modern distance running that can be traced back to the countries of Northern Europe and the possible underlying socio-historical reasons for them. Since the beginning of the modern sport, the Nordic countries have enjoyed outstanding success in distance running. In the 1910s–20s, the dominance of Finnish runners was a feature of the first year-round systematic training. During the Second World War, the Swedish coach Gosta Holmer developed the fartlek (speed play) method, which enabled his runners to set numerous world records between 1,500 m and 10,000 m. The most significant innovation in modern distance running training methods was the scientifically based interval training of the German Dr Woldemar Gerschler, which still determines athletes' training today. The Dutchman Herman Verheul developed his easy interval method based on the empirical observations of the Gerchler system. The Verheul method was characterized by high-volume and mainly aerobic sub-maximal speeds and a big emphasis on aerobic development. This is the basis of the Norwegian training method that dominates sports science research today. The latter uses longer intervals (1,000–2,000 m) developing anaerobic-threshold speed (vLT2) monitored by lactate measurement several times a week. These innovations have been fostered by various sociological facts (promotion of sports, sports sciences, and use of the results) and the historical context of the era.