This paper deals with the geospatial suitability analysis of organic farming in the Garhwal Himalaya, India, using the AHP method in association with Geographic Information Systems. Organic farming is very important for the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices in mountainous regions where topographical as well as environmental factors play an important role in land suitability. It makes use of multiple criteria: Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Topographic Ruggedness Index (TRI), Topographic Positioning Index (TPI), slope, flow direction, flow accumulation, aspect, hillshade, curvature, and tan slope. A pairwise comparison matrix was formulated using AHP to assign weights for these parameters based on their relative importance in determining land suitability for organic farming. With the integration of such weighted factors by the GIS tools, it has given scope for developing a detailed suitability map over the land areas, which identified very-low, low, moderate, high, and very-high suitability areas for organic farming. Therefore, the results show that the spatial variability of the suitability of land is a large factor in the Garhwal Himalaya, developed by the complicated interaction between topographic and hydrological factors. High scoring districts include Chamoli and Rudraprayag, while low scores were reported in regions located in Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal, mainly due to steeper slopes and rough topography. The research output is really important for policymakers and local farmers in order to expand organic farming in ecologically sustainable areas. The methodology adopted offers a replicable framework for land suitability assessment in the other mountainous regions of the world, and it contributes to the larger discourse on sustainable agricultural development.

Background: While there is ample evidence on the effects of Nordic hamstring training (NHT) on physical fitness in youth athletes, less is known about the effectiveness of different volumes of this type of training. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the effects of 8 weeks of low-volume Nordic hamstring training (LNHT) performed during the warm-up, on sprints (5, 10, and 20-m) and change of direction (CoD) with (15-m CoD Ball) and without (15-m without Ball) the ball in young male soccer players in highly trained male youth soccer players. Methods: Twenty-eight male youth soccer players, aged 13 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to LNHT (n= 14) or a control group (CON, n= 14). The eight-week NMT included low Nordic exercises with 3 sets of 4 repetitions. The CG performed a soccer-specific warm-up. Training was performed during the warm-up with similar training volumes between groups. Pre-, and post-training, tests were conducted to assess sprint (5, 10, and 20-m) and change of direction (CoD) with (15-m CoD Ball) and without (15-m without Ball) the ball. Results: Findings showed significant group-by-time interactions for all 5 (F1,26=.77, P =.38, Pη2 =.029), 10 (F1,26=2.7, P =.11, Pη2 =.095) and 20-m sprint (F1,26=14.9, P =.001, Pη2 =.364) and CoD with (F1,26=12.9, P =.001, Pη2 =.332) and without the ball (F1,26=24.1, P =.001, Pη2 =.481) tests. There were significant pre-post changes for all tested variables (all P<0.005) in favor of LNHT but not CG. Conclusions: In conclusion, LNHT was a mean tool for improving CoD speed and sprint performance. Due to the importance of CoD and short accelerations for overall competitive performance in soccer, our results suggest that young players should perform LNHT as part of their warm-up soccer training if the goal is to improve sprint and CoD performance.

This study reports on teachers` resource uptake in an intervention implemented in the first half of 2021. The intervention occurred in terms of providing isiZulu home language (HL) reading anthologies (RAs) and the Teacher`s guide to a sample of 100 quintiles 1-3 primary schools in the King Cetshwayo district in KwaZulu-Natal. This provision stems from limitations of reading resources in African HLs. Hence, this article aims to examine whether the provision of RAs impacted reading practices in the foundation phase (FP) classroom. A qualitative case study was used to gather data in six quintile 1 and 2 schools. Grade 3 reading lessons were observed in the six schools sampled. Data collected were analysed by using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the provision of RAs has increased opportunities for the learners to read in their HL, isiZulu. However, teachers did not seem knowledgeable on how to conduct group guided reading activities using the RAs with learners. Based on these findings, although teachers did not seem to understand how to use the RAs according to the guidelines provided, it can be concluded that providing culturally and linguistically relevant resources in African languages is necessary. The findings in this study could advocate for the continuum provisioning of linguistically relevant resources in African languages, as this will not only promote reading interests in African HLs but also authorship and publications. The findings also highlighted the need for the FP teachers to be workshopped and guided effectively on using classroom resources according to their intended use.

This article presents the findings of a suitability assessment for hydrocarbon reservoir analogues using pore imaging techniques on selected limestone samples. The study focuses on the Bewah Limestone in the eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, which dates back to the Permian period. The Bewah Limestone is classified as a metasediment and consists of mudstone, dolomite, and crystallized limestone. Thin polished sections from ten limestone samples were analyzed, and these were successfully categorized as mudstone, wackestone, packstone, dolomite, and rudstone. The samples were then analyzed using ImageJ software to quantify porosity, with porosity levels determined by applying thresholds to grayscale images. Porosity results varied across the samples, ranging from poor to good, based on the hydrocarbon reservoir quality index. The highest recorded porosity was 20.24%, classified as good, while fair porosity ranged from 11.6% to 11.93%. Most samples exhibited poor porosity, ranging from 6.10% to 9.52%. Pore connectivity was assessed using different threshold levels to better understand fluid flow. The results suggest that the Bewah Limestone samples have the potential to store and trap hydrocarbon fluids, indicating their suitability as hydrocarbon reservoir analogues.

This study investigates the effects of a structured CrossFit intervention on physical activity levels, cardiovascular health, body composition, and mental well-being among law students. A total of 50 first-year law students (24 females and 26 males) participated in a four-week CrossFit program consisting of three weekly sessions, each lasting 35-40 minutes. Participants were assessed at the beginning and end of the program using the Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (MBPAQ), body composition measurements, and physiological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body fat percentage. Significant improvements were observed in physical activity levels (t = 7.135, p < 0.001), resting heart rate (t = 2.354, p = 0.027), systolic blood pressure (t = 6.669, p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (t = 6.431, p < 0.001). Small but significant increases were noted in body water content (p = 0.020). However, no significant changes were observed in work-related physical activity or bone mass. These results suggest that CrossFit is an effective intervention for enhancing physical and mental health in high-stress academic environments, particularly in improving cardiovascular health and body composition. The findings support the role of high-intensity exercise programs in reducing stress-related physiological markers in students.

The aim of this research was to establish an effective rehabilitation program for youth athletes involved in team sports requiring ball-throwing motions, such as handball and polo, who experience biceps tendinitis in their throwing arm. This program sought to expedite their physical recovery. Data was collected over two competitive seasons and organized systematically. The study involved eight male handball players and twelve female polo players, all aged between 12 and 14, from private clubs associated with the physiotherapy center where treatment took place. A three-phase therapy regimen was designed. The Yergason and Speed tests were employed to identify biceps tendinitis, while the SPADI scale measured shoulder pain and functional limitations. The initial phase involved three days of therapeutic massage targeting the shoulder to enhance circulation and alleviate pain associated with movement. Results from palpation confirmed positive outcomes. The second phase incorporated both massage and three days of passive mobilization exercises for shoulder muscles, which helped reduce inflammation and improved joint mobility. The third and final phase, spanning four days, combined the second phase`s treatments with ten muscle-strengthening exercises aimed at restoring upper limb strength. This allowed participants to resume group training, with pain reduced to such a minimal level that it no longer interfered with physical activities.

Phase change material (PCM) is a promising medium to store abundant solar\nenergy and release it in due time, which enables a sustainable supply.\nSodium acetate salt hydrate (CH3COONa·3H2O, SAT) is a suitable PCM for\nthermal energy storage at lower temperature; however the supercooling phenomenon\nrestricts its utilization. Here in this paper SAT and Na2HPO4·12H2O together with\nNa2SiO3·9H2O added as a stable agent are used to prepare a composite salt hydrate\nwith lower supercooling and good comprehensive properties. It obtains that:\n(1) The optimal mass ratio of composite salt hydrate of CH3COONa·3H2O to\nNa2HPO4·12H2O is 8.5: 1.5, which is with the suppressed supercooling degree of 0.3\nC and heat release platform lasting about 1220s.\n(2) The stability of melting - solidification cycle of the optimal composite salt hydrate\ncan be further improved by addition of 1.5% Na2SiO3·9H2O to above composite salt\nhydrate. Its supercooling degree is less than 1.3 C with heat release platform at about\n51 C during 200 times of melting - solidification cycles, it indicates a stable thermal\nperformance.

Digital media literacy has become an intrinsic component in shaping high school students’\nknowledge acquisition and critical thoughts. Over the last two decades, internet and\ncomputers have been the implemented tools to reach such goals and promote the students’\nlearning. This paper looks for the impact of Information and Communication Technology\n(ICT) on Tunisian secondary school students by detecting their technical skills as well as their\ncritical understanding. This quantitative study relies on a self-reporting approach and targets\n150 Tunisian secondary students. It proves the necessary consideration of technological and\nsocial variables in helping sort out major digital handicaps related to secondary students and\ndisplays the interconnectedness between the different dimensions of digital media literacy. It\nalso displays that Tunisian high school students cannot be referred to as digitally-media\nliterate people. The study contributes to the field of digital media literacy as it offers a solid\nempirical background to build on and indicates the necessity of integrating digital media\nliteracy into the school-based initiatives.

Soil salinity is a major concern to agriculture all over the world because it affects almost all plant functions. A pot experiment was conducted at the net house of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh during Rabi season 2019 to estimate the contribution of silicon to increase crop growth under salt stress condition. The experiment was laid out at two factor completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor was salinity concentration having two levels: 0 and 6 dS/m salinity and the second factor were four levels of silicon: 0, 2, 4 and 8 milimolar. The source of salt and silicon was NaCl and silicic acid, respectively. The test crop was rice and variety was Binadhan-8. Five young seedlings comprising a hill were transplanted on each pot consisting of 5 kg soil. Data were statistically analysed using STAR software. Salinity reduces the plant height, number of tillers per hill, number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry weight of shoot, fresh and dry weight of root, total chlorophyll content of Binadhan-8 by about 17%, 28%, 8%, 39%, 40%, 9%, 17%, 40% and 3%, respectively. Application of different doses of silicon improves all the parameters. In both 0 and 6dS/m salinity condition 2, 4 and 8 mM silicon progressively increased all the test parameters over silicon control treatment; 8 mM silicon had the highest performance. Silicon @ 8 mM concentration is therefore recommended as a plant nutrient in non saline condition as well as to elevate the negative impact of salt stress in rice.

Environmental pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has become one of the critical and pressing issues worldwide. Although these pollutants occur naturally in the environment; however, their concentrations are in continuous increase, probably as the consequences of anthropic activities. Some of these pollutants are toxic, even at very low concentrations, and can cause undesirable ecological effects. Thus, the cleanup of these polluted soils and water is a must to ensure safe handling of the available natural resources. Several remediation technologies are introduced to remediate the PTEs contaminated waters and soils, i.e., chemical, physical, and biological remediation techniques. However, the recycling of agricultural wastes could be promising safe and successful practice to control these contaminants in soils and water and; hence, achieve a healthy, sustainable environment. This review article examines the PTEs exposure in the environment, their remediation with conventional methods and role of biochar in treating the polluted soils and waters. In addition, we have concluded the potentiality of using biochar in combination with phytoremediation and soil washing technologies to attain more efficient remediation practices of some PTEs, i.e., Cr and As.

The objective of this study was to prepare N-homocysteine conjugate of nisin, and to evaluate the effect of N-homocysteinylation reaction on the antibacterial activity of nisin. Progression of the modification was monitored by measuring free sulfhydryl groups, and by using both acetic acid urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (AAU-PAGE) and tricine sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (tricine SDS-PAGE). Optimum conditions to attain the maximum N-homocysteinylation degree (6.30%) were determined as 6 mg/mL nisin, 150 mM homocysteine thiolactone, 150 rpm shaker speed, 3.0 pH and 6 hrs reaction time. Antibacterial activity of N-homocysteinylated nisin was determined against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris AÜ, Enterococcus faecium ATCC 9097, Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 5348 and Escherichia coli RSKK. Of all the bacteria tested only the growth of E. faecium was inhibited slightly by modified nisin having just about 10% of antibacterial activity of unmodified nisin. Tricine SDS-PAGE analysis applied after trypsin and thermolysin hydrolysis showed that side chains of Lys12 and Lys22 were both modified with homocysteine thiolactone reaction.