Aligned with the recent shift in fruit consumption trends, there is a growing increase in the cultivation of these fruits. Thus, various types of small fruits, including blueberries, have recently been introduced and cultivated in Korea. According to the data, there has been a notable uptick in blueberry farming, in stark contrast to the decline in cultivation of black raspberries, black chokeberries, and blackcurrants. New varieties of blueberries continue to be introduced and cultivated, aligning with the recent consumption trends and are expected to be consistently cultivated in the future. Despite the decrease in the other berries, health benefits associated with all berries have ignited growing consumer interest, resulting in domestic and international market expansion. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of identifying plant varieties that are well-suited to Korea's climatic conditions, validating efficient cultivation strategies, and establishing robust distribution networks to foster sustainable development in the berry industry.

This study was conducted to determine the acceptability of locally accepted japonica rice varieties among 53 farmers in Bohol and 38 farmers in Nueva Ecija, who were further classified into adopters and non-adopters of the GUVA japonica rice variety. Snowball sampling was made on farmer adopters/cooperators of a high-quality seed multiplication and dissemination project in the said provinces. The farmer respondents were mostly male whose ages ranged from 30 to 80 years and with farm sizes from 0.5 to 16 hectares. The farmers’ rice variety and usage were assessed by comparing the GUVA japonica rice variety with their commonly planted indica rice variety based on its agronomic characteristics, yield and income potential, and seed purity concerns. The barriers/hesitations to adoption of the GUVA japonica rice variety, namely seed availability, varietal information, and market potential, must be complemented with the suggested improvements on the variety together with factors that convince the farmers for committed use of this variety. Researchers together with partner agencies must put a lot of thought on how to integrate and synchronize these concerns so that the farmers can adopt GUVA japonica rice. Interest check on the usage of GUVA japonica rice variety in rice production as well as suggested improvements were solicited as the basis for continuous R&D pursuits that would eventually promote and adopt the GUVA japonica rice variety from these provinces.

Background: This study helps to evaluate the Ovarian potential of Cameroonian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) slaughtered in Etoudi – Yaoundé for implementing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). The aim was to enhance the productivity of the cattle sub-sector in Cameroon while conserving local genetic resources. Methods: A total of 144 cows, including 94 cycled cows and 50 pregnant cows, were included in the study. Live weights were determined by measuring the thoracic perimeter of each cow using a Rondo measuring tape. Age was determined postmortem through examination of dentition and horns, while the uterus and ovaries were removed, weighed, and classified based on physiological status (pregnant or nonpregnant). Follicles were counted, and their diameters were measured and categorized into small (Ø < 3 mm), medium (Ø 3-8 mm), and large (Ø > 8 mm). Results: The results revealed an average follicular population of 32.02 ± 9.31 per cow, with 22.43 ± 8.45 small follicles, 8.42 ± 3.87 medium follicles, and 0.76 ± 0.34 large follicles. The weight of the right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left ovary (p < 0.05), and cows aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a higher number of follicles compared to other age groups. Cows with medium (BCS = 3) and large (BCS = 4-5) body reserves had the heaviest ovaries. Additionally, pregnant cows had heavier uteri compared to non-pregnant cows, and cows with a body condition score of 3 or higher had higher uterine weights than lean cows (BCS = 1-2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that age, body condition score, and pregnancy status influence ovarian weight. Body Condition Score serves as a reliable indicator of cow nutritional status, and cows with BCS of 3-5 are excellent candidates for in vitro production of embryos.

Background: Reproductive management practices play crucial roles to maximize the reproductive performance of cows, and thus contribute to farm profitability. We aimed to assess the reproductive management of cows currently practiced in the dairy farms in an urban farming system. Methods: A total of 62 dairy farms were randomly selected considering all size of farms such as small (1-5 cattle), medium (6-20 cattle) and large farms (> 20 cattle) from selected areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The reproductive managementrelated parameters viz. estrus detection, breeding method, pregnancy diagnosis, dry cow and parturition management, vaccination and treatment of reproductive problems etc. were obtained in a pre-defined questionnaire during the farm visit. Results: The visual observation method was only used (100.0%; 62/62) for estrus detection irrespective of size of the farms; while farmers observed cows for estrus 4-5 times a day, but only for 20-60 seconds each time. Regardless of farm size, 89.0% (55/62) farms used artificial insemination (AI) for breeding the cows. Intriguingly, all farms (100.0%) routinely checked the cows for pregnancy at 35-40 days post-breeding using rectal palpation technique by registered veterinarian. However, only 6.5% (4/62) farms practiced dry cow management. Notably, all farms (100.0%) provided nutritional supplements (Vit D, Ca and P) during late gestation. However, proper hygiene and cleanliness during parturition was not practiced in 77.4% (48/62) farms; even though 96.7% (60/62) farms treated cows by registered veterinarian for parturition-related problems. Conclusions: While farmers used AI service for breeding and timely check their cows for pregnancy; however, they need to increase observation time (30 minutes/ observation, twice in a day: early morning and early night) for estrus detection, consider dry cow management and ensure hygienic parturition for maximizing production.

PURPOSES : This study aims to conduct a laboratory evaluation on the use of ferronickel slag for manufacturing Hot Mix Asphalat mixtures. METHODS : This research was based on laboratory evaluation only, where conventional aggregate and FNS at a ratio of 7:3 were used in HMA and the volumetric properties, physical and mechanical properties, and long-term performance of FNS in asphalt mixture were evaluated. RESULTS : The overall results showed that FNS can be applied as aggregate in a hot mix asphalt since volumetric, physical and mechanical properties and long-term performance of HMA mixture with ferronickel slags as aggregate met the required standards according to Korean standards for Asphalt Concrete. CONCLUSIONS : The tensile strength ratio results of HMA mixtures with ferronickel aggregate did not meet the required standards, yet the addition of anti-stripping agent and waste glass fibers to the HMA mixture with ferronickel slags improved the tensile strength results to meet the standards. Additionally, compared to the HMA mixture of the same aggregate gradation but with only natural aggregate, HMA mixture with ferronickel slags had almost the same results for the majority of tests conducted.

이 글은 내가 최근에 종이 위에 작업한 작품들의 개요를 보여주는 데 목적이 있다. 이를 통해 작품들에서의 터치, 시간, 운동의 모든 측면과, 제작 과정과 관람 경험에 대한 발견을 전반적으로 제공하고자 한다. 나는 2022년의 대형 드로잉 작업 <목욕하는 사람들 I>과 2023년의 새로운 디지털 비디오 <그림자 속의 어떤 빛>에서 번역과 변환에 집중하고 있는 데, 손으로 들고 촬영하는 방식으로 터치, 시간, 운동의 요소들이 아이폰 카메라에 어떻게 반영되는지를 보여주기 위해서다. 이때 다양한 해상도와 프레임 속도의 사용은 후반 작업에 서 영상의 속도를 늦추는 방식과 결합하여 새로운 등가물을 만들어 내게 된다. 나는 갤러리 에서의 관람객들의 실시간 시청 경험을 고려하고 탐색하기 위해 스튜디오에서의 활동 결과 를 병렬하고 기록하는 촬영 관행도 개발하였다. 이는 특히 커다란 포맷의 네거티브 이미지 아날로그 사진들을 이용하여 손으로 만든 작품을 치환하는 것을 탐구한 나의 초기 실습을 통해서 맥락화된 결과이다. 나는 또한 이 글에서 19세기 후반의 사진, 광학, 회화의 발전, 특히 조르주 쇠라의 점묘법 작품과 나의 현재 작업 사이의 연관성에 대해 논의했다.

Truck no-show behavior has posed significant disruptions to the planning and execution of port operations. By delving into the key factors that contribute to truck appointment no-shows and proactively predicting such behavior, it becomes possible to make preemptive adjustments to port operation plans, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency. Considering the data imbalance and the impact of accuracy for each decision tree on the performance of the random forest model, a model based on the Borderline Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique and Weighted Random Forest (BSMOTE-WRF) is proposed to predict truck appointment no-shows and explore the relationship between truck appointment no-shows and factors such as weather conditions, appointment time slot, the number of truck appointments, and traffic conditions. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, the experiments were conducted with the available dataset from the Tianjin Port Second Container Terminal. It is demonstrated that the prediction accuracy of BSMOTE-WRF model is improved by 4%-5% compared with logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machines. Importance ranking of factors affecting truck no-show indicate that (1) The number of truck appointments during specific time slots have the highest impact on truck no-show behavior, and the congestion coefficient has the secondhighest impact on truck no-show behavior and its influence is also significant; (2) Compared to the number of truck appointments and congestion coefficient, the impact of severe weather on truck no-show behavior is relatively low, but it still has some influence; (3) Although the impact of appointment time slots is lower than other influencing factors, the influence of specific time slots on truck no-show behavior should not be overlooked. The BSMOTE-WRF model effectively analyzes the influencing factors and predicts truck no-show behavior in appointment-based systems.

Port operational efficiency is considered as one of the most important competitive factors and plays a critical role in the port development all over the world, especially container ports. Haiphong Port, which is in the northern of Vietnam, is planned to become one of the national and regional ports. To do this objective, it is important to analyse the operational efficiency of its container terminals. The paper aims to comparatively analyse the operational efficiency of 16 container terminals in Haiphong Port from 2016 to 2022 by basic and Malmquist DEA models. With 112 observations collected and calculated in R software, DEA models have five inputs (container yard area, number of quay crane, berth draft, berth length, labour force) and one output (annual cargo throughput). Consequently, Hai An, Tan Vu, and Vip Greenport are more efficient terminals over the 7-year period, whereas Transvina and MIPEC have lower efficiency. Paper contributions are the literature review about port operational efficiency and references to propose resolutions in next author’s research as well as masterplans to develop Vietnam seaport’s system. Besides, the limitations are discussed as the number of observations and environmental factors in ports.

This paper attempts to show that the word sì 巳(祀) used after the negative wù 勿 or wú 毋 functions as a “Vintransitive” (all the abbreviations and references used in this paper are given at the end of Part I). As such, it forms a VP, 勿/毋V1V2, where V2 is always one of the six “Type-A ritual Vs”—one being dăo 禱 ‘to pray’, the rest given in the paper. The semantic relationship between V1 (巳/祀) and V2 is closely examined. There are also inscriptions in which V1 is used before yú 于, a “multidirectional” preposition. This is labelled as “Nloc in the sense of ‘in, at’ (not ‘to, for’)” in the construction given in the title. The paper accounts for its motive principle. The paper argues that 巳/祀 is a Vaction meaning “conduct sì-providential ritual”. It was done at a place to seek divine direction and guidance from the deity or Power believed to have dwelt in situ. Originally presented in Takashima (2009a), this paper delves further into linguistic, philological, and cultural aspects of the 巳-ritual couched in the VP, 勿/毋V1(=巳/祀)V2. A major reason for its use is to contrast the 巳-ritual with other rituals and sacrifices. The details will be explained with examples. Part I covers “Examination I: Zhū Shēngyù’s Questions and Zhāng Yùjīn’s Interpretation”. The paper answers the former and evaluates the latter. Part II begins with “Examination II: Qiú Xīguī’s Interpretation” and ends with the conclusions of the entire paper.

Since Russia-Ukraine war, India and the United States has enhanced their cooperation as evidenced by the recent engagements. Multiple meetings by officials and leaders including two Quad and 2+2 dialogue summits, have provided a clear stance on each country’s perspective on the recent conflict. The US-India dispute regarding Russia-Ukraine war demonstrates that it is a stress test for the US-India ties, as well as a test of the US leadership in the global politics. The balancing act required to settle the differences between the two countries will have implications for the Indo-Pacific region as well as global security, even though the disagreements are not yet mutually incompatible. Strengthening ties with the US is now a tightrope walk for India. While there are differences between the two countries in Ukraine, the real challenge is turning these differences into opportunities. The paper deals with the different issues arising from the Russia and Ukraine conflict in the context of US-India interface.

The Syrian crisis has been persisting for more than eleven years, but shows no signs of resolution or end yet. Various reports from the United Nations and other reputable organizations have extensively documented a multitude of atrocities perpetrated by all factions involved in the conflict. This article examines the Syrian crisis from a perspective of international law. The author analyses the legal justifications put forward by the parties involved in the conflict, including humanitarian intervention, the responsibility to protect, etc. This research paper employs an analytical and descriptive research methodology. The finding concludes that the Syrian Civil War is not likely to be over for the foreseeable future in spite of many efforts under international law. The author also finds that there have been numerous violations of international law by both sides in the conflict related to human rights and humanitarian protection.

This research examines the rescue of refugees at sea in the context of international law and human rights. The article focuses on the search and rescue obligations outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The article also discusses other international initiatives relevant to the rescue of refugees at sea, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Global Compact on Refugees. The challenges surrounding the rescue of refugees at sea are also analysed, including issues such as delays and refusals in assistance. The authors further explore disagreements over responsibility and jurisdiction in rescue operations involving refugees. Finally, the article underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of international legislation and basic humanitarian principles when addressing the rescue of refugees at sea. It offers insights into potential solutions for addressing the challenges and controversies encountered in these rescue operations.

The legal status of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) has been regulated through the High Seas Treaty as a common heritage of humankind. However, there still exist problems related to overlapping areas above the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). In such areas, a significant continental shelf would fall within national jurisdiction, whereas the water column would be under the regime of the high seas, and BBNJ would be the common heritage of humankind. We argue that, in order to address the overlapping of areas within the superjacent waters in the ECS, a given sui generis status is required, so that the coastal state has a sovereign right to conserve the BBNJ in these areas. This study concludes that the sui generis arrangement should be implemented in the context of an overlapping ECS and its water column. The efforts of the Indonesian government to extend the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles constitute an important step in preserving natural resources for future generations.

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) becomes an influential actor in international investment rule-making, this article scrutinizes the environmental provisions within ASEAN investment agreements and evaluates their adequacy in preserving ASEAN member states’ (AMS) regulatory autonomy for environmental protection. Through a comprehensive survey of fifteen plurilateral investment agreements, the study conducts a comparative analysis with international treaty practices to determine the effectiveness of these provisions in reconciling environmental concerns with foreign investment promotion objectives. These findings reveal that environmental provisions in ASEAN investment agreements are often vague or narrowly tailored, limiting their ability to provide adequate regulatory space for AMS to implement necessary environmental measures. This article concludes by offering recommendations for enhancing environmental provisions in future ASEAN investment agreements to ensure a more balanced approach safeguarding both investment promotion and environmental regulation rights of AMS.

This study investigated the surface tension and foaming properties of the hot-water extracts of pumpkin leaf and chickpea, as well as the effects of the plant hot-water extracts on white pan bread baking. Propylene glycol alginate (PGA), a synthetic emulsifier widely used in bakery, was used as a control. Pumpkin leaf water extract showed lower surface tension and comparable foaming capacity, compared with chickpea water extract and PGA solution when total solid  0.15% (w/w). Chickpea water extract showed the highest foam stability when total solid  0.15% (w/w). The dough was found to have a weak gel structure, and its viscoelastic properties were not significantly influenced by adding 0.05% or 0.15% (w/w) (based on total solid content) plant water extracts or PGA. The specific volume of the bread increased, and the baking loss was reduced by adding the two plant water extracts of total solid 0.15% (w/w). The hardness and chewiness of the bread crumb were reduced to a level comparable to the crumb containing 0.05% (w/w) PGA. The results showed that the pumpkin leaf water extract could be an effective natural emulsifier with a high phenolic content for bakery products.