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The mysterious phrase “Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin” from the Book of Daniel has fascinated scholars and theologians for centuries. Despite its significance in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, in-depth linguistic analysis of the phrase in Aramaic texts is still limited. This study aims to bridge the gap between current knowledge and the desired understanding of the phrase’s linguistic structure, semantic implications, and historical context. Using descriptive and historical linguistic analysis methods on ancient Aramaic script, this study seeks to investigate the origins and development of the phrase while evaluating previous interpretations. This study will contribute to the understanding of ancient Semitic linguistics and culture, enriching theological and historical studies related to the Book of Daniel. Through this combined approach, this study aims to shed light on the linguistics, culture, and history in the broader context of ancient Semitic languages and texts, ultimately providing a clearer understanding of the phrase’s use, impact, and social relevance in ancient times. Thus, it is found that (1) In ancient Mesopotamian culture, supernatural signs such as the writing on the walls of Belshazzar’s palace were viewed as direct divine intervention in human affairs. (2) This phrase carries a very strong message of criticism against the king. (3) Symbolic meaning for communication and narrative was important for the time. In conclusion. This research enhances the understanding of the Old Testament scriptures and the reception and interpretation of divine messages in specific historical settings. This understanding also opens the stage for further investigation of the correlation between sacred texts and their historical environment. Future scholarly investigations could investigate the social and political impact of divine messages in other ancient textual materials.

This research aims to evaluate the service quality within the commuter system of Klang Valley, Malaysia, specifically the KTM Komuter, by constructing empirical statistical models known as KOMIQUAL models. The primary objective is to identify and quantify the significance or impact of various variables on commuter quality and service, focusing on the Port Klang-Sentul route in the year 2010. The empirical investigation conducted at fourteen commuter stations in Klang Valley was prompted by concerns about severe overcrowding of passengers on rail stations, platforms, and within rail coaches. In addition, some major stations were selected because they faced high demand for passengers. Valid questionnaire responses were statistically analyzed using factor analysis and the Structural Equation Modeling-Analysis of Moment Structures (SEM-AMOS) Graphics and software. Findings showed that the major service characteristics like parking facilities, train efficiency, people services, and space comfort had the highest positive effect on service quality. This research would help the operator to monitor and improve the service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective conservation ecosystem services (ES) rely on mapping hot spots and cold spots; however, limited studies have assessed their efficiency and compactness, potentially impacting conservation success. Spatial prioritization is essential for robust conservation planning. This study aims to: (1) analyze Landsat-8 OLI imagery to produce a land use/land cover (LULC) map; (2) map ES, such as water yield (WY), soil conservation (SC), and carbon storage (CS); and (3) identify hot spots and cold spots to prioritize conservation areas. It employed the Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) software, Getis-Ord (G*) statistics, and ArcGIS. The results showed that paddy field dominated the study area, covering 216,141 ha (31.78%), followed by dry farming (30.20%), plantation forest (11.30%), and settlement (10.62%). The accuracy of the LULC maps was confirmed with a Kappa coefficient of 0.84 and an overall accuracy of 88%. ES mapping revealed WY of 77.93 × 108 m³ year-1, SC of 31.02 × 10³ tons year-1, and CS of 31.65 × 105 tons year-1. The ES analysis identified high-priority conservation areas (2.04%), medium-priority areas (5.54%), and low-priority areas (19.85%) within the Citarum Watershed. Both methods identified the same conservation and non-conservation areas, covering 620,202 ha (89.77%). The results are expected to provide a framework that will help decision-makers prioritize areas for environmental protection based on ecosystem service criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the pore water pressure and water content on a forested slope, focusing on the impact of canopy interception across various rainfall intensities. The study was performed on slopes in the Sukajaya Sub District of West Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, a region that encountered landslides in 2020. Soil hydraulic characteristics, soil textures, saturated water content, and soil moisture content at different pressures, were assessed at different slope locations and depths. The pore water pressure and water content change were simulated using the one-dimensional uniform (equilibrium) finite element model of water movement using the modified Richards and were executed with the HYDRUS 1D model across six scenarios of a combination of three rainfall events at two initial conditions of water content, contrasting bare and vegetated slopes of Maesopsis eminii, which exhibited 35% canopy interception. Findings demonstrate that bare soil attains saturation more rapidly, resulting in elevated pore water pressure and increased susceptibility to slope instability. Conversely, vegetated slopes have delayed saturation owing to canopy interception, which diminishes the volume of rainfall that reaches the soil. The results highlight the crucial function of vegetation in preserving slope stability by regulating soil water pressure and water content, particularly during intense rainfall events. This research enhances comprehension of how vegetated areas might reduce landslide hazards in high-rainfall environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionsSeed dispersal, a fundamental process influencing the distribution and survival of most flowering plants, is key to the understanding of the ecology of tree species and forest restoration potential. However, little is known about the seed dispersal and germination of magnolias, especially in the Neotropics.To elucidate the effect of the removal of the sarcotesta (red outer seed coat) of seeds by birds and ants on the germination of Magnolia vovidesii, a species endemic to Mexico.We recorded birds consuming M. vovidesii seeds using motion-activated camera traps and focal observations for 36 days. In order to understand how birds and ants removed sarcotesta and how this was related to its germination, we made two independent experiments, one using three captive clay-coloured thrushes, and another one using ants in the field.We recorded nine species of birds that fed on magnolia seeds. The clay-coloured thrush, an important consumer of these seeds, eats and subsequently regurgitates, magnolia seeds without sarcotesta. We found that seeds whose sarcotesta had been removed by birds and ants had a significantly higher germination than those with sarcotesta (p < 0.0005).Without the removal of the sarcotesta, magnolia seeds do not germinate at all. Our work demonstrates that birds and ants have a key role in preserving populations of magnolias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]