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The effect of different irrigation methods (sprinkler, surface, surface-drip, and subsurface-drip) using treated wastewater, on alfalfa yield quantity and quality, was studied under semi-arid conditions. Randomized complete block design considering irrigation methods on 5 × 5 m plots replicated four times. Applied irrigation water was based on the Penman–Monteith equation using the FAO Cropwat software and accounting for the efficiencies of used irrigation systems. Surface irrigation gave the highest alfalfa fresh yield without significant difference compared to subsurface-drip. Average fresh production was 123, 120, 109, and 91 tons/h for surface, subsurface-drip, surface-drip, and sprinkler irrigation, respectively. Alfalfa fresh weight from subsurface-drip irrigation was 32 and 10% higher compared to sprinkler and surface-drip irrigation. Alfalfa dry weight from subsurface-drip irrigation was 10, 21, and 47% higher compared to surface-drip, surface, and sprinkler irrigation, respectively. N percentage in alfalfa leaves was significantly lower by 12% under subsurface-drip irrigation as compared to the other irrigation methods. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and fecal coliform (FC) were not detected on alfalfa leaves using subsurface-drip irrigation. E. coli and FC counts were high on leaves using sprinkler and surface irrigation. Subsurface-drip irrigation may be adapted as an efficient irrigation method when using non-conventional water under semi-arid conditions. HIGHLIGHTS Irrigation study: Examined methods using treated wastewater in semi-arid areas.; Subsurface-drip: Tops in dry yield, matches in fresh yield.; Health benefits: Subsurface-drip reduces E. coli and fecal coliform on alfalfa.; Smart water use: Advocates calculated use with FAO Cropwat insights.; Alternative water: Recommends subsurface-drip for treated wastewater in semi-arid regions.;

Abstract Background Adjuvant radiotherapy represents a key component in curative-intent treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients. In recent years, two accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) techniques are preferred for this population in our organization: electron-based Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) and Linac-based External Beam Radiotherapy, particularly Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Recently published long-term follow-up data evaluating these technologies have motivated a health technology reassessment of IORT compared to IMRT. Methods We developed a Markov model to simulate health-state transitions from a cohort of women with early-stage breast cancer, after lumpectomy and adjuvant APBI using either IORT or IMRT techniques. The cost-effectiveness from a private health provider perspective was assessed from a disinvestment point of view, using life-years (LYs) and recurrence-free life-years (RFLYs) as measure of benefits, along with their respective quality adjustments. Expected costs and benefits, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were reported. Finally, a sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness using lower IORT local recurrence and metastasis rates in IORT patients, and if equipment maintenance costs are removed. Results IORT technology was dominated by IMRT in all cases (i.e., fewer benefits with greater costs). Despite small differences were found regarding benefits, especially for LYs, costs were considerably higher for IORT. For sensitivity analyses with lower recurrence and metastasis rates for IORT, and scenario analyses without equipment maintenance costs, IORT was still dominated by IMRT. Conclusions For this cohort of patients, IMRT was, at least, non-inferior to IORT in terms of expected benefits, with considerably lower costs. As a result, IORT disinvestment should be considered, favoring the use of IMRT in these patients.

Technology has significantly transformed knowledge, education, and access to information by introducing online learning platforms, interactive games, and virtual reality simulations in traditional classrooms, creating a dynamic, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. The ChatGBT project (a pre-developed transformer for training) is a remarkable achievement in artificial intelligence technology. It allows students tailored and efficient learning experiences by providing individual feedback and explanations. ChatGPT e-learning platform has been extensively studied for its adoption and acceptance, but there is a significant gap in research on its acceptability and use, highlighting the need for further exploration. The goal of this work is to bridge this disparity by introducing a comprehensive model that includes three basic elements: performance expectation, expected effort, and social impact. A total of 241 graduate students were surveyed and their data were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques. The results indicate that “expectation of performance and expected effort” have the greatest impact and importance in determining students’ intentions to use learning platforms via ChatGPT, while social influence does not play an important role. This study enhances the current body of knowledge related to artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability, and provides important insights for professionals, policymakers, and producers of artificial intelligence products. These observations may provide guidance for creating and implementing artificial intelligence technologies to match consumers’ needs and preferences more effectively, while also taking into account broader environmental conditions.

Abstract Background Recent studies have revealed some conflicting results about the health effects of caffeine. These studies are inconsistent in terms of design and population and source of consumed caffeine. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the possible health effects of dietary caffeine intake among overweight and obese individuals. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 488 apparently healthy individuals with overweight and obesity were participated. Dietary intake was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the amount of dietary caffeine was calculated. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Enzymatic methods were used to evaluate serum lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations. Results Those at the highest tertile of dietary caffeine intake had lower percentage of fat mass, higher fat free mass and appetite score (P

Le parti pris théorique adopté par cette étude est que les théories se manifestent à travers des formes discursives et que ces formes accordent aux théories une représentation spatiale, temporelle ou spatiotemporelle. Dans cette perspective, notre étude entend envisager les formes de représentation temporelle manifestées par les théories sémiotiques. De telles formes ne connaissent pas encore de définition dans la littérature sémiotique. Notre étude s’attache à en dégager quatre à partir d’une analyse syntaxique de la notion de temps et de ses composantes définitionnelles, analyse menée sur des diagrammes. La description de ces quatre formes discursives — récit, déduction, argument et décrit — est consolidée par des rapprochements avec des conceptions, principalement philosophiques, du temps. Enfin, il est montré comment ces quatre temporalités soutiennent la modélisation des discours théoriques en sémiotique.

À l’occasion de la publication de Pratiques discursives du savoir. Le cas sémiotique (2022), les animateurs du présent dossier ont adressé à son auteur, Sémir Badir, quatre questions relatives à l’historiographie et l’épistémologie de la sémiotique. La première question aborde différentes manières de concevoir l’histoire de la sémiotique, soit autour d’un projet théorique, soit autour d’une notion, en cherchant à identifier son destinataire idéal. La deuxième question porte sur les liens entre les théories de Saussure, de Hjelmslev et de Greimas. Badir défend l’intérêt d’une approche discursive (plutôt que notionnelle ou théorique), consistant à mettre en évidence le contexte disciplinaire, la matérialité du discours ainsi que le domaine épistémique dans lesquels ces liens sont posés, s’affichent et se rendent actifs. Un troisième volet concerne l’évolution de la sémiotique postgreimassienne. L’existence d’un programme de recherche n’est pas douteuse. Mais, au lieu de conduire à des applications étendues, la sémiotique revient constamment vers ses propres fondements théoriques. On s’interroge finalement sur les rapports qu’entretient la sémiotique avec les disciplines voisines. Le programme de la sémiotique prétend avoir des répercussions sur l’organisation générale des sciences, mettant ainsi en évidence le statut épistémologique particulier, non disciplinarisé, de cette pratique discursive du savoir.

In line with the literature that describes conflicts between commitment to work and to family in patriarchal societies undergoing cultural changes, including the cultural empowerment of women, this study examines whether such a development is evident among teacher-mothers in Arab society in Israel, and if so, how it affects their functioning in both settings. 537 teacher-mothers from high schools in Arab society in Israel, representing the population in all districts of the country, completed questionnaires that examined conflictual characteristics and their implications for the teachers' functioning. It was found that the teachers are in a bidirectional conflict between commitment to family and work but that they cope with it successfully. A model was validated that describes the systemic significance of the commitment conflict between family and work. Identifying conflict factors may facilitate the proposal of means to moderate them. The possibility of expanding the model in further research is discussed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to various sectors worldwide, including the water sector. This study delves into the strategies and adaptation measures applied by water utilities in Ho Chi Minh City to overcome the complex difficulties brought about by the pandemic. This study applies qualitative research method, data is collected by conducting in-depth interviews with participants. The target audience of the study is employees, managers, and directors at water supply companies. The research focuses on exploring innovative and creative approaches used in both operations and management practices to respond to crises. By analyzing the data collected, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted responses to the pandemic in the water sector. These findings contribute to the knowledge base surrounding crisis management and organizational resilience, providing valuable insights for decision makers and stakeholders in similar industry. Ultimately, this research aims to facilitate informed decision-making and promote effective strategies to address future challenges arising from pandemics or other crises.

Several factors control the formation of river islands, such as tectonic factors, sedimentation, erosion, and human activities. This research is concerned with islands in the Shatt Al-Arab channel, which are likely to be traced back to tectonic factors in their formation. The islands of the Shatt Al-Arab River are distributed along its axis starting from the islands of Sindbad and Muhammadiyah, 15 km to the north of the city center of Basra, to the islands of Shatit, Al-Dawasir and Minauhi, 70 km south of the city center of Basrah. This study area is part of the Mesopotamia Plain, southern Iraq. The fieldwork period extended from the beginning of September 2012 to June 2013, which included making subsurface sections (longitudinal and transverse) of the bottom of the Shatt Al-Arab channel using the Sub-bottom profile Strata box device, imaging the topography of the river bottom in a side scan sonar, collecting the bottom sediments by a grab sampler. The volumetric analysis method uses the Master Sizer device based on the Folk classification to calculate the volumetric gradient of sediments. The study showed that the tectonic factor has a prominent role in the growth island Maino and as a result of the presence of sub-surface structures for the structure of the Siba, which appeared to affect the subsurface layers of the river bed near the island as it appeared in the survey sections of the Strata box device. There are some islands that more than one factor emerged as a reason for their formation and development, as in the islands of Muhammadiyah and Umm al-Rasas, where tectonic and sedimentary factors interfered in their formation and development due to the influence of sub-surface structures as well as the influence of nearby rivers such as the Karma and Karun Rivers.