Abstract:This study investigates the symbolism and production of Silla face-inlaid glass bead to reassess their origin and significance within the context of ancient Korean craftsmanship and cultural exchange. Through design analysis, archaeological data, textual sources, and comparative cultural study, the paper argues for the likelihood of local production in Silla, supported by advanced metalworking and inlay technologies. The analysis also explores how these beads reflect a unique shamanistic worldview, and how their distribution pattern provides insight into Silla's participate on in steppe and maritime Silk Road trade networks. The findings contribute to a reevaluation of Silla's technological and symbolic sophistication and suggest a broader role for ancient Korea in early trans-regional cultural interaction.
Abstract:This study examines the relationship between coaching styles and the athletic performance of high-level basketball players in Hunan Province, China. Driven by the 'Healthy China 2030' strategy, there is a growing need to understand the athletic outcome of coaching influence. While previous researches have categorized coaching styles, little is known about the empirical evidence for the direct impact on the performance. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by utilizing the sample of 246 players and 83 coaches from 15 universities. Data are collected by using the Sports Leadership Scale (LSS) and the Sports Performance Perception Scale, the result demonstrates that the regression equation – Athletic Performance =1.500+0.156 (Rewards) + 0.326 (Social Support) + 0.105 (Authoritative) + 0.363 (Democratic) + 0.288 (Training). The findings reveal that the coaches predominantly use a reward and a praise style, a significant positive correlation exists between the coaching style and the player performance. Specifically, democratic behavior shows the strongest correlation with high athletic performance (r = 0.407, P < 0.01). A subsequent regression analysis confirms this and demonstrates that democratic coaching has the most significant predictive effect on performance (β = 0.363, P < 0.05), with the five coaching dimensions collectively explaining 25.9% of the variance. In addition, the study concludes that a democratic coaching style is the most influential in enhancing athletic performance, providing a clear recommendation for coaches to adopt an athlete-centered approach in training and further development.
Abstract:This study examines the suitability of Patos clays for drilling fluid applications in the Patos Marinza oil field, Albania’s most productive petroleum region. The mineral and chemical composition of the clays, including montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite, was studied to determine their effect on drilling fluid properties such as density, viscosity, filtration, and rheological performance. A series of laboratory tests were performed to assess key characteristics, including suspension stability, sedimentation behavior, sand content, and filter cake development, under various temperature and pressure conditions. The results demonstrate that Patos clays possess advantageous rheological properties, especially in achieving low viscosity at elevated densities, which makes them appropriate for deep well drilling. On the other hand, their high sand content and increased filtration rates necessitate further treatment and additive use, leading to higher operational costs. While technically applicable, the economic viability of Patos clays remains limited when compared to imported bentonite. Nonetheless, their distinctive characteristics offer promise for future use in deep drilling operations, particularly with further research aimed at enhancing performance and reducing costs. This study underscores the relevance of employing locally sourced materials in the oil and gas sector, while also acknowledging the associated technical and economic limitations.
Abstract:This paper analyses the impact of hydropower on Georgia’s GPD. The research process is divided into two parts-secondary sources analysis, followed by a regression formula representing the electricity sector’s effect on economic indicators. As a result, we have developed a tailored framework customized for Georgia, leveraging country-specific, relevant data. The study showed that there is a positive correlation between the increased energy consumption (Energy Supply) and GDP growth. Specifically, a 1% boost in energy consumption results in a 0.15% GDP rise. Georgia has a significant resource of hydropower. The findings provide a solid basis for crafting policies and strategic decisions regarding the economic processes linked to the analysed variables.
Abstract:This research presents a numerical model used to solve the problem of biphasic water-crude oil flow, under the influence of capillary pressure and the gravitational effect in a two-dimensional x-y space. The novelty counts in the solution model of the system of equations resulting from the development in finite differences which led to the removal of some errors that affected especially the saturation values. For the case of water-crude oil mixture flow from a core, the model was successfully tested and the results were compared with the analytical solution, which highlighted the advantages of using this method compared to others.
Abstract:Although numerous studies have explored teaching practice satisfaction among Chinese normal university students, they often focus on rational and technical factors, overlooking the emotional aspects. This study examines the influence of affective experiences on teaching practice satisfaction and the mediating role of emotional labor strategies. A total of 1,234 normal university students in China completed the Affective Experience Scale, Emotional Labor Strategy Scale, and Teaching Practice Satisfaction Scale. The findings of our current findings showed that positive affective experiences were significantly correlated with deep behavior, natural behavior, and teaching practice satisfaction. Moreover, deep behavior was positively associated with both natural behavior and satisfaction. Multiple mediation analysis revealed that positive affective experiences directly and indirectly impacted teaching practice satisfaction through deep and natural behaviors. Conversely, negative affective experiences were linked to surface behavior and inversely related to natural behavior and teaching practice satisfaction. Surface behavior negatively impacted satisfaction, while natural behavior positively correlated with it. Multiple mediation analysis also indicated those negative affective experiences indirectly influenced teaching practice satisfaction via surface and natural behaviors. Emotional labor partially mediates the relationship between affective experiences and teaching practice satisfaction. These findings offer empirical evidence and practical insights for enhancing satisfaction through emotional labor strategies and the management of affective experiences.
Abstract:The Baltic region faces significant geotechnical challenges related to its widespread soft soil deposits, particularly along coastal areas. This investigation examines an innovative foundation solution combining micropiles with soil-cement Load Transfer Platforms (LTPs) designed to address these challenges. Through comprehensive three-dimensional Finite Element Modelling, we assess various configurations of micropile arrangements in soft soil conditions typical of Baltic coastal environments. Results demonstrate remarkable improvements in bearing capacity: individual micropiles show 2.1-fold increases, three-pile groups achieve 9-fold enhancements, and integration with LTPs produces up to 19-fold increases in load-bearing capacity. The most substantial improvements were observed in larger pile groups, with up to 80-fold capacity increases when combined with optimized LTPs. These findings offer promising solutions for construction on problematic soft soil deposits throughout the Baltic region, particularly for transportation infrastructure and medium-rise structures in developing coastal areas.
Abstract:Blasting is done to make the planned work more efficient and economical. It is used especially in mining, ore extraction, material fragmentation in construction, asphalt as gravel, road and railway filling, cement and concrete production as raw material, etc. The aim is to reduce the size of the rock, loosen it and shift it from the area where it is located. After these processes, smaller sizes are obtained by separating, breaking and grinding the ore or rock. However, bad and inefficient blasting causes fragmentation, cracks and splashes in the rock, air shock, dust and ground shaking. These effects cause dust in the environment, pollution of water resources, noise and vibration. In addition, vegetation, wildlife, displacement, soil degradation, erosion and groundwater pollution after a sudden impact, allows heavy metals and chemicals to leak from cracks in the rock. In this study, the effects of factors such as vibration (ground shaking), air shock effect, flying rock dust (dust emission) resulting from blasting in a copper mine on human health and the environment were examined and compared according to the limit values specified in the legislation and the studies conducted. It was determined that there was no negative physical effect on people and the environment, but there were psychological effects. These effects can be reduced by blasting in accordance with the legislation and by the person performing the blasting being careful. Environmental problems can be reduced or prevented by controlling issues such as blasting in accordance with the legislation, checking local regulations, adjusting blasting timers with reducing substances, dust suppression technique, water management systems, reclamation of mine sites, monitoring of air and water quality.
Abstract:This study examined the organizational structure and the construction and communication of meaning in the political “Opinion” articles of the Saudi daily newspaper, Arab News. Employing Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) as the theoretical framework, it examined theme structures and thematic progression patterns in 10 opinion articles published between February 1 and February 3, 2024. The analysis identified three primary types of themes: topical, textual, and interpersonal. The findings revealed that Arab News predominantly employs topical themes, reflecting its focus on current socio-political issues. This is expected since opinion pieces are typically concerned with newsworthy topical issues. Thematic progression analysis indicated that the articles primarily employed constant Theme structure, followed by the linear pattern, ensuring textual coherence by maintaining a central argument, reinforcing key points, and sustaining logical development throughout the discourse. These findings underscore the strategic structuring of political opinion discourse and highlight the intricate interplay of ideas and perspectives in journalistic writing. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into media discourse, shedding light on how journalistic practices shape public opinion and influence political narratives.
Abstract:The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of pull-ups, push-ups, and burpees on arm muscle power, strength, and endurance. A total of 40 male untrained students (aged 16-18 years) were randomly divided into four groups: G1 (burpee), G2 (push-up), G3 (pull-up), and G4 (control group). All subjects performed respected exercise for six weeks. The main outcome variables were arm muscle strength, strength, and endurance that were measured at pretest (week 0) and posttest (week 6). All statistical analysis were performed using SPSS 30 for Mac. The burpee group (G1) demonstrated significant improvements in muscular power (p=0.000) and strength (p=0.002). The push-up group showed significant gains in muscular strength (p=0.000) and endurance (p=0.002). The pull-up group demonstrated significant improvements in power, strength, and endurance (p<0.005). Meanwhile, G4 did not show any significant changes in all measured variables. These results underscore the importance of selecting exercises based on specific training objectives and show that bodyweight training, if designed appropriately, can result in meaningful improvements in various aspects of upper arm muscle fitness.