Soybean productivity in the Northern forest-steppe of the Tyumen region, depending on agrotechnical techniques

The solution to the problem of feed protein deficiency is possible with an increase in acreage and the selection of agrotechnical methods of soybean cultivation, taking into account the conditions of the natural and climatic zone. One of the main elements of the farming system that allows to increase the yield of soybeans is rational basic tillage, its depth depending on the type of soil, providing favorable conditions for plant growth and development, which has not been studied in the northern forest-steppe in the Tyumen region. The purpose of the work was to study the influence of agrotechnical techniques on soybean productivity in the northern forest-steppe in the Tyumen region. During the research the influence of basic tillage and its depth on agrophysical (soil density, reserves of productive moisture), agrochemical soil parameters, uniformity of sowing depth, germination and preservation of soybean plants has been established. The contamination of crops, the species composition of weeds, and the degree of contamination during soybean cultivation by basic tillage with the use of herbicide during the growing season has been studied. It has been found that the highest level of profitability of 39,7 % was achieved with the differentiated method of tillage, with the mouldboard plowing (20–22 cm) it was less by 7,2 %, with the subsurface tillage (20–22 cm) it was less by 19,3 %. The decrease in the depth of processing leads to the decrease in the level of profitability by 4,0 % with the mouldboard plowing, by 2,2 % with the subsurface tillage and by 7,4 % with the diff erentiated method. With zero tillage, the profitability level was below control by 14,6 %. Thus, the most cost-effective was the differentiated method of tillage (20-22 cm) with the profitability level of 39,7 % and a profit of 9765 rubles/ha.

Perceived efficacy of existing waterpipe tobacco warning labels versus novel enhanced generic and waterpipe-specific sets

Introduction Since 2008, Egypt has four existing generic bi-annually rotating warning labels (WLs) on 50% of the waterpipe tobacco packs (WTPs). The Ministry of Health Tobacco Control Unit proposed increasing WL size to 80%, removing colours and flavour imagery from WTPs, and plain packaging to help curb the rising epidemic of waterpipe tobacco smoking. Therefore, we measured the perceived efficacy of existing against novel enhanced (generic and waterpipe-specific) WTP WLs and the associated factors among Egyptian waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers. Methods A purposive quota sample of 2014 adults was surveyed in two rounds using face interviews. At each round, participants were randomly shown one of four existing WLs, then one of four novel WLs. Participants rated the perceived efficacy of existing and novel WLs regarding the salience, depth of processing, affective reactions, credibility, relevance, perceived harm and perceived behavioural control. Data were analysed using Generalized Estimating Equations. Results Participants rated novel WTP WLs with higher mean perceived efficacy scores than existing WLs for all measures, although both sets collectively scored modestly (59.7; 95% CI: 58.9–60.5 vs 53.0; 95% CI: 52.1–54.0, respectively; p<0.001). Relative to the existing WTP WLs, novel WLs were particularly able to induce higher salience, affective reactions, and depth of processing. Relative to the generic novel WTP WLs, waterpipe-specific WLs induced higher relevance, perceived harm, and affective reactions. Nonsmokers scored higher than waterpipe tobacco smokers, specifically for perceived behavioral control (65.0±32.5 vs 43.6±19.8, respectively; p<0.001). WTP WLs featuring proximal risks, such as dental effects (β = 9.70; 95% CI: 7.00–12.40), fetal harm (β = 9.42; 95% CI: 6.75–12.10), or toxic contents (β = 9.14; 95% CI: 6.58–11.70) were strongly associated with participants’ perceived efficacy scores. Among other independent factors, rural residence (β = 24.09; 95% CI: 22.21–25.97), being a nonsmoker (β = 10.51; 95% CI: 8.92–12.10), survey round 2 (β = 6.96, 95% CI: 5.73–8.19), the novel WTP WL set (β = 6.68; 95% CI: 6.19–7.17), and having higher education (β = 6.31; 95% CI: 4.34–8.27) were highly associated with participants’ perceived efficacy scores. Conclusions Waterpipe-specific WLs on plain WTPs that feature proximal risks and address different population subgroups need to be developed in conjunction with awareness raising campaigns on WTS harms to reinforce the credibility of WTP WLs. Our findings suggest the proposed WTP WL enhancements by the Tobacco Control Unit may support a more effective WTP labelling policy within a comprehensive waterpipe-specific tobacco control framework.

Loneliness is associated with greater cognitive distance between the self and a close friend

Loneliness describes the distressing experience associated with perceived social disconnection. Despite the clear links between loneliness and mental and physical health, relatively little is known about how loneliness affects cognition. To assess the effects of loneliness on cognitive distance between the self and others, participants completed an implicit memory task for adjectives encoded in relation to the self, a close friend, or a celebrity. We assessed item memory accuracy and sensitivity, and depth of processing was assessed through source monitoring and metamemory performance. In addition, participants reported their trait loneliness and depression. An overall self-referential advantage was identified compared with both friend and celebrity encoded items. Likewise, a friend-referential advantage was identified compared to celebrity-encoded items. Metacognitive sensitivity (sensitivity of confidence for correct and incorrect responses) and metacognitive bias (confidence regardless of accuracy) showed a similar pattern. Lonelier individuals showed a greater self-referential bias in comparison to words encoded in relation to a close friend, coupled with a smaller friend-referential bias in comparison to words encoded in relation to celebrity. More depressed individuals also showed a greater self-referential bias in comparison to words encoded in relation to a close friend, but this did not explain the relationship with loneliness. Therefore, perceived social isolation (loneliness) is reflected in a greater cognitive distance between self and close friends and this operates independent of depression. The results have important implications for understanding the social contextual effects on memory and the cognitive ramifications of loneliness.

Levels of Processing

This chapter focuses on the background and development of the levels of processing (LOP) ideas proposed by Craik and Lockhart (1972) and on the empirical support for the ideas provided by Craik and Tulving (1975). The chapter describes how the concept arose from the British work on models of attention by Donald Broadbent and Anne Treisman in the 1960s; specifically on how the concept of depth of processing grafts a framework for memory research on to Treisman’s hierarchical model of selective attention. After a brief survey of empirical work, the chapter deals with criticisms and rebuttals of the LOP ideas and findings, its relations to other ideas such as transfer–appropriate processing and to some more recent extensions.

EXPANSION OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HARROWING UNIT

Improving the quality of pre-sowing tillage is a priority direction. Harrowing with the use of heavy disc harrows is one of the operations of pre- sowing tillage. An important task when using heavy disc harrows is to ensure sufficient load on the working body. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in increasing the efficiency of the harrowing process by adjusting the coupling weight in the tractor–harrow link using special devices. (Materials and methods) It is important to match the necessary condition of balance between the load on the working body and the traction qualities of the tractor with a low load- bearing capacity of the soil. The article describes a regulator of the coupling weight of the harrowing unit, for which was applied a patent. The article presents the general types of connection of the device with the disk harrow frame. (Results and discussion) The proposed device allows you to redistribute the weight of the unit, thereby automatically changing the load on the working body. Authors performed experimental studies on the influence of the main design parameters of the devices on the operation of the machine and tractor unit. (Conclusions) The proposed device allows, by expanding the design and technological parameters, to regulate the depth of processing, traction characteristics and speed of the harrowing unit.

MACHINE FOR SEEDER CROPS

Recently many agricultural producers have begun to take care of environmental aspects and are gradually switching to the use of organic farming elements in the cultivation of agricultural crops, which include green fertilizers - siderates. Many experts recommend cutting the green mass of green manure crops with a mower and embedding it in the surface layer of the soil as mulch. However, not all termination methods are equally effective. In particular, when passing through a field with a rotary harrow’s green manure, the circular knives have to simultaneously perform two functions: chop and embed the vegetative mass of plants, which negatively affects the depth of processing. Therefore, the goal of our research is to develop a combined unit for mowing, crushing and embedding green mass of green manure crops into the soil. To achieve this, it is proposed to attach a plant chopper to the front of the tractor, which will mow and chop the plants, and two discator batteries installed on the rear hitch of the tractor will close the chopped organic mass. To determine the efficiency of using the proposed combined unit in different regions of the Republic of Tatarstan on different soils, comparative field tests were carried out, which consisted in determining the completeness of incorporation of green mass. The value of this indicator without using the mower on the front hitch was 65%, and with mowing and chopping - 95%, this is 1.5 times more than in the version with the compared unit, which should favorably affect the decomposition of the embedded organic matter

Sensory Processing Sensitivity Predicts Individual Differences in Resting-State Functional Connectivity Associated with Depth of Processing

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a biologically based temperament trait associated with enhanced awareness and responsivity to environmental and social stimuli. Individuals with high SPS are more affected by their environments, which may result in overarousal, cognitive depletion, and fatigue. <b><i>Method:</i></b> We examined individual differences in resting-state (rs) brain connectivity (using functional MRI) as a function of SPS among a group of adults (<i>M</i> age = 66.13 ± 11.44 years) immediately after they completed a social affective “empathy” task. SPS was measured with the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Scale and correlated with rs brain connectivity. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Results showed enhanced rs brain connectivity within the ventral attention, dorsal attention, and limbic networks as a function of greater SPS. Region of interest analyses showed increased rs brain connectivity between the hippocampus and the precuneus (implicated in episodic memory); while weaker connectivity was shown between the amygdala and the periaqueductal gray (important for anxiety), and the hippocampus and insula (implicated in habitual cognitive processing). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The present study showed that SPS is associated with rs brain connectivity implicated in attentional control, consolidation of memory, physiological homeostasis, and deliberative cognition. These results support theories proposing “depth of processing” as a central feature of SPS and highlight the neural processes underlying this cardinal feature of the trait.

Městské marketingové strategie: Příklady českých měst

Marketing plans are one of the key strategic documents for the management of modern cities. If cities want to effectively use marketing tools to support the comprehensive development of their territory, it is necessary to design and implement their unique marketing strategy. A lot of European cities have been doing this for several decades, and their steps have already become an inspiration for many Czech cities. The quality of the document is determined not only by the sufficient depth of processing of individual parts but also by a detailed analysis of the target groups on which attention is to be focused. Only in this way is it possible to propose measures and activities that will fulfill the city's visions and goals. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the marketing strategies of selected Czech cities in the light of theoretical background and concepts. The paper focuses on three Czech towns that have a marketing plan, namely Hodonín, Břeclav and Trutnov. Hodonín's marketing plan is too general and has an analytical rather than a developmental character. On the other hand, Bruntál has a clear plan based on a precisely performed analysis stemming from the results of a questionnaire survey. All objectives and measures are clearly and comprehensibly defined, and measurable indicators enhance their achievement. The plan looks realistic and ambitious at the same time. Trutnov's marketing plan significantly focuses on the role of the media in the implementation of the communication strategy. Considerable emphasis is also placed on the specification of target groups.

EXPANSION OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HARROWING UNIT

Improving the quality of pre-sowing tillage is a priority direction. Harrowing with the use of heavy disc harrows is one of the operations of pre-sowing tillage. An important task when using heavy disc harrows is to ensure sufficient load on the working body. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in increasing the efficiency of the harrowing process by adjusting the coupling weight in the tractor-harrow link using special devices. (Materials and methods) It is important to match the necessary condition of balance between the load on the working body and the traction qualities of the tractor with a low load-bearing capacity of the soil. The article describes a regulator of the coupling weight of the harrowing unit, for which was applied a patent. The article presents the general types of connection of the device with the disk harrow frame. (Results and discussion) The proposed device allows you to redistribute the weight of the unit, thereby automatically changing the load on the working body. Authors performed experimental studies on the influence of the main design parameters of the devices on the operation of the machine and tractor unit. (Conclusions) The proposed device allows, by expanding the design and technological parameters, to regulate the depth of processing, traction characteristics and speed of the harrowing unit.

Increasing the efficiency of use of wheeled harrow units in regions of risk farming

Crop yields largely depend on the quality of the soil prepared for sowing. At the same time, one of the most important field operations is harrowing, with the main technological parameter of harrowing is the depth of processing of the fertile soil layer. Failure to do not have the necessary depth of processing leads to a decrease in yields, and the excess - to additional energy costs, and therefore to increase the cost of a unit of the resulting products. As you know, the main parameter influencing the depth of processing is the weight that falls on the working organ of the harrow. This article proposes a device that has obtained a patent for the intellectual property of the Russian Federation, allowing to regulate the weight of the working organ of the harrow, due to its optimal redistribution within the machine-tractor unit (MTU), and the theoretical and experimental results of the experimental harrowing unit are provided. The results suggest that the proposed solution is highly effective, which provides as an opportunity for quality pre-planting treatment, and contributes to the compliance with the necessary agro-technological requirements for the harrowing process.