Ala, also spelled hala, is a female demon in the folklore of South Slavic peoples, including Bulgarians, Macedonians, and Serbs, primarily associated with provoking destructive atmospheric phenomena such as hailstorms, thunderstorms, and tempests that ravage crops and settlements.[1][2] Depicted as a malevolent air spirit, she embodies chaotic natural forces, often manifesting through sudden weather shifts interpreted as her wrath or battles with opposing entities.[3]Capable of shapeshifting into forms like a seductive woman, an aged crone, a winged serpent, or a dragon-like being, the ala wields power over elemental destruction, sometimes linked to eclipses or crop failure in agrarian communities reliant on predictable seasons.[4] In folk narratives, she clashes with benevolent storm-bringers such as the zmey (dragon), whose aerial combats produce thunder, lightning, and rain—outcomes that could mitigate or exacerbate her havoc depending on the tale's resolution.[3] Protective rituals, including incantations or heroic interventions, feature in traditions to repel her, underscoring her role as a perennial threat in pre-modern Slavic cosmology where empirical weather patterns intertwined with supernatural causation.[2] Variations across regions portray her occasionally as ambivalent, capable of fertility-bringing rains amid ruin, though her dominant characterization remains adversarial to human prosperity.[4]
Anatomy and Biology
Anatomical structures
The term ala (plural alae), derived from Latin for "wing," designates flattened, wing-like projections or expansions in various human anatomical structures, particularly in the skeletal and nasal regions.[5]The ala nasi, or nasal ala, constitutes the lateral, flared portion of each nostril, forming the outer wall of the naris and bounded medially by the nasal septum. Composed of skin, subcutaneous fibrofatty tissue, and supported by the major alar cartilage, it enables nostril dilation during respiration and facial expression via muscles such as the nasalis.[6][7]The alae of the sacrum are paired, triangular, fan-shaped expansions on the upper lateral aspects of the sacrum, lateral to the first sacral vertebra (S1), formed by the costal elements of S1. These structures articulate with the auricular surfaces of the ilium at the sacroiliac joints, contributing to pelvic stability and weight transmission from the spine to the lower limbs; their anterior surfaces feature auricular facets for ligamentous attachments, while the posterior surfaces bear transverse ridges for muscular origins.[8][9]The ala of the ilium refers to the broad, superior, wing-like expansion of the ilium bone, distinguishing it from the narrower inferior body that contributes to the acetabulum. This fan-shaped region features the iliac crest superiorly, which serves as an attachment for abdominal and back muscles, and its internal surface forms part of the iliac fossa for the iliacus muscle; it spans approximately 10-12 cm in height in adults and aids in pelvic girth and load-bearing.[10][11]The sphenoid bone includes the ala minor (lesser wing) and ala major (greater wing), thin triangular and quadrilateral projections, respectively, extending from the superior and lateral aspects of the sphenoid body. The lesser wings form the posterior boundary of the anterior cranial fossa and roof of the orbit, separating the orbital cavities from the middle cranial fossa via the optic canal; the greater wings contribute to the lateral orbital walls, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, and middle cranial fossa floor, housing structures like the maxillary nerve and mandibular nerve divisions. These alae ossify separately before fusing, with the greater wings measuring about 4-5 cm in span.[5][12]
Biological processes
The ala nasi, comprising the cartilaginous lateral expansions of the nostrils, plays a key role in respiratory physiology by forming part of the nasal vestibule, where inhaled air undergoes initial filtration of particulates, humidification, and warming to prevent desiccation of lower respiratory mucosa.[13] This process is critical for maintaining optimal conditions for gas exchange in the lungs and supporting mucociliary clearance mechanisms that trap and expel pathogens.[13]In the skeletal system, the sacral alae—broad, wing-like superior extensions of the sacrum—facilitate biomechanical processes of load distribution by articulating with the iliac bones via the sacroiliac joints, transferring compressive forces from the axial skeleton to the appendicular skeleton during upright posture and ambulation.[14] These structures undergo adaptive remodeling through osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity in response to mechanical stress, contributing to pelvic stability and shock absorption.[15]The greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone, designated as alae, underpin neurovascular and protective processes in the cranium by forming components of the skull base, orbital walls, and cranial fossae, thereby safeguarding encephalic tissues while accommodating foramina such as the superior orbital fissure and optic canal for the passage of cranial nerves (e.g., II, III, IV, V1, VI) and associated vasculature essential to vision, ocular motility, and trigeminal sensation.[12] Their development involves intramembranous and endochondral ossification, integrating with surrounding bones to enable pituitary hormone regulation via the sella turcica adjacency.[12]The alae of the vomer, thin superior projections of this unpaired bone, support septal integrity in the nasal cavity by articulating with the ethmoid perpendicular plate, thereby partitioning bilateral airways to optimize laminar airflow, enhance olfactory detection through directed scent molecule routing, and bolster mucosal support against pressure gradients during respiration.[16] This configuration aids in pressure equalization and contributes to vocal resonance processes via adjacency to the nasopharynx.[16]
Biochemistry and Nutrition
Alanine as an amino acid
Alanine, abbreviated as Ala or A, is a nonessential α-amino acid with the molecular formula C₃H₇NO₂ and a molar mass of 89.09 g/mol.[17] Its structure consists of a central chiral carbon bonded to an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a nonpolar methyl (-CH₃) side chain, making it the simplest chiral amino acid after glycine and classifying it as hydrophobic and aliphatic.[17] The L-enantiomer predominates in eukaryotic proteins, where it contributes to secondary structures like α-helices due to its small side chain allowing tight packing, while the D-enantiomer serves primarily in bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis for cell wall rigidity.[17][18]In biosynthesis, L-alanine forms mainly through transamination of pyruvate using glutamate as the amino donor, catalyzed by alanine aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme abundant in liver and muscle tissues.[17][19] This pathway renders alanine nonessential in human diets, as the body can produce it from glycolytic intermediates without dietary reliance, though intake from protein-rich foods supports metabolic demands.[20]Catabolically, alanine is glucogenic; it undergoes transamination back to pyruvate via ALT, entering gluconeogenesis or the tricarboxylic acid cycle to yield energy or glucose precursors.[17] This reversibility positions alanine centrally in the glucose-alanine cycle (Cahill cycle), where skeletal muscle converts branched-chain amino acid ammonia to alanine via pyruvate transamination during fasting or exercise, transporting nitrogen to the liver for urea synthesis while pyruvate-derived glucose returns to replenish muscle glycogen.[21] In the brain, alanine participates in neurotransmitter-related cycling, linking to glutamate-glutamine pathways for nitrogenhomeostasis.[22]Physiologically, alanine supports protein synthesis, immune function by aiding antibody production, and energy provision for muscle, brain, and central nervous system during catabolic states, with elevated serum levels indicating liver stress due to ALT leakage.[17] In bacteria, D-alanine's incorporation into peptidoglycan via racemization from L-alanine underscores its role in microbial survival, targeted by antibiotics like vancomycin that inhibit its addition.[18]
Alpha-linolenic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with the molecular formula C₁₈H₃₀O₂, featuring cis double bonds at the 9th, 12th, and 15th carbon positions from the carboxyl end.[23] As an n-3 fatty acid, it serves as a precursor to longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids in humanmetabolism but cannot be synthesized de novo due to the absence of the necessary delta-15 desaturase enzyme.[24] Dietary intake is required, with adequate intake levels set at 1.6 grams per day for adult males and 1.1 grams per day for adult females by health authorities, based on preventing deficiency symptoms like dermatitis and supporting membrane fluidity.[25]Primary dietary sources of ALA are plant-derived, including flaxseed oil (approximately 50% of total fatty acids), chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and oils such as canola (about 9-11%) and soybean.[26][27] Animal products like meat and dairy contain trace amounts from feed, but plant sources dominate intake in vegetarian diets.[28] Average U.S. dietary consumption is around 1.4-1.6 grams daily, often falling short of recommendations in populations with low seed and nut consumption.[25]In vivo, ALA undergoes sequential desaturation and elongation primarily in the liver, first to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) via delta-6 desaturase and elongase enzymes, then potentially to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Conversion efficiency is low, estimated at 5-12% to EPA and less than 1-4% to DHA in adults, with rates higher in women due to estrogen induction of desaturases and lower in men or with high dietary linoleic acid (omega-6) competition for the same enzymes.[29][30] This limited bioconversion implies that ALA supplementation yields modest increases in EPA/DHA tissue levels, potentially insufficient for benefits attributed to marine-derived omega-3s.[31]Physiologically, ALA incorporates into cell membranes, influencing fluidity and eicosanoid production, which favors anti-inflammatory resolvins over pro-inflammatory prostaglandins compared to omega-6 counterparts.[32] Observational studies link higher ALA intake or biomarkers to 10-20% reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality, attributed to lowered triglycerides, blood pressure, and endothelial improvements.[33][34] Randomized controlled trials show modest lipid-lowering effects but inconsistent cardiovascular event reduction, suggesting observational associations may reflect healthier lifestyles rather than direct causality.[32] Some meta-analyses report potential elevated prostate cancer risk with higher ALA exposure, though evidence is inconsistent and confounded by dietary patterns.[26] Overall, ALA's benefits appear domain-specific, strongest for cardiovascular risk modulation via anti-atherogenic mechanisms, but not a full substitute for preformed EPA/DHA.[35]
Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), also known as thioctic acid, is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound with the molecular formula C₈H₁₄O₂S₂, featuring a five-membered dithiolane ring attached to a carboxylic acid and an octanoic acid chain.[36] It exists in oxidized (disulfide) and reduced (dihydrolipoic acid, DHLA) forms, enabling its redox cycling in biological systems.[37] ALA is endogenously synthesized in human tissues, primarily the liver, kidneys, and heart, through enzymatic pathways involving lipoic acid synthase, though production declines with age and oxidative stress.[38][39]In biochemistry, ALA serves as a critical cofactor for mitochondrial multi-enzyme complexes, including pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, facilitating the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and α-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, thereby supporting aerobic energy production.[40] Its dithiol moiety allows covalent binding to lysine residues in these enzymes, enabling acyl transfer reactions essential for carbohydrate and amino acid catabolism.[37] ALA also exhibits potent antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), chelating transition metals like iron and copper that catalyze ROS formation, and regenerating endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E through redox interactions.[41][42] These properties position ALA as a versatile modulator of oxidative stress, though its efficacy in vivo depends on bioavailability, which is limited (approximately 30-40% for oral doses) due to first-pass metabolism and protein binding.[37]Nutritionally, ALA is obtained from dietary sources where it is predominantly protein-bound, with higher concentrations in mitochondrial-rich animal tissues such as kidney (1.5-2.0 μg/g), heart (1.0-1.5 μg/g), and liver (0.5-1.0 μg/g), as well as plant sources like spinach (0.3-0.5 μg/g), broccoli (0.2-0.4 μg/g), Brussels sprouts, peas, tomatoes, and rice bran.[43][40] Typical daily intake from food is low, estimated at 0.2-1.0 mg, insufficient for therapeutic levels, prompting supplementation with racemic mixtures (R- and S-enantiomers), where the R-form predominates in nature and exhibits greater biological activity.[37][36] Supplementation doses range from 300-600 mg/day for general antioxidant support to 600-1800 mg/day in clinical contexts, with intravenous administration achieving higher plasma levels for acute needs.[44][45]Clinical evidence supports ALA's role in mitigating diabetic neuropathy symptoms, with meta-analyses of randomized trials showing symptom reduction at 600 mg/day intravenous or oral doses over 3-5 weeks, attributed to improved nervebloodflow and reduced oxidative damage rather than glycemic control alone.[44][46] For other applications, such as cardiovascular risk factors, ALA supplementation at <800 mg/day for ≤12 weeks has demonstrated modest blood pressure reductions in hypertensive cohorts, but results are inconsistent across broader populations.[47]Antioxidant effects are substantiated in vitro and animal models, yet human trials often yield mixed outcomes for conditions like weight loss or neurodegeneration, limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and variability in baseline oxidative status.[48][49]Safety profiles indicate tolerability up to 1800 mg/day orally, with rare gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, heartburn) at higher doses; no serious adverse events in long-term studies up to 4 years, though caution is advised in pregnancy or with metal-chelating drugs due to potential interactions.[50][51][52] Overall, while ALA's mechanistic roles are well-established, therapeutic claims require scrutiny against placebo-controlled data, as preclinical promise has not uniformly translated to robust clinical outcomes.[44]
Mythology and Folklore
Slavic demon
An ala (plural: ale; also spelled hala) is a female demon associated with adverse weather phenomena in the folklore of Bulgarians, Macedonians, and Serbs, primarily in the central Balkans.[53] Ale are depicted as harbingers of storms, hail, and destructive winds that ruin crops and threaten lives, embodying the unpredictable fury of natural elements.[4] Unlike many Slavic demons tied to the undead, ale originate as wild, primordial forces possibly predating Slavic settlement in the region, with links to pre-Slavic Balkan entities like Vlach vlvas—female storm-bringers.[53]Ale exhibit polymorphic abilities, shapeshifting into forms such as enormous winged serpents, multi-headed ravens, swirling black voids, or humanoid women resembling trickster witches.[4] In Bulgarian variants, the hala appears as a colossal dragon-like being with vast wings and a razor-sharp tail capable of slicing through the air to summon gales.[4] Serbian lore, particularly from regions like Gruža and Kosovo, describes the ala as a three-mouthed entity—one mouth spewing winds and fairies, another diseases, and the third curses—or as a formless tempest entity that possesses humans, leading to madness or death.[53] These demons inhabit remote locales such as mountain peaks, cloud-shrouded caves, lakes, or ancient trees, from which they launch assaults on the sun and moon during eclipses, attempting cosmic devouring that folklore interprets as apocalyptic threats.[4] They also prey on the vulnerable, devouring children or unwary adults caught in their storms.[53]Countermeasures against ale involve benevolent sky guardians, including dragons (zmey or żmij) that battle them with lightning bolts and protective winds, or eagles that scatter their storm clouds.[53] In Christianized folklore, saints like Elijah (who rides storms) or Sava repel ale through prayer or ritual.[53] Folk protections include avoiding outdoor labor during hail signs or invoking dragon allies via oaths, reflecting a causal belief in reciprocal celestial warfare where human piety tips the balance against demonic weather.[4] Regional oppositions, such as the Serbian planetnik or zduhać—weather mages who combat ale in aerial duels—underscore ale's role as antagonists in a broader Slavic cosmology of atmospheric conflict, where tempests result from these clashes rather than mere natural chance.[4] Accounts persist in oral traditions into the 20th century, though scholarly documentation, like analyses of Serbian variants, highlights variability due to localized storytelling rather than unified canon.[53]
Luwian and Hittite goddess
Ala was a minor goddess in the Hittite and Luwian religious traditions of ancient Anatolia, primarily invoked as a protective deity associated with the wilderness and hunting activities.[54] Her name derives from the Luwian adjective ala- meaning "high" or "lofty," reflecting possible connotations of elevated or remote natural terrains.[55] She functioned as the consort of male tutelary deities, notably paired with the hunting god Runtiya (Luwian form) or the broader protective figure D LAMMA in Hittite texts, forming divine couples that safeguarded specific locales, animals, or royal pursuits.[56] This pairing underscores her role in localized cults rather than the central Hittite pantheon, with Luwian genitival adjectives appearing in her epithets, indicating integration of Luwian linguistic and ritual elements into Hittite practices.[54]In Hittite cult inventories and festival descriptions, such as those in the Festival for All the Tutelary Deities (CTH 681–685), Ala received offerings including thick breads, wine, billy-goats, oxen, and cows, often alongside her male counterpart.[54] Texts like KUB 43.23 explicitly denote her as female (D ALA MUNUS), suggesting occasional ambiguity or overlap with male tutelary forms that prompted clarification, possibly rooted in Hattic substrates predating fuller Indo-European Anatolian influences.[54] She appears in Old Hittite documents (e.g., KUB 43.23 rev. 38–42) and later inventories under kings like Tudhaliya IV, linking her to protective aspects such as life, sky, animals, the countryside, Hatti, the army, and divine favor, though her prominence waned compared to major deities like the Storm God or Sun Goddess of Arinna.[54] Rare mentions in oath lists, as in Tudhaliya IV's treaty, highlight her as a witness deity, but she lacks extensive mythological narratives, appearing instead in ritual contexts tied to thanksgiving ceremonies post-deer hunts or processions involving priests and symbolic items like hunting bags (kursa-).[57][54]Alas cult reflects the syncretic nature of Anatolian religion, blending Hattic local protections with Luwian emphases on high places and wilderness guardianship, distinct from Mesopotamian counterparts like D ALAD despite superficial name resemblances.[54]Evidence from sites like Karkemish or cult centers in the countryside suggests her veneration supported royal hunts and territorial stability, but primary sources remain fragmentary, with no dedicated temples attested, emphasizing her as a subsidiary figure in the expansive Hittite-Luwian divine hierarchy.[56][54]
Igbo earth deity
Ala, also known as Ani, Ana, or Ali, is the central earth goddess in the traditional Igbo religion of Odinani, revered as the embodiment of the land, fertility, morality, and the underworld.[58][59] She holds authority over the physical earth, agricultural productivity, ethical conduct, and the judgment of the deceased, functioning as both nurturer and enforcer of communal taboos known as nso ala.[60][61] In Igbo cosmology, Ala is often depicted as the daughter of Chukwu, the supreme creator, and serves as the mother of all living things, governing the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation.[62] Her dual role as provider of abundance and punisher of moral infractions underscores her position as the most prominent alusi (deity) in the Igbopantheon, with shrines typically located at communal sites like village squares or sacred groves.[63][64]Ala's attributes emphasize her as a feminine principle of equity and protection, mirroring a human mother's nurturing yet disciplinary nature toward her children.[64] She is invoked for bountiful harvests, as the Igbo, being agrarian, perform rituals to appease her before planting and after reaping to ensure soil fertility and crop yield.[60] Violations of her moral code, such as murder, incest, or oath-breaking, invite her wrath through natural disasters like famine or infertility, reinforcing social order through fear of divine retribution.[59] In the afterlife, Ala presides over the dead, demanding proper burial rites; improper interment, as in cases of unceremonious disposal, can lead to spiritual unrest or communal calamity, as exemplified in Igbo folktales where neglected rites provoke her judgment.[65]Worship of Ala involves libations, offerings of yams, kola nuts, and animal sacrifices at her okwu ala (earth altars), often led by priestesses or elders during festivals like the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), where communal prayers seek her favor for prosperity.[59] These practices persist among Igbo communities, even those influenced by Christianity, as Ala symbolizes enduring ties to ancestral land and ethical foundations, with her equity seen as a model for human justice systems.[64] Unlike more localized deities, Ala's influence spans Igbo subgroups, adapting to regional dialects while maintaining core tenets of fertility and moral guardianship.[58]
Organizations and Associations
American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to promoting library services and librarianship. Founded on October 6, 1876, during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it emerged from earlier efforts by librarians to establish standards and cooperation in the field, with preliminary discussions dating back to 1853.[66][67] Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the ALA serves as the largest association of its kind, representing tens of thousands of librarians, library workers, and supporters across various library types, including public, academic, and school institutions.[68]The ALA's stated mission is to empower and advocate for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all, emphasizing leadership in developing library services, professional standards, and intellectual freedom.[68] It achieves this through annual conferences, such as the 2025 event scheduled for Philadelphia; publications like American Libraries magazine; advocacy for funding and policy; and resources on topics like literacy and technology integration.[69][70] The organization also maintains divisions and round tables focused on specific library sectors, fostering collaboration and professional development.[71]In recent years, the ALA has drawn criticism for its handling of book challenges, reporting 821 attempts to restrict materials in 2024— the third-highest since tracking began in 1990—predominantly targeting titles with LGBTQ+ themes or explicit sexual content accessible to minors.[72] While the ALA frames these as censorship threats to intellectual freedom, detractors contend that the organization downplays legitimate parental and community concerns over age-inappropriate materials, effectively prioritizing unrestricted access to controversial content over childsafeguarding, which has led to accusations of ideological bias in its advocacy.[73][74] This perspective is echoed in reports of ALA guidance encouraging libraries to counter conservative initiatives, such as religious story hours, further fueling debates about the association's neutrality.[75]
Association of Legal Administrators
The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) is an international professional organization established in 1971 to support individuals managing law firms, corporate legal departments, and government legal agencies.[76] Its mission centers on delivering education, fostering networking, and building a community hub for legal management professionals to advance their expertise and operational efficiency.[76] ALA operates without affiliation to vendors selling services to the legal sector, emphasizing member-driven initiatives over commercial interests.[77]ALA's structure includes a network of local chapters across multiple countries, enabling regional networking and events tailored to specific geographic needs.[78] Membership eligibility requires demonstrated interest in legal administration, adherence to ALA's code of conduct, and exclusion of those primarily engaged in business partnerships with legal entities.[77] As of December 31, 2024, the organization reports 9,553 members worldwide, spanning more than 30 countries and diverse roles in areas such as finance, human resources, operations, and technology within legal settings.[79]Key activities encompass professional development through webinars, synchronous web-based courses, virtual meetups, and annual conferences, alongside a career center featuring a job board for legal administration positions.[80][81] Members access resources like benchmarking tools, management solutions, and volunteer opportunities across committees focused on membership development, education, and governance.[82] In 1981, ALA established the Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators as its charitable affiliate to support educational and philanthropic efforts in the field.[83] The organization maintains antitrust guidelines to prevent discussions on pricing or competitive practices during events, ensuring compliance with legal standards.[84]
American Literature Association
The American Literature Association (ALA) is a non-profit coalition of scholarly societies dedicated to the study of American authors and their works.[85] Founded in 1989, its primary purpose is the advancement of humanistic learning through the encouragement of research, teaching, and discussion on American literature in all its forms.[86] Alfred Bendixen, a professor at Princeton University, has served as Executive Director since the organization's inception.[87]The ALA facilitates academic exchange by hosting an annual conference featuring panels, sessions, and presentations organized by its member societies.[88] For instance, the 36th annual conference occurred in 2025, with the 37th scheduled for May 20–23, 2026, at the Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois.[88] It also organizes specialized symposia, such as the 2025 event on "American Fiction: Forms, Genres, and Traditions" held October 16–18 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.[89] Member societies issue calls for papers via their own channels, and participation in ALA events does not require formal membership in the organization, though dues support its operations.[90][91]Affiliated societies cover a wide range of authors, periods, and themes in American literature, including the Henry Adams Society, James Agee Society, African American Literature and Culture Society (founded in 1993 under ALA auspices), Louisa May Alcott Society, and American Humor Studies Association, among others.[92][93] The ALA maintains a formal structure governed by bylaws that prioritize scholarly inclusivity across diverse forms of American writing, without mandating alignment with specific ideological positions.[86][94]
Geography and Places
Settlements in Iran and the Middle East
Ala is a village serving as the capital of Howmeh Rural District in the Central District of Semnan County, Semnan Province, Iran.[95] The settlement has a recorded population of 955.[95]El Al, later renamed Eliad, is a moshav-type Israeli settlement located in the southern Golan Heights, established in 1968 following Israel's occupation of the area during the Six-Day War.[96] It was initially organized as a Nahal military outpost before transitioning to civilian status in 1973.[96] The site benefits from proximity to perennial streams like Nahal El Al, supporting agriculture in the region's basalt soils.[97]Al-'Al was a former Syrian village situated in the southern Golan Heights along the southern tributary of Wadi es-Samekh, depopulated during the 1967 Six-Day War.[98] Limited demographic data exists, but it represented typical rural Arab settlements in the pre-war landscape of the area.[99]
European locales
Ala is a comune in the province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige region, northern Italy, situated in the southern Vallagarina valley at the foot of the Lessini Mountains. Of Roman origin, it features one of Trentino's most notable historic centers, characterized by baroque palaces, gardens, and fountains, and historically served as a key transit point for trade, including silk velvet production that earned it the nickname "city of velvet." The municipality covers 119.7 square kilometers with a population of 9,456 as of the latest available data.[100][101][102]Ala di Stura is a comune in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont region, northwestern Italy, located in the Valli di Lanzo about 40 kilometers northwest of Turin amid alpine terrain. It encompasses rural meadows, dense woods, and scenic spots, with attractions including the Riserva Pesca nature reserve for fishing and cross-country skiing circuits extending into nearby plateaus. The area supports winter sports and local mountain cuisine, though specific population figures remain under 2,000 based on regional municipal patterns.[103][104]In Estonia, Ala denotes small rural villages: one in Hiiumaa Parish, Hiiu County, on the island of Hiiumaa, first documented in 1798; and another in Tõrva Parish, Valga County, in southern Estonia, noted for scenic landscapes but lacking significant infrastructure or population exceeding a few dozen residents each. These settlements represent minor administrative units without notable historical or economic prominence beyond local agriculture.[105]
Other geographical features
The Ala-Buga River is a left tributary of the Naryn River in the Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan, with its upper reaches known as the Arpa until the confluence with the Bychan River.[106] The river flows through Ak-Tala District, where infrastructure such as bridges spanning it underwent reinforcement in October 2024 to mitigate flood risks.[107]Ala-Kul Lake, also spelled Ala Kul, is a rock-dammed alpine lake situated on the northern slope of the Terskey Alatau mountain range in the Ak-Suu District of Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan, approximately 20 kilometers from the town of Karakol.[108] The lake lies at an elevation exceeding 3,500 meters and is renowned for its turquoise waters amid glacier-capped peaks, serving as a key destination in multi-day treks through the Karakol Valley.[109][110]
People
Notable individuals named Ala
Ala ad-Din Tekish (c. 1132–1200) ruled as Shah of Khwarezm from 1172 to 1200 as a member of the Anushteginid dynasty, succeeding his father Il-Arslan amid rivalry with his brother Sultan Shah, whose principality in Khorasan he later absorbed.[111][112]Ala Boratyn (born Alicja Julia Boratyn, 27 November 1992) is a Polish singer-songwriter who first gained recognition in 2005 as a member of the pop-rock duo Blog 27, which released successful singles in Europe.[113] She transitioned to a solo career, releasing her debut album Higher on 12 November 2007, promoted by the single "Angel," and has since collaborated on projects including tracks with producer Jakub Sikora under the alias Ala Zastary.[113]
Surnamed or associated figures
Hossein Alā' (1882–1964) was an Iranian statesman and diplomat who served as Prime Minister in March–April 1951 and from April 1955 to April 1957, as well as Minister of Court during the Pahlavi era. Born in Tehran to a prominent family, he received education in London at Westminster School and the University of London before entering the foreign service, where he held posts including Persian Minister to the United States.[114][115]Efkan Ala (born February 21, 1965) is a Turkish politician and former civil servant who served as Minister of the Interior from November 2015 to August 2016 under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. Previously governor of provinces including Batman and Diyarbakır, he resigned amid security challenges and later became AKP deputy chairman responsible for foreign affairs in 2020.[116][117]Pekka Ala-Pietilä (born January 13, 1957) is a Finnish business executive who held senior roles at Nokia, including President of Nokia Corporation from 1999 to 2004 and President of Nokia Mobile Phones prior to that. He co-founded mobile media company Blyk in 2006 and currently serves as chairman of the supervisory board of SAP SE, as well as boards for Sanoma Corporation and Huhtamäki.[118][119]
Codes and Abbreviations
Aviation and transportation codes
In aviation, the code ALA designates Almaty International Airport (ICAO: UAAA), the primary international airport serving Almaty, Kazakhstan, located approximately 15 km northeast of the city center.[120][121] This facility handles the majority of the country's air traffic, with a main runway length of 4,500 meters and an elevation of 2,237 feet, operating in UTC+6 timezone.[122]Additionally, ALA serves as an abbreviation for "Alighting Area" in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) terminology, referring to a designated portion of an aerodrome used for aircrafttouchdown and deceleration.[123] It may also denote "Aircraft Landing Area" in certain aeronautical charts and guides, encompassing unprepared or temporary landing zones.[124]In broader transportation contexts, ALA lacks standardized usage beyond aviation-specific applications, though it appears informally in some operational roles, such as "Aircraft Loading Agent" within airline ground handling procedures at carriers like Delta Air Lines.[125] No prominent non-aviation transportation codes, such as those for rail, maritime, or motor vehicle registries, consistently employ ALA.[126]
Military and technical abbreviations
In U.S. Army documentation, ALA designates Army Logistics Assessment, a structured evaluation of logistics capabilities and support requirements for systems and operations.[127] The same acronym denotes Army Launch Area, referring to designated zones for missile or rocket launches in tactical planning.[127] In Britishmilitary usage, ALA stands for Army Licensing Authority, the entity responsible for issuing approvals for equipment, exports, and operational permissions within the Army.[128]Technically, ALA has been applied as Ammunition Loading Assembly in ordnance systems, describing mechanisms for automated or semi-automated loading of projectiles into weapons platforms.[129] It also appears as Automatic Level Adjuster in engineering contexts, such as vehicle suspension or optical systems that maintain equilibrium under varying loads or conditions.[129] These usages reflect specialized applications rather than standardized NATO codex entries, with meanings varying by branch and era.
Language and Other Uses
Etymology and linguistic meanings
The word ala in English scientific and anatomical contexts derives from Latin āla, denoting "wing," "upper arm," or "axil" (the angle between a branch and stem), with origins tracing to Proto-Indo-European *h₂éḱs-(i)l-eh₂, akin to terms for axle or shoulder joint.[130] This root reflects a conceptual link to protruding or lateral structures, as evidenced by its earliest English documentation around 1634 in descriptions of wing-like forms.[131] In biological nomenclature, ala thus designates flat, wing-shaped appendages, such as the ala nasi (wing of the nose) or ala ossis ilii (wing of the ilium), emphasizing morphological extensions rather than literal flight organs.[132]In Arabic, ʿalāʾ (علاء), often rendered as "Ala" in transliteration, linguistically conveys "excellence," "nobility," or "sublimity," deriving from the rootʿ-l-w associated with elevation and superiority; this usage appears in personal names and poetic expressions of praise, distinct from the unrelated preposition ʿalā meaning "upon" or "on."[133] The term's application as a given name underscores cultural valuation of aspirational qualities, with historical attestation in Arabic literary traditions predating modern naming conventions.[134]Other linguistic instances include Turkish ala, meaning "motley," "spotted," or "variegated," often describing piebald animals or colorful patterns, rooted in Turkic descriptive vocabulary for visual diversity rather than Indo-European origins. In certain Austronesian languages like Tagalog, ala borrows from Spanishala (itself from Latin), retaining the "wing" sense but extending metaphorically to airplane components or fanning motions in vernacular usage. These variants highlight ala's adaptability across language families, primarily through borrowing for concrete anatomical or aesthetic denotations, without shared proto-forms.
Miscellaneous applications
In biochemistry, Ala denotes alanine, a non-essential amino acid that serves as a key building block in protein synthesis and contributes to gluconeogenesis by providing carbon skeletons for glucose production via transamination to pyruvate.[135] It is applied in custom peptide synthesis for research, enabling alanine scanningmutagenesis to identify critical residues in protein-ligand interactions and drug design.[136] Recombinant microbial strains, such as engineered Pediococcus acidilactici, have been developed for industrial-scale L-alanine production, supporting its use as a food additive, pharmaceutical precursor, and ingredient in personal care products due to its stability and low cost.[137][138]5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a heme biosynthesis precursor abbreviated as 5-ALA, is administered orally to induce protoporphyrin IX accumulation in malignant cells, facilitating fluorescence-guided surgery for high-grade gliomas and other brain tumors; intraoperative visualization under blue light improves resection extent, with phase III trials reporting median progression-free survival of 11.1 months versus 6.2 months without it.[139][140] This application extends to photodynamic therapy for detecting bladder and skin cancers, where 5-ALA enhances diagnostic specificity over white-light methods.[141]Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), an endogenous dithiol compound, functions as a potent antioxidant in mitochondrial energy metabolism and is prescribed for diabetic polyneuropathy, with 600 mg daily doses reducing symptoms like burning pain in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials involving over 1,000 patients.[44][142] Its therapeutic role includes chelating heavy metals and mitigating oxidative stress in conditions like metabolic syndrome, though efficacy varies by dosage and patient demographics.[143]