bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Fracture Toughness Strength of Composites Made from Unsaturated Polyester with Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforcement
Authors: Nusyirwan Nusyirwan , Hizhar Yul , Malik Adam
Published: February 2025

The development of natural fibre composites is needed to replace synthetic composites which are difficult to decompose. However, natural fibre composites have many weaknesses that need to be studied, including being brittle and easily cracked. One of the things carried out in this research is a material derived from unsaturated polyester reinforced with natural fibres from pineapple leaves and used to reduce the percentage of synthetic materials from polyester which can form composites that are easily decomposed. With this research, engineering in the engineering field such as raw materials for fishing boat bodies, tourist boat bodies, and fishing boats is very helpful. This unsaturated polyester mixture with 20% pineapple leaf fibre has the highest critical stress intensity factor of K_1c= 1,733 MPa.m0.5, an increase from K_1c= 0,779 MPa.m0.5 in pure unsaturated polyester. This material has the highest performance and can withstand good fracture strength, making it suitable for engineering applications. This research increased the toughness and crack resistance of the UP material treated with the addition of the SN mixture by 222.47%.
Advancements in Polymer Adsorption Research: Insights into Adhesion Mechanisms and Their Applications in Nanotechnology and Biomedicine
Authors: Tolasa Diriba , Furi Adugna
Published: February 2025

Polymer adsorption is a fundamental phenomenon with significant implications across various fields, including material science, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Recent advancements in research have enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying polymer adhesion, revealing the intricate interplay between molecular interactions, surface characteristics, and environmental conditions. This article reviews the latest developments in polymer adsorption, focusing on the core adhesion mechanisms and their applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine. We delve into the integration of experimental techniques and computational modeling, demonstrating how these approaches deepen our insights into polymer behavior at interfaces. Furthermore, we explore the diverse applications of polymer adsorption, particularly in drug delivery systems, biosensors, and nanocomposites. The ability of polymers to adsorb onto biological surfaces can significantly improve the bioavailability and efficacy of therapeutic agents, while in biosensors, polymer adsorption facilitates the immobilization of biomolecules, enhancing sensor sensitivity and specificity. The growing interest in polymer adsorption research is driven by the increasing demand for advanced materials with tailored properties. As industries seek innovative solutions to complex challenges, the manipulation of polymer adsorption processes becomes increasingly valuable. This review underscores the importance of understanding the factors influencing polymer adsorption, such as surface properties, polymer characteristics, and environmental conditions. By synthesizing experimental findings with computational insights, we aim to pave the way for future research that addresses the intricacies of polymer adhesion and explores novel applications in emerging technologies. Ultimately, advancements in polymer adsorption research hold the potential to drive innovations in various sectors, offering solutions that meet the demands of modern applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine.
Awareness of Contraceptives Use Among Youths Aged 18-26 Years in Thogoto Market, Kikuyu Constituency - Kenya
Authors: Gitonga Antony , King’ang’I John , Nyawira Janet , Withera Happiness
Published: February 2025

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 214 million women of child bearing age in developing countries want to avoid pregnancy but are not currently using any contraceptive method. A significant portion of these are youths aged 18–26, who face enormous challenges in accessing and using contraceptives. Awareness and use of contraceptives among the youth remains a challenge in Kenya. Youths in Kenya face considerable reproductive health challenges, including high adolescent pregnancy rates, with 29% of females aged 15–19 years being pregnant or having unwanted children at an early age and dropping out of school. Every year, about 13,000 Kenyan girls drop out of school due to accidental pregnancies. In addition, lack of contraceptive use may lead to spread of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, unsafe abortions, mental illnesses and other socio-economic problems. Barriers to contraceptive awareness and use include social stigma, cultural norms, economic constraints, lack of accessible healthcare, and provider-related issues such as inadequate training and negative attitudes. This study aimed at assessing the level of awareness and use of contraceptive methods among youths aged 18–26 years in Thogoto Market, Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu county. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Simple random sampling method was employ ed to recruit 384 participants into the study. Data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires on contraceptive awareness, accessibility, use, and barriers to contraceptives use among youths aged between 18 and 26 years. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 29. Participants were mostly aged 21-23 years (48.96%) and predominantly single (83.33%), with a nearly equal gender distribution (50.78% males and 49.22% females). Awareness of contraceptive methods was high at 97.7% with majority of the participants having gotten the information from schools (50.8%) and health facilities (42.4%). Contraceptive use was reported by 72.4% of the participants, with natural methods and oral pills being the most commonly used methods. On contraceptives accessibility, about 83% of the participants report easy access. Barriers included fear of side effects (30.2%) and partner disapproval (38.5%). While awareness and accessibility are high, barriers such as fear of side effects and partner disapproval impact contraceptive use. In conclusion, contraceptives awareness and use were found to be high among youths aged 18 – 26 years in Thogoto market.
Examination of Physical Fitness and Bone Mineral Density Based on Differences in Morphological Quality in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Takeyama Yuki , Fujii Katsunori
Published: February 2025

BMI is convenient because it is easily used to determine the level of obesity and slimness, but because the degree of fat mass accumulation differs in relation to body type, the physical strength and athletic ability of obese and slim individuals may be misjudged. Therefore, in this study, in order to establish a method to objectively judge the degree of accumulation of fat mass relative to the body type of junior high school girls, we construct a standardized evaluation chart from a polynomial regression analysis of body fat percentage relative to BMI. Based on the constructed evaluation chart, the degree of fat accumulation is determined in the obese, normal, and slim body types judged by BMI, and classified into categories of more fat, normal and less fat. The aim was to examine physical fitness, athletic performance, and bone density in the classified categories. The subjects were 341 Japan female junior high school students, and physique, body composition, physical fitness tests and bone density were measured. First, among the groups classified into the obese, standard, and slim types based on fatness judged by BMI, physical strength, athletic ability, and bone density were particularly high in the order of obese, standard, and slim. However, in other physical fitness and athletic ability categories, it was shown that sit-ups, long-seated forward bends, side steps, 20-meter shuttle run, 50-meter run, and standing long jump were high in the order of standard, slim, and obese. Next, in order to verify physical strength, athletic ability, and bone density due to differences in morphological quality, we compared nine categories based on a polynomial regression evaluation chart of body fat percentage to BMI based on differences in the degree of fat accumulation (more fat, normal, and less fat). As a result, it was clarified that individuals of the obese type with less fat were superior in terms of grip strength and bone density. In other physical strength and athletic ability measures (sit-ups, long-seated forward bend, side steps, 20 m shuttle run, 50 m run, standing long jump, handball throw), the standard type was superior, and among them those with less fat did the best. For the first time, the relationship between physical strength, athletic ability, and bone density in the morphological qualities of Japan female junior high school students was derived, and it may become useful knowledge for future health education guidance.
Feminine Narratives Unveiled: Rebellion and Voices of Women in Urvashi Butalia's Works
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Sharma Jitendra , Devi Manju
Published: February 2025

Urvashi Butalia, a distinguished feminist writer and publisher, has played a transformative role in feminist literature by exploring the intricate realities of women’s lives, particularly in the context of historical and social upheavals. This article delves into her body of work to examine themes such as feminist history, gender-based violence, the erasure of women's narratives from mainstream history, personal agency, and the pursuit of empowerment. Central to this discussion are her seminal works, including The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India, which offers a poignant exploration of women's experiences during the Partition, and The Weight of Our Sky, which amplifies lesser-heard voices and stories of resilience. Butalia's writing is characterized by its ability to shed light on marginalized perspectives and to challenge dominant, often patriarchal, historical accounts. By documenting the lives of women who were displaced, silenced, or forgotten in the larger narrative of national history, she offers a nuanced critique of historical amnesia and societal indifference. Her approach is not limited to recounting past injustices; she also emphasizes the importance of agency and empowerment, encouraging women to reclaim their identities and rewrite their histories. This article shows her commitment to social justice and gender equality, highlighting how her works go beyond traditional storytelling to advocate for systemic change. By situating her literary contributions within the larger framework of post-colonial feminism, this article celebrates her efforts to amplify women’s voices, foster resilience, and challenge oppressive structures, making her a vital figure in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and justice.
Unveiling the Chilled Meat and Milk Demand: Exploring Behavioral Hurdles in Embracing Cold Chain Solutions within Bangladesh's Livestock Sector
Authors: Islam Sheikh , Rahman Sarker , Bhuiyanmishu Siddika
Published: February 2025

This study examines the behavioral barriers to adopting cold chain solutions in Bangladesh's livestock value chains. It aims to identify challenges related to frozen livestock product consumption and cold chain investment, while suggesting potential solutions. Using primary data from Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and secondary sources, the study finds that cultural, economic, and socio-political factors contribute to negative perceptions of chilled and frozen milk and meat, particularly among lower-income groups who prefer fresh products due to perceived nutritional value. Urbanization, however, is driving demand for chilled and frozen options among middle- to high-income consumers. Consumer decisions are influenced by factors such as nutritional value, taste, price, availability, hygiene, packaging, and branding. Traditional practices, which prioritize immediate sales, deter butchers from investing in cold chain solutions. However, some butchers are open to adopting modern technologies if supported by government and financing. Traditional sweet meat producers primarily use milk to make sweets, yogurt, and fermented products, highlighting the need for support to modernize their businesses with cooling facilities. Challenges in the informal livestock sector, such as poor hygiene and limited cooling facilities, restrict the market for chilled and frozen food products. In contrast, the formal sector, including supermarkets and processing plants, has showcased successful cold chain models. To address these issues, the study recommends investing in energy-efficient refrigeration, improving inventory management practices, and implementing awareness campaigns. Collaborative efforts among the government, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders—along with policy reforms, financial incentives, and capacity-building initiatives—are essential for creating an enabling environment for cold chain infrastructure. Ultimately, addressing these barriers can enhance food safety, reduce waste, and increase the sustainability of Bangladesh’s meat and milk industries.
Short-Term Quality of Life Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis of Thulium Laser Vaporization (ThuVap) vs. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
Authors: Matsui Yuki , Yanagida Wahei , Morita Jun , Fukagai Takashi
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aimed to compare short-term quality of life (QOL) outcomes and perioperative parameters between transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and thulium laser vaporization of the prostate (ThuVap) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 106 patients with BPH who underwent either TURP (n = 58) or ThuVap (n = 48) at our institution between April 2021 and August 2024. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), QOL index, and uroflowmetry. Perioperative outcomes, including operative time, catheterization duration, and hemoglobin (Hb) reduction, were also analyzed. Results: Both TURP and ThuVap showed sustained improvements in I-PSS, OABSS, and QOL index during the 3-month follow-up period, with no significant differences between the groups. ThuVap demonstrated a significantly lower rate of Hb reduction on the first postoperative day compared to TURP (5.9% vs. 8.5%, P < 0.05), likely due to reduced intraoperative bleeding. Although ThuVap had a shorter mean operative time (82.3 vs. 99.3 minutes), this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.1). Discussion: The findings indicate that both TURP and ThuVap effectively improve postoperative QOL. ThuVap's reduced bleeding may provide advantages in patients with higher cardiovascular or bleeding risks. However, variations in operative time between studies may be influenced by factors such as surgeons' experience and institutional protocols. Conclusion: Both TURP and ThuVap are effective surgical options for improving QOL in BPH patients. However, surgical efficiency and outcomes may be influenced by the surgeon's expertise and the preoperative condition of the patients. ThuVap offers additional benefits of reduced intraoperative bleeding, which may support its use in selected cases.
Examining the Tourist Behavior to Visit Green Hotels in Bangladesh: The Mediating Role of Attitude
Authors: Alamgir Md , Tat Huam , Saad Norizan
Published: February 2025

This study explores the rising significance of green hotels in response to growing environmental concerns among consumers. The transition towards eco-friendly practices in the hotel industry is driven by the need to mitigate negative environmental impacts, align with consumer preferences, and maintain economic advantages. The study aims to develop and test a model to comprehend factors influencing visitors' behavior in green hotels, focusing on perceived value, cost, trust, and perceived consumer effectiveness. Existing literature extensively examines sustainable tourism, focusing on green tourism and its impact on residents' quality of life in tourist destinations. The study addresses the scarcity of empirical frameworks and literature reviews on Bangladeshi tourists' preferences for green hotels, considering factors such as environmental awareness, green concern, and green trust. This study focused on tourists, both local and foreign, who have visited different places and green hotels in Bangladesh within the last five years. The study is identified as quantitative, utilizing primary data collection through a questionnaire. Prior to hypothesis testing, the parametric assumptions will be examined using SPSS to confirm the fulfillment of regression assumptions. The study will conclude with the assessment of hypotheses through SmartPLS, employing bootstrapping techniques for comprehensive analysis. This study's unique findings contradict the straight relationship between perceived cost and purchase behavioral intention. The investigation should be expanded to other parts of the world in order to demonstrate the model's validity. There is a rare chance to broaden the research and concentrate on additional constructs of green hotel purchase behavior. Therefore, more research is needed to examine the general hotel purchasing patterns of Bangladesh's large tourist population.
New Developments and Future Prospects in the Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Axelevitch Alexander , Tal-Mor Sivan
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen is the material with the highest energy density. Therefore, we can consider it the fuel of the future. Methods of obtaining hydrogen in recent years have become the most important area of scientific research. Hydrogen production using solar energy is very important due to the absence of atmospheric pollution and environmental protection. In this article, we consider methods of obtaining hydrogen by water splitting on components using solar energy. With this goal, we consider a hydrogen fuel cell principle of operation and various methods for hydrogen production. The main attention is offered to the solar-powered water splitting driven by a photoelectrode reaction. We consider such methods as photoelectrochemical water splitting, photovoltaic electrolysis, and application plasmon-enhanced solar cells for the water splitting. The paper highlights advantages and disadvantages of different methods. According to our analysis, the further progress in the hydrogen production is based on application of nanotechnologies and plasmonic effects, which promise increasing of the water splitting efficiency. Advances in nanotechnology, including plasmon-enhanced materials and multi-junction photovoltaic cells, offer novel routes to higher efficiency and lower costs.
Structural Characterisation of the Afzelia africana Smith ex persoon Stand in the Benoué National Park, North Cameroon
Authors: Calvin Koudtou , Tchobsala Koudtou , Adamou Ibrahima
Published: February 2025

Assessing and monitoring forest species is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies that support biodiversity. This study investigates the structure and growth dynamics of the Afzelia africana (A. africana) stand along the periphery of Benoué National Park (BNP) in northern Cameroon. A forest inventory was carried out at 4 sites located at the four cardinal points of the Bénoué National Park (PNB). Twelve 3000 m x 50 m transects were used, with three transects per study site. Data were collected on density, height, diameter at breast height (Dhp), crown diameter, and biological and vegetative types. To compare A. africana populations between sites, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Results indicate that wood density is higher in the northern (120 ind. /ha) and southern (90 ind. /ha) peripheries compared to the eastern (54 ind. /ha) and western (28 ind. /ha) peripheries. The distributions of trunk and crown diameters, as well as height, exhibit a bell-shaped pattern, indicating a dominance of middle-class individuals and a scarcity of both regenerating and mature individuals. This distribution suggests that the A. africana stand is under pressure, particularly in the eastern and western peripheries of the BNP. Human activities such as gold panning, charcoal production, and branch pruning, which are most pronounced in the eastern periphery, as well as agriculture and urbanization in the western periphery are contributing to plant instability and the decline of key socio-economic species like A. africana, which is also facing threats of extinction. Raising awareness among local communities and stakeholders could significantly enhance the conservation efforts for this species, particularly by focusing on the protection of juvenile plants and the most disturbed areas.
Evaluation of the Quality of Artemether-Lumefantrine-based Antimalarials from the Illicit Ivorian Market in West Africa
Authors: N'guessan Déto , Coulibaly Songuigama , Kacou Alain , Kouao Avi , Diakité Amelanh , Koffi Jean-Fabrice , Adouko Melissa , Ouattara Mahama
Published: February 2025

Background: Counterfeit and substandard medicines represent a severe public health issue, particularly in developing nations where their prevalence exacerbates disease resistance and economic challenges. In addition, many deaths in Côte d'Ivoire could be avoided each year if the drugs prescribed against malaria were compliant with regulations and able to effectively treat the disease. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of artemether-lumefantrine antimalarial combination on the Ivorian illicit market using the GPHF-Minilab® kit. Methods: A total of 15 samples were analyzed through visual inspection, disintegration testing, and TLC for qualitative and semi-quantitative assessments. Results: The findings reveal significant non-conformities, including 20% of samples lacking manufacturer information, 7% without accompanying instructions, and 20% with physical degradation. 93% of samples disintegrated within 30 minutes, meeting pharmacopoeial standards. One sample exceeded the recommended time, indicating substandard manufacturing. Most samples (67%) met active ingredient quantity requirements, but 26% were underdosed, and 7% were overdosed, highlighting manufacturing and storage deficiencies. In view of these results, it appears that the Artemether-lumefantrine drugs seized on the illegal market in Côte d'Ivoire are not of good quality. Conclusion: The GPHF-Minilab® proves a reliable tool for identifying substandard and counterfeit drugs in resource-limited settings, though further validation is required for broader applications. These results underscore the need for stringent regulatory frameworks, public education, and expanded quality control initiatives.
Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Patients After Rectal Cancer Anus-Preserving Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wei Xiuli , Zeng Yue , Zhang Zitao , Deng Minping
Published: February 2025

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the symptoms and quality of life level in patients after rectal cancer anus-preserving surgery, and to explore the factors affecting the quality of life level. In addition, a correlation analysis was conducted between symptoms and quality of life level. Background: Patients after rectal cancer anus-preserving surgery may have related complications, and the quality of life is also affected by various factors. It is particularly important to pay attention to and improve the quality of life of patients, so it is necessary to clarify the influencing factors and better clinical nursing intervention. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: From June 2020 to May 2022, a convenience sample of 165 participants were recruited at two tertiary hospitals in Guangdong, China. Quality of life and postoperative symptoms were assessed using the Cancer Patient Quality of Life Measurement Scale (FACT-G) and the Chinese Cancer Anderson Symptom Assessment Scale (MDASI) face-to-face or by telephone. Results: The overall quality of life score of patients after rectal cancer anus-preserving surgery was 54.07±14.58 points. The top three most severe symptoms were sleep, fatigue, and numbness or tingling in the limbs or face. The most severe gastrointestinal symptom was constipation. The severity of symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and symptom interference were negatively moderately correlated with the total score of quality of life (P<0.01). The severity of symptoms, the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, and the degree of symptom interference were independent factors affecting the quality of life of patients after RCAPS, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: The quality of life of patients after rectal cancer anus-preserving surgery is at a medium level. The higher the severity of symptoms and symptom interference of patients after rectal cancer anus-preserving surgery, the lower the quality of life of patients. Relevance to clinical practice: To provide a theoretical basis for clinical nursing interventions for patients after rectal cancer anus-preserving surgery, so as to improve their quality of life.
Wages Across Regions: Responsiveness to Macro and Policy Variables
Authors: Mitra Arup , Mishra Sarthak
Published: February 2025

This study reflects on the inter-regional wage variations. If labour is highly mobile then as per the neoclassical constellation wages are expected to get equalized across space. But the variations in wages and earnings across the Indian states are seen to be significant. This prompted us to investigate the wage variation issue further. The factors considered in the study include physical infrastructure, financial infrastructure, health, growth indicator, prices, policy variable such as minimum wage set by the state governments and the fiscal deficit, which may impact on wages across space. Findings are indicative of the fact that wages and earnings respond to the infrastructure and health related indicators. Economic growth and productivity rise also show a positive impact. Besides, the minimum wage policy of the government is seen to be effective, particularly in the case of those who are located at the lower rungs. The real wages/earnings do not show any significant responsiveness to price index though the association is not totally absent. Finally, the policy implications of the study are brought out.
Preparation and Characterization of Vermicompost Nutrients Made from Different Sources of Organic Materials
Authors: Dube Bati , Chimdessa Dagne , Sori Gedefa
Published: February 2025

Vermicomposting is simple biotechnological process of composting, which certain species of earthworms are used to enhance the process of waste conversion and produce better homogenized end product. Therefore, this study was conducted to prepare and Characterization of vermicompost nutrients made from different sources of organic materials. The experiment was carried out during 2023/24 at Bedele Agricultural Research Center. Vermicomposting was done using Eisenia fetida with seven treatments: wheat straw, maize stalk, sorghum stalk, haricot bean straw, soybean straw, finger millet straw and faba bean straw. The data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.3. Results indicated that for all the seven treatments the pH fluctuated in the range of 6.88 to 8.90, and the highest pH value was recorded from soybean straw with animal manure (8.90) whereas the lowest obtain from wheat straw with animal manure. Electrical conductivity of vermicompost were ranged from 2.02 to 4.44ds/m and the highest value of EC was recorded from soybean with animal manure (4.44ds/m) and the lowest from maize stalk with animal manure (2.02ds/m). The organic carbon of the vermicompost were ranged from 15.18 to 16.54%. The highest and lowest value of organic carbon was recorded from faba bean straw and haricot bean with animal manure (16.54 and 15.18%) respectively. The obtained total nitrogen was ranged from 1.28 to 1.43%. However, the highest was obtained from faba bean straw with animal manure and lowest recorded from maize stalk with cow manure (1.43% and 1.28%) respectively. The available phosphorus of vermicompost ranged from 24.65 to 27.75 ppm, from these results the highest and the lowest was recorded from wheat straw with animal manure and soybean straw with animal manure (27.75 and 24.65 ppm) respectively. The harvested vermicompost had an excellent nutrient rank, confirmed by chemical analysis, and contained all the essential selected macronutrients.
Synthesis, Experimental Characterizations and Theoretical Study of the Chemical Reactivity of Coumarin-6-yl Acetate in Gas and Solvent Phases
Authors: Yao Honoré , Koulabiga Zakaria , Abou Akoun , Djandé Abdoulaye , Coussan Stéphane , Ouari Olivier
Published: February 2025

The first objective of the study is based on experimental characterization of the studied compound. The synthetization process of C11H8O4 (I) involved the O-acetylation of 6-hydroxycoumarin with acetic anhydride, utilizing diethyl ether as a solvent and pyridine as a base. The obtained structure was characterized by both spectroscopic analyses such as ESI-MS, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR analysis and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In the latter case, we employed direct methods to solve the structure of (I) and subsequently refined to a final R value of 0.054 for 1896 independent reflections. In the structure, C—H•••O hydrogen bonds connect the molecules into R22 (8) dimers, which are linked together by C—H•••O interactions, forming layers parallel to the bc crystallographic plane. Similarly, the crystal structure is sustained by π–π interactions between neighboring rings, with inter-centroid distances lower than 3.8 Å. The second objective of the study is to use theoretical calculation methods to analyze the effect of solvent polarity on the energy gap of the boundary molecular orbitals and the overall chemical reactivity of coumarin-6-yl acetate in order to provide a better understanding of stability and reactivity. A series of density functional theory computations were achieved with B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set in both gas and solvent phases. In addition to the dipole moment, the natural bond orbital charge distribution was estimated in toluene, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and benzene solvents. The calculations were conducted utilizing the Gaussian 09 software, and the outcomes exhibited that the solvents have an influence on the optimized parameters. Furthermore, dual and local reactivity indices as Fukui functions from the natural bond orbital (NBO) charges were estimated in order to have a better comprehension of the electrophilic and nucleophilic regions, as well as the chemical activity of (I). The obtained dipole moment in the gas phase is 6.03 Debye and those in the presence of the solvents are 7.89, 6.87, 7.51 and 6.83 Debye for water, toluene, THF and benzene, respectively. Additionally, the global chemical reactivity parameters exhibit variation contingent on the molecular compound and polarity of the solvents, making this an important consideration in the selection of appropriate solvents for a given chemical reaction. The studied compound shows higher stability in the benzene solvent evidenced by an EHOMO-ELUMO energy gap of 9.48 eV, while its low stability is observed in the gas phase with an EHOMO-ELUMO energy gap of 6.64 eV.
Effectiveness of Project-Based-Learning on Laboratory Report Writing Skills Among Undergraduate Science Students
Authors: Almuntasheri Saeed
Published: February 2025

The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of project-based learning (PJBL) on writing skills of laboratory report for undergraduate female students at school of education in Al-Baha university. The study used a quasi-experimental design for the experimental and control groups, with a pre- and post-tests. The study sample included 40 female students distributed equally between the two groups. Learners in the experimental group were taught using the PJBL strategy while their peers in the control group were taught conventionally. The content analysis tool was employed to assess the writing skills of laboratory report components which include the introduction, methods and procedures, results and discussions. The Independent Samples T-test was used to compare the mean scores between the groups and Eta squared (η²) formula was employed to evaluate the effectiveness level. Post-test results showed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group. This improvement of the experimental group reached the highest level in writing the method and procedures, while remaining at the intermediate level in writing the introduction, results, and discussion. This suggests that the PJBL strategy was effective in improving laboratory report writing skills in all three components: the introduction, methods and procedures, and results and discussion, as well as in the overall score. The effect size (η²= 0.47) indicated the substantial impact of the PJBL strategy in developing the laboratory writing skills for science students. The study recommended the needs for training programs on teaching practices and group projects activities that enhance student skills in writing laboratory reports through engaging learners with the writing process and emphases on sharing newly learned scientific concepts.
IAR-99 HAWK Flutter Model Studies with External Stores
Authors: Vladimirescu Tudor , Fuiorea Ion , Vladimirescu-jr Tudor
Published: February 2025

The new Finite Elements Model (FEM) allows the visualization of the results and the study of the behavior of the structure at the local level (frames; lises; spars; frame-body, shell-body and longeron-body interaction) in the case of global dynamical phenomena. After creating FEM of the aircraft IAR-99 HAWK in the empty equipped configuration using special elements, the team decided to extend the study of flutter to aircraft in different external stores configurations. The results of the theoretical free-free vibrations obtained for the IAR-99 HAWK in different external stores configurations are presented and compared to those obtained from ground tests, thus confirming the accuracy of the new Finite Element Model (FEM). The aerodynamic idealization of the IAR-99 HAWK in external stores configurations aircraft was made using the Doublet Lattice Method (DLM) for subsonic flow, also considering the load-bearing wing/fuselage/pylon/store interference and aims to determine the generalized aerodynamic forces. The flutter calculation for the IAR-99 HAWK in external stores configurations aircraft, was made using the p-K methodology presented in the MSC. Nastran program, using the vibration modes obtained on the basis of the new finite element model and the matrix of generalized aerodynamic forces in subsonic flow. The V-g curves drawn lead us to flutter speeds outside the safety margin related to the maneuvering diagram, according to the regulations in force, both in the case of the plane in smooth configuration and the plane in the selected external storers variants.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Disturbance of Kynurenine Metabolism Through the Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhu H. , Huang C. , Luo Z. , Wu L. , Cheng X. , Wu H.
Published: February 2025

Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the major pathogens of chronic periodontitis. P. gingivalis can cause systemic inflammation, amyloid β protein deposition, and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, leading to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)–like lesions. P. gingivalis oral infection causes gut microbiota alteration, gut barrier dysfunction, and intestinal immune response and inflammation. The microbiota-gut-brain axis has a potential role in the pathogenesis of AD. Whether P. gingivalis affects AD-like lesions via the gut-brain axis needs more study. In this study, orally administered P. gingivalis induced alveolar resorption, intestinal barrier impairment, and AD-like lesions. Oral infection with P. gingivalis induced oral and gut microflora dysbiosis, imbalance of the tryptophan metabolism pathway of gut microbiota, and elevated levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine in the sera and hippocampi. The key metabolite, 3-hydroxykynurenine, suppressed Bcl2 gene expression, leading to neuronal apoptosis and promoting AD-like lesions in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that P. gingivalis can induce AD pathogenesis through the gut-brain axis, providing new ideas for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Tumor-Intrinsic SIRPA Drives Pyroptosis Evasion in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Song A. , Yang Q.-C. , Wang W.-D. , Wang S. , Li H. , Wu L. , Sun Z.-J.
Published: February 2025

Pyroptosis, a gasdermin-mediated immunogenic cell death, has been shown to elicit adaptive antitumor immune responses, thereby augmenting the response to cancer immunotherapy when pyroptosis is therapeutically activated. However, despite increased gasdermin E (GSDME) expression, significant pyroptosis remains elusive in certain tumor types, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we observed high signal regulatory protein α1 (SIRPA) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells, a target in cancer immunotherapy. Intriguingly, SIRPA inhibition markedly augmented pyroptosis activity in tumor tissues and modulated tumor growth in a HNSCC mouse model. Subsequent investigations revealed that SIRPA knockout upregulated GSDME expression and potentiated cisplatin-induced pyroptosis in cancer cells. Integrative transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis suggested that the SIRPA knockout profoundly altered protein ubiquitination and augmented argininosuccinic acid levels in cancer cells. Specifically, we demonstrated that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (USP18), a deubiquitinating enzyme, targets GSDME for deubiquitination and that USP18 knockdown suppressed cisplatin-induced pyroptosis. Notably, we found that succinylation of GSDME, which is mediated by succinyl-CoA, promotes GSDME cleavage without affecting caspase-3 activation. Further experiments indicated that SIRPA expression in tumor cells can decrease the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in HNSCC mouse models. In summary, our findings reveal a novel mechanism of pyroptosis evasion in HNSCC, whereby tumor-intrinsic SIRPA enhances GSDME ubiquitylation and inhibits its succinylation. These insights suggest that inhibiting SIRPA expression may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for HNSCC by inducing pyroptosis.
Discriminatory coercion: Understanding the biases of EU and US sanctions
Authors: Schneider Gerald , Weber Patrick M , Invernizzi Alessia
Published: February 2025

This article examines the biases the two most important senders of economic sanctions, the European Union and the United States, frequently introduce into their coercive measures. Distinguishing between sanction incidence and intensity, our study identifies the conditions under which the two senders over- or under-sanctioned their targets during the post-Cold War era. Theoretically, we conceive of the executive branch of the two senders as opportunistic actors that balance the influence of special economic interests against the preference of the average citizen and the lobbying of public interest groups. We expect that senders shy away from harsh measures against allies and former colonies and that private interest groups try to prevent the imposition of strong sanctions that potentially harm their members’ business. However, strong diasporas from the target state and violations of core liberal values should increase the chance of forceful measures. Our examination of the post-Cold War era supports our demand- and supply-side analysis of the Western powers’ biased coercion. The measures of the two senders are often strikingly similar, reflecting the strong influence of the sanction bureaucracies of the two senders. However, a notable difference is that the EU imposes lighter measures against economically powerful targets. Counterfactual simulations demonstrate that the EU measures against Russia and the US sanctions against China have been repeatedly too weak during the post-Cold War era.
The impact of sauna suits on body fluid loss, body temperature, and energy expenditure in athletes
Authors: Park Jae-Hyeon , Yoon Jiwun , Yun Hyo-Jun , Lee Ji-Yong
Published: February 2025

This study aims to evaluate the impact of sauna suits compared with regular training clothing on body fluid loss, body temperature, and energy expenditure among elite athletes. A sample of 15 male university athletes from weight-class sports, such as Taekwondo and Wrestling, participated in the study. Using a counterbalanced measures design, participants were randomly assigned to wear sauna suits and regular training clothing in two separate sessions. Measurements of body mass, body temperature, and calorie expenditure were recorded pre- and post-exercise. The results demonstrated that sauna suits significantly increased body fluid loss, elevated body temperature, and enhanced calorie expenditure compared with regular training clothing. Specifically, the results indicated that body mass varied significantly by timing and clothing with a p-value of 0.001, body temperature also showed significant differences based on timing and clothing with a p-value of 0.001, and caloric expenditure differed by type of clothing with a p-value of 0.019. These findings suggest that sauna suits are effective tools for rapid weight reduction and performance enhancement in weight-class sports, though caution is advised to mitigate risks of dehydration and overheating. Future research should investigate the long-term effects and safety of sauna suit use.
Mosquito-repellent textiles: a systematic review of material innovations, application principles and research trends
Authors: Tawiah Benjamin , He Wanyu , Seidu Raphael Kanyire , Zhou Yuyang , Sarkodie Bismark , Fei Bin
Published: February 2025

In many parts of the world, mosquito-borne illnesses have become a serious threat to public health. The development of mosquito-repellent textiles (MRTs) presents a promising approach to mitigating the risk of mosquito bites and the transmission of vector-borne illnesses. Despite the tremendous advancements in research over the years, it is uncommon to find a systematic review that maps the global research landscape with an in-depth analysis of MRT literature. Using the PRISMA approach, a total of 127 articles were carefully selected in March 2024 from Scopus and Google Scholar databases spanning 1989 to 2024. The data were carefully screened, extracted, and analyzed to understand the geospatial research collaborations, technological and materials innovations, application principles, and the current research trends in MRTs. Current innovations point to the fabrication of sustainable mosquito-repellent inherent polymers, and the use of numerical simulations to understand the complex phenomena of mosquito interactions with humans and textile substrates through machine learning. The worldwide research on MRT reveals an increasing trend toward the design and fabrication of sustainable MRTs using bio-based materials with significant efforts in the design of polymers with inherent mosquito-repellence properties. These findings will help researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders make informed choices about future research directions, funding priorities, and partnerships for the fight against mosquito-borne diseases globally.
A novel strategy utilizing wool waste to prepare carbonized porous C/N/O co-doped TiO2 composites for enhancing adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Yao Jiale , Zhang Hui , Xuan Xiangtao , Wang Hongli , Zhang Jinfeng , Wei Qianyang , Hao Zhendong
Published: February 2025

The extensive production of waste wool in the textile industry poses significant environmental challenges. To address this issue, we present a novel recycling approach that transforms waste wool into a carbonized, porous, and C/N/O co-doped TiO2 composite material. This was achieved through a simple one-step hydrothermal synthesis followed by calcination in either a nitrogen or an air atmosphere. This innovative method not only repurposes waste wool but also creates a material with impressive adsorption and photocatalytic properties, offering a new solution for environmental remediation. The calcination process effectively dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles, increasing the number of active sites. When calcined in a nitrogen atmosphere, the graphitization of wool biochar was enhanced, nitrogen doping of TiO2 was achieved, and oxygen vacancies were created, all of which significantly improved the adsorption performance. The resulting composite exhibited an adsorption capacity for methylene blue dye that was 13.8 times higher than that of the untreated sample, and 9.9 times higher than that of the sample calcined in air. Furthermore, the composite retained 99% of its original adsorption capacity after a second calcination cycle, indicating strong recycling potential. Photocatalytic performance tests showed a marked improvement in the degradation efficiency of methylene blue, Congo red, and tetracycline hydrochloride under simulated solar irradiation. The primary active species involved were singlet oxygen (1O2) and photogenerated holes (h+), while superoxide radicals ([Formula: see text]) and hydroxyl radicals (‧OH) also contributed to the photodegradation of methylene blue. The use of wool waste as a catalyst support material not only extends its practical applications but also helps reduce the environmental impact of organic pollutants.
The Infrastructures of Tomorrow: Integrating Local Planning and Management for Climate Resilient Stormwater Systems
Authors: Deslatte Aaron , Chung Juwon
Published: February 2025

Local governments tend to produce disjointed planning and implementation responses to ambiguous problems. This study adapts a cognitive science framework known as active inference to investigate local government resilience planning and management processes. We contend that disconnects between planning and management reflect the inadequacy of the “knowledge infrastructure” systems which could enable more adaptive responses. Using a mixed-methods approach to study stormwater resilience in the U.S. state of Indiana, we find evidence that municipalities integrate planning and management efforts relative to experienced flooding impacts. However, they are less likely to proactively develop information on longer-term or more distant climate impacts.
Structural Substitution Rather Than Efficiency Improvement in Thermal Power Sector Achieved by China’s Pilot Carbon Markets
Authors: Qian Haoqi , Gong Yanran , Wang Shouyang , Wu Libo
Published: February 2025

Thermal power sector plays a crucial role in achieving China’s climate mitigation targets due to its large contribution to the nation’s overall carbon emissions. This study constructs a unique nationwide unit-level dataset containing more than 1,000 coal-fired power units (CPUs) to evaluate the heterogeneous effects of China’s pilot Emission Trading Schemes (ETSs). Results disclose that the pilot ETSs generate a prominent reduction effect of coal consumption through electricity production shrinkage and output substitution among generation units. CPUs’ energy efficiencies have barely improved in the short run and even have been worsened in the longer term. From the market perspective, active tradings, higher prices and stringent benchmark standards are conducive to efficiency improvement but also bring uncertain impacts on coal abatement. Stringent benchmark standards and China’s administrative dispatching system contribute and strengthen the structural substitutions toward high-capacity CPUs. Finally, counterfactual simulation shows that the structural substitutions result in uneven distributions of air pollution co-benefits brought by the pilot ETS.

JEL Classification: C21, Q48, Q54