bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Primary Prevention and Secondary Intervention Programs Aimed at Reducing Youth Misuse of Fire
Authors: Sambol Stjepan , Dadswell Kara , Collier Gabriel de Sena , Jones Mikayla , Pooley Kamarah , Rehm Imogen , Sharples Jenny , Ball Michelle
Published: October 2024

Numerous intervention programs exist for youth misuse of fire, yet integrative reviews evaluating their effectiveness remain limited. This systematic review, conducted following PRISMA guidelines, included 21 studies (14 primary prevention and 7 secondary interventions) with a total of 4,735 youth. For primary prevention, N = 2,385 youth aged 3–11 years were included (944 males and 911 females), although one study did not specify its sample size, and six studies did not disclose participant gender. Secondary interventions included N = 2,350 youth aged 3–17 years (2,115 males and 235 females). Primary prevention programs demonstrated effectiveness in increasing children’s fire safety skills and knowledge, especially when interactive and consistently reinforced. However, digital education programs without corrective feedback often led to misinterpretation. Secondary education-based interventions showed limited effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates. Notably, cognitive behavioral therapy was found to be effective for youth who often present with deeper-rooted causes of firesetting, although these findings derived from a single study. The existing literature is insufficient to identify how demographic factors impact primary prevention and secondary intervention outcomes, highlighting the need for methodologically rigorous research. Whilst primary prevention shows consistent evidence in increasing fire safety knowledge, more evidence is required to identify effective secondary intervention practices.
Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among the General Population in Japan from Public Health Ethical Perspectives: Findings from a Narrative Review
Authors: Kuroda Moe , Ahmed Md Koushik , Kuroda Kaku , Lane Sandra D.
Published: October 2024

Japan has been reported as a country with high levels of vaccine hesitancy. However, a lack of comprehensive reviews studying factors for vaccine hesitancy for the COVID-19 vaccines in the Japanese context from the perspective of ethical controversy exists. Using a narrative review method, we reviewed factors associated with vaccine hesitancy to the COVID-19 vaccines and examined issues related to ethical controversy among the Japanese population. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy include concerns about vaccine safety, suspicion of vaccine inefficacy, mistrust of the government, and low perceived threat. Factors associated with vaccine acceptance include environmental factors, factors related to Japanese cultural values, including collectivism and social norms, and positive attitudes toward information provided by authorities. Unique backgrounds in Japan are historical events such as the anti-HPV vaccine campaigns, the accessible medical system fostering high expectations of zero risk, and cultural factors of caring social norms influencing vaccine acceptance. Ethical controversies arise from preferences and practices at the individual or national level around individual rights versus public health benefits. Healthcare professionals and public health experts should continue dialoguing with the critical mass, practitioners, and policymakers, considering the ethical dilemmas surrounding individual rights and public health benefits. Insights obtained from this study indicate the need to develop tailored strategies to enhance vaccine acceptance while respecting individual autonomy within the Japanese context.
Wellbeing of the older individuals in East Asia
Authors: Ichimura Hidehiko , Lei Xiaoyan , Lee Chulhee , Lee Jinkook , Park Albert , Sawada Yasuyuki
Published: October 2024

Rapid demographic transition in East Asia has resulted in “super” aging. Because of steadily decreasing fertility and increasing life expectancy, the proportion of older individuals in the population and the old-age dependency ratio are rising across all East Asian countries, particularly China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan. This study empirically investigated the well-being of older individuals in these three countries using comparable micro-level data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging, and Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement. Specifically, we examined the depressive symptoms scale as a measure of well-being and estimated the impact of four broad categories: demographic; economic; family-social; and health. The decomposition-and-simulation analyses reveal that although differences in the characteristics of older individuals in the three countries among countries explain many differences in mean depression rates, there remain significant differences across countries, which cannot be explained. Even after considering multiple factors, the study found that older individuals in Korea were more likely to be depressed than those in China or Japan.
Multi-layered factors contribute to irrational use of antibiotics among pediatric patients in Tanzania: ADDO dispensers perspective
Authors: Kibwana Upendo O. , Maganda Betty A. , Mikomangwa Wigilya P. , Mutagonda Ritah , Myemba David T. , Nkinda Lilian , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Ndayishimiye Pacifique , Njiro Belinda J. , Ndumwa Harrieth P. , Marealle Alphonce I. , Mlyuka Hamu J. , Felix Fatuma F. , Kilonzi Manase , Sambayi Godfrey , Makuka Gerald J. , Kubigwa Samson W. , Kunambi Peter P. , Sirili Nathanael , Mfaume Rashid , Nshau Arapha Bashir , Bwire George M. , Nyankesha Elevanie , Scherpbier Robert
Published: October 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health problem affecting both current and future generations. Development of resistance to the commonly available antibiotics has been directly linked to their irrational use. The World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly stated on the Global Strategy on AMR, judicious antibiotic use as well as adequate knowledge and awareness about AMR, as important tools in curbing the existing problem. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the level of knowledge among accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) dispensers on factors contributing to irrational use of antibiotics among Tanzanian pediatric patients.

Methods

A qualitative study employing focused group discussions was conducted among 6–10 ADDO dispensers with at least 6 months dispensing experience in 14 regions between July and August 2020. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Findings from this study indicate that the ADDO dispensers have adequate knowledge on antimicrobial resistance. Participants were aware of the general meaning and the use of antimicrobials. They were aware that antimicrobials are used for treating infections caused by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Participants knew AMR increases health related costs and that the increasing burden of AMR is not an outcome of a specific group of people such as health care providers or patients, rather a contribution of many factors that bring change in microorganism behavior. Despite this knowledge, participants felt that most of the private health care facilities are profit-oriented; they practice polypharmacy to maximize profit rather than focusing on providing quality health services. Participants revealed that dose shortage after symptomatic relief strongly contributes to AMR. Lastly, the ADDO dispensers expressed that continuous medical education and community education to patients is necessary in the efforts to fight against AMR.

Conclusions

To mitigate the increasing AMR burden in our society, integrated interventions must include both communities, ADDOs as first point of contact and other healthcare providers. Periodic refresher training with an emphasis on proper practices is crucial to help the dispensers transform their knowledge into action. Responsible authorities should ensure that ADDOs and other private health care facilities adhere to regulations.
Tunisian Politics in France
Authors: Zederman Mathilde
Published: October 2024

What does it mean to oppose or support an authoritarian regime from afar? During the years of Ben Ali's dictatorship in Tunisia between 1987 and 2011, diaspora activism played a key role in the developments of post-independence Tunisian politics. Centring this study on long-distance activism in France, where the majority of leftist and Islamist exile groups took refuge, Mathilde Zederman explores how this activism helps to shed new light on Tunisia's political history. Tunisian Politics in France closely explores the interactions and conflicts between different constellations of pro-regime and oppositional actors in France, examining the dynamics of what the author persuasively describes as a 'trans-state space of mobilisation'. In doing so, Zederman draws attention to the constraints and possibilities of long-distance activism. Utilising material gathered from extensive fieldwork in France and Tunisia, this study considers how the evolution of diaspora activism both challenges and reinforces the boundaries of Tunisian politics.
Logical Akrasia
Authors: Andersen Frederik J.
Published: October 2024

The aim of this paper is threefold. Firstly, sections 1 and 2 introduce the novel concept logical akrasia by analogy to epistemic akrasia. If successful, the initial sections will draw attention to an interesting akratic phenomenon which has not received much attention in the literature on akrasia (although it has been discussed by logicians in different terms). Secondly, sections 3 and 4 present a dilemma related to logical akrasia. From a case involving the consistency of Peano Arithmetic and Gödel's Second Incompleteness Theorem, it's shown that either we must be agnostic about the consistency of Peano Arithmetic or akratic in our arithmetical theorizing. If successful, these sections will underscore the pertinence and persistence of akrasia in arithmetic (by appeal to Gödel's seminal work). Thirdly, section 5 concludes by suggesting a way of translating the Dilemma of Arithmetical Akrasia into a case of regular epistemic akrasia; and further how one might try to escape the dilemma when it's framed this way.
Interactions between autistics and healthy children and their parents in emotional availability: a comparative study
Authors: Ustun Gullu Belgin , Oztop Didem Behice , Umutlu Aydin Eda , Ors Baris , Cikili Uytun Merve , Yurumez Esra
Published: October 2024

In this study, we assessed the interactions of mothers and fathers with their children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in terms of emotional availability (EA) and compared them with the interactions of healthy controls. Children, aged 13–60 months and applied to the Infant Mental Health Unit between January 2019 and March 2021 and their parents without any clinical diagnosis, were included. The EA levels of mothers and fathers of the autistic group, which included 30 boys and 13 girls, and those of the control group, which included 10 boys and 10 girls, were compared. According to the results obtained, it was determined that the EA levels of mothers and fathers of healthy controls were not different; however, the mothers were more sensitive and better in structuring the content of play compared with the fathers in the ASD group. It was noted that the fathers of children with ASD were more hostile than the mothers. EA should be taken as a criterion to determine the intensity and content of treatment, particularly in ASD. Additionally, increased awareness of fathers in EA may provide better results in the intervention process.
Effectiveness of a family violence prevention program on mental health outcomes for adult men and women in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo: Insights from a pilot trial
Authors: Balachander Manya , Hategekimana Ndiyunze Jean de Dieu , Roth Danielle , Asghar Khudejha , Bourey Christine , Falb Kathryn L.
Published: October 2024

The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced dual burdens of poor mental health and heightened levels of violence against women and children within the home. Interventions addressing family violence prevention may offer a path to mitigate mental distress within the eastern DRC. This exploratory analysis uses data from a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in North Kivu, DRC, assessing the impact of Safe at Home, a violence prevention intervention. Mental health was assessed at endline using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Statistical analyses employed multilevel linear regression.

Assuming successful randomization, impact of the Safe at Home intervention on mental health differed by participant gender. Women enrolled in the Safe at Home intervention reported statistically significant decreases in mental distress symptoms [β (95%CI) = −1.01 (−1.85, −0.17)], whereas men enrolled in Safe at Home had similar scores in mental distress to the control group [β (95%CI) = −0.12 (−1.32, 1.06)].

Ultimately, this exploratory analysis provides evidence of the potential for a family violence prevention model to improve women’s mental health in a low-resource, conflict-affected setting, although further research is needed to understand the impact on men’s mental health.
Direct numerical simulation of a supersonic turbulent boundary layer with hydrogen combustion
Authors: Wang Chuhan , Xu Chunxiao
Published: October 2024

The complex behaviours of supersonic turbulent boundary-layer flows interacting with combustion is explored through the use of direct numerical simulations. The chosen flow model is a non-premixed hydrogen–air flame ignited within a three-dimensional supersonic turbulent flat-plate boundary layer operating at a Mach number of 2.33 and a friction Reynolds number of approximately 1000. The simulation involves a finite-rate model for the hydrogen–air reaction including 9 species and 19 steps with adiabatic non-catalytic wall conditions. The inlet flow consists of preheated air in the main stream and a hydrogen film injected in proximity to the cold wall, inducing mixing and ignition in the outer layer. The specific inlet configuration leads to two successive transition stages of distinct mechanisms, with the first stage related to the mixing-layer instability and the second one to the boundary-layer instability. The excess Reynolds stresses resulting from the transition exhibit a downstream decrease, with values being lower than canonical adiabatic profiles, particularly in the outer layer. This difference is attributed to the reduced local friction Reynolds numbers, associated with the non-classical wall-normal distributions of density and viscosity. The effect of combustion on the recovery process and skin friction is analysed in comparison with a supplemented chemistry-frozen setting. Velocity–temperature and velocity–species correlations are further examined. The wall-normal profiles of turbulent Prandtl number tend to classical non-reacting values and the turbulent Schmidt number is only slightly affected by the reaction. The strong Reynolds analogy linking velocity and temperature fluctuations is found to be invalid in the outer layer due to the presence of large-scale temperature fluctuations and the inhomogeneity of hydrogen gas distribution, as revealed by a spectrum analysis. A statistical analysis of elementary reactions at varying wall-normal distances is provided, highlighting the dominance of hydrogen atom depletion in the inner region and the prevalence of water vapour production in the outer region, together contributing to the chemical heat release across the boundary layer. Turbulence–chemistry interaction is assessed through a comparison of mean turbulent and laminar chemical heat release rates, showing significant differences of up to an order of magnitude. Using a simple diagnostic tool, the modelling of fluctuations associated with hydrogen gas and two intermediate products is found to be crucial for turbulent chemistry closure.
Melt-front instabilities during the combustion of a spinning polymer disk
Authors: Hostler S.R. , Nayagam V. , Williams F.A.
Published: October 2024

Melt-front instabilities during the combustion of a spinning polymethylmethacrylate disk in air are investigated. Mainly straight rivulet-type flow patterns were found, though under certain conditions saw-tooth patterns were observed. The measured wavelengths of the instabilities agree with earlier theoretical predictions of driven contact-line instabilities.
Trends in adult mortality rates in India, 1970 to 2018: age–period–cohort analysis
Authors: Misra Sheuli , Singh Akansha , Goli Srinivas , James K.S.
Published: October 2024

High premature adult deaths in developing countries are gaining attention, as recent studies show their increasing impact on overall mortality rates. This paper has twofold objectives: firstly, it investigates the long-term trends and patterns of adult mortality between 1970 and 2018 in India. Secondly, it attempts to detect age, period, and cohort (APC) effects on adult mortality decline over time. Data on age-specific mortality rates and disease-adjusted life years for adult age groups (15–59 years) were collected from the Sample Registration System and the Global Burden of Disease study, respectively. The trends in age-standardized mortality rates were presented graphically, and critical change points were highlighted using a change-point analysis. The intrinsic estimator model was applied to estimate the independent effects of APC on adult mortality. The findings revealed that adult mortality declined between 1970 and 2018 with multiple critical change points. The APC effects showed a notable decline in adult mortality during 2005–2018 and for the recent birth cohorts, 1980–2004. However, the rate of mortality declined slowly over time. Results also indicated that mortality started increasing from mid-adult ages and peaked in older adult ages due to the age effects and provided evidence of a rise in adult life loss due to non-communicable diseases in recent years. Overall, the study underscores the importance of implementing health policies aimed at reducing life loss in the most economically active ages that can have long-term negative implications for the country’s economic growth.
Abnormal blood pressure among individuals evaluated for tuberculosis infection in a U.S. public health tuberculosis clinic
Authors: Stantliff Trevor M. , Salindri Argita D. , Egoavil-Espejo Rocio , Hall Ashton D. , Medina-Rodriguez Laura , Patel Kavya , Magee Matthew J. , Urbina Elaine M. , Huaman Moises A.
Published: October 2024

Tuberculosis infection (TBI) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risks. We aimed to characterize abnormal blood pressure (BP) readings in individuals with TBI. We conducted a retrospective study of adults with TBI presenting for their initial medical visit at a large midwestern U.S. public health clinic between 2019 and 2020. Abnormal BP was defined as having a systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg. Of 310 individuals with TBI, median age was 36 years (interquartile range 27–48), 34% were male, 64% non-US-born; 58 (18.7%) were previously diagnosed with hypertension. The prevalence of any hypertension (i.e., had a history of hypertension and/or an abnormal BP reading) was 64.2% (95% confidence interval 58.7–69.4). Any hypertension was independently associated with older age, male sex, higher body mass index, and individuals of Black race. In conclusion, any hypertension was present in over half of the adults evaluated for TBI in our clinic. Established hypertension risk factors were also common among this group, suggesting that individuals with TBI could benefit from clinical and public health interventions aiming to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
Generation Z: pessimistic and populist? A conjoint experiment on the determinants of populist voting in Spain
Authors: Zagórski Piotr , Roch Juan , Tudó-Cisquella Julià , López-Yagüe Alberto , Cordero Guillermo
Published: October 2024

Generation Z is the most educated and yet pessimistic about the future. At the same time, populist parties have much support among young voters. Do they find an answer to their discouraging socio-economic situation in populist appeals? In this article, we analyse how pessimistic economic expectations shape the preference for populist parties among the young in Spain. By using conjoint experiments, we explore which specific features of populist parties (‘thin’ or ‘thick’ characteristics) are decisive in attracting young and pessimistic voters. Unlike older generations, for whom immigration is the most relevant factor, Generation Z, especially the pessimistic, focuses more on the thin ideological elements of populism. This finding contradicts previous experimental studies, which argue that thin populist characteristics are irrelevant in explaining the general population’s voting behaviour. Ideology plays a significant mediating role, as young pessimists on the left tend to be attracted by anti-elitism, while those on the centre-right by people-centrism.
Detection of florpyrauxifen-benzyl residues in tree nut crop leaves after simulated drift treatment
Authors: Inci Deniz , Hanson Bradley D. , Al-Khatib Kassim
Published: October 2024

Rice herbicide drift poses a significant challenge in California, where rice fields are near almond, pistachio, and walnut orchards. This research was conducted as part of a stewardship program for a newly registered rice herbicide and specifically aimed to compare the onset of foliar symptoms resulting from simulated florpyrauxifen-benzyl drift with residues in almond, pistachio, and walnut leaves at several time points after exposure. Treatments were applied to one side of the canopy of 1- and 2-yr-old trees at 1/100X and 1/33X of the florpyrauxifen-benzyl rice field use rate of 29.4 g ai ha–1 in 2020 and 2021. Symptoms were observed 3 d after treatment (DAT) for pistachio and 7 DAT for almond and walnut, with peak severity at approximately 14 DAT. While almond and walnut symptoms gradually dissipated throughout the growing season, pistachio still had symptoms at leaf out in the following spring. Leaf samples were randomly collected from each tree for residue analysis at 7, 14, and 28 DAT. At 7 DAT with the 1/33X rate, almond, pistachio, and walnut leaves had florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 6.06, 5.95, and 13.12 ng g–1 fresh weight (FW) leaf, respectively. By 28 DAT, all samples from all crops treated with the 1/33X drift rate had florpyrauxifen-benzyl at less than 0.25 ng g–1 FW leaf. At the 1/100X rate, pistachio, almond, and walnut residues were 1.78, 2.31, and 3.58 ng g–1 FW leaf at 7 DAT, respectively. At 28 DAT with the 1/100X rate, pistachio and almond samples had florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 0.1 and 0.04 ng g–1 FW leaf, respectively, but walnut leaves did not have detectable residues. Together, these data suggest that residue analysis from leaf samples collected after severe symptoms may substantially underestimate actual exposure due to the relatively rapid dissipation of florpyrauxifen-benzyl in nut tree foliage.
Modeling Pitch Angle Dependent Electron Precipitation Using Electron Lifetimes
Authors: Haas Bernhard , Shprits Yuri Y. , Himmelsbach Julia , Wang Dedong , Drozdov Alexander Y. , Szabó‐Roberts Mátyás , Hanzelka Miroslav
Published: October 2024

Electron precipitation, a crucial link between Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere, profoundly influences the coupled magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐atmosphere system. Existing models of the ring current often rely on electron lifetimes for characterizing the effects of pitch‐angle scattering, thus limiting accurate predictions of loss cone dynamics. This study introduces a method called steady‐state approximation (steady state approximation) utilizing the steady‐state solution of the pitch‐angle diffusion operator to calculate pitch angle resolved flux within the loss cone. The method enables precise comparisons with low‐earth orbit satellite measurements to validate parameterized electron lifetimes. Applying this approach to reevaluate a prior study, we uncover underestimated electron precipitation during geomagnetic storms, particularly in the pre‐midnight sector. This discrepancy reveals a previously overlooked loss process. Our method enhances the fidelity of global magnetospheric simulations, contributing to improved predictions of ionospheric conductance and atmospheric chemistry dynamics.
Analysis of Slitted Parallel‐Plate Waveguides Using the Method of Kobayashi Potential
Authors: Honarbakhsh B.
Published: October 2024

A new solution for the analysis of slitted parallel‐plate waveguide is proposed using the method of Kobayashi Potential (KP). The interior and exterior problems are studied for the TE and TM polarizations. Simplified forms of Weber‐Schafheitlin (WS) integrals are utilized for problem formulation. The Fourier function space is exploited to construct the governing linear system of equations. A simple strategy is suggested for the evaluation of the required integrals. Numerical results are validated through convergence analysis and available reports based on the Moment Method (MM). It is shown that the KP is superior to the conventional MM in the sense of tracking edge singularities, especially when the radiation problem is of interest.
Challenges in classifying human chromosomal heteromorphisms using banding cytogenetics: From controversial guidelines to the need for a universal scoring system
Authors: Pires Sílvia , Jorge Paula , Liehr Thomas , Oliva-Teles Natália
Published: October 2024

Chromosomal heteromorphisms (CHs) are morphological variations predominantly found in constitutive heterochromatic regions of the genome, primarily composed of tandemly repetitive sequences of satellite DNA. Although not completely devoid of genes, these regions are typically not transcribed into proteins and lack obvious phenotypic impact. Nonetheless, their clinical importance is increasingly under scrutiny, with several studies aiming to assess their influence on human diseases and susceptibilities, especially as they are seemingly part of the long noncoding RNAs in certain tissues. This article summarizes the classification methods of human heterochromatic CHs documented in the literature over the last two decades. Multiple scoring systems have been identified, and previous approaches for CH assessment and reporting in genetic diagnosis have shown inconsistencies. Owing to the current heterogeneity in the classification of CHs, data analysis may be biased, impacting the quality of clinical reports and human genetic research. This review highlights the need for a universal scoring system, which is essential for scientific reproducibility and the accurate identification and clinical evaluation of human CHs.
Central-European sunshine hours, relationship with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, and forecast
Authors: Lüdecke Horst-Joachim , Müller-Plath Gisela , Lüning Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Sunshine hours (SSH) is an important meteorological parameter, loosely linked to temperature and precipitation, and highly relevant for various sectors such as agriculture or solar energy. Previous studies have already identified a correlation of European SSH with the thermal state of the North Atlantic. This paper investigates this relationship further by studying annual and monthly SSH of seven long-term Central European SSH series and comparing them to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) using Fourier Transformation, Monte Carlo simulation and non-linear optimization. The Fourier spectra of our annual SSH series have their strongest and highly significant peaks in the known AMO period of ~ 50 to ~ 80 years, supporting the hypothesis that European SSH and the AMO are linked. The optimized sinusoids of the seven SSH and the AMO series with these periods show substantial correlations with the corresponding data (r = 0.42–0.55 for SSH and 0.71 for the AMO). Extrapolating the sinusoids, we project a gradual decline in SSH across Central Europe by 9–16% from its current maximum over the next three decades, particularly pronounced in northern regions.
Analytical solutions for the Noyes Field model of the time fractional Belousov Zhabotinsky reaction using a hybrid integral transform technique
Authors: Aruna K. , Okposo N. I. , Raghavendar K. , Inc Mustafa
Published: October 2024

In this work, we employed an attractive hybrid integral transform technique known as the natural transform decomposition method (NTDM) to investigate analytical solutions for the Noyes-Field (NF) model of the time-fractional Belousov–Zhabotinsky (TF-BZ) reaction system. The aforementioned time-fractional model is considered within the framework of the Caputo, Caputo–Fabrizio, and Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivatives. The NTDM couples the Adomian decomposition method and the natural transform method to generate rapidly convergent series-type solutions via an elegant iterative approach. The existence and uniqueness of solutions for the considered time-fractional model are first investigated via a fixed-point approach. The reliability and efficiency of the considered solution method is then demonstrated for two test cases of the TF-BZ reaction system. To demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the considered technique, numerical results with respect to each of the mentioned fractional derivatives are presented and compared with the exact solutions as well as with those from existing related literature. Graphical representations depicting the dynamic behaviors of the chemical wave profiles of the concentrations of the intermediates are presented with respect to varying fractional parameter values as well as temporal and spatial variables. The obtained results indicate that the execution of the method is straightforward and can be employed to explore nonlinear time-fractional systems modeling complex chemical reactions.
Thirty two port super wideband diversity antenna for indoor communications
Authors: Joy J Annal , Palaniswamy Sandeep Kumar , Kumar Sachin , Kanagasabai Malathi , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a novel design featuring a thirty-two port diversity antenna with an elliptical shape, fed by an asymmetric coplanar waveguide (CPW). The antenna incorporates uneven meander lines, tailored for super-wideband (SWB) applications. The structure of the unit cell is of an elliptical patch with an elliptical slot, and it is connected to a rectangular stub and asymmetric meander line. The size of the single element is 22 mm × 20 mm, and it operates from 3 to 40 GHz. The bandwidth dimension ratio of the unit cell is 3911, bandwidth ratio is 13.33:1, and fractional bandwidth is 172.09%. The single element is developed into a 3-D thirty-two port diverse antenna, composed of a horizontal plane and four planes perpendicular to it. The diverse antenna has a peak gain of 12.5 dBi and an efficiency of 94%. The computed envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), as determined using S-parameters and far-field measurements, is less than 0.1. The attained diversity gains (DGs) of the developed MIMO antenna are above 9.9 dB in terms of both S-parameter and far-field computations. The obtained thirty-two port diverse antenna channel capacity loss (CCL) is below 0.25 bits/s/Hz. The mean effective gain (MEG) of the constructed thirty-two port antenna is below 2. To validate the appropriateness of the developed thirty-two port antenna for wireless indoor environment, an enclosure made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is crafted and fabricated, and the characteristics of the proposed diverse antenna are investigated.
Influence of drying temperature on the properties of Colombian banana fibers for its potential use as reinforcement in composite materials
Authors: Montoya Berrio Julián , Negrete Martínez Juan , Altamiranda Suárez Juan , Ávila Díaz César , Rivero-Romero Oswaldo , Unfried-Silgado Jimy
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the impact of drying temperature on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of banana pseudostem fibers sourced from the Cordoba region in Colombia. Banana fibers (BFs) were extracted through mechanical decortication from the banana pseudostem (BP) of the plant and subsequently oven-dried at temperatures of 40 °C and 90 °C. Six mathematical models were employed to analyze the drying behavior of the fibers. The density of the BFs was determined using the apparent density method, and their chemical composition was evaluated via bromatological analysis. Fiber diameter was measured using optical microscopy (OM). The BF samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), contact angle measurements, and tensile testing. The results indicated that noncellulosic materials were removed from the fibers when dried at 90 °C, as evidenced by alterations in thermal degradation and fiber surface morphology observed through TG and SEM, suggesting a reduction in lignin content. While drying temperature did not affect fiber stiffness or ductility, a correlation with fiber diameter was noted. Thinner fibers, ranging from 148 to 250 μm, exhibited increased tensile strength and Young’s modulus, attributed to a more compact microfibril arrangement.
The catalytic performance of (ZrO)n (n = 1–4, 12) clusters for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling: a DFT study
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Chao , Wang Wen-Lu , Zhong Hai-Yan , Liu Bin , Shi Xin-Yu , Yu Dan , Sun Wei-Ming
Published: October 2024

The Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction catalyzed by (ZrO)n (n = 1–4, and 12) clusters has been systematically studied by density functional theory to reveal their catalytic performance for C–C coupling reactions.
Correction: Anti-schistosomal activity and ADMET properties of 1,2,5-oxadiazinane-containing compound synthesized by visible-light photoredox catalysis
Authors: Itoh Kennosuke , Nakahara Hiroki , Takashino Atsushi , Hara Aya , Katsuno Akiho , Abe Yuriko , Mizuguchi Takaaki , Karaki Fumika , Hirayama Shigeto , Nagai Kenichiro , Seki Reiko , Sato Noriko , Okuyama Kazuki , Hashimoto Masashi , Tokunaga Ken , Ishida Hitoshi , Mikami Fusako , Kwofie Kofi Dadzie , Kawada Hayato , Lin Bangzhong , Nunomura Kazuto , Kanai Toshio , Hatta Takeshi , Tsuji Naotoshi , Haruta Junichi , Fujii Hideaki
Published: October 2024

Correction for ‘Anti-schistosomal activity and ADMET properties of 1,2,5-oxadiazinane-containing compound synthesized by visible-light photoredox catalysis’ by Kennosuke Itoh et al., RSC Med. Chem., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4md00599f.
Superior energy storage performance with a record high breakdown strength in bulk Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3-based lead-free ceramics via multiple synergistic strategies
Authors: Wang Changhao , Hao Jiaxi , Duan Longxiao , Zhang Jianfan , Yue Wenfeng , Fan Zhenhao , Han Dandan , Muhammad Raz , Meng Fanxu , Wang Dawei
Published: October 2024

A composition and structure optimization strategy combined with a two-step sintering (TSS) process is proposed to design and fabricate (1−x)Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3−xBi(Mg1/2Sn1/2)O3 (BCZT-BMSx-TSS) lead-free ceramics.
PEWDD: A database of white dwarfs enriched by exo-planetary material
Authors: Williams J. T. , Gänsicke B. T. , Swan A. , O’Brien M. W. , Izquierdo P. , Cutolo A-M. , Cunningham T.
Published: October 2024

We present the Planetary Enriched White Dwarf Database (PEWDD), a collection of published photospheric abundances of white dwarfs accreting planetary debris alongside additional information relevant to metal-enrichment and the presence of infrared excesses, emission lines, and binary companions. At the time of publishing, PEWDD contains information on 1739 white dwarfs and will be kept up to date with information from new publications. A total of 24 photospheric metals are recorded and are linked to accretion of exo-planetary material. The overall properties of metal-enriched white dwarfs are severely affected by observational selection effects. In particular, we find that the metals that are detectable strongly correlate with the effective temperature. By considering metal-enriched white dwarfs that have abundances measured by different methods, we find a spread that is comparable with the often-quoted ad hoc estimated abundance uncertainties, namely ≃0.1−0.2 dex. We draw attention to a dichotomy in the median accretion rates for metal-enriched H- and He-dominated white dwarfs, with Ṁacc,H = 7.7 × 107g s−1 and Ṁacc,He = 8.7 × 108g s−1, when extrapolating bulk compositions from bulk Earth Ca abundance. We identified 40 metal-enriched white dwarfs in binary systems and find evidence that enrichment is suppressed by binary companions within 200 au.
The Regulation of Photoelectronic Property and Energy State of FAPbI3 Surface Via Ligand Dipole Design
Authors: Yang Qi , Chen Dongmeng , Fang Wenjing , Liu Bing
Published: October 2024

Although the adding multifunction ligand can regulate the perovskite property, the effect of the enhancement depends on the ligand structure. In this paper, the polarity of aromatic ligand is regulated by design strategy — introducing fluorine (F) atom and alkyl chain (R-NH3). Those ligands affect the structure, photoelectric properties and energy state of formamidinium (FAPbI3) perovskite surface. The ligand polarity increases with more F atoms and R-NH3 length, which increases fermi energy and then decreasing band gap and increasing work function (WF). The CF3-PEA/BEA obtains the higher polarity and then increasing WF of the surface system from 6.21 eV to the higher 6.46 eV.
Demand and Forecast Analysis of Power New Energy under the Background of Carbon Peak Reachin
Authors: Chen Zhongfei , Zhao Yue , Cai Qiuna , Yu Peng , Zhang Qiaoyu , Zhong Xinrui
Published: October 2024

Electric power resources is directly related to the national development and social people’s livelihood of the energy industry, is to support the future economic transformation and improve the residents living standards of rigid demand, however, the power industry is the highest carbon dioxide emissions in China, the power industry accounts for the energy industry of carbon dioxide emissions more than 40%. Under the background of the increasing demand for power resources in the current social development, the carbon dioxide emissions of the power industry are directly related to whether China can achieve the goal of reaching the national carbon emission peak by 2030. The article will summarize the driving factors of carbon emission reduction in the power industry through scenario analysis, combining the social electricity demand, power structure adjustment and the coal consumption of power generation standards, and improve the new energy generation technologies such as offshore wind power and hydropower to achieve the carbon emission of the power industry to reach the carbon peak standard. The article mainly achieves carbon emission reduction in the power industry through offshore wind power and distributed photovoltaic technologies, optimizes the power supply structure, and achieves the carbon peak target by 2030.
Sustainable Modelling of Industrial Wastewater Discharges with Big Data Technology
Authors: Zhang Yuheng , Shi Jiaqi , Xue Jing , Wang Mingchen
Published: October 2024

In recent years, with the development of society, the concept of China’s smart city has been sustained development, and sewage treatment, as an important part of urban management, is also developing in the direction of intelligence. With the introduction of the concept of intelligent water, sewage treatment combined with big data, global cloud computing, Internet of Things, mobile Internet and other information technology in-depth use, sewage treatment intelligent control system came into being. The application of big data has made this problem alleviated to a certain extent. The big data referred to here refers to the screening, statistics, analysis, etc. of massive data based on cloud storage and cloud computing platforms, which ultimately results in a set of information with important value. This paper is based on big data technology for industrial wastewater in-depth research and analysis, and adhere to the new era of sustainable development model of industrial wastewater research, for the new integration of people in the field of new exploration and research.
Enhancing Urban Traffic Management with Visible Light Communication and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Galvão Gonçalo , Vieira Manuel Augusto , Vieira Manuela , Louro Paula , Véstias Mário
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces Visible Light Communication (VLC) to enhance traffic signal efficiency and vehicle trajectory management at urban intersections. A multi-intersection traffic control system is proposed, integrating VLC localization services with learning-based traffic signal control. VLC facilitates communication between connected vehicles and infrastructure using headlights, streetlights, and traffic signals to transmit information. By leveraging vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) interactions, joint transmission and data collection are achieved via mobile optical receivers. The system aims to reduce waiting times for pedestrians and vehicles while improving overall traffic safety. It is designed to be flexible and adaptive, accommodating diverse traffic movements during multiple signal phases. VLC cooperative mechanisms, transmission range, relative pose concepts, and queue/request/response interactions help balance traffic flow between intersections, enhancing the overall road network performance.
A study of the effects of the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on improving the spoken English of university students: Voices of students from a Chinese university
Authors: Chen Yijing
Published: October 2024

Recently, artificial intelligence has received more and more widespread attention, and its applications in all aspects of people’s lives are increasing, especially in the field of education. This study used the research method of semi-structured interviews with the aim of exploring the role of AI in improving college students’ speaking, in order to better utilise AI to promote college students’ learning of spoken English. In this study, 11 students from a Chinese university were interviewed for about 10 minutes each, and they were questioned about their ideas of using AI to learn speaking, and their answers were used to understand the current development of AI in speaking. And, a content analysis of the interview results revealed that most of the university students thought that AI helped their speaking learning, but at the same time, they also pointed out that there were still some aspects of AI that needed to be improved. They also evaluated the functions of these AI apps for speaking practice from different perspectives. Finally, this study discusses the practical significance of AI-assisted English-speaking learning and suggestions for further research.
The advantages and disadvantages of language policies in Asian countries and regions and their impact on English education in China
Authors: Teng Yanru , Wan Jialin
Published: October 2024

Asian countries show diversity in language policy, with each country having its own unique language policy reflecting its historical, cultural and social background. This paper utilizes the systematic review methodology, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of language policies in some Asian countries and analyses the impact of these policies on English education in China. Firstly, through comparative research, this paper reviews the language policies of major Asian countries, including the setting of official languages and the protection of linguistic diversity in language education policies. Secondly, it summarizes the advantages of Asian countries' language policies, such as promoting national unity and protecting local languages and cultures. At the same time, it also analyses the shortcomings, such as language discrimination, cultural conflict and other problems. Finally, the paper discusses the influence of language policies in Asian countries on English education in China, including the impact on the enlightenment of the development of English education. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for understanding the language policies of Asian countries and to provide heuristics for the reform of English education in China.
AI vs. human translation: Shaping the future of language learning through AI-generated bilingual captions
Authors: Ma Ailin
Published: October 2024

The impact of captions on language learning is one of the key research topics today. Researchers have found that the use of different types of captions will cause different learning effects on learners, and the order of using captions will also have different effects on language ability development. With the constant development of today’s artificial intelligence technology, however, there is still a research gap in the relevant issues of AI-generated captions. Therefore, this paper summarizes and analyzes the research related to artificial intelligence and captions and explores the relationship between AI-generated bilingual captions and English learners’ language learning. The study found that although AI-generated translation still has some shortcomings, its positive effect on English learners’ language learning is very obvious. Compared with manual translation, AI translation may be able to better mobilize learning enthusiasm and help ESP learning. In addition, teachers and learners are advised to use AI translation more flexibly and pay attention to some words that are easily mistranslated, such as cultural vocabulary and emerging vocabulary.
Junior school students’ foreign language buoyancy, enjoyment, and English achievement: Exploring the connections from a positive psychology perspective
Authors: Lang Jingyu
Published: October 2024

From a positive psychology standpoint, this research investigated the relationship between foreign language buoyancy, foreign language enjoyment, and English academic achievement of 240 junior school students. The results of this survey indicate that learners of foreign languages have higher foreign language buoyancy, and enjoyment and a noteworthy positive association exists among buoyancy, enjoyment and junior school students’ academic success. According to the results of the mediating effect test, enjoyment acts as a partial mediating factor between buoyancy and academic achievement. The buoyancy of junior school students’ foreign language learning can influence their English learning achievement partly through their personal enjoyment. Teacher-related enjoyment and environment-related enjoyment had no significant effect on academic buoyancy and academic achievement. Meanwhile, this study has some enlightening significance. According to the findings, it gives some pertinent suggestions for the improvement and intervention of junior school students’ foreign language learning emotions to junior school students, educators, and parents.
The Impact of Social Network Sites Used by International Students in Education on Intercultural Communication in UK Universities
Authors: Qumu Zhiyue
Published: October 2024

Social Network Sites (SNS) are commonly used by students not only to socialise but also to share educational information and facilitate academic discussions. Moreover, SNS has played an essential role in adapting to foreign cultures, and international students rely on SNS to establish connections with the host societies and their home countries. Thus, SNS have provided an important platform for facilitating intercultural communication. Since SNS are commonly used by international students, it is believed that SNS used for educational purposes have a significant impact on intercultural communication. This study explored the ways in in which SNS are used for educational purposes by Chinese international students in UK universities, and how intercultural communication is formed via the exchanges between international students and local UK students on SNS. A survey was conducted, and the analysis of the results indicated that SNS have a significant impact on students’ learning. However, the level of intercultural communication in relation to education was found to be limited.