bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Stability and Performance Evaluation of Hitec Molten Salt for High-Temperature Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Kousik Suraparaju Subbarama , Samykano Mahendran , Namasivayam Satesh , Kadirgama K. , Ramasamy D.
Published: February 2024

The quest for advanced materials in thermal energy storage (TES) has become paramount in a world grappling with pressing demands for sustainable and reliable energy solutions. Among these materials, molten salts have emerged as up-and-coming contenders, owing to their exceptional thermal properties and wide operational temperature ranges. HITEC, a eutectic blend of sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, and potassium nitrate, distinguishes itself as a superior choice due to its unique amalgamation of favorable thermal characteristics. This comprehensive review delves into the thermal properties of HITEC molten salt and its manifold applications in thermal energy storage, illuminating its potential as a pivotal element in addressing contemporary global challenges. The review examines HITEC's specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability, presenting critical insights into its efficacy as a TES medium. Such comprehension fosters the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 7. The article explores strides made in HITEC-based TES systems, underscoring inventive engineering approaches and burgeoning technologies that bolster progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 9. Furthermore, the article discusses challenges associated with HITEC molten salts, such as corrosion and material compatibility issues, and investigates ongoing research efforts to overcome these limitations. A comparative evaluation of HITEC with other molten salt mixtures elucidates its competitive advantages. This review consolidates knowledge about HITEC molten salt for thermal energy storage applications, providing valuable perspectives for researchers, engineers, and policymakers dedicated to advancing sustainable energy technologies. The review underscores the pivotal role of HITEC molten salt in advancing thermal energy storage technologies, directly influencing the achievement of several SDGs.
Factors influencing effective incorporation of green management techniques in business organization: An comprehensive insight
Authors: Pandey Vandana , Kulshreshtha Kushagra
Published: February 2024

Owing to the industrialization, the use of energy and natural resource are increasing exponentially. All products and commodities used day-to-day human life are by-products of natural resources, which are depleted without awareness. Green human resource management (GHRM) is viewed in the context of green management as another aspect of human resource management (HRM), which aims to successfully implement green initiatives in any businesses organization. To upsurge understanding of how GHRM initiatives within businesses can foster environmentally conscious behaviour among workers, with a focus on the mediating function of green innovation (GI) is of utmost concern. On a profound observation, there are numerous implications and unawareness that causes lack or practices of green management in majority of the organizations. This article presents comprehensive review on the predominant external and internal factors to be considered for any small scale, medium scale and large-scale organization for effective adoption of green management technique. Additionally, an exhaustive analysis on value added to firms in terms of social sustainability, economic sustainability and environmental sustainability is elaborated. Nevertheless, there is little research on the relationship between GHRM initiatives and the following business outcomes: financial success, flexibility, and productivity. Indeed, a review article with focus on influencing parameter to be consider for ease of implementation of green management policies will be a critical insight to business firms, government policy makes, social culture in any organization. This review also allies with the sustainable development goals (SDG 08: Decent Work and Economic Growth) and (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production) as framed by the united nation.
Effect of plate length on drag reduction of square faced bluff body
Authors: Natarajan Rajamurugu , Sambath Yaknesh , K B Prakash , Chinnasamy Subramaniyan , Manimuthu Chandrasekaran , Mohanty Asit , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M.
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the impact of splitter plates on drag reduction in square-faced bodies using a water flow channel with three different splitter plate lengths: 2.5 cm, 1.8 cm, and 1.25 cm. The height and thickness were kept constant at 2.5 cm and 3 mm. Reynolds numbers ranging from 8977.5 to 3847.5 were tested. Results showed that increasing the Reynolds number increased the pressure hill height for both splitter plates forward as well backward. In the first case the forward splitter plate, shorter lengths resulted in reduced pressure hill heights. For the backward splitter plate, longer lengths led to larger pressure hill heights. The best drag reduction effect is got when the splitter plate length and the model length are of equal length. Overall, the effective drag reduction effect is shown by the backward splitter plate compared to the forward, the difference in value is almost 30%. These results are eminent for getting a perception of relation that exist between splitter plate length and drag reduction in square-faced bodies.
Effectiveness of Remedial Reading to Struggling Readers of Grade 7 Students
Authors: Abergos Leonard Ivan B. , Cruz John Royce M. Dela , Lasala Jessa C. , Prado Shaina N. , Tapar Princess Kate M. , Cañeza Donna Claire B. , Ocampo Darrel M.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Remedial Reading to struggling readers of Grade-7 students at Bolo Norte High School. Specifically, it sought to 1) determine the reading comprehension level of respondents based on the pre and post-test results; 2) evaluate the significant difference between the reading comprehension level based on the pre and post-test results; and 3) design an extension service to support the existing remedial reading program of Bolo Norte High School. This study used descriptive and documentary methods utilizing secondary data: PHILIRI pre-test and post-test results of 120 Grade-7 students at the school who have been identified as struggling readers based on their performance on the standardized reading assessment administered by the school. The result of the level of reading comprehension of the respondents on the pre-test was 6.68, interpreted as “Emerging.” The post-test result after the first five months of implementation was changed to 11.10, interpreted as “Developing.” A paired T-test was conducted to determine the significance of this improvement. The t-value of -9.21 and the associated p-value of 0.000 suggest a significant difference between the pre and post-test scores. This data indicates that remedial reading is effective in improving reading comprehension. However, the post-test score did not achieve the intended outcome. Therefore, the researchers proposed an extension service program to support the existing remedial reading program of Bolo Norte High School called Project CASARO (Creating Alliance in Supporting and Assisting Reading Opportune for BNHS-LN.
The Effects of Flipped Classroom on Form 4 ESL Learners’ Speaking Performance in a Malaysian Secondary School
Authors: Abd Majid Nur Arifah , Mohamad Maslawati
Published: February 2024

Concerns about insufficient speaking performance among ESL learners have led to innovative teaching methods. The Flipped Classroom, where learners learn content outside class and engage in discussions during school hours, offers a promising solution. Despite its success in tertiary and primary levels, its impact on speaking performance among Malaysian secondary ESL learners remained understudied. This study, conducted in a Putrajaya secondary school with 48 Form 4 ESL learners, investigates the effects of the Flipped Classroom on speaking performance using “Flip”. By utilizing a quantitative approach, the study employed purposive sampling and collected data through pre-post-tests. The findings were promising, as learners exhibited significant improvement in speaking performance after adopting the Flipped Classroom approach. This research carries crucial implications for educators and policymakers. By integrating the Flipped Classroom approach, teachers can effectively enhance learners’ speaking performance. The study’s outcomes serve as a valuable guide, aiding teachers and policymakers in their mission to enhance learners’ speaking performance.
Role of Co-Teachers and Supervisors of Learning Tools Development toward the Success of Field Practice Students of Professional Teachers at the Middle and High School Level
Authors: Musaddat Syaiful , Jufri Abdul Wahab , Asyhar Mochammad , Farmasari Santi , Hayati Laila , Wahab Aulia Dwi Amalina
Published: February 2024

This study aims to identify the role of co-teachers and supervisors of learning tools development toward the success of field practice students of professional education teachers at the middle and high school levels. The population in this study were all students of the Middle and High School Level of Professional Education Teacher Class of 2022, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Mataram. The sample used was students of Professional Education Teachers at the Middle and High School level, including English, Mathematics, and Civics majors, which were taken using a proportional random sampling technique. The variables consisted of the independent variables, which are the effectiveness of assistant teachers (X1) and supervisors (X2) in the development of learning tools, as well as the dependent variable, which is the success of the Field Practice of Middle and High School Teacher Professional Education Students (Y). Thus, the results show that the role of the development of learning tools by assistant teachers and supervisors in the success of Field Experience Practice for Middle School Teacher Professional Education students proved to be effective, with 51.7% for the English Department, 48.7% for the Mathematics Department, and 53.9% for the Civics Department.
Development of Android-Based Green Ecology Learning Media to Improve the Environmental Care Character of High School Students in the City of Mataram
Authors: Muhlis Muhlis , Hadiprayitno Gito , Setiadi Dadi , Lestari Tri Ayu , Kusuma Anindita S.H.M.
Published: February 2024

This research aims to develop green ecology learning media products based on Android and their influence on the environmental care character of students. This research is development research using the design instructional ADDIE model. The research subject is high school students in Mataram City. The research design used a non-equivalent control group design. The data collection technique used a validation questionnaire to assess the feasibility of Android-based green ecology learning media, teacher and student response questionnaires to assess the implementation of learning using the developed product and learning achievement tests and environmental care character questionnaires to measure the effectiveness of product development. Data analysis techniques in this study were carried out using descriptive statistics using percentages (%) and inferential statistics using ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) at a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). The results showed that: (1) the android-based green ecology learning media developed was valid (91.0%) and practical (82.9%), (2) the implementation of android-based green ecology learning media showed environmental care character outcomes better compared to conventional learning, and (3) the results of the ANCOVA test (Analysis of Covariance) show that android-based green ecology learning media influences students’ environmental care character (Sig.0.000<0.05). Thus, the developed android-based green ecology learning media can improve the environmental care character of high school students in Mataram City.
Politeness in the Samawa Ethnic Language on Social Media
Authors: Mahsun Mahsun , Aswandikari Aswandikari , Sukri Sukri , Burhanuddin Burhanuddin , Yatimah Laili Yuparni Durratun , Sari Eva Novita
Published: February 2024

This research explains politeness in the Sumbawa ethnic language on social media, including the types of politeness that tend to be used. The politeness theories of Lakoff, Leech, Brown and Levinson, Grice, and Pranowo are the theories used to explain this. Data was collected using documentation methods through the use of language on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, either individually or in groups. The data was then analyzed using principles in pragmatic studies. The research results show that not all types of language politeness proposed by experts are used by the Sumbawa ethnic group. The politeness type of giving sympathy, showing agreement or similarity, giving praise, and avoiding arguments are the dominant types of politeness used with the person you are talking to. Comprehensive studies need to be carried out in all domains to obtain a politeness model for the Sumbawa ethnic language.
Framework for Strategic Integration of Internationalization in Teacher Education Institutions
Authors: Beltran Kennedy
Published: February 2024

This study addresses the internal and external drivers and barriers to creating a tangible strategic integration of the internationalization framework for Teacher Education Institutions. The strategic alignment in the curricula, planning processes, and assessment of implementation were notably established as emerged from the data analysis. Though internationalization embraces numerous advantages or positives to higher education, crucial risks are connected with this complex and growing phenomenon, including some identified internal and external drivers and barriers in the conduct of internationalization of the Teacher Education Institution.
Application of Interview Protocol Refinement Framework in Systematically Developing and Refining a Semi-structured Interview Protocol
Authors: Shoozan Aishath , Mohamad Maslawati
Published: February 2024

A semi-structured interview is a data collection method used in qualitative inquiry. It involves the use of preconstructed questions to elicit information about a topic under investigation. A well-prepared interview protocol is an important tool for collecting quality data. Hence, preparing interview protocols and refining them to ensure precision and relevance is an important step to warrant the credibility and quality of data. This article discusses the steps taken to refine an interview protocol developed to conduct an analysis of the English language speaking skills needs of front office operators in the Maldives tourism industry. It describes the application of the Interview Protocol Refinement (IPR) Framework to refine the interview protocol. The four phases of the IPR Framework were used: (1) ensuring interview questions aligned with research questions, (2) constructing an inquiry-based conversation, (3) receiving feedback on the interview protocol, and (4) piloting the interview protocol. The application of the IPR Framework resulted in a fine-tuned interview protocol. The first phase helped to attain interview questions aligned with research questions. This phase helped in fine-tuning the interview protocol by ensuring that the interview questions aligned with the purpose of the research. The second phase allowed the building of an inquiry-based conversation that reflects the context of the research, thus creating an interview protocol designed to obtain specific information through conversation. The next phase aided in improving the protocol based on readers’ feedback. This phase helped in refining the interview questions by changing the content and wording of some questions and reordering them. The last phase resulted in conducting an interview in a real setting and testing the interview protocol. This helped to refine the interview protocol further by rephrasing interview questions for clarity, adding details to some questions, and modifying the linguistic composition of some questions. The IPR Framework involves an iterative refining process, thus enhancing the quality and trustworthiness of the interview protocol.
Exploring Students’ Written Discourse in Resumes: Unveiling Insights for Enhancing Social Intelligence
Authors: Mohamed Mimi Nahariah Azwani , Khairuddin Muhammad Nadzrin , Lee Mei Ph’ng
Published: February 2024

Social intelligence empowers individuals not only to comprehend and interpret written discourse but also to respond effectively and appropriately. In the context of job applications, the ability to demonstrate the presence of social intelligence through documents such as resumes can significantly persuade recruiters’ interest. However, many future graduates are not concerned about producing impactful resumes. The way a job advertisement is presented can affect how a resume is crafted. This paper explores how future graduates interpret job advertisements and shape their resumes. One postgraduate student from a technical university in Malaysia participated in this study. This study employed think-aloud protocols to examine the cognitive processes behind the resume composition. The data from the think-aloud and the language used in the advertisements and resumes were analyzed through thematic and discourse analysis, respectively. The results generated from the analysis were mapped against the social intelligence dimensions to determine the presence of social intelligence. The key finding highlights that social intelligence plays an important role in helping future graduates understand and interpret job advertisements to enable them to produce impactful resumes. The study raises the relevance of social intelligence for future professionals.
Public Perceptions of the Prospective Birdwatching Ecotourism in the Bagek Kembar Mangrove Essential Ecosystem Area (EEA), Sekotong District, West Lombok
Authors: Suyantri Eni , Hadiprayitno Gito , Santoso Didik , Karnan Karnan , Ilhamdi Mohammad Liwa
Published: February 2024

Birdwatching is one of the conservation education techniques used to increase awareness related to the importance of bird conservation. EEA Bagek Kembar is an area with the potential to be developed as a Birdwatching Ecotourism site. This research aims to understand the public’s perception, especially visitors, regarding the potential development of Birdwatching Ecotourism in EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar. Data on the public’s perceptions of EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar were collected using questionnaires and observations. The data analysis method used in this research is qualitative descriptive analysis. Based on the research findings, the areas with potential for development as Birdwatching Ecotourism in EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar are the coastal and rehabilitated mangrove areas. This is supported by birdwatching activities previously conducted by visitors to EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar. Visitors to EEA Mangrove Bagek Kembar, predominantly students, have identified more than 5 bird species in the EEA Bagek Kembar area. Visitors show a high interest in birdwatching activities and support the development of birdwatching ecotourism in EEA Bagek Kembar.
Do or Don’t: Focus on Critical Issues of Environmental Social Governance Disclosure in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
Authors: Aulia Azwani , Sukmadilaga Citra , Avianti Ilya , Rosdini Dini
Published: February 2024

Environmental Social Governance (ESG) refers to a collection of corporate performance evaluation criteria that assess the robustness of corporate governance mechanisms and their ability to effectively manage their environmental and social impacts. This study aims to determine whether the variables of influence of industry type, profit quality, managerial ownership, and foreign ownership have a simultaneous or partial effect on ESG disclosures in consumer cyclical sector companies listed on the Stock Exchange of several countries in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia for the 2020-2022 period as many as 23 companies. Data testing techniques use classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression tests, determination tests, and hypothesis tests. The results showed that simultaneously, the variables of the industry type, profit quality, managerial ownership, and foreign ownership significantly influenced ESG disclosures in consumer cyclical sector companies listed on the Stock Exchange of several countries in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia for the 2020-2022 period. The industry type variable partially does not affect ESG disclosure, and the profit quality variable does not affect ESG disclosure. In contrast, the managerial ownership and foreign ownership variables affect ESG disclosure.
Analysis of marketing strategies in the context of revitalizing the tourist destination of Senggigi West Lombok
Authors: Permadi Lalu Adi , Tara Nur Aida Arifah , Septiani Emilia
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze and identify marketing strategies for the revitalization of West Lombok’s Senggigi Tourism Destination. The research method used in this study is a mixed method between qualitative and quantitative. The strategy analysis pattern used in analyzing marketing strategies in the Framework for Revitalization of Senggigi Tourism Destinations is SWOT analysis. The findings of this research show that the main strengths for marketing Senggigi tourism are that “Accommodation and supporting facilities are readily available in Senggigi” and “The Senggigi tourism destination has several attractions, including beaches, hills, and forests.” The main weaknesses were “ Tourism management has not been optimal for all tourism objects in Senggigi” and “accessibility on public transportation is not adequate for tourists.” Based on the SWOT Matrix, there were alternative marketing strategies that could be implemented, such as “improving and making attractive promotions for tourists; managing and maintaining well the tourism object area as the destination main product, and adding interesting annual events as a valuable addition to the product.”
Gender authorship in major American and European gastroenterology journals: the gap is still unfilled
Authors: Mastrorocco Elisabetta , Terrin Maria , Migliorisi Giulia , Masoni Benedetta , Farinola Valeria , De Deo Diletta , Ferretti Silvia , Poletti Valeria , Mercurio Miriana , Bartocci Bianca , Galtieri P. Alessia , Pellegatta Gaia , Ferrara Elisa , Carrara Silvia , Sethi Amrita , Siddiqui Uzma D. , Pellisé Maria , Facciorusso Antonio , Hassan Cesare , Repici Alessandro , Maselli Roberta
Published: February 2024

Background The gender gap in the authorship of scientific research may affect career advancement. Our aim was to assess the potential gender gap in gastrointestinal (GI) journals.

Methods A systematic review was performed of the GI literature and ongoing research in the period 2020–2022. A total 10 GI journals and ongoing research on clinicaltrials.gov were selected for review. The gender gap in first and senior authorship was evaluated for each article and ongoing research project. Associations between the gender gap and possible predictors were measured and results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95%CI.

Results The number of first female authors (FFAs) and senior female authors (SFAs) in published articles were 1408/4207 (33.5%) and 911/4207 (21.7%), respectively. There were 781/2654 (29.4%) female principal investigators (PI)s for the ongoing research. On comparison of non-endoscopic vs. endoscopic topics, the latter were associated with the gender gap (hepatology, OR 2.15 [95%CI 1.83–2.55]; inflammatory bowel disease, OR 2.12 [95%CI 1.60–2.45]; upper and lower GI, OR 1.31 [95%CI 1.18–1.73]); as well as the type of article (original article vs. editorial, OR 1.92 [95%CI 1.58–2.33]). The type of research was also associated with the gender gap (clinical vs. preclinical studies, OR 0.88 [95%CI 0.66–0.91]).

Conclusion Our results demonstrated a correlation between the gender gap and the design and topic of the research. Future strategies for improving equity in career development in GI endoscopy should focus on closing the gender gap in equity of authorship.
Upbeating Skull Vibration-Induced Nystagmus in a Case of Bilateral Sequential Superior Branch Vestibular Neuritis
Authors: Workman Brady S. , Desmond Alan L.
Published: February 2024

Vestibular neuritis is one of the most common reasons that someone may experience an episode of acute spontaneous vertigo, with the majority cases impacting only one ear. Cases of bilateral vestibular neuritis are rare and are thought to account for less than 10% of all cases of vestibular neuritis. Skull vibration testing is an efficient means to screen for asymmetry in vestibular function but is still in its infancy in clinical use. The ideal assessment methods and the typical patterns of skull vibration-induced nystagmus are relatively well understood; however, the presentation of skull vibration-induced nystagmus in atypical labyrinthine pathology is less clear. Skull vibration typically induces a horizontal nystagmus that beats toward the healthy labyrinth in most instances of significant labyrinthine asymmetry. We pose a case report of a patient that's symptomology and clinical test findings are most consistent with bilateral sequential superior branch vestibular neuritis with an upbeating skull vibration-induced nystagmus.
Cobalt–Magnesium and Cobalt–Calcium Heterotrimetallic Dinitrogen Complexes
Authors: Polanco Jocelyn , Knoell Theresa , Bakhoda Abolghasem Gus
Published: February 2024

We report the use of alkaline earth metals magnesium and calcium for the reduction of the cobalt(II) complex [
i
Pr2NN]Co(μ-Cl)2Li(thf)2 [
i
Pr2NN = 2,4-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimido)pentyl] that resulted in heterotrimetallic dinitrogen complexes with a rare example of a [Co–N2–M–N2–Co] core where M = Mg and Ca. The dinitrogen ligands in these new complexes showed weakened N–N bonds, as judged by infrared spectroscopy, and the crystal structures of the complexes were illustrated by X-ray crystallography. These cobalt complexes can be isolated as pure solids that are stable in solutions of non-coordinating solvents such as n-pentane or cyclohexane, as well as tetrahydrofuran. These results demonstrate the correlation between the binding mode of the Lewis acid and N–N weakening in heterotrimetallic dinitrogen complexes.
A Redox Tale of Two Phosphine Oxides (and a Terthiophene)
Authors: Bezdek Máté J. , Käch Daniel
Published: February 2024

Despite the appeal of organic redox systems as next-generation energy-storage media, achieving high cell voltages with electrolytes based on main-group elements typically comes at the cost of reduced long-term stabilities. In this Synpacts article, we summarize our recent finding that the introduction of phosphine oxide functionalities can unlock the ability of terthiophenes to serve as robust two-electron acceptors at extreme potentials. These investigations uncovered a fundamentally new class of multielectron redox systems, capable of expanding the cell potential range achievable with organic electrolytes without compromising stability.
Conceiving of and politically responding to NEETs in Europe: a scoping review
Authors: Petrescu Claudia , Voicu Bogdan , Heinz-Fischer Christin , Tosun Jale
Published: February 2024

Young people Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) have become a target population of policymaking in Europe. After one decade of political attention and corresponding policy action, we consider it a good time to take stock of the literature that has dealt with young people who are classified as NEET and the policies adopted in response to the risk of leaving this group of vulnerable individuals behind. To this end, we carry out a systematic review of 83 articles published between 2011 and 2022 in pertinent journals indexed in the Web of Science (WoS). Our scoping review investigates how i) NEETs are defined in the literature, ii) which factors the authors have reported to be relevant for explaining whether a young person becomes NEET, and iii) how policymakers have responded to the existence of this group. We find that there exists no unanimous definition in the literature of young people classified as NEET, even though the European Union has enacted policies that target them. Our review also highlights that individual-level factors as much as contextual variables and policies determine the likelihood of individuals entering into the NEET status and that it matters whether young people live in urban or rural areas. Lastly, the literature has shown that European policymakers have adopted a wide range of policy responses in order to engage young people in employment, training, or education.
Empowering communities through citizen science and participatory action research: implementation of a schistosomiasis communication campaign in Uganda
Authors: Anyolitho Maxson Kenneth , Huyse Tine , Masquillier Caroline , Nyakato Viola Nilah , Poels Karolien
Published: February 2024

Schistosomiasis is a water-related disease strongly linked with high-risk water and sanitation practices perpetuating disease transmission. In Uganda, despite health education and sensitisation efforts through communication campaigns by the Ministry of Health to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence, common risky practices still pose a challenge, especially among endemic communities. Here, we steered away from the conventional top-down approach to communication campaigns and explored alternative methods. We employed citizen science (CS) and other participatory action research (PAR) techniques as a bottom-up approach to co-design and implement a communication campaign among communities of western Uganda, to achieve a more tangible outcome of behaviour change for preventing schistosomiasis. We collected qualitative data using data party, world café, prioritisation and ranking, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews from 378 purposively selected individuals and analysed it using a thematic analysis model. Community volunteers, community radios and local leaders were the most preferred channels for passing schistosomiasis information identified by participants. Lack of access to safe water and healthcare services, open defecation, and inadequate knowledge of schistosomiasis are some of the most pressing problems prioritised. Door-to-door visits by citizen scientists (CSs), community meetings, drama, and tournaments were the channels proposed by CSs and community groups during the co-design workshops. Over 1000 households and about 9000 community members were directly reached using the channels. Endemic communities prefer receiving schistosomiasis information using local channels instead of conventional ones. Combining citizen science with other PAR approaches empowers communities to interpret research findings in their contexts and take charge of the interventions. As such, clear and simple message coverage and a high audience turn-up can be achieved. A follow-up study is needed to evaluate the process and impact of the communication intervention on the citizen scientists and the community’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding preventive measures.
The shadow pandemic: rising syphilis rates in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors: Ahuja Rhea , Singh Nilam , Verma Kaushal K. , Gupta Somesh
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) aftermath left an alarming surge in syphilis cases, contradicting the previously stable trajectory of the infection. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported a 38% increase in primary and secondary syphilis in 2021 compared to 2019 in the United States, prompting a retrospective analysis at our tertiary care centre in New Delhi, India. There was a persistent linear rise, surpassing pre-COVID levels. Male clinic attendees, exhibit a pronounced increase, likely due to the influence of MSM. Online sexual activity during lockdowns and redirected healthcare resources have possibly contributed to this trend. Urgent measures include strengthened surveillance data collection and public health response, awareness promotion, and early, free treatment. The syphilis surge may signify a broader, undiagnosed STI pandemic, necessitating comprehensive intervention and surveillance.
The shape of Nature’s stingers revealed
Authors: Quan Haocheng , Liang Xudong , Zhang Xuan , Meyers Marc A. , McMeeking Robert M. , Arzt Eduard
Published: February 2024

Stinger-like structures in living organisms evolved convergently across taxa for both defensive and offensive purposes, with the main goal being penetration and damage. Our observations over a broad range of taxa and sizes, from microscopic radiolarians to narwhals, reveal a self-similar geometry of the stinger extremity: the diameter (
d
) increases along the distance from the tip (
x
) following a power law

x
∼

d
n

 , with the tapering exponent varying universally between 2 and 3. We demonstrate, through analytical and experimental mechanics involving three-dimensional (3D) printing, that this geometry optimizes the stinger’s performance; it represents a trade-off between the propensity to buckle, for
n
smaller than 2, and increased penetration force, for
n
greater than 3. Moreover, we find that this optimal tapering exponent does not depend on stinger size and aspect ratio (base diameter over length). We conclude that for Nature’s stingers, composed of biological materials with moduli ranging from hundreds of megapascals to ten gigapascals, the necessity for a power-law contour increases with sharpness to ensure sufficient stability for penetration of skin-like tissues. Our results offer a solution to the puzzle underlying this universal geometric trait of biological stingers and may provide a new strategy to design needle-like structures for engineering or medical applications.
Sortal classifiers and noun categorization in Zauzou
Authors: Li Yu
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the sortal classifier system in Zauzou, a Tibeto-Burman language spoken in Southwest China. Three etymological subclasses – repeater, non-repeater, and quasi-repeaters – are identified in two morphosyntactic contexts: the bare classifier phrase [n+clf] and the full noun phrase [n+mod+clf], serving as an “individualizer” that transforms unindividualized nominal concepts into referential individuals. The three types of classifiers classify nouns on the basis of different semantic parameters that differ in terms of semantic contrastiveness. Animacy, shape, size, rigidity and quanta are non-contrastive semantic parameters commonly found among non-repeaters. Repeaters and quasi-repeaters categorize nouns primarily on the basis of semantically contrastive taxonomy, meronomy, or arrangement. With respect to the function of quantification, repeaters, quasi-repeaters, and non-repeaters are identical in [n+mod+clf] but diverge in [n+clf]. They do not uniformly render the singular interpretation with all kinds of referents in [n+clf]. Non-repeaters are more grammaticalized classifiers than (quasi-)repeaters. The Zauzou data provide evidence for the development from repeaters to non-repeaters, on a par with the commonly recognized grammaticalization path from nouns to classifiers, which is conditioned by two types of “parameter shift”. This study offers a descriptive model that effectively captures the relationship between semantic-functional properties of sortal classifiers and their historical development in “repeater” languages.
A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Program for Promoting Trauma-Informed Responses among Criminal Legal System Professionals
Authors: Krider Ashley E. , Ihara Erika , Hope Elan C. , Noether Chanson D. , Parker Travis W. , Desmarais Sarah L.
Published: February 2024

Many people involved with the United States criminal legal system have experienced trauma, the long-term effects of which can challenge capacity to recover, often resulting in an increased risk of contact with the criminal legal system. Training programs can help professionals improve their understanding of trauma and implement trauma-informed responses. Limited research exists on the impact of trauma-informed response training for criminal legal professionals (e.g., corrections officers, court personnel, and law enforcement), and less is known about the effectiveness of the train-the-trainer (TTT) model in this context. In this article, we describe a four-phase, mixed-methods evaluation of a trauma-informed response training program delivered in the context of a 16-h TTT event to 28 criminal legal professionals in the southwest United States. We examine pre- and post-training knowledge acquisition, training experience, and impact on participant behaviors and attitudes 60 days post-training. Results provide preliminary support for the positive impact of trauma-informed response training for criminal legal professionals. We discuss future directions for research on the effectiveness of trauma-informed response training for criminal legal professionals, including, critically, whether trauma-informed training contributes to improved outcomes for individuals involved with the criminal legal system.
The influence of phosphate glass structure on results of thermal poling
Authors: Shavlovich Aleksandr V , Reshetov Ilya V , Tagantsev Dmitry K , Lipovskii Andrey A , Zhurikhina Valentina V
Published: February 2024

Two sodium phosphate glasses with different structure (meta- and orthophosphate ones) were thermally poled well below the glass transition temperatures. Glass with an orthophosphate structure (glass LA30) demonstrated a typical behavior of polarization current, that is, monotonic current decrease; however, in glass with a metaphosphate structure (glass LA10) the current first increased for 15–20 min and only then started monotonic decreasing. In spite of the similar sodium content, the current in LA10 glass exceeded the one in LA30 glass by about 10 times. This is explained by the capability of substituting intrinsic sodium ions by more mobile protons entering LA10 glass with a metaphosphate structure from the atmosphere. The other difference consists in the fact that the subanodic layer of LA10 glass after poling has many small cracks, while the subanodic layer of LA30 glass is crystallized. It should be emphasized that the crystallization of phosphate glasses under dc electric field below glass transition temperature is observed for the first time. In addition, after poling, no changes in the refractivity of both glasses were detected, but the generation of the second optical harmonic in LA30 glass was observed.
Mathematical complexities in radionuclide metabolic modelling: a review of ordinary differential equation kinetics solvers in biokinetic modelling
Authors: Mate-Kole Emmanuel Matey , Dewji Shaheen Azim
Published: February 2024

Biokinetic models have been employed in internal dosimetry (ID) to model the human body’s time-dependent retention and excretion of radionuclides. Consequently, biokinetic models have become instrumental in modelling the body burden from biological processes from internalized radionuclides for prospective and retrospective dose assessment. Solutions to biokinetic equations have been modelled as a system of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) representing the time-dependent distribution of materials deposited within the body. In parallel, several mathematical algorithms were developed for solving general kinetic problems, upon which biokinetic solution tools were constructed. This paper provides a comprehensive review of mathematical solving methods adopted by some known internal dose computer codes for modelling the distribution and dosimetry for internal emitters, highlighting the mathematical frameworks, capabilities, and limitations. Further discussion details the mathematical underpinnings of biokinetic solutions in a unique approach paralleling advancements in ID. The capabilities of available mathematical solvers in computational systems were also emphasized. A survey of ODE forms, methods, and solvers was conducted to highlight capabilities for advancing the utilization of modern toolkits in ID. This review is the first of its kind in framing the development of biokinetic solving methods as the juxtaposition of mathematical solving schemes and computational capabilities, highlighting the evolution in biokinetic solving for radiation dose assessment.
Higgs fields, non-abelian Cauchy kernels and the Goldman symplectic structure
Authors: Bertola M , Norton C , Ruzza G
Published: February 2024

We consider the moduli space of vector bundles of ranknand degreengover a fixed Riemann surface of genusg⩾2with the explicit parametrization in terms of the Tyurin data. The ‘non-abelian’ theta divisor consists of bundles such thath1⩾1. On the complement of this divisor we construct a non-abelian (i.e. matrix) Cauchy kernel explicitly in terms of the Tyurin data. With the additional datum of a non-special divisor, we can construct a reference flat holomorphic connection which also depends holomorphically on the moduli of the bundle. This allows us to identify the bundle of Higgs fields, i.e. the cotangent bundle of the moduli space, with the affine bundle of holomorphic connections and provide a monodromy map into theGLncharacter variety. We show that the Goldman symplectic structure on the character variety pulls back along this map to the complex canonical symplectic structure on the cotangent bundle and hence also on the space of connections. The pull-back of the Liouville one-form to the affine bundle of connections is then shown to be a logarithmic form with poles along the non-abelian theta divisor and residue given byh1.
Numerical Simulation of Lamb Wave Propagation in Ice
Authors: Zhang Hongjian , Zhang Yanxin , Xiong Jianjun , Zhao Zhao , Ran Lin , Yi Xian
Published: February 2024

Lamb wave is one of the most used ultrasonic guided waves, which has a wide application prospect in the field of aircraft icing detection. The platform of Lamb wave propagation based on piezoelectric wafer was used as the physical model, and COMSOL software was used as the numerical calculation tool to simulate the propagation of Lamb wave in different thickness, length and types of ice. The results showed that the attenuation of voltage amplitude increases with the thickness of ice in a certain range. The time delay of Lamb wave B1 mode at the receiving end increases linearly with the increase of ice length. As the mechanical parameters of ice layer decrease, the attenuation of voltage amplitude and the time delay of Lamb wave B1 mode increase gradually. The propagation characteristics of Lamb wave in ice are preliminarily proved, which provides a theoretical reference for the subsequent propagation experiments of Lamb wave in ice.
Design of Jet Control Device for Forced Lubrication System of Bearing
Authors: Tang Jichuan , Wang Tianhao , Cheng Huichuan , Jia Xingyun , Li Kening , Bian Decai
Published: February 2024

In response to the problem of poor lubrication effect and unstable bearing operation leading to bearing failure in traditional bearings, the solution of installing a jet device on the bearing has been proposed. Using numerical calculation software, analyze the impact of installing a semi-circular or 1/4 circular jet device on the temperature field and leakage rate of the bearing. The results show that after installing a jet control device, the temperature of the flow field around the bearing decreases significantly at the same inlet pressure, while the leakage rate decreases. Keeping the speed and oil temperature constant, as the pressure at the lubricating oil inlet increases, the leakage rate decreases by 51.87% -59.80%; Keeping the rotational speed and oil inlet pressure unchanged, as the temperature of the lubricating oil at the inlet increases, the leakage decreases by 45.94% -50.74%; Keeping the inlet pressure and oil temperature unchanged, when the speed increases, the leakage decreases by 12.58% -18.31%. Install a jet device on the end face of the bearing to achieve collaborative design of low leakage and low temperature rise at the bearing, thus providing a theoretical basis for the long-term design of the bearing.
Optimization of Structural Parameters of Piezoelectric Injection Valve Based on Model Experiment and CFD Simulation
Authors: She Junao , Chen Jian , Zhu Jianyang
Published: February 2024

The miniaturization of electronic devices requires a decreasing quality of adhesive points. In order to obtain the minimum defect free adhesive point for injection, this paper uses a combination of Taguchi experiment and CFD method to systematically study the influence of structural changes in the needle nozzle on the mass size of the adhesive point of the piezoelectric injection valve. The results indicate that the structural changes of the needle nozzle have a significant impact on the quality of the sprayed adhesive point. For the five types of needle and nozzle structures studied, when the nozzle size is 0.05mm and the needle size is 1.0mm, the adhesive produced by the injection valve is the smallest, and the minimum adhesive mass is 13.3% of the original injection valve (APJ1500) injection mass. Through CFD simulation, it was found that due to the smaller nozzle diameter of the optimal parameter combination during the valve opening stage, and the higher reflux ratio of the nozzle combination during the needle lowering stage, it can produce smaller adhesive mass.
Numerical Simulation Analysis and Experimental Verification of Pressure-resistant Self-compensating Oil Seal
Authors: Liu Chunrui , He Lidong , Chen Tao , Zhang Le
Published: February 2024

The glyd ring of the transmission device is prone to wear and leakage, which causes the sealing failure to cause the failure of the transmission device. Therefore, a pressure-resistant self-compensating oil seal is proposed in this research. The influence of working conditions such as pressure and rotational speed on its temperature is studied by the numerical simulation method. An experiment bench for oil seals is constructed and utilized to validate the simulation findings. The above research results can ensure the safe and stable operation of the transmission device seal for a long period. In this research, the effect of working conditions such as pressure and rotational speed on its temperature of the glyd ring and the pressure-resistant self-compensating oil seal is compared, and it is verified by the experiment results. The research results show that with the increase of pressure and rotational speed, the temperature of the two seals also increases. Under the same condition, the temperature of the pressure-resistant self-compensating oil seal is significantly lower than that of the glyd ring. The temperature rise of the pressure-resistant self-compensating oil seal can be reduced by about 27 % compared with the glyd ring.
Effects of Diamond Content on the Thermal Conductivity of Copper Matrix Composite Materials Prepared by Cold Spraying
Authors: Wu Dan , Chen Wenfu , Hu Qiang , Hu Qiang , Zhang Linwei , Liu Qi , Liu Jin , Huang Guojie , Jia Jingxuan , Zou Jin
Published: February 2024

With the increasing demand for rapid heat transfer in electronic packaging materials, quickly transferring the large amount of heat generated is an urgent problem that needs to be solved in current electronic information manufacturing. Diamond is added to copper based composite materials to further improve the thermal conductivity of electronic packaging materials. In this paper, copper matrix composite materials were selected as the research object, and the effects of diamond content on the microstructure and thermal conductivity were systematically investigated. As the content of copper plated diamond in the mixed powder increases, the proportion of copper plated diamond in copper based composite materials gradually increases, but the deposited copper plated diamond exhibits fragmentation phenomenon. Increasing the content of copper plated diamond leads to a rapid decrease in thermal conductivity, and subsequent process optimization and heat treatment are needed to unleash the thermal conductivity of diamond.