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The study aimed to determine the extent of implementation, effects, potentials, and challenges in modular English as perceived by the English teachers in Guindulman District, Guindulman, Bohol. The study used a qualitative research design employing the method of phenomenology. Also, the study utilized a purposive random sampling technique where nine (9) English teachers of the Guindulman District were interviewed. The instruments used for data collection were face-to-face and virtual semi-structured individual interviews employing the self-made interview guide. Results revealed that there was a greater extent of implementation in public senior high schools as a default modality in delivering education to students remotely. The positive effect of modular English was independent study, while the negative effects of modules were lack of motivation, less developed communication skills, and academic dishonesty. The potential of teaching Modular English was enhanced by an alternative modality to student learning and the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) platforms. However, challenges were encountered by English teachers in modular English, such as difficulty in providing feedback, difficulty in assessing students' performance, students' difficulty in following instructions, power interruption and unstable internet connection, and difficulty in teaching reading and writing skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular simulations have become a key tool in molecular and materials design. Machine learning (ML)‐based potential energy functions offer the prospect of simulating complex molecular systems efficiently at quantum chemical accuracy. In previous work, we have introduced the ML‐based PairF‐Net approach to neural network potentials, that adopts a pairwise interatomic scheme to predicting forces within a molecular system. Here, we further develop the PairF‐Net model to intrinsically incorporate energy conservation and couple the model to a molecular mechanical (MM) environment within the OpenMM package. The updated PairF‐Net model yields energy and force predictions and dynamical distributions in good agreement with the rMD17 dataset of ten small organic molecules in the gas‐phase. We further show that these in vacuo ML models of small molecules can be applied to force predictions in aqueous solution via hybrid ML/MM simulations. We present a new benchmark dataset for these ten molecules in solution, obtained from QM/MM simulations, which we denote as rMD17‐aq (https://zenodo.org/records/10048644); and assess the ability of PairF‐Net to reproduce the molecular energy, atomic forces and dynamical distributions of these solution conformations via ML/MM simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study Choquard systems with linear and nonlinear couplings with different potentials under the L 2 -constraint. We use Ekland variational principle to prove this system has a normalized radially symmetric solution for L 2 -subcritical case when the dimension is greater than or equal to 2 without potentials. In addition, a positive solution with prescribed L 2 -constraint under some appropriate assumptions with the potentials was obtained. The proof is based on the refined energy estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spa tourism has experienced full recognition in international tourist flows in recent decades. This fact points to a significant development opportunity for the Republic of Serbia for more complete utilization of tourist potential in spa towns. One such area is Vranjska Banja in the southeast of Serbia, where the warmest hyperthermal water in the world springs. Apart from therapeutical waters, this tourist spot has preserved tourist values that qualify it to become an ecological oasis in this part of Serbia. Accordingly, the subject of research in the paper is the tourist potential of Vranjska Banja, which has not been sufficiently utilized for the needs of tourism, nor is it sufficiently promoted through digital media. The aim of the work is to identify the impact of tourism on the overall economic development of Vranjska Banja. Qualitative, descriptive, statistical and comparative methods were used in the research. The results show that adequate valorization and promotion of tourist attractions and greater investments in tourism and hospitality activities would lead to faster development of tourism in this area, which would have positive effects on the local economy. The contribution of the work is reflected in the identification of appropriate solutions that can be the basis for formulating the economic development strategy of Vranjska Banja as an ecological destination.

One of the fundamental issues faced by Nigerian universities staff over the years, which has not only led to inefficiency, low morale, poverty of staff and incessant strike actions by labour unions, is the inability of university managements to provide robust and sustainable staff welfare packages, in spite of the knowledge and potentials that abound in the universities locally and internationally. This paper aims at providing workable insights, through the application of academic knowledge and other university potentials, which have the capacity to produce diverse material and food needs of university workers in order to improve their welfare, morale and productivity with high degree of sustainability. The paper relied on secondary data and utilized resource-based theory, including a model developed by the researchers for discussing main themes of the paper. The paper found among others, that universities in developing countries with emphasis on Nigeria, do not only have abundant human and natural resources, but are also custodians and creators of knowledge which has the capabilities to build, fabricate and engage farm implements in the production of agriculturally based goods as well as manage their natural resources, first, for the wellbeing of their staff and the society at large. Universities are therefore strongly admonished to engage in agricultural production of food and other material needs of workers by engaging the faculties of agriculture/agricultural engineering and entrepreneurship development centres to achieve this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exist several renewable energy resources within the African continent. Quite a lot of attempts have been made to study these small hydroelectric sites and ways to harness them. Nevertheless, the majority of these potential sites remain undeveloped. Several countries within the African region such as Togo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, and many others continue to experience a cyclical national power crisis, which is mostly attributable to insufficient power output to meet the continuously rising demand. An increase in electricity demand is unavoidable as the nation works to grow its economy, and more electricity generation will be required to power both established and new sectors. Several villages within the sub-Saharan region have lived with no electrical energy access for several decades now. The majority of these nation's current power generation portfolio is made up of a combination of hydro and thermal power plants, and for a while now, any temporary increase in generation has been achieved by the addition of new thermal power plants, even though these fossil fuels are occasionally in short supply. The country enters a constant cycle of power rationing with serious negative effects on industry and homes due to seasonal reductions in water inflows into hydropower facilities and occasionally difficulty obtaining crude oil or natural gas. Potential problems of this energy crisis are the high demand for electricity caused by certain factors its supply challenges and the lack of structural supply of electricity to consumers.it is therefore important for the entire globe particularly the developed countries to alleviate Africa from the high energy demand and poverty as a result of the energy crisis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potentials of the tender water of Cocosnucifera (L.). Antibacterial potentials of tender coconut water were assessed utilizing the agar well diffusion method, and the anti-inflammatory test was carried out by the Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method, and the supernatant solution estimated using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 560 nm. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) being 50% concentrate of tender coconut water. The anti-inflammatory results revealed a notable anti-inflammatory activity of 30% as measured by hypotonicity induced hemolysis of the HRBC membrane using the UV-visible spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 560 nm. Qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated that tender coconut water contained major bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, polyphenols (flavonoids), and terpenoids which indicate high potentials of Cocosnucifera (L.) as a resplendent material for future ethnopharmacological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the influence of the interphase region in a three-phase magneto-electro-elastic composite material on the energy harvesting characteristics of a vibration based cantilever beam is studied analytically. The three-phase composite made of Barium Titanate/Terfenol-D/Cobalt Ferrite with different interphase regions have been considered for the evaluation. The mathematical expressions for the coupled governing equations are derived through a lumped parameter model in conjunction with Gauss's Law, Newton's Law and Faraday's Law. The generated electric and magnetic potential are harvested through the surface electrodes and a wound coil. The numerical results suggest that the interphase volume fraction and composition adversely affect the coupled material properties, which in turn significantly alters the output response of the energy harvester. Also, the lower values of resistance and number of turns of coil have a predominant effect on the energy harvester's performance. The results of this work demonstrate the significance of the interphase region and its effects on the coupled energy harvesting behavior in multifunctional composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Co-design with people having poor access to health services and fragile health systems in low- and middle-income countries can be momentous in bringing service users and other stakeholders together to improve the delivery and utilisation of health services. There is ample of evidence from high-income countries regarding how co-design can translate available evidence into developing acceptable, feasible, and adaptable health solutions in different settings. However, there is limited literature on co-design in health research in the context of low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how knowledge about collaborative working can be translated into policy and practice in the context of low- and middle-income countries. Thus, this paper discusses the concept of co-design, co-production, and co-creation in health and the potentiality and challenges of using co-design in health services research in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the challenges, the co-design research has considerable potential to encourage the meaningful engagement of service users and other stakeholders in developing, implementing, and evaluating real-world solutions in low- and middle-income countries. It is essential to balance power dynamics in a co-design process through mutual recognition and respect, participant diversity, and reciprocity and flexibility in sharing. The inclusive and collaborative approach to working is complex due to existing rigid hierarchical structures, socio-cultural beliefs, political interference and working practices. However, this could be minimised by developing transparent terms of reference that reflect the value and benefits of equal partnership in particular co-design work.

This study examined the effect of one of the SMEs; cotton ginnery industry on social living in Zamfara State. The study used primary data, obtained from 272 respondents, who were randomly selected. Consequently, descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were employed. The results revealed that, cotton ginnery industry has positive effect on social living. Finally, the study recommended among others that, government should improve its financial and policy support to ginnery industry, so that they could create more income and employment opportunities both directly and indirectly to the citizenry in the state, hence enhance social living of millions of people in Zamfara State in particular, and Nigeria in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study three-dimensional potentials of the form V = U (x p + y p + z p) , where U is an arbitrary function of C 2 -class, and p ∈ Z , which produces a preassigned two-parametric family of spatial regular orbits given in the solved form f (x , y , z) = c 1 , g (x , y , z) = c 2 ( c 1 , c 2 = const). These potentials have to satisfy two linear PDEs, which are the basic equations of the 3D inverse problem of Newtonian dynamics. The functions f and g can be represented uniquely by the "slope functions" α (x , y , z) and β (x , y , z) . The orbital functions α (x , y , z) and β (x , y , z) have to satisfy three differential conditions according to the theory of the inverse problem. If these conditions are satisfied, then we can find such a potential analytically. We offer pertinent examples of potentials that are mainly used in physical problems. The values obtained for p lead to cases of well-known potentials, such as the Newtonian, cored, logarithmic, polynomial and quadratic ones. New families of orbits produced by the 3D harmonic oscillator are found. Pertinent examples are given and cover all cases. Two-dimensional potentials belong to a special category of potentials and are studied separately. The families of straight lines in 3D space are also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a numerical approximation of the elasticity vibration problem based on a potentials decomposition. Decomposing the displacements field into potentials is a well-known tool in elastodynamics that takes advantage of the decoupling of pressure waves and shear waves inside a homogeneous isotropic media. In the spectral problem on a bounded domain, this decomposition decouples the elasticity equations into two Laplacian-like equations that only interact at the boundary. We show that spurious eigenvalues appear when Lagrangian finite elements are used to discretize the problem. Then, we propose an alternative weak formulation which avoids this drawback. A finite element discretization of this weak formulation based again on Lagrangian finite elements is proposed and tested by means of some numerical experiments, which show convergence and absence of spurious modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based ecotourism is a type of tourism that takes economic, environmental, and socio-cultural sustainability into account. This research aimed to identify tourism potentials for community-based ecotourism business development and mountain ecosystem conservation for livelihood improvement in the area near Bela Mountain. A cross-sectional study design with the mixed method was employed. Key informants' data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The majority, 88.8% agreed that Bela Mountain has huge natural physical tourism potentials and 91.3% of respondents agreed that the site has huge biological tourism potentials for community-based ecotourism development. Those biological tourism resources have a significant value for ecosystem conservation. The study area is full of man-made ecotourism potentials and the area is gifted with major cultural ecotourism resources. A combination of spectacular land scenery, diversified flora species, amazing cliffs and caves makes Bela Mountain and its environs a rich opportunity for the development of community-based ecotourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the potentials and limitations offered by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the educational field, specifically in the context of the pandemic caused by the SARS-COV2 virus. A qualitative research methodology with a documentary approach was employed to gather and analyze a series of relevant documents regarding the use of technology in contingency scenarios as substitutes for traditional learning environments. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the pandemic has created an opportunity to rethink educational systems, 1mphasizeng the importance of ICT in the educational field. The need to design and redesign strategies that effectively integrate the use of ICT in classrooms, restructuring teaching and learning processes to ensure quality education, becomes evident. It is worth highlighting that ICT has demonstrated its ability to provide innovative solutions in the educational domain, enabling the continuity of the teaching and learning process during emergency situations such as the current pandemic. However, certain limitations and challenges must be addressed, such as the digital divide and the need for teacher training in the use of these technological tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the potentials and costs of synthetic fuels (synfuels) produced by renewable energy via PEM water electrolysis and the subsequent Fischer–Tropsch process for the years 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050 in selected countries across the globe. The renewable energy potential was determined by the open-source tool pyGRETA and includes photovoltaic, onshore wind, and biomass. Carbon dioxide is obtained from biomass and the atmosphere by direct air capture. The potentials and costs were determined by aggregating minimal cost energy systems for each location on a state level. Each linear energy system was modelled and optimised by the optimisation framework urbs. The analysis focused on decentralised and off-grid synthetic fuels' production. The transportation costs were roughly estimated based on the distance to the nearest maritime port for export. The distribution infrastructure was not considered since the already-existing infrastructure for fossil fuels can be easily adopted. The results showed that large amounts of synthetic fuels are available for EUR 110/MWh (USD 203/bbl) mainly in Africa, Central and South America, as well as Australia for 2050. This corresponds to a cost reduction of more than half compared to EUR 250/MWh (USD 461/bbl) in 2020. The synfuels' potentials follow the photovoltaic potentials because of the corresponding low levelised cost of electricity. Batteries are in particular used for photovoltaic-dominant locations, and transportation costs are low compared to production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported data on methods of obtaining Pu(V), forms of existence in different media, its complex formation with inorganic and organic ligands, including cation–cation complexes, are analyzed. Disproportionation reactions and reactions with oxidizing and reducing agents in aqueous solutions and water/organic media, reduction reactions in near neutral solutions on the surface of mineral particles, and also photo- and radiation-chemical behavior are considered. Among the unsolved problems is the study of the Pu(V) stability in solutions of fluorides, H3PO4, paratungstate, some heteropoly compounds, helating agents, porphyrins, natural compounds, as well as in TBP–diluent systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The livestock industry as an important component of general agriculture is a key contributor to economic growth and development of any nation. In addition to having the capacity for earning revenue for the governments, it provides employment, food, farm energy, manure, fuel and transport. Currently, important protein ingredients for animal feed are fish meal, processed animal proteins and soybean meal. However, in the European Union the use of processed animal proteins in animal feed is prohibited due to the TSE legislation, globally land availability for soya cultivation is limited, while marine overexploitation has reduced the abundance of small pelagic forage fish from which fish meal and fish oil is derived. The growing scarcity of resources to produce these increasingly demanded ingredients has doubled prices during the last five years, while it already represents 60-70% of production costs. So, alternative (animal) protein sources for livestock and aquaculture are urgently needed. Insects are such an alternative animal protein source, which can sustainably reared on organic side streams. Reasons are that they have a favorable feed conversion efficiency, likely because they are cold-blooded. Insects contain between 30% and 70% protein on a dry matter basis. The protein content of the insect species is within the soybean/fish meal range and fat content is higher especially compared to (defatted) soybean meal. This review, however highlighted the environmental, health, livelihood and social benefits of insects. Recent efforts in feeding livestock, challenges limiting the use of insects as feed ingredients and moreover, the strategies for commercial production of insects as feed ingredients just to mention a few of the potentials of using insects for feeding livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartilage is a tissue that consist of very few cells embedded in a highly negatively charged extracellular matrix (ECM). This tissue is dealing with several electrical potentials which have been shown to control the production of ECM. Cartilage is present at joints and is constantly prone to degradation. Failing to repair the damage will result in the occurrence of osteoarthritis (OA). This perspective aims to link biophysical insights with biomolecular research in order to provide an alternative view on the possible causes of OA. Firstly, we hypothesize the existence of a threshold potential, which should be reached in order to initiate repair but if not met, unrepaired damage will evolve to OA. Measurements of the magnitude of this threshold electrical potential would be a helpful diagnostic tool. Secondly, since electrical potential alterations can induce chondrocytes to synthesize ECM, a cellular sensor must be present. We here propose an analogy to the hypocalcemia ‘unshielding’ situation to comprehend electrical potential generation and explore possible sensing mechanisms translating the electrical message into cellular responses. A better understanding of the cellular voltage sensors and down-stream signalling mechanisms may lead to the development of novel treatments for cartilage regeneration.

The study investigated inclusive entrepreneurship education and job creation potentials amongst undergraduates in University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the studytwo null hypotheses were formulated .Ex-post facto survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 652 students from five departments in Faculty of Education in the 2017/2018 academic sessions in University of Calabar.The study adopted the stratified random sampling approachin selecting a sample of 417 students representing the total sample size of 64% chosen for the study. A validated researcher's made instrument (questionnaire) titled Inclusive Entrepreneurship Education and Job Creation Potentials' Questionnaire (IEEJCPQ) was used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was determined by conducting a trial test on forty (40) students in the Department of Guidance and Counselling, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar that were not part of the respondents selected for the study. A reliability index of 0.70-0.87 was achieved for the instrument using Cronbach Alpha reliability method which proved that the instrument was internally consistent for the study. Data collected were analyzed using Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).The research hypotheses were testedat.0.05 level of significance and the result showed that there is a relative combined effect of each of the independent variables (Provision of libraries, computer laboratories, workshops and power supply) to the prediction of job creation potentials and quality of teachers significantly influence job creation potentials of students. Based on these findings, conclusions were drawn and it was recommended among others that sufficient provision be made for teaching entrepreneurship subjects to ensure that entrepreneurship attitudes are well imparted on students which may foster their job creation potentials and future entrepreneurial practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: There is a scarcity of epidemiological data on neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) in East Africa. This meta-analysis provides the regional prevalence of NDs, their contributing factors, and evidence of change over time concerning gender per age or year. Methods: Articles were retrieved from electronic databases following the PRISMA standard. Results: Forty-two studies were reviewed, and 25 were meta-analyzed with a random-effects model. The pool estimate proportion of 15.27%, 95% CI (0.09--0.23) (I² = 98.25%), (Q = 1,369.15, p < 0.0001) among a population of 15,813 male/female and 1,257 with NDs. Epidemiological characteristics associated with NDs include Dyskinesias prevalence 55.4%, 95% CI (13.5; 90.9), I² (96%) and subsistence farming prevalence 11.3%, 95% CI (5.8; 20.9), I² (99%). Publication bias by Egger test was (z = 4.1913, p < 0.0001), while rank correlation test using Kendall's model was (tau = 0.1237, p = 0.3873). Heterogeneity (R² design = 5.23%, p design < 0.0001; R² size = 52.163%, p size < 0.001; and R² period = 48.13, p period < 0.0001. Covariates (R² design + size + period = 48.41%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of NDs in the East African region, which could impact life expectancy, morbidity, and quality of life. Thus, early screening and regular surveillance could assist in management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study set out to establish entrepreneurship patterns in selected African universities and examine their potentials for institutional entrepreneurial transformation. The idea of the synergistic potential of entrepreneurship patterns with entrepreneurial university (EPU) concept influenced us. Our institutional sample comprised eight universities from three African sub-regions. We undertook document reviews, conducted forty-nine interviews and used content analysis. We found and established nine patterns, designed a holistic framework for the patterns and analyzed the dynamics and potentials. This synergistic approach, which is still marginal in the EPU literature, seemed truly relevant in the studied developing countries. Rather than borrowing pathways, the holistic framework addresses more effectively the different governance systems, meanings, resource mobilization processes, development contexts and business practices around the African universities. The framework constitutes a mirror, drawing board and director of attention and awareness for planning, analysis, review and funding of entrepreneurship in the studied countries. The article has practical implications for university managers who have the role to stimulate institution-wide entrepreneurship and make strategic choices. The article provides clear theoretical input to the higher education management literature, especially entrepreneurship management in developing countries which do not possess the institutional characteristics that have led to EPUs in higher-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to employ remotely sensed data and evaluate the principal components (PC) of physiographic variables like topography, drainage, slope and wetness. These variables may wield physiographic influence on groundwater. The software ENVI 5.0 and GLOBAL MAPPER 15 were used to obtain these information from Landsat ETM+ and SRTM-DEM, while ARCMAP 10.3 was used to perform the extraction of slope data. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that there was very strong negative loading of Eigen Values for the variables; topography, wetness, and drainage density within PC1, PC2, and PC4, respectively. However, slope showed a very strong positive loading of Eigen Values in PC3. PC3 multiplied by −1 was then performed in order to realise a more ideal relationship between these physiographic variables and the availability of groundwater. It showed weak positive Eigen Values of +0.031 and +0.012 for wetness and slope respectively, although their influence on groundwater occurrence is not very strong. Three classes namely; low, moderate, and high groundwater potentials were well-defined based on these physiographic variables using multi-fractal analysis (MFA). The regions delineated are 26%, 65%, and 9% respectively, in terms of percentage areal coverage. Therefore, variables other than the physiographic influences exert stronger influences on the spatial distribution of groundwater in the study area.

Fish farming is considered an important agricultural activity that is capable of ending nutritional deficiencies of the world and contributing to poverty reduction. Its proponents argue that aquaculture will meet the food security needs of millions of people in developing countries who will benefit from relatively inexpensive protein, while depleted capture fisheries are allowed to replenish. Egypt is Africa's leading aquaculture country, followed by Nigeria with similar production systems. The dominant species of fish cultured in Egypt and Nigeria are Tilapia and African catfish, respectively. The aquaculture industries in these two counties are very promising, as there is a presence of water bodies, some institutional commitment, and high demand for fish among others. Despite some gains made by the countries and the huge potential of the aquaculture sector, it is however bedeviled with constraints such as low technology adoption, inadequate supply of fingerlings, high cost of fish feed, etc. This work is an overview of the aquaculture sectors of Egypt and Nigeria, which includes the production systems, prospects, and potentials of the sector and the constraints that affect aquaculture.

IntroductionThere is a scarcity of epidemiological data on neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) in East Africa. This meta-analysis provides the regional prevalence of NDs, their contributing factors, and evidence of change over time concerning gender per age or year.MethodsArticles were retrieved from electronic databases following the PRISMA standard.ResultsForty-two studies were reviewed, and 25 were meta-analyzed with a random-effects model. The pool estimate proportion of 15.27%, 95% CI (0.09–0.23) (I2 = 98.25%), (Q = 1,369.15, p < 0.0001) among a population of 15,813 male/female and 1,257 with NDs. Epidemiological characteristics associated with NDs include Dyskinesias prevalence 55.4%, 95% CI (13.5; 90.9), I2 (96%) and subsistence farming prevalence 11.3%, 95% CI (5.8; 20.9), I2 (99%). Publication bias by Egger test was (z = 4.1913, p < 0.0001), while rank correlation test using Kendall's model was (tau = 0.1237, p = 0.3873). Heterogeneity (R2 design = 5.23%, p design < 0.0001; R2 size = 52.163%, p size < 0.001; and R2 period = 48.13, p period < 0.0001. Covariates (R2 design + size + period = 48.41%, p < 0.001).ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of NDs in the East African region, which could impact life expectancy, morbidity, and quality of life. Thus, early screening and regular surveillance could assist in management strategies.

A class of radial, polynomial cutoff functions f c n (r) for short-ranged pair potentials or related expressions is proposed. Their derivatives up to order n and n + 1 vanish at the outer cutoff r c and an inner radius r i , respectively. Moreover, f c n (r ≤ r i ) = 1 and f c n (r ≥ r c ) = 0. It is shown that the used order n can qualitatively affect results: stress and bulk moduli of ideal crystals are unavoidably discontinuous with density for n = 0 and n = 1, respectively. Systematic errors on energies and computing times decrease by 20–50% for Lennard-Jones with n = 2 or n = 3 compared to standard cutting procedures. Another cutoff function turns out beneficial to compute Coulomb interactions using the Wolf summation, which is shown to not properly converge when local charge neutrality is obeyed only in a stochastic sense. However, for all investigated homogeneous systems with thermal noise (ionic crystals and liquids), the modified Wolf summation, despite being infinitely differentiable at r c , converges similarly quickly as the original summation. Finally, it is discussed how to reduce the computational burden of numerically exact Monte Carlo simulations using the Wolf summation even when it does not properly converge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are ongoing management and societal challenges affecting volunteering participation. These place a premium on organizations identifying individuals that currently do not volunteer but have the willingness and capacity to do so, the "Potentials". Supplementing the limited non-volunteer literature, we seek to quantify this potential volunteer pool using constructs aligned to the willingness, capability and availability dimensions from Meijs et al.'s (Volunt Action 8:36–54, 2006) volunteerability framework. Using binary logistic regression testing with a nationally representative sample of Australian volunteers and non-volunteers, we found partial support for the framework's willingness and capability dimensions determining volunteer status. We then applied a predictive equation to the non-volunteer sample to calculate their percentage likelihood of volunteering, to identify a cohort of "Potential" volunteers. Further testing revealed statistically significant differences between this cohort compared to other non-volunteers based on various interventions for promoting volunteering. The implications of our novel study and an associated research agenda are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of Brinkman hydrodynamics is considered. A variational generalized Sedov model is constructed to simulate the problem of filtration of a viscous and, in the general case, compressible fluid in a porous medium, taking into account the adhesion interactions between the fluid and the porous structure, considered as a solid deformable body. It is proposed to use a variant of the model of surface interactions, characterized by a reversible component in the dynamic process and a dissipative component, for the introduction of which the corresponding dissipation channel is formulated in the Sedov variational principle. An analytical solution of the problem of the flow of an incompressible fluid around a solitary inclusion of a spherical or cylindrical shape is constructed under the condition of a polynomial behavior of the velocity at infinity. As an application, the problem of determining the effective properties of filtration in a flow around a periodic system of spheres or cylinders is considered. To solve this problem, it is proposed to use the Trefftz approximation scheme developed earlier for the problems of the gradient theory of elasticity. As an approximating basis, it is proposed to use an analytically constructed system of solutions for the flow of an incompressible fluid with polynomial behavior at infinity around a solitary inclusion. A constructive method is proposed for constructing this system of functions in a closed finite form using the generalized Papkovich–Neiber representation and a system of canonical potentials constructed using radial multipliers (functions that depend only on the radius) based on harmonic polynomials. In this case, the Gauss theorem on the representation of an arbitrary homogeneous polynomial in the form of an expansion in terms of a system of homogeneous harmonic polynomials is used. It is shown that due to the analytical construction of the used functions, the generalized Trefftz scheme can be effectively applied in the cell problem when we determine the effective permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The patient-centered approach is essential for quality health care and patient safety. Understanding the service user's perspective on the factors maintaining the health problem is crucial for successful treatment, especially for patients who do not recognize their condition as clinically relevant or concerning. Despite the association between intensive use of visual social media and body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, little is known about the meanings users assign to posting or searching for edited photos and the strategies they use to protect themselves from digital risks., Objective: This study aims to examine how young women recovering from eating disorders in Northern Italy perceive the health risks and potential benefits associated with visual social networks (ie, Instagram and Snapchat). The literature has found these platforms to be detrimental to online body comparisons. It also explores the perceived usefulness, willingness, and personal interest in coconstructing social media literacy programs with girls recovering from eating disorders., Methods: A total of 30 semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescent girls aged 14-17 years at the end of their treatment for eating disorders. The following areas of research were addressed: (1) the meanings associated with the use of Instagram and Snapchat; (2) the investment in the photographic dimension and feedback; (3) the impact of visual social networks on body experiences; (4) the potential and risks perceived in their use; (5) the importance of supporting girls undergoing treatment for eating disorders in using social networks; and (6) the usefulness and willingness to co-design social network literacy programs. Content analysis was applied., Results: A total of 7 main contents emerged: active or passive role in using social networks, the impact of online interactions on body image, investment in the photographic dimension, effects on self-representation, perceived risks, self-protective strategies, and potential benefits. The findings highlight a strong awareness of the processes that trigger body comparisons in the virtual context, creating insecurity and worsening the relationship with oneself. The self-protective behaviors identified are the development of critical thinking, the avoidance of sensitive content, increased control over social networking site use, and a certain skepticism toward developing antagonistic ideologies. All these topics were considered fundamental., Conclusions: The findings provide important insights for health professionals working with youth in preparing media literacy programs. These programs aim to reduce potential risks and amplify the positive effects of online resources. They underscore the importance of addressing this issue during hospitalization to develop skills and critical thinking aimed at changing small habits that perpetuate the problem in everyday life. The inherent limitations in current service practices, which may not adequately address individual needs or impact posttreatment life, must also be considered., (©Elena Faccio, Margherita Reggiani, Michele Rocelli, Sabrina Cipolletta. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 02.07.2024.)