Weak Linear Relationship Research Articles

The pathways linking green spaces to reduced climate change anxiety

Exposure to green space could by hypothesized as having the potential to alleviate climate change anxiety. However, empirical evidence is lacking. This study aimed to explore the relationship between green space exposure and climate change anxiety, and to determine whether this association was mediated by green physical activity, extreme weather, and environmental comfort. Through an online survey with geographic location tracking capabilities, we calculated greenness values using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and forest cover around the homes of 653 participants, as well as self-reported measures of green space and visibility of trees from their windows. Two domains of climate change anxiety (emotional and cognitive impairment and functional impairment), generalized anxiety disorder, green physical activity (frequency of green walking and green leisure physical activity), extreme weather, and environmental comfort were also measured by questionnaire. A generalized additive model was used to test for nonlinear trends. Subsequently, structural equation modeling was employed to assess the mediating effects. Our results showed a weak linear relationship (p < 0.10) between perceived green space and functional impairment related to climate change anxiety, with environmental comfort playing a mediating role in this relationship. In sensitivity analyses where the outcome variables were binary coded (low and high levels of climate change anxiety), perceived green space was associated with a reduced risk of climate change anxiety (p < 0.05). Overall, we found limited evidence for green space exposure being associated with less climate change anxiety. Given the preliminary nature and limitations of this research, we call for future studies to examine these findings using better measurements, larger and more diverse populations, and more rigorous methods conducive to causal inference.

Correlations between Anthropometric Indices and Hypertension in Adults: Emerging Trends in a Contemporary Urban Setting

Anthropometric indices are influenced by nutrition, genetics, lifestyle, age, and ethnicity thus assessing these indices is a cheap tool to predict risk factors that affect blood pressure. There is no consensus on the anthropometric index that best predicts adults’ blood pressure. This research aimed to determine the relationships between anthropometric indices (weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HP), neck circumference (NC), chest circumference (CC), subscapular fold (SSF), triceps fold (TF), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), subscapular-triceps ratio (STR), and blood pressure; and to determine the best predictor(s) of hypertension among these indices. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Enugu City, South-East Nigeria, and involved 355 adults, aged between 20-75 years. The comparison of the indices was done using the Student’s t-test. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to relate the indices with blood pressure, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) was used to determine the cut-off points of the indices to identify the best predictor(s) of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 38.0%. All the anthropometric indices except height, NC, and STR were significantly higher in hypertensive participants than in the non-hypertensive participants. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) showed that all the indices except height, NC, and STR have weak linear positive relationships with blood pressure (r=0.1127-0.375) at p&lt;0.001. The ROCs showed that WC was the best predictor with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.692, a cut-off point of 96.50cm, and a PPV of 57%. However, with an AUC &lt;0.7, all the indices were weak predictors of hypertension. Hypertension correlated positively with increased age. Although anthropometric indices are weak predictors of hypertension, WC is the best index in predicting hypertension. Due to the inconsistent effects of WC on sensitivity, specificity, and PPV, WC is still a weak predictor of hypertension. However, the predictive power of WC could be augmented by age if the participants were above 45 years. At age &gt;45 years, the participants had 5 times the chance of developing hypertension regardless of gender.

Surgical correction of posttraumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contractures of the fingers (systematic literature review)

Introduction Triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers is a common and challeging posttraumatic hand condition. The goal of surgical treatment is to correct finger deformity and increase interphalangeal range of motion.The objective was to systematize data on the causes of post-traumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers and methods of surgical correction.Material and methods The original literature search was conducted on key resources including Scientific Electronic Library (www.elibrary.ru), the National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.org), ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Ovid databases according to PRISMA recommendations. Literature searches included both Russian and English studies, with one or more cases of post-traumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers with the deformity surgically corrected. Cases of non-traumatic flexion contractures were excluded. Etiological factors of flexion contractures, heterogeneity of definitions and methods for recording the range of motion in the joint, anatomical features, surgical correction of flexion contractures and postoperative complications were reviewed.Results Common causes of flexion contractures included burns (32.3 %), dislocations and fracturedislocations of the finger joints (23.5 %). The median postoperative follow-up period was 13.5 months after surgical treatment. Surgical correction was produced with external fixation device (EFD) in 40 % of cases, open procedures performed in 50 % and a combined technique employed in one case (10 %). Based on calculations of the odds ratios of postoperative complications, a weak positive linear relationship was revealed between EFD and pain syndrome, and a weak negative linear relationship was observed between the open procedure and pain.Discussion There is heterogeneity of approaches regarding methods for correcting flexion contractures, surgical approaches, techniques for mobilizing joints and releasing the anatomical structures of the finger with open procedures, the distraction rate with EFD, methods for repair of soft tissue defects following the treatment of flexion contractures of interphalangeal joint of a finger.Conclusion Open procedures are commonly used for precise elimination of all components of flexion contracture of the joint and repair of soft tissue defects of the finger. A weak positive linear relationship was revealed between EF and pain syndrome. There was no significant correlation between open techniques and complications. There were no correlations between the treatment method and the contracture type; there are no treatment regimens for patients with this pathology.

Environmental chamber analysis of objective volatile organic compounds emissions and subjective olfactory perception from main automotive interior components

This study examined the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their associated odors from five key automotive interior components: door panels, weatherstrips, seats, headliners, and carpets. Objective VOC emissions and subjective odor evaluations were conducted in an environmental chamber with controlled temperature, humidity, and ventilation rates. VOC analysis revealed that alkanes and aromatic compounds were the predominant emissions, together accounting for 43 %–61 % of the total number of emission types. Other notable emissions included aldehydes and ketones. The overlap in the emitted compounds was substantial, with 13 % of the compounds being universally emitted, 42 % emitted by two or more components, and 45 % unique to individual components. Subjective odor evaluations identified distinct odor fingerprints for each component, with weatherstrips having the highest odor intensity and headliners having the lowest. Perceived pleasantness (PP) ratings were generally negative, indicating the unappealing nature of the odors. Odor activity value (OAV) analysis showed a weak linear relationship with odor intensity, particularly because of the negative correlation in weatherstrips, suggesting significant masking or enhancement effects among odor molecules. Aldehydes and acids were the major contributors to OAV, whereas alkanes, which are often overlooked, were also significant because of their high emission levels.

Geospatial modelling of ambient air pollutants and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases at regional scale in Pakistan.

Pakistan is among the South Asian countries mostly vulnerable to the negative health impacts of air pollution. In this context, the study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incidence and its relationship with air pollutants including aerosol absorbing index (AAI), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide. Spatial scan statistics were employed to identify temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal clusters of COPD. Generalized linear regression (GLR) and random forest (RF) models were utilized to evaluate the linear and non-linear relationships between COPD and air pollutants for the years 2019 and 2020. The findings revealed three spatial clusters of COPD in the eastern and central regions, with a high-risk spatiotemporal cluster in the east. The GLR identified a weak linear relationship between the COPD and air pollutants with R2 = 0.1 and weak autocorrelation with Moran's index = -0.09. The spatial outcome of RF model provided more accurate COPD predictions with improved R2 of 0.8 and 0.9 in the respective years and a very low Moran's I = -0.02 showing a random residual distribution. The RF findings also suggested AAI and SO2 to be the most contributing predictors for the year 2019 and 2020. Hence, the strong association of COPD clusters with some air pollutants highlight the urgency of comprehensive measures to combat air pollution in the region to avoid future health risks.

Attachment processes of negative flashes with multiple return strokes to a tall tower observed at close distances

Two downward negative flashes (F1612 & F1613) with multiple return strokes struck to the 356-m Shenzhen Tower were analyzed. The high-speed camera captured upward positive connecting leaders (UCL) for the first strokes of both flashes and two subsequent strokes of F1612. The observations also show that none of the downward negative leader (DNL) completely propagated to the tower tip before the occurrence of the return stroke (RS), so that we inferred that the UCL initiated from the tower tip might exist for each RS of the two flashes. The possible height of the UCL and DNL connecting point above the tower tip for each RS was estimated, which showed a positive correlation to the speed of corresponding DNL. The striking distances estimated for 8 subsequent RSs in F1612 were in a range from 14.6 m to 85.4 m and that for 3 subsequent RSs in F1613 were from 24.2 m to 66.2 m. There was a weak positive linear relationship between the DNL speed and striking distance for subsequent RSs in the two flashes. The DNL speed showed a positive correlation to the peak current of corresponding RS.

Geomechanics Modeling of Strain-Based Pressure Estimates: Insights from Distributed Fiber Optic Strain Measurements

Summary Rayleigh frequency shift distributed strain sensing (RFS-DSS) has been demonstrated as a potential technology for characterizing fracture geometries and optimizing the completion design in unconventional reservoirs. The combination of RFS-DSS strain and pressure gauge measurements has been reported recently in field applications (Dhuldhoya and Friehauf 2022; Haustveit and Haffener 2023) to characterize conductive fracture dimensions and production profiles. Haustveit and Haffener (2023) demonstrated a novel technique that uses RFS-DSS strain change during production, measured from a far-field observation well, to monitor the drain profile of a horizontal multistage well. The strain change and pressure change were strongly related during production, and this relationship was applied to continuously estimate pressure drawdown along the full length of the well. However, the sensitivity or influencing factors of the relationship between strain change and pressure change along the fiber are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between strain change and pressure change under various fractured reservoir conditions and provide guidelines for better utilizing this novel strain-pressure relationship to estimate conductive fractures and pressure profiles. We use a coupled geomechanics and fluid flow model to simulate the strain and pressure changes in the near-well and far-field regions during stable production and shut-in periods. A linear relationship is used to fit the strain change and pressure change data obtained from both producing and monitoring wells. We analyze the impact of various fracture properties [size and permeability of the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) around fractures, fracture conductivity, fracture area, and skin factor] on the linear relationship based on the R2 value and fitting error. The relationship between the strain change and pressure change during the stable production obtained by our numerical study is consistent with the field measurements. The slope of strain change vs. pressure change during one day of production is significantly influenced by fracture properties. Overall, the monitoring well shows a stronger linear relationship than the producing well during both stable production and shut-in periods. A better linear relationship between the strain change and pressure change is associated with a larger fracture conductivity or larger fracture spacing scenario on both producing and monitoring wells during the stable production period. The cluster spacing affects the linear relationship between strain and pressure change during rock deformation. When cluster spacing is reduced, the nonlocal effect of deformation becomes more pronounced, resulting in a weaker linear relationship. During the shut-in period, the monitoring well exhibits a stronger linear relationship with a high R2 value and small fitting error compared to the producing well. The linear relationship obtained during the shut-in period is less reliable for the producing well. In cases of homogeneous fractures, where the fracture properties are uniform, the strain change and pressure change are similar, except for two outer fractures. This study provides a better understanding of the relationship between strain change and pressure change measured in the near-well and far-field regions during stable production and shut-in periods. The results of our study also demonstrate the potential for utilizing the RFS-DSS strain measurement to characterize the effective fracture and drainage dimensions.

Determining co-movements of tomato prices in the United States and macroeconomic variables in Mexico for 2023

Objective: To analyze the co-movements of macroeconomic variables in Mexico and prices of Mexican tomato exports and to estimate the prices of Mexican tomatoes in American and Canadian supply markets based on Mexican macroeconomic variables. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted using Pearson's coefficient—calculating the standard scores for X and Y. We determined the co-movements of Mexican tomato market prices and Mexico’s GDP, the Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate (IEIR), natural gas prices, and consumer inflation. Econometric techniques were thus combined with agricultural sector variables as a reliable precedent of the relation intensity between said variables. Results: The coefficient of determination showed an acceptable degree of linear relationship between the market prices of Mexican tomatoes in different cities and the selected macroeconomic variables, with an average correlation of 20%. We concluded that the variables are not entirely independent since they show a weak linear relationship between them. Study limitations/implications: It is crucial to conduct studies to determine whether the coefficients of determination support linearity or independence between the evaluated macroeconomic variables. Findings/Conclusions: Econometric techniques were combined with agricultural sector variables as a reliable precedent of the relation intensity between said variables. The coefficient of determination showed an acceptable degree of linear relationship between the market prices of tomatoes in different cities and the selected macroeconomic variables. We recommend the creation of a price forecasting model.

Linear relationships between aboveground biomass and plant species diversity during the initial stage of degraded grassland restoration projects.

The relationship between aboveground biomass and plant diversity has been extensively examined to understand the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functions and services. Degraded grassland restoration projects can enhance carbon sequestration. However, the relationship between biomass and diversity remains one of the most actively debated topics regarding grassland ecosystems in degraded grassland restoration projects. We speculated that establishing the linear relationships between aboveground biomass and plant species diversity could contribute to enhancing the efficacy of degraded grassland restoration projects. This study sought to determine whether these relationships were linear during the initial stages of the restoration projects of degraded grasslands in Xing'an League, China. The investigations were based on an examination of seventy-six 1 × 1 m2 plots distributed among 15 areas in which the degraded grassland was at the initial stages of restoration. To quantify the species diversity of the degraded grassland communities, we used the species richness, Shannon-Wiener, inverse Simpson's reciprocal, and Pielou's evenness indices. Our analyses revealed that aboveground biomass had clear positive linear relationships with species richness during the initial stages of degraded grassland restoration. However, there were less pronounced associations with species diversity as assessed using the Shannon and inverse Simpson indices, based on regression models. Furthermore, weed biomass was found to have significant negative effects on species richness and Pielou's evenness. The weak linear relationship between aboveground biomass and species richness could be ascribed to an increase in weed biomass. We concluded that aboveground biomass and plant species diversity could be enhanced during the initial stages of degraded grassland restoration projects and suggest that the extent of weed biomass could serve as a key indicator of the efficacy of restoration from the perspective of plant species diversity and aboveground biomass in carbon sequestration projects.

Soil carbon storage under different types of arid land use in Algeria

This study aims to assess the amount of organic carbon stored in soils, as it is an intention of knowing the sustainable soil management, by using two common methods for determining soil organic matter (SOM), namely oxidation with acidified wet dichromate (Walkley–Black method-WB) and loss on ignition (LOI). The study was carried with soil samples collected from a depth of 0 to 30 cm in the Saharan arid region of Ghardaïa (Algeria), with different land uses: agricultural, forest and pastoral. The results obtained from the LOI and WB methods were subjected to statistical analysis, and the relations between both methods were tested to investigate their relationship. The mean percentage of SOM values were 1.86, 2.42, 1.54 by using LOI, but, lower values of 0.34, 0.33, 0.36 were determined by using WB method, for agricultural, forest and pastoral soils respectively. A weak linear relationship between the two analytical procedures was obtained (R2 of 0.19 and 0.13 for agricultural and forest soils), while a medium relationship (R2 = 0.65) was found for pastoral soils when using linear adjustment. However, the opposite behaviour was found when we use the logarithmic adjustment. The study outcomes indicated discrepancies in the measurements of SOM values between the two methods, been higher those estimated with LOI. Finally, in order to identify the best methodology to measure soil organic matter in arid soils, more research is required in these extreme arid regions as they are a gap in world soil organic matter maps.

ESTIMATION OF STATURE FROM NASAL HEIGHT IN MALE AND FEMALE STUDENTS IN UDAIPUR

Objective: Stature refers to a person's height when standing upright. It is a vital measure of physical identity. In archaeological operations or forensic exams following a mass disaster, height is estimated using rudiments or bone pieces for identification. In order to determine stature, separate regression formulae should be developed for each population group. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Anatomy, Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Umarda, and Udaipur. A total of 110 students (55 males and 55 females) aged between 18 to 25 y, participated in this study. Those with craniofacial defects were excluded from study. Height was measured from vertex to floor by stadiometer. Results: The study showed that in males mean values are significantly higher than females for both nasal height as well as stature; nasal height in (male 48.54±3.584 mm; female 46.75±3.763 mm) and stature in (male 170.3±7.902 cm; female 159.61±5.383 cm). In total student’s as well as in males and females, nasal height had a weak positive linear relationship with stature; r=0.283 in total students, r=0.222 for male and r=0.123 for female. The regression equation for stature and nasal height was found to be Y=134.053+0.648× nasal height for total students, Y=146.487+0.496×nasal height for males, Y=151.328+0.177× nasal height for females. Conclusion: The observed correlation is statistically significant in total students (p value&lt;0.05) but not significant in males and females (p value&gt;0.05). Overall nasal height had a weak positive linear correlation with stature.

Vertebral Bone Density Variations in Scoliotic vs. Non-Scoliotic Juveniles, and Its Implications for Schmorl’s Node Development: A CT-Based Analysis Using the New Mexico Decedent Image Database

Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, is predominantly idiopathic, underscoring the need to delve into its underlying causes for effective treatment and preventive strategies. This study investigates a potential correlation between scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes (intervertebral disc herniations) influenced by Wolff’s law, which posits that bones adapt to external pressures. We analyzed CT scans from 108 juvenile decedents, including 56 with scoliosis and 52 without. After running multiple statistical tests, there was no significance between the mean bone density when compared to having scoliosis. An independent t-test provided a t-value of 0.041, which, when compared to the original significance level of 0.05, is statistically significant, although weak. When compared to the Bonferroni correction level of 0.008, it throws out the significance to give a result of not being statistically significant. It was the same in the cases of L3 (t = 0.103), L2 (t = 0.084), and L1 (t = 0.053). If compared to the regular significance level of 0.05, T12 (t = 0.012) and T11 (t = 0.042) had weak significance, but that was then excluded when the Bonferroni correction was applied. When looking at any significance of densities in different vertebral regions, the results from a one-way ANOVA (p-value = 0.213) suggest that it is likely that the results are due to random variability or chance, and that there is no statistical significance. With a value of 0.273 from a Chi-squared (χ2)/Fisher’s exact test, it suggests that there is no statistically significant correlation or difference between the variables of scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes. The general pattern seems to follow that as the spine ascends, the density increases, and this is true in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. As a whole, it is evident that those with scoliosis have a lower vertebral density than those without, in all of the vertebral regions. There is, however, a weak negative linear relationship between bone density and age in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. A p-value of −0.229 obtained from a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis in non-scoliotic individuals, as well as a p-value of −0.069 in scoliotic individuals, was obtained. Overall, the findings of this study are comparable to some existing studies on similar topics, but there are few results that hold statistical significance and so this would be interesting to research further, potentially using a different dataset or a larger sample size that is more representative.

Exploring the Relationship Between Serum Creatinine and Salivary Creatinine Levels in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background In this study, researchers investigated non-invasive methods for analyzing creatinine levels by using saliva to address the need for frequent phlebotomy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, which can damage their veins due to repeated blood withdrawals for creatinine level assessments. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in a tertiary healthcare setting conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with CKD. After collecting serum and salivary creatinine, we used Pearson correlation to assess the correlation between the two factors. Results The mean age of the patients was 50 years with a standard deviation of ± 15.32 years. 33 (66%) patients were males and 17 (34%) were females. Most patients were in the age group of 51 - 70 years, comprising 26 (52%) of the sample. The serum creatinine and salivary creatinine values ranged between 7.26-12.00 and 0.45-0.98, respectively. The median values were 9.72 and 0.75, respectively. There was a very weak positive linear relationship between serum and salivary creatinine levels; however, there was no significant association between them (p = 0.52). Nonetheless, a statistically significant, moderately negative linear correlation exists between serum urea and serum albumin (r = -0.36; p = 0.01). Additionally, there is a statistically significant weak negative linear correlation between serum chloride and serum urea (r = -0.3; p = 0.03). Comparing serum chloride and serum sodium reveals a statistically significant, moderately positive linear relationship (r = 0.4; p = 0.004). Serum phosphorus and serum creatinine display a statistically significant moderate positive linear relationship (r = 0.44; p = 0.001). Moreover, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine exhibit a statistically significant strong negative linear correlation (r = -0.79; p < 0.001), while eGFR and serum phosphorus demonstrate a statistically significant weak negative linear correlation (r = -0.30; p = 0.03). Conclusion The study found no significant association between salivary and serum creatinine levels. Further multicentric studies on a larger population must be conducted to find the potential correlation between serum and salivary markers.

Cross-cultural Validation of the Health Mindset Scale for Brazil.

Objective To cross-culturally validate the Health Mindset Scale for Brazil, as well as adapt the terms and questionnaires for adequate understanding of Brazilians, using factor analysis as an instrument to validate its reliability. Methods Cross-cultural validation of the Health Mindset Scale into Brazilian Portuguese using the Beaton method, Cronbach's alpha calculation and factor analysis Results The sample consisted of 215 patients aged between 18 and 87 years (M = 41.98; SD = 15.72), with a mean age between 31 and 50 years (42.0%), and female (52 .6%), a marginally significant difference (p < 0.10) between men and women was observed for item 3. In this item, men's mean (M = 5.48; SD = 0.99) was higher than the average for women (M = 5.10; SD = 1.22), with a small effect size for the difference (d = 0.26). Pearson's r correlation coefficient was examined between the mean score and age (r = -0.21; p = 0.002), the result of which indicated a weak, negative and significant linear relationship. The older the age, the lower the average score on the Health Mindset Scale. Conclusion The version of the health-focused mindset scale for Brazilian Portuguese was introduced and cross-culturally validated, demonstrating good reliability with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.786. Consequently, it constitutes a new instrument for clinical practice and can be correlated with established scales in the literature.

Seasonal variations in chlorophyll–a and sea surface temperature in the exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka

Oceanic phytoplankton plays a crucial role in regulating the biogeochemical cycle in marine ecosystems. Light harvesting pigments such as chlorophyll–a (chl–a) can be used to understand marine primary productivity, especially phytoplankton abundance. Sea surface temperature is closely linked with phytoplankton abundance and climatic changes. The objective of the current study is to determine spatial and temporal variations of chl–a and sea surface temperature and their co-variation, over 12 years using statistical methodologies and Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Cloud Computing Approach. In this study, the available sea surface temperature and chl–a data acquired from a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite sensor were proceeded through Google Earth Engine and Earth Science Data System. Data visualization was carried out using ArcMap™ software. Results show a weak negative linear relationship (−0.40, P < 0.05) between sea surface temperature and chl–a. Therefore, additional favorable environmental factors such as coastal upwelling, and nutrient discharge through river run-off can control the primary productivity of phytoplankton. We also illustrated spatial and temporal maps for chl–a and sea surface temperature distribution in the exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka. Chlorophyll–a concentration is enhanced during the southwest monsoon, and the lowest concentration is observed during the first inter-monsoon period. Next, the highest sea surface temperature is recorded during the first inter-monsoon period, and the lowest sea surface temperature is observed during the northeast monsoon. Seasonal behavior of chl–a concentration and sea surface temperature are changed as chl–a (SWM) > chl–a (NEM) > chl–a (SIM) > chl–a (FIM) and SST (FIM) > SST (SIM) > SST (SWM) > SST (NEM), respectively. In addition, both trend lines for each variable show a positive gradient, which may be attributed to global warming. Finally, we observed the alteration of chl–a and sea surface temperature that linked to changes in ocean chemistry during the global COVID–19 pandemic.

Carbon emissions, wastewater treatment and aquatic ecosystems

As a nexus of environmental pollution, fossil fuel consumption and the global warming, carbon emissions are critical in China's long-term environmental strategies. In the water cycle, carbon is released during wastewater discharge, wastewater treatment, and subsequent changes in aquatic ecosystems. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this entire process, we investigate the intricate connections using balanced panel data from 261 prefecture-level cities in China spanning the period from 2000 to 2020. Each sample is quantified using 48 features derived from hydrosphere, biosphere, anthroposphere, atmosphere, pedosphere and lithosphere. This paper contributes to the relevant studies in the following ways: Firstly, to analyze the basic interaction within the water cycle, we utilize Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our results indicate a weak linear relationship between wastewater treatment and carbon emissions. We also substantiate the crucial role of the aquatic ecosystems in carbon fixation. Secondly, in order to comprehend the intricate interactions within the Earth system, we employ eight machine learning models to predict carbon emissions. We observe that extremely randomized trees (ET) exhibit the highest predictive accuracy among these models. Thirdly, in interpreting the ET model, we utilize Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques, including Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and Accumulated Local Effects (ALE). Our 3D-SHAP analysis reveals heterogeneity in the emission effects of wastewater treatment across different sub-groups, indicating that emissions are especially sensitive to increased wastewater treatment in agricultural and tourism cities. Furthermore, 3D-SHAP analysis of the aquatic ecosystems exhibits a series of spikes, signifying that aquatic plants will abruptly lose their carbon storage ability once the degradation of the aquatic ecosystems exceeds a certain threshold. Finally, our ALE evaluation, depicting the dispersion tendency of feature importance, identifies the uncertainty of wastewater carbon release in agricultural and tourism cities, while also affirming the vulnerability of the aquatic ecosystems.

Writing Anxiety as a Predictor of Young Learners’ EFL Writing Performance

ABSTRACT: The study explores the correlation between EFL writing anxiety and the writing proficiency of Year 6 students, who represent an older group of young learners. EFL writing anxiety is assessed using Cheng's Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory. Writing proficiency is evaluated through two standardized, timed, electronic writing tasks in a 5% representative sample. With an R2 value of 28.7, a statistically significant but weak linear relationship between writing anxiety and EFL writing performance is anticipated. The findings indicate that EFL writing anxiety is significantly present among young learners, highlighting the need for educational interventions. Additionally, the study introduces a new, preliminary SLWAI scale consisting of seven factors.

Secondary School Learners' Self-Efficacy and Achievement in Non-Routine Mathematics Problem-Solving

This paper uses a correlational research design to investigate the predictive power of the sources of self-efficacy and non-routine problem-solving achievement. It collected the data from a sample of 118 high-achieving secondary school learners in the Gauteng province, South Africa, using questionnaires, a problem-solving test, and interviews. Their self-efficacy beliefs were categorized into mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and physiological state. The findings revealed that the physiological state, vicarious experience, and mastery experience self-efficacy beliefs had a positive impact on problem-solving achievement, whilst that of social persuasion was negative. The magnitudes of the impact of the physiological state and social persuasion sources of self-efficacy were relatively greater than the others. Each source of self-efficacy was discovered to have an insignificant weak positive linear relationship with problem-solving achievement.

In Situ Synthesis of Bare Silver Nanoparticles on Paper and Its Response to Copper (II) Ions

This study synthesized bare silver nanoparticles on paper and evaluated its response to copper (Cu(II)) ions to assess its potential as colorimetric sensing platform. The nanoparticles were synthesized in-situ on paper using silver nitrate and sodium borohydride as precursor and reducing agent, respectively. No stabilizer or functionalizing agent was added. A two-factor three-level full factorial design with varying concentration of reagents was employed in the synthesis process. The resulting sensor was successfully characterized using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with elemental dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The sensor was exposed to varying Cu(II) concentrations ranging from 1 to 30 mM and the developed color changes were analyzed using a computer imaging software. The changes in color were quantified using mean gray values from the imaging software. Based on the results, as the concentration of Cu(II) ions increased, the final mean gray value of the paper increased as well. The papers were observed to marginally lighten in color potentially due to the decrease in silver atoms or its interaction with copper. The relationship between Cu(II) concentration and the ratio of final and initial mean gray value was determined and although a weak linear relation existed from 1 to 30 mM, a positive slope supported the increase in mean gray value within the range tested. The changes in the elemental composition of the sensor due to exposure to Cu(II) ions were studied. Finally, the response of the sensor towards other metal ions was compared to that of Cu(II) in a selectivity study.

Enhancing Body Awareness through Yogic Practices in Physical Education in a Selected University in Fuzhou, China

This study investigates the impact of integrating Yogic practices into physical education classes on body awareness among university students in Fuzhou, China. The research focuses on the assessment of yogic practices in various positions and the level of body awareness among students. A questionnaire was administered to yoga teachers at a selected university to assess yogic practices and measure body awareness among students. The study found a weak linear relationship between the frequency or depth of yogic practices and body awareness, with a correlation coefficient of 0.062. The significance value was 0.332, higher than the 0.05 threshold. The null hypothesis (Ho) is accepted, indicating that the frequency or depth of yogic practices in a student's physical education does not directly correlate with their body awareness. Extensive engagement in yogic practices does not necessarily lead to increased or decreased body awareness, and high body awareness does not necessarily require more involvement in yogic practices.