In secondary schools supported by the government in Katerera County, Rubirizi District, Uganda, teacher performance is influenced by leadership dynamics and conflict resolution practices among the head teachers. The study aimed to develop a policy recommendation on head teacher conflict resolution skills related to teacher performance, student outcomes, and school climate; propose policy actions to enhance head teacher conflict resolution across government-aided schools; and analyze document school improvement plans and appraisal records. The policy outcomes and implications of the study include: Teacher performance measures such as quality of lesson delivery, results of assessments on pupils, attendance; Conflict staff, in terms of its frequency and severity; Teacher turnover and absenteeism; Quality of supervision and effectiveness of feedback, Another outcome is in the side of student outcomes like discipline incidents, and progression rates; In addition, the Impacts on stakeholders such as teachers the outcome will impact their morale, workload, and the professional development opportunities that they have. Based on this study, it has been concluded that improving teacher performance at government-aided secondary schools in Katerera County, Rubirizi District calls for more than just the usual instructional reforms; it requires a deliberate focus on building leadership capacity, especially in conflict resolution. Moreover, the evidence shows that the skills of head teachers in resolving conflicts are directly associated with improved teacher motivation, less need for disciplinary actions, better instructional supervision, and a healthier school climate; By incorporating conflict resolution competencies into the national leadership standards of Uganda, these skills will be institutionalized as a fundamental aspect of effective school management. This can further be ensured through structured professional development, peer learning networks, and robust monitoring frameworks to sustain and scale head teachers conflict resolutions practices across districts. Globally, this approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal SDG 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education. The study recommends enhancing head teacher conflict resolution as a scalable lever to improve teacher performance, student learning environments, and school governance in government-aided contexts.
Molluscum contagiosum and human papillomavirus (HPV) are very common cutaneous infections with worldwide distribution, yet treatment options remain limited. Traditional therapies are invasive and have a high rate of recurrence, and newer topical agents available are costly. Here I discuss evidence supporting the hypothesis that the aluminum-based salts, utilized in the antiperspirant industry since the early 1900s, could have a therapeutic effect on skin lesions due to molluscum contagiosum, HPV and possibly other viruses. Clinical trials in this area are needed.
Syntenin-1 is the Syndecan-binding protein 1 and a PDZ domain–containing adaptor protein that regulates diverse cellular processes through its interactions with transmembrane receptors, cytoskeletal components, and signaling molecules. Here we have characterized twelve Syntenin-1 commercial antibodies for western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address antibody reproducibility issues by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a resource for the scientific community. While the use of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.
Several satellite services, including the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), rely on the C-Band (3. 4 – 4. 2 GHz), which provides wide coverage and high availability despite weather effects. As a mid-band spectrum ideal for 5G, its allocation to cellular networks raises interference concerns, potentially disrupting satellite services and causing a significant economic impact. This study presents an empirical, measurement-based 5G propagation assessment and an interference investigation with 5G cellular networks operating below the 6 GHz band in the optimization of exclusion zones for 5G and FSS scenarios, with the aim of fine-tuning the exclusion zone and identifying better coexistence conditions between the two systems. We provide an extensive 5G-cellular downlink analysis that discusses, as part of the coexistence context, the potential for Low-Noise Block (LNB) saturation at the FSS Earth station receiver. Moreover, we deployed a real indoor 5G cellular network for measurement, in which high-gain receiving antennas were positioned at various indoor and outdoor locations to capture the downlink signal radiated by the 5G base-station transmitter within the proposed site. Additionally, a spectrum analyzer was used to examine the power signal received in contrast to the data signal acquired for the proposed projects. Across the indoor measurement points, the received power decreased with distance, reaching approximately −74.02 dBm at 40 m, and no measurable elevation of the FSS signal was observed at the MEASAT earth station located 3 km away. The results of this research indicate that spectrum regulators and other relevant parties will be affected by the potential implementation of 5G cellular networks in C-band operational FSS Earth station receivers. The research additionally proposes and evaluates methods that could facilitate the harmonious coexistence of both systems, like disabling significant emitters or diminishing their transmission capacity.
Background The governance of artificial intelligence within human resource management across the 54 sovereign states of Africa presents distinctive challenges that differ markedly from those observed in Euro-American contexts. African organizations have adopted AI-driven workforce tools at annual growth rates exceeding 25% since 2018; however, governance frameworks remain in their nascent stages and are characterized by fragmentation. Current comparative scholarship has largely overlooked innovative governance developments within the African continent, often positioning Africa as a recipient rather than an active innovator in AI regulation. Methods This study employed a qualitative comparative analysis encompassing eleven focal countries, representing five regional clusters. Data sources included legislative documents, professional standards, civil society instruments, and expert practitioner insights. The analysis focused on five key governance dimensions: legislative architecture, professional standards, digital infrastructure, philosophical traditions, and mechanisms established by civil society. Results Three overarching governance patterns emerged across the continent: (1) the functioning of data protection laws as de facto governance frameworks for AI in human resource management; (2) the significant influence exerted by international development finance institutions on national AI policy formulation; and (3) ongoing tensions between digital transformation aspirations and institutional capacity limitations. Variations across countries were structured along three axes: the specificity of regulations pertaining to AI-driven employment decisions; the integration of African philosophical traditions such as Ubuntu, Harambee, Ma’at, and Teranga; and the degree of regional economic community harmonisation initiatives. Based on these insights, the African AI HRM Governance Typology classified countries into four ideal types: Conclusions Achieving effective AI HRM governance across Africa necessitates tailored harmonisation strategies that respect the varying levels of governance maturity. Critical actions include the development of an African Union Model Law on AI in Employment, the establishment of minimum standards within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the promotion of regional economic community governance coalitions. Future research should focus on empirically assessing governance effectiveness, exploring employer practices across the continent, and analysing the impact of trade liberalisation on regulatory convergence.
Background Narrative CVs (NCVs) are increasingly being adopted as part of responsible research assessment initiatives that seek to recognize diverse scholarly contributions beyond traditional quantitative metrics. As funding agencies, institutions, and research organizations implement NCVs, effective training is needed to support both applicants and reviewers. This scoping review aimed to characterize publicly available training and guidance resources for NCVs. Methods We conducted a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported findings according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, Web of Science, preprint servers, and extensive grey literature were conducted from 2010 to October 2025. English and French resources providing guidance on writing and/or evaluating NCVs were eligible. Data was extracted in duplicate and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results 65 training resources met the inclusion criteria. Most originated from Canada (38.46%) and the United Kingdom (24.62%) and were produced by universities (43.08%), funders (38.46%), or government organizations (26.15%). Common formats included resource websites (27.69%), webinars (23.08%), and commentary articles (13.85%). Most resources targeted applicants (83.08%), while only 23.08% targeted reviewers. Frequently covered topics were structuring NCV sections, explaining the purpose of NCVs, and presenting non-traditional research contributions. However, reviewer guidance (13.85%) and addressing bias in narrative assessment (15.38%) were infrequently covered. Although most resources were freely accessible (92.31%), only a few had accessibility features (9.24%). Practical tools to support NCV writing and assessment were also inconsistently provided and only 21.54% reported any evaluation of effectiveness. Conclusion Current NCV training resources reflect growing international adoption of responsible research assessment. However, they largely focus on applicants, and gaps remain in reviewer-focused guidance, accessibility, practical tools, and the evaluation of training effectiveness. Developing evidence-informed and rigorously evaluated training resources will support more equitable and effective implementation of narrative CVs.
Abstract* Background Alginate is a widely used irreversible hydrocolloid impression material in dentistry because of its ease of use, affordability, and acceptable clinical performance. Modification of alginate with additives may alter its physical and mechanical properties. This study evaluated the effect of incorporating vanillin at different concentrations into two alginate impression materials, Zelgan and Neocolloid. Methods Vanillin was incorporated into Zelgan and Neocolloid alginate impression materials at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. The materials were mixed with deionized water using a figure-of-8 motion for 1 minute and moulded in polyvinyl chloride moulds to prepare specimens. Gel strength, permanent deformation, gelation time, flow, and tear strength were evaluated using standardized methods. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality, followed by ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests with appropriate post-hoc analyses. Between-group comparisons were performed using the independent-samples t-test or Mann–Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results In Zelgan, incorporation of 0.5% vanillin produced no significant changes in permanent deformation (P = 0.78) and tear strength (P = 0.293), while gel strength (P = 0.002), gelation time (P < 0.001), and flow (P < 0.001) decreased significantly. In Neocolloid, 0.5% vanillin showed no significant effect on gel strength (P = 0.439) and permanent deformation (P = 0.792). However, gelation time (P < 0.001) and flow (P < 0.001) decreased significantly, and tear strength increased significantly at 1% vanillin concentration (P < 0.001). Conclusions Vanillin altered the properties of alginate impression materials in a material-dependent manner. Reduced gelation time and flow were observed in both materials, while Neocolloid demonstrated improved tear strength at 1% vanillin. Vanillin may therefore be a useful additive for modifying selected properties of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease characterised by fibrotic remodelling of the distal alveolar interstitium and irreversible loss of lung function. Rapid decline in forced vital capacity has been significantly associated with rs115982800, a single nucleotide polymorphism in PKN2. Identifying high-quality research antibodies is therefore essential to enable robust investigation of PKN2 biology and its translational potential. Here, we systematically evaluated eleven commercial antibodies for western blot and flow cytometry using a standardised knockout-validation approach in human HCT 116 cells, comparing readouts in PKN2 knockout lines with isogenic parental controls. These experiments are part of a broader collaborative initiative addressing antibody reproducibility by characterising commercial antibodies for human proteins and making the results openly available. While antibody performance and protocol conditions may vary between laboratories, this study provides a resource to guide selection of the most suitable reagents for investigations of PKN2 in health and disease.
Background Narrative CVs (NCVs) are increasingly being adopted as part of responsible research assessment initiatives that seek to recognize diverse scholarly contributions beyond traditional quantitative metrics. As funding agencies, institutions, and research organizations implement NCVs, effective training is needed to support both applicants and reviewers. This scoping review aimed to characterize publicly available training and guidance resources for NCVs. Methods We conducted a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported findings according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, Web of Science, preprint servers, and extensive grey literature were conducted from 2010 to October 2025. English and French resources providing guidance on writing and/or evaluating NCVs were eligible. Data was extracted in duplicate and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results 65 training resources met the inclusion criteria. Most originated from Canada (38.46%) and the United Kingdom (24.62%) and were produced by universities (43.08%), funders (38.46%), or government organizations (26.15%). Common formats included resource websites (27.69%), webinars (23.08%), and commentary articles (13.85%). Most resources targeted applicants (83.08%), while only 23.08% targeted reviewers. Frequently covered topics were structuring NCV sections, explaining the purpose of NCVs, and presenting non-traditional research contributions. However, reviewer guidance (13.85%) and addressing bias in narrative assessment (15.38%) were infrequently covered. Although most resources were freely accessible (92.31%), only a few had accessibility features (9.24%). Practical tools to support NCV writing and assessment were also inconsistently provided and only 21.54% reported any evaluation of effectiveness. Conclusion Current NCV training resources reflect growing international adoption of responsible research assessment. However, they largely focus on applicants, and gaps remain in reviewer-focused guidance, accessibility, practical tools, and the evaluation of training effectiveness. Developing evidence-informed and rigorously evaluated training resources will support more equitable and effective implementation of narrative CVs.
The digitization of documentation has become relevant in city halls as a means to maximize management and reduce costs in the context of fiscal austerity. In Latin America (and most particularly in Peru), local governments are still confronted with many structural problems, including procedural fragmentation, a very high reliance on paper-based documentation, and widely varying levels of technology-based solutions. In that sense, digitizing documents is not only about advancing technology but also uses revised information as organizational solutions that reduce the risk that municipalities face legally and operationally and promote more efficient use of limited municipal resources. This study followed a quantitative methodology based on a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The study took place in a city government in the Peruvian Amazon. The population consisted of 125 administrative staff; a sample of 95 respondents was considered representative. Information was obtained through a structured questionnaire and was subjected to descriptive statistics and inferential statistics—regression and analysis of variance—to analyse the relation between the digitization of documents and cutting of municipal costs. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between documentary digitization and operating cost reduction, especially cost savings in terms of paper, physical storage, and administrative processing time. Yet the results suggest that the effect of digitization differs according to the dimension of quality. Legal risk and knowledge management-related components better explain cost reduction than simple technology adoption. Simultaneously, information security and auditing procedures were rated as moderately performing, implying a possible operational gap, which refines the financial gains of digitization. The results showed statistically significant relationships between certain aspects of document digitization and the perceived reduction in expenses in the municipality studied. Given the cross-cutting and inter-institutional nature of the research, the results should be interpreted as contextual evidence and not as conclusions that can be directly generalized to other municipalities or countries. The results indicate that financial benefits are less tied to a simple presence of digital tools and more to the organizational practices around using these tools. In terms of policy, the results are consistent with a phased, fiscally realistic digitization approach that emphasizes staff training, standardized digital processes, and basic legal risk controls in a limited budget municipality. The potential contribution of this research is that it presents context-specific evidence from a Peruvian municipality in the Amazonas region, which could be used by other similar local governments to extract practical lessons for achieving efficiency gains in the face of resource constraints.
Background This study investigates the role and the conditions under which policy and institutional arrangements can shape socio-ecological value creation by SMEs in Kenya, mediated by humane entrepreneurship and moderated by network embeddedness. Methods A mixed-method design was used. The SMEs were sampled from Nairobi, Kenya, using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews; a total of 208 SMEs were sampled. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM), and mediation was evaluated using bootstrap resampling (5,000 resamples), while moderation was evaluated using interaction-term analysis. Results Policy and institutional arrangements have a significant, positive direct effect on socio-ecological value creation (β = 0.47, p < 0.001). Humane entrepreneurship partially mediates this relationship, transmitting approximately 34% of the total effect (indirect effect = 0.341, 95% CI [0.206, 0.482]). The policy–value relationship is positively moderated by network embeddedness (β = 0.11, p = 0.003), suggesting that SMEs with greater network embeddedness benefit more from supportive institutional frameworks for sustainability. Conclusions For managers, cultivating network embeddedness and adopting humane entrepreneurship practices enhances socio-ecological outcomes. For policymakers, reducing compliance costs, improving institutional coordination, and supporting humane entrepreneurship training increase policy effectiveness. The study extends institutional theory by demonstrating that humane entrepreneurship serves as a transmission mechanism, while network embeddedness functions as a boundary condition that shapes socio-ecological value creation. This study is among the first to empirically examine humane entrepreneurship as a mediator and network embeddedness as a moderator in the relationship between policy and institutional arrangements and socio-ecological value creation within the African SME context.
Abstract* Background Social media marketing dynamics have been reshaped with the rise of micro-influencers, with the offering of community-driven and authentic brand engagement that goes beyond traditional celebrity endorsements and advertising. This study aims to systematically examine the micro-influencer research published between 2020 and 2025, focusing on identifying themes, research gaps, methodological characteristics, and providing future directions. Methods This paper focuses on providing a thorough systematic literature review (SLR) incorporating the PRISMA protocol on micro-influencers, while identifying interdependencies and relationships. 68 research papers were derived from the Scopus database, analysed through bibliometric and content analysis. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using a combination of VOSviewer and Biblioshiny packages. Results were analysed through thematic clusters, co-occurrence, and bibliographic coupling analysis. Results The analysis depicts a steady growth in publications accelerated with digitalisation and post-COVID consumer shift that placed a commercial value on small-scale influencers. Research is fragmented across authenticity, trust, engagement, sponsorship disclosure, and niche-domains for micro-influencers. The literature is geographically skewed towards the West and high-income Asian countries. Less longitudinal, mixed-method, andneuroscientific evidence with strong methodological concentration across quantitative survey, and computational methods was present. Algorithmic visibility, emerging platform comparisons, influencer labour, and non-commercial uses of micro-influencers were underexplored themes. Five research areas were identified from clustering. Conclusion Despite the rapid expansions, micro-influencer literature remains theoretically fragmented and unevenly distributed. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature on micro-influencers, synthesises these fragmented findings into an integrated cocneptual framework and provides implications and future research directions. Most studies focused on analysing a single platform with cross-sectional designs. This study highlights the need for thorough theoretical integration with methodological diversification, considering emerging platforms to better understand how micro influencers shape digital communication.
Background The explosive growth of Software-Defined Networks (SDN) has introduced unmatched scalability with increased flexibility, an essential component of this modern, complicated network infrastructure. While machine learning models promise to be a viable approach for detecting Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, their efficiency relies on the quality of the engineered features. Methods In this study, an innovative approach for categorizing newly generated features based on domain-specific relevance is applied, followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on each of the categories for dimensionality reduction. These new engineered features represent the originality of the features within the original dataset without losing their integrity by dropping multiple features from the original dataset. These PCA-transformed features, along with other individual features that were not used in the previous step, were merged into a single dataset for further processing using Machine Learning classifiers. This unique methodology not only addresses the curse of dimensionality but also ensures that the meaningful variance within the categories of features is retained. The CICDDoS2019 dataset was used to evaluate the developed model against features engineered from this dataset. Performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, ROC-AUC, log loss, ECE, and cross-validation. The primary dataset comprised of 499,998 total samples consisting of nine attack and one benign classes, split into training, validation, and test sets. Each category group retained ≥95% variance, compressing 45 to 27 PCA components. The proposed grouped PCA pipeline, with all transformers fitted on the training partition, achieved a weighted F1-score of 0.9991, AUROC of 1.0000, and mean ECE of 0.000276 on the primary dataset, improving further to 0.9994, 1.0000, and 0.000202, respectively on a doubled dataset, with five and ten-fold cross-validation confirming strong generalisability and scalability across both scales. Conclusion This planned and logically structured approach underscores the importance of domain-driven feature generation and categorization.
Molluscum contagiosum and human papillomavirus (HPV) are very common cutaneous infections with worldwide distribution, yet treatment options remain limited. Traditional therapies are invasive and have a high rate of recurrence, and newer topical agents available are costly. Here I discuss evidence supporting the hypothesis that the aluminum-based salts, utilized in the antiperspirant industry since the early 1900s, could have a therapeutic effect on skin lesions due to molluscum contagiosum, HPV and possibly other viruses. Clinical trials in this area are needed.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease characterised by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, leading to irreversible lung remodelling and respiratory failure. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 is a central driver of fibrogenesis, and its binding to transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) is essential for activation of both canonical and non-canonical signalling pathways. Given its critical role, TGFBR2 represents an important target for investigating disease pathogenesis and developing therapeutic strategies. However, the performance and specificity of commercially available antibodies targeting TGFBR2 have not been systematically evaluated, limiting reproducibility and confidence in experimental findings. In this study, we systematically assessed eleven commercial antibodies by western blot and twelve by flow cytometry using a standardised knockout-based validation strategy in human A549 cells. Antibody performance was evaluated by comparing signals in TGFBR2 knockout cells with isogenic parental controls. These experiments are part of a broader collaborative effort to improve antibody reproducibility through the systematic characterisation of commercial reagents and open dissemination of results. Although antibody performance may vary depending on experimental conditions, this work provides a practical resource to guide the selection of appropriate antibodies for studying TGFBR2 in health and disease.
Background In a 2018 data article, 15 major characteristics and 81 key observations of peptic ulcers in the existing literature were curated into five tables to test the validity of etiological theories associated with the disease. However, none of the 13 etiological theories in modern medical history, including the current prevailing one based on Helicobacter pylori infection, can elucidate all these characteristics and observations. To address this gap, the application of a universal law for life science and medicine published in 2012, the Complex Causal Relationship (CCR), birthed a new etiological framework, Theory of Nodes, which systematically explained all the 15 characteristics and 81 observations of peptic ulcers in a six-article series, including all long-standing controversies and mysteries. Methods For transparency and verifiability, the dataset begins with a table listing the series of six source articles and their publication details. To compile the explanatory dataset, explanations for each of the 15 major characteristics and 81 key observations of peptic ulcers were located and extracted from the series upon the publication of each article. The extracted explanations were then entered into five pre-designed tables adapted from the 2018 data article, with each entry cross-referenced to its source location (article number, page number, section, and line numbers). The dataset is publicly deposited in Harvard Dataverse with a permanent DOI. Conclusions This dataset provides a unified, citable, and reusable resource that consolidates all explanations for peptic ulcers based on Theory of Nodes. It showcases the explanatory power of this emerging etiological theory and demonstrates the effectiveness of the CCR. Most importantly, while this study represents the first instance of a disease systematically explained by a single etiological theory, it offers a reusable template for any disease to evaluate the causal claims of pertinent etiological theories against complete disease profiles—all known characteristics and observations.
Background Prokaryotic genome annotation is central to comparative genomics, functional interpretation, and hypothesis generation. Established tools such as Prokka and Bakta provide streamlined annotation workflows, but predefined database choices and hierarchical annotation strategies can limit flexibility, especially for non-model organisms or specialized tasks. In contrast, custom pipelines are more adaptable but usually require substantial bioinformatic expertise to build and maintain. Methods We developed Prokanota (PROKAryotic ANnOTAtion), a modular workflow combining genomic feature prediction, including coding sequences, RNA genes, and CRISPR loci, with configurable functional annotation and standardized output generation. Prokanota is implemented as a Snakemake-based command-line tool and uses configuration files to define inputs, outputs, and annotation databases. It integrates pyrodigal for coding sequence prediction, pybarrnap for ribosomal RNA prediction, tRNAscan-SE for transfer RNA prediction, and diced for CRISPR loci prediction. Functional annotation is based on user-defined database modules and currently supports pyhmmer, RPS-BLAST, DIAMOND, and MMseqs2 search backends. Results Prokanota generates input-derived deterministic feature identifiers and synchronized GFF, TSV, GenBank, nucleotide FASTA, and protein FASTA outputs. Its modular database architecture enables users to combine general-purpose and specialist resources while retaining database-specific top-hit information. In an evaluation of eight bacterial and eight archaeal reference genomes, combining databases increased the proportion of CDS classified as annotated, particularly in Archaea. Combining CDD, KOfam, and arCOG databases yielded the highest annotation coverage for all tested archaeal genomes, with 81–90% of predicted CDS classified as annotated, rendering Prokanota especially useful for the annotation of archaeal genomes. Conclusions Prokanota fills a practical gap between fixed, standardized annotation tools and fully custom expert-built workflows. It provides an accessible and reproducible annotation backbone while allowing project-specific databases and evidence layers to be incorporated without modifying workflow code. The software is freely available under the Boost Software License 1 at https://github.com/richardstoeckl/prokanota.
The eefAnalytics R package provides functions to analyse randomised controlled trials according to the study design, including simple randomized trials, cluster randomized trials, and multisite trials. The eefAnalytics package enables R users to easily obtain conditional and unconditional Hedges’ g effect sizes and their confidence or credible intervals. A central contribution of this software package is the correct computation of effect size uncertainties incorporating the variance of the denominator. Statistical models are chosen according to design type, with a simple linear regression model for simple randomized trials, and appropriate multi-level models for cluster randomised and multisite trials. Beside the effect sizes and their confidence/credible intervals in both frequentist and Bayesian approaches, the package also facilitates Bayesian, permutation and bootstrap techniques, and provides functions for the visualization of results such as posterior random effects. This article provides an overview of the modelling techniques used as the basis of the eefAnalytics package and demonstrates its application with examples. The package is available from CRAN: https://cran.r-project.org/package=eefAnalytics.
Background Classical thermodynamics and the Carnot cycle assume uniform, field-free media, relying on temperature gaps, artificial compression and cold heat sinks, with efficiency capped by the Carnot theorem. Conventional theory overlooks spontaneous pressure-temperature gradients and coupled internal-gravitational energy in gravitational gas columns. This study addresses whether gravity-induced stratification enables compression-free, zero-waste-heat cycles exceeding Carnot limits. Methods We derived isothermal and polytropic atmospheric models to quantify internal-potential energy coupling and proposed a new static lapse rate from molecular equipartition theory. Two gravity-driven cycles (mechanical work mode, chimney heating mode) were built. Efficiency and work output were calculated across variable altitude, gas molar mass, molecular freedom and lapse rate, verified via a gravity-buoyancy compressible Bernoulli equation. Results 1. Static gas columns hold a fixed internal/gravitational energy ratio \( i /2\), supporting mutual energy conversion. 2. Static lapse rate \( L = 2 gM /(3 iR )\) matches real seasonal atmospheric gradients, contradicting the zeroth law’s uniform-temperature equilibrium premise. 3. Heavy-molecule gases (xenon, perfluorobutane) only need 100–300 m height; expansion output work is hundreds-fold input lifting work, exceeding Carnot efficiency even with zero temperature difference. 4. Narrow heating rise \(\Delta T \) and larger lapse rates improve heating-cycle efficiency; matched heat pumps yield work-input ratios of tens to hundreds, with full heat-to-work conversion and no waste heat. 5. Gravity sustains pressure gradients naturally and unifies hot/cold zones, removing isolated cold reservoirs required by Carnot cycles. Conclusions Gravitational fields invalidate core classical thermodynamic premises, restricting the zeroth and second laws to field-free systems. This gravity-gradient cycle outperforms Carnot efficiency without artificial compression or heat rejection, and heavy working fluids cut operational height to engineering-accessible levels. It enables continuous low-grade environmental heat capture with near-zero carbon emissions and theoretically confirms feasible second-kind perpetual motion under gravity.
In 1995, Andrew Wiles completed his landmark proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem, drawing upon deep machinery from algebraic geometry, modular forms, and the theory of elliptic curves, most notably the Taniyama–Shimura–Weil conjecture. While this achievement resolved one of the most celebrated problems in mathematics, the proof’s extraordinary sophistication and reliance on twentieth-century techniques have sustained a long-standing desire within the mathematical community for a more elementary or concise demonstration. A simpler solution, one that circumvents the heavy apparatus of modern arithmetic geometry and instead rests on classical or foundational principles would not only illuminate the intrinsic structure of the theorem but also provide greater conceptual transparency. Consequently, the search for alternative, more accessible proofs remains an active and compelling intellectual pursuit. In this paper a simple, novel trigonometric approach to Fermat’s Last Theorem is presented. The Fermat’s last theorem is first reduced to a trigonometric form and then it shown that it is not possible for the trigonometric form to exist.
