Magnetically separable Zn2FeOx@CN microcubes derived from metal-organic frameworks for efficient tetracycline removal

Removing tetracycline (TC) from water is vital for protecting both human health and aquatic life. One promising solution involves using magnetic carbon adsorbents derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In this study, we created a bimetallic MOF precursor, Zn2[Fe(CN)6]·3H2O (Zn/Fe-MOF), and applied a one-step pyrolysis process to produce Zn2FeOx@CN composite oxides with magnetic properties. This approach combines efficiency with practicality, offering a powerful tool for tackling water contamination challenges. The version of this adsorbent created at 500 °C, called Zn2FeOx@CN-500, demonstrated a strong ability to capture TC, with a capacity of 769 mg g-1, reaching equilibrium within just an hour at 298 K. This adsorbent remains stable across a wide pH range (3-11) and can work in various water conditions. Our analysis showed that the adsorption process is endothermic and involves a multilayer chemical adsorption, mainly driven by surface complexation, π-π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction between Zn2FeOx@CN-500 and TC molecules. Moreover, Zn2FeOx@CN-500 can be easily separated magnetically and shows strong reusability, making it a practical choice for real-world water treatment applications.Accepted versionRP 1/22 EA

SS3211 Experimental biomechanics

Semester 1 Examination 2024-202

Predictors and moderators of oral expressive language growth in children with special education needs attending primary school in Singapore

Background: Research suggests that language abilities arise from an interplay between a child’s biological characteristics and environment. The bioecological factors that influence language growth have been studied in preschool children and help to inform early identification and intervention. However, the variables that influence school-age oral language growth are less known, especially in children with special education needs (SEN). This study systematically examines the extent to which child, home, and school variables predict oral expressive language growth in school-age children with SEN, and how child variables might moderate the direction and magnitude of the environmental variables that do.Method: This study is a prospective secondary data analysis of an observational longitudinal dataset from Tran-SEN (“Transition and Adjustment of Children with Special Educational Needs”, 2018-2021). The language abilities of 397 Singaporean primary school students with SEN were assessed and analyzed using the Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives (MAIN) and Computerized Language ANalysis (CLAN). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) identified a multiple indicator univariate latent Difference Score with partial measurement invariance. Data collection of the parameters of interest were by parent- and teacher-report, namely child (i.e., non-verbal cognitive ability, gender, autism diagnosis, social-emotional-behavior difficulties, and receipt of early intervention), home (i.e., maternal education, time spent with caregiver, screentime exposure, parental mental health, and parental involvement in school), and school (i.e., teacher qualifications, teacher training in SEN, teacher years of experience teaching children with SEN, classroom student:adult ratio, and amount of intervention received) variables. Structural equation modelling (SEM) multiple regression and moderation path analyses were applied to identify the predictors and moderators of oral expressive language growth in school-age children with SEN.Results: The participants presented with statistically significant expressive language growth at the end of two years (Difference Score, M = .661, SE = .096, p Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis that innate biological factors shape school-age language growth patterns. These findings are discussed in terms of practical implications and future research

AAJ43A Sinophone literature

Semester 1 Examination 2024-202

The situation of Tamil migrants during the Japanese occupation: சப்பானியர் ஆட்சிக் காலத்தில் புலம்பெயர்ந்த தமிழர்களின் நிலை

The open access publication is available at https://ngmtamil.in/kalanjiyam-tamil/index.php/kalanjiyam/article/view/125This study examines the political, economic, and social conditions of Malaysian Tamils under Japanese rule from 1941 to 1945. The primary objective is to analyze the challenges faced by the Tamil community during this period and understand the transformations they underwent. This research employs historical analysis, archival research, and oral history as primary methodologies. The study is framed using Postcolonial Theory, Diaspora Theory, and Marxist Analysis. The paper is structured into five key sections: (1) Introduction, (2) Historical Context, (3) Impact of Japanese Rule, (4) Theoretical Analysis, and (5) Conclusion. Under Japanese rule, Malaysian Tamils experienced severe exploitation and resistance. Their working conditions deteriorated, education was restricted, and cultural identities were suppressed. However, they demonstrated resilience and adaptability in overcoming adversities.</p

Lifestyle of active female youths during luteal phase

The experiences of females engaged in sports and exercise have been a topic of increasing interest, with the hormonal effects during the luteal phase not fully explored. Central to this is the role of the menstrual cycle in shaping the experience of exercising females. However, investigations on this topic have been limited in scope and little is known on how different stages of the cycle are associated with female active lifestyle, in particular, their behavioural choices and physique changes. This qualitative study aims to understand the individual experiences of active female youths with regular menstrual cycles, investigating their behavioural and physical changes during the luteal phase through in-depth micro-phenomenological interviews and analysis. Five active, eumenorrheic female participants were recruited, and they voluntarily recorded their lived experiences during the luteal phase through a lifestyle log sheet before a final in-person interview. The entire study was carried out without external intervention on their exercise or diet regimen. Our findings indicated that four participants predominantly experienced low energy levels during the luteal phase. Using MPI analysis, the interview and log sheet data were grouped into thematic experiences and compared with other participating individuals. Several individual experiences were described as having negative impacts on the participants' psychological and physiological well-being. This study underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the effects of the luteal phase on the lived experiences of active female youths. Future research could correlate hormonal fluctuations with self-reported symptoms, providing a deeper understanding

Trajectories and predictors of adolescent purpose development in self‐driven learning

The open access publication is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14201Purpose offers several important benefits to youth. Thus, it is necessary to understand how a sense of purpose develops in supportive contexts and what psychological resources can help. From 2021 to 2022, this study investigated purpose change among 321 youth (Mage = 16.4 years; 71% female; 25.9% Black, 33.3% Asian, 15.6% Hispanic/Latinx, 13.4% White, 9.7% multiracial) participating in GripTape, a ~10-week self-driven learning program. Many youth started with high initial purpose that increased throughout enrollment (Strengthening), whereas others began with slightly lower purpose that remained stable (Maintaining). For each unit increase in baseline agency, youth were 1.6x more likely to be classified as Strengthening. As such, agency may be a resource that helps youth capitalize on certain types of environments

Deciphering coastal plain groundwater dynamics: Insights from satellite and hydrologic data in Pinghu city, China

Groundwater, the planet’s largest active freshwater resource, plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems, economies, and societies. Over the past two decades, China’s groundwater regulation policies have significantly elevated groundwater levels (GWLs) in many regions. However, some areas have experienced unexpected or anomalous GWL declines unrelated to groundwater extraction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of anomalous groundwater dynamics processes in a coastal multilayered aquifer in Pinghu city, China. By leveraging multi-source satellite data analyses, including GRACE, InSAR, and isotope techniques, this study identified that leakage within groundwater systems and changes in precipitation, evapotranspiration were the primary drivers of groundwater storage (GWS) reduction across all monitoring stations in Pinghu City, China. The Random Forest model yielded the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.72, CC = 0.85, RMSE = 0.11) among the three downscaling methods. A strong correlation (around 0.75) is observed between GWS changes and meteorological variables. The Hongni (HN) station, which monitors multiple deep confined aquifers, was particularly sensitive to GWS fluctuations. To interpret these dynamics, a conceptual model was developed to characterize the interactions within the multi-layered aquifer system, consisting of both unconfined and confined aquifers separated by leakable aquitards. The layered aquifer-aquitard structure observed in Pinghu City is a characteristic feature of coastal and alluvial depositional systems globally. The developed conceptual model was also proven to be effective in the coastal multilayered aquifer in Texas, USA. This model offers a valuable framework for investigating groundwater dynamics in coastal plains with analogous geological settings. The analysis further revealed a temporal effect of key factors influencing the response of deep aquifers, providing critical insights into the mechanisms driving changes in deep groundwater systems

MLS945 Plasma physics and fusion energy

M.Sc. Life Sciences (Clean Energy Physics) Ph.D. January Semester Examination 202

Evaluating teacher perceptions of the 2021 Singapore secondary school Chinese textbooks: A study using the teaching material acceptance model

This study evaluates the 2021 revision of Singapore secondary school Chinese teaching materials through an investigation of school teachers’ receptivity, utilizing a teacher-teaching material perception questionnaire and the modified Teaching Material Acceptance Model (TMAM) as the evaluative framework. The study yields four key findings. Firstly, teachers view the practicability of the new materials favorably, highlighting their quality, incorporation of information technology, diverse content, authenticity, and life-oriented approach. These features are acknowledged for enhancing student interest and improving language abilities. Secondly, the TMAM evaluation reveals that teachers’ perceptions of the revised textbooks are generally inconsistent, with a moderate to high degree of rejection towards some new sections. Thirdly, the disproportionate volume of content relative to the available class time is identified as a significant factor impacting the ease of use, indicating a need for future curriculum adjustments. Lastly, teachers prioritize ease of use over the inherent usefulness of the materials, often selectively utilizing content based on students’ needs and time constraints. This selective use may lead to wastage of curriculum resources and diminish the intended impact of the revised curriculum