From Social Networks to Real Life: The Impact of Schoolboys’ Education on Respectful Behavior Towards Schoolgirls in the 4.0 era

This study investigated the impact of schoolboys’ education on fostering respectful behavior toward schoolgirls in the 4.0 era, characterized by pervasive digital technology and social networks. The research addressed a critical gap by focusing on boys' education as a means to promote gender respect and equality. Methodologically, the authors used a quantitative research approach, then developed an online survey using Google forms and a 5-level Likert scale to collect primary data from 260 respondents at local high schools, colleges, and Asian institutions where international students from various Asian regions study. The linear regression results revealed awareness and knowledge building play the most influential role in shaping schoolboys' education, with a strong impact score of .827. Skill development and practice also had a notable effect, scoring .69 in this digital age. Additionally, peer group norms acted as a key moderating factor (.55), enhancing the influence of awareness and knowledge building on schoolboys' education. The uniqueness of the study lay in its focus on the role of educating schoolboys to promote respect toward schoolgirls, particularly in the 4.0 era, where social media and digital technologies strongly shape perceptions and behaviors. This research specifically examined the impact of awareness-building, skill development, and the moderating role of peer group norms. Additionally, it integrated Social Learning Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, offering a novel framework to bridge the gap between online and real-world behaviors

Spiritual well-being of pupils and students: A systematic review of current empirical research

The exploration of spiritual well-being within the field of education is increasingly recognised as crucial, with empirical research underscoring its beneficial influence on multiple dimensions of the educational experience. While the role of spiritual well-being in varied educational contexts has been extensively discussed by scholars and highlighted in earlier review studies, a significant gap remains: few reviews have examined its relevance within mainstream education, particularly concerning younger populations. This study seeks to address that gap by systematically reviewing empirical research on the spiritual well-being of pupils and students in mainstream educational settings. The review follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure a rigorous synthesis of research topics, contexts, methodologies, and principal findings. From a total of 468 articles published between 2014 and 2024 and sourced through the Web of Science and Scopus databases, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. The predominant focus across these studies was the relationship between spiritual well-being and psychological phenomena. Most research concentrated on students in secondary and tertiary education, employing primarily quantitative methods, particularly questionnaire-based surveys. Findings consistently point to the positive contributions of spiritual well-being to students’ mental health and their overall educational engagement. However, direct comparison across studies is hindered by inconsistencies in terminology and difficulties in the operationalisation of key constructs.FHS TBU in Zlin [IGA/FHS/2023/001

Advanced keypoint(s) recognition with KeyBERT(+): A comparative study

In many natural language processing applications, keyword extraction plays a crucial role in information retrieval, document classification, and sum- marization. This study investigates the efficacy of three cutting-edge keyword extraction methods: KeyBERT, YAKE (Yet Another Keyword Extractor), and RAKE (Rapid Automatic Keyword Extraction), along with a newly designed model, KeyBERT(+), which removes duplicates and offers improved perfor- mance. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the performance of these techniques in identifying keywords from student and reference answers—a sce- nario particularly relevant to educational feedback and assessment systems. The comparison is based on two key metrics: the number of key points extracted and the extraction time. The findings demonstrate that KeyBERT(+) outperforms the other methods, providing valuable guidance for selecting appropriate keyword extraction techniques in educational contexts.The authors are grateful to Yayasan Universiti Teknologi PATRONAS, research grant 015PBC-005 for funding and supporting this research

Biodegradable microplastics impact on soil: how poly-3-hydroxybutyrate alters microbial diversity and nitrogen mineralization processes

Background: Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) is a biodegradable plastic that may affect soil quality and plant growth. To explain the observed deterioration of plant growth, this study investigated the effects of P3HB microplastics on the soil microbiome and its activity related to content of nutrients and their transformation processes. A pot experiment was conducted using soil contaminated with five different doses of P3HB, both with and without maize. Soil mineral nitrogen forms, microbial properties as well as plant biomass were determined. Results: P3HB significantly altered soil properties by stimulating microbial respiration, enhancing carbon turnover, and shifting nitrogen forms, notably reducing NO₃⁻ availability. The fungal community was more sensitive to P3HB compared to the bacterial one. Fungal genera such as Tetracladium, Exophiala, and Pseudogymnoascus were stimulated; others such as Gibberella and Gibellulopsis declined. In the bacterial community, P3HB promoted the growth of copiotrophic P3HB degraders (e.g., Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria); increased the abundance of anaerobes (Clostridia); decreased nitrifying groups (Nitrososphaeria, Nitrospiria); and reduced oligotrophic taxa (Vicinamibacteria, Thermoleophilia). These changes led to altered nutrient cycling, including inhibited nitrification and reduced mineral nitrogen availability, contributing to decreased maize growth. Conclusions: Soil contamination with ≥ 1% P3HB microplastics disrupts microbial structure and nutrient dynamics, with potential negative effects on soil fertility and plant productivity.Computational resources were provided by the e-INFRA CZ project (ID: 90254), supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic. The research was partially supported by European Union\u2019s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under Grant Agreement No. 862910 (SEALIVE), Horizon Europe project ARAGORN under grant agreement ID 101112723 and Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, institutional support MZE-RO1225. This work was also supported from OP JAC project (POCEK), number CZ.02.01.01/00/23_021/0009004.Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [90254]; European Union [862910]; Horizon Europe project ARAGORN [101112723]; Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic [MZE-RO1225]; OP JAC project (POCEK) [CZ.02.01.01/00/23_021/0009004

Measuring artificial intelligence's impact on sustainable energy transition: Empirical insights and policy implications

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with significant potential for accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems. This study provides novel empirical insights into the effect of AI on energy efficiency and renewable energy integration. Using econometric techniques, such as cross-sectionally augmented error correction models (CS-ECMs) and pooled mean group (PMG) models, we analyzed data from 30 countries (1995–2020). The results indicate that AI patents reduce energy intensity by 0.84 tons of oil equivalent (toe) per 1000 USD and that AI-related research increases the sustainable energy transition index by 10 points in the long term. AI-driven optimization techniques and predictive maintenance have substantial long-term effects on energy sustainability. This study also discusses the implications of AI-driven innovation on energy policies and sustainable economic growth. These findings fill a critical gap in the literature by providing robust empirical evidence of the long-term impact of AI on sustainable energy transitions and offers valuable insight for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to achieve a future with sustainable energy. These findings underscore the importance of sustained investment in AI technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving global energy sustainability goals. For now, AI's impact on the scale's energy transition is similar to the total factor productivity (TFP) effect, driving long-term sustainable energy transformation

The determinants of non-traditional activities of Vietnamese commercial banks: The role of women, private sector and foreign investors

This study investigates the determinants and their influence on non-traditional banking activities among commercial banks in Vietnam, measured by non-interest income. Using a panel dataset of 23 listed Vietnamese commercial banks from 2010 to 2021, the research applies various panel data estimation techniques, including OLS, FEM, REM and GLS, to address potential model specification issues. However, the two-step Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator is ultimately employed due to its robustness in handling endogeneity and dynamic relationships. The results reveal that operational efficiency, loan-to-deposit ratio and bank size positively impact non-traditional activities. In contrast, net profit margin, non-performing loan ratio and selected macroeconomic variables exert negative effects. Notably, the presence of women on the board of directors significantly moderates these relationships, reversing the impact of operational efficiency and macroeconomic factors. In addition, the study finds that banks in the private sector and those with foreign capital contributions demonstrate similar moderating patterns. However, the effects of equity dependence and capital adequacy differ from the baseline case. These findings highlight the importance of governance characteristics and ownership structure in shaping non-interest income strategies. The study offers new empirical evidence on the role of gender diversity on boards, private ownership, and foreign investor participation in influencing income diversification in the banking sector, particularly in an emerging market context

The physics of journal self-citation

Purpose: This study explores the implications of low journal self-citation rate (LJSCR). While some interpret LJSCR as a sign that a journal’s authors do not cite each other’s work, others see it as a mark of prestige, reflecting greater recognition from outside the journal. We argue that these perspectives are not contradictory: low self-citation can be prestigious precisely because it reflects low self-readership. Design/methodology/approach: We analyze the physics and mathematics of journal self-citation. Our findings show that the self-citation rate (i) increases with journal market share, (ii) approaches a well-defined upper bound, (iii) this upper bound remains significantly below unity, and (iv) without a minimum level of market share, self-citation is virtually absent. Here, market share refers to the proportion of a journal’s publications relative to its Web of Science (WOS) subject category. To test our analysis, we examine 61 journal-years of data from three major hybrid fluid dynamics journals: Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Physical Review Fluids, and Physics of Fluids. Findings: We identify a consistent relationship between journal self-citation and market share. A striking result is the mathematical analogy we establish between journal self-citation behavior and the concentration of intermediates in consecutive irreversible unimolecular chemical reactions. We also observe that creating specialized subdisciplinary journals (“twigging”) can reduce self-citation rates by narrowing scope. Research limitations: The study is limited to fluid dynamics journals. Broader validation across disciplines is needed. Practical implications: Editors and publishers can apply these insights to interpret citation metrics and assess the visibility and readership of their journals. Originality/value: This work redefines LJSCR as a counterintuitive metric—one that may reflect both low author engagement and high external impact. It introduces a novel physics-based model to understand citation behavior across journals

A comprehensive review of natural fiber reinforced Polymer composites as emerging materials for sustainable applications

The increasing depletion of fossil fuels and the growing demand for eco-friendly materials have driven the development of natural fiber composites. These composites possess desirable mechanical properties such as eco-friendliness, good thermal characteristics, lightweight, lower production costs, and renewability, making them preferable to synthetic composites made from glass and carbon. The use of natural fiber composites in various industries such as automotive, construction, defense, and infrastructure has grown due to their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This review examines recent advancements in natural fiber reinforced Polymer composites (NFRPCs), focusing on the diverse types of natural fibers such as flax, hemp, and ramie used as fillers and various plastics employed as Polymer matrices. It also discusses the pre-processing treatments of natural fibers, including chemical, mechanical, and thermal methods, which are crucial for optimizing NFRPC properties. Additionally, the review discusses both conventional and advanced manufacturing techniques and the key factors influencing the production quality of NFRPCs and their diverse industrial applications. However, a major challenge for NFRPCs is the hydrophilic nature of plant fibers, which limits bonding with the Polymer matrix and results in poor mechanical characteristics. Future research should focus on developing effective and affordable surface modifiers, dispersion aids, or coupling agents and on understanding the bonding mechanisms at the interface. Nanoscale interfacial characterization is crucial for exploring stress transfer, interfacial penetration, and adhesion. Incorporating nano reinforcements such as graphene and carbon nanotubes can enhance interfacial properties but preserving the intrinsic strength of modified fibers remains a challenge. Eco-friendly in-situ Polymer coatings such as polydopamine and polypyrrole offer potential solutions.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB, (IGA/FT/2025/004); Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB; TAČR TREND, (FW10010536)Tomas Bata University, Zlin, Czech Republic [IGA/FT/2025/004]; TACR TREND [FW10010536

Capping agent control over the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of ZnO nanoparticles

Life science research has largely benefited from the use of nanoparticles (NPs), yet fundamental issues such as colloidal stability and control over NP size and shape affect NP properties and functions in biomedical applications. Here we show that including capping agents directly into zinc oxide (ZnO) NP synthesis can lead to better control of these properties and their enhanced functionality. A systematic study of the influence capping agents has on the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of ZnO NP synthesized using the microwave (MW)-assisted polyol method is presented. Primary NP size (10–20 nm) was controlled by zinc precursor concentration, and NP shape was influenced by capping agent type. Capping agents enabled control over the surface charge and water interaction properties of ZnO for further investigations involving bacteria. The superior antibacterial effect was observed using positively charged, hydrophilic HMTA-capped ZnO, yet negatively charged hydrophobic OA-capped ZnO still exhibited an antibacterial effect. These observations suggest different underlying mechanisms, and we discuss these differences with particular reference to the specific surface area of ZnO, and how this is key to bacteria-nanoparticle interactions. Appropriate selection of capping agents is crucial for the synthesis of potent ZnO NPs intended for antibacterial applications, specifically for combating resistance.European Commission, EC; TAČR, (TM03000033); US-UK Fulbright Commission, (2022-21-1, RP/CPS/2024-28/007); US-UK Fulbright Commission; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004596 - SenDiSo); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT; České Vysoké Učení Technické v Praze, ČVUT, (SGS23/166/OHK4/3T/13); České Vysoké Učení Technické v Praze, ČVUT; Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČR, (24-10607J); Grantová Agentura České Republiky, GAČRTACR; European Union; Grant agency of the Czech Republic; CTU; Fulbright Commission in the Czech Republic; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic; [TM03000033]; [CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004596-SenDiSo]; [24-10607J]; [SGS23/166/OHK4/3T/13]; [2022-21-1]; [RP/CPS/2024-28/007

RheoTack evaluation of detaching behavior of silicone-based pressure sensitive adhesives for transdermal therapeutic systems

This study focuses on applying the RheoTack method to assess the detaching behavior of transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS), which represent skin-applied medications comprising a drug-loaded pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and a flexible backing layer. The RheoTack method provides detailed force-retraction displacement-curves (F-h-curves) that reveal the influence of chemical structure and resin content on PSA deformation and fibril formation. To compare various rod geometries (flat rods with diameters of 5 mm and 8 mm, and a spherically rounded rod with a contact area of 5 mm2), the force-retraction displacement curves were normalized to account for the effective contact areas. The flat and spherical rods led to completely different F-h-curves as well as different failure and tack behaviors. Furthermore, the adhesion formation between the TTS with flexible backing layers and rods during the dwell phase occurs in a different manner compared with rigid plates, particularly for flat rods, where maximum compression stresses occur at the edges and not uniformly over the cross-section. Measurements of F-h-curves were performed with retraction speeds of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mm/s. The increase in retraction speed increased the stiffness from 250 to 1200 N/m for non-amine-compatible PSA measured with a rod of 8 mm. RheoTack measurements were performed with a dwell time of 1 s, which is consistent with ASTM D2949. However, the TTS was in the adhesion-establishing compression phase for 3 s at 1 mm/s and for 30 s at 0.01 mm/s. Thus, the approach to follow ASTM D2949 has to be reconsidered for testing TTS materials.Graduate Institute Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (RP/CPS/2024–2028/005, RP/CPS/05/2024–28); Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT; Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF, (03FH039PX5); Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBFGerman Ministry of Education and Research [03FH039PX5]; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic-DKRVO [RP/CPS/05/2024-28