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Keeping in consideration the expected need of node densification of heterogeneous cellular networks in near future, it is imperative that more accurate path loss models be used when analyzing heterogeneous cellular networks performance in terms of user equipment association probability, coverage probability and spectral efficiency. In this paper, we have derived the generalized user equipment association probabilitiesâ expressions of a two-tier Dense Heterogeneous Cellular Network incorporating Downlink Uplink Decoupled technique using multi-slope path loss model, which incorporates the effect of physical environment on the path loss based on separation between transmitter and receiver. For analyzing network performance, we have considered dual-slope and tri-slope path loss models as special cases. The derived analytical expressions have been validated through network simulations and found in good agreement. The results have also been compared with conventional single-slope path loss model and it has been found that the decoupled uplink downlink association probability is higher when incorporating multi-slope path loss model as compared to single-slope path loss model.

Purpose: The importance of the affective domain in holistic human development, in particular empathy, is an increasing concern today especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to investigate the attitudes of school students toward competencies associated with human consciousness; (2) to validate the psychometric properties of the model of Malaysian school students' empathy, and (3) to examine the influence of school students' self-efficacy, emotion regulation, sense of belonging and problem-solving on their empathy. Methodology: Using a quantitative survey approach, data were collected from 911 students drawn from 10 schools throughout Malaysia using a four-point Likert scale instrument. The study employed variance-based SEM by using Smart-PLS to achieve the objectives. First, the measurement model was employed to test the psychometric properties (such as convergent validity, divergent validity, and reliability) for all constructs. Second, the structural model was conducted to test the direct and indirect hypothesized relationship. Results: The measurement model provided evidence for the convergent and discriminant validity of the study constructs. The hypothesized structural model exhibited that three out of the four constructs, i.e., emotion regulation, sense of belonging and problem-solving have a direct influence on Malaysian school students' empathy. Furthermore, emotion regulation showed a mediating role in the relationship between the exogenous variables (sense of belonging and problem-solving) and students' empathy. The model explained 58.6 percent of the variance in the Malaysian school students' empathy. Significance: This study is a pioneering work in Malaysia. With the identification of the factors that influence Malaysian school students' empathy, i.e., students' emotion regulation, sense of belonging and problem-solving, more effective support and interventions can be provided by teachers and the Ministry of Education to help in enhancing school students' empathy.

Liban Ali Mohamud,1 Muhammad Aslam2 1Advance Medical Research Center, Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, Mogadishu, Somalia; 2Department of Statistics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, PakistanCorrespondence: Liban Ali Mohamud, Email libanstat@just.edu.soBackground: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major public health issue, particularly in underdeveloped nations, where limited knowledge contributes to high prevalence among women facing socio-economic and educational barriers. To the best of our knowledge, no study has comprehensively examined HIV knowledge among Somali married women using nationally representative data. This study aims to assess the level of comprehensive HIV knowledge and its determinants among currently married women in Somalia, identifying regions and groups with limited awareness to prioritize targeted education and healthcare interventions, support NSP goals, and provide baseline data for future efforts.Methods: A multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between comprehensive HIV knowledge and various sociodemographic factors using data from the 2018– 2019 SDHS. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine significant associations.Results: The analysis revealed that 55.1% of respondents had high comprehensive knowledge of HIV. Moreover, the study found the following significant factors associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge: Women aged 30– 34 had an AOR of 1.25 (95% CI: 1.02– 1.53) compared to those aged 15– 19. Regionally, compared to women in the Awdal region, women in Gedo had an AOR of 0.39 (95% CI: 0.29– 0.52), while women in Lower Juba had an AOR of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.38– 0.69). Women in nomadic settings had an AOR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.51– 0.74) compared to urban dwellers. Women with higher education had an AOR of 3.04 (95% CI: 1.85– 5.00) compared to uneducated women. Women in the highest wealth quintile had an AOR of 1.28 (95% CI: 1.03– 1.59) compared to the poorest women.Conclusion: The findings stress the need for public campaigns in rural, nomadic, and urban areas with limited HIV knowledge. Interventions should prioritize improving education access and enhancing media outreach to boost awareness and prevention efforts among Somali women.Keywords: media influence, adjusted odds ratios, comprehensive knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus, currently married women

Geopolymers are an alternative and sustainable substitute for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) Geopolymers are being investigated as supplementary cementitious materials to lower carbon dioxide emissions in the building sector. To lower emissions, geopolymer concrete also improves the environment by substituting OPC with supplementary cementitious materials. In addition to keeping waste out of landfills, it produces lightweight, environmentally friendly building materials that fit the circular economy model. Geopolymer concrete reduces global warming as compared to traditional OPC concrete, offering sustainable solutions for construction applications and mitigating carbon dioxide emissions, thereby promoting sustainable development in the construction sector. In the building sector, geopolymer materials provide environmentally friendly substitutes for OPC materials by enhancing water absorption, lowering carbon dioxide emissions, and fostering environmental sustainability. In terms of mechanical qualities, robustness, and environmental sustainability, geopolymers have demonstrated encouraging outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal changes of major ions in the aerosols around a coal-fired thermal power plant in southwestern India, is the primary objective of this study. Data collected during one-year period shows that both natural and anthropogenic sources have an impact on the samples. Sea salts from the Arabian Sea and the weathering of silicate rock, or mineral dust, have major impact on aerosol samples from natural sources, whereas contributions from fly ash, vehicular emission are anthropogenic. Principal component analysis and thematic maps support this finding. The distance-wise distribution of major ions and wind backward trajectory analysis indicated that anthropogenic activities have a significant impact on the pre-monsoon and postmonsoon samples than on the monsoon and early-monsoon seasons. Major Findings: 1. In the study area, major ions shows more temporal variations than spatial; the distance wise distribution of major ions, thematic maps and PCA analysis reflects that the samples are influenced by both natural and anthropogenic sources. 2. In monsoon season, the major ions show low concentration compared to pre-, early-, and post-monsoon seasons. This could be due to the impact of heavy rains resulting in the dilution in the concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]