Microplastics have become omnipresent in the environment, including the air we inhale, the water we consume, and the food we eat. Despite limited research, the accumulation of microplastics within the human respiratory system has garnered considerable interest because of its potential implications for health. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the impacts stemming from the accumulation of microplastics on human lung airways and explores the computational benefits and challenges associated with studying this phenomenon. The existence of microplastics in the respiratory system can lead to a range of adverse effects. Research has indicated that microplastics can induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired lung function. Furthermore, the small size of microplastics allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs, reaching the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place. This raises concerns about long-term health consequences, such as the development of respiratory diseases and the potential for translocation to other organs. Computational approaches have been instrumental in understanding the impact of microplastic deposition on human lung airways. Computational models and simulations enable the investigation of particle dynamics, deposition patterns, and interaction mechanisms at various levels of complexity. However, studying microplastics in the lung airways using computational methods presents several challenges. The complex anatomy and physiological processes of the respiratory system require accurate representation in computational models. Obtaining relevant data for model validation and parameterization remains a significant hurdle. Additionally, the diverse nature of microplastics, including variations in size, shape, and chemical composition, poses challenges in capturing their full range of behaviours and potential toxicological effects.

This study is a systematic review of research on heat transfer analysis in cavities and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of flow and heat transfer performance in various kinds of cavities with or without the presence of fins, obstacles, cylinders, and baffles. The study also examines the effects of different forces, such as magnetic force, buoyancy force, and thermophoresis effect on heat transfer in cavities. This study also focuses on different types of fluids, such as air, water, nanofluids, and hybrid nanofluids in cavities. Moreover, this review deals with aspects of flow and heat transfer phenomena for only single-phase flows. It discusses various validation techniques used in numerical studies and the different types and sizes of mesh used by researchers. The study is a comprehensive review of 297 research articles, mostly published since 2000, and covers the current progress in the area of heat transfer analysis in cavities. The literature review in this study shows that cavities with obstacles such as fins and rotating cylinders have a significant impact on enhancing heat transfer. Additionally, it is found that the use of nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids has a greater effect on enhancing heat transfer. Lastly, the study suggests future research directions in the field of heat transfer in cavities. This study’s findings have significant implications for a range of areas, including electronic cooling, energy storage systems, solar thermal technologies, and nuclear reactor systems.

Students from Bangladesh pursuing STEM education often encounter obstacles when tackling diverse mathematical problems within various educational settings. Frequently, they find themselves lacking the essential prerequisite knowledge and strong foundational skills necessary to engage with the teaching and learning resources utilized at the undergraduate level, resulting in a significant number of students needing to seek readmission annually. The objective of this study is to explore the determinants of academic achievement among university undergraduates majoring in mathematics in Bangladesh. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative data analysis to examine the viewpoints of both students and educators concerning these factors. The authors primarily emphasize classifying the factors that impact the efficacy of mathematics pedagogical methods. The study is structured into three phases: i. An initial exploratory qualitative survey. ii. A quantitative triangulation survey. iii. Followed by explanatory semi-structured interviews. To begin, the initial qualitative survey identified significant factors that contribute to students' achievements and setbacks in mathematics. Subsequently, the quantitative analysis verified both similarities and distinctions in the perspectives of students and educators. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient analysis revealed that male students frequently exhibit inconsistency and a lack of enthusiasm for studying, resulting in subpar performance. Conversely, female students frequently cited challenges like the difficulty of connecting mathematical theories to real-world applications, heavy course loads, and limited resources as reasons for their academic difficulties. Lastly, insights from interviews with students highlighted their acknowledgment of inadequate study practices, excessive reliance on memorization, suboptimal teaching methods, low motivation, and external distractions as key factors leading to their struggles. They also recognized the importance of consistent practice, a solid comprehension of concepts, regular study routines, and effective learning strategies for successful mathematics education. In contrast, educators emphasized the significance of students having clear concepts, natural aptitude, motivation, and a sense of curiosity as pivotal elements for successful learning in mathematics. This conclusion suggests a new beginning in the realm of local mathematics pedagogy, achieved by scrutinizing teacher-student feedback about the factors influencing success and failure, considering the diverse individual and contextual variables at play. To foster mutual trust and understanding between students and teachers, it may be beneficial to engage in open discussions and interactions.

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are an emerging global environmental and health concern due to their pervasive presence in aquatic ecosystems. This systematic review synthesizes data on the distribution, shapes, materials, and sizes of MPs in various water sources, including lakes, rivers, seas, tap water, and bottled water, between 2014 and 2024. Results reveal that river water constitutes the largest share of studies on MP pollution (30%), followed by lake water (24%), sea water (19%), bottled water (17%), and tap water (11%), reflecting their critical roles in MP transport and accumulation. Seasonal analysis indicates that MP concentrations peak in the wet season (38%), followed by the dry (32%) and transitional (30%) seasons. Spatially, China leads MP research globally (19%), followed by the USA (7.8%) and India (5.9%). MPs are predominantly composed of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes. Sub-millimeter MPs (<1 mm) dominate globally, with significant variations driven by anthropogenic activities, industrial discharge, and environmental factors such as rainfall and temperature. The study highlights critical gaps in understanding the long-term ecological and health impacts of MPs, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies, improved waste management, and innovative mitigation strategies. This review underscores the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution through global collaboration and stricter regulatory measures.