2025.09.20 – Human Defecation and Belching

Key Findings

  • Defecation produces sensations of relief and lightness due to pressure release, nervous system responses, and possible hormonal effects.
  • Belching is caused by swallowed air, dietary gas production, and sometimes gastric irritation.
  • Both processes are considered normal physiological functions.
  • Excessive belching or associated pain may indicate gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Strategies such as hydration, fiber intake, and posture adjustments can facilitate bowel movements.
  • Limiting aerophagia, carbonated drinks, and chewing gum can reduce belching.

Confirmed Facts

  1. Defecation relieves pressure in the rectum and colon. Receptors detecting stretching send signals to the brain, and relief occurs once this pressure is removed. This physiological process explains the sensation of lightness often reported. The nervous system involved is the parasympathetic system, which promotes relaxation. Additional evidence indicates the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, which can enhance feelings of well-being.
  2. Belching is a mechanism to expel swallowed air or gas from the stomach. Common causes include eating rapidly, talking while eating, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, and smoking. These actions increase air intake into the gastrointestinal tract. Food and beverages such as carbonated drinks and beer contribute additional gas in the stomach. The urge to belch may also appear with gastroesophageal reflux or gastric irritation, as the body attempts to reduce pressure.
  3. Both defecation and belching are normal parts of human physiology. Defecation involves coordinated muscular activity of the intestines and anal sphincter. Belching is an upper gastrointestinal reflex allowing air release through the esophagus. These processes only become medically significant when they are excessive, persistent, or linked to symptoms such as pain, nausea, chest discomfort, or altered bowel patterns.
  4. Practical measures can support regular bowel movements. Adequate hydration keeps stool soft. Dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains increases stool bulk and supports transit. Establishing routine bathroom use, avoiding delaying defecation, adopting a squatting posture with foot support, and regular physical activity improve evacuation efficiency. Relaxation techniques may also reduce straining.
  5. Belching can be reduced by modifying habits. Eating slowly reduces air swallowing. Avoiding straws, carbonated beverages, gum, and hard candies decreases aerophagia. Certain foods such as onions, cabbage, legumes, and fried items are linked to gas production. Maintaining upright posture after meals reduces gastric compression and reflux. Stress management can also reduce air swallowing associated with anxiety.
  6. Reports describe a phenomenon termed “poo-phoria,” referring to pleasurable sensations following defecation. These are attributed to relief of physical pressure and possible neurochemical release. While the experience is documented, intensity varies between individuals. Excessive or compulsive focus on the sensation may indicate underlying medical or psychological conditions, though such cases are not detailed in the provided evidence.

2025.09.20 – “Joto,” “Puto,” “Trolo,” Portuguese “Roto,” and Spanish “Usted” vs. Arabic “Ustād”

Key Findings

  • “Joto” is reported as a Mexican insult for a homosexual man, with explanations including the Lecumberri prison “J-ward” and the Spanish dance “jota.”
  • “Puto” in Mexico is described as an insult with homophobic connotations, while in Portugal it means “child,” and in Brazil it can mean “angry.”
  • “Trolo” in Argentina and Uruguay is described as a slur for a homosexual man.
  • In Portuguese, “roto” means “torn” and also functions as a vulgar insult for a homosexual man; “joto” is not documented as Portuguese.
  • A phonetic similarity is noted: Portuguese initial “r” [ʁ] may sound like “j” to Spanish speakers, so “roto” can sound similar to “joto.”
  • The etymology of “joto” as derived from Portuguese “roto” is not documented; the most supported explanation is the Lecumberri origin.
  • “Usted” in Spanish is documented as originating from “vuestra merced.” An Arabic connection with “ustād/ustādh” is reported as popular speculation, not an academic hypothesis.
  • Morocco in English is “Morocco,” pronounced /məˈrɑːkoʊ/ (US) and /məˈrɒkəʊ/ (UK). The demonym is “Moroccan.”

Confirmed Facts

  1. “Joto” is described as a Mexican Spanish insult for a homosexual man. It is also reported that some groups reappropriate it, though it remains offensive in general use. Two reported etymologies are given: one involving the Lecumberri prison “J-ward” origin and another involving the Spanish dance “jota.” These accounts are reported, unverified.
  2. “Puto” is described as an insult in Mexican Spanish with homophobic uses and broader derogatory meanings. In Portugal, “puto” is reported as meaning “child.” In Brazilian Portuguese, the phrase “estou puto” is reported as meaning “I am angry.” No evidence is provided here for additional senses.
  3. “Trolo” is reported as a slur used in Argentina and Uruguay for a homosexual man, with some mention of community reappropriation. No further documentation is provided.
  4. In Portuguese, “roto” is documented as meaning “torn” and also used as a vulgar insult for a homosexual man. It is reported that “joto” is not a Portuguese word. Claims equating “joto” with Portuguese “roto” are reported, unverified.
  5. The Portuguese initial “r,” pronounced [ʁ], can be perceived by Spanish speakers as sounding like “j.” This phonetic similarity explains why “roto” ([ʁótu]) can sound similar to “joto.” This is presented as a perceptual explanation, not as an etymology.
  6. The theory that Mexican “joto” derives from Portuguese “roto” is reported as possible confusion but remains unverified. The best documented explanation is the Lecumberri prison account.
  7. The Spanish pronoun “usted” is documented as originating from “vuestra merced,” with intermediate forms like “vuesa merced” and “vusted.” A supposed Arabic origin from “ustād/ustādh” is not documented in academic etymologies and is characterized as popular speculation.
  8. No documented specialist investigation is provided that connects Spanish “usted” with Arabic “ustād/ustādh.” The Arabic-origin hypothesis is not present in academic etymologies and circulates in non-academic spaces such as forums and blogs.
  9. Morocco in English is “Morocco.” Pronunciations are /məˈrɑːkoʊ/ in American English and /məˈrɒkəʊ/ in British English. The English demonym for a person from Morocco is “Moroccan,” pronounced /məˈrɑːkən/ in American English and /məˈrɒkən/ in British English.

Sources

2025.09.20 – Cable Color Codes, Glands, and ATEX / IEC 60079-14 Requirements

Key Findings

  • Intrinsically safe (Ex i) circuits are associated with the color light blue under IEC/EN 60079-14.
  • The standard does not mandate all Ex i cables to be blue but requires that, if color is used for identification, it must be light blue.
  • Inspectors can require inspectability of connections but cannot mandate blue cables and glands if other compliant identification methods exist.
  • Use of tape or boots is not directly prohibited, but they must not prevent inspection or be used to modify gland fit.
  • Cable bends are regulated by minimum bending radius, not by fixed angle requirements such as 45°.

Confirmed Facts

  1. IEC/EN 60079-14 addresses installation of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres. It specifies that intrinsically safe (Ex i) circuits must be clearly identifiable. If color identification is used, the required color is light blue. The same restriction applies regardless of whether the Ex i circuit is instrumentation, communication, or other applications. Light blue must not be used for non-Ex i circuits to avoid confusion.
  2. In practice, Ex i cables and glands are often manufactured in blue or with blue components. However, commercially available ATEX-certified cables and glands are also sold in black. Inspectors cannot legally demand that all such equipment be replaced with blue versions, provided the installation ensures clear identification of Ex i circuits by other means.
  3. Inspectors are authorized to demand that connections remain inspectable. IEC/EN 60079-14 requires an initial inspection, and IEC/EN 60079-17 governs periodic inspections. Covering terminations with tape or boots is not explicitly banned, but if it blocks inspection or hides possible conductor damage, inspectors can require removal for verification.
  4. The standards explicitly prohibit using tape, heat-shrink, or similar materials to adjust cable diameters to fit glands. Cable glands must be matched to the actual cable dimensions as supplied. Using fillers or improvised coverings to modify fit is not compliant. Shrouds or boots may be used only if permitted by the manufacturer and without hindering inspection or causing accumulation of moisture or corrosion.
  5. Regarding cable routing, IEC/EN 60079-14 and related guides impose requirements for mechanical protection and minimum bending radii. Common values cited in practice are eight to twelve times the cable diameter, depending on construction. The standard does not prescribe fixed angular rules such as “45° loops.” Angles of 90° are not prohibited if the minimum bending radius and mechanical integrity are respected.
  6. Reports indicate that some inspectors criticized the use of black Ex i cables and the covering of stripped sections with tape, but such criticisms are not grounded in direct ATEX wording. They reflect inspection practice emphasizing inspectability and avoidance of confusion, not explicit mandatory rules. Statements that “ATEX requires 45° cable loops” are not documented in the standard.

Sources

2025.09.20 – The Expressions “Coñovale” in Venezuelan Spanish and “Caralho” in Portuguese

Key Findings

“Coñovale” is a colloquial Venezuelan Spanish expression derived from “coño, vale,” which in some contexts means idleness or doing nothing. It is informal and not standard in dictionaries. “Caralho” is a well-documented Portuguese vulgar word meaning “penis” literally but widely used as an interjection equivalent to “carajo” in Spanish. Both terms serve as emphatic elements in their respective languages, though their forms and origins are distinct.

Confirmed Facts

  1. In Venezuelan Spanish, “coño, vale” combines “coño” (a vulgar expletive comparable to “carajo”) and “vale” (a colloquial filler akin to “man” or “friend”). When merged into “coñovale,” the phrase can shift meaning and in informal speech describe a state of doing nothing, as in “estar de coñovale.” This form is not part of standard Spanish grammar but reflects Venezuelan slang.
  2. The expression “coñovale” is not recorded as a Portuguese word. Reports of Portuguese speakers using it originate from contexts of contact with Venezuelans, particularly in Colombia, where migration has spread Venezuelan colloquial language. Bogotá, Colombia, lies about 1,000 km from Caracas, Venezuela, and is connected by flights of about two hours, facilitating cross-cultural exchange.
  3. Portuguese equivalents in meaning, though not in form, include “estar à toa” (Portugal and Brazil), “estar de bobeira” (Brazil, meaning idling or fooling around), and “na boa” (Brazil, meaning relaxed or without urgency). None of these replicate the phonetic pattern of “coñovale.”
  4. “Caralho” is a standard Portuguese vulgar term. Literally, it means “penis,” but in everyday use it is widely employed as an interjection expressing surprise, anger, or emphasis, comparable to Spanish “carajo.” In northern Portugal, a softened regional form “carago” exists. Lisbon, Portugal, is located about 313 km south of Porto, and this northern region is where such softened forms are most common.
  5. In Brazilian Portuguese, “caralho” is broadly used across the country in colloquial speech, though its strength varies by region. Softer alternatives such as “caramba” or “poxa” are also common in Brazil. São Paulo, Brazil, is located roughly 7,600 km from Porto, Portugal, with flights lasting around ten hours, illustrating the geographic breadth across which “caralho” is understood.

2025.09.20 – Lionel Messi, Argentina, and Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers

Key Findings

Argentina played two key World Cup Qualifier matches in September 2025. On 2025-09-04, Argentina defeated Venezuela 3–0 in Buenos Aires, where Lionel Messi scored two goals. Five days later, on 2025-09-09, Argentina lost 1–0 against Ecuador in Quito. These matches mark, respectively, Messi’s most recent official game in Argentina and his most recent official match overall. The claim circulating online that the Venezuela match was his “last official match in Argentina” is misleading, as Messi remains active in official competition. Both Buenos Aires and Quito, the host cities, are major South American capitals separated by approximately 4,300 km (2,670 miles) by air.

Confirmed Facts

  1. A video circulating online featured a caption in Spanish stating: “Último partido oficial de Messi en Argentina” (translated from original: “Last official match of Messi in Argentina”). This description was linked to footage of the Argentina national team. It was presented in a social media context and accumulated over 117,000 likes and more than 5,000 shares at the time of capture. The framing suggested finality, but no supporting evidence of retirement or cessation of play was included.
  2. Lionel Messi continues to play official matches for the Argentina national football team. He has not retired from international football. Reports confirm that he participated in South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in September 2025. Claims in the circulated video asserting that he had played his final official match in Argentina remain unsubstantiated and are contradicted by subsequent events.
  3. On 2025-09-04, Argentina hosted Venezuela in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Argentina won 3–0, and Messi scored twice. Buenos Aires lies on the eastern coast of South America, bordering the Río de la Plata, and is the largest city in Argentina. Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, is located approximately 5,100 km (3,170 miles) to the north, with typical direct flights lasting about 7 hours.
  4. On 2025-09-09, Argentina faced Ecuador in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Ecuador won 1–0. Quito is located in the northern Andes at an altitude of about 2,850 meters. The city lies about 4,300 km (2,670 miles) northwest of Buenos Aires by air travel, requiring approximately 6 hours of direct flight time. These details establish the chronological and geographic scope of Argentina’s September 2025 qualifiers.
  5. ESPN and Reuters both reported on the Argentina–Venezuela match, including Messi’s two goals. A separate record on Wikipedia lists the Ecuador–Argentina match result of 1–0 on 2025-09-09. The presence of these independent reports confirms the factual record of the games. The Venezuelan match is therefore Messi’s latest official match in Argentina, while the Ecuadorian match is his most recent official game overall.
  6. The contradiction between the viral social media caption and the verified schedule remains unresolved in public discourse. The social post implied that the Venezuela game was Messi’s last-ever official appearance in Argentina, while reputable sources clarify that Messi remains an active international player. Thus, the viral claim can be categorized as misleading.

Sources

2025.09.16 – MSC World Europa, Mediterranean Itineraries, Buffet Service, and Crew-Passenger Scale

Key Findings

The MSC World Europa is a large cruise ship operating Mediterranean itineraries with embarkation and disembarkation ports including Barcelona, Marseille, and Genoa. Prices for seven-night Mediterranean cruises in 2025 generally range from approximately USD 1,074 per person for interior cabins to over USD 1,600 for balcony cabins, with higher costs when beverage or special packages are included. Buffet dining is not open 24 hours, but extended food service is available through late-night snacks, pizza and burger stations, and room service. The ship can carry about 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members, a ratio of roughly one crew member per three passengers. The scale of 2,000 crew is comparable to a medium-sized town, a large concert hall, or filling dozens of buses, trains, or restaurants.

Confirmed Facts

  1. The MSC World Europa sails in the Mediterranean with embarkation and return in the same port on most seven-night itineraries. Confirmed departure and return ports include Barcelona in Spain, Marseille (also: Marsella) in France, and Genoa in Italy. Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of Spain; Marseille lies approximately 500 km to the east across the Mediterranean coast of France; Genoa is situated on the Ligurian coast of Italy, about 400 km east of Marseille. Travel times between these cities by high-speed rail or car range from 5 to 8 hours depending on the route.
  2. For 2025, Mediterranean voyages on this ship are advertised starting at about USD 1,074 per person for interior or oceanview cabins. Balcony cabins are reported in the range of USD 1,300 to USD 1,600. Package upgrades, such as beverage inclusions, further increase prices. These fares are subject to variation by date, cabin category, and availability.
  3. Buffet service on the MSC World Europa is offered in restaurants such as “Il Mercato” and “La Brasserie.” Reported hours for buffet breakfast extend from approximately 07:00 to 11:00, lunch from around 12:30 to 16:30, and dinner from about 18:30 to 22:00. “La Brasserie” is noted as open mornings and midday only. Continuous 24-hour buffet access is not provided, though pizza and burger outlets operate until about 02:00, and room service offers limited late-night options. This structure provides nearly continuous dining but not full-time buffet availability.
  4. The ship carries up to 6,762 passengers at maximum capacity, with about 6,000 as an average voyage load, supported by a crew of about 2,138. This establishes a crew-to-passenger ratio of approximately 1:3. Crew roles extend beyond guest-facing staff to include navigation officers, engineers, cooks, housekeepers, entertainers, medical staff, and security personnel. Work is conducted in shifts to sustain 24-hour operation.
  5. The presence of 2,000 crew can be conceptualized by comparison with familiar settings. This number equals filling about 40 city buses at 50 passengers each, or 10 cinemas with 200 seats apiece. It is comparable to a large high school with 2,000 students, a mid-sized hospital with staff and patients combined, or a sizable graduation ceremony. It also equals the capacity of many major theatres such as the Teatro Real in Madrid (about 1,950 seats) or the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona (about 2,300 seats). Each example provides a tangible scale for visualizing the ship’s workforce.
  6. Additional analogies highlight the magnitude of 2,000 individuals: it corresponds to the crowd at a medium-sized concert venue such as Razzmatazz in Barcelona, the turnout at a local festival filling a town square, or the full capacity of a circus tent or municipal sports hall. In transport equivalence, it matches the combined load of about two Airbus A380 aircraft (850 passengers each) or eleven Boeing 737 aircraft (≈180 passengers each). It also equals roughly two full AVE high-speed trains in Spain, each carrying about 1,000 travelers.
  7. For broader context, the ship’s full complement of 6,000 passengers is three times larger than its crew and can be compared to filling an indoor arena, populating a medium-sized town, or equaling the capacity of numerous transport units simultaneously. The combination of nearly 8,000 people on board—passengers and crew together—forms a community similar in scale to a small city, operating continuously while at sea.

Sources

2025.09.16 – ATEX Magnetic Flashlights on Amazon Netherlands

Key Findings

Certified ATEX magnetic flashlights available on Amazon Netherlands include products from PELI and Fenix, with variations in certification zones and design. Prices differ significantly, with PELI models often positioned at a higher range and Fenix offering mid-range alternatives. Some products advertise magnetic functionality but lack clear ATEX certification, raising uncertainty about their suitability for hazardous environments. The search context centers on the Netherlands, a European Union member state where ATEX standards are legally binding. Geographically, the Netherlands lies in northwestern Europe, bordered by Germany to the east and Belgium to the south.

Confirmed Facts

  1. The PELI 3415MZ0 is described as an ATEX Zone 0 safety-approved magnetic work light. It is marketed on Amazon Netherlands as a premium model, typically priced at the higher end compared to competitors. The ATEX Zone 0 designation indicates it is designed for environments with a continuous presence of explosive gases. The Netherlands, where this lamp is sold, is approximately 575 km northwest of Frankfurt, Germany, and about 210 km north of Brussels, Belgium, situating it in a core industrial region where ATEX compliance is critical.
  2. The Fenix WF11E flashlight is listed with both IECEx and ATEX certifications and includes a magnetic base and clip. This product is available on Amazon Netherlands, often at a lower price point than the PELI 3415MZ0. IECEx and ATEX standards are recognized across Europe for equipment safety in explosive atmospheres. Amsterdam, the Dutch capital where Amazon services are accessible, is about 520 km southwest of Hamburg, Germany, and 430 km north of Paris, France, linking it to key logistics corridors.
  3. Another option is the PELI 2315Z0, which is compact and designated as ATEX Zone 0. While marketed for hazardous environments, product descriptions vary regarding the strength of its magnetic feature. The Netherlands, being part of the Benelux region, is geographically close to major industrial centers such as Antwerp, Belgium (about 150 km south of Rotterdam). This proximity underscores the relevance of portable safety lighting in petrochemical and shipping industries.
  4. The PELI 3315Z0 also appears on Amazon Netherlands with ATEX safety approval, targeted at explosive-risk workplaces. It is presented as a reliable but less compact alternative compared to the 2315Z0. The country’s geographic position west of Germany (border distance roughly 577 km along its length) emphasizes the importance of cross-border availability of certified safety equipment for industries such as chemical processing and offshore energy.
  5. Some listings on Amazon Netherlands, such as a rechargeable COB lamp with magnetic function, advertise magnetism but do not explicitly confirm ATEX or IECEx certification. This introduces uncertainty, as non-certified lamps may be unsuitable for hazardous environments where ATEX compliance is legally required. The Netherlands’ integration within the European Union’s regulatory framework obliges strict adherence to ATEX Directives for products used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Sources

2025.09.15 – Stanley Tool Bag Packaging and Label Details

Key Findings

The available material concerns a Stanley-branded tool bag, including packaging, product specifications, barcodes, and multilingual labels. The bag is manufactured in China, and the provided texts confirm that tools are not included. Dimensions, product identifiers, and recycling indications are also present.

Confirmed Facts

  1. The packaging displays the brand name Stanley prominently in black against a yellow background. It features an image of a black and yellow tool bag with a handle and strap. The bag has external compartments and the Stanley logo in yellow on the side panel.
  2. The stated dimensions of the tool bag are 30 × 13 × 25 cm, equivalent to 11 ¾ × 5 ⅛ × 9 ⅞ inches. These details are printed directly on the packaging. Such measurements classify the product as a small hand tool bag suitable for portable use.
  3. The packaging confirms the product is Made in China. A recycling symbol is visible, along with an indication that the packaging material is recyclable. The barcode number shown is 3253561933079, which identifies the retail product.
  4. The secondary printed sheet provides multilingual statements repeating that the item is manufactured in China and that tools are not included. This statement appears in at least twelve languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian, Swedish, Dutch, and others.
  5. The text “Hecho en China. Herramientas no incluidas.” (translated from original: “Made in China. Tools not included.”) is clearly legible among the multilingual statements. This confirms that the warning about excluded contents is standardized across all listed languages.
  6. No external URLs appear on the material, and the information is restricted to manufacturer markings, barcodes, product images, and multilingual disclaimers. While Stanley is a global brand headquartered in the United States, the manufacturing location specified for this bag is exclusively China.

2025.09.15 – Employment Termination and Seniority Premium in Mexico: Case of Saúl and Employer

Key Findings

The case concerns a dispute between an employee, Saúl, and his employer regarding the calculation of severance pay. The disagreement arose because the payment offered did not include the statutory seniority premium. Mexican labor law establishes that workers are entitled to twelve days of wages per year of service as a seniority premium, capped at twice the minimum wage. This right applies even in cases of justified dismissal or death of the worker, while in cases of voluntary resignation it requires at least fifteen years of service. The discussion highlights both the legal justification for the dismissal due to repeated absences and the non-waivable right to the seniority premium regardless of fault.

Confirmed Facts

  1. Saúl was informed by his employer that his severance payment was ready for collection, but he refused to accept it because the check did not include the seniority premium. The employer argued that the dismissal was fully justified due to eight absences within one month. Saúl accepted that more than three absences in a month constitute grounds for termination under Article 47, section X, of the Mexican Federal Labor Law.
  2. Despite acknowledging the justified termination, Saúl insisted that he was still entitled to the seniority premium. This consists of twelve days of wages for each year worked, regardless of the cause of dismissal, with the salary base capped at twice the minimum wage. He cited that even if the dismissal is justified, the employer is legally obliged to pay this benefit.
  3. The legal framework is found in Article 162 of the Federal Labor Law. It states that workers who resign voluntarily are entitled to the premium only if they have completed at least fifteen years of service. However, in cases of dismissal—whether justified or unjustified—or in the event of death, the premium must be paid without requiring a minimum length of service.
  4. There is a common misconception that the twelve-day premium applies only after fifteen years of employment. This is true solely for voluntary resignation. In dismissals, the entitlement arises from the first year of service. The benefit is calculated proportionally if the worker did not complete full years of service.
  5. An example illustrates the calculation: a worker with six years of service and a daily wage of 500 pesos would receive a seniority premium equivalent to seventy-two days of wages, totaling 36,000 pesos. If the daily wage exceeds twice the minimum wage, the calculation is capped at that maximum allowed level.

2025.09.14 – Linguistic Review of a Scientific Manuscript: Analysis of Employed vs. Used and the Definite Article The

Key Findings

The assessment examined two linguistic issues in an anonymized scientific manuscript: the stylistic preference between employed and used, and the correct application of the definite article the in general scientific writing and in references to figures and tables. The analysis concluded that used is preferable when describing methods or instruments, while the should be used for specificity but omitted before figure and table references. The review was initiated by Subject L [anonymized], and the manuscript was authored by Author E [anonymized].

Confirmed Facts

  1. At a specified recent date and local time in the Netherlands (details anonymized), Subject L [anonymized] requested a linguistic review of an English-language manuscript prepared by Author E [anonymized]. The focus of the inquiry involved two questions: the appropriateness of employed by versus used by, and the proper handling of the article the with respect to figures and tables.
  2. In English, the phrase employed by most often denotes an employment or contractual relationship, for example in “She is employed by Microsoft.” Although occasionally found in older academic prose meaning “utilized,” this sense is formalistic and dated. In current scientific English, used by is strongly favored when describing theories, techniques, or instruments, because it provides clarity and aligns with common practice.
  3. In the anonymized manuscript, several sample sentences illustrate the issue. One states: “In practice, the Judd-Ofelt theory is employed to determine …,” which would be better expressed as “the Judd-Ofelt theory is used to determine ….” Another example reads: “Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess …,” which should be revised to “TGA was used to assess ….” A further instance involves Fourier transform infrared analysis, where “was employed to gain …” should be updated to “was used to gain ….” In all cases, the subject is a method or instrument, not employment.
  4. The second linguistic issue concerns the definite article the. In academic English, the provides necessary specificity when referring to defined or previously introduced terms. For example, “The density (ρ) of the BixDy and BTxDy glassy systems was determined …” uses the article correctly. However, international conventions require omitting the before references to numbered figures or tables, such as “As shown in Figure 3 ….” By contrast, “As shown in the Figure 3 …” would be nonstandard.
  5. Examples in the anonymized manuscript demonstrate correct application of this convention. These include: “Figure 1 displays the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the BixDy and BTxDy glass series,” “Figure 5 presents the FTIR spectra of the BixDy and BTxDy glass systems …,” and “The calculated Y/B ratios … range from 0.500 to 0.830, as shown in Table 6 and insert in Figures 15 and 16.” These illustrate proper omission of the before numbered figures and tables while retaining it for other defined nouns.
  6. The conclusions of the linguistic review are clear. All instances of employed used to describe methods or instruments should be replaced with used for contemporary academic appropriateness. The article the should be consistently applied for precision in general text but omitted before numbered figures and tables. This approach ensures alignment with international standards of scientific writing.

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