bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching competencies of automotive engineering vocational school teachers in East Kalimantan
Authors: Amin Mohamad , Wahyudi Sigit Kurniawan
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to examine the factors that classify teacher competencies, based on good and bad educator certificates. The method used in this research is discriminant analysis. This study used a questionnaire survey method. The sample in this study was 54 teachers of the Light Automotive Engineering Vocational High School. The findings of this study revealed several key points: first, there is a significant average difference between competent and non-competent teachers based on the factors evaluated. Second, a discriminant function model was developed from the data, which effectively distinguishes between teacher competencies. Lastly, the model demonstrated a high prediction accuracy, successfully classifying teachers as competent or non-competent with a high degree of reliability. Therefore, this discriminant model can be utilized to assess teacher competency effectively.
Keywords:  Automotive teacher competence; competencies; teachers; vocational high schools.
An investigation into how preservice EFL teachers perceive their mentors' pedagogical knowledge
Authors: Fantaye Elfineh , Hussen Jeylan Wolyie , Degago Adinew Tadesse , Kebede Abera  Admassu
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to explore pre-service EFL teachers’ perceptions and expectations of their mentors’ pedagogical knowledge in light of the five-factor mentoring model. Data was collected in two phases during pre-service teacher field studies. The participants were 10 purposively selected pre-service EFL teachers and 5 cooperating teachers, and 107 pre-service teachers were purposively selected from one Teacher Education College. The five mentors also participated in a semi-structured interview. A questionnaire was administered to 107 pre-service teachers. The data gathered was analyzed based on descriptive statistics using SPSS version 16. The finding revealed that effective mentoring practices arm mentees with pedagogical knowledge that enhances their professional expertise. Besides, mentors who demonstrate well-organized pedagogical knowledge give mentees access to a lot of benefits. Nevertheless, some mentees felt uncertain regarding their mentor's pedagogical knowledge. This study proposed implications for pre-service EFL teachers mentoring programs and forwarded recommendations for improving the professional development of mentors' mentoring programs.
Keywords: Mentors; pedagogical knowledge; perception; pre-service teachers
Motivational Interviewing: Quality Improvement Training for Behavioral Health Care Workers
Authors: Hair Garrett , Nies Mary , Tillemans Amanda , Cote Lynnel
Published: November 2024

Aim:The aim of this quality improvement project was to provide multisession trainings that teach the fundamentals of motivational interviewing (MI) to inpatient behavioral health care workers who lack education and proficiency in these techniques.Background:MI is a therapeutic communication approach that explores a person’s mixed feelings or ambivalence and aims to encourage a positive behavior change. It was first developed for patients struggling with substance use disorders to assist them in making decisions regarding their sobriety.Methods:Participants attended three 2-hour MI educational sessions, which spanned 6 weeks. Instruction was through an interactive online module. After each educational session, participants engaged in role-play scenarios. Participants received ratings on their adherence to MI skills. Prior to the first and following the last educational session, participants completed an anonymous online survey to measure individual knowledge of MI fundamentals.Results:Through role-play adherence ratings, MI consistent fundamental skills, such as open-ended questions and reflective statements, demonstrated proficiency. The remaining MI consistent fundamental skills, MI style or spirit, and affirmations did not reach proficiency. MI consistent complex skills did not reach proficiency but did progressively increase in adherence. MI inconsistent skills that should be avoided all met adherence proficiency, other than close-ended questions.Conclusion:This quality improvement training demonstrated that through multiple internet-based educational sessions and role-play scenarios, proficiency in two MI consistent fundamental skills and knowledge increased. Continued efforts to create more educational and practical opportunities for knowledge retention are encouraged.
La professio iuris sucesoria cuestionada
Authors: Blanco-Morales Limones Pilar
Published: November 2024

Las relaciones entre el Derecho de la Unión Europea y el Derecho convencional preexistente (art. 351 TFUE y art. 75 RSE) exigen elevarse hasta los principios y fundamentos de las normas pues, en definitiva, las de Derecho internacional privado, y en particular las normas de conflicto, de la UE, instituidas en el art. 81 TFUE, deben cumplir los objetivos y políticas de la Unión enunciadas en el art. 3 TUE, que fundamentan la delegación de competencias -limitada- de los Estados miembros. Para servir de garantía a esas políticas, las soluciones han de responder a unos principios comunes y coordinados. Afirmar que la facultad de designar la ley de la nacionalidad para regir la propia sucesión no es un principio informador del Reglamento Sucesorio Europeo supone desconocer la función que cumple el principio de la autonomía de la voluntad como principio estructural del Derecho internacional privado europeo. Un principio vertebrador de los diferentes instrumentos que articulan la cooperación judicial civil, si bien con unas condiciones y límites que pueden diferir, pero el principio es el mismo.
Il Colegio de España di Bologna e gli studi di diritto internazionale. Un omaggio ad Alfonso-Luis Calvo Caravaca
Authors: Davì Angelo , Zanobetti Alessandra
Published: November 2024

El ensayo describe la historia del Colegio de España, fundado en Bolonia en 1364 por el cardenal Albornoz para permitir a los estudiantes hispanos asistir a la facultad de Derecho local, que gozaba de gran reputación en la época. El Colegio, una de las residencias universitarias más antiguas fundadas en la Edad Media, es una de las pocas que siguen en funcionamiento en la actualidad y acoge a becarios españoles que estudian en Bolonia durante dos años para preparar su tesis doctoral, la mayoría de ellos especializados en Derecho. El artículo ofrece una perspectiva histórica de esta célebre institución, y trata en particular de los estudios y del trabajo posterior de los estudiantes que se han dedicado al Derecho internacional.
La ley aplicable al despido en el contrato de trabajo internacional
Authors: Gómez Abelleira Francisco Javier
Published: November 2024

Los despidos son una fuente importante de litigiosidad en el contrato de trabajo internacional. Este artículo trata el tema de la determinación de la ley aplicable al despido en el marco del Reglamento Roma I y analiza las especialidades del despido de los trabajadores expatriados conforme a ley española, incluyendo la aplicación de las leyes de policía en España.
Precisiones jurisprudenciales sobre la aplicación del artículo 5.2 del estatuto de bloqueo europeo. STGUE 12 julio 2023
Authors: Iriarte Ángel José Luis
Published: November 2024

A la luz de la sentencia del Tribunal General de 12 julio 2023, y teniendo también en cuenta la sentencia del Tribunal de Justicia de 21 diciembre 2021, este trabajo analiza algunas de las cuestiones que plantea la aplicación del artículo 5, apartado segundo, del estatuto de bloqueo europeo. De esta manera se abordan cuestiones como el ámbito temporal de las Decisiones mediante las que se conceden las autorizaciones previstas en el citado precepto, la ponderación de los intereses en presencia, algunos elementos fundamentales a la hora de conceder dichas autorizaciones, los eventuales derechos de los terceros afectados, etc. El trabajo pone de relieve las limitaciones y carencias que se plantean en la aplicación del precepto.
Coordination of contractual and tort claims in the European law of jurisdiction
Authors: Martiny Dieter
Published: November 2024

Under Article 7(1) and Article 7(2) Brussels I-bis Regulation of 2012, there is jurisdiction for contractual and tort claims. The delineation of these matters is not easy, particularly in cases where there is a concurrency of actions. The discussion is continuing even after the Wikingerhof judgment of the European Court of Justice of 24 November 2020. The present article discusses weaknesses associated with different concepts like duties and interests. The introduction of additional elements like the ‘indispensability’ of analysing the contract in cases of tort jurisdiction are difficult to apply and lead to new uncertainty. The admissibility of annex jurisdiction for contract and tort would alleviate the problem.
Inteligencia Artificial y relaciones laborales
Authors: Mercader Uguina Jesús R.
Published: November 2024

La lógica algorítmica como instrumento de toma de decisiones irradia sus efectos en múltiples campos del actuar humano y, como no podía ser de otro modo, también en el laboral. El empresario está dispuesto a delegar o, si se prefiere, a descentralizar parte de sus poderes tradicionales trasladando un importante número de decisiones a la presunta objetividad y plena fiabilidad que proporciona el recurso al Big Data y, por extensión, a la Inteligencia Artificial. Y ello en la medida en que su uso actual se proyecta sobre prácticamente la totalidad de las facetas que componen su autonomía organizativa, abarcando desde la selección de trabajadores hasta la forma y modo de ejercicio del poder de dirección, incluyendo las decisiones empresariales de despedir.
El modelo del partenariado público-privado en el marco de la reforma de las Naciones Unidas y de la consecución de los objetivos marcados por la agenda 2030
Authors: Nino Michele
Published: November 2024

Este artículo examina el modelo del partenariado público-privado (en adelante, “PPP”) en el marco de la reforma del sistema de las Naciones Unidas y de la consecución de los objetivos marcados por la Agenda 2030. La primera parte del artículo está dedicada a la identificación de las características del PPP en el ordenamiento jurídico y las relaciones internacionales, mientras la segunda parte analiza el modelo en cuestión en el panorama de las Naciones Unidas y sus Agencias especializadas. En la tercera parte, se examinan algunas cuestiones relativas tanto al estatus jurídico internacional de los PPP como a la configuración de sus responsabilidades según el derecho internacional. Finalmente, en la cuarta parte se destaca cómo el modelo PPP podría representar en el futuro una herramienta clave en el marco de la reforma de las Naciones Unidas y la consecución de los objetivos marcados por la Agenda 2030.
Globalización y Actor sequitur forum rei
Authors: Suderow Julia
Published: November 2024

Este artículo presenta una selección de ejemplos recientes de litigación transnacional contra empresas europeas e inglesas por violaciones de derechos humanos. En el Reino Unido, tras una década marcada por condenas a multinacionales por los hechos acaecidos en terceros estados, observamos la resurrección del forum non conveniens bendecida por el Brexit. Mientras tanto en la Unión Europea, tras unos primeros intentos sonados y fallidos, buscamos una solución regulatoria de difícil encaje en la práctica y que pasa por alto el Derecho Internacional Privado. Este estudio se centra en los casos Vedanta, Begum, Dyson y Kik. Todos ellos, casos en los que se ha constatado graves violaciones de derechos humanos y que, en el peor de todos, el colapso del Rana Plaza, se han cobrado un millar de vidas sin que la Europa de la ESG, la Responsabilidad Corporativa y la Ética Empresarial haya sido capaz de dar una respuesta a la altura.
Can silica application enhance vine performance and quality?
Authors: Collins Cassandra , Bloomfield Stuart , Hansen Lauren , Gilliham Matthew
Published: November 2024

Consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and concern for food safety and quality is driving increased demand for organic and biodynamic (BD) produce. This is coupled with a more physically and economically challenging environment pushing producers to explore more sustainable management techniques. Biodynamic viticulture has both environmental and marketing benefits as drivers and involves the application of a series of nine preparations to soil and plants. Biodynamic preparation 501 is silica-based and has minimum yearly use requirements for certified growers. There are conflicting reports of silicon-based foliar sprays eliciting favourable plant reactions about improvements in quality, yield, and resistance against pests and diseases. Here, vine growth, yield components, berry and wine composition analyses, and sensory evaluations were conducted in two seasons to compare the effects of biodynamic and commercial silica treatments against a water control on Semillon and Cabernet-Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) vines. In both seasons differences in yield and vine growth were observed. Generally, yield was greater with the application of biodynamic silica and potassium silicate. Basic berry compositional attributes pH, TA, TSS, and total anthocyanins and phenolics showed little to no differences. Sensory descriptive analysis of berries and wine indicated significant differences in attributes related to skin and seed tannins, implying that these analyses may better detect subtle yet important variations in the vineyard. The results of this study suggest a direct correlation between silicon and polyphenols, potentially influencing sensory mouthfeel characteristics through changes in skin thickness and/or structure. This study indicates that applying silica can positively impact vine performance and quality.
Annelerin Duyu Modülasyonu ile Tipik Gelişim Gösteren Çocuklarının Duyu Modülasyonu ve Anne-Çocuk Etkileşimi Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: İkinci Melike Selin , Bumin Gonca
Published: November 2024

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı tipik gelişim gösteren çocuklar ve annelerinin duyu modülasyonları arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemekti. Ayrıca annenin duyu modülasyonu ile anne çocuk ilişkisi arasındaki korelasyonun incelenmesi de amaçlandı.
Gereç: ve Yöntem: Bu çalışmaya yaşları 4-6 arasında olan ve tipik gelişim gösteren 70 çocuk ve 70 anne dahil edildi. Çocukların duyu modülasyonunu değerlendirmek için Duyu Profili, annelerin duyu modülasyonunu değerlendirmek için Adölesan/Yetişkin Duyu Profili ve Çocuk-Anababa İlişki Ölçeği kullanıldı. Elde edilen veriler Spearman korelasyon analizi ile değerlendirildi.
Bulgular: Çalışmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre annelerin duyu modülasyon özellikleri ile çocuğun duyusal profili arasında anlamlı ilişkiler bulundu (p<0,05). Annenin düşük kayıt ve duyusal hassasiyet duyusal profili ile anne-çocuk ilişkisi arasında anlamlı ilişki vardı (p<0,05).
Sonuç: Sonuç olarak annelerdeki duyu modülasyonu ile ilgili özellikler çocukların duyu modülasyonu ile ilgili davranışsal durumlarını etkilemektedir. Aynı zamanda annelerdeki duyu modülasyon özelliklerinin anne çocuk etkileşimini olumsuz yönde etkilediği görülmüştür. Duyu modülasyon bozukluğu nedeniyle müdahale programına alınan çocuklara bakım veren annelerinin de duyu modülasyon sorunlarının değerlendirilmesi ve bu bağlamda gerekli yaklaşımların uygulanmasının önemli olduğu ve çocuklarla ilgili müdahale sürecini destekleyeceği düşünülmektedir.
Examining the Hydration Status and Pulse/Oxygen Saturation of Underwater Hockey Players
Authors: Ersoy Nesli , Açıkgöz Pınar Aylin , Özgürtaş Taner
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study was planned to determine the hydration status and tissue oxygen saturation of underwater hockey players during exercise.
Materials and Methods: Hydration status (fluid intake/loss amounts, repeatedly weight measurements) and tissue oxygen saturation measurements of 14 underwater hockey players were performed before and after the land/water training, separately. Hydration status was assessed by monitoring weight and urine specific gravity (USG) measurements, whereas tissue oxygen saturation was measured by using finger-type pulse oximeter.
Results: The study was completed with14 elite players (age=19.4±6.2 years, female=4(29%), and male=10(71%)). The body fat percentage was calculated to be male:14.2±9.4%; female: 18.8±4.0%. The mean USG of athletes was determined to be 1020.1±5.6 g/cm3. During the water training, only 5 athletes consumed water (680±383.4 mL). All the athletes (except for 1 athlete [7.1%]) completed the training with loss of body fluid. Mean loss of water was 310±213.2 mL after land training and 723.1±501.9 mL after water training. Dehydration ratio was measured 0.97±0.64% after trainings. The first oxygen saturation was measured 96.1±1.6, that was decreased after water training (94.6±2.2; p=0.044, p=0.049). Pulse increased after water training in reverse proportion to oxygen saturation (p=0.004), but there was no difference between before and after land training (p=0.132).
Conclusion: It was found that several Underwater hockey players began training dehydrated and loss of water continued since they didn’t consume enough water during training. Oxygen saturation significantly decreased after water training. Fluid consumption of underwater hockey players, especially during water training, should be monitored and adequate fluid consumption should be ensured.
Comparison of Implant Placement Accuracy Between Manual, Robot-Assisted, Computer-Navigated, Augmented Reality Navigated, Patient-Specific Instrumentation, and Accelerometer Navigated Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Miura Takanori , Yamamoto Norio , Shiroshita Akihiro , Tsuge Takahiro , Saitsu Akihiro , Yoshitani Junya , Nakao Shuri , Takami Ken
Published: November 2024

Background:

Malpositioning of the acetabular cup during total hip arthroplasty (THA) can lead to complications. Robotic surgery and navigation techniques aim to address this issue, but there is limited evidence regarding which method can achieve better clinical outcomes. Therefore, this network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the efficacy of various navigation methods.

Methods:

This NMA of prospective randomized controlled trials compared robot-assisted systems (RAS), computer-assisted navigation systems (CAS), augmented reality-based portable navigation (AR), patient-specific instrumentation (PSI), portable accelerometer-based navigation (PN), and conventional methods (C) for THA procedures. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov. databases. The primary outcomes included revision surgery and postoperative clinical scores, and the secondary outcomes encompassed cup placement accuracy, acetabular cup placement outliers from the Lewinnek safe zone, surgical time, and complications. We used a Bayesian random-effects NMA, and confidence of evidence was assessed using confidence in NMA.

Results:

We identified 45 studies including 2,122 patients. We did not find large differences in revision surgery, clinical outcome scores, cup inclination, or anteversion angle accuracy among the modalities. AR, CAS, and PSI exhibited a lower risk of outliers from safe zones than C. In addition, RAS and CAS had a longer surgical time than C.

Conclusions:

Robotic and navigation tools did not reduce the revision risk or enhance clinical outcomes. AR, CAS, PSI, and PN may decrease the risk of cup placement outliers in safe zones. However, the cup placement accuracy was equivalent, and the surgical time may be longer in RAS and CAS than in C.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Transformational Leadership Boosts Job Satisfaction and OCB Among BPS Employees
Authors: Mardanillah Jihan Faizatul Rahma , Marwan Marwan , Jannang Abdul Rahman
Published: November 2024

General background:In a dynamic world of work today, where more and more tasks have to be carried out in teams, employees are required to be able to work more flexibly and help the others in their team. This behavior is called organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Specific background: OCB will appear when employees feel satisfied with the work they have. There are several leadership styles that can influence the growth of OCB behavior and job satisfaction felt by employees, one of which is the transformational leadership style. Aims:This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between transformational leadership style and organizational citizenship behavior, mediated by job satisfaction among BPS employees in the North Maluku Province region using SEM-PLS. Results: Primary data was collected from a sample of 158 employees. The research results show that the transformational leadership style has a positive and significant effect both directly on employee OCB and indirectly mediated by employee job satisfaction variables.Novelty: highlights the key role of job satisfaction on OCB. Implications:Reccomends to pay attention to employee satisfaction and  needs at work
Highlights:

Transformational leadership significantly enhances employee job satisfaction and OCB.
Job satisfaction mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and OCB.
Effective leadership styles are essential for fostering a positive work environment and maximizing employee contributions.

Keywords: Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), Job Satisfaction, Transformational Leadership, Central Bureau of Statistics
Midwifery Care Continuity of Care at Delta Mutiara Clinic and Maternity Hospital, Sidoarjo
Authors: Nufus Hayatun , Rosyidah Rafhani
Published: November 2024

Continuity of Care is a program to improve the provision of midwifery services continuously carried out by Midwives and as the final project for midwifery students by promoting holistic and integrated midwifery care. The aim of this study was to provide continuous midwifery care , 25 year old, Mrs. A at the Delta Mutiara Clinic, Sidoarjo. The research design is descriptive with the case type of study research. The results showed that the midwifery care provided to Mrs. A, starting from pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, newborns, and family planning, went according to midwifery care standards. Conclusions after being given Continuity of Care midwifery care, the mother feels comfortable, the occurring complications can be resolved and detected since the beginning of pregnancy, the mother and baby received adequate and integrated care.
Original Research Article Analysis of Factors Influencing the Incidence of Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Mukhoirotin  , Rohman Zanna Alfiyatur
Published: November 2024

Globally, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in women is still high. Dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls that is not treated can interfere with daily activities and learning activities. Therefore, adolescents need to learn and understand the factors that affect dysmenorrhea. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the incidence of dysmenorrhea. This study was case control in design. The study included 300 participants, 120 of whom were selected using the purposive sampling technique from among the adolescent girls in the Muzamzamah Chosyi'ah Dormitory of Darul 'Ulum Islamic Boarding School. A questionnaire was employed as the research tool. At a significance level of α <0.05, the data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. The results of the analysis test showed that there was no effect of menarche age and the number of menstrual flow on the incidence of dysmenorrhea (p>0.05). The incidence of dysmenorrhea was influenced (p<0.05) by the menstrual cycle, duration of menstruation, family history, and BMI. The dominant factor influencing the incidence of dysmenorrhea was family history (p=0.000; Exp(B): 129.98). Family history of dysmenorrhea has a greater potential for the occurrence of dysmenorrhea because it is related to genetic factors that pass on traits to their offspring. It is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle such as exercising regularly, fulfilling balanced nutritional needs, and maintaining ideal body weight.
Blended Learning for Skill Development in EFL Teacher Preparation
Authors: Hasan Hind Salah
Published: November 2024

Background: Blended learning, which integrates online and face-to-face instruction, is increasingly essential in teacher education, especially for English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Gap: Research is limited on its specific effectiveness in building EFL pedagogical skills. Aim: This study examines whether blended learning better supports teaching success for EFL prospective teachers than traditional methods. Results: Blended and face-to-face methods equally boost educational success, but the blended approach better prepares future teaching skills. Novelty: This study reveals blended learning's unique value in EFL teacher preparation. Implications: Institutions should adopt blended learning to enhance adaptive teaching skills for modern classrooms.
Highlights: 

Blended learning enhances teaching skills by combining online and face-to-face methods.
This approach uniquely prepares EFL teachers for modern, adaptive classrooms.
Institutions should integrate blended models for effective teacher development.

Keywords: Blended Learning, EFL Teacher Training, Pedagogical Skills, Educational Success, Hybrid Teaching
WITHDRAWN: Investigation of efficiency level during the clinical work of the Electronic Health Record users in the General Health System of Cyprus
Authors: Rompolas Periklis , Masouras Panicos , Avgousti Sotiris , Charalambous Andreas
Published: November 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
The potential of climatic changes (thermal stress) in Egypt on the gene expression of Heat Shock Proteins HSP19.9 and 20.8 genes of silkworm Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Moustafa Marwa N. , Mohamed Shereen A. H. , Elyamani Enas M.
Published: November 2024

Background: Mulberry silkworm is the only source of silk production, it feeds only on mulberry. Due to the climatic changes during the feeding period, thermal stress certainly affects silkworm vitality and, consequently, its production worldwide, it was important to select a strong hybrid that adapts to these changes so, the selection depended on its ability to tolerate rising temperature.
Results: The results of the research showed that when B. mori larvae were subjected to the heat for five hours at 40ºC, on the 2nd day of the fourth larval instar, the expression levels of the heat shock protein genes HSP-19.9 and HSP-20.8 gene increased (by 294 and 339%, respectively). Furthermore, the HSP-20.8 gene expression levels were significantly greater than the HSP-19.9 gene expression levels.
Conclusion: Recently, according to the climatic changes it was necessary to recommend silkworm strains that can change the heat shock protein genes to combat rising temperatures during the feeding period.
Non-extractable Residues (Ner) in Persistence Assessment – Effect on the Degradation Half-life of Chemicals
Authors: Jespersen Cindy , Trapp Stefan , Kästner Matthias
Published: November 2024

The ECHA guidance on persistence (P) assessment has been updated with respect to non-extractable residues (NER). Unless further characterized, total NER shall be considered as non-degraded parent compound. We investigated how different NER fractions affect degradation half-lives (DegT50) of chemicals and the P assessment. Total NER consists of the fractions sorbed/sequestered (NER I), covalently bound (NER II), and bioNER (incorporated into the biomass, NER III). NER I pose a risk due to potential release, NER II have much lower release potential, and bioNER do not have any.
Data from 46 degradation tests with 24 substances were analyzed to find DegT50 for four scenarios: i) extractable parent compound, ii) parent plus total NER, iii) parent plus xenoNER, and iv) parent plus NER I. The Microbial Turnover to Biomass (MTB) model was applied to calculate bioNER, and then xenoNER were calculated as total NER minus bioNER. The half-lives were determined by the fit program CAKE, using single first-order kinetics (SFO) for all fits.
We found increasing degradation half-lives for the scenarios: parent only < parent + NER I < parent + xenoNER < parent + total NER. A third of all chemicals show half-lives above the persistence criterion (120 days in OECD 307) for scenario i, and two thirds with scenario ii and, therefore, would be classified as 'persistent´. For two compounds, the subtraction of bioNER led to a change to 'not persistent´.
The inclusion of NER will thus have significant effects on the DegT50 of compounds and the persistence assessment. Experimental quantification of NER I (scenario iv) significantly reduces half-lives, in comparison to total NER (scenario ii). The results are closer to half-lives for parent only (scenario i) and give the lowest acceptable DegT50 below the vP criteria under the latest guidance. In addition, refining the DegT50 based on modelled bioNER can provide a relevant option for persistence assessment, without laborious and costly analyses for NER I determination, when considered in the regulatory assessment of persistence. Moreover, bioNER can also be calculated for existing test data.
Variable Stiffness Electronics by Chemically Sinterable Phase-Change Metal Ink with Versatile Solution Processes
Authors: Jeong Jae-Woong , Lee Simok , Lee Gun-Hee , Kang Inho , Jeon Woojin , Kim Semin , Ahn Yejin , Kim Choong Yeon , Kwon Do A , Dickey Michael , Park Steve , Park Seongjun
Published: November 2024

Variable stiffness electronics represent the forefront of adaptive technology, seamlessly integrating rigid and soft electronics in a single system through dynamic mechanical modulation. Gallium’s high modulus tuning ratio and rapid phase transitions make it ideal for such transformative electronic systems (TES), yet its liquid-state instability, high surface tension, and unintended phase transitions during processing pose significant challenges. Here, we introduce STiffness-Adjustable temperature-Responsive ink (STAR ink), a novel chemically sinterable gallium composite electronic ink designed to overcome these obstacles. STAR ink enables high-resolution (~ 50 µm) circuit patterning, large-scale batch fabrication, and three-dimensional structure coating at room temperature. TES created with STAR ink exhibit exceptional mechanical tunability (tuning ratio: 1465) and electrical conductivity (2.27 × 106 S·m− 1) through chemical-sintering, enabling them to change their shape and flexibility as needed. We showcase its versatility through multilayered variable stiffness printed circuit boards (PCBs) matching standard PCBs’ complexity and a neural probe softening at body temperature. These innovations underscore STAR ink’s potential to revolutionize reconfigurable electronics across consumer electronics, biomedical devices, and robotics.
The effects of different extraction methods on the yield, microstructure, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa berry
Authors: LI DINGJIN , Ibadullah Wan Zunairah Wan , Shukri Radhiah , Duan Qiuxia , Gu Yipeng , Mustapha Nor Afizah
Published: November 2024

Extraction of polysaccharides from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa berry (RTP) is essential for understanding their bioactive ingredients and developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction (MAE) on the yield, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity of (RTP). The single-factor and orthogonal experimental design revealed that the optimal conditions for ultrasound assisted RTP extraction are at liquid to solid ratio of 35 mL/g, ultrasonic time of 11 min, ultrasonic power of 240 W, and complex enzyme dose of 2.5% with RTP extraction yield of 35.67 ± 0.32%. FT-IR spectroscopy showed that UAE caused less disruption of the polysaccharide molecular structure and better retention of functional groups than MAE. The scanning electron microscopy results demonstrated that the ultrasonically treated samples exhibited a greater degree of structural disruption, which could more effectively facilitate the release of polysaccharides. In addition, RTP obtained by the UAE has a better extraction yield and ABTS radical scavenging activity than MAE. This study demonstrated that the UAE method is a promising method for extracting high-quality R. tomentosa berry polysaccharides based on its high yield, high efficiency, and outstanding antioxidant activity.
Deep Reinforcement Learning Combined with Transformer to Solve the Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Liu Chang , Feng Xue-Feng , Li Feng , Xian Qing-Long , Jia Zhen-Hong , Wang Yu-Hang , Du Zong-Dong
Published: November 2024

The Transformer model is widely employed to address the traveling salesman problem due to its robust global information acquisition, learning, and generalization capabilities. However, its high computational complexity and limited accuracy require further refinement. To overcome these shortcomings, a novel model is proposed, integrating a lightweight CNN embedding layer with a Transformer model enhanced by an efficient Pyramid Compressed Attention (PSA) mechanism. The introduction of the lightweight CNN embedding layer significantly reduces the number of parameters and computational complexity, allowing for the flexible extraction of local spatial features between neighboring nodes, while maintaining the ability to handle larger-scale datasets. The PSA mechanism, on one hand, improves solution accuracy by accounting for both local neighborhood relations and global dependencies. On the other hand, its multi-scale nature enables the model to adapt to problems of varying scales, ensuring strong performance for both small- and large-scale problems. Extensive experiments conducted on random datasets as well as the public TSPLIB dataset have demonstrated that the proposed model surpasses other deep reinforcement learning algorithms in terms of solution quality and generalization ability.
Modeling the Ventilation of the anticyclonic quasi-permanent Lofoten Vortex
Authors: Novoselova Elena Vladimirovna , Fayman Pavel Arkadievich , Didov Aleksandr Alekseevich , Budyansky Maxim Vasilevich , Solonets Irina Sergeevna , Belonenko Tatyana Vasilevna , Uleysky Mikhail Yurevich
Published: November 2024

This study examines the structure of the Lofoten Anticyclone, located in the Lofoten Basin of the Norwegian Sea. The high-resolution ROMS model is used for hydrodynamic modeling of the Lofoten Basin circulation. The dynamics of the Lofoten Vortex are investigated using the Lagrangian methods, where trajectories of passive tracers advected by the model velocity field are calculated, and Lagrangian indicators are computed for the studied region. Lagrangian markers initially located both in the core and on the periphery of the Lofoten Vortex are considered, showing different behaviors. Lagrangian markers in the core move along closed trajectories with angular velocities depending on their distance from the eddy's center. Those initially on the periphery form a series of S-shaped folds and twists, entering and exiting the eddy. We refer to this process as “eddy ventilation”. We demonstrated that particles leave the core and periphery of the eddy intermittently rather than uniformly over time, and the statistics of this process are analyzed. Additionally, it was found that the center of the Lofoten Vortex not only drifts cyclonically at an average speed of 3.8 cm/s but also oscillates in the horizontal plane, with the amplitude increasing in the eastern part of the Vortex’s movement area.
First-principles Study of Janus GaInXO (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Ryu Wonseok , Sung Dongchul , Hong Suklyun
Published: November 2024

Recently, considerable interest in Janus 2D materials has sparked various research investigations. Using density functional theory calculations, we study the atomic and electronic structure of six two-dimensional Janus GaInXO (X = S, Se, Te) materials to investigate their structural, vibrational, and piezoelectric properties. Their structural stability is evaluated through phonon calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at room temperature. The results show that OGaInTe is unstable, which is examined through crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis. For the stable materials, Raman spectra are calculated for comparison with synthesis results. Furthermore, band structure calculations with spin-orbit coupling are performed for SGaInO, SeGaInO, and OGaInS with bandgaps to evaluate their potential applications. Finally, calculations for piezoelectric properties reveal that TeGaInO exhibits the highest piezoelectric coefficient, confirming its strong potential as a piezoelectric device.
YAP charge patterning mediates signal integration through transcriptional co-condensates
Authors: Weiner Orion , Meyer Kirstin , Yserentant Klaus , Cheloor-Kovilakam Rasmi , Ruff Kiersten , Chung Chan-I , Shu Xiaokun , Huang Bo
Published: November 2024

Transcription factor dynamics are used to selectively engage gene regulatory programs. Biomolecular condensates have emerged as an attractive signaling module in this process, but the underlying mechanisms are not well-understood. Here, we probed the molecular basis of YAP signal integration through transcriptional condensates. Leveraging light-sheet single-molecule imaging and synthetic condensates, we demonstrate charge-mediated co-condensation of the transcriptional regulators YAP and Mediator into transcriptionally active condensates in stem cells. IDR sequence analysis and YAP protein engineering demonstrate that the signaling specificity of YAP is established, in part, through complementary electrostatic interactions between negatively charged blocks within YAP and positively charged blocks within Mediator. YAP/Mediator co-condensation is counteracted by negative feedback from transcription, driving an adaptive transcriptional response that is well-suited for decoding dynamic inputs. Our work reveals a molecular framework for YAP condensate formation and sheds new light on the function of YAP condensates for emergent gene regulatory behavior.
Meta-Domain Adaptive Framework for Efficient Diagnostic Assessment of Lung Infection Using CT Radiographs
Authors: Owais Muhammad , Hassan Taimur , Afzal Naqash , Khan Saddam Hussain , Velayudhan Divya , Ganapathi Iyyakutti Iyappan , Hussain Irfan , Werghi Naoufel
Published: November 2024

Computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used for diagnosing lung infections, but manual interpretation is laborious. Artificial intelligence has spurred the development of efficient computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems, promising faster and more accurate diagnosis. However, many existing CAD systems lack sufficient cross-data analysis and consequently show suboptimal performance. To address their limitations, we propose a lightweight Meta-Domain Adoptive Segmentation Network (MDA-SN) with adaptive data normalization to enhance infection detection in cross-data analysis. Our optimal network design leverages multi-scale dilated grouped convolution with residual attention to ensure real-time performance and maintain accuracy. We further utilize the model to build a semantic attention-driven retrieval framework, enabling infection ratio quantification and retrieval of relevant CT slices from the database, closely matching the input test sample. Our method achieved an average cross-dataset performance of 75.93% Dice index and 67.42% Intersection over Union, surpassing state-of-the-art methods by 3.32% and 3.28%, respectively. Additionally, it achieves real-time execution, processing an average of 29 slices per second due to its significantly reduced number of training parameters—approximately 70% fewer than its closest competitor.
Double Jeopardy Study Protocol: Mixed-Methods Study to Understand ANHPI College Students at the Intersection of Sexual Violence and Anti-Asian Racism After COVID-19
Authors: Park Eunhee , Lai Jianchao , Gandhi Rhea , Lee Jenny , Massey Allison , Logan Madison , Nguyen Grace , Dou Sabrina , Wagman Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Background
The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and the concurrent risk of violence against women has created an urgent need to understand the mental health and help-seeking behaviors of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) female college students. However, data on these intersecting issues are scarce, limiting our understanding and the availability of evidence-based advocacy tools and culturally specific services for ANHPI students who have experienced sexual violence. This mixed method study assesses experiences of sexual violence and anti-Asian racism and related mental and physical health among ANHPI students across the University of California (UC) campuses with more than 40% of the students identified as ANHPIs.
Methods
The Double Jeopardy Study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data, qualitative interviews, and participatory-action Transmedia-Photovoice research. These methods are informed by intersectional, community-engaged frameworks and guided by trauma-informed, survivor-centered principles. The Double Jeopardy Study employs a sequential approach of three methodologies: quantitative online surveys; qualitative in-depth interviews; and Trnasmedia-Photovoice. Data are being collected from since September 2021 across all 10 UC campuses. Data collection and analysis are ongoing.
Discussion
The findings from this study will be used to inform programs aimed at preventing violence, promoting the health and well-being of ANHPI students, and enhancing services to meet the needs of ANHPI victim-survivors. Additionally, the findings will inform policies that promote culturally specific services for ANHPI student victim-survivors.
In situ neutralization of the genotoxicity of pathogenic gut bacteria with the polyketide synthase island
Authors: Li Jiahe , Yang Shaobo , Wang Zongqi , Fang Chengyuan , Yang Mengdi , Khawaled Saleh , Bonanno Shanna , Joshi Neel , Wei Yun , Zhang Ke , Márquez-Pellegrin Valeria , Guan Ming , Zhang Songqi , Dame Michael , Spence Jason , He Xuesong , Fox James , Yilmaz Omer , Shah Yatrik , Romee Rizwan
Published: November 2024

The gut microbiota produce beneficial and deleterious metabolites to influence host physiology, with colibactin from pks+ bacteria one of the most studied metabolites associated with host genotoxicity and tumorigenesis. However, no FDA-approved therapeutics target colibactin. Interestingly, pks+ bacteria protect themselves from colibactin through ClbS, an intracellular enzyme inactivating colibactin. Building on this defense mechanism, we displayed ClbS on the surface of engineered bacteria to shield the host from the genotoxic effects across multiple pks+ isolates. This approach outperformed direct ClbS secretion from engineered bacteria and a small molecule inhibitor against colibactin biosynthesis in cell lines and colon organoids. Furthermore, our strategy inhibited pks+ E. coli in vivo, mitigated intestinal DNA damage, and suppressed tumorigenesis in mouse models of colon cancer. This work demonstrates the feasibility of inhibiting bacterial genotoxins in the gut with translational potential and offers a new avenue to understand the roles of microbial metabolites in host diseases.
Manifestation of chirality induced spin selectivity in chiral-photodiodes based on donor-acceptor copolymer/chiral molecule/fullerene blends
Authors: Vardeny Zeev , Pan Xin , Bailey Paul , Walpitage Heshan , Nikiforov Daniel , Kwon Ohyun , Cho Hwa-Young
Published: November 2024

We studied two enantiomers of chiral blends consisting of fullerenes (PC71BM), chiral molecules (aza[6]H) and π-conjugated donor-acceptor copolymers (F8BT), which exhibit significant circular dichroism (CD). These were examined using optical and optoelectronic methods in films and chiral photodiodes, where the chiral blend serves as the active layer. These techniques include chiroptical response, steady state photocurrent (PC) spectroscopy and time-of-flight transient PC. We found that the PC in the chiral photodiode is sensitive to the impinging light helicity and the chiral blend handedness, showing large dissymmetry with gPC-factor ~ 20%. We show that the PC dissymmetry is caused by the chirality induced spin selectivity (CISS) in the active layer, where it serves as spin filter in the processes of the charge-transfer exciton dissociation into electron-hole pairs and their subsequent recombination across the polymer/fullerene interface, rather than the circularly polarized light absorption in the device, or the spin aligned carrier mobility. In particular, we demonstrate that the device PC dissymmetry spectrum does not follow the circular dichroism spectrum of the chiral blend, and the steady state electron and hole mobilities are not affected by their spin alignment. The CISS process is best manifested in the measured dissymmetry of the photocarriers lifetime dissymmetry under circular polarized light.
Effect of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease on milk yield in dairy cows
Authors: Pintos Camila García , Menchaca Alejo
Published: November 2024

Despite limited evidence, concerns about decreased milk yield during foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination programs are common among farmers and the dairy industry. This study evaluated the impact of FMD vaccination on milk production in dairy cows. In Experiment 1, a total of 593 lactating Holstein cows averaging 37.2 ± 0.3 kg/day in a free-stall system were randomly assigned to receive (n = 268) or not (n = 325) a dose of FMD vaccine on Day 0 of the experiment. Milk yield was recorded from Day − 3 to Day 9, and body temperature was measured in a subset of 96 cows from Day 0 to Day 3. Among cows producing ≥ 37.2 kg/d, vaccinated cows had lower milk yields between Days 1 and 5 than unvaccinated cows did (40.7 ± 0.3 kg/d vs. 42.9 ± 0.3 kg/d) (P < 0.05). In cows producing < 37.2 kg/d, vaccinated cows had lower milk yields on Days 1 and 2 (31.0 ± 0.3 kg/d vs. 32.9 ± 0.3 kg/d; P < 0.05). Vaccinated cows had higher body temperature on Day 1 (39.1 ± 0.1°C) than control cows (38.2 ± 0.0°C) (P < 0.05), with no difference on the other days. In Experiment 2, 146 lactating Holstein cows averaging 20.3 ± 0.3 kg/day in a pasture-based system were randomly assigned to two experimental groups to receive (n = 78) or not receive (n = 68) a dose of the FMD vaccine on Day 0. The milk yield was measured on Day 0 and Day 3, and the milk composition (i.e., fat, protein, and lactose contents), somatic cell count (SCC), and milk urea nitrogen concentrations were analyzed on Day 3. No significant differences in milk yield, composition, or SCC were found between the groups (P = NS). In conclusion, a decrease in milk yield was observed after FMD vaccination in high-producing dairy cows (∼40 kg/d/cow) managed in a free-stall system, whereas no significant difference was detected in Holstein cows producing ∼20 kg/d, which were managed in a pasture-based system. These findings highlight the importance of considering production levels when assessing the impact of FMD vaccination on dairy production.