Adaptive Properties Research Articles

Substituted Maleimides: Self‐Reportable Linkers and Tags in Bioconjugation, Materials Science, and Nanotechnology

AbstractSubstituted maleimides are customisable fluorescent linkers and probes with adaptable reactivity and optical properties. Their compact nature and tunability has led to their use in various applications. For example, their solvatochromic properties offer real‐time feedback on linking chemistry and environmental changes, essential for applications in material labelling, drug delivery, and nanoparticle functionalisation. This review focusses on developing, synthesising, and modifying substituted maleimides as environment‐sensitive fluorescent linkers and probes. It delves into their photophysical dynamics and strategic applications, highlighting their significant contributions to macromolecule conjugation and the development of self‐reporting materials.

Bacteriophages: Sustainable and effective solution for climate-resilient agriculture

Abstract Climate change entails significant challenges to global food security and agricultural sustainability, prompting the need for innovative solutions to enhance climate resilience in farming practices. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria, provide promising applications in numerous agricultural practices to address these challenges. With traits such as specificity towards bacterial pathogens along with self-replication, self-dosing, and adaptability properties phages offer potential as effective biocontrol agents while exerting minimal harm on non-target organisms or their surrounding environment. In this review, various applications of phages have been explored including increasing crop resilience, improving soil health, preserving food, managing water resources, and adapting to emerging pests and diseases. Additionally, the benefits of these applications are also explored, such as improving sustainable practices, enhancing plant growth and yield, and supporting pollinator health.Although they offer great promise, there are still several obstacles such as limited host range, environmental stability, and regulatory challenges, so further research and policies are required for their integration into agricultural systems. Furthermore, education and public awareness are essential for farmers to adopt phage-based biocontrol. By harnessing the potential of phages, agriculture can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, promote sustainability, and ensure food security in a changing climate.

Adaptation and Biomechanical Performance of Custom-Fit Mouthguards Produced Using Conventional and Digital Workflows: A Comparative InVitro Strain Analysis.

The use of different models for the fabrication of custom-fit mouthguards (MTGs) can affect their final thickness, adaptation, and shock-absorption properties. This study aimed to evaluate the adaptation, thickness, and shock absorption of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) thermoplastic MTGs produced using conventional plaster or three-dimensional (3D) printed models. A typical model with simulated soft gum tissue was used as the reference model to produce MTGs with the following two different protocols: plast-MTG using a conventional impression and plaster model (n = 10) and 3DPr-MTG using a digital scanning and 3D printed model (n = 10). A custom-fit MTG was fabricated using EVA sheets (Bioart) plasticized over different models. The MTG thickness (mm), internal adaptation (mm) to the typodontic model, and voids in the area (mm2) between the two EVA layers were measured using cone-beam computed tomography images and Mimics software (Materialize). The shock absorption of the MTG was measured using a strain-gauge test with a pendulum impact at 30° with a steel ball over the typodont model with and without MTGs. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with repeated measurements, followed by Tukey's post hoc tests. The 3DPr-MTG showed better adaptation than that of the Plast-MTG at the incisal/occlusal and lingual tooth surfaces (p < 0.001). The 3DPr-MTG showed a thickness similar to that of the Plast-MTG, irrespective of the measured location. MTGs produced using both model types significantly reduced the strain values during horizontal impact (3DPr-MTG 86.2% and Plast-MTG 87.0%) compared with the control group without MTG (p < 0.001). The MTGs showed the required standards regarding thickness, adaptation, and biomechanical performance, suggesting that the number and volume of voids had no significant impact on their functionality. Three-dimensional printed models are a viable alternative for MTG production, providing better adaptation than the Plast-MTG at the incisal/occlusal and lingual tooth surfaces and similar performance as the MTG produced with the conventional protocol.

Photorheologic Silicone Composites with Adaptive Properties by Utilizing Light‐Degradable Organosilica Nanoparticles as Fillers

AbstractImplementing inorganic filler particles is a powerful method for improving the mechanical properties of polymer composites. The physical properties are determined by the interaction of the filler with the polymer. Thus, factors like the surface‐to‐volume ratio and surface modification are important. Besides the strategies of influencing these physical properties by a prior modification of the filler, this approach applies a post‐treatment of the composite. The present publication focuses on bringing stimuli‐responsive properties to a composite material by changing the chemical composition and structure of the filler particles. Instead of creating a responsive polymer, the concept is to use photo‐degradable organosilica nanoparticles that can change the mechanical properties of a polymer/filler composite after it has been prepared. After the synthesis of nitrobenzyl ether containing organosilica nanoparticles and the investigation of the photochemical processes, the preparation of the composites with silicones is described. Vinyl groups are attached to the surfaces to secure a homogeneous distribution of the filler particles inside the polymer matrix. After light‐induced decomposition, the mechanical properties are investigated. Other than expected, the material becomes stiffer, which is explained by an increase in the surface area of the silica particles, accompanied by the emergence of hydroxy groups that interact with the polysiloxane.

Electrohydraulic musculoskeletal robotic leg for agile, adaptive, yet energy-efficient locomotion

Robotic locomotion in unstructured terrain demands an agile, adaptive, and energy-efficient architecture. To traverse such terrains, legged robots use rigid electromagnetic motors and sensorized drivetrains to adapt to the environment actively. These systems struggle to compete with animals that excel through their agile and effortless motion in natural environments. We propose a bio-inspired musculoskeletal leg architecture driven by antagonistic pairs of electrohydraulic artificial muscles. Our leg is mounted on a boom arm and can adaptively hop on varying terrain in an energy-efficient yet agile manner. It can also detect obstacles through capacitive self-sensing. The leg performs powerful and agile gait motions beyond 5 Hz and high jumps up to 40 % of the leg height. Our leg’s tunable stiffness and inherent adaptability allow it to hop over grass, sand, gravel, pebbles, and large rocks using only open-loop force control. The electrohydraulic leg features a low cost of transport (0.73), and while squatting, it consumes only a fraction of the energy (1.2 %) compared to its conventional electromagnetic counterpart. Its agile, adaptive, and energy-efficient properties would open a roadmap toward a new class of musculoskeletal robots for versatile locomotion and operation in unstructured natural environments.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Properties of Hindi Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale in University Nursing Students

Background: Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale (RSES) has been widely used without proper translation, cultural adaptation, and testing psychometric properties in Indian studies. The study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the 10-item Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale into Hindi and find psychometric properties. Material and Methods: We have translated the scale using World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using a cross-sectional design, the translated scale was administered to 143 undergraduate nursing students randomly selected. Content validity index (CVI) was used to assess content validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal axis factoring was used to estimate the construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha (α) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to check internal consistency and test re-test reliability. Results: The S-CVI for the Hindi RSES was 0.98. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) (=0.79), and Bartlette’s test for sphericity was significant ( χ2 = 425.06, df = 45, P &lt; .001). EFA extracted three common factors, explaining 62.62% of the total variance. The factor loading of all items suggests a good representation of their underlying construct; all items &gt;0.47, except item 1 (= –0.373). The test re-test, an ICC was r = 0.76 ( P &lt; .001), and Cronbach’s alpha (α) after deletion of item 1 was 0.81, suggesting excellent reliability. Conclusion: The Hindi Rosenberg self-esteem scale is a psychometrically tested scale to assess self-esteem in the Hindi-speaking adult population. These findings provide empirical judgment for using the translated Hindi RSES to measure self-esteem among the adult population. The authors recommend verifying the psychometric properties in a more extensive and varied population.

Stem Cell-Nanodiamond Synergy: Efficacy in Breast Cancer

In the intricate and evolving landscape of oncological research and therapeutic modalities, the imperative for sophisticated, precise, and holistic strategies becomes paramount, especially within the intricate realm of breast cancer management. This analytical discourse undertakes a comprehensive examination of the synergistic interplay between stem cells and nanodiamonds, unveiling their collective potential to pioneer transformative therapeutic paradigms. Within the confines of this discussion, stem cells are acknowledged for their intrinsic adaptability and potent regenerative properties, whereas nanodiamonds are recognized for their versatile functions in targeted drug delivery systems and their inherent biocompatibility. Individually, they embody diverse therapeutic prospects; however, it is their collaborative interaction that is positioned at the vanguard of this evaluative discourse. The elaborate biophysical and biochemical exchanges incited by the amalgamation of stem cells’ regenerative prowess and nanodiamonds’ precision in drug conveyance are meticulously analyzed. This analysis transcends conventional scrutiny, delving into the profound molecular mechanisms, cellular kinetics, and resultant clinical ramifications, thereby delineating a comprehensive blueprint for an integrated therapeutic strategy.

Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure of the Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R) for the Romanian population

Research on measuring the intensity of disgust has required the development of instruments to measure this construct. Given that, a more culturally appropriate scale is needed to ensure a valid and reliable measurement of disgust. The concept of “disgust” does not have an appropriate literature in Romanian pathology, and Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R) is quite rarely used in the public health context. Therefore, this study focuses on the psychometric properties of the Romanian adaptation of the DS-R, one of the preferred instruments for measuring disgust. More specifically, the research investigated different forms of reliability and validity of the DS-R, using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis approaches. In general, the results showed good fidelity, fit of the single- factor model of the DS-R, good convergent and divergent validity with respect to the relationships of this scale with other variables. The study also highlights the important role of disgust and anxiety in predicting obsessive- compulsive symptoms. In conclusion, further refinement of the scale could be useful for a more comprehensive development of this instrument in the clinical setting.

Metal-Organic Frameworks as Electrode Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery

Over recent decades, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have distinguished themselves as a unique class of porous materials due to their adaptable surface and structural properties. This versatility has made MOFs highly relevant across various fields, including drug delivery, gas separation, catalysis, and sensor technology. Additionally, their conductive properties have made them promising candidates for use in energy storage systems like high-energy-density batteries and supercapacitors. MOFs are particularly noted for their role in the development of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors, where they serve as both anode and cathode materials. The ability to fine-tune MOFs at a molecular level allows for precise control over their structure and chemistry, enhancing their functionality in energy storage applications. This control facilitates superior electronic and ionic transport within MOFs, which is critical during the charging and discharging cycles of LIBs. This review delves into the various synthetic methods used to develop specific MOF structures, focusing on their implementation within LIBs to improve cyclic stability and discharge capacity. Recent advancements in MOF technology as anode and cathode materials are explored, providing insights into how these developments can optimize reaction conditions and design choices within the battery development community and broader electrochemical energy storage sectors. The aim is to highlight how MOFs’ inherent characteristics can be leveraged to enhance the performance and efficiency of energy storage devices.

The Relationship of Transposable Elements with Non-Coding RNAs in the Emergence of Human Proteins and Peptides

: Transposable elements are the oldest structural and functional units that were formed during the emergence of life on Earth. The most ancient properties of transposable elements are the multifunctionality of their transcription and translation products and the formation of their many variants through processing, due to which transposable elements are key evolutionary sources of long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, microRNAs, proteins and peptides formation. Moreover, the same type of transposon can simultaneously serve as the source of the origin of all these molecules, providing the adaptive properties of living organisms, especially complex eukaryotes, including humans. The ancient ability of transposable elements for mutual integration due to their protein products interacting with DNA and RNA molecules, as well as for mutual regulation due to the functionality of their RNA, is the basis for the origin of many proteins and non-coding RNAs characterized by the same properties. This can explain the emergence of transcription factors from transposable elements, that is, proteins capable of interacting with the structures of DNA molecules due to the presence of specific amino acid sequences derived from transposable elements. This article presents facts about the origin during the evolution of many protein and non-- coding RNA genes from transposable elements. Specific proteins and peptides translated from long non-coding RNAs, pri-microRNAs and circular RNAs are described, which reflect the origin of non-coding RNAs from transposable elements in evolution. These proteins and peptides are promising tools for the treatment of viral infections and drug-resistant tumors, since, together with non-coding RNAs, they are involved in antiviral and antitumor responses.

Periodontal health in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: relationship and risk factors of periodontitis progression

The article presents the results of literary sources review, namely clinical and experimental studies, meta-analyses and systematic analyzes regarding the effect of type 1 diabetes (T1D) on the periodontal tissues. According to them, the prevalence of periodontitis in patients with T1D is probably higher compared to healthy people. However, there are conflicting data on the cause-and-effect relationship between T1D and periodontitis. The article analyzes the impact of metabolic control in patients with T1D on the severity of periodontal diseases and the clinical attachment loss. Most studies show that the level of metabolic control of diabetes is associated with a high risk of developing periodontitis. The authors provide data from the analysis of the literature on possible mechanisms of periodontitis development, such as pro-inflammatory reactions and microcirculation disorders, changes in the microbial biofilm. Pathophysiological changes in bone tissue in patients with T1D, which are associated with insulin deficiency and its anabolic effect on bone tissue, worsen the biomechanical and adaptive properties of bones and may contribute to the severity of periodontitis. The conducted analysis indicates the importance of further research to assess the oral health in children with T1D.

Assessment of adaptive properties of winter triticale cultivars by yield in the Middle Urals

Triticale is a versatile crop with high yield potential but insufficient resistance to unfavourable growing conditions. Therefore, the combination of high yield, adaptability, plasticity, stability and stress resistance of varieties is of great importance. The purpose of the research is to assess the adaptive potential of winter triticale cultivars according to the "yield" trait in agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals. Field studies were conducted in the Udmurt Republic in the years with contrasting weather conditions (2021–2023), the index of environmental conditions varied from -128 to 152. Forty-five cultivars of various ecological and geographical origin were studied. The analysis of the adaptive potential of the cultivars was carried out using various statistical methods. As a result, the most adaptive cultivars for the agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals were identified. The cultivars ‘Beta’, ‘Tribune’, ‘Topaz’, ‘Linda’ (Russia), ‘Mayak’, ‘Ales’ (Belarus), ‘Torchinsky’ (Ukraine) were char- acterized by high responsiveness to improving environmental conditions (bi = 1.82 2.01). The cultivars ‘Giray’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Ataman Platov’ (Russia), ‘Amulet’ (Belarus) showed relatively high stress resistance. The cultivars ‘Beta’, ‘Zimogor’, AD 1405, ‘Topaz’, ‘Kornet’ (Russia) were distinguished by a high compensatory ability. The cultivars ‘Bereket’ and ‘Ataman Platov’ had the lowest yield variability and at the same time high homeostaticity. When ranking the tested cultivars according to the listed indicators, the top ten most stable and plastic cultivars were ‘Zimogor’, ‘Kornet’, ‘Ataman Platov’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Nemchinovsky 56’, ‘Izhevskaya 2’, ‘Imprint’, ‘Bard’ (Russia), ‘Impulse’ (Belarus), ‘Chernobrivets’ (Ukraine), with a total ranking score from 55 to 95 points. The listed cultivars can be classified as the most valuable. In the agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals, it is advisable to cultivate varieties that combine high yields and adaptability – ‘Zimogor’, ‘Kornet’, ‘Izhevskaya 2’, and according to intensive technology – ‘Beta’ cultivar. The cultivars ‘Ataman Platov’, ‘Chernobrivets’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Bard’, ‘Impulse’, ‘Nemchinovsky 56’ also have practical value as a source material in the breeding of winter triticale to increase productivity and adaptability. A comparison of different methods for determining the adaptability of cultivars to specific environmental conditions showed the practical equivalence of the indicators of yield range, yield variation coefficient and homeostaticity.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the German social support questionnaire among older adults with chronic diseases

BackgroundSocial support is widely recognized as a protective factor against psychological distress, especially for the elderly with chronic diseases. Therefore, effective tools for measuring social support are of great significance for both research and clinical practice. This study aims to cross-culturally adapt the German Social Support Scale (F-SozU) into Chinese and assess its psychometric properties among older adults with chronic diseases.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Four hundred ninety-six older adults that were approached via a convenience sampling method completed the Chinese version of the F-SozU. Content validity was evaluated using the two-round Delphi method. Psychometric properties, including item analysis, content validity, structure validity, convergent and discriminant validity and reliability were examined.ResultThe final version of C-F-SozU is a three-factor structure consisting of 23 items. All indicators of item analysis are acceptable. Adequate content validity was ensured by the expert panel (I-CVI = 0.80–1.00, S-CVI = 0.965) and participants. The confirmatory factor analysis model revealed that the factor structure of the C-F-SozU fitted the original scale (χ 2 /df = 2.088, CFI = 0.998, GFI = 0.943, TLI = 0.997, IFI = 0.998, RMSEA = 0.064 and SRMR = 0.043). The total Cronbach’s α was 0.956, and the test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.887. The convergent validity (average variance extracted = 0.517–0.995) and discriminant validity were found to be satisfactory. No floor/ceiling effect was found.ConclusionThe 23-item C-F-SozU demonstrates robust reliability and validity, rendering it a valuable instrument for evaluating social support among older adults with chronic diseases in China. The three-factor structure of the scale allows for a more detailed assessment of the social support, with the scores of each dimension and the total score being of significant reference value. More comprehensive studies may be required to confirm its effectiveness and applicability.

Improving flame resistance and shielding properties for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) using nanoclay filler

Polymers play an essential role in both industry and medical fields due to their diverse and adaptable properties. In this work, prepared crosslinking polyethylene (XLPE) samples with hydrophilic bentonite nanoclay fillers (H2Al2O6Si) at concentrations of 0, 1, 2.5, 4, and 5 wt% enhance their flame-retardant and radiation shielding efficiency. The research investigated flame retardancy and thermal stability parameters. The XLPE/H2Al2O6Si nanocomposite polymer sheets were exposed to a collimated beam of fast neutrons using an Am/Be neutron source (5 Ci) and to gamma radiation using a 137Cs point source (5 μCi) to assess their radiation shielding properties. The study found that uniform dispersion of nanoclay particles enhanced the thermal properties of the composite, forming a char layer that acted as a barrier, slowing thermal decomposition and reducing the heat release rate. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased from 28% to 34%, and burning rate improved with higher nanoclay concentrations. Additionally, absorption and optical band gap calculations decreased with increasing filler concentrations. Radiation attenuation capabilities increased by approximately 40% for neutrons and 30% for gamma radiation compared to pure XLPE. The study concluded that incorporating nanoclay fillers into XLPE enhances its shielding capabilities and improves flame resistance properties, making the prepared samples suitable for various industrial applications.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Entrepreneurs' Social Identity

This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish adaptation of the Entrepreneurial Social Identity Scale developed by Sieger et al. (2016). The factor structure, construct validity, and reliability of the Turkish version were analyzed. Convergent validity was examined in relation to entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial career motivations. Discriminant validity was tested by examining its relationship with locus of control, subjective norm, risk perception, and uncertainty avoidance. A total of 216 startup founders in technoparks participated. Findings indicated acceptable goodness-of-fit indices for the scale's factor structure, supporting its three-factor structure. In conclusion, there is substantial evidence supporting the psychometric properties of the Entrepreneurial Social Identity Scale.

Innovative design for enhancing transient stability with an ATFOPID controller in hybrid power systems

In order to make multi-area power systems more efficient and stable, this study aims to create a new intelligent controller design based on adaptive property. The integrated power grid becomes more unstable as renewable energy sources become more prevalent, and system inertia decreases. Resultant, the penetration of renewable and load variance causes frequency changes to be more pronounced. Keeping frequency stable is essential for the electrical energy transmission system to work reliably and efficiently. This paper presents an adaptive design based on the tilt fractional order proportional integral derivative (TFOPID) controller by using an optimized property of bio inspired tunicate search algorithm (TSA). The gains of the TFOPID controller are continuously updated by utilizing the ancillary TPID controller, which is dependent on changes in area frequency. The suggested control system is implemented in the northern and southern regions, which consist of photovoltaic (PV), wind, redox flow battery (RFB), hydro, and thermal power plants. Therefore, this study contributes in the creation of more resilient and efficient power grids, which are critical for incorporating renewable energy sources and satisfying the increasing need for environmentally friendly power solutions.

Cooperative β-sheet coassembly controls intermolecular orientation of amphiphilic peptide-polydiacetylene conjugates

In this work, we elucidated the structural organization of stimuli-responsive peptide-polydiacetylene (PDA) conjugates that can self-assemble as 1D nanostructures under neutral aqueous conditions. The amino acid sequences bear positively or negatively charged domains at the periphery of the peptide segments to promote solubility in water while also driving assembly of the individual and combined components into β-sheets. The photopolymerization of PDA, as well as the sensitivity of the resulting optical properties of the polymeric material to external stimuli, highly depends on the structural organization of the assembly of amphiphilic peptide-diacetylene units into 1D-nanostructures. Solid-state NMR measurements on 13C-labeled and 15N-labeled samples show that positively charged and negatively charged peptide amphiphiles are each capable of self-assembly, but self-assembly favors antiparallel β-sheet structure. When positively and negatively charged peptide amphiphiles interact in stoichiometric solutions, cooperative coassembly dominates over self-assembly, resulting in the desired parallel β-sheet structure with a concomitant increase in structural order. These results reveal that rational placement of oppositely charged residues can control β-strand organization in a peptide amphiphile coassembly, which would have implications on the adaptive properties of stimuli-responsive biomaterials such as the peptide-PDAs studied here.

Sexuality attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS): validation of the instrument for the polish nursing and midwifery students

The aim of the study is to create a Polish version of the sexuality attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS), to assess its cultural adaptation and psychometric properties and to utilize it to enable a cross-sectional study of the sexual attitudes and beliefs among Poland’s nursing and midwifery students. Non-random network sampling and the adapted SABS v. PL scale were employed for the latter purpose. A total of 570 nursing and midwifery students from two Polish universities completed the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was utilized to measure the internal consistency of the SABS scale, while exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to determine its construct validity. The factors that most affect respondents' sexual attitudes and beliefs were identified through a stepwise multiple regression method and through an econometric model. An exploratory factor analysis of the SABS v. PL scale revealed an adequate fit and confirmed the 4-factor model. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for SABS v. PL amounted to: α = 0.66. The study's student population had a mean SABS score of 41.65 ± 5.63, while the mean SABS item score varied between 2.55 ± 1.27 and 4.35 ± 1.07. The study's results show that the SABS v. PL questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument. The work revealed that Polish nursing and midwifery students have attitudes and beliefs which negatively impact their ability to evaluate a person's sexual health concerns and provide relevant health counselling.

Bionic wood-inspired structure enables aerogel film triboelectric material with humidity adaptation

The water molecules adhering to the surface of the triboelectric layer will take away the surface charge when traditional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) operate in the high-humidity environment, resulting in a reduction in triboelectric performance, which significantly constrains the advancement of TENGs. Herein, a green triboelectric material of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol longitudinal aerogel film (CP-LAF) with excellent humidity adaptation and triboelectric properties (9 cm2, 214 V, 18.25 μA) was prepared by a process of directional freeze-drying assisted mechanical compression with the idea from the anisotropic structure of natural wood. The triboelectric properties of TENGs are enhanced by their layered-ordered porous structure and rough surface. At the same time, it is reusable due to the inherent properties of the components. More importantly, the CP-LAF-based TENG has strong adaptation and stability to a high-humidity environment. Its output voltage at 99 % relative humidity (RH) is 1.6 times that of 50 % RH owing to the triboelectrification involving a large number of water molecules and the increase in the contact area caused by material softening. Additionally, its electrical performance decreases very little after 5000 working cycles. Meantime, it suggests excellent application advantages in energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. This design strategy has the potential to solve the problem of the degradation of traditional triboelectric materials in high-humidity environments. The material provides a stimulating example for the design and preparation of green triboelectric materials that can withstand different humidity environments.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Malay version of parenting and child tooth brushing assessment (M-PACTA)

BackgroundMalaysian preschool children continue to exhibit a high prevalence of dental caries and poor oral hygiene. There is a need to gain an in-depth understanding of oral hygiene habits and design suitable interventions to improve oral hygiene in early childhood.ObjectiveTo cross-culturally adapt and determine the psychometric properties of the Malay-translated Parenting and Child Tooth Brushing Assessment questionnaire (M-PACTA).MethodologyThis cross-sectional study involved face and content validation, and forward and back-translation of PACTA. The M-PACTA was then tested for reliability and construct validity on 150 Malaysian parents of children aged 5 to 6 years old.ResultsFace validity indicated that the M-PACTA items were clear and easy to understand. For content validity, some words had to be modified in accordance with the recommendations of the expert committees to make it more coherent to Malaysians. Some statements in the parental knowledge scales were modified according to the guidelines applicable in Malaysia. The content comparison of the back translation with the adapted PACTA revealed that all items were semantic and linguistically equivalent. Exploratory factor analyses of M-PACTA suggested a two-factor structure for three scales including child behaviour scale (‘non-compliance’ and ‘avoidance behaviour’), parental attitudes (‘lack of concern’ and ‘attitude of care’), and parental knowledge (‘general tooth brushing knowledge’ and ‘awareness of tooth brushing care’) while for the parental strategy scale, three-factor structure was extracted including ‘routine positive methods’, ‘uncommon positive methods’, and ‘negative methods’. Internal consistencies for all scales were good (α > 0.9).ConclusionM-PACTA did not replicate the construct of the original PACTA. Nonetheless, M-PACTA demonstrated good construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability within Malaysian context.