Development Of Forms Research Articles

Early childhood educators’ change of strategies to recognize and assess the child via distance education

Aim of this study was to identify the recognition and assessment techniques used by early childhood educators both before and after the pandemic using a fundamental qualitative research approach. 17 preschool teachers participated in the study using a semi-structured interview form. The study's conclusions are arranged according to several themes. The methods preschool teachers employ to recognize and assess the child during in-person instruction is the first of these themes. Teachers utilize a variety of techniques to recognize and assess children during in-person instruction, including observation, developmental observation forms, developmental reports, warm-up games, drawing, working with families, anecdotes, sociometry, and portfolio work. The sudden switch to online instruction-assessment techniques in remote learning has resulted in unanticipated challenges and unexpected situations for the preschool teachers as they attempt to implement the teaching process. In such unanticipated circumstances, it is important to look at how early childhood educators recognize and assess children.

Chemical Diversity of Aspergillus alliaceus Phenotypes: Discovery of Brominated Bianthrones with Activity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Marine-derived fungi have emerged as a source for novel metabolites with a broad range of bioactivities. However, accessing the full potential of fungi under standard laboratory conditions remains challenging. LC-MS-based metabolomics in combination with varied culture conditions is a fast and powerful tool to detect new metabolites. Here, three developmental forms of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus alliaceus were analyzed and 14 fungal metabolites, including new brominated polyketides (11-14) were isolated. Structure elucidation relied mainly on 1D and 2D NMR techniques and was supported by low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry and DFT-based computations. We sequenced the A. alliaceus genome, identified the bianthrone-producing biosynthetic gene cluster, and conducted expression analysis on genes involved in sexual development and biosynthesis. The NCI-60 cell line panel revealed selective in vitro activity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) for the halogenated allianthrones and their full antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects were evaluated in five TNBC cell lines.

Trifunctional sphingomyelin derivatives enable nanoscale resolution of sphingomyelin turnover in physiological and infection processes via expansion microscopy

Sphingomyelin is a key molecule of sphingolipid metabolism, and its enzymatic breakdown is associated with various infectious diseases. Here, we introduce trifunctional sphingomyelin derivatives that enable the visualization of sphingomyelin distribution and sphingomyelinase activity in infection processes. We demonstrate this by determining the activity of a bacterial sphingomyelinase on the plasma membrane of host cells using a combination of Förster resonance energy transfer and expansion microscopy. We further use our trifunctional sphingomyelin probes to visualize their metabolic state during infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and thereby show that chlamydial inclusions primarily contain the cleaved forms of the molecules. Using expansion microscopy, we observe that the proportion of metabolized molecules increases during maturation from reticulate to elementary bodies, indicating different membrane compositions between the two chlamydial developmental forms. Expansion microscopy of trifunctional sphingomyelins thus provides a powerful microscopy tool to analyze sphingomyelin metabolism in cells at nanoscale resolution.

Optimizing Soldier Counseling: Multi-Source, Mixed-Method Evaluation of a Developmental Counseling Training for Mid-Grade Level Leaders.

In accordance with ADP 6-22-001 and ATP 6-22.1, counseling is the process routinely executed by Army leaders to develop, mentor, and coach subordinate Soldiers and Army civilians within their organization. When implemented effectively, the counseling process can be utilized to produce capable, resilient, and satisfied subordinates who are prepared and motivated to meet mission-essential responsibilities. Training opportunities that specifically focus on optimizing this key leader competence, particularly with non-commissioned officers, are limited. The Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness (Headquarters, Department of the Army, G-9) offers a specific training, the Counseling Enhancement Workshop, and requested an evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the current training and identify opportunities for improvement. A longitudinal 360-degree approach was deployed as a common multisource methodology intended to produce triangulated feedback from participants, as well as their subordinates and supervisors. Quantitative surveys and qualitative structured interviews were conducted. Performance psychology professional facilitators who train this workshop were also administered a questionnaire to capture instructional feedback. Measures include a knowledge assessment of the workshop content, Counseling Self-Efficacy Survey, as well as original measures related to the workshop experience. Completed written developmental counseling forms and observations from the evaluation team were also reviewed to ensure fidelity of the training implementation and delivery. The current study reports on survey responses from participants and facilitators. Results suggested a strong and positive correlation between the pre- and post-workshop Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale. Because of a small sample size, data were analyzed as planned but interpreted with caution because of limited validity. There was a significant increase between the pre- and post-tests knowledge comprehension test scores. Facilitators reported confidence in teaching resilience skills, but not coaching Soldiers to apply those skills as part of the developmental counseling process. The Army counseling process can be utilized to produce capable, resilient, and satisfied subordinates who are prepared and motivated to meet mission-essential responsibilities. Quantitative results on the content of the CEW present opportunities for meaningful training that increases leaders' confidence in delivering counseling sessions, as well as mastering specific skills that benefit the subordinate Soldier and improve unit health. Furthermore, performance psychology professionals provided feedback on focus areas to meet the instructional objective of the training more efficiently and effectively. Ultimately, the counseling process is considered the most important tool available to current leaders to build the capacity of future leaders and an investment in the training to enhance these skills will provide great returns to the U.S. Army as a whole.

Discovery of essential kinetoplastid-insect adhesion proteins and their function in Leishmania-sand fly interactions

Leishmania species, members of the kinetoplastid parasites, cause leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, in millions of people worldwide. Leishmania has a complex life cycle with multiple developmental forms, as it cycles between a sand fly vector and a mammalian host; understanding their life cycle is critical to understanding disease spread. One of the key life cycle stages is the haptomonad form, which attaches to insect tissues through its flagellum. This adhesion, conserved across kinetoplastid parasites, is implicated in having an important function within their life cycles and hence in disease transmission. Here, we discover the kinetoplastid-insect adhesion proteins (KIAPs), which localise in the attached Leishmania flagellum. Deletion of these KIAPs impairs cell adhesion in vitro and prevents Leishmania from colonising the stomodeal valve in the sand fly, without affecting cell growth. Additionally, loss of parasite adhesion in the sand fly results in reduced physiological changes to the fly, with no observable damage of the stomodeal valve and reduced midgut swelling. These results provide important insights into a comprehensive understanding of the Leishmania life cycle, which will be critical for developing transmission-blocking strategies.

Infection of human organoids supports an intestinal niche for Chlamydia trachomatis.

Several reports suggest that intestinal tissue may be a natural niche for Chlamydia trachomatis infection and a reservoir for persistent infections in the human body. Due to the human specificity of the pathogen and the lack of suitable host models, there is limited knowledge on this topic. In our study, we modelled the course of the chlamydial infection in human primary gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial cells originating from patient-derived organoids. We show that GI cells are resistant to apical infection and C. trachomatis needs access to the basolateral membrane to establish an infection. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the presence of both normal as well as aberrant chlamydial developmental forms in the infected cells, suggesting a possible cell-type specific nature of the infection. Furthermore, we show that the plasmid-encoded Pgp3 is an important virulence factor for the infection of human GI cells. This is the first report of C. trachomatis infection in human primary intestinal epithelial cells supporting a possible niche for chlamydial infection in the human intestinal tissue.

How planning intervention changes the “price tags” of property rights? Towards a dynamic understanding of China's small property right housing

While studies of property rights have long gone beyond the legal-illegal dichotomy, how to quantify the varying degree of property rights remains a challenging task. Focusing on a special type of informal housing—Small Property Right Housing (SPRH) in China, this study examines how planning intervention affects the pricing mechanism of SPRH through the theoretical lens of graded property rights. A previous study has unravelled the pricing mechanism of SPRH by quantifying the impact of informal institutions inherent to the SPRH market that give different “price tags” to varying degree of property rights, while not being able to capture the impact of external interventions. Drawing on two SPRH datasets before and after a Master Plan of urban villages conservation announced in 2019, we employ difference in difference (DID) estimations to examine how planning intervention affects SPRH prices by way of altering the strength of informal property rights. We also develop spatial error models (SEM) to account for spatial autocorrelation. This research extends and enriches the robust conceptualisation of graded degree of informal property rights by capturing the changes caused by external intervention to offer a dynamic and more accurate understanding of SPRH pricing mechanism. It also demonstrates that planning can go beyond sanctioning and redlining to tolerate and steer informal development.

Using Electrophysiology to Study Homeostatic Plasticity at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction.

The Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a superb system for studying synapse function. Beyond that, the NMJ is also great for studying forms of synaptic plasticity. Over the last 25 years, Drosophila NMJ neuroscientists have pioneered understanding of a form of plasticity called homeostatic synaptic plasticity, which imparts functional stability on synaptic connections. The reason is straightforward: The NMJ has a robust capacity for stability. Moreover, many strategies that the NMJ uses to maintain appropriate levels of function are mirrored at other metazoan synapses. Here, we introduce core approaches that neurophysiologists use to study homeostatic synaptic plasticity at the peripheral Drosophila NMJ. We focus on methods to study a specific form of homeostatic plasticity termed presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP), which is the most well-characterized one. Other forms such as presynaptic homeostatic depression and developmental forms of homeostasis are briefly discussed. Finally, we share lists of several dozen factors and conditions known to influence the execution of PHP.

Spontaneous intersibling polymorphism in the development of dopaminergic neuroendocrine cells in sea urchin larvae: impacts on the expansion of marine benthic species.

The plasticity of the nervous system plays a crucial role in shaping adaptive neural circuits and corresponding animal behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms underlying neural plasticity during development and its implications for animal adaptation constitutes an intriguing area of research. Sea urchin larvae offer a fascinating subject for investigation due to their remarkable evolutionary and ecological diversity, as well as their diverse developmental forms and behavioral patterns. We conducted immunochemical and histochemical analyses of serotonin-containing (5-HT-neurons) and dopamine-containing (DA-positive) neurons to study their developmental dynamics in two sea urchin species: Mesocentrotus nudus and Paracentrotus lividus. Our approach involved detailed visualization of 5-HT- and DA-positive neurons at gastrula-pluteus stages, coupled with behavioral assays to assess larval upward and downward swimming in the water column, with a focus on correlating cell numbers with larval swimming ability. The study reveals a heterochronic polymorphism in the appearance of post-oral DA-positive neuroendocrine cells and confirms the stable differentiation pattern of apical 5-HT neurons in larvae of both species. Notably, larvae of the same age exhibit a two- to four-fold difference in DA neurons. An increased number of DA neurons and application of dopamine positively correlate with larval downward swimming, whereas 5-HT-neurons and serotonin application induce upward swimming. The ratio of 5-HT/DA neurons determines the stage-dependent vertical distribution of larvae within the water column. Consequently, larvae from the same generation with a higher number of DA-positive neurons tend to remain at the bottom compared to those with fewer DA-positive neurons. The proportion of 5-HT and DA neurons within larvae of the same age underlies the different potentials of individuals for upward and downward swimming. A proposed model illustrates how coordination in humoral regulation, based on heterochrony in DA-positive neuroendocrine cell differentiation, influences larval behavior, mitigates competition between siblings, and ensures optimal population expansion. The study explores the evolutionary and ecological implications of these neuroendocrine adaptations in marine species.

The role of religious education in tertiary crime prevention

Aim: Since man is a being in search of meaning, religion can be defined as a way of ‘sacral search for meaning’ related to certain events in life. While sacrality is central to some people’s systems of meaning-seeking, it is marginal or not sacral at all in the systems of others. It is clear that religion can be an important guide for the individual, as it can influence one’s understanding of the world and make individual challenges and social conflicts understandable and bearable. As faith, in its mature developmental form, underpins the way religious people live their lives, the sacral search for meaning can also play a crucial role in one’s coping processes. However, the extent to which religion is involved in coping with a particular life event depends to a large extent on the extent to which it is part of an individual’s orientation system. The protective effect of religion in coping is a thesis already recognised by scientific psychology and therefore has an undisputed place in the scientific professional discourse on reintegration. The aim of this paper is to provide scientific evidence for the place and legitimacy of religion in reintegration.Methodology: The research is based on two sub-samples, one religious and one control group. Inclusion in the religious group was based on self-reporting, regardless of whether the subjects of the study had a religious experience in the life period prior to serving their sentence. The data were analysed using SPSS statistical software package.Findings: Juveniles in juvenile detention who self-reported being religious showed a different attitude towards conflict management compared to the control group. This suggests that a framework of cooperation between civil churches, the academic community and decision-makers in custodial institutions could be used to develop a diversified, faith-based reintegration model to increase the effectiveness of efforts to reduce crime.Value: The publication is a gap in the empirical study of religion-based reintegration. The topic is a practical one, but its full exploration requires further research.

Iron depletion has different consequences on the growth and survival of Toxoplasma gondii strains

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite responsible for a pathology called toxoplasmosis, which primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and developing foetuses. The parasite can scavenge essential nutrients from its host to support its growth and survival. Among them, iron is one of the most important elements needed to sustain basic cellular functions as it is involved in a number of key metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, redox balance, and electron transport. We evaluated the effects of an iron chelator on the development of several parasite strains and found that they differed in their ability to tolerate iron depletion. The growth of parasites usually associated with a model of acute toxoplasmosis was strongly affected by iron depletion, whereas cystogenic strains were less sensitive as they were able to convert into persisting developmental forms that are associated with the chronic form of the disease. Ultrastructural and biochemical characterization of the impact of iron depletion on parasites also highlighted striking changes in both their metabolism and that of the host, with a marked accumulation of lipid droplets and perturbation of lipid homoeostasis. Overall, our study demonstrates that although acute iron depletion has an important effect on the growth of T. gondii, it has a more profound impact on actively dividing parasites, whereas less metabolically active parasite forms may be able to avoid some of the most detrimental consequences.

Increased cardiac vagal tone in childhood-only, adolescent-only, and persistently antisocial teenagers: the mediating role of low heart rate.

Cardiac vagal tone is an indicator of parasympathetic nervous system functioning, and there is increasing interest in its relation to antisocial behavior. It is unclear however whether antisocial individuals are characterized by increased or decreased vagal tone, and whether increased vagal tone is the source of the low heart rate frequently reported in antisocial populations. Participants consisted of four groups of community-dwelling adolescent boys aged 15.7 years: (1) controls, (2) childhood-only antisocial, (3) adolescent-only antisocial, and (4) persistently antisocial. Heart rate and vagal tone were assessed in three different conditions: rest, cognitive stressor, and social stressor. All three antisocial groups had both lower resting heart rates and increased vagal tone compared to the low antisocial controls across all three conditions. Low heart rate partially mediated the relationship between vagal tone and antisocial behavior. Results indicate that increased vagal tone and reduced heart rate are relatively broad risk factors for different developmental forms of antisocial behavior. Findings are the first to implicate vagal tone as an explanatory factor in understanding heart rate - antisocial behavior relationships. Future experimental work using non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation or heart rate variability biofeedback is needed to more systematically evaluate this conclusion.

Role of Uterine Artery Ligation and Chemotherapy in Atypical Cases of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: A Case Report of Atypical GTD Diagnosis & Management

Introduction Gestational trophoblastic disease[1 i ] is a rare developmental form of proliferative trophoblastic tissue in women of reproductive age that involves both benign and malignant entities that include hydatidiform mole (complete or partial), choriocarcinoma, invasive mole, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT), and placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT). Four of these known as gestational trophoblastic neoplasia [2 ii], and hydatidiform is most common type of GTD. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease that is almost always malignant, and can metastasize and be fatal if not treated. The ultimate treatment for GTD includes surgery (evacuation of the proliferative trophoblastic tissue, hysterectomy), chemotherapy regimens, radiotherapy and emerging targeted therapies. It is one of the most chemotherapy responsive and highly curable cancer. In most instances, it is cured by surgical evacuation of the uterus. If persistent, it is treated with chemotherapy which provides response in >90% of the cases. In the unresponsive persistent cases and if the women has completed her child bearing, hysterectomy is generally recommended. Here, we report a case of atypical GTD {uncommon, that is not fitting a single diagnosis} treated by chemotherapy and bilateral uterine artery ligation.

Colonization pattern and thermal needs of immature phases of Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): Significance for estimating postmortem interval

Members of Sarcophagidae are necrophagous and are commonly found on decaying carcasses; and their developmental forms are important indicators for the approximation of lowest postmortem interval (PMImin). This work describes the biological characteristics of Sarcophaga argyrostoma from Tehran, Iran. Various temperature regimes were applied to estimate the thermal summation constant (k) and thermal requirements for development of S. argyrostoma. Five growth proceedings, containing 1st ecdysis, 2nd ecdysis, wandering, pupariation and eclosion, were investigated under eight fixed temperature regimes (6–30 °C). The effects of fly age, freshness, and availability of oviposition substrate on oviparity and viviparity was studied. At 6 °C, no development occurs, and at 8 °C only the first ecdysis occurs. At temperatures between 10 and 30 °C, all immature stages proceeded to the adult stage, and thus immature development was analyzed at these six remaining temperatures. The development phases needed minimum (Dz ± SE) 5.4(0.4), 8.5(0.26), 5.3(0.44), 3.8(0.1), and 6.6 (0.6)°C to attain one of the succeeding developmental occasion, correspondingly. The approximated K for those five occasions were 15.04 ± 1.12, 12.62 ± 0.65, 140.36 ± 4.35, 14.59 ± 0.6, and 222.8 ± 4.18°-day (DD) accordingly. When the food substrate is available and fresh, the female prefers to lay eggs, no matter how old she is. However, the chance of ovoviviparity increased when no oviposition substrate was available. The truth that S. argyrostoma able to either larviposit or to lay eggs encompasses serious consequences for the precise estimation of the PMImin, as the existence of larvae resulting from eggs laid on the carcass could add hours (based on ambient temperature) to the PMImin.

Analyzing the relationship between street hierarchy and land use functions in Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study delves into the correlation between street width and land use patterns in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, analyzing their relationship across various developmental stages, including organic and planned areas. Employing a mixed-methods case study approach, the research identifies four land use categories and examines their association with street width. Results highlight the nuanced connection between street hierarchy and land use intensity, influenced by the city’s morphological period and urban planning interventions. The findings underscore the importance of tailored land use policies that accommodate both formal and informal developments, emphasizing the necessity for further research.

Characterization of Novel Trypanosoma cruzi-Specific Antigen with Potential Use in the Diagnosis of Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. In humans, it evolves into a chronic disease, eventually resulting in cardiac, digestive, and/or neurological disorders. In the present study, we characterized a novel T. cruzi antigen named Tc323 (TcCLB.504087.20), recognized by a single-chain monoclonal antibody (scFv 6B6) isolated from the B cells of patients with cardiomyopathy related to chronic Chagas disease. Tc323, a ~323 kDa protein, is an uncharacterized protein showing putative quinoprotein alcohol dehydrogenase-like domains. A computational molecular docking study revealed that the scFv 6B6 binds to an internal domain of Tc323. Immunofluorescence microscopy and Western Blot showed that Tc323 is expressed in the main developmental forms of T. cruzi, localized intracellularly and exhibiting a membrane-associated pattern. According to phylogenetic analysis, Tc323 is highly conserved throughout evolution in all the lineages of T. cruzi so far identified, but it is absent in Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma brucei. Most interestingly, only plasma samples from patients infected with T. cruzi and those with mixed infection with Leishmania spp. reacted against Tc323. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Tc323 is a promising candidate for the differential serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas disease in areas where T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. infections coexist.

An Overlooked Phenomenon? Reflecting on Elite Housing Informality and its Potential Sustainability Implications

Urban informality is one of the most hotly debated concepts in the fields of geography and urban studies. However, one narrative that has assumed hegemony and dominated conventional scholarship is the view that it is peculiar to the urban poor or subaltern group. In this paper, I contend that little to no empirical attention has been paid to an essential piece of the conceptual mosaic of informality. I reflect on housing informality by elites or upper-income urbanites and highlight its associated Janus-faced governance approach. I argue that the deliberate disregard and legitimization of elite informal developments pose crucial sustainability implications.

African urban peripheries and informal development: A review of challenges and sustainable approaches to inclusive cities

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between African urban peripheries and informal development that also aligns with the broader goal of creating inclusive and sustainable urban environments. The authors employed a literature review approach and examined the complexities of informal settlements. In the presentation of their findings, the authors focus on conceptualizing of informality beyond slum areas, unravelling urbanization complexities in African urban peripheries, analysing the emergence of informal development in urban peripheral zones, and addressing informal settlements in the context of SDG 11. The findings reveal the embeddedness of informal practices in African urban peripheries, and the emphasis on adaptability, hybridity, and the role of informal entities in shaping complex urban fabrics. Additionally, inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability are emphasized within the context of SDG 11. The authors conclude that a holistic and collaborative approach is important for shaping inclusive and sustainable urban futures in African urban peripheries. Additionally, they propose strategies for upgrading and formalizing informal settlements, the provision of essential social services, creation of economic opportunities, enhancement of safety, and to foster resilience through adaptive strategies.

Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithms: A Comprehensive Review

Recently, the Metaheuristic Algorithms (MAs) field has seen a noteworthy rise in proposed Algorithms. MAs have been picking up ubiquity in a long time due to their capacity to fathom complex optimization issues in different areas, including building, funds, healthcare, and transportation. These Algorithms are based on heuristic methodologies that mirror the behaviour of normal frameworks. For occasion, developmental forms, swarm insights, and mimicked strengthening, among others, this audit presents the foremost productive later algorithms. As well as highlight the instruments and highlights (investigation look procedure, abuse look procedure, and differing qualities) of each algorithm. Moreover, an explanatory investigation has been conducted to show the productivity of each algorithm. This audit will permit interested analysts to select a suitable algorithm to illuminate their issues. In expansion, it'll help the analysts who are looking to propose a recent algorithm.

The personalization of the Likud in the era of Netanyahu

AbstractObjectiveUnder the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud—Israel's most successful political party in the past 50 years—transformed from a highly institutionalized leader party into a personal party. This study explores the personalization of Likud and its various manifestations and analyses the causes of this process and its consequences.MethodsA case study. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis.ResultsAlthough the Likud party leader's formal roles, powers, and authorities did not change significantly, many informal developments enhanced the firm grip Netanyahu held on the party. Netanyahu manipulated leadership contests, and they became uncompetitive; the party's internal institutions were almost nullified and became no more than a rubber stamp to Netanyahu's interests; and Likud's representatives in the Knesset were transformed into a group of submissive cheerleaders.ConclusionsWe conclude that essential, routinized procedures within Likud were abandoned in favor of personalization of decision making; the “value” of the party organization was replaced with that of a single leader as perceived by important internal party actors and the electorate; and that other parties perceived Likud as personalized. On all fronts, the Likud underwent a personalization process. Moreover, the personalization of Likud, the ruling party, contributed to Israel's democratic backsliding.