Development Of Practices Research Articles

Policy, practice and skill development: a study of Kazakhstan’s higher education landscape

PurposeAs part of this larger project, this paper aims to understand the possible shortcomings of the university-level education system in skill development that may be the reason for low adult proficiency in the country.Design/methodology/approachTo answer the question, national policy document reviews and semi-structured interviews with faculty members in four different universities were conducted. The aim for policy review was to understand how graduate skills are constructed policy-wise which is further explored through faculty perception of how skills are formed in practice at the university level. The latter is also thought to shed light on perceived shortcomings of skills development which would let us understand the relationship between university system training and low adult skill proficiency indicators in the country. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to analyze the data.FindingsResults indicate that Kazakhstan’s shift to competency-based education following its 2010 Bologna Declaration adoption has posed challenges, particularly in transitioning from traditional teaching methods to competency-based learning. This transition, compounded by curriculum overload from the previous paradigm, hinders effective skill-based teaching. The country’s recent focus on lifelong learning underscores the need to enhance the population’s skills through quality programs. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach from policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing holistic skill development and lifelong learning.Research limitations/implicationsPotential limitation is that the data only reflects staff perceptions and further detailed content analysis of the current university curriculum and compulsory subjects syllabus along with the historical analysis of policies and university curriculum to understand the change would shed more light into the possible shortcomings in university education that potentially influences adult proficiency level in the country.Originality/valueThis paper is sought to contribute to the limited scholarly discussion on the issues around skill development at the university level in the context of developing countries which would inform policymakers and practitioners in similar contexts to understand the factors behind low adult skills.

An Intersectional Perspective on Digital health: Longitudinal Narratives and Observations with Older and Middle-Aged Women Experiencing Homelessness.

People experiencing homelessness and older people experience barriers as health and social care services are increasingly delivered online, however, there is limited knowledge about how this relates to older and middle-aged women experiencing homelessness, especially those from minoritized and/or migrant communities. We aimed to explore how technology, including digital health, can help or hinder older and middle-aged women to navigate paths through and out of homelessness. This 16-month qualitative longitudinal study utilized narrative interviews and participant observations with seven older and two middle-aged women experiencing homelessness, in London, England. Additionally, we observed interactions between the women experiencing homelessness and two information and communications technology class facilitators. We collected and analyzed data using a narrative, interpretative approach. An advisory board of women with lived experiences of homelessness supported the interpretation of findings and development of practice and policy recommendations. We present our findings as three composite narrative vignettes co-constructed with the participants: (1) "No, I'm not taking this telephone appointment"; (2) "Technology doesn't judge you"; and (3) "You have to be a digital person now". The findings illuminate determinants of digital health equity related to aging, gender, and migration status among older and middle-aged women experiencing homelessness. Using an intersectional lens, we provide recommendations about how to better align digital health to the needs of older and middle-aged women experiencing homelessness. The findings will inform intervention development.

Assessing and optimizing the potential for climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration in urban residential green spaces: energizing sustainable cities

IntroductionUrban green spaces play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. This study aimed to evaluate the carbon sequestration potential of common plant species in urban residential areas and provide recommendations for optimizing green space design and management.MethodsThe research was conducted in four residential areas of Nanjing, China, where key growth parameters of 20 plant species, including evergreen trees, deciduous trees, evergreen shrubs, and deciduous shrubs, were measured. The assimilation method was employed to calculate carbon sequestration per unit canopy area and for entire plants.ResultsThe results showed that the carbon sequestration capacities of different plant species and types exhibited significant differences, with p-values less than 0.05. In terms of daily carbon sequestration per unit canopy projection area, the ranking was as follows: evergreen trees > evergreen shrubs > deciduous trees > deciduous shrubs. For total plant carbon sequestration, the ranking was: evergreen trees > deciduous trees > evergreen shrubs > deciduous shrubs. Evergreen trees performed excellently in both carbon sequestration metrics, with the average daily carbon sequestration per unit canopy projection area and for the entire plant being 18.0024 g/(m2·d) and 462.28 g/d, respectively. The study also observed seasonal variations, with carbon sequestration rates being higher in autumn and summer compared to spring and winter. During the summer, the average daily carbon sequestration per unit canopy projection area and for the entire plant were 11.975 g/(m2·d) and 161.744 g/d, respectively, while in autumn, these values were 13.886 g/(m2·d) and 98.458 g/d. Seasonal variations were also observed, with autumn and summer exhibiting higher carbon sequestration rates compared to spring and winter. Additionally, CO2 concentrations were monitored across the four residential areas, providing insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of carbon sequestration.DiscussionBased on the findings, optimization strategies were proposed, such as prioritizing the selection and integration of high-performing evergreen tree species in urban green space design and incorporating diverse plant types to enhance year-round carbon sequestration. This study contributes to the development of sustainable urban planning and landscape management practices, promoting the role of green spaces in mitigating climate change and enhancing urban resilience.

Dual Oxygen-Responsive Control by RegSR of Nitric Oxide Reduction in the Soybean Endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens.

Aims: To investigate the role of the RegSR-NifA regulatory cascade in the oxygen control of nitric oxide (NO) reduction in the soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens. Results: We have performed an integrated study of norCBQD expression and NO reductase activity in regR, regS1, regS2, regS1/2, and nifA mutants in response to microoxia (2% O2) or anoxia. An activating role of RegR and NifA was observed under anoxia. In contrast, under microaerobic conditions, RegR acts as a repressor by binding to a RegR box located between the -10 and -35 regions within the norCBQD promoter. In addition, both RegS1 and RegS2 sensors cooperated with RegR in repressing norCBQD genes. Innovation: NO is a reactive gas that, at high levels, acts as a potent inhibitor of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. In this paper, we report new insights into the regulation of NO reductase, the major enzyme involved in NO removal in rhizobia. This knowledge will be crucial for the development of new strategies and management practices in agriculture, in particular, for improving legume production. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate, for the first time, a dual control of the RegSR two-component regulatory system on norCBQD genes control in response to oxygen levels. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Editorial for “Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Materials and Structures: Experimental Evidence and Analytical Models (Volume II)”

Concrete represents one of the most popular materials employed in the civil engineering sector due to its flexibility and adaptability to multiple applications, ranging from non-structural elements and partition walls to structural elements and load-bearing members. However, various applications require specific characteristics of concrete and motivate the development of new mix designs, additives, advanced materials and construction practices, which widen the scope of research on concrete engineering in general [...]

Doctoral Supervision: A Reflective Checklist for Process and Progress

Successful doctoral studies rely heavily on the quality of supervision, particularly the relationship between supervisor and doctoral student. This relationship influences both the doctoral process and the final product—the completed thesis. Prior research indicates that supervisory alliances play a critical role in doctoral completion, with insufficient supervisor support often cited as a key factor in student attrition. To assist supervisors, especially those new to the role, this paper proposes a structured yet flexible reflective checklist. Grounded in two systematic reviews, the checklist combines five key supervisory dimensions—relationship, domain/research knowledge, pedagogical competencies, functional aspects, and methodological understanding—with both external (e.g., departmental structures, financial opportunities) and internal (e.g., motivation, academic identity) factors affecting doctoral progression. This framework encourages supervisors to continually examine and refine their practices, thereby fostering an environment that supports effective doctoral training. Ultimately, the reflective checklist serves as a customizable tool to prompt ongoing awareness, adaptation, and development in supervisory practice.

Development of model schools and practices for minimizing violence among students

ABSTRACT Violence among students in Thai society is a growing concern. This study aimed to develop model schools to address violence, evaluate their effectiveness, and propose a scalable practice model. Nine vocational schools in Bangkok implemented a participatory action research (PAR) approach using the PAOR cycle. Surveys, focus groups, and observations collected data, which underwent qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results showed that, compared to the previous year, two schools had no violent incidents, two saw a 50% reduction, and five achieved a 100% reduction in violence. Qualitative findings indicated improvements in student behavior, management systems, and collaboration networks. Key success factors included personnel commitment, strong networks, and adaptable management. The study created the ‘3S3C Practice Model,’ which integrates core activities with ‘T.E.A.M. Principles’ to enhance implementation. This model offers a framework for reducing student violence. Future research should focus on validating its applicability and scalability in diverse educational settings.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR Targeting in Colorectal Cancer Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review.

Radioresistance is a major challenge in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and impairs the efficacy of radiotherapy. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays a critical role in CRC and contributes to the development of radioresistance. Accordingly, targeting this signaling pathway may be a promising strategy to improve oncotherapy. We performed a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases. We included articles that investigated the effects of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors on improving the efficacy of radiotherapy. Of the 32 articles included in our review, 27 were preclinical studies and 5 were clinical trials. We examined the effects of various signaling pathway inhibitors in combination with radiotherapy. While the efficacy of these therapies when used alone is limited, their combination is associated with reduced survival, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, which may increase radiosensitivity. Despite the limited number of studies, this combination therapy has shown favorable treatment outcomes in patients with CRC. PI3K/AKT/mTOR is a critical signaling pathway for cancer cell survival. By inhibiting this pathway, we can increase the efficacy of radiotherapy. These results provide valuable insights for the further development of research and clinical practice in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Countering Cultural Erasure

This article examines examples of Adivasi-led social media platforms in India and investigates initiatives that involve the participation of young people from Adivasi communities across India in the (re)creation and definition of the concept of indigeneity. These include groups such as the Ango Khabar, Adivasi Lives Matter, and Trilingo.in. Through the employment of in-depth interviews and content analysis, this article enquireswhether the cultural erasure of Adivasi identity, which began during the British colonial era and continues in contemporary India, can be positively countered with the use of social media and digital platforms. It analyzes the strategies, challenges, and impact of such initiatives in reclaiming cultural narratives and promoting Adivasiself-representation. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the development of guidelines and best practices for utilizing social media as a platform for cultural preservation and empowerment of those who have long been—and still are—considered to be subaltern.

Intra- and interobserver agreement of proposed objective transvaginal ultrasound image-quality scoring system for use in artificial intelligence algorithm development.

The development of valuable artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with ultrasound diagnosis depends on algorithms developed using high-quality data. This study aimed to test the intra- and interobserver agreement of a proposed image-quality scoring system to quantify the quality of gynecological transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) images, which could be used in clinical practice and AI tool development. A proposed scoring system to quantify TVS image quality was created following a review of the literature. This system involved a score of 1-4 (2 = poor, 3 = suboptimal and 4 = optimal image quality) assigned by a rater for individual ultrasound images. If the image was deemed inaccurate, it was assigned a score of 1, corresponding to 'reject'. Six professionals, including two radiologists, two sonographers and two sonologists, reviewed 150 images (50 images of the uterus and 100 images of the ovaries) obtained from 50 women, assigning each image a score of 1-4. The review of all images was repeated a second time by each rater after a period of at least 1 week. Mean scores were calculated for each rater. Overall interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and interobserver agreement between paired professionals and intraobserver agreement for all professionals were assessed using weighted Cohen's kappa and ICC. Poor levels of interobserver agreement were obtained between the six raters for all 150 images (ICC, 0.480 (95% CI, 0.363-0.586)), as well as for assessment of the uterine images only (ICC, 0.359 (95% CI, 0.204-0.523)). Moderate agreement was achieved for the ovarian images (ICC, 0.531 (95% CI, 0.417-0.636)). Agreement between the paired sonographers and sonologists was poor for all images (ICC, 0.336 (95% CI, -0.078 to 0.619) and 0.425 (95% CI, 0.014-0.665), respectively), as well as when images were grouped into uterine images (ICC, 0.253 (95% CI, -0.097 to 0.577) and 0.299 (95% CI, -0.094 to 0.606), respectively) and ovarian images (ICC, 0.400 (95% CI, -0.043 to 0.669) and 0.469 (95% CI, 0.088-0.689), respectively). Agreement between the paired radiologists was moderate for all images (ICC, 0.600 (95% CI, 0.487-0.693)) and for their assessment of uterine images (ICC, 0.538 (95% CI, 0.311-0.707)) and ovarian images (ICC, 0.621 (95% CI, 0.483-0.728)). Weak-to-moderate intraobserver agreement was seen for each of the raters with weighted Cohen's kappa ranging from 0.533 to 0.718 for all images and from 0.467 to 0.751 for ovarian images. Similarly, for all raters, the ICC indicated moderate-to-good intraobserver agreement for all images overall (ICC ranged from 0.636 to 0.825) and for ovarian images (ICC ranged from 0.596 to 0.862). Slightly better intraobserver agreement was seen for uterine images, with weighted Cohen's kappa ranging from 0.568 to 0.808 indicating weak-to-strong agreement, and ICC ranging from 0.546 to 0.893 indicating moderate-to-good agreement. All measures were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The proposed image quality scoring system was shown to have poor-to-moderate interobserver agreement and mostly weak-to-moderate levels of intraobserver agreement. More refinement of the scoring system may be needed to improve agreement, although it remains unclear whether quantification of image quality can be achieved, given the highly subjective nature of ultrasound interpretation. Although some AI systems can tolerate labeling noise, most will favor clean (high-quality) data. As such, innovative data-labeling strategies are needed. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Role of Social Capital in Talent Development to Achieve SDGs: A Conceptual Framework

Objective: The objective of this study is to develop a conceptual framework to elucidate how social capital enhances talent development practice and organizational sustainable development. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework integrates social capital theory and organizational support theory to explore how relationships, networks, and organizational support influence talent development. Social capital theory emphasizes bonding (internal cohesion) and bridging (external connections) dimensions, which foster collaboration, trust, and resource access. Organizational support theory highlights how perceived organizational support enhances employee engagement and sustainable growth. Results and Discussion: The research synthesizes insights from existing literature on talent management and social capital. The findings indicate that bonding social capital, characterized by strong ties within an organization, fosters trust and collaboration, which enhance talent development. Bridging social capital, involving weaker, external ties, facilitates access to diverse knowledge and opportunities for resource sharing across organizational boundaries. Together, these dimensions of social capital significantly contribute to developing individual capabilities, organizational performance, and sustainable competitive advantage. Research Implications: This study makes theoretical contributions by integrating social capital theory and organizational support theory into talent development research. Practically, it provides actionable insights for employers and policymakers about leveraging internal and external networks to create inclusive and sustainable talent development strategies. The framework emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to bonding and bridging social capital, promoting both internal cohesion and external collaboration for professional development. Originality/Value: By linking social capital to talent development, this study advances understanding in the fields of talent management and organizational studies, with implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in decent work and economic growth.

Family and carer experiences of advanced care planning processes and outcomes.

Despite practice development in the area of advanced care planning (ACP) and systems wide changes implemented to support ACP processes, there has been a paucity of research which has addressed the experiences of a key stakeholder group - family and carers - as they navigate their way through these often very challenging processes. The study described in this article focussed on this key group. In-depth qualitative interviews were undertaken with family members and carers in a regional area of Australia in order to illuminate their lived experiences of ACP processes. Thematic analysis of the narrative data yielded 4 key themes: Being overwhelmed on the ACP journey; unifying effects of completing and using an advanced care directive (ACD); experiencing the highlights and lowlights of care; and paying it forward in advice to staff, carers and families. The ACP journey is unique for each carer/family and can be overwhelming. Whilst he lived experiences of families/carers indicated that the quality of care received was of a high standard, feedback to staff suggested their communications be timelier and more empathic. All participants in this study reported benefitting from engaging in ACP early and appreciated support to do so. All benefitted from the preparation of an ACD and found the outcomes (in terms of concordance) gratifying.

Primary capacities of Love and Care

This article follows up the previous one as part of the four-publication series, clarifying the list, definitions, and diagnostic criteria for primary actual capacities postulated by Nossrat Peseschkian in line with recent psychodynamic theory and practice developments. This second article addresses capacities of love and care, offering a deeper understanding of related psychodynamics of motivations, cognitions, behaviors, and relationships. Specification of diagnostic criteria equips therapists for more accurate and objective clinical assessment, personalized interventions, development of self-help tools, and further research.

Causal Factors of Aesthetic Education Evaluation for Public Undergraduate Universities in Sichuan Province

Objectives: This study investigates the causal factors influencing aesthetic education evaluation in public undergraduate universities in Sichuan Province, aiming to identify the key determinants and their interrelationships. Theoretical Framework: The study integrates multi-dimensional evaluation methodologies, management theories, leadership models, teacher performance theories, and student development principles to construct a comprehensive and systematic approach to aesthetic education evaluation in universities. Method: This study administered a survey to a sample of 478 educational administrators and teachers. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), a robust statistical technique for examining the interrelationships among identified variables and their collective impact on aesthetic education evaluation. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that academic administration, leadership styles, teacher quality, and student development have significant positive impacts on aesthetic education evaluation. Academic administration acts as a mediating variable, connecting leadership styles, teacher quality, and student development with aesthetic education evaluation. These results emphasize the critical importance of integrating these factors to enhance the effectiveness and outcomes of aesthetic education evaluation. Research Implications: The study proposes practical strategies for optimizing aesthetic education evaluation, including improving teachers’ aesthetic competencies, fostering students’ developmental potential, and strengthening academic administration. These recommendations contribute to the holistic advancement of aesthetic education in higher education institutions. Originality/Value: This research offers a novel perspective on the structural relationships influencing aesthetic education evaluation, providing new insights to support the development and refinement of aesthetic education practices.

Pemanfaatan Media Digital untuk Pengajaran Al-Qur'an dan Hadis di Era Digital

The utilization of digital media in teaching the Qur'an and Hadith has become a strategic step to enhance the quality of Islamic education in the digital era. This study aims to explore the potential, benefits, and challenges of using digital media in Qur'an and Hadith learning. Using a qualitative approach and case study method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis at several Islamic educational institutions that have integrated digital technology. The findings reveal that digital media, such as Qur'an learning applications, online tafsir platforms, and interactive videos, provide flexibility and interactivity that enhance students' understanding of the material. However, challenges such as limited access to technology, low digital literacy, and concerns over content alignment with Islamic values are significant barriers to implementation. The study also highlights the importance of collaboration between educators, students, parents, and policymakers to optimize the benefits of digital media in Islamic education. In conclusion, digital media can serve as an effective tool for supporting Qur'an and Hadith learning when used wisely and responsibly. Investment in digital infrastructure, digital literacy training for educators, and the development of Islamic-specific platforms are critical steps to address these challenges. This research contributes to the development of relevant and innovative Islamic educational practices in the digital era.

Cyberbullying and cyberstalking in higher education: policies and practices for supporting students and university staff

This paper explores cyberbullying and cyberstalking victimisation in a Higher Education community and potential strategies for better supporting victims. It analyses qualitative responses from a convenience sample of students and staff who experienced these adverse behaviours. The data were collected from 34 self-selected respondents from a university in the United Kingdom. All qualitative responses were analysed using thematic analysis through ATLAS.ti 7.5. The interpretation of the data adopted a constructivist epistemological lens. Two-thirds of the sample reported cyber-victimisation formally to the police and/or their employers, but they encountered diverse responses, ranging from strong support to feeling judged or misunderstood. The study highlights that several victims adopted personal strategies to counteract cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Support from family and friends emerged as the primary protective factor for students and university staff. The findings contribute to the development of best practices and policies, as well as the mitigation of risk factors, ultimately fostering cyber user resilience.

Comprehensive evaluation of health community construction based on biomechanical perspective

The comprehensive evaluation of healthy community construction is an important means for managers and decision-makers to understand the development of community health within their jurisdiction, and also a scientific basis for formulating practical and feasible health policies and health development plans. Scientific evaluation of the overall level and differences in the construction of healthy communities has important theoretical significance and reference value. Based on the principal component clustering analysis method as well as the theoretical foundation, the multiple evaluation indicators in the evaluation index system of health community construction are standardized and dimensionally reduced. At the same time, the principal component factor load matrix clustering analysis is used, combined with the practical significance and evaluation direction of the indicator categories, to propose a design idea for the classification index system. The comprehensive principal component evaluation and clustering analysis are used to quantitatively examine the level of health community construction in specific regions and make horizontal comparisons, provide theoretical support and decision-making reference for the construction of healthy communities. The correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method system were verified by numerical examples.

Translation Strategy Used in the Four-Character Words Translation of a Chinese Government Document

Translation of culturally rich and semantically dense Chinese four-character words into English has unique challenges in the globalization era. This paper discusses the strategies adopted in the translation of Respecting and Protecting the Rights of All Ethnic Groups in Xinjiang, with special attention to Domestication and Foreignization strategies as framed by Lawrence Venuti. The qualitative analysis yields that an approach of Domestication strengthens understand ability at the cost of risky cultural losses and that Foreignization retains local peculiarities but may undermine proper comprehensiveness. To guarantee understanding and preservation, especially transnationals a balance between two strategies is important. It uses translation analysis of the four-character word translations in the white paper by classifying them into Domestication and Foreignization approaches and determining their effectiveness with respect to readability, cultural fidelity, and feedback from readers. The findings highlight how the respective strategy would be apt for both audience and text type. Domestication increases comprehension and may risk a loss of cultural depth, while Foreignization retains most of the cultural essence of the original through an increase in cognitive load. Both strategies may meet in a quality translation sensitive to cultural shades but acceptable to a wide audience. The present study contributes to the development of optimum translation practices within high-culture texts and delineates a series of topics that can become the object of research, including the use of technological tools to support the so-called balanced translation.

The Impact of Fintech on Financing Constraints of Technology SMEs

The advent of financial technology (FinTech) has prompted considerable interest in its potential to enhance the financial landscape for science and technology small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper examines the role of FinTech development in the financing constraints of science and technology SMEs, with a particular focus on the mediating mechanism of information asymmetry. The research objects are the strategic emerging industry enterprises of the Science and Technology Innovation Board. The FinTech index is constructed by logistic regression, and the double fixed effect model is used for analysis. The findings of this study indicate that the advancement of FinTech has notably alleviated the financial constraints faced by science and technology SMEs. Further examination revealed that FinTech has effectively served as an intermediary by reducing the extent of information asymmetry, thereby mitigating the financing challenges faced by these enterprises. This study offers a novel perspective and empirical foundation for understanding the role of FinTech in promoting the growth of science and technology SMEs, and it also provides valuable insights for the development of relevant policies and financial innovation practices.

Translating social sustainability goals into performance measurement practices

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the development and use of social sustainability performance measurement practices at the city level. This purpose is achieved by addressing the following research question: How do city actors translate social sustainability strategies into performance measurement practices?Design/methodology/approachAn extensive ethnographic study was conducted with a focus on how social sustainability – as defined in the vision and related strategies of the Swedish city of Gothenburg – was translated into performance measurement practices and how performance indicators and assessment tools were transformed over time in the pursuit of social sustainability goals. Findings were interpreted through the lens of Actor Network Theory concept of translation.FindingsFindings reveal how, through a chain of translations, social sustainability and related performance indicators and other assessment tools evolve over time. Social sustainability deviated from the original politically decided definition, as stated in the strategy, because it was transformed by the human and nonhuman actors engaged with it. Social sustainability performance measurement practices lost relevance as internal steering tools and became a means for gaining external legitimacy.Practical implicationsPerformance measurement and assessment tools initially intended to monitor the achievement of social sustainability goals lose their meaningfulness when their main use becomes a formal accomplishment rather than an opportunity for improvement.Originality/valueThis paper highlights how translations which destabilize social sustainability can affect the city management and influence the overarching social sustainability aims of the whole city. The presence of many actors gives room to “theoretical” and “practical” translations which deviate the course of actions.