Direct Observation Research Articles (Page 1)

MCC950 attenuates thyroidectomy-induced retching-like behavior by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated IL-1β release.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the intricate process of intergenerational knowledge transfer within family businesses, aiming to broaden scholarly discourse on this topic. Beyond mere identification, the study scrutinizes the application of transfer methods across various succession phases, addressing a critical need for insight into how family businesses effectively transmit knowledge from one generation to the next. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopts a longitudinal approach, encompassing 33 Moroccan family businesses over the period from January 2019 to March 2024. Through semi-structured interviews, direct observations and documentary analysis of internal documents, we glean comprehensive data on knowledge transfer practices. This multifaceted methodological approach ensures a nuanced understanding of both formal and informal aspects of the intergenerational knowledge transfer process. Findings The findings identify eight distinct approaches used by founders and successors, culminating in a new knowledge transfer model. This model spans the entire succession lifecycle, from preparation to succession, offering both theoretical and practical contributions. It addresses significant gaps in the literature and provides a valuable framework for succession planning, thus enhancing the sustainability and longevity of family businesses. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on family businesses and knowledge sharing by introducing a fresh framework for understanding intergenerational knowledge transfer. This model not only addresses theoretical gaps but also provides practical guidance for succession planning, bridging academia and real-world challenges faced by family businesses. Its dual role as both theoretical proposition and practical tool highlights its potential to strengthen the sustainability and longevity of family enterprises across generations.

Understanding the failure mechanisms of multilayer coatings is essential for optimizing their tribological performance. In this study, an in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tribotester was used to simultaneously monitor friction force and visualize the wear behavior of TiN/Ag multilayer coatings under dynamic contact conditions. Eight coatings were designed with varying numbers of layers (single, double, 5, and 10 layers) and different topmost layers of TiN or Ag to examine the influence of the layer structure and stacking sequence. The scratch resistance of the coatings was evaluated using ultrananoscratch testing, which revealed that the soft-top (ST) structure with Ag as the topmost layer exhibited better damage resistance and wear stability than the hard-top (HT) structure with TiN as the topmost layer. The in situ SEM tribotest enabled the direct observation of diverse wear behaviors in thin coatings such as groove formation, delamination, cracking, and tearing. The ST structures exhibited progressive groove creation and wear particle formation, whereas the HT structures exhibited a brittle failure behavior characterized by delamination and crack initiation from the initial cycles. After the in situ SEM tribotest, focused ion beam cross-sectional analysis revealed failure mechanisms, including shear deformation, interlayer cracking, and crack filling, which were attributed to the cycling of compressive and tensile stresses induced by the reciprocating motion of the tip. Remarkably, the ML10ST coating achieved the highest wear resistance, benefiting from bendability and stress dissipation via plastic deformation of the Ag layer. These findings provide insights into the correlation between the multilayer structure, tribological performance, and failure mechanisms, offering fundamental insights and design guidelines for wearable multilayer coatings.

The discovery of new plant fertilization strategies heavily relies on our capabilities to probe physiological processes in living plants with subcellular precision. State-of-the-art microscopy techniques are in general limited to surface investigation or require elaborate tissue preparation and often destruction. X-ray microscopy has the potential to resolve some of these limitations by generating micro- to nanometer-scale 3D images deep in the tissue. We introduce experimental designs and quantitative analysis methodologies, pioneering in vivo 3D microscopy of plant tissue down to 50 nm isotropic voxel size. We show direct in vivo visualization of foliar-applied untagged clustered nanoparticulate fertilizers deep under the leaf surface, not accessible by other microscopy methods. The clustering of nanoparticles occurs naturally for MSN particles and is induced by CaCl2 for nPAA-MnO2 particles. Ultimately, our approach provides the means for direct observation of nanoparticle transport and dissolution in living plant tissue, a step critical for developing sustainable plant fertilization approaches.

Estimating the size of wild populations is a critical priority for ecologists and conservation biologists, but tools to do so are often labour intensive and expensive. A promising set of newer approaches are based on genetic data, which can be cheaper to obtain and less invasive than information from more direct observation. One of these approaches is close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR), a type of method that uses genetic data to identify kin pairs and estimates population size from these pairs. Although CKMR methods are promising, one limitation to using them more broadly is a lack of CKMR models that can deal with spatially structured populations and spatial heterogeneity in sampling. In this paper, we introduce a spatially explicit approach to CKMR that uses individual-based simulation in concert with a deep convolutional neural network to estimate population sizes. Using simulations, we show that our method, CKMRnn, is highly accurate, even in the face of spatial heterogeneity in sampling and spatial population structure, and demonstrate that it can account for potential confounders such as unknown population histories. Finally, to demonstrate the accuracy of our method in an empirical system, we apply CKMRnn to data from a Ugandan elephant population, and show that point estimates from our method recapitulate those from traditional estimators but that the confidence interval on our estimator is approximately 30% narrower.

Abstract Machining of silicon carbide particle-reinforced aluminium matrix (SiCp/Al) composites is challenging due to complex interactions between the cutting tool and silicon carbide (SiC) particles that degrade surface integrity. This study employs in-situ imaging approach to directly investigate the kinematics of individual SiC particles in orthogonal cutting process. Through direct observation, three primary particle behaviors (pressed-in, cut-off, pulled-out) were systematically categorized. The analysis also distinctly identified associated phenomena, including particle fracture initiating prior to tool contact, localized extrusion of the aluminium matrix around pressed-in particles, and surface scratching caused by particles near the tool tip. Particle tracking confirmed that the pressed-in category is the most dominant interaction mode. To systematize these findings, novel positional criteria were established to differentiate the three primary behaviors. Furthermore, the fracture of cut-off categories was sub-categorized into pre-splitting, cracking, and crushing. Direct in-situ observations, collaborated by statistical analysis of crack orientations, show that particle cracks propagate predominantly normal to the particle-tool contact surface. SEM examinations reveal a correlation between particle pressed-in behavior and the formation of cavities and craters. The work provides direct experimental evidence for the study of the fundamental mechanisms of material removal and surface generation in SiCp/Al machining.

This study adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive research type, aiming to holistically describe the implementation of the edupreneurship concept in the management of the "Anak Hebat" Kedungwuni Tutoring Institute (Bimbel). Specifically, this study seeks to understand how the concept of educational entrepreneurship is translated into managerial practices, innovations in learning strategies, its impact on the formation of student independence, and identifying inhibiting factors. The research location was determined purposively in Kedungwuni District, Pekalongan Regency, with the unique consideration that this institution was established in 2020 as an adaptive response amidst the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, making it an information-rich case. The focus of the research is directed at exploring the motivation for establishment, managerial management strategies, service innovations, and operational challenges. Mrs. Rofi'ah, the manager and founder of Bimbel, was the sole key informant selected through purposive sampling due to her central role and experience. To ensure validity, data were collected through triangulation techniques: in-depth semi-structured interviews (to explore motivations, strategies, and challenges broadly), direct observation (to observe the atmosphere and teacher-student interactions), and documentation (to verify the institution's profile and administrative data). This method allows for the collection of rich, narrative, and contextual data regarding the specific case studied. The results of the study illustrate that edupreneurship practices at the "Anak Hebat" Tutoring Center are not only oriented towards business sustainability but also strengthen aspects of student learning independence through flexible service strategies, personalized approaches, and learning innovations tailored to students' developmental needs. The relevance of these findings emphasizes that the success of a tutoring center is not only measured by profitability, but also by its capacity to act as an edupreneur that is responsive to market needs, while simultaneously being a driver for the development of student learning independence.

This activity was carried out in the form of workshops and technical training for history teachers of class XI with the aim of improving the quality of history learning at MAN 1 Serang through the use of Canva and CapCut media. This activity was designed to empower teachers and students in utilizing digital media creatively and effectively in the learning process. Through training and mentoring, teachers and students are expected to be able to create creative and engaging visual learning materials, thereby increasing students' interest and understanding of historical material. Through direct observation and interview methods, as well as presentations and workshops, this activity can be used as a basis for compiling training instruments and workshop materials so that the activities carried out are truly relevant and on target, and can convey material on the importance of innovative history learning media that is interesting and interactive through lectures, discussions, and Q&A sessions. This activity is the core of community service activities, which aims to provide direct experience to history teachers of class XI at MAN 1 Serang in using the Canva and CapCut applications as learning media. The results of the activity show that teachers can improve their competence in using digital media to create interactive and engaging infographics, presentations, and history learning videos.

This study aims to analyze work time efficiency and determine standard time in the furniture production process at CV. JM Putra using the Time and Motion Study method. The background of this study stems from the problem of low production time efficiency due to suboptimal work methods, ineffective work area layout, and a lack of systematic work time measurement. The research was conducted quantitatively and descriptively through direct observation, interviews, and time measurements using a stopwatch for the table production process, which consisted of five main activities. The results showed that the average total cycle time for one table unit was 347.25 minutes, with the activity of assembling the table frame being the longest activity at 120.13 minutes or about 34.6% of the total working time. After performance assessment and the addition of a 15.5% allowance factor, the standard time was obtained at 129.03 minutes. These results indicate that the activity of assembling the table frame is the most critical point that affects production efficiency. The implications of this study show the importance of improving work methods, area layout, and operator training to increase labor productivity. The application of standard time measurement results can be used as a basis for setting work standards, production capacity planning, and a more objective labor incentive system.

Metastability is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nonequilibrium physics and classical stochastic dynamics. It arises when the system dynamics settles in long-lived states before eventually decaying to true equilibria. Remarkably, it has been predicted that quantum metastability can also occur in continuous- and discrete-time open quantum dynamics. However, the direct experimental observation of metastability in open quantum systems has remained elusive. Here, we experimentally observe metastability in the discrete-time evolution of a single nuclear spin in diamond, realized by sequential Ramsey interferometry measurements (RIMs) of a nearby nitrogen-vacancy electron spin. We demonstrate that the metastable polarization of the nuclear spin emerges at a metastable region of measurement times determined by the spectral structure of the quantum channel induced by the RIM. Such metastable polarization enables high-fidelity single-shot readout of the nuclear spin and the observation of an ultralong spin relaxation time of more than 10 s at room temperature. Our results represent a concrete step towards uncovering nonequilibrium physics in open quantum dynamics, which is practically relevant for the utilization of metastable information for various quantum information processing tasks.

Mars' slope streaks are dark albedo features created by the avalanching of surface dust. Recent work provided geostatistical evidence for the dry nature of streaks and their drivers, but presented no direct, quantitative measure of streak formation rates and seasonality. Here, I associate the global, spatiotemporal occurrence of more than 2.1 million slope streaks, identified between 2006 and 2024, with their hypothesized dry, (non)seasonal drivers: meteoroid impacts, marsquakes, and wind action. Streak formation rates vary across Mars and time, with an average of ~0.05 newly-formed streaks per existing streak per Mars Year. Only ~0.1 % of the annually formed streak population can be directly attributed to non-seasonal processes like meteoroid impacts and quakes. The bulk of streak formation coincides with the seasonal delivery of atmospheric dust and peaks in the southern summer and autumn, when wind stress systematically exceeds the threshold required for the initiation of sand saltation and dust mobilization. The conditions most conducive to seasonal streak formation appear to occur at sunrise and sunset, explaining the lack of direct observations of streak forming events to date. This work underscores the dry nature of slope streaks and enumerates their potentially important role in the Martian dust cycle.

Abstract The MAMMOTH-MOSFIRE program is a deep Keck/MOSFIRE K -band spectroscopic follow-up of emission-line galaxies identified in the MAMMOTH-Grism Hubble Space Telescope/wide-field camera 3 G141 slitless spectroscopic survey, targeting the core regions of the three most massive galaxy protoclusters at cosmic noon. To introduce this program, we present a comprehensive analysis of the [N II ] λ 6584, [S II ] λλ 6717,6731, and [O I ] λ 6300 Baldwin, Philips, and Terlevich (BPT) diagnostics for a unique sample of 43 protocluster member galaxies at z ∼ 2, investigating how the overdense environment influences their interstellar medium ionization conditions. We find that, similar to their field counterparts at z ∼ 2, protocluster galaxies exhibit a systematic offset in the [N II ] BPT diagram relative to the local star-forming sequence, but no such offset in the [S II ] BPT diagram. Notably, we detect significantly elevated [O I ]/H α ratios, which can be well reproduced by photoionization models incorporating both H II regions and low-velocity shocks ( v ∼ 200 km s −1 ). We caution that neglecting shock excitation can bias abundance measurements, leading to an overestimation of nitrogen enrichment. This provides a potential explanation for the long-standing puzzle of enhanced [N II ]/H α ratios observed in z ∼ 2 galaxies. We further suggest that these shocks are likely environmentally driven, e.g., by ram pressure stripping or tidal interactions, which requires future confirmation through direct observations of features such as stripped gas tails.

Mydas flies (Diptera, Mydidae) are primarily found in arid and semi-arid regions, with few records from East Asia. In Japan, Nemomydas gruenbergi (Hermann, 1914) is the only known species, previously reported mainly from southern Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands in the Yaeyama Islands, with very few records from northern Iriomote. Here, we report newly confirmed occurrences from northern Iriomote Island, based on direct observations and specimen collections conducted in summer. Observations include, for the first time to our knowledge, photographic documentation of a mating pair and confirmed oviposition behavior.

Grand Watudodol Beach is a tourist area that offers underwater beauty which is a wealth found in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the water parameters, types of coral reefs and coral reef diversity. The research method used is descriptive method with data collection through direct observation using Line Intercept Transect (LIT) technique. Data analysis method used is diversity index analysis and dominance index analysis. The results of the study found 17 species of coral reefs with the most species found is the type of Montipora danae and the least is the type of Porites lutea. The value of diversity in the waters of Grand Watudodol is included in the moderate category with a value of 2.42. The value of the coral dominance index is included in the medium category, which is in the range of values 0.30 < C < 0.60. The value of oceanographic parameters in the waters of Grand Watudodol is salinity 32 ppt at the location point, the value of temperature parameters at the location point 29-30 °C, pH value obtained 7-8, brightness obtained 7-10 m, current velocity value obtained 0.0678 m/s.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of video tutorial media in improving linocut screen-printing skills among eighth-grade students with mild intellectual disabilities at SLB Negeri 1 Ranah Pesisir. The research employed a Single Subject Research (SSR) A–B design, consisting of a baseline phase without intervention and an intervention phase using video tutorials. The participant was one student who experienced difficulties in carving image patterns. Data were collected through direct observation using a skill assessment sheet and analyzed visually by examining changes in level, trend, and stability. The findings show a significant improvement in the student's linocut skills, increasing from 56% during the baseline phase to 100% at the end of the intervention. These results indicate that video tutorial media is effective in enhancing vocational skills, particularly linocut screen-printing, and serves as an innovative, concrete, and engaging learning strategy for students with mild intellectual disabilities.

The influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh has had sweeping economic and social implications, especially in Cox’s Bazar, although hardly systematic research has focused on household-level conditions with respect to the wider socio-economic predicament. This missing link is the subject of this paper, where we explore how refugee households make a living and how these circumstances affect social stability, economic resources, and integration in the host society. Adopting a multi-method approach, primary data were collected among 204 refugee households through structured questionnaires that were complemented by focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct field observations, which were analyzed using regression and ANOVA models. The study shows that, despite low average household incomes and limited employment opportunities, high food expenditures and restricted access to health care, education, and safe housing generate vulnerability. Regression results suggest that household size, education, and the gender of the household head have significant influences on income and expenditure, while the social constraints, such as food security and risk of trafficking or strained relations between communities, work to destabilize. The paper concludes that the crisis will only further deteriorate human security and host-refugee relations in the absence of well-designed policy actions to address immediate needs and promote long-term livelihoods. These observations inform policy discussions by underlining the importance of moving towards inclusive development approaches, improved provision of services, and social cohesion programs that can provide scale-up opportunities.

Electron correlation in functional materials has remained a challenge with strong deviations of electronic structure from mean field approaches. In high temperature superconductors the electron-electron and hole-hole interaction energies are essential in the underlying pairing mechanisms. For cuprates, oxygen holes have been considered of central importance for superconductivity. In La2CuO4 the site specific oxygen 2p hole-hole Coulomb energy has been determined by Auger photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy. This experimental approach allows to separate the different oxygen sites, i.e. the lattice oxygen, and distinguish from otherwise overlapping signal from surface oxygen. Values of 6.3 ± 0.2 eV for oxygen in the Cu-O planes and an upper limit of 9.2 ± 0.2 eV for apical oxygen are found to be on the high energy side of reported computational values and narrows the range of experimentally reported values. Additionally, a much reduced hybridization in La2CuO4 as compared to CuO is found in O 2p hybridization strengths.

Abstract The interstellar medium in high-redshift galaxies exhibits significantly higher electron densities ( n e ) than in the local Universe. To investigate the origin of this trend, we analyze a sample of 9590 centrally star-forming galaxies with stellar masses greater than 10 9 M ⊙ at redshifts 0.01 < z < 0.04, selected from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Data Release 1. We derive n e from the [S ii ] λλ 6716, 6731 doublet, measuring values of n e = 30–400 cm −3 at z ≈ 0. We find a tight correlation between n e and the star formation rate surface density (Σ SFR ), which is well described by a broken power law. Above a threshold of log ( Σ SFR / M ⊙ yr − 1 kpc − 2 ) ≥ − 1.46 , the relation follows n e = ( 233 ± 13 ) × Σ SFR 0.49 ± 0.02 . Below this threshold, n e remains approximately at a constant value of 44 ± 3 cm −3 . Remarkably, this relation remains consistent with measurements of galaxies at z = 0.9–10.2. By converting the observed redshift evolution of Σ SFR into n e evolution through our n e –Σ SFR relation, we obtain n e = 40 × (1 + z ) 1.4 cm −3 , consistent with previous direct observations. The n e –Σ SFR relation arises likely because the high Σ SFR , fueled by dense cold gas or elevated efficiency, enhances radiative and mechanical feedback and produces dense ionized gas whose n e are further regulated by ambient pressure. We conclude that the redshift evolution of n e primarily reflects the evolution of the cold gas density and star formation activity over cosmic time.

The charm of tourist villages across Indonesia is increasingly attracting attention as an alternative driver of community-based economic growth. Tourist villages serve not only as venues for cultural and natural preservation but also as incubators for various creative economic activities led by local communities. However, behind this economic dynamism, many business practices still operate without clear legal certainty—covering issues such as business entity status, partnership contracts, financial management, and the protection of intellectual property rights. This study explores three key questions: the forms and patterns of business practices within tourist villages, the legal challenges faced by business actors, and the ideal model of business regulation to strengthen the role of rural communities in managing tourist villages. The research employs a juridical-empirical method, using a problem-solving strategy that includes literature review, interviews, and direct observation of two tourist-village sites. The findings show that most business activities in tourist villages are carried out on a micro, small, and medium scale with informally managed operations. Several areas require greater attention and improvement: strengthening synergy between local government and village communities, enhancing legal awareness among local micro-enterprise actors, and addressing tourism safety and insurance standards. The study recommends a business-law regulatory model that formally designates local government as a mandatory partner for mentoring and supervision, implemented under the principle of “Community-Led, Government-Supported,” while ensuring that all major decisions in village tourism management reflect the outcomes of community deliberation.

Direct observations of exoplanet and brown dwarf companions with near-infrared interferometry, first enabled by the dual-field mode of VLTI/GRAVITY, provide unique measurements of the objects' orbital motions and atmospheric compositions. Here we compile a homogeneous library of all exoplanet and brown dwarf K -band spectra observed by GRAVITY thus far. This ExoGRAVITY Spectral Library is made publicly available online. We re-reduced all the available GRAVITY dual-field high-contrast data in a uniform and highly automated way and, where companions were detected, extracted their ∼2.0--$2.4 K -band contrast spectra. We then derived stellar model atmospheres for all the employed flux references (either the host star or the swap calibrator), which we used to convert the companion contrast into companion flux spectra. Solely from the resulting GRAVITY K -band flux spectra, we extracted spectral types, spectral indices, and bulk physical properties for all the companions. Finally, and with the help of age constraints from the literature, we also derived isochronal masses for most of the companions using evolutionary models. The resulting library contains R ∼ 500 GRAVITY K -band spectra of 39 substellar companions from late M to late T spectral types, including the entire L--T transition. Throughout this transition, a shift from CO-dominated late M- and L-type dwarfs to CH$ _4-dominated T-type dwarfs can be observed in the K -band. The GRAVITY spectra alone constrain the objects' bolometric luminosity to typically within ±0.15$ dex. The derived isochronal masses agree with dynamical masses from the literature where available, except for HD 4113 c for which we confirm its previously reported potential underluminosity. Medium-resolution spectroscopy of substellar companions with GRAVITY provides insight into the carbon chemistry and the cloudiness of these objects' atmospheres. It also constrains these objects' bolometric luminosities, which can yield measurements of their formation entropy if combined with dynamical masses, for instance from Gaia and GRAVITY astrometry.